Isaac Smith served in the Southern States Mission from 1897 to 1898. In his mission acceptance letter to George Reynolds, he wrote: “I deem it a great honor to have the privalege (sic), and will be pleased to spend a few years in the missionary field.” Having been born in England, his father requested Joseph F. Smith that he be transferred to his native country for the second year of his mission. He was transferred to the European Mission and served from 1898 to 1899. While serving briefly in Knoxville, Tennessee in the East Tennessee Conference, Elder Smith stayed at the home of and held meetings with Andrew Johnson Smith, who was baptized in Millers Cove, in 1893. He also documented staying with Andrew Smith’s father, Marcus Lafayette Smith, who was a friend of the missionaries in the 1893-1895 journals. Following his baptism, Andrew Smith moved to Knoxville, where he was living when he met Elder Smith. He also documented meeting with Joseph John Calvin (JC) Garland and his wife, Sarah Margaret Cauble, who were also baptized in 1893, and his family at his home in Millers Cove, as well as visiting with him and his family in Knoxville while they were attending a carnival. Isaac Smith married in the Salt Lake Temple, in 1904. He became a dentist and they raised seven children together in Logan, Utah. Elder Smith’s journal during his time in Tennessee is available below and can be found in its entirety on Family Search.
Departure from Utah
Sunday and Monday – 12-13 September 1897 I left [the] Logan [Train] Depot Sept[ember] 12, 1897 [at] 3:30 PM. Spent that night at my aunt’s place, Mrs. T. B. Evans [from] Ogden, [Utah] and, on the morning of the 13th, after bidding them all farewell, I walked to the depot alone and boarded the train for Chattanooga, Tenn[essee]. The morning was bright, the birds were singing their sweet melodies, and all nature seemed to smile, causing, in fact, everything and everyone to appear happy, but somehow these pleasant surroundings had no charms for me and as the trained wended its way up Weber Canyon, the wheels seemed to moan, “farewell all earthly pleasures, etc.” I met Mr. Best (the Stootman shoe man) on the train, but he soon got to his destination and I was alone or, rather, among strangers again. The day passed quite slowly, although we passed over lots of country. I sat up till twelve o’clock that night to see the monument on the highest point of the railroad in Wyoming.
Tuesday – 14 September 1897 We wheeled into Denver about 8 o’clock AM and as our train didn’t leave till 2:40 PM, I and a gentleman from [the] Klondyke region made a partial tour of the city. Walking up from the depot, we visited the Brown Palace Hotel and got shaved in their barber shop. We then visited the “State Building,” went through all the exhibit rooms where we saw fine specimens of different ore, coal, etc., war relics, and so on. We also visited some office rooms. The house was hardly finished but will be a fine building when completed. We got back to the depot in good time having at our dinner and bought a little fruit. By three o’clock we were again fanning the breeze toward Chattanooga.
Wednesday – 15 September 1897 Wednesday morning, Sept[ember] 15, 1897 found us in Kansas City where we changed trains; now taking the “Chicago and Alton.” Having left the station 1/2 or 3/4 of an hour, I thought of my hat but too late. I had left it in the cars at Kansas City, but on speaking to the conductor, he telegraphed for it to be sent to St. Louis. The day passed quite smoothly as I had become a little acquainted and about an hour after dark we crossed the Mississippi River and backed into Union Station at St. Louis. I took my small grip in my hand (leaving the other one in the baggage room), walked out on the sidewalk and asked a cab man what he would charge to take me down on “Cook Ave.” He asked what number and, when I told him, he said $1.50. I offered him a dollar but he refused it, so I started off. I had only taken a step or two when he called me and said alright. On reaching Mrs. Raublemann’s, I found no one at home but a neighbor directed me to where her daughter lived, so I went there. They asked me in but were a little suspicious of me. After chatting a while, her brother came in and took me up home. His mother was there now and very pleased to see me. The next three days were spent sight seeing, etc. Among other things, I visited the “Forest Park” – a very pretty place. One of the principle features of the park was the “Zoological Garden,” although there were many other attractions. The exposition which I visited one night was also a grand affair. While there I heard “Herbert’s” notorious band play a few selections.
Sunday – 19 September 1897 I went to the depot to resume my travels toward my missionary field (Andy Raublemann accompanied me to the train) and, on entering the cars, met the company I was to be numbered with in Chattanooga. This day passed quite rapidly. We reached Nashville about dark. Previous to this, however, we arranged for a couple of the boys to go as candidates and arrange for the seventeen of us to get reduced rates at some hotel. We were taken to the “McCabe,” directly opposite the depot, who charged us one dollar each. At the supper table the waiter guessed us as Mormons when we all ordered milk. I spent the evening writing letters home.
Arrival to Chattanooga
Monday – 20 September 1897 Today was spent very enjoyable indeed. Immediately after breakfast, four of us started for the exposition grounds. The sights were too numerous to mention. A few of them, however, were. A vestibule train of Pullman cars, the first train that ever ran in America, the giant see-saw and last, but not least, Utah’s exhibit. We got back to the hotel [at] about dark “tired out” and at 11 PM our train pulled out of the station. There was no chair-car, so I made myself as comfortable as possible in a common seat. By the way, we took some watermelons on the train with us, which we devoured before lying down to rest. We rolled into Chattanooga at 3 o’clock AM.
Tuesday – 21 September 1897 We were met by the hotel porter. He took us up to the hotel and showed us our rooms. Inside of a half or three quarters of an hour, we were all in dream land and a person would judge from the noise that issued from some of the rooms that the occupants were suffering from pains somewhere near the nasal region. I arose about 9 o’clock and went out in search of the Mission Office, which I found after a long walk. President [Elias S.] Kimball was not there but his helpmates were very nice men. They told me they would be at the hotel the next day and hold a meeting, where I would be told where I was to labor, etc. I spent the rest of the day on the streets and loitering about the hotel.
First Time in Knoxville with Andrew Smith
Wednesday – 22 September 1897 We took no breakfast this morning. Mr., or rather, Bro[thers] Naylor, Brown, Matheson, and Woodmansee arrived at the hotel about 9 o’clock and we all met and held a service where we received instructions as to our labors, etc. They also called on all the Elders to express themselves. After the meeting, we went to the photo gallery and had our pictures taken in a group. We then returned to the hotel and gave up our money and got a ticket to our field of labor. My train left at 5:55 that night and reached Knoxville at 10 o’clock. After getting off the cars I met my dearly beloved uncle (A[dams] W[esley] Ensign) whom I hadn’t seen for 18 months and who I was to begin my travels with. We were invited home by Br[other] A[ndrew] J[ohnson] Smith, one of the Saints.
Thursday – 23 September 1897 They called us about 4:30 AM. I got up but it was something a little new to me. There was no use complaining though as Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign said that this was the custom down here and I’d have to get use to it. After breakfast, we went to the P. O. Express Office, and a few other places, and then went down to Mrs. M. D. Dockery’s, where we took dinner, and, at 2 PM, started for Mayo, 11 mi[les] NE. My feet were getting pretty well crippled up after going 8 or 9 mi[les], so we started to seek entertainment. After being refused twice, we came to a Mrs. Wilson’s who, after a short consideration, took us in. A small crowd gathered in and we held a meeting before going to bed.
Friday – 24 September 1897 Today we reached Wooddale. Called at a Mrs. Cannon’s who kindly asked us in to dinner. From there we went to the schoolhouse and gave out an appointment for [a] meeting that night and towards evening walked to Marcus [Lafayette] Smith‘s for supper and to see about entertainment for the night, which was granted. After supper we went to the schoolhouse to fill our appointment and found a small crowd. We held a meeting just the same and appointed one for the next morning at 10:30. We then wended our way back to the Smiths.
Saturday – 25 September 1897 Spent an hour or so this morning writing letters and then came down to the schoolhouse according to [the] appointment. Our congregation consisted of Mrs. J. B. Nail and Mrs. Henry Neal. After the meeting, they asked us if we would come and take dinner with them, which we did. We had a meeting appointed again that night and, when reaching the schoolhouse, we found Mr. Armstrong holding a singing practice. A large congregation had gathered for preaching, so Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign pressed him to give way and let him preach. He was a little stubborn but finally submitted. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign opened their eyes a little and won some friends. We spent that night at Mr. J. B. Naill’s. A meeting was appointed for the next night.
Sunday – 26 September 1897 The day was spent visiting around among the people and, at the appointed time that evening, we were at the school house. [Up]on entering, we found a prayer meeting going on in full blast. The preacher, “Mr. Lord” (a Presbyterian), and some of his leading members had heard of our appointment and designed in this way to knock us out. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign told the presiding man of our appointment and asked him to cut their meeting short so as to give us a little time to preach, but they payed (sic) no attention. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign kept pressing them as he knew what the people had come out for. Finally, a Mr. Blake arose and denounced us telling the people we were imposters, etc., speaking of Joseph Smith as “Old Joe Smith” and also told them that we had something behind the screen and he wished to protect them against us. He then challenged Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign to meet him there the next night. Said he had some questions to ask him. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign now took the floor for a few minutes and in a calm and deliberate way apologized for interrupting their meeting, explaining how we came to be there, etc., and told them we had something behind the screen but it was the “gospel of Jesus Christ” and would be exposed if they would come out and hear it. He also told Mr. Blake he would be pleased to answer any questions he had to put [forward]. This seemed to put another light on the scene. Mr. Blake got up and withdrew his challenge saying, “Why, I can’t argue with this man, he’s educated both in Geology and Theology and I am only an ignorant farmer.” The preacher then arose and talked a while telling us they were very loyal to the Bible and that they needed no other books, etc. “A Bible, a Bible, we want no more Bible.” Another Mr. Blake then arose and said he agreed with his brother, that it was best not to have a debate. They argued this question among themselves a while and finally decided it would be best to let us alone. We then appointed a meeting for the next night and the crowd left not even waiting to be dismissed. Mr. M. C. Cannon asked us home with him.
Monday – 27 September 1897 Same old thing during the day, had a good crowd out to the meeting at night. By this time, we had one convert (James N. Jestes) and several investigators. Spent the night at J. H. Neals.
Tuesday – 28 September 1897 Nothing special.
Wednesday – 29 September 1897 The same thing.
Thursday – 30 September 1897 Still holding meetings with the people. They are becoming warmer friends all the time.
Friday – 1 October 1897 Today we left the Wooddale District and walked about 3 mi[les] east to hold meetings in a house called “Carters School House.” On reaching the place we gave the appointment out in school and then went to the nearest house we could see to ask for entertainment; this proved to be Mr. Carter’s – the owner of the schoolhouse. He welcomed us and we afterward proved him to be a good friend. There were but few at the meeting but we appointed one for the next night.
Saturday – 2 October 1897 Spent the day writing and reading, also visited a tobacco factory owned by Mr. Trent. Filled our appointment at night, gave out 3 for the following day and night and went back home with Mr. Carter.
Sunday – 3 October 1897 We held our meetings which were quite well attended and were invited home by a Mr. Brady. He has two nice daughters who took, or seemed to take, pleasure in entertaining us.
Monday – 4 October 1897 This morning makes me 19 years of age. The first birthday I ever spent away from home. Although I am about 2,500 mi[les] from parents and loved ones, I spent quite an enjoyable day. After breakfast was over, Mr. Brady took some bread and potatoes, etc., that was left and went out to his fish pond to feed the fish (carp). This was comical. He threw the food down in the edge of the water and called, “Fish! Fish! Fish!” In less than a minute, 50 or 100 fish were pushing and squeezing for the food like so many hogs. They were so excited that those in the rear would push the others clear out of the water. We stayed with Mr. Brady overnight and in the morning.
Tuesday – 5 October 1897 Went back down to Wooddale to baptize Mr. Jestes and anyone else that desired it. We stopped at Mrs. Nails and took a bath, held a meeting, and stayed that night at Mr. J. H. Neal’s.
Wednesday – 6 October 1897 [We] visited among the people exhorting them. Passed the night at Mr. James N. Jestes.
Thursday – 7 October 1897 [At] about 11 o’clock AM, we took Mr. Jestes (his wife also accompanying us) about a mile north from his place and baptized him in a small stream of water. When we got back to the house we blessed an adopted baby of his and also confirmed him a member of the Church.
Friday – 8 October 1897 We walked back toward “Carters” to a district called Lyonton. We reached there in time to give out an appointment in school and, when school was out, we joined the boys in a game of baseball. We then went to the store to see Mr. Wilson (the prop[rietor]) about entertainment. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign asked him but he answered us saying, “Why, I wouldn’t let a Mormon go in my house for $500. I’d lose my good name, etc.” Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign scored him a little for his littleness in letting his neighbor’s control him in this way, but he still continued telling us or, rather advising us, to stop working for such a people. [He] said if we wanted to be preachers, to represent some popular denomination, but [Adams] Wesley [Ensign] told him we were satisfied and, before he got through with him, he made him wish he’d never tackled us. The school teacher then come (sic) up and Mr. Wilson persuaded him not to let us in the house, so we had to leave. It was now about dark. We walked down the road a way seeking entertainment and, after being refused a few times, decided to go over to Mr. Carter’s again. He welcomed us just the same as before.
Saturday – 9 October 1897 We held three meetings today and had quite an enjoyable time. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign expected his winter clothes in Knoxville and we thought the next two or three days would be a good time to get them as the State Carnival started Tuesday. So, that night we stayed at Squire Jonathan Cash [in] Mayo, so as to get an early start.
Meets JC Garland and Andrew Smith in Knoxville
Monday – 11 October 1897 We walked fast this morning because Buffallo Bill’s shows were coming in and we wanted to see the parade, but we got there too late and, as we had no money, we couldn’t go to the show either. We went to the express office but found no clothing for us. [At] about dark, Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland from Blount Co[unty] with some of his family and neighbors came to see the carnival and happened in on us, “quite a happy surprise,” and, after chatting a while, we held a meeting with them. This was at Andy [Johnson] Smith‘s, where I spent my first night in Knox Co[unty]. The next two days, October 12 and 13, we spent the mass of our time on the streets watching the processions. They were very good but couldn’t compare with those at the carnival in Salt Lake City in ’96. We spent those two nights at Mrs. Dockery’s.
Thursday – 14 October 1897 We walked back to Mr. neal’s at Wooddale.
Friday – 15 October 1897 Taking an Easterly direction again, we walked to a district called “Cedar Ridge” with the expectations of holding a series of meetings, but the people wouldn’t come out to hear us. We even had a hard time getting entertainment. We stayed there till Sunday morning and then came down to Mr. Brady’s again. When it came time to break our fast today, the girls had prepared a nice meal. They also had some watermelon. After eating all we could, we took the remaining mors[e]ls and fragments down to the fish who seemed to enjoy them.
Monday – 18 October 1897 Looked up the school trustees of the 17[th] District to see about using the schoolhouse. Mr. [illegible] and Mr. [illegible] were perfectly willing, but Mr. Fawver wanted us to wait till a protracted meeting was over that was then going on at “Thorn Grove.” Mr. Fawver was the last one to see and we didn’t reach his place till after dark. We had been refused entertainment once or twice that night, but he treated us very gentlemanly. It rained hard that night, so we didn’t leave till about 2 PM the next day.
Tuesday – 19 October 1897 As we couldn’t hold meetings at this place for a week or so, we decided to go back to the “Carter” District. So, this afternoon found us wading through mud ankle deep. We reached Mr. J. K. Vance’s after a 4-mi[le] walk, where we stayed all night.
Wednesday – 20 October 1897 We went to “Thorn Grove” for our mail and from there to “Stony Point” and held meetings there in the schoolhouse.
Saturday – 23 October 1897 We came over to Wooddale and stopped at Mr. Naill’s. He was making molasses and was going to have candy pulling at night. The young folks wanted us to stay and join them, which, of course, we did. About 6 couples of East Tennessee’s fair young people gathered and we had a fine time. At twelve o’clock, we told them it was Sunday and laid our candy down. We also told them that, if it was agreeable with them, we would hold a meeting. They were all willing.
Sunday – 24 October 1897 So, before 1 o’clock AM we had one meeting toward our day’s report. We had resolved to make our report for this week an exemplary one and, so during the remainder of the day we held 9 meetings, making in all 10.
Monday – 25 October 1897 Today we held 6 meetings besides distributing 21 tracts and the same number of dodgers, also had conversations, etc. Spent the night at Mrs. B. A. Pratt’s.
Tuesday – 26 October 1897 Still working hard. [We] held 7 meetings, 10 gospel conversations.
Wednesday – 27 October 1897 After working hard today, we took part in another candy pulling.
Meets with JC Garland in Millers Cove
Thursday – 28 October 1897 Previous to today we had received a letter from President [James Ellingham] Hart inviting us to go to Blaunt Co[unty] (sic) to meet Elders [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell and help them hold conference with the Saints, but we thought we were too busy. We didn’t like to break into our week’s work, and so continued our work this morning visiting families and holding meetings with them. On walking up to a Mr. Lutteral’s house, Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign knocked and the door came open. He started to tell our business but was interrupted by, “Well you can’t come in here! I don’t want anything to do with such trash!! Get right out of here, the sooner the better. Your absence is better than you’re (sic) a-a-a-absence!” We wondered, for a moment what to do, but he was so mad there was no use trying to reason with him. “Hurry up,” he continued, still abusing us. We walked out slowly (he still urging us to hurry). When we got out in the road, he commanded us to go down the road and not up. We thought this was a little too much, so Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign answered him in rather an independent way, “Well, I guess this is public property,” but he soon gave us to understand it belonged to him. Then, Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign asked whose land that was on the other side of the road, and he told us it belonged to Mr. McMullen. Well, we told him we would get over the fence and go up through the field then. This brought the fire out of his eyes. He rushed in the house and it sounded like he was falling over every chair. We knew what he was after, so we started to walk down the road. He came out with a single barrel shotgun (this convinced us we were doing right by walking down the road), pulled the hammer up and raised the b[arrel]. Seeing we were so submissive (I suppose), he took the compassion on us. Nevertheless, he didn’t shoot. We concluded that this was a good strong hint that we were not doing our duty by not complying with the letter from President [James Ellingham] Hart and right there and then prepared to go. We walked to Knoxville that night, 11 mi[les] and had 27 mi[les] before us the next day.
Friday – 29 October 1897 Today we walked 27 mi[les]. Stopping at Mr. Orr’s for dinner. My joints ran dry before we had gone halfway and before we reached Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s; I could hardly work them. The bottom of my feet were also very sorely afflicted, but after supper I bathed my feet and legs in hot water, (Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign doing the rubbing act), which made them feel much better. Elders [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [Joseph Rowland] M[orrell] were at the meeting when we got there, but came in while I had my feet in the kettle. A very happy reception followed. Joe [Rowland Morrell] and I were privileged to sleep together.
Saturday – 30 October 1897 We held meetings and, on Monday, November 1, 1897, we walked back as far as Mr. Charles Orr’s, took a bath right after arriving there and then spent the evening listening to Mr. Orr tell war tales.
Tuesday – 2 November 1897 We walked clear to Wooddale stopping in Knoxville for dinner.
Wednesday – 3 November 1897 Nothing special.
Thursday and Friday – 4-5 November 1897 We spent [the day] in fasting and prayer in behalf of the people of that neighborhood. It was time for us to leave them and we wished them to awake to a sense of their duty. We also made appointments and arranged for the coming of Elders [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell who were to visit us in a day or two. [On] Friday afternoon, we went over to Mrs. Cannon’s to cut each other’s hair. The girls knew we were fasting and asked me when we would break our fast. I told them about 4 o’clock, so at 4:15 they had a lovely supper prepared for us. From here, we went down to H. Stipe, held a meeting and went to bed.
Saturday – 6 November 1897 Elders [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell reached us today. We had a fine time together, held a meeting at Mr. Naill’s at night. Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I went home with Mr. Cannon, where we held another meeting before going to bed. While Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick was preaching, I turned sick at my stomach and, going outside, vomited up (as I thought) everything in my stomach. This made me feel better and I didn’t feel bad again till after going to bed, when I was again called on. This time [it] was [at] about 12 o’clock and I nearly turned inside out. I attributed it to overloading my stomach Friday when breaking my fast.
Sunday – 7 November 1897 We had a baptism appointed for today, so after breakfast Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I went over to Mr. Naill’s, where we met Elders [Adams Wesley] E[nsign] and [Joseph Rowland] M[orrell]. A small crowd gathered and we went down to the creek. Here we held a meeting, dedicated the spot, etc. By this time quite a crowd had gathered. Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign did the baptizing. The converts were Mrs. J. N. Jestes, Horrace Stipe and J. B. Naill. [At] about 2 o’clock, we all gathered at Bro[ther Horrace] Stipe‘s place, where they were confirmed members of the Church and also instructed as to their duties. When the meeting was over, Joe [Rowland Morrell] and I went up to Mr. B. A. Peall’s to stay while Elders [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [Adams Wesley] E[nsign] stayed with Mr. Plumlee.
Monday – 8 November 1897 This morning Elders [Adams Wesley] Ensign and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell left us and went up in the 17th District. Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I were to travel together [for] a week. The day was spent writing and reading, and, in the evening, we went over to Mr. Plumlee’s, where we held a meeting and went to bed.
Tuesday – 9 November 1897 Started this morning for “Stony Point,” where we expected to hold a series of meetings, went to the P. O. for our mail, of which I received nix, and then continued our march. We took a cut-off road in the woods and had quite a time finding ourselves (let alone the place we were looking for). We reached the schoolhouse we were going to use but not in time to give out an appointment in school, and consequently the crowd wasn’t very large that night. We applied for entertainment at Mr. John Lain’s who kindly consented to keep us.
Wednesday – 10 November 1897 Copied circular letters to be sent to the Saints during the day. I also went down to the school house and made the announcement of our meeting that night and the remaining nights of the week. After the meeting was over, no one seemed to want us to go home with them, so one of Mr. Lain’s girls came and told us to come back up there again.
Thursday – 11 November 1897 This morning we had nothing particular to do, so [we] thought we would walk over to Wooddale for our mail. I recognized a letter from my parents and also one from D. T. Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick recognized a letter from Pres[ident James Ellingham] Hart, telling him when he left Knox Co[unty] to take me with him and leave Elder [Joseph Rowland] Morrell with Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign. This was rather a surprise to me as I expected to travel with Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign till Christmas, but, nevertheless, I thought to myself: “Thy will be done, Oh Lord, not mine.” We filled our appointment at night and prepared to go to Knoxville in the morning for some of my clothes so I would be ready to start when Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] was ready to leave.
Meets with Andrew Smith in Knoxville
Friday – 12 November 1897 At 5 o’clock this morning, we were hitting the high places toward Knoxville, reached there [at] about 10. We stopped at Andy [Johnson] Smith‘s for my things and he asked us to stay for dinner, which, of course, we did. While there, this man “Lutteral” and another man came in and, at seeing me, pretended that he didn’t wish to stay and said he had very important business up town and would have to do. But Andy [Johnson Smith] persuaded him to come in and have some dinner. While Mrs. [Margret Nichodemous] Smith was getting dinner, he and his companion were left in the same room with Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I. He never said a word to us (“a guilty conscience needs no excuses”). After dinner we went to the express office and from there down to Mrs. Dockery’s where we took a bath, etc. [At] about 6 o’clock, who should come in but Elder [Erastus Kruso] Fillerup, who had just been released and was on his way to Mexico to teach school. We had a glorious time. Mrs. Dockery sent out for some ice cream (quite a treat). His train left at 8 o’clock so our visit was short but very enjoyable. Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I accompanied him to the depot. While there, I let him have the $1 bill I had received the day before to go and buy some fruit with (grapes and oranges). This didn’t last long as I had been longing for fruit all day (they were not less ravenous) and didn’t dare spend my money, it being against counsel.
Saturday – 13 November 1897 Walked back to Wooddale for our mail and from there over to Stony Point again to fill an appointment at 5 o’clock. On reaching the school house, we found Elders [Adams Wesley] Ensign and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell who had stopped to see us but didn’t stay long. We held our meeting and then started to seek entertainment. At one place we went, the lady of the house was not in, but her son said we could stay some, so we sat down and rested, contented. His Ma Ma (Mrs. Pierce) came – who told us we couldn’t stay. She slandered us a little and also accused us of worshiping Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, etc. Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick told her in short notice what we believe in, also bore his testimony to her. It was now time to go to the meeting. After the meeting, this young man – who had told us we could stay – made arrangements for another Mr. Pierce to take us home with him. The young lady of the house now got supper for us. This was the first meal since morning. Was I knocked out? Oh, no.
Sunday – 14 November 1897 We held three meetings, which were quite well attended, and by invitation stayed with Mr. Pierce again.
Monday – 15 November 1897 After a good night’s rest at Mr. Pierce’s, we came over to Wooddale and stopped at Bro[ther] Naill’s to shave. While there, Elders [Adams Wesley] Ensign and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell came in. We (Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I) took dinner with them, after which, Joe [Rowland Morrell] and I went to the P. O. I received a letter from Ma and Mamie, which I read on the way back to Naill’s. We then separated, Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign and I going down to Squire Jonathan Cash’s to spend the night. After supper, we held a meeting and, after the meeting, Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign and Mr. Cash had a hot discussion. Mr. Cash contending that “it is impossible to fall from grace.” The argument was continued by Mr. and Mrs. Cash after we had retired. She [was] holding to Elder [Adams Wesley] Ensign‘s side of the question.
Tuesday – 16 November 1897 Having eaten a hearty breakfast, we walked up to Bro[ther] Naill’s where we met Elders [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell. We (Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I) then started on our walk for Morristown to visit Elders [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley and [William James] Depriest. Elders [Adams Wesley] E[nsign] and [Joseph Rowland] M[orrell] accompanying us a short distance. We then parted, no tears were shed, although I felt a little queer. Owing to our long walk and the clock being 11:30 anyway, we stopped at Mr. Brady’s for dinner. A hard rainstorm came up before we got away and therefore we decided to stay over till morning. After dinner, we took some bread down to feed the fish, who were just as hogish as ever. [At] about 4 o’clock, to our great surprise, in came Elders [Adam Wesley] Ensign and [Joseph Rowland] Morrell. It was agreeable with the folks for us all to remain there overnight, so the evening was spent very enjoyable.
Wednesday – 17 November 1897 This morning we continued our walk toward Morristown passing through Strawberry Plains (Jefferson Co.), French Station, and other small towns. On reaching New market (12 mi[les] from our starting point), we made application for dinner at several places, but were refused, and consequently our afternoon walk was with empty stomachs. [At] about 3:30, we began to seek entertainment for the night – in this too we were very unfortunate. Darkness overtook us at 5 [o’clock] and we tried every house for 9 mi[les], numbering about 17 or 18, when at last we were led to a kind-hearted lady (Mrs. J. N. Eldridge) – who got up and let us in and gave us a good bed. We got no supper but were too thankful for a bed to give that any thought, it then being about 8 o’clock. Different excuses were made, one man hollered and asked who was there, Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick answered him saying, “A couple of ministers.” The echo came back, “Oh! You are Mormons, go on.” The distanced walked was 25 mi[les]. We passed through Jefferson Co[unty]. The only town we went through after noon was Mossy Creek.
Thursday – 18 November 1897 We walked into Morristown after 3 mi[les] and stopped at the P. O. for our mail and left word there for the Elders to meet us at the depot where we then went. We had not been there long when Elder [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley found us and, after a warm handshaking, we accompanied him up to Mr. McCoy’s where I got acquainted with the Elder [William James] Depriest, his companion. It being fast day, we took no dinner, but the four of us went our way NW-ward about 5 mi[les] to Masadouy Church. We then separated. Elder [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley and I went up and took supper with Mr. H. Cooper. Afterwhich, we came down to the church to meet Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [William James] D[epriest] and also to take part in a meeting that had been appointed. The door was locked and no one came out, so the next thing was to look for entertainment. Elder [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley and I started for a Mr. Anderson’s, but on our way called at Mr. Chessey’s who was glad to have us stay with him. On returning, I looked at the bottom of my feet and found 2 full-grown blisters, the result of over walking.
Friday – 19 November 1897 Breakfast was over at 5:30. We spent the rest of the morning (till daylight) sitting around the fireplace and then started out to call on different families of the district and circulate the news of the meeting we would hold that night in the schoolhouse. We had called on a few families when we came to a Mr. Helton who wished us to stay for dinner and, of course, we accepted. Among other good things that were spread before us, was a “blackberry shortcake.” Did we enjoy it? It was just simply out of sight (the part we ate). The afternoon was a repetition of the morning and, [at] about 4 o’clock, reached Mr. Anderson’s. We watched them catch, kill and clean a hog. After which, we ate a hearty supper and then made tracks toward the school house, where we were to meet Elders [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [William James] D[epriest] and hold the meeting we had appointed. We found the schoolhouse bolted up, but a small congregation was standing outside; the work had been done by some bitter opposers we met in the morning who we told where we would hold forth. Nevertheless, some of the old boys got one of the windows up, crawled in and opened the door, so we held a meeting anyway. After the meeting, Elder [William James] Depriest and I came up to Mr. Anderson’s while Elders [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [Joseph Leitch] D[unckley] went over to a Mr. Kerr’s.
Saturday – 20 November 1897 Elders [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley and [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick came over to where we stayed and, among the four of us, we decided to leave that neighborhood and go about 7 or [so] mi[les] NE to a place called “Need More.” We thought we would be able to hold some meetings in their church until after Sunday, but on reaching here, we found the Methodists holding conference and, consequently, we were knocked out again. Elder [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley and I took supper at Mr. Creeche’s and then went to the meeting. The meeting was called “A Love Feast.” The preacher asked all the Christians in the house to take part, and all that did were to sit on certain seats he pointed out in the front. They passed the sacrament and had a testimony meeting. Elder [Joseph Leitch] D[unckley] and I took part and had a good time. After the meeting Mr. Campbell asked us to come and stay with him.
Sunday – 21 November 1897 Elder [Joseph Leitch] Dunkley and I went toward the church in search of Elders [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [William James] D[epriest]. We called at a Mr. White’s and then a Mr. Mooney and found them not, but, on leaving Mr. Mooney’s, met them coming from a meeting. We stood and chatted a while wondering what to do and where to go and finally decided that Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and I would go out to Mr. Campbell’s and in the morning leave for our next appointment (to Rogersville) to meet Elders [John Prier Moore] Aydelotte and [Willard] Gailey. So a handshaking with a hearty “good-bye and God bless” followed and we (Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I) were off together again. On reaching Mr. Campbell’s, we found them just as friendly as ever. After supper a small crowd gathered in and we held a meeting.
Monday – 22 November 1897 At 8 AM, we started for Rogersville, going by way of Melindy’s Ferry. The river (Tenn[essee] River) was about 200 yards wide where we crossed. After being refused a few times, we got dinner at Mr. R. Coop’s who lived about 3 mi[les] from town. On reaching Rogersville, we went to the P. O. for our mail, of which I received none. The next thing now was to look for entertainment. We asked at every hotel and boarding house, but none of them would as much as think of taking us in, so we walked beyond the town still inquiring. We had gone about 3 mi[les], when a Mr. Cooper asked us in and made us comfortable. After supper, we held a meeting and had a short talk on the Book of Mormon.
Tuesday – 23 November 1897 [At] about 6 o’clock, we were startled by the door flying open and “Hey, ain’t you fellows up yet? Breakfast is ready!” After breakfast, we were granted the privilege of writing a while, so I started to write my history from the time I left home, and, [at] about 11:30, we were called to dinner, after which we continued to write till 1 PM and then walked onto Rogersville to meet the Elders. They found us in the P. O. [at] about 3 o’clock. We then separated, Elder [Willard] Gailey and I went down to a friend’s place where I continued my writing for a while and then we struck out toward Moorsberg. Night came on so we began to seek entertainment. After being refused 5 or 6 times, we reached Mr. Cook’s (the man Elder [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and I took dinner with the day before) who welcome us.
Wednesday – 24 November 1897 Today we reached Moorsberg (13 mi[les]). Stopped at Mrs. Rogers for something to eat and while there Elders [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and [John Prier Moore] Aydelotte came in. Elder [Willard] Gailey and I went up to Mr. Willis’ for supper but returned to Mrs. Rogers to engage in a meeting that had been appointed.
Thursday – 25 November 1897 Today was spent visiting around the very near friends the Elders have in this locality. We held a meeting at night as Mr. George Arwood’s and then Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and spent the night at Mr. W. W. Cate’s.
Friday – 26 November 1897 We held a meeting (the 4 of us) at Mr. Cate’s. After which, Elder [John Prier Moore] Aydelotte and I went up to Mrs. Rogers for dinner and from there started out on a weekly trip together. A young Mr. Merritt took us across the river (Tenn[essee]) and, on our way across, he stopped the boat while I caught musself (similar to an oyster). We then walked 13 mi[les] to a Mr. Gulley’s, held a meeting and went to bed.
Saturday – 27 November 1897 Walked over to another district and stayed at Mr. Purkey’s. After going about 2 or 3 mi[les] this morning, we met the other 2 Elders who happened to be going our way for 3 or 4 mi[les]. (Slept under a feather bed.)
Sunday – 28 November 1897 This morning we went up to where Elder [Frederick Gilbert] Warnick and [Willard] Gailey were holding meetings, attended their meeting in the afternoon and, at night, stayed and filled an appointment while they (Elders [Frederick Gilbert] W[arnick] and [Willard] G[ailey]) went to Grigsby’s Chapel. We spent that night at Mr. W. N. Lindford’s.
Monday – 29 November 1897 It rained hard all day. In the afternoon we went down to Mr. Wright’s but returned at night and held another meeting, where I spoke on a subject for the first time (35 minutes).
Source: Two Mission Journals of Isaac Samuel Smith, 1897-1899, https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KWZL-J1Y (accessed: January 8, 2024).
Smoky Mountain Ward 