KEY MILESTONES IN JOSEPH GRAFTON HOVEY'S RECORD:

First Death and Another Birth in the Family

Hears the Gospel and Accepts It

Moved to Nauvoo

Patriarchal Blessing of Joseph Grafton Hovey

Patriarchal Blessing of Martha Ann Hovey

Gives account of the Martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith

An Open Letter sent to Elder William Smith

Conference meets in Nauvoo Temple

Receives blessing in Nauvoo Temple

Sealed to his wife, Martha, in Nauvoo Temple

Leaves Nauvoo

Arrives at Council Bluffs, Winter Quarters

Martha Dies

Visits Wife's Grave

He Marries Sarah Bailey

Little Martha Jane Dies

Start for the Valley in the Mountains

They are Finally Off to the Great Valley of the Mountains

Fight with the Indians

HERE at Last in the Valley of the Mountains. (Great Salt Lake)

Brother Heber's Prophesy Came True

First Child Born to Sarah Bailey Hovey

He Enter Polygamy. Takes Second Wife

A Blessing He Gives on the Head of his Wife, Sarah Bailey Hovey

Goes to Help Settle Little Salt Lake

Louisa Has a Son

Sarah Louisa Dies

He Marries Lusannah Goodridge, his Fourth Wife

President Young moves the first earth for the construction of the Salt Lake Temple

Laying Chief Corner Stone of the Temple

President Young Sees the Temple in Vision

Consent for his daughter Elizabeth to Marry

He gives a brief report to the First Presidency

Death of Little John

He Dedicates His Record

Joseph Grafton Hovey dies

FAMILY RECORDS OF JOSEPH GRAFTON HOVEY

Last Public Address of the Prophet Joseph Smith

I, Joseph Grafton Hovey, the youngest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hovey, was born in Cambridge, Middlesex County, state of Massachusetts, November 17, 1812. There were six boys and four girls in the family. The boys were Thomas, Stephen, Samuel, Ebenezer, Orlando, and myself. The girls were Eliza, Lucy, Anna, and Elmira.

When I was three years old my father moved his family to Newton, seven miles from the city of Boston, on a good farm. He expended several thousand dollars for buildings on the farm. We all labored and enjoyed the fruits thereof for a number of years.

My father made a good quality of cider. In the fall of 1830, he had a large quantity of cider and was obliged to team it to Boston with two yoke of good oxen. On his return trips, he would bring lumber and other materials. In the latter part of October, 1830, when he was returning from Boston with a load of lumber, he was killed by falling off the wagon and the front wheels passed over his neck and shoulders. It was rainy and cold weather and it was thought he went to sleep and fell off the wagon.

This sudden stroke of Divine Providence was almost too much for any of us to bear, especially for our dear mother, it being the first death in the family. Here was all of our expectations blasted in one moment. Our father being a good man caused our grief to subside in some degree. He was what we called a Close Communion Baptist. He was a deacon in the church and beloved by all who knew him. For many years he was very regular to exhort his family by the fireside and taught us to pray. He urged us to obey him and keep the commandments of God. He prayed that parents and children might be brought up in the same bundle of eternal life. In fact, my father lived up to what light he had. He was taken away a short time before the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was organized.

I, Joseph, now being seventeen years of age, I had a desire to learn some mechanical trade. I went to Boston to learn the carriage smith trade. I learned this with great dexterity, above that of my shop mates. I prospered greatly in this until I was twenty-two years of age when I was obliged to give up my labors because of poor health.

At this time, there was quite a revival of religion, so called by the different sects. Some years previous, I sought the Lord earnestly to forgive me of my sins and prayed that because there were many kinds of churches. There were Presbyterians, Baptists, Orthodox, in fact I have not the space to write the names of all the churches, suffice it to say, there was one of the whole lot that was after the holy order of Christ's Church. But as I was brought up by the tradition of my father, a Close Communion Baptist, I thought they were as near right as any of them, and in fine, a little nearer according to scripture for they believed that a person must reverence religion and be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I did not belong to or connect myself with any church. I could not see any utility in their doctrine, therefore, I did not give head to their solicitations.

I, Joseph, at the age of twenty-two years, took me a wife. She was Martha Ann Webster and was seventeen years of age. She was the daughter of Josiah and Hannah Webster of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We were married July 2, 1833. After marriage, we left Portsmouth and returned to Boston, Massachusetts. I went into the carriage business again until I was burned out and suffered some loss. We left Boston and moved to Chelsea and stayed there until 1835.

May 11, 1835, my wife Martha bore me twins and we named them Elizabeth Woodvile and Martha Wallace.

I, Joseph received a number of letters from by brother Orlando and Stephen, who were located in Illinois, 2200 miles from Boston. They wrote that business was good in Illinois, it being a new country and they encouraged me to come. Business of all kinds was very dull in Boston. Therefore, I, Joseph, deemed it expedient to take my wife Martha and children and journey to that country, Illinois.

June 12, 1837, we took passage for New York. It took 12 days to make the journey from Boston to Quincy, Illinois. Our way of conveyance was by railroad, steamboat and canal. The route was from Boston to Providence, thence to New York, from there to Philadelphia, then to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, then to Cincinnati, from there to St. Louis and from there to Quincy, Illinois. The latter part of June, we arrived at my Brother Stephen's house in Quincy. We were in good health except little Martha. She had a threatening disease of consumption.

We remained with my brother Stephen for four or five weeks and then my brother Orlando asked me to practice medicine with him. He used the Tomsonian System. He had been practicing this for some years. I, Joseph, also had some knowledge of this system having been sick some years previous in Boston and was doctored by Dr. Lock, who was a practitioner and my wife's uncle. I, Joseph, commenced with my brother Orlando and practiced medicine some months with good success.

October 11, 1837, our little child, Martha, died of consumption (tuberculosis of the lungs) and was buried at Quincy. She was one of the twins. This was the first stroke of death in our little family. Two months from this time my wife Martha bore me a son. We named him Grafton Wallice. He was an uncommon child and large for his age. He was very bright, but we did not have him long. He lived to eight months old. Through the divine hand of Providence we lost him by the icy hand of death. He was taken in the bloom of childhood when our hearts were set upon him as our first son. Our fond hopes were entwined about him and our future happiness and prosperity we should enjoy in future days. He is gone, we cannot embrace him more in this probation. He died August 26, 1838.

In the year 1839, I Joseph moved to Pike County, Illinois. I practiced medicine there for two years with good success. June 8th of this year, my wife bore me another son. We named him Joseph Grafton.

At this time the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints was exterminated from the state of Missouri by Governor Boggs. Some fifteen or twenty thousand souls, both women and children were forced to leave their homes in Missouri. One George White Pitkin, an elder of said Church, came and took up his residence near my home. This afternoon he came to our house for some medicine.

My wife, knowing that he was one of the new comers, Mormons, from Missouri, questioned him. By the by he gave us a short account of his persecutions and the Church at large. We were entirely ignorant of this and this was the first time we were informed of the Church of Jesus Christ or the Book of Mormon. He instructed us on the subject of the gospel in plain terms. We obtained the Book of Mormon and other books from our friend and these carried conviction to our hearts. Especially the Book of Mormon.

I, Joseph, for the first time bowed myself before God in secret and implored his mercy and asked him if what I had read out of the Book of Mormon was true and if the man Joseph Smith was the one who translated those marvelous records. I, Joseph, asked God for a testimony by the Holy Spirit and truly got what I asked for and more abundantly. Therefore, my wife Martha and I did truly rejoice in the truth we had found in those records. We also searched the Bible daily and found that it did collaborate with the Book of Mormon. We were therefore born again and could see the Kingdom. Hence July 4, 1839, we were baptized with water and received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. One brother, Mr. Draper, baptized us.

We lived eighty miles from Nauvoo. It was at this time the Prophet Joseph Smith was in prison in Missouri. He sent an apostle to the saints scattered abroad with greetings and that they must go far away from the place appointed by the God of Heaven, to Commerce which later became Nauvoo. Soon after the prophet was delivered from prison and the commandment went forth to gather at Nauvoo.

I, Joseph, and my wife having a strong desire to gather with the saints at Nauvoo, we sold our possessions and the latter part of July 1839, we started for Nauvoo.

We stopped at Quincy at the suggestion of my brother, Orlando. There were a number of the saints here who had been driven from there homes in Missouri during the cold winter and had nothing but the canopy of Heaven to shelter them and many were sick. I had a feeling for their welfare and I remained and assisted my brother Orlando to administer medicine to the sick to the best of my knowledge and experience.

October 6, 1839 a conference was held at Nauvoo. A large number of people from all quarters was collected. This was the first conference of the saints I ever attended. This was also the first time I saw the prophet Joseph Smith. At the close of the conference, I, Joseph, with a number of the other brethren was called to take upon the priesthood. Accordingly those who were called were requested to speak, for themselves.

I, Joseph arose to speak of my illiteracy and incompetency for the high and exalted calling. God saw fit to pour out his Holy Spirit upon me. I can truly say that this was the first time I had the testimony of the Holy Ghost, for I, Joseph was uplifted by the power thereof and my bosom did burn within exceedingly. Suffice it to say that I, Joseph was ordained to the office of an elder under the hands of brothers Brunce and Cutler. I did rejoice exceedingly over the great and glorious things that were taught at this time. During the two days of meetings, several hundred dollars were collected to make payment for the land Prophet Joseph had bought for the city at Nauvoo.

I, Joseph did return to my family at Quincy with my soul filled with joy under the contemplation of moving to the beloved place, Nauvoo. November 1, 1839, I, Joseph with my family consisting of my wife, Martha, my first born, Elizabeth, on of the twins, and my son Joseph left Quincy for Nauvoo. We arrived in Nauvoo in the night of the second day. It was exceedingly cold. There were only a few houses at the time hence the only shelter we could get was in an old stable partly torn down. Many of the saints were sick because of their recent persecutions by the mobs. The place was unhealthy, so much so that the Gentiles could not live here and the plan was to let the dam Mormons go there and die off.

I, Joseph and family did stop in and the old stable that night but it rained so hard that we were obliged to get a tent. I obtained a lot, an acre from the Church to improve. I, Joseph and family did dwell in a tent for the space of two months, November and December. It was cold and disagreeable. But I did succeed in building a log cabin 12 feet by 18 feet.

The ensuing spring, 1840, great numbers did gather at Nauvoo and we prospered very much although there was a great deal of sickness. Some died in the Lord and the power of God was made manifest in behalf of the sick. Many were healed by the laying on of hands by the elders in the name of Jesus Christ. In a few months, we were troubled by our enemies, the Missourians. They kidnapped two of our brothers, whipped and hanged them up by their necks until they were almost dead. These acts were repeated frequently by those ungodly men. Also repeated persecutions came down upon the Prophet Joseph Smith by the governor of Missouri. The Prophet Joseph was considered as a refugee from justice and caused a great deal of excitement in the country. He was tried by the United States Court and was found not guilty.

Persecutions were heaped upon us from time to time and it was needful to arm ourselves against those ungodly, blood-thirsty men. Hence the Prophet Joseph laid off a city plot by the commandment of God and drew up a charter for the same which granted us all the rights of free born citizens of the United States. During the session of the House of Representatives of the state in 1840, the charter for the city of Nauvoo was granted. I, Joseph, did continue to live in the city of Nauvoo.

At this time we were commanded to build a house of the Lord. Also a house called the Nauvoo House to accommodate strangers, kings and queens and great men of the earth. Accordingly, there was a committee appointed by the God of Israel to superintend those houses in the fall of 1840. The fund to commence the building of the temple were rained through tithing, that is, every man put in a tenth of his property and thereafter his earnings every tenth day.

I, Joseph, did prosper well in good health but my wife Martha was not so well as myself. I, Joseph did go to work in the stone quarry and I labored exceedingly for the Nauvoo House. I got out several hundred feet if stone during the season. I also worked on the Nauvoo Temple cutting stone. In the meanwhile, my wife Martha was sick, even abortion took place and she was very low. But she was healed by going to the baptismal fount and was immersed for her health and baptized for her dead.

We did prosper as a people. They did gather from all parts of the world to Zion and they did surely rejoice in the things of the Kingdom. We were taught by the Prophet Joseph those things that cheered our souls, especially that about our dead.

But in the meantime, the enemies of all truth did persecute the Prophet with vicious lawsuits by taking unlawful measures and did cause us to pay away a good deal of money for lawsuits. The Gentiles began to grumble about us having too much power granted us in our city charter, more especially about the Legion. We numbered a goodly number and at the same time, we drew firearms from the government.

We received about 300 firearms from the government and this did assist much, for the brethern had their firearms taken away from them in Missouri when they were driven from the state into Illinois. Hence it was wisdom in God to command us to arm ourselves, after the manner of the world. Therefore, the world thought we were getting too much power by organizing a Legion.

About this time, there came among us one John C. Bennett with great recommendations from the Governor and others, friends of our standing in high state. Therefore, John C. Bennett was put in the office of Major General of the Nauvoo Legion, of which the Prophet Joseph was the Lieutenant General as also of the militia. All things were in a prosperous condition until 1842

when the aforesaid Bennett, C. Highbee and others did go about our city insulting our wives our daughters telling them it was right to have free intercourse with the fair sex. They said that the Prophet Joseph taught that it was the word of the Lord. Therefore, many were deceived because Bennett was the Major General and was thought a good deal of and he was also appointed President pro-tem. in place of Sidney Rigdon. Hence, he had a good opportunity to practice his fiendish designs. He was a man of great talents according to the Gentiles. However, he was brought before the authorities and cut off from the Church. He then went into the other cities and states and tried to bring persecution upon us by telling that we believed in more than one wife and having all things in common, in fact everything the Devil could do to destroy our Prophet Joseph. The newspapers were filled with the most vile and audacious calumnies that could be invented by the enemies of all good.

Bennett succeeded in getting the old writ of Missouri by swearing the Joseph Smith was an accessory before the fact, of assassinating one Governor Boggs (the famous man that exterminated us five years previous) by one Orin P. Rockwell. By those hellish reports the world was in great excitement, more so than when we were driven out of our lands and inheritance. Hence, the Prophet was sought for but could not be found. He went into the wilderness. This made the enemies very angry because they could not glut their vengeance on him. He was as innocent as the angels of Heaven.

In 1842, all is quiet and the saints are in a prosperous condition. Our city now numbers about 15,000 souls and increases greatly. The God of Israel blesses us in all things and the land has become quite healthy. The saints do rejoice exceedingly. I, Joseph, about this time did rejoice in the things of God and for the exceeding goodness of God.

December 17, 1842, my wife Martha bore me a little son. We named him Thomas Josiah after my father and my wife's father. But alas, the little son did not stay with us long. He was taken very sick with his teeth and died August 2, 1843. Truly, we did feel to mourn. He was a promising little child, nevertheless, we did not murmur for we know that we will meet him again in the resurrection if we are faithful and hold out until the end. I, Joseph, did receive news that my mother died the same day that our little Thomas died. She did not belong to the Church of Christ as she did not have the message presented to her only as I wrote it to her. Nevertheless, I have the hope of meeting her again in the first resurrection through provisions that God has made for those who did not have the opportunity to embrace the gospel of Christ. Under those existing circumstances, I have a most glorious hope of meeting by dead friends, to clasp hands in eternal felicity. In the meantime, I wrote a number of communications to my brother in the East about the gospel but according to the traditions of our father, all prophets miracles, and apostles had been done away, hence we did not need new revelations from God. Therefore, I, Joseph, did not get much satisfaction from my friends in the East.

I, Joseph, and my wife, Martha, did receive our patriarchal blessings from Hyrum Smith, patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Brother Joseph, I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and bless you according to lineage, Priesthood and rights inherent. Behold I say unto you Joseph, the beginning of your reckoning in this last dispensation is from Abraham passing through the loins of Jacob through the lineage and tribe of Manasseh, therefore, in the lineage of Jacob according to the Prophetic vision of your fathers, even Abraham, Isaac and Jacob are the blessings of your inheritance to be fulfilled in all points in due time. And in this lineage are your rights inherent, lineal to the Priesthood and to an inheritance in the tribe and lineage of your fathers to be received and appreciated by yourself and your children after you; even in the day when you shall receive a fullness or in the day of the division of the earth unto the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Then shall a portion of your posterity receive an eternal inheritance in the lineage of their Fathers. Therefore, you are blessed and have a future promise of a blessing even in the lineage of the Priesthood from generation to generation.

You shall be blessed in your days, not withstanding, some trials and afflictions and some difficulties that are incident to man. Nevertheless, there is a blessing in store spiritually and temporally to be received and appreciated not far hence. You shall be blessed in your testimony and in the calling where with you are called to preach the gospel. The day cometh when you shall magnify your calling where unto you are called if your faith fail not to continue. In your journeyings, you shall be blessed in the fruit of the vineyard or leaves upon your bush as the fruits of your labors. You shall come up unto your station upon Mount Zion with the hundred and forty four thousand and you shall be blessed in your habitation, in your possessions and tenements and in your lineage with the blessings of the Priesthood sealed upon their head and its power in future generations by which your name shall be perpetuated and live in the honorable remembrance unto the latest generation. Your days and your faith and the desires of your heart shall be given according to your faithfulness remembrances unto the end.

These blessings I seal upon your head even so. Amen

Given by Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ, November 25, 1843.

Sister Martha, I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and bless you and place upon your head the seal of promise which shall be your Comforter to comfort your heart in the House of Trial and Sorrow, which seal of promise is the Second Comforter as is within the testimony of John, which Comforter is the promise of Eternal Life. That you may have a knowledge of the record of your names as is recorded in the Book of Life and with the names of the blessed and in the book that shall be written to be handed down as a memorial unto the latest generation.

Therefore, let your heart be comforted, henceforth and forever, for what I seal on earth I seal in Heaven. And again, I say unto you, Martha, you are a daughter of Jacob, an heir of promise and by lineage and descent shall enter in through the gate into the City, even in New Jerusalem and shall be purified with the sons of Jacob and have an inheritance in the lineage of your Fathers, the same to be had in common with your husband. As also a blessing and reward that is for you and your fathers' house, as also in the lineage of your prosperity, as also in your house, habitations, possessions, tenements, together with the seal of the covenant which binds on earth and binds in Heaven. All to be received in common with your husband. And again you shall stand in your lot and station according to your appointment at the end of your days. Your name and acts shall be written in the Chronicles of your brethern as a memorial unto the latest generation. Your days and years are numbered and shall be many.

These blessings I seal upon your head even so. Amen

Given by Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ, November 25, 1843.
 
 

January 1844, the spirit of Elijah was very comprehensive in some for truly they had the power to seal on earth and seal in Heaven. Men were appointed by the Prophet Joseph to go through the city of the saints and say unto them, "get your houses in order, stop all bickerings against each other and your neighbors." Hence, I, Joseph and my wife, Martha, covenanted that we would strive to keep all the commandments and be humble and meek and lowly, standing at the head of our family. We would also be likewise with our brethern and sisters. Meetings were held day and night in order to unite our covenants together to do the will of the Lord. Great peace and joy did prevail among us. Although there were designing characters among us who sought the life of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum. Even William Law, C. Highby, Dr. Foster and a number of others who belonged to the Church were seeking to destroy the Smith family. This was proclaimed on the stand by the Prophet Joseph and smartly reproved at the same time. Hence, this did not give much happiness to those characters. From that time on, those men sought every opportunity to lie and slander the character of the Prophet Joseph and the Church. They even went so far as to buy a press and establish a paper, the Expositor in order to expose our iniquities of the Church as they would have it, and they themselves were counterfeiters, whoremasters and the most debasing characters whoever walked the earth. They were disfellowshipped because of their corruption. They concocted a plan to destroy the Prophet by publishing a paper that say we foul as Hell itself. They issued one number of the expositor and in this slandered the name of God but still said they believed in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants but held that the Prophet Joseph was fallen.

Our City Council with the Mayor, even the Prophet Joseph, deemed the Expositor a nuisance and must be removed. Hence, the marshall was ordered to take the police and burn the press. As soon as the press was abolished, the wrath of those apostates was kindled against us. They went in the country around and among our enemies and published lies and caused the Governor to call the case in requisition. Our enemies sought our lives, therefore, our posses were called out to defend ourselves from the mobs. I, Joseph, and my brethern were armed for two or three weeks. At last the Governor requested that our Prophet Joseph and the City Council appear at Carthage and answer the charges. Our arms were also demanded to be brought with the Prophet Joseph. He promised protection by the Governor and the faith of the whole state. The Prophet deemed it wisdom under such friendly circumstances to comply with the demand.

I, Joseph, will record a few of the words of the Prophet Joseph before he was taken to Carthage. A day or two before, General Joseph gave orders for the Legion to form a line of battle which we accordingly did on the bottoms near the river. At 11 o'clock, the General in his uniform came on the field with his escort and part of the Twelve for the last time. The day was beautiful. After the usual ceremonies had taken place, we marched with our beloved General to his mansion and there we were ordered to file in close, compact in order, to hear the word of our Chieftan. There were about ten thousand people present. Our beloved Prophet, General and Chieftan stood on a small terrace in the West front of the mansion and East of the Nauvoo House. There he stood between the Heavens and Earth and prophesied concerning our enemies. He said if they did persist in taking away our rights and we did unshield the sword, we would not sheath it again until all our enemies were under our feet. I call upon you, my boys, then if they take away our rights we will send for volunteers from Maine to the Rocky Mountains. We will have our rights and they cannot help themselves. Says Brother Joseph, "I lift up my hand to Heaven this day and may it be sealed in the archives that we will not give up our rights and privileges to these cursed mobs. May the thunder and forked lightening, war and pestilence come down upon those ungodly men that seek my life and your brethern. I am ready to be offered, for what can they do only kill the body. Stand firm my friends and seek not to save your lives for he that is afraid to die for the truth will lose his life. Hold out until the end and we shall be resurrected like Gods and reign in kingdoms and principalities and power. Therefore, your God is my God. I want you where I am for you are a good people. God has tried you. You have been willing to lay down your lives for me, therefore, you are blessed and I love all of you. May the God of Israel bless you and the power of God rest down upon the people." He concluded by blessing us in the name of Jesus Christ.

The Patriarch Hyrum Smith stated that Sharp, the editor of the Warsaw Signal, has inserted in his paper that he, Hyrum, had threatened in the City Council to kill Sharp, but, "I, Hyrum, say before this people it is as false as Hell. I have no enmity against him or against any other man on the face of the whole earth."

Brother Hyrum was determined to stand by the side of his brother, the Prophet Joseph, and go to Carthage with him notwithstanding the Prophet Joseph thought it best for Hyrum to stay back and "avenge my blood for they are determined to butcher me", said the Prophet Joseph.

The Prophet Joseph started for Carthage with a number of his brethern. He said to some of them, "I am going up as an innocent lamb to the slaughter so if they slay me they will slay you. My mind is as clear and composed as the morning sun." These are the conditions our beloved Prophet experienced on his way to death.

After driving to Carthage, they were confined in jail until trial. After a great struggle and effort, they got bail, when the marshall and police were reached. But through the devices of those apostates and others, the mob swore out a complaint against the Prophet for treason. Hence, he was placed in prison against law, humanity, and everything that was good. His brother, Hyrum, the Patriarch of the Church, and brothers Taylor and Richards went in the jail with the Prophet Joseph, for they would not be parted from him. They were promised all the protection that was needed.

June 27, 1844, the Governor left those of our brethern in prison with only eight men to guard them while he, the Governor, went to Nauvoo with three to four hundred men to guard him. When he arrived at Nauvoo, he gave an insulting speech and drove away.

Between five and six o'clock in the evening, those of the mob who were hidden, came painted as Indians or Lamanites and shot some hundred shots in the windows and doors of the jail. One bullet struck Brother Hyrum in the head and another in the throat. At the same time, Brother Joseph was firing a six shooter out of the door that led into the entry way. By so doing, he drove them out. Then they shot through the windows. Meanwhile, Brother Taylor was wounded through the hip and wrist. In a moment, the Prophet was shot in his breast and he fell out of the window where he received another shot. After he fell to the ground, a dagger was plunged into his bosom. Another witness says that four of the mob took the body of the Prophet Joseph and stood him up against the well curb and the ringleader said, "shoot him _______ damn him." But those men could not obey the command for they could not stir a hand or foot to shoot. The witness states that at the time the command was given to shoot by the captain of the mob, he, the witness, saw a bright light pass between the Prophet Joseph and the perpetrators. It, therefore, gave them a shock sufficient to disenable them to move. They were taken by the mob and put in their buggies and hurried off at great speed. Some of the mob spread the rumor that the Mormons were going to destroy Carthage and Warsaw and a large part of the people left the towns, more particularly Carthage.

Brother Willard Richards, one of the Twelve, was the only one left to gather up the remains of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch. Brother Richards said it was by the power of God that he remained unharmed, for the bullets flew in all directions. There was only one family left in the town. They expected the Mormons to come upon them. Brother Richards had great difficulty to get the corpses removed at all. Brother Richards told this family that he would give his life for theirs if they would help him to take care of the bodies. By so pleading he appeased their feelings and they assisted him so that the next day the bodies were brought to Nauvoo. A procession of several thousand people followed the bodies of the beloved Prophet and Patriarch to the Mansion House. The next day at ten o'clock, the bodies could be viewed. My wife, Martha, and myself did go and view the corpses of our beloved Prophet and Patriarch. Joseph looked quite natural, but Hyrum was so swollen in the face that he did not look natural. We supposed they were buried, but I know not where. The sepulchre was prepared for them but as yet, they are not entered in there.

For a number of days and nights, I, Joseph, and my brethern did stand on duty to guard the city, for we were threatened with destruction. Our enemies did not come at this time. Many apostates were going off to our enemies.

Some five weeks previous to this, my wife Martha, bore me a son. This was June 13, 1844. He was a fine child. My love was exceeding great for him, for I, Joseph, did always love little children. But God saw fit to take him from us on July 17, 1844. This was a sad stroke for us, for this was four children we had lost. But I have one thing to comfort me and that is that I will meet them again if I hold out until the end and be eternal with them to enjoy their society, Glory to God, worlds without end.

Some two or three weeks after the death of our beloved Brother Joseph and Hyrum, Sidney Rigdon came and preached unto us that we were to choose a guardian for ourselves and to build up a kingdom to Joseph and a number of other things. That we should ask God who this man should be. This commenced a separating somewhat. But the most part of the people believed that the Twelve or the Apostles were the ones to preside over the whole church. Hence, I, Joseph, did pray with humility that the Apostles might return as soon as possible. They were on a mission in the East. But thanks be unto God they came home a day or so after.

That Sunday, Elder Rigdon came on the stand according to previous appointment. The Twelve did also come forward and express their right to the Presidency, for they were authorized and endowed with the keys of the Kingdom through Brother Joseph. Hence, Brother Brigham Young lay before the people who they would choose. The people said let the Lord, God of Israel choose. Then the Twelve did explain the subject and made it as clear as the noon day sun of their power and their authority given them by the Prophet Joseph a few months previous. But suffice to say that I, Joseph, have not time and space to write all the particulars. For I do work hard on the Temple of the Lord cutting and sawing stone and I do get so fatigued when I leave my labors that I have not much courage to write my life. It would not be difficult if I was in good circumstances. I am a poor man in the things of this world and have to work hard. But thanks be unto God of Israel that I am here in Nauvoo and have the privileges with the Saints of the most High for the Twelve did call on the people at the conference to see if they would sustain them in their official capacity to preside over the whole church. Hence, the vote was carried unanimous. There were a few who were for Sidney Rigdon. Sidney Rigdon went out into the country round about and preached to the brethern that the Twelve had no right to the Presidency but he was the one who should preside according to his vision. But suffice me, Joseph, to say that his character and standing were too well known to make such impression on the brethern. Brother Joseph two years previous had told Sidney Rigdon of his acts and he would not carry him any longer for he did not magnify his calling as a counselor to him and he could not shuff on to him.

The Twelve said they felt more like mourning forty days in sack cloth than preaching but since Rigdon had sought to get up a division, it was best to give the people to understand the right way.

About this time there was quite a number cut off from the Church, including Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon planned to gather at East Pittsburgh and then he was going to rid the canker and to conquer. Shortly after this, he started for East Pittsburgh but stopped at St. Louis and there he preached to the Church but without much success. In a few weeks, the excitement was pretty much down among ourselves. Also, with our enemies for the Governor had ordered about four or five hundred men to come to Nauvoo and protect the Mormons. They came sometime in September, when our Legion muster was on. There was about 4,000 men in the Legion. Only about half of us had our firearms as His Excellency, the Governor, had ordered our firearms taken from us, even those that we had to protect ourselves, our wives and our children. This took place a day or two before the murder of our beloved brethern, the Prophet. But alas, this is a sorrowful time for us. The Governor passed from this place to Warsaw and demanded the firearms and the men who participated in the murder of our beloved Prophets. He succeeded in taking them to Quincy and tried them but they were bailed until court sits in our county.

The time also came when the murder should be tried in Carthage. One of the main ones was Thomas C. Sharp, an editor of the paper, the "Warsaw Signal" and one Davis, after a Senator to Congress and one Williams. A number of our brethern did go out to Carthage and were witnesses against those murderers. The court became excited and the trial was put off until the next spring.

October 6, 1844, the General Conference of the Church was held. The weather was fair and beautiful. The Twelve were acknowledged as our head and all the authorities of the Church were tried to see if they were worthy of their statuses. The votes of the members were unanimous except for Lyman Whight, the Apostle Pro-tem. But the President arose and expressed his opinion that should hold on to Brother Whight for he believed that Lyman would come back again to us and obey council and all went with him in the North. Hence, he was retained in the Church. About twelve Quorums of Seventies were organized. I, Joseph, was a member of the Fourth Quorum but the presiding Sabbath, I was chosen to be one of the seven Presidents of the Twelfth Quorum. I was ordained by President Joseph Young and Brother Clap. My brothers of these Quorums are Brother Dayton, Sr., Brother Luics, Crosby Chapman and Joseph Goodel.

I, Joseph, had four shares in the Seventies Hall at five dollars per share. This hall was built for the purpose of the respective Quorums to meet in for teaching of the Priesthood. This hall was dedicated in seven days. This was to permit all the Quorums to have an opportunity to hear the preaching from the Twelve and others. I, Joseph, belonging to the Twelfth and Thirteenth Quorums also, we met the 31st of December, 1844. The day was beautiful. About three or four hundred were crowded into the hall for this meeting. The meeting was opened by prayer by Elder Kimball, one of the Apostles of the Lamb. Then followed an exhortation, or rather, Brother Levi Hancock, one of the second President Joseph Young, gave an account of his coming into the Church and for the last thirteen years of his life he joined the Church in its first year. He said he was not talented as much as some of his brethern and that he could not teach unless he had the Spirit of God. He said he had left all and had gone to preaching and the Spirit of God attended his labors. He had baptized a large number during his labors. Then brother Kimball followed on and said that Brother Hancock thought that he was not so talented as some of his brethern but I say he is and more so for he had had thirteen years experience and further, the talents were not the gift of speaking as with a tongue put on a swivel but it was experience and the gift of God. He also said our President Joseph Young and lady were worthy of their statuses for they had passed through great afflictions and we should hold them up with our faith and means for they must be supported. For Joseph and his wife had received their endowments and you Seventies and wives will receive your endowments through them at all. In fact, I, Joseph and wife, were greatly blessed for the spirit of the Lord filled the house. A great many thing passed through my mind but I do not have space to write them in my record. The forenoon series were closed by a tune from the brass band and the choir of singers. The hymn sung was composed by W.W. Phelps, "Will You Come to Me for the Dedication of the Seventies' Hall".

At the recess, we all sat and ate and passed a portion of our substance around to each other and we did truly rejoice.

The afternoon meeting commenced at 2 o'clock. Brother Brigham Young arose and exorted us to be diligent and keep the commandments and to practice and treasure up what we hear and lay them up in our treasury so that when we are out into the world, we might know how to teach those under our supervision. He urged the necessity to obey council in all things. He also spoke of the relation we held to our Father in Heaven and to our Mother the Queen. If we are faithful we will come in their presence and learn of our first estate. He also spoke of the Children of Promise, what they were, that they were very scarce, there is not two or three at present but we should know more about it when the temple was completed. We must strive to finish the temple soon that we might know the glorious principles that were laid up for those who were faithful. Hence, he said a man who cannot preside over a wife and children, much more over a Quorum. Therefore, it was our indispensible duty to set ourselves in order that we might become as saviors unto the children of men, for we were placed in high and responsible positions. Many of us would go to the nations of the earth and unlock and proclaim the gospel and build up the Kingdom of God in the whole earth. If we were faithful, it would be but a short time before we could come up in the same places that the Twelve are and so on until we were very great men, so therefore, we must treasure up knowledge while it is a good time. He also said that in order for a man to save his dead friends, he would have to go through the same ordinances to save himself. Hence, it was a great thing to come up in such a responsible place. In the work for the dead, the man would act as proxy for the male friends and his wife for the females, by so doing they became a King and a Queen. He concluded that we had done well in building a house to meet in and God would bless us. The meeting was dismissed by singing the hymn called, "The Seer", written for this dedication of the Seventies' Hall and dedicated to President Brigham Young by John Taylor.

This year, 1845, is the fourteenth year since the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is about six years since I, Joseph, embraced the gospel.

Lucy Mack Smith, born in Libson, New Hampshire, July 8, 1776, now in her 69th year. Mourns the loss of a husband of six sons, the most of whom fell by the tender mercies of a Christian Republic bestowed by the Heroes of the land in civilized ________ and murder.

Joseph Smith Senior and Lucy Mack married at Tunbridge, Vermont, June 24, 1796.

Alvin Smith, born in Tunbridge, Vermont, February 11, 1798. Died in Palmyra, New York, November 19, 1824. Age nearly 32.

Hyrum Smith, born in Tunbridge, Vermont, May 9, 1800. Was married in Carthage jail June 27, 1844 by a mob. Age 44. He fell a martyr against whom not even one crime had been known.

Sophronia Smith born in Tunbridge, Vermont, May 10, 1803.

Joseph Smith Jr, born in Sharon County, Vermont, December 23, 1805. Murdered in Carthage jail on the 27th day of June 1844 by a mob on account of his religion, like many holy men had been before him. Age 39. Thus fell a martyr to gratify the cupidity of a priestly thirst for innocent blood and shows the weakness of our government to protect the righteous, this first prophet of the last dispensation. Whose Godly work, whose virtuous deeds and whose innocent blood will entitle him to fame, a name, a glory and honor, power and dominion with the Gods; when his persecutors and murderers will mutter groans, gnash their teeth and sigh among the damned where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.

Samuel Harrison Smith, born in Tunbridge, Vermont, March 13, 1808. Died July 30, 1844, broken hearted and worn out with persecutions. The righteous are unmoved from the evils to come.

Ephraim Smith, born in Royalton, Vermont, March 13, 1810. Died March 24, 1810. Age 11 days.

William Smith, born in Royalton, Vermont, May 18, 1811, the only male living of the family and one of the Twelve. Lord while I write, the fire burns for the unity of Israel to come up like a lion from the swelling of Jordan.

Katherine Smith, born in Clonon, New Hampshire, July 28, 1813.

Don Carlos, born in Norwich, Vermont, March 15, 1815. Died August 7, 1841. Age 26. His untiring vigilance for his parents and the persecution of Missouri brought him to the grave just as he was stepping upon the threshold of life and usefulness.

Lucy Smith, born in Palmyra, New York, July 15, 1821. Age 23.

So here you have your history painting. The females all married Mormons and live in this vicinity. How think you this little sketch will fit the refinement of Christendom. I believe the next generation will say, Oh, if we had only lived with those good men we would not have murdered them. Do you think that this benevolent world with all their priestly pulpits and philanthropy will call to mind that through their exertions or silence that one mother born four days after our Independence was declared from England, and her four daughter-in-laws weep over the tombs of their mobbed, murdered husbands, while their innocent blood stains the land of liberty and religion of the whole nation. Our pseudo President says in his last message, "the great moral spectacle has been exhibited of a nation approximating in numbers to twenty million people having performed the high and important duty of electing their chief magistrate for the term of four years without the commission of any acts of violence or a manifestation of a spirit of insubordination to the laws.

Now what says the people about the riots in Philadelphia, the murder at Carthage of one of the candidates for that high office, and shooting a man dead in Tennessee for carrying a poke stalk. Was there any acts of violence in all these manifestations of murder? Wo, Wo, to the hypocrites. Governor Edwards of Missouri in his message to the legislature after regretting mob law of disobedience in other states says, "but in our state the great majority of the people are sober and discreet, mild and prudent, industrious and frugal, honest and virtuous, and above all the lovers of good order and peace in society." Such meek virtue and such hypocritical eulogy is enough to merit earthquakes. Great God: Fifteen thousand people exiled, robbed, mobbed and murdered by executive authority and now all the people are lovers of good order and peace in society. This Herod of Herods and out Boggs, Boggs. Oh wrath of God where are thou? But I must begin to close or my letter will be long enough for a pamphlet. I cannot leave the subject until I bring in the Twelve.

They were known before the foundation of the world and are thus noted in the prophecy of Zenos in the Book of Mormon. I mean in that masterly parable of the Olive Tree. All men acquainted with revelations and the spirit of God have agreed that the servant spoken of in that parable in Joseph Smith, and when the Lord commanded him to go and call other servants and they did go to it with their mights as the whole has been backed up by revelation in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, it would require more than mortal to prove that an allusion to the servants meant anybody but the Twelve.

I know the Twelve and they know me. Their names are Brigham Young, the lion of the Lord, Heber C. Kimball, their Herald of Grace, Parley Pratt, the archer of Paradise, Orson Hyde, the olive branch of Israel, Willard Richards, the keeper of rolls, John Taylor, the champion of right, William Smith, the patriarchal Jacob staff, Wilford Woodruff, the banner of the gospel, George A. Smith, the entablature of truth, Orson Pratt, the gauge of philosophy, John E. Page, the sundial, and Lyman Wight, the wild ram of the mountains. They are good men, the best the Lord can find. They do the will of God and the saints know it.

As to Sidney Rigdon and his clique of dissatisfied beings. There was to be another beast, and unclean spirits like frogs were to come out of the mouth of the dragon beast and false prophets. Time will reveal all about him and eternity will settle it. The seeds by the wayside among thorns and stony places belong to the wicked one and he will have it. Let the dead bury their dead. So now, dear brother, while I respect you and the Twelve and all their kin as my own blood relations shall we as the legal heirs of salvation enlightened by the voice of God by revelation by the gift of the Holy Ghost bringing all the things to our remembrance, shall we who have witnessed the power of God in the spread of the everlasting gospel, in the manifestation of tongues, the miraculous healing of the sick by the laying on of hands of the elders shall we who have spent so many sweet hours under the holy droppings of the prophet's golden fountain, who have been delighted this Heavenly knowledge, combatting the errors of generations, teaching senators wind and justice, priests, piety; and mankind mercy; shall we who have beheld prophecies fulfilled, knowing that the very bowels of the earth hove up her stony ruins to establish the validity of the Book of Mormon beyond a doubt; shall we who have heard the echo of glad tidings from the islands of the sea and from all quarters of the earth; shall we who now gaze upon the blood stained prairies of the west where bleeds the bones of the prophets, patriarchs, elderly men and women and children who all gave up the ghost in full faith; shall we how have tested of the good word of God and seen the mysteries of the world to come shortly, shall we turn the beggarly elements of the world to work our place back to popularity and Hell for a mess of pottage like Highbee, Bennett, Law, Rigdon and company? No eternally No while water runs and grass grows, while eternity goes and eternity comes, we will go on knowing that it is written in Heaven, published on earth and muttered in Hell that Mormonism is eternal, Truth and God Almighty is the anchor of us all.

The friends and saints greet you and your wife and family with prayer and love. As ever.

January 1, 1845, I, Joseph and family, enjoy the blessings of God, yea even health, I cut stone with all my might on the temple of the Lord this winter. I, Joseph, cut one star and its base and also one window and caps and closures on the temple building. The Seventies have commenced a library and a place for all kinds of antiquities. I, Joseph, took two shares of stock in this library.

Our enemies are calling secret meetings in order to destroy us if possible. Our city authorities called for four or five hundred policemen to catch those thieves who are prowling about. Hence, the Twelve called for volunteers to go to the adjacent counties and around the suburbs of the city to let our enemies and friends know what our determinations are and to watch for horse thieves who steal on the Mormons credit. Hence, the elders went our and had success. Those who were against us did hear and believe our words. It did stop a great deal of plundering. Fear came over our enemies.

About the same time the Legislature of this state was in session, they had a good deal to say about our city charter and privileges, the Mormons, war, and all kinds of aspersions against us as a community. The court also released a murderer, even one of the senators, Davis of Alten., Illinois, one of the head men of the band of men who shot Brother Joseph the Seer and Brother Hyrum, the Patriarch, and he had the privilege of the House of the Senate to let our his foul and hellish desires. Hence, they wrap it up together even to slay some of the best blood of the nineteenth century. Debate after debate was held in the House and at last they repealed our city charter, even our holy charter that was granted unto us by the legislature of this state some four or five years previous with a perpetual succession.

Some of the members of the House thought it best to repeal such powers as they were giving too much liberty. Such as the Legion and the right of Habeas Corpus, etc. Hence, we came to the conclusion that they must fill the cup of their iniquity in order for the Lord God of Israel to pour out his judgments upon the inhabitants of the earth for they are very wicked. The priests put up the people to persecute the Latter Day Saints and to kill them all the day long. Notwithstanding, all the persecutions. I, Joseph, do rejoice in the Lord God of Israel and in keeping his commandments and the glorious principles of the Celestial Kingdom which inspires my heart to do good and to lay a foundation for myself and posterity to build there on it. I pray to my Father to spare me to do a mighty work for I am young yet, only 33 years of age.

Hence, I do not spend my time heedlessly, but labor with all my might on the Lord's House cutting stone to beautify his Temple. The Twelve promise us great blessings even to save our dead friends and to go forth and build up the kingdom in the whole earth. As Brother Kimball said in the meetings that were destined to do a great work. If we were faithful, we would become great as our Father in Heaven is great. He would give unto those who were faithful, kingdoms, thrones, principalities and powers, even on this earth when this was celestialized, yes a portion of it to distribute to our posterity. And then when we become so numerous that we have no more room, then we will do as the bees for instance, we will seek a place for them for there is plenty of space. There is no end to space, hence, we need not be troubled for we will do as we see our Heavenly Father do. Brother Kimball said further, if we would go to with our might and build the temple and the Nauvoo House, we would have that commandment fulfilled and such shouting that you will hear in that House (Temple) because of the glorious personages that you will see. For angels, even hosts, will surround it. Therefore, prepare yourselves for the glorious work. All of you must be prepared for your washings and annointings for this will prepare you for the burial and resurrection. I, Heber, will have my body again, yea, a new one. As you would plant a kernel of wheat and it sprouted, grew and bore. It will not be the same wheat you planted but the chit in the wheat brought forth the same liken essentials. In the same likeness we will receive our bodies again for they must burst this earth and come forth in order to be born of the earth to call her our mother. He says also, we talk about pleasure and amusements in singing and music; we will not only do those but we will dance for I am determined to. It would not do now for we are not prepared for we have too many black legs among us to corrupt our society and to partake of their evil designs. If I do not dance before I will when I get my new body for I will be as nimble a fellow as you ever saw. I can then shake my feet without making me tired. But if I should try it now I would puff like one of those old steamers going up the Mississippi. Says Brother Heber, I should not think it strange if a man should die and be buried and leave a good house and family and after he has taken his new body he will come and live on his inheritance with his family.

About this time a meeting was called in the Masonic Hall for the purpose Brother Brigham said to organize for they have taken away our charter and we must resort to something. We must organize 12 men into a company with a bishop at their head and see if we cannot take care of the poor and they may come here from Warsaw and Carthage.

April sixth. The conference commenced. The winds blew very hard. The president arose and tried the standing of the officers of the several quorums beginning with the Twelve. After which Brother Brigham did teach us concerning the baptism for the dead. You must learn to preside over yourselves in order to save others, he said. Hence, if a man cannot govern his family as Christ governs the Church, he is not capable of a family and his wife is no more bound to him. He urged the necessity of building the temple and the Nauvoo House. There were plenty of means to supply 400 men on those buildings if we would all be liberal in our means. Don't keep your garments in your trunks for the mother to eat.

The second and third days of the conference were removed from the stand to the big hollow south of the stand on account of the wind. Brother Kimball spoke on general principles concerning our building up ourselves. Let the Gentiles plant their own fields and harvest them for we are determined to make all our own materials that we can. We have cut the Gentiles off from the Church for they have killed the prophets and this nation will not redress our wrongs for they have repealed our charter and who cared if we went nothing of them. All we ask is that they wipe up the blood of the prophets and that we will be preaching enough for them for the present. All we want now is to build those houses and then we will have that commandment off our shoulders, he said.

May 24, 1845. The cap stone of the temple was laid in its place this morning, a little past six o'clock. A goodly number of saints had the honor and glory to witness the completion. The morning was clear, cool, and beautiful. The saints felt glorious. The band on top of the walls played charmingly. When the stone was placed, there was a united shout "Hosanna to God", Amen, and Amen three times. This not only gave joy on earth but filled the Heavens with gladness. A hymn composed for the occasion was sung. The first verse of the hymn is as follows:
 

Have you heard the revelation
Of this latter dispensation
Which is unto every nation
Oh prepare to meet thy God

We are a band of brethern
And we've reared the Lord a temple
And the cap stone now is finished
And will sound the news abroad.

At this time, the court sits at Carthage and our enemies are very much frightened. The apostles are obliged to dress in disguise on account of our enemies. The murderers are having their trial for murdering Joseph and Hyrum. It is supposed they will get clear for the Court has neglected three of the main witnesses; Daniels, who was an eye witness to Joseph being shot; Brackenbury and a woman witness. Mr. Lambert, the state's attorney, does the best he can. All the lawyers and judges fight against him. He says he is determined to administer the law to those murderers. The lawyers gave their pleas on the 28th and 29th in behalf of the murderers. On the 31st, Attorney Lambert made a plea against the murderers. It was said he shook with power and the plea was about five hours long.

On the Sabbath, the second day of June, our prophet appeared on the stand to speak unto us the word of the Lord. Brother Kimball spoke good concerning us and how they were obliged to hide up an account of our enemies who sought their lives. He said we would continue to be blessed if we kept united and we would finish the temple. He wanted to see it finished and get our endowments. Then we will go to a healthier country than this where we won't shake all to bits and where we will be at peace. Brother Taylor arose and spoke and bore his testimony also of the same truth. Brother Brigham arose and spoke concerning the temple and the Nauvoo House. He said if we would continue faithful, we would have the temple covered in before snow flies.

Fires in all parts of the world are consuming the Gentiles, their houses, and property. Frequent murders are happening and mobbing has got to be a common thing among the Gentiles.

The murderers of the Prophet Joseph and Hyrum are released, although it was proven as clear as could be against those men; namely Tom Sharp, Williams, Davis, the leading men. The court is adjourned for two weeks to sit on the case of Brother Hyrum, a murder. The time arrived for the case but a dispute arose between Sheriff Deming and a clerk in court by the name of _________________. It was said the sheriff commanded the clerk to stop his cursing but he would not so in self defense the sheriff shot said clerk. The sheriff was arrested, tried and found guilty of murder and was bound over to appear in court for $5,000.00. The clerk who was shot was a mobber and envied Deming because Deming was for dealing the law to the Mormons and the anti-Mormons. Hence, he was disliked.

The mobbers are threatening the Saints. The Rigdonites are saying and prophesying that we will be driven out before we will get the temple covered and that we would get burned up here and all that belongs to us, thus says the Rigdon prophets.

I labored on Brother Kimball's cellar for six days. I also made a door step for his front door to assist him in his house. I received nineteen dollars for laying and cutting the stone. I also assisted Brother Joseph Young with his house in his indigent circumstances. The total amount was twenty dollars.

My son Joseph G. is very sick with the fever. But by the power of God he was healed.

July 17, 1845. My wife, Martha, commenced labor this morning at ten o'clock and it lasted until ten o'clock in the evening. Sister Roseana Repsher and Lucretia Hopper assisted her. My wife delivered the child and it was dressed by 25 minutes past eleven o'clock. It was delivered without much pain and my wife was never so comfortable at any previous deliverance. We named the child Hannah Adelaide.

Joseph and Elizabeth have the whooping cough. A number of millions of dollars worth of property have been destroyed by fire within the month. There is a good deal of talk of war. There are murders and trouble among the sectarian churches. There are also droughts in different parts of the land and destructions by hail and wind. But we of the city of Joseph, (Nauvoo), enjoy the early and late rains and everything looks flourishing here; and all is peace within and about our city. No cry of mobbings as there has been.

August 23rd. This day the dome of the Temple is put on. About sixty or seventy hands partook of melons on the attic. Pretty high eating. They hoisted a flag and it stayed until Sunday night.

A blessing by John Smith, Patriarch, upon the head of Joseph G. Hovey, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Hovey, born November 17, 1812, Cambridgeporte, Middlesex County, Massachusetts.

Brother Joseph, I lay my hands upon your head in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and by authority which is given me, I place a fathers blessing upon you. Thou art of the House of Jacob. Of what branch of his family it is not clearly made known unto me but thou art entitled to the Priesthood which shall be sealed upon you in due time in fullness. Thou shalt have an endowment in the Lord's House and all the mysteries of the Kingdom shall begin to be unfolded unto you. And this time thy mind shall expand even to comprehend all things pertaining to the Redeemer's Kingdom. In as much as thou art called to hunt up the remnant of Jacob, the Lord shall bless by labors. Thou shalt be a mighty man in overthrowing the systems of the Gentiles generations and unfolding the plan of salvation to them in so a plain and clear manner that thousands shall believe and thou shalt be able to do any miracle that is necessary to enable you to accomplish your work. Thou shalt be blessed with a numerous family to bear thy name in remembrance of the Church. In as much as thou art liberal, the Lord will bestow liberally upon thee, even all things that are necessary for thy good. In as much as you keep the commandments of the Lord and follow the counsel of his servants, thou shalt have every blessing which you desire and in the Eternal Life, Even so. Amen.

After we had begun to realize the abundance of one of the most successful seasons known for a long time, and while many hundreds of Saints were laboring with excessive and unwaried diligence to finish the temple and rear the Nauvoo House, suddenly in the forepart of September, the mob commenced burning the houses and grain of the Saints in the south part of Hancock County. Though efforts were made by the sheriff to stay the hands of the incendiaries and parry off the deluge of the arson, still a fire and sword party continued the work of destruction for about a week. They destroyed about 200 buildings and much grain. Nor is this all. It was a sickly season and many feeble persons were thrown out in the scorching rays of the sun or dampening down of evening and died because of the persecutions. All this in a Christian land of law and order while they were fleeing and dying and the mob embracing doctors, lawyers, and statesman. Christians of various denominations with the military from the colonel down were busily engaged in filching and plundering, taking furniture, cattle, and grain. In the midst of this horrid revelry, none failed to procure aid among the ole citizens. The sheriff summoned sufficient aid to stay the fire show the run but not until some of the offenders had paid for the aggression with their lives. This, however, was not the end of the matter. Satan rests in the hearts of the people to rule for evil. The surrounding counties began to fear the law, religion and equal rights in the hands of the Latter Day Saints. They would feel after iniquity, terrify their neighbors to large acts of reserved rights. They began to open a large field of wo; to cut the matter short, the urge, the necessity to stop the effusion of blood, the Church or as they called us, the Mormons, should be expelled from the United States peaceable if they could and forcible if they must, unless they would transport themselves by the next spring.

Taking into consideration the great value of life and the blessings of peace, a proposition upon certain specified conditions was made to a committee in Quincy. By the action of the convention, this was supposed to have been accepted. We are sorry to say that the continued depredations of the mob and the acts of a few individuals greatly lessened the confidence of every form of law heard and in humanity and everything promised by the committee and conventions.

Although we have made great advancement towards fitting out for a move next spring, a few troops stationed in the county have not entirely kept the mob at bay. Several buildings have been burned during the month of October. We shall, however, make every exertion on our part as we have always done to preserve the law and our engagement sacred and leave the event with God for he is sure.

It may not be amiss to say that the continued abuse, persecutions and murders and robberies practiced upon us by a horde of land pirates with impunity in a christian republic and land of liberty, while the institutions of justice have been either too weak to afford protection or redress or else they have been a little remiss, have brought us to the solemn conclusion that our exit from the United States is the only alternative by which we can enjoy our share of the elements which our Heavenly Father created free for all. We can then shake the dust from our garments and leave this nation alone in her glory while the residue of the world points the finger of scorn until indignation and consumption decreed make a full end. In our patience, we will withdraw the power and Priesthood from the Gentiles for the great consolation of Israel when the wilderness shall blossom as the rose and Babylon fall like a mill stone cast into the sea. The just shall live by faith but the folly of fools will perish with their bodies of corruption, then shall the righteous shine.

On the Sunday of the 5th day of October, 1845, through the indefatigable exertions, unceasing industry, and Heaven blessed labors in the midst of tribulations, poverty and worldly obstacles solemnized in some instances by death, about 5000 saints had the inexpressible joy and great gratification to meet for the first time in the Lord's House in the City of Joseph, (Nauvoo). From mites and tithing, millions had arisen up to the glory of God with a temple where the children of the last kingdom could come together and praise the Lord/ It certainly affords a holy satisfaction to think that since the 6th of April, 1841, when the first stone was laid amidst the most straightened circumstances, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints had witnessed their bread cast upon waters, or more properly their obedience to the commandments of the Lord appear intangible form of a temple. The windows were entirely closed in. There were temporary floors, pulpits, and seats to accommodate quite a number. Preparatory to a general conference held three years past, our martyred prophet, now in Heaven, predicted that there would be no more baptisms for the dead until the ordinance can be performed in the fount of the Lord's House. Also that the Church should not hold another conference until they can meet in said House for thus saith the Lord.

Right after the conference, we commenced to organize into companies. The Twelve called out a number to go in their company. Also 8 or 10 captains of companies were set apart to fill up their companies to the number of 100 heads of families. Also, every man was to go to work and stew his pumpkins to the mount of 20 lbs. and parch corn to the amount of 10 bushels for flour could not be obtained.

December 1, 1845, I finished my work on the baptismal fount and made an agreement to go to work for the Trustees and put up a shop and go to work ironing wagons to go to California. I had previously learned the trade of carriage making.

December 6. I was invited to go into the Temple and receive the blessing that was for us. We arrived at the Temple at 1 o'clock and was conducted by Brother Scovil to the washing room. I was washed by Brother Clapp and anointed by Brother Joseph Young. Brother I. Grant, Brother Rockwood, and Brother Clapp got through the ordinance at ten o'clock in the evening.

December 23. Some officers of the law came with writs for Brother Brigham and others of the Twelve. But as God would have it they took one Brother Miller as far as Carthage. They thought they had Brother Brigham. At Carthage, someone who knew Brother Brigham saw that the officers had the wrong man so the mobocrats released Brother Miller. He came home unmolested.

The Saturday following, the United States Marshall walked through the Temple is pursuit of the Twelve but could not find them. Sunday, I met with the Quorum in the Temple according to appointment.

January 11, 1846, I was called on to go to work in the Temple which I did. I assisted in the forenoon, afternoon, and at night. I anointed some 70 persons. Twenty six of us were called upon to go to the Temple and be sealed to Brother Heber C. Kimball. The next Friday, we were invited to go to Father Kimball's and we received some good instructions and enjoyed ourselves in a dance also.

The next week, we were to work in the Temple and Father Kimball called on me to go home and get my wife and also James Smith and wife and to be sealed to our wives. We did this. We were conducted into another department and received our second anointing. This was a source of knowledge to us and it was a great consolation that we were counted worthy before our Father in Heaven to receive that which we did receive.

I still continue to iron wagons. My health is very poor but am obliged to work nights in order to get ready to go into the wilderness. This has a tendency to break down my constitution. I feel very unwell.

May 1, 1846. We have only one yoke of oxen. I bought them from Brother Orlando in February. They are very poor. I cannot get any oxen from the Trustees nor anything of any worth as I was promised by Brother Whitney.

June. I continue to work nights to get cloth for my wagon and tent. I repaired a wagon for Winson Lyons and received $15.00 and bought some cloth to make a cover for my wagon and tent. I also bought some cloth for a thin coat and pants and some other little articles.

Brother Moore who was doing woodwork for the Trustees and had the care of Brother Whitney's business, insulted me one morning very inhumanely for taking other work besides that of the Trustees, and for working nights for other people. He knows full well that I have no way of getting a morsel of sweetening, not a morsel of store pay from the Trustees for flour. I have been working for them all winter. Brother Moore threatened to shut up my shop but as it happened, he went to the Trustees' books and found there that I owned the tool, therefore, he was obliged to haul in his horns and stop his abusive language. Brother Moore brought Brother Hayward, one of the Trustees, and asked me how much work I had engaged and said I only lied. I spoke and informed Brother Hayward what I had done for the Trustees, and what I had received and not according to the agreement I had with Brother Whitney. Brother Whitney agreed that I was to be fitted out every whit, but says I you see, I am not fitted out no where near only as I have worked at nights to help myself. I says I will not stand for it. Well, said Brother Hayward, here is two five dollar pieces, one for you and one for your Brother Orlando, and if you will go and finish those wagons, you shall have some more as soon as we can get it and anything that we have.

I, from this time, turned away all cash jobs continually expecting to receive some money from Brother Hayward, but all in vain. By the time we had worked then or fifteen days, cash jobs were scarce and not many jobs of any kind came in. I am not able to lift my hammer hardly but I am obliged to get my wagons done, and Moon's and Harper's. They are rushing me all the time. The mob says we must be out by the first of June. I did a job for Brother Rider which if I had done I would not have got any sugar, nor coffee nor any of the comforts of life.

But Brother Moore could not hold his pence, as he must throw out some of his abusive language to Brother Rider saying that he must go to some other smith and not to me. Brother Rider said he did it to help me along as I was having a hard time of it. I think if it had not been for Brother Rider, I should not have been able to get out of Nauvoo City, comfortably or not at all. I did $10.00 worth of work for Brother Rider notwithstanding the courteousness of Brother Moore.

About the fifteenth of June, the mob gathered on the prairies about four miles out of town, and threatened to come into the city. The sheriff called the people to defend themselves. We also selected a posse to go any moment. The new Citizens Committee held a number of meetings to take into consideration what they should do. The Mormons also met and chose their counselors that they might consult with the Citizens Committee. The new Citizens Committee had the full control of the business of the city. The new Citizens Committee appointed a committee to consult with the committee from the mob. They consulted with the mob committee concerning the Mormons. The Citizens Committee told the Mob Committee the Mormons were getting away as fast as possible. They were crossing the Mississippi river with some of their things and some had very little to eat. The Citizens Committee rather cooled the mob off and so they broke up and went home. However, they continue to threaten daily. The Citizens Committee were sent out again in a day or so and to their utter astonishment, they found the mob had all dispersed except two or three who had hid themselves behind a thicket. They were much frightened as they had heard the night before that the sheriff was coming in the morning with 800 strong and slay them all. They all scattered like sheep when the wolves are among them. Some went for home and some for the woods. This was the Committee's report and this was the case of some of our brethern who lived out on the prairie said the members of the mob were running in all directions all night and morning. Some of the mob came to their houses for water and seemed to be very much frightened. Peace seemed to be restored once more in the city.

About June 28, 1846, we took our leave of Nauvoo. We went down to the ferry boat landing. It was difficult to get a boat started. I ran around until I was very much fatigued and my wife was also very tired and nervous having to watch the cattle. I had two yoke, one wagon, and one cow. My oxen were quite unruly while I was running around for a boat. We had a small babe about one year old.

I got my wagon on the boat but left my wife and cattle. My wife felt timid about staying in the wagon because the boat was so heavily loaded we could not take them. We finally got across safely by hard work. I never worked harder in my life than I did on those oars trying to get across the river. I was in a great hurry to get back to my wife. Brother Rogers took me over. I arranged for passage for my wife, Joseph and Elizabeth to cross and stop in the wagon I had previously taken over. I was detained for sometime before I got my cattle over on a boat. I arrived over about 4 o'clock. I hitched my cattle on the wagon and we started for the Jack Oak Grove, along with Brother Eggleston and a number of other brethern.

We stopped at the Jack Oak Grove for two days after which I starter to overtake Brother Joseph Young as he desired me to journey with him in the wilderness. We arrived at his camp on Mount Taber, about two miles from Jack Oak Grove. We stopped here about three weeks. In the meantime, I was called on to attend to the sick. The first was Brother Hunter, the Bishop. He was attacked with cholera morbus and was very bad. I waited on him very closely for a few days in order to keep him alive. In eight or ten days, he got so he could get about and he rewarded me well for my services. I also attended to five or six other persons and they all recovered from their illness.

My son, Joseph, was attacked with a disease like cholera. We did not think he would live from one minute to the next. I gave him medicine but it had no effect. I called in a brother and we anointed him from head to foot and in about an hour, he began to vomit. He vomited about a chamber full and then called for a drink of water. Shortly he was quite bright and then called for something to eat. He was much better in a few days quite unexpected to the neighbors. I believe the anointing was the thing that made the medicine operate. I and my wife did truly rejoice that our son was saved from the grasp of the destroyer. After a few days, our son was playing about to the utter astonishment of all the neighbors.

I was sick myself for I had worked myself down before we had started from Nauvoo. I, therefore, did not keep the record of the time and all the particulars of my journeyings in the wilderness. At the present time, I am sick and trying to recover from the fever and ague. I shall try to give as correct account of my journeyings as possible.

We started today and journeyed all this day and it rained before we could get a place to stop. We found a place but it rained very hard. It held us up some. We made a fire and made out supper and it rained all night. In the morning, we started on our journey before breakfast. It was very muddy traveling and somewhat misty and rainy. This morning we had some very bad hills to go up and down. My wife was very much frightened and would not ride in the wagon when we drove down the hills. She would get out of the wagon and take the baby and walk down the hills. This had a tendency to wear on her and break down her constitution.

We traveled until about nine o'clock and stopped and took our breakfast. In about an hour we started for Bonaparte. We traveled and came to a little town, Charlestown, about noon and was treated with beer which was beautiful. Brother Joseph Young treated us. We traveled and tented by H. Green, a brother. It was a fine place. The next morning we started for Bonaparte. The next place we tented, I do not recollect. The roads were very rough but we arrived at Bonaparte safe about 12 o'clock. We stopped there about two hours. We then forded the river. The women were put into one wagon, crossed over safely. We then followed and got over safely without getting our goods and provisions wet. We traveled on a bad road this afternoon. It was narrow and full of stumps and holes.

This night we stopped about seven or eight miles beyond Bonaparte. My wife and I were very much beat out. I cannot remember all the stopping places, therefore, I shall not try to give all the particulars. My wife continues to be somewhat frightened going down pitches and hills. She made a practice of getting out of the wagon and taking the baby and walking. Notwithstanding, she was cheerful and would often exclaim how sweet and delightful it was to ride over the large and open prairies into the wilderness and how much comfort we shall have later on. She would say if it were not for the steep hills she would take great comfort in riding into the wilderness. But alas, my dear wife every night was most beat out and so tired when we stopped, that she did not feel like eating or doing anything else. I was sick and she was most of the time. But we put the best side out and moved along with the rest of the company.

August 18. I was quite sick, so I was obliged to take an emetic. We stopped a few days to rest and wash. The weather was most fine and splendid. I was somewhat unwell, but by faith and the blessings of God, I was able to continue the journey. We had stopped at this place for a week. In the meantime, I gathered a quantity of blackberries. We visited some of the Gentiles and supped with them and found them quite favorable to us as a camp.

I, Joseph, started from this place for Salt Creek two days before the others. The roads were quite good, considering it being a wilderness. We were in pretty good spirits considering our ill health. I, Joseph, did kill some prairie hens at sundry times and they made a delicious dish for we had no meat. We had a good cow which provided plenty of milk and butter. We gathered a quantity of wild plums which were very good to eat. We treated the entire company.

After many days we arrived at Mt. Pisgah. It was the first stake or place that was appointed on this route. As far as I could calculate or describe, the land was broken and hilly with some timber.

Brother Joseph Young, our leader, thought it not convenient to pitch our tents here but on the other side of the town. We crossed a bridge about 30 or 40 feet wide and the water was about 5 feet deep. We stopped here for three days. In the meantime, Sister Young was very unwell, I was therefore called on by Brother Young to administer medicine to her as I had hitherto done before. Brother Dunken called on me to come and see his children and give them something for they were very sick with the fever. I accordingly went and gave them herbs and they got some better so that Brother Dunken could start on with us the next day. We were to go 25 miles today. I do not recollect what day of the month it was but I think it was the latter part of August.

Monday we started and I, Joseph, was quite unwell. We travelled until sunset and came to the desired place and stopped for one day. I took a course of medicine. The next day, we started on our journey having tolerable luck. However, one of the boxes to my hind wheel broke but I wedged it up so it lasted me to the camp. Brother Joseph Young also broke one of the boxes of his wagon at the same time.

My health did decline every day. This morning I was taken with a chill and fever but I still drove my team, for I knew if I gave up the ship, my wife would get discouraged and she was already sick and beat out. I called on the Lord continually for health and strength.

My son, Joseph, was taken sick about the first of September and in a few days my wife Martha had to acknowledge that she was sick. In fact, she had been sick for some time, even all the way on the journey but she would not give in. She feared it would discourage me. One morning, I was attacked with a severe shake but still I drove my team in order to become master of the disease. I did travel on foot until I could not stand, so I got into the wagon and the chill and fever stopped. I was brought to consider and meditate how I should stand it much longer. My past works before the Lord came before me. I called on the Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ to give me faith to endure. At this same time the Good Spirit seemed to whisper to me that I would get well in due time or by degrees. And that if I would go to Brother Joseph Young he would tell me words whereby I should be healed. The testimony of the spirit was powerful to that degree that my fever broke and I did sweat profusely. I spoke to my wife and told her what my meditations were. I could not refrain from a flow of tears. She believed what I said for she had a testimony of it.

This evening, we traveled very late and it was rough going so that Martha did go ahead and pick the road and see where the stumps were. I was so unwell this evening that I could not see very well. My wife was so sick and tired and troubled about me for fear that I would get under the wheels or under the oxen's feet that she moaned bitterly. Notwithstanding, after traveling in the woods, among the stumps, and up and down the hills, we came to a creek, the name of which I cannot recollect. In order to get across the creek with our teams, it took two to drive the team and five or six to hold up on one side of the wagon in order to keep the wagon from tipping over. We all got over safe. The bridge was made of flood wood. We gathered up some wood the best way we could, made a fire, cooked a little, and went to bed.

We stopped at this place for one day and I was quite smart and went to hunt the cattle. In the meantime, I found a fine quantity of grapes. Alma, Brother Joseph Young's boy went with me. We got about three pecks.

The next morning, we started about 9 o'clock. Here we are about 175 miles from Council Bluffs. I still continue to have the ague and my wife, Martha, dear soul, and Joseph and Martha Jane, the baby, are growing worse every day. We arrived at the Liberty Pole where the first party camped in the summer and who proceeded us.
 

Tonight it rained and thundered quite hard. We have had quite a dry time thus far on our journey. The next morning was September 1, 1846 and we proceeded on our way. We came near the ferry on the Missouri River. Brother Brigham and Lorenzo Young met us there. They crossed the river to meet us. I was pleased to see President Brigham Young after not seeing him for seven months. He looked very much like Brother Joseph, the Seer, so much so that at first sight, I thought he was the Prophet Joseph.

President Brigham administered to my wife who was very sick. She felt some better. The next morning, we started across the ferry. About 11 o'clock, I took a severe attack of ague and fever. I shook from head to foot. We tied our cattle to the side of the flat boat and swam them across the river. Brother Brigham asked if he should drive my team to camp and have my wife and Joseph, our little babe, ride in his buggy wagon and let Brother Lorenzo drive them. We had about 14 miles to go to reach camp. We arrived at the camp of the Saints about sundown. I had a very hot fever and my wife, Martha, was so sick that she could not sit up. My son, Joseph, was also very sick. Brother Young took us in his tent. Truly I felt to thank my Heavenly Father for his kindness and mercy in sparing our lives and also that I had the opportunity again of beholding by brethern and the grand spectacle of beholding the Camp of Israel, on a prairie far from her nativity. I feel very thankful to Brother Brigham for his kindness in taking my team and in meeting us. Truly I shall always remember it. For the Prophet of the Lord to drive my team was an example of service to me. It reminded me of what Jesus said, "whosoever will be great among you let him be your minister. Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto but to minister." I hope that I may always do likewise.

The morning following was the Sabbath. It was very windy and somewhat cloudy. To look around upon the camp and see the tents in motion and hear the large herds of cattle lowing, it caused me to meditate upon the Camp of Israel in the days of Moses. Says I to myself, "Can it be possible that we have been driven from the land of our fathers who did lay down their lives for our liberty that we might worship God according to the dictates of our conscience. But I feel to rejoice that we have a promise of a more sure inheritance, even when this earth shall be celestialized. That inspires my heart to endure all things.

This morning we moved out about two miles from camp with Brother Joseph Young. We stopped here for about three days and Father Kimball came and visited us and said we should come over him his division and they could nurse us better than we could get with Brother Joseph Young as Brother Young's family was also sick. Accordingly, Brother James Smith drove me over to Father Kimball's division. I spread my tent beside my wagon and got a bedstead and placed my wife on an ordinary bed once more. She was very weak and we could hardly get her out of the wagon. With much difficulty, we got her to bed. Father Kimball got us a girl to help take care of our baby which was not well.

I nursed my wife as well as I could. Yes, I did stand by her bed and did minister herbs and mild foods and prayed over her. I was sick myself. I had a high fever and shook all over. My wife could not take any food, only a little water. For nine days, she took but very little of anything. After considerable persuasion, I got her to take an emetic of Lobelia and this helped her. She said the ice water tasted good. Mother Kimball and the other sisters came to see my wife and she talked quite freely with them. She asked them to anoint her. They did and she said she felt much better. I did not think she would die but she told some who were there she could not live.

This morning I ate a very hearty breakfast. About 1 o'clock I was taken with a severe attack, the hardest I had ever had. I vomited a great deal and lay prostrate upon the ground. I exercised all the faith I could and I could not raise up. I did not know what was going on around me but I did hear them ask Martha what they should do with the little babe and she said let me have the dear little lamb and you see to my dear husband as he is almost dead. This was the last time I heard Martha speak. I had such a fever I was out of my head for some time.

About 10 o'clock in the evening, Father Kimball came to the tent door and asked how we were. I told him I was better and I thought my wife was, for she was asleep. I went to sleep again. When I awoke later, although I was very ill, the first thing I did was to go to the bed of Martha to see how she was. She was partly uncovered and cold. I spoke to her but she could not speak. I persevered but she was so stopped up in the throat, she could not speak. She was unconscious and did not move. Her eyes were half shut and she breathed very hard. Her pulse was low and she was cold as death in her lower limbs. I concluded she was struck with death. I could not do much for her as she could not swallow. I sent for Father Kimball. He came and laid hands on her. He asked her if she knew him but she made no signs that she knew him. I presume the dampness of the night, and the bed clothes being partly off, and not having anyone to watch and give her some warm drinks and keep her warm, she took her death of cold.

Martha departed this life September 16, 1846, at about 11 o'clock. She was laid out in her robes to come forth in the morning of the resurrection. She was full of faith and good works. She delighted in the blessings of the Kingdom. It was her meat and drink to hear them spoken of. She often spoke of the Glory of God and what a blessing it would be to live and enjoy it. She did desire to live and gain more knowledge of God and his plans. She died without a struggle or groan. I stopped beside her bed until she drew her last breath and closed her eyes. She showed in her countenance that she was at rest. A number spoke of her pleasant countenance and peaceful corpse. If I am faithful, I anticipate meeting her and embracing her when she comes forth in the morning of the resurrection. I will behold her with a glorious body that cannot be diseased and afflicted, and all tears will be wiped away. My daily prayer is that I may hold out until the end and enjoy the glories of the Celestial Kingdom with her, and reign with my brethern throughout all eternity. This inspires my heart to live faithful that I may go forth and win my thousand souls to Christ and sit down with Him in the Kingdom of God.

My dear wife Martha was interred in as good a manner as the existing circumstances would permit. We had a good coffin and she was carried to the burying grounds. The sexton recorded her name with the dead and she was numbered in his book.

I continued to be sick upon my bed. I was removed from my tent to Brother Davis's. It was decided that we should move down on the bottoms near the river for Winter Quarters. Accordingly, September 24th, I was moved with the rest about three miles. I was very sick as well as my son Joseph and my little babe Martha Jane. My tent was spread near the other tents. My little babe I boarded out to Sister Dunlap. I paid one dollar per week and furnished the bed for the child. The little thing was very sick and I did not expect her to live from one day to the next.

I lived in a tent for about fourteen weeks, and then moved in with Brother Dunlap in his mud house. The weather was fine for this time of the season. One of the old settlers said for twelve years he had not seen such a moderate season. In the meantime, the brethern had put up a number of log and mud houses. They built about 100 such houses in six weeks. The timber was not very good and they had to go quite a distance for it. Some went fourteen miles up the river and rafted down logs. They had exceeding bad luck as the current was strong and the sand bars so frequent that it made it difficult.

The location of Winter Quarters bordered on the Missouri River about fourteen miles below Council Bluffs on the opposite side of the river. Our President Young and Councillors made a treaty with the Government and the Omaha Indians to build and plant for three or four years.

My health continued to be very bad for the fever and ague preyed upon me with violence. However, some days I was better and then I would take a backset or a violent cold all through my system. Joseph was about the same as myself. The babe was gaining some.

The brethern built a Council House and they called a meeting to dedicate it. Brother Brigham was there and a number of the Twelve. They talked about having a dance for those who had built it or assisted. Brother Brigham said he was going to have the first dance and his brethern with him so they would set the pattern for the rest. They called for the band and on they came forthwith. Brother Brigham organized a number of couples and set the band a playing a tune. After which we kneeled down and prayed to the God of Heaven. I can truly say that the prayer that was offered up, and the music and the dance were controlled with the spirit of God which caused me to shed a flow of tears for joy. It was the first meeting I had been to for some time. Truly I was lead to say this was the way the ancient fathers praised the Lord in a dance. The floor had been made of green timber. I took a violent cold and it laid me up for some time.

The next day was the Sabbath. A revelation was read which had been given previous concerning us being driven out from our inheritance of our fathers and concerning the keeping of our covenants and organizing into companies to journey in the spring. Also to humble ourselves and to keep all the commandments of God. If we felt like it, we could praise the Lord by song, dance, and playing on instruments.

We began to organize into companies. Two divisions. First, Brother Brigham and second, Brother Kimball. We could not raise sufficient teams and provisions. The next thing they had to do was to fit out the pioneers as soon as possible. It was a hard matter to fit them out. They called for teams, tools, and provisions of all descriptions. Meanwhile, Brother Brigham built a mule to grind corn and wheat. It caused a good deal of expense or it was built on a crock and the dam was not properly built and it washed out a number of times.

In February, Brother Kimball told me that if I would be careful of myself, I would get well and drive a team on to the mountains and my cheeks would be rosy and health would spring up again in my bones. This caused my heart to rejoice. I feel to praise the Lord continually for his goodness to me and sparing my life to see these days although my afflictions are great. I look continually ahead for the great reward for those who hold out and are faithful until the end. I believe that I shall go forth and bear testimony unto the nations of the earth for it is more than my meat and my drink to do the will of my Father in Heaven.

I sent my cattle in the herd that was made up for the rushes about 75 miles up the river. My cattle went with those of Father Kimball. Hundreds of cattle and sheep died this winter on account of not having sufficient grain for them. The Omaha Indians killed a number of our cattle and stole a number of the brethern's horses. Great numbers of the saints die with scurvy and canker. Joseph and I are troubled with it in some degree. My three children and I now live with my brother Orlando. The winter is quite severe but not much snow to stay.

Brother Hutchinson and another brother made up a number of calls for the dances. In a few weeks, they carried the dances too far into levity and extremes. Brother Brigham vetoed the dancing. Brother Kimball called his family together one Sabbath and spoke of a number of good things. He said the dancing had been carried too far. Some would dance all the time and neglect other things. He further said that one extremes always follows another and that unless they stopped dancing there would something come upon us that would cause us to humble ourselves and be willing to obey council in all things. He said he desired to live to council his family for a good many years and get power to read the Heavens and to converse with our fathers concerning our progenitors. Also to live and to do good. He said he was going with the pioneers to the mountains but as yet, he had not said anything to President Young about it. He felt that he should go. He said he dreamed last night that a messenger came to him and said he must go away and go to work at his business on the wheels. He went to work and made a number of tires but they were quite thin, therefore, he was going to work and plan out what is best to leave his family as comfortable as possible while he is gone. He said he did not desire to stop this side of the mountains because they say the land is so dry they would be obliged to water the crops with water pots. He wanted to get over the mountains in a permanent place where he could plant and reap the fruits thereof.

March 1, 1847. My health is fast improving. I chop a little wood and draw a little water. My little Martha Jane is quite well. She is fat. Joseph is also gaining.

Father Kimball called a meeting of his boys at Brother Wallices. This was March 24th. He arose and said, "Well do you all agree?" They answered, yes. He said "well the next thing is what do you agree on. I have not told you what I called you together for." As Brother Brigham has set the pattern, I expect to follow the example, that is shift for ourselves. Now you all my boys or mean to be for those that are not sealed to me are the same as though they were, and those that are sealed to me are the same as those that come through my loins. Father Kimball asked if there were any in the room who had not made application to come into his family. The answer was there not any. Then I am your father or counsellor or teacher. Some say it is clipping a man's privilege to be sealed to the Twelve. It does not for it does not take any privileges away from him but rather gives him more. It would not do a man any good to be sealed to another no matter if he was ever so good and great unless a man that was sealed obeyed the commandments and tried to be good and wise and prove to all that are about them that they are noble souls. No, I will show you a figure (example). You know you can graft a great many kinds of fruit on to one tree, and not after the fruit of that tree for in the limb you graft a Greening graft you will have a Greening apple. In the limb you put on a Baldwin graft, and you will have a Baldwin apple. Therefore, you see a number of fruits can be raised from one tree. Your lineage is the same and does not curtail your fathers nor yourselves. Father Kimball did also take the grape vine for a figure (example). He said, "you will see some small branches and still some larger ones grown on to that. This is the principle of oneness that this people will have to go into in order to help build one another up. If you help me, surely I can help you, therefore, we must work for one another's interest."

Now he says Brother Brigham and I have looked up a piece of land up to the old fort about fourteen miles from this place. We want to concentrate our forces and fence in a number of acres and move our families up there and build your houses fort fashion and put in your crops so that when I return next fall, I may have some pumpkins and potatoes. If you will do so, you will have an abundance. While we are gone to the mountains, see that you have your family prayers and pray for my and my family and your brethern while we are gone.

After a number of the brethern has spoke that the principle that Father Kimball had advanced was in their minds. I arose and said that this principle that had been advanced was what I delighted in for I believed in working to build each other up. I have been sick for a long time but I thank God that I am getting better fast so that I can cut a little wood and draw a little water occasionally. I have notified through this for nothing. I am willing to do anything; go with the pioneers or stay and farm. I can do most anything. I believe in going ahead, says I. You see me knocking about now and some have thrown out hints but I will show you something one of these days for I am going to live to fight the devil as long as I can breathe and God gives me grace to endure. I do believe I could have died if I had given up but I would not. I have a good team and I can go ahead like a streak, says I. I cloned my remarks and said my remarks are simple but I have spoken my mind the best I could. They all said, Amen.

The conclusion of the meeting was that all those who had their names down to go immediately and put up their houses. Father Kimball said he did not want any of his family to go to the mountains for this first trip for he believed they could do better to put in a crop here and have something growing and the way will be opened up so you can go next spring. What you cannot do I will do when I come back.

March 26, 1847. A special meeting was called at the stand. It was a pleasant day. After singing, Brother Brigham arose and spoke concerning going away and leaving this people. He told us to be faithful in keeping the commandments and not steal. He said some had gone down to the mountains and stole old crippled horses, drawing knives, and sold them for a meal. I say they are cursed. He said don't you steal anything until I tell you to and I say that I shall not tell you to steal unless you can take something worthwhile. But I say if you could take all of Missouri up to the Third Heaven and carry it off in your vest pocket, I shall not tell you to steal that much if it waits to be stolen. President Young also told of a dream he had had some time previous. He said he had not been feeling very well and arose in the morning to go to the door. He fainted and tried to get on his bed again but could not be he was put on his bed. He dreamed he went to the Prophet Joseph and he was sitting in a chair near a window in the southwest corner of the room. I came there as I thought from the north. After embracing and kissing him, I told him the people wanted him to be with them and I want to be with you. Brother Joseph says, "I know it but you can't be with me yet" and he continued and said, "you must tell the people to keep the Spirit of God, to receive every spirit, that is to keep their minds open and receive all spirits so that they may judge betwixt the evil and the good". And he continued in great earnestness and power as he, Brother Brigham, even saw him when he was in the flesh. You tell the people to be sure and keep the Spirit. Brother Brigham said he wanted to know about the sealing power but Brother Joseph did not give him any answer on the subject.

April 1, 1847. I continue to dig wild potatoes for I am not able to do anything else. It is very hard work for me to dig. I have a mile and a half to walk and I am very lame in my back and ankles. I have now moved in my wagon with my children. It is somewhat cold and disagreeable. My brother Orlando wanted me to move from him as his wife could not cook for so many and I did not care much about staying with him any longer. At first, he urged me very much to come and stay with him. I took care of the children and found one half of the provisions. Nearby, provisions are very scarce. I live on wild potatoes and hard corn chiefly. I have spent almost everything that I have for my expense in my sickness.

April 16, 1847. The Pioneers started for the Horn (river just west of the Missouri river and near where Omaha now is) on their journey to the Mountains. Father Kimball started six wagons. He counselled me to take some of my things and team, my son Joseph and some of his folks and follow on in the spring. I told him I would do so if the Lord wills. He also told me that when I get out there, I should have me a wife for truly I do feel as though I needed someone to help me for my children need someone to take care of them. I feel to thank God my Heavenly Father that it is as well with me as it is for I do rejoice in the Priesthood is above all earthy objects. I delight to meditate on the things of the Kingdom. It is more than my meat and my drink. Although I have met with such a loss and one who condoled with me in my troubles and trials. She helped me and always met with me with a smile to cheer me when I was cast down. But I pray to my Heavenly Father to make up her loss from day to day; even one that will fill her place and that will be full of faith and good works and help me to move forth in the work that may be assigned me to do. It truly causes me to rejoice when I think if I hold out faithful until the end, I shall once more enjoy her society. Yea through all eternity.

April 27, 1847. I moved seven miles from Winter Quarters, the place designed to farm. I moved with my wagon and took my children. Brother Daniel Davis oversees the business of the farm. It is called Heber's Farm. I herd the cattle sometimes. I have from 30 to 60 head. I live in our wagon and cook our food. My health is fast improving. The weather is cold and disagreeable and the spring is backward. There is upwards of thirty families here. The houses are built in a square, fort fashion, chiefly with logs with bark and the timber is scarce. The location for the place is in a hollow in the timber with tolerable good water. The prairie for farming is quite level and rich soil. It is the first bottom under the bluffs, one half mile from the river.

May 12, 1847. Verily, verily, I have taken some cold. I have severe pains in my back and hips so I cannot walk. My children are in good health. I enjoy myself as well as can be expected under the existing circumstances. The brethern are breaking the prairie. It is rather hard breaking and we have to put some cows on the plows with the oxen. Three of my cows have returned in good order.

May 29, 1847. This month has been quite pleasant and cool with frequent showers. The season is somewhat later that in Nauvoo. My health is improving fast and I enjoy myself as well as can be expected. I have time to meditate on the principles of eternal truth. This is a source of comfort and happiness to me. Truly the Lord is good unto me. I will continue my supplication unto Him for my life and for the lives of my children to lay a foundation that will give me an eternal exaltation, even in the presence of my Heavenly Father. For I love the way of the Lord. It is the desire of my heart to be situated to be called forth to thrust in my sickle and reap; even to lift up my voice like a trump by the power of the Holy Spirit and call upon the inhabitants of the earth to return unto the Lord and live.

June 6, 1847. I received work from Brother William Kimball that I might make calculation to go to the mountains. The brethern are moving out to the Horn as fast as possible. It is with great difficulty that they can get the grinding done as there is only one mill in the place. I do not get much bread. I live chiefly on milk and greens. I am getting back my health again.

There was a very heavy shower this afternoon and night. It washed away the mill dam so it is not possible to grind again for many days. I commenced to plant corn and hoe in the garden.
 

June 21, 1847. This day was the Sabbath. I went to Winter Quarters and went to the grave of my dear, beloved wife for the first time. The grave is Southwest of Winter Quarters on the right hand side of the road going to Cutler's Park. Martha's grave was the second I came to near the Southwest corner, the opposite side from Brother Holdmans. There I did kneel down before my Heavenly Father and thank Him that my life had been spared after so long a time of sickness, even brought near the gates of death. I asked Him that I might live to finish my work and that in as much as my dear wife has power to exercise faith for our little ones. I pray Thee that I might hold out faithful until the end; that I might come forth in the morning of the first resurrection and there meet my dear beloved wife and embrace her in my arms and be in her society forever. Yea, if it is possible Father to live and not lay down this body in the earth until I see my wife resurrected. There blessings I did ask in the name of Jesus, and a great many more. I then put a flower at the head of the grave and returned toward my wagon at Heber's Farm. I meditated on the way concerning the resurrection. This is always a great source of joy to me. I took some refreshments and started for home.

About this time we had two head of cattle stolen from us by the Indians. A mare was shot and a sorrel colt was taken. The brethern pursued the Indians for six or seven miles but could not overtake them. Brother Miles also had a horse stolen. Some of the brethern had some clothing and other things stolen.

July 4, 1847. When I arrived at Winter Quarters, Mother Kimball had called a Female meeting. Brother Joseph Young was to preside. She waited until 11 o'clock but Brother Young did not come so Mother Kimball asked me to open the meeting by prayer. I did do by the help of God. Afterwards, I arose and spoke and said it was quite unexpected for me to speak as I was not much in the habit of speaking and the meeting was got up for the females, therefore, I would give way not having much on my mind to say at present.

Sister Laura Pitkin spoke a few words and said she had a blessing for me. Mother Kimball called me to the chair and Sister Laura asked me if I would receive a blessing under her hand. I said I would so she laid her hands on my head and spoke in tongues. Sister Harris Whitney did interpret. I do not recollect much of it but some of it was that I should go to the nations of the earth and preach the gospel and gather out from every nation, tongue, and people and fetch them to Zion. Also that my wife did watch over me and my little ones and her heart entwined about me and loved me. Also that I should become a teacher in Zion and if I believed these things not one should fail. She was taken from me for the trial of my faith, for she had a work to do. I do not recollect any more at that meeting. Others spoke and were blessed with the power of the gospel. Brother Joseph Young came in about an hour later and he spoke on and said he perceived that the Spirit was here. It made him rejoice to sit there and hear them speak. He said the last Sabbath I was here; I caught the Spirit and my bones did burn within me. I did catch the gift of tongues. Brother Burch blessed him and Sister Harris Whitney interpreted that Brother Young should be a mighty man to lead the young warriors to yield the sword of the spirit and that he should be a mighty King. The meeting continued until night.

After supper, Mother Kimball called on me to pray. She then said if anyone had anything to say, they may say it. Brother William Kimball came before I got through my prayer. After I had finished, he said Sister Laura and some others desired me to some to their place as they had started a meeting. Mother Kimball said they had better come there to Kimball's, so they came over.

Sister Janet arose and spoke in tongues and exorted William Kimball to bless his mother. He did in tongues. It was quite a feeling. After he blessed his mother, Sister Francis Snow interpreted. He said to me, "Brother Joseph, you have passed through troubles and trials. I feel like blessing you if you will receive a blessing from under my hands. He called on Aunt Laura Pitkin to be mouth for him and she did so in tongues and Sister Francis interpreted it and prophesied many great things. He said my wife knew the greatness of the work I had to do and she had a work to do and that she was taken for the trial of my faith and that she was interceding with our Heavenly Father for me. Also that I should go into another temple and receive more knowledge, even in the Holy of Holies and commune with the resurrected bodies and be a mighty spokesman in the House of the Lord. Yea even like Aaron of old, yea even like John of old to pass through the fire and many more mighty works. I have not the space to record all that was said and I do not have the time to write what some of my brethern said. I shall, therefore, keep an account of only particular items. I pray God in the name of Jesus Christ that I may live to finish my work for I delight in the principles of the Priesthood. After Brother William Kimball did bless me, I got up filled with the Spirit of God and did speak in tongues for the first time. I blessed Brother William in tongues and did prophesy many great things and that we should go preaching together unto the nations of the earth and stand before kings and bear our testimonies unto them and many more things. Brother William called on me to bless with him so we did so until we blessed all who were in the room. There was some sixteen persons and we did not get through until 3 o'clock in the morning.

I arose in the morning quite revived and with a goodly portion of the Spirit of God. I drove up sister Martings's cow. The morning was quite warm and a heavy dew had fallen during the night. The cow was bad to drive and she would not keep the road. I thought she was possessed with an evil spirit for she would run in the bushes like she was crazy. I got beat out chasing her and my patience was tried but I did not get mad after the fine meeting we had had the night before. I prayed to the Lord that the cow would keep the road and be quiet, and she did.

Sister Lucy Worker came up here to live with Sister Marting. Sister Marting had come up here about a week previous. Brother Daniels asked Sister Worker to take me and my little ones and cook for us. At this time, I was cooking for myself. She consented to. She also started a female prayer meeting every Thursday. Sister Francis came up with Brother Daniels. Today was the Sabbath and Brother Daniels went down and brought Sister Helen Sanders and Sister Clayton. He returned in the evening leaving Sister Francis.

July 24, 1847. This evening I was sitting in the door meditating and Sister Marting said, "Why can't we hold a meeting this evening." We went down to the house where Brother Daniel dwelt and spoke to him as well as to Brother Brown, Sister Francis and Sister Lucy. They all consented and came up and held a meeting. Sister Francis commenced to talk about Brother Whitney; how he was constrained to come to one of their meetings and how they blessed him. He bore testimony that it was the Spirit of God for they could not prophesy such things and no one could know them, only the Spirit of God. While she was speaking concerning the meeting, I caught the good Spirit and after she got through, I prayed and the Spirit of God rested down upon me with mighty power. Sister Francis blessed Sister Lucy and Sister Marting. I felt in my heart to bless Sister Francis, and I did so. Brother Brown was quite sick with the fever and it was agreed to bless him and rebuke the disease. Accordingly, we all laid our hands on and I was mouth. I rebuked the disease and blessed him. The Spirit and power of God was in me for truly I did have the love of God in my heart. Brother Daniel and I spoke many good things, part in my own tongue and the remainder Sister Francis did interpret. I blessed Brother Daniels and he blessed me for we were full of the Spirit of God. I was also blessed by Sister Francis and the Spirit of God did rest upon me. Afterwards, I spoke to them and my bones did burn within me. I could speak the contents of my heart as I felt as a little child. About 2 or 3 o'clock, we dismissed the meeting. Brother Brown said he was healed.

July 27, 1847. This morning I went to Winter Quarters. It is very hot and we have not had any rain for three weeks. I arrived at Mother Kimballs. I spoke to Brother Cutler and Brother Whitney and wife. They were preparing for a meeting. From there, I went to Brother Joseph Young and saw his wife and sister Janet. I now at this time, presented Martha's diamond ring to sister Janet for I had previously told her I would give it unto her. I believe that if Martha were alive, she would be willing that Sister Janet should have it. We talked about Martha and her death and about female meetings. I then went to the stand. Brother Clapp was speaking about keeping our children in order and ruling them in righteousness. Brother Whitney also spoke on the same subject. He also believed that those who kept the commandments would shortly commune with resurrected bodies and Christ would come in great power and glory.

This noon, my president of my quorum met. Brother Daten was cited to give satisfaction to Brother Stuart concerning his wife and some property that was left in Brother Daten's care while Brother Stuart was down at St. Louis. Brother Lewis counselled to give up the property to Brother Stuart and let the wife business go until Brother Brigham came back. Brother Joseph Young and Brother Clapp were there and rather whipped Brother Daten in line.

This evening, I went to meeting to Sister Greens. They called upon me to open the meeting. A number spoke and we had a good meeting. I blessed Sister Noon for before the meeting she said she wanted me to bless her. She bore testimony that the Spirit of God rested upon her from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet and she felt truly blessed. I also blessed Sister Billings and Brother George Rhodes. I also spoke concerning the Priesthood and rebuked the tempter.

The next morning I went home. Tuesday, Brother Daniel and I went to lay a foundation upon which to stack the hay. About 11 o'clock, we went into the timber to hunt some logs. We sat down and Daniel said he was sleepy and lay down. I felt very dejected in spirit and sleepy. We arose and went and prayed each of us. While I was praying, I was impressed to bless Brother Daniel. I mentioned it to him. I rebuked the feeling and the pressure of mind and blessed him in the name of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Lord was poured out mightily so that I did prophesy. We did not feel sleepy or hungry as we had done. In the afternoon, we went into the woods to cut some board timber. I enjoyed myself. While I was splitting up one cut with a wedge, I struck it on the edge of the cut and jerked my hands or strained my cords so that I could not move my fingers. I prayed to the Lord that it might be healed. The pain was not much but I could not lift anything. About sundown, it pained me dreadfully. I got Brother Brown to lay hands on me. He did so, but the pain increased.

Brother Daniel said that Sister Cravath and her children were sick and it was best that we have a prayer meeting. We accordingly went down and commenced the meeting. I requested them to lay hands on me for the pain in my hand was great. They did so and I got some relief. We laid hands on Sister Cravath and her daughter. After the meeting, my hand was very much swelled and pained me. In four or five days, I could use it.

My son Joseph this morning got up as well as usual. About 11 o'clock, Brother Daniel and he were playing. Joseph took a severe pain in the head and a slight chill. He was administered to and the pain ceased. He continued to be sick for a number of days. I gave him some herb tea and administered unto him several times a day and got the master of the disease.

This month we have frequent showers and the vegetation grows beautifully. Everything looks prosperous. However, a number of the Brethern are sick at this camp. In Winter Quarters quite a number of the children die with cholera morbus. Mother Kimball's children were all attacked. We exercised all the power we could through the Priesthood to keep them alive. Sister Cravath and her two children continue to be sick.

August 1847. We commenced haying. We moved two days and Daniel took with the fever and could not work. I, Joseph, am also very ill with some fever and not able to get about. Elizabeth is also taken sick. I am up every night with my children for I have no one to take care of them. I have as much as I can stand under. Tonight many of us are sick so we thought we would have a prayer meeting so we did. The Spirit of God did attend us. We laid our hands on Brother Daniel. Sister Francis being very sick also desired that we bless her so we did. Afterwards, she bore testimony that she felt the Spirit of God resting upon her from the crown of her head to the soles of her feet. She felt healed but somewhat weak. We blessed each other until two o'clock in the morning. I could not go to sleep as the Spirit of God rested so upon me. I did meditate upon what had been said, and upon mercy of God towards me and my children. I can hear testimony that I never did have the Spirit of God rest so upon me, yea until I did feel my bones burn exceedingly. I did prophesy concerning many things, therefore, I will praise the Lord for his goodness unto me for he maketh known many things unto me by the Spirit which causeth my heart to rejoice.

Elizabeth is getting somewhat better today. We heard from the Pioneers who had gone to the valley of the mountains. They were near the Green River, some 600 miles from Winter Quarters and 200 miles from Fort Laramie. All in good health and all of one mind to go over the mountains until they came to a good place for the Church.

I, Joseph, this day had a slight chill and a very high fever. I vomited some. It lasted for four hours. The next day, I had some chill and fever. The following day I had a tremendous shake and some fever. I did call upon the Lord to deliver me from the disease. For about two hours, I did plead with the Lord and he did hear me and his Spirit did rest down upon me so that I was in a profuse sweat from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. I felt as though the fountain of the deep was broken up.

August 27, 1847. Little Martha Jane was taken very sick. I, Joseph, am able to go about and milk the cows and some chores. If I had had some good nourishing food, I would have got well before this but all I have is johnny cake, milk, and mush. My children by the help of God are almost well again. Sister Cravath is no better. Sister Lucy is better. Sister Marting's baby is somewhat better. Brother Brown is taken very sick with the fever. Brother Daniel is herding the cattle. I feel weak but I do not feel any ague about me. I do feel to praise the Lord for his goodness unto me. I do like to meditate on his goodness and blessings that are laid up for those who keep his commandments.

September 1. I am gaining slowly but I should gain faster. I would if I had someone to take care of my children. Notwithstanding, I creep about, milk my cow, chop some wood, and draw some water. I have to wash Martha Jane's clothes. She is very troublesome as she has the bowel complaint. The weather is fine for ripening the crops. Today it is quite warm and dry.

September 20, 1847. I commenced to herd the cattle. It is as much as I can do to keep up with them. Two of my children have been attacked again with chills. I moved in the house. It seemed some better for my children. I feel like I am going to have the ague again but I hope I don't.

September 25, 1847. We started cutting up the corn in the garden. My health and strength is gaining notwithstanding I have symptoms of ague and fever. The frost continues to stay off and the wind stays in the south most of the time. The buckwheat and corn are ripening fine. Truly, the Lord hears the prayers of the Saints for he has controlled the elements this season so that we have the best corn I have ever seen on new land, and everything accordingly.

October 14, 1847. Frost this morning. My health is pretty good so that I am able to do a good days work. Joseph and Elizabeth are quite hearty. Martha Jane mends quite slowly. She cannot walk but her appetite is pretty good.

Last week, news came that the Pioneers who went to the mountains would return in about twenty days. All in good health. Truly I feel to praise the Lord for his good news unto us in sparing my life to see this day. That I have the privilege to suffer with the Saints of the last days. My prayer is that I may hold out until the end for I desire to live to go forth in the vineyard and thrust in my sickle and reap that I may help lay up fruit in my Father's vineyard. Although the afflictions I have passed through since my wife Martha was taken from me, I feel it has been good for me. d her I knew it as it had been impressed on my mind both night and day for some time past. I said I had expressed my mind to Daniel a number of times to mow it down before it got too ripe. If he had done so he would have saved most of it. The corn should also have been cut up. There were plenty of men who would have cut both and taken a portion but Daniel thinks he has no authority to hire anyone. It makes me feel bad to see so much corn and wheat wasted in such a manner when no one is benefited. I have seen the time when I would have paid two or three times the amount for cutting the wheat and corn. But I shall not let it trouble me anymore, but the Lord has blessed us.

October 28, 1847. Some of the Pioneers, including some of the Twelve, arrived from the mountains. They were in good health although they suffered some hunger and fatigue. Brother Heber appointed a Sabbath to speak unto us about the place and what they had dedicated unto the Lord. He said he was not going to flatter the country but would tell us as it is. It is a very healthy country. It is a large valley and the mountains all surround it and there is snow on the mountains the year around. There is a salt lake so strong it would bear a person up and salt can be obtained on the shores in great quantities. Some sulpher springs were also close by. Timber is very scarce except in the mountains some five or six miles from the place we dedicated, or the city plot. It seems to me a person living in a four story building in the upper room all finished off in good style and the comforts of life and then move down in a cellar where it is damp and chilly and sickly; that is the contrast between the valley here in Winter Quarters. This is as near as I can compare it he said. All of you look different in color then what we do he said. You all look pale and ghostly. The air there is much more bracing and stimulating than what it is here in November.

November 1, 1847. I continue to gain in health. I take care of the cattle and the crop. Sister Lucy has moved down to town and I am left alone to do my own cooking. Daniel and Brother Brown have gone to the rush 50 miles down the river.

December 1, 1847. I am moving down to town. I expect to get married soon. The weather is very cold. I am stopping with Alby. My children are quite smart, except Martha Jane. I am preparing a house to live in. I am putting up a chimney and dobing it up. It is cold and slippery.

December 1847. Brother Heber spoke to me concerning my intended, Sarah Bailey. He thought it was alright. He would see her. He would also speak to Brother Brigham and get leave to seal us. On the evening of December 23, 1847, Sarah Bailey was sealed to me for Time. Those present were Brother Heber and his wives, Vilate, and Helen Sanders, Sarah Whitney. Also, Hans Quishing and his intended Janet Murray, William and his lady, Harris and lady, Brother Gardner and lady, William Powers and lady, and my son, Joseph. After the service was over, we danced a couple of times and then returned to our homes.

My children continued to get better as my wife Sarah took good care of them. But little Martha Jane still has the chills sometimes. She runs about from chair to chair and plays about like a little lamb.

January 1, 1848. I haul wood for three fires besides my own. I have to go from three to five miles to get wood and it is hard to get it. I haul for Sisters Bular, Laura, Christeen, Francis and Brother H. Egan. I truly feel thankful to my Heavenly Father for his goodness to me and that I have the opportunity to set my house in order before him. He has truly made up my loss and has answered my prayers and supplications in the days that have passed. I prayed unto the Lord that he would open up the way that I might obtain me a wife, one that would be good unto my children and full of faith and good works. This think he has done for me, I do believe. But while I am rejoicing, Elizabeth has taken down with the measles. She is very sick. She has a bad cough and is stopped up in the lungs and has the diarrhea. I dread the idea of Joseph and Martha Jane taking the measles.

January 7, 1848. Joseph has a headache and a cough. Martha Jane also has the same. Elizabeth is getting some better.

January 12, 1848. Martha Jane is very sick. Also, Joseph. I tremble for fear of death. Sarah and myself have been up night and day for some time nursing our children. I never felt so near discouraged in all my life but I know that I must look forward and not backward and put my trust in Him who gives us breath.
 

Little Martha Jane died without a pain seemingly. We buried her in the same grave with her mother. I was forced to say, "Oh Lord, what have I done that such sore afflictions should come upon me. But I do not feel to complain against Him who gave me my children but to thank Him for His goodness unto me and pray unto Him that if I am worthy to show me by His Spirit that He will spare me the two children I have left that I may have my name and the name of my wife Martha, perpetuated down to the latest generation.
 

(NOTE: On page 100 of the original record is a little lock of little Martha Jane's hair tied with a red ribbon bow and pasted on the leaf of the record. The hair is very fine and golden colored. The Compiler. )
 

About the 20th, Joseph became very sick. His feet and hands were cold and his nails purple and the blood was settled in them. Sister Bular came in and we did anoint him and pray over him until morning. He was some better but his lungs were greatly pressed but there were some hopes of his living.

February 18, 1848. My son, Joseph, has so far recovered his health that he can walk around in the room alone. Elizabeth is somewhat better. The weather is quite moderate and the ice is out of the river. They have had a number of festivals of late for the soldiers who have returned from California this winter. We have a jubilee today. Brother Orson Hyde returned from the City of Washington. He sent for Brother Brigham and Brother Heber to come and see him. He resides over the other side of the river.

I anticipate fitting myself out this spring to go to the (Salt Lake) Valley if the Lord prospers me in making a change in property.

Sunday, May 6, 1848. This day I sit down from the busy cares of the times for it has been so busy with me that I could not find time to record what I should like. Nevertheless, today I am going to record a few prominent items of my works and business. In the forepart of April, my wife was taken sick with a chill and the pleurisy (inflamation of the ribs, characterized by difficult, painful breathing and often accompanied by the exudation of liquid in the chest cavity). For forty-eight hours, I had to nurse her with herbs and apply hot flannels and with Spirits and pepper and pepper sauce, heated with hot, flat irons. Also, a poultice of onions and a poultice wet with lard. This gave her ease in a few moments. I feel thankful to my Heavenly Father that he does hear and answer my prayers and blesses the means that I use. Notwithstanding, it seems that my afflictions are great but I know in whom I put my trust for I feel to acknowledge His hand in all things. He hears my cries and causes the disease to depart in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Last Sabbath, Brother Heber said he wanted me to fix up my wagon and start off by Thursday up to the Horn (Elkhorn River). At first, he called a meeting of his family that are expecting to go with him. About 11 o'clock, we met at Brother William's house. Brother Heber sent word that he wished me to open the meeting. I did so by having prayer and singing. I arose and said it was quite unexpected to me that I should be asked to open the meeting with Brother Heber invited me. I felt more like going to bed that to meeting. But says I, "I do know this is the best place for us to get the Spirit and get united and get our faith increased and to uphold him who called us together. I verily believe that the words he has spoken will come to pass if we do as he says. I want to do as he says and please the Lord and keep his commandments. Brother Heber arose and said if we would tell him what to say he would speak. Brother Daniel said the Spirit would tell him. Brother Heber said the Spirit would or he could not speak. He said the time had come that he wanted us to do just as he said and would counsel us without any deviation for he could not do anything about going to the mountains unless we would do as we said without grumbling. Now if this is your mind, someone motion it, says he. I, Joseph, moved that we do so and it was seconded and voted unanimous.

Brother Heber said further those whom I appoint to go up to the Horn for the cattle must have something to eat for they are going poorer every day. Brother Joseph has a good spirit in him any my family likes him pretty well. I want him to go up and be captain over the host and get ready by Thursday. I, Joseph, spoke and said I can be ready in fifteen minutes the way I feel about it. Brother Heber spoke about many things that are good and counselled us. The Spirit of God was with us. Brother Heber gave way and said if there was anyone who had anything to say, now was the opportunity to say it. I arose and said what Brother Heber has said meets my mind precisely. It was what I was trying to get at before but I could not get at it because I had no authority. Says I, "I could start in fifteen minutes and so I can." I am willing to go ahead and do all I can. Brother Heber said he wants me to go up to the Horn and be captain over his host. I would as soon go as remain here and be a drawerer of water and a chopper of wood. I feel the Spirit of God to do so. I verily do.

Monday morning I commenced upon my wagons. They were all apart and not fixed. It did not take long to get them fixed. Now they are partly loaded. I do pray God, my Heavenly Father, that he will prosper me in all my undertakings that I may go on to the Valley (Salt Lake Valley) this spring, and they situate my family and be prepared to go into the nations of the earth and bear testimony of this marvelous work in the last dispensation.

Tuesday evening, I was at Aunt Laura's place. Brother Heber and his wife Harriet S., and his wife Christeen G. were also present. Brother Heber said he was most worn out and he felt quite unwell but nothing hurts my feelings so much as to have one of my families oppress me, he said. I asked him if I had done anything to displease him and he said no, nor anyone else who is here. But I do know who it is and they will have to take a scourging for they have no reason to do so for I try to make you all comfortable don't I, he asked. Yes sir said I, the God of Heaven himself would not try to do better than you do.

At this time, Brother Whitney sent for me to administer to his wife who was very sick. I accordingly went. Brother Lot was there. They called upon me to be mouth and I rebuked the disease in the name of Jesus and Brother Lot followed on and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us and she arose and said she was healed and she wanted to sing in tongues and she sang heartfully and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me at the same time. After she got thru, Brother Whitney asked if I could interpret what his wife had said, I said I had never done the like but by the help of the Lord, I would try. So I arose and spoke concerning her being healed and the glory of God and the power of the Priesthood, and many things that I have not time to write. Brother Lot, Brother Whitney, and Sister Whitney said it was interpreted right well. I stopped and we visited until midnight and I shall ever remember it and thanks be unto the Lord, God of Israel for his holy spirit and may I never grieve it, no never, no never, Amen. I also spoke about holding out and being faithful until the end. They said I should do this. This gives me joy for I like to get the faith of my Brethern.
 

Tuesday noon, May 9, 1848. We started from Winter Quarters for the Valley (Salt Lake Valley) in the mountains. There was my wife Sarah, my son Joseph, my daughter Elizabeth, old madge the dog, three yoke of cattle, two cows of my own, one yoke of cattle of Brother Heber's and two wagons. My family wagon had 1900 pounds, the baggage wagon 2700 pounds, and 2000 pounds for Brother Heber's wagon. We were all in tolerable degree of health, notwithstanding we were somewhat beat out laboring so excessively to get away according to the commands of Brother Heber.

May 10, 1848. We were only seven and one half days getting ready. We were the quickest of any to get fitted out that I know of. We worked from morning until night as fast as I could spring. Brother Heber said I was a first rate fellow and we had done well. We arrived at the first stopping place with the sun about two hours high. There were Brother Heber's five wagons, Brother Jacob's company B, about 20 wagons in all. We camped beside a run of water with our wagons all in a row making a fence on one side and the run of water on the other, this making a yard for our cattle. We cut some trees and placed around to keep the cattle from getting scared. I could not do much as I had cut my hand with a scythe the whole width before we started. Joseph drove our family wagon and I drove the baggage wagon.

I was called on to pray by Sister Buel. Brother Daniel said that I being appointed by Brother Heber, I should be a father to the little company. So we assembled and prayed and thanked God that he had prospered us in that we had got started for the Valley.

May 11, 1848. I arose this morning and it threatened to rain. I went to see about the cattle. There were showers and it was windy. Brother William started for home this morning. He came up with us in a tow horse buggy, together with Brother Brigham and Brother Hyde. Brother Heber was quite unwell having had a chill the night before and he did not deem it wisdom to come this night.

I took the forepart of the nightwatch until one o'clock. We were obliged to keep guard on account of the Lamanites taking our cattle. It was quite cool and pleasant. I went out with the cattle after breakfast. I also finished a letter for my wife Sarah to her brother and sister at Lowell, Massachusetts, stating her thanks to them for sending her ten dollars by Brother Benson. Also to send some more if they felt so disposed and God would bless them.

Friday, May 12, 1848. I went out with the cattle, then ate breakfast and then waited on Sarah with the wash. I took my turn in the afternoon to herd the cattle. Daniel had his turn in the forenoon. Brother Heber came up in the afternoon with Vilats and in good spirits but I did not see him. He left word with my wife Sarah that all things were going right. He was selling off his wagons and teams to pay his debts. He calculated to pay all his debts and then the brethren would have to help him.

This night I did not stand guard. I am somewhat fatigued. We assembled, sang a hymn, had prayers about eight o'clock, and then returned to our wagons.

Saturday, May 13. This morning was beautiful. When I was going with the herd, the prairie hens could be heard in every direction singing praises to Him who made them. Truly, I do feel to offer up my prayers also to Him who has guided my footsteps together with the Saints. This evening, I took the forewatch until 12 o'clock. The cattle were very quiet. There were sixty head in all.

Sunday morning, May 14. This morning somewhat cloudy and threatening with a south wind. We are about six miles from Winter Quarters. I started back for Winter Quarters with Brother Daniel and young Heber. I arrived at my Brother Orlando's house at 11 o'clock and visited him. He had arrived on a boat from St. Louis. He had been gone from home a year. We were glad to meet him. He treated me with some brandy and told about the Gentiles being a perfect set of robbers for all cheat each other. I called on Brother Gardner to see if he had received a letter. Sister Gardner was in trouble for Brother Gardner had had another woman sealed to him unbeknown to Sister Gardner. She said she was almost crazy for she could not help it for a man to serve her so deceivingly. I told her to pray to God and get the Holy Spirit and put her trust in God and not let it trouble her, and she would come around alright. I told her the way I should do if I had authority so to do I should confide with my present wife and have it all understood.

I also called on Brother Benson and got a fan that was sent as a present to Elizabeth from Sister Badlam. I came to the camp in a two horse wagon and my Brother Orlando came part way with me. This night I took the forepart watch until 1 o'clock. A shower came up at nine o'clock and blew very hard. It wet through my family wagon and wet my meal and flour, but we baked it and therefore did not lose it.

Monday morning, May 15. I went out with the herd. It rained until 10 o'clock and then cleared away. I overhauled my wagon and fixed the wagon cover.

Tuesday morning, May 16. Quite pleasant. I took my glass to see if I could see any Lamanites. The report in Winter Quarters was that two horses had been stolen from Dr. Ben Hasel. I could not see any Lamanites so I returned and went on watch with the herd. I counted the cattle and made out the number.

Wednesday morning is pleasant and warm. Went out with the herd. Brother Brigham came up this afternoon and returned this evening. Father Kimball arrived this evening about nine o'clock with Harriet C. and brought some molasses. He sat and talked with us and said he was about thirteen hundred dollars in debt, but the Lord had prospered him wonderfully. He would have about 25 teams to fit out. He was now selling his wagons to pay his debts and he must cancel his debts before he left because he wanted to go honorable. Probably he would have to send his folks with the company and he would have to stay behind a spell and perhaps we could get two or three hundred miles ahead of him.

Thursday, May 18. It is pleasant today. Wind from the South. Brother Heber appointed four men to go to the Papeo River and build a bridge. Brother Daniel and Brother Jacob and tow of his company went. I stopped at home with the herd. My wife Sarah was somewhat sick with a pain in her side. Abortion took place because she worked too hard.

The number of our cattle is not eighty head. It takes six of us to herd 64 head of cattle, 10 horses and six mules. We each carry a gun and a Bowie knife. This evening, Daniel returned from the Papeo and said the bridge would be repaired in about two hours. Brother Jacob went down to Winter Quarters to carry the report to Brother Brigham and Brother Heber. About 40 or 50 wagons arrived here this afternoon. In all now we have about 100 wagons here in camp waiting for the final word to start on the journey to the Valley.

I went with the herd and came back and made some wagon bows. My health is not so good today. William came up with three teams.

Friday, May 19. This morning is beautiful. I stayed home and made bow keys. Also fixed my wagons. About 11 o'clock, Brother Heber sent word up by Brother Gardner that he wanted a company of 12 men to go up to the Papeo River and make a bridge. He thought it would not be expedient to go until morning of the next day. The Papeo is about 12 miles away. Today about 12 o'clock, Brother Snow with about 12 or 15 wagons came in from Pisgah. He said he would go on about two miles and camp, and then wait until morning until we came to pilot the way. Today has been very hot with a south wind. Rain threatens.

Saturday, May 20. Elizabeth was taken to vomiting, purging, and cramping. This morning I calculated to start on horseback with Brother Snow and three or four men but on second thought, I decided not to go while my child was sick. Her hands and feet cramped terribly. Accordingly, I commenced and gave her pepper and ginger and bathed her with pepper tea and gave her a little loblin tincture and sibgnet. About two hours my child got better. About 9 o'clock, Brother Jacob started with his company. It broke up our yard and weakened our watch, therefore, we had a good deal of difficulty to get our cattle together. The remainder of the day was spent in collecting wagons to fill up the line to continue the yard.

This evening I took the forewatch. About 1 o'clock today, Brother William came up together with Sister Helen Saunders, Betty Noon, and Rosy. He said I had done about right as it had weakened to have left sooner. He brought news that a boat load had arrived with some 150 emigrants.

Sunday, May 21. This morning quits warm and pleasant. Wind from the south. Brother William started for town. He thought we would get started for the West in a couple of days. This afternoon Brother Heber and Brother Benson and his wife and Sister Francis and Sister Sarah Whitney came in a buggy wagon together with Brother Brigham and some of his wives. Brother Heber seemed to be somewhat pleased with my proceedings. He said I had done right in holding the company back and if it were not for Daniel and myself to look after the cattle he did not know what he would do. It was a good deal of work to look after the cattle.

After counting out the wagons and the teamsters, having ten wagons here, he wanted us to save out cattle enough to draw those wagons and send the next down in the morning. Sundown he started. It looked like showers. He also said William would come up tomorrow morning and start the next day. About 11 o'clock this evening it lightening in every direction and rain came down in torrents most of the night.

This morning, Monday, May 22. It was very wet and muddy. We commenced to yoke up our cattle. They were not acquainted and it was very hard to yoke them. About 10 o'clock after counting the cattle a number of times, we counted 41 yoke of cattle. Six yoke we sent down to Brother Heber. This evening, Brother Brown came up with one yoke of cattle and took another in their stead. He said he had planted some 2 or 3 acres and did enjoy himself very well. My brother Orlando came up this evening with Brother Green.

Tuesday, May 23. Rained all night and is very disagreeable. 10 o'clock it still rains and blows very hard. Come with the herd. The cattle are very troublesome. It leaked in one wagon but not enough to spoil our bread stuff. 3 o'clock Brother William came up with George and three wagons. Said we would not get started in two days. They said that Jack Reading and one Potter and another man had robbed a man over the other side of the river (Missouri). They had Jack and Potter in custody and there was a great deal of excitement. Tonight it cleared and was quite pleasant.

Wednesday, May 24. This morning was somewhat rainy. We moved from the present camping place to a hill west out of the mud for it is very muddy. An accident happened. One brother started for the Papeo and one yoke of his cows behaved quite badly. One cow threw herself and broke her neck. They cut her throat, crossed it, and divided it. We got one quarter. About 3 o'clock Brother Brigham came up and started for the Papeo River, the ford. About 9 o'clock William and Phineas Kimball and Henenrenshank came up from Winter Quarters.

Thursday, May 25. This morning was quite pleasant. Cloudy and south wind. Started Brother Burger with the baggage wagon and 3 yoke of oxen. He was to go to the Horn (Elkhorn River ford). He boarded with me for five days before he started. We missed a span of mules this morning. After a few hours hunt we found them not a great distance from the herding place. About 11 o'clock William and some others started for Winter Quarters. About sunset a number of wagons came from Winter Quarters. George Billings came up from town to take down 8 yoke of oxen, in the morning. I stood the forewatch this evening. I am much fatigued. It is as much as I can do to keep awake. Our wagons are set in the form of a ring or corral or fort. Fifty in number. Herein we put our cattle at night and watch them. They are very unruly sometimes, and it requires a close watch.

Friday, May 26. This morning is pleasant and beautiful. I called on some of the boys to help yoke up the oxen until George got through eating his breakfast. Some passed for the Papeo this forenoon. The wind is in the south and it is quite warm. We are expecting to move for the Horn tomorrow, and to get on our way. William came up with two wagons about sunset and complained of being some sick. The boys let a muley cow run away. Expect she went home. This evening is pleasant. I formed the guard and went to bed and slept until 12 o'clock. I arose and shouted the hour for the watch to be relieved. I arose in the morning at daybreak.

Saturday, May 27. Very cloudy. Wind from the south this morning. Counted the cattle. Forty-two yoke. George Rhodes and myself put on a wagon cover and repaired some others. William went to town with a span of horses. At 3 o'clock, a strong high south wind blew our wagon covers very much. Brother William came up with a carriage any my brother Orlando came with an ox team. About 6 o'clock, I organized the watch and went to bed. I arose about 3 o'clock and the wind was blowing very hard and it was showery in the southwest. I commenced to repair the wagons for rain in a few minutes. The wind changes and come up in the northwest with a tolerable shower and much lightening and thunder. The rain beat in some of our wagons and spoiled some of our provisions.

Sunday, May 28. This morning very disagreeable. About 1 o'clock, brother Whitney had two teams come to camp and they reported that brother Whitney and brother Heber were coming tomorrow. George Billings and Cy Rhodes found the muley cow that was lost last night. She was about three miles from camp. I feel somewhat beat out and fatigued but I do thank my God, my Heavenly Father for the blessings he has bestowed upon me. This evening is quite pleasant. I formed the guard and went to bed and slept until 12 o'clock when I was awakened by brother Whitney who said a man had some for the doctor. Ben had lifted too hard and was very sick.

Monday morning, May 29. This morning is beautiful and the wind is in the southwest. We yoked up 12 yoke of oxen to go down to the town to move up some wagons. Brother William came up about sundown with brother Heber's wagon, Sarah and wagon, and brother Martin's wagon. This evening I set the guard in order and took the forewatch until 2 o'clock. Brother Heber told me that the way had opened up before him as I had prophesied. A man had come and put money in his hands and within one week, he (brother Heber), had made out and paid away eleven hundred dollars notwithstanding it had looked so dark before. Truly I did feel very much pleased and blessed by the God of Israel to see the words that I had spoken come to pass. I was moved only by the Spirit.

Tuesday, May 30. This morning a number of the teams started out for the Horn. At 10 o'clock, brother Heber said he was going down to Winter Quarters for the last time. He returned about sunset. This day commenced to put on the wagon covers and fixing to start tomorrow morning.
 

Wednesday morning, May 31, 1848. Very pleasant. Wind in the southwest. Somewhat high. We commenced greasing the wheels and preparing for the great move to the Valley of the Mountains. We are off. At ten o'clock, we got on a move to the Horn. Came to a stop. The sun one hour high. The cattle strayed in every direction. I take it on myself to round them up notwithstanding I am much fatigued. I walked nearly two miles before I could stop them. I organized the guard and stood until 2 o'clock in the morning.

Thursday morning, June 1. Very pleasant. Not feeling very well. I did not arise very early. Some of the teams were moved down to the ferry before breakfast. About 9 o'clock, all the teams had arrived and ready to cross. We crossed one team at a time on a raft made of logs bound together and a rope attached to one end to pull it back. This river is small but raises about 12 rods wide in high water but fordable in low. We and Brother Whitney got over and formed in a corral about 3 o'clock. Here again, I traveled after the cattle. In crossing the cattle got scattered somewhat. After some labor and fatigue, I got the cattle together again. At night, we had about 100 wagons in a ring formation. In the suburbs, William formed a guard of six men for the forewatch and six for the afterwatch. I retired to bed very much fatigued. Brother Hyde and Brother Woodruff came to camp with Brother Benson.

Saturday, June 3. This morning was cloudy. I went out with the herd. Teams in at 7 o'clock. At 11 o'clock, heavy showers came up. It rained two hours and then was quite pleasant. This evening I organized the guard and returned. Elizabeth was very sick with a cold on her lungs She had the earache.

Sunday morning, June 4. Very pleasant. Somewhat cool. Wind in the northwest. To look around and see the vast plains interspersed with small groups of timber it is enough to make a person exclaim, "surely God of Heaven has constructed the earth to make man rejoice." This afternoon I go with the herd. It is with much difficulty that I can constrain the boys to keep the cattle together, but I feel to be as patient as possible. This evening I organized the guard and stood the forepart of the watch. It was not cold. I retired at half past 12 o'clock.

Monday morning, June 5. This morning was somewhat cold and cloudy. Went out with the herd. Came to camp and went out after axle tree timber with Thomas. Elizabeth is some better. Some more wagons have arrived from Winter Quarters. The orders are to start from here tomorrow. This evening I organized the guard and stood the forepart of the watch.
 

Tuesday, June 6. This morning was pleasant. Drove the herd early. We expected to start early this morning but there was some delay. We expected to start about nine o'clock but the news came from the herd that the Indians were driving off a number of the cattle. Some of the men went in all directions. Some followed the Indians and found the cattle. They had killed one of the oxen and were butchering it. The boys fired on the Indians but the Indians returned the fire. One Brother Reaker got shot through the back and they did not expect him to live. Brother Howard Egan was shot through the wrist and Brother William Kimball's horse was shot in the hip and maimed but not bad. For two hours I never saw such confusion. Most of Brother Heber's boys were scattered from one place to another. No one to take hold and tackle up. However, I took it all in a cool and collected and deliberate manner and saw to the yoking up of the cattle as quickly as possible.

We got ready to start and traveled about three miles and stopped and formed a large corral. There were from 150 to 200 wagons. I was almost sick abed. Brother Heber sent word by Brother Billings to form a guard on his wagons. I did so and I retired about 10 o'clock. We had a light shower of rain.

Wednesday, June 7. This morning was somewhat cloudy. I found my cattle after much trouble. There were about 1000 head of cattle, and so many owners. We hitched on about 9 o'clock and started and rolled on. The country is level and beautiful as far as the eye can extend. We got to the Platt River about 10 o'clock, a distance of 12 miles from the Horn. We watered our cattle and nooned here. We moved up the river keeping near the stream. About 4 o'clock we formed a corral on a slough near the river. Brother Heber came to me and said he appointed me as captain of a team and wanted me to take a number of men. Brother George Pitkin, Brother Charles Hubbard, Brother Edward Martin, Thomas Cushing, Henry Ovate, Asel Harmans. Brother Bibra and another man, Brother , both sickly. These men were in my team. Tonight I stood guard the forepart. Quite a hard shower came from the west. Henry Cushing stood guard the latter part of the night.

Thursday, June 8. I arose. It was cloudy and some rainy. My Brother, Orlando, who had been traveling behind me with his wagon concluded to in another team for what purpose I know not. After talking with Brother Heber, he started out in the first team with Brother Billings as captain. Mine being the second team and Haber's five of the first, I asked Brother Heber why my brother Orlando do not agree. I said I tried to wield no harm. I said I do not disagree with him never. Says he, "you must be mild." I said I tried to wield no harm. He said, "no". About 9 o'clock we started from this place. We traveled until 1 o'clock, a distance of eight miles. Here we formed a corral and let out our cattle near the river. Elizabeth is quite unwell and Joseph is not much help for he cannot drive but a little while before he is tired. Myself and wife are very busy. Brother Whitney's son fell off a horse this forenoon and hurt himself very badly. It has been somewhat rainy most of the forenoon. Brother Heber called the people together and said he did not have much to say but in short he would say he did not want to start from the place until we all commenced to do our duty and it was the duty of every man to pray in his family night and morning and unless we did so our cattle and wagons would fail. Says he, look at the scrap at the Horn. How my son William was preserved by the power of God. Also Brother Ricks. The guns were leveled at them and they called upon their God and they were delivered. Brother Howard and Brother Ricks are getting better than could be expected. This morning the captains were acknowledged as brother captains of one hundred. Captain Billings first fifty and Brother Parker captain of second fifty. Brother Burger first captain of 20 and I, Joseph, was appointed second captain of 10. I formed my guard our of my ten and returned to bed very much fatigued.

Friday, June 9. I arose in the morning before sunrise. It was beautiful. Everything seemed to say truly there is a God of Israel. After breakfast, I went out to the herd and helped to gather up the cattle. We started at nine o'clock and traveled until four o'clock and then stopped near the river in the beautiful prairie. The country we have passed through is flat, beautiful, rich soil. This evening I went to bed early and had a good night's rest.

Saturday, June 10. I arose at daybreak and helped with the cattle. About eight-thirty o'clock, we started and arrived at a camping place at two-thirty o'clock near the river about five miles from Sharpes Trading Store. It has been very hot today and the cattle pant very much. The country is flat and somewhat sandy. The Captain of the Guard gave me the names of eight men and said that I must see that the camp is guarded the forepart of the night. I feel very much fatigued and it is as much as I can do to keep awake and stand up. But the God of Israel, being my helper, I am determined to do my duty.

Sabbath morning, June 11. This morning is beautiful and pleasant. The wind is in the south. I made out a list of names and property belonging to my company. My company was broke up on account of accommodating some. My company consists of eleven males, and six females and eleven wagons. I do feel truly thankful to my Heavenly Father that all is as well with me as it is. I desire with all my heart to overcome my evil propensities, and endure the trials and hardships I have to encounter. I count them but as drops as compared with the glory that is laid up for them who hold out and are faithful until the end. At eleven o'clock, a meeting was held and a number spoke. Brother Heber said we should teach our children to stay out of the water and for us to stop growling and be good natured and observe the rules of the camp and all would be well with us.

Monday, June 12. This morning is beautiful and the wind is in the south. We started about eight-thirty o'clock. We traveled over a vast prairie near the Platt River. The road was very good. We arrived at a camping place at five-thirty o'clock near the river bank. We traveled eighteen miles today. It has been quite cold for this time of the year.

Tuesday, June 13. Today we traveled ten miles, and the sun was a half an hour high when we camped.

Wednesday, June 14. Morning was pleasant but windy and dusty. We traveled twelve miles today.

Thursday, June 15. Pleasant but somewhat windy today. Very dusty and bad creek crossings. Traveled fourteen miles today. Completed an axle tree for Brother Conners at ten o'clock tonight.

Friday morning pleasant. Rain threatens. One of Brother Heber's cows went back and detained us. My team started with the rest. We stopped until ten o'clock and waited. William returned but did not find the cow. We caught up with the camp at five o'clock. We received a message from Brother Brigham through Squire Wells that he, Brother Brigham, had arrived at the Fording Place on Luke's Fork and would wait until we came up. It was about eighteen miles. A terrible shower camp up as we arrived at camp and I got wet through and some of my things in the wagon. Brother Cox had a child killed by it falling out of the wagon and the wagon wheels passed over it. It rained all through the night.

Saturday, June 17. This morning a strong wind from the south. I feel cold and stiff. We expect to start at ten o'clock for Luke's Fork, it being six miles to go. It is very muddy and there are a number of ravens. We have to double to go up the hills. At twelve o'clock, a shower came up and we were obliged to stop. The country is beautiful to look at. We arrived at camp at four o'clock. We could look over the river and see Brother Brigham's camp. It reminded me of Israel of old traveling in the wilderness. At six o'clock, a squally shower camp up and I was obliged to hold my wagon bows down from blowing off. The cattle were uneasy and hard to hold in the corral.

Saturday, June 18. Some wind from the northwest. It is cool. Wind came from that direction all night. Brother Brigham sent fifty yoke of cattle over the river to double on our teams. We had a mile to go get across. We used from five to ten yoke of cattle on a wagon. The wagons are on a tremble while crossing over because of the quicksand. The water was up to the axletree. I crossed the second time and them wend back with our cattle. We crossed in single file behind and so on until they were all across. I believe in Heber's company, there were two hundred wagons and in both companies there were six hundred. While crossing, I met Brother Brigham and took hold of his hand. He said he was glad I had come. The Spirit of the Lord did truly rest down upon me from the crown of my head to the soles of my feet. After all, the wagons and loose cattle got across, they formed in a corral. About three o'clock, after the wagons were regulated, word came that our cattle were scattered through some misunderstanding. Truly I never felt so fatigued in all my days. It seemed to me I could not step one foot ahead of the other. My body is weakened getting wet so often and I am almost sick. I continue to call upon the Lord for health and strength for me and my family for the journey. Also that my teams and wagons might be strong, that my provisions may not spoil, and our clothing not mildew. I do feel thankful unto the Lord for his goodness unto my family, myself, and all of Israel.

Sunday, June 19. It rained this morning. I feel somewhat unwell. There was some talk of starting this afternoon. At ten o'clock, a meeting was called. Brother Brigham arose and said he was glad he was here and if there were any here who were going to the Valley of the Mountains with any other purpose than to glorify God as they were expected to do in this work, they had better go back now to the Gentile world for you might as well be damned there as go to the west and be damned. Among other things, he said he believed that we as a people did not grumble one tenth as ancient Israel. There was peace in his compound as well as in the others. There were about five hundred wagons in his camp. He would prepare to start in the morning first and go to the next camp about thirty miles where there is wood and water.

Monday, June 20. Heber's company started at nine o'clock. We traveled fifteen miles through mud and sand. All the teams, men, and women were used up. Some did not get to bed until midnight. I and my company stood guard for three hours.

Tuesday, June 21. I arose this morning at six o'clock. I am sore all over. It is cool and pleasant. It is somewhat muddy on account of the rain the day before. The going was pretty good today. We traveled ten miles today. We stopped with the sun two hours high. We stopped by the creek near Grand Island.

Wednesday, June 22. Rain threatened. The people were called together to see if we could enter into some measures to travel more in comfort and ease. Accordingly, Brother Heber proposed that Brother Highbee take his company and travel by himself, and some of those who broke of his company must join them again for he was a good man. Also, we must keep our cattle together and be more strict to obey orders. The captains often were set over them to act as fathers to their company. They should all help one another. We started at eleven o'clock and crossed Wood River and traveled nine miles. We camped at five-thirty o'clock near a little pond three-quarters of a mile from the Platt River.

Thursday, June 23. It was cloudy and rain threatened. My family is well and in a tolerable degree of health but very much fatigued. I do feel to thank my Heavenly Father for his mercies endureth forever. He has answered my prayers. This is a consolation to me. I do desire to spend in the service of my God. I feel my weaknesses and frailties. I pray I may overcome and hold out until the end. All the camp started excepting my ten consisting of Brother Heber's wagon and Brother Whitney's ten. Thus, Jim Steel and Daniel went back to find two cows that had been lost. We waited until eleven o'clock when they returned without the cows. We started shortly, notwithstanding, it started to rain. We arrived at camp at sunset and traveled about ten miles. The roads were very good and the rain settled the dust. On the way, we saw many antelopes jumping about as far as the eyesight could extend. At the camping place, we had a small pond to water our cattle. It was dark and miry.

Friday, June 24. Very cool but pleasant. Wind in the northwest. We started at eight o'clock and passed through the beautiful flat country. We traveled up the Platt River near Grand Island and came to camp about five o'clock on the bank of the river to get wood on the other side. It is waist deep. Brother Ricks' son who was shot by the Indians, is getting better. Also, Brother Howard and Egan who were shot in the arm are also getting well. It is my turn to stand guard, but being worn out, Brother William took the Captain of the Guard this evening. I retired to bed early and arose refreshed.

Saturday, June 25. The orders as that we tackle up our teams and move about seven or eight miles ahead and let the women wash and we overhaul some of our wagons, and burn some coal for the smith. We started. Sun up an hour high when the last wagon started. We arrived at the camp spot about eleven o'clock near a creek. It was cool and somewhat dusty. We were obliged to dig a well about seven feet deep to get good water. Our wood was willow brush and buffalo chips. The grass is good but the land is somewhat saturated with saltpeter.

Sunday, June 26. It is pleasant but somewhat cloudy and cool. I went out with the herd before sunrise. Brother William called me to inform my company there would be a meeting about eleven o'clock. I did not go as my business was such that I could not. I always feel it is my duty to get everything ready for the Sabbath as much as possible and rest accordingly to commandments. I feel thankful to my Heavenly Father for his goodness unto me and my family that we are in a tolerable degree of health. I have one lame ox. The gravel is in his foot. This evening the wind blows very hard and showers threaten. We have a south wind. We had a visit from a camp of soldiers from the other side of the Platt River. They are surveying ground for a fort at the head of Grand Island. This place is two hundred fourteen miles from Winter Quarters. Daniel and Davis dug a spring in this place and Daniel named it Heber's Spring.

Monday, June 27. Rain threatened. We started this morning about eight o'clock. Roads level but wind high and dusty. Traveled about nineteen miles today. Got in camp about seven o'clock p.m., three quarters of a mile from the river.

Tuesday, June 28. Quite pleasant. Some cool. I went out with the herd. We started about eight-thirty o'clock. At noon, we came up with the Brigham Camp beside the river. Saw some good prospects of buffalo. Two of my horses and one ox went lame. This ox is the mate to the one that is already lame. George Clawson and Henry Steel brought one horse and two mules into camp. They caught them on the other side of the river.

Wednesday, June 29. Quite pleasant. Wind from the south. Started at nine o'clock. Very windy and dusty. Traveled eleven miles and camped near the river. My white cow is in with a calf. I am obliged to kill it as we cannot take it along. It was dark before we got it corralled. I stood guard with five of my men. I feel very much fatigued.

Thursday, June 30. This morning is pleasant but still very sultry. We have to travel slow today. We camped with the sun about one hour high. We traveled thirteen miles today. Tonight they brought in camp a dead buffalo. I had a nice piece of meat. This was the first time I had eaten any fresh buffalo meat.

Friday, July 1. Pleasant and windy. A herd of buffalo can be seen in the distance. At four o'clock, the boys drove a number of the buffalo towards the road, a number were killed. Five in number. We traveled about two miles afterwards and then camped near a slough. The going today was sandy and it was hot. Billy Rhodes fell off the tongue of a wagon and both wheels ran over him. Blood gushed out of his mouth. I called some of the brethren to administer to him and he got relief.

Saturday, July 2. Pleasant and cool. Somewhat windy. Traveled thirteen miles. Sandy and uneven.

Sunday, July 3. Pleasant and cool. Had a meeting with Brother Brigham's camp. I did not go. In the evening, Brother Heber called the captains together and counselled to choose six brethren to hunt buffalo. He also spoke about standing guard, being particular and responsible men. After all had spoken, I asked for the liberty to say a few words. I told them the men I had to do with were first rate good fellows, that they did walk their part well and were faithful. And that I did also walk the best in the name of the Lord.

Monday, July 4. We started from here about ten o'clock. We got detained because of some settling of wagon tires. We traveled about twelve miles today and got to camp about sunset. I was very tired and went to bed somewhat sick. I arose in the morning somewhat renewed. We started about seven o'clock. The going is sandy and hard on the cattle. My wife Sarah drives one team and it is very fatiguing for her. May the Lord bless her labors. I am obliged to call on the Lord, God of Israel, to help my cattle from their lameness and soreness. I do know that my God does hear my prayers. We came to camp about five o'clock.

I shall now record the most prominent news through the week for I cannot find time to record daily. I have so much business to attend to and being so much fatigued and nothing happening of importance. Brother Whitney's team was tipped over in the river but it did not break anything, but wet some of the things. The going is very sandy. We have 200 miles to go from this place without timber, nothing but brush willows. In burning it makes good fire to cook with considering it is very sandy and dusty. The lay of the country is somewhat broken, on to bluffs and ravines.

This Saturday evening, July 9, we got out of the range of the buffalo. Fifteen men were chosen and sent back twelve miles and returned with five buffalo and five deer.

Sunday, July 10. Brother Brigham with others came back seventeen miles to see us. They had met some from the Valley. Said some were coming with teams. They fetched a good report. A meeting was called for three o'clock and some good council was given by Brother Heber. He was acknowledged as our superintendent and leader of a portion of the camp of Israel.

Monday, July 11. This morning pleasant. This week sand bluffs. Very hard crossing. Had to double teams many times. The most singular bluffs is the Coblers and Ancient Ruins. The bluffs look like old forts and ruined cities about one hundred miles from Fort Laramie.

Saturday evening we camped opposite the Chimney Rock. Today we traveled twenty miles. Very hard going. They Chimney Rock is on the opposite side of the river, about two miles distant. I looked through my glass and the Chimney Rock had the appearance of a bluff shattered to pieces. It was a pillar of stone about three hundred feet high. There are many singular looking bluffs around.

Sunday, July 17. This morning very pleasant and cool. I took the list of names in my ten this morning for the old organization was not made out right. Since that time, my organization has enlarged. It is composed of Brother Heber's whole family. Number of males; thirty-three, number of females; twenty-eight; the whole total of sixty-one souls. The number of wagons; twenty-five, horses; ten, mules; nine, cows; twenty, working cattle; eighty, sheep; twelve, hogs; two, chickens; twenty-eight, dogs; two, deer; one. This composes my whole train.

Monday morning, July 18. We started after making Brother Heber's company into four according to the conclusion reached the Sabbath before, for the accommodation of ourselves and our cattle. Today we traveled until noon. We crossed the river. The water was not deep but very hard for the teams to cross. The last teams crossed about nine o'clock. No accident happened except with Brother Egan. His wagon turned on its side but did not hurt anything. It was late when we turned our stock out and not much new food.

We started from this point by July 25. We came to Fort Laramie. We have had some long drives without much food for our cattle and scant places for water. The country is perfectly dry and sandy. But the Lord did hear our cries and did give our cattle strength so they did stand it very well.

This day, Monday, July 25, 1848, we started for Bitter Creek about ten miles away. The road is very hilly and some sand. We travel about eight miles. I stopped my company on the Bitter Creek. We found a beautiful spring of water and feed. Here we got refreshed. It rained some and laid the dust. I called this place The Joseph Spring for I was very thankful to my Heavenly Father that he had spared me thus far. I had prayed continually for my family and cattle that they might hold out through this dry country. Truly I did see the power of God made manifest for my cattle sere lame a number of times and I did administer to them in the name of Jesus Christ and they were healed. We arrived at this camping place this evening about five o'clock. It is a good place and about eight miles from Laramie Peak. We stopped here until Monday, August 1. It rained and it is beautiful. It looks more like the Garden of Eden than any place we have passed through. It is a hilly country with brush and looks beautiful. There are many choke cherries and wild currants. We feasted ourselves on them. My wife Sarah continues to drive the team. We are in a tolerable degree of health although, she, my wife, has a numbness in one of her hands and it extends up her arm to her shoulder. I bathed her hand and arm with pepper tea and it got some better. We stopped here to do some blacksmithing. The name of the creek is Bitter Creek.

July 29. This morning about three o'clock, the cattle being corralled took a fright and ran over wagons and broke one wheel. There was a sick woman in the wagon but she was not hurt. The cattle got away and we had to run about two miles in the hills after them. Some of the cattle were injured for traveling, horns were broken off a cow and an ox. This evening we started and the sun was about one hour high. We traveled about five miles. We chained the oxen to our wagons and while we were talking about it and the best way to do it, a negro man came and dropped a log. This frightened the oxen again and some of them jerked the wagons prodigiously. We unchained them from the wagons as quickly as possible and guarded them. They lay composed for half an hour. Then they started all at once and jumped around and got away. They ran for two miles. I ran in the rain until I got beat out. I kneeled down and asked my Heavenly Father to give me strength and that the Spirit of Quietness would rest upon our cattle and that we might find them. I returned in peace with Brother Saunders driving five yoke. I found one of my yoke lying down with I returned. I watched them a space and they started a couple of times. But my cattle were quieted for I had cried unto my Heavenly Father to cast out the Spirit of Fear out of my cattle and I do believe He did.

I am quite fatigued but I think my health is gaining. While traveling today, one of my cattle gave out before we got to the camping place. He quivered and shook and staggered like he was blind and had the blind staggers. He fell on his knees and I called on Brother Bybes to administer with me and so we did and he, the ox, seemed to get better. I unhitched the chain and let him follow for about half a mile to the camp. After turning my team I went back for my oxen and found them feeding. I kneeled down and prayed and thanked my Heavenly Father for healing my ox. It was a testimony to me to see him healed.

Sunday morning, July 31. We could not find all of our cattle. They had wandered off after water, not having much for thirty-six hours. About three o'clock we found them near a mountain eight miles away. With the sun about half an hour high, we started for Horse Creek about three miles away. It is bad going and my wife Sarah has a hard time but the God of Israel does bless her and my children.

Aug. 1. The going is very bad and hilly. Some of my cattle are lame but the Lord does hear my cries and he can decrease the despair before me. I rejoice in his goodness to me and mine. I do have the Spirit of Peace that speaks peaceable things unto me, even things to come, therefore, I feel to put my trust in Him, even in the God of Israel, that we might be prospered on our journey and that I may live to see Zion built up and desire to live for to win souls unto Christ. I teach my children to pray continually and to seek to do good that they may live long on the earth. I do go in secret and bow down before my Heavenly Father and in the name of Jesus to bless my wife and children and prolong my life upon the earth and the welfare of Zion. There is nothing I delight so much in as I do in the things of God.

Aug. 5. Nothing happened this week of any importance. The country is hilly and nothing but sage brush and sand and mountains. There is some little grass on the creeks but it is very scarce. We do make out to get enough for our cattle and horses. Sometimes they go without grass and water for twenty hours, but the God of Israel does sustain us for we could not travel very far with such poor cattle. Very few of our cattle have died.

Aug. 13. Sabbath. Came to camp near the Sweet Water River about one o'clock. I do feel thankful to my Heavenly Father that He has brought us this far this week. The going has been very rough. I have traveled some in the night. Being captain of a team, I was obliged to go ahead. I have seen the power of God made manifest for some of our cattle got poisoned at the Poison Springs. We administered to them and they got well. It has been cool and windy. Brother Heber had a wagon turned over crossing a creek. It damaged the wagon and bruised William Rhodes some but not seriously. Brother Bybes broke an axletree by the cattle turning around in a shower.

Aug. 24. The past two weeks have been cool and dry. The going sandy and rough. Some of the cattle have died so the brethren have to help each other. Brother Brigham sent back a number of teams. Brother Brigham and Brother Heber camped thirteen miles this side of the Pacific Springs. Here they turned back some forty teams they had borrowed from brethren in the states. Some forty teams had arrived from the Valley (Great Salt Lake) to replace the teams to be sent back to the states. A number of the wagons are unloaded on the ground waiting for teams. Brother Heber is detained on account of his wife, Helen, being sick. She was confined some two weeks ago but lost her child. A few days ago she was out of her head.

Sept. 1. We camped on the last crossing of the Sweet Water, two miles below Brother Brigham's camp. A very cold storm came from the northeast with some snow. I got wet running after the cattle. Monday morning we started for the Pacific Springs. We crossed the South Pass about noon. We are now going down.

Sept. 9. We camped on Hans Fork. Good food and water. Two days back not much for our cattle. We came ninety miles this week. It has been quite warm but pleasant. We are in a tolerable degree of health. My wife, Sarah, still drives one of the teams and walks more thank half of the way. When she started she could not walk. It is the same with me and my children. I do feel thankful to my Heavenly Father and do acknowledge His hand for I do know that he has heard my cries for my wife and children and cattle. My cattle have been healed and gained in strength and their lameness has departed. If His blessings continue I shall take them through safe and sound. I do continue my supplications unto Him for the preservation of mine and my brethren and for the welfare of God's Kingdom. This is my prayer when I walk, and when I sit down and when I lie down.

Sept. 20. This morning pleasant. Camped near the Bear Springs. The country very hilly and rough. We are about three miles from Bear River. My son Joseph got run over near this place. We stopped our teams for those who were in ahead of us as Joseph was in the act of jumping out of the wagon. He fell down in front of the forward wheel and it grazed his hip and ran over his arm between his elbow and shoulder. It broke his arm short off. We set it to the best of our ability and administered to him and laid him on the bed and he did not experience any pain. We camped near the Cove Rock together with Brother Heber's company. Here we remained over the Sabbath. Brother Heber called a meeting and Brother Baldwin opened it. Brother Heber spoke many good things. Brother Whitney spoke and bore testimony to what Brother Heber had said. He prophesied that Brother Heber would live until his hair was as white as wool and he would see many of us alive then. He called on the captains to speak but Brother Howard Egan said he did not feel like speaking as he was under the weather. I thought I would not withhold my peace as the Spirit rested upon me, therefore, I bore testimony of the truth and the yearning of the blessings of God which had attended us on our journey and that I know God had heard my cries and answered my prayers for I had prayed for myself and for them in the mountains when they were asleep. I also did prophesy concerning Brother Heber that he would live until his hair was white as wool and I would live to see him. Truly I did feel the Spirit of God. Brother Heber said the Spirit of God was there. The meeting closed. Brother Heber prayed.

Monday morning we started. The road is rough going through the canyons. There are many creeks to cross and the road is narrow with many willows on each side and beside the mountain. It makes it very hard driving. A number of axletrees broke and a number of wagons turned over but no one was killed.

My wife, Sarah, has driven a team thus far. She is a heroine. She is the only female that I know of who has driven an ox team in the company through these canyons and over these mountains. Truly my task is great to see to my two teams but God fives me patience and grace sufficient for my day.
 

September 26, 1848. Sabbath morning in Emigration Canyon, about eight miles from the fort in the Valley. It is a beautiful morning. We got to the mouth of the canyon about eleven o'clock and could see the fort. (NOTE: They are now in the Great Salt Lake Valley. The fort is the beginning of the City). Truly to look down upon the valley it did my heart and body good for the Spirit of God did rest upon me and I did feel that, "This is the Place for me." We came down from the mouth of the canyon, some three hundred wagons. The company reached nearly from the mouth of the fort. We found a corral north of the fort. Here most of us stayed until Tuesday morning. I asked Brother Heber if he would show me my lot. He shown me the boundary of his block north of the Temple Block on Block _________ .

Wednesday, I started up Butte Canyon for a load of wood, about six miles. The road was bad. The third day I got two loads of wood. We camped beside a branch of City Creek. The weather was pleasant and warm.

October 1, 1848. Brother Heber came to me and said if I would help him get wood he would help me. I took my team with Daniel and went north about ten miles after saw logs. We cut three saw logs that day and it rained very hard. We had to stop in the canyon all night. In the morning it rained and then snowed two inches. About nine o'clock it cleared off. I was prodigious wet and cold for I was almost barefoot. I had nothing but a pair of moccasins almost worn out. When I started from Winter Quarters I had only one pair of shoes and am therefore very destitute. But thank God it is all for Christ's sake for I do rejoice in my Heavenly Father for what he has done for me.

Monday, Oct. 9. We laid out the building seventy-six feet long and seventeen feet wide. Brother Volley and myself vest to laying the foundation. I would mention there was a conference held on the sixth but adjourned until the Sabbath on account of the hurrying time. Brother Brigham taught many good things about the Priesthood. He taught there could be a great many apostles but there must be a hood. The apostles might have the same power and keys but not to be the head. The conference was adjourned until the next Sabbath. The weather is quite pleasant.

Sunday morning, the weather pleasant and warm. The conference commenced. Brother Brigham said he wanted to impress the minds of the people not to grab too much land. He taught the mechanics would have enough to do to take care of their city lots and work to their trades and give up their five acres each which they drawed for. We did not know anything about our land here, how it would produce. Therefore, I put in about ten acres less. The weather continues to be fine with frost and snow on the mountains. I continued to work for Brother Heber until we got up the walls of the building, about three weeks.

Oct. 19. I commenced to haul my dogies, sand, clay, and stone. The weather is fine and the brethren are putting in wheat. In twenty days I hauled all of my stuff for my house and tended myself with the exception of little Joseph helping me. The dimensions of my house are sixteen feet by nineteen feet by eleven feet four inches high.

November 23. I drawed by lot a good piece of land, twenty acres all plowed. I commenced and plowed three acres and put in wheat. One bushel for myself that my children gleaned the fields. I could not buy any. They were asking four and five dollars a bushel for wheat. I also two bushels of Brother Heber to sow by halves.

Nov. 29. I started for the North Canyon to get some wood. I camped out at night and slept in the wagon. I was cold as there was some snow. However, there was not much snow as it was mild for this time of the year. I enjoy good health and my wife Sarah and children are also well. I feel to render thanks unto my God for his goodness unto me.

Dec. 3. Pretty cool. The cattle get good feed in the mountains. Corn is $1.25 per bushel or for six pounds of beef. Pumpkins one dollar per dozen and everything according.

Dec. 10. Sabbath. It has been very snowy the past week. It is cold and crisp and all the mills are froze up. It is colder than it was last season. I moved in my house on Tuesday. I put a few boards over my plaster. I was not able to finish my house it being too cold. The soldiers came home this fall and brought considerable gold dust and the Church bought it and started a mint. The mail came in from Winter Quarters. All well there. They raised a good crop. They are about to start a company for the Gulf of Mexico to explore a way to emigrate to this place, Salt Lake Valley. Brother Aimslyman to be their leader. Lyman Wight was cut off from the Church. He is in treason together with George Miller.

December 17. Very cool and windy during past week. Had snow from eight to twelve inches. It is hard for our cattle and I cannot do much for I have no shoes or boots. My moccasins are in bad condition and I have to sole them with green hide tusk. My feet are frosted and my wife and children are in the same predicament. Our bread is running low. We live chiefly on whole corn, beans, and squash. It is very uncomfortable in our house. The wind blows hard and with the snow it takes most of my time to cut enough wood, repair moccasins, and hunt cattle. Twenty five came from the Cotton Wood with an ox to beef. It snowed this morning. Somewhat cool. Cattle scattered all over the country. Nevertheless, I do feel to rejoice notwithstanding our indigent circumstances that we are in. I feel to render thanks to my Heavenly Father for His mercies unto us. I pray to Him that He may spare my life to do a might work, even to help spread the Gospel. There is some contention among the brethren. Some are murmuring against the heads. That grieves me for I do know they are good men and walk the earth according to their knowledge.

December 30. The past week has been snowy and cold. Very hard on the cattle.

January 1, 1849. Brother Heber invited myself and wife to come to his house on New Years Day and fast and pray. Accordingly, we went. Some fifty of his family were gathered to hear words from him. He arose and said, "I feel more like keeping the New Year by fasting and praying than in any other way." It was a day of troubles and the winter was severe for all of our cattle. He, Brother Heber, had some hundred head of cattle and horses and nothing for them to eat. It was so with the rest of the brethren. But it will all turn out for the good of those who love the Lord and keep His commandments. It is to scourge out the rebels and it will turn out for the glory of the Lord, he said. "I never felt so in my life it seems so that I cannot keep my tongue still and I am full and running over," he said. Truly he spoke many good things and prophesied many things but I do not have time to write them. We also had music and singing. Truly, the Spirit of the Lord was there.

In the evening, he called us into supper and the table was set in splendid style. We had good fat beef, macriel beans, a number of kinds of soup, and cakes and pies. After supper, we were all called together again and he spoke to us. He also called on me and Brother Whitney to speak. Brother Whitney spoke of many good things before the meeting closed. I arose and bore testimony of what had been said. I was filled with the Spirit of God which I do feel to thank my Heavenly Father for His goodness and for the Holy Ghost. I can truly say that I never was to a meeting where it was so hard to part as it was there. About twelve o'clock we retired to our homes. It was rainy and snowy.

Sunday, Jan. 7. The past week has been unpleasant and somewhat cold. Today a meeting was held at Brother Heber's and he spoke many good things. He said we must be very faithful for the time must come we must behold for ourselves and come withing the vail and make our anchor sure and steadfast or the Devil would deceive us. I also bore testimony to the truth and we had a fine meeting.

Sunday, Jan.14. During the past week I finished putting the roof on my house. Brother Covert helped me. The weather is quite moderate and the snow has melted off wonderfully. Friday it snowed about four inches. My wife, children, and I are in pretty good health. It is about as much as I can do to get enough wood and mend moccasins.

Jan. 21. The past week has been cloudy and cold with some snow. The wind has shifted from the north to the south. Frequent meetings are held. The elders of Israel are beginning to bestir themselves. In fact, quite a reformation has commenced. Flirting and dancing has pretty much ceased.

Jan. 28. It has thawed and snowed some during the past week. My cattle are very weak but God blesses them and they are doing as well as could be expected. The snow is so deep north of here that they are obliged to drive their cattle south near this place to save them. At a meeting held at Brother Heber's house he spoke of the iniquity of some of the people leading the innocent astray and if they did not stop it they would make a public example of them, for said he, we must be a holy people.

Feb. 5. The past week has been cool but has thawed some. Food is very scarce. I cannot buy a morsel or breads stuff. My family lives chiefly on meat and not a pound of bread for four of us. Nevertheless, I feel to rejoice greatly in my God for his goodness to me and my family. We are in good health and God does pour out His spirit upon us. He teaches us many things, therefore, I will give thanks to my redeemer for sparing my life to see these days. When I arise to bear my testimony of the truth, He blesses me with His spirit, even the Holy Ghost; to prophesy concerning His words. In my weakness, He makes me strong in the things of God.

Feb. 12. The past week has been very cool. It is as cold as we have had it this winter. A meeting was held this Sabbath in the fort. Some four or six hundred persons were present. Brother Brigham spoke concerning being faithful and obeying counsel and we should prosper. Also to build up each other and to be liberal and not to leave this place without counsel. If you do, you will be damned, he said. Our bishops have found out the amount of breadstuff there is in the Valley. 3/4 of a pound of bread for a person. Those who have grain to spare should sell at a reasonable price and not ask four and five dollars a bushel. Some do this, he said. He said further, If a man extorts from his brother, he will have to meet it hereafter. He said for us not to let each other starve.

Feb. 18. The past week has been warm and comfortable. A meeting was held in the fort. Brother Taylor spoke concerning the Kingdom of God and its representatives in the Grand Council that was established in Joseph's Day. Many good things were spoken to inspire the hearts of the faithful.

I stopped in at Brother Heber's Saturday morning and he inquired if I got along pretty well. I said I did. He asked if I had enough to eat. I said we had plenty of meat but our bread was scarce. I thought we did not have over a pound of bread each day for all four of us. He said do you feel frightened. I said no, I feel first rate all the time. Says Brother Heber, I will letyou have a bushel of corn. I arose off my seat and said God bless you Brother Heber. You shall have four fold pay for that. I think I felt a portion of the Spirit of God and I did prophesy many things and that I should raise an almighty great crop this coming season, and I would yet see the day that I would have my thousand to administer and you Brother Heber will have your millions and you will live until your hair will be as white as wool. Many other things I did say for I felt very thankful for the blessing of God towards me. Truly He does hear my cries.

Feb. 25. The past week has been very warm and the snow has melted entirely so that many have planted their wheat. Meeting was held in the fort. Brother Amaua Lyman spoke about people going to the gold mines and about the soldiers and the impropriety of the brethren trying to get rich by getting gold, it being the root of all evil. God has appointed this place as the Gathering and no other. Brother Brigham arose and said he was not afraid to speak his mind concerning the iniquities of the people. He knew of all their works and if any wanted to go after gold they might and be damned. They were poor citizens and they had no need to think of having his fellowship. He wished they would never come here again.

March 4, Sabbath. The past week has been snowy and somewhat cool. About eight inches of snowfall. A meeting was held Thursday at Bishop Hayward's place. They talked about fencing the ward. This evening I made Sister Percindy Buel Kimball a visit. She said she was weighed down by an oppressive spirit that was around her and she felt somewhat discouraged but not in the work of God, however, I trusted that I had the Spirit of God resting upon me for I felt for her and I did prophesy in the name of Jesus of Nazareth that from that very hour she should begin to feel better and the oppressive spirit should leave her and she should rejoice in the God of Israel. Also, those who tried to crush her down would be crushed down by the same snare that was set for her, and that she would ride above such low mean spirits. Many more things did I speak in the name of the Lord for I was full of the love of the Lord to that degree that I did weep for joy. After which she said, "Joseph, I feel the spirit of God upon me, therefore, Joseph, in as much as you have comforted me when I was weighed down in days that are past and now, I also say in the name of Jesus Christ you shall be blessed and become a mighty man in Israel and sit in the Council of the Just and noble spirits of Israel and be like the disciples, who did waft themselves from city to city and from clime to clime and remained to tarry, yea this shall be your mission. You shall be set apart for this purpose. Yea you shall have your exaltation for I will see to it for your goodness towards me. Yea I will tell Joseph Smith of your good works and you shall come on Mount Zion unto me in the name of Jesus. This caused me to rejoice exceedingly. Therefore, I do give glory unto God and the Lamb forever more for the light and intelligence that I do receive from the Priesthood from time to time.

March 11. The past week has been very stormy and cool. It is very hard for the cattle to get enough to eat. Tomorrow it is appointed to choose a Governor and all the officers to the Territorial Government. Also, to organize a Legion under the head of the Nauvoo Legion.

This Sabbath evening I made a visit to Brother Heber Kimball. He called upon me to preach to his family. I told him I would rather hear him preach. He told me I would be blessed if I would speak to them. I said I would try in the name of the Lord.

March 18. The snow has melted off and it looks like spring.

March 25. The past week has been fine weather. They commenced working on the Council House. They calculate to rear it up as soon as possible.

March 31. Today we held a meeting on the Temple Block for the first time. Brother Brigham gave us some good instructions concerning us staying here and also not to let the gold dust get into our eyes for you have been told in days past that you would have something to try you that you never had. He urged the finishing of the Council House.

April 6. The past week we have had three inches of snow. It is quite deep around the surrounding mountains. Conference was adjourned until tomorrow at ten o'clock. This morning somewhat cool and squally. Brother Kimball thought best to continue the conference. He spoke concerning this place being built up. He had never been in a place since he had been in the Church where he felt like it was his home as this place. If we would be faithful we would have fine houses and everything in abundance, and gold a plenty in one year what copper and brass are now. If we were not faithful we would get led by allurements of riches. He spoke many good things through the conference. Brother Brigham did not attend the meeting for want of good health. He was run down by so many running after him for counsel and who should have gone to other sources.

Sunday morning, April 8. Squally weather. A number of people gathered together and proceeded to business and tried the authorization of the Church. In the afternoon, Brother Kimball spoke again about being faithful and obeying the Council of the Head, for we had acknowledged them as our leaders.

April 15. The past week has been warm. The brethren make rapid strides in fencing and plowing. I have been hauling posts for my fences and ditching some. I have a part of a lot north of the Temple Block, two blocks on the side hip up. I cannot cultivate for want of water. I also have a lot west by _________ which is too wet. A number of springs are on it. Brother Kimball counsels me to keep the lots, therefore, I am fencing them. I do not get much benefit this year having sixteen rods of fencing to do and eight rods in the big field for my ten acres. Here two other men have planted five acres and I have planted three acres of wheat. By the help of the God of Israel, I am determined to put in an abundance of seed, that by the blessing of God I may reap a bountiful harvest. I have but one yoke of oxen now. One yoke I sold to get lumber for to finish my house and get something to eat. One yoke I had to kill to live on. It is pretty hard to get corn so meat and greens are our living. But thanks be unto God for his goodness to me and my family.

Brother Amasa Lyman and a company of men have been sent to the Bay of Francisco. The mail started for the states yesterday.

May 19. The past few weeks I have not had time to keep my record. I have been very busy plowing and planting. The weather has been quite pleasant. Some of the time cool mornings and evenings. The brethren are doing as much as they can plowing and fencing and making water courses to irrigate the land. Most of the people think we shall raise a plenty. The wheat looks fine, especially the spring wheat. The weather is somewhat cool. Things grow slow. About four inches of snow fell in the valley and eighteen inches in the mountains. It did not injure the vegetation much.

June 1. Quite pleasant. Everything looks prosperous. Have some crickets in my wheat and corn. I have worked so hard that I am very much worked down but my appetite holds out good. My wife and children are in good health.

June 20. Emigrants are beginning to come from the state for the gold mines. News came from the east that cholera is among is among the Gentiles.
 

July 1. The Gentiles are flocking to the gold mines by the thousands. A great many sell their wagons and goods very cheap. You can get a good wagon and two sets of harness for a horse, most any kind of a horse at that. Sometimes we get fifteen times as much as a horse is worth. They are leaving thousands of dollars worth of property here and they say they have thrown out on the way all kinds of provisions and also left wagons and all kinds of tools and everything that could be thrown off. Truly I do rejoice in the goodness of my God for just as most of us are out of bread, they, the Gentiles have come and are obliged to sell their flour and baking powder and a little of all their provisions and their clothing. This is the right time for us because we as a people are very destructive. Most of the Gentiles are not pleased with this place but many say when they come back this way they will live here and some do not wish to get any farther.

I was conversing with one Dr. Taylor from Quincy, Illinois, and he did say candidly that a man was a fool that would leave a good business and friends and go after gold. I answered and said that experience was the best school master.

July 8. Sunday morning. Quite a large congregation was collected together and quite a number of immigrants was also present. After singing and advertising to the people, Brother Brigham arose and said that the congregation was present to hear the advertisements for that was as necessary as anything else and it was all the same to him. He did truly speak by the power of the Priesthood and spoke concerning gold that it was good thing in its place but it was not the design of our Heavenly Father to have our hearts set upon it. But says he, I can prove that it has overthrown nations and kingdoms, and I do know as sure as the sun shines that it will be the means of overthrowing this nation that has driven us out. God has a reckoning now and then and you may set it down as a prophecy if you please.

July 15. The emigrants are passing through very rapidly and some are sick here and a number have died. Some have received the gospel and rejoice in the truth. Many say they are sorry they started for gold and a man is a fool to leave his business and go to California for gold. Some say they will come here and live as this is the most beautiful place they have seen. Many are obliged to sell their wagons and goods for what they can get to get along. Many of their cattle are dying on the road.

July 22. Sunday morning, very pleasant. Congregation assembled in the shade of the Council House, a place erected for meetings. Quite a number of emigrants were also present. Brother Heber spoke concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ.

July 23. I, this day, was called on to prepare for the feast and to prepare the cannon and get ready for firing the cannon tomorrow. The flag on the flag staff on the liberty pole was raised at nine o'clock and at six in the evening. The cannon was fired. I stood guard this night.

July 24. Morning. Big guns and muskets fired at sunrise. I stood on duty on through. The escort consisted of twenty four bishops each carrying a staff representative their respective wards. Also twenty four young men dressed in white bearing the constitution of the United States. There were twenty four old veterans of Israel and twenty four young ladies holding the Book of Mormon. This procession had a striking appearance. Truly it did make my heart rejoice to live in this day and age of the world. At nine o'clock the escort arrived at the tabernacle with the firing of the cannons and guns and ringing of the bells. After the people were seated, the young men and young ladies sang and the constitution was read. At two o'clock, the people were seated for dinner. The people of the different wards were seated by themselves. There were fifteen hundred feet of tables and they overflowed with the good things of the land. There was music, singing and speaking, in fact it was a joyful time before the Lord. We feel truly blessed of the Lord for our fields look promising for abundant crops. I do feel very thankful unto the Lord. A number of emigrants were invited to dine with us. Also a number of Utahan Lamanites.

July 28. I went down to my farm and cut some wheat. I cut only a small quantity as it was still green. I was obliged to cut a little. Truly the Lord has blessed the labors of my hands for my wheat looks very promising for a great crop. Also my corn.

August 6. I commenced to harvest my wheat. The emigration is great. One hundred arrived. Brother Egan arrived with thirty wagons.

August 12. Sunday. Brother Brigham arose in the meeting and gave us a few preliminaries of his life. He told us we must attend to matters of today and do right today and now and save ourselves. The weather is quite pleasant with cool nights. News arrived in camp that this side of Laramie, the saints were dying off with cholera.

August 23. All in good health. Elder Orson Spencer arrived from England and was welcomed by his friends. He arrived with a company of saints and a large quantity of merchandise opened up for sale in this place by merchants from St. Louis. Several others started for the mines with goods and left them here for sale. Elder Dan Jones from Wales is within a few days travel accompanied by a number of Welch brethren. They are located on the Pottawatimie lands. Elder George A. Smith and E.T. Benson are in the same vicinity with Dan Jones and their families, to direct emigration to this place of ours. This season we have had some five or six hundred wagons besides many who came in search of gold and heard the gospel the first time. They will go no farther having believed and have been baptized.

Sept. 28. Fourteen or fifteen of the brethren have arrived from the gold country. Some were pretty comfortably supplied with the precious metal and others who had been sick came destitute as they went. The grain crops in the valley this year are wheat, oats, barley, rye, and peas. The late corn, buckwheat and lesser grains, have been injured by the frosts.

Oct. 6. The bowery was crowded at conference so the cry was our place is not large enough. A sweet and heavenly spirit prevailed and much business was transacted. It was decided to locate a town at Brownsville and also at Uthania. These settlements already exist, the brethren having previously visited them and selected sites.

Early in the fall, messengers went to Sand Pitch (Sand Pete) Valley and selected a place for a settlement. This is about 200 miles south from here. It is expected that from fifty to one hundred families will start from here in a few days for that place.

The walls of the Council House are completed. Also the baths and warm springs houses are in progress. A perpetual Sexton Fund Society has been formed. I put in twelve dollars.

Nov. 1. Quite pleasant but somewhat cool. We are enjoying good health.

January 1, 1850. Nothing of interest has happened up to this date. We had a fair Christmas. My wife Sarah and myself went to a party to Brother Heber's and enjoyed ourselves first rate.

Jan. 29. I felt as though I should have a Thanksgiving unto the Lord. I and my wife Sarah invited Brother Brigham and three of his wives, Sister Young, Sister Zina, and Naomi; Brother Heber and Sister Kimball, Percindy, Sister Sarah and others of his wives to the number of seventeen and some twenty others of the family and neighbors. We feasted and then in the evening we met to dance before the Lord. Brother Heber dedicated the meeting to the Lord. We held the meeting until twelve o'clock. Brother Brigham left after the tea was passed around. Brother Heber dismissed the meeting with prayer. Sister Percindy sang a song of Zion and I danced with her. Truly I did enjoy the meeting very much. Brother Heber and all the rest said they had never enjoyed themselves so well, since they had been in the valley.

Feb. 1. We went to Brother Farrs to a party and enjoyed ourselves well. Brother Pratt has arrived from the south with some of his company. Some were left at Utahan. The express by Brother Highbee reports that help is needed for the Indians are killing off the cattle and robbing the people.

Feb. 10. The past week has been warm and pleasant. Two companies of fifty men each were sent to the Utahan to correct the Indians. I let my horse and saddle go. News came Friday that three of the brethren had been wounded. Last Thursday Sister Christeen Kimball came to board with us. She is one of Brother Kimball's wives.

Feb. 17. The past week has been quite pleasant. News comes from the Utahans that one man was killed and five or six wounded.

Feb. 24. The past week has been equally and very muddy. News from Utahans are that thirty odd Lamanites, squaws, and children were brought up and thirty Indian warriors were killed. The children are to be given to those who fought and they are to bring them up and show them how to live.

March 1. Past week some snow. Not important news or events.

March 10. We went to Brother Heber's to a party and enjoyed ourselves in dancing before our brethren and sisters and the Lord. I feel to give glory to God to have an opportunity to praise God in a dance.

March 20. Somewhat snowy and hard for the cattle to get enough feed.

April 6. Conference commenced with a full house.

April Sunday 7. Brother Parley preached on the resurrection and the restitution of all things. Truly the Spirit of God was present.

Sunday, April 19. Brother Brigham spoke on the resurrection. He said he would have the Elders of Israel remember that this world and all the inhabitants and all things that habitate the earth were created spiritually first and then temporally to be decomposed and then to be composed again and fitted to dwell eternally. That our spirits were able to be contracted down to an infant before it was born and also to expand six or seven feet. Also after Christ'sresurrection he held the keys and probably there had been people resurrected from that day until this. He believed that the prophet Joseph Smith, Father Smith and Hyrum would come forth years before the Great Day of the Lord. They would eat and drink and ride in chariots and walk and talk. Build and plant and so on. All of our brethren who died faithful would come and help build up Zion and be Saviors to Esau. Also the Gentiles who dies without the gospel but would have received it if they had had the privilege in the flesh. Truly this makes my heart rejoice and have a desire to hold out faithful until the end. I desire to be one of that happy number that will have an inheritance upon this earth when it shall be divided to the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Many other things did Brother Brigham explain concerning the resurrection but I have not the time to write it.

The two past weeks have been squally with snow and rain. The brethren have begun to plow and plant. Some of the brethren started for the states last Thursday.

April 26. Quite a number were set apart to go to the nations and the Pacific Islands to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. Quite a number have gone to the gold mines for they are set on

gold. I pray to my Heavenly Father that I may never set my heart upon gold, but seek first the Kingdom of Heaven and all things will be added unto me.

May 1. The weather quite pleasant for planting. Some squalls and some rain.

May 6. Sunday. Brother Spencer preached on education. He spoke concerning the learning of the principles of all things upon this planet and the organization.

May 12. Quite pleasant during the past week. Some showers. The wheat looks fine. Finished putting in my wheat and potatoes. I have eleven acres of wheat, two of oats, and one of potatoes. My peas are up three inches. Beans and corn are up in our garden.

May 25. It has been quite cool with frost in some places. Killed some beans and squashes and nipped my potatoes. The wheat looks fine.

May 31. Immigration of gold diggers passed through here. They say thousands are expected through here this season. I commenced work for the Committee cutting stone.

June 8. The mail from the states arrived. It was brought by Tom Williams.

June 15. A concert was held in the evening for the benefit of the band to get a bandwagon to be drawn by fourteen horses. The bowery was crowded. Brother Brigham spoke a few words upon the principles of enjoyment that will cheer up the spirits of man for it was as necessary for our spirits to be strengthened up as our bodies. This day the Deseret News came out.

Sept. 1. My wheat crop has come in well. A great many gold diggers stopped to help us harvest. They were obliged to in order to get fitted out for the mines. The Lord has truly opened up the way for us in sending us help by causing the gold diggers to come this way and being obliged to stop here and get fitted out for the mines. If it had not been for the gold diggers, we would not have been able to harvest our crops. The weather is fine for the season.

Oct. 6. Quite a number of our brethren have arrived from the states. A number died on the way with cholera. Hundreds of Gentiles have died on the way to the mines. Brother Orson Hyde came from the Bluffs to visit us. A number of the brethren were appointed to go to the east and different parts of the world.

My Brother, Samuel, left Chicago for the mines. He stopped off two weeks to visit us. He was quite pleased with the valley and the people. He said he thought he would come here with his family if he had good luck at the mines. He did not believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ as we do. He as a Close Communion Baptist.

October 18, 1850. Sarah Elizabeth Hovey was born to us.

This fall some six hundred wagons of saints came in from different parts of the world. This gladdened our hearts to see them.

Nov. 6. The President called out some hundred to go and make a settlement in Iron County or the Little Salt Lake. I, Joseph, was called to go notwithstanding my hard labors in the Valley since I have been here. I am willing to go and forsake all and build up the Kingdom of God. I have labored with all my might and God has blessed me with health and strength and my family. I had my mind made up to rest a little this winter and enjoy my labors but there seems to be no stopping place for a man who will do the will of God.

Nov. 28, 1850. Brother Heber C. Kimball and Brother Thomas Bullock, recorder of marriages, came to my house according to appointment. Brother Heber made a number of remarks on the principles of the gospel, on marriage, and on the sealing powers. About eight o'clock, Brother Heber sealed Sarah Louisa Goodridge to me for Time and all Eternity. He also sealed Sophia Goodridge to Brother Leonard Hardy for Time and all Eternity. After the ceremony, we took supper with Mother Goodridge, the mother of my wife and sister, Sophia. Others present were Mother McMean, who lived in one room of my house, Laura Kimball, wife of Brother Kimball, Brother Hardy and wife, and Brother Bullock.

Dec. 1. Very much hurried preparing to go to the Little Salt Lake to help settle it.

State of Deseret

Great Salt Lake

December 8, 1850.
 

A blessing of Joseph G. Hovey upon the head of his wife, Sarah Bailey Hovey, before going to the Little Salt Lake.

"In the name of Jesus Christ, I lay my hands upon thy head by power and authority of the Holy Priesthood vested in me. I feel to seal a husband's blessing upon thee in as much as I am called to go forth by the servants of the Lord to build up his Kingdom and prepare a place for the gathering of Israel in the Valley of the mountains, even to Iron County. I say unto thee, Sarah, thou shalt be blessed of the Lord, thy days and thy years shall be lengthened out according to thy faith and the desire of thy heart.

In as much as thou will give heed to my council, thou shalt be blessed and thy little one, even with health and strength, with visions and dreams. In my absence, thou shalt have the desire of thy heart in obtaining means to make thee comfortable in thy house and habitation. No evil or foul spirit, nor sickness nor disease shall have power over thee or thy little one. The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon thee. Thou shalt have power to administer to thy little one and it shall be healed for thine integrity in helping in moving forth the work of the Lord, even thy husband to go forth upon this mission. In as much as thou wilt uphold thy husband by faith and peace, thou shalt not lack for any good thing but thy last days shall be thy best days and thy posterity shall increase to the latest generation and the Priesthood sealed upon their heads in power. Thou shalt live many years if thou desireth it with all thy heart, even to behold the redemption of Zion together with thy companion, redeem thy progenitors and to be looked up to as an honorable Mother of Israel. Many will seek thy council and feel highly honored in thy society. Thou shalt have the administration of angels to cheer thee up when thou art cast down, and to reveal unto thee the things that will make thy heart glad. Thou shalt leap for joy. In as much as thou art faithful, thou shalt receive everything thy heart desireth. Thou shalt be blessed in my absence with a double portion of the Spirit of the Lord with friends on thy right hand and on thy left hand. There shall be no lack for any good thing. Thy body shall be strengthened up from this very hour to perform the labors that will be enjoined upon thee.

These blessings I seal upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."
 

In one month and five days from the time we started, we arrived at Center Creek in the Little Salt Lake Valley. We were much fatigued and it snowed and made bad going that would naturally be expected during the winter. There were one hundred eighteen persons in the company and seventy five wagons. Brother George A. Smith, one of the apostles, was appointed to lead us and we arrived in safety without losing more than four or five cattle. We camped on Center Creek until we explored the country and canyons and the farm land and laid out a fort. We made a good road six miles long in Center Creek Canyon. We found plenty of timber, some five feet through and one hundred fifty feet long. We all worked with our mights according to council. Each one giving in his time to make roads and a Council House with hewn logs. The fort was laid out square. We had about one hundred houses built and one thousand acres of land surveyed for the purpose of farming. Some took up forty, some thirty, some twenty, some ten, and some five acres of land. I took up six acres besides my front lot of one half acre.

The winter was quite mild and health prevailed.

I built me a house fourteen by sixteen feet and planted three acres of wheat, two of corn, and one for our garden.

May 10, 1851. Quite snowy. Brother Brigham and Brother Heber and others came to pay us a visit. They were received with much joy and firing of cannon. We held a meeting and council was given as some wanted to go home. As for myself, I felt quite contented until I was counselled to go back home. Brother Heber stopped at my house and asked if I would like to settle here. I told him I was willing if it was council. He said he would buy my improvements at home, therefore, I made up my mind to settle at this place, hence he told me I had better fix up and go back with him. Accordingly, I did so and went in company with Brother Heber and arrived in seven days at Great Salt Lake from the time we started. I found my family well at home when I returned but they were scarce on provisions and wood. I was obliged to make shifts and get provisions.

By the council of Brother Heber, I swapped my improvements at Little Salt Lake with one Brother Chamberlain for a city lot and improvements here and went to work on the Public Works cutting stone. I put my wife Sarah Louisa in the Chamber House one half mile north of State House.

Aug. 1. All in good health. Continue to work cutting stone.

September 16. My wife, Louisa, was confined and bore me a son. She had twelve hours of labor and was much exhausted and very sick.

Sept. 19. She continues very sick and has great signs of inflammation.

Sept. 20. Got Brother Richards. It looks very dangerous but still there are some hopes for her. For five days and five nights, I did nurse her and did not get much sleep.

Sept. 21. She is still growing worse. Not much hope by her mother and others. But still I had faith and works.

September 23, 1851. At 12 o'clock tonight Sarah Louisa departed this life and left a promising son. We named him John Goodridge. Bro. Doc. Richards said it was a general complaint for women to die with inflamation through confinement. He wished to open my wife's dead body but she was mortified so that I was obliged to bury her on the 23^rd. I buried her on Lot B. Bro. Tibbets preached a good discourse. Father and Mother Goodridge and others attended the funeral service.

Oct. 1. Sarah Bailey Hovey, my wife was taken sick. Abortion took place and she was confined to her bed for a week. Sister Sophia Hardy took little John to nurse.

Oct. 18. I gave Bro. Heber possession of my improvements for two hundred and sixty five dollars. I paid my tithing. It was barely what the house and stable cost me. I moved on to the Chamberlain lot I had purchased or traded for previously. Family is pretty well.

Nov. 10. I took my little son John home. He weighs ten pounds and receives his feed from a nursing bottle. He is doing well and is a very good child.

Dec. 1. Family all enjoying good health and the blessings of God.

Dec. 25. Received a card from Supt. Wells of the Public Works. The card written thus:

I accordingly took my wife Sarah Bailey and Lusannah Goodridge, a sister of my dead wife Sarah Louisa, to the festival. There we met our brethern and their wives and children. Bro. Brigham and Bro. Heber and a number of the Twelve and four or five hundred others who work on the Public Works were present. Bro. Felt opened the meeting by prayer and singing.

Bro. Brigham and Bro. Heber led out for the cotilion. There were about 80 couples on the floor at the same time. I can truly say the spirit of the Lord was with us. Bro. Brigham spoke in the evening to us. Says he I am glad to meet with you my brethern in so goodly circumstances and to contrast the difference now with what it was in Nauvoo. Here we can meet in a comfortable house and have a repast and not comingle with the Gentiles and not be molested by mobs. Here we have our fine flour and everything to sustain nature and the comforts of life. There are millions in the old world who never satiated their appetites but could not for their scanty allowances. But here it is not so. Look upon the luxuries that are upon your tables, today. Such abundance could we find in Nauvoo. I say no. Then are we not blessed of the Lord. I say yes. There are many saints in the old world who would be glad to creep on their hands and knees to enjoy what we are enjoying here today. Many other things he did say that are good and profitable.

Jan. 14, 1852. This day by the blessing of the Lord I took Lusannah Goodridge to wife. Father and Mother Goodridge rode up to the Council House with Lusannah and myself and there we met Bro. Brigham, Bro. Heber and Bro. Bullock, the clerk. Bro. Heber sealed Lusannah to me for Time and Eternity. We returned to my house about 5 o'clock. Bro. John Young and lady were present. Also my brother Orlando Hovey, Bro. Gardner and ladies, Bro. Flint and lady, and a number of others. After supper Bro. Young opened the meeting by prayer and singing. We then danced and kept it up until two o'clock. Bro. Young retired and said with the others they had never enjoyed themselves better for the spirit of peace and love is here.

I Joseph can truly say the Lord my God has blessed me above measure, notwithstanding the sickness and deaths that have been in my family. I feel to shout "Hosannah" to the most High God for his mercies to me.

Prayer meetings are held in the several wards and truly the Lord is with us as a people. It is now thirteen years since I have been in the Church. I have never seen the people so united and so willing to pay up their tithings according to their covenants. The Lord is blessing his people on the right hand and on the left.

April 6, 1852. Conference commenced in the tabernacle. A full house. A great deal of good instruction is given by the Presidency and the Twelve. Quite a number of Seventies were ordained in the Council House. I was called on by Bro. Jos. Young to help ordain. This I did and we were greatly blessed. After this we returned to the tabernacle and were greatly blessed with the teachings that were delivered from the stand. On the third day of the teachings that were delivered from the stand. On the third day of the conference Bro. Brigham preached in the evening on the standing of Father Adam when in the Garden of Eden. He said He was our Father and our God and he was a resurrected body when he went into the Garden of Eden and by partaking of the forbidden fruit, his body became subject to death.

The brethern are very busy putting in grain this spring. I am cultivating my ten acre lot. Part in wheat, part in corn and part in potatoes. I am also cutting stone for the wall on the Temple Block.

June 1. The wheat and vegetables are looking favorable. Very warm weather for the season. The emigration of the Gentiles to California is considerable.

June 10. Went work farming. A shower came up about 2 o'clock. It hailed like _____ and the hailstones were as big as hen's eggs and went into the soft ground about six inches. It destroyed my wheat and corn crop which looked beautiful before. Now my labors and toils have come to naught. Nevertheless I acknowledge the hand of the Lord and say blessed is the name of the Lord. A number of thousand of bushels of grain were shelled out in the large fields.

Aug. 1. Many of our brethern have begun to emigrate from the states. I suppose there are ten thousand on the road to this place from many nations. Some are dying on the road with cholera.

Sept. 6. A special conference held in the tabernacle to send about 100 elders to the nations of the earth. The revelation concerning the Holy Order of God was read for the first time in public. Bro. Orson Pratt was chosen to go to Washington City to proclaim the same and preside over the several churches in the east.

Oct. 6. The general conference in the tabernacle was held. Full house. Bro. Clapp made his confession in public.

Jan. 1, 1853. Meetings were held in the different wards throughout the city. Many are holding social parties. I can truly say that I enjoy myself with my brethern in bearing testimony of the truthfulness of this work of the Lord. There seems to be a great union of feeling in our minds notwithstanding there are some disaffected spirits among us. I do feel as one that with the help of the Lord to reform with the commencement of the New Year to try and overcome my propensities and passions and preside over myself and family in a way and manner that will entitle them to me in the morning of the resurrection.

Feb. 1853. Agreeable to previous appointment, President Young arrived at 10 ½ o'clock on the Temple Block and addressed the multitude. Several thousand found a hollow square in a befitting manner for the ground breaking for the construction of the Temple. President Young said it matter not whether we enjoyed the temple we were about to build and be driven away from it the day after it was finished. It was for us to do our duty and leave the event with Our Heavenly Father and let Him do as it seems best with His own House. The President said many other things which were profitable to my soul. I have not the time nor space to write them all.

Feb. 1853. President Young moved the first earth that was moved for the foundation of the Temple. This was from the south east corner of the foundation.

March 29, 1853. Sabbath. Meeting held in the tabernacle with a full house. Bro. Brigham arose and said he did not know if he could make the congregation hear him because his throat was sore and lungs affected. He said all our persecutions were commenced in our own midst by our apostate Mormons. He said he would relate a dream he had had. He dreamed he was with quite a multitude of people who called themselves Mormons. They were dressed very ragged and seemed to solicit some mobocrats who came among them and shook hands with them. He also saw in his dream two men with long beards in one of his houses with his wives and children. He knew these men to be murderers but his wives said they were gentlemen in his bed. I took by breast pin and bowie knife and cut his throat. The other one said you are not going to serve me that way but I dreamed that I took him by the hair of the head and cut his throat and told him to go to Hell cross lots. This is the way we will serve these apostates hereafter who may come in our midst and make disturbance. All who are in favor hold up your hands and ask God for help.

April 6, 1853. There could not have dawned a more lovely day or been more satisfactory to the saints or angels. The distant valleys sent forth their inhabitants. This valley swarmed forth its thousands and a more glorious sight has not been seen for generations than at Great Salt Lake City this day. There was an immense assemblage of saints for the Spring Conference. The ingress and egress of twenty five hundred at the tabernacle was scarcely missed. This did not take into consideration the large number who stood without.

The corner stones for the Temple now rested in their several positions, about sixteen feet below the surface of the Ashton Bank. The procession marched from the tabernacle to the north east corner of the Temple Ground where President Young and others were assembled. President Young, Bro. Heber C. Kimball, Bro. Richards, Patriarch John Smith, then went to the south east corner and proceeded to lay the South East Stone of the Temple. They ascended the top thereof and President Young delivered an oration.

It made my heart glad and I did rejoice greatly that I had the opportunity to behold another temple commenced and I prayed to God my Heavenly Father that I may have my health and strength to help build the temple and be found worthy to go therein when it is finished.

At 3 pm. President Young did deliver many edifying and good remarks. I would like to write them but do not have the time and paper is scarce. However I will note a few of them.

Bro. Brigham said some will inquire do you suppose we will finish the Temple, Bro. Brigham. I have had such questions put to me already. My answer is I do not know and I do not care any more about it than if my body was dead and in the grave. This I do know there should be a temple built here. I know it is the duty of the people to commence to build a temple. Now some will want to know what kind of a building it will be. Wait patiently Brethern until it is done and put forth your hands willingly to finish it.

Continuing President Young said "I scarcely ever say much about revelations or visions but suffice it to say that five years ago last July, I was here and saw in the spirit the temple not ten feet from where we stand and have laid the chief corner stone. I have not inquired the kind of temple we should build, why because it was represented before me. I never looked upon that ground but what the vision of the temple was there. I will say it will have six towers to begin with instead of one. Now do not any of you apostatize because this temple will have six towers while the Prophet Joseph built the other temples with only one tower each. It is easier for us to build sixteen towers than it was for him to build one.

The time will come when there will be one in the center of the temples we shall build, and on the top there will be groves and fish ponds but we shall not see them here at present.

Could Joseph have built up the Kingdom of God without first being an apostle. No he never could. The keys of the Eternal Priesthood which is after the order of the Son of God, is comprehended by being an apostle. All the Priesthood, all the keys and all the gifts and all the endowments and everything preparatory to entering back into the presence of the Father and of the Son is composed or circumscribed by or I might say incorporated with the circumference of the apostleship."

The others who spoke through the conference all spoke good and comforting. Bro. Brigham said there never was a better spirit manifested in any conference than had been in this. He said I feel all the time to say God bless the people.

April 29, 1853. Friday noon this day had born to me by my wife Lusannah, a daughter weighing 8 and ½ pounds. We named her after her mother and grandmother, Lusannah Penelope Hovey. Only six hours of labor. I feel to thank my God for the fruit of my loins.

Bro. Goodridge, Lusannah's father is troubled with evil spirits and it is a hard matter for anyone to make him eat anything, excepting myself. He feels as though all his family is against him.

May 6. Trouble is expected with the Lamanites. Walker and his band are threatening to destroy the settlements south. I am now to work on the Public Works cutting stone. My health is pretty good. Also that of my families. Emigration begins to pass through to California, to the gold mines.

July 4, 1853. Splendid morning. Cannons firing, drums beating and brass bands playing and announce the glorious Independence of our Fathers who fought for their liberty. Meeting was held in the tabernacle and orations delivered by a number of speakers.

The wheat crop bids fair to supply the inhabitants of those valleys of ours, although the grasshoppers have made great havoc of our corn. The Lamanites are beginning to become very troublesome. They are driving off the cattle and killing some of the brethern. A company of 75 men are sent to the south settlements to guard and keep around the cities. Also a company was sent to Fort Bridger. It is supposed that some have been exciting the Lamanites against us.

Oct. 6. Many of our brethern have come from afar. Some ten thousand are to emigrate from the nations to this place this fall. The gospel is spreading fast among all nations and thousands are embracing the truth. Conference was held in the tabernacle as usual. It was beautiful weather and there was a full conference. Hundreds could not be seated. The keys of the Gospel are turned to the Lamanites and a number of elders were chosen to learn the language and go to preach to them.

I am now building a house and working very hard. The Lord is blessing me with health and strength. He opens up the way before me and blesses me on the right hand and on the left. My house, the main body is 28 by 36 feet, with a piazza on the east front and south front, cottage fashion. Some future day I may have an addition on the south end.

Dec. 12, 1853. I am studying the Spanish language under Bro. Pratt. I cannot make much headway or proficiency for the want of a book. But by borrowing and writing from books and studying I can make some progress.

Meetings are held in the different wards and a good spirit prevails. We have good news from Fort Supply, the company that Bro. Hyde raised to establish a fort or a city on the Green River. The Lamanites are very friendly and desire to have their children learn our language. The report is that the land is good and there is plenty of timber. The company is in good spirits.

I am laboring on the Public Works cutting stone. My desire is to build or to aspire to build up Zion with all my might, notwithstanding I feel my unworthiness and imperfections are great. I desire to reform from day to day and year to year and teach my children the ways of righteousness and lead them into the path that leadeth to Eternal Life. I pray God my Eternal Father to grant me the Holy Ghost that I may set a pattern by example as well as by teaching. I desire that my children may grow up being filled with wisdom and the Holy Ghost, that my posterity may increase and have no end. I delight in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, yea that I may have the opportunity to bear my testimony to the children of men, that the honest in heart may also taste of the sweets of the Gospel of Jesus and be gathered to Zion and learn of his ways and help build a Temple in the tops of the mountains according to the prophets. I can truly say that I never had a more anxious desire to set myself in order and my house that peace and harmony may prevail.

I do feel that the Lord will multiply blessings upon those who will try to overcome and resist the temptations of the Devil. I feel greatly blessed that I have lived thus long in the Church of Christ and have had the privilege of helping to build one temple and also commencing upon another one in the mountains the prophets foretold. I do pray that I may live to help build it and my family and I live so that we may be found worthy to go therein and receive the blessings of the Priesthood for ourselves and for our fathers.

The words of the Prophet Joseph are fast coming upon the inhabitants of the earth as pestilence and plagues and wars and rumors of wars are already walking through the nations of the earth; and the Lord is opening the way before the elders of Israel that the Gospel may be preached to all people.

Jan. 1, 1854. The commencement of a New Year. This morning is beautiful. The brass bands are playing. Bro. Hyde spoke in the tabernacle very appropriate to the time and season. Exhorted us to strive to fill up this year with good works and see if we could keep this new leaf clean.

I do desire to do better this year than I have ever done. It is the prevailing spirit among my brethern. May God bless us all so to do.

Feb. 1. A great deal of snow to the first of March. The mail came from the east and from California. Some news that Spain and Russia are at war. It will likely involve other nations. I thank my God to see the revelations of Jesus Christ coming to pass. All nations are in commotion. The elders of Israel have been rejected in Russia and Spain. But the Gospel is rolling forth with mighty speed on the islands of the sea. Some hundreds on the Sandwich islands and its groups have received the Gospel.

The Lamanites have been very quiet up to this date. Bro. Brigham has been quite sick. Bro. Willard Richards died. He had been sick for some time.

Friday March 11. I have taken a bad cold and my children are sick with the mumps. Little John got one hand burned quite severely.

April 6, 1854. The general conference commenced in the tabernacle as usual. It was full and overflowing. Bro. Brigham, our prophet, seer and revelator arose and said the first business of the conference was to see if all is right with us, if we have come up better with pure hearts to worship God. If there are those who have sinned and their sins not remitted. He said I wish they would go home at intermission and stay home until they find out that their sins are remitted or get some elder to baptize them in City Creek. He said it was necessary that we should be one and each one contribute their mite to the whole body that the power of God might rest down upon us.

This is the end of Book I of Grandfather's record. Book II is referred to but we are sorry to say that only a small portion of Book II has been preserved. This is very unfortunate as this record would have given more of the family life of Lusannah and her children who are our direct line. Book II was written on loose leaves and sewed together and was not in book form as Book I was.

The loose leaves which are preserved give an account of Grandfather's missionary labors to southern Utah from Nov. 1855 to June 1856 and his visits to his home. This record will be placed in its proper chronological order.

From April 6, 1854 when Book I ends, to November 1855, there is a gap because of the loss of some of the loose leaves of Book II. Events in the family life during this time will be filled in from the record of Lusannah, our dear mother and grandmother who stands at the head of our line.

The following is taken from Lusannah's record to fill the gap mentioned.

June 13, 1855. "My second child is born. We named him James Alma. He was large and healthy. That summer was a hard one. We had little bread and much less butter and meat. Our principal feed consisted of dandelion roots and boiled pig weeks for greens. All were required to account for food and provisions. All were placed on rations. The grain that fall had to be pulled by hand as it was too short to be harvested with a cradle or scythe. A number of times I went to the little farm to help pull the grain and harvest it. There were no machines or reapers in the country at that time. I continued to keep my dead sister, Sarah's child, John. I thought much of him. He was bright and affectionate."

The following is taken from the loose leaf account of Grandfather's missionary experience in southern Utah written by himself. It was always his desire to do missionary work from the first time he heard and accepted the gospel message. He wanted others to receive it and live it. The record of his call is lost and we find him now in southern Utah, now known as Utah County.

Nov. 5, 1855. I left Palmyra in the evening. I left my blessing with all those who would carry out the council of Bro. Brigham. I also settled some difficulties which were in their minds. I arrived at Bishop Payson's in season for the meeting. Bishop Payson opened the meeting after which I arose and spoke for a half hour. I told them I desired to hear the Bishop, John Butters, and the counsellors. Also Isaac Brockbank and Bro. Markham. According to my own feelings I said there must be some difficulties in the branch for I do not feel a free spirit here. I would like to see the bishop arise and thunder out and tell what is the matter here, and I would also like to see the counsellors arise and back him up in it. I knew there was something wrong here.

Bro. H. B. Tally arose and said there were some bad feelings existing between himself and some others. He related it and the parties concerned. The case kept us there until 1 o'clock in the morning. They forgave one another and settled it on the spot. I must truly say the power of the Priesthood rested down upon me and the Lord did hear my cry concerning the difficulty and I felt to give God the glory. They desired that I preach the next evening. I stopped with Bishop Payson.

Wed. Nov. 7, 1855. This morning it is very pleasant and looks like spring. This evening I went to Palmyra to preach again according to a previous appointment. The house was full and I had a good time. The brethern spoke concerning me establishing peace among them. Where I preached the principles of salvation most of them desired to bless me in a temporal way. They took up a collection of potatoes and corn and some wheat and butter. Bro. F. M. Chidster gave me a bushel of wheat and Bro. Mending gave a half dollar. Bro. T. Boyer gave some butter and three pounds of beef. Bro. Brockbank a bushel of potatoes and some wheat. And some others I shall name hereafter.

Afterwards I spoke upon many principles which made their hearts glad. I dismissed in the name of Jesus with the blessings of Heaven to rest down upon them in as much as they would carry out the council.

Thursday Nov. 8. I stopped last night at Bro. Markham's.

Friday Nov. 9. I stopped at Bro. T. Boyes. I blessed him and his household and spoke upon the principles of family duties and I also administered to the sick. I left for Spanish Fork City. I came across my old friend Bro. Hunt whom I parted with in the city of Payson returning from his mission to the Manti Conference. We were much pleased to meet each other. I held a meeting this evening according to appointment. We held a good meeting. I felt as free as the water that flows down the Spanish Fork Creek. I dismissed the meeting with a good spirit prevailing.

Saturday Nov. 10. I visited people and called on Bro. Butler and his wife and blessed them. Bro. Butler said he felt moved upon to give me some cloth his wife had made for my wife, some pantaloons. I also blessed Bro. Payson and wives. They also measured a piece of cloth to make me a pair of pants. Bro. Caldwell volunteered to take us to Springville. We arrived at Bishop Johnson's at noon. We were well received by him and his wives. The bishop gave out an appointment for us to preach by early candle light. It was rather a slim meeting. I spoke at some length and felt pretty disappointed and told the brethern what I came her for and I did not come on a Tom fool errand. I wished all the people were here. I wanted all the people to hear me for I did not want to talk to empty walls. I spoke of many things concerning the gospel of Jesus Christ. The people seemed to feel well.

He desired to go to Provo and preach next Sunday. I told him and the people could not get rid of me until I had done my work the Lord had sent me here to do. Gave out a notice of an appointment for a meeting the next day, Sunday, to be held in the school room. Bro. Hunt and the bishop were present. The house was not so full as I had wished. I preached at some length. Bro. Hunt and the bishop spoke and we had a good time. The power of the Holy Ghost was with us.

Monday morning Bro. Hunt started for Lake City with the Bishop.

Nov. 12. I stopped to preach once more. I told them that I wished all of them to turn out to the meeting, old and young. Hence this day I visited from house to house where I was acquainted. This evening I had a full house. I felt quite free and the people were edified.

Tuesday Nov. 13, 1855. I visited and talked. Bro. Miller took me up to the city of Provo. I called on James Snow, the President of that place.

Thursday Nov. 15. Held a meeting in the town hall in the evening. Some expected Geo. A. Smith to preach but I was told I should have an opportunity to preach. Accordingly I went. Bro. D. Carter Jones and Bro. Hutchinson, missionaries south of this county were also present. They both spoke at the meeting. I spoke but did not feel as free as I should like to. I spoke very plain and I expect according to the feelings of the people. I stopped at Bro. Roberts' this night.

A brother let me have a horse to ride as far as Lake City. In the meantime Bro. Hunt who lived at this place gave out an appointment for me to preach.

Friday Nov. 16. Had a good meeting tonight. The house was full. A good spirit prevailed. Bro. Harrington was not present on account of his wife being sick. Both his councillors, Bro. I . Musser and _________ were present. I arose and felt pretty well filled up and spoke at some length. Bro. Merrill and Bro. Adams bore testimony to what I said. They thought I had brought out a great many keys and were highly edified.

I called for a horse to go home on. Bro. Washborn Child let me have a horse and saddle. Accordingly I started Saturday morning Nov. 17 for Great Salt Lake City. Bro. Mercer was also going as far as Big Cottonwood in his carriage. I rode with him and tied the horse to the side of the carriage. We had a glorious time in talking upon the subject of Mormonism. We were both highly edified. We parted at Cottonwood about 4 o'clock. It was cold. I arrived home at eight o'clock in the evening. I found my wife Sarah and my wife Lusannah and children in tolerable good health and good spirits.

Sabbath morning Nov. 18. I went to the meeting in the tabernacle. Bro. Brigham preached on the duty of elders. Bro. Heber also spoke.

Mon. Nov. 19. I killed my two hogs. My brother Orlando helped me. The two pigs weighed about 500 pounds.

Tues. Nov. 20. I stopped at home to rest up and set things in order to start out again on my mission. I called my families together and talked to them of the necessity of becoming one and laying aside all jealousies and to be obedient to my council, for if it was dictated by the Holy Ghost I would coucil in my house in righteousness. I blessed them in the name of Jesus Christ and exhorted them to be faithful and prayerful and left them in the hands of the Lord.

Grandfather states that his record from Nov. 24, 1855 to March 14, 1856 while on his mission was written on other paper and later this with other to follow would all be part of Book II into which he would copy. All of his record of his mission from Nov. 24 1855 to March 14, 1856 has not been preserved. The following account is not complete but nevertheless interesting. Apparently he is describing what took place at a meeting or conference. The probable time is in December 1855 after he had returned from his home mentioned above:

December 1855. In a conference on his mission. He asked the missionary to assist and lo and behold I had been sitting on the stand all the while and he poor fellow had not preached more than 5 or 6 times during the months on his mission. He left his mission and went to Fillmore with Bro. Farr and others.

I have been laboring with all my might preaching the gospel and suffered persecutions for my plainess. I did not tell them all was well in Zion but I told them they were asleep to the things of God and going down to Hell unless they left off their stealing, their whoredoms and their many wicked acts toward one another and towards God.

This evening I got an opportunity to preach to the people to a full house. I said I had sat on the stand during conference and did not know how the people had enjoyed themselves but I knew there were feelings existing between the heads concerning me but I have no feelings or jealousies or animosities in my bosom against any man who is willing to obey the council of Bro. Brigham. But the man or the woman who have the old Devil in them I am right after them for I am at war with my sword with the Devil. I do not calculate that you will frown me out of this conference nor out of this city for I mean you shall know who I am before I leave this city. If I have trod on anyone's toes, I can heal them with a plaster for I am a doctor. I am not to be frightened, gentlemen, for I calculate to have this thing settled tonight betwixt Bro. D. Carter Jones and Blackborn and Snow and every other good man I have said some things about. Tomorrow at Provo when I preach I calculate to confess to you and prove to you my words. The meeting dismissed with a great deal better feeling than before. I did feel a good portion of the spirit of my calling and the people said it was a good treat to hear me preach. Many came and took me by the hand and welcomed me to their homes.

Sabbath Morning Jan. 1856. Provo. Bro. Snow preached in the forenoon and laid a good foundation for me to preach in the afternoon. I preached this afternoon and felt the spirit of freedom and the power of God. I took for my text, "By their fruits you may know who keep the commandments of Brigham." The people seemed to be edified. I asked President Snow and his counsellers and Bro. Blackborn if they would forgive me if I had hurt their feelings. Anyway they said this evening that I might go forth and preach to the people in their different wards.

They gave out notice that another quarterly conference would be held in this place, Provo, April 24., one in Lehi Feb. 24, and one in Palmyra March 24. I gave notice in the conference that I would be in this county for some time.

I did labor in this city of Provo for a number of days and conversed with the people on the plan of salvation. Those who did turn out did rejoice in my words but the more part of the people did not turn out to hear me. I prophesied many things concerning Israel if them would remember to keep the council of Bro. Brigham.

This night I stopped with Bro. Roberts and they tore up to make me comfortable. They invited me to always call on them when I cam to that city and make myself at home.

Friday Feb. 3, 1856. Bro. Foutze invited me to go with him to my home in a wagon. I walked most of the way to Willow Creek for it is too cold to ride. This night I stopped at Bro. Stewart's and was well entertained.

Saturday Feb. 4. Started for home. Arrived at dark in a snow storm and very cold. I found my families all well and with a pretty good portion of the spirit of God.

Sunday Feb. 5. Stopped at home and rested for I felt very sore and tired after walking in the snow and cold.

Monday Feb. 6. Stopped at home and read in the News and in the Book of Mormon.

Tuesday Feb. 7. I visited with Bro. John Young and conversed about my mission during the past winter and the opposition I had had. He prophesied that I would come out of the big end of the Horn. I had a good visit. The past week I have visited a number of the brethern and talked concerning my mission. Had a god time.

Tuesday Feb. 12. The Seventies held bible meetings for five days. Had much good instruction from the brethern. Bro. Joseph Young called on me to preach but I told him I was called to wake up the sinners and perhaps there were none here for me to wake up. I did go upon the stand and open the meeting.

Saturday Feb. 16. I truly felt that I would preach and free my mind but Bro. Hunter, Lorenzo Young, and Bro. Benson were present and taught some good doctrine. I preached with Bro. Levi Hancock in the 18th ward. Bishop Lorenzo Young and some of the other people said I was the plainest preacher they had ever heard. I was edified and the people seemed to be.

Sunday Feb. 17. I went to the tabernacle. Orson Pratt preached on Learning. Also how the people had met at Ogden's Hole for a conference and how negligent they were. But he said he would not hurt anyone's feelings as he did not believe in insulting people. I thought in my own mind if I had been among the sleepy set I would have got them mad or good natured, one or the two for I do not believe in the servants of the Lord sent by the highest authority on earth to screech down under iniquity among the saints or those who call themselves saints, for darkness has covered the minds of the people.

We preached in the 17th ward and had a good time. The people seemed to be interested.
 

Thurs. Feb. 21, 1856. Gave my consent for Levi Hancock of the First President of Seventies to take my daughter Elizabeth to wife if he would live his religion. Went to Bro. Brigham's office and they, Elizabeth and Bro. Hancock, were sealed about 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Bro. Brigham, Bro. Heber and Bro. Jedediah Grant were present. I asked Bro. Brigham for the priviledge of relating some of my proceedings while on my mission in Ute County. I gave him a synopsis in short so he could understand me on the matter. He, Bro. Heber and Jedediah seemed well pleased and said to me that I had never slipped from any council since I had been in the Church or had disgraced my Priesthood and calling. I told them I had never committed adultery nor sought any man's wife or stole his daughter. I felt pretty clean concerning those crimes. Said Bro. Brigham you are blessed greatly and you have not slipped from any council this winter. Said he I want you to come to the stand in the tabernacle some Sunday and preach to us and let off some of your Mormonism with your coat off and your sleeves rolled up. I thanked them for the opportunity to free my mind unto them.

This evening I had some of my friends come in and we had a good supper. I talked to them and preached the gospel of salvation to them. I said I suppose there are some here who would like to dance but I feel more like preaching than anything else. I wish you all to free your minds, hence they did and all were edified with the spirit of the meeting. Afterwards we danced a few times and the spirit of God attended us and we had a good time.

Wed. Feb. 23. Bro. Wm. Mendenhall and wife came from Palmyra, Ute County and stopped with us. He said my words I had spoken to them before were coming to pass for they are fighting each other. We had a good visit talking about the principles of salvation.

Thurs. Feb. 24. I preached in the B. Ward. Bro. Wooley is the bishop of that ward. Rather cool feelings in the hearts of the people.

Friday Feb. 25. My son John was taken sick. He has been failing for some time.

Feb. 26. I visited Bro. Aaron Farr with Bro. Mendenhall and wife and my wife Sarah. We had a good time. This evening I went to the Prayer Circle in the Lord's House.

Feb. 27. Sabbath morning. I went to the tabernacle to preach. According to the Bro. Brigham's council I went to the vertry. Bro. Amasa Lyman was there with a number of others. Some of them looked at me and wondered what business I had there and why was I there. I thought never mind folks Bro. Brigham will be here presently and then I shall be welcome. Bro. Brigham arrived and I said to him I have come according to your request. Said he come with me and sit on the stand. Bro. Brigham asked me if I would like to open the meeting by prayer. I said I would. Hence I did so and the spirit of the Lord rested down upon me. This was the first time I ever stood before the House of Israel to speak with such numbers assembled. There were about three thousand present. My knees smote and my frame trembled under the power of God.

Grandfather's original compilation did not include the following quotations. The exact remarks which Joseph Grafton Hovey presented in his address at the Tabernacle were not recorded. However, he was followed that day by remarks made by President Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball In the Journal of Discourses, the addresses of both Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball are given in full. It is interesting to note what they had to say about the speaker who preceded them both at the podium that day -- Joseph Grafton Hovey:

"So far as I am judge of the true spirit of the Gospel, I think that we have had that spirit manifested this morning, by brother Joseph Hovey, in his expression of his feelings, and that too in his own natural way. He is a blacksmith, carpenter, stone cutter, wood chopper; or anything else within his power, the particular channel of his operations depending entirely upon counsel. Some of the brethren present are no doubt apprised of the mission which brother Hovey has been engaged in during this present winter; they may also be apprised that his course was found fault with when he was in the county of Utah, and more especially while in a place called Payson. While I was in Fillmore the brethren wrote to me concerning the doings and sayings of brother Hovey, and in searching to know the ground of the complaint against him, I learned that it amounted to simply this -- 'If brother Hovey is let alone, the people will confess their sin.'

"I wrote back to them, inquiring whether they thought there was any danger of any persons confessing to more sin than he was guilty of; that if they could find out that any had confessed to more stealing, swearing, lying, and swindling, than they were really guilty of, it would be well to give brother Hovey a word of caution, and to tell him to hold up a little and not cause the innocent to belie themselves. At the same time I said, that I thought there was not much danger of that, and that they might go on in that course for some time longer, and not then have made all the confessions that they ought to.

"I asked brother Hovey to preach today, and to frankly express his feelings as they really existed, that I might have a chance to understand some of his 'Mormonism.' I wish to see the Elders get up here and manifest their spirits, and speak as they feel when they are alone in their meditations. Let us know how you feel, and what you think. We can form some kind of an idea how a man feels by looking at him, but if you wish a man to portray himself faithfully you must get him to talk, and I will insure that the organs of speech will show out the true state of the mind, sooner or later, and reveal the fruit of his heart. No man can hide it if he is allowed to talk; he will be sure to manifest his true feeling."

President Young continued to use Joseph Hovey as a righteous example later in his discourse when denouncing evil-doers:

"Old grey-headed men, who ought to be fathers in Israel, were empanneled as a jury on the case I have alluded to, and what were they after? The fog, the froth, and spawn of hell, and they feast upon it, men who do not know their right hands from their left, with regard to the influences of the Spirit of God. Might they not have known better? Yes, if they had taken the course which Joseph Hovey has taken. If they would walk humbly before God and know His will, they would go to work and get stone and timber, and other articles of food, instead of following after courts and the nonsense, wickedness, and lying associated with them.

"I wish we had in our midst thousands and millions of such men as Joseph Hovey, I would then bid defiance to all the powers of darkness."

Heber C. Kimball spoke next following President Brigham Young, and addressed the congregation in the Tabernacle concerning the wickedness among the saints and a day of purification near at hand. As did President Young, Heber C. Kimball also responded to Joseph Hovey's remarks before continuing into the main body of his discourse:

"As to the principles just advanced by brother Joseph Hovey, and by brother Brigham, they are God's truth, and I know that the curse will be fulfilled upon every character that it applies to, if they do not repent and turn from their sins, and that immediately."

The complete text of these discourses are found in the Journal of Discourses, Vol 3, pp. 236-243.

This is the end of the loose leaf account at this particular time. He mentions his little son John being sick but his account of his death in March of 1856 is lost. We give the following account of the death from Lusannah's record.

"During the winter of 1856 my husband was called on a mission to the southern part of the territory to visit the saints and preach the gospel. This left me alone much of the time. It was a very trying winter. In March the little boy John G., the baby of my dead sister Sarah Louisa, became ill with brain fever and died. The weather was so stormy and the roads so bad, that my husband and two other brethern placed the little coffin in a wagon and went to the cemetery, dug the grave and buried the little body."

We now give the account in the other and final part of the loose leaf record that is preserved. This starts in March 1856. He is starting out again for his missionary labors in Utah County. It will be noted from his record of his missionary labors that he has to return to his family in Salt Lake City every few weeks to provide for their needs.

March 14, 1856. Bro. Ubick Williams took me in when I started again on my mission to Provo. I rode with him as far as Willow Creek when I arrived at Bro. Stewarts at Drapersville about 3 o'clock. I was cordially received and Bro. Steward proposed that I preach in the school house. I accordingly went to Bishop Draper and found him home and told him my purpose and my mission. He said there was a meeting the night before and tonight there was a theatre and he thought it best not to have the meeting. I thought it was alright if they liked players better than preachers. It was all the same to me.

Accordingly I went back to Bro. Stewarts and he said the notice for the meeting had been given out for me to preach. Quite a number gathered at Bro. Stewart's and would have me preach. Hence I preached and had a good time with about a dozen of my brethern. Some of them bore their testimony and the spirit of the Lord was with us.

Saturday morning March 15. I started for Salt Lake City with Jackson Stewart of Provo City. I arrived at Bro. Chipman's about noon and was well received. I dined with them. I called on Bishop Herrington and said I would like to hold a meeting this evening. He said the Prayer Circle met this evening and he desired me to meet with them. I accordingly did so at 7 o'clock in the evening.

March 16 Sabbath morning. I preached to the saints in this place and had a good time. The bishop and one of his counsellors were obliged to go to Salt Lake City to meet in a convention to organize laws and a constitution for the territory to be admitted to the Union and to be a free people.

In the evening I walked to Battle Creek and preached to the people and felt more free than common.

Monday March 17. I started for Provo City, ten miles distant. I arrived at Bro. Roberts at 1 o'clock. I dined with them and was well received. I visited Bro. Cluff and Bro. Young and a number of the brethern and had a good time.

Tuesday March 18. Springville City. I arrived at Bishop Johnson's at 2 o'clock and was well received. The bishop was at the special convention in Salt Lake City previously referred to. I called on Bro. Miller, one of the counsellors and said I was on hand to preach. There was a meeting called by candle light but there was a mistake as it was a business meeting. I told them it did not matter to me for all meetings was business with me. Wednesday night I preached and had a tolerable good time.

Thursday Mar. 20. Started for Spanish Fork City and arrived at Bishop Pays about 2 o'clock. Held a meeting and felt a good degree of freedom. The people seemed to be glad to see me again and hear me preach.

Friday March 21. I started for Payson. On arriving there I met Bro. T. Hayward, E. Snow, and T. Stewart and they said I looked like some old fashioned Mormon elder. I said I was and I had the medicine with me to administer if it twa's needed. I arrived at Payson at 2 o'clock and dined with Bro. John Fairbanks and we enjoyed ourselves. The bishop also came and we had quite an interview. Arranged for a meeting this evening and we had a full house and a good time.

Saturday March 22. They had a business meeting this evening. Talked about some fencing. I also talked and felt the spirit of freedom. They took up a collection to help me on. They raised five dollars in cash and some in harvest. I visited around and administered to the sick who had measles.

Sabbath March 23. I started for Palmyra with Bro. L. Hancock and son. We arrived at 11 o'clock but conference had been at Provo by Bro. Wm. Snow.

Mar. 24. Conference at Provo. Bro. Stephen Markham said there must be some mistake but I told him I heard Bro. Wm. Snow give out the appointment for Palmyra and not for Payson. Hence I commenced the conference. Bro. Markham seemed to be rather dilatory in commencing. I called the bishop to provide some seats on the stand so some of the elders could sit on the stand with me. Hence he went for some chairs. I called bishop Pays and Z. Z. Cotter and I commenced the conference. I opened by prayer and singing. I had considerable freedom. Bro. Levi Hancock and Bro. Cotter spoke. We did not dismiss until 2 o'clock this afternoon. Had a good time.

Held another meeting and had a good time. Bro. Markham and Bro. Christensen spoke. Bro. Markham sold me an ox for thirty five dollars and the brethern helped me to collect in this place towards the pay of the ox. Bro. Markham sais if I could not raise all the pay now he would wait until I could. They helped me by giving me six bushels of potatoes and Bro. I. Morrison one bushel of seed wheat.

Tuesday March 25. Started for Spanish Fork City and preached there this evening. Bro. Hancock also preached. We had a good time. The people administered unto me some three bushels of potatoes, some meat and few pounds of flour.

Wednesday. Started for Springville on foot. As usual arrived at Bishop Johnson's at 12 o'clock and took dinner at Bro. Miller's, counsellor to the bishop. In the evening went to meeting as appointed to do business. Spoke on the subject. Thursday visited around. Called on some of my old friends. In the evening I preached to a full house and called on them for my rations.

Some 26 pounds of flour and one bushel of potatoes were brought in. Also two dollars and a half in money.

This morning Friday March 28, started for Provo City and arrived at Bro. Young's at 12 o'clock. He was not at home. I called on Bro. James Snow, the president of this place. Told him I would like to preach in the hall this evening if the people would like to hear me. He said he had just returned from Salt Lake City and felt almost sick. I told him I would give out the notices to the three wards if he would see to it that Bro. Blackborn was notified. I visited among my old friends. Meeting commenced at candle light. There was only one candle in the house. Bro. Blackborn did not get the appointment until I went to his house and told him. I found Bro. Snow there. Bro. Blackborn was at the meeting at the beginning but left. I thought he had gone for some more candles but he did not return. Some of the authorities were there. Bishop Duke, the president of the High Priests Quorum, and Bro. Harris. I had a full house and felt more freedom of speech than ever. I had a good time.

They gave me 75 cents in money toward the ox I had bought. I stopped at Bro. Potter's. Sister Kerking and her daughter from Payson were there. Her daughter was sick. I administered to her and made a poultice of onions for her and she got relief and went to sleep. I retired about 12 o'clock that night.

Saturday March 29. Took breakfast with Bro. Roberts. Left on foot with Bro. Houtz of Springville for Battle Creek City. I preached this evening but did not feel very free. It was somewhat cold and indecent. I collected one bushel of potatoes, ½ bushel of wheat and ½ bushel of corn. Took breakfast with Bro. Neff.

March 30. Started for Lake City at 9 o'clock. I arrived at Bishop Herrington's about meeting time. I shaved and washed and then went to meeting. I had a glorious time and the spirit of freedom was there. They blessed me with seven dollars in money, a bushel of potatoes and a bushel of corn. I took dinner at Bishop Herrington's and started for Lehi.

I arrived at this place about dark and went to Bro. Joseph Seam's place and took supper with them. I went to Bishop Evan's. We held a meeting, had a full house and a good time. They collected for me some three bushels of wheat, a bushel of potatoes and seventy five cents in money. Bishop Evans arose and bore testimony to the truth of my remarks. One of his councillors also spoke.

March 31, 1856. I started on foot for Great Salt Lake City, thirty miles away. I was in company with Bro. Captain Fielding and we traveled together in great comfort and edification concerning the purposes of the gospel of Christ. I arrived in Salt Lake City about 5 in the evening and found my families quite well. I was very much fatigued because of the laborious walk.

April 1. I borrowed an ox to work with my one. Plowed some of my lot to plant beets and beans. My wives helped Joseph and myself to plant them. My back is very weak and my legs sore and stiff. Wednesday we planted beets. Thursday we planted beets, carrots, and parsnips.

Saturday April 5. Worked about home. Bro. Chidester and Wells arrived from Palmyra, Ute County with five bushels of potatoes, a bushel of wheat and the ox Bro. Markham sold me for thirty five dollars. I received these with a grateful heart to my Heavenly Father for his great goodness to me by softening the hearts of the people towards me to administer to my temporal wants unto me for food and spiritual blessings. I feel very thankful to Bro. Chidester and Wells for their kindness unto me. For bringing the potatoes and the ox. If they had not taken the interest to fetch them I would have had to go down myself. May the God of Israel bless them in all their undertakings in righteousness, their wives and children, their cattle and their lands and at the end have an inheritance of the earth with the just. This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, even so Amen, Amen.

In the evening we had a good time conversing on the principles of Mormonism. They said many of my words I prophesied on the city of Palmyra had come to pass.

April 6. General conference. Commenced in the Bowery. It was full and a number of thousand of people were gathered there and were taught the priviledges of life and salvation. Suffice to say two and one half days of conference. The 7^th day was held in the Bowery and the 8^th day was held in the tabernacle. Bro. E. T. Benson spoke and bore a faithful testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost. He was appointed to go on a mission to England with Orson Pratt and others. Geo. A. Smith and Bro. Taylor were appointed to go to the City of Washington and lay before Congress our organization for a state and admittance to the Union. The conference closed and we had a good time. Bro. Chidester, Bro. Wells and L. Hancock stopped with me during the conference and we had a seasonable time. They started for home April 8^th.

April 9. I worked around home and made me a harrow for putting in the wheat. I went down to the farm with my son Joseph and put in the wheat.

Saturday 12. Worked in my garden. In the evening went to Prayer Circle.

April 13. Sabbath morning. Went to the tabernacle.

Monday April 14, 1856. Put in wheat. Plowed about 2 acres.

April 17. Weather is somewhat blustery. Need some rain to wet down to the roots of the wheat. Very little wheat up as yet. Many are planting wheat.

April 21. Went to the farm to plant more wheat. One of my oxen was sick with the dry murrain. I gave him some ½ cup of salt, a dose of Lutt, a dose of soft soap and two eggs mixed it up with bran and meal and gumed it up in the form of pills and put them on his tongue and got it down. It rained and was somewhat stormy and cold.

April 22. Stayed around home it was stormy.

Thursday April 24. I went down to the farm and my ox had physicked off and was able to work. (Note, I should think so after that dose). I plowed and put in corn and squash. It was rather cold. I worked with a great deal of pain in my back with rheumatic pains in my back. I am in a hurry to get on my mission that I am called to, even to preach the gospel to the saints in these valleys. According to appointment at the last conference, those missionaries who were appointed at the last fall conference are to continue on their mission to the saints. I greatly rejoice in my God for the priviledge and my office whereunto I am called and do much good in the Kingdom of God in building up and gathering up the House of Israel. For I do expect to go to the nations of the earth yet and gather my thousands from the Gentiles. It has ever been the desire of my heart to win souls unto the Kingdom of Christ, or unto my Master. Or be the means through the power of the Holy Ghost of enlightening the minds of those who do not know God or his commandments.

I truly have rejoiced this past winter in the mission I have been engaged in. I have had a talk with Bro. Brigham, Bro. Heber, and Bro. Jeddy (Jedediah Grant) and they are all satisfied with my labors. Bro. Brigham says that I have never slipped from any council as yet as he knows of or from any other good principles. All he has against me is that I labor too hard for my tabernacle (body), and when I go to preaching again I must not work too hard at it. He said I was blessed. Oh may I continued faithful in Christ Jesus, Amen.

I came home from planting at the farm. My back is very lame.

Saturday April 26. I stopped at home and wrote in my record and read in the news.

Sunday April 27. Went to meeting. Bro. Brigham preached concerning the duties of the saints and cut pretty close. In the afternoon I wrote in my record for I am somewhat behind. I went to the meeting in the ward. Bro. Rahley, the bishop spoke and felt the spirit of his calling.

Monday April 28. I walked down to the farm. My back is very lame. Planted potatoes until 4 o'clock, and walked home, almost five miles.

Tuesday April 29. It stormed. We had snow and rain. Stopped at home and read and wrote in my journal.

April 30. Went down to the farm planted some potatoes and walked back. Many of the disaffected saints are going back to the states and to California. They are stealing cattle, horses and mules. The poor devils and the devils are poor.

I was appointed by bishop Rahley to be a block teacher in the 19^th ward. I went around on the block I live. I went to each house and gathered offerings. I obtained 8 lbs. Of meal, 3 lbs. Of ground wheat and a peck of potatoes. Bro. Walter James gave one peck of potatoes. I also went around to each house and inquired into their faith in the First Presidency of the Church and the bishop of the 19^th ward. Found all feeling well and in good faith.

May 1, 1856. I was sick but worked in my garden. Joseph hauled brush.

May 2. I stayed home and wrote in my record. Quite unwell.

Saturday May 3. Stayed home sick with rheumatic pains. Wrote in my record and fixed my fence. Joseph made water ditches in the garden.

Sabbath May 4. Stopped at home. It gave us good showers at intervals. I read in the Mormon paper, the News, and in the Book of Revelations of St. John.

Monday May 5. Somewhat cloudy and warm. I worked in the garden sticking peas. Joseph went to work out road taxes in this ward.

I have come up with my record to date. It is hard for me to get paper or a book to record in as I would like to do. I record some few facts that my children may see that I am not altogether idle. And also to set them an example to keep a record of their acts in their lives and to teach their children to do likewise. Also to set them an example to keep a record of all the acts of their lives.

I pray my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ that my seed may have no end and my record which I have kept and keep hereafter may be preserved down through my posterity to the latest generation. I dedicate my record this morning May 5, 1856 in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth to be according to my desire as I have written it in my weakness, so mote it be Amen, Amen.

Tuesday May 6, 1856. Worked some in my garden planting beans. The rheumatic pains are such that I worked with great pain. But I am determined to work them off. Quite a little shower. God is blessing us with blessed rains on our gardens and fields.

This evening I was called up by bishop Rahley to go to bishop's meeting at the Council House. He wanted me to be a counsellor to him in the bishopric in the 19^th ward. Bro. Sylvester Earles was to be the Second Counsellor. He said he had laid the subject before Bro. Brigham and he said it was alright. I accordingly went. Bishop Hunter presided at the meeting. Bro. Hunter and Bro. Pedigrue ordained Bro. Earles and myself to the High Priesthood. He said it was the request of Bro. Brigham. He also set us apart to be counsellors to Bishop Rahley of the 19^th ward. Bro. Pedigrue was mouth in ordaining me.

Bro. Hunter spoke at some length on some people being very scant on food and some people were depending on the bishops of the several wards. Bro. Brigham said people could eat meat on the Sabbath day and the bishops could take property as security of those people who must be sustained and if they had no property to let them give themselves as security. A good many were begging from ward to ward and there must be a stop put to it. Each ward must take care of its own. There were some who would get their portion off their bishop and then go to Pres. Brigham Young or Bro. Heber and grunt about they had nothing to eat. Such characters must be taken care of and send them to gathering greens and segoes. Bishop Wooley said he did not believe the times were as close as the first year they came here for he did not see anyone eating dead cattle or old hides and do as they did the first year. He was not going to worry about it as he had done. He believed the Lord desired to try the people in this way or he would not bring us to this situation.

The Lord blessed me Joseph and families thus far. He has opened up the way so that we have had bread, meat and potatoes and some to spare to the needy which I have done with a willing heart and a good motive. We have enough bread to last for 2 days or more. I have some I expect from Ute County from Bro. Houtz that will sustain us a little longer. We have radishes, onions, and some aspargus. We use milk weeds for greens.

Wed. May 6. Worked in my garden. Planted beans and mellons. Hoed the onions. Wrote in my record. My son Joseph has gone to the Jordan river to fish. Up to date have been working on my farming land putting in corn, potatoes, corn and squash. It is with much difficulty that I work because of the rheumatism I have in my back and then I have the piles. (Note what next.)

I am very desirous to get things in order to go on my mission. My wheat has not come up very well.

Wed. May 21. Worked in my garden with Joseph and showed him how to water the garden. The vegetables look fine.

I fixed up my business to start on my mission to Utah County. I bid goodbye to my families after talking with them for sometime. I asked them to see to things and be humble and prayerful and seek to become one.

About three o'clock I started with Bro. John Young and wife in a wagon. We called on Bishop Miller and his wife at Cotton Wood. They entertained us well with a spirit of familiarity and liberty that was manifest in their works.

Thurs. May 22. Started for American Fork. Very windy. One of the horses became sick and we were obliged to walk some of the way. Stopped at Bro. Green's on the point of the Mountain to rest the horses and ourselves. It was very windy. Arrived at American Fork at six o'clock. We stopped over night at Bro. McKensies and were well entertained. Was somewhat fatigued. Bro. John Young went on to Battle Creek City. I took breakfast at Bro. Mercers.

Friday May 23^rd. Started for Alpine City. Called on Bishop Huston. He was glad to see me. Held a meeting this evening and had a good time. Felt the spirit of freedom. Stopped with Bishop Huston. I administered to his wives. Had a good time and went to bed at 12 o'clock. Arose in the morning and took breakfast.

Saturday May 24. I visited Bro. McAlney. He was somewhat sick and low spirited. He had been in the Church for twenty years. We talked on the principles of Mormonism and had a seasonable time. I dined with the Bishop's son in law and the bishop and his wives. Had a pleasant time. Took supper with Bro. McAlney. Held a meeting this evening and had a good time. Called on them for some butter. Went to Bro. Vance's and stopped over night. Well entertained.

Sabbath May 25. Bro. McAlney took me and his wife in his wagon to American Fork. Arrived at Bro. McKensie's at 9 o'clock. The meeting was opened by the bishop. I arose and spoke on the principles of obeying council of those who are over us and of becoming united. I felt the spirit of freedom. Bro. Bishop Dunke of Provo City spoke on some of the principles and we were quite edified. I was invited by Bro. Chipman to dinner. Returned to the meeting at 2 o'clock. Bishop Herrington read a letter from Bro. Heber that those who were about to receive their endowments must not come to receive their endowments if they would lie, steal, or break the Sabbath Day and not attend their meetings and tattle. Bro. Herrington spoke at some length. I spoke on the covenants. Also how many entered into these covenants and broke them. Also those who receive their covenants have more power to contend with. I did say before the people many principles and felt the spirit of my calling. Bro. McAlney spoke many good things and backed me up and a good spirit prevailed. Stopped with Bro. McKensie.

May 26, 1856. Started for Lehi City on foot with my valise in my hand. Arrived at Bro. Seams and dined with them. Went with his son William to his farm. The wheat looked extraordinary well. I went to Bishop Evan's and found him engaged in the Post Office Department. I held and meeting and took for my subject or the figure of the polished stone in the temple of God. I felt well and most of the people did for they said they had received their pay for attending the meeting.

Tuesday May 27. Started for American Fork. I called on Washborn Chipman and was well received by his wife. I took a wash in the room and prayed and read in the scriptures and Book of Mormon. I got a testimony that Bro. Washborn Chipman would let me have a horse. After supper went to meeting and heard Bro. Parley P. Pratt and Bro. Gates speak. They spoke of the hard times in the city and going on to the south. Bro. Gates said that last Sunday Bro. Brigham preached and said some were going hungry in our midst. Some women had come to him, Bro. Brigham, with nursing children and nothing to eat for some time. Their children nursed away blood from their breasts for want of nourishment.

I went home with Bro. Washborn Chipman and conversed with him about a horse. He said he would sell me one or lend me one.

Wed. May 28. Started for Battle Creek City or Pleasant Grove. Called on Bro. Neff. All was well. They received me well. Visited Bishop Worker. Concluded to hold a meeting tomorrow evening. Stopped at Bro. Neffs.

Thursday May 29. I took breakfast and then went up in the mountains to pray and read the scriptures. I prayed to the Lord to soften the hearts of the people and that he would give me power to speak by the power of the Holy Ghost for the people were asleep to the things of God. Came to Bishop Walker's and dined. We conversed on the principles of Mormonism. It was rather cool. Visited Sister Lorrison and son and wife. I took supper with her and good spirit prevailed.

Bro. John Young came into town and stopped with Bishop Walker. We were glad to meet again. We conversed on the principles of Mormonism until 1 o'clock in the morning. Bro. Young told a dream he had had. He thought he saw great quantities of wheat thrashed out in piles and placed around but not wasted. At the same time came a flood of water and flooded the wheat to the west so that none of it could be seen. But in a short time there came a west wind and flooded it back again and all disappeared. There came many pigs both great and small. Many other things he spoke about. Bro. Neff and I departed and went home feeling well.

We held a meeting but not many were there. I arose and said there appears to be not much of a turn out. I told them I would not put up with it but would call another meeting and that I would thunder and old houses would fall and I would cause the rocks of the mountains to roll down but what I would make them turn out to meeting. I told the teachers to go to the people and tell them to turn out to meeting and I would go around to the houses and preach to them.

The next evening we had quite a full house, much better than we had had before at any time. The Lord did answer my prayer for he did give me the Holy Ghost. Truly I spoke very plain and to the point.

Friday May 30. Took breakfast with Bro. Farnsworth. Started for Provo City, three miles away with Bro. Hawkins. He came along with a horse team and took me with him. We had a comfortable time until we reached Provo. Stopped at Potter Roberts. I lay down and rested myself being somewhat fatigued. Took dinner and was well entertained. Went up to Bro. Seams and found them all well and took supper with them. I then took a walk out towards the mountains, my usual place to pray for myself and family and for the people of Provo. I had a good time and was comforted and relieved. I retired.

The next day I called on the people to turn out for the meeting. I took dinner with Bro. Banks and family. Bro. Markham and two of his wives were also present. In the evening went to meeting in the school house. Had a good house and a good flow of the spirit. Spoke to the people about their duties to sustain the bishop in carrying out the council of Bro. Brigham.

There was some trouble concerning herding their cattle and letting them run at large on their fall wheat. My words had good effect for they covenanted to herd their cattle from this time forth and to drive them to the land of the Perpetual Fund Company. I spoke of Jesus' sayings, "If you are not one you are not min." I gave notice that I would preach to the young people on Monday evening, June 5^th. I spent the day with Bro. T. Boys.

In the evening I preached to a full house, old and young. Had a good time. The people seemed to feel well in spirits, I told the parents to teach their children to pray and read out of the best books and to set a good example before them according to your sayings. I told the children to be obedient to their parents and to be humble.

Tuesday June 6, 1856. Bro. Markham took me to Spanish Fork City.

Note by the Compiler. It is unfortunate that the last part of the record of our Grandfather is lost. His account of Johnson's Army coming to Utah and the move south the year of 1858, would have been very interesting. Also the events of the years 1858-59-60, when he was called to help settle Cache Valley.

His mission to Southern Utah must have ended during the summer of 1856 as he would have to return to harvest his crops. The Utah War was brewing and the year 1858 was the move south.

He always looked forward to the time when he could go to the nations of the earth and preach the gospel but that opportunity did not come to him in this life. No doubt he had much of this work to do later when he went to the Spirit World.

To complete his record we shall have to rely on the record of Lusannah, our Grandmother. We will start with Lusannah's record as near as possible where Grandfather's record ends.

"The spring and summer of 1856 was another repetition of poor crops, scant food supplies and the necessities of life. My husband continued his mission in the southern part of the territory preaching the gospel and encouraging the Saints as directed. The food for our family consisted of a little bread and milk, greens, spinach, pig weeds, and later, beets and onions.

August 29, 1857, my third child, a daughter was born. We named her Olive Ann. There was much excitement in the Utah Territory at this time. It was reported the U. S. Army was coming to Utah to destroy the Mormons. Great preparations were made in Echo Canyon to hold the army back until winter overtook them. Everybody was called on to assist. Most of the able bodied men were called on to go to the mountains to hinder the progress of the army. My husband's son, Joseph, was one of the number who spent the winter in the mountains guarding the passes.

"In the spring of 1858 the call came for all the settlers to move south to give better protection to themselves in case the U. S. Army came through. Many responded. My husband and I with our three children loaded what provisions we could in a wagon and with an ox team we started south. A small chicken coop filled with chickens was attached behind the wagon or to the rear of the wagon and two cows were driven behind. As the wagon was filled to the top of the bows, there was only enough room in the front seat with one child on each side of me and one in my arms. I drove the ox team and my husband followed behind and drove the cows.

"We went as far as Spanish Fork and camped with another family. My husband then had to return to Salt Lake City for his other family. The people who made the move to Spanish Fork and other places lived mostly in tents, dugouts, shacks and other makeshifts for three months to see what the outcome would be. Finally in July the word came to move back to our homes. The move back was done in about the same manner as the move out.

"After returning home our baby took severe convulsions and became partly paralyzed on one side of its body. For five weeks I did not undress to go to bed, but had to remain almost constantly by the side of the little one. By the great power of faith and good nursing the life of the little baby was spared. It took sometime for it to learn to walk and talk again. My health was broken and I was in distress most of the winter and that spring.

"July 24, 1859, my fourth child, a daughter was born. We named her Mary L. Because of worry and other conditions I suffered much during the period of gestation and confinement and to carry on my other family duties. In December of that year my father, Benjamin Goodridge died at the age of sixty five.

"Learning of the possibilities in Cache Valley, and because so many families were going to help settle it, my husband decided that our family and I should go north with other settlers and help build up the fertile Cache Valley. The Church Farm had been established in Cache Valley in 1855 by the Garr boys, Bakers, Ensign, and others under orders from President Brigham Young. Wellsville or Maughan's Fort had been established in 1856 but due to the Utah War or the coming of the U. S. Army to Utah in 1848, all had moved from Cache Valley south. In the spring of 1859 there was a rapid move back to Cache Valley by the former settlers and many new ones.

"April 12, 1860 my husband and I started with our little family for Cache Valley. We had two teams, one of oxen and one of horses with two loaded wagons. The roads were in such bad condition that the first day we were able to reach only the Hot Springs north of Salt Lake City. We camped here the first night. Our baby became sick and I sat up all night in the dark and cold weather with the baby wrapped close to me to keep it warm. Very little sleep we had. We were several days in reaching the little valley east of Brigham City where Mantua is located.

"In attempting to get through the mountains into Cache Valley it began to snow and we were held up a week. We could go no farther. My husband left us and went on foot into Cache Valley to get help from Geo. W. Pitkin who had gone previously, the fall before. My husband brought back a yoke of oxen and with this additional help, we were able to pull through the canyon and finally landed at the Church Farm (Elkhorn Ranch) in Cache Valley located a short distance south of the present Logan Sugar Factory. When we arrived at the Church Farm we met the Garr boys and the Weaver Bros. who were caretakers. As stated the Pitkins were also there.

"It had been previously decided that the settlers at the Church Farm should move east and locate near a little saw mill on the Black Smith Fork River to give the mill better protection. This advice was given by Apostle E. T. Benson and Peter Maughan, President of the Cache Valley Colony. The mill was owned by Esais Edwards. The settlers would also be nearer the canyon and river bottoms where they could get wood and timber for building their homes and to burn.

"My husband immediately secured a piece of land for farming. He and his son Joseph plowed the land and planted some wheat. They got out some logs for a cabin and some rails to fence the land. They made a shanty out of slabs and we lived in this shanty and the wagon box with a wagon cover the first summer. We moved from the Church Farm to the Mill the latter part of May 1860.

"Late that summer Apostle E. T. Benson and President Peter Maughan came to the settlement and set my husband apart as the first bishop. The town plot was made and surveyed into blocks and the streets designated. Eight acres to a block. The town was officially named Millville.

"We got our lot and built a log house on it. The house was 16 by 18 feet with a rough board floor and straw and dirt for the roof. Cloth for windows. There were about one dozen families here the time the ward was organized. This was a new and wild country as most of the early settlements of the valley had been started only the year previous. The necessities of life were scarce and we had to work hard. There were many Indians roaming about and stealing what they could lay their hands on. They stole a team of horses from us.

"We had the usual pests of crickets and grasshoppers to damage our crops. The first years of the settlement in Millville were very discouraging. Very often we had to contribute flour and beef to the Indians, following the advice of President Brigham Young that it was better to feed the Indians than to fight them.

"We had a few sheep. I took the wool, washed and carded it, spun it into yarn then wove and made clothing for my family. I did this for a number of years. One of our oxen died so we were handicapped for some time to harvest our crops and do other team work on the little farm. Somehow we managed to get through the first winter in Cache Valley for us, 1861.

"September 10, 1861, my fifth child, a daughter was born. We named her Martha C. The following winter was a very wet and stormy one. It rained most of the time and the water leaked through the roof of our cabin and we had a difficult time to keep our beds dry. The children were sick more or less all through the winter.

"My eldest daughter, Penelope, fell into the cellar and was badly injured. She was sick for several weeks and we feared she would die. One day Apostle Benson was passing and we called him in to administer to the girl. He promised her she would live and become a mother in Israel. She soon recovered and she did become a wonderful mother in Israel and reared a large and fine family. A little later my baby had a very painful gathering on the back of its neck. This caused me considerable worry and care.

"February 1863, my sixth child, a daughter was born. We named her Esther A. My husband had been in Salt Lake City all winter and my health was poor. I was not very strong for such an ordeal. About Feb. 25^th a heavy snow storm came. This made it very bad for all of us. I still had the care and worry of the little girl with the gathering on her neck and sickly, and all of my children were young. It was a big load for me to carry and mostly alone. I had an elderly woman stopping with me in the daytime and she did the best she could to help me.

"In May of that year my son James became ill with a fever sore on the shin bone of his leg. His leg swelled very badly from the knee to the ankle. It was very painful and he had a high fever. It was five weeks before it abscessed in several places. A number of splinters of diseased bone came through the flesh with the puss. I sat up with him many nights as he was in so much pain. There were no doctors and my husband and I did all we could to nurse him ans save his leg and life. We prayed earnestly to our Heavenly Father to save his life. He finally began to recover so he could walk with crutches. He was ill in bed for four months. In October of that year James went to Salt Lake City to stay with his father and the other family. My husband was working on the Temple Block as stone cutter.

"May 10, 1866 my seventh child, a son was born. We named him George B. During the summer my husband went again to Salt Lake City. He rented our farm to a Swedish family. He did not expect to return for some time. In the fall he and James went to Salt Lake City again where James could have his leg doctored by his uncle Dr. Orlando D. Hovey. My husband came to visit me the latter part of December and remained until the latter part of February 1868. He settled up his affairs and said he would have to leave for Salt Lake City again and would not return for some time as he expected to be called again on another mission that spring.

"He had complained of a pain in his side and did not feel well. He met Bro. Hunt who was going to Salt Lake City and said my husband could ride with him. My husband came to the house at once and asked that I pack his things as he would be off early the next morning with Bro. Hunt for Salt Lake City. When the next morning came he said I would love to give each of you a blessing but do not have the time now. He asked God to bless us and departed. That was the last time I saw my husband alive.

"I received two letters from him and each time he complained of being in poor health. When the Spring Conference was over I looked in the papers for the conference reports of those called on missions. I failed to see the name of my husband and concluded that he had been mistaken about being called on a mission. May 5^th I received a letter stating that he was very sick. May 7^th his son Joseph and I started for Salt Lake City with an ox team and wagon. We arrived there the morning of the 9^th. My son James came out to meet us as we neared the house. I asked him how his father was. He said, 'He is dead and was buried last Thursday, May 8^th.' The shock was so sudden that I was nearly prostrated for some time. I had no premonition that he would be taken from me so soon. He had gone on a mission that neither of us had thought of. I went to my mother's and remained with her for a week. My eldest daughter, Penelope had been living for some time with my sister, Sophia Hardy. Penelope and my son James accompanied me back home where I took up life's burdens again and to travel alone with seven children to clothe and feed and with another one to come soon.

"Only my Heavenly Father knew what my feelings were. I kept my children together and did the best I could. In my condition I did not have the health and strength I otherwise would. Many times we did not have enough to eat but we did not complain. September 1868, my eighth child, a son was born. I named him Grafton F. He was quite sickly until after he was two years old. Many times I thought I would not be able to raise him. I nursed him carefully and prayed earnestly to my Heavenly Father to save him. Food stuff still remained scarce. We had three years in succession of grasshopper pests which took nearly all the people could raise from the farms and gardens.

"In 1882 my son George was killed in a railway accident and in 1884 my daughter Esther died after a short illness."

We now quote from our father, James Alma, who was 13 years of age when he witnessed the death of his father, Joseph Grafton. Father also remembers well the conditions in the home in Millville and in Salt Lake City as he lived at both places.

"My father, Joseph Grafton, was a good mechanic. With the experience he had had, he was an expert stone cutter and stone mason on the Temple where he worked so devotedly. He decided he could do better by working on the Temple for the Public Works Committee and for others and rent his farm out in Millville. He made this change in 1863 and was released as bishop of Millville.

"With a family in Salt Lake City and one in Millville to take care of, kept him very busy all the time to help provide the necessities and travel back and forth. This took considerable time with more or less care and worry.

"In 1867 he became ill with stomach trouble and he never got over it. I think it developed into ulcers of the stomach. When he returned from Cache Valley in 1868 he was very weak. He had a bad attack and finally went to bed to stay. At that time I was at the home in Salt Lake City. The elders came frequently to administer to Father.

"One afternoon he said to me, 'James go up to Bro. Heber C. Kimball's and ask him to come and see me before I die.' I went and when Bro. Kimball came into the room he said, 'Joseph you are a very sick man.' Father always thought a great deal of Bro. Kimball and said, 'Bro. Heber do you have any ill feelings towards me:?' Bro. Kimball said, 'None whatever, dear Joseph.' Father then asked Bro. Kimball to bless him before he died. With tears in his eyes Bro. Kimball gave Father a wonderful blessing. That night May 6, 1868, father died.

"His wife Sarah and their daughter Sarah, his brother, Uncle Orlando, my sister Penelope (Nellie), and I and my Uncle Leonard Hardy and his wife Aunt Sophia were at father's bedside when he passed away. Before he died he took me by the hand and said, 'be a good boy, James.'

"His funeral was held in the 19^th ward meeting house May 8^th. There was a good attendance. Bro. Heber C. Kimball spoke at the service as he was requested by father before he died. Father was buried in the Kimball burial lot. He had also asked that that be done.

"Bro. Heber C. Kimball died just one month later so he and father were not separated long."

We now come to the end of a record of a noble life, lived in a simple, common and humble way. He had weaknesses like others but his good traits and strong character make him stand out like a great pillar of light and strength for his posterity to follow.

His humility, great faith in God and loyalty and obedience to those in authority over him, are impressive. Also his active life. Always busy. Self educated.

His wives were wonderful women and each was ready and willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of the gospel. It can be well said of him with them, "Well done thou good and faithful servants enter into the joy of your Lord."

Although it has been quite a task it has been a great joy to the compiler to do his bit to help make our Grandfather's prayer come true when he dedicated his record and prayed that it would be preserved and handed down to his future posterity to the latest generation. It is to be hoped many will read and profit by it.

The original record with one of these copies has been placed in the archives of the Church Historian to be preserved for safe keeping and for future reference.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the Lake, from the Hill, From the Sky
All is well,
Safely rest, God is nigh.

Fading light, dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky gleaming bright
From afar,
Drawing nigh fails the night.

Dear one rest, in the West,
Salle night lulls the day on her breast
Sweet good night,
Now away to thy rest.

Births and deaths we have with us every day; it is rarely that one focuses such a highlight on the other as is the case with Mrs. Martha Caroline Hovey Lambert, whose funeral services are being held Saturday, marking the close of a useful life that extended over 87 years.

Mrs. Lambert was the wife of Richard Greaves Cannon Lambert, who preceded her in death by 17 years, and who was business manager of the Deseret News some 60 years ago. She was best known as an expert midwife; she had had college training in obstetrics at a time when college work for women was rare, and functioned professionally in a day when hospitalization of maternity cases was hardly thought of -- in fact, when facilities for such in Salt Lake City were almost non-existent. At that time, many people were prejudiced against physicians, especially in maternity cases; yet several doctors spoke highly of Mrs. Lambert's work, as she was a skilled diagnostician in her specialty, and never hesitated to call in a physician on a case where surgical aid was deemed necessary.

Her records show that she supervised the births of more than one thousand babies; and a glance at actuarial figures indicates the probability that she outlived half of them. Coupled with her skill was a pleasing personality that inspired trust and confidence, as was evidenced by the success of her professional ministrations.

Human lives must come to an end, as they must have a beginning; but such a record of skilled and sympathetic service is not erased by death, or time, or forgetfulness.

The following synopsis of this address was compiled by George A. Smith from the verbal reports of Joseph Grafton Hovey. William G. Storrett, Robert Campbell and many others who heard the Prophets on this occasion.

It is thought my some that our enemies would be satisfied with my destruction but I tell you that as soon as they have shed my blood, they will thirst for the blood of every man in whose heart dwells a single spark of the Spirit of the fullness of the gospel. The opposition of these men is moved by the spirit of the adversary of all righteousness. It is not only to destroy me, but every man and woman who dares believe the doctrine that God hath inspired me to teach to this generation.

We have never violated the love of our country. We have every right to live under their protection, and are entitled to all the privileges guaranteed by our State and National Constitutions. We have turned the barren blank prairies and swamps of this State into beautiful towns, farms and cities, by our industry; and the men who seek our destruction and cry thief, treason, riot, etc., are those who themselves violates the laws, steal and plunder from their neighborism and seek to destroy the innocent, heralding forth lies to screen themselves from the just punishment of their crimes by bringing destruction upon this innocent people. I call God and angels, and all men to witness that we are innocent of the charges which are heralded forth through the public prints against us by our enemies; and while they assemble together in unlawful mobs to take away our rights and destroy our lives, they think to shield themselves under the refuge of lies which they have thus wickedly fabricated.

We have forwarded a particular account of all our doings to the Governor. We are ready to obey his commands, and we expect that protection at his hands which we know to be our justdue.

We have taken the counsel of Judge Thomas, and have been tried before a civil magistrate on the charge of riot -- not that the law required it, but because the judge advised it as a precautionary measure, to ally all possible pretexts for excitement. We are legally acquitted by Esquire Wells, who is a good judge of the law. Had we been before the Circuit, Supreme Court, or any other court of law in the United States of the nation, we should have been acquitted, for we have broken no law.

Constable Bettisworth comes here with a writ requiring us to go before Mr. Harrison, "or some other justice of the peace of the county." to answer to the charge of riot. To acknowledge ourselves his prisoners, and were ready to go before any magistrate in any precinct in this part of the county, or anywhere else where our lives could be protected from the mob who have published the resolutions of our extermination which you have just heard received. This is a privilege the law guarantees us, and which the writ itself allows. He breaks the law, and refuses us this privilege, declaring that we shall go before Harrison in Carthage, and no one else. When he knew that a murderous mob was collected there who are publicly pledged to destroy our lives.

It was under these circumstances that we availed ourselves of the legal right of the ancient, high and constitutional privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, and were brought before the municipal court of the city, and discharged from illegal detention under which we were held by Constable Bettisworth. All mob-men, priests, thieves, and bogus makers, apostates, adulterers, who combined to destroy this people, now raise the hue and cry throughout the state that we resist the law, in order to raise a pretext for calling together thousands more of infurnished mob-men to murder, destroy, plunder and ravish the innocent.

We are American citizens. We live upon a soil for the liberties of which our fathers periled their lives and split their blood upon the battlefield. Those rights, so dearly purchased, shall not be disgracefully trodden under foot by lawless marauders without at least a noble effort on our part to sustain our liberties.

Will you stand by me to the death, and sustain at the peril of your lives, the laws of our country, and the liberties and privileges which our fathers have transmitted unto us, sealed with their sacred blood? (Aye, shouted thousands.) He then said, "It is well. If you had not done it, I would have gone out there, (pointing to the West), and would have raised up a mightier people."

I call upon all men, from Maine to the Rocky Mountains, and from Mexico to British America whose hearts thrill with horror to behold the rights of free men trampled under foot, to come to the deliverance of this people from the cruel hand of oppression, cruelty, anarchy and misrule to which they have long been made subject. Come, all ye lovers of liberty, break the oppressor's red, loose the iron grasp of mobocracy, and bring to condign punishment all those who trample under foot the principles of our glorious constitution and the peoples rights.

(Drawing his sword, and presenting it to Heaven, he said), I call God and angels to witness that I have unsheathed my sword with a firm and unalterable determination that this people shall have their legal rights and be protected from mob violence, or my blood shall be spilt upon the ground like water, and my body consigned to the silent tomb. While I live, I will never tamely submit to the dominion of the cursed mobocracy. I would welcome death rather than submit to this oppression, and it would be sweet, Oh, sweet to rest in the grave, rather than submit to this oppression, agitation, annoyance, confusion and alarm upon alarm, any longer.

I call upon all friends of truth and liberty to come to our assistance, and may the thunders of the Almighty, and the forked lightnings from Heaven, and pestilence, and war, and bloodshed come down upon those ungodly men who seek to destroy my life and the lives of this innocent people.

I do not regard my life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice for this people; for what can our enemies do. Only kill the body, and their power is then at an end. Stand firm, my friends; never flinch. Do not seek to save your lives, for he that is afraid to die for the truth will love eternal life. Hold out to the end, and we shall be resurrected and become like God, and realm in Celestial Kingdom, principalities, and eternal dominions, while this cursed mob will sink to Hell, the portion of all those who shed innocent blood.

God has tried you. You are a good people, therefore, I love you with all my heart. Greater love hath no man than that he should lay down his life for his friends. You have stood by me in the hour of trouble, and I am willing to sacrifice my life for your preservation.

May the Lord, God of Israel bless you forever. I say it in the name of Jesus of Nazareth and in the authority of the Holy Priesthood, which he hath conferred upon me.

The people said, "AMEN."
 

Note by the Compiler: The above was copied from a pamphlet printed more than 70 years ago. No more of the details of this address are given here than in Grandfather's diary, this copy is made and becomes a part of the record.
 

Salt Lake City, Utah

Sept. 12, 1934.
 

M. R. Hovey
 

The Historian's Office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has received from you for the files of the Library

This gift and the name of the donor have been duly entered upon the records. This is a valued addition to our collection which is greatly appreciated, and for which I have the honor to return our grateful acknowledgement.
 
 

A microfilm copy of the original is available from the L.D.S. Church Archives: MS 1576 1-2)