William Dawson served in the Southern States Mission for 29 months from 1897 to 1899. Elder Dawson was first assigned to the South Carolina Conference and then the Georgia Conference. Shortly after walking 500 miles to Georgia on reassignment, he was transferred to be President of the East Tennessee Conference to oversee the work of 35 missionaries. As conference president he was Superintendent of Sunday Schools, requiring him to visit and report on every area in the conference. During this time, he briefly visited the Smoky Mountain Saints to help resolve unspecified contention among the members in Millers Cove. He reported that the Saints forgave one another and the Spirit of the Lord prevailed. He married Effie Smith shortly after returning home from his mission. They raised eight children together in Cache, Utah.

View in FamilySearch

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Mission Acceptance Letter

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Outside of Blount County

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[Tuesday] – 15 March 1898 [We] called at Pireway for our mail and there we found old Brother Ben Benton, a good primitive Baptist, as mad as a red bull because we crossed the river in his brother’s boat. He spouted and sputtered a while and we kindly offered to settle all damages, which we haughtily refused to accept. But, [he] said he would put the law to us. So we bade them all good day as there was quite a number in the office. Came on to Bro[ther] J. J. Rhodes and were very tired but was welcomed home and I always felt at home where my hat is off.

[Wednesday] – 16 March 1898 Left Bro[ther] Rhodes and came on our way to fill an appointment at the fish ponds, which we did, and had a good meeting.

[Thursday] – 17 March 1898 Today our friend, Mr. Bryant Long, is to take us 9 miles in a row boat up the Waccamaw. I expect we will have to row, which I fear will blister my hands. We started out this morning on our 20-mile journey in fasting but the good sister will put us up a lunch, which, if we do not get captured by an al[l]igator, we will eat after 12 noon. We have now finished our nine miles in a tippy canoe made out of a cypress tree and we had to help row all the way and it make (sic) my back ache. We have now began our journey around the Lake and have set down to eat our lunch, which our good Sister Long has prepaired (sic) for us as we left this morning in fasting, and she knew we would be hungry and she was right, for we are hungry as a bear. On our trip up the river I seen (sic) many turtles hop off the big logs into the water. We will now walk around the Waccamow Lake 7 miles to see if Mr. Potts has got our photoes (sic) done. Then we will go on three miles to Bro[ther] Hood’s. At the Lake P. O. we called for our mail. Received a letter from Pres[ident Samuel Price] Oldham stating that I was called to enter a new field in the state of Georgia. This very astonishing news made me sweat for a while. I read it and then began to think and pray. We went on to Bro[ther] Hood’s and I wrote some letters pertaining to our labor in our new conf[erence]. We had just received a big bill of literature for the purpose of opening up a neighborhood, but of course when the call of the Lord by his servants came we knew what to do. Consequently we prepaired (sic) for our journey of about 500 miles on foot, unless the Lord desires us to ride.

[Friday] – 18 March 1898 Took up our long journey after taking leave of Bro[ther] Hood and family. Walked 7 miles to Bogue and then as the day was firy (sic) hot we took the train up to Vineland, and as we were going West we would not have cared if we continued for a few days in the same direction. Called for mail and took dinner with [a] friend [named] Walker. At sundown, we began to look for a place to stop. Was turned off 8 times and after a travel of nearly 30 miles we lay (sic) down in the woods without any supper. Spend (sic) the night around a little fire and got some sleep but it was most too cool to rest much.

[Saturday] – 19 March 1898 Gave thanks to the Lord and went on our way. Called at a store in Fairbluff as Bro[ther] Fife had a little money sent [to] him from home. We got some salmon cakes and green apples, went on our way, and stopped by the roadside and ate our lunch, then continued on our journey. Took dinner with a lady friend, Mrs. Goodyear. At the end of our day’s walk, we applied for entertainment and were a couple of weary boys. We were taken in and spend (sic) a very comfortable night.

[Sunday] – 20 March 1898 This is Sunday morning so we fast and as we are in a hurry to meet our brethren. The day was very hot. It was a great trial to pass nice clear water and not drink. Elder [William Jolley] Fife fasted until noon, then he took a drink of water and went on. Came to [a] friend, J. O. Lane’s, and took a rest until next morning. The good lady said to me, “I believe your was is the true way to go to heaven.” We had a good talk on the gospel though I fealt (sic) they will never come out of the world.

[Monday] – 21 March 1898 Came on our long journey and overtook a young man going our way. We hailed him for a ride which is something we very rarely do. However, he gave us a ride for about 6 miles and we enjoyed it if it was on the running gears of a wagon behind a pair of donkies (sic). We came on four miles to Sister Woodall’s and took dinner. In the afternoon, in came our brethren Elders Narney and [Silas Sanford] Topham. We were very glad to see them and enjoyed ourselves together.

[Tuesday] – 22 March 1898 Spent the night and took leave of our Saints, they [are] crying with grief as well as some of the friends. Came on and called at the co[unty] poor house and was going to preach, but they were not willing just then, so we came on 9 miles and held a meeting at Bro[ther] Parker’s. Spent a few days among the Saints in Marlboro Co[unty] making a two-days fast.

[Wednesday] – 25 March 1898 Myself and new companion, Elder [Silas Sanford] Topham, came over to Society Hill and here at Sister Linton’s we met four more elders: Virge Vortie (who is released to go home) [William Edward] Hunter; [William Isaac] Norton; and [Bartholomew Emil] Chatelain. We were happily greeted by them and had an enjoyable evening together. There being 6 of us we all slept in two beds. Three in each. This afternoon we call[ed] at [the] express office and for mail then go to Mr. Braddock’s to attend a meeting appointed by two of the brethren. Took supper at our old friends, Mr. J. C. Wallace’s, and went to the place of meeting. There was a good turnout, tho[ugh] there was some young men who had liquor, and while I was speaking one young man was carried right in front of me and taken out of the house drunk. After the meeting closed, we elders and some of the Saints were singing some hymns. There was a drunken fight outside but we took no notice of them. On our way home I was walking arm in arm with Elder [William Edward] Hunter (for my own caution against getting too intimate with young ladies, of which there were plenty). I stumbled and broke the handle off my new umbrella. We got home without further incident.

[Friday] – 27 March 1898 This Sunday morning opens calm and bright and I think of our home, S[unday] S[chool], and my loved ones at home, though I feel that my place is down here. At 11 AM, we held [a] meeting in the old conference bowery and Elder Frostie occupied most of the time and most elequently (sic) displayed the gospel to the people. At 3 PM, it became my privelege (sic) to occupy most of the time and to my joy the spirit of the Lord rested upon me in so much that many were moved to tears by the spirit of the Lord, which we all felt and for which I thank the Lord and give him all the praise. Came home with Bro[ther] and Sister Linton and spent the night with them. Read them a discourse from the Deseret News by Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon.

[Saturday] – 28 March 1898 I opened 3 cans of peaches for Sister Linton and I see the girl preparing a fine fat chicken which makes all things look agreeable for dinner. ha! ha!

[TN: Elder Silas Sanford Topham, the missionary with Elder William Dawson, kept a journal available on Family Search with entries for these missing dates.]

[Sunday] – 21 May 1898 I have now made my trip from N[orth] C[arolina] to G[eorgi]a. Put in two weeks among the people of that state where my companion took sick and I brought him to the office at Chattanooga, Tenn[essee]. (Note) From March 18th to May 21, my journal is recorded in a supplement journal B and now having mailed that journal home I continue an account of my labors in this book. Today at the office I assisted the brethren there, receiving and packing away about 1,600 Voices of Warning and 3,000 No. 1 and 10,000 No. 4 tracts. Then I stamped ready to send off to the elders about 1,600 tracts and 90 W of W’s besides much other literature. I think I used in all about $13.00 worth of stamps just for today’s mail and that besides nearly one hundred letters to the elders, which makes about $15.00 daily in stamps from the office here. No more of import today only I ate some very nice strawberries for dinner.

[Friday] – 27 May 1898 The time is passing swiftly now occasionally I go down town and take a look at the bulletin board and see the news of the war. Last night I and Elder Brown went down town and took a dish of milk shake, he is a loving and good man and we had such a nice time. Everything is lively, soldiers in every direction. Pres[ident Elias Smith] Kimball is away on business and we have everything our own way. A company of 30 elders came through the office and have all gone to their field of labor. I met them all and enjoyed talking with them so much and also had the privelege of speaking to the whole company and enjoyed the spirit of the Lord in my speech. I am still with my sick companion and am having a fine rest but am not making much of a record only in eating ice cream and strawberries every day for dinner – only on fast days which I do enjoy. We went into a hotel where there were billiards and pool. Many were there in their ecstasy and revelry and I remarked to Elder Brown, “This is just the way in which the judgments of the Lord will find many going when they sweep over the earth, and it will cut them off suddenly to reap a miserable reward.” I am assisting some in the office now. Have just prepared 31 letters to mail to the elders in the field. I also write some tithing letters to Saints and assist in mailing literature, stamping it and assisting to put it up. I had my photoe (sic) taken with the company of elders but will not get one as my means are too much limited at present. All is going smoothly along. Time flys rapidly. Haven’t heard from home for some time. Will go into the field soon if we can get Elder Pyker off for home. Weather warm and sunny.

[Tuesday] – 31 May 1898 Elder Pyper started home, accompanied by Elder Williams.

[Wednesday] – 1 June [1898] I left Chattanooga to take the place of Elder Williams in East Tenn[essee]. Arrived in Knoxville at 1:35 AM. [We] spent the remainder of the night at the hotel for .25 cents. Arose at 6 and as I was on my second-days fast I took no breakfast but bought a ticket for Clinton. Then I took a walk over the city. On my trip saw a home fall and slide quite a distance, the street was so hard and smooth. Came back to depot – took a rest and boarded the train for Pructon, Clinton. At 8:20 we pulled on again for my field of labor. Arrived at Mr. J. F. Brown’s at about 11 AM. Met my good brother [Ashel] Lester Thorne of Rockland. Mr Brown’s family are all Saints but himself. The good sister prepaired (sic) us a nice chicken dinner and after a profitable fast of a couple of days. And [my] companion and myself had retired to the woods dedicating ourselves, our loved ones, our labor, and the people unto the Lord as he was fasting too. We broke our fast in too–right over the drumstick of a fine fat chicken. Oh! My! Held a good meeting at night and was greatly elated to hear the Saints sing the songs of Zion. I spoke a short time enjoying greatly the spirit of truth. I sit and write my journal, I look up and across the long hollow I see the nice little Mormon Church among the evergreen woods. A very rare thing for the country and a great credit to our good Saints.

[Friday] – 3 June 1898 Took another chicken dinner with Sister and Brother Cooper on invitation. (Mother, this reminds me again to say if you read this before I get home, you must raise lots of chickens for I cannot break off suddenly). Will hold singing practice tonight in the church if all is well.

[Sunday] – 5 June 1898 As it is the first Sunday we fast with the Church in all the world. We retire[d] to our little church and had singing practice, then at 10 we took up Sunday School. After opening exercises, I visited the classes and found them all doing nicely, gave the teachers some instructions and encouragement. Held [a] meeting at 2 o’clock. I spoke on the gift of the Holy Ghost and enjoyed the spirit of the Lord greatly.

[Monday] – 6 June 1898 Monday morning – took a walk to Clinton – visited Sister Moyer, then called for mail. None from home but I was not long to wait for we went to the river – took a bath. Visited Bro[ther] and Sister Turner. Took a fine dinner – sat in the shade and ate walnuts till evening. Then called for mail again and lo! There was a good long letter from father and mother so dear. Mother is better dear love. I hope she will soon be well. We spent the night with Bro[ther] and Sister Moyer.

[Tuesday] – 7 June 1898 Came on to Mr. Brown’s, our old friend whos[e] family are all Saints. Our good Sister Brown is now ironing our shirts and clothing and we will soon be on our way. We met a so-called Mormon-eater but with a kindly look and pleasant “Good Morning” I offered him my hand, which he could not refuse, but I saw it was quite hard on him. We are to visit S[unday] Schools and build them up and will start on our tour this afternoon, if the Lord wills. The Saints begged us to stay saying we would find no place to stop. We told them the Lord had some place for us and came on our way. As we passed along the road and [at] dusk a man hailed us who had been looking for elders for a long time. He wanted to talk with us and invited us to stop with him, which we did, and held a nice little prayer meeting with the family.

[Wednesday] – 8 June 1898 Arose feeling well. [We] came on our way after taking breakfast of 1 egg, some bread, and grace, and water. This was my first day’s tiresome walk for a month nearly and I felt a little sore this morning. We got here to Knoxville about 2 PM. Found a family of Saints after a long hard tramp in the extremely hot sun and was very glad to rest. Held a prayer meeting at evening and had a talk with a hard shell Baptist. He went home quite friendly.

[Thursday] – 9 June 1898 Rested very well and have just took a shave and a brush up. Will fast this morning and take a trip through the great city of 65,000. Will visit Bro[ther Andrew Johnson] Smith and family if we can find them. Then as the evening cools a little will make our way to another branch of Saints 27 miles out in the country to visit their S[unday] S[chool] and encourage them on in the good work. We traveled all the forenoon but failed to find our man. So as we were fasting we felt too tired to start into the country without any dinner. We called at a store and ask[ed] for a lunch but as this man was a Jew he had but little sympathy for we Christians. We began to dig around to see if we had anything that his stingy soul would crave. I found one 1-cent stamp. My companion had 2 two-cent stamps. This made 5 cents for which he would give us a loaf of bread. My pal said that would be pretty dry chewing. We had a good laugh and I said we can soak it in the river and it will be wet enough. I began again to dig [through] my pockets after having searched my books for stamps when Lo! I pulled out a Canadian nickle, (sic) which Dear Sister Bell had sent me. This bought us 6 bananas and we left the town smiling all over to think of the peculiar circumstances in which we are sometimes placed. Crossed the Tennessee River – saw the suspension bridge 2100 f[ee]t long. It is a grand structure. Saw the steam boat plow through the water – the great water wheel throwing the water high in the air and converting it into foam. We took to the woods – ate our lunch without any water and enjoyed it fine. Had prayer and came on our way. One good Christian turned us off at dark because we did not call earlier before supper. I told him [that] if all [people] we met served us as he did we would have to lay out. He was well to do but said his folks had to work and he said he couldn’t keep us. Very well, Bro[ther] Anderson – Good night. May the Lord bless you. The next neighbor, though a poor man and not a Christian, took us in after dark and gave us supper and a good bed. We sang, preached, read scripture to them, had prayer and after a pleasant chat went to rest. I said to him – Bro[ther] Ford – “I suppose you profess Christianity, do you not?” “No,” said he with a smile, “if I did, I would not have taken you men in. You can see what my good Christian-professing neighbor done.” I smiled and said, “Yes.” I do not blame anyone for not being a Christian with the example their neighbors set them in some things, and I gave him a good talk on the gospel.

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Blount County Visit

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[Friday] – 10 June 1898 My grip feels very heavy today. I am a little sore from yesterdays jaunt. The sun is very hot. My clothes are a wash of sweat. Men are cutting their grain with the cradle and the self-binder comes behind. Everything is very dry and people are despairing for rain. Will get to Millers Cove, [Blount County, Tennessee] tonight if we can travel most of the time. Arrived within 3 miles of Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s and, being very tired as dark came on, we sought lodging and received it at the home of Mr. Walker.

[Saturday] – 11 June 1898 Came on to Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s – found [the] Saints, most of them in a very contentious spirit.

[Monday] – 13 June 1898 We are now laboring with and among them as peacemakers and trust we can get them right again. [We] will spend about a week here, which seemingly, as soon as we can conclude our labors. On our trip here, a beautiful incident happened of which I will here make mention. At a time when we were almost overcome with heat and fatigue and sweating at every pore, we became lost in the woods and it was nearly sundown. We began to feel that our only way out was the guidance of the Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the Father and my dear companion, Elder [Ashel Lester] Thorn[e] of Rockland, Idaho, seemed a little ruffelled (sic) and was very anxious to rustle around and get out of it, when with a smile and a dash of persperation (sic) from my face with my forefinger, which made the dry leaves among the thick timber sound like it was raining on them, I sat down my heavy grip and said, “Lets talk to the Lord about it.” When as we began to pray, the way was plainly shown to me, and I said to my companion, pointing South, “I think there is a road down here at the bottom of the hollow.” We soon found there was and came on our way rejoicing.

[Tuesday] – 14 June 1898 This morning as I go to visit the Saints I see one young man cradeling (sic) grain and his sister 14 years of age following along behind binding it up. I am also informed that her older sister has just got married and is out today following her husband behind the cradle binding grain. Such is life in sunny Tennessee.

[Friday] – 17 June 1898 A poem from [my] little sister, Elvia. Life is not living just for today, Life is not dreaming all this short way, Tis’ helping your brothers to lighten their load Tis living for others and trusting in God.

[Sunday] – 19 June 1898 As there has been some iniquity among the Saints we got them together, after much persecution and many prayer meetings, and they all asked pardon of each other and an excellent spirit prevailed. [We] bid good Sister [Sarah Margaret] Woody good-bye in tears and she sobbed bitterly. Would hardly let go of my hand. I put my hand upon her shoulder and blessed her in the name of the Lord and she then seemed to feel better and said I had nearly converted her that day to quit[t]ing tobbacco (sic). We left them in tears fearing they would never see us again.

[Monday] – 20 June 1898 As we bid the Saints good-bye this morning many of them busted into a flood of tears and dear Sister [Polly Ann Davis] Harmon grabbed me around the neck and cried, but I blessed her and told her this was a day of warning and not of many words. That it was duty before pleasure with us and gave them all the assurance that the true gospel would unite us if we would live it. Then we left them and made a 20-mile walk without dinner, and was shown a hyway (sic) from the main road by the Spirit where we could get lodging. [We] taught the good people who kept us the principle of prayer and of laying up treasures in heaven. [We] spent a comfortable night and came on to Knoxville this morning.

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Outside of Blount County

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[Friday] – 21 June 1898 At mail Elder [Ashel Lester] Thorne received some good letters and in one was a two dollar bill and Oh! my, “Guess what,” We took a shine – 5 c[en]ts. Then walked up the street – of course we could not help but notice our brightly shining shoes. Spied some nice peaches – bought a big dozen and made our way to an ice cream stand. O! my again! hot and tired as we were, wasn’t it fine? On my companions treat every time. Though I enjoyed it just the same. 1 dozen bananas finished our spree and we called on Bro[ther] Docking for the night. Held a meeting – Companion presiding – spoke on “The Kingdom of God.”

[Saturday] – 22 June 1898 17 Months ago today I arrived at Bro[ther] Collin’s in S[outh] C[arolina] the L[atter]-d[ay] S[aint] into whose house a mob shot 16 shots, some time afterwards. I have since been at his place and counted the holes in his frame house. I have walked nearly 20 mi[les] today. Forepart of [the] day felt quite badly. Sat down in the woods for a while, after which my companion blessed me and we came on to dear Sister Brown’s. And now feel like “home sweet home.”

[Sunday] – 23 June 1898 Today is Fast day and as I was feeling much fatigued this morning I lay and took a good rest. Have just taken a fine dinner of dhicken. Good salt rising bread. . . oh! So homelike in youthful days. Am feeling quite sore and a little unwell today, but after such a dinner I think that soon I will be alright again.!!!!!!!! Oh! My sad, sad news… Discovered in the Semi Weekly Deseret News the account of the sudden demise of Elder Hyrum [Davenport] Maughan while filling a mission in Indiana. Father in Heaven, do comfort his poor bereaved parents, bro[ther]s and sisters. Truely (sic) they have my sympathy and prayers.

[Monday] – 27 June 1898 Have been with Saints resting and am feeling quite well now. Went to Clinton, received mail from Elmer and Retta Lund and Aunt Azuba. Some very good news and advise. Called on Bro[ther] Turner. Found him sick but without faith enough to ask for a blessing.

[Tuesday] – 28 June 1898 Took a bath in the Clinch river which is about the size of [the] Snake River. Came back 6 mi. to Bro[ther] Brown’s and held a singing practice with the young ladies of the Hart Branch S[unday] S[chool]. Our choir is greatly improved. Will leave for another branch tomorrow if all is well.

[Wednesday] – 29 June 1898 Spent the night with Bro[ther] Moyer. Bid good-bye to our dear Sister Brown and family. Walked 4½ mi[les] in 1 hour and 10 min[utes]. Bro[ther] Moyer went to town and bought mutton for our breakfast but we were fasting and would eat no breakfast. He said if he had known that he would have had it for supper.

[Thursday] – 30 June 1898 Left for Powells River branch. Will make it if all is well in two days hard walking. Sister Moyer put me up a lunch of nice fresh mutton and after walking some 15 mi[les] in hot sun it came in good. We sat down by a cool spring by [the] road side and broke our fast with much satisfaction and thanksgiving. The sun is very hot today. Can only travel part of the time then go to the woods, pull off coat and write, study and rest.

[Sunday] – 3 July 1898 Sunday I fasted [and] went to a Baptist S[unday] S[chool]. Their discipline was very poor. Young men and ladies would expectorate tobacco juice on the floor and many other very bad practices. Got a letter from mother and Rettie, stating father is now sick and Hyrurn [Davenport] Maughan has just been buried. He died while filling a mission in Indiana. Died at the post of duty.

[Monday] – 4 July 1898 It seems a little gloomy this morning as we hear no cannons roar and will see no celebration. Most of the day I sat writing to the folks and friends. Bro[ther] Riggs needed my right shoe and put two half socks on Elder Thorns shoes. Elder [Ashel Lester] Thorn[e] has been keeping me in stamps for a long time but I hope my time will soon come. Good Sister Riggs got us a nice dinner of beans, fried potatoes, applesauce, molasses, pickled onions etc, etc. A fine shower came in the afternoon and now I write this while the cool breeze blows through the two open doors. Wrote to Bro[ther] Thomas Griffin of Clarkston as I am now on his old stomping ground, am also where Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Godfrey was away back in the 80’s.

[Tuesday] – 5 July 1898 Left Bro[ther] Riggs with the intention of going about 3 miles to see Bro[ther] Shepherd. We walked about 6 mi. and found where the old folks had lived but the old gentleman had died and the old lady had gone to her son Bob. So we went to hunt her up and a little before sundown we found her. She was in good faith but too poor to keep us. So we sang her, “O My Father” and came on to find a place to stop for the night, which we found after a number of refusals. Thus we walked all day instead of three miles and were fully tired at night.

[Wednesday] – 6 July 1898 In this place we find a very poor people. This morning we had a very good breakfast of bread butter and milk. At dinner all that the poor people had was potatoes boiled in water and dry corn bread, though I enjoyed it very well. This morning I felt very old, but after prayer was much improved. We are now on our way to Granger County to see Saints and friends there.

[Friday] – 8 July 1898 After [a] two-days long march we now come within 2 mi[les] of the Saints. Yesterday we visited a stone quarry where men lift great rocks weighing 60 tons from their bed and have machinery which saws it up like lumber, notwithstanding they are the hardest of marble. It was also our fast day but on account of our long march we took breakfast. And the Lord was kind enough to prepair (sic) us a nice dinner, after which I presented her with a Voice of Warning at which she said, “There was two men here some time ago and left some of their literature. They were the Mormons.” She continued, ”I was reading it,” she said, “when my husband came in, took it from me and laid it on the fire.” I could hardly suppress a smile but we bid her good day and went on our way and I trust she will get the testimony of the gospel as the husband is now gone to answer his God for his behavior here. Was turned away eight times but the Lord found us a place to rest at a late hour. This morning [am] very sore indeed. Feet like I’d been run through a molasses mill, rolled in the sand and laid up to dry, but when we find our Saints, won’t we take a rest. Oh! My!

[Saturday] – 9 July 1898 Found the Saints, Bro[ther] and Sister Greenlee. They are very nice, good old people and were forsaken by all when they obeyed the truth. As my health is poorly, I ask[ed] my companion to enter with me into a two-days fast which we did, fasting Saturday and Sunday the 9th and 10th of July, also praying mightily for the health of father and mother, also for a shirt and a pair of shoes. In ans[wer], Sister Greenlee gave me money to buy me a shirt and Bro[ther] Greenlee gave me leather to fix my shoes.

[Tuesday] – 12 July 1898 After singing some songs to the good old people and prayer, we bid them goodbye. They were loath to see us go but we must be on duty. They said they had been greatly blessed by our visit and we had a good rest with them and taught them their duties as Saints of God. Took dinner with a man [named] Taylor. He had read the V[oice] of W[arning] but would not believe our doctrine he said. Called on a Mr. Crouch to spend the night. He was greatly shocked at the presence of Mormons in his house and would not receive a tract nor even let me read any of it to him. Spent the night with Mr. McGee and preached to them.

[Wednesday] – 13 July 1898 Had a good chicken breakfast but got no dinner. Walked all day in the mud. Spent the night with Mr. Kelton, a Methodist. Truely (sic) rest is sweet when one is give out (sic).

[Thursday] – 14 July 1898 Left him with an invitation to come and see him again. After a short walk, we came up with a man who had a history of the mormons and it was as corrupt as it could well be, but it was all he would believe and I could not with all kindness get him to take a tract that he might know the truth. I bore a testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and we left him with a God bless you. Came on our way with light hearts. We’re greatly improved to preach and sound the gospel to a crowd at some stores, but will have to say we failed to command power enough. But we are going to try when we start again and roar our testimony wherever we find two or three together. Father, help us. As we came on our way, here comes our brother, [Samuel Henderson] Linebaugh, gives us a hearty grip and says, “Come, let’s go home.” He let me get up on the old mare and I rode a ways, then my companion took a ride. And we soon came to our place of rest. The good sister, [Sarah Jane Hogan Linebaugh], has a new babe, which she says she will name Wilford Woodruff. “Why,” says I, “Sister, he is the man who married my dear Parents and I am proud of it.” Now we rest a day and will go on our way and hunt up more Saints.

[Friday] – 15 July 1898 Cider! Cider! Brother [Samuel Henderson] Linebaugh has a cider mill and as I was looking at it he said, “We will get some apples and make a gallon to let you see how it works.” So we made some cider and it was good and was the first I ever saw made. For dinner we ate nice green beans, bacon, warm biscuit and butter. Three kinds of jelly and some fresh fruit. For supper, chicken and the other dainties. Am getting fat now but will take the road again today.

[Saturday] – 16 July 1898 Go to Greenville, get mail and hunt up Saints and see if we can encourage them on. Had a good night’s rest and a good breakfast this morning and feel first rate. Before we left, we blessed Sister [Sarah Jane Hogan] Linebaugh‘s little babe – 3 days old. I pronounced the blessing and named him Wilford Gra[y]don Linebaugh. Then we came on. Oh! My! How I did sweat, walked 5 miles, took to the woods, pulled off my coat and vest and we had prayer, cooled off a little and came on. Now we stop in at [a] friend [named] Kitchens, while it rains. He is not home, but his good wife gave us a hearty welcome. O! Yes, I took a ride on a sled behind a mule. How is that for the 16 of July in sunny Tennessee? You can’t have such fun at this time of year in the boasted valleys of the mountains. As I set here and write, rest and eat apples, thinking of home, and loved ones, I will remind you that you can’t find a dry stick in my underclothing and I also notice where the sweat has run from my elbo[w] on to my good old grip. I’ll show you the marks when I come. If it don’t rain, I think we will preach on the streets in Greenville this afternoon. First trial give me your mighty prayers. Took dinner with our friend, Kitchen, and then left for the city. Upon entering, I think I am safe in saying that three hundred men white and black were on the street. My heart thumped and quailed at the thoughts of acting upon my resolution. We went into the post office, received letters from Aunt Azuba and Sister Martha Olsen. I would read a little then glance through the large glass windows at the great croud (sic) outside. Finally, I said to my pal, “Let’s go and preach to them.” He drew a big sigh and I took lead. We got up on the courthouse steps and began to sing. “Joy to the World. “O My.! How our pants did shake. The great croud (sic) heard the noise and began to sway towards us. We finished it then sang “Come all ye saints.” Still we shook and trembled. A great throng of men stood gaizing (sic) up at us wondering what was the matter. I looked at them and said, “Gentlemen, our brethren are doing pretty well down in Cuba. Let’s pray for them. Doff your hats please.” They did so and bowed their heads and I prayed for everybody. At the close some said it was good. Then we sang, “An Angel from on High” and I preached to them… Spoke of the war, the crisis of our nation and the perilous times of the last days. II Tim[othy] 3:1-5. Thus we held our meeting and bluffed our adversary once. We left the city and started to find the Saints. Came out 5 mi[les] and a Mr. Johnson gave us lodging. He was staying in his brother’s house who was a Mormon-hater, so he gave us supper and took us to his own house and gave us a bed. Calling us back after we left him the first time.

[Sunday] – 17 July 1898 Sunday morning we fast and come on my way – found the Saints. It was very warm and as I walked along the sweat ran off the tips of my fingers. Visited the Baptist S[unday] S[chool] and offered the second prayer that had been offered in their S[unday] S[chool], though it had been running for months. And when they get ready, they all go out without prayer or anything else. There was a good croud (sic) and I ask the privelege (sic) and talked to them. Told them of the God they should worship and called them all to repentance. Gave out an appointment to preach on the baptism of the spirit or as the Lord shall direct. We rest with Sister Morgan while she washes our clothes. Thus, the Lord provides.

[Monday] – 18 July 1898 Monday morning we arise feeling well. It has been raining some, but the sun shines brightly. After breakfast, a boy came after the gun to shoot a squirrel. We went with him and a man was at the tree and took the rifle and shot him. He fell in a limb and the boy climed the tree and got him out. Then I went to the woods and asked the Lord to kindly bless my dear parents, bro[ther]s and sisters, and give me strength and faith to do my duty. Now I must write to Saints and friends and call upon other Saints today. Held a meeting with the Saints and taught them tithing, Word of Wisdom, prayer, forgiveness, purity and cleanliness. Spoke to a gathering in a schoolhouse as per appointment.

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Source: William Edward Dawson Missionary Journal, June 1898, https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/memories/KWCZ-WXD (accessed: January 6, 2025).