Angus Van Meter Whitmer

ANGUS VAN METER & SARA JANE JUDD WHITMER

Pioneers of Alpine, Arizona
By David Keith Whitmer, Grandson, May 1998

An awful accident first brought Angus and Sarah Jane known as Jennie, to the Alpine Valley in 1907. It was no accident that they chose to return and make Alpine their home. They were in Globe when they received word of a family fatality in Alpine. Arza Judd, Jennie’s eighteen year-old brother, was dragged to death by his saddle horse. The Whitmers left immediately for the funeral in Alpine. In spite of their sorrow, they fell in love with the Alps of Arizona. It reminded Angus of his boyhood home in the green hills of West Virginia. Jennie’s parents, Don Carlos and Mary Ellen Lewis Judd, had recently settled in Alpine. They encouraged the young couple to file for a homestead on 160 acres of fertile farmland, meandering meadows, and forested hills in the Alpine Valley. They made many treacherous trips to and from the Gila Valley while building on their homestead. This became the home place for the Whitmer clan.

Angus VanMeter Whitmer, oldest son of Benjamin Franklin and Florena Sonafrank Whitmer, was born in Matthias, Hardy County, West Virginia, March 17, 1879. He came to Arizona when he was a boy with his parents who came west after joining the Mormon Church. Sarah Jane “Jennie” Judd, daughter of Don
Carlos and Mary Ellen Lewis Judd, was born January 31, 1884 in Pima, Arizona. The Judds were sent by Brigham Young to help colonize the Arizona territory. Angus and Jennie were married November 7, 1901 in Pima, Arizona.
I am David Keith Whitmer, the third eldest grandchild of Angus and Jennie. I grew up in Alpine. My father, Angus Don Whitmer, was the eldest of the seventeen children born into the A. V. Whitmer family. Thirteen sons and daughters lived to maturity.

In a history written by Grandma Whitmer, she paints this word picture to illustrate what Grandpa did to help feed their ever growing family. She records, “Angus was a Big Farmer for many years at Alpine. He farmed four or five different dry-farms in addition to his own. Along with farming, he freighted to help provide for their large family. During this time he served as Game Warden for five years in Apache and Navajo Counties.” Here are word pictures from my mountains of memories. “I see all kinds of animals at the Whitmer homestead including milk cows and range cattle, horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits, etc. I see a giant garden with long rows of peas,

cabbage, beans, beets, lettuce, carrots, etc. Nearby is a potato patch and a corn field. I see summer sun flowers and smell newly mown meadow hay. I see threshing crews, swarming in lines of wagons, waiting to feed bundles of grain into the hungry threshing machine. I see children sliding down mountainous straw stacks in fabulous fun for kids. I see silver streaks of jagged lighting and hear thunder claps so loud that hands quickly cover exposed ears. I see bushel baskets of ripe red apples and pretty plump peaches that Grandpa trucked in from New Mexico and Colorado. I hear heavy summer storms and see whirling winter winds blowing blizzards and stacking snow into ever deepening drifts.”

Another word picture, painted by Grandma’s pen, captures a titanic-tragedy. She writes, ‘Life was never dull with such a large family. Something was always happening, either good or bad, such as the time Rex shot matches from the air rifle and set our barn on fire. We had the biggest barn in all of Alpine. It was Dad’s pride and joy before it burned to the ground along with his dreams and many prized possessions.”

Grandpa was the consummate cowboy and cattleman with winter range down on the Blue and a summer allotment on South Mountain. Their second son, Ralph, paints this word picture: “One of our fondest memories is of Dad stopping by our place on his way to the Blue to see about his stock. He rode a little gray horse he called ‘Tom’ and he was almost as big as the horse since Dad was a large man….”

Several Whitmer sons left their own mark on Alpine. Don, Ralph, Cecil, Harold and Rex all had homes here and began their families in the Alpine Valley. My parents, Don and Conda, built a two-story log home on their portion of the Whitmer homestead. As a boy I saw Dad cut, cure, and notch the pine logs. With his one-man sawmill, he cut lumber and even milled the shingles for our home. Dad cut the timber off several Alpine ranches before big sawmills came to town.

Dad was an artist, author, and a legendary hunter, tracker, and trapper. Ralph had a ranch of his own until drought and grasshoppers forced him to relocate in Colorado. Cecil owned the first gas powered chainsaw in the area and contracted timber cutting for the big mills. Harold was the last of the original Whitmer family to live in Alpine. He owned a small ranch, worked for the Forest Service, and was a legendary mail carrier making regular runs to the Blue for over 50 years. He was also a heralded hunter. People came from all over to see the giant elk head which dominated his front room. Angus served a full time Church mission in the Southern States (or called Eastern or Central as the mission grew) before his marriage. Many Whitmer man hours went into construction of the L.D.S. chapel located on Alpine’s School-House Hill. Its white limestone was quarried on the side of nearby Staniford Knoll and hauled through Whitmer property to the building site.

In 1941 Angus and Jennie left their home in Alpine when Jennie’s health failed and doctors recommended a lower elevation. Grandpa then worked as a government guard in New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona before they moved to Safford, Arizona for their final years. My father, Don, purchased the home place and farmed it for a year or so before my mother’s health failed, and he sold the Whitmer homestead to the Fight family in 1946. Angus died in 1955. Jennie lived on until 1967. Many Whitmer family reunions have since been held in Alpine. Alpine is still my hometown.

ANGUS VAN METER WHITMER

March 17, 1879 – Spring of 1955

Historical Profile

Angus Van Meter Whitmer, born on 17 March 1879 in Mathias, Hardy County, West Virginia, to Benjamin Franklin Whitmer Sr. (23 at the time), and his mother Florenia Sonafrank (26 at the time). His father Ben was a prosperous farmer and his wife Florenia is said to have been the first in their community to cook on a wood burning stove rather than in the fireplace.

Growing up in West Virginia, Angus was surrounded by neighbors drawn to the East Coast of the United States from England and other countries. These immigrants came in search of open land and economic freedom. Angus’ parents and their children benefited from the forested mountains and rolling hills of the region which produce strong coal and salt mining industries and enticed farmers, trappers, and fishermen to the area.

Angus and each of his siblings would most likely have been born at home, his mother aided by friends, relatives, or midwives. The use of trained physicians was becoming more common around the time of his birth, but were not yet the norm.

In 1882, when Angus was 3 years old, his little sister Lilly Florence was born. Three years later in 1885 he would welcome his little brother Elmer into the family.

In 1884, far away on the other side of the continent, Angus’ future wife Sara Jane (Jennie) Judd was born in Pima Arizona where the two would eventually meet and wed.

Angus’ father was a religious man who seldom attended church. That changed in 1888 when he heard that there were two “Horse Thieves” (Mormons) going to hold a meeting in town. His wife wasn’t feeling well that evening so he went to the meeting alone. When he returned he told his wife that “for the first time he had heard religion discussed the way he believed it should be.” From then on he opened his home up to the missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and befriended them many times. The missionaries in that territory stayed at their home many times. Benjamin and Florenia joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 25 June 1888. Most likely Angus was baptized with his parents.

In 1889, when 9 years old, Angus would gain twin sisters Minnie and Annie. Sadly, Annie died with the group just a month before their first birthday.

Religious persecution toward members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was rampant in the area so the Whitmers decided to go West where they could worship as they pleased. Angry friends and neighbors made life so miserable for their family that eventually they sold everything for 25 cents on the dollar and moved West to a small farming community called Central, Graham County, Arizona. Angus was eleven years old when they left West Virginia. It took a lot of courage on the part of his parents to sell, give away or just leave behind all their earthly possessions and with their little children venture West.

They had been told by others who had joined the church and gone West that there would be someone to meet them at a little railroad junction at Bowie, Arizona. They were met there by Henry Clemens who took them to Central, Arizona in a wagon drawn by a team of horses. After Arriving in Central, they purchased a ten-acre block of land and first lived in a cottonwood log cabin with a dirt floor. Soon they constructed a lumber house nearby, after selling an orchard parcel to Joseph Sowell. The Whitmers’ first home in Central was a log cabin with a dirt floor.

In 1891 another sister, Florenia would be born into the family. Angus would have been 12 by this time, going to school and working to help the family with its growing needs.

In the spring of 1899 tragedy struck as a black measles epidemic washed through Central and many neighboring communities. All the family was in bed with the measles except his father and brother Elmer. Angus’ mother died just after giving birth to a baby boy, David. The baby also died two days later, 4 May 1899. There were no services held as nearly every family in Central had sickness.

That same year, Angus was called on a mission to the Southern States. Church records indicate that in July of 1899 he was baptized into the Church and received the Temple Endowment in preparation for his mission.

He served his mission from Maryland to Florida. Towards the end of Elder Whitmer’s mission he was given permission to teach his Whitmer relatives in West Virginia. One night he and his companion were going to hold a meeting and they got a warning just before the meeting daring them to try to hold the meeting that night. The men who made the threat got all full of whiskey on their way to where they were going to tar and feather or kill the missionaries. They got in a fight among themselves and never showed up. Angus is told to have said, “The Lord had a hand in it.” Elder Whitmer’s relatives offered to let the missionaries stay in their home provided they didn’t talk about religion. He later received a note on his door that said the following:

“Mr. A. B. Whitmore

We hereby notify you to leave this country at once. If you do not get away on short notice you will be subject to a severe case of WHITECAPING. There are enuff decent people in this country to do you up Brown. By short notice we mean NOW. You must make arrangements to start-at-once or you will be hunted down like any other beast of prey and treated accordingly.

Lost City and Mathias White Cap Association Remember this is the first and last notice you will receive.”

Angus’ father married his second wife, Sarah Hannah Wibberley, after a correspondence courtship set up by a friend who was serving a mission in England. After much prayer and spiritual confirmation, she came to America and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple 1 March 1901 and left soon for their home in Central where she became a good mother to his children. After having four children, three of whom lived to maturity, Hannah died of stomach cancer on 27 June 1914. A year later Ben married Edith Porter Kunz, who raised his last children to maturity but had no children with Ben.

In 1902, one year before the Wright brothers would make their famous first flight, Angus gained a new sister through his Father’s new wife Hannah. Little Dorothy was born when Angus was 22 years old and thinking of beginning a family of his own.

The next year in 1903, Angus and his wife Sarah Jane (Jennie) would welcome their first-born son Angus Don into their family. They were living in Pima, Arizona at the time. A year later, in 1904, he would welcome another son into the family as his wife would bear Ralph. The sadness struck when they lost a son, Lealand Claude, shortly after birth in 1906, the first of four children to die in the family. It is told that it was a childhood disease like whooping cough. Later that year, Angus and his budding family moved to Alpine Arizona where his wife Jennie successfully gave birth to their son Cecil Paul in 1907.

In 1909 and 1910 he and Jennie would bring sons Harold and Rex into the family. Five boys but no girls yet. Then in 1912, six months after Americans received news of the tragic sinking of the Titanic in the North Atlantic Ocean, Angus and Jennie welcomed their first daughter, Genevieve. That would make six living children with eleven more children to come.

Two years later a couple of months before Europe erupted in World War I, a daughter, Ethel, was born into the family. Later, Ethel and Genevieve were so close, some of the family referred to them as more twins than Faye and Fern, twins who followed. In September of the following year a son, Ray, was born. A year later in 1916 Angus’ little sister Lilly died of tuberculosis in nearby Phoenix. She was 33 at the time and left behind her husband George and their 5 children.

1917 brought good and bad with the birth of their son Afton, but the death of their one and a half year old son Ray on May 3, 1917 due to pneumonia.

The following year a flu Pandemic swept the world killing more than 650,000 Americans. Blessedly, the Whitmer family was untouched and all survived, likely because their home in Alpine was so isolated from the rest of the world! Another son, Lawrence was even born on 10 November 1918.

In 1921 and 1922 Angus and Jennie welcomed another daughter and son into the family. Mary was born on 20 January 1921, and Vaughn was born on 23 October 1922. This brought their household to 13. Three years later twins would bring that number to 15. On 7 July 1925 Fern and Faye would join the family. Another set of twins, Blanche and Bertha, would be born in 1928. It is unknown how long they lived or if they lived after birth. They would be the last children born to Angus and Jennie.

The living children that Angus and Jennie raised were Don, Ralph, Cecil, Harold, Rex, Genevieve, Ethel, Afton, Lawrence, Mary, Vaughn, Faye and Fern. Four of their children died at birth or at a young age including Ray, Lealand, Blanche, and Bertha. According to his grandson, David Keith Whitmer, the Whitmer children were born, “in the lusty rugged and amazingly beautiful White Mountains of Alpine, Arizona where the mountains reach 8,000 feet in the sky of Neverland.” Alpine is now a resort but in the early 1900s it was a very small place where farmers raised their cattle, vegetables and did whatever it took to feed their families. The Whitmer children knew the Blue well, a place where the cattle grazed in the winter. All the children were raised riding horses. It was a place where everyone had to work and work hard. Seventeen children were born here. Four died.

* Angus Don Whitner, b. 28 Feb. 1903, md. (1) Conda Cox Jensen.

* Ralph Judd Whitmer, b. 23 Oct. 1904, md. Virginia Swapp.

* Lealand C. Whitmer, b. 28 June 1906, Pima, Graham Co., Az., d. 8 Aug. 1906.

* Cecil Paul Whitmer, b. 13 Dec. 1907, md. Stella Peterson.

* Harold H. Whitmer, b. 23 June 1909, md. Ressie Swapp.

* Rex R. Whitmer, b. 28 Dec. 1910, md. Ionia Claire Stout.

* Genevieve Whitmer, b. 24 Oct. 1912, md. Edwin R. Fitzhugh.
* Ethel Whitmer, b. 31 Mar. 1914, md. (1) William J. Pringle.
Ray V. Whitmer, b. 10 Sept. 1915, Alpine, Apache Co., Az., d. 31 May 1917.
* Afton Verl Whitmer, b. 23 Apr. 1917, md. Lenora L. Beiersdorff
* Lawrence F. Whitmer, b. 10 Nov. 1918, md. Evelyn Lee.
* Mary Whitmer, b. 20 Jan. 1921, md. Alton E. Montierth.
* Vaughn (Von) B. Whitmer, b. 23 Oct. 1923, md. Zella Lou Hale.
* Faye Blanche Whitmer, b. 7 July 1925, md. Raymond L. Adams.

* Fern Bertha Whitmer, b. 7 July 1925, md. Melvin H. Munn, Jr.

Bertha Whitmer, b, 16 May 1928, Alpine, Apache, Az., d. 16 May 1928.

Blanche Whitmer, b. 16 May 1928, Alpine, Apache, Az., d. 16 May 1928.

One day in 1922 Dad took two of the boys to the Blue to feed the cattle even though Rex wanted to go too. Rex had gotten a BB gun for Christmas. He shot up all these caps, and decided to take Afton and Lawrence to the creek which is right behind the barn. They looked up and saw the bird’s nest right over the barn door so they put some match heads in the BB guns and shot the matches in the nest. It caught fire. Pretty soon the whole barn was on fire.

Rex came running down to the house and said “Mama, the barn’s on fire.” Grandma said “What on the earth! How’d it get on fire?” Rex said, “I don’t know.” There were seven or eight calves shut up in there, four horses, seven harnesses, three saddles, corn fodder, a corn sheller and corn, a bin of wheat, even a hen sitting on her eggs. She went up too. We were able to get most of the animals out though. It was always Dad’s dream to have a barn. Just everything went! After starting the fire, Rex was so afraid that he hid for three days and his parents thought he had died in the fire. Angus was sick for days and wept many tears, more worried about losing his son than losing his barn. The family often teased Rex about starting the fire that burned the barn down.

Angus witnessed many tragedies and triumphs the remainder of his life as the nation took part in wars and military conflicts. When he was 50 the United States of America entered the Great Depression making resources scarce and work difficult. A couple years later Angus’ father passed away at the age of 76. Angus was 53 at the time.

The children of Angus knew him to be a Master Peddler, describing how he could sell anything. He had the children driving trucks delivering goods all over the Western U.S. He would buy produce, for example, in Colorado, and have it sold before the trucks would arrive in Arizona, and then turn the drivers around and send them back to Colorado for another run. He could sell anything, but he never drove the trucks. That was left to the kids.

At 60 years of age Angus watched the world descend into the madness of World War II. In 1941 he would have heard the broadcast informing Americans that Pearl Harbor had been attacked and later that the United States was entering the war effort. He would watch a couple of his brave sons go off to war, Lawrence and Von. Lawrence served four years in Panama and the South Pacific while Von was flying the Burma Hump to China. Both had many dangerous missions but managed to come home without being wounded. As a family they would work hard and pray hard that the troops would return safely to them. The dropping of the atomic bomb would bring an end to the war in 1945, but peace would not be known as the country would begin a cold war with Communist countries leading to conflicts in Korea and Vietnam.

In 1955 just as the United States was entering the conflict in Vietnam, Angus passed away in Safford, Arizona at the age of 76. The summer before he died, most of the family gathered for a reunion in the Graham Mountains near Central and Safford. Memorable photos never to be forgotten, were taken at the reunion to commemorate their large family.

ANGUS VANMETER WHITMER

Life History

By Ralph and Virginia Whitmer

Angus VanMeter Whitmer, oldest son of Benjamin Franklin and Florenia Sonafrank Whitmer, was born in Mathias, Hardy County, West Virginia, March 17, 1879. He lived on a farm, and being self-reliant and a good worker, had plenty to keep him busy from his earliest years.

The family heard and accepted the Gospel when Angus was about ten years-old. When they were baptized in a creek, he and Brother Jenkins watched to see that no unfriendly neighbors came to interfere, because feelings ran high against the Mormons at that time.

Angus’ father had a fine farm, and was above average in financial wealth but because of religious persecutions, sold the farm and moved to Central, Arizona. Mr. Henry Clemens met them at Bowie, which was the nearest railroad station and which was a good day’s ride by wagon from Central. There he took them into his home for a few days until they could find a place to live.

His parents instilled in him a love of the Gospel and a desire for an education. So he attended the Gila Academy for three and a half years. The school was first held in the Central Meeting House but was later moved to Thatcher.

After he left school he got a team and wagon and freighted to Globe. The road led through the Apache Indian Reservation, where if one stopped, he needed to watch to keep the Indians from stealing his horses. Once when he stopped at the Indian Sub Agency the Indians let the chickens he was hauling, out of his wagon. He offered them a dime for chicken they would catch for him. But somehow, the wagon never filled up even though the Indians caught many more chickens than he had originally. He never caught all of them, nor did he make any money from that trip.

The family caught the measles in the spring of 1899, and while ill with them Angus received a call to the Southern States Mission. His mother and her infant son died with the disease. He was so ill that he was late leaving for his mission. When he was to give his farewell talk in church, May Burns, who had a crush on him, got her friend, Jennie Judd, to get her father’s team and take her to hear the talk. But it was Jennie who later married him. This was the first time she had seen him but she did not meet him until after he returned from his mission.

At that time the missionaries traveled without purse or scrip, and many a night he slept on the ground without having had any supper, and sometimes no dinner or breakfast either. One wet afternoon they were seeking a place to spend the night. They had asked at about a dozen houses without success. His companion was ready to give up and start looking for a fairly dry place in which to sleep. But Angus suggested that they ask once more at a house where they had been refused before. This time the people gave them a bed but no supper. However, they were given breakfast the next morning.

Another time, they were being heckled and annoyed by some men, who finally started calling them terrible names, then Angus took off his coat, handed it and his books to his companion, and said, “Please hold my Priesthood.” Then he started after the men, who turned and fled and bothered him no more. His companion said he looked as big as three men when he started after the hecklers.

In his journal he tells of bathing in the creek at Christmas time, sleeping out on his kerchiefs, washing his own clothes, dyeing coats, patching and mending, repairing shoes, cutting his companion’s hair, and tells how precious were the few cents they obtained.

The last year of his mission he was allowed to labor in West Virginia in the region where he was born. He had hopes of converting some of his relatives. But while they treated him very well, and even defended him from persecutors and mob violence, none of them accepted the Gospel. One of them, Lem, who later moved to Montana, even helped him in his tracting. He was ordained a Seventy while on his mission.

After his return from his mission he bought a store in the mining town of Globe, which prospered until the mines closed down. Then the town practically died, and the store and restaurant which he also owned, closed.

Jennie Judd had gone to Globe to work for a lady to get some money for a trousseau, for she planned on marrying a Mr. McBride. One evening she went to church to hear Elder Whitmer talk, and met him after the meeting. It must have been love at first sight, for he sent her flowers and candy every day until she married him a month later on November 7, 1901 in her parents’ home. She had saved $15 from her work, which she gave to him and he drew $500 from the bank to finance the marriage and the start of housekeeping. She swears that she never received the money back. It became a family joke. Olney’s in Safford, gave them a barrel of dishes, some of which she still owns.

After he left Globe he tried several things to earn money. First, they moved to the Gila Valley, where their oldest son, Angus Don, was born February 28, 1903. Then for seven or eight months they lived in Bisbee where he was manager of the fruit and vegetable department of the Phelps Dodge Mining Company Store. After that they moved back to Pima and he again started freighting.

Their second son, Ralph Judd, was born in October 1904. A third son, Lealand L., passed away when he was six weeks old. That was the first real sadness they had together.

Then they moved back to Globe where Angus worked at the Round House and at the Copper Hill Mine. Jennie was still grieving for her departed baby so her father went to Globe to take her to his home for a visit. But before they left they received word of the death of her favorite brother in Alpine, Arizona. When they went there to attend his funeral, they fell in love with the area.

So when they returned to Pima, sold their little home to Lafe Judd and returned to Alpine, where they homesteaded what later became the old family home. Before they could get settled, their fourth son, Cecil Paul, was born December 23, 1907. Harold was born in June 1909, before their home was ready to move into. Rex R. was the first child to be born in the new home on December 28, 1910.

Angus was a big farmer for many years in Alpine. At one time he was farming four or five places. Besides farming he freighted to help provide for his large family, which eventually numbered 17 children, 13 of which he reared to maturity.

In addition to farming his own place, Angus often rented farms so at times he had a lot of farming. He also acquired a small herd of cattle and a place on the Blue River where he wintered them. He also continued with his freighting and peddling, which he loved to do. When horses were no longer used to freight with, he bought a Model T Ford truck and said that he would learn to drive and use that, but his first experience with the truck was to drive it over the gate post. He would never again try to drive, but for many years his boys, as they came along, drove for him. Earning a living for such a large family kept him busy at all times. For several years he was Game Warden for Navajo and Apache Counties.

One of our fondest memories is of Dad stopping by our place on his way to the Blue to see about his stock. He rode a little grey horse he called Tom and it seemed he was almost as large as the horse since Dad was a large man, but Old Tom served him faithfully for many years before being passed down to Ralph’s boys.

He was always active in the church. He was a Home Missionary in the St. Johns Stake for 15 years, traveling to Nutrioso, Luna, Eager and St. Johns. He was also a counselor in the Sunday School superintendency, and was always a ward teacher.

Life was never dull with such a large family. Something was always happening, either good or bad, such as the time Rex shot matches from an air rifle and set the new barn on fire. It burned to the ground.

After six boys, the family was delighted when a girl, Genevieve, was born. Her father was so proud of her that he bought her a beautiful pink silk dress. Then came another girl, Ethel. Then followed Ray V. who passed away when he was 18 months old, Afton Verle, Lawrence F., Mary, Vaughn B, and twins, Faye and Fern. Jennie was pregnant once more, only to lose twin girls either before birth or shortly after birth. Angus Don was the only one who was able to go on mission because of family finances.

Early in 1911 Angus became so ill with yellow jaundice that his family feared for his life. He had to be taken to the Gila Valley, where he stayed for about a year. By that time he had recovered sufficiently to go to Alpine and move his family to the valley, where they lived until he had regained his strength. During the time here, he freighted to Globe again. At one time during his illness his weight went down to 110 pounds. When he again moved his family back to Alpine it had resumed to 140 pounds.

In 1933 Jennie had a gallstone operation. A few years later her health began to fail and she did not respond to treatment, so Angus took her away from the high altitude and started freighting again. This time he did not prosper, so he sold his truck and took a job as guard for the government in Lordsburg, New Mexico. From here he moved to Lamar, then Trinidad, and later to Pueblo, Colorado.

One by one the children married and left the family home. After about a year in Pueblo, Angus was transferred to Parker, Arizona, where he worked about four years. Then he had to have an eye operation for cataracts. With one eye it was quite successful, but with the other one it was only partially so. So he had to retire. They sold their home in Alpine and bought one in Safford. There they lived until he passed away November 3, 1955, leaving behind his wife, Jennie, 13 children, 42 grandchildren(ultimately 65 grandchildren) who are all proud of the heritage of honor and integrity he left them. After Angus passed away Sarah Jane remained in their little home, keeping busy at numerous things She was happiest when doing something for someone especially her family.

During the time she lived in Safford she made a quilt for each of her children then one for each of her 65 grandchildren, and a baby quilt for a number of her great-grandchildren.

During the last few months of her life she was in the Mountain View Nursing Home where she was visited every day by her daughter, Mary Montierth and her other children when they could. Here she passed away April 30, 1967 after living a full and useful life.

Angus Whitmer Journal Entries

July 6, 1899

Arizona

Left home at three o’clock in the afternoon for a mission to the Southern States. Got to Buah at six o’clock in the evening. Got a room and stayed all night. Left Buah for Deming at half past six in the morning. Got to Steens Pass at eight o’clock in the morning for Rincon, got to Rincon at 11:30.

July 8, 1899

Changed cars at Trinidad for Colorado Springs, laid over 9 hours in Colorado Springs. We traveled all day til 1 o’clock. Got to Salt Lake. Staying all night in the Depot went to Ogden to find Bro D H Ensign. Went in the morning to get a shave. It cost me $1.36 from Salt Lake to Ogden. I went to his Store four times before I found Him. Then I took a 9 mile trip up to Hot Springs 9 miles. It cost me 50¢ cents for a bath and to go there. I am going to start back now at 11:25 am to Bro Ensigns.

Got back and took dinner. Stayed all night with Bro Ensigns. Took breakfast with him and then I read my Bible and stayed all day with Bro Ensign and studied my books and had a good time. I wrote down to see whether the Salt Lake Temple was closed or not. If it is, I will have to go to Logan. [I] tis’ very warm & sultry here and stayed all night with Bro Ensign.

July 12

Got up at 7 o’clock in the morning had Breakfast, wrote a letter to Pa, went downtown to mail my letter. Got on a bicycle and road all over town went home and had supper and went to bed.

July 13, 1899

Ogden Utah

Got up and had Breakfast and then I went downtown to the Depoy and stayed till 9 o’clock and then I started to Logan. I got to Logan at 15 minutes till 12 o’clock went to the hotel and got a room. It cost me $1.00 a day for Room and grub.

July 14, 1899

Logan Utah

Got up in the morning and had Breakfast and then went to the temple and had my endowment got thru at 1 o’clock and then started Home to Bro Ensigns

July 1899

Logan Temple

Baptized for Samuel Spilman Confirmed by Thomas Morgan William McNeil
Lorenzo Hatch

Recorder Samuel Rospilly

Got there at 6 o’clock from Logon. Met a man going on a mission to Holland. He seemed like a friend for years. His name was Lours. He left me and went to some of his friends, then I had supper and bed.

July 15, 1899

Ogden, Utah

Got up in the morning. Had breakfast then went downtown and mailed a letter then came back and had dinner then went downtown and met Bro Woods at 3 o’clock and went up with him to his place. Got up to his place at 6 o’clock in Huntsville and stayed all night with him. I had seen all of the town in the evening and I helped Bro Woods milk 8 cows in the evening Climate was very cool. He had a nice place and a nice big barn and a good house on it.

July 16, 1899

Huntsville Weber Co Utah

Got up and helped Bro Woods milk and then I Had breakfast and I walked over to Bro Woods farm and looked at his crops and then I got ready for Sunday School and then we started for Sunday School They had a nice Sunday school then we went to Bro Woods place and had dinner and then we started for meeting But it got too late and we took a ride all over Huntsville and we got home at 6 o’clock and had supper and went to Bed at half past ten.

July 17, 1899

Huntsvill Utah

Got up in the morning and had breakfast and then his girl took me down to the creamery and then I got on another buggy and down to Ogden got to Ogden at 15 minutes till 11 o’clock to Bro Ensigns place and had dinner and at 1 o’clock started to the depot to go to Bro Browns at Woods cross. Got there at half past 3 o’clock am. I found Sister Brown but not Bro Brown till dark he come from haling his hay. He did not recognize me for He had not seen me for five years. I then had supper and went to bed and I did not get to bed till 11 o’clock.

July 18, 1899

Woods Cross Utah

Got up this morning at 6 o’clock and had breakfast then the next to the oldest boy went out to his sheep camp and then I went with Bro Brown and helped him hall a few loads of hay and I come back at noon and had dinner and I did enjoy myself well at Bro Browns and I felt just as if I would love being at home. I had super and went to bed at 10 o’clock. We sat up and argued the Bible points.

July 19, 1899

Woods Cross Utah

I got up in the morning and had breakfast and then I had to hook up the horse and went to Salt Lake City and there I met Bro Mathews and Bro Gale and I had dinner at hotel.

Then I went and was set apart for my mission and then we went back to Woods Cross. Sister Brown and her daughter and I and then we had supper and then we stayed up till 11 o’clock and then we went to bed.

July 20, 1899 Thursday

Woods Cross Utah

Got up at 7 o’clock and had breakfast and then I went down town and come back wrote a letter and wrote my journal. At 6 o’clock I went to Lagoon to a dance came back at 11 o’clock. I seen all kinds of animals and I saw what they call the Grand seen. I enjoyed myself the best in the world. I danced 4 dances they did not dance anything but round dances while I was there – it was a pleasure resorting place.

July 21, 1899 Friday

Woods Cross Utah

I got up in the morning and had breakfast and Then I went down to the post office and mailed two letters and then I came back and wrote my journal and fixed to go to Chatanuga, Tenn at 6 and Sister Brown cooked lunch for me to take along with me. I Left at 6

and got to Ogden at 7 o’clock 25 min and there I met [6] of the other Brethern and traveled all night.

July 22, 1899 Saturday

We traveled all day

July 23, 1899 Sunday

Traveled all day on the cars and all night on the cars till 3 o’clock in the morning. We arrived 3 o’clock in the morning at Chatanuga and went to the hotel and got a room and went to bed.

July 25, 1899 Tuesday

Got up in the morning and had breakfast and went down to the office and in the afternoon we went up on Mount Lookout and had a nice time. There was 9 of us in the bunch. I seen some of the grandest sites I ever seen in my life and we got back at 6 o’clock and got supper and went to bed. I was very tired for I had been losing sleep a coming down from Ogden to Chatanuga.

July 26, 1899 Wednesday

I got up in the morning and had breakfast and went down to the President’s office and come back and had a meeting and received some good instructions and at 6:30 started to my field of labor got there at 1:45 am in the night and went to the hotel and retired to bed.

July 29, 1901

Laundry Soap
Take 7 1⁄4 lbs Sal Soda 1 1⁄4 oz. Borax
5⁄8 oz. Sulphate of Soda

& 1⁄2 lbs. good yellow Bar Soap

Dissolve the Sal Soda, Boras & Sulphate of Soda in 43⁄4

gallon of soft water.

Till not a lump remains. Melt in the above solution the Bar Soap, cut the soap in very thin slices that it may dissolve quicker.

While dissolving keep stirring so as to mix them well. When the soap is melted it is done.

Remove from the fire & let it stand an hour, then pore in a pale on a lard [forkins].

A common tin vessel will do to make the soap in. If it inclined to boil over, a little cold water thrown in will settle it.

For perfume, if desired, add 1 oz of oil of sassafras, just before it is cool.

This receipt cost Selly Whitmer $1.00.

June 16, 1901

Marys fly Killer

One table spoonfull of black pepper. 1 egg
2 table spoonfull of sugar
1 table spoonfull of clabber milk

July 27, 1899

South Alabama Conference

Rose up in the morning very late and had breakfast and after breakfast I met 2 of the brethern Bro Larson and Bro Wright the two brethren we were assigned to travel with. Bro Gale got our grip and went with the two brethren where they was stopping and then we had a fast meeting I was appointed to travel with Bro Wright and in the afternoon we started to our field of labor. We had about 150 miles to our field and we traveled along till night and it was very muddy and it rained on us in the afternoon and when night came we went to a house and was refused entertainment and we went on a mile and went to another mans house and they invited us in and we had supper and stayed up very late and sang some songs and retired to bed.

July 28, 1899

Livingston Sumptor Co, Alabama

Rose up very early in the morning and had breakfast and started on our travels and walked until noon and got to Wimbley place and took dinner with him and had a nice gospel conversation with him and went on our travels till night over took us and we was refused entertainment 2 times before we got a place to stop with Steven Spead But did not get any supper we had a good conversation with him and we retired very late to bed

July 29, 1899

Belmonte Sumpter Co, Ala

Stayed all night with Mr. Steven Spead rose very late in the morning and had breakfast but did not have any supper then we went on our way of rejoicing and got to the river at one o’clock and road acrost, the Tom Big river. And Mr. Ralery took us across, and we then come up in Defimlis. and had to rest at a place. But did not have any dinner but wrote our Journals up and went on our way rejoicing only I was not used to to walking and it went very hard for me to walk so far. We then walked 3 miles to a place named Vandoran and night came up on us and we was refused entertainment. at a Jews store and we got a place to stop at Ivan [ ]

But said he could not give us any supper but would give us a bed to sleep in. I felt awful weak because I felt very sick. I pray with all my heart that he give us some supper. He then took us in the room and went to get us some mutton and he stayed terrible long.

He told us to come to supper and I felt to thank the lord for answered my prayer and we then retired for I was very tired indeed.

July 30, 1899

Vandoran Marengo Co, Ala

Stayed all night with Ivan V. Duggar. Rose very early in the morning and Bro Wright fasted and I was not feeling well and I had breakfast and then wrote our journals up and then we studied our books and had a lunch and I wrote my journal up from the time I left home to the Present date. And at 5 o’clock we went on our way. And we was refused entertainment eight times. And at the last man’s House, at least the last white mans house, he took us in it was about ten o’clock. And it was the lords will to. And it was the last chance to. And he got out of his own bed and laid on this cot and give us his bed. And we went to bed.

July 31, 1899

Gallion Hale Co, Ala

Rose early in the morning and had breakfast and let him have a Book of Mormon and he said he would send me the money in Stamps. and he was very kind to us. And then we went on our way rejoicing and we went [oni] one mile one and 1⁄2 and wrote our journal up to date and then we went on our way to our County. And when noon we went to a house and asked for dinner and she give us a lunch on a plate and Bro. Wright said that was what we got for going in the back way and then we went on. And then we came to a man that had been to Utah and was thro the temple before it was dedicated and he said it was a grand thing and he bought a Book of Mormon of us and we walked about 14 miles and was refused entertainment once and when we got to Captain R A Hardie. I was very tired indeed and we had a good supper and went to bed.

August 1, 1899

Was entertained by Captain R.A. Hardie. And we rose very early in the morning and had breakfast and then went on our way of rejoicing. And we walked 4 miles and came to a man’s house and had a gospel conversation and took dinner with him and we visited one family and then went on J P Hopper, and we had a gospel conversation and Bro Wright said if he had a night with him He could show him our Gospel and he said come on I can keep you any how and we staid all night with him and had a gospel conversation and sang some songs and had a good time and then we went to bed.

August 2, 1899

Stayed all night with J P Hopper and rose in the morning and had breakfast and we went about one mile and 1⁄2 and wrote our journal up to date and went on our way towards Marion. Got to Marion at 12 and 30 min. And went to the post office But did not get any mail. And we went and seen the marshal and got permission to canvas Marion Perry Co Ala. And at 6 o’clock we left Marion and was refused entertainment 2. And the last place we went to he said it was not agreeable but he could not turn us off on such a rainy night as it was. And he told us to come in and we thanked him and did so and had supper and went to bed.

August 3, 1899 Thursday

Stayed all night with Richard Sewell Rose in the morning and had breakfast and went on canvasing every house we came to and when noon came we were refused dinner twice and then we came to a very wealthy man’s house and he told us he would have the folks fix some dinner. And after we had dinner they wanted us to preach to them and we did so. It was my first attempt and it made me tremble but it was gods will we should do so and I thank him for it. And then went on to canvas and when night came, we came to a minister and he said we was doing very wrong in going around the people the way we was doing. And carrying them all off. And we told him that we was not a doing that. And he refused to keep us all night and we went about 1⁄4 of mile and stayed all night with Mr. J.M. Mason and we had supper and then we sang some songs. Elder Larson read a chapter and we went to Bed.

August4,1899 Friday

Stayed all night with Mr. J. M Mason. Rose early in the morning and had breakfast. And we left our Grips and went and canvased a place that was not on our road. And we came back and went on our way canvasing Till noon over took us and we took dinner with Mr. Carter. And we stopped there till three o’clock and then we went on canvasing. And when night came we had walked 10 miles and we stopped with W A. Christenbery. And had Supper. And then we sang some song and they also sang some songs. And read a chapter and went to bed.

August 5, 1899 Saturday

Stayed all night with Mr. W.A. Christanbery. Rose early in the morning and when Breakfast was ready they sang a song and I took lead in prayer. And then we had breakfast. Then we went on canvasing. And we came to Mr T.L. Rayfield and had dinner then went to the post office. And Bro Wright got a letter from his wife. We got Mr. T L Rayfield wife to wash our clothes. And we came back. And our clothes were not dried. And we had supper. And went to bed very late.

August 6, 1899 Sunday

Stayed all night with Mr. T L Rayfield. Rose Late and had breakfast. And then I wrote 2 letters one to Bro Mathews and one to Charles Angle. And it was fast day and we fasted. I fasted til noon. And we had dinner. And at four o’clock we went to Sunday School. And I enjoyed myself well. Done more singing than they did teaching. They first sang 2 songs and then they offered Prayer. And then the teachers took charge of the School. And they went through with the class exercise. And then they sang 5 hymns and then they closed the School. And we went back with Mr. Rayfield. And we eat two nice watermelons. And we had supper and went to bed very late.

August 7, 1899 Monday

Brush Creek

Stayed all night with Mr. T L Rayfield. Rose early in the morning and had Breakfast and we bid them goodby and thanked them for their kindness and we then went on canvasing. And we visited one family and went on to a church house and sat down on the door step and wrote our journals up to date and then we went on Mr. T W Jockish and took dinner with him and had a good gospel conversation with him and we stayed there till 3 o’clock and we bid him goodby and went on our way of rejoicing. And he told us if we ever come around to come and make our homes with him. And we went on to Mr C E Rawls, we had walked eight miles. He invited us in and asked us if we wanted to stay all night. And he told us to take a seat and we had supper. And the gentleman of the place went to Methodist Meeting. And we went to bed.

August 8, 1899 Tuesday

Brush Creek

Stayed all night with Mr. C E Rawls. Rose very late and had Breakfast. And we had a gospel conversation with him and we went one mile to canvas a house. And we left our grips to his house. And we came back and took dinner with him. And we stayed to his place till 3 o’clock and then we went on canvasing. We went

to the next house and we had some watermelons and peaches And we then went to the next two places and was refused entertainment. And we went to the Methodist Actracted Meeting And he spoke on man. And how to take care of the body. And after he got through speaking on that he told them all that wanted a new heart to come and give him their right hand. And after that they went to praying and shouting. And he said. Oh lord come right down now right at once lord. And so on. After the meeting we asked a man to stay all night and he said he would see that we would not have to lay out. And he took us home with him. It was the Lord’s will that he should. And we retired very late.

August 9, 1899

Marion Perry

Stayed all night with Mr. J M Farrell. Rose early in the morning. And had breakfast. And started on our journey at 8 o’clock. And we canvased all the houses we came to. We walked 3 1⁄2 miles and taken dinner with a gentleman. And then we went on our way towards Marion. It was 6 1⁄2 miles to Marion. We got here at 6 o’clock and I got 2 letters and one from pa. And it was the first time I had heard from him since I left home on the 6 of July till August 9. And I was very pleased to hear from them. And that they was well. And we left Marion and went north towards Ironville and we went 1 1⁄2 miles and Stayed all night. We had supper and went to bed.

August 10, 1899

Marion Perry

Stayed all night with Mr. Elam Parish. Rose early in the morning. And had breakfast. And had a long gospel conversation with the old man. He is 88 years old. And then we had a nice watermelon. And couple of apples and fixed to start and they wanted us to stay and have some dinner and we did so. and after dinner we went on canvasing. And walked four miles and stayed all night.

August 11, 1899

Curbville

Stayed all night with Mr. J M Petterson. Rose early in the morning and had breakfast and then went 3 miles to Curbville. And Bro Wright wrote a letter to one of the Saints. And then we went on to Mr Griffens and had. I’ve had cornbread, collards, ham and, molasses. There was a young chicken run across the table and stepped on the cornbread! And almost stepped in the collards. And I failed to get my fork in him so I didn’t have any chicken that day for Dinner. And we had a long gospel conversation. But we agreed to disagree. He did not believe in Joseph Smith. And he said he was honest in it two. Then we went on canvssing and we stayed all night with Mr H C Blackburn and had supper. And retired very late to Bed.

August 12, 1899 Saturday

Ironville

Stayed all night with Mr H C Blackburn. Rose early in the morning and had breakfast. And then we went back toward Curbville to get some families we had left. And was refused dinner once. And we took dinner with Mr. ? and then we sang some songs and started on our way back to Irneville. To get our mail. we got there at dusk but did not get any mail. Then we met up with Mr Tucker. And he wanted us to go down to his uncles to stay all night And we did so. After we got there we had supper. And after supper they requested us to hold meeting if we weren’t too tired. which we agreed to hold a meeting. And after we all got in the house we began our meeting called to order By Elder C C Wrighte. Sang “Come Ye Children of the Lord.”

Nov. 10, 1899

Crensahw Co Ark

We spent the night with Bro Josia Beezly. Rose in the morning and had breakfast And then we came up to Bro Wright Bodford place we got there at ten o’clock in the morning. And then we had dinner. And then we we came down to Bro. Humpries And there we met Elder Buttler and Hunsaker. And there we run some foot races But Elder Baird was the fastest. And when night came we went Over to Bro Josia Beasly place and we had supper. And then We sange some songs. And Then Elder Baird sang the Cat came back. And we Retired

Nov. 11, 1899

Hiland Homes Crenshaw

We spent the night with Bro Josia Beasley. Rose erly an had breakfast. And then we came back over to Bro Humpries. Whare Elder Buttler and Hunsaker. And then we had a shave. And then we went the meeting house. and held a priesthood meeting With ourselves. And before we got thro they sent up for us to come down and administer to Bro White wife. Wich we did. And then we took dinner with Grandma Biss. And we spent the afternoon in singing. And then I and Elder Baird went down to Bro Whites place and we had supper. And then there was a big crowd came and picked two fiddles. Which Elder Baird was a good fidler. And then I went to tell the other Elders about it but could not find them. I walked three miles. But could not find them. And then I came back and we had some good musich. And at about nine the crowd left. And then we resited Some Resitations. And sang songs till ten then we Retired to bed.

Nov. 12, 1899

Saville Crinshaw Co Ala.

(Four Elders together and four meetings.)

We spent the night with Bro White. Rose in the morning But did not eat any breakfast as it was Sunday and we fast. And when ten o’clock came we went up to the meeting house. And held a meeting wich there was four of us together. And after meeting we stayed at the meeting house till two o’clock. And then we held another meeting. And Then I and Elder Baird went down to Bro Wright Bodford and took dinner with him and Elder Buttler and Hunsaker went up to Bro [Irom] Bodford to Dinner. They held a meeting up there at five. And also another at Bro Whites at seven by wich afterwards was followed by singing. And I and E.Baird went up to Bro Humpries. And the other two Elders Rimaned at Bro Whites. At half past ten we retired to bed.

Nov. 13, 1899

Hiland Homes Crenshaw

We spent the night with Bro Humpries. Rose in the morning and had breakfast. And then we went down to Bro Whites whare Elder Buttler and Hunsaker. And then we bid them good by. And then we all started for Lapine to get our mail wich we did and then we went up to Sister Bradleys. But she was not to home. Then we took dinner with Gregrary and then we bid Elder Buttler and Hunsaker good by. They was going over in bulluck Co. And we came back to Lapine. And then we started for Bro Dormans place at sun down. But did not find him at home. We had supper and we Retired to bed. But Bro Ezacar Dorman came at about nine.

Nov. 14, 1899

Bradleyton, Crenshaw Co Ala

We spent the night with Bro Ezcar Dorman. Rose erly in the morning and had breakfast. And then I fixed my shoes. And then when I went to give him good by he gave me twenty five cents to buy stamps with as I was out of stamps and could not wright home. And I thanked him very kindly for the money. And then we went over and took dinner with Bro Ordan. And then I writen a letter to father. And at four o’clock We bid them good by and started for Ephron Dorman. Wich we got there at about sun set. And we had supper. And then we sang some songs. And then we had a long conversation and then we retired to bed.

Nov. 15, 1899

Bradleyton Crenshaw Co Ala

We spent the night with Bro Ephron Dorman. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then I writen this as it was very fogy and looks very much like rain. And then I done some markin in my bible. And then we had dinner. And then we started for Sandy Best place. But did not find any body at home. and we went in and made ourselves at home. And at about sundown they came in. And they was glade to hear that we had come to see them. And then the store keeper came over to see if we would preach for them. And we told them that we would. And we started meeting at seven o’clock. And we had a good meeting. We held service 2 hours and fifteen minuts. And then we spent the night with Bro Best.

Nov. 16, 1899

Salsoda Crenshaw Co Ala

We spent the night with Bro Sandy Best. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we Started for Rutledge wich was seven miles. We got there At eleven o’clock and then we Started for Mr. Graydon and We got there at twelve o’clock and We had dinner. And then we sang some songs and then we Retired.

Nov. 17, 1899

Pigen Creek, Buttler Co Ala

We spent the night with Mr. Graydon. Rose erly the weathers clear. And then we started for Bro Bowden. We rode four miles with Mr. Graydon. And then we went on and we got to Bro Bowden at three o’clock. But did not get any dinner. And then we went over to his son in laws place. And we stayed about one hour. And then we went back to Bro Bowdens place and had supper. And then we held a meeting. And then we retired to bed.

Nov. 18, 1899

Pigeon Creek, Buttler Co Ala

We spent the night with Bro U.B. Bowden. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we started for Bro. Woods place As I found out he was going down Arizonia where I lived wich was about twelve miles. We got there at twelve o’clock at Bro Kirk Patrick. And there we met Elder Rich and Warner. They then fixed us some dinner and then after dinner we went and cut Bro Kirk Patrick cane down as he was gone to town. And Bro Wood was gone to [Lound] Co And he got back at sun down. And Bro Kirk Patrick got back at about one hour by sun down. And we did not have quite all of the cain cut and then we finished it in a few minutes. And then we had supper. And then at nine we retired to Bed.

Nov. 19, 1899

Till Buttler Co Alabama

We spent the night with Bro. Kirk Patrick. Rose erly and had breakfast And then we went and cleaned

ourselves up and then we went up to Bro Woods place whare Elder Bird and Warner was. We then had dinner and then we spent the afternoon in chating. And then when night came Elder Rich and Baird went down to Bro Patric and I and Elder Warner remained to Bro Wood’s. And then we had supper and then we all went down to Bro Patric to hold a meeting. By wich Elder Rich prosiding an had Elder Baird done the presenting. And after meeting I and Elder Warner came back up to Bro J G Wood place to spend the night.

Nov. 20, 1899

Till Buttler Co. Alabama

We spent the night with Bro Wood. Rose erly and had breakfast. The weather was not very clear. We started for Crenshaw Co and we all went together for about three miles. And then we bid Elder Rich and Warner good by and went on our way but did not get any dinner. We got to Bro. Bowden at sun down and we spent the night with him.

Nov. 21, 1899

Pigeon Creek Buttler Ala

We spent the night with Bro Bowden. Rose erly in the morning and had breakfast. And then we started out to canves. It was very cloudy. We went on canvesing and about ten o’clock it started to rain. And we canvesed nine houses. And then we came to Mr. W. Wines place And he invited us in as it was raining very hard. And then he invited us to eat dinner And we did so. And then it slacked and then we went on canvesing. Then it started to rain and we came to Mr. Holder place. And he invited us in and then I asked him for entertainment. And he said if we could put up with the fair. And we thanked him and told him we could and we spent the night with him.

Nov. 22, 1899

Cook Stand, Crenshaw Co Ala

We spent the night with Mr. J Holder. Rose erly and had breakfast and then we went on canvesing. The weather was very cloudy. And we canvesed sixteen families. And then we came to Mr. Graydon. And we had dinner and while we was eating dinner it came up a big shower of rain. And then it slacked up and we started to Bro. Bests. And on our way up there came up a big shower of rain. and we got soked thro and thro. The road was just like a river. We got to Bro Bests place at sundown And then we had supper and then we retired.

Nov. 23, 1899

Braydleton, Crenshaw Co. Ala

We spent the night with Bro. Ezacar Dorman. Rose erly and had Breakfast. And afterwards we started for Lapine to get our mail. We got there at eleven o’clock. and I got Register letter with seventeen dollars in. And then we went down and took dinner with Bro. Josia Beasley. And then we went over to Bro Whitest place and spent the night with him.

Nov 24, 1899

Salsoda, Crenshaw Co Ala

We spent the night with Bro. Bert. Rose erly and had Breakfast. And then we dried our close. Wich we got wet yestody. And then we went over to Bro Ephron Dormans place. We got there at two o’clock. And then Sister Dorman prepared us some Dinner And at four o’clock we went Over to Ezcars place we got There at sundown. We had supper. And at eight o’clock we Retired to bed.

Nov 25, 1899

Hiland Homes Crenshaw

We spent the night with Bro. William L. White. Rose erly and had breakfast. And It was raning so we could not goe anywhere. And then I wrote this. And then we had dinner and then we went over to Bro Josia Beasley place and stayed about one hour. And then we started to Bro Whites place. As it had been raning all day and we found the branch up. And we have to wade or walk the fence. And we walked the fence and when I got about mid way of the fence and it broke down but I did not get wet. And then we spent the night with Bro Clayborn White. We retired at eight.

Nov. 26, 1899

Highland Homes Crenshaw, Ala

We spent the night with Bro Clayborne White. Rose erly, but did not eat any breakfast as it was Sunday and we thout we would fast. The weather was very disagreeable. At ten o’clock we went up to the meeting house but they wasent an nough come out to hold meeting. And then we went up to Unkle Isom Bodfort place and tok dinner. And then we went back to Bro Humpries place and held a meeting in the afternoon at three o’clock of wich I done the preaching. And then I spent the night with Bro Humpries.

Nov 27, 1899

Highland Homes Crenshaw

We spent the night with Bro Humpries. Rose erly in the morning and had breakfast. And then we went down to Bro C. White. And then I done some writing home. And also to the bishop of our ward. And then we had dinner. And then we went back up to Bro Humpries. And then we went from there up to Bro Isom Bodford place and then I wrote this. And then we had supper. And then Elder Baird played the fiddle and sang songs till eleven o’clock before we went to bed.

Highland Homes Crenshaw A.

We spent the night with Bro Isom Bodford. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we went to Lapine and got our (mail). Then we went up to sister Bradleys and had dinner. Then we went down to Ezcars Dormans and had supper at Braydleton. And we retired to bed very erley.

Nov. 29, 1899

Braydleton, Crenshaw Co. Ala

We spent the night with Bro Ezcar Dorman. Rose erly and had breakfast. The weather was very cold. We then had dinner and then we started to Bro Besses place. We stoped and visited Ephron Dorman and then we went on down to Bro Besses. We put out an apointment for meting. But it was so cold that there woudent anybody come. And we retired to bed very erly.

Nov. 30, 1899

Salsoda Crenshaw Co Ala

We then we went to canves West of the footlage. And we went on canvesing as we went. And we got ten tracks out till noon. And then we stoped in the woods and wrote this.

We got twenty out in the afternoon making thirty pamplets. Thirty families and five refusals. We spent the night with Mr. Masey

Dec. 1, 1899

Onorahville, Crenshaw

We spent the night with Mr. Masey. Rose erly and had breakfast. The weather very disagreable as it was very cloudy. We then bid him good by and went on canvessing. And it began to rain very hard and we went in a house and spent two hours while it was raning and had a good Gosple conversation. And then we went on canvesing towards Bro Beezlys place, as Pres Willace and Boyle was going to be at the Old Fields saturday and Sunday to preach. And we got to Bro James Beezlys place at half past one. And mister Beezly fixed us some dinner and we had dinner. And then we spent the afternoon with them. And then we had supper. Then we sang some songs. And then we held a meeting. An then we retired.

Dec 2, 1899

Saville, Crenshaw Co. Ala

We spent the night with Bro James Beasley. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we started up towards the Old Fields. And Elder Baird forgot his specticles and he went back after them. And I waited for him and while I was waiting for him I wrote this. And then he came back up to Bro Humpries place and had dinner. And then we went down to Bro Whites place and then we came back up to the meeting house whare Pres Willace had an apointment out for meeting. Bus as it was so cold they did not have any. So they continued it till night down to Bro Whites. And we had a good meeting. Elder Boyle and Baird done the preaching. And then I and Elder Willace spent the night with Bro Humpries.

Dec. 3, 1899

Saville, Crenshaw Co

We spent the night with Bro Humpries. Rose erly and we did not have any breakfast as it was sunday. And then we went down to Bro Whites so that Pres Willace could shave. And at eleven o’clock we went to the meeting House to have a meeting of wich Pres Willace done the preaching an he give us some very good instruction. And then we all went up to Bro Isom Bodford and had dinner and then Pres Willace and Boyle left us and went to Lapine. And I and Elder Baird went down to Bro Josia Beazly and spent the night with them.

Dec. 4, 1899

Highland Homes , Crenshaw

We spent the night with Bro Josia Beasley. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we went up to Lapine and got our mail. And then we went down to Bro Ezcar Dorman an had dinner. And then after dinner we cut some wood. And then we drank some cane juce. And then we spent the afternoon in reading and then we went out to the cane mill and eat some buck skin. That is the [form] one the syrup when it is done. And at nine o’clock we retired to bed.

Dec. 5, 1899

Brydleton, Crenshaw Co Ala.

We spent the night with Bro Ezcar Dorman Rose erly and had breakfast. And then I and Elder Baird went out and drank some cane juce and then I wrote this. And then we had dinner and then we started over to Bro Ephrom Dormans place to spend the night but he was not at home and they did not invite us to stay. And then we went over and spent the night with James Beasly wich was about three miles.

Dec. 6, 1899

Saville, Crenshaw Co Ala.

We spent the night with Bro James Beasley. Rose erly an had breakfast and then we spent the day in reading. And we went over and took dinner with Bro Bodford. And then we went back over to Bro James Beasley and spent the afternoon in reading. And then we had supper and then we held a meeting and we had a good turn out. And then we spent the night with Bro James Beasley.

Dec. 7, 1899

Saville, Crenshaw Co. Ala

We spent the night with Bro James Beasley. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we came up to Bro Humpries. And then we went down to Bro Whites. And there we found Elder Warner and Rich wich was on their way over to confrence. And we then had dinner. And in the afternoon I and Elder Baird washed our pance out. And then we spent the night with Bro Humpries.

Dec. 8, 1899

Highland Homes Crenshaw

We spent the night with Bro. Humpries. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we came down to Bro Whites and there we changed our close and then I wrote this. And then we had dinner and then we went up to Bro Isom Bodford place and half soled my shoes. And then blessed his babe. And then we came back and then we went down to Bro Josia Beasley place and had supper and then we went over to Bro Will Whites and spent the evning in reading and singing an then we went back and retired.

Dec. 9, 1899

Saville, Crenshaw Co Ala

We spent the night Bro Josia Beasly. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we went to Bro Whites and fixed our close and had dinner and then we started to LaPine. And we got there at four o’clock. And then we went to Bro Bradleys. And then I and Elder Baird went back down to Bro Whites an spent the night.

Dec. 10, 1899

Lapine, Montgomery Co

We spent the night with Bro White. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we came up to Bro Bradleys and had dinner. As then was six of us. (There were six Elders together). And we spent the afternoon in chatting as it was very rany and we could not start to Montgomry. And then we got up the nites wood. And then we had supper and retired to bed.

Dec. 11, 1899

Lapine, Montgomry Co

We spent the night with Bro Bradley. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we started for Montgomry City to Confrence. We walked two miles and then we took the train. And we got to Montgomry at ten o’clock. And we met some of the other Elders there. And the rest of them come before night. All but Elder Wright & Holyoke. And they come in next morning. And we all put up at the [Mitelpatial] Hotell as there was ninteen of us together. And then we had dinner And in the afternoon I went and had my teath filled to the Dentist and it cost me ten dolars. And then we had supper and then we retired.

Dec. 12, 1899

Montgomry City Ala

Side Note: Confrence at Montgomry City , Ala

We spent the night at the Hotell. Rose and had breakfast. And then I went down to dentist and had my teath finished. And then we came back. And at twelve Pres Rich came and at two o’clock we held a Priest Hood meeting. An at 7:30 we had another Priest Hood meeting. And I asked Pres Rich about getting transferred to VA West and he told me I could in the spring if it was all right with Pres Snow. And then we retired.

Dec. 13, 1899

Montgomry City Ala

Side Note: Conference at Mongomry City, Ala

Conference at Montgomery City, Ala. We spent the night at the hotel. Rose early and had breakfast. And at ten we went down to the Opry House where we were going to have a conference. And at ten o’clock a meeting commenced with Pres Wallace presiding. And then Elder Hyrum Baird spoke and gave some very good instruction. And then Ben E Rid spoke for a short time and gave some good instructions. And then Pres Wallace gave some good closing remarks. Then the meeting was adjourned till 2 p.m. And then we went and got our dinner. And at two o’clock the meeting began. Singing. Prayer by Elder Hunsaker. Singing. Pres Rich occupied the time for one hour. And he gave some very good instructions. Spoke some on the Roberts case. Meeting came to a close by singing. Prayer by Elder Thage. Meeting adjourned till 7:30. We then went back to the hotel. And then they went on the street and sang some songs. And invited them to come out to our meeting at night. And then we went and had supper. And then went to a meeting. Singing, praying, singing. Pres Rich occupied the time and gave some very good instructions. Meeting fetched to a close by singing and by prayer. And then we went and gave our goodbyes to Wallace. I was assigned to labor with Elder Thompson in Flon Walton Co. and Pres Wallace and Elder Rich were released. Counselor Hyrum Baird was to be released on the 7th of January. And we all donated 25 cents and bought Pres. Wallace a $6.00 watch chain to give him our best respects. And he thanked us very kindly. Elder Wallace had been like a father to the Elders. Elder Boyle was chosen president and Elder Butler, first counselor and Hunsaker second counselor. We then spent the night at the Hotel.

Dec 14, 1899

Montgomry City, Ala

We spent the night at the hotell. Rose and had breakfast. And then I and Elder Thompson went an had our picturs taken an then come back. And bid them good by and started four Flon. And we walked ten miles and then we took the train and rode twenty miles and got off at Bradleyton. And walked 2 mi. and spent the night with Bro W S Bradly.

Dec 15, 1899

Lapine Montgomry CoAla

We spent the night with Bro Bradly. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we spent the morning in writing and in the afternoon we started for the Old Fields and we got there at dusk and spent the night with Bro C White.

Payson Covington Co. Ala

Side Note: Christmas

We spent the night with Bro Swenny. We came to J.H.H. Young where they were going to have a little Christmas time. In the morning when I rose I found my stockings full of apples, oranges & nuts. So Santa Claus had not forgotten me. And then we went on over to Bro Young’s which was about two and a half miles. And the first thing on the program was a little Primary program. All of the children took their parts. And then we had a meeting, Elder Hess presiding, singing, prayer by Elder Thompson, singing, Elder Warner spoke for a short time & then I spoke a short time on persecution and then Elder Thompson & Hess spoke for a short time. Meeting closed, singing, and praying by myself. Next on the program was dinner. Then after dinner we had prayer .We had a little dance and then dismissed. And then us Elders had a caudillo after all of the folks were gone. We took Bro Yong’s little girls for partners. And I was given 5 cents for a Christmas present. He came and put his hand in my pocket. And when he took it out I put my hand in my pocket, and he had five cents in it. His name was J.W. Stokes. And then we had supper with Bro Young. We blessed his baby. It was Brigham Young. And then we sang some songs. And then we all went over to his mother’s place and spent the night. And his mother stayed at his place. Bro Young and I slept together because we were the largest and the other three Elders slept in another bed.

Dec 26, 1899

Payson Covington Co, Ala

Clear

We spent the night with Bro J.H.H. Yong. As we went over and slept at his mother’s place. We went back over to Bro. Young’s and had breakfast. And then I wrote in my journal. We started for Laurel Hill. We went by Bro. Nickles but he was not at home. So we left a note on the table telling him goodbye. We went on to the Yellow River. And then we stopped and ate a lunch by the River that Bro Young’s folks gave us to take, which was molasses cake and apples & oranges. We went on to Laurel Hill and I got two letters from home and one from the Bishop and one from Utah. And then we came out to Horsehead Creek and went out into the bush where we had a secret prayer. We came across the branch and something said to me to go up to the Elder Thompson’s house and I went up to the house and inquired if the gentleman was at home. And she said that he was not in and she said come in. And we asked her if she had ever seen any Mormon Elders. And she said that she was a member of our church. And we went in and put our grips down and went and told the other Elders and they came back and he said he could take care of us all. We had supper. And then we held a little meeting. The

gentleman asked some questions. Then the lady fixed the beds down on the floor, about three deep. And we retired to bed.

Dec. 27, 1899

Laurel Hill Halton Co, Fla

Very cloudy & rany

We spent the night with Mr. Cornel Steel. Had breakfast and then we went about 3/4 of a mile with Elder Hess & Warner and bid them goodbye. And then we came back and bid them goodbye, and started up to Bro John Atwell. We stopped on the way up to Bro Atwell’s at Mr. Steel’s, some relation to the one we stopped at last night. They invited us in and we went in. And we had a long gospel conversation. And we also read some of the friendly discussion tracts, and explained it to him and he thought it was all right. And then we went on up to Bro. Atwell’s. He was a man of about sixty-seven years old. And he said he had been a member of our church for thirty years. And he said he was proud to see us. And he also said that he had not seen a Mormon Elder for about a year.

He said that he thought that we were not going to come anymore. And that the other Elders that came through we did not have time to preach. Then we had dinner and then I wrote a letter to paw. And then we went up to Laurel Hill and Bro Atwell went with us. We gave out a meeting for tomorrow night. And then we came back and had supper. Two of his sons returned home. We sang some songs and talked about the Gospel. And then we had prayer and we retired.

Dec. 28, 1899

Larel Hill Walton Co. Fla

Rany

We spent the night with Bro Atwell. Had breakfast and then I wrote this. And then we went to Laurel HIll and got our mail, and then we came back along the railroad. And went one mile further to a mill. And invited them to come and hear us preach. And then we came back to Bro. Atwell and it was raining very hard and we had supper. And then I went down to the branch.

Dec. 29, 1899

Lorel Hill Walton Co. Fla

We spent the night with Bro. Atwell. We started at the National Bridge. And we went through Henry County and over in Covington Co, Ala. to Bro Joseph L. Balkom. After dinner I blessed Bro. Pilcher’s baby. And then I wrote a letter to GrandPaw & ma. And also one to Paw. And then we had supper early so if anyone came in we could hold a meeting. But there was only one man who came and we did not hold any. And then when his baby went to sleep we blessed it. And then we retired to bed.

Dec. 30, 1899

National Bridg Walton Co Fla

We spent the night with Bro Joseph L. Balcom. And then we returned on our journey. We crossed the national bridge about ten o’clock. And then we went about four miles and we came to Charles Davis place and he was not at home. They invited us in and presently his wife told us that they had their name taken off the books and that they were no more members of the Church. And then we asked her what was the fault. And she said she did not believe in that Joe Smith Book. And we asked her if the Elders did not teach her that before she joined the Church. That we believed that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. And she said they did. And then we bid her goodbye and came over to Mr. Frank Davis and had dinner. His wife was a member but he was not. But he treated us very kindly. And then we went over to Bro James F Davis. And he was very glad to see us for he had not seen any Elders for about one year. He and his family also were members of our church. We had supper and then we retired to bed.

Dec. 31, 1899

Darlington Walton Co, Fla

Rany and freezing

We spent the night with Bro James F Davis. Did not have any breakfast as it was Sunday and we fasted, as it was the first Sunday. I spent down in the Evergreens of Fla.It was raining and freezing. And we made good use of the fireplace. And they had plenty of fuel-liters to burn. And then I wrote this. And then we had dinner. It rained all afternoon and was freezing cold. We had an appointment for a meeting but it was so cold we could not have any meeting.

Jan. 1, 1900

Darlington, Walton Co, Fla

Freezing cold

We spent the night with Bro. James F Davis. It was New Year’s Day but it was a cold day. And it was the coldest and saddest new years day I ever spent. We opened the day sitting around the fireplace., with one side burning and the other side freezing. But they had plenty of good fuel liters to burn. How is that for the nineteenth century? Down in the Evergreens of Florida where the Mormon Elders go down in the land of flowers. Where we froze on New Year’s Day. Down in the land of flowers where we spent the first day of 1900. Down where they persecute the Mormon Elders. Down in the free land of liberty. Where they persecute the poor deluded Mormons. And then we sat around the fireplace. Then Elder Thompson ran a foot-race and I fell down and hurt myself. And then we had supper and retired to bed.

Jan. 2, 1900

Darlington Walton Co. Florida

Clear & cold.

We spent the night – Bro James F. Davis. Rose and had breakfast. And then we bid them good by and started to Bro McClough wich was about ten miles. And we went about six miles and met Bro McClough and we went back with him and had dinner. And while we was there Bro John Davis and his son come to get some corn ground. And we spent the afternoon in talking upon the gosple. And then we had supper. And then we retired to bed.

Jan 3, 1900

De Funiak Springs Walton Co. Fla

Clear & cold

We spent the night with Bro W.R. McClough. Rose and had breakfast and then we had a bath and changed our clous. And then we went over to Bro Cottons. And on our way over there we met up with a man. And he went with us about two miles. With us and showed us the way. And we got to Bro Cottons at four and found Sister Cotton there but bro Cotton & his son was off sawing logs. And at dusk they come in and we had supper and then we sang some songs and then we had prayer and then we retired.

Jan 4, 1900

Defuniak Springs Walton Co, Fla

Clear and Moderate

We spent the night with Bro. Cotton. Rose & had breakfast very late. And then we bid them good by. And started for Defuniak Springs to get our mail. We got there at twelve and got our mail. And then we went three miles north of Defuniak Springs to Bro. Thomas Brannam and we had

dinner. And after dinner I done some reading in Orson Prats works and then we had supper & then we held a meeting with two famlies and then we retired to bed.

Jan. 5, 1900

Defuniak Springs Walton Co Florida

Clear & moderate

We spent the night with Bro Thomas Brannam. Rose erly and had breakfast. And then we had a shave. And then I wrote this. And then I done some reading in the new book writen by Orson Prat. And then we had dinner and then I spent the afternoon in writing a peace to the YLMIA of Central. And then we had supper. And then we had a meeting. And I had just started to preach and there was a big crowd came in and I continued for about forty minuts. And then Elder Thompson preached for a short time and then we closed our meeting by singing Lord Dissmiss us with thy blessings and ect. And then we had family prayer and then we retired.

Jan 6, 1900

Defuniak Springs Walton Co Fla

Clear & bright

We spent the night with Bro. Thomas Brannom. We bid the folks goodbye and went to Defuniak Springs in a wagon with Bro. Brannom. And when we got there we bid him goodbye. And we went up to Bro Cotton’s place.

Jan. 7, 1900

Defuniak Springs Walton Co Fla

Clear & Bright

We spent the night with Bro Cotton. Rose but we did not eat as it was the first Sunday in the month. We washed ourselves. And then we had prayer. And then Elder Thompson and I came over to Bro McClough. We left our grips and Bro Cotton fetched them over in the buggy. And between twelve and one we had a priesthood meeting or fast meeting and had the sacrament. All of the saints bore their testimonies. At two we had a general meeting having a turn out of about thirty. And at two pm we commenced. I took charge by singing “Zion Stands with Hill Surrounded” etc. I gave the Prayer. Sang “O ye mountains high” etc.

And then I introduced Elder Thompson and he spoke on The Kingdom of God. And then I spoke on Faith and told them to be sure and base their faith on true evidence. And then we closed by singing and prayer by Elder Thompson. Supper was at 7 o’clock. We held another meeting at Bro McClough. Elder Thompson took charge. We sang, prayed, sang, and then I preached. I told them what to do to get to the kingdom of heaven. And then Elder Thompson spoke for a short time. And then we closed by singing “Lord dismiss us with Thy Blessings”. And then the crowd disperse.

Jan. 8, 1900

Defuniak Springs Walton County Fla.

Sunshine & clear

We spent the night with Bro. McClough. Packed up our grips, and had a shave. We started to go but they wanted us to remain till after dinner. And we did so. And then we bid them goodbye. And we started for Bro James Davis place. We then went on for eight miles. We thought we were on the wrong side of the road.

And Elder Thompson stopped to the side of the road. I went up to the side of the fence to the house and inquired and when they told me I was on the right road. They wanted us to stop with them all night and preach for them as they had never heard any Mormon Elders preach. We told them that we would hold a little meeting with them if there were only two of them. And then we held a little meeting with them at 4 o’clock.

And we told them that we would go on as we were in a hurry to go to Laurel Hill to get our mail. And just as we were leaving the young folks came and they wanted us to stay and spend the night with them and hold another meeting at night as they wanted to hear us preach. And we told them all right, that was our business. So we had supper. At seven o’clock we preached them the first principles of the gospel and at ten we retired to bed.

Jan. 9, 1900

Darlington Walton County Fla.

Cloudy & foggy

We had breakfast and then we bid them goodbye and started for Bro James Davis which was about two miles. And we got there at nine. And he was gone to funeral services. But his daughter was there and we went in and then I wrote my journal up to date. And then when noon came we had dinner, and then at about three o’clock Bro & Sister Davis came. After super we retired.

Jan. 10, 1900

Darlington Walton County Fla

Fouggy & rany

We spent the night with Bro. J. Davis. At ten o’clock we went up to the Mormon meeting house where we had an appointment for a meeting. And at eleven o’clock we commenced the meeting. We had a very good turn out and a thriving good meeting. One member invited us to come over to his house and hold a meeting. And we gave out another appointment for the night. And we came back over to Bro James Davis and had dinner. And then we spent the afternoon reading. And then we had supper then we went over to Mr. Luis Truitt and held a meeting. And at ten o’clock we had prayer and we retired.

Jan. 11, 1900

Darlington Walton County Fla

Cloudy & fougy

We spent the night with Mr. Luis Pruett. We bid them goodbye and started to Bro Davis. And we stopped on the way and visited another family. And then we came over to Bro James Davis. We went over to Bro John Davis place and had dinner. I spent the afternoon reading. After supper we all went into the dining room and then two other gentlemen came in and we held a little meeting. And after the meeting we had prayer and went to bed.

Jan. 12, 1900

National Bridge Walton County Fla

Clear & warm

We spent the night with Bro John Davis. Bro Davis cut my hair. We bid them goodbye. And we went up to Bro Sundays which was about four miles. We got there at eleven o’clock and then we had dinner. And then we spent the afternoon talking upon the gospel. And then we had supper. And then we held a meeting with the family and blessed his babe and we gave it the name of Joseph Angus Sunday so we would have a namesake in Fla. Retired to bed.

Jan 13, 1900

National Bridge Walton Co Fla

Clear & warm

We spent the night with Bro Sunday. Bro Sunday took his oxen and went with us to Florilla and hauled our grips which were 14 miles. And then we bid him and his son goodbye. And we came 7 miles further to Bro Atwell and we got to his place at 3 o’clock. Sister Atwell fixed us some dinner. We left our grips

and went up to Laurel Hill and got our mail for we hadn’t had any mail for two weeks. We came back and had supper and then we talked upon the gospel. After prayer we retired to bed.

Jan 14, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton County, Fla

Clear & Bright

We spent the night with Bro John Atwell. Rose and fasted as it was Sunday. And then Bro Atwell and his sons went and spread the news around that we was going to hold a meeting at his house. And then we had dinner and at two o’clock the crowd came. And we had a good meeting. And then the crowd left and we spent the afternoon on talking upon the gosple and we had supper. And then we retired to bed.

Jan. 15, 1900

Young came in and he was very glad to see us. And we had supper. Then I read a letter to Bro. Young that I got from the Bishop of my town as Bro Young was going to Arizona in the spring. So we sat up and talked upon the gospel and also on Arizona and what kind of a place it was. And we sat up till eleven o’clock. And then we had prayer and then retired to bed.

Jan. 18, 1900

Payson Covington Co Ala

Rany & drizly

We spent the night with Bro Yong. Rose and had breakfast. And then I writen a letter to Chattanooga, Tennsee to Pres Ben E Rich telling him that Bro Yong was going to ariz in the spring. And as it was raning so we sang some songs and learnt the girls some songs. And we had some dinner and we spent the afternoon in ringing and talking upon the gosple. And at five o’clock we went over to Bro John Nickles and had supper. And then I stoped in the citchen and talked upon the gosple. And then we all went in the house. And there was those yong men in there that was not of our belief and we talked upon the gosple and then we had prayer and retired.

Jan. 19, 1900

Payson Covington County Ala

Rany & Cloudy

We spent the night with Bro John A. Nickles. We started back in our county and went canvassing. We went about five miles and stopped in the woods and did some reading in the Bible for two hours. And then we went on canvassing, and we went to the post office spending one hour talking upon the gospel and then we went to Mr. John W Cleary place and he invited us in. And we talked upon the gospel till sundown.

Elder Thompson said “Let’s go and see if we could stay all night.” They said if we could put up with the fare.

And we thanked him and told him we could. And we had supper, then sang some songs. And then we held a little meeting and I did some preaching. And after we got through they both said that what I preached was just what they believed in and we then retired to bed.

Jan. 20, 1900

Bethel Walton Co Fla

Cold & rainy

We spent the night with Mr. John W. Cleary. Rose and had breakfast. And then bid them good by and went on canvesing. And we canvesed [Christal] Howard and he invited us in and we went in and talked upon the gosple. And then we asked him if there was a church house that he thout we could get to preach in. And he said if we could not get the meeting we could so we give out an apointment for next monday night. And we went on canvesing toward Laurel Hill. And we got there at eleven o’clock. And i got a letter from Grandpa and O how much joy it feched me. And they was glad to hear that I was going to come up and see them. And they wanted to know how soon I was going. And they also said that they needed some help. This was the first letter I got from grandpa since I left home. And what joy it feched to my heart to think that they wanted me to come and see them. And then we come down to Bro J Atwell place and we had dinner and then I written a letter to the Bishop of my ward. And then we had supper and then we came back in the house and I writen my journal up to date. And retired.

Jan. 21, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton County Fla

Clear & warm

We spent the night with Bro J T Atwell. Rose but did not have any breakfast as it was Sunday. We had a shave. And then we and Bro Atwell went down to the school house where we had an appointment which was six miles. And we had a congregation of about fifty. And we shouted repentance to them in good shape. And after the meeting two men invited us to go home with them.

But as we had left our grips over to Bro. Atwells place so we had to go back over to Bro Atwells place. So then we went back with Bro Atwell and had dinner. And we spent the afternoon talking upon the gospel. And in the evening we sang songs and had prayer. And I sat up by the light of the lamp and wrote a letter to Pres. Boyle told him that I had spoken to Pres. Rich and he told me I could go up in the spring. But I would have to inform him in time so he could send it to Pres Snow to get transferred from this mission to the other. And I retired to bed.

Jan. 22, 1900

Laurel Hill, Walton County, Fla

Warm

We spent the night at Bro John T Atwell. Then I wrote a letter to one of the saints and to paw. And then we went to the post office and I received a letter from pa and also 3 handkerchiefs and two pairs of socks. And then we went on down to Mr Howard where we had an appointment for a meeting. And we got there at three o’clock and they fixed us some dinner.

But the gentleman was not there. But the ladies told us to remain and we did so. And at four o’clock Mr Howard came in. And we had supper. And then the crowd began to gather and the house would not hold them. We commenced the meeting, Elder Thompson being the first speaker. And then I spoke on the organization of Christ’s church. And also how we had our church organized. And then we closed and gave 20 pamphlets to the hearers. And then sang songs and the crowd dispersed and we retired. And after we retired I heard the gentleman say that they could not pick one flaw with our preaching. And he also said we did not need any Bible for we knew it from one end to the other. And he also said he would like to see one of the other ministers run up against us.

Jan. 23, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton County Fla

Clear & warm

We spent the night with Bro C C Howard. Rose and had breakfast and then we solde them three song or him books. And we bid them good by and went about two miles and sat down under a shady pine and wrote this. And then we went up to Mr Doe and he invited us in. And then we had dinner with him. And then bid them good by. And then we went to the dekin of the church and ask him premission to preach in the church. And he gave his consent as it was a baptis church near post office in Bethel and we gave out an apointment for meeting sunday at two o’clock.

We walked three miles to see the deason of the church down thro the swamp and mud. And then we came back to the house and got our grips as we had left them there. And then we went on thro the woods not knowing where we was going. And finly we came to Mr Mous place and we asked him to spend the night. And he told us to goe in and make ourselves at home and we did so. And we had supper. And then we went in the dining room and talked upon the gosple. And we finly told him if wished us to we would hold a little family meeting and he said he would be pleased to hear us preach. Then we began meeting by singing and prayer and then we sang. And then I spoke. I took for my text 6 chapter of hebrews. And also the forth chapter of Eph.

And my companion said that the President of the Conference, Pres. Willace could not beet it. And my companion also preached the best sermon.

I never heard him preach so good. There was a good spirit manifested there. My companion said he felt just like huging me when I was preaching. And after meeting the man of the place said he had woarked hard all day, but his seet would not of got tired till midnight at such preaching. And then we retired to bed.

Jan. 24, 1900

BethelWaltonCounty Fla

Clear & warm

We spent the night with Mr. Moore. And then bid them goodbye and went on canvassing. And we canvassed one house and sat down on a pine log and wrote my journal up to date. And then we went one or about two miles and came to Bro H C. Thomas they were all glad to see us. And we had dinner. Bro Thomas came. They all were well but Sister Sealy Adkinson and she was very sick with a bad cold. And she gave us nine dollars for tithing and we sent it into the office. And we also sold one Book of Mormon and Orson Pratt’s book. And then we went with Bro Thomas to Laurel Hill to get our mail and then we talked upon the gospel and then we had prayer and retired.

Jan. 25, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton County, Fla

Clear & warm

We spent the night with Bro H C Thomas. Rose and had breakfast and then I greesed my shose. And then wrote this on my (journal). And then I and Elder Thompson went out in the yard and played a game of marble with Bro. Thomas son. And then we went back in the house and done some studing.

And then we had dinner and then we went down to the Branch and had a bath. And then we come back and bid them good by. And went to Laurel Hill and got our mail. And then we went 3 miles south east to Mr. Henry Steel place and he invite us in and we went in. And then we had supper. And then we talked upon the gosple. And they sang some songs. And at eight o’clock he told us he wanted to hear us talk. And we told him we would hold a little meeting if he dezired it. And we comensed meeting by singing and prayer and then we sang. And then Elder Thompson ocypyed most of the time. And then we dismissed and then we sat round the fireside for a while and then we had prayer. Then we retired to bed.

Children blessed.

Saville Crenshaw Co. Ala Dec. 7/99

One child of Br. Isom Bodford blessed By James T Rich. Dec. 9th 1899
By Angus V Whitmer, Brigham Y Baird & Warner.

Baby blessed
Brigham Young
Born November 18, 1899 At Payson Covington Co Ala

Parents names:
John Henry, Carson, Young and Geoge Ann Yong

Dec. 25. 1899 By Elder Warner, Hess, Whitmer and Thompson

Blessed Baby, John Wesley Pilcher

Born May 24th 1899

Parents names:
John William Pilcher Lussanna Starling.

Covington Co Ala

Dec 20th 1899 By Elder Warner, Hess, Whitmer and Thompson

Baby blessed, Lutrell Balkon
Born March 18. 1899 Natural Bridge Walton Co, Fla

Parents names:
Joseph Layfette Balkon Edna Orcunsus Starling

Blessed Dec 29th 1899 By Elders Angus V Whitmer & James J Thompson

Babe blessed, Joseph Angus Sunday Blessed Jan 12. 1900

Blessed by Angus V Whitmer & James J Thompson

Composed by Elder Halford Sept 10. 1899

Twas in the month of winter. The wind was howling wild, As I sat in Shumways Parlor With Lucella their darling child Her cheeks were like the rosebud, Her hair in ringlets fell. As I sat beside my darling There wards I hope to tell.
Oh dearest I must leave you, It fills my heart with pain. But sometimes our dearest darling, We wander back again.
It is for our redeness I bid you now adieu. And trusting in God’s power that to me you will be true.
Its for the love of Jesus, And the glorious cause of truth I bid adieu to loved ones, And the scenes of Childhood youth.
To wonder among strangers In a land so far away And to suffer persecution until That happy happy Day Until God our heavenly father Makes known my work is over And I meet again with loved ones, On Zion peaceful shore.

Elder Angus V Whitmer
Diary Of my travels in the Missionary field of the Southern States and also of the Eastern States Mission.

The States I traveled in were, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland.

Home address: Central Graham Co Arizona

Second Journal in the Southern States Mission.

Friday Jan 26, 1900

Laurel Hill, Walton County, Florida

Clear

We spent the night with Mr. Henry Steel. Elder Rose and I had breakfast. And then we bid them goodbye. And we started up to Bro John Atwell which was three miles. Then I fixed one of my photos up and sent it to grandpa. I also sent seven of them home, one to each of them. And I also sent one of them to Bro J H. Young. We had dinner then we bid them goodbye and we went to Laurel HIll and posted my photos and got our mail. And then we went on a southwest course. We canvassed the houses as we came to them. We went on a trail through the woods and came to another house.

And the gentleman was not home so she told us to go through the fields and up a hill and cross another road and we would come to a house and we did so and we came to the house. And asked him for entertainment. And they told us he would like to keep us but they were awful poor folks. But we could stay all night if we could put up with the fair. And we thanked him and told him we could. And he told us to come in and we did so.

And the lady fixed us some supper. And we talked upon the gospel. And he told us he was a primitive Baptist and then we told him we would be pleased to hold a little meeting if he wished to hear us. And he said he would be pleased to have us. And we began our meeting by singing, “There is beauty all around when there is love at home”etc. Prayer by Elder Thompson. And then we sang “Zion stands with hills surrounded” etc. And then I proceeded after singing to them what the Mormons believed and I spoke on Faith. Repentance, Baptism, and the organization of our church. And then Elder Thompson proceeded and then we fetched our meeting to close by singing “Lord Dismiss Us,” etc. prayer by AVW and then we talked upon the gospel and then we retired to bed.

Feb. 23, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton County Fla

We spent the night with Bro John T Atwell. Had breakfast and then I went down to the spring and had a bath. Then I packed my grip and went down to Bro H Steele and found all O.K . We had dinner in the afternoon. I got Sister Steele to put a back in my coat and she did so. It took her all afternoon to do it and she did a good job on it and did not charge me anything so I gave her a present. We spent the afternoon reading and studying the gospel. We then had supper. A large crowd came in and we held a meeting which lasted for one hour and a half and then the crowd dispersed and we had family prayer and retired.

Feb. 24, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton County Flas

Rainy & moderate

We spent the night with Bro. Henry Steele. Then we had breakfast and then we did some writing. I wrote a letter to Bro Jon Yong. Then we went up to Laurel Hill and got our mail. And we went over to the church where a Presbyterian was preaching to tell him we would hold a meeting Monday night in the house and told him to give it out in his meeting. And he said he supposed he would hold a meeting Monday night and he asked us if we wouldn’t change till Sunday at 3 PM.

We told him we had all given out. And after we found out he would not give it up, we took him up at his offer and we went back to Bro Steele and had dinner. Then we went down to Mr. Jerry Kelly’s place where we had an appointment for a meeting which was two miles away. And we had supper and held a meeting. I spoke on the first principles of the gospel and Elder Jacobson gave some good remarks. And we had prayer and retired to bed.

Sunday Feb. 25, 1900

March 5, 1900

Westville Homes Co Fla

Clear

We spent the night with Bro S.G. Simmon. We went up to the meeting house and held a priesthood meeting at 8. And I was assigned to labor with Elder A.L. Mecham at Freeport, Walton County till I got my transfer to West Va. And President Boyle told me I would be transferred this month. And I was to stay at Freeport till I got my transfer. And at eleven o’clock we organized the Sunday School to go again. And we went and had dinner. And came back and spent the afternoon at the Church talking upon the work of the Elders. And then we separated. Pres. Boyle and Mecham spent the night with Bro Andrew Bozman.

March 6, 1900

Westville Homes Co Fla

We spent the night with Bro Andrew Bozman. We bid the Elders goodbye and started at Knox Hill and Bro Mayo went with us. We got there at 5 o’clock. And they all were proud to see us. Found all well but Sister Rooks. We had supper and then the boys played the fiddle. We held a meeting and Bro Mayo did some of the preaching and he was as good as a Mormon Elder.

March 7, 1900

Knox Hill Walton County Fla

Clear

We spent the night with Bro Brooks. Then we bid them goodbye and started to DeFuniak Spring. Bro Mayo went a ways with us and so did Bro Brooks who went 1⁄2 of a mile and showed us the way. We bid them goodbye and went on to Defuniak Spring. We got there at 2 pm and we went to the post office, but

did not get any mail. Then we came on down to Bro Branom place and found all O.K. We had supper and then a crowd came in and we held a meeting. Had prayer and then we retired.

March 8, 1900

De Funiak Spring Walton Co Fla

Rainy

We spent the night with Bro Thomas P. Branom. Feeling all O.K. Raining very hard. And then I wrote this in my journal. We spent the afternoon studying. Had dinner and we spent the afternoon studying. Had supper and then a crowd came in and we held a meeting.

We spent the night with Bro R.E. Brown. After which I wrote this.

Then we went down to Freeporte on the cram road in a cart pulled by six oxen. They have scantling for railing. It took them about 4 hours to go down and it rained on us. We went to the Post Office at Freeport on the Gulf or Bay and got our mail. I got notification of my transfer to West Va. I notified the President of our conference about it. And then we came back to the cram road and went back with them. It rained on the way back. And we got back at four o’clock and we had supper with Sister Linsey. And we spent the evening talking upon the gospel. It was very cold. I went to bed and left my companion talking upon the gospel.

March 16, 1900

Rock Hill Walton Co Fla

Cold & changeable

We spent the night with Sister Amy Lindsey. Sold them a song book. We went from there to Mr. Bob Woodward’s place where he invited us in and we had dinner. Sold them a song book. We bid them goodbye and started for Mr. Steel’s place. We canvassed the road as we went. One home refused to take a pamphlet. We got to Bro Steels place and found him very friendly. Then we came back to the road we went to. Night came upon us. And we saw a house off the road a little way and we went over to it. And as soon as we got to the doorstep his wife said come in and make ourselves at home. I told them that we had been hunting for quite a while. We had supper, held a meeting and retired.

March 17, 1900

Rock Hill Walton Co Fla

Warm

We spent the night with Mr. Hutto. We bid them goodbye and went over to the Hill. We got another appointment out for a meeting Sunday night. And we came to Sister Lindsey’s place and had dinner. We came over to Alice Creek School House and held a meeting at four o’clock. Attendance 23. We came back to Mr. Wood’s place and had supper. Bro Woods had not come. We retired.

March 18, 1900

Rock Hill Walton Co Fla

Clear

Rose feeling all O.K. but did not have any breakfast. And then we went to the meeting house and held a meeting. We had a house full of people and they paid strict attention. Then we came over to Sister Lindsey’s place and had dinner. We did some writing. And then we went down to the saw mill and took a look at it and I also saw a turpentine distillery. We came back and had supper. And then we held another meeting at night at Sister Lindsey place.

March 19, 1900

Rock Hill. Walton Co Fla

Rainy

We spent the night with Sister Anis Lindsey. And then we came onto R.E. Brown place and stopped in. And while we were there it commenced to rain. And it rained very hard. And it kept on raining. We then had dinner. And it continued to rain and we spent the afternoon. We had supper. Then a crowd came in and I preached to them my farewell sermon.

March 20, 1900

Rock Hill Walton Co Fla

Cloudy & changable

We spent the night with Mr. R.E. Brown. Then we bid them goodbye and started for De Funiak Springs. We went 7 miles and stopped at Bro Branom place and took dinner and we went on to town and got our mail. We went back to Bro Branom and bid them goodbye and came back through town and posted some letters. And we went to Bro McCullough and had supper. And a crowd came in and I preached to them my farewell sermon. The crowd dispersed.

March 21, 1900

De funiak Springs Walton Co Fla

Clear

We spent the night with Bro McCullough. Bid them goodbye. And left my companion at Bro McCullough and I went alone. And I went to Bro John Davis and had dinner. And then I bid them goodbye and went up by Bro Sundays and on up to Bro Balcom place and had supper and retired to bed.

March 23, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton Co Fla

Rainy

I spent the night with Bro Atwell.. Then I fixed up some sweet potatoes and sent them on to pa. Then I bid them goodbye and went to Laurel HIll and sent those sweet potatoes off. And got my mail and I started to Payson which was 10 miles. And it was raining but I went on. And the further I got, the harder it rained. And I got lost and I was just as wet as a duck. Then I came to a man’s house and asked him to stay all night and he said no. Then he told me

I could pull off my shoes and wade the river. And so I went on and waded the river. And I got to Bro Nickles at dark and was just sopping wet.

March 24, 1900

Payson Covington Co Ala

Rainy

I spent the night with Bro Nickles. Feeling all O.K. Then I went over to Bro Young’s place and spent the night and day, finding them all well. And at dark Bro Young came in from his work, had supper. And we did some singing and talking upon the gospel. And did some reading on the law of tithing.

March 25, 1900

Payson Covington Co Ala

Cloudy & changeable

I spent the night with Bro J.H.H. Yong. Then we got ready then went to Sunday School. I would preach my farewell sermon at his house at 3 o’clock. We went home and had dinner. And at three o’clock we commenced by singing. Prayer by J.H.H. Yong, singing, then we administered the sacrament and passed it around. And I commenced my sermon and preached 1 hour or more. Closed by singing “Going Home.” Prayer by A.V.W. and we had supper and then we sang some songs and talked about the gospel. Had prayer and retired.

March 26, 1900

PaysonCovingtonCo Ala

Cloudy

I spent the night with Bro J.H.H. Yong. Then I bid them goodbye and we went over to Bro J. Nickles. Then I came back and started over to Laurel HIll.

But I had to go 3 miles out of my way to get across the river. And I crossed in a boat and they charged me 25 cents to cross. I went 2 miles and came to Bro Thomas’ place and had dinner with them. And Bro Sowel was there and he went with me. We went over to Bro J. Atwell place and preached to them my farewell sermon.

March 27, 1900

Laurel Hill Walton Co Fla

April 18, 1900

Hardy Co. West Va

We spent the night with J.R. Mathias. And then we came up to Van Delauders. And they were proud to see us and had a lot of questions. Had dinner. And we came up to Uncle Selleys. And they were proud to see us. And he welcomed me into his home and we spent the night. We sat up till 8 o’clock. And some of my cousins came down and we had an enjoyable time.

April 19, 1900

Hardy County West Va

Rainy

May 3, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va

May 10, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va

Went up to Aunt Gessy Jenkins and had dinner. And then we spent the night with Wheler Delander.

May 11, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va
Spent the night at Joe W. Haltermans.

May 12, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va
Spent the night with Bud Halterman.

May 13, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va Spent the night at Bud’s.

May 14, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va

We sat up with a preacher till half after 12, talking upon the Gospel.

May 15, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va

Spent with my old Uncle Sellys and he treated us fine. Retired at nine.

May 16, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va

Spent the night with Liona Halterman and he invited us to come back and see him.

May 17, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va

Spent the night with Aron Halterman. And they invited us back and was glad to see us.

May 18, 1900

Mathias Hardy Co West Va Spent the night with Uncle Abe.

May 19, 1900

Spent the night at Jenkins.

May 20, 1900

Spent the night with Unkle Abe.

May 21, 1900

We held a meeting in the Whitmer School house and had the house full and we had some all the way from Mathias. Spent the night with Unkle Selly

May 22, 1900

Spent the night with Wesley Weaver.

May 23, 1900

Walked 20 miles and spent the night with Unkle Jack Whitmer

May 24, 1900

Spent the night with Unkle Jack Whitmer

May 25, 1900

Spent the night with Hugh Delander.

May 26, 1900

Spent the night – Perry Whitmer

May 27, 1900

Spent the night with Perry Whitmer

May 28, 1900

Spent the night with Garett Mathias

May 29, 1900

Spent the night with Tom Mathias

June 1900

The month of June, I spent visiting my relatives and proclaiming the gospel of Christ to them. I had the privilege of holding 4 meetings and distributing many tracts and books.

Spent the day in the city as we had been assigned our field of labor, to canvas the city.

December 19, 1900

Spent the night in the Hotel and then we took a ride over the city after reading some and writing in my diary up to date.

December 19, 1900

Spent the night in the Hotel. Got up very late, did not take any breakfast. Had dinner and then I went and had my hair cut. Came back, had supper and then wrote in my diary and retired to bed.

December 20-24, 1900

Martinsburg, West Va

We spent the most of our time in our room reading on the 25th it was ChristmasI spent reading the law and testimony. If we went out on the street we could see a drunken man on any corner. We boarded by the month in the Hotel at $10.50 and then pay 50 cents a week for coal, making $12.00.

December 27-28, 1900

Martinsburg, West Va

The first canvasing we did in the city was on the 27 & 28. We distributed 48 and 2 tracts during the two days.

December 30-31, 1900

Martinsburg, West Va

We did not do much on the account of Holidays being so close at hand and everything was in the stir.

January 1, 1901

Martinsburg, Berkeley County, West Va

January 22, 1901

West Virginia

Had dinner and my companion and I started out together. We stopped in to see the Dimcard preacher, though we thought it would be a few minutes. But we got in conversation with him and stayed really longer than we thought. He started out and he just went at it for a few minutes. But he did not give up by any means. And he said he did not believe in any prophets and apostles. But finally after reading the 4th Chapter of Ephesians and 12th Chapter of the first Corrinthians he said they were all Apostles. And he bid us God speed.

And we thanked him and left him in that condition. And he invited us to come back to see him. And we left him in that condition as we thought it best. So the day was spent and we did not get any canvassing done. Came back and had supper. Spent the evening reading and writing to Papa. And at 1 o’clock I retired to bed.

January 23, 1901

February 5, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

Rose late. Started out going canvas but as the ground was so icy I came back. I stopped on my way back and visited a friend of mine. And the rest of the afternoon I studied good books. Had supper and then I finished

the Book of Genesis noting the wives that Jacob had and also Laban had. Then I read the pioneer History of the Mormons and their travels to Utah. Just the previous week I received $5.00 from the people of the Central Ward which was donated to help me out on my mission as my means at home was limited. But the Lord supplied my wants and answered my prayers and nothing I wanted for. Had prayer and retired to bed.

February 6, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

Rose and had dinner. And then my companion and I went out and canvassed or revisited one family. And had a long gospel conversation. And he invited me back highly. I then stopped in and visited the Life Insurance Agent and he invited me back. Came to my room then had supper and wrote this in my diary. And then I wrote a letter to Alman Saygers in the Cove at Mathias, Hardy County, West Virginia, and bore them a strong testimony to the Divinity of our faith.

February 7, 1901

Martinsburg, Va

Rose and did some reading. Had dinner and had prayer and we started out on canvas. I took 25 pamphlets and went out to the street that I was going to canvas on. And it was too bad to canvas as the street was lined with ice. But I did not give up. So I went to a man that invited me back to see him in my canvasing the day before, I spent the afternoon conversing up on the gospel of Christ Jesus.

I left 5 pamphlets in his store as he was a merchant. And he said he would give them to his friends to read. And he invited me to come back and see him again. I thanked him and said I would do so.

I then came down towards home and I stopped to see the President of the Life Insurance Company. And I had a long gospel conversation with him. I left him 10 pamphlets to distribute to his friends. His name was Palmer. I then went down to Mr. Matthews shop, the Landlord of the Hotel where we stay.

He took me all through his shop and showed me how they mold car wheels in sand. Came back, had supper, then I wrote a piece to the Daily News of Martinsburg representing our Creed, which will be found in the back of this Book, or a few notes of it as the piece was too large for the paper to print. They told me to cut it down and they would publish it in the 9th paper of the month, which I told them that I would.

February 8, 1901

We then came down to Jones Springs and called for our mail, but did not get any mail. We then went up two miles from there and asked Mr. Wm. Butts if he would keep us all night and he said we could stay if it was all right with his wife. So we went and saw his wife and she said all right. We had supper and after supper we went to discuss the gospel of Christ and we talked upon the scriptures till half past eleven o’clock. And he told me that he believed I would make a better Methodus preacher than they had.

February 22, 1901

Jones Springs, West Va

Rose early and had breakfast and then we bid them goodbye. And went on our way rejoicing. On my road I posted a letter. We walked 4 miles and came to Mr. Robert Hulls place, and we spent the night with him. They treated us fine. They gave us all the pie between times all we wanted to eat. They invited us to come back and see them again. We then started out for Martinsburg which was 8 miles. We arrived there in time for dinner.

We had dinner and we spent the afternoon reading and talking upon the gospel and conversing one with the other. Had prayer and retired to bed.

February 23, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

The Lord’s holy day. We spent the afternoon reading and chatting with the family. Had supper and retired after prayer.

February 24, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va.

In the afternoon I went down to the life insurance agent and had a chat with him. And then I went down to Mr. Matthews’ workshop. He had a piece of a brace that had come off the main and he took it and made a little monument so I could have something to remember him with. Then I came back with Mr. Matthews.

February 25-28, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

We spent the afternoon reading and chatting during which time we went and visited a minister. When Elder Woodruff first called upon him he ridiculed him and what I might call a good tongue lashing. After I talked with him for a few moments he changed his mind. He said he looked for a middle aged man but when he found out I was only 21 years old he was astonished, for Elder Woodruff told him I was the senior Elder and he was surprised as I was so young. And when I left him he said he would assist me all he could in getting a house to hold meetings in. He said didn’t expect us to be so young. We then went home and retired after prayer that night. We also spent one afternoon visiting one of our friends.

We spent a lovely afternoon chatting upon the gospel. He had just read the Book of Mormon through and he thought it was just fine. We also spent quite a bit of time with Matthews family chatting upon the gospel and at times we chatted upon other things as our minds thus led us and we tried to entertain the listeners. The whole family thought lots of us. Had good night.

March 1, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va.

In the afternoon we went and visited a man who had a Book of Mormon. He said he thought it was all right. He made mention that they had wars in that day and time as well as they do now. I gave him a brief sketch of what the Book of Mormon was and how it coincided with the Bible. We spent 2 hours or more talking with him. Then we came back and had supper. Then we spent some of the evening chatting upon the gospel. Also in reading. Chatting upon the gospel. My companion and I read aloud out of the Bible and corrected each other from the Book of St. John. We did it for oral practice.

March 2, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

I spent the afternoon discussing the personality of the Godhead. We spent the afternoon with Mr. Horsey. He at one time agreed to take it up in the morning and allow me 15 minutes in discussing it. But he finally backed out and would not discuss it at all for he said he was not acquainted with Theology. And then I offered to take up any subject and base the proof from the Bible, and he would not do that. I had the argument in the parlor with Miss Matthews’ children and Miss Rhym. I thought it was fine, they said they liked it very much. Had supper and spent the evening as usual.

March 3, 1901 The Lord’s Holy Sabbath day

Martinsburg, West Va

Rose late and had no dinner as it was fast day so we prayed for the progress of the Church. I also had quite a conversation with Mr. Horsey on politics, relating to how corrupt the powers of today were. We had supper and we spent most of the evening in the Parlor. Came up to our room and Mr. Horsey came up and chatted with us quite a while upon the gospel. Retired after prayer.

March 4, 1901

Martinsburg, West Virginia

Rose at the usual hour. Had dinner and afterwards Mr. Horsey and I discussed democrats and republicans for about one hour. Then I went up to the post office and left 20 pamphlets as it was raining so we could not go out and canvas. Had supper then we came up in our room and began singing.

And Ray Scot came to the room door and rapped. I said come in as we were singing when he first came. And he presented to us a bouquet of feathers, which was sent by Mrs. Matthews. We then went down to the parlor and chatted quite a while with the family. I read them the 107 Psalms and we chatted I suppose till about eleven o’clock. Then we came up to our room and I did some writing in my diary. Then I went over in Mr. Horsey’s room and chatted till one o’clock about various things.

March 5, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

Rose as usual and I did some writing in my diary then we had dinner. And then my companion and I went and visited a family that was sick and also one family that invited me to come back again.

Had supper and then we came up the stairs and did some singing. Then we read aloud to each other and corrected each other’s grammatical errors. Then I went down stairs and found all of the family in the Parlor eating so I ate with them.

March 6, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

After a good night’s rest we rose and had dinner. But Elder Woodruff was not feeling very good. So I went out alone and distributed twenty-five pamphlets. Came back and I spent most of the afternoon reading The Era. Had supper and then I went out and took a little walk around a block or two for a little exercise. Came back and I got in an argument with Mr Chas Lee Horsey on the scriptures and it became very interesting. We discussed the subject of heaven, whether there was more than one heaven or not. He claimed there was only one heaven and I referred him to where Paul was caught up in the third heaven.

Then we discussed whether there was any redemption after death or not and I soon showed him that there was a redemption after death by referring to Peter’s writings. Then we came upstairs in our room and sang songs till we got tired. Then Mr Horsey went to bed and we had prayer and retired.

March 15, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

Rose early and went up town. Came back and then I did some writing in my diary. I also did some reading in the Improvement Era. I received a letter from my father and I received my step-mother’s picture and it was the first time I ever saw her face in my life. And she surely is a fine looking woman.

I can not help but congratulate her on her face and good looks. I then went out and canvased in the afternoon. I distributed 26 pamphlets and visited 28 families. Came back and had supper and I spent the evening chatting with the girls. Came up to my room and wrote this.

March 16, 1901

Martinsburg, West, Va

Rose at the usual hour and had breakfast. And then we went up and saw the Proprietor of the Opera House to see what terms we could come up with in renting the Opera house. He wants $7.50 for two Sunday services. And we thought it more than we could pay as our financial means were limited at home. So we concluded not to take it at that price. Came back and had supper and spent the evening as usual. Had prayer and retired.

March 17, 1901 “My Birthday”

Martinsburg, West Va

Just 22 years to this date since I was born. I was woken up in the morning by Elder J.J. Woodruff pounding me in the back and heard him say 23 one of them to grow on. I was quite angry at first when I awoke but when I came to find out what it was for, then I felt all right.

In regards to my health I can say that it was just excellent from my other birthday up to the present time. And I can say that I enjoyed my mission first class. And met with good success, all but on one occasion I had a rock thrown at me on one instant. But the Lord protected me on that occasion.

Tomahawk, Berkeley Co, West Va

We spent the night with Bro Noll. Rose early and had breakfast and then we bid them goodbye and started for Bro Myres place which was about 10 miles. We got there at two o’clock and we found Mr Myres at home. But the rest of the family was not there. They had just gone to Jones Springs and at about five o’clock they came back. And then Mrs Myres got supper and we had supper and then we spent the evening chatting upon the gospel.

March 24, 1901 The Lord’s Holy Day

Jones Springs, Berkeley Co, West Va

Rose early and had breakfast. And then Elder J.J. Woodruff and I went out in the woods and had prayers together and we also had secret prayer, and then we went back and chatted together upon the gospel. Then we had dinner and then Mr. Myres went to tend to his hogs and we spent most of the afternoon reading and chatting together. Then we had supper.

And then we held a family meeting with the family, speaking mostly upon how a man should be called to preach the gospel. Also on the Divinity of Joseph Smith, I am the speaker. We had prayer and we sang some songs and retired to bed.

March 25, 1901

Jones Springs, West Va

Rose early and had breakfast and I felt a little sleepy and I took a little snooze. I also did some reading. Then we had dinner. And then we bid them goodbye. And we came five miles to Wm Butts place and spent the night with them.

March 26, 1901

Jones Springs, West Va

Rose and had breakfast and then we bid them goodbye and we went over to Mr. Nolls place and had dinner, which was five miles to Nolls place. We then went down to Mr Wheelers place and had supper. And then we filled the appointment to preach which we made as we went over. And I preached on the fundamental principles of the gospel occupying one hour and a half. We then retired to bed.

March 27, 1901

Tomahawk, Berkley Co, West Va

We bid them goodbye, and started on our journey to Martinsburg City. We arrived there at 10:50. and found everything prosperous. We had dinner and then we came up in our room and I wrote a Historical letter to Pres. J.J. Shumway, also a report. We then had supper and we spent the evening in the Parlor with the family. I led prayer and retired.

March 28, 1901

Martinsburg, Va, West Va

We went to visit a family but did not find them at home.We came back and did some fixing up to start the Conference.

March 29, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

We got up very early and did some packing up. Then we went down and had dinner with Mr. Rhymel and after dinner we prayed with the family, also read a chapter and they wished us much joy and a happy trip to Baltimore.

We came up in our room and packed everything so as to start in the morning at 4:45 on the train to go to Baltimore, Md to conference. I went and purchased our tickets which cost us $3.00 each to go to Baltimore. That is through Washington. We had supper and after supper they made some lemonade then I came up and did this writing in my diary and retired.

March 30, 1901

Martinsburg, West Va

Rose at four in the morning and started for Washington. And just as we got on the train and got ready to start to leave Mr Rhymel came and bid us goodbye and wished us success on our journey. Then we sailed on for Washington D.C. And we arrived in the City of Washington at 6:45 in the morning. And the first thing we did was to go to the capital. Then we came back and had an oyster supper. Then we went and took the street car and went down to the National Zoological Park and we saw all of the wild animals and we spent a very enjoyable time going through the Park.

Capino John, Md

Rose early and had breakfast and then we came to Washington D.C. on the street car. Then I went through the Capital building of the United States.

I went into the room where the Supreme Court was, and they met Catholic Robson. It was a sight indeed for me to see. Then I went back to the B.& O. Depot. And at 4.30 we took the train and went to Upper Marlboro to go to our field of labor. After we got there we took it on foot and went one mile and asked a doctor to keep us all night and he said he could not but he would give us some supper. So we ate and at 8 o’clock at night we went on and searched for entertainment but did not get it till 10 o’clock at night. We came to a place by the name of Leon and Mr Wm Watters who took us in and kept us all night. We were very tired.

April 12, 1901

Leon, Arundel Co, Md

Rose and had breakfast and he treated us fine. We had dinner with him and then we went three miles to R.D. Hopkins place and he took us in and treated us fine. So we had supper and we chatted till 12 o’clock and then we retired.

April 13, 1901

Bristle, Arundel Co, Md

I did some reading in D.N. We spent the afternoon with R. D. Hopkins place and about four o’clock we came from there down to Mr Wm Watters place when we had an appointment. We made an appointment to preach Sunday night. So we spent the night at Mr. Watter’s place.

April 14, 1901 the Lord’s Holy Day

Leon, Md

We spent the afternoon chatting with a young man and Mr Watters had supper and at 8 o’clock we held a meeting with the family. Then we had prayer and retired.

April 15, 1901

Leon, Md

Mr Watters wanted to go to work so we bid him goodbye as we wanted to wait till 11 for our mail. I finished writing. Then I had dinner and in the afternoon we went to seek entertainment for the night. So we called a man and asked him if we could spend the night. She said she was too crowded, that she could not keep us. So then we came back to Mr. Wm Fisher’s place and asked him if we could spend the night with him and he said yes. They would do the best they could for us. So we spent the night with him.

April 16, 1901

Byrun, Arundel Co., Md

We had family prayer with the family after reading a chapter. Then we bid them goodbye and they invited us to come back and see them again. And we thanked them and told them we would. Then we came 7 miles down to Mr. Wm Watters and had dinner. We bid them goodbye and came 7 miles south and spent the night with Mr John Woods place. After we got to his place he was not at home so we waited till ten before he came. And he said we could spend the night.

April 17, 1901

Po Dunskirk, Calvin Co, Md

I wrote this in my diary. And then we came one mile and we went off to the side of the road and laid down and took a snooze. I also did some reading in the Gospel in a nut shell. Then we went on, and we came to Mount Hormeney Station and Elder Spencer gave me a dime and I went and bought some ginger snaps and we ate them. We went on our way rejoicing. We came to a man working in a field and we asked him if he would keep us all night. He said he would if he did not have such a big family.

So we went on and we came to Mr Joe Ward and we sought entertainment. And they said they did not have a vacant room. But he told us there was a man down at the Chesapeake Beach that would. He also stated that he was from Salt Lake City, Utah and it was just 2 miles down there. So we started on down to the Beach and we got there and we wandered around quite a bit before we found him. But when we found Mr. Charles Popper he said he could not let any ministers lay out. So he took us in and cooked for us that night as it was late. He is one of the richest men of this country.

April 18, 1901

Chesapeake Beach, Calvert Co., Md

We spent the night on the Chesapeake Bay. We went down on the Beach and took a view at the bay and then we bid Mr. Popper goodbye and thanked him for his kindness to us and he stated if we would have mentioned where we were going he would have put us on the train so we would not have had to have walked. We went about 5 miles and it was very cold so we went off in the woods and built up a fire and warmed by it. But it smoked so bad we could not warm very much. We probably spent 2 hours in the woods. Then we went on and walked till about sundown and we came to a man’s place by the name of Jules Ward. I asked him if he would keep us all night.

He said he would do the best he could for us so we thanked him. After we had supper we spent the evening conversing upon the gospel. His wife sang some songs. Then I read a chapter and led in prayer and we retired.

April 19, 1901

Chaneyville, Calvin Co, Md

I wrote a song called “Where is my wandering boy tonight.” We then bid them goodbye and started on our way up to Leon Post Office where we had our mail forwarded to where Mr Watters lived. At three or four o’clock we arrived all O.K. And I found three letters there for me. One from my step-mother and one from father. Also a note from the children. One from Pres. Shumway, one from T.E. Matthews. We went and spent the night with Mr. Wm Watters. And they treated us fine.

April 20, 1901

Leon, Arundel Co, Md

After breakfast we did some chatting and then I went upstairs and changed my clothes and had a shave. Then I covered my diary with some wrapping paper. I did this writing in my diary.

We started to go but Sister Watters wanted us to stay till after dinner, so we waited and had dinner and then we went up to Bristle Post Office and we had a long chat with the men in the Post Office. And then we come from there to R.D. Hopkins place and we found all of the people O.K. On our way up it just poured down rain and we got very wet. We had supper. Then we spent the evening talking upon the gospel of Jesus Christ. Retired at a late hour.

May 21, 1901 The Lord’s Holy Day

Bristle, Arundel Co, Md

Rose at a late hour and we had breakfast. So we spent the afternoon talking, during which time Mr. Owens came as we had a meeting scheduled in the afternoon. We had dinner and we had a fine one too. Two o’clock came and no one else came. Finally three came, but at a late hour. We got in a conversation upon the gospel so they wanted to know what we believed in and I proposed I would preach them a sermon and tell them what we did believe. So I preached to them for one hour and I told them what we did believe in. And after preaching they said they wished I had started sooner so I could have preached longer. It was four when we commenced our meeting.

They said that their preacher did not preach the Bible and explain as we did. I preached principally upon the organization of Christ’s Church. So they went home and we had supper and we spent the evening chatting upon the gospel and retired.

May 22, 1901

Bristle, Arundel Co. Md

Rose and had our nourishment. I wrote a letter and then Mr R.D. Hopkins started for town. I wrote this in my diary. And then we bid them goodbye and we went about 8 miles over to Mr J.W. Fisher place and they said they were glad to see us. We then had supper and then we spent the evening chatting upon the gospel. Had prayer and retired. It was at a very late hour as they said they enjoyed our chat.

May 23, 1901

Byard Anne, Arundel Co, Md

We spent the night with Mr Fisher. Had breakfast and then they asked us to spend that night so we decided to do so. So we went up and had dinner at Mr. Owens’ place which was about 1 mile from Fisher’s place. Then we came back down in the evening and had supper with Mr Fisher and we spent the evening chatting upon the gospel. We then read a chapter.

May 24, 1901

Byard Anne, Md

Rose and had dinner and then we bid them goodbye. And they invited us to come back and see them again. We then started on our road to Gambills. It rained on us all the way to Gambill’s. We called for our mail to the post office but did not get any. So then we sought entertainment but we did not get it at the first house. So we went to another place and we did manage to get in by the hardest effort and by discussing the subject.

They took us in and gave us supper. So we spent the evening chatting upon one subject and another. So I proposed to have prayer. I read a chapter then we had prayer and retired.

Newspaper article – “Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints in This City Doctrine”followed by a quote by Mrs. A.J. Stanley:

SUCCESS———INTEGRITY

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; whose life is an inspiration; whose memory, a benediction. Mrs. A.J. Stanley

Elder A.V. Whimer’s Record Book April 25. 1901
517 North Howard St
Baltimore, Md

Easter States Mission
J.J. Shumway President of this mission

Home address at present A.V.Whitmer
Central, Graham Co., Arizona

517 N. Howard St Baltimore, Md April 25. 1901

Third diary. Eastern States Mission. With Pres. J.J. Shumway as President of the Eastern States Mission, and John J. McQorrie Counselor of the Eastern States Mission.

I had breakfast. We then went into Baltimore. We arrived there at about four o’clock. We found Pres Shumway at the office, also T.R. Forsyth and Lovelis. We had a happy greeting together. My object coming in was to get sent over to Hardy Co. where I was raised so that I might have the privilege of laboring among my relatives the rest of my time, but as yet it has not been granted to me to go. So we had supper and then we went and held a meeting and I was one of the speakers among six as we had two meetings in one house. My subject was True and False faith. We then returned home and retired.

May 26, 1901

517 N. Howard St. Baltimore, Md

We spent the night at Brother Woodbury’s place. The Elders did their own cooking and we ate with them. We spent the day reading and chatting. We then had supper and then the other Brethren went down to a cottage to administer to a lady. We were supposed to go out on the street and hold a street meeting but Elder Barlow refused to go and so did Elder Evans. So I went out alone but I could not find any agreeable place to hold meetings so I came back and we went down to Brother Woodbury’s place and retired to bed.

May 27, 1901

Baltimore, Md

We spent the night with Brother Woodbury. Rose at an early hour. Then we came up to the office and had breakfast. We spent the day reading and studying.

May 28, 1901

Baltimore Maryland

We went up to the office and had breakfast. And as it was the sabbath day we held a priesthood meeting at 10 in the morning and we all bore our testimony to

the divinity of the gospel. Then we all went down to Brother Woodbury’s place and held service at 2:30 in the afternoon, I was one of the speakers, also my companion was one of the speakers in the afternoon before the meeting closed. And we all took dinner with the saints. Then we came back up in the afternoon.

May 29, 1901

Baltimore, Md

I received word from Pres. John McQurrie telling me to go over in Hardy County & labor among my relatives. Pres. J.J. Shumway said we could go as soon as we wanted to. As Elder Spencer was not quite ready so we put off going till tomorrow. So we had supper & then I wrote a letter to father. Then I wrote this in my diary. Then Elder Samuel Spencer and I went down to Bro. Woodbury’s place.

May 30, 1901

We got ready to go to Hardy County, West Virginia. We bid them goodbye and started for Washington D.C. On the train we got there at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon. We then went from there down to Brother Reid’s place which was ten miles. We took the street car and went to his place and we found all well and enjoying good health. We had supper and then I sang some songs and read a chapter and explained it. Had prayer and retired.

There is something wrong because he shows two months of May. I’ll leave it that way.

May 1, 1901

Capino John, Montgomery Co., Md

I did some writing in my report book. Then I wrote a letter to Miss Mand Matthews. Had dinner and in the afternoon I snoozed. Then I went down to the post office and posted my letter. Came back and had supper.

May 2, 1901

Cabin John, Montgomery Co., Maryland

We had dinner and then I did some reading. Then I went down to the post office but did not get my mail. Then my companion and I chatted for some time. Then I proposed to preach to them. There were only three men there. I asked them if they would like to hear me preach and they said yes, so I came in the house as they were out on the porch at the time. So my companion was sick so he laid down on the bed and I held the meeting. I took my text St John 10.1. I spoke about the kingdom of God for about 3⁄4 of an hour and one of the men said it was the finest sermon he ever heard preached in his life. So when we closed the meeting we bowed our knees and retired to bed.

May 3, 1901

Cabin John, Montgomery Co., Md

II did some reading in the Voice of War. I wrote this in my diary. Then I went down to the post office but did not get any mail. I came back immediately as I stopped and had a long chat with the Post Master upon the gospel. Then I came up to Bro Reids place and had supper.

May 4, 1901

Cabin John, Montgomery Co., Md

I wrote one letter to my Aunt Murry Hillinger at Manassas Virginia. Also one to one of my cousins in Shenandoah, Va. Then we had dinner. Then I dressed myself or put on my collar and went five miles up to the falls that are on the Potomac River. I went up along the canal. I got up at the falls at three o’clock then I went one mile up after I crossed the canal to Brother Duglis J Guillott place. They were glad to see me so I had supper and spent the evening chatting upon the gospel.

May 5, 1901 The Lord’s Holy Day

Great Falls, Montgomery Co, Md

I rose at a late hour but did not eat any breakfast as it was fast day. We spent the early part of the day chatting and at half past one we had our meal. After we got there we were all settled down. I suggested that we should hold a fast meeting. But brother Guillott suggested that we would put it off till after supper. So we had supper and Sister Guillott got through with the work. She got the sacrament. And as I was alone I then administered it. I then preached for about three quarters of an hour, had prayer and retired to bed.

May 5, 1901

Great Falls, Montgomery Co, Md

I rose feeling well and strong, and had breakfast. And then I bid them goodbye and came back down to Bro John D. Reid place which was five miles. I got there at about 8 o’clock in the morning where Elder Sam Spencer stopped while I went up to see the Saints. We then had dinner. Then I looked for a pad of paper that I had of Bro Spencers. Then Elder Spencer wanted to go down to Cabin John and I came out and told him not to go, that I had a meeting scheduled and I wanted him to stay so he did. I called on him to preach which he did. Then I spoke on the apostasy of the gospel.

May 7, 1901

Cabin John, Montgomery Co Md

We rose at an early hour and had breakfast. But Bro Spencer was slow about getting ready to go. But finally we got off at 9.30. We took the street car at ten and came up in Washington D.C. And from there we took another one and went out to Falls Church which was ten miles. Then we walked from there to Aunt Mary Hettingers place which was 25 miles. We got there at eight and she grabbed me by the hand and pulled me in the door, for she was glad to see me. She introduced me to her husband, John Hettinger. Then she fixed supper for us and we ate supper and we spent a pleasant evening chatting.

May 8, 1901

Manassas, Prince William Co, Va

We got a call from Aunt Mary and had breakfast. Then I went to Manassas to get our mail but did not get any for myself. Came back and had dinner. Then I spent a portion of the afternoon writing to my father. Also in writing a letter to Uncle Abe for Aunt Mary. We had supper and then we spent the evening chatting about various subjects.

May 9, 1901

Manassas City, Va

We rose and had breakfast. Then Bro Spencer went to the Post office with Uncle John but did not get any letters, only the Improvement Eras. We had dinner and then Uncle John took us down to Uncle Dafes place with the wagon which was about two miles.

When we got there we met one of his little boys and he said all of the family was down with the measles. He said he or his father was out in the field planting corn so we went out in the cornfield and found them planting corn and they were glad to see me. He said he had given me up. He thought I was not going to come to see them. One of his girls was dropping corn and she was beginning to break out with the measles and dropping corn. So I told her I would drop corn so she could go to the house and take care of herself. Then Elder Spencer took my place and I went to the house and saw the rest of the family. Then they came to the house and we had supper and we spent the evening chatting. Then I led in prayer and we retired.

May 10, 1901

Manassas City, Va

Helped Unkle Dafe drop corn as all of the children were sick with the measles. We had dinner and in the afternoon it rained so we spent most of the afternoon in the house. Had supper and we spent the evening chatting upon the gospel. So then we retired to bed.

May 11, 1901

Manassas City, Va

Spent the evening with Uncle Dafe. Rose and had breakfast. Then we got ready and went up to Aunt Mary’s place for dinner and in the afternoon we went up to the Lutheran Convention. And I heard the preacher preach there was no use of Revelation, etc. That was enlightening and I did not need it. After services I was introduced to some of my cousins and one of them invited me to go home with them and have supper. So I came home and had supper with them.

Manassas, Virginia

We went to Manassas. I received a registered letter from home with $2.00 in it. It stated that they all were well at home. Aunt Mary canned about 3 qt. of strawberries. We came back to her place and we had a strawberry dinner. I spent the afternoon sleeping and reading.

May 26, 1901

place. Then I went on to Uncle Selly’s place and spent the night as I had an appointment out for preaching the next day. Had prayer and retired after prayer.

16 Inst. Cootes Store

For it seemed to me like it was impossible for me to leave the mission field after being out such a long time from home. But the Lord’s will be done “father and not mine,” my heart is so full of joy that I can scarcely write this in my diary. Then I went back up and had supper at Mathias place and spent the evening chatting with with Strawder and Epswiler.

26 of June

Mathias, West Va

I spent the afternoon writing letters. I wrote one to Pres. Quirrie about my transportation to Arizona. Also one telling father I wanted means to pay my expense home twenty-five dollars. Then I took the letters, posted them, came back and had dinner. In the afternoon I went down and spent the rest of the day with Arther Sanders the merchant, he being a cousin of mine. At a late hour I retired to bed.

27 of June

Mathias, Hardy Co. West Va

I waited till the mail came. Then I went up to Grandfather’s place and found them as well as usual. Had dinner with them and chatted upon the gospel and in the evening at a late hour I went down and spent the night with Mr Garett Mathias and he treated me fine. Then I retired to bed.

28 June

Mathias, Hardy Co., West Va

I bid them goodbye and came up by Grandfathers and Mothers place and stopped for a few moments. Then I started up to Cousin Sirahms place, which is Sirahm May the Himcard preacher place and arrived there in time for dinner and had dinner. Then I spent the rest of the day chatting and eating cherries.

29, 30 of June

July 11, 1901

Mathias, West Va

Spent the night with John Mayers. Rose and had breakfast and then I did some writing in my diary and also some letter writing. And then I went to the Post office and I received a registered letter from father with 30.00 Dollars in to pay my expenses home. Then I came back up to Mr Richmond place and got his horse and buggy and went out to Grandfather’s place and got my things that I had there.

And on my way back I got caught in a big rain and I could not keep dry in the buggy so the consequence of it was I got a good dunking. It hailed so the horse could not go for about ten minutes and then I made my way to Betties place and I spent the night with them. It was ten o’clock when I got there. They went and fixed supper for me. Heber Mathias got up and went and put the horse away for me and then I retired to bed. But I was very tired.

July 12, 1901

Mathias, Hardy Co., West Va

I bid them goodbye and I went up to the Mathias Jr. place and got my things that were at his place. And I went from there up to Abner Jenkins place. I then sent William up to Mr Richmond to get the horse that he had promised me to go to Mt Jackson as the horse I was not able to go on the trip. He told William that the shoes were off and I would have to take the one that I had. I then sent William back and told him to tell Mr. Richmond that I would have him shod when I got across the mountain.

And he said no by God the shoes were off and she would break her feet all up. I then went myself and told him to get the horse that I would have the shoes put on. And when he fetched the horse all the shoes were on the horse and he said he thought they were off. So I took the horse and went and hooked up and started to Dan Coffimans place, that is where William and I went. We got there at about 6 o’clock. Had supper and we spent the evening chatting and eating candy. Had prayer and retired.

July 13, 1901

July 25, 1901

Belgraid, Va

Rose at the usual hour and had our meal and then I did this writing in my diary.

This is the handwritten threat to Angus and his companion that if they didn’t leave right away they would tar and feather them. This was nailed to the door where a meeting was to have taken place that night.

Mr A.B Whitmore

We hereby notify you to leave this country at once. If you do not get a way on short notice you will be subject to a severe case of WHITE caping

There are a nuff decent peple in this cuntry to do you up brown.

By short notice we mean now. You must make arrangements to start at once or you will be hunted down like any other blast of pray and treated accordingly.

Last City and Mathias White Cap Association Remember this is the first and last notice you will get.

Pima Ariz August 6th 1907

My Dear Wife and Sons AtAlpineA.T.

I recived your ever welcome letter and glade indeed to hear from you & to know you, my Dear & sons, are well. Darling I am so home sick to see you (Don & Ralph])

I don’t know what to do I have sold the place yesterday as Unkle Lafe has been putting up his hay and could not go up to Safford sooner. He payed me $500.00 cash up & the other 500 in 2 months. The man disappointed him on his horses. As soon as he can sell them he will pay me the other 500. I put the Deed in [escrage] in D H Wuches hands to be deeded to Grandmother on the payment of 500. or turned back to me in 2 months I have been paying Debts I am going to Eden today to buy chickens I painted my wagon white I was a wating for Lafe I owed 152. on the place to [ ] Bryan intrist and all I payed Dr. Muller and Drug store Merriles for wagon [Tmco] Bro and severale other little Bills I went see Kirby but did not do any bissess as he said he would loock at the boocks and cut the bill half in two.

I think the case in Globe comes up the 30 of next month. Ask father if he will take $75. for the black mare yet probly I will come up the blue in a nother month and get her and see my darling family I put 300. Dolars in D H Wuches safe so, you can see I am trying to wind things up I would not give 1 foot of bush valley for the whole Gila the Darn red bugs are so bade that I am all scabs they are just like mights only red the grass is full of them There is lots of [Thyfoid mesels] & ever other thing I am going to dig deep to see if I cant get Browns cattle.

I expect to stay here till I do get the money I can sell the Buck skin for anough to buy anothert one & 100 besids. Well kiss the darling boys for me and take good care of your self and dont think of coming down to this dam hot country why it even melted Mauds candles as soon as we struck the Gila As soon as I can get started off on the road I wount be so mone sick to see you my darling I am staying at Mauds I have made arangments to pay for my board but will not be here but a day or two longer thill I will do my own coocking I will send some shoes as soon as I can get some Good by Darling and God bless you and sons.

Your loving Husband