Robert Young served in the Southern States Mission from 1892 to 1894. He was baptized, at age 27, two years before his mission. In his mission acceptance letter to Wilford Woodruff, he wrote: “I received your letter… asking my feelings in regard to taking a mission to the Southern States. I will say that I will do the best I can and will be ready…” He was called to serve shortly after his wife passed away and he had to leave his infant son in the care of friends and family while serving. He entered East Tennessee during a period of local opposition against the Saints. He challenged the Church’s antagonists, even in the printed press of the Maryville Times, bringing light to darkness with the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He returned home early from his mission due to illness, which lasted periodically until his death. He remarried in the Salt Lake Temple after he returned home. They had four children together. He became a school teacher, but taught only a few years before he died, in 1904. His transcribed journal provides valuable insight into the efforts of the first Smoky Mountain Saints and their missionaries in East Tennessee, from 29 August 1892 to 14 January 1894, as the Church first began to grow. His ability to note people’s names with genealogies has made it possible to identify many on Family Search. He expressed his gratitude and remarked on the kindness of many friends who cared for the missionaries during his labors. Elder Young baptized Sarah Margaret Cauble, Jordan Henry Harrison Hicks, Andrew Johnson Smith, Louvenia Hicks, Alexander Harrison Garland, Joseph John Calvin (JC) Garland, and Lona Mae Garland, and confirmed the first three named as well as William Edward Silver Garland and Louella Garland as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Mission Acceptance Letter to Wilford Woodruff
Arrival to Mission Office in Chattanooga
Monday – 29 [August 1892] Arrived in Chattanooga [at] 11 AM where we found it very warm. Went and seen (sic) Pres[ident] Andrew Kimball and M[oses] W[hitaker] Taylor. (We traveled this day and last night). We put up at the Kennedy House [Hotel]. Had a shave and bath. In the afternoon, was appointed to my field of labor. I was appointed to labor at Marysville Bl[o]unt Co[unty] with R[oyal] J[ames] Cutler.
Arrival to Blount County
Tuesday – 30 [August 1892] Went from Chattanooga to Maryville 129 miles by rail. Met my companion, Elder R[oyal] J[ames] Cutler. We traveled 4 1/2 miles to the house of a friend, Samuel Willosks, a preacher of a Christian Church who kindly entertained us. I was so tired, I thought I could not stand it.
Wednesday – 31 August [1892] Went back to Maryville on horseback and got my valise, a distance of 8 miles there and return. Then we traveled 7 miles to Houk, a small village in the woods, to the house of a friend, Jeff Mason, and were kindly entertained by them.
Thursday – 1 September [1892] This being fast day we fasted, and in the evening we started for the post office, but I being unwell, I stopped when I got 1/2 mile from the house and waited until Elder [Royal James] Cutler returned. We stopped overnight at the house of Mr. Mason and were kindly treated.
Friday – 2 September [1892] We stopped until 3 PM at Mr. Mason’s house, then went to the house of a friend, Mr. Kirklan, and was kindly entertained by them. I feel better this day than yesterday.
Saturday – 3 September [1892] Stopped at the house of Mr. Kirklan. In the evening, Elder [Royal James] Cutler went to the post office and got a register[ed] letter for me from Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball with [$]20.00 in it. In the evening, we held [a] meeting at Mr. Kirklan’s house. There were about ten persons present. We had a good meeting.
Sunday – 4 September [1892] Spent the forenoon at the house of Mr. Kirklan. In the afternoon, we went to their Sunday School and after school we held meetings. I took charge as is the custom to take turns. We held [a] meeting [for] about one hour.
Monday – 6 (sic) September [1892] We started this morning for conference to be held in Madison Co[unty], North Carolina. We walked about 7 miles part of the time in the rain to the house of a friend, Mr. Raulson, and was kindly entertained by them.
Tuesday – 6 September [1892] In the morning, rode to Maryville, a distance of seven miles, with Young Raulson to get Mr. [Royal James] Cutler‘s mail. Walked about 9 miles to the house of a friend, William [T. Billie] White, and was kindly entertained by them.
Wednesday – 7 [September 1892] Walked about 9 miles. Stopped at the house of two old maids named Rogers, and took dinner, and paid them ten cents. Stopped overnight with John Hedrick. They charged us 50 cents but we had but 45 in change, so we gave that to them. They did not seem to care for religion.
Friday – 9 September [1892] Stopped for dinner with Alex Jenkins who treated us kindly and invited us back. We took our grips and walked on and stopped at the house of S. S. Brown 3/4 miles west of Sevierville. He treated us kindly. We traveled about 7 miles. He invited us back.
Thursday – 4 October [1892] We walked 16 miles and stopped at the house of George Henry after we had been turned away 8 times. In the evening, we sang songs and talked on the principles of the gospel.
Wednesday – 5 [October 1892] Traveled eight miles to Maryville and got Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams‘ valise. We were invited to take dinner with M. C. Jones and conversed with them nearly all afternoon. We called at one house for dinner… While we got traveled with our valises, a negro girl said to us, “Is there going to be a show Mistah.” We had quite a laugh over it. Stopped overnight with Sam[uel Thornton] Willocks, a friend to the elders.
Thursday – 6 October [1892] Walked to Houk a distance of 8 miles and got the mail. I got a letter from Nancy Osborn stating all is well at Bear Lake. Also received a map from Elder [James Edgar] Taylor at Chattanooga – a map of Tennessee. Then went to the house of Thomas Kirklan’s, a friend to the elders and had dinner. After dinner wrote two letters, one to J[oseph] M[orris] Phelps and one to Chidester and sons of NY.
Friday – 7 October [1892] Stopped with Jeff Mason and spent the day and night with them conversing on the principles of the gospel and singing hymns and songs.
[Saturday] – 8 October [1892] It being rainy we spent the day and night with them.
Sunday – 9 October [1892] Started canvassing through the southeastern part of Bl[o]unt. Gave out tracts. Mailed a “Voice of Warning” to S. S. Brown of Sevierville. Stopped over night with Colonel Hoskins on the [Little] Tennessee River. A rich old man but he did not want to hear the gospel. He treated us very well indeed, and showed us his slate works. He also told us that some of our elders had been through here. 10 [miles]
Monday – 10 October [18]92 Went into Happy Valley and gave tracts and cards. Stopped for dinner with a widow lady named Sellers who treated us kindly and she told us where to find a family who were friends to the elders named [James] David Correll who was convinced of the truth of the gospel by teaching of Elders C[hristopher Amos] Merkley and [James Madison] Thomas. The family treated us very well and had a crowd assemble to their house, and we held meeting and had a very good time. I spoke on the first four principles of the gospel. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 11 October [1892] They prevailed us to stay over with them, that is the Correll family. We had a very good time singing song and reading from Orson Pratt’s works. I read 80 pages. They thought it was very good.
Wednesday – 12 October [1892] After breakfast we started on a fox hunt but the hounds did not find it (the fox). I sent a letter to Pres[ident] [Alma Henry] West. Had dinner with Mr. [James David] Correll‘s family. After dinner went 1 1/2 miles up the valley and stopped with Andy [Jackson] Whitehead – who used to be investigating our gospel but he has grown cold. His wife never spoke to us all the time we were there.
Thursday – 13 October [1892] Went through the valley to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s place about 2-1/2 miles and had dinner with them, and was going to stop overnight with them but they were going to a corn husking, so we went west over the Chilhoui (sic) M[oun]t[ain] through Mont. Vale (sic) and north one mile, and stopped overnight with Alex. McDonald who treated us well. We set forth the principles of the gospel and sang six songs etc.
Friday – 14 October [1892] Traveled about 6 miles to Samuel [Thornton] Willocks‘ place and took dinner. After dinner went to Houk and got the mail and stopped with Jeff Mason. The following notice was put on a gate close by: “Notis. Meister Mormons if you arnt away from hear against next Satdray the 15teenth day of the onth October Bi *** you will git the ***** whiping you efer got bi ***. We mean hit. We ar no heathens hear. We want you to no whit.” In the evening we went to a protracted meeting and it was a very noisy meeting. They would sing, pray, shout, cry, etc. (I received letter from office at Chattanooga with five dollars) 14 [miles]
Saturday – 15 October [1892] Had a bath and stayed to Mr. Mason’s until [the] afternoon waiting for the mail. Then we went south east about 3 miles and stopped overnight with Andy Frits, a friend to the Mormons. In the evening we sang songs and conversed on different topics.
Sunday – 16 October [1892] Stayed over this day with Mr. [Andy] Frits. I wrote a letter to the folks at home. We spent the day in talking and singing.
Monday – 17 [October 1892] Went about nine miles and visited houses along the road to see if any wished to converse about the tracts that we left but scarcely any one had read them. Stopped overnight with [Isaac] Harvey Garland, a friend to the Mormons. We sang songs etc. then retired.
Tuesday – 18 [October 1892] Went a short distance to [James] David Correll‘s place. We took dinner and stayed most of the afternoon but the men folks were gone. We went over and stopped with the widow Garland and son who are friendly to the elders. We enjoyed ourselves very well singing songs and conversing on the harmony of our gospel and the scriptures. 2 [miles]
Wednesday – 19 [October 1892] We started for Millers Cove. Traveled about nine miles and stopped with Greene[berry Young] Buchanan, a friend to the elders. We conversed on the scriptures and sang songs. We bore our testimony to the truth of what we are teaching.
Thursday – 20 [October 1892] Took our grips and started. We visited the house of a Mr. [Samuel Patterson] Harmon, they are friends to the Elders. The lady, [Polly Ann Davis Harmon], was intending to get baptized several years ago but she was sick. They are very poor indeed. We did not see her husband, [Samuel Patterson Harmon], as he was off to work. We called and took dinner with John Webb who treated us well and invited us back. We gave out a No. 1 tract at every house we came to and bore our testimony. We traveled about nine miles today and stopped with Alvin [Spencer] Walker close to the Little River. We conversed with them on the principles and sang songs. We tried to get the school house to hold a meeting in but failed. 9 [miles]
Friday – 21 [October 1892] We started back for Happy Valley. We asked one of the directors of the union meeting house for the privilege of holding a meeting. He was willing. Then we saw another, D[avid] G[ranville] Farr. He was willing, so we gave out to hold a meeting Nov[ember] 6th. We had dinner with Mr. [David Granville] Farr. He invited us back and treated us well. Then we sang songs and started out. We traveled about 6 miles an stopped with Greene[berry Young] Buchanan. We proved the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon and sang songs.
Saturday – 22 [October 1892] Walked nine miles to [James] David Correll‘s. I got a letter from Isabel[la Mary Young], reporting all [is] well at home, and also a bunch of papers from Thomas C. Young. I was very much pleased to hear from home. We also received a letter from [the] office at Chattanooga of 150 tracts – 100 gospel pioneer [tracts and] 50 tracts No. 1.
Sunday – 23 [October 1892] We held a meeting in the Garland Schoolhouse at Chilhowee. There were about 25 present. We had a good flow of the spirit. Stopped overnight with Newton McCalvey. Spent the evening in singing and talking on the scriptures. 4 [miles]
Monday – 24 [October 1892] Tracted down the [Little] Tennessee River to Mr. Bly’s place and was kindly treated by them. We spent the evening in singing songs and conversing on different topics but more on the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon.
Tuesday – 25 [October 1892] Walked 8 miles to Jeff Mason’s place to get some things and we was very coldly treated by Mrs. Mason. She let us know that she did not want us to stop there. She made the excuse that she was afraid the mob would come and hurt us there. We stopped with Thomas Kirklan and they treated us coldly.
Wednesday – 26 [October 1892] We went to the store at Houk. I wrote to Anna Osborn. Then we went to the house of Andy Frits a distance of three miles and was again very kindly treated by the family. I read some from the No. 2 tract. We sang songs and Mr. Frits played the fiddle.
Thursday – 27 [October 1892] This is a nice day. We start for Happy Valley. I gave a “Voice of Warning” to Mr. Frits for which he was very thankful. We went to Alleghany Springs and the proprietor took us through the hotel and treated us very kindly. Then we went on top of Signal M[oun]t[ain]. We had a very good view of the vallies (sic) around. Then we went over into Happy Valley. I received a letter from Pres[ident] [Alma Henry] West stating that Elder [Royal James] Cutler was very sick and had started home but had returned. We started over for Mr. [James David] Correll‘s place with the intention of having dinner, then going to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead and stop over night, but we stopped with Mr. Correll’s folks. We sang songs etc. I took the cramp on my stomach and suffered all night.
Friday – 28 [October 1892] I suffered all day with the cramp. Laid in bed nearly all day. I was very kindly treated by them.
Saturday – 29 [October 1892] I am still in pain yet. I laid in bed most of the day. I ate a little supper tonight. Mr. [James David] Correll gave me a large spoon full of castor oil and turpentine. I feel a good deal better tonight.
Sunday – 30 [October 1892] I feel much better this morning. I am free from pain. We spent the day in talking etc. We also had a bath in the evening. William [W.] Sellers invited us over to his place and stop over night with him which we did. We spent the evening very well singing and we read from the “Voice of Warning” sub. the “Kingdom of God and the Origin of the Indians.”
Monday – 31 [October 1892] Spent the forenoon at Mr. [William W.] Sellers‘ place and I wrote a letter to the Three Mile Sabbath School. Mr. [William W.] Sellers seems to be energetic in finding out the truth. After dinner went to [Isaac] Harvey Garland‘s place and spent the evening with them in a pleasing manner reading and talking.
Tuesday – 1 November 1892 We went and took dinner with Mrs. [Nancy Howington] Correll. I wrote two letters, one to T[homas] C[unningham] Young and one to W. W. Richards. I do not feel very strong. After dinner went about 3 miles to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead‘s place and stopped overnight with them. We spent the time conversing on the gospel.
Wednesday – 2 [November 1892] We went and seen (sic) a lady by the name of Gourley who knew some of our elders. She seems to be investigating the gospel. We went back and took dinner with Mr. [Andrew Jackson] Whitehead. Then went to the P. O. and got my mail. I received a lot of lectures by C. Ellis and some of our cards, also a letter from David Osborn reporting all [is] well, and one from J[oseph] M[orris] Phelps from Miss. [illegible] reporting his (sic) labors [are] all right. We went about four miles to Thomas Hearon‘s place and had a very good time singing. I read two lectures from Chas. Ellis and we bore our testimony. It rained quite hard today. 4 [miles]
Thursday – 3 [November 1892] This being fast day we went without breakfast. It is raining this morning. After dinner we went through the rain to Millers Cove. We had quite a time getting down the canyon as the water was up. We stopped overnight with Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland and we were treated well. We sang songs and spoke on the principles of the gospel. 7 [miles]
Friday – 4 [November 18]92 We went down to Mr. Habsher’s to get his consent to hold [a] meeting in the Union House and he gave us his consent, but he said he had said that no Mormon should preach in that house, but he read our articles and changed his mind, and gave his consent. We went to the school house to have it given out that we would hold [a] meeting on Sunday. The teacher invited us to go in and visit the school. They gave [a] response to the calling of the roll, which was good. The teacher wishes me to talk to the school for a few minutes, which I did. After school, he invited us to his place to stop overnight with him, which we gladly accepted. We had a very nice time singing songs and speaking on the principles of the gospel. The young man’s name is William Briskey. He invited us back to stop with him. 3 [miles]
Saturday – 5 [November 1892] We went to Mr. William Sayman’s place, where we had intended to hold [a] meeting this evening. He thought it best not to hold the meeting here as they are going to have a trial today. After dinner, we went down to the trial but there was a poor case of it. They could not prove anything against her, only what she had told them, but they found her guilty. In the evening, we held [a] meeting at Mr. [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s. There were about 60 present. I spoke first about forty-five minutes on the First Prin[ciples] of the Gospel. Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams followed on the Divine Authenticity of the B[oo]k of M[ormon]. We had a very good time. 3 [miles]
Sunday – 6 November [1892] We went to S[unday] School. I was called to open by prayer. We took part with them. We held [a] meeting at 11 AM. There were about 50 or 60 present. I took charge. Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams spoke on the first principles. I followed on the divine authenticity of the B[oo]k of M[ormon]. After [the] meeting, we went through the Chilhoui (sic) canyon to Seaton to see some old friends. Stopped overnight with [William] Calvin Lane. 7 [miles]
Monday – 7 [November 1892] It is raining today. I wrote one letter to Jane Osborn and one to A[lma] H[enry] West, the pres[ident] of this conference, [the East Tennessee Conference]. Ate dinner with Mr. [William Calvin] Lane. After dinner, we went to see [Uncle] William [Billie T.] White, a friend to the elders, and stopped with him. We were treated very kindly by them. We sang songs and bore our testimony to them.
Tuesday – 8 [November 18]92 We went to Maryville a distance of 6 1/2 miles. I made a few purchases then went to Sam Willock’s place and had dinner. Then went to Liberty a distance of about 20 miles today and stopped with Jack Bly and was kindly treated by them. Sang songs etc.
Wednesday – 9 [November 1892] It is very rainy today so we are spending the day with them. One man came in and made fun of our doctrine. Then we took the Bible and made his own words condemn him. We cornered him on every hand. His name is John Williamson. He went so far as to tell us to kneel down at night and ask the Lord to forgive us. I was very much disgusted with him. We spent the evening in singing and talking.
Thursday – 10 [November 1892] I wrote the song, “The way we must go” for Texana Bly. Then went to Andy Frits’ a distance of three miles. We had dinner with them and spent the afternoon in conversing on different topics and more especially on the gospel. I was troubled with a boil in my ear.
Friday – 11 [November 1892] Mountainville. We went a distance of five miles to William Bly’s place last nigh was the first night of frost this winter. We were kindly treated by them. We sang songs, etc.
Saturday – 12 [November 1892] We started out this morning to get a house to hold meeting in tomorrow. We first went to George Wray’s place then we went to where he was at work. He gave his consent, then sent us to preacher Curtis but they would not let us use the Church House but he said he was willing for us to hold in the School House but we would have to see Mr. Luke Calaway as they deeded the land but he said it was nothing to him. We traveled about twelve miles to get a place to hold meeting. We spent the evening in singing and I read in the Voice of Warning on the resurrection. 12 [miles]
Sunday – 13 [November 1892] We found out that we could not get the key as it was over the river so we could not have a meeting. We wrote a few songs for Mr. Bly’s folks then started for Happy Valley a distance of about 12 miles. Stopped with Mrs. Correll’s folks. We sang a few songs.
Monday – 14 [November 1892] This morning I had to go down to Sam McMurry’s place for my money purses because yesterday I let Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams take it to get a groundhog skin and I was writing when he came back and he handed it to me and I laid it down and forgot it. It stormed very hard and I wrote a letter to the folks at home. I got a letter from home stating all well. I also got a bunch of books from Belle Salmon in Salt Lake City. We stopped overnight with Corrells family, travel[ed] about 7 miles.
Tuesday – 15 [November 1892] We spent the forenoon with Mrs. Sellers, a widow lady who is friendly to us. After noon we went about 2 1/2 miles and stopped with Caleb Carpenter who treated us kindly and invited us back. We spent the evening in bearing our testimony and singing.
Wednesday – 16 [November 1892] I wrote a letter home to Maggie [Frazer Young]. We started out to get permission to hold meeting in the Union School House, which we did, so we can hold meeting when ever we want to. I received a letter from Pres[ident] A[lma] H[enry] West stating all well and wanting us to travel without purse and scrip. I also received one from Anna Osborn stating all well and that my baby, [David Robert Young] is doing well. I wrote a letter to Belle Salmon. We had dinner with Mr. [illegible]. We stopped overnight with William Hamilton on Abram’s Creek. We had a very good time talking on the principles of the gospel and showing that it was necessary to have hands laid on for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. 3 [miles]
Thursday – 17 [November 1892] Bazil Brawner said this morning that if all the world should tell him that an angel appeared to Joseph Smith he would not believe. We showed his follow (sic). We started out for Houk for a letter for Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams. We traveled about 14 miles. We took dinner with Marion Jones and we stopped over night with Andy Frits. We read from Orson Pratt’s works.
Friday – 18 [November 1892] We went over to Houk P.O. and got a register[ed] letter for Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams. We went to Thomas Kirklan’s and had some dinner. Our valises had been brought from Sam[uel Thornton] Willocks‘ place and I changed my cotton garments for woolen ones. I read a long time from Orson Pratt’s works, sub[ject] the Kingdom of God and the Healings of the Savior.
Saturday – 19 [November 1892] We took our grips and started back for Happy Valley over the Chilhoui (sic) Mt. Took dinner with Mr. [James David] Correll‘s family. Passed afternoon with the family. I received a letter from Heber Perry stating all well at home. mi[les] 7.
Sunday – 20 [November 1892] We went to the School House in Happy Valley and held meeting. There were about 30 persons present. I spoke first on the first principles of the gospel about 45 minutes. Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams followed on the authority to preach. After meeting a Baptist minister got up and said that Jesus built his church upon himself and that Jesus is the foundation of God. We had dinner with [James] D[avid] Correll‘s then spent the night with Harve[y] Garland. I read two of Chas. Ellis’ lectures and we sang some songs. 8 mi[les]
Monday – 21 [November 1892] We intend [to] starting for Cades Cove today. It is raining today. We took dinner with Mrs. Correll. I wrote a letter to J[oseph] M[orris] Phelps and one to A[lma] H[enry] West. I have got quite a bad cold today. We traveled to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s and stopped with him. We were treated very well. Spent the evening in sing (sic) reading and talking. mi[les] 7
Tuesday – 22 [November 1892] Shouldered our grip and started over a very crooked mountain road for Cades Cove. Got into the cove about 2 o’clock. Stopped over night with John Myers a very nice old man. We bore our testimony to them and sang some songs. 11 mi[les]
Wednesday – 23 [November 1892] We started out across the cove to get a house to hold a meeting. We went to see Squire Lawson as he had a house but he would not let us hold meeting there as he said he promised to let another have it when he was ready for it. We took dinner with P. A. Myer then we went canvassing the houses in the cove. We went to all the houses along the road and gave a tract to them. We were turned away from one house and got to stay with an old gentleman named William Lequire and were kindly treated by the family. We conversed with them on the scriptures and other topics and sang songs. He did not invite us back. 5 mi[les]
Thursday – 24 [November 1892] Started again on our journey after reading the Tract No. 1 to the gentleman we staid (sic) with. We went to a Primitive Baptist preacher named Oliver. We had quite a talk with him. He spoke about the reports and histories against our people and he said if they had not have been bad, the people would not have persecuted them. I told him that was the same as they did with the Savior and the apostles. We had quite a long talk with him. Their foundation is very weak. He said Satan is bound now. I told him I would hate when he is loosened if bound now. We were kindly invited to take dinner with Isaac Leguire who invited to come back. We spent the afternoon in traveling amongst the people. We gave out 12 tracts today. We were kindly invited to stop over with John Anthony. He and his old wife treated us very well. I read most of a lecture by Chas. Ellis. We also sang songs and bore our testimony. We sang a song through a telephone and heard one which sounded very well. He invited us back. His son Lazarus also invited us to stop with him. 7 mi[les]
Friday – 25 [November 1892] We started out this morning canvassing as before. We went to a Methodist Deacon to get the house to hold meeting in but he said it was not in a fix to hold meeting in, but he gave us some dinner. His name is William Fizelle. We got through with the cove or nearly so about 2 o’clock and we stopped over with John Birchfield. He was very clever to us. Back to stop with him again. 4 mi[les]
Saturday – 26 [November 1892] It is raining again this morning. We started back for Happy Valley. We went to Jas. Correll’s place and stopped with them. I started to read some but I had got such a cold I could not read. 11 mi[les]
Sunday – 27 [November 1892] We stayed with them until after dinner. We went to the post office. I got a letter from Bro. Thomas C. reporting all well but Emma [Susanna] Young; she is troubled with erysipelas. I got one from George Davis to answer me. I wrote to the S[unday] School. I also received one from Jane Osborn reporting all well up at Bear Lake. We received one from Pres[ident Alma Henry] West telling us to meet him at the bridge over the Little Tennessee River and for Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams to take his place and him [to] labor with me for about three weeks. We stopped over night with [James] David Correll‘s family. 3 [miles]
Monday – 28 [November 1892] I sent a letter today to Nancy Osborn. We had a bath and change of clothes. Took dinner with them. We went over to Mrs. Sellers and stopped over night with them. We were kindly treated by them. Gayther and we were talking about Kansas and the Indian Territory and we conversed some on the gospel. 1/2 [miles]
Tuesday – 29 [November 1892] We started over the mountain to meet Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. Went to Andy Frits and stopped with them in the evening we read extracts from the P[earl] of G[reat] Price. 5 1/2 [miles]
Wednesday – 30 [November 1892] We went over to Houk and got our large valises and took them to Mr. Frits’ place. I wrote several songs and studied some in the scriptures. 4 [miles]
Thursday – 1 [December 1892] We took dinner with Mr. Frits then started over to Liberty to stop with Jackson Bly but he was away from home so we trudged over to his father’s place at Tomotley. We got there just after dusk. We were treated kindly by them. We sang several songs and chatted until 11 PM. 18 mi[les]
Friday – 2 [December 1892] We started for McGhee’s Station on the Knoxville Southern to meet Elder [Alma Henry] West tomorrow. We took dinner with a man S. W. Baily who had been out in Utah. He invited us back. We went over the Tenn[essee] R[iver] on the r[ail]r[oad] bridge. The bridge and trestle work is nearly 1/2 mile long. We stopped overnight with William Hammondtree. They were kind to us and invited us back. 8 mi[les]
Saturday – 3 [December 1892] We went over to the depot to meet Pres[ident Alma Henry] West on the morning train but he did not come. We met him and his com[panion], Elder [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy, sitting about 1/2 mile south of depot. We had a nice chat about four hours. Then we parted. Elders [Lewis Alma] Adams and [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy going back to McMinn (sic) and Elder [Alma Henry] West and I back to our field. We stopped over night with Mrs. Bly’s family. We had a very nice time. We sang about five songs and I led them for the first time. We conversed until 11 o’clock on the gospel etc. 7 mi[les]
Sunday – 4 [December 1892] We bid adieu to the family and started across for the valley where Andy Frits lives and stopped with them. My eye was sore and I went to bed early. 5 mi[les]
Monday – 5 [December 1892] We went over the Chilhoui Mt. (sic) to Happy Valley. We had dinner with Mrs. Correll. After dinner we went to the P. O. I got a letter from A[lma] H[enry] West. We then went over to Mrs. [Sarah Margaret Cauble] Garland and stopped with them. They charged us 25 cents. 10 [miles]
Tuesday – 6 [December 1892] We went to Mrs. Correll and took dinner. Then went to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead‘s and stopped overnight with them. We had a nice time and stopped with them until after dinner. 3 mi[les]
Wednesday – 7 [December 1892] I received a long letter from home stating all well then went to Caleb Carpenter’s. They were not anxious to hear the gospel. We did not get to talk any on the Bible. 3 [miles]
Thursday – 8 [December 1892] We started over the mountain for Mary Ville (sic). We went on top of the mountain and had a good view of the country. Had dinner with Mrs. Raulson. Stopped over night with them. They were very kind to us etc. and wished us to come back. 7 mi[les]
Friday – 9 [December 1892] We went to Mary Ville (sic) and made a few purchases and put up at the Central House [Hotel]. I sent a letter home and one to Anna Osborn. No elder came. 7 mi[les]
Saturday – 10 [December 1892] We went to [William] Cal Lane‘s at Seaton. Took dinner with them. We went and spent the evening with [Uncle] William [Billie T.] White. We had a very nice time. 7 mi[les]
Sunday – 11 [December 1892] We went back to Maryville to see if the elder had come but he did not so we went around town then went to Wal. Raulson and stopped overnight with them or with George and a lady who cooked for him. We sang songs etc . 15 [miles]
Monday – 12 [December 1892] We shouldered our grips and started for Happy Valley. I received a letter from Emma [Susanna Young] and Tom [Cunningham Young] stating all well at home. We took dinner with Mrs. Correll. We drew cuts to see which should go back to the P. O. to get our mail and it fell to me. We stopped overnight with the Correll family. 14 [miles]
Tuesday – 13 [December 1892] We started at half past six this morning back for Maryville to meet the new elder. We put up at the Eurehee House [Hotel] and had dinner. Then we went and found the elder at the Jackson House [Hotel]. We had a nice time. His name is Thomas W[atts] Sloan from Salt Lake City. We chatted until bed time then we went back to our hotel. 14 [miles]
Wednesday – 14 [December 1892] We (Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and myself) went down to the depot to see Pres[ident Alma Henry] West off on the train as he is going to meet Elder [John Hyrum] Koyle. I got my shoes quarter soled. Then we walked out to [Uncle] William [Billie T.] White‘s place at Seaton. We read from the “Voice of Warning,” “The Origin of the American Indians.” 7 [miles]
Thursday – 13 [December 1892] We started out for Millers Cove. We got on the wrong trail and got lost as it was foggy and came back to where we started before we were aware of it. We took dinner with Mr. White then started out again. This time we got along all right, got over in the cove in good time. Stopped with Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. 10 [miles]
Friday – 16 [December 1892] We went down to Joe [Walker] Hatcher‘s to get the Church House to hold a meeting in but he said he had enough of our doctrine and would not let us have it. We conversed some on the scripture. Then we went to Vance Walkers and had dinner. We got to conversing on the scripture and the woman got in such an awful way that she cried like everything. She said it was terrible that we believed in repentance after death. We stopped overnight with James Layman and family. They treated us very well indeed. It rained nearly all day. They wished us to hold a meeting in their house.
Saturday – 17 [December 1892] We decided to hold meeting in their house tonight. We took dinner with them then we went to John [Thomas McNeilly] McNealey‘s to tell him about the meeting. They had us eat supper with them. We had a good meeting, about fifteen present. I spoke about 1 1/4 hours. Mr. [John Thomas McNeilly] McNealey asked us to go home with him and stop overnight but we stopped over night with James Layman. 2 [miles]
Sunday – 18 [December 1892] We started over for Happy Valley. We had quite a time getting over some of the streams. We stopped over night with Thomas [Hearon] Heroun. They are investigating the gospel and are warm friends to us. 7 [miles]
Monday – 19 [December 1892] We went down to lan Correll’s place. I had a bath. I got a letter from home stating all well. I wrote a letter to Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. We had dinner at the P. O. We went back to the office in the rain. I spoke to the Correll family on the personality of God. 10 [miles]
Tuesday – 20 [December 1892] It snowed last night. We started out this morning for the other side of the mountain to Andy Frits’ place. I ordered a pair of shoes made at the shop. 9 [miles]
Wednesday – 21 [December 1892] We went over to Mountainville. I sent a letter to Jane Osborn. We stopped over night with Mr. Bly’s family. We read from the Pearl of Great Price. We had a very nice time. I wrote a letter to Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams. 5 [miles]
Thursday – 22 [December 1892] We bid good bye to them and started back for Andy Frits. We ate dinner with them and started over the mountain to Happy Valley. There was snow on the road. We were invited to stop with William Sellers. We had a nice time in the evening reading and conversing on the scripture. 10 [miles]
Friday – 23 Dec[ember] 1892 We stopped the forepart of the day with Widow Sellers. Had dinner with Mrs. Correll then went up to the P. O. and I got a paper from home with a neck tie in it and a box of candy. It made me very home sick to get them. Stopped overnight with Albert Hill at the store.
Saturday – 24 [December 1892] We went down to Mr. [James David] Correll‘s and spent the day with them in reading and singing. The bed fell down with us and we had quite an experience. 4 1/2 [miles]
Christmas Sunday – [25] December 1892 We got up as usual had breakfast and I wrote some to our folks at home. We had dinner with the folks there, went past the P. O. and went to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead. We had a nice time. He did not believe that God has got a body as we have. I proved by the Bible that he has and that men have seen him. 2 [miles]
Monday – 26 [December 1892] We spent the forenoon in reading. We waited there until mail time at 3 PM. We took dinner with them. We went over to William [Martin] Hamilton‘s on Abram’s Creek. I got a letter from home stating all [is] well and one from Anna Osborn stating all [is] well at Bear Lake. We had a nice time at Mr. [William Martin] Hamilton‘s talking until 12 PM and I explained the resurrection. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 27 [December 1892] We talked with the same people until two o’clock. We had quite a debate with Jessie Brawner but he soon calmed down and I had my own way. We shouldered our grips and went back to Mr. [James David] Correll‘s. They went to bed early and we sat up and I wrote a letter to Mrs. Osborn. 12 [miles]
Wednesday – 28 [December 1892] We went down to Chilhoui (sic) to get our shoes but the man had not done anything to them. So we told them not to make any. We had dinner and bid [James David] Correll‘s family good-bye and started out for Seaton. I got a box at the P. O. with a Christmas cake in it from Mrs. Osborn then went to Thomas Haroun’s. I had a very nice time explaining the gospel. 10 [miles]
Thursday – 29 Dec[ember] 1892 We shouldered our grips and started or rather renewed our journey to Seaton. Stopped at 11 AM and ate the cake sent by Mrs. Osborn. It was very nice indeed. Stopped overnight with [Uncle] William [Billie T.] White. Spent the evening in singing, etc. 9 [miles]
Friday – 30 [December 1892] We went to Maryville to get us some shoes. We went also to get a box sent to Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan. We took our clothes to [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s to get washed. We were invited to take dinner at the Jackson Hotel as the proprietor asked Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan to call and have dinner and it would not cost him anything, but he charged us 25 cents each. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan got his box consisting of cake, apples, etc. We bought some coarse shoes. We went back and stopped with [Jacob] Thomas Riddle. We sang some songs. 11 [miles]
Saturday – 31 [December 1892] We tried to get a house to hold meeting in but we failed. James Law said they did not believe in us and he would not let us hold a meeting in the Laws Chapel. We canvassed from house to house and told them what we had to give to the people. We took dinner with the wife of Alex. B. Garumble. We tried to get to stop at ten places and we were turned away all but the last. We got to stop at M. S. Amorine and we were kindly treated by him. 5 [miles]
Sunday – 1 January 1893 We went over to [William] Cal Lane‘s and took dinner then went to the meeting house then went back to [Uncle] William [Billie T.] White’s. I read from the “Voice of Warning.” They were very kind to us. He said as long as he had a biscuit we could have some. He is very kind to me. 2 [miles]
Monday – 2 [January 1893] We started out again this morning canvassing. Went to all the houses and we bore our testimony to the people and gave them a tract. We were invited to take dinner with Giles J[acob] Whitehead. We had a nice time with them. After dinner we went to [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s and I had a bath and changed clothes. Spent the evening in singing and bearing our testimony to them. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 3 [January 1893] I have traveled 851 1/2 [miles]. We shouldered our grips and started out in a north and westerly direction visiting the people. We went and visited a gentleman who has charge of the Pleasant Hill Church. He told us he had power to let the other known denominations hold meetings but he would not give us permission to hold a meeting without seeing the other officers. He gave us some dinner. His name is Samuel [H.] Clemens. We visited all the houses and talked with the people. We got to stop with a man named Samuel Stevens. He treated us real well. 2 1/2 [miles]
Wednesday – 4 [January] 1893 We went to Maryville to get some mail but I got none. I got a bunch of envelopes. We started out in a north west direction. We were invited to take dinner with James Nichols. After noon we traveled to the houses. We stopped over night with R. P. Chandler. We had a nice time. They asked us a great many questions about the gospel. I enjoyed myself better than any other time since I left home. He kindly invited us back. 7 [miles]
[Thursday]- 5 January [1893] Peppermint. We started out and visited all the houses along the road. We went to the [post] office but I did not get any mail from home. We took dinner with Widow [illegible]. We stopped overnight with Moses Gamble. They treated us well. I read a dialogue between a Mormon Elder and a Preacher. It snowed some tonight. 6 [miles]
Friday – 6 January 1893 We visited a few houses this forenoon, crossed little River, then recrossed and went to James White’s and had dinner with him. He invited us back. Then we started southwest and we went to a man by name Coalter. He did not believe what we would tell him. Then he went and left us. We tried until 6:30 to get a place to stop overnight. Got in at last with Andy Coalter. In the night I got quite a scare. I heard some one coming to the house and they said I am sure they are in there and they came in and it was some of their folks. They meant that the boys had got back from a fox hunt. I thought it was a mob come to whip us. 7 [miles]
Saturday – 7 January 1893 We had a slim breakfast then started out canvassing again. Some refused our tracts and some took them. We had dinner with Widow Seaton. We visited nearly all the places over along Crooked Creek. We went over to [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s and stopped overnight with them and had a nice time. 6 [miles]
Sunday – 8 January [1893] We spent the forenoon with them. After dinner we had quite a time with a man, Walter by name. He was very bitter against us and very unreasonable. Then we shouldered our grips and went to John Riddle‘s and we were kindly treated by him. He was very much interested in our doctrine. 2 [miles]
Monday – 9 January [1893] I went to the P. O. and got a letter from Pres[ident Alma Henry] West telling about the hard time, some of the elders are having a hard time. They were debating and that was against counsel and Elder [Jedediah Grant] Shumway was arrested and fined [$]14.70 for saying that a history lied that his opponent quoted from. I got a letter from Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams. I wrote a letter to Mary Phelps, T[homas] C[unningham] Young and Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. We took dinner with a Mr. Nichols. His wife was very bitter but treated us well. We started for Mountainville to see about Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams‘ valise. I mailed a pair of garments to Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams. We stopped overnight with M. C. Jones three miles south of Maryville. We had a nice time conversing with him. 7 [miles]
Tuesday – 10 January [1893] We started out this morning and it was blowing very cold. We took dinner with Jack Bly at the Williamson Settlement. Then we started out and went to McGhee’s Station to see about Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams‘ valise and it had just been sent off. We went to William Sly’s place at Morganton and had a nice time. 19 [miles]
Wednesday – 11 January 1893 Morganton. We arose in good spirits. I wrote a song for Mattie Bly. We started back for Seaton. Called at a man’s place for dinner. His name is Lorenzo W. Thompson. He lives in Loudon Co[unty]. He was very kind to us, invited us to stop overnight with him, which we did. He told us some stories about the war. One was about like this: when his father, [Robert Thompson], held slaves and one would get the stomach ache, they would send after the best doctor, but, if one of his own sons, he could wait until morning. 4 [miles]
Thursday – 12 [January 1893] Greenback. We started out about 8 o’clock. He wanted us to stop over the day with him. It snowed last night. We went in to three houses for dinner but they did not invite us to have any. We called at Maryville and got 10 cents worth of crackers and cheese. We went over to Samuel [H.] Clemens‘ to see about getting Pleasant Hill Chapel but he decided, and the others, that we could not have it. We went over to [Jacob] Thomas Riddles’ to stop all night but he was away from home so we pulled our weary selves to John Riddle‘s and was kindly treated by them. I went over to the P. O. and got a letter [from] Isabel[la Mary Young], my sister, and one from David Osborn. They stated all well, only some of the children were troubled with colds. We spent the evening in singing and talking. 19 1/2 [miles]
Friday – 13 [January 1893] Seaton. It is very cold this morning. We are spending the forenoon with Mr. Riddle in conversing on the Principles of the Gospel and singing. Some neighbors came in and spent part of the forenoon. We ate dinner then went over to Uncle [William T.] Billy White‘s and had the usual good treatment. I read a lecture on the Mountain Meadows Massacre by C[harles] W[illiam] Penrose. We retired to bed early at 7.15 P.M. 1 [miles]
Saturday – 14 [January 1893] We arose about 6 AM and had breakfast. Spent the forenoon in reading and talking. It was reported that one of (sic) were killed while at Greenback, but the devil is busy starting these stories. We had dinner. Then started southwest to Abe Lane‘s place and stopped overnight with them. We sang songs and conversed a little on the gospel as we believe it. 3 [miles]
Sunday – 15 [January 1893] We had breakfast then started back for Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s through the deep snow as it snowed about ten inches. We took dinner with our friends and had some walnuts. It was very cold tonight. 3 [miles]
Monday – 16 [January 1893] Uncle Billy. 941 1/2 [miles] We woke in good spirits. We had dinner, or rather breakfast, then bid good-bye to our good friends. Went to the P. O. for letters. Got letter from Mrs. Osborn stating all well. We went over to [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s and spent the day in studying and reading. We also spent the night with them. We were going to have a bath but it was so cold that the folks needed the room. They told us the thermometer was down to 20 degrees below zero at Maryville. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 17 [January 1893] Seaton. We started out through the deep snow for Maryville as Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan wanted some boots. I sent a long letter home. We started north for Maryville along the Rockford Road canvassing. Visited the houses. We tried and were turned a way from two houses and got to stop with John Eagleton and we were kindly treated by them. We spent the evening in talking upon different topics. Spent a good night’s rest. They invited us back. 7 [miles]
Wednesday – 18 [January 1893] 25 miles north of [illegible] We started out in a snow storm and it snowed all day. We went to six places. We stopped a long time at each. We stopped for dinner with Husten Edmondson and we had nearly four-hours talk with them. They invited us back. One place we went to, and as we started off, they gave us a paper, the Gospel Messenger, and we read a terrible piece against the Mormons, and we went back and contradicted it, and bore a faithful testimony to the cause of truth. We stopped overnight with W[illiam] B[irdwell] Taylor who treated us well but we did not get to talk much on the gospel. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan read from the “Voice of Warning the Kingdom of God.” We sang a few songs and had prayers. 2 1/2 [miles]
Thursday – 19 [January 1893] We started out about nine o’clock. We would stop quite a while at each house where there were men. We took dinner with Hugh [Lusk] Wrinkle who was very much interested in our conversation. I left the book entitled a Public Discussion, by Ben E. Rich and Richard Hartley. They invited us back. We stopped overnight with W. S. Russell. They treated us very kindly. He was squire of the town Rockford. 2 [miles]
Friday – 20 [January 1893] Rockford. The thermometer registered 4 degrees below. We went to the Rockford Cotton Mills and the Sup[erintenden]t Fred D. Toof showed us through the entire process. Then he sent home and told his wife that we would be there for dinner. At dinner he asked us to stop overnight with him and we promised to. We went and tried to get a church to hold meeting in. We first tried the Baptist and they are going to have a meeting next Sunday. Then we tried for the Presbyterian. We got consent from a Mr. Anderson, a deacon. We will go and try some others in the morning. I had a nice conversation on the gospel with a young lady, a graduate from the Presbyterian College at Maryville. Her name is Jennie [Clementine] McCollough. We spent the day very pleasantly indeed and also the evening. We sat up until 11 o’clock. We had a very nice time indeed. 2 [miles]
Saturday – 21 [January 1893] Rockford. We went three miles north to see two more elders if we could get the house. There (sic) names are McBath. The young man was not very bitter. But the old man was very abusive to us and would not let us have it. So we started back downhearted and we stopped and took dinner with J[ames] R[oss] C[unningham] Anderson. He was very kind and obliging to us. His granddaughter Jennie [Clementine] McCollough was kind to us. She told him that we had opened her eyes in the scriptures. I wrote a letter to Nancy Osborn in the Cotton Mill Office. We stopped overnight with J. S. Wrinkle. In the evening Squire W. S. Russell came in and I explained the different principles of the gospel. I enjoyed it very much and they seemed to enjoy it. Mr. Wrinkle said he would try and get a house to hold a meeting in. 6 1/2 [miles]
Sunday – 22 [January 1893] Rockford. We had breakfast and we then talked with them. Then two men came in, Huse Taylor and a German, and we had a very nice time talking on the gospel. They were very much interested in our doctrine and liked it very much. I went over to Mr. Wrinkle’s brother’s and had a nice conversation with him. There is nothing so nice as talking to appreciative listeners. We started back for Maryville. We were kindly invited back. We stopped with Samuel Thompson. We were kindly treated by them. I talked on the necessity of baptism and the officers of the church. They invited us back. We went in Maryville. I did a little trading. 4 [miles]
Monday – 23 [January 1893] I wrote some of this day’s proceedings in yesterday’s. Going out of Maryville we met several friends James Layman and wife, Uncle [William T.] Billey White and others. We took dinner with [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s family then went to the P. O. I got a nice letter from [my] sisters, Maggie [Frazer Young] and Isabel[la Mary Young], stating all [is] well at home. We stopped overnight with James Everett, but in the evening we went to Mr. White’s and got some tracts. We started out because Uncle [William T.] Billey [White] was not at home. We stopped for dinner with Samuel Henry. 9 [miles]
[Tuesday – 24 January 1893] We spent the day in recanvassing. Some refused to read any farther. They were the Widow Everett and a family by the boom on Little River named Gamble and, of course, we will not go back. We stopped overnight with R. R. Davis. They did not say much. 5 [miles]
Wednesday – 25 [January 1893] Ellajoy. We started out. It is a nice day but it is very wet underfoot. We started for Rockford but we got on the wrong road and, of course, it took us longer. We had dinner with George Brakebill about three miles from Rockford. We rode about two miles with him. We called in to a house. Their name is Caughron. One of their sons has been out to Utah and he said he caught cold while bathing. We went off the road to see Gus. Henry, one of the school trustees, and to try and get to hold a meeting in the school house. He gave his consent. We went about 2 1/2 miles northwest of Rockford to see the other trustee by [the] name of John Godard. We stopped overnight with him. 11 1/2 [miles]
Thursday – 26 [January 1893] Rockford. Mr. Godard gave his consent. We then went to Jacob [L.] Wrinkle and had dinner. We also got consent from a Mr. Wright, a darkey, the other trustee. The old gentleman, James Taylor, asked us if we would hold a meeting if he would get the house. We told him we would. We went to the office of the Rockford Mills and I wrote a letter to T[homas] C[unningham] Young, my brother. Mr. Toof, the manager, asked us to go and stop with him but we wanted to see Gus. Henry about getting consent to hold a meeting in each of the school houses under their control. He was willing. We stopped overnight with him. They were very kind to us. We spent the evening in explaining the gospel and singing. He invited us back. 3 [miles]
Friday – 27 [January 1893] Rockford. We started out canvassing to all of the houses. We had a long talk with Widow McCarrell, a Baptist lady. She told us the way she thought the scriptures mean and, of course, we told her the way we thought. We were asked to stop overnight with Capt[ain] J[ames] R[oss] C[unningham] Anderson but, as we promised to stop with Fred Toof, we decided to go tomorrow night. We spent the evening very pleasantly with Mr. Toof and [his] wife. Had a nice supper and breakfast. 1 1/2 [miles]
Saturday – 28 [January 1893] Rockford. We spent the forenoon at Mr. Toof’s in studying. We took dinner, then we went over to the school house and cleaned it out for the meeting tomorrow. We then went canvassing. We had a nice conversation with a young Dr. Bush. Mr. Toof asked us to come and spend the day tomorrow with him and we accepted. We crossed the river to tell the people on the other side about the meeting. We then went to Mr. J[ames] R[oss] C[unningham] Anderson‘s as we had promised and spent the evening until 11 PM in explaining the principles of the gospel, the different sub[jects]: Faith, Personality of God, Repentance, Baptism and [the] Holy Ghost. I enjoyed it immensely. 1/2 [mile]
Sunday – 29 [January 1893] Rockford. I took the sub[ject] of bap[tism] for the dead and [the] pre-existence of spirits, and spoke about where the Savior went after being put to death. We then went up to the Presbyterian House to Sunday School, but they had none. We then went back to Fred Toof’s and had dinner. Then we adjourned to the school house and held [a] meeting. We had a good turnout. I spoke 55 minutes then Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke. We had very good order. John Godard refused to let us have the houses, that is the school houses under his control, although the others, Gus Henry and a Mr. Wright, were willing. Mr. Toof wished us to stop overnight with him but we thought it best to start on toward Maryville. We stopped with Mr. Edmondson who we ate dinner with before. 4 [miles]
Monday – 30 [January 1893] We started out and went to Maryville and then went over to [the] Seaton P. O. and got the mail. I got a letter from Big Pine that Elder [Alma Henry] West sent that was written by T[homas] C[unningham Young] and Emma [Susanna] Young in September. I also got one from home written by T[homas] C[unningham Young] stating all [is] well. Wilford [Woodruff] Richards sent one from V[irgini]a giving an account of his labors. One from Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams stating his family were not very well. I got two pair[s] of socks from home. I wrote a letter to Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. We then went over to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s and spent the night in singing and talking. 9 [miles]
Tuesday – 31 [January 1893] Seaton. I cut Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan‘s hair and also two boys’ hair. We then went over to Mr. [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s and had a bath and changed. I was studying some in the gospel. 3 [miles]
Wednesday – 1 [February 1893] I [have] traveled 1,015 [miles]. We went to Maryville. I had a tooth filled. Out of town and started to recanvass. We (sic) were many that they had enough of our tracts. We spent the night with J. Whitehead East of Maryville. 19 [miles]
Thursday – 2 [February 1893] Seaton. I went over to [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s and got my eye water bottle as I forgot it. We went over [to] the Wells Town and we only got to leave one tract there. They all had enough but two families, so we will not need to go over that again, only to those two houses. We fasted this morning. We called on William Nichols and had dinner, which I enjoyed very much as I was hungry. We started out canvassing. We were treated very shabbily. Nearly all refused another tract. Some told us they did not want to talk with us. We stopped overnight with James Lowe. He treated us quite kind. 7 [miles]
Friday – 3 [February 1893] No time. We were treated very cold today. We had dinner With Granvil Seaton. We had crackers and peanuts as his wife was gone. We went to Richard Chandler’s and was treated kindly. 2 1/2 [miles]
Saturday – 4 [February 1893] Peppermint. I wrote a letter to the folks at home. We visited houses all along and were treated very coldly and nearly all refused tracts. We had dinner with Clarke Wilder and had a nice talk with them. We went to Maryville. I got a letter from Maggie [Frazer Young] stating all [is] well. We stopped overnight with Cal. Stevens. He was very obstinate on the gospel. He wanted me to perform a miracle. I asked him if he believed. He said he did. I told him I would cut his arm off but he wanted me to raise a sick girl and I could make a good deal of money. I told him the Lord did not work that way. 7 [miles]
Sunday – 5 [February 1893] Maryville. I wrote two letters, one to Heber Perry and wife and one to W[ilford] W[oodruff] Richards in answer to one I got from him. We went to [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s and wrote the letters and had dinner, then went to John Riddle‘s but he was gone and we did not stop. We asked to stop overnight with Mr. Armorine, but he said he expected company, and [so] we went over to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s and got the usual welcome. 6 [miles]
Monday – 6 [February 1893] Seaton. We went over to the [post] office but got no mail. We then went to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s and got dinner and started for Millers Cove. We stopped overnight with John Webb, as our friends were away from home. He did not want to hear the gospel. 4 [miles]
Tuesday – 7 [February 1893] Millers Cove. We started out through the rain for Happy Valley. Had dinner at Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s. He said they had threatened us at Cades Cove. After dinner we went to [James] David Correll‘s on Panther Creek. We spent the evening in singing. 13 [miles]
Wednesday – 8 [February 1893] Rich Woods. I visited the slate works, dinner with William Hamilton – Baptist Preacher. He dare bore (sic) my testimony to him. Stopped with Thomas [Hearon] Heroun singing etc. 6 [miles]
Thursday – 9 [February 1893] Happy Valley. We bid good-bye and started for Cades Cove. Arrived at noon. At dinner with Noah Brockfield, who we stopped with before. This cove is about 1 1/2 by seven miles. We gave out five gospel pioneer tracts. We stayed with John Myers. Spent the evening in reading a book [illegible]. He was very kind to us. 12 [miles]
Friday – 10 [February 1893] Cades Cove. We started out this morning to get a house. We went to [Andrew] Wit Shields, one of the committee [members] of the Baptist Church, but he did not think we could get the house. We had dinner with Mister William Oliver. We asked Squire Lawson for his house but he would not let us. He said we did not believe the Bible. We then tried to get the school house. Dan Cable, one of the directors, gave us his consent and we went to see the other but he was gone. We visited 17 houses and gave out 15 tracts. We stayed overnight with H. W. Myers. He treated us well. We Sang songs etc. 7 [miles]
Saturday – 11 [February 1893] Cades Cove. The other director, Mr. Spraddlen, did not come home, so we cannot have a meeting this time. We canvassed all of the houses along as we went. Only one refused our tracts, that was William Frazel’s wife. We ate dinner with Joseph [Smith] LeQuire. His wife, [Mary Ann Myers], started in on us about the gospel but she soon became mum. We were invited to stop overnight with William Blair of Spruce Flats, east of Cades Cove. They treated us very kindly. We visited 16 houses. He invited us back. 8 [miles
Sunday – 12 [February 1893] Spruce Flats. Spruce Flats is a nice little cove with three families, some very large trees, one it took both Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and myself twice each to reach around it. We took dinner with Robert A. Flowers who was very kind to us and invited us back. We then went to Lazarus Anthony‘s and spent the afternoon in talking to the people on the gospel. Went to the P. O. with Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and stopped overnight with Mr. S. Anthony. 9 [miles]
Monday – 13 [February 1893] Cades Cove. We were invited back. We canvassed along to the houses. Mr. Ike Tipton asked us to stop with him and have dinner. I saw a boy 22 years old who looked about 8 and his bones are all breaking with bone serofulous (sic). I posted three letters: one to Maggie [Frazer Young]; one to Jane Osborn; and one to Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. We went over a very rough road to Chestnut Flats and stopped with G. W. Powel’s, a very quick spoken man. 12 [miles]
Tuesday – 14 [February 1893] Chestnut Flats. Mr. Powell charged us 25 cents each. We paid it and started out a little farther up the Flats. There is some very fine trunks here, poplar and chestnut. The man Powell has a large apple orchard and makes brandy. We got consent from Dan Cable to hold a meeting in each school house. Not getting any dinner, we made out with brown sugar. We got a hesitating consent from N. Spraddlen to hold a meeting but we will have to ask the other director. Stopped overnight with Noah Birchfield. 8 [miles]
Wednesday – 15 [February 1893] Cades Cove. We started back for Happy Valley in the rain. Got to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s about noon. He has quite a novel rig to use instead of a bellows. It is a hollow log about six feet long and both ends stopped up and the water brought about 5 feet over it and let down through a spout into a hole in the log on top close to one end like this air [illegible] water escape. It works like a charm. We spent the evening very pleasantly in talking on the gospel and singing. 10 [miles]
Thursday – 16 [February 1893] Happy Valley. It is raining again this morning. We were just starting out but it commenced to rain and we stayed until 11 o’clock. We went to William Hamilton’s and took dinner. Had a nice conversation on the gospel. We had quite a time getting over Abraham’s Creek. William Hamilton took us over in a skiff. We stopped overnight with [James David] Correll family. 7 [miles]
Friday – 17 [February 1893] Rich Woods or Panther Creek. We started out this morning about 8 o’clock and it started to rain very hard and we went into a house that had the slate machinery. We went to the commissary on Abrams Creek. I got two white shirts. The water in the Little Tenn[essee] River was very high. This afternoon was nice. We stayed with Andy Frits. They were glad to see us. 12 [miles]
Saturday – 18 [February 1893] Alleghany Springs. We started out for Seaton to get the mail. I got 5 letters: one from T[homas] C[unningham Young]; Maggie [Frazer Young]; and Isabel[la Mary Young]; and one from Nancy O[sborn]; one from George Dinsi; and one from M. J. Richards. Stopped overnight with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. 19 [miles]
Sunday – 19 [February 1893] Seaton. I wrote a letter to M. J. Richards. We were writing and I read some sermons in the Deseret News. We went this afternoon to John Riddles. We asked him if we could stay overnight with him. He first refused us as he was going to [a] meeting. Then he called us back and we kept house and he went to [the] meeting. 1 [mile]
Monday – 20 [February 1893] Seaton. I got a paper from M. J. Richards. We had quite a wordy argument with John Riddle. He wanted us to heal a sick or, rather, cripple person. We took dinner with [Jacob] Thomas Riddle and had a bath and change. He told us we would have to go off and not stay overnight as he was expecting sickness. We started out with our duds. We were turned away four times and got to stay overnight with A. F. Brown. We had a room to ourselves and they never came in at all so we just went to bed when we got ready. He lives one mile out east of Maryville. 5 1/2
Tuesday – 21 [February 1893] Maryville. We started out and went to Maryville. I got a deed about my land for R. Henderson signed before a notary and Andrew Gamble. I got a letter from Anna Osborn stating all [is] well. We had dinner with W. S. Graston. He treated us very kindly. We had a nice conversation with James Waylin. We started out for Friendsville and visited along the road. 4 PM. It is raining very hard. We visited seven houses. We got to stop with W. M. McClanahan. He was very kind to us. 3 1/2 [miles]
Wednesday – 22 [February 1893] Pistol Creek, 2 1/4 miles from Maryville. We started out in the mud. We had a very cold reception today. We tried to get the Tabor Meetinghouse but Mr. Froo refused it. We read an account of the death of two of our Elders in Sevis (sic) Co[unty], Tenn[essee] by a mob, but we did not know the truth of it. We stayed overnight with G. G. Blouner, who was very kind to us. He lives in Middle Settlement, 2 1/2 miles from Louisville. He invited us back. 3 [miles]
Thursday – 23 [February 1893] Middle Settlement. Mr. O’Connor had us stay and take dinner with him. We then started to canvass along the road. We stayed overnight with G. M. D. Miser in the Miser Station, a nice little town of about 20 families. Mr. Miser gave us permission to hold a meeting in the school house and we will hold in it if we cannot get the meeting house. We visited 21 houses. 3 [miles]
Friday – 24 [February 1893] Miser Station. We visited a marble quarry which was quite interesting. We took dinner with J[ames] P. C. Davis. We tried for the meeting house but were not successful. We canvassed along the road towards Friendsville. We visited another marble quarry. We got to Friendsville about half past five. There are about fifty or sixty families. We had to try 11 times before we could get to stop overnight. We at last got to stop with a section boss named John Davis. They were very kind and invited us back. 5 [miles]
Saturday – 25 [February 1893] Friendsville, ten miles from Maryville. I wrote a letter to Nancy Osborn. We were refused the meetinghouse. Mr. Jasmes B. sent for us to come and take dinner with him. We enjoyed it very much. We went back to Miser and cleaned the schoolhouse with hoe and broom, it was so dirty to hold [a] meeting tomorrow as they refused to let us have the church house. We stayed overnight with Matthew Anderson, who was very kind to us. We spent the evening in sing[ing] and talking. 5 [miles]
Sunday – 26 [Febraury 1893] Miser, 8 miles from Maryville. We went to [a] meeting today. The minister was a George Butler. We were invited to take dinner with John Smith. We had a very nice meeting of 60 or 70 persons. I took charge. We were filled with the Spirit of God. After [the] meeting I talked about 1 1/2 hours to about ten young men. We stayed overnight with Melville D. Cox a mile out from Miser. He invited us back. 2 [miles]
Monday – 27 [February 1893] Miser. We started for Maryville canvassed along the road, had dinner with William G[irdner] Craig and we were invited back. We stayed in the hotel Eurokee. I got a letter from home stating all were well. I also wrote one home. 8 [miles]
Tuesday – 28 [February 1893] Maryville. Spent the forenoon at the hotel. I did a little trading. I wrote a letter to Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. We started out north, stopped overnight with Samual Cowan. He was very kind to us. His house is in Springfield, 2 miles out. 2 [miles]
Wednesday – 1 March 1893 Springfield. We started out recanvassing. We took dinner with Mrs. John Eagleton, a very nice one indeed. We started in to get consent to hold a meeting in the Eagleton Schoolhouse. Messrs (sic) Mitchell, Eagleton, Kidd and Laurance were the trustees and they gave consent. We stayed overnight with Samuel Thompson, two miles out from Maryville. We went to town to see Mr. Laurance, and he gave his consent. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 2 [March 1893] 1 1/2 miles from Maryville. We went into Maryville. We went back to Springfield to give out about the meeting on next Sunday. We fasted this morning and took dinner at Mr. Mitchell’s, and I enjoyed it very much as I was hungry. We stopped overnight with C[hristopher] C[olumbus] Haggard at Peppermint, 4 miles out from Maryville. We bore our testimony to them.
Friday – 3 [March 1893] Peppermint. We started out as usual. We had a long talk with J[ohn] P[uris] Hook on the gospel. He said he did not believe our doctrine but he invited us in and we had dinner. We visited about ten houses and stopped overnight with John Brown. Now it is raining. 5 [miles]
Saturday – 4 [March 1893] Rocky Ridge. It snowed this morning and was [a] very cold to day. We did not have any dinner today. We cleaned out the schoolhouse for [the] meeting tomorrow. I was turned around all day. We visited all the houses along our route. We went into Maryville and stayed at the Eureke (sic) House. I wrote a letter to Anna Osborn. 5 [miles]
Sunday – 5 March [1893] Maryville. We started out for Eagleton about nine o’clock. I got one hundred no. 1 tracts. There were about 27 [people] at [the] meeting. I spoke one hour and ten minutes, then Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke a short time. Mr. Henry Moseley asked us to go and have dinner with him, which we did. Started about 3 o’clock for Rockford. Stopped with Jacob [L.] Wrinkle. We had quite a conversation on the gospel. 7 [miles]
Monday – 6 [March 1893] Rockford. We went to Mr. Self, a Baptist deacon, and we got consent to have a meeting in the Baptist House next Sunday. We had dinner with Fred Toof. He also wanted us to stay overnight but we refused as we were going to start for Knoxville. We stopped with A. H. Pickens on Stock Creek in the south edge of Knox Co[unty]. We did not have any supper. He treated us kindly. 5 [miles]
Tuesday – 7 [March 1893] Stock Creek. We started out for Knoxville. Got in town about ten o’clock. It is a very busy place. We visited the ice factory, cooper shop and the cemeteries, the National [Cemetery] and the Citizens [Cemetery]. We put up for the night at a private boarding house. 10 [miles]
Wednesday – 8 [March 1893] Knoxville. We went through the iron works. It was very interesting to see the different processes from the pig to the small red. We next went through the marble work, then the furniture house, then a large woolen factory that employs about 500 persons, a great many girls. We started back for Rockford about one o’clock. It rained like everything. We stayed with a man named Wells on the south edge of Knox Co[unty]. We did not get to talk much on the gospel. 9 [miles]
Thursday – 9 [March 1893] Stock Creek. We had a warm talk on the gospel with the family. They spiritualized everything. We got some crackers for dinner. Mr. Toof had us go with him and stay overnight. He treated us kind as usual. 4 [miles]
Friday – 10 [March 1893] Rockford. We went and spoke to James Sarmns (sic) about the Baptist House but he said we could not have it now he promised it, that is [the] deacon Self. We had a long talk on the gospel. He went home to dinner and left us standing. Mr. Ben. F. Anderson invited us to his place for dinner and his wife asked us back. I sent a letter home to the folks. We went southwest of Rockford and canvassed. We stopped with Hugh Taylor. They treated us well. 2 [miles]
Saturday – 11 [March 1893] Rockford. Ate breakfast and started out visiting the different houses. We were talking with Emerson Wrinkle and it started to rain and he had us go into the house and we had dinner with them. We went over the r[ail]r[oad] bridge. Called at the houses on the north side of the river. It rained very hard about 45 minutes. We stopped overnight with Gus. Henry. 3 [miles]
Sunday – 12 [March 1893] Rockford. We ate breakfast and stayed until 11 o’clock and Mr. J. P. T. Self invited us up to dinner, and of course we went. We then went down to the meeting house to see if there would be enough to hold an open air meeting but there was not enough. We went to Herman Toof’s and had a long talk on the gospel, then with Fred Toof and was treated as kind as usual. 1 [mile]
Monday – 13 [March 1893] Rockford. We canvassed most of the houses north of the river with gospel pioneer tracts. We gave 22 tracts. We also visited houses along the r[ail]r[oad]. We took dinner with A. A. Creasman. He is interested in the gospel. We were invited to stop overnight with Jonathan Eagleton, which we gladly accepted. 5 [miles]
Tuesday – 14 [March 1893] Springfield. We started bright and early for Maryville. I got a letter from home, one from Jane Osborn, one [from] A[lma] H[enry] West, one J[oseph] M[orris] Phelps, and one from the office at Chattanooga. All [is] well but Elder [Joseph Morris] Phelps; his health has not been good for two months. We had dinner at the hotel and a wash and change of clothes. I wrote several letters: one to Jane Osborn; Jode Phelps; and Pres[ident Alma Henry] West. We stopped overnight with Mrs. Nichols whose husband was good to us but he died about a week ago. 1,288 miles up to date. 5 [miles]
Wednesday – 15 [March 1893] Two miles out from Maryville. We went over to Jonathan Riddle and had dinner. Then went to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s and was treated as kind as usual. We retired early. 5 [miles]
Thursday – 16 [March 1893] Seaton. It is quite cold this morning. We stayed and spent the forenoon with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White], had dinner, then started over for Millers Cove. Stayed overnight with James Simon and was treated as kind as usual. They made some molasses candy and the dog got away with it. I sang three or four songs. 3 [miles]
Friday – 17 [March 1893] Millers Cove. We went down the cove and left a G[ospel] P[rinciples] tract with all that wanted one. We went to Slim Walker’s place, knocked at the door and they said, “There is no one here.” We then went to the kitchen and knocked and they asked, “What do you want?” I told them, “a book of mine.” Mrs. Walker got it, then we left. Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland asked us to go to the house and he would get his wife, [Sarah Margaret Cauble], to get some dinner for us. It was very kind of him and he would have us stop overnight with him. So we did. I sang two songs alone as Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan had a cold. 4 [miles
Saturday – 18 [March 1893] Millers Cove. It is snowing this morning. We stayed with Mister [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland on account of the snow until about two o’clock. We then went to [David] Granvil[le] Far[r], but he has had enough of the gospel. We stayed overnight with John [Thomas] McNeilly. He treated us very kindly. We read the no. 2 tract. I sang two songs. 1 [miles]
Sunday – 19 [March 1893] Millers Cove. We started for Happy Valley. Mr. John [Thomas McNeilly] McNealey invited us back. We went to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s and was treated as kind as usual. We spent the afternoon and evening in singing and talking. 7 [miles]
Monday – 20 [March 1893] Happy Valley. We spent the forenoon with Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun. I helped him clear off some land. We took dinner. Then went to William Hamilton’s and was kindly treated as usual. Dr. Lawson told them that we have the truth and it strengthened them in the belief that we have the truth. We had a nice time conversing on the gospel. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 21 [March 1893] Abrams Creek. We went to see the old man [Jesse Franklin] Brawner [Sr]. He is dying. He said he had believed as well as he could that they were right. He believes we have the truth. We went over to see Mr. Butler but he was not at home. We had dinner with Dan Ma[illegible]ison. We then went over to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead. We had some talk on the gospel. He believes that they did not always immerse in Bible times. 4 [miles]
Wednesday – 22 [March 1893] Happy Valley. We started out for Mr. Butler’s place about ten o’clock. We had a very warm conversation on the gospel. He is a Quaker. He did not think that Peter and Paul was (sic) commanded by the Savior to baptize the people. We had dinner with him. Then started for Boyd McMurray‘s across the [Little] Tenn[essee] R[iver] in Monroe Co[unty]. We paid ten cents each to be ferried over. He treated [us] very well. We had a nice conversation on the gospel. Some of our elders had been there. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 23 [March 1893] Chilhowee. We went up to [James] David Corrrell‘s. We arrived there a little before noon but they never gave us any dinner. We could see that they were turning against us. We expected that Mr. [James David] Correll came home at night but we found out he was burning a bit of coal. We went away from the house to see the boys load some logs. When we came back we found our grips out doors. So we started off for good. We went to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s and stayed overnight. We were treated kind as usual. We were thunder struck by the actions of Mrs. [Nancy Howington] Correll. Spent the evening as usual in talking. 10 [miles]
Friday – 24 [March 1893] Happy Valley. We arose with the intentions of starting out for Millers Cove but a man Andy McCulley came and I had a long talk with him on the gospel. I read a lecture delivered by Andrew Jens[o]n titled “Was Joseph Smith a Prophet.” After dinner we went on the hill and split fence rails. In the evening I had another conversation on the gospel with them. 1 [miles]
Saturday – 25 [March 1893] Happy Valley. We started for Millers Cove about 8:30. Had dinner at Neuberts Mills’. He invited us back. We visited some houses in the cove that we missed before. We stayed with Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. I took up salvation for the dead and some of the other principles of the gospel. 8 [miles]
Sunday – 26 [March 1893] Millers Cove. We went down the cove to M. A. Stalens and had a long talk on the gospel. He invited us back. We then started out for Seaton after eating dinner with him. We called in to Tobe Gambles to get the “Voice of Warning.” He said he did not believe it. We stayed with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White] and was treated kind as usual. 7 [miles]
Monday – 27 [March 1893] Seaton. About 4 AM we started out from Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s for Maryville to have a bath and change of clothes. I got several letters, one from home, Emma [Susanna Young], Nancy Osborn and Anna Osborn, and A[lma] H[enry] West. He wrote to us (Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and I) and wished us to act as president until Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball chooses one. We had dinner at the hotel. I wrote a letter home, one to David Osborn and one to the office at Chattanooga. I retired at 11 PM after reading and writing. 7 [miles]
Tuesday – 28 [March 1893] Maryville. I spent most of the forenoon reading in the hotel before I start out on our trip. We started [at] 11:30 on the Morganton road. We went to all the houses that were any ways close to the road. We tried four places to get a place to stop overnight. We stayed with D. B. Langford four miles southwest of Maryville. 5 [miles]
Wednesday – 29 [March 1893] Graston. We started out about 8:30 to get a meetinghouse or schoolhouse. We first went to see James Scott, a deacon of the Laurel Bank house. We hunted about two hours but we could not find him. We went back to his house where we left our grips and had dinner. He shortly came home. He refused the house to us. We asked for [the] reason and he said they were prejudiced against us. We then started to find the directors of the schoolhouses. J[ohn] T[yler] Kinnick lives at Clover Hill and he was not at home. We tried five places to get to stay overnight. We then went back to Mr. [John Tyler] Kinnick. We asked him if we could have the houses to hold meetings in as they have four under their control. He gave his consent. We asked if we could stay overnight. He said he did not think he could keep us. But his wife who is afflicted with Rheumatics said, “They are strangers. Let them stay.” I appreciated it. “Bless her heart.” They treated us fine. 12 [miles]
Thursday – 30 [March 1893] Clover Hill. We started across the country to see David Cosner. We called at the house but he was not at home. We then started for Mr. Willocks the other trustee but he was not at home. We had a talk with a big fat fellow and he was very insulting indeed. He said we were impostors and said as much as we told lies. We stopped Mr. Cosner on the road and asked him for the house and he said he would not give his consent. We asked him why and he said there were too many preachers. We were going to explain and he said to his driver, “Go on,” and he went and left us. So we were throwed (sic) out of a house after trying two days. We went to see David Langford to tell him we could not get the houses and he asked us to stay with him, which of course we accepted. We had a talk on the gospel. He invited us back. 9 [miles]
Friday – 31 [March 1893] Graston School. We were invited back when we left. We left a tract with (sic) all along the road. We had dinner with Thomas Russell who was very kind to us. We talked between two and three hours with him. We called at one house and a woman told us, “We have no use for you, just hit the road,” and of course we did. We stopped overnight with W. A. Lane close to Brick Mill. 6 [miles]
Saturday – 1 April 1893 1,387 miles. Brick Mill. Started out about nine o’clock canvassed along the road towards Louden Co[unty]. We went to see Mr. Joseph McCaul, he being one of the school directors for the southwestern part of Blount Co[unty]. We had dinner with him but he refused the schoolhouses. We stayed overnight with S. W. Thompson at Greenback. They treated us kindly as they did the other time. 3 [miles]
Sunday -2 April [1893] Greenback. Mr. Thompson wished us to get the Union Meetinghouse to hold a meeting in tonight. We went to see one of the officers named P. D. Hammondtree but he was not at home. We next went to see Mr. J. T. McCullum. He gave us leave to hold a meeting. Took dinner with him. Went to Sunday School. He asked us back after school. It was given out that we would hold meeting at early lamp light. Mr. McCullum asked us to stay with him until we went off. There was quite a crowd came. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke first. I spoke about one half hour. They kept very good order. He very kindly invited us back. 3 [miles]
Monday – 3 [April 1893] Greenback. We started out 8 AM for Mr. Bly’s place close to Morganton. They treated us kindly and was glad to see us. We spent the day in talking on the gospel. We went to a neighbor’s named Lowry. Spent the evening with Mr. Bly in explaining the gospel. I also read a letter of the late David H. Cannon. A very good one. A very nice day. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 4 [April 1893] Morganton. We started out about 9 AM with a warm invitation to go back. It rained some last night, was a little muddy. We started back for Maryville. We went out of our way to get leave from Davis Miller to hold meeting in the Clover Hill Churchhouse but he was not at home. We tried to get a place to stay overnight. He asked us what ministers we were. Then he said, “No, I will not keep you.” Another fellow told us that he was boarding with a widow but we found out later he was lying as he had a home. We tried six places before we could get to stay. We at last got to stay with Bert Carver. Although poor, he was kind. 12 [miles]
Wednesday – 5 [April 1893] Clover Hill. Left Mr. Carver’s for Maryville at 7 AM. We stopped at Mr. David Weir’s and got consent from him to hold a meeting in the Clover Hill House but we have not seen the other one yet. I got a letter from home stating all [are] well, one from Jane Osborn saying they were quite well and one from A[lma] H[enry] West telling how happy he was now he had got home. We had dinner at Peter Wallser’s. It rained and [I] wrote a letter to A[lma] H[enry] West. We then went past Clark Wilder’s place and their grandson said we could stay overnight but we found out after that we could not. We stayed with Richard Chandler at Peppermint. They treated us kind as usual. 11 [miles]
Thursday – 6 [April 1893] Peppermint. We started out about 8:30 this morning. We went to Maryville, then started west for [illegible]. We called on Jasmes Whalen one mile from Maryville. He is investigating thoroughly. I read two sermons, one by George Teasdale, the sub[ject] First Principles of the Gospel and one from Brigham Young. He invited us back. We went to four new houses and two [they] refused tracts. We went to F. M. Brown’s place and at Long Hollow. He and wife were away from home and the boys were in bed but they got up and gave us some supper. They treated us kindly. 10 [miles]
Friday – 7 [April 1893] Long Hollow. We started out at 8:30 to get the Thompsons Chapel. The men who had it in charge were Samuel Thompson, James Curtis and Lem Talent. All gave their consent. We had dinner with John S. Smith. He invited us back. We stopped overnight with Charley Johnson. They were kind to us and played some nice music. 8 [miles] We decided to quit using pork.
Saturday – 8 [April 1893] We started out about 9 AM to tell the people about the meeting. Canvassed over some new country around the chapel. We went about noon and swept the floor. Then we went to William A. Craig and had dinner. They are friendly to us. We were treated very shabbily this afternoon by about half of the people. We went to G[randison] G[landore] O’Connor and he kept us but he did not like to. He was the one who treated us so well before and he has got enough of our doctrine. He could not endorse the “Voice of Warning.” 10 [miles]
Sunday – 9 [April 1893] Middle Settlement. We started out about eight o’clock for the Thompsons Chapel to hold meeting at 11 AM. There were 50 present. I spoke first, one hour on the First Principles [of The Gospel]. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan followed about twenty minutes. We gave out to have another[at] about 3:30 PM. James Curtis asked us to go and have some dinner with him, which we accepted. We went back to S[unday] School. We opened meeting [at] about 3:30. There were 30 present. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke 40 minutes on the organization of the Church. I spoke a short time on the personality of God. After meeting, the old man Curtis came and shook hands with us and said he liked our doctrine. Samuel Thompson came and invited us to stay with him for which we were thankful. William Craig told us to come to his place anytime. The old gentleman Langford liked our doctrine. 3 [miles]
Monday – 10 [April 1893] Long Hollow. We started out about 9 AM for Miser. Canvassed along the road. We tried to get the schoolhouse but Mr. Dal Miser refused it. We had dinner with Aaron Dunslap. I sent off two letters, one to the Seventies Quorum and one to Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball. We canvassed a good part of Miser. Stopped with Andy French who treated us very well. 4 [miles]
Tuesday – 11 [April 1893] Miser. We visited the marble quarries. Then we started to canvassing. About two-thirds refused a tract. We went to the store. We talked some to some men. One man came out and asked us to go and see him. His name is John Flannigan. We went to two houses where they would not come to the door. Another a young man said he would go and tell the lady, and they just left us standing there, so we left. We had dinner with V[aughn] B[elmont] Mil[li]gan. We stayed overnight with Richard Phelps in Middle Settlements. 4 [miles]
Wednesday – 12 [April 1893] Middle Settlements. We started out about 7 AM for Maryville. We canvassed along the road. More than half of the people refused a tract, the second one. We ate dinner with Elizabeth Logan. We were kindly invited back. We arrived in Maryville [at] 2 PM. I got a letter from Len Bird, a little fellow about six or seven. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan was appointed to succeed Pres[ident] [Alma Henry] West as president of this, the East Tennessee Conference. We started out north of town to apply for a house to hold a meeting in. We stayed overnight with Samuel Thompson two miles north of Maryville. 8 [miles
Thursday – 13 [April 1893] Maryville P. O. It is raining like everything. We are waiting for it to stop. It stopped so we started out about 9 AM. We went over to Mr. Mitchell to see who has charge of the Mt. Lebanon Church. He did not believe we could get it. We had about two-hours talk on the gospel. We had dinner with John Hutchins. We also had a nice conversation with Washington Lawson from Rockford. About half of the people refused a tract. They are quite bitter in this part. We stayed with a Scotchman named Samuel Clark. He was kind to us. We had a nice chat on the gospel. We removed a great deal of prejudice from his mind. 3 [miles]
Friday – 14 [April 1893] Maryville P. O. We started out about 7 AM. We went to Clark’s Graveyard with Mr. Clark to see the deacons of that church, also Mt. Lebanon as they were working on a fence. We were treated very shabbily. We were refused the house and nearly all refused a tract. We tried one man, Clark by name, and he said, “No Sir.” We called on a Miss Clemens from Logan, Utah. She was glad to see us. She is a Presbyterian. We did not get any dinner. We called at one place and asked to stop overnight. He told us we could for 50 cents but of course we had to go on. We stayed with George Edina on Little River. They treated us well. 7 [miles]
Saturday – 15 [April 1893] Little River. We started out canvassing down the river. We had dinner with James [Dedrick] Harris on the river. We asked [Richard] Granville D[e] Armon[d] for the use of the schoolhouses in their district. He said he would ask the others. We had quite a time to get a place to stay. We were going through there and we suddenly came to Crooked Creek. We stayed with Granville Seaton on Crooked Creek. 9 [miles] We visited 15 houses, gave 11 tracts. Total 1,485 miles.
Sunday – 16 [April 1893] No time. We started out about 9 AM. We went in the Peppermint Schoolhouse and I wrote two letters, one to Sister Osborn and one to Len Bird. We canvassed a little. We found another honest seeker after the truth, J. C. Houser, with whom we had dinner. We visited 7 houses and gave out six tracts. We stayed overnight with S. Fl[illegible]wain, with whom we stayed with before. He was kind as usual. 5 [miles]
Monday – 17 [April 1893] Springfield. We started out about 8 AM. We canvassed at two houses and left one tract. We arrived in Maryville about 9:30. I had a bath. Received two letters, one from Maggie [Frazer Young] written at Salt Lake [City] stating all [is] well. She had been tending to David [Robert Young], my boy. We had dinner with Peter Wallser. I got one from J. G[olden] Kimball. I wrote a letter to the folks at home. We stayed with James Whalen in Maryville. 3 [miles]
Tuesday – 18 [April 1893] Maryville. We started for Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s about 9 AM. Had dinner with [Jacob] Thomas Riddle. We then went on. Arrived at Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s about 4 PM. I cleaned my clothes. I spent a good part of the time in reading a book pub[lished] by Ben. E[rastus] Rich, [titled] “That Mormon.” 8 [miles]
Wednesday – 19 [April 1893] Seaton. We stayed at Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s until after noon, then started out on a canvassing trip in the east end of Millers Cove. We went to seven places and gave out six tracts. One lady, when she saw us coming, went in and shut the door and would not talk. We stayed with Aaron Burns, one of the trustees of the meeting house. He was not willing for us to hold a meeting so we had to give it up. 6 [miles]
Thursday – 20 [April 1893] Millers Cove. We called at a widow’s named [Susan] Jane Waters. She was glad to see us. We had dinner with her and talked until 2 PM. She invited us back. We stopped with her brother James T. Walker. He is also a Christian. He is very much interested. We left the “Voice of Warning” with him. We were treated very well by all in the eastern end. Then spent the evening in conversing on the gospel.
Friday – 21 [April 1893] Millers Cove. Mr. [James T.] Walker insisted on us staying until after dinner, which we did. They cordially invited us to come back. We crossed the Little River on a skiff and went over in the other end of the cove and stayed with Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. He treated us kind as usual. We visited three houses today. 3 [miles]
Saturday – 22 [April 1893] Millers Cove. Mr. [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland asked us to stay until afternoon, then he would go about six miles to see [William] Charley Garland, which we agreed to do. He lives up in the mountain about three miles east of the Cove Road. Mr. [William Charley] Garland is interested in our doctrine. We had quite a conversation on the gospel. We had dinner with Mrs. Samons. 7 [miles]
Sunday – 23 [April 1893] We stayed until after dinner. I read a sermon by G. I. Cannon. We had a very nice time talking on the gospel. They were very kind to us and asked us to come and stay a week with them. We arrived at Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s about 3 P.M. and was treated as kind as usual. We talked until 10:30 PM. James. Brawner said he would give out that we would hold a meeting in William Hamilton’s house tomorrow night. 6 [miles]
Monday – 24 [April 1893] Happy Valley. I went over to Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun‘s farm and helped plant some corn and potatoes. After dinner we started for the P. O. but I got no mail except two papers from M. J. Richards. We then started for Will Hamilton’s to hold meeting. They were glad to see us. There were about twenty at meeting. I spoke first about one hour on the First Prin[ciples] of the Gospel. After meeting we conversed until after twelve o’clock on future punishment and baptism for the dead. I enjoyed myself very well indeed. 6 [miles]
Tuesday – 25 [April 1893] Abrams Creek. We spent the forenoon in sitting around. Brawner was there and talked to us. I had quite a chat with him. We had dinner then started for Thomas Hearn [Hearon] around by the Rasar P. O. We spent the evening in reading the dedicatory prayer. We retired early. 3 [miles]
Wednesday – 26 [April 1893] Rasar. We spent the forenoon with Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn. I was helping to tie a quilt. We then went over to Nick [Nicodemus] Blevins to spend the night. We talked some on the gospel. It rained very hard. 1 [mile]
Thursday – 27 [April 1893] Abrams Creek. We arose quite early. I went down to the creek fishing but I got no bite as usual. We then started out for Cades Cove about 9 AM. We had dinner in the mountains about half way with I. J. Whitehead. He invited us back. We stayed with John Anthony in the eastern part of the cove. We went to see [William] Andy [J.] Gregory but he was not at home. He is one of the school trustees. 12 [miles]
Friday – 28 [April 1893] Cades Cove. We started out about 7 AM to apply for the schoolhouses. [William] Andy [J.] Gregory, being one of the trustees, we asked him but he refused us. He said his friends had been good to him and they did not want us to hold meeting. We had quite a talk with him but he is very ignorant. We had a long talk and dinner with Samuel [Joshua] Roberts. He also was very unreasonable on the Bible. We told him the Savior preached to the spirits in prison. He said we had better not preach such doctrine if it was true. We had a long talk with Robert Flowers, then went over to William Blair’s in Spruce Flats. 4 [miles]
Saturday – 29 [April 1893] Spruce Flats. We spent the forenoon with Mr. Blair looking around his orchard and sitting in the shade. Had dinner, then bid adieu to them. He invited us back. We went to the other houses in that place, then went up to a saw mill in the east end of Cades Cove and left two tracts. We stayed overnight with Lazarus Anthony. He was kind to us but he does not care for the gospel. 5 [miles]
Sunday – 30 [April 1893] Cades Cove. We left Mr. [Lazarus] Anthony‘s place about 10 AM. He invited us back. We had dinner with Ike [Isaac] Tipton, then started down the cove. We had a bath in Abrams Creek. We stayed with [Jasper] Alex[ander] Wilson in the western end of the cove. Spent the evening in talking and singing. 5 [miles]
Monday – 1 [May 1893] Cades Cove. Total 1,563 [miles] Mr. [Jasper Alexander] Wilson kindly invited us back. We started out about 7 AM. for Caziers Valley (sic) intending to get there today. We took dinner with G[eorge] W. Powell. Started on our journey about 12:30 PM. The latter part of the road was very fine, a turnpike along the mountain. We took the wrong road and passed Cazier Valley and stayed with Pheasant Henry on the [Little] Tenn[essee] River. They treated us very kindly. It rained very hard and we were out in it. 15 [miles]
Tuesday – 2 [May 1893] Harden Farm. Oh, how it rained today. We left Mr. Henry’s about 10 AM. She invited us back. We went over into Cachers Valley and visited all the houses. We got through about 4 P.M. We got to talking with R. A. Williams, a Quaker Preacher. He was very kind to us. I had a very nice time with him. He was at first quite bitter but he cooled down. We retired about 10 PM. 9 [miles]
Wednesday – 3 [May 1893] Chilhowee. (We visited 8 houses) When we arose it was raining hard this morning. We started out about ten o’clock to over the creek, that is Abrams, but the water was so high it washed the bridge away while we were looking at it and we could not get over. We did not know what to do. We went back to the ferry but we could not cross there. We then decided to go up to James Correll’s and we found the bridges were washed away on the train road and we tried to go over the hills to his place but we lost the road. We got back to the river and we got to stay with Jason Culverson, an old man. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 4 [May 1893] Chilhowee. We started out bright and early about 7 AM, intending to go to Andy Frits. I asked a young fellow if he would take us across the creek in a boat and he said, “I will for the money.” We told him all right. We paid him ten cents. We stopped at the shoe shop about three hours and got our shoes fixed. We arrived at Mr. Frits’ about 4 PM and was treated kind as ever. 9 [miles]
Friday – 5 [May 1893] Alleghany Springs. We resumed our journey about 9 AM. We canvassed along the road. We had dinner with James McCall. I did not take any breakfast as it was fast day and we forgot it yesterday. We got consent from Isaac [T.] Rasar to hold a meeting next Sunday in a house close to the Ellsworth P.O. The place is called Christy Hill. We met up today with some Christians. They are generally kind to us. We stayed overnight with John [Spencer] Holder. They were extra kind to us. We gave out 16 tracts two refused. 7 [miles]
Saturday – 6 [May 1893] Near Ellsworth. We started canvassing as usual and telling them about the meeting. We went to see John Blevins but he was gone to Knoxville, so we went to Wal. Raulson’s at Mount Vale (sic) and was treated very kind. Went to bed early. 6 [miles]
Sunday – 7 [May 1893] Mont Vale (sic). We left Mr. Raulson’s about 9 AM to hold the meeting. There were about 25 present. I took charge. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke first about 30 min[utes], then I followed on baptism and church organization for about 40 minutes. After meeting, I. W. Taylor invited us home to dinner. We had a nice time and he invited us back. We started out about 2 o’clock intending to go part way to Maryville. We went to see William Brickey but his wife was unwell, so we did not stay with them. We stayed with A. J. Brewer three miles south of Maryville. We bore our testimony to them. 10 [miles]
Monday – 8 [May 1893] Maryville. We were anxious to get the mail so we started out early for town. Arrived there about 8 o’clock. I got a letter from Isabel[la Mary Young] stating all well, one from David and another from Sister Osborn. All as well as common at home. We had a bath and dinner with Peter Wallser. Left town about six o’clock to find a place to stay. We first went to James Graston’s, a friend, but he was not going to be at home as he was gone to meeting. We tried several other places but were turned away. It was raining some and very muddy. We called at John Smith’s after they were in bed about 7:30 and they got up and let us in and treated us very well. I wrote a letter to sister, Isabel[la Mary Young]. 7 [miles]
Tuesday – 9 [May 1893] Tabor. We went back through town this morning as we had to go that way to go to Liberty as we were going to canvass around that house. We spent the night with [James] Harvey Ar[ro]wood four miles south of town. He was acquainted with some of our elders as he heard them have a discussion in Cocke Co[unty]. I explained the gospel to them. They are very much interested. 6 [miles]
Wednesday – 10 [May 1893] Maryville. We spent the day in trying to get the Forest Hill Churchhouse. W. C. Boyd gave his consent but Isaac Connel was not willing. We had dinner with S. W. Fuller about 2 o’clock. He also invited us back. We called on one young man and he got a lot of books when we talked a little while. He got mad and turned us off. We gave out 15 tracts and 3 refused. We stayed with Spence Walker, who was kind to us. He lives about [illegible] mi[les] from Maryville. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 11 [May 1893] Montvale. We were told that the Baptists were going to hold Sacrament Meeting close to where we were going to hold ours and at the same hour. We decided to change the time until 3 o’clock PM, so we went to see Mr. Raulson about it. He said it was alright. We had dinner with them and then went over to the meeting house and cleaned it out. Then started north canvassing and telling people about the meeting. We stayed with Isaac Russell close to the Piney Grove Meetinghouse. We spent the evening in talking and singing. 6 [miles]
Friday – 12 [May 1893] Block House. It was raining this morning and we started out. We went past a house where four idiots lives. They came out and jabbered to us like Chinamen but a man was with us that knew them. Their mother was never married. We had dinner with [James] Harvey Ar[ro]wood. Then started canvassing. We put up with John Blevins who treated us fine. We had a nice conversation on the gospel. 8 [miles]
Saturday – 13 [May 1893] Six Mile. It is a very nice day. We went south along the road canvassing and telling the people about the meeting. Matt. Blevins asked us to hold some meetings in the Christy Hill Church. We asked 5 places before we got in. We stayed with John Thompson close to the Black Sulphur Springs. 6 [miles]
Sunday – 14 [May 1893] We went to the Baptist Sacrament Meeting this morning. At noon we went to the meetinghouse and went to writing letters. We held meeting at three o’clock. I spoke 65 minutes on the Principles of the Gospel. There were about 60 persons at meeting. After meeting we went home with Wal Raulson. We had a long talk with preacher Duncan. He is a Christian preacher. We had a long argument. 3 [miles]
Monday – 15 [May 1893] Montvale. We stayed with Mr. Raulson until after dinner and I had a talk with them on the resurrection. It rained nearly all day. We started for Maryville and canvassed a little along the road. We tried 11 places but were turned away and finally had to sleep in a barn. 7 [miles] Total 1,678 [miles]
Tuesday – 16 [May 1893] Maryville barn. We arose about 4 AM before the people would come out in the barn. We then went along the r[ail]r[oad], about a mile and a half and brushed our clothes and shoes. We went back to Maryville about 7 AM. I rec[eive]d one letter from Maggie [Frazer Young] and one from Heber Perry. All well. We got some crackers for dinner as we had no supper or breakfast. We started out for Millers Cove intending to stop with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White] tonight, which we did. I caught cold last night. 10 [miles]
Wednesday – 17 [May 1893] Seaton. We spent the forenoon with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. In the afternoon, [in] Millers Cove, and stayed with Ja[me]s [T.] Walker, and was (sic) as ever. I still have a cold. 5 [miles]
Thursday – 18 [May 1893] Millers Cove. We spent the forenoon with Mr. [James T.] Walker. Got consent from James Waters to hold a meeting in the schoolhouse. We also got consent from three out of four trustees to hold meeting in the church. We will see J. A. Burns as he is the other. We spent the night with Adam [Fagala] Waters. They treated us very well. He is a nice old man. We gave out some tracts. 2 [miles]
Friday – 19 [May 1893] Millers Cove. Mr. [Adam Fagala] Waters kindly invited us back. We went to the upper end of the cove. All took a tract [illegible] Pioneer but Aaron Burns. We talked about two hours with Louis Husley and another man, and we had dinner with the former. We got the key for the schoolhouse. We stayed overnight with Houston Walker one of the trustees. We spent the evening with them in conversation on the gospel and our country. 4 [miles]
Saturday – 20 [May 1893] Millers Cove. We went over and swept out the school house. Started over in the other end of the cove over the river. A little fellow charged us ten cents for the boat to go over with [him]. We called on our old friends Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland and Mr. [illegible]. Joe [John Calvin (JC) Garland] was going off. We went over on the creek and stayed with Houston Hicks. He was quite brisk at first but he soon caved in. He was terribly whipped. 4 [miles]
Sunday – 21 [May 1893] Millers Cove. We started for the schoolhouse about 8 o’clock. I waded the Little River. There were about 50 persons at the meeting. The people liked it very well. After meeting we went to dinner with James [T.] Walker. After I went to the Baptist meeting with Mr. [James T.] Walker‘s family. The minister told Mr. [James T.] Walker he had no use for the Mormons. His name is Coalter. 4 [miles]
Monday – 22 [May 1893] Millers Cove. We started out for Maryville about 9 AM intending to stop tonight with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. We had a swim in [the] Little River. I had to help Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan out of a deep place or he might have drowned. Found all well at Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s. 5 [miles]
Tuesday – 23 [May 1893] Seaton. Left Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s about 8 AM for Maryville. I got two letters, one from Anna Osborn stating that David [Robert Young], my baby, was unwell with a fever. I got one from Elder [Lewis Alma] Adams. We had a bath and change of clothes. I sent a letter to T[homas] C[unningham] Young and one to Jane Osborn. We started out north of town to find a place to stop but we were refused and we had to sleep in a schoolhouse. I spent a very miserable night. 12 [miles]
Wednesday – 24 [May 1893] Peppermint. We started out very sleepy and went to a man’s place, J. C. Houser by name, and asked for breakfast but he refused, so we had to wait until dinner. We had dinner with Granvil[le] DeArmon[d]‘s. We spent the day in canvassing and we had a sleep in the road and spent the night with James M[adison] Harris, who was kind to us. 4 [miles]
Thursday – 25 [May 1893] Close to Peppermint. We went canvassing along the river. We had dinner with Mrs. M. Singleton. We went to Mr. G[ranville] DeArm[o]n[d]‘s to see if we could use the schoolhouse but the others were not willing. We then started for Maryville to meet the elders but they did not come. I had a glass of milk shake. We then started out of town to stay overnight with [James] Harvey Ar[ro]wood but he had company. We had a terrible time getting a place to stop. We got in at last by hard [illegible]ing with George Watkins two miles south of Maryville. We got almost discouraged. 12 [miles]
Friday – 26 [May 1893] We spent the day and night at [James] Harvey Arrowood‘s. He was not at home in the day but came in the evening just as we were going to fix a bed in the barn and he took us in the house. Talked some on the gospel. 2 [miles]
Saturday – 27 [May 1893] We went into Maryville to see if the elders had come but they had not. Got some crackers and a pineapple for dinner. We stopped overnight with James Whalen. He was kind to us. 3 [miles]
Sunday – 28 [May 1893] Maryville. Got a horse and cart and went over to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s to get Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan‘s valise. Stayed over night with them. 1 [mile]
Monday – 29 [May 1893] Seaton. Started back for Maryville to see if the elder had got in. It rained very hard last night. He did not come so we went down to James Langford’s as I will go down to McGhee [Station] to see Elders [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy and [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y. Had crackers for dinner. 6 [miles]
Tuesday – 30 [May 1893] Morganton Road. Started out about 6:30, Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan [and] me. Arrived at William. Bly’s about noon kindly. I read a sermon on miracles [of the] Latter-day Saints. Also talked with them on the gospel. Mr. Bly believes what we told him. 14 [miles]
Wednesday – 31 [May 1893] Morganton. Went over to McGhee [Station] to meet the elders but they did not come. I waited from 8 AM until 3 PM. I had a long talk with the Agt. C. E. Pyron [who] I also had dinner with. Started back for Maryville. Stopped with J. C. McCullum. They were glad to see me. 3 [miles] Total 1,469 (sic) 1,769 [miles]
Thursday – 1 June [1893] Greenback. I started for town about 6 AM. Had dinner at James Whalen’s. I rec[eive]d a letter from Isabel[la Mary Young] stating all [is] well, one from Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and one from Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball with 2.00 in it. I met my new companion Elder Thomas Hickens of Heber City. I wrote three letters: one to J. G[olden] Kimball; Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan; and one to Elder [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy. I bought a straw hat and got my pants dyed, then started out of town for [Jacob] Thomas Riddle‘s. Was treated well. It rained hard to day. 18 [miles]
Saturday – 2 [June 1893] Went over to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s and had dinner, then started for Millers Cove over the mountain. Stayed with Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland and treated kindly. It rained today. 3 [miles]
Saturday – 3 [June 1893] Millers Cove. Started for Happy Valley about 8 AM. Had a bath and dinner with Greene[berry Young] Buchannan. Left the B[oo]k of M[ormon] with him. Stayed with Thomas Heron and was treated kind as usual. 8 [miles]
Sunday – 4 [June 1893] Happy Valley. Went up on top of the Look Rock. Duncan, the Christian preacher, held meeting. He gave us several thrusts. After meeting we got to talking with and we had it up and down three or four ministers and most of the crowd against us. One minister commanded me to give him the Holy Ghost. He said I will get down on my knees. Then he offered to by (sic) it. I of course told him that was the way Simon the Sorcerer did [it]. We had a terrible time. I went back down to Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun‘s and had dinner and a nice talk with them. He is on our side all the time. 4 [miles]
Monday – 5 [June 1893] Happy Valley. Talked with the folks until after dinner. Then started for Will Hamilton’s. Had a bath in Abrams Creek. Arrived at Mr. [Will] Hamilton’s about six o’clock. We had a heated time on the gospel with them. Talked until about ten. It rained very hard off and on last week. 7 [miles]
Tuesday – 6 [June 1893] Abrams Creek. It rained again this morning. We left Mr. [Will] Hamilton’s at ten, I guess nearly for good, as they have had a good ch[illegible] and the least thing turns them. We stayed with Andy [Jackson] Whitehead. Spent the PM and evening with them. 2 [miles]
Wednesday – 7 [June 1893] H[appy] Valley. Stayed with them until after dinner. Went over to the P. O. but no mail came as the creek was up and they did not take the mail. We arrived at Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Haroun‘s about six o’clock. We held a meeting but there were only about 15 present. Elder [Thomas] Hicken spoke first about fifteen minutes and I followed fifty minutes. 5 [miles]
Thursday – 8 [June 1893] H[appy] Valley. It is a beautiful day. We started over to Enock Blevins. Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn went part way with us. He almost shed tears when we left. We went fishing but as usual I had not much. We caught seven but I only one of them. Mr. Blevins got an eel 35-inches long. It was good. 2 [miles]
Friday – 9 [June 1893] Started for Millers Cove after a kind invitation back. We took a bath in the Little River and changed clothes, then went over to James [T.] Walker‘s and were treated kindly. Spent the night with them. 10 [miles]
Saturday – 10 [June 1893] Millers Cove. Started for the P. O. and got consent to hold a meeting schoolhouse. I got letters from G[eorge] A[alma] Smith and Mary, one stating all well in Montpelier. I wrote letters [to George] A[lma] Smith, J[edediah Grant] Shumway. Had dinner with Adam [Fagala] Waters. Overnight with Widow [Susan Jane] Waters. Spent the day in conversation. 3 [miles]
Sunday – 11 [June 1893] Millers Cove. Went down to the Methodist meeting. After meeting, Adam [Fagala] Waters asked us to go and have dinner with him but I was not very well so I stayed to the schoolhouse. Elder [Thomas] Hicken went with him. We had a very good turn out at meeting. I did the preaching about an hour. Jeff Waters took us home with him. The remainder of my mission is continued in book No. 2. So Adieu. 4 [miles] Total miles traveled until date 1,835
[Monday] – 12 June 1893 Millers Cove. We (that is Elder Thomas Hicken and I) had a talk with a Mr. Murphy. He wants to hear the truth. Had dinner with Ja[me]s [T.] Walker, then over to the P. O. and stayed overnight with Waters. I rec[eive]d a letter from Nancy Osborn stating all [is] well. I wrote to Anna Osborn. 5 [miles]
Tuesday – 13 [June 1893] Millers Cove. Started out for Tuckaleechee Cove. Arrived about 10 AM. Started to canvas. This cove is about seven miles long and the Little River runs through it. Had dinner with John Hodge. Gave out 11 tracts. Stayed with Jos[eph] E. Scott. He was kind to us. 8 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 14 [June 1893] Tuckaleechee Cove. Started out about 7 AM canvassing through the cove. Henry Webb refused, the S[outhern] Methodist, and Mr. King refused, the Baptist missionary. We gave out 20 tracts. I was tired. Stayed with John Myers. 8 [miles]
Thurs[day] – 15 [June 1893] I wrote a letter to the office. Started canvassing. Asked Preacher Brickey for the Baptist House but we could not get it. Had dinner with Jonathan Myers, a cousin of the one we stayed with last night. About four persons refused tracts. Finished with the north side of the river, crossed and stayed over night with D.H. Myers, who was kind to us. 10 [miles]
Fri[day] – 16 [June 1893] Started to work as usual. We tried to get the schoolhouses but Samuel Farmer refused. We had dinner with William Myers. John Emmet refused the M[ethodist] E[piscopal] Church which the other three gave us permission. So we have been refused [at] all the houses to hold meetings. Gave out 20 tracts. Stayed overnight with Joel Walker. 8 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 17 [June 1893] To Millers Cove. Started out about 9 AM. Had dinner with Joseph [illegible] and kindly treated by them. We finished the cove. Started back for Millers Cove. About 4 PM forded the river and I slipped and got my grip wet. Stayed with James [T.] Walker. Treated kind as usual. 12 [miles]
Sun[day] – 18 [June 1893] Spent the day with them. I wrote four letters: Maggie [Frazer] Young, T[homas] W[atts] Sloan, Andrew [D.] Helm and L[orenzo] W[esley] Roundy. Spent the day in talking on different topics. It rained some.
Mon[day] – 19 [June 1893] Strolled up to Robert Davis. Had dinner with them. Then went over to the P.O. I got three letters: one from T[homas] C[unningham] Young; J. G[olden] Kimball; [Joseph Cross] Orme; and Elder [William Lehi] Hayes. All well but report rather hard times in their fields. Stayed with Robert Davis. 2 [miles]
Tues[day] -20 [June 1893] To Seaton. Started for Maryville intending to stay with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. Had dinner with Joe Miller at Melrose Springs. His mother said she would not join our church if Jesus would tell her we are right. Had a nice conversation with them. Arrived at Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s about 2:30 o’clock. I wrote a letter to J. G[olden] Kimball. 6 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 21 [June 1893] To Maryville. Long Hollow. Started for Maryville. Arrived about 9 AM. I got a pair of shoes, got my coat bound etc. Rec[eive]d letter from Elder [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y stating they could make no opening in M[illegible] Co[unty]. Our mail was forwarded to Waters so we will not get it until next week. Got a letter from Elder [Jedediah Grant] Shumway and another from Elder [Joseph Scott] Orme stating they were well. Started west to Long Hollow with William Anderson. Sang some hymns etc. 13 [miles]
Thurs[day] – 22 [June 1893] To Clover Hill. Started out canvassing. Found very few who wanted a tract. Had dinner with Mack Simmons. It rained very hard. Started for Clover Hill. Only gave two tracts. We stayed with Isaac Dennis. Had a long conversation with him on the gospel. 8 [miles]
Fri[day] – 23 [June 1893] To Brick Hill. Went on as usual. Had a long talk with R.S. Jenkins, a Baptist Preacher. Canvassed the Brick Hill. Stopped overnight with Jack Bly. 6 [mile]
Sat[urday] – 24 [June 1893] Alleghany Springs. Called on the school trustees for the schoolhouses, but we were refused [by] them. I saw a boy yesterday eleven years old who weighs 112 pounds. Started for Alleghany. Stopped with Andy Frits. 5 [miles]
Sun[day] – 25 [June 1893] Although it was Sunday we started canvassing. Started for Maryville. Had dinner with A. J. Bess at Carpenters Campground. Called on a good many houses. Stayed with [James] Harvey Ar[ro]wood. 11 [miles]
Mon[day] – 26 [June 1893] To Maryville. Started out about 6 AM. Rec[eive]d letter and coat and vest from office at Chattanooga. We had a bath and change of clothes. Had dinner with Peter Walker. We was in Maryville until 5 o’clock for mail but no more came. I wrote three letters [to]: T[homas] C[unningham] Young; L[orenzo] W[esley] Roundy; and Andrew [D.] Helm – two Elders in this field, [the East Tennessee Conference]. We went west from Maryville canvassing. Stopped with Cha[rle]s [Erwin] Ellis two miles out from town. They were kind. 6 [miles]
Tues[day] – 27 [June 1893] To Louisville. Mrs. [Della McConnell] Ellis kindly invited us back. Started to visiting the houses. We were coldly treated in several places. Had dinner with S. S. George. Had a nice conversation with T. J. Underwood. Also had a sharp talk with a young lady, a good many refused tracts. 6 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 28 [June 1893] Stayed with R. P. Settlemire on the Holston River. We went this morning and had a long talk with a Mr. Potter. Very bitter. Asked Mr. H. J. Cox for the Presbyterian Church but he refused. Went to the preacher named Ferris of the Methodist Church and he said, “What do you want!” I asked him if he was willing for us to hold meeting in the church. He said, “No!” And the community were not willing. We struck some hard formation. One fellow told us some stories of the organization of our church. Louisville has about 73 families, 1/4 colored. Got through and started west. Stayed with George Morton 3 miles west of Louisville. 6 [miles]
Thurs[day] – 29 [June 1893] Resumed our journey this morning. Visited all the houses along the Tenn[essee] River. Had dinner with William Bowman on a bend of the river. Stayed over night in a peninsula of the river with George Iveener. 8 [miles]
Fri[day] – 30 [June 1893] Commenced canvassing at 7:15 AM. There is very beautiful scenery along the bluffs of the river. We canvassed along the river. Called on James Peter who was at our meeting in Miser Station. He invited us back to stay with him overnight some time. He liked our doctrine. We stayed overnight with Joseph Parks on the banks of the [Little] Tenn[essee] River. It is a fine view. We had a nice boat ride on the river. 10 [miles] Total 1,967 miles. Disco (sic)
Sat[urday] – July [1893] Went down to the river and had a nice bath and boat ride. We started out about 10 AM. Had dinner with Samuel Greer. I wrote a letter to Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball. The rain poured down in torrents for a while. We went to the southwest line of Blount then started back. Stayed with John Donaldson who treated us very kind. They played on the violin and piano. I enjoyed it immensely. 6 [miles]
Sun[day] – 2 [July 1893] We stayed with them until about 9 AM, then started to canvas. Although it was Sunday we had to go. We had dinner with J. D. Morton. We finished all houses between the r[ail]r[oad] and the river up as far as Louisville. We had a long and sharp conversation with a fellow just out of Lousville. We stayed at the house of William Prater with John Wheeler, a young fellow working for him. In the morning a negro cooked for us. The boy asked us back. 8 [miles]
Mon[day] – 3 [July 1893] To Maryville. Resumed our work about 7 AM. We offered a tract to Amos McCalahan. He said, “Take it away and don’t go to my house.” I asked him where it was and he told us. We had dinner with Harvey Godard and a nice conversation with him. Went through the different roads to find all of the people and we ran unawares upon the before mentioned man and his house. We did not know the place so he turned us off in great shape. Walked over to a Mr. Godfrey’s and the woman asked us to stay overnight and we of course consented. Soon her husband told her he was going off so we had to go on. Tried several places. At last got in with Alex Kidd on the r[ail]r[oad] line. 10 [miles]
Tues[day] – 4 [July 1893] Maryville. Left Mr. Kidd’s about 7 AM for Maryville. Got letters from the following persons: Maggie [Frazer] Young; Jane Osborn; Abbie Bird; [and] J. G[olden] Kimball, who said we could give out the no. 2 tract; [and] one each from: Elders [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy; [William Lehi] Hayes; and [Andrew D.] Helm – reporting all [is] well. Spent the day at Mr. Walker’s in writing, reading and having a bath. Maryville had a celebration but we did not participate. I wrote letters to Isabel[la Mary Young], Jane and Nancy Osborn. Stayed overnight at the Central Hotel. 2 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 5 [July 1893] Piney Grove. Rec[eive]d letter from J. G[olden] Kimball this morning. Started out for Piney Grove to get the meeting house which we got. Visited the people along the road. Had dinner with Mrs. John A[lexander] Russell, [Hester Ann Campbell]. Stayed overnight with William [Carter] Grindstaff. They treated us kindly. 6 [miles]
Thurs[day] – 6 [July 1893] This being fast day we went without breakfast. Went up in the woods and had prayer, sang and read from the Bible. Had dinner with Henry Arwood. Went to the Blockhouse P. O. I wrote three letters, one to each pair of elders and a card to Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan. Started canvassing. Called at a man named Bell and he ordered us off his premises. We stayed with Wal Raulson. 5 [miles]
Fri[day] – 7 [July 1893] To Carpenters Campground. It is very warm again this morning. Went over to Carpenters Campground and left tracts with the people. We met up with George Stone, a Methodist Minister, and had a long talk with him. He said that God has no body. He refused to keep us overnight. Also had a long talk with an old Quaker preacher. They do not believe any of [the] ordinances are needed. It rained very hard. Refused [at] 8 places. Stayed in McMillan’s barn after a light lunch of bread and butter. 7 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 8 [July 1893] To Piney Grove. Arose this morning and shook ourselves and started out without breakfast as he did not offer us any. Had breakfast with Thomas Walker on Montvale and Maryville Road. Had dinner with Charlie Bess. The rain poured down in torrents. We asked for a night’s lodgings but were refused in several places. We started back for Piney. Stayed overnight with Isaac Russe[l]l. It was hard walking today. 7 [miles]
Sun[day] – 9 [July 1893] 27 meetings up till date. To Seaton. Went over to the house to hold meeting. Just before we started meeting we were surprised to see Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan come in. There were only about 30 present. Elder [Thomas] Hicken spoke first, Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan second and I spoke last on the mode of baptism and the Church Organization. We had dinner with Henry Arwood. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan brought instructions to the effect that we are not to labor canvassing during July and August. Went over to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s. 5 [miles]
Mon[day] – 10 [July 1893] To Maryville. I rec[eive]d a letter from Anna Osborn yesterday stating all [is] well. [My baby,] David [Robert Young], is doing nicely. Started for Maryville about 7 AM. We took our time and got there about 11:30 AM. Had dinner with Peter Walker, then started for Rockford on our holiday trip in visiting friends during July and August. Stayed with Jacob [L.] Wrinkle of Rockford. Had a nice conversation. 13 [miles]
Tues[day] – 11 [July 1893] Rockford. Went over to the depot to see Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan as he is just now on his way to Cocke Co[unty]. We bid good-bye to him, then went over to Little River and had a bath, then over to Mr. [Jacob L.] Wrinkle‘s and had dinner. Called on Ross Anderson. He is very weak. We spent the night with Gus. Henry. 2 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 12 [July 1893] Stayed with Mr. Henry until 10 AM. Then went in the woods and layed (sic) around and got bitten with chiggers. Read and slept until about 4 PM. Then went over to J. P. I. Self and stayed overnight with him. He was very kind to us. I mowed a little oats with a scythe. 1 [miles]
Thursday – 13 [July 1893] Rockford. Spent the morning in reading a medical book. Had dinner with them. They treated us kind. We then started for the Little River and took a bath, then over to Fred. Toof’s and was treated kind as usual. I had quite a talk on the gospel with Fred and his father. Fred said he believed our doctrine, all but polygamy. I of course told him we do not practice that but he said it was our belief. 2 [miles]
Fri[day] – 14 [July 1893] We hung around until about 8 AM, then crossed the river and hung around Mr. Houston Taylor’s store and he took us to dinner with him and we spent the after noon and evening with them. I read “Ecclesiastical History” by [B. H.] Roberts. 1 [mile]
Sat[urday] – 15 [July 1893] We left there about 9 AM. Went into the woods and sat on the fence and read. Had dinner with Jack Rhea. Stayed there until 5 PM, then over to Hugh Wrinkle’s. Spent the evening with them on the gospel conversing. The time wears slow. 2 [miles]
Sun[day] – 16 [July 1893] Spent the day and also the night with Jacob [L.] Wrinkle. They had been very kind indeed to us. We let Jesse Davis have a “Voice of Warning.” He invited us to visit him. Spent the day as usual in talking. 0 [miles]
Mon[day] – 17 [July 1893] To Maryville. Left Mr. [Jacob L.] Wrinkle‘s at 6 AM for Maryville. While going along, I saw a negro playing a fiddle and a little fellow about 5 or 6 dancing. Arrived in Maryville [at] 8 AM. I got letters from Jane and Rosilla Osborn and from Maggie [Frazer Young] and Isabel[la Mary Young], stating the death of Peter Peters. He died July 7th of typhoid fever. The rest are well. Had a wash and change. It was a darkey excursion from Knoxville so we went there in the grove and watched them dance. They have five couples in a set. We also went through the Maryville college. Started for Morganton intending to make it in two days. Stopped with William C. Craig. 12 [miles]
Tues[day] – 18 [July 1893] To Greenback. Mr. Craig asked us to come back any time. We called on Mr. Anderson who is sick with typhoid fever. Started for Greenback. Had dinner with Bryant Curtis. She said he was set in his views and that (sic) was that baptism was not essential. Oh the darkness of the people. Stayed with Lorenzo Thompson. Rained a little. 8 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 19 [July 1893] Morganton. Resumed our journey at 7 AM for Morganton. Went down to McGhee [Train Station] but the Elders did not come. We went down to William Sly’s after bathing in the river. The elders came [at] about 6 PM. They came on the train. We had a nice talk with them telling our experiences. They are discouraged. 6 [miles]
Thurs[day] – 20 [July 1893] I helped Mr. Bly with their oats. I pitched them back. We had a splendid rain today. We (that is the elders) had a nice time today. I wrote a letter to Anna Osborn. 0 [miles]
Fri[day] – 21 [July 1893] To Maryville. Went over to McGhee Station. Elder [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy said Pres[ident Wilford] Woodruff told his bro[ther] that one day in his office the door opened and in walked Joseph Smith. He shook hands and said, “How do you do Pres[ident] Woodruff.” The Pres[ident] asked him to sit down but he said, “I have not got time. Other generations had time but this one has not much time,” and of course the Prophet Joseph must be resurrected or as he, that is Pres[ident] Woodruff, could not have felt his hand. We bid good-bye to the elders and started back for Maryville. Had dinner with J. D. McCollum. It rained hard to day. Tried several places to stop overnight but did not succeed. Slept in a barn just out of Maryville. Had no supper. 17 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 22 [July 1893] Seaton. Had breakfast with James Whalen. Went into Maryville. Had a milk shake. Got a letter written by T[homas] C[unningham Young] and Emma [Susanna] Young and Louis [Joseph] Bowen. We started for Millers Cove. Had dinner with Widow Nichols 3 miles out from town. Arrived at Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s about 6 PM and were kindly treated. 8 [miles]
Sun[day] – 23 [July 1893] To Millers Cove. Started for Miller Cove at 9 AM. Took a bath in the Little River. Arrived at Mr. Walker’s at 1 PM but they were gone, so we waited until they came home. They treated us kind as usual. Spent the afternoon in writing to the folks at home, also reading. 5 [miles]
Mon[day] – 24 [July 1893] I see that this is the glorious Twenty-Fourth of July. We spent the forenoon in fixing a fence for Mr. Walker and writing a card to Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and finishing my letter home. Went over to the P. O. and stayed with Adam [Fagala] Waters who was kind as usual. Had our first green corn. 2 [miles]
Tues[day] – 25 [July 1893] This is my birthday, being thirty years old. We spent the forenoon and until 2 o’clock. I helped Mrs. [Temperance Elizabeth Lowe] Waters peel some apples. Read Tract No. 4 to them. Then went over to [Susan] Jane Waters. Stayed and talked with them, then went up to Jeff Waters and stayed overnight. They treated us kind as usual. 1 [mile]
Wed[nesday] – 26 [July 1893] Started up the cove about 9 A.M. Spent the forenoon with widow [Susan] Jane Waters and father. Had dinner with them, then started up the cove about 1 1/2 miles to C. R. Maples who is investigating our doctrine. Took the “V[oice] of W[arning]” to him. They treated us kind. We conversed on the gospel. 3 [miles]
Thursday – 27 [July 1893] Spent the forenoon with them. They were kind to us. Then went down to the P. O. Had a nice conversation on marriage for eternity. Mrs. Waters said she liked our doctrine very well. I rec[eive]d a letter from Nancy Osborn stating all [is] well. Some of the children have the whooping cough. 2 [miles]
Fri[day] – 28 [July 1893] To Happy Valley. We went over to James [T.] Walker‘s. Had a bath and change. Had a nice mess of fish for dinner. Then went to our friend Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. They were glad to see us. Talked some on the gospel with them. 6 [miles]
Saturday – 29 [July 1893] Spent the forenoon with them, then started over to Thomas [Hearon] Hearn’s. They were glad to see us. 9 [miles]
Sunday – 30 [July 1893] We met Jordan H[enry Harrison] Hicks as he came up to Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn‘s. He is a very nice man, although he joined the Baptist Church after belonging to ours, but he is still firm in the faith and applied for rebaptism. His daughter applied for baptism. Her name is Lo[u]v[e]n[i]a [Hicks]. We will baptize them next Saturday. He has been persecuted very much since joining the Church. We spent the night with Andy [Jackson] Whitehead. I was glad to meet Mr. [Jordan Henry Harrison] Hicks.
Monday – 31 [July 1893] We spent the day in making cider and talking on the gospel with Mr. [Jordan Henry Harrison] Hicks. He is very deep in the gospel. 0 [miles]
Tues[day] – 1 [August 1893] To Panther Creek. We went over to Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn’s and got my grip so we could write some letters, then went back to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead. Had dinner. I wrote a letter to the Sunday School. Went over to the P. O., then up to William Hamilton’s. Mrs. Hamilton is against us, or rather, our doctrine. 6 [miles]
Wednesday – 2 [August 1893] Started about 9 AM for James [David] Correll‘s on Panther Creek. Arrived there about 1 PM. I got completely covered with seed ticks. In the evening some young folks came in and a young man asked me to explain the mode of baptism in the Bible, and of course, I did so. Also the necessity and object and the authority to preach. 3 [miles]
Thursday – 3 [August 1893] Happy Valley. We wended (sic) our way back to Thomas Hearon‘s and spent the remainder of the day with [him]. I was sick at the stomach. Spent the night with Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun. 7 [miles]
Fri[day] – 4 [August 1893] Went with the folks to cut a bee tree but it did not have a pint of honey. Spent the day with them. Had a long talk with [Andrew Calvin] Bud Ro[b]bins on the gospel. 2 [miles]
Baptisms of Jordan and Louvenia Hicks
Saturday – 5 [August 1893] We went down on Abrams Creek and held [a] meeting. Elder [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y spoke first on the First Principles [of The Gospel] and I followed then. I baptized Jordan Henry [Harrison] Hicks and his daughter, Lo[u]v[e]n[i]a Victoria Hicks. He was born April 27, 1855, was the son of Andrew Hicks and Rachel [Serena] Oaks, was baptized by R[obert] C[unningham] Young and confirmed by me [Robert Cunningham Young] also. Lo[u]v[e]n[i]a [Hicks] was born June 13, 1876, is the daughter of Jordan H[enry Harrison] Hicks and Martha [Jane] Brewer. She was baptized by R[obert] C[unningham] Young and confirmed by Leo T[homas] Shell[e]y. Everything passed off in order. We gave out a meeting for this evening at Andy [Jackson] Whitehead‘s. There were (sic) a very poor turnout. Elder [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y spoke first, then Bro[ther Jordan Henry Harrison] Hicks spoke a few minutes. I was too sick to talk so they dismissed the meeting. 4 [miles]
Sunday – 6 [August 1893] I was sick today. Elder [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y burned some hickory ashes for me and I drank some.
Mon[day] – 7 [August 1893] I spent a miserable day today. I took lobelia tea to make me throw up. 0 [miles]
Tuesday – 8 [August 1893] I am a little better but not strong yet. We went over to Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun‘s although I was weak. I heard that Lo[u]v[e]n[i]a Hicks (the one I baptized) has got married to Bill Correll. 2 [miles]
Wednesday – 9 [August 1893] To Millers Cove. We started for Millers Cove although I was unwell. I was anxious to get our mail. Stayed with J[oseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland. Kind as usual. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 10 [August 1893] Started out about 7. Forded the river. Had a change of clothes, then went over to the P. O. I got a letter from Maggie [Frazer Young] stating all [is] well, also one from J[oseph] M[orris] Phelps, stating he is well but having a hard time in his field. I rec[eive]d a letter from Elder [Thomas] Hicken. He is well but his valise that was sent from Maryville has failed to turn up. We got word from Pres[ident Thomas Watts] Sloan to report once each week the no. of tracts given out and houses visited, and, if any mob violence, report to the office by telegram. I wrote to Isabel[la Mary Young], Jane Osborn and Pres[ident Thomas Watts] Sloan. 5 [miles]
Fri[day] – 11 [August 1893] It is rainy this morning. We went up to [Susan] Jane Waters and spent the day. We had a nice visit. Had some melon. Went back in the evening and stayed with James [T.] Walker. 3 [miles]
Saturday – 12 [August 1893] Spent the whole day at the house. In the evening went to the churchhouse to a prohibition contest for a gold medal which was very good. 1 [mile]
Sunday – 13 [August 1893] I am getting all right now or a great deal better. After dinner went over to the P. O., then up to Jeff Waters and stayed overnight. I wrote a letter to Nancy Osborn. We spoke some on the gospel. 2 [miles]
Monday – 14 [August 1893] Spent the forenoon dinner with the folks in talking. Then read some from the B[oo]k of Mormon. Went to the old man Adam [Fagala] Waters. 1 [mile]
Tuesday – 15 [August 1893] To Happy Valley. I sent off two letters, one to Nancy Osborn and one to J[oseph] M[orris] Phelps. We went up to Widow [Susan Jane] Waters and talked a short time. Had some melon. Went back to James [T.] Walker‘s and had dinner, then crossed the river to Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s. Talked some on the Bible with Andy [Johnson] Smith. 5 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 16 [August 1893] 9 AM started for Happy Valley. Arrived at the Heron’s at 1:30 PM. Had dinner. Read a sermon by C[harles] W[illiam] Penrose. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 17 [August 1893] Spent the day with the folks. Went fishing in the afternoon. I caught three fish, two about 8-inches long. Went to bed early. 2 [miles]
Friday – 18 [August 1893] We sprouted some tobacco. It is a nasty job. I am getting very lazy. We went over to the P. O. but no mail from home but a Deseret Weekly. We went over to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead‘s and stayed overnight. Read some from the paper on the silver question. 5 [miles]
Saturday – 19 [August 1893] Shop Creek. Sat around the house the fore part of the day. After dinner went over to Mr. [James David] Correll‘s and was treated well. They were pleased to see us. 3 [miles]
Sunday – 20 [August 1893] I wrote a letter for Mr. [James David] Correll this morning. We spent the day in lounging, went up to quarry of slate and had a bath, sang some songs. 1 [mile]
Monday – 21 [August 1893] To Happy Valley. It is nice and cool at nights now and the days are nice. We bid good-bye to Mrs. [Nancy Howington] Correll and went over in the valley and had dinner with the Sellers boys as they cooked for us. We went up to the P. O. but I got no mail. Went over to Andy [Jackson] Whitehead‘s and spent the night. 5 [miles]
Tuesday – 22 [August 1893] We went fishing with them this morning. They caught 7 nice fish with gigs (sic). The largest ones would weigh about five pounds. It is a quick and exciting way to catch fish. Stayed again with them. 10 [miles]
Wednesday – 23 [August 1893] Went up to Jerry [Jeremiah Hearon] Heroun‘s and got my shoe fixed and got dinner there. Then to the post office but I got no mail. Went over to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s and spent the night. 7 [miles]
Thursday – 24 [August 1893] Helped Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun to fix a fence this forenoon. Read and talked in the afternoon. 0 [miles]
Friday – 25 [August 1893] The weather is still dry. Spent the forenoon with Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun. Then to the P. O. I got two letters, one from Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan stating our [conference for the East Tennessee] Conference would be held on Sept 16 and 17. I got a letter from Anna Osborne stating all [is] quite well. 1 [mile]
Saturday – 26 [August 1893] Went over to Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Heroun‘s and had a bath in Abrams Creek and changed. Then read some of the news to them concerning the hard times. Then started over to [William] Charlie Garland‘s. It started to rain before we got there. They treated us kind. 8 [miles]
Sunday – 27 [August 1893] Spent the Sabbath with them in reading and talking on different subjects. 1 [mile]
Saturday 2 [September 1893] Started for Tuckaleeche at 7:30 intending to take two days. Had dinner with friend Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. Had some melon. Stayed with them until 3 PM. Forded the Little River, then took a bath.
Monday – 28 [August 1893] To Millers Cove. Started for Millers Cove. Went on the wrong road. Wandered around a while. Arrived at Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s at 10 AM. Had dinner, then went over to the P. O. and posted two letters, one to T. W. [illegible] and one to Len Bird and stayed with Adam [Fagala] Waters. 10 [miles]
Tuesday – 29 [August 1893] Seaton. Went up to Widow [Susan Jane] Waters and talked about two hours on the gospel, then over to James Walker’s. Had lunch. Then over to Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s. Was treated as kind as usual. 7 [miles]
Wednesday – 30 [August 1893] To Maryville. Started out at 6 AM for Maryville. Arrived at 8:30. I got a pair of pants, price 3.50. Got some other work done. Had dinner with Mrs. Peter Walker, then started for Wal[lace] Raulston’s. They treated us kind. 14 [miles]
Thursday – 31 [August 1893] To Happy Valley. Miles 2,362. Started for Happy Valley. Arrived about 11 AM. Had dinner with Andy [Jackson] Whitehead‘s folks, then over to the office and I got a letter from Maggie [Frazer Young] from S[alt] Lake City as she is there intending to work. I got one from Jane Osborn stating all quite well. We went over to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s and spent the night. I read a sermon from B. H. Roberts. 6 [miles]
Friday – 1 Sep[tember] 1893 Spent the forenoon at Mr. [Thomas] Hearon‘s. In the afternoon, went to the P. O. I wrote two letters and a postal card, one to D[avid] Osborn, one to Louis [Joseph] Bowen and a postal to J. G[olden] Kimball. 3 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 2 [September 1893] Started for Tuckaleechee at 7:30 intending to take two days. Had dinner with friend Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. Had some melon. Stayed with them until 3 PM. Forded the L[ittle] River, then took a bath. Stayed with James [T.] Walker. 10 [miles]
Sunday – 3 [September 1893] To Tuckaleechee. Journeyed over to Tuckaleechee after eating dinner with Adam [Fagala] Waters. Arrived on the head of Carrs Creek about 4 PM. Spent the night with John [Anderson] Hodge. Conversed on the scriptures. It was quite cool this evening. 5 [miles]
Monday – 4 [September 1893] We started to work canvassing the cove about 7:30. Had dinner with Daniell Caylor. Called on 18 houses and distributed 13 tracts. Stayed overnight with T[homas] J[efferson] Freshour. He was kind to us. We spent the evening in talking on the Bible. 10 [miles]
Tues[day] – 5 [September 1893] Traveled among the people. Had a long talk with a Primitive Baptist, Levi Adams. We beat him so bad that he told us never to come back. We had dinner with them. We visited 18 houses and gave out 11 tracts. We went and asked George W[ashington] Myers if we could stay overnight with him and he said, “No, I guess not,” but his wife, [Martha Jane Law], said, “Let them stay if they can put up with our fare,” so he let us stay. God bless the women. 10 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 6 [September 1893] Started out about 7:30. Visited as usual along the road. Had dinner with Thomas Fry. He kindly invited us back. We stopped overnight with Joel Walker. He treated us kind. Visited 16 houses. Gave 10 tracts. 10 [miles]
Thursday – 7 [September 1893] To Happy Valley. This being fast day we did without breakfast. Went around the edge of the hills. Had dinner with Colonel Tipton. We had quite a debate with a man and woman on baptism. We got through with the cove and started back for Millers Cove about 4 PM. Stopped overnight with J[oseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland. 4 [miles]
Fri[day] – 8 [September 1893] Started out about 7 AM. Had dinner with Thomas Hearon, then went over to the P. O. I got a long letter from Isabel[la Mary Young] stating all [is] well at home. I got one from Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan. Then over to Wallace Raulston’s and stopped over night with them. 14 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 9 [September 1893] Millers Cove. Started for Maryville at 7 AM. I got some shoes and collar and a few other things. Had dinner with Peter Walker, then went over and spent the night with [William] Cal Lane as he invited us to stop with him. Treated us kindly. 14 [miles]
Sun[day] – 10 [September 1893] Went over to see Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. Spent the forenoon with them. Then started for Cocke Co[unty] via Millers Cove. Stopped overnight with C. R. Maples. 8 [miles]
Wears Valley Members
Monday – 11 [September 1893] Waldron [Walden] Creek. Although it was a little rainy, we started out at 7 AM. Went over the divide and down Waldrons [Walden] Creek. Found a Sister [Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] Clinton who belongs to our church [baptized: 7 December 1885]. We arrived there about noon. They prevailed upon us to stop and hold meeting at night and we did so. I got a horse and went about 2 1/2 miles to Joseph A[lfred Sloan] and Nancy C[harlotte Hicks] Sloan‘s place. They also belong to the Church – [both baptized: 30 April 1886]. There were about 35 to meeting. Elder [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y spoke first. I spoke about one hour on the principles of the gospel. After meeting talked until 10 o’clock. 13 [miles]
Tues[day] – 12 [September 1893] Richardsons Cove. We moved on about 7 AM. Crossed Pigeon River at Henderson Springs. Went up along the riv[er] to Pigeon Forge, then northeast through Marshalls Grove or Stinnett. Had dinner with J. S. Ogle of that place. Went northeast to Richardsons Cove. Crossed Big Pigeon Riv[er] by wading. Stayed overnight with Arch. McMalian. Richardsons Cove (sic). 13 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 13 [September 1893] Jones Cove. It is raining today so we layed (sic) over until after dinner with McMahan’s. They treated us kind. We started out about 12:30 PM. Traveled a little north of east through Jone’s Cove and stopped overnight with James Sarge. 8 [miles]
Thursday – 14 [September 1893] Edwina. My heel is very sore with the shoe rubbing so I got an old shoe from Mr. Sarge. We continued on our journey about 7:30. Passed through Cosby. Had dinner with Mrs. James Saman. We started to cross Cosby Creek in an old leaky skiff. It was leaking badly so we stepped out and I slipped in and got wet. We got a man to take us across the Pigeon River after dark. Stayed overnight with James Burke of Edwina without supper. 10 [miles]
East Tennessee Conference in Newport
Fri[day] – 15 [September 1893] Went over this morning and met part of the elders. Had a nice time with them. Had dinner with Ed. Frazer. We went in the evening and had council meeting and met Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball and [George Alma] Smith. Gave in my written report. Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball said, “It is the best report I ever received.” Stayed over with Ed Frazer, a friend to the elders. 2 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 16 [September 1893] Went over and held meeting again this morning in the wood. Met all the elders this morning as Elder [John Hyrum] Hubbard and [Jedediah Grant] Shumway had got in. Rec[eive]d good instructions again this morning. Commenced the regular meeting at 10:30 with about 20 beside the elders. The elders were allotted different subjects to speak upon. Elder [John Hyrum] Hubbard spoke upon the Fall and Atonement, Elder [Jedediah Grant] Shumway on faith. Pres[ident George Alma] Smith spoke a short time exhorting the people. Had dinner with Elias Mantooth. Meeting was a little better attended. Elder [Andrew D.] Helm spoke upon Repentance, Pres[ident Thomas Watts] Sloan on Baptism, Elder [Joseph Cross] Orme upon the Laying on of Hands. Then Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball gave some very good instructions and refuted some of the falsehoods about our people. Held counsel meeting again. After meeting, rec[eive]d good instructions from Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball and [George Alma] Smith. I stopped overnight with Ezekiel Clark, a member of our Church. Elder [Joseph Cross] Orme was with me. We sang songs etc. 1 [mile]
Sun[day] – 17 [September 1893] Edwina [Newport]. We held council meeting this morning. [We] rec[eive]d splendid instructions. There was a goodly number to meeting today. The elders spoke on various subjects. Had dinner with Elias Mantooth. I spoke a short time upon the restoration of the gospel. There were about 60 persons in the house besides some outdoors. Minutes of Council Meeting. Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball said our cause was brightening and the elders would be sent to the cities. Gospel is being preached in the halls of congress and to the nobles and great of all nations. It is destined to fill the earth. It will never retrograde. We are the salt of the earth. Council meeting [of] Sep[tember] 11 Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball offered valuable suggestions on the mode of canvassing. Be careful to approach them properly, enter the house, get into conversation with people, talk as long as the party wishes, get into his good graces, then unfold to them your business, make the work your profession. Disseminating the gospel is the “business our elders are in.” Remove all prejudice possible. In case of receiving due warning from the proper source leave the field but do not heed the threats of every drunken crew, where people only meet to hear you sing etc. do not stay. We cannot spend too much time in any county unless they show a disposition to investigate. The work must be complete. Warn all but do not stay around people merely because they will feed you. The counsel from Chattanooga does not come from Bro[ther George Alma] Smith but from headquarters. A record must be made by conference presidents of labor done in a county and record forwarded to office. Pres[ident Wilford] Woodruff predicts however that we are about to ascend to a higher platform, though present prospects look gloomy. Elders should also retrench in their personal expenses, though you should keep yourselves neat and clean. Don’t bother your wives and friends for money any more than possible. Don’t worry about folks at home. They are alright and the Lord will take care of them. Keep your mind on your mission. Spoke of the dedication and the promise the Lord has made to his people that their sins were forgiven. Don’t write your hardships to your folks at home. Paint them only pleasant pictures to your family. Note your good treatment in your journals as much as your ill treatment. Use system in canvassing and in reporting to your conference president. The order should be about thus: 1st n[umber of] miles walked; 2[nd number of] families visited; 3[rd] # [of] Tracts distributed; 4th # [of] entertainments refused; 5th # [of] meetings held; 6th baptisms (if any); 7[th] general items of interest. Don’t do too much walking and use yourselves up as this only contracts sickness. Keep strictly clean in person. Don’t get all over perspiration, and perfume a whole house. Buy the proper style of clothing. Dress uniformly and as becomes a minister. 2nd meeting. Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball gave valuable instructions on the mode of canvassing. Be careful to approach them properly. Enter the house. Get into conversation with them. Talk as long as the party wishes to. Get into their good graces, then unfold to them your business. Make the work your profession. Disseminating the gospel is the business our elders are in. Remove all prejudice possible. Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball advised the elders not to run in debt at the office. Do not carry any money with you. The office work is the hardest in the mission. Be grateful for all he does for you. Cultivate gratitude. Reports must be made regular without fail. This is the means by which kept track of. Report your health if ill at any time. Any elder can get a release at any time he wishes to go home. In organizing branches, care should be taken as well as S[unday] S[chool]. Encourage them to attend these meetings. People must get firmly rooted before they emigrate. All emigration is stopped for the present. Use judgment and get a good live[ly] man to lead the affairs. As regards excommunication, the cost of gaining a soul is great. Be careful to investigate carefully before such. Let them know you are their friends. Give them all chances to repent. Rebaptism will not do in this country as the people will get accustomed to it. That can be done when the party emigrates. Do not urge any to get baptized. Let them take their time. The Lord does not require you to sleep in filthy places. The spirit does not dwell there. Companions are requested to stay together that sin may not overtake you. By the mouth of two witnesses shall all things be established. Do not remain in a house alone. Do not separate from each other lest Satan tempt you. Do not get familiar with the people in order to gain favor among the people. Be dignified, kind, sympathetic, but realize what you are here for. Watch and pray, for you do not realize the danger you are in. Do not be anxious to bear testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet for his name is sacred. Assist your companion to all information you have at your command. Freely you have received, freely give. Ask all questions of your pres[ident] and not the office. Guard your personal appearance, blacking boots, clipping beard and hair. Thank the people for every kindness. Do not scuttle box or among friends, as that destroys confidence. If called to go into a city, go trusting in God. Do not doubt the word of the Lord. Trust the Lord. He will not see you suffer for anything. When you return home, do not tell everything you know in one meeting. Study the ordinances properly that you may baptize, confirm etc. aright. Teach Saints the principle of tithing. Don’t sing too much but teach them lessons in the Bible. Sing only the songs of Zion. Don’t preach too long nor tire the people with whom you meet. Share the time among yourselves and don’t interfere with your companion when talking.
Mon[day] – 18 [September 1893] Wilsonville [Newport]. We bid goodbye to our dear friends and started for Newport. We had dinner at the hotel, got our pictures taken in a group, all the Elders in our conference, namely T[homas] W[atts] Sloan, A[ndrew] D. Helm, Jed[ediah Grant] Shumway, J[oseph] C[ross] Orme, L[orenzo] W[esley] Roundy, W[illiam] L[ehi] Hayes, Leo T[homas] Shell[e]y, J[ohn Hyrum] H[ubbard], Thomas Hicken and myself. Newport has about 1,800 inhabitants. We started for Blount Co[unty at] about 3:30 after bidding good-bye to the elders. We started out for Maryville. Stopped at Wilsonville four miles west of Newport with William J. Woodey. He treated us kind. 1 [mile]
Back row, left to right: Andrew Helm, Lorenzo Wesley Roundy, Thomas Watts Sloan, Robert Cunningham Young, John Hyrum Hubbard
Tues[day] – 19 [September 1893] Fair Garden. We resumed our journey about 7:30. There were four in company: Elders [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y, [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy, [William Lehi] Hayes and myself. We went through Chestnut Hill. Had dinner with a Mr. Thornton who invited us back. After dinner we went through Fox and stayed at Fair Garden with Nancy Stafford who was kind to us. 11 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 20 [September 1893] Waldens Creek. Started about 6:30. We went through Warnet Grove. Had dinner with S. C. Russell on the edge of Little Pigeon [River]. Had quite a talk on the gospel. We went through Sevierville. Then south for Waldrons [Waldens] Creek. Spent the night with G. W. Norton on Branch 2 1/2 miles S.W. of Sevierville. Had a nice talk on the gospel. 11 [miles]
Thur[sday] – 21 [September 1893] Elder William L[ehi] Hayes and I stayed together last night. We started out about 9:30. We got to Sister [Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] Clinton‘s about noon. Spent the afternoon about the house singing and talking. 5 [miles]
Fri[day] – 22 [September 1893] Millers Cove. Bid good-bye to our friends and started for Millers Cove. Had dinner with James Benson on the Creek. He invited us back. Elder [William Lehi] Hayes and I stayed with Adam [Fagala] Waters. I sent a letter to Anna Osborn. Elders [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy and [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y stayed with Rob[er]t Davis. 12 [miles]
Saturday – 23 [September 1893] Started about 8 AM. Had dinner with Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland. Then over to Thomas [Hearon] Heroun‘s. Arrived there about 5 PM. The four of us stayed with him. 11 [miles]
Sun[day] – 24 [September 1893] We had a nice talk on the gospel with a man named Major from Texas. Had dinner, then bid good-bye to Elders [William Lehi] Hayes and [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy and went over to Wal Raulston’s. Treated as kind as usual and invited back. 6 [miles]
Mon[day] – 25 [September 1893] Ray Town. Six AM started for Maryville. Arrived [at] 8:30. Got a letter from Isabel[la Mary Young] with $10 in it. Got one each from David and Nancy Osborn stating all [is] well. We had dinner and a change, then started west of Maryville. Canvassed along the road. Stayed with Chas Ellis. They treated us very well again. We sat up until 11 PM talking on the gospel. 9 [miles]
Tues[day] – 26 [September 1893] Louisville. We started to canvass towards Louisville. Met with very good success. Had dinner with Mrs. Wiley Pyne. We had a long talk with Mrs. Dyer. She was prejudiced but I talked with her and she changed. Got to Louisville about 5 PM. Went north. Called at Dr. Bonn. He asked to come back in the morning as he had the threshers. Stopped with Marimon Beasley, a kind of preacher. He tried to show me that no church on the earth is right. He said the right one is the church of Christ and that it is in our hearts after baptism. 8 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 27 [September 1893] Had a good sleep and supper. Went down to Dr. Bonn but he is quite bitter and he did not want to talk much. We had dinner with Omer See close to the Holiton River. Went to all of the houses, then went back to Louisville and started to recanvass that. We had some nice conversations on the gospel. We called at J. A. Mitchell and asked to stay overnight. They said yes. I told them we were traveling without pay. That changed the thing. She made excuses but finally concluded to let us stay. After supper she said as the people would talk about them she thought we had better go on, but I talked her out of it. 4 [miles]
Thurs[day] – 28 [September 1893] Erwin. Started to work as usual. Finished Louisville or nearly so started west along the river. Had dinner with James Furgensen. Talked a good while at each place. We had quite a time in getting in to stay overnight. We at last got to stop in with Matthew Henderson at Ewing but he did not have a bed for us so we slept in the barn. He is quite interested in the gospel. We talked until 9:30. 6 [miles]
Fri[day] – 29 [September 1893] Horse Shoe Bend or Folivers Bend. Talked until 8:30 this morning. I promised to send a “V[oice] of Warning” to him. We canvassed in the bend of the river. Had dinner with William Miller in the mouth of the bend. We met with good success. Stayed with Jackson Smith in the bend. We did not talk much on the gospel. 6 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 30 [September 1893] I explained the principles of the gospel to them this morning. He thought well of our doctrine and invited us back. Went to the houses along the Tenn[essee] R[iver]. Had dinner with James Morgan. Met with good success. Stayed in the bend of the river with Joseph Parks. Had a bath. 6 [miles], 2,627 mi[les]
Sun[day] – 1 October 1893 North of Friendsville. 86 houses, 64 tracts. It being Sunday we did not travel far. I got up into a chestnut tree and knocked down about half a gallon of the nuts. I mailed a letter to Pres[ident Thomas Watts] Sloan. We had dinner with Samuel Greer at Disco. We spent about three hours. Spent the night with Pleas. Chapman 1 mile north of Friendsville. Mr. Greek invited us back. I talked a little on the gospel with them. They asked us back. 4 [miles]
Mon[day] – 2 [October 1893] Louisville. It is very foggy this morning. We started north and east. Had a long talk with Henry Maxwell. Gave two tracts to him. Had dinner with William Dunlap, also a nice talk on the gospel. We had quite a time getting a place to stay overnight. Got in at last at the home of the late Robert Hill. They were very kind to us. They played some on the banjo. 6 [miles]
Tues[day] – 3 [October 1893] To Maryville. It is raining a little this morning. They kindly invited us back. We finished canvassing Louisville. Had a nice long talk on the gospel with a cabinet maker. The belief of a great many is if their heart is only right it does not hurt whether they belong to a church or not. It rained most all afternoon. We had a very hard time to get a lodging. We were 3 miles in getting in. At last we got to stay with J. A. Gibbs four miles west of Maryville. We had neither dinner or supper but I was glad to get in. Most of them had gone to bed. He asked us back. 7 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 4 [October 1893] Started for Maryville at [illegible] AM. Arrived at 8:30. I got a letter from Maggie [Frazer Young] from Salt Lake [City] stating all [is] well. I also got one from Tom [Cunningham Young]. I got my photographs. I wrote letters to Mrs. Nancy Osborn, Maggie [Frazer Young] and Tom C[unningham Young]. Had dinner at Mr. Walker’s. Started east out of town to get a place overnight. We were kindly entertained by C. W. Russell 2 1/2 miles from east Maryville. They kindly invited us back. 1 [mile]
Thurs[day] – 5 [October 1893] Went back to Maryville and were surprised to meet a new companion, or rather elder, named [William] Ricks from Benson Ward in Cache Valley. We had a nice talk, then met Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan about 11 AM. Elder [Leo Thomas] Shelley and I started west for Friendsville about 1 PM. Stayed with W. G. Craig in Long Hollow. They were kind and invited us back. 8 [miles]
Fri[day] – 6 [October 1893] Friendsville. Started 7:30 AM for Friendsville. Canvassed along the road through Union Grove. Had dinner with Josiah Henderson, 1 mile east of Friendsville. Canvassed about 2/3 of Friendsville. Nearly all took tracts. Friendsville lies about 11 miles west of Maryville and has about 50 families. We visited 40 houses and gave 31 tracts today. Stayed with J. D. Rob[illegible]. 7 [miles]
Saturday – 7 [October 1893] Started to canvass about 8 AM. Called on a man to ask him if he knew who had charge of the Quaker Grove. We were going to ask if we could get it to hold an open air meeting but he said we could not have it and he gave us fits, said we were not Christians and said we had better go somewhere else. Had dinner with H[e]artsell Boring. He invited us back. He lives about 1 1/2 miles west of Friendsville. After we finished Friendsville, we went south and west. Had a hard time to get in. Twice they refused us because we had no money. We got in at last with D. H. Dunly. 8 [miles] 88 houses, 59 tracts, 19 entertain[ments] refused, 47 miles
Sun[day] – 8 [October 1893] Tutt. We started out canvassing along the road. Had dinner with James Pierce at the Big Springs or rather Cliff. We had a long talk with [Reverand] A[lexander] S[mith] Abbey, a Presby[terian] preacher. He started in with us against the Moun[tain] Mead[ows] Massacre, then polygamy, then the B[oo]k of M[ormon]. Then I started in on him and took the Bible to him and his wife soon called a halt. He will long remember it. We stayed with Ignatius [Guilford] Jones of Tutt. He was kind to us. 4 [miles]
Mon[day] – 9 [October 1893] Maryville. Started for Maryville at 6 AM. I wrote a letter to Jane Osborn. Arrived in town about 11 AM. Had a bath and change of clothes, then started to canvass Maryville, the country part and out on the Niles Ferry road. Some in town are bitter and a few took tracts. We stayed with A. C. Anderson two miles out from Maryville. We went to a darkey meeting. When the minister would get warmed up he would ah- (sic) at the end of every five or six words. 5 [miles]
Tuesday – 10 [October 1893] Niles Ferry road. Started out about 7:30 going along the straight road. Had dinner and a long talk with John Willocks. After diner we went in the wood and Elder [Leo Thomas] Shelley wrote a letter and I read some. We stayed with Sam Willocks, a Christian preacher. We had a long talk with him on the gospel. 3 [miles] The order of report: Miles walked, meetings held, families vis[ited], refused entertainment, baptisms, tracts distributed.
Wed[nesday] – 11 [October 1893] Resumed canvassing about 7:30. Had dinner with Mr. Samuel Lane. She invited us back. We stayed with John Hilton 2 miles from Brick Mill. We sat in the woods and rested and read some today. 6 [miles]
Thur[sday] – 12 [October 1893] Brick Mill. Continued canvassing down the road. Went over the Brick Mill place. Had dinner with George Montgomery and talked about 3 hours with some women there. Got to the Louden Co[unty] line, turned back and went up Bakers Creek. Stayed overnight with William Lane who were kind as they were the other time. 7 [miles]
Friday – 13 [October 1893] Morganton Road. I had a nice talk on the gospel. We went to the Loudon Co[unty] line on the Morganton road, then started west. Had dinner with Mrs. Carnel McConnell but she did not want a tract. Went to Lloyd Creek P. O. then back east again, Stayed with William Nelson. It rained all afternoon. 6 [miles]
Sat[urday] – 14 [October 1893] Mor. Road and Clover Hill. First frost. 101 houses, 73 tracts, 7 entertainments refused, 39 miles. We canvassed up the Morganton Road. We went into one house and the woman asked us to stop and have dinner. When her man came home he said, “Who sent for you? You just get out of here,” and of course we did. We spent the night with William P. Bird between the Mor. and Niles Ferry road. We had a long talk on the gospel. 8 [miles]
Sun[day] – 15 [October 1893] We spent the forenoon in conversation with Mr. Bird. After dinner visited a few houses. Sat in the woods and read some. Spent the night with E. B. Young on the Niles Ferry road 4 miles south of town. 2 [miles]
Mon[day] – 16 [October 1893] Maryville. Started for town about 7 AM. I was disappointed in not getting any mail. Elders [Thomas Watts] Sloan and William Ricks met us there. Bro[ther William] Ricks started to labor with me. We visited 15 houses in town and gave out 10 tracts after dinner. Stopped over night with James Whalen in town Maryville. 6 [miles]
Tues[day] – 17 [October 1893] We continued canvassing in town. Met up with Mrs. John McConnell. She wanted us to talk with her husband. So I told her we would come and spend the night and she was willing. So the Lord can raise up friends in cities as well as towns. Had dinner with Alfred Wilcox. Distributed 17 tracts and visited 26 houses. 4 [miles]
Wed[nesday] – 18 [October 1893] Mrs. McConnell invited us back. Started out about 7 AM. Met some very cold receptions and some otherwise. Had dinner with S. P. Gray. He asked us to come and stay overnight with him some time. We did not go to many places after dinner we went two and one half miles east and spent the night with Cal. Russell. 5 [miles]
Thursday -19 [October 1893] Maryville. Was kindly invited back. Started for Maryville again. Visited a few houses on the road. We were surprised to meet Elders [Leo Thomas] Shelley and [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy. They were on their way up to Washington Co[unty]. We went out in the woods and talked about two hours, then started to canvas the NW part of town. We had dinner with William V. Ammons. He was quite bitter, but as we started off he asked for a tract. We visited 31 houses and gave out 18 tracts. Stayed with James Whalen. 5 [miles]
Fri[day] – 20 [October 1893] Started out about 7:30 canvassing in the southeast part of town. Had dinner with Pet. Walker. We visited 29 houses and only 11 took tracts. We had a conversation with Professor Newman of the college. I wound him up in great shape. We had to go two miles out of town to spend the night. We stopped with Cal Anderson. It started to rain as soon as we got in the house. 5 [miles]
Saturday – 21 [October 1893] Rockford. 141 houses visited, 80 tracts, 37 miles, 3 entertainments refused. Started back for Maryville about 7 AM. Began canvassing town where we left off. Two women ordered us off. Went in one house and I told the woman that we were ministers. She said, “We are ministers of the true church and you just leave the place.” Elders [Leo Thomas] Shell[e]y and [Lorenzo Wesley] Roundy came in town from Millers Cove. We got some crackers and cheese for dinner and they left for Washington Co[unty at] about 2 PM and we went over to Rockford and stayed with Jacob [L.] Wrinkle. Talked on the gospel. 10 [miles]
Sunday – 22 [October 1893] Spent the day with Jacob [L.] Wrinkle in reading. Stayed overnight with H. Taylor in Rockford. 1 [mile]
Monday – 23 [October 1893] Maryville. Started in for Maryville at 7 AM. No mail from home for about two weeks. I had a bath and change. We canvassed some without dinner. Mrs. Samuel Matthews asked us to go up to their place and stay overnight and, of course, we gladly accepted. They treated us fine. I talked some on the gospel. 22 houses, 15 tracts, 10 [miles]
Tuesday – 24 [October 1893] Started South. We were treated very kind by the family. We waited until mail time to see if there would be some mail for me. But alas! None came. We finished Maryville, all but part of Main St. We had dinner with Mrs. Robert Collins. She is anxious to know the right way. We had a long talk with an old man named Ricks from Ohio who is visiting his daughter, Mrs. Newby. We started southwest of town. Stopped with John Boyd 4 miles from Maryville. 8 [miles] 20 houses, 9 tracts, turned off [refused at] 6 places
Wednesday – 25 [October 1893] Williamson Settlement. Started to canvass about 7:30 AM. We traveled about 7 miles and only gave out one tract. We had dinner with J. R. Giffin but he did not want a tract. I asked him his name but he said, “You don’t need to hang around here. I don’t want any tracts,” but he told me his name. We stayed with Riley Buss. Had a long talk with him. He is cracked on the Bible. 22 h[ouses], 5 tracts, 4 [refusals] 11 [miles]
Thursday – 26 [October 1893] Resumed our journey about 8 AM. Went to Jack Sly’s place and spent the day and night with him. I talked some on the gospel and showed him the necessity of baptism. He acknowledged that it was right by the Bible. 0 [miles]
Friday – 27 [October 1893] To Morganton. Started for Morganton at 6 AM. The people got up about 3:30 in the morning. It started to rain and we called in William J[ames] Hammontree‘s place and they asked us to stay and have some dinner and we gladly accepted the invitation. Got to William Sly’s about 2 PM. Treated us kind as usual. 7 [miles]
Saturday – 28 [October 1893] Long Hollow. 38 miles, 66 families visited, 10 entertainments refused, 30 tracts distributed. Spent the day with them. Went to the river. Talked some on the gospel.
Sunday – 29 [October 1893] We started back for Maryville intending to get there tomorrow. We stopped and talked with a man, Sil[u]s Person by name. He asked us to come and see him some time. We had dinner with William Humphries’ widow. We stayed with W. G. Craig in Long Hollow five miles west of Maryville. 14 [miles]
Monday – 30 [October 1893] To Maryville. Started in town. Arrived there about 9 AM. I got letters from Maggie [Frazer Young], Isabel[la Mary Young] and Jane Osborn stating all [is] well. I went and asked for the hall but they said it was not seated. We heard of a fellow named McMillan going to lecture against Mormonism tonight. We had dinner with Pet. Walker and we got to stop in town with Robert Martin, and we went to the meeting, and such a mess I never heard before, such lies. 7 [miles]
Tuesday – 31 [October 1893] North and west of Maryville. 2,819 miles total, 295 houses visited in this month, 169 tracts in this month, 32 entertainments refused. I wrote a letter to Nancy Osborn this morning. While in town I got to talking with Mr. Bittle. Then a crowd gathered round and I spoke to them about 80 minutes. A man named Stone would blurt out and said we were preaching false doctrine and started on polygamy. I told him we had stopped that, and he said if I would not talk on that, he would not talk with me. We started out north and west of town to canvass. Had dinner with Nephi Singleton along the K[entucky] Southern R[ail]r[oad]. Stayed overnight with Charles Kaigle. Talked on the gospel and I sang 3 hymns. 9 h[ouses], 9 tracts, 10 [miles]
Wednesday – 1 November [1893] To Rockford. Went down to the Tenn[essee] River. Went back and had dinner with Martin Ballard and asked him for the Baptist Church but he refused. He talked against our belief. We got consent to hold [a] meeting in the Methodist Church from J. Presley. We canvassed up the Little River to within one mile of Rockford. Stopped overnight with Stephen Chandler, a rich man. Last night the height of riches and the night before the depth of poverty. They sang and played on the piano and I sang two hymns. 13 h[ouses], 11 tracts, 8 [miles]
Thursday – 2 [November 1893] Went through Rockford and east of there. Had dinner with William Eddington. After dinner went to his father’s, J. M. [Eddington]. Had a nice time talking on the gospel. I went to see a man named Johnson and asked him to come and talk with us, but he refused. We spent the night with J. M. Eddington. They treated us fine. There were six of them. 8 houses, 7 tracts, 6 [miles]
Friday – 3 [November 1893] East of Rockford. He kindly invited us back this morning. Went east from there in the knobs. Had dinner with William Suttle. Then crossed east over the ridges and canvassed in Tar Kiln Hollow. We had quite a time in getting in. We went to a large house and asked to stay and we found out that they were negro. It was dark and I could not tell. They told us about a white woman’s a little way off. We stayed with Mrs. Alfred Davis, a widow, but she has two boys and a hired man. Elder [William] Ricks‘ feet hurt him. 18 h[ouses], 10 t[racts], 5 [miles]
Saturday – 4 [November 1893] 56 miles, 58 houses, 42 tracts, 9 entertainments ref[used]. Started to canvass towards the river. Went through Rockford. We had a talk with James Brakebill but he does not like our doctrine. We spent the night with Jesse Davis, an eighth Indian. He asked us back. John Dyer, and several others came in, and he tried to argue with me, but he acknowledged I beat him. 7 h[ouses], 3 tracts, 6 [miles]
Sunday – 5 [November 1893] Bear Hollow. Held meeting. Started for Bear Hollow to meeting. Canvassed seven houses on the road and gave out six tracts. It rained some today. We had dinner with Clayburn Swaggerty. There were 40 present at the meeting. I spoke one hour. After meeting we walked six miles and stayed with John Eagleton. Were treated very well. 7 h[ouses], 6 tracts, 12 [miles]
Monday – 6 [November 1893] Maryville to Seaton. 7:30 started for Maryville. Got a letter from Tom [Cunningham Young] stating all well at home. I also rec[eive]d one from Lewis [Joseph] Bowen. I wrote to T[homas] C[unningham Young] and Pres[ident Thomas Watts] Sloan. Had a bath and change. Started out to canvass on the other side of Little River via Whites Mill. Spent the night with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. 10 [miles]
Tuesday – 7 [November 1893] Knob Road. Went over Little River and started to canvass on the Sevierville Road. Had dinner with J. A. Keeble. He invited us back. We stayed overnight with Clifford Sloan. Talked on the gospel with a colored man until quite late. 6 h[ouses], 7 tracts, 6 [miles]
Wednesday – 8 [November 1893] Ella Joy. The colored man offered me a few coppers this morning, the first that has been offered. Started to canvassing as before. The people are very careless about the gospel. Had dinner with widow [of] Harvey Latham. Went to the Sevier line, then turned back on the Ella Joy road. Stayed with R. A. Garner. Had a very nice time. They have had three children (I think they are idiots [mentally handicapped]) that does not know anything, neither walk, talk or sit up. Two has died (sic). We were kindly invited back. 28 h[ouses], 13 t[racts], 6 [miles]
Thursday – 9 [November 1893] Went down the Ella Joy Creek. About ten o’clock called at John Tipton’s and he was so interested we stayed with him until 1:30. He kindly asked us back. Another man asked us back this afternoon. We have had good luck today. Stayed overnight with Andy Davis about 4 miles from L[ittle] River. 13 h[ouses], 9 t[racts], 3 [miles]
Friday – 10 [November 1893] Ella Joy Creek. Continued canvassing. Met preacher Huston Henry. Had a friendly talk with him. Had dinner with James Dunlapp on Ella Joy 2 1/2 miles from [the] L[ittle] River. Went to the P. O. and got our mail. I rec[eive]d letter from Elder [Leo Thomas] Shelley stating all [is] well. Also got one from Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan stating that Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball congratulates us on our good luck in doing Maryville. Stayed with James White on the Little River. Our mail was at Gambles Store. 31 h[ouses], 10 tracts, 5 [miles]
Saturday – 11 [November 1893] 54 miles walked, 1 meeting held, 95 families visited, 45 tracts distributed, 1 entertainment refused. Went up to Millers Cove. I had dinner with Adam [Fagala] Waters. Went up to C. Maples and got the “V[oice] of W[arning]” and the book, ent[titled] “O[rson] Pratt’s Works.” Went to Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s and was kindly treated. He spoke some about being baptized. 12 [miles]
Sunday – 12 [November 1893] We went on the bluff and cut a hickory and we burned it into ashes for us to use. Spent the day with them. 1 [mile]
Monday – 13 [November 1893] Millers Cove. Started at 8:30 for Ella Joy. Started to canvass about 11 AM. The people are bitter. We went up the Ella Joy Road. Had a long talk with Coalter, a Baptist preacher. I just scored him. We spent the night with Jack Tipton but he does not want our doctrine now. 21 h[ouses], 6 t[racts], 12 [miles]
Tuesday – 14 [November 1893] Ella Joy Town. We went through Ella Joy town. Had dinner with James Jeffries. It rained today. We spent the night with Anthony Davis. Had a talk on the gospel. 20 h[ouses], 17 t[racts], 8 [miles]
Wednesday – 15 [November 1893] Eusebia. It is quite cold this morning. We met up with Hyrum S. Blair at Eusebia. He said we have the doctrine just as he wanted it. He is very much interested. I left “Orson Pratt’s Works” with him. Had dinner with A. J. Wray. Canvassed Eusebia and stayed with Jacob Carroll. I had quite a talk with him and also a man who canvasses spectacles. There was the first snow on the top of the Chilhowee Mt. last night of the season. 27 h[ouses], 22 t[racts], 8 [miles]
Thursday – 16 [November 1893] Maryville and Sevierville Road. The first man we met was James Donaldson, a man who does not belong to any church as he could not believe that any of them were right. He said our doctrine just suited him. I left a “V[oice] of Warning” with him. We had dinner with William Keller. We then started for Gambles Store P. O. I got a letter from Nancy Osborn stating all [is] well and one from J. G[olden] Kimball. We then started for Maryville. We tried to get in along the road but we were turned off, but we finally got to stay with Mrs. Alex Henry, a colored family, my first experience. They treated us well but the bed was just 3 feet wide. 12 h[ouses], 7 t[racts], 15 [miles]
Friday – 17 [November 1893] To Maryville – To Rockford (sic). 7:30 AM started for Maryville. I had a bath and change. I wrote an article to the [Maryville] Times published in Maryville in answer to an article written by P. M. Bartlett [15 November 1893, Maryville Times, “Did Not Indorse (sic) Mormonism”]. Started towards Rockford about 1 PM. Stayed over night with Gus Henry. 0 h[ouses], 0 t[racts], 11 [miles]
Saturday – 18 [November 1893] Nails Creek. Started for Nails Creek. Called at William Eddington’s and had dinner; but he does not want our doctrine. We spent the night with James [F.] Massey on the above creek. He was kind to us. We were lucky in getting in as a meeting is going on. I talked with them on the gospel a long time. 5 h[ouses], 2 t[racts], 7 [miles]
Sunday – 19 [November 1893] 61 miles walked, 85 families visited, 8 entertainments refused, 54 tracts distributed. This being the day they are going to baptize in this place, we went into the woods and stayed about two hours. Then went to Oliver Durfres and had dinner. He asked us back. We met a minister this morning who was acquainted with J. G[olden] Kimball. He was quite nice to us. He took one of our tracts. We stayed overnight with Steven H. Hall. He is interested in our doctrine. I talked a long time with them on the gospel. 13 h[ouses], 12 t[racts], 3 [miles]
Monday – 20 [November 1893] Nails Creek. Quite hard frost last night. Canvassed east along the Bays[illegible]. Had dinner with an old maid and two old bachelors named McClary. Stopped overnight with A. J. Lloyd close to the Sevier line. He was interested. I talked a long time on the gospel. 19 h[ouses], 13 t[racts], 7 [miles]
Tuesday – 21 [November 1893] To Eusebia. Went up to the Sevier Co[unty] line, then started back father south. Had dinner and a long talk with Robert Picken[s]. We went over to Hyrum Blair’s at Eusebia and got “O[rsin] Pratt’s Works.” He liked the book. We went over to Joe Thomas’ and spent the night. I was talking about the chance one has after death, as he asked me about it, and he said he did not want me to talk about that before his children as it was different than they ever taught them. I told him it was true. Mr. Blair said some had talked a little of white capping [beating] us. 15 h[ouses], 8 t[racts], 8 [miles]
Wednesday – 22 [November 1893] Logan Chapel. Went down through Logan Chapel. Had dinner with J. W. French. He met some of our elders about 8 years ago. He likes our doctrine. We went to James Donaldson, or peddler Jim, as he is called. He said he wanted to join our church, and his family. 15 h[ouses], 14 t[racts], 8 [miles]
Thursday – 23 [November 1893] To Millers Cove. Started out about 7 AM and finished the county. The last name named Cooper was a tartar [TN: irritable]. He said the laying on of hands was all done away with. We then started for Millers Cove. Got [to] Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s about 1 PM. We thought he was around home so we waited there until school was out and the children told us he was up to [William] Charley Garland‘s so we started out and got in at John [Thomas McNeilly] McNealey‘s. 5 h[ouses], 4 t[racts], 10 [miles]
Friday – 24 [November 1893] Happy Valley. Started at 7 AM for Happy Landing. Got there about 10 AM and was kindly treated. I read a long letter from Maggie [Frazer Young] and Isabel[la Mary Young] and one from Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan asking us to go to Greene Co[unty] to labor. Spent the night with them (Thomas Hear[o]n]) in talking on the gospel. 6 [miles]
Saturday – 25 [November 1893] Went to the P. O. and got a “V[oice] of W[arning]” from Mathew Henderson of Ewing. I wrote three letters to Isabel[la Mary Young], Jane O[osborn] and Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan, then went back there. I copied some minutes of the Council Meetings at Conference. 67 h[ouses], 52 tracts, 3 [miles]
Sunday – 26 [November 1893] Thomas [Hearon] Hearn, Elder [William] Ricks and I went over to Nick [Nicodemus] Blevins and spent the day with them. Talked on the topics of the day and on the gospel. I am sick in my stomach like I was in the forepart of August. Spent the night with Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn. 4 [miles]
Monday – 27 [November 1893] It is raining this morning. I am still sick. Spent the day with Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn. Also the night. 0 [miles]
Tuesday – 28 [November 1893] To Millers Cove. Started for Millers Cove although I was somewhat ailing. Elder [William] Ricks killed a pig for Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland as he was away from home. I am a good deal better today. 8 [miles]
Wednesday – 29 [November 1893] Spent the day and night with Mr. [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland. Helped him pull and pit some turnips. Talked some to Joe [John Calvin (JC)] Garland and Andy [Johnson] Smith on the gospel. 0 [miles]
Baptisms of Alexander, JC and Sarah Garland, and Andrew Smith
Thursday – 30 [November 1893] Went over to Abram’s Creek and dedicated a spot to baptize some converts. I baptized Alexander [Harrison] Garland, son of Steven [Joseph] Garland and Betsey [Elizabeth] McKeeney. Also [Joseph] John Calvin [JC] Garland (better known as Joe), son of Alexander [Harrison] Garland and Eliza [Jane] Nelson. Sarah Margaret [Cauble] Garland, daughter of Peter Vargary [Vardry] Cauble and Mary Ann Mosteller, and also Andrew Johnson Smith, son of Marquis Lafayette Smith and Eliza[beth Henly] Nelson. I confirmed the last named, [Andrew Johnson Smith] and Sarah Margaret [Cauble Garland], and Elder [William] Ricks confirmed the other two, [Alexander Harrison Garland and Joseph John Calvin (JC) Garland]. We held meeting at Joe’s [John Calvin (JC) Garland]. [William] Charley Garland said he would want to be baptized after a while. 3 [miles]. Total number of miles 3,106, tracts for month 235, houses visited 343, ent[ertainments] ref[used] 18, meetings held 2
Friday – 1 December 1893 Started for Maryville at 8 AM. Had dinner at Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]’s, then on, intending to stay with Cal Russell but she refused us and we tried at widow Mrs. Richard Nichols, but she would not let us without pay. So we went in to Maryville and stayed with William V[an Buren] Farley. We went to the P. O. I got a long letter from Anna Osborn stating all [is] well. Also got one from Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan with some instructions from the office telling us to warn the people to repent of their sins and for us not to fall in love. I also got one from Elder [Leo Thomas] Shelley. 10 [miles]
Saturday – 2 [December 1893] Had a bath and change. I sent some articles to the Deseret News written by P. M. Barlett and myself [TN: Maryville Times articles published 15 and 22 November above]. I got two pair of slips and we started for Greene Co[unty] after sending our grips. We stopped with James Donaldson‘s and was treated fine. We had to ford the L[ittle] River. 10 [miles]
Sunday – 3 [December 1893] Spent the day with them. It rained nearly all day. I was sick today. I had a long talk tonight with Dryden [Dole] Donaldson. 0 [miles]
Monday – 4 [December 1893] Not being well, we spent the day with them. It snowed a little last night. 0 [miles]
Tuesday – 5 [December 1893] For Maryville. I am still unwell but started for Greene Co[unty]. Got up to the Sevier Co[unty] line and I was so sick that we started back for Maryville. Tried to get in at James Donaldson‘s but he would not keep us. We stopped with James Murfly. I could eat no supper nor breakfast. 12 [miles]
Wednesday – 6 [December 1893] Maryville Knoxville (sic). Started early for Maryville. I about gave out but I got to ride about three miles with John [Thomas McNeilly] McNealey. We telegraphed my condition to Pres[ident J. Golden] Kimball and he sent word back for me to come down to Chattanooga. I borrowed $5.00 from Jo Burger, cashier of Bank of Maryville. Stayed overnight at the Central House [Hotel]. 9 [miles]
Thursday – 7 [December 1893] Chattanooga. Bid good-bye to Elder [William] Ricks and started for Chattanooga. I wrote to Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan. Had to wait at Knoxville until 4 o’clock and the train was 1.35 (sic) late. Got to Chattanooga about 8 PM. Put up at the Kennedy House [TN: Hotel]. Elder [George Alma] Smith called in the night to see me. I was feeling some better. 0 [miles]
Friday – 8 [December 1893] I am still feeling a little better but ate no supper or breakfast. Elder [George Alma] Smith came in and took me to his house. It rained today. Elders [Thomas Watts] Sloan and [William Lehi] Hayes came in today and stayed with Mrs. Mason, our hostess. I feel a great deal better today. 0 [miles]
Saturday – 9 [December 1893] It was today that Elders [Thomas Watts] Sloan and [William Lehi] Hayes came in. I am a great deal better today. I concluded to go back to field of labor. Had a nice visit with the elders. 0 [miles]
Sunday – 10 [December 1893] We had breakfast, then went up to Cameron Hill and had a good look at Chattanooga, and Elder [George Alma] Smith gave us a history of some of the battles. After dinner went to the National Cemetery where 12,876 Union soldiers are buried – 7,947 known and 4,924 are unknown. After supper, Elder [George Alma] Smith gave us some instructions. 5 [miles]
Monday – 11 [December 1893] Chattanooga. Elder [William Lehi] Hayes started for Blount Co[unty] after dinner. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan and I went out upon Lookout M[oun]t[ain]. The scenery is grand in the extreme. Stood upon Sunset Rock. It is 200 feet in height. Perpendicularly, Lookout M[oun]t[ain]. is about 1,600 feet above Chattanooga. The ride up there from town [was] about 3 miles. To the top is 55 cents. The car goes up a very steep incline of about 13,000 feet to mile (sic). Chattanooga is a beautiful city of about 3,500. 2 [miles]
Tuesday – 12 [December 1893] Went downtown this morning. I went to the north side of town and crossed the bridge over the Big Tenn[essee] River. I went and examined a place where there was a big fire last night. After dinner, we went to the Times printing office where they can print and fold 20,000 copies in one hour with one machine. After supper, I copied part of Dan[iel verse] 2 ch[apter] 4 [TN: “I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me”]. I have traveled 161 miles on the cars the last week.
Wednesday – 13 [December 1893] Calhoun in McMinn Co[unty]. We started at 9 AM for McMinn Co[unty]. Road (sic) on the [rail] cars to Cleveland, then walked to Calhoun, a distance of 12 miles. Spent the night with Frank Shaw. We attended their Baptist prayer meeting. The minister preached on foreordination and predestination. 13 [miles]
[14-27 DECEMBER 1893: OUTSIDE BLOUNT COUNTY]
Laboring in Blount County
Thursday – 28 [December 1893] Louden Co[unty]. Morganton. 7 AM started out northeast for McGhee Station. We canvassed a few houses along the road where the other elders failed to canvass. We went in to a house to ask the road and I asked for some dinner, and they got us a good meal. The man’s name is Alfred Wright, about 12 miles from Sweetwater and six miles from McGhee [Station]. We arrived at Mr. Sly’s about 4:30 and received the usual welcome, although there were 18 in [the] family. We had a lively discussion on future punishment with Jack Bly. He got a little excited. 9 Fam[ilies] r[efused us], 9 tracts, 15 [miles]
Friday – 29 [December 1893] Blount Co[unty]. It rained some last night and blowed. It also rained very hard a little while this morning. Started about 9:30. Stopped and had dinner with John Hall, a very nice dinner indeed, some wild goose. Then started on the Niles Ferry Road. Arrived at Samuel [Thornton] Willocks‘ just before dark. Had a nice talk on the gospel with him but he cannot understand the authority. Fam[ilies visited] 2, 14 [miles]
Saturday – 30 [December 1893] To Liberty. Total miles 3,293, 778 houses since conference, 504 tracts, 70 entertainments ref[used]. It rained nearly all night. We started in town about 8 AM. I received a necktie from home as Xmas present, also three letters: one from T[homas] C[unningham Young], one from Maggie [Frazer Young], and Jane Osborn, stating all [is] well. I wrote a letter to Maggie [Frazer Young]. Had dinner with Peter Walker. After dinner, started out for Wal. Raulston’s about 2 PM. Arrived there through the mud about 5 PM, but they had company, and we went about a half mile and stayed with David Miller. He at first thought he could not keep us, as they were sick, but he finally consented, but he did not want the gospel, but he talked about the government. 12 [miles], 28 families, 13 tracts, 75 miles
Sunday – 31 [December 1893] Happy Valley. Started for Mr. [Thomas Hearon] Hearn‘s about 7 AM. Got there about 10. Were treated kind as usual. They were all sick with the grippe but Mrs. [Mariah Anthony] Hear[o]n. We talked on the gospel and sang some songs. 6 [miles]
Monday – 1 [January 1894] To Millers Cove. Spent the day with the folks. Mrs. [Mariah Anthony] Hear[o]n took sick tonight. This is a very nice day. We passed the day in reading. 0 [miles]
Tuesday – 2 [January 1894] It is nice and clear this morning. Quite [a] hard frost last night. Started for Millers Cove about 9 AM. Arrived about 1 PM. Mr. [Thomas Hear[o]n told me before I left that he intended to get baptized. Brother [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s folks, [Alexander Harrison Garland and Eliza Jane Nelson], were glad to see us. Spent the evening in telling them of their duties. They feel well in the work. 8 [miles]
Wednesday – 3 [January 1894] Spent the day with Brother [Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland in reading. Popped some corn and they put molasses candy in it. I had a bath today. Spent the night with them telling them of their duties and asking them questions on the gospel. 0 [miles]
Thursday – 4 [January 1894] To Seaton. This being Fast Day we went without breakfast. We blessed John Pres[s]ley [Garland] and Robert Filmore [Garland], two of [Joseph] John Calvin [JC] Garland‘s children. I acted as mouth to the first, [John Pressley Garland], and Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan the latter, [Robert Filmore Garland]. Had dinner, then started for Maryville. Stopped overnight with Uncle [William T.] Billey [White]. Aunt Nancy [Potter] was sick with Lagrippe. We called on Mr. [illegible] He said he believes [illegible] 4 [miles]
Friday – 5 [January 1894] Maryville. 7 AM started for town. Arrived very muddy about 10 AM. Cleaned up, then started in town to recanvass. I went to a shoe shop and got my shoes repaired. I also got a tooth filled. I feel very bad with a pain in the head, legs stiff, etc. I had Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan administer to me. We spent the night at the Central Hotel but I did not eat anything. 8 [miles]
Saturday – 6 [January 1894] To Millers Cove. I feel all right this morning. We called on a few persons and then decided we had finished the co[ve]. James Waters asked us to have dinner with him and of course we never refuse. Started for Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland‘s about 7:30. Got there about 6 PM. Found all [is] well. 11 [miles]
Sunday – 7 [January 1894] Spent the day in popping corn and eating and also reading. Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland spent the night with Andy [Johnson] Smith and got back about 1 PM. We interrogated Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland on the Bible, the necessity of baptism. He is striving diligently to learn. 0 [miles]
Monday – 8 [January 1894] Went with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland to find his hogs. We also found some mistletoe. After dinner Joe [John Calvin (JC) Garland] pulled one of my wisdom teeth. We then went in the woods with him and cut and hauled three loads of wood. 4 [miles]
Tuesday – 9 [January 1894] Raining again this morning. I pulled one of Joe’s [John Calvin (JC) Garland] front teeth. I wrote a letter to Jane Osborn. Spent the remainder of the day in sitting around. In the evening after supper popped corn and had a good time. 0 [miles]
Wednesday – 10 [January 1894] Held meeting. Joe [John Calvin (JC) Garland] sent Willie [Edward Silver Garland] up to invite Thomas Hear[o]n to come over but he and his wife, [Mariah Anthony Hearon], are sick so they did not come. Spent the day in lounging around and reading some. Spent the evening in talking on the Bible. 1 [mile]
Thursday – 11 [January 1894] Millers Cove. We had a short meeting today. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke first, then I added a few words. We then went down to the water’s edge and Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan baptized three of Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin] JC Garland‘s children, vix Lulu [Louella Garland], Laona [Lona Mae Garland], and William [Edward Silver Garland]. We then went back to the house and confirmed them. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan was mouth for Laona [Lona Mae Garland] and I was for the other two, [Louella Garland and William Edward Silver Garland]. Afterward I spoke some to the people on our belief. They popped some corn again. We went with Bro[ther Joseph John Calvin (JC)] Garland after dinner and looked over his farm. In the evening went and spent about two hours with a Mr. Gladden. They are interested and invited us back and [to] stop with them. 4 [miles]
Friday – 12 [January 1894] Millers Cove to Walden’s Creek. Started for Hamblen Co[unty]. Went through Millers Cove and down through Walden’s Creek. Arrived at Sister [Elizabeth Cathrine Barlow] Clinton‘s about 2 PM. Had dinner. A man named John Inman came in and spent the night. We had a nice talk on the gospel until a late hour. 16 [miles]
Saturday – 13 [January 1894] Waldens Creek, Sevier Co[unty]. We intended to start on this morning but they prevailed upon us to stay until Monday and hold two meetings tomorrow, which we decided to do. We went down to the creek and attended to the ordinance of washing of feet against Blount Co[unty] and Sweetwater in Monroe Co[unty] and Mouse Creek, Athens, Riceville and Calhoun in McMinn Co[unty]. Spent the evening in talking. 0 [miles]
Sunday – 14 [January 1894] Two meetings today. We blessed Elizabeth Catherine Sloan, daughter of Joseph A[lfred Sloan] and Nancy C[harlotte Hicks] Sloan. I acted as mouth. The baby was born Dec 19, 1893, in Wears Cove. We held meeting in the Morton Branch schoolhouse. There were 14 present. I spoke first one hour and ten minutes. Then Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan followed with a few remarks. As we were on our way to Mr. [William M.] Clinton‘s, we found the following notice put up on a stick in the road: “January 14th 1894. mi dear friends you latter day sance. I am going to give you a peace of good advice. You Mormon preachers has to quit pasing through this country if you don’t you will take what follows. The people dont low know such people in. The neighbors don’t low no such in the Sixteenth district. Know listen what I tol you the people will white cap you. People know listen by god what is tel you youens han’t nothing but hog thieves and lyers. Don’t come in this part kno more for i will be god dam if they don’t [illegible]ake you shant we don’t want no shuch doctrin in this country. [TN: signed:] old american bull dog.” On the back of this was the picture of a man with a pistol in his hand. We did not know who wrote it. After dinner at 2:30 we held another meeting. Elder [Thomas Watts] Sloan spoke first and I followed a little over 30 minutes. There were 25 to meeting. Spent the evening in conversing on the Bible. 2 [miles]
Source: Young, Robert Cunningham, 1863-1904. Robert C. Young journal, 1892-1904, https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/28141a60-52b9-4f1c-bc5c-5cc47bc9ef4e/0?view=summary&lang=eng (accessed: December 23, 2023)
Smoky Mountain Ward 