Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson

[illegible](Sept 5, 1893): "At supper had quite an animated conversation on religion which arose over the Eternity of the Celestial Marriage Covenant. My heart was much grieved to hear Lizzie and Ma express their faith in same and also in the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is a very sad thing to see them ignorently (Sic) say things which will be their condemnation unless they speedily repent which I hope and pray they may and God in His mercy will reveal Himself to them in as much as they will humbly seek after Him."

1893-1894 Bk, pp. 61-62 (Dec 31, 1893): "Went [to] Sunday School and at 12.30 P.M. went to Theology class at 12 where we had a very nice time. During the course of the lecture there were some question (Sic) in relation to the Church of Christ and the Kingdom of God also the Kingdom of Heaven. Dr. Talmage said that there was a difference [p. 62] between them although they were sometimes used synomimously (Sic). He refered to 65 Sec Doc and Cov &c. Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon then came to stand and desired to make a few remarks upon the Kingdom of God as he understood it from the Prophet Joseph Smith who had said to some of the members of the Church who were there assembled. "The Kingdom of God is a political organization and is composed both of members of the Church of Christ and those who are not members of the Church. The object of this Kingdom will be to uphold the rights and liberties of all denominations and to Sustain the Constitution of the Country."

1894-1895 Bk, p. 64 (Oct 4, 1894): "The main theme this conference has been on the Word of Wisdom and when Prest. Woodruff got up he administered a most stinging rebuke to Patriarch John Smith for failing to observe that counsel given by the Lord in the Word of Wisdom."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 48 (Nov 1, 1895): "The Political Matter and things the politicians are using to influence voters are shaking Zion to the center and I fear that apostacy is stalking abroad among the Saints. The Democrats are trying to drag the First Presidency into Politics by saying they are using their influence &c. and I am very sorry to see many of our brethren are talking loudly against the Lord's Anointed in consequence thereof."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 114 (Apr 6, 1896): Concerning Moses Thatcher, "It was with great sorrow that I learned this news for I was in hope the (Sic) he would make amends for all he had said and done during the last political campaign in the Fall but from his course one must see that he is in spiritual darkness which will ulitmately lead him out of the Church unless he speedily repents and makes matters right with the Lord and his brethren."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 148 (Nov 28, 1896): "Today Bro Nephi L. Morris brought a petition to Prest. Lorenzo Snow asking if it was consistant with the Quorum of the Twelve and the order of the church, that there be a statement made of their side of reasons why Moses Thatcher was expelled from his Quorum. I signed it believing that ti would be good for the saints to know the true inwardness of the matter inasmuch as Moses had made public the private correspondence between himself and the quorum of the Twelve."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 148 (Nov 30, 1896): Today's issue contains Prest Lorenzo Snow's answer to our petition and fully vindicates the course taken by the 12 apostles."

--Dec 24, 1896, he is accepted as a member of Francis M. Lyman's prayer circle

--no entries made for the period Dec 25, 1896 to Mar 6, 1897

--no entries for the period Mar 28, 1897 to Mar 13, 1898

1895-1904 Bk, p. 156 (Mar 13, 1898): "In October [1897] the regular Semi Anual (Sic) Conference convened in this City and among the events which transpired was the filling of the vacancies in the Quorum of the the Twelve Apostles the Lord revealing that Owen Woodruff and Mathias Cowley were the men. This was a great surprise to many because they had it all arranged in their own minds as to whom they thought ought to be appointed. However the Lord knows whom he wants and if we will only sustain them he will bless us abundantly in the same."

--following the appointement of Richard R. Lyman as the Stake MIA Superintendent, "Brother Lyman called about 18 young men where were set appart (Sic) to act as Aids in the MIA work. Among that number I was called and was assigned with a companion to six wards over which we presided to see that they conducted same according to instructions of the Superintendency." (p. 157)

1895-1904 Bk, p. 162 (Mar 31, 1898): "This morning I had the pleasure of going to Prest Angus M. Cannon with Sister Sarah Jane Rogers and there helped her to settle with him some personal feelings which had existed between them for over Twenty Years."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 179 (Dec 5, 1899): Concerning the effort to deny B.H. Roberts a seat in the House of Representatives, "This is a matter of considerable importance as it is not so much B.H. Roberts and his poligamous raltions as it is to strike a blow at the Church and Mormonism A.T. Schroder T.C. Iliff C.M. Owen and many other of our enemenies (Sic) are in Washington using their influence to try and accomplish their ends. They have openly admitted in their meetings that it was the Mormon Church they were trying to get at. Let them go on in their devilish work and though there may seem to have accomplished a great victory yet will the Lord turn it to the good of His cause and Zion will grow and wax stronger and stronger under their persecution."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 184 (Jan 8, 1900): "Prest J.M. Tanner placed his resignation in the hands of Prest. W.S. McCornic because he feared that the Agriculture College of Logan might suffer in Congress failing to make an appropriation because he being a polygamist was president of the same. In order that the enemenies (Sic) of the Church might not have an excuse to use the old cry that Polygamy was still being preached and practiced Prest Lorenzo Snow today issued a proclamation declairing (Sic) that the Church has positavely (Sic) abandoned polygamy and that if any member disobeys the laws, either as to polygamy or unlawful cohabitation, he must bear his own burden and be answerable to the tribunals of the lands (Sic) for his own actions pertaining thereto."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 191 (May 14, 1900): He is set apart as one of the presidents of the newly created 124th Quorum of Seventy by Seymour B. Young.

1895-1904 Bk, p. 199 (Feb 7, 1901): "On Feb. 7th Apostle Francis M. Lyman was appointed to preside over the European Mission and on the 14th of Feb Apostle Heber J Grant was called to go to Japan and open the doors of the Gospel to that Nation. Both of the above brethren were anxious that I should go with them but learning through inquiry that I was in debt to the amount of $1900.00 concluded not to make the call."

--Mar 12, 1900, he is ordained a High Priest and made a High Councilman in the Salt Lake Stake

1895-1904 Bk, p. 226 (Apr 8, 1901): At Conference Priesthood meeting for leadership, "After the opening exercises Prest Lorenzo Snow spoke upon the Subject of the giving of Second Anointings. He Said that this blessing brought a person to a greater knowledge of the things pertaining to God and his purposes in the earth, that the glorious things of the Kingdom were made clear to the understanding of man. Therefore it would be a very serious thing for a man to apostatize after he had received this great blessing. He warned the Presidents of Stakes that they should exercise great care when giving recomends to those of his stake to receive these great blessings and should know by their work their integrity and devotion to the cause of the Gospel, for the responsibility would rest upon them if any were recomended unworthily or that apostatized."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 228 (Apr 8, 1901); Same meeting, "Prest Jos. F. Smith then made a few remarks on the Subject of the Second Anointing. He said that it was the crowning blessing of and the highest gift to be conferred by the Melchesidek Priesthood. Elders should do something to be worthy to receive this great blessing and their (Sic) are many ways out of the ordinary rutine (Sic) duties by which a man could earn the good will of God to the obtaining of this blessing. Every man should be determined to place every thing on the altar even to the laying down of life itself for the gospel sake in order to be truly worthy of this blessing."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 242 (Apr 25, 1901): Following the departure of Francis M. Lyman for his mission to England, Clawson notes: "Went to prayer Circle at 6.15 P.M. Apostle M. Cowley presiding in the stead of Apostle Lyman."

1895-1904 Bk, p. 249 (May 5, 1901): He narrates his efforts to persuade Nellie Clawson Brown against going into the theatrical profession.

1895-1904 Bk, p. 257 (May 23, 1901): In conversation with Dewey Richards, "He also said that he had examined the Court records of Ohio Indianna (Sic) and other states and had found evidence against the Mormon faith which would be very hard for them to answer and which would soon appear in print and he would send me a copy to read."

--no entries for period Sept 14, 1901 to May 17, 1903

1895-1904 Bk, pp. 297-298 (May 21, 1903): "Learned to day that John Hanson Local Editor of the Deseret News was a trator (Sic) to his brethren and was doing things and having things printed in the paper that was detrimental to the Church and and (Sic) the people generally also that he had accepted a bribe to work against the interests of the people Also that two reporters of the News had said in the presence of detective Sheets and others that they knew Henry S. [p. 298] Tanner was a poligamist and these were or claimed to be members of the Church. What can we expect if our own people go about making such statements.[?]"

--May 22, 1903, he is beaten up by a disaffected member of the Church and his brother, both members of the Church

--Apr 1, 1904, he is made a High Councilman in the newly organized Ensign Stake

1904-1906 Bk, p. 17 (Apr 5, 1904): At Priesthood leadership meeting, the remarks of Joseph F. Smith, "In regards to recomends(Sic) to the Temple the bishops should only give them to saints to receive their first-endowments and they should exercise more care and caution in giving same, as some unworthy persons have been admitted to the Temple and even some who were not members of the Church. One instance was when a detective who was out here and who took such an interest in the people and sympathized with them so much that the bishop recomended him to the Temple and he was endowed."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 21 (Apr 5, 1904): Same meeting, more remarks by Joseph F. Smith, "He also said that the press reports are such that it shows that lies and misripresentation (Sic) are abroad and they are doing all they can to injure us as a people therefore we should be discrete (Sic) in our utterances and be as wise as serpents but harmless as doves."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 36 (Apr 22, 1904): "The Smoot Investigation is becoming uninteresting even to the people in the East and I would not be surprised at all if it did not die a natural death."

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 72-73 (June 30, 1904): "Went to prayer circle at 6 15 P.M. Met Bro James [II.] Anderson who has just returned from the National Republican Convention in Chicago and he spoke of the work. Among other things he said that the defeat of the Anti Poligamy plank in the platform was due to the powerful defence made by Senator Clark of Wyoming who said "Gentlemen if you wish to lose the Western State [States] just incorporate that plank in the platform" he was seconded by the Senator from Idaho and the result of their defence deafeated the measure. Senator Fred Duboise came in for a good round scoring and no doubt felt keenly his defeat. Also some of those prominent Society Women the leaders of those organizations who have been making such a fight against Senator Smoot and who arrained the Mormons so severely before the Committee were ready to fall in to the Seantors (Sic) arms and even went so far as to try and get some of the Senators to go and spend the night with them. Married women? Defenders [p. 73] of the purity of the American homes? Nice persons to find fault and criticise the virtues of the Mormon people. It is a true saying that those who are the most corrupt cry the loudest in order to cover up their own sins. Bro Anderson also received assurance from many of the Senators that Reed Smoot would retain his seat for said one "Senator Borrows will do what we want him to" We have Prest Roosevelt on our side and his many actions have proven that he will give us his hearty support; for instance when Senator Kerns (Sic) wanted Postmaster Thomas removed Prest Roosevelt as (Sic) Senator Smoot if he wanted him removed? Senator Smoot said No, and he remained. When Senator Kerns (Sic) named a man for assistant Postmaster Prest Roosevelt Telegraphed to Senator Smoot to name a man for the possition (Sic). He did and his man was placed in the possition (Sic)."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 73 (June 30, 1904): Same entry, further on, "Bro Anderson says that the Senators are sick of the poligamy question and that the next great move against us will [be] the attack on the Holy Priesthood."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 99 (Oct 30, 1904): "Came home with Bro Hamilton G. Park and he told me a little incident in his life when he was with Heber C Kimball which gave the key to Henry Lawrence's apostasy. It began by his taking advantage of the people and charging them outrageojs prices for goods making as high a [as] 15 hundred per cent. Heber C Kimball told him what he was doing and that if he did not repent in sack cloth and ashes that he would lose the spirit--apostatize and go to hell. All of which came true."

--Nov 16, 1904 he is sustained a member of the YMMIA General Board

1904-1906 Bk, p. 120 (Dec 15, 1904): "The Smoot investigation was resumed in Washington on Monday. Brother George Reynolds Mrs. Mina Cannon Ellis J.H. Wallis August Lundstrom and John Nicholson have testified. Wallis and Lundstrom are both Apostates and they have revealed the signs, tokens and penelties (Sic) of the Temple. It is most shocking to read of these things but he devil has his agents who are working as hard as they cand (Sic) to destroy the work of the Lord but in this they will fail."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 120 (Dec 16, 1904): "Bro Nicholson's testimony was of little worth to them for they could get nothing out of him. A vast difference between that and brother Reynolds (Sic) testimony. May the Lord preserve and sustain our brethren and sisters who are subject to such indignities."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 131 (Jan 19, 1905): "In the testimony of the witnesses on brother Smoots (Sic) side of his investigation evidence is being brought out that does not suit our enemenies (Sic) and they are getting sick of their undertaking even the newspaper comment (Sic) are beginning to cencure (Sic) those who institute (Sic) the investigation. I expect to see a verdict of not guilty and also see much of the prejudice allayed. I glory in the manor (Sic) in which the Lord overturns all their plans and foils them in their evil ambitions. I also look to see retribution visited upon those who have taken so active a part in this investigation especially those who have done it knowing full well that all their assertions were false."

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 133-134 (Jan 23, 1905): "Today the arguments in the Reed Smoot investigation closed and according to reports it will be about one or two weeks before the committee will make their reports [p. 134] Every indication points to a minority and majority report. It has been a very notable struggle and one that has caused many of the weak kneed one's (Sic) to loose faith but to me I can see and do acknowledge the hand of the Lord in it and know that he will turn all to the good of Zion and the accomplishment of His work."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 139 (Feb 13, 1905): "Prest. Jos F. SMith sent for me as he wanted me to attend to some business in Canada. I called but he was not in and Prest Winder and Lund said it would do on Wednesday when I came to the General Board Meeting."

Feb 18-Feb 28, 1905, he is in the Canadian settlements on YMMIA business

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 141-142 (Feb 19, 1905): At Magrath, Can., Took [p. 142] dinner with the [Taylor] Stake Presidency at Bishop Harkers and then delivered to them the special message which they promised to attend to."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 143 (Feb 21, 1905): At Cardston, "Horace drove be [me] back [to] Cardston where I had a conference with the Stake Presidency in relation to the special business on which I was sent and they expressed themselves as ready to do all in their power to attend to it."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 145 (Feb 27, 1905): At Alberta Stake Conference, "Among the reports I noted, both in this and the Taylor Stakes, the great children population under 8 years of age. One Bishop said if they would only give him time he would be able to build up a good ward from the children. Many reports showed where there was a population of 80 there were 30 and 40 children under 8 years of age. One ward that has a population of 1200 shows 400 children under 8 years of age which to me was a grand showing."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 152 (Mar 15, 1905): In regard to the excommunication of Frank J. Cannon, "I have long seen what would be the final result of Frank J. Cannon's course and now that he no longer holds the priesthood and is cut off his power and influence is gone and he will sink into oblivion and will only be remembered as a traitor and out cast. Even those who employ him will soon kick him out and he will be dispised by even the enemenies (Sic) of this work. However if he repents and tries to do what is right there may yet be a chance for him to be saved. May he see the folly of his way before he gets to that condition where I (Sic) cannot [illegible]

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 153-154 (Mar 18, 1905): "I read today in the Evening News a dispatch from Washington which fully sustains and exemplifies the scripture which says "If you were of the world the world would love you &c" The Mothers (Sic) Congress which has been in session for a week on their ajournment (Sic) today after denouncing the Mormons and passing resolutions to expell (Sic) brother Reed Smoot from the Senate says this "The thanks of the Congress are extended to former Senator Frank J. Cannon of Utah "For the valuable service he has rendered to the Nation." Though expelled by the Mormon hierarchy, he [p. 154] is welcomed in the ranks of loyal, lawabiding citizens as a brave defender of home and purity" Of course when one knows the life of Frank J. Cannon and then see him praised for the defender of home and purity it is ridiculous."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 229 (Oct 7, 1905): "Joseph Smith [III] and Frederick M Smith of the Reorganized Church are in attendance (Sic) at conference and will hear some strong testimonies of the truth of this work. I hear from common rumor that Joseph Smith [III] is here at the instance of Kearns and Cannon all his expenses being paid, the hope being that there will be a split in the Church and he will step in and gather them into the Reorganized Church. Another report is circulated to the effect that Joseph Smith [III] hoped to be appointed a receiver for the Church &c. All of which if their (Sic) is any truth whatever in them are the very highth (Sic) of folly."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 236 (Oct 27, 1905): "The political situation is looking fair for a Republican victory. Had a talk with Prest. Jos F Smith and expressed my views as to the necessity of a Republican victory which views he said were quite right."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 236 (Oct 28, 1905): "Had a talk with father [Hiram B. Clawson] this evening at 6 30 P.M. over the political situation and was able to convince him that it was the duty of all Republicans to vote the straight ticket this year in order to defeat the American's (Sic) and maintain our prestage (Sic) with the National leaders. He said that he would do all he could and use his influence ot get others to vote the Republican ticket."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 237 (Oct 29, 1905): "Bro Levi E. Young also told us of an interview he had with Frank J. Cannon and the spirit that pervades his office in the Tribune Building. He said that he did not believe the future hell could be any worse. It is truly sorrowful to see how a some of Zion could fall so low as to become a tool of the devil in trying to destroy the Lords (Sic) work here on the earth."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 242 (Nov 6, 1905): "The Political Situation is quite critical the people generally being in the dark as to how they should they should (Sic) cast their vote. I have tried to show the necessity of maintaining the Republican supreamacy (Sic) here that we as a people may stand well before the Nation and brother Reed Smoot may have more backing in his fight. Also that the American Party may recieve a body blow that will put them out of action."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 243 (Nov 8, 1905): Commenting on the victory of the American Party in the City election, "No doubt their success was due to many of the Republican Mormon votes being cast for Richard Mooris and many of the Republican gentile votes being cast for Ezra Thompson thereby seducing the great Republican Majority making Wm J. Lynch to recieve the lowest number of votes cast. However I believe that it would have been much worse for us as a people and state had Richard Morris been elected, as it would have given our enemenies (Sic) an opportunity to cry Church influences, as it would be patent that he was elected on Mormon Republican votes. This club being removed, it will be much better for brother Reed Smoot in his defense before the investigating Committee and the National Committee showing clearly that people voted as they please without let or hinderance."

--Dec 17, 1905, he was invited by Apostle George Albert Smith to attend the dedication for the monument to Joseph Smith at Vermont, but he declined the invitation, "on account of my financial condition."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 264 (Feb 12, 1906): "During this time [Feb 1-Feb 12] the Smoot investigation has been again reopened in Washington and W.M. Wolf John Holmgren Henry W Lawrence and Chas. A Smurthwait with Joseph Smith [III] and others of the Reorganites were called as witnesses Those who were placed upon the stand gave such testimony as to utterly disgust members of the Committee who scored Chairman Burrows for summoning them, while the Reorganites did not have a chance to go on the stand and make capital out of their testimony, which made them very angry. The more this case drags on and the more our enemenies (Sic) try to get means to injure the Church, the more I can see the hand of the Lord in delivering us from them."

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 270-271 (Mar 3, 1906): "The Reed Smoot Case drags along slowly at Washington by the Committee are very much disgusted with Chairman Burrow's (Sic) for reopening the case as Chas. Moston Owen has failed to bring forth any evidence to strengthen their case but in reality have injured it and thus we see plainly the hand of the Lord in delivering [p. 217] the people and overthrowing the enemeny." (Sic)

Mar 9-Mar 20, 1906, he is in the Canadian settlements on YMMIA business

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 281-282 (Apr 8, 1906): "This has been one of the best conferences held the spirit and faith of the Saints being such as to enjoy the free outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord. One very sad feature however was the resiganation (Sic) of Apostles John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley from their places in the Quorum because of their being out of harmony with the quorum and the First Presidency. This caused many to feel great sorrow because of the love of those brethren but the Kingdom of God is greater than any man and if they do not keep in harmony with its growth and [p. 282] development then they must seep down and out while others will be raised up to take their places and carry out the Lord's will on Earth."

--April 22, 1906, he is made Bishop of the SLC 18th Ward

--Apr 25, 1906, his offer of resignation as a member of the YMMIA General Board was turned down, "brother Hyrum M Smith moved that I not permitted to retire as I would be the only Bishop on the board which comprised a representative of nearly every other high office in the Church."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 350 (Aug 6, 1906): "At 7 30 P.M. went to High Priests (Sic) Quorum Meeting and listened to a very interesting talk by brother Samuel Richard, the last of the original company of young men organized by Joseph the Prophet to go and explore the Rocky Mountains for a dwelling place for the Saints, he spoke of a night vision he had in answer to his prayers wherein he came west all over these rigions down into California Mexico and back up to Jackson Co where he helped to build the Great Temple there."

1904-1906 Bk, pp. 372-377 (Oct 8, 1906)--detailed account of the meeting of the presiding authorities of the Church held at 10.A.M.

1904-1906 Bk, p. 377 (Oct 8, 1906): Conclusion of that meeting, "Prest Jos. F. Smith spoke of his being arested (Sic) because his wife had had a baby and some professing latter-day (Sic) Saints had said it served him right and he had ought to go to Jail. He said dam (Sic) such a man and the whole congregation said Amen. A vote was then taken to see if any on (Sic) did not approve his action and not one hand of disapproval was shown."

1904-1906 Bk, p. 385 (Oct 24, 1906): "Had talk with bro Thomas Hull over the political situation and learned that Wm H. King had told Judge Lewis in open court that the Church was interfering in politics and that in a Secret Priesthood Meeting all the brethren had been told that those who voted against Reed Smoot were against the Church &c. I also learned the [that] Prest. John Taylor just before he died and while in exile called some of the brethren to him and said in the name of the Lord that this people would divide on party lines and that there would be trouble between them. That they should watch the democrats for they would be found fighting against the Priesthood. This prediction has been literally fulfilled for the democrats are fighting against the Priesthood of God."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 7 (Dec 4, 1906): "The Presidents (Sic) Message was read to Congress today and among the items mentioned was "That the Constitution should be amended so that the Government could regulate Divorces and Marriages and that the handling of Polygamy should not be left to the States." Of course this is a very dangerous stand to take because it is lifting one's hand against the people and institutions of the Almighty and the Lord has said he who does it shall not prosper. I fear that this is the beginning of Prest. Roosevelt ['s] decline as a statesman [p. 8] who has heretofore been honored of the Lord but now that he has take [n] up the poplar (Sic) warfare gainst the people and principles of the Gospel, unless he repents he will surely parish (Sic)."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 9 (Dec 8, 1906); "Dispatches from Washington D.C. says (Sic) that Mrs Annie Bradley shot Ex Senator Arthur Brown today in the Raleigh Hotel because he refused to right the wrongs done her. Thus ends a sinful life for him and adds murder to her sinful course of life."

1906-1910 Bk, pp. 117-118 (May 10, 1908): "The Insergant (Sic) Republicans were active in sowing discord among the party and used a letter written by bro B.H. Roberts to Richard R. Lyman giving his reasons why Reed Smoot should not be returned back to the Senate. In the First place it seems rather strange that a Republican should go to a democrate (Sic) for an opinion on that point and that very action looks very much like it was a preconcerted plan to get a high Church official to make such an argument in order to influence the young men to fight against bro Smoot. This letter was secretely circulated among the people and as D O Redout of Draper (an insurgent) said was the means which elected him to the convention. As to the letter, it was published in the Inter Mountain Republican and Salt Lake Herald on May the 7th and I have clipped it out to preserve. I think that it is full of the spirit of apostasy and makes direct slaps at and criticisms of Prest. Jos. F. Smith and is a very dangerous thing. A man cannot take the stand of B.H. Roberts and write such articles without loosing the spirit of his calling and unless he repents and turns away from such a course he will surely go as did Moses Thatcher, who today is nothing in the Church nor the Democratic Party [p. 118] As to Bro Richard R. Lymans (Sic) course I can see and have seen since his return from college a gradual drifting away from principles of the gospel and the loyal support of the Prophet of the Lord. In his early talk and expressions both in private and public his utterances have been such as to impute insincerity and deception on the part of the Presidency and leading officials and by such a course he has only brought darkness into his own mind."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 163 (Apr 20, 1909): "On Monday I had to refuse to issue a Temple recoment (Sic) to bro. A.J. Gray because of his name being on the non-Tithing payers list also, of his bad habit in smoking. This is my first refusal and I was very sorry to have to do it."

1906-1910 Bk, pp. 174-175 (May 26, 1909): "Held our [p. 175] regular Block Teachers (Sic) Meeting after the servide. Bro John Woodmansee was the home missionary and his talk was upon the Adam God doctrine which was entirely to (Sic) deep for him as well as for all who listened to him. In fact it was a very dry and unprofitable meeting."

1906-1910 Bk, pp. 202-203 (Sept 20, 1909): "At 7 30 P.M. I attended the Ensign Stake Priesthood Meeting. Bro James E. Talmage was the speaker and the burden of his remarks were upon Church Organization, the Priesthood its powers and authority, the people and their authority and agency. In the course of his remarks he expressed himself as opposed to these persons, members of the Church, who go whisper [p. 203] about that the Church is not sincere in its declaration against the practice of plural marriage now. He went on to explain that there was only one man on earth at a time who held the Keys of this sealing power with authority to delegate it to others. Now since the Presidents decleration (Sic) against these marriages being continued and this action being sustained in General Conference of the Church assembled it became the law of the Church and is binding upon all its members. Any one therefore who goes about teaching anything contrary to this law and performing ceremonies are liable to Church discipline. Prest R W Young endorsed bro Talmages (Sic) remarks."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 205 (Sept 23, 1909): "After meeting Prest F M Lyman ask (Sic) Bishops Tingey Woolley Iverson and myself to remain and he said that inasmuch as elder (Sic) John W. Taylor and Mathias Cowley had been requested not to be talking in public If when they happened to come into our wards we did not invite them to talk it would save them some embarassment &c."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 217 (Oct 6, 1909): At Conference, 2 P.M. session, "The names of Alpha J. Diggs Henry S. Tanner and Louis A. Kelsch were not sustained on the General Board of the Y.M.M.I.A. because of the scandle (Sic) arising out of the Higgs affair. Prest Jos F. Smith then made the closing remarks of the Conference, in which he gave a most scathing rebuke to bro B.H. Roberts and said that if the Lord had anything to say to the Church that he would send it through the proper channel."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 218 (Oct 7, 1909): "Went to Circle Meeting at 6 P.M. Prest. F.M. Lyman spoke upon the subject of loyalty to him and the Circle remarking that four members of the circle had gotten in to difficulties through their not following the counsel of the leaders of the Church. They were bro. M. J.M. Tanner Louis A Kelsch and Eardley He hoped that in the future that all the brethren of the circle would live as to retain his fullest confidence and would do nothing to bring themselves in to trouble and the Church in to disrepute."

1906-1910 Bk, p. 228 (Nov 2, 1909): "The last returns shows (Sic) that the Americans have won a sweeping victory in everything but the two councilmen from the Third precinct. Thus vice and sin will again reign rampant in our beautiful city because a few stubborn leaders of the Republican and Democratic Parties could not get together (Sic) early on a fusion ticket but allowed a citizen ticket to come in and split up the strongest party (The Republican). Now as a result the Republican Party will face a very serious problem in the county election next fall. They can't rely upon the Democrate (Sic) vote to assist them again because they failed to appreciate what they did last year in the county and were very ungererous with them in the proposed fusion today. I can only see one thing to save the County and that will be for the Rpublicans to fuse with the Democrates (Sic) and give them first choice of offices which of course will be more humiliating than it have (Sic) been to have conceeded such an arrangment in the present election."

Aug 6-Sept 4, 1910, he is in the Canadian settlements on YMMIA business

1910-1912 Bk, pp. 66-68 (Oct 8, 1910): At Special Priesthood meeting in the Assembly Hall, "Prest. Jos. F. Smith then got up and said that he endo (sic) [p. 67] everything that had been said [condemning new polygamous marriages] also that persons both his friends and his enemenies (Sic) had said things about him saying one thing to the world and meaning another thing to the saints was false and malicious and was doing a great injury as well as the Church. He wanted it understood once and for all that there is only one man on earth at a time who holds the Keys of this sealing power and that he has not or will not permit any plural marriages to be performed and that all person's (Sic) performing such marriages as well as all persons contracting such marriages must be disciplined and cut off the Church. That Prest. F.M. LYman and the Quorum of the Twelve are acting under his sanction and direction in these matters and the people must learn that they can't co these things I never saw the President more earnest and emphatic and the whole body of Priesthood assemblied understood fully his meaning. There were several questions ask (Sic) and the answer was that the letter [Circular to Presidents of Stakes and Bishops Conderning new polygamous marriages] covered fully the whole ground. Prest. F.M. Lyman then arose and moved that it be the sence (Sic) of this meeting that we do wholly concur in and sustain Prest Smith and the Twelve in this letter and uphold and carry out the instructions therein. Carried unanimously.

"Prest . John H. Smith said that in conversation with Theodore Roosevelt he said that he and the people of the United States would recognize the marriages given by the Church up to the time of their declaration against it but after that any marriages taking place would [p. 68] [not] be countenanced and the whole people would arise enmass (Sic) and become a consuming fire against the Church and people. Prest John H Smith said that at any time he, Prest. Roosevelt, ask (Sic) him about the people he would tell him the truth in the matter."

1910-1912 Bk, pl 75 (Oct 24, 1910): "Bro B.H. Roberts has again attacked Senator Reed Smoot through polaticks (Sic) and is a very bad thing for him."

1910-1912 Bk, pp.78-79 (Nov 6, 1910): "Went to the Bureau [of Information, Temple Square] at 8 45 A.M. and from there to the Temple Fast Meeting at 10 A.M. At 2 P.M. went to Fast meeting in the Chapel and at 7 30 P.M. attended the conjoint MIA Meeting in the Chapel. THere was a splendid spirit present at all meetings especially at the Temple where many testimonies were born concerning Oliver Cowdry and his labors in the Church. Prest Jos. F. Smith said that one of our Church historians has been almost persuaded that Oliver had been deceiving the people in his statement concerning [p. 79] the Coming of John the Baptist and ordaining Joseph and him to the Aaronic Priesthood. The President said that these words which are reported to have been said by Oliver were put into his mouth by his enemenies (Sic) and his coming humbly back and applying for admission to the Church branded as false such statements."

1910-1912 Bk, p. 170 (May 2, 1911): "I read in the evening papers the Notice of the excommunication from the Church of John W. Taylor for insubordination to the government and discipline of the Church. The action was taken by the Quorum of the 12 Apostles Mar 28 1911. I was very sorry to read that as I am always sorry to see a person cut off the Church."

1910-1912 Bk, p. 173 (May 7, 1911): "Went to the Temple Fast Meeting at 10 AM and we had a most splendid time Prest Jos F. Smith in speaking expressed his love for Prest Brigham Young and his successors and also their children and that whatever action had been taken against any of their children by the Church was done and brought on by their own actions and the Church had to be protected against them. He deplored very much what had to be done and it caused him as much grief and sorrow as if it were his own son."

1910-1912 Bk, p. 176 (May 12, 1911): "Today it was announced in the Deseret Evening News that Mathias F. Cowley could not exercise any of the functions of the authority of the Priesthood because of insubordination. This was the unanimous decision of the Council of the 12. That accounted for our not being able to hold our circle meeting yesterday as that was when the action was taken. I am sorry to see men place themselves in such a position as to make that course necessary to protect the Church."

1910-1912 Bk, p. 213 (July 31, 1911): "Had a call from Mr Pots who who ask (Sic) me to see Bro Geo. Gibbs about his retaining his little cnady stand opposite the Lafayette School. I went with him to the Presidents (Sic) office and had quite a long talk with bro Gibbs but failed to accomplish any thing as he had made up his mind to let some one else have the place."

1910-1912 Bk, p. 261 (Oct 9, 1911): Special priesthood meeting, "The question of whether a man violates his covenants made in the Temple if he is married civily after he has once been married in the Temple. Tba answer was No. That he has married according to law and a covenant made by the contracting parties therefore he does not violate any covenant. The meaning of the words "that he shall nothing (Sic) to do with any woman save those given to him of the Lord" refers more to the acts of whordom and illicit relations."

1912-1917 Bk, pp. 42-43 (Mar 7, 1912): Concerning the situation in which a recent convert to the Church, also a Mason, was informed by his lodge that he must either leave the Church or give up masonry, "In company with bro Antone Ivins I called on Chief B.F. Grant as he was a 32d degree Mason to enquire if this Loge (Sic) was acting wholly withing their power in causing their members to withdraw because of their religion. He said that they had kicked out all Mormons from this Lodge except himself and that he was paying his dues and retaining his membership because Prest. Woodruff had counselled him to do so. The reason why he had not been kicked out with the rest was because [he was] too big a Mason and had too many big Mason friends in the East who would make a bitter fight for him [p. 43] which might result in their being reversed in their course and having to reinstate those expelled."

1912-1917 Bk, pp. 46-47 (Mar 11, 1912): "Our Bishops (Sic) Meeting was held at 9 P.M. and the matter of bro. Ridge having Negrow (Sic) bleed in him came up and bro Pennock was invited to tell us what he knew. He said that his wife's sister who had married bro Ridge in England had told her that, he bro Ridge, said that his great grandmother on his Mothers (Sic) side was a negress. Of course this news came as a great blow and surprise to her and going to the Temple she had ask (Sic) Prest Anthon H. Lund if they would ever be able to go to the Temple and he answered "I am afraid not." She then ask (Sic) him if she should leave her husband and he replied "I cannot advise you upon that subject." Since then she had become more reconciled and had said nothing more about the matter to bro Pennock. We advised him to make a quite [quiet] investigation into the [p. 47] matter and ascertain if possible if that information is correct or if possible that it might have been an East Indian whom (Sic) was the great grandmother and let us know. Bro Ridge had a brother had had been ordained an Elder in England and a sister who had married a returned missionary through the Temple and was living at Provo. He himself was an ordained Teacher. He said he would make the investigation and report his finding to us."

1912-1917 Bk, pp. 69-70 (Apr 8, 1912): At Special Priesthood meeting at which the official statement of the First PRESIDENCY regarding the teachings on Adam-God is presented,"Prest. Jos F. Smith then said that he was in full accord with what Prest Penrose had said and that Prest. Brigham Young when he delivered that sermon only expressed his own views and that they were not oorobirated (Sic) by the word of the Lord in the Standard works of the Church The Bible Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price and Doctrine and Covenants were voted upon by the Church convened in a Conference and organized in various Quorums of the Priesthood who voted by Quorums after which the body of the Church were aksed to vote to sustain the above books as the Standards of the Church. This first vote was taken by the Church when they were in the East It was again take (Sic) in the same manor (Sic) here in Salt Lake in the year

"Now all doctrine if it can't be established by these standards is not to be taught or promolgated (Sic) by members. That those Patriarchs who persisted in teaching these things and did not stop when told to do so should be handled by their Bishops and their names sent up to the High Councils for further action and be cut off. He also spoke upon the doctrine contained in King Folletts (Sic) funeral when persons who reported this discourse gave forth the idea that children [p. 70] who died would be resurrected as little children never growing any more but remaining as when they were laid down. In this he said that the Prophet did not teach such doctrine but he had the affidavits of three or more witnesses who heard him say "The mothers would take up their little ones as they were laid down and that they would have the joy of seeing them grown to the full stature of their spirits. ["]

1912-1917 Bk, p. 118 (June 20, 1912): "Col. Roosevelt has advised his followers to bolt but the more same ones thus far refuse, but you cannot tell what they will do. Roosevelt has shown himself to be unAmerican in his course and so full of emotion that it has realy (Sic) turned his brain."

1912-1917 Bk, pp. 175-176 (Oct 6, 1912): Concerning the remarks of Charles W. Penrose at the 10 A.M. session of Conference, "His remarks were in answer to those made by bro. B.H. Roberts yesterday, and they were a complete ref- [p. 176] utation of his statements and a vindication of the stand the Church occupies. I don't know that I ever heard a man receive such a call down as did bro Roberts and those brethren who have been carried away by the foolish Roosevelt sentiment that is weeping over the country, which if followed out would lead to a final disruption of the Constitution."

1912-1917 Bk, p. 176 (Oct 6, 1912): Concerning the 2 P.M. session of conference, "The speakers were Elders Geo A Smith, Jos. F. Smith Jr and James E. Talmage the latter delivering one of his characteristic sermons in which he also answers bro Roberts."

1912-1917 Bk,pp. 204-205 (Nov 10, 1912): "Went to High Priests (Sic) Quorum Meeting at 10 A.M. It was very interesting bro Jos. E. Taylor [brother of President John Taylor] read an account of some predictions made by Joseph Smith the Prophet in Nauvoo in 1844 in which he said that the Ottoman Empire would be the first great nation to crumble away in order that the gospel might be preached to the inhabitance (Sic) of that country. He said also that he would speak in parables and would liken the Saints to the White horse of Peace who should be established in the Valleys of the Mountains That the Greek and Roman Church should become united and would eventually be lead (Sic) by the Czar of Russia who would be represented by the Black horse or war. and he would lead his armies against Jerusalem and is the God and Magog of the scriptures. THat England is represented by the Red horse and would be the last of the great nations to fall because of great amount of the blood of Isreal (Sic) that was sprinkled among her people and who would be gathered out first. She would hold the balance of power among the nations and would assist the White horse when in need. It would be the while horse that would save the constitution when it was held only by a thread as fine as the finest [p. 205] filiment (Sic) of a silken cord. That there would [be] a great famin (Sic) in the Land of the White horse, not due to the ground failing to yielding (Sic) up her bounties but to the great multitude who flock her (Sic) for peace and perservation from the great unrest of the world. The reading of these predictions were brought out by the present crisis in the affairs of Europe by the defeat of the Turkish Army and the threatened fall of Constantinople."

--no entries for the period Apr 5, 1913 to Jan 25, 1917.

the 1917-1918 entries are mainly about the War and U.S. entry and participation

1918-1920 Bk, p. 9 (Apr 8, 1918): "At 10 A.M. I went to the Special Priesthood Meeting. Prest Jos F. Smith gave a fine talk on Priesthood which should settle all disputes in regard to whether the High Priest is greater than the Seventy or the Seventy is greater than the High Priest &c. He said the offices in the Priesthood are apendages (Sic) to it and grow out of the necessity of the growth of the Church to guide and regulate all the duties pertaining to its membership. Therefore if it were necessary and there were no organized ward or branch of the Church an Elder or Seventy could ordain an High Priest and organize the offices nescessary (Sic) to completely organize the Church. When there is an organized branch or ward of the Church in existence and an Elder or Seventy should attempt to ordain an High Priest they would be entirely out of order and be liable to discipline for their actions as Gods (Sic) house is a house of order."

1918-1920 Bk, pp. 122-123 (Nov 22, 1918): "At 10 A.M. today in a Special Meeting in the Temple of the Council of the Twelve and Presiding Patriarch the First Presidency was reorganized with Heber J. Grant President and Anthon H. Lund and Chas. W. Penrose as his Counselors. Anthon H Lund was set apart as President of the Twelve and Rudger Clawson as Acting Prest of the Twelve Apostles. This is perfectly satisfactory to me and I am quite sure that no matter how energetic and forceful Heber may have been in some of his political views and in his likes and dislikes the Lord will modify and mellow him down and prepare him for the great [p. 123] responsibilities he is called upon to assume."

1918-1920 Bk , p. 189 (June 3, 1919): "Bro Theodore Tobiason testified that in a Fast Meeting in the Temple a few weeks ago the Lord manifested to him that Prest Heber J. Grant was the one whom he had chosen as His prophet for while he Prest Grant was speaking he appeared to disolve (Sic) from view and Prest Jos. F. Smith stood in his place showing that the mantle of the prophet had fallen upon Heber."

1920-1922 Bk, pp. 24-25 (Apr 28, 1920): "Learned that Ex Bishop Heber Bennion was the author of a little phamphlet (Sic) on Gospel Problems, of which he was ashamed to append his name and which was in reality an attack upon the authorities of the Church. Such as course merits investigation and handling by the Church [p. 25] He has also brought forward another book Suplement (Sic) to his first one on Gospel Problems both of which I bought in order to inform myself on what he is driving at."

--routine entries about health, the weather, family,and church meetings & business