Abinadi Porter served in the Southern States Mission and Middle States Mission from 1901 to 1902. In his mission acceptance letter to Lorenzo Snow, he wrote: “My call for a mission to the Southern States is accepted.” At that time, he already had six children at home and was working on the railroad to save money for his mission. He married in the St. George Temple in 1885. He and his wife had ten children of their own and raised another five after the death of his son. He served in the bishopric for most of his life and was called the “walking Bible” while serving in East Tennessee. Elder Porter baptized Sealy Caroline Garland and confirmed Joseph Franklin Harmon a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in 1902.
Mission Acceptance Letter
[Friday] – 9 May 1902 Elder Brinton and myself bid the family goodbye at seven o’clock and also Elders [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s and [Thomas Jones] Russon and went to Sister Plesant’s. Stopped a short time. Got [a] coat and vest. Elder N[ahum] B[oyd] Porter left. Then went to Dr. Tucker’s, arrived about ten o’clock. Now 1/2 after one. Ready to go to Limestone to take [the] train for Greenville. It is now 25 minutes after 2. We are in Limestone waiting for [the] train. Arrived at Greenville about three o’clock. I am now in the Central Hotel upstairs. I have been writing to my wife. I received two letters from her and one from Mattie. We will start to Blount County tonight at 12 o’clock. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale, Elder Brinton and myself, 90 miles distance. Train arrived at 1/2 after 12 in the night. We are now about 1/2 way to Knoxville sitting in the train at Mor[ri]stown Station. It stops here one hour and a half. I’ve been eating some of Elder Brinton’s lunch.
Arrival to Blount County
[Saturday] – 10 May 1902 Now a little after sunrise here at the city of Knoxville in [the] station. Street car just past. Electric light yet in waiting room. I am in here alone. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale has gone to see how far it is from here to Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. Elders [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l and [Othello] Roundy are there. We took [the] train again to Marysville (sic), 16 miles distance. Then walked 14 miles to Joseph [John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. Arrived here at three o’clock. Held [a] meeting at night; [Elder] A[binadi] Porter [was the] speaker.
[Sunday] – 11 May 1902 Sunday, a nice day. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale, [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l, [Othello] Roundy and myself with the folks. Went 1 1/2 miles distance to meeting. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale spoke on Authority. Held [a] meeting again in afternoon at Joseph [John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. Elders [Othello] Roundy, [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l and A[binadi] Porter [were the] speakers.
[Monday] – 12 May 1902 Elders [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock and Hamblin came in about 9 o’clock. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale and Elder [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l were about to leave but did not. When they came, we held [a] council meeting in the afternoon, received good instructions. We all bore testimony to the truth. We held another meeting at night. Elders [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock and [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l [were the] speakers. After, [we] had prayers. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale got in bed before I did. Slats fell down.
Blessings of Elmyra Garland
[Tuesday] - 13 May 1902 Twenty-five minutes after ten. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale and Elder [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l just left for Marysville (sic) to take [a] train for Hancock County to see Elders [Jedediah] Woodard, Taylor, Scott and [Thomas] Lawrence. They will go from there to Sister [Caroline] Lankford’s, then to Scalf’s. Will hold [a] meeting there a week from Sunday. Then go by Plesant’s, Tucker’s on way to Greenville. By then Elder [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l will be released and go home. Myself and [Othello] Roundy will go up to [William] Charles Garl[a]n[d]‘s and hold [a] meeting tonight. [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock, Hamblin, [Othello] Roundy and myself are sitting on [the] porch. Just before Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale and [Melvin Howard] Rand[al]l left we sang some songs. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale spoke a nice piece. Elder [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock sang some comic songs. We started out for [William] Charley Garl[a]n[d]‘s at three o’clock, six miles distance. Held [a] meeting with them at night. Administered to his wife, Elm[y]ra [Miller] Garl[and]. Her baby, [Charles Wesley Garland], [is] two weeks old. She rested good all night. She had the child bad [with] fever.
Garland Baby Blessings
[Wednesday] – 14 May 1902 We fasted this forenoon, consecrated some oil. All administered to Mrs. [Elmyra Miller] Garl[a]n[d] again. She felt better. Said she would be baptized as soon as [she] got well. Blessed four of her children and gave them a name: [Edmonson Houston Garland; Martha Garland; Henry Hampton Garland]; [and] the baby’s name is Charles Wesley [Garland]. Elder [Othello] Roundy and myself left [William] Charley Garl[a]n[d] about 1/2 after three to go to Joseph [John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s, left Elders [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock and Hamblin to [William] Charley Garl[a]n[d]‘s. We got to Joseph [John Calvin (JC)] Garl[and]‘s steam mill. Stopped with him till night, helped him start a shanty. Then rode with him home.
[Thursday] – 15 May 1902 [My son], Clarence Nile Porter, [is] 2 years old today. We left Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s this morning. It is now 1/2 after 12. We are at the home of M[atthew] W[allace] Rolston sitting on the porch. He asked us in to dinner. Othello Roundy is now my companion. We took a circle and back to M[atthew] W[allace] Rolston‘s for the night. Gave away 13 tracts, walked 20 miles. Read 2 chapters and talked on it, Matthew 24th. It is now nine o’clock.
[Friday] – 16 May 1902 We walked 15 miles, gave away 28 tracts. Went to home of Will Brickey at 6 o’clock, ask[ed] for entertainment. Helped him set out sweet potatoes. After supper conversed on the gospel till bedtime.
[Saturday] – 17 May 1902 We tract till we came to the city of Marysville (sic). Went to [the post] office, got our mail, then went ten miles distance to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. Arrived 1/2 after three o’clock. We were called in a home on our way by a sick man, a Methodist. He bought a “Voice of Warning.”
[Sunday] – 18 May 1902 Eleven months [ago] today I left home. It is now 12 o’clock. We held [a] meeting here at Bro[ther Joseph John (JC)] Garl[a]nd. A[binadi] Porter, speaker, [Othello] Roundy presiding. Subject: spoke on Revelation. Elder[s] [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock and Hamblin just came from [William] Charley Garl[a]n[d]‘s been there since Tuesday. Elder [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock has been sick while there. We started there and met them. He says Mrs. [Elmyra Miller] Garl[a]n[d] is getting along alright. I will relate her cirumstance. [El]m[y]ra [Miller] Garl[a]n[d] is not a member of the Church. She being confined, the child, [Charles Wesley Garland], being ten days old. After three days, [she] tried to get up and took a back set and was very sick. In fact [it] was dangerous. Having the child [in] bed [with] fever, she had suffered for a week when we went to her home last Tuesday. Her husband, [William Charles Garland], is a member of the Church. That evening her husband desired for us to administer to his wife. He said she had been bitter against our people but had repented and had faith in the ordinance. We held [a] meeting at night. After [the] meeting, we laid hands on her and blessed her, not having any oil with us. She rested good all night, which she hadn’t done for a week. [The] next morning we fasted, consecrated some oil and, in the afternoon, administered to her. Elder [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock anointed her and I confirmed the anointing. Inside of one hour the lady was sleeping and never felt any pain after. Elder [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock remained there until Sunday and can testify to this and in the power of God was manifest, and she says she knows she was healed by the power of God, and as soon as she gets well is going to get baptized into the Church with all her family. She has 14 children and [has] only [been] married 20 years. She had a dream two weeks ago. She saw in her dream her sickness and she saw a mist coming up before her. It came up until it reached her neck and it seemed as though it would smother her, but she said two Mormon Elders came and lifted up their hands, got their hands above the fog and pressed it down until she recovered.
[Monday] – 19 May 1902 Monday, ate dinner at Bro[ther John Goulder] Harmon‘s. Got Sister [Mary Jane Davis] Harmon to cut my coattail off two inches. I don’t like it so long. [In the] afternoon, went in bathing.
[Tuesday] – 20 May 1902 Started for Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s 1/2 after seven for Marysville (sic). Before going in the city, stopped in the woods and blacked our shoes. Took our coats out of [our] grips and put [them] on. It is hot. Went to [the post] office – no mail. Then went two miles from [the] city into the woods while it was so hot. Started out at 4 o’clock to [go] tracting. It started to raining [at] just about sundown. Rained amite (sic) hard. We came to the home of Edward Emerson Scott just in time to get out of it and stayed here all night. We walked 17 miles during the day, gave away 13 tracts in two hours. I didn’t feel well this morning. Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd did not want me to start out.
[Wednesday] – 21 May 1902 Nice morning after the rain. It is now ten minutes to six. Had breakfast, now sitting on the porch. We had for supper last night: nice salt rising bread, buttermilk, butter and preserves, etc. It is now four o’clock. We are sitting on a log by the road in the shade. I have given away 28 tracts, Elder [Othello] Roundy 16. I just went to [the] home of [a] widow[ed] woman, talked with her a while on the gospel. She is a Methodist. I think she will investigate and come to a knowledge of the truth after [a] while. Her name is Belt. We traveled till after dark before getting in. [We were] refused 5-6 times, gave away 54 tracts, walked 14 miles.
[Thursday] – 22 May 1902 A lovely morning, it is 1/2 after four o’clock. We are sitting on a log by the road. Ate breakfast by lamp light. The birds are singing in the grass and a hum of the locust. We stopped with a man by [the] name of E. H. Harison. Held meeting with them.
[Friday] – 23 May 1902 It is Mabel’s birthday. We just had breakfast. Now sitting on porch at the home of J[ohn] C. Bowlinger. It is now 5 o’clock. We came to a home [at] about 9 o’clock. Elder [Othello] Roundy went in. The man told him to take a seat. He did and never told [him] who he was, so I went in and told him who we were. He said, “Get out of here you G. D. Mormons. I don’t want anything to do with you.” We came to a widow woman’s home at eleven o’clock. Stopped till after dinner. Her name is Mary J. Rhymes. Post Office Brick Mill. We left Mrs. Rhymes after 2 o’clock, tract till night, ask[ed] for entertainment 6 times, couldn’t make it. Slept in [a] barn. Slept warm and comfortable.
[Saturday] – 24 May 1902 Started out at 1/2 after five. Came within one miles of Marysville (sic). Went in [the] woods awaiting for [the] mail train to come in and [to] clean up to go in the city. Now here and ready to go. It is now 1/2 after nine. We went to [the post] office, got two letters from [my] wife, [Anna Louisa Jensen], and one from Nora and Vena. [We] went three miles distance, ask[ed] for drink and dinner, but [the] wife was sick. He gave us some onion to eat. It was the best he had. We got our supper at Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. We had our dinner yesterday. We held meeting here tonight. I spoke on Divine Authority. Walked 17 miles during the day.
Baptism of Joseph Harmon
[Sunday] – 25 May 1902 Today is Sunday, decoration day. Today we went down to [the] cemetery with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd and family to where the people were gathered on the side of [a] hill, in under the trees. I was called on to speak to them, which I did. I spoke on the Resurrection of the Dead. It seemed to be interesting to all but one or two; they were Missionary Baptist[s]. They are the meanest people of all denominations and [the] most prejudice[d]. Two speakers spoke, after they spoke in harmony with me and seem[ed] to partake of the Spirit, all went off enjoyable. [There were] about 150 present. We went back to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s, ate dinner, held [a] meeting at three o’clock. About 40 [were] present. Elder [Othello] Roundy spoke a few minutes on Faith. I took up the remainder of the time on the Apostasy and Restoration and Zion Gathered to the Mountains. After [the] meeting, baptized Sister [Mary Jane Davis] Harmon‘s [and John Goulder Harmon‘s] little boy, [Joseph Franklin Harmon]. The crowd stood on the banks of the stream. We sang “Lo on the Water’s Brink We Stand.” I dedicated the water and ourselves unto the Lord. Elder [Othello] Roundy baptized him. I confirmed him.
[Monday] – 26 May 1902 We left [the] Garl[a]nds half after three o’clock. Went up the stream a ways. Took a bath. Then, went four miles distance to the home of John Bradburn, over [the] mountain, stopped all night. They had ask[ed] us, then refused, but felt sorry, and told us we could stay. The young man played the banjo till bed time.
[Tuesday] – 27 May 1902 We have had breakfast, it isn’t sunup yet. Soon start to Marysville (sic). Arrived at Marysville at 1/2 after seven, mailed some letters, then went out of town a ways, started tracting. Gave away 36 tracts. Walked 19 miles during the day. Stopped with W[illia]m Ward. Held meeting with the family and had a good bed for the night.
[Wednesday] – 28 May 1902 Clear and cool. We walked 16 miles during the day. Gave away 31 tracts. Some refused them. Came to the home of J. C. Phelps, a Methodist. Stopped with him overnight. Held meeting with them. A nice bed to sleep in.
[Thursday] – 29 May 1902 We tract from Mr. Phelps till we came to [the] town of Friend[s]ville. Went through, they had the smallpox there. After getting out a ways from town, we were invited to dinner by a man by the name of [illegible], a Quaker. After dinner, came to the homes of sociable people the rest of the day. Came to the home of S. H. Wright, living in [a] big building where school pupils boarded. He belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We had a nice bed to sleep in and a room by ourselves. The college building was close by. Gave away 38 tracts, walked 14 miles.
[Friday] – 30 May 1902 [With] the sun about 2 hours high, we are sitting by the road on a log filling our record book. Another nice day. It is now twelve o’clock. We just pass[ed] by a rock quarry. Now sitting on a log beside the road. It is sprinkling. We passed through the town of Mires Station, came to the home of John M. Edmondson. Made welcome. They were sociable. Fixed us some supper, after held [a] meeting with them. They were interested. We walked 18 miles during the day. Gave away 35 tracts. A good bed for the night.
[Saturday] – 31 May 1902 We had a good breakfast, we talked while eating, but I ate till I got enough. After breakfast, I gave them a “Voice of Warning.” We are now in the woods to have prayer. We will tract from here to Marysville (sic), get our mail, then go into Millers Cove to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. Been to [the post] office, received a letter from home, one from New Mexico, now in the woods a reading them. Also, received word from [the mission] office stating that [the East Tennessee] Conference would be in Greenville on the 18th of June. We arrived to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s at 1/2 after 3 o’clock, ate dinner. Now nearly bedtime. Just had supper, now sitting by [the] table talking with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd. He is good to the Elders. He likes to see them eat. Walked 15 miles today.
[Sunday] – 1 June 1902 Sunday, Fast Day. Slept some in the forenoon. Held [a] meeting at 3 o’clock in the afternoon. Elder [Othello] Roundy talked on Faith. I talked on Revelation and revelations later than the Bible and read from the Book of Mormon. II Nephi 29th Chapter of the Gentiles saying, “A Bible, we have a Bible, we have no need of more Bible,” which comes to pass every day.
[Monday] – 2 June 1902 We rode to Marysville (sic), ten miles distance, with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd. I drove up one side of [the] mountain and down the other. Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd and Elder [Othello] Roundy walked. We mailed our letters. It is now 2 o’clock. We are sitting in the woods. Just ate a lunch Sister [Sarah Margaret Cauble] Garl[a]nd fixed for us. We came to the home of W[illia]m H. George a little after dark. Went right to bed as soon as got in the house. We were refused 4 times. Rode 10 [miles], walked 11 miles during the day, gave away 22 tracts.
[Tuesday] – 3 June 1902 Nice morning. We are sitting on [a] porch with [a] rock floor, brick porch posts. We got up just [at] day light. We had breakfast. The Elders have stopped here before. It is a large brick house. It is now one o’clock. We just ate dinner to the home of W[illia]m S. Pressly. Never seen the Elders before. We have the county finished. We will go to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd this afternoon, 14 miles distance. We left Marysville (sic) about 1/2 after 5 o’clock. Went over [the] mountain after dark, arrived to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s about 1/2 after 9. Helped ourselves to some supper. We walked 25 miles during the day, gave away 36 tracts.
[Wednesday] – 4 June 1902 I slept considerably during the day after a hard day’s walk.
[Thursday] – 5 June 1902 Went up to [the] saw mill. Helped Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd burn timber off from the side of [the] mountain, which he is clearing for a farm. Went down to [the] mill for dinner. After dinner, went up to [a] family of Saints by [the] name of Woody – [Jonathan Woody and Samantha Caroline Naillon Woody]. Stayed all night, but I did not sleep a bit all night, for flees kept me scratching. I thought it was the itch, which is a rumor here, or chiggers. I didn’t know but found out it was flees. Haha.
[Friday] – 6 June 1902 We went from [Jonathan] Woody‘s 6 miles to [William] Charley Garl[a]n[d]‘s. His wife, [Elmyra Miller Garland], is well but thought not hardly well enough to be baptized. We held [a] meeting with them at night.
[Saturday] – 7 June 1902 It rained hard for a few minutes in [the] forenoon. We held [a] meeting with [the] family while [it was] raining and dinner cooking. We left there after dinner, went to Bro[ther] J[oseph John] C[alvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s, 8 miles distance. It rained on our way. Went into Sister [Samantha Caroline Naillon] Woody‘s a few minutes.
[Sunday] – 8 June 1902 Today is Sunday. I did not eat any breakfast nor dinner. Held a meeting at three o’clock. Quite a crowd present. Elder [Othello] Roundy spoke on Faith. I spoke on [the] Personality of God, Gospel for the Dead and Resurrection for them. It rained some [the] before night.
[Monday] – 9 June 1902 It was a cool night and a nice morning. We went up to Mr. [Nathan] Demps[ey] Harris, his wife, [Sarah Margaret Woody], belongs to the Church. We stayed there all day. At night we went down to Mr. Lankford’s, a Missionary Baptist. His wife doesn’t belong to any church, more in favor of the Mormon Faith than any other. Talked with them on the gospel till bedtime.
[Tuesday] – 10 June 1902 A nice clear morning. After breakfast, [we] talked with them a while, then went down to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s, sitting on the porch. Went up to Polly [Ann Davis] Harmon‘s in [the] afternoon. Talked a while, got our clothes, she washed them. Went back to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s. [There was] a stranger there. Talked with him some, ate supper. Talked a while then went to bed.
[Wednesday] – 11 June 1902 We started out for Greenville about 8 o’clock. Sister [Polly Ann Davis] Harmon cried when we left her home. It is now one o’clock, sitting in the shade by a spring eating dinner that Sister [Sarah Margaret Cauble] Garl[a]nd put up for us. We mailed our letters at Millers Post Office. Came to the home of James Headric after getting refused twice. The Elders had stopped there before. Elders [Alfred John] Self and [Abraham Owen] Smoot were two of them. We went to bed without supper. We told them not to bother. It was late. We walked 20 miles during the day.
[Thursday] – 12 June 1902 It is now nearly three o’clock. We are sitting in the shade by a stream. We passed through city of Savereville (sic) this forenoon. I’ve been taking [the] bottom out of my coat while resting here and sewing the lining back down. Did a good job. Haha. What will you give me to come and do your sewing for you, my dears? We traveled till after dark. [Were] refused 8 times. Came to the home of C. J. Cheney, a friend to the Elders. [She is] a widow woman with three sons. She got supper for us. We walked 21 miles during the day.
[Friday] – 13 June 1902 Now 1/2 after 8 o’clock. On our way to New Port (sic). Just been helping a man up a hill with a load of lumber. His mules wouldn’t pull good. We arrived at New Port at 1/2 after three. We stopped under a tree from one till three. We asked for dinner three times but couldn’t get it. We crossed the Pigeon River at New Port on a flat boat that teams crosses (sic) on and people too if they were free, or walk across on a foot bridge by paying 5 c[e]nts. We went from there one miles distance to the French Broad River, crossed on the same kind of a boat. The stream [is] about like [the] Snake River. There was a bridge across [it] last March but [a] big flood took it out. We then traveled till night, refused three times. Came to the home of [illegible], the first house in the town of Parrotsville, walked 20 miles.
[Saturday] – 14 June 1902 We went through Parrotsville this morning after a good breakfast. Now 5 miles distance from there sitting on a rock by the road. Five more miles we will be to [the] Chucky River. We will cross that on a boat. Also 15 miles from here to Greenville. We paid 5 c[e]nts to get across Chucky. Found out that Bro[ther] Linebaugh lived close. That was where we wished to go to remain till conference. We arrived there just in time for dinner.
Meeting with East Tennessee Conference Elders
[Sunday] – 15 June 1902 We held Sunday School in [the] forenoon, meeting in afternoon. Elders [George Oscar] Hambl[i]n, and [Dudley Jabez] Hambl[i]n, [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock, [David Alexander] Hand, [Othello] Roundy and myself are here. Myself and Elder [David Alexander] Hand [were] speakers in [the] afternoon. Held [a] meeting at night. Elders [Richard] Gibbons, [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock, [Othello] Roundy, Dudley, Young, [Dudley Jabez] Hambl[i]n and [George] Os[c]ar Hambl[i]n were speakers. Sang some hymns and spoke some pieces then went to bed.
[Monday] – 16 June 1902 We have been sh[u]cking corn this forenoon and also this afternoon. Then we all went in swimming. At night after supper, sang songs and spoke pieces. I spoke on “The Indian’s Dream.”
[Tuesday] – 17 June 1902 We left Bro[ther] Linebaugh’s this morning. Went to Greenville, arrived at 1/2 after 11 o’clock. Nearly all Elders are here. I have been shaving, letter here from home containing [a] postal order and lock of Clarence [Nile Porter]‘s hair and a new pair of shoes from the office. While we were eating dinner in [the] hotel, Sister Plesant came in and shook hands with us all. Then at here dinner. She is now here in the hotel. She is looking better than when we were there to her home. The boys bought some bananas at night.
East Tennessee Conference in Newport
[Wednesday] – 18 June 1902 After breakfast, myself and 6 of the best singers went up in the hall and practiced singing. After, [we] came out of [the] hall, Elder [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock treated me with a glass of [illegible]. Just started away, Elder [Jedediah] Woodard invited me to have some [illegible] with him so I did, after went down to [the] hotel. The boys went and bought some bananas. We all three in 5 c[e]nts. Ate dinner at 2 o’clock. Went to hall, President [Benjamin Erastus] Rich came at 12 o’clock. He did the speaking. The Elders and Saints and a few friends were there. Only we just got in the hall it rained hard so the lower streets are flooded. We had to wait till it slacked up a little before we could start meeting it made such a noise. This is the last conference that will be held before the Southern States Mission is divided. Tennessee is now in the Middle States Mission. After meeting, we went down to [the] hotel. In [the] upper room [we] held [a] council meeting. Pres[ident Benjamin Erastus] Rich [was the] speaker. His remarks were encouraging to the Elders. The Spirit of God was there. Tears of joy were shed by some of the Elders. After [the] meeting, Pres[ident Benjamin Erastus] Rich, Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale, Elder Hambl[i]n, Elder [Jedediah] Woodard and Elder A[binadi] Porter went in another room and administered to Elders [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock, Scott, and [Orson Whetman] R[aw]lins for their health. After supper, went to [a] meeting. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale [and] Pres[ident Benjamin Erastus] Rich were [the] speakers. Remarks of both were interesting. After [the] meeting, Elder [Thomas Jones] Russon treated me with a dish of ice cream. There were Pres[ident Benjamin Erastus Rich], 22 Elders present, and a few Saints.
[Thursday] – 19 June 1902 At 1/2 after 9 we held council meeting. 21 Elders [were] present with Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale, Sister Plesant, Dr. Tucker, and his daughter, Nola, were there. Also, Elders [Alphonzo Brigham] Murdock and [Orson Whetman] R[aw]lins were chosen and sustained by all present as councilors to Pres[ident] H[oward] H[oskins] Hale. Pres[ident Howard Hoskins] Hale, and all present, bore testimony to the truthfulness of the gospel. The Elders were given their [illegible] and appointed to their fields of labor. A[binadi] Porter and [Melvin Parley] Miller were appointed to labor in Monroe County. Elder [Othello] Roundy and Scott was transfered to North Carolina, the Southern States Mission. After dinner, 8 Elders started out for Bro[ther] Linebaugh’s. Elders [David Alexander] Hand and [Amasa] Rasmussen stopped on the way with a man by [the] name of Kitchen. Six of us went to Bro[ther] Linebaugh’s. Two of the Elders started out one hour ahead of us. [Richard] Gibbons and [Thomas Jones] Russon, A[binadi] Porter, [Melvin Parley] Miller, [Thomas] Lawrence, [and Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s arrived a little after dark before supper. Walked eleven miles.
[Friday] – 20 June 1902 After breakfast, I put half soles on my shoes, then we all went in swimming in the Chucky River. We are now in the bedroom reading our patriarchal and missionary blessings. Left Bro[ther] Linebaugh’s at 1/2 after one o’clock. Elders [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s and [David Alexander] Hand rowed us across the Chucky River on a flat boat. Left Elders [Thomas Jones] Russon, [Richard] Gibbons, [Amasa] Rasmussen and [Thomas] Lawrence standing on the bank of the river. We are now three miles from Parrotsville sitting in the shade of oak trees. We stopped overnight with a family by [the] name of Ratcliff, he resides in Parrotsville. Walked 9 miles.
[Saturday] – 21 June 1902 We started on our journey through rain and muddy roads. Crossed the French Broad River on [a] flat boat with mules, and mule team, a woman and two little boys. Then went two miles to New Port (sic), crossed the Pigeon River on a flat boat, a team and others also. Walked on 13 miles to the home of C. A. Cheney. Stayed overnight. Held meeting with them. I spoke on [the] Apostacy. Walked 20 miles.
[Sunday] – 22 June 1902 Went one miles to the home of Mitchel Fox stopped there till Monday morning. Held meeting Sunday night. Were treated like gentlem[e]n by him.
[Monday] – 23 June 1902 We walked 24 miles, passed by two little towns and the city of Savereville (sic). Took a different route towards Bro[ther William Charley] Garl[a]n[d]‘s. Stopped overnight with a man by [the] name of James Spencer. Held meeting with them. I spoke on Revelation. Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller spoke a few min[utes] also on the truthfulness of the gospel.
[Tuesday] – 24 June 1902 I did not sleep any last night for flees. Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller got up at one o’clock and went out in the timber and laid down till daylight. I got out just as it was turning daylight [and] hunted for [Melvin Parley] Miller and couldn’t find him. We ate breakfast and talked a while. He asked us back. We then went a ways, struck a trail. The [illegible] boy followed and [we] followed it. It took us to [the] Walland P. O. after sleeping a while before we got there while in the mountains. Arrived there at one o’clock. I received a letter from my wife, [Anna Louisa Jensen]. Wrote to her. While writing, a gentleman came and commenced talking to me about Mormonism. He had never heard the Elders talk. Also spoke about poligamy (sic), like a great many do. I told him we neither practiced it nor preached it. I told him at one time about three men out of every hundred married more than one wife, but not like the most of the United States thought. About ninety percent practiced it on the European plan and their children weren’t look[ed] after but was quite different with the Mormon people, etc. He said the New Testament didn’t teach poligamy (sic), that Christ put it down. I ask[ed] him where he could find where he put it down. He said that the Bishop should be blameless, the husband of one wife. I said, “Did he say they couldn’t have more if they wished.” I told him the Testament and Savior sanctioned it, for the Savior said in “if you are the children of Abraham you will do the works of Abraham.” He was puzzled what to say. Then did [he] hardly believe that Abraham had only one. Then I proved to him that he had four. So he changed the subject and was glad he met me and talked with me and bought a “Darke Age” (sic) off me and wished me success. I wished him the same, finished my letter to [illegible]. Walked on, arrived at Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s at 6 o’clock. Sister [Sarah Margaret Cauble] Garl[a]nd was out. We helped ourselves in [illegible], was eating when she [illegible].
[Wednesday] – 25 June 1902 I have been binding wheat after two men a crackleing (sic). Cut about 6 acres but it is still not done. About 1/2 after 2 o’clock. Elders Amasa Rasmussen, David A[lexander] Hand, Thomas Lawrence, E[l]d[er] C[laudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s arrived here last night. They walked 35 miles, they took the wrong road. We have been in a swimming. We held [a] meeting here at night. [Amasa] Rasmussen, [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s, and [Thomas] Lawrence [were the] speakers.
[Thursday] – 26 June 1902 Elder[s Amasa] Rasmussen, [David Alexander] Hand and [illegible] could (sic) find Mr. [Nathan Dempsey] Harris [and] his wife, [Sarah Margaret Woody], to the church, give out meeting, got back to [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s. It rained here. Held [a] meeting at night. [Melvin Parley] Miller, A[binadi] Porter and [David Alexander] Hand [were the] speakers.
[Friday] – 27 June 1902 Elders [Amasa] Rasmussen, [Thomas] Lawrence and A[binadi] Porter went up to Bro[ther Jonathan] Woody‘s. Held [a] meeting after dinner. We, A[binadi] Porter, [Amasa] Rasmussen and [Thomas] Lawrence [were the] speakers. Went back to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s.
[Saturday] – 28 June 1902 Elder [Amasa] Rasmussen and myself went down to [the] Walland P. O., 5 miles distance. Got back at one o’clock, ate dinner, then we went out and sowed peas with a drill drawn with 4 mules all afternoon. While [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland went after [a] cow with [a] young calf. Held [a] meeting at night.
[Sunday] – 29 June 1902 Sunday, we held [a] meeting at [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s saw mill. Elders [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s and [Melvin Parley] Miller [were the] speakers, Elder [Amasa] Rasmussen presiding. Held [a] meeting in [the] afternoon, Elder [Amasa] Rasmussen presiding, Elders [David Alexander] Hand and A[binadi] Porter [were the] speakers, about 50 people [were] present. Elder [David Alexander] Hand and myself started out to the home of Charley Smith, one mile distance. A hard rain came up, we both got wet. We stopped overnight with them.
[Monday] – 30 June 1902 I went down to [the] Walland P. O. in the afternoon.
[Tuesday] – 1 July 1902 Went over to [William] Charley Garl[a]nd‘s [TN: missing the remaining entries for 1-3 July 1902]
[Friday] – 4 July 1902 We went to [a] berry patch, ate all the blackberries [and] dewberries we wanted. Picked [a] hat full. Went up to Sister [Samantha Caroline Naillon] Woody‘s. She made pie out of them. [We] ate dinner, then went down in swimming. Went to home of Eli[j]a[h Washington] Woody‘s for the night.
[Saturday] – 5 July 1902 We had squirrel for breakfast. Went down to Sister [Elmyra Miller] Garland‘s.
Baptism of Sealy Garland
[Sunday] – 6 July 1902 It is Sunday. Held [a] meeting at 11 o’clock. Baptized Celia [Sealy] Caroline Garland. Sang “Behold the Lamb of God” on the banks. Elder [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s dedicated the water. A[binadi] Porter baptized. Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller confirmed. Held another meeting in [the] afternoon. Went to Sam[uel Patterson] Harmon‘s, stayed overnight.
[Monday] – 7 July 1902 Elder [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s and myself went down to [the] Walland P. O. – 5 miles distance.
[Tuesday] – 8 July 1902 Elder[s Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s, [Thomas] Lawrence and [Melvin Parley] Miller and myself left Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garl[a]nd‘s [at] about 9 o’clock after administering to his mother, [Eliza Jane Nelson]. Went till we came to a sick man by name of Burns. He wanted us to administer to him. He said he had faith in the ordinance. After, [we] went to Marysville (sic), received a letter from my wife and Bishop Inglestrom. Arrived to the home of W[illia]m Ward. Stopped overnight. Walked 18 miles.
[Wednesday] – 9 July 1902 We passed by Greenback Station, we rested for a while. I lost my Ready Reference. Came to M[c]Ghee Station, received some mail. Passed by Vonora (sic) Station. Went from there to Breckbill (sic) to Bro[ther Johnathan] Harmon’s. Walked 17 miles during the day.
[Thursday] – 10 July 1902 We fasted all day. Dedicated the county to the Lord. It rained during the day. I started back after my book but came a hard rain and stopped me. So I returned to Sister Harmon’s. Held meeting with the family at night. Elder[s Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s and [Thomas] Lawrence [were the] speakers. Lost my Ready Reference.
[Friday] – 11 July 1902 Elders [Thomas] Lawrence and [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s left for Meggs County in [the] afternoon. Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller and myself went to Brakebill P. O. I mailed a letter to Bishop A. O. Inglestorm and my wife.
[Saturday] – 12 July 1902 It rained some during the day. Held [a] meeting at night.
[Sunday] – 13 July 1902 Held sacrament meeting in [the] forenoon and [a] meeting in [the] afternoon. [TN: missing entries for 14-23 July 1902]
[Thursday] – 24 July 1902 We are to the home of Susanna Leonard’s, a Saint. We have been eating fruit. Went to Ellie Nelson’s on the 25th and stayed overnight. 26th tracked till we came to Madisonville. Got our mail, then went up in the knobs. Stopped over Sunday the 27th with J. W. Wiseman. Tract till Friday night, went to Bro[ther Jonathan] Harmon’s, stayed till Tuesday. On Monday evening, Aug[ust] 4th, we found a letter in the crack of the house directed to the Mormon Elders. The contents [are] as follows: “We the Committee think you have stayed on old man Harmon long enough and that you had just as well leave this community at once and stay away.” –Committee”
[Tuesday] – 5 August 1902 As we were eating breakfast a gentleman by [the] name of Charles White came, gave Bro[ther Jonathan] Harmon 5 c[e]nts to buy him some medicine, but the main reason why he gave him the 5 c[e]nts was to get on the good side of Bro[ther Jonathan] Harmon so he could slur us. Which he did and said we were teaching rotton corrupt doctrine. I tried to show him, it wasn’t right to hold feelings over religion and talked to him on the organization of the Church. He still kept his old song and said the people wouldn’t have it. And a number of men was organized to drive us out if we didn’t go. I bore my testimony to the truth and said he that climbeth up any other way was the same as a thief and a robber. He said, “You hadn’t better call me a thief and a robber. I’ll git you,” and got his knife in his hand to make a break at me, but [was] to[o] excited to make the attempt. I like part (sic) before [illegible] ask[ed] his pardon for hurting his feelings but the scriptures applied to all that tried to climb up some other way, and did not abide in the doctrine of Christ, whether [they are] Baptist[s] or Mormons.
[Wednesday] – 6 August 1902 Delila Porter‘s birthday, it was [Hans] Rancie [Porter]‘s on the third. We went to the home of J. W. Wiseman for the night. After leaving Mr. Allen Smith’s, we stayed with Mr. Wiseman over Thursday. the 7th was election day. We did not tract on that day [on] account of so much drinking. On the 8th, we went to Eve Mill P. O. Received a letter from home and office stating for me to go to Rhea Co[unty] to labor with Elder [Claudius Eugene] Hawk[e]s but rest with the Saints till he went to Carter County. We went to [the] home of Bro[ther Jonathan] Harmon. About 5 o’clock Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller went back over to the office but dark was approaching and hadn’t returned. I started out to meet him. He got off from the road, I missed him. I went on to the [post] office. Mr. Blackman and family had gone to bed. I woke them, ask[ed] if Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller was there, [the] answer [was] no. I went in and stopped overnight with them. In the night Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller and Bro[ther Jonathan] Harmon came, ask[ed] if I was there, [the] answer was yes. They went back home the distance of 2 1/2 miles. I slept with Mr. Blackman. He is an infidel. We talked till 12 o’clock. He had been drinking and had lots of gab. He would get up and drink and stand up and preach then lie down then get up again and talk. Then I went to sleep till morning.
[Saturday] – 9 August 1902 Ate breakfast there. He is a good friend to the Elders now. I went over to [Jonathan] Harmon’s, they were in bed. We started out about 11 o’clock, went to Madisonville. Got this record book, then went to Sister Leonard’s. Stopped there until Sunday evening.
[Sunday] – 10 August 1902 We had all the grapes and melons we wanted to eat while there. We went down to Bro[ther] Nelson’s. We went down to Sweetwater at night. Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller wanted to start to Chattanooga but no trains to start till morning. We went back to Nelson’s.
[Monday] – 11 August 1902 Elder [Melvin Parley] Miller bid us good-bye, took the train at 8 o’clock for Chattanooga. About eleven o’clock, Bro[ther] Nelson and I started out for Meggs Co[unty] to his folks’. The distance of 22 miles. I was not dressed like the Elders has been but the people in Sweetwater knew I was one. We could hear them saying Mormon Elder. We arrived to Bro[ther] Nelson’s folks after dark. Their names was Hicks.
[Tuesday] – 12 August 1902 After dinner I started out for Evinsville, Ray Co[unty], the distance of 16 miles. I was rowed across the Tennessee River by a young man. It cost me 5 c[e]nts. The river was three hundred yards wide and 40 feet deept and ran still. I arrived to Bro[ther] Madaris’ just at dark. They got supper ready for me. I slept on a cot, which was nice to sleep on.
[Wednesday] – 13 August 1902 I am well. Bro[ther] Madaris has lots of fruit, which I can help myself to that I am fond of. I went to the home of Bro[ther] N. L. Brown, stayed overnight. In [the] afternoon on the 14th, went to Bro[ther] Morgan’s, stayed overnight. In [the] afternoon on [the] 15th, went to Bro[ther] John Woody‘s, held [a] meeting at night.
Source 1: Abinadi Porter journal, 1902, 1997; Journals, 1902; 1902 January-June; Church History Library, https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/0d96b034-ab7c-4b59-abfb-de7119a65450/0/0 (accessed: February 14, 2024)
Source 2: Abinadi Porter journal, 1902, 1997; Journals, 1902; 1902 July-December; Church History Library, https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets/0bb52e1a-c63b-4e42-9807-15b102e4fd6a/0/0 (accessed: February 14, 2024)
Smoky Mountain Ward 