William Lehi Hayes served in the Southern States Mission from 1893 to 1895. He married in the Manti Temple, in 1888, and his wife died shortly after their daughter was born, in 1890. He received his mission call in 1893, and left his child in the care of friends and family while he served in the East Tennessee Conference. His transcribed journal of his labors in Blount County have offered valuable insights into the lives of the first Smoky Mountain Saints; the digitally scanned journal is available in Church Collections. Elder Hayes’ often expressed bright emotion and wrote with descriptive pros in sharing his observations while serving in the mountains. During strong opposition to the Church in Tennessee, in 1893, he wrote an article published in the Deseret Evening News that noted: “Of all people on earth, surely those of the Southern States are the most open-hearted and hospitable. Get their confidence and you get a friend who will lay his life down for your protection.” He served as President of the East Tennessee Conference in 1895. The first two members from Blount County to receive their endowments in the temple, JC Garland and Sarah Cauble, did so at the invitation to Utah from William Hayes, in 1909. After his mission, he remarried and had five more children. He entered politics and served two sessions as Utah State Senator. Elder Hayes baptized Samuel Patterson Harmon in Millers Cove, in 1895.
East Tennessee Conference in Newport
[Friday] – 15 September [1893] Elders [Robert Cunningham Young] and [Leo Thomas] Shelley had now arrived and Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan had gone to Newport to meet Elders [J. Golden] Kimball and [George Alma] Smith. O what a joyous time we are having! Talk about rejoicing over meeting your dead uncle! Elders [Andrew D.] Helm and [Thomas Cross] Orme now arrived and we dispersed for refreshments. On returning, we held council meeting and I was appointed secretary. Elder [J. Golden] Kimball gave sublime instructions, complimented our conference. [He] said the mission [is] getting on a higher platform and would now be carried to the cities and even to the halls of Congress. God will cut his work short in righteousness. [He] urged us on the necessity of appearing neat and clean. Go before the world fearless and in the majesty of the Holy Priesthood. Where you are tossed out give the Lord thanks, for He was also despised. Companions must not separate from each other. Go without purse or scrip, depending on the Lord. He will bless you. Be thorough in reporting up each week and, if one gets sick, let it be known at once. Any elder can get a release by asking for it. Sing only gospel songs. Refrain from becoming familiar with friends out here. Satan is on the alert and may beguile you. Be prayerful and exercise faith in God. After the world has heard the testimony of the elders, then will come the testimonies of famine, war and destruction. Be greatful (sic) for every kindness shown you, and the Lord will open your way. Don’t urge anyone to get baptized. Organize local branches if possible. Teach the saints to pray and how to properly conduct themselves, and a thousand other good points were given. In the evening Elders [J. Golden] Kimball and [George Alma] Smith, [Thomas Watts] Sloan and myself staid (sic) at Bro[ther] Cook’s, and as Elder [J. Golden] K[imball] had saw Sister Cook at Newport ready to leave, and had indeed [illegible] her to return, he got she and Bro[ther] C[ook] together and gave them the grandest talking to I ever listened to, so kind and fatherly. We held five council meetings in all.
[Saturday] – 16 September [1893] After council meeting, we all refrained to conference. Elders [Jedediah Grant] Shumway and [John Hyrum] Hubbard had now arrived and all reports were in. Not many people were present but a good spirit prevailed. Elders [John Hyrum] Hubbard, [Jedediah Grant] Shumway, and [Andrew D.] Helm and [George Alma] Smith [illegible]. As the PM meeting Elders [Thomas Cross] Orme, [Thomas Watts] Sloan and [J. Golden] Kimball spoke, the latter took the house by storm and delivered a powerful sermon. Council meeting at eve [was a] grand jubilee.
[Sunday] – 17 September [1893] Sunday morning and a house full of people and the Rev[erand] W[illiam] L[ehi] Hayes was called to the floor followed by Elder [Thomas] Hicken and Geo[rge] A[lma] Smith. [We] went to dinner with a Mr. Burk and were treated royally. At 2 PM the house was full and [was] addressed by Elders [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy, [Robert Cunningham] Young, and [Leo Thomas] Shelley. Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball then made the house ring and the woods quiver and took the people by storm. [He] said you people do not know who there (sic) Elders are nor the sacredness of their calling. You Southern people are good hospitable and kind, but you are too easily prejudiced, and [he] thanked the people for the kindly entertainment of the elders. Another council meeting was held and our appointments [were] give[n to] us as follows. [William Lehi] Hayes and [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy: McMinn Co[unty]; [Robert Cunningham] Young and [Leo Thomas] Shelley: Blount Co[unty]; [Joseph Cross] Orme and [Jedediah Grant] Shumway: Locke Co[unty]; [John Hyrum] Hubbard and [Thomas] Hicken: Sullivan Co[unty]; Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan was left alone for the time being as Elder [Andrew D.] Helm was released to return home, having served his time out. The hack had now come to take the Elders [J. Golden] Kimball and [George Alma] Smith to Newport on the r[ailr]r[oad] point so we all flocked around them to say good-bye. At night we scattered out and we stayed at Bro[ther] Cooks.
[Monday] – 18 September [1893] This morning we assembled again in council and prayer meeting for a short time, then made preparations for leaving. When we went in to take leave of the family, they [illegible] like children. I shall never forget the parting look and wish of Sister Cook. On reading the [illegible] friend, Bro[ther] Cook had got a nice lot of melons for us so we feasted and sang a farewell. Arriving at Newport we went to a hotel and got dinner which was the first meal I have had to pay for since being out. Dinner all done we all went and had our photo taken, after which we took leave of our [illegible] and started for our fields. Elders [Robert Cunningham] Young and [Leo Thomas] Shelley, [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy all going west started together [for as] far as possible. At night we [illegible] up. Elder [Leo Thomas] Shelley and I going together stayed with William David McNabb, and had royal treatment. This is Wilsonville.
Back row, left to right: Andrew Helm, Lorenzo Wesley Roundy, Thomas Watts Sloan, Robert Cunningham Young, John Hyrum Hubbard
Deseret Evening News Article, October 1893: The East Tennessee Conference
[The East Tennessee conference was held Saturday and Sunday, September 16th and 17th, in Sweetwater, seven miles east of Newport, Cook County. There were present, Elder J. Golden Kimball, mission president, with clerk, George A[lma] Smith from the office of Chattanooga, Elders Thomas W[atts] Sloan, (conference president), Andrew D. Helm, Jed[ediah] G[rant] Shumway, Robert C[unningham] Young, L[orenzo] W[esley] Roundy, Leo T[homas] Shelley, Joseph C[ross] Orme, Thomas Hicken, J[ohn] H[yrum] Hubbard and William L[ehi] Hayes. The weather was extremely pleasant, and nature did all within her power to make the affair succesful. The autumn sun wore a benign smile, and the mountains were decked in their bluest tints—all nature smiled. A numerous host of friends sprang up spontaneously and offered to entertain either Elders or visiting friends, so all were amply provided for. This was one of those pleasant and soothing occasions in missionary life which can only be appreciated by those who have participated in like reunions.]
[Many were the expressions of joy, and hearty the hand-shaking that ensued as each pair of Elders reached their destination and joined the cheerful little band of comrades, who anxiously awaited to see the rest safely landed at their journey’s end. This being a tobacco-raising district the people, generally speaking, were busily engaged harvesting and curing their product, for which reason Saturday’s meetings were sparsely attended. On Sunday, however, the house was packed full of anxious listeners. Four public meetings in all were held, in which each Elder had the opportunity of speaking, dwellings in all were held, in which each Elder had the opportunity of speaking, dwelling, as they did, chiefly upon those topics most commonly referred to in our discourses. The effects were magical, everyone being impressed with the new beauties contained in the Gospel plan, which were brought more vividly into one’s mind by hearing them presented by various speakers. Nor must we neglect to mention the impressive sermons delivered by our worthy brethren, Elders [J. Golden] Kimball and [Georga Alma] Smith. Their remarks left lasting impressions on all who were fortunate enough to be within the sound of their warning voices, much prejudice being allayed by their able arguments.]
[From the reports given in, we can say, this conference is in a healful and flourishing condition, thirteen baptisms having been performed during the past six months, making a total of 101 Saints in its conference, which, by the way, embraces eastern Tennessee, overlapping also the Western counties of North Carolina. There is also one flourishing branch organized in which Sunday schools and meetings are held weekly. The conference has ten Elders ardently laboring, preaching the Gospel where an opportunity is afforded and distributing tracts by the thousand, thereby warning the inhabitants of the earth of the judgment that God is about to pour forth upon the earth. Satan, of course, is not asleep, but is employing every means imaginable to thwart the glorious plan, which, we are so eager to carry to the ears of the honest in heart. Prejudice, thoroughly grounded in the minds of the masses, is not to be moved in a day, but gradually it must yield to the onward advance of truth and reason. We are in no wise discouraged, for while our friends at home are fretting and worrying over the financial stringency we are striving to quell the surging billows of a sin-tossed world, depending entirely upon the Lord to provide us with food and shelter.]
[Of all people on earth, surely those of the Southern States are the most open-hearted and hospitable. Get their confidence and you get a friend who will lay his life down for your protection.]
[Having received our various assignments, an affectionate leave was taken of our co-laborers, each pair heading for their respective counties, except Elder Andrew D. Helm, of Mill Creek, who, having completed an honorable mission, was released to return home with renewed vim and energy, each straps on his grip, and with Bible in hand wends his way, remembering only the joys tasted at conference which seems to have been a peaceful benediction from heaven to brighten our tollsome yet pleasant travels.]
[Signed:] W[illiam]m L[ehi] Hayes, Secretary. Noraburgh, McMinn County, Tenn., Sept. 24th, 1893.]
First Time Laboring in Blount County
[Tuesday] – 19 Sep[tember 1893] We started in good time and traveled moderately, knowing the Lord would raise up a friend to us wherever night may take us. Ate chinkerpine persimmons and other mild fruits on our way. At noon, had dinner with a Mr. Webb. Went on through Chestnut Hill, Free Settlement, the Old Dutch Settlement, and passed on over much of the ground where many skirmishes were held in time of war. Stopped that night with a Mr. Furgeson, a surly old Methodist Deacon, where we secured lodgings of him before he knew where we were from, Elder [Leo Thomas] Shelley and I. 11 [miles]
[Wednesday] – 20 Sep[tember 1893] This is a beautiful part of Tenn[essee] contrasting with the high steep hills of NC. We have here some [of] the rolling hills carpeted with grass. Magnificent landscape! The steadily reclining and rolling hills are frescoed with well-painted farm houses and verdant lawns. We jogged steadily along, striking Little Pigeon River about 10:30 along the banks of which we saunte[re]d on less miles, and at noon, had dinner with a Mrs. Londy. Wanting to cross the river, and being half inclined to take a bath in, we stripped off and “folded” our clothes and grips over [head]. [We] arrived at Sev[i]erville at 4 PM. A neat little city of the plains with, perhaps, a population of 2,000 people, and found churches facing each other on four corners. Barnnsie’s elephant was now loose and on parade, for as we walked the street people ran to doors and windows awe-stricken at the sight of a Mormon. We were again fortunate in getting good lodging with Mr. G[eorge] W[ashington] Norton. 5 [miles]
[Thursday] – 21 September [1893] The clear autumnal tink of blue aerial softness is supplanted this morning by Indian Summer, though the air is pure and fresh – all nature smiles today and of course we smile with it. No one can describe the wild delight a missionary has while under the influence of duty and the care of the Great Master where [the] all promiseful hand [illegible] sides for his wants just as it does for the “birds of the air and the lilies of the field.” We did not rush ourselves, stopping reasonably to discuss some points of scripture, and at noon, arrived at Sister [Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] Clinton’s, who is an old standby Mormon, having once emigrated to Colo[rado] but came back on account of her children. Her stepdaughter married Rob[er]t Beers of Manassa, Colo[rado]. Sister [Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] C[linton] has entertained over fifty elders at various times, among whom she especially remembers James T[homas] Thorne, though at that time her [name] was Vance. Her husband, Abner Vance, having since died.
[Friday] – 22 September [1893] We start this morning along the base of the Chilhowee Mountain, a beautiful range running NE and SW just west of the Great Smoky or Blue Mountains. Daily we walk over old little fields, the very hills and trees of which seem anxious to proclaim the Divinity of the Prophet, who in 1832 said that we should come. Following up Walden’s Creek we cross over the divide. At noon took dinner with a Ms. Jas. Benson, who lives in a fine painted home and gave a “come-back.” In the PM we continued our journey, passed the Hemet Settlement (and by the way I got a thing with one of them). Passing over the “Bluff Mountain” we crossed the county line into Blount Co. at 3:05 and at night stopped with a friend, Adam Waters, who is death on Democrat, or as they are here known as Rebels. He was an officer in the Union Army and for 12 years Co. collector. Their granddaughter was visiting them, a fine lady and nice [illegible] bright-eyed boy of 3 years, long black curly hair and hazel eyes, but he was stone blind and had a fever.
[Saturday] – 23 Sept[ember 1893] Elder [Robert Cunningham] Young and I camped together and joined the other boys a mile further on. Had to stop off and wade Little River early this morning. Fresh and cool. At noon stopped with another friend named Jos[eph John Calvin (JC)] Garland, who brought out a stack of melons and we feasted. He has fig trees but the fruit is not yet ripe. Again we plodded along down Millers Cove and at night arrived at Happy Valley where we all four stayed with a friend by the name of Tho[ma]s [Hearon] Herron. 2 [miles]
[Sunday] – 24 Sept[ember 1893] Being Sunday we conducted accordingly. A man from Texas is stopping here and we have spent [illegible] homes talking with him and our doctrine is “stunning” to him. In the PM Elder [Robert Cunningham] Young and [Leo Thomas] Shelley took their departure, leaving Elder [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy and I to ourselves. We We went a mile or so with them and then bid them adieu. Came back to the house and threaded some beads for the children to send home. 16 [miles]
[Monday] – 25 Sept[ember 1893] Leaving early this morning we headed westward and in a few miles struck the [Little] Tennessee River and traveled down its scenic banks which wind and turn the majestic Chillhowee and Telico mountains, leaving Abrams Creek and the great slate quarry far behind. All day we traveled along the historic old road where Gen[eral] Sherman marched his 40,000 troops on their feverous march through Georgia. Along this same old river too, Pres. Woodruff once traveled and preached as we now do. One field we passed has been planted in corn every season for over 100 years. Model farm houses frescoe the hillsides and some of the lawns extend to the benches of the “Little Tennessee.” All day we traveled without dinner and I got so hungry that I plucked corn and eat as I walked. No shame to get a bite to eat along here. Tired, hungry, and faint we reached this place for which we had started but to our disappointment found none at home and night was upon us. Refusal after refusal greeted our ears until after night we got in with a Mr. J. W. Montgomery, an excellent place. I thought of the time Little Vervene [Hayes] used to say: “Papa, come to dinner.” 6 [miles]
[Tuesday] – 26 Sept[ember 1893] Rained during the night. Started out along the old feddered road which was made in war time by the Federal Army. We stopped at noon with a friend by the name of William Bly. [illegible] night, which we gladly did. Wrote up our conference report to the Deseret News this PM. 18 [miles]
[Wednesday] – 27 Sept[ember 1893] Leaving our friend early, we continued our journey southward along the r[ail]r[oad] track and about two miles brought us to the [Little] Tennessee River, the r[ail]r[oad] bridge over which is 700 yards long. All day we pegged along steadily, not stopping to eat dinner (for the very [illegible] of reasons) and at night landed at our destiny at a friend’s name Jas. Wyatt, where wife is a jolly good-souled woman and Jim is more behind her. 8 [miles]
[Thursday] – 28 Sept[ember 1893] We went this morning to Telico Junction to see if my valise had arrived from Hot Springs, NC, but found it had not come. Then went to P. O. and found mail from home. We are now in McMinn Co. Came up to George Brocks where we will rest a few days then canvas. People are planting [illegible] wheat and oats for next year and many fields are already up [illegible].
[29 SEPTEMBER – 11 DECEMBER 1893: OUTSIDE BLOUNT COUNTY]
[Tuesday] – 12 December [1893] Began inquiring for my lost man and learned that he was in Millers Cove about 10 miles distance and, although the rain was coming down, I started reaching “Uncle [William T.] Billie White‘s” at 1 AM (sic), where I had dinner but as they informed me of Elder [William] Ricks uneasiness, thought I had better go over the mountain where he was, which I did. Arriving at 3 PM wet as a rat. He was at Jos[eph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s who has recently been baptized.
[Wednesday] – 13 December [1893] Half-soled my shoes today and helped Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] G[arland] with his tobacco crop. Went to his clearing this PM and at night went to rough [illegible] by the name of William Gladden and gave them a good long gospel sermon.
[Thursday] – 14 December [1893] Looks very much like snow or rain, so we did not venture out. At night the family went to a wedding. Would like to describe the affair but “comparisons are often odeous.”
[Friday] – 15 December [1893] Leaving our good friend Joe [John Calvin (JC) Garland] for our field. At noon we stopped with Adam Wate, with whom I got aquainted (sic) with. Went on up to head of Millers Cove and called on Mr. J. [illegible] where we expected to stay over night, but he seemed cool and distant, so we went over the mountain on to Waldens Creek and stopped with M.S. Stalans and got a come back.
[16 DECEMBER 1893 – 7 DECEMBER 1894: OUTSIDE BLOUNT COUNTY]
[Saturday] – 8 December [1894] Raining like fury. So we are slow at morning. About noon we come over to a friend by the name of Marcus [Lafayette] Smith (father of Bro[ther] Andy [Johnson] Smith), where we spent the remainder of the day and at night had singing.
[Sunday] – 9 December [1894] Being Sunday we spent the day in reading and had another feast on possom (sic) for dinner.
[Monday] – 10 December [1894] Still raining this morning, so the family very kindly invited us to remain during the day which we did and in the PM went with them to the woods to help clear.
[Tuesday] – 11 December [1894] Clouds look somewhat broken this morning but we had not gone far until a black cloud came up in the NW with terrible vollies (sic) of thunder almost like a summer thunderstorm. We canvassed in a house and asked permission to stay by the fire until the clouds rolled by, this was 10 AM, and we waited until 2:30 PM when a slight slackening was noticible (sic) and we started but before reaching the next house, we were in it for good. We got dinner where we first waited [illegible]. We concluded to visit T[h]om[as Oliver] Smith but enroute had to [illegible] his father (our friend Marcus [Lafayette] S[mith]). They all insisted upon us staying with them again and we did not need much coaxing either, so we are back to spend the night in succession.
[Wednesday] – 12 December [1894] Clearing off this morning and turning cooler so think it will be fine weather. We leave our dear friends again and try our luck in the mud. Worked down river and had dinner at George Washington Sherrod’s and as night came on made a call at T[h]om[as Oliver] Smith‘s but got left so we tram[p]ed about 3 miles in the mud and dark trying to get in. Finally succeeded at this home of Chas Clift up near Strawberry Plains.
[13-17 DECEMBER 1894: OUTSIDE BLOUNT COUNTY]
[Tuesday] – 18 December [1894] Did a little canvassing and ate dinner with Hermon K[illegible] and canvassing our way up the river stayed with Dr. Von Anderson, a fine family, and slept on beds a yard high.
[Wednesday] – 19 December [1894] Worked along the marble quarries on banks of river where little steamers played [illegible] this placed stream (sic). The weather is delightful. Had dinner with Wild Dichle, cousin of W[illegible] Bailey, of 116 Union St. Knox[ville]. The girls entertained us with organ selection and very fine people in this vicinity. Early in the evening we were invited to stay with J.T. C[illegible], a very fine religious man. All the people at [illegible] again. Had dinner with M.D. Armstrong. Came back in the evening and cross[ed] the river in a skiff and stayed at night with A.S. Thompson, ex-county surveyor. He was well informed on resources of the Western States, so our talk was of much interest to each other. Started out next day and kept going towards Blount Co. Came to Little River, followed up its stream, passed through the gate of the Chilhowee Mountain, crossed the [illegible], to our surprise, found ourselves at Bro[ther] Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s, where we had a happy meeting after a year absence from them. We had no idea of coming this far but found them pleased at our arrival.
[20-21 DECEMBER 1894: OUTSIDE BLOUNT COUNTY]
Christmas at JC Garland’s Home
[Saturday] – 22 December [1894] 20 [miles]. As I did not jot any miles walked yesterday will first today. About 11 AM, to our surprise, in walked Elders [Thomas Watts] Sloan and [John Roland] Halliday, who had planned to beat us here and have a joke on us, but alas, the scheme failed! In the PM we went out to the meadow and helped plow. Had a fine time at night singing the songs of Zion and c[ompany]. 7 [miles]
[Sunday] – 23 December [1894] Spent AM reading and in PM held a meeting at Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s. Elder [John Roland] Halliday spoke first, me next, which consumed nearly all the time. The other spoke only for moments. Had a fine time together.
[Monday] – 24 December [1894] Reading and in forenoon. Played harpsichord in the PM. Spent day inside. At night we played “Santa Clause” to the family putting an orange and an apple in each sock or stocking with rocks chips (sic) and sundry other articles for amusement. Bro[ther John Calvin (JC)] Garland undressed and went to bed and left his trousers within reach so we put a gnat[ty] big pumpkin (or punkin) in them and sewed them up, legs and all, and retired for the night.
[Tuesday] – 25 December [1894] A Merry Christmas to all! We are awoken by the children’s jolly cheers. The best fun came when Bro[ther John Calvin (JC)] Garland went to put on his pants. He [illegible] on Elders [Thomas Watts] Sloan, [John Roland] Halliday and [illegible] to my surprise. Santa came to me, bought a nice celuford (sic) soap box. Congenial old Mr. R. he shall never be forgotten. All day was spent in games of various kinds, chiefly Fox and Geese. All night we had a hilarious old time. Played “Brother I’m [illegible] Panorama” and we finished a trap for Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] G[arland] by hanging a bucket of bran just over the door so that when he pushed the door open it tipped the bucket up and spilled the bran down his neck. Elder [John Roland] Halliday and I skipped into the dark and Bro[ther John Calvin (JC)] G[arland] threw bran all over Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan. In all the day was a jolly one, though we often thought and spoke of home and loved ones and wondered how the little ones were spending the day. How beautiful are the serene thoughts of Zion with her hills surrounded. We also had a concert in the evening. Each one having either to sing or speak. We shall never forget the happy hours spent under this old moss-covered roof. Perhaps next year will be spent under our own vine and our own fig tree with those who render life so sweet.
[Wednesday] – 26 December [1894] Raining all day so we did not venture out. Spent day in reading and writing etc.
[Thursday-Monday] – 27-31 December [1894] Spent at Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s. We had a week of holiday, which was a holiday in which we played all kinds of games, sang songs, and each night had a concert or talk. We had a couple of inches of snow. Have our first taste of winter. I have read [the] B[oo]k of M[ormon] about half through last week. Just got my first letter from home in 7 weeks. It brought the sad news of little Bliss Hayes’ death. What a world of disappointment when our dear ones are called away. Now we bid farewell to old 1894 with its many joys and cares. We have counted it by day until at last we have reached 365. Last new year it looked like an ocean – now it seems as but a bubble. We can look back with many pleasant experiences during the year, and [of] all years, have to regret is possibly the loss of many years which should have been better employed. At home some changes have occurred which causes a sigh of regret, some dear faces we will never see on earth again, but, all in all, good for the many blessings we daily enjoy, for the protecting hand which has shielded us in hours of peril, lifted us up in moments of disdain and inspired us with courage when all the world seemed gloomy and the heavens above us have let come what will, we know that our cause in the end will win. We may faulter, perchance may fall into darkness, but the cause of Christ will steadily grow and eventually triumph. Oh that we and mine may be kept written and touched of the Spirit of God, that we may keep the faith and light after the battle of life, and when the Master selects his justice, I pray we are counted worthy to be numbered among the blessed. Farewell dear [18]94, you shall always be fondly cherished in our remembrance as a year spent in the service of the Lord. Total 3,538 [miles]
[Tuesday] – 1 January 1895 A happy New Year to all! Again we open the pages of a new year and begin to [illegible] the wants of another year. On the journal of life [illegible] we should be that our deeds may be such as we may read in lecture, years with pleasure or that prosperity may point to with friends and resurrection. We started the day in study and inasmuch games and shall long remember the [illegible] the first day.
[Wednesday] – 2 January [1895] Weather very wintry. I have a severe cold in being close[d] indoors. Have read the B[oo]k of M[ormon] through during the last week and find it full of the gospel to strengthen my testimony of the gospel.
[Saturday] – 5 January [1895] Elder [Thomas Watts Sloan] went to Knoxville this morning. Got my Christmas letter from [illegible], which made me feel good only that it told of Isaac having been very sick. At night we held a meeting and had a nice crowd out to hear us.
Laboring in Knox County
[Sunday] – 6 January [1895] We all bid our friends good-bye and walked as far as Maryville where we took the train at 4 PM and canvassed up to Knoxville where we met Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan who had received his release and was ready to start for Utah tomorrow, so we had a night of parting words and [illegible] with him.
[Monday] – 7 January [1895] We worked on the conference records this morning as we had our yearly report to make up. After dinner came the scene of songs for we all dreaded so bad to have Elder [Thoms Watts] Sloan start home. Not that we would have him remain after his honorable release had been so well earned but us we dreaded the thought of not having Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan in the field. He is a friend indeed and one of God’s [illegible]. But the train will soon come and he will be slipping westward. Elder J[ohn] R[oland] H[alliday] and I took the town in until night then came back and after supper took a bath and talked of some sweet home with its many joys and pleasures.
[Tuesday] – 8 January [1895] Elder [John Roland] Halliday and [illegible] took the K.C.G. & L. R.R. for Maynardville, Union Co., which left me alone in old Knoxville for a few days until a new man comes out. Oh how lonesome I feel. I would give the world to be home with my precious wild for a few days now. I know if the world could realize the mental suffering we endure out of shere (sic) [illegible], they would receive us with open arms. It is awful raining and wet today and all last night. Such gloomy weather one feels when alone. Went to the office [illegible] during the day. Did some writing and lots of thinking at home.
[Wednesday] – 9 January [1895] Got word this morning that [the] new elder would be up on [illegible] tomorrow, so I will soon have a companion. My lungs are choking up on smoke here in the room and in town, so I think I shall go over [the] river to a friend. After a tough old walk through the mud I reached our friend. A.S.[illegible] where I was made more than welcome. Had an interesting chat until about 10:30. Intelligent man.
[Thursday] – 10 January [1895] I started rather late this morning and had to catch the 12:50 train to meet the new elder, so I went nearly on the run for 5 miles and crossed the viaduct just in (sic) head of the train and reached waiting room just as my man stepped off. It was Elder James A[lma] Muir of Granite in Wasatch S[alt] L[ake] Co. Utah, age 36, nice appearing young man. Worked in the quarries for ten years helping get rock for the temple. He also had the control also of quarrying the rock for the Pres. John Taylor Monument, which he had just dedicated prior to starting on his mission. It will cost about 1,000 finished, hang about 23 feet high. We came to our boarding house and then we got to see the river which is about 18 feet higher than low water wash. Got letters from nearly all elders who are well. Also got letter from President Elias S. Kimball at Chatt[anooga] appointing me to the position of Pres. of the East Tenn[essee] Conference to succeed Elder Thomas W[atts] Sloan who has returned home. It is a grand letter and goes far to strengthen me in my pursuit. It reads as follows: “Elder William L[ehi] Hayes: Dear Brother, I take great pleasure in notifying you of your appointment as President of the East Tennessee Conference to succeed Elder Thomas W[atts] Sloan who has been released and is now on his way home. Your duties in that office will begin at once and continue until the Lord shall say enough. The responsibility of your office are (sic) great and should call forth your very best talents to be used in encouraging your brethren and building up this work of the Lord who knows best how to reward you and prepare you for every duty that shall devolve upon you. Keep yourself in readiness to follow out council given, ever remembering that your very success depends upon so doing. Be humble and prayerful and strive after and obtain that comforter, even the Holy Ghost, that you may be led into all truth and never be left in doubt or uncertainty upon any question that may arise for your consideration. Let us impress upon your mind also the essentiality of working in perfect harmony with this office in all things touching the growth and development of the elders, the saints and the work in general among the people we have come out to enlighten on the gospel. We desire you to feel that our whole soul is in this great work and to see what the elders appear well and home fully prepared mentally and spiritually for the work before them in our greatest desire. We ask the Lord to bless and inspire you an fit you in every way for your many duties, that his work may grow and increase in this land, and He will do it if you will but humble yourself, for He blesses those who will do His will. I remain your brother in the Gospel of Peace, Elias S. Kimball.”
[Saturday] – 12 January [1895] In letter from Elder [Edward William] Payne got word of the baptism of Doctor [Lafayette] Naillon, also his marriage to our good sister [Sarah Ann] Laws. It was snowing this morning but I had laid around town so long that I was anxious to get into the country. We went up into forks of the river and nearly froze out it being a bitter cold day especially in the PM. Called on Fritz Newbert for a few hours but they had sickness so we went about a mile and stayed for the night with Harmon Kreis, where we had a nice warm bed and a fire in our room for which we were very thankful to our Heavenly Father. Before morning it had registered 8 below zero, which is the coldest I have ever seen in the South.
[Sunday] – 13 January [1895] Being Sunday we were slow about starting but we left that more congenial quarters that could be found, so we moved on to our friend Jonathan Cruze, where we met a welcome and spent the entire day discussing scripture etc. Snowing hard all day.
[Monday] – 14 January [1895] Clear cold morning with about 2 inches of snow. We concluded to go into Blount Co. and spend the bad weather with our friends until the weather should settle. So after a day’s trudge through the snow we found ourselves of friend Chas Otts – our Dutch friend where we were treated fine.
Laboring in Blount County
[Tuesday] – 15 January [1895] Roads began to be quite muddy but we trudged on and by 3 PM, tired being wet and muddy, we [found] a friend at Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s, where we received a royal welcome as they were half expecting us.
[Wednesday-Friday] – 16-18 January [1895] Was spent in reading, writing etc.
[Saturday] – 19 January [1895] This being my 30th birthday, I began to feel that years are creeping on very rapidly. Who subtly rolls the wheels of time and ever long life’s race will be finished. But we will try to not weary by the wayside. Went to the P.O. a distance of 5 1/2 miles and got reports from the elders, all of whom are well and doing fine.
[Sunday] – 20 January [1895] Was a pleasant Sunday morning and we had a meeting appointed which was quite well attended. I fell in a good mood and [illegible] off by the yard. At night three men from N.C. stayed at Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s and I talked two solid hours to them upon the B[oo]k of M[ormon] and the restoration of the gospel, which seemed very much to interest them.
[Monday-Wednesday] – 21-23 January [1895] Black threatening weather. Day spent in study and helping Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] G[arland]. Went to office and got mail. One letter from Pres. [Elias S.] Kimball with instructions for saints on the law of tithing. We helped Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] G[arland] clean ground two days, which made us very lame and sore. The weather is so changeable that one cannot dress to suit the season. One day freezing the next uncomfortably warm. Wish we could have either winter or summer. Got a letter from Elder Brinkenhoff, the only original “Brink” who told of visiting large cities going to the best hotel in Mormon style without purse or scrip and were treated OK. Held 58 meetings in three months: sometimes as high as ten a week. Hind (sic) on yellow legged chickens and knocked the bottom out of things in general. He was mobled (sic) a few [illegible] after coming out but now goes forth conquering the conqueror. Just made out our annual report of the E[ast] T[ennessee] Conference for the year ’94.
[Friday] – 25 January [1895] We went over into Happy Valley today in company with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland. Had dinner on the way with Green Buchanan in head of Millers Cove, then crossed the Chilhowee Mountain, reached Uncle Thomas Hear[o]n‘s about 3 PM. It had been just 16 months since I had been there or seen them, but they knew me “on sight” and said they would know my hide in the tan yard or could tell my voice in the dark. Bless their good kind hearts, what a pity they do not get initiated into the fold of Christ that they may be fully rewarded for their many acts of kindness to our elders. We had a grand conversation until a late hour.
[Saturday] – 26 January [1895] Today was so cold and windy that we remained under cover all day, which with the forepart of the night was spent in discussing scripture. Uncle Tom [Hearon] is a jewel.
[Sunday] – 27 January [1895] We came back to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s today and spent [illegible] visiting etc.
[Wednesday] – 30 [January 1895] Went to the P.O. and got our mail. Received letters from Pres. [Elias S.] Kimball. Quite a snowy and very cold day walking. Got our feet awfully wet.
[Thursday] – 31 January [1895] This ends the first months of ’95. Winter still holds on, though I would like to get off to work as we have spent a long while with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] G[arland], but he is the same genial Joseph.
[Friday] – 1 February [1895] Cloudy day. I wrote to office and home, and at night went up to visit Will Gladden and family. We had a good long chat with an old lady who was visiting them. She used to be a Mormon later (sic) but has greatly modified her terms. Came back at 11 PM.
[Saturday] – 2 February [1895] We arose this morning to find the universe plastered with snow and still coming. As it is the first one wood chuck day we may look for Spring to open up before so long, so say the Southerners.
[Sunday] – 3 February [1895] We went to a “distracted” meeting today and of all the yelling and hooping a preacher over done the [illegible] the highest with a big chew of tobacco, spitting and snorting he gave them a huge hell-soared sermon. Vanity, vanity, all is vanity. No greater amusement or nonsense could be indulged in the pressure of and tension there to witness a sermon of modern punishments.
Monday – 4 February [1895] Went to the P.O. Got reports in from the “boys.” [illegible] to fears of the illness of Elder Arme who has been troubled with his lungs and is now quite sick but on the [illegible]. We hope for his recovery.
[Tuesday-Wednesday] – 5-6 February [1895] Cold muddy weather. I helped clear ground one day but learned the 11th chap[ter] of Hebrews in the time of it.
[Thursday-Saturday] – February 7-9 [1895] Still very cold with considerable snow. We have had winter right for more than a month. How thankful I am to get a place of shelter during this bad weather. Most of our boys have had colds.
[Sunday] – 10 February [1895] Did some writing and held one meeting today but only a few were out as it is cold.
[Monday-Sunday] – 11-17 February [1895] Nearly a foot of snow and we are houses up for good. Stayed one night with Will Gladden and made a trip to mill and P.O. – a ten mile trip over awful roads.
[Monday-Wednesday] – 18-20 February [1895] Spent time in writing to elders and saints and made several trips to the P.O.
[Thursday] – 21 February [1895] Now comes another trial as we have come to leave today. We have been here so long that the family are all broke up on account of our caring. Finally the letters arrived, and arrived a shower of tears as we bid them farewell. Went to [the] Gamble P. O. Crossed the river on the [illegible]unnels and stayed at night with an old friend Adam [Fagala] Waters, where we spent a pleasant time.
[Friday] – 22 February [1895] We started for Sevier Co[unty] and crossed the mountain snow. Was a foot deep in places. At 3 PM we arrived at Sister [Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] Clinton‘s where we met Elders [George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster, who were surprised to meet us not having visited any elders since conference. Had a fine [illegible].
[Saturday] – 23 February [1895] During the morning, we chatted and, in the PM, held a meeting in [a] school house where about 20 were out. At night we all went back to Bro[ther William M.] Clinton‘s where we had a most enjoyable time singing etc until nearly midnight. Bro[ther William M. Clinton‘s] and Sis[ter Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] C[linton‘s] son, [Joseph Alfred Sloan], who was baptized, [30 April 1886], by J[ames] T[homas] Thorne was also here. They are all firm in the faith.
[Sunday] – 24 February [1895] The weather was [illegible]. We had a meeting appointed in [the] same school house. There were about 75 out to hear us and we gave them the “law and the testimonies” for an hour and a half. After [everyone was] dismissed, we all went to Esquire Dugans, who is a very kind friend to our elders. About a dozen neighbors called in the evening. Was [illegible] very pleasantly. [illegible] with rheumatism.
[Monday] – 25 February [1895] After a few houses chat came back to [the] Clinton’s, where I did some writing and we spent [a] pleasant day.
[Tuesday] – 26 February [1895] We started for Knox Co[unty] and pulled through the mud all day and at night stayed with our friend A. S. Thompson near Chooks Gap, where we found all welcome to us. [I was] very, very tired, and retired early.
Laboring in Knox County
[Wednesday] – 27 February [1895] Came to Knoxville today. Got 22 letters and lots of papers. Orders from office to call Elders [John Roland] Halliday and [Elder Alfred Woodcock] Neb[e]ker into the city. We took in the town hunting for a room to rent but I had so much writing etc to do that I had to dig into nearly all night.
[Thursday] – 28 February [1895] Got some shoes and, after seeking for a room to rent, came back and made arrangements with Mrs. Bailey. Went down on [illegible]. I saw two of the seven long haired sisters whose waving locks drug more than a foot on the floor. Leaving the city, crossed the (sic) into the forks of the river. Sat on the banks of the river and watched the boats play up and down the stream. Watched a race between the steamers “Lucile Borden” and “Chatt[anooga] Chief.” Stayed with our friend Dr. Von Anderson where we listened until a late hour and [to] beautiful music on [the] violin and organ. Total miles 3,842.
[Friday] – 1 March [1895] Weather came in like a lion with wind and rain. We worked pleasantly on and at night stayed with Jonathan Cruze near Asbury.
[Saturday] – 2 March [1895] Snowing. Worked up the river and about 11 AM came across George [Marshall] Smith with whom we went home to [that of] his father Marcus [Lafayette] Smith and Andy [Johnson Smith], our “brother.”
[Sunday] – 3 March [1895] Being Sunday we spent [the] day quietly. At night went over to Mr. Sam Newman’s and had a three-hours talk with a Mr. Camson, who prided himself on being a champion on scriptures, but by the help of the Lord we were able to confound him and demonstrated the weakness of the wisdom of man.
[Monday] – 4 March [1895] Half of [illegible] time is gone today. We walked up the country and at night stayed with John Sherod, a nice family but did not much like to keep us without pray (sic).
[Tuesday] – 5 March [1895] Still very muddy and very hard walking. No dinner again but we are getting used to that now. At night we stayed under the shades (so to speak) of a Presbyterian Church with John Leaper, a officer of the church and a very fine man. Got a come-back.
[Wednesday] – 6 March [1895] Went through fields and wood, and at noon ate dinner with John Province, the ferry man who lives on [the] banks of [the] Holstin River. We watched raft after raft of logs float down the river. They came from Hawkins Co[unty] bound for K[noxville] a distance of 400 miles. In [the] PM we went to Strawberry Plains and got our mail. 15 letters, good news from home, which made life happy. Such a lovely letter from Boby V. At night came and stayed with our friend Esq[ui]r[e] Preacher Ja[me]s Cash.
[Thursday] – 7 March [1895] Fast day, so we lingered writing etc until PM. [I] was pleased to get a letter from light-hearted Amy, so full of her vim and energy, that is, furnished a vast contrast to missionary life. Leaving here, we traveled about a mile. At 2 PM went to a house where we spent all the PM and night. Very religious people. I got warmed up good and began to unfold the gospel to them in a true Mormon style. They were greatly elated over the matter, and finally I got the old lady shouting. Glory to God etc. Private Revival. B. A. Pratt is name of [the] family and we got a come-back.
[Friday] – 8 March [1895] We headed for town, arriving at 2 PM. Elder [John Roland] Halliday had informed me he was located at 202 Mahoy St. but, upon our arrival, found they had just gone out, so we went to their room and did some writing. [At] about 5 PM, in came smiling old John [Roland Halliday] with a great wad of bread and bologna for supper as they were batching it. We had a very pleasant evening together talking of old times.
[Saturday] – 9 March [1895] We took in the city today in search of a permanent lodging place, which we found on West Depot St. In [the] PM went to call on the mayor but he was not in. Called on two newspapers, The [illegible] and The Independent. By both editors we were treated very kindly. Went to [the] market and bought provisions enough to last until Monday – tough.
[Sunday] – 10 March [1895] Got word from Elder [Hyrum Lester] Bair that Washington Co[unty] was finished. Went out and visited the National Military Cemetery, also Grays Cemetery, which are counted among the beautiful “silent cities” of the U. S.
[Monday] – 11 March [1895] Rained during [the] morning, and in [the] PM Elder [George Barlow] Wintle and I canvassed our river where we met among other nice people and Mr. Hyden, Professor of the U. M. College and in charge of the Acad[emy]. He invited us to visit his school and said he would introduce us to his teachings and how we through the school etc. (sic)
[Tuesday] – 12 March [1895] Elder [John Roland] Halliday and I started in on the bottom part of the city where we met many nice people, among them a grand daughter of Mrs. Blackburn, who taught a mission school in St. George, Ut[ah]. [She] had many words of praise for Utah and her people. Also, visited the city jail, where we had a short talk with some of the inmates and gave them some tracts. About 60 inmates were there. Men, women, negroes, about 150 are in the work house. The jail overlooks the Tenn[essee] River.
[Wednesday] – 13 March [1895] Again we enter the ring of Knoxville’s [illegible]. Among the distinguished people we met today was Col[onel] Dickenson, widely known in East Tenn[essee] as owning the finest farm in the state known as “Istand Home.” He invited us to accompany him to it some fine day and said he would call around with his carriage for us. We of course accepted joyfully. Also, [we] met and had an hours-talk with Mrs. [Eliza Ann O’Brien] Brownlow, widow of W[illiam] G[annaway] Brownlow, one of the most prominent men of Tenn[essee]. Served as an officer in war as gov[ernor] of Tennessee and as Senator of Tenn[essee], and got a sarcastic “excuse me” from one lady full of venom. We are batching (sic) him on bread and bologna at 10 cents a day with sardines, cheese, pickles, eggs etc as a relief occasionally. Just learned through our newspapers of the death of our worthy Stake Pres[ident] A[braham] O[wen] Smoot, also of Elder Jonathan [Alexander] Clark of Farmington who died in Turkey of black small pocks. Pleased to note the celebration of Pres[ident Wilford] Woodruff’s 88 birthday on [illegible].
[Thursday] – 14 March [1895] We worked on Church and Main St. today. Were confronted by a minister of the St. John’s Episcopal Church who viewed us as apostates etc. Also met a Jewish lady of wealth with whom we had a most pleasant conversation. Of course she viewed us with other Christians as Gentiles yet maintained a dignified demeanor towards us. Though it is the middle of the month we feel that the closing day of “journal no. 2” should be doodled to a recapitulation of the years which have passed during the writing of the same. We find that 3,929 miles have been walked during our stay in the South. When the mind reflects when the many and varied poems through which we have passed during that sojourn, it would seem that two years are not long enough to have furnished such a variety of circumstances, though when we think of the pleasant times we have had, the kind people we have met, and the many miles, stations of God’s kindness towards us, it seems but a few weeks since we entered the mission. Where the time has gone seems all but a mystery to us. If the remainder of life were to pass as rapidly as has this 23 months, we had better prepare for the gran, lest the enemy should creep upon us unawares. In recounting the many scenes of joy and pleasure, our heart swells with gratitude that we have been counted worthy to fill a mission of this importance. In this short time, I have had experiences which have caused me to realize in a measure of the object of man’s creation, as well as to compare the gospel in its completeness with the many manmade systems wherein men seek to save themselves to climbing up some[thing] other than that prescribed by the Master while here for the purpose of laying that plan. We have visited and been entertained by the peasant in his humblest care, as also by those who live in luxury and feast upon all the dainties that insatiable humanity may crave. Each day has furnished a new lesson quite different from anything which before has attracted our attention. The many beauties of picturesque landscape, rolling hills frescoed with a variety of forests and herbage, the enchanting mystic rivers which wind their dreamy course toward the sea; the supreme southern sky, all combined to complete a chain of environments to bind one near to the salacious climate, and having [the] atmosphere of this region, we have learned to love. Excepting alone our own dear mountain home, we would gladly spend our days in roaming over the fascinating scenes on hill and through dell. While here in the city we are shutout to an extent from the rustic scenes of rural life, yet there is still a wild inspired even while climbing the rolling hills of the city from street to street. All the public ways are beautifully hand with a flirty brick especially prepared for this purpose. Many of the buildings approach in beauty and dimension the best resemblances of the larger cities of the U. S. The Tenn[esee] River rushes through the city towards the south edge which gives the city a double advantage in commerce. The city cemetery, or Grays Cemetery, is one of the most beautiful in the U. S. from the fact that marble fields are in operation all up and down the river. Elegant statues are to be seen which look like a host of sentinels clad in while quietly guarding the silent city of the dead. Lovely virgins life-size stand with lowered heads and pointing to the silent tomb as if to indicate they were crying there. Infants are carved, some sitting, others standing and others kneeling upon the graves of the innocent children who have been called from this world of tears. Men with horses and dogs all carved in marble would indicate the favorite pleasures of the departed. Rolling hills and green lawns with shady groves all make it a typical resting place for the departed. Factories of kinds, colleges, churches etc make this a beautiful city, though not so pretty taking all and all as our own S[alt] L[ake] C[ity]. Its formulation is about one third colored, which is quite a contrast to our western cities. We meet many who have visited fair Utah, which always is a sure criterion of finding a friend. We rejoice to know that the prejudice which once existed is fast giving away to the onward march of truth and reason, and we hope in the near future to see Utah occupy the place she so rightly deserves as the sisterhood of states and viewed with that favor by the educational world which is our rightful position. It is gratifying to know that our history is such that we can proudly invite the world to investigate our claims. True there always will follow us that spirit of persecution, which Christ felt, as a legacy to those who had the moral courage to follow him, yet the world will know us better when the mists have blown away. In closing this volume, we would emphatically impress upon the minds of all who may scan these pages that I am grateful to know that I have been placed in a position to be able to herald our virtues to the world and assure them that we have that gospel, which our Master instituted and which was carried on by the apostles of old, until a corruptible and licentious shower overcame us when darkness reigned until God saw fit to again speak from heaven and authorize mankind to act in his name. What about the multitude of creeds declaring themselves to be that body of Christ? Blind leaders of the blind! Prophecy foretells their doom. Full of hatred, malice and deceit – confusion reigns supreme. Uncharitable repentance to God and man yet do you claim to be the church of the firstborn. How different from the gospel of peace! That sacred message which gives strength to the weak, courage to the timid, peace to the burdened, [and] rest to the weary. Eternal life to the faithful. Oh, that I had a thousand tongues to make the earth resound with the sacred message, that the whole world may know the worth of the true and everlasting gospel. We close this volume asking God to speed the day when the gospel will fill the universe. In closing journal no. 2, we have summarized the events of the recent past, so [we] will merely go on in our every-day routine. We have walked as stated 3,929 miles.
[Friday] – 15 March [1895] [It] was very rainy. We spent part of the forenoon visiting the public reading room and the steam laundry. The latter has some wonderful machinery capable of turning out 500 shirts per day as well as all other articles of trade. In the PM, [we] (that is Elder John R[oland] Halliday) who is now my companion, canvassed Union St. We met quite a number of Israelites who do not care to hear of Christ, hence have no use for our literature. There are also quite a number of Catholics who are also very shy about reading anything contrary to their belief. We are having quite a time to accustom ourselves to living on rations which cost 10 cents per day. But our hearts are happy for us. [We] oft speak of the beauties of home and the dear ones whom await us.
[Saturday] – 16 March [1895] Turned suddenly cold. We worked on Esylum St. In [the] PM, [we] moved to the place we had engaged on 433 Depot St. but the woman wanted to raise us a dollar and acted so peculiar that we did not feel like staying, so [we] started in search of another place. After making many inquiries, we found a nice front room with lovely furniture in [the] west part of city at 716 Richard and 5th Avenue, which we rented for $3.00 per month, owned by a very nice family by the name of William Jenkins, in which we moved in an hours time. They only two weeks ago lost one of their grown sons. Another is deformed, though nearly 17 years old, is about as tall as an 8-year-old child. Their widowed daughter also lives with them, who has an only daughter, who quite appropriately was married by the father prior to his dying. Alpha Omega (which being interpreted of course) means beginning and ending. We now feel perfectly at home.
[Sunday] – 17 March [1895] Being Sunday, we accompanied Br[other] Jenkins to S[unday] School, which was an elegantly furnished room. Services were conducted very nicely. It is the Second Baptist Church. We were introduced to the superintendent, also to their pastor Rev[erand] Jeffries who had service after dismissal of S[unday] S[chool]. He spoke very nicely. Went from there to the P. O. On our way was accosted by a police [officer] who asked if we were from S[alt] L[ake] C[ity]. He introduced himself as M. Bidwell and said he was the step-father of Governor C[aleb] W[alton] West of Utah. We had a pleasant chat. Made a call on Mr. William Vance and were invited to do so again. Came home and spent remainder of day in reading.
[Monday] – 18 March [1895] Worked on East Depot and State Streets. We will just leave out Closier St., for notwithstanding our master came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance, yet the combination in that locality is too tough for us. Ran onto a nest of ministers in conference, but as we had met one of them at his church yesterday, all treated our message with consideration. At night, Eld[ers George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster came in, and way after dark here came Bro[ther] Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland who had brought a lot of rations for us. Bless his big heart. All stayed at this house together.
[Tuesday] – 19 March [1895] All had breakfast with the family. Bro[ther] Joe [John Calvin (JC)] G[arland] started for home. Eld[er Alfred Woodcock] Neb[e]ker wanted to write so I canvassed alone and gave out 50 tracts by 3 PM, when I met the vestibule on which Elders [Joseph Nephi] Comish and [John William] Webster came, enroute for the upper counties. They were looking and feeling well. I ate dinner today with a Mr. D. [illegible] which was quite a surprise on me to get dinner in the city. We all 6 stayed at our room that night. On opening the door about 9 PM a note was discovered on the step, which said: “We will give all you Mormons just 48 hours to get out of the county. Signed: ‘whitecap.’” I[t] did not even make a sensation among us as we are quite at ease, or any said racket as that here in the city. We will lose no sleep over the threats of any such villains. A Christian hand this!
[Wednesday] – 20 March [1895] Elder [Alfred Woodcock] Neb[e]ker and [Joseph Nephi] Comish started this morning for Union Co[unty] where they will meet and exchange companions with Elders [Edward William] Payne and [Frederick Moroni] Houston. Elder [George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster resumed their work in the forks of the river about 12 miles from town. In my [illegible] to my surprise, met friend Wilson Sterns from Wach. Co[unty] on the street. One inhuman pious “Christian” after I had politely introduced my business said, “I want nothing to do with your doctrine and nor anyone who does believe it, so there is the door, go right now.” Of course I had nothing to do but go.
[Thursday] – 21 March [1895] After a two-days rain we now have a clear cool day. Worked Bell Avenue and Brigham St. Visited city water works, a very interesting contrivance. Water enters thick with mud and after passing about 20 vats makes it perfectly clear. We met a Mr. Brennon, a very fine gentleman who lives in a practice and is president of the 3rd Nat[ional] Bank. He treated us nicely and invited us to call on him at the bank and, if in need of any help, would be more than pleased to furnish [the] same at any time.
[Friday] – 22 March [1895] Worked on Dale Avenue near Woolen Mills. To our surprise met Mrs. Sterns of Sweetwater. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and I stopped with them one night while canvassing in that part a year ago last fall. She insisted that she had met me before, but for a long while we could not make out where the meeting had occurred until I finally introduced our business when she said, “A year, now I know where I met you.” Then we both remembered the affair perfectly well. Did not meet William Sterns. We met one woman, who as soon as I told what our business was, handed me a book giving a portrait of Brigham Young surrounded by about fifty wives and a few hundred children etc. She read about it how that Mormonism all hinged and depended upon him, and that when he died Mormonism would also die. And on being assured that he was dead and had been for 18 years she had nothing more to say. We gave out 124 tracts today and got 16 rejected testimonies.
[Saturday] – 23 March [1895] Being Saturday we only worked during the forenoon but gave out 60 tracts. In the PM, we visited an [illegible] handle factory which was quite a curiosity, but the most interesting was a visit to the “Gass manufactury.” (sic) Mr. Young the [illegible], a very gentlemanly chap, took us through and explained the whole operation. Of all places yet, this building had the most furnaces, pipes, [and] gauges, and about 35 tons of coal is consumed daily. After the gaso (sic) is extracted, tar and ammonia is also made and the refuse is burned into coak (sic). Taking the tar coak and ammonia nearly frays for the original coal so the gass (sic) is clear bright almost. Wilson Sterns came down so we took in the town with him until about dusk, [then] we returned fagged entirely out. We are indeed proud of our week’s work having distributed 565 tracts. We are having a fine time batching (sic).
[Sunday] – 24 March [1895] Being Sunday, we spent part of [the] AM reading, and at 11 AM [we] went to [the] First Methodist Church and listened to Rev[erand] Dr. Warner, who delivered a very good sermon. They have an elegant house and a fine pipe organ. It is the Southern Methodist Church and was divided from the Northern Church during war time over the slave traffic and today is still divided on political lines. At 7:30 we went to the Fourth Presbyterian Church on Clinch St. where Rev[erand] Dr. Park is [the] pastor. He also delivered an able and practical sermon. Their pipe organ is still more exquisite than any we have yet seen. The elite of the city go to church here. The pews are fine indeed. The city is grand by night, so many electric lights on every hilltop on which the city stands.
[Monday] – 25 March [1895] We visited 125 families today. I wrote to the P. G. S. S. On our visit today met a Mr. Chas Bennet who was associated press correspondent in the west for ten years. Has visited S[alt] L[ake] City. Also met an old Welch lady who had seen many of our elders and hundreds of Saints in her native country. One lady flew all to pieces and slammed the door in my face and ordered me off their premises immediately. Next door was her mother who invited me in and we had a nice chat but her daughter who came over, was in a fearful way, but I deterred the old lady a long time just to hear her daughter roar and snort, for I know she could not order me from there.
[Tuesday] – 26 March [1895] We made things boom today as we got out and visited 150 families. We separated one going on one side of [the] street and one on the other. Went to a house where no one was home but a parrot who fired me without delay. [As] soon as I stepped on the porch it began to say, “Go away, go away, go right away [illegible] here now.” Thinking perhaps it knew I was a Mormon, and like other religious extremists, it did not want my company and [I] obeyed orders.
[Wednesday] – 27 March [1895] We did a little odd ends of work today. One old man wanted us to hold prayers with him, which we did. Visited the marble works and canvassed a little in West K[nox]ville over the old battlefield of Fort Sanders, where so many hundred soldiers lost their lives. The place is being built up with elegant homes now. We visited Mayor Welcker of North K[nox]ville, with whom we found to be a very fine man and readily gave his consent for us to canvass his city. He has been to Utah and there met Elder John [Hamilton] Morgan and others. We also visited Mayor Joe of West K[nox]ville who seemed more surely and wanted to read a pamphlet before giving his consent for us to canvass his city, promising to give us an answer by morning. Met a lady who has an uncle in Payson named Judson. Also has an uncle in S[alt] L[ake] C[ity].
[Thursday] – 28 March [1895] Called again on Mayor Joe who consented to us visiting his city (West K[nox]ville) as there are three separate corporations in K[nox]ville. Elder [John Roland] Halliday has quite a severe cold, so I visited the elite of the city alone. Visiting “strictly the first” is almost equal to trading in Africa, as in rarely ever meet anyone but the servant who carries our card or message on a silver plate to the “lady” of the house. I visited 75 families alone today. Mrs. one C. C. Jones who was indeed a genius and we had a most pleasant time. Worked over old Fort Sanders, where once the dead lay in heaps all over the earth. Wrote my report to the office. Elders [are] all well, pleased to say. Very tired tonight. Our first real spring day and it has made us lazy.
[Friday] – 29 March [1895] Went again into West K[nox]ville, down near [the] river and K. & O. Road. Visited Mrs. Silvester Long who entertained us finely. Saw a man who had visited Nauvoo after its evacuation. Also another man named Grainey whose father once entertained overnight Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon in Minn. Had dinner with Wesley Blazer with whom I had a long talk. This is twice I have had dinner while alone and left Elder [John Roland] H[alliday] hungry. Met a man who had no use for a Mormon about him. He said, “I am a frank man and say just what I think, so here are 3 declarations: 1st, I know but little about you people or your doctrine; 2nd, I do not want to know, a think more about it than I now know; 3rd, I will not hear a word about it.” After a few moments I said, “Well I also am frank and suppose you would not object [to] hearing three propositions from me, so here they are: 1st, I perceive from the trend of your conversation that you know nothing of your faith in its true light; 2nd, that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ in its purity with all its gifts and blessings as when Christ established it and the only plan whereby man can be saved; 3rd, the time will come when you will know that our people are true Christians and that the Lord is with them.” Our conversation soon ended.
[Saturday] – 30 March [1895] Finished West K[nox]ville about noon. Got onto an old preacher who tried [for] about an hour to convert me on being “saved by grace” alone and that our works availeth nothing. We lead it up and down for all that we were worth but came to no understanding. On reaching home found Elders [George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster had arrived, so we spent the PM in social chat. [At] about 9:30 PM in came Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland who spent the night with us and made us promise to return with him.
[Sunday] – 31 March [1895] Being Sunday Eld[er John Roland] Halliday and I went out to the Red Cross Methodist Church to S[unday] S[chool] and stayed until [the] meeting. Had the pleasure of seeing the minister baptize a child from a glass of water. This is the first sprinkling we ever saw performed. The preacher made a hit on us in his remarks, in fact they all tended in that direction. Returning home [in] the PM, [I] spent in writing letters and reading. Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland called in. Total miles 4,010
Laboring in Blount County
[Monday] – 1 April [1895] This being April fool day after laying a plot for Elders [George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster, we concluded to rusticate for a week and see if the house air of the country would not brace us why a little. Accordingly, we met Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland at the stables and at 8 AM were headed for Blount Co[unty]. Had a very pleasant journey as the trees just begin to put forth their leaves and the gentle zephyrs of heaven sends forth sweet fragrance over hill and dell. Arriving at our destiny, we found Sister [Sarah Margaret Cauble] Garland quite sick, being laid up of fever, though some better than the day before now. Elder [John Roland] H[alliday] and I sat up the greater part of the night with her to administer to her wants.
[Tuesday] – 2 April [1895] Weather turned off cooler, we helped put in some garden stuff and went after water cress and feaster in country style.
[Wednesday] – 3 April [1895] Helped Brother [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] G[arland] kill a couple of hogs this AM. Did some writing in the PM.
[Thursday] – 4 April [1895] [We] thought our Saints needed a practical lesson on cleanliness, so we pitched in and turned things upside down from porch to kitchen, renovating the whole plantation and wound up by trimming the bushes and cleaning the yard. It looks like unto another place. I intend to giving Sister [Sarah Margaret Cauble] Garland her medicine.
[Friday] – 5 April [1895] After planting a field of potatoes, we went to spend the day with [Nathan] Dempsey Harris and [his] wife, [Sarah Margaret Woody]. On our way our dog treed a squirrel. We got the gun and after spending about 3 hours and shooting 8 shots, succeeded in killing it. Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland fired some brush heaps and the wind came up and scattered the fire which got into the woods and fences, and we had an awful time to get it cut off by creating a pathway through the leaves in head of it. Brother J[ohn] R[oland Halliday] not feeling well. His pulses (sic) are 112.
[Saturday] – 6 April [1895] This is a day of rejoicing among the Saints as home brings general conference. We shall look with longing even for some of the conference sermons. We built a step today. Hired our shoes preparatory for our journey Monday morning. Trees are now in bloom and nature once more seems to smile. It seems almost wonderful to think of the rapid growth made by our church during its short life. 65 years have passed since its birth. Then only six members and now numbered by the hundreds of thousands.
Baptism of Samuel Harmon
[Sunday] – 7 April [1895] Sunday again. Spent [the] AM in quiet but in the PM, having been requested so to do, I had the pleasure of initiating another person into the fold of Christ. It was Samuel [Patterson] Harmon, a young married man who has heard our elders speak many times for several years past. Elder [John Roland] Halliday confirmed him and would have done the baptizing but that he was not feeling quite well and the water was quite cool. After performing the ordinance, [with] some desiring to hear us preach, we concluded to hold a short service on the porch of Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s house, which we did. Sister [Sarah Margaret Cauble] G[arland] is some better than she has been, though unable to sit up as yet. I wrote to the saints on the Pigeon River from who[m] I received letters some weeks ago. They are very anxious to have us make them a visit in the near future, which we will try to do, where we hope to do some more baptizing, thus adding to our flock.
[Monday] – 8 April [1895] Again we give the parting hand to dear friends and head for Knoxville. Had a pleasant walk about 10 miles down along the banks of the Little River. Crossed it on the gunnelo (sic). At night we arrived at our old Dutch friend’s Mr. Chas Ott, where we found them all in smiles and the old man full of his yarns. We had a grand old time. 11 [miles]
[Tuesday] – 9 April [1895] Leaving here, [we] went over [the] mountain by the famous Neukrs (sic) Mineral Springs where we pertook (sic) freely of their water, but had to pray very dearly for it, as it did not agree with us at all. Were invited to eat dinner at noon with R. O. Moors, where we had called for a book. Reached K[nox]ville [at] about 2 PM and found Elders were here at the house and had been busily at work. Spent [the] PM in writing up conference records. 5 [miles]
[Wednesday] – 10 April [1895] [We] were uptown with Elder [John William] Webster where we each bought a suit of clothes. In the PM, I did some writing but did not go to work today as we feel tough. 4 [miles]
[Thursday] – 11 April [1895] Canvassed today on Parks St. and met with kind treatment, especially so from a lady from Minnesota whose sister is a Mormon, probably of the Reorganized Church. We gave out 140 tracts today but lots yet to canvass. 5 [miles]
[Friday] – 12 April [1895] Two years ago today since I kissed little Vervene [Hayes] good-bye. Two years then seemed to be a little lifetime before me, but now it has passed and wonder where the time has gone. How often I wonder where the time has gone. How often in months gone bye (sic) have I yearned to see the two-mile frost with no especial rejoicing, or the thoughts of leaving the “boys in the field” is a melancholy thought after all, for we do have some grand times and spiritual feasts in which shall be blotted out only with the separating of the spirit and body. Roll swiftly on the wheels of time and brings us another two-year mission. I worked on 5th Avenue and Fetterell St. today. Met a Mrs. Smith whose brother has been [for] several years stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah. In starting out this morning, I met a rough row of stumps. Got 13 rejections and had only distributed 3 tracts. As a rule the Catholic people rarely accept a tract. They seem very firm in their faith. 4 [miles]
[Saturday] – 13 April [1895] I finished 5th Avenue on the south side. Elder [John Roland] H[alliday] worked all up as far as Broad St. from K. C. G. and L. R. R. This PM we went and had our pictures taken. Got word from Elders [Joseph Cross] Orme and [Thomas Rawlings] Smith that they finished up Hancock Co[unty] on the 10th. Elder [John William] Webster and [Hyrum Lester] Bair also finished Washingron Co[unty] on the 8th. Our last week[‘s] report shows over 1,200 families visited and 1,073 tracts distributed. Got a very nice letter from the office today. Eld[er Angus Keep] Nicholson has been released and has returned home. Eld[er] Brinkenhoff and Mitchell, two of the young men who came out in our company, have just returned home. They have [been] laboring in the North Alabama Conference. That begins to sound like home. 2 [miles]
Sunday – 14 April [1895] Easter Sunday with its many eggs. We spent the day in study and, [at] about noon, Bro[ther] Will Jenkins came upstairs and said his mother had sent an invitation for us to eat dinner with them, which we gladly did and had a fine meal indeed. In the evening, we went to the Knight’s of Honor Hall, where the Hebrews are wont to assemble each Sunday Eve, where we listened to Rabbi Bloch, who delivered an excellent sermon. Spoke many parables of the man who went to sea. The turist (sic) and his hotel and c[ompany]. His subject was “Who will be saved?” and answered by saying, “all who want will be saved.” One peculiar feature about their services is that the whole congregation, men and women, keep their hats on. While preaching, Rabbi had on his high sow pipe hat. The singing was done in the Hebrew tongue. The choir leader had a whill shall [TN: wool shoal] thrown over his shoulders and would sing a few words then stop and the congregation would chant like a lot of swarming bees. At the close of the meeting, our Jewish friend, Mr. Sunshine, introduced us to the Rabbi who invited us to call and see him and come to hear him lecture again. One Shebrew, who we met in our canvass[ing], also came up and asked us “how we like it now.” 4 [miles]
[Monday] – 15 April [1895] We started in this morning in earnest and by night had given out 170 tracts. If we were here much longer, we would be able to distribute a hundred each. Had a long talk with a Christian lady who said if we had miricals (sic) in our church, she would join it. 3 [miles]
[Tuesday] – 16 April [1895] Maggie’s birthday. Was in Chicago 2 years ago today. We started out to work this morning but were driven back by rain. Got our umbrellas and faced the storm again as we are anxious to get the city done for the land lady cannot rent us the room much longer. During this PM, the rain came up so hard that we remained under a shelter. I wrote to Richard Lyman, J. L. Brown and Annie Jurhan, and spent remainder of day in news reading. 4 [miles]
[Wednesday] – 17 April [1895] Still drizzling rain but we did quite a fair morning’s work. Met several people who had been to Utah, all of whom were delighted with our beautiful mountain home. Had a long talk with Mr. Sunshine, our Hebrew friend, on their religion and the gathering of Israel. Got a very nice encouraging letter from Pres[ident Elias S.] Kimball, who seems to be much pleased with the progress made in this conference lately. Our reports are the best which have reached the office up to date, and as a matter of course, we feel much flattered over our success in leading in the whole mission. To our surprise, at about 3:30 o’clock, in walked Elders [Thomas Rawlings] Smith and [Joseph Cross] Orme, who had come down a few days ahead of the time appointed to “take in the sights.” We had a time of great rejoicing. The whole evening was spent in chat[ing], each having many pleasant reminiscences to relate.
[Thursday] – 18 April [1895] We worked like beavers in the AM, but departed [the] PM to pleasure. Went and had our picture taken, then we went to Fort Sanders, thence to [the] National Semetery (sic) and being out, returned home for the night.
[Wednesday] – 19 April [1895] Went out to Lake Ottosee this morning and, after seeing all worth gazing at, began canvassing nearby. We all four worked and [it] just made things fly. Arriving home, we found Eld[ers] [George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster had arrived, so our little flock of Mormons begins (sic) to look like a gang. Elder [George Barlow] Wintle went to the post office and on his way ran across Elders [James Willard] Hubbard and [Frederick Moroni] Houston, which increased our family to eight. The evening was spend (sic) merely, for we all slept beneath one roof and had a most pleasant time relating reminiscences of our past experiences, which made quite an interesting time. This is one of those pleasant times in missionary life when all is joy and happiness, for one never can fully realize what it is to truly love his brother until being thrown thus upon the world. The love which an Elder has for his fellow laborer is indeed pure gospel love. Not stimulated by passions or lusts but is that Godly love which prompted our Master to lay down his life for mankind. The universe may collapse and new worlds be borne, the sun wax time with age, but me thinks the lessons of love to the brotherhood, to our cause and to God, tasted and enjoyed by missionaries in the field, will never vanish with the flight of years. We have been notified that two new men will be put in this field out of the company now en route for the South. We will make them welcome – the more the better for our cause must advance. 1 [mile]
[Thursday] – 20 April [1895] We started four of the Elders off this morning. Eld[ers George Barlow] Wintle and [John William] Webster to Blount Co[unty] for a visit and to [illegible] up a little. Eld[er Thomas Rawlings] Smith and [Frederick Moroni] Houston accompanyed (sic) them and will proceed in a few days to Loudon Co[unty] to open that field. Eld[er John Roland] Halliday and I went out and finished up a few odd corners around [the] end of Central Avenue, which completed our work in the big city. No one knows how thankful we are to survey the great metropolis of E[ast] Tenn[essee] and knows that it is canvassed and that the citizens have been fully warned of the Restoration of the Gospel of man who has authority to officiate in the name of the Lord – Also are warned of the[i]r path and the other calamities, which overhang this generation if they do not speedily repent of their evil and seek the Lord while yet we may be found. I had a long argument with a woman on “salvation by grace.” We then came up to the depot just in time to meet this 12:00 train on which the Elders came. They were James Willard Hubbard of Lago, Idaho and Ernest R[upert] Needham of Logan, Utah. It was truly a joyful meeting for Elder James W[illard] Hubbard, who has been here 21 months to meet his brother, [John Hyrum Hubbard], just from home, especially to know they will travel together from now on. Eld[er Ernest Rupert] Needham is 22 years of age but is well qualified to this task before him. We are pleased to welcome them to our field. All went to our room and enjoyed a feast on [illegible] dried prunes, which Bro[ther illegible] Wadley kindly gave Sister Halliday to bring to us. Sister H[alliday] also sent a nice bottle of grapes to John [Roland Halliday], which of course now became public property. How “weet to be remembered” by dear ones at home. How delicious they seem. So much better than fruit from any other point. We took a bath, went up town while the new men took in all the sights to be seen. At night, we had a sacred concert which was enjoyed by all the family downstairs as well. 4 [miles]
Source: Hayes, William Lehi, 1865-1934. Volume 2, 1894 May-1895 March. https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/74b1d714-25ed-4471-977a-9d7ee0369a03/0?view=browse&lang=eng (accessed: December 23, 2023).
Smoky Mountain Ward 