Alfred Gardner, son of John Gardner, who was the son of William Gardner, was born September 25, 1842 at Chalford Hill, Gloucestershire, England.  My mother’s maiden name was Mary Ann Goodship.  My parents first sent me to school when I was four years of age, to a Mr. Keene who was the teacher.  He was also our landlord and owned the place we lived in.  My father worked on the Canal being Captain of a Boat, owned by a Mr. John Knight and his brothers.  His business carried him to Gloucester, Worcester, Birmingham and other important cities.  He would take various cargoes of freight to these cities and bring back coal, salt, and other kinds of freight.  On some of these voyages I would go with him and before I would get back home I would almost invariably fall into the canal and on one or two occasions I nearly lost my life by being drowned. 

In the year 1845, some Mormon Elders came to the town where we resided and began holding meetings and preaching their faith to the people.  My mother and my brother Fredrick, attended some of these meetings and by comparing their teaching with the Bible, found they corresponded exactly and they at once became converted and were baptized May 25, 1845, by one of the Native Elders Henery Webb.  My father, not being of so religious turn of mind, was not baptized for some months afterwards.  My brother Henry, myself and my sister Emma not being old enough for baptism, I continued in school until I was ten years of age. 

In the year 1850, my brother Fredrick immigrated to Utah, he being about 16 years of age.  My father entrusted him to the guardianship of one Job Salter, an Elder in the Church.  Sometime in the fall of 1852 my brother Fredrick went to President Brigham Young and prevailed upon him to send for his Father, Mother, my brother Henry, myself and my sister Emma and have us emigrated to Utah and sometime in November of the same year, my Father received notice to prepare to go.  Father at this time was making good wages and was providing very nicely for his family, but as soon as he received this notice to emigrate, he gave notice to his employer of the fact.  At this time Father owed Mr. Knight about five pounds, but he told Father he would forgive him the debt, as it was but a Christmas Box for the great number of years he had been in his employ.  It was in the early part of March of the next year before we received further instructions about our going, and Father not working during this time, we were quite short of means, but however, we got ready and on the 23rd day of March we left home and went to Lilverpool, where we remained until the 28th day of the same month when we left Liverpool on the United States Ship “Falcon” and the first two or three days while we were passing through the Irish Sea, we encountered a terrific gale or storm and I am convinced that had the ship not been loaded with Saints, we would today have been quietly resting at the bottom of the channel, but the good ship bore up nobly and by the hand of Divine Providence we passed through the storm OK.   After we got into the open sea our voyage was certainly one of pleasure, but our provisions was very scant, but still we did not complain as we felt we were on the way to Zion.  We witnessed many interesting sights on our way across the Atlantic.  We saw many fish of various kinds, such as dolphins, pig fish, flying fish, porpoise. 

Sometime in the early part of June, we came to the Delta of the Mississippi River, having been met and helped across the Bar by a steam tug.  Next day we came to New Orleans, having been seven weeks and two days from Liverpool.  When we arrived at this port, we had not a nickel and we did not know how we were going to be provided for, up the River to St. Louis, but God always provides for those who put their trust in him and He tempers the storms to the shorn Lamb.  We had hardly got off the ship when a gentleman tapped Father on the shoulder and said “Hello, John. How are you?” This man’s name was Abraham Merchant, a man Father supposed was in Utah years before.  Well, he provided for us up the River to St. Louis.  We came up on the river boat “Divernon”.  We were six days going to St. Louis and when we arrived there the next question was what are we going to do for something to eat from there up to Keokuk, but we hardly got off the boat when we were met by Elder Job Salter, whom we presumed had gone on to Utah with my brother Fredrick two years before.  Well, he provided for our wants up to Keokuk, which took us two days.  Brother Salter came up the River with us and was going from there to Salt Lake City in a Company ahead of us.  I think we remained at Keokuk about three weeks before we took up our line of march for Utah and when we did start we were very poorly provided for in the way of provisions, as if I remember right, the amount of provisions allowed us to last us to Salt Lake City, was as follows per head: 100 # flour, 5 # bacon, 1# sugar, and a quarter of a pound of tea and some salt. 

In the course of time, we started with about two yoke of oxen to the wagon.  We had hardly started, I think it was the first day my Father was under the wagon fastening the camp kettle to the reach, when the team started and the wheel of the wagon passed over his leg.  Fortunately, it did not break and in a few days he was all right again.  Nothing of note transpired until we got to the Elkhorn Rover, where the first buffalo was killed.  It was shot by a Mulatto, by the name of Abel.  This was properly divided out to the families according to the number in the family.  I must here state that the name of our Captain was Appleton Harmon, a very large man whose averdupoise was about 250 lbs. And was just about as good a man as he was large.  Of course our wagons were so loaded, all who could walk were required to do so as much as possible, but as we drew near to For Laramie ( which was about half way to Salt Lake City) my mother was getting very weak owing to poor living.  She was compelled to ride and at about this time a very serious accident transpired.  We lost our salt by being eaten by the cattle and of course by this time our meat, sugar and tea were gone and now to lose the salt was a calamity indeed as flour without salt or anything else is very dry.  Well, my poor Mother continued to grow weaker every day and soon had to be lifted in and out of the wagon.  Still everything with the exception moved along very nicely.  Just before we reached Fort Bridger my Mother took very bad and one evening she took with spasms and we thought she would pass to the great beyond, but her great faith and the administrations of the Elders, she was spared to us.  Of course she continued to grow weaker and when we reached Fort Bridger, Father went up to the fort. Some of our Mormon soldiers were guarding the mail route and among these fortunately, was Elder James F. Cummings, a man who upon his recent mission to England made our house his home while in that vicinity.  Father immediately told him of the condition of my Mother and he immediately got some beef and we made some beef tea and from the first taste of the meat she began to improve and by the time we arrived in Salt Lake City, she could walk across the tent by the aid of her walking stick. 

An incident transpired while coming down Emigration Canyon worthy of note.  An ox so weak and poor slipped while on the side of a hill grazing.  He slipped and fell down the hill and broke his neck and many of us were glad to roast some of the carcass and devour it with relish.  We entered Salt Lake City on the 16th day of October 1853.  When the company reached the Union Square in the 17th Ward, my brother Fredrick and Elder Job Salter were there with a carriage to meet us, and they took us to a house they had rented for us.  We remained in this house for six weeks.  In the meantime my Father had secured a position from President Brigham Young.  We moved into the 5th Ward and lived with Brother James Hancock and family for two weeks.  We then moved into an old log cabin belonging to Brother Corven in the same Ward.  This was a very poor place for a family to reside in the winter season, and it had been used for a hen coop.  The gables were not even plastered , consequently many mornings we were covered with snow.  Our cooking utensils consisted of an old broken skillet and a saucepan.  All of our cooking had to be done in these two articles.  We also had to carry our water in them.  In fact they had to do for all culinary purposes, but we lived through it Ok and I never heard my parents complain.  On the contrary, they were willing to endure anything for the sake of the gospel.  They felt pleased they were in Zion. 

My brother Fredrick was married about Christmas time to Sarah Isabell Smith and in the spring of 1845, we rented a dugout and city lot from Elder James Bird.  On the 4th of July of this season the terrible grasshoppers made their appearance and our gardens and farms soon had the appearance of a country swept by fire, as nothing was left.  The following year, that of 1855, was one long to be remembered by the early settlers of Utah.  We remained at this place until the spring of 1855 when we moved to the Twentieth Ward and lived there for about six weeks in the Ward schoolhouse.  Elder John Wyatt and family lived there with us.  We then moved into a log house at the mouth of City Creek Canyon, which President Young had built for us in the spring of 1856,  my father prevailed upon President Young to send for my Brother James and family which consisted of his wife and four children.  They came in Elder James G. Willies Handcart Company.  This company suffered most severely from cold and hunger and many died.  In this company at one time, fourteen were buried in one grave.  The sufferings of the Saints this season will long be remembered and it marks quite an epoch on the history of the Church.  After my Brother James arrived in Salt Lake he obtained a situation with President Brigham Young. 

In the summer of 1857, the noted Buchanan Army started for Utah.  ( The next 8 or 10 lines of grandfather’s diary has been cut off) 

Early in the spring of 1860, my Brother James and family moved to Cache Valley and took up residence at Mendon, a town on the west side of the valley.  About this time, I went to work for Sharp and Company hauling rock from the quarries of Red Butte Canyon.  I had not been working many weeks before I had the misfortune of having my left arm nearly taken off between the rock rack and the front wheel of the wagon while helping the team out of the ditch. 

This laid me up for a week or two.  The wound was quite severe.  Everything was cut off but the bone, and two holes were cut in my shirt against the bone.  Old Dr. Hughes of the 3rd Ward attended the wound and did a good job charging me $3.50 for his fees.  I continued to work for this company until the fall when we moved to Cache Valley also, taking up our residence at Mendon. 

The people at this place were at this time, living in a fort consisting almost wholly of dugouts.  This was on account of the Indians being so troublesome and often they tried to steal our cattle and horses.  A great part of the time for a number of years, we had to stand guard every night, which was quite a hardship on the settlers.  We had to make roads to the canyons and  to make a living for ourselves and families and a very scanty living at that.  At this time, we only had about two grist mills in the county and they did not make very good flour.  Sometimes they would get out of repair and then we would perhaps have to go as far as Ogdenfor our flour.   

Sometime, about 1866 or 1867, the grasshoppers began troubling us again, destroying our crops.  They continued to do this for a number of years, not leaving us enough sometimes for seed, but still we lived through it and God always tempered the storms for the shorn Lamb, and during these trying conditions, there never was a happier people upon the earth.  A unity of action and purpose prevailed  and a charitable feeling and love existed towards each other to a great extent. 

Elder Andrew P. Shumway was our Worthy Bishop until the early 70’s when Elder Henry Hughes was appointed to succeed him. 

Sometime in 1866 and 1867, I think a Militia was organized as protection for ourselves and families against the Indians.  Andrew Andersen was commissioned as Captain of Infantry with Alfred Gardner First Lieutenant and John Donaldson as Second Lieutenant.  Hans P. Larsen, First and Ralph Forster, Second Sergeant.  Jos. W. Hancock, First and Geo. Walker Second Corporal.  We would in the fall of each season, have a general three days drill, in fact we would do considerable drilling at other times as well.  This continued for quite a number of years or until the county got to be more densely settled and the Indians were not so troublesome. 

(Again the next 8 or 10 lines have been cut off of the diary) 

In the year 1872 on the 11th of November, we had a daughter born to us, and we had her  blessed on the 6th day of February 1873 by Elder Peter Sorensen and we named her Sarah Jane. 

I think it was sometime in the spring of 1874, most of the Saints of Mendon banded themselves together in what we called the United Order, working together three of four years and then we disbanded, concluding the time had not come for a general unity of this kind among the Latter-day Saints, but what we had done in this regard was by the sanction of the Presiding Priesthood of the Church. 

In the spring of 1875, on the 11th day of May we had presented to us, a fine baby boy and on the 3rd day of June of the same year we had him blessed by Elder Ralph Forster and we named him Alfred Irvin. 

Somewhere about this time in the summer of 1875, it was thought advisable for the people of Cache and Bear lake Counties to make a road through Logan Canyon to Bear Lake.  The various settlements were called upon to do this work.  Each settlement furnishing men according to their size.  The last call upon Mendon was for ten men and I volunteered my services at this time and we remained in the canyon for ten days and completed the road. 

I should have mentioned before perhaps, that sometime in 1872 or 1873, the Utah and Northern Railroad was built and was almost wholly built by the people of northern Utah.  Our pay was stock in the road.  I labored on this for six weeks with the surveying party, under the direction of James H. Martineau, as he was Chief Engineer.  I was paid $2  per day and board.  A few years later the road became involved and was sold at auction and the stockholders were paid 8 cents on the dollar for their investments.  Still it was quite a help to the country so much for the Utah and Northern Railroad.   

In the fall of 1877 in August President Brigham Young died and I went to Salt Lake City and attended the funeral. 

On the 27th day of August 1878, my wife presented me with another boy and on the 7th of November we had him blessed by Bishop Henry Hughes, and we named him John Abraham, after his two grandfathers.  When he was about three weeks old, my other boy Irvin took sick with whooping cough and while he was sick with that he took typhoid fever, and it was about the first of the next May before he was entirely well.  During his sickness, I was called from my work, as it was thought he was dying.  And on one occasion Bishop Ferrin of Eden in Ogden Valley, was in Mendon and we got him and some other Elders to administer to him.  Bishop Ferrin being mouth among other promises made him on this occasion was that he should get well and from that moment he began to recover until he was well. 

In the fall of 1876 I began work as a clerk in our Cooperative Store and remained in that situation for about twelve years, which was quite a help to me in the support of my family. 

I forgot to mention that somewhere in the early 60’s I taught the day school in Mendon and I also taught school in the winter of 1875 and 1876 in the 19th ward in Salt Lake City. 

Sometime in the fall of 1863, Henry Stokes, Edward Wood, Henry Hughes, James W. Hill, Ralph Forster, my Brother Henry, myself and some of our sisters, organized a Dramatic Association.  Our first play was a sketch of the play entitled “ Green Bushes” 

We got off in pretty good shape and we used to play for nothing, that is charged nothing for admittance and we would play one night for the south part of town and the next night for the north part.  Our scenery consisted of bed quilts, wagon covers, and blankets, but in three or four years we sent to Brigham City and bought about forty dollars worth of French calico which made beautiful scenery, at least for that period.   

James W. Hill and Edward Wood were the parties who went for the calico.  In the course of the next few years, we put up a nice stage in our new meeting house and got Wm. Deacon Of Wellsville to paint us five beautiful scenes and a nice drop curtain.  This cost us $35.00 and the proceeds of our plays were always for some benefit in the Ward.  At one time we put  

$50.00 into a library.  We would sometimes go to Hyrum to play, sometimes to Clarkston, Newton and Wellsville and our Association had been one of unity, brotherly love, and we have had many good times together and the best of feelings has always existed and we are at this date (Feb 25, 1904) still playing for public benefits. 

On the 5th of February 1880, my dear Father took sick with paralysis and died on the 16th of the same month.  This was quite a sudden blow to the family as he was hardly 75 years of age and it left my poor mother almost disconsolate.  She took sick with the same disease aabot the 1st day of the next April and died on the 10th.  They were good, kind parents, always teaching their children to be honest, just and charitable, and they taught us these moral points by example, and they died as they had ever lived: faithful, solid Latter-day Saints. 

On the 1st day of April 1881 my wife presented me with another fine daughter and on the 22nd of the same month we had her blessed by Elder James Al. Leighman of Wellsville, and we named her Emma Maude. 

About this time I was appointed City Treasurer and I served the city in this capacity for nine years with any remuneration. 

On the 21st day of December 1881, by brother Henry died of heart failure and dropsy and was buried on the 23rd.  He left a wife and seven daughters  in rather destitute circumstances. 

On the 3rd day of April 1884 my wife presented me with another son and on the 5th day of June, he was blessed by Elder James G. Willie and we named him Henry Arthur.  

In the early part of March 1885, I purchased the home of Chas. Bird Jr. in the southern part of town and we moved into it about the 16th and sometime in the latter part of this month, we received word from Salt Lake City that my wife’s father was dangerously ill.  My wife and I and baby immediately went down.  He died in two or three days after we got there.  We remained at the funeral and then came home as our baby was quite sick and the little fellow continued to grow worse until the 10th of April when he was called to the great beyond.  Congestion of the brain was the cause of his death. 

In the spring of 1884, my sister Emma and family moved to Teton, Fremont, Idaho.  He, that is her husband, took up one hundred and sixty acres of land using his right as Timber Culture in procuring it.  I helped them all I could as they were in destitute circumstances.  I let them have a very good wagon, a new harness, a stove, nearly a set of carpenter tools, and also about one hundred and twenty five dollars in cash.  At this time I had thought also of making my future home at Teton, but I did not go.  

This spring I sold my former home to William George for $275.00 and this helped me pay for my new one, which cost me $500.00. 

On the 25th day of July my wife gave me another daughter and on the 7th day of October we had her blessed by Elder James G. Willie and we named her Alice Mabel. 

On the 5th day of May 1881, my oldest daughter was baptized by Elder Trangott Strumpf and confirmed the same day by Elder Andrew Anderson, and on the 1st day of July 1883, my eldest son Irvin was baptized by Elder John Donaldson and confirmed the same date by Charles Bird. 

On September 22nd my wife again presented me with another fine daughter and we had her blessed on Nov. 1st 1888 by Bishop Henry Hughes and we named her Ester May. 

Sometime in 1883 I was appointed Asst. Ward Clerk.  Brother John Donaldson being clerk, but shortly afterwards he moved to Snake River and I took his place as clerk and have held that position up to date. (Feb. 25, 1904) 

In the fall of 1888 our Cooperative Store, through some mismanagement, went to the wall, the liabilities being upward of $4,000, with no resources to pay it with.  This same season I was engaged by Andrew Andersen to go south as far as Salt Lake City for the purpose of getting agents in the various cities for the “New Goodrich Sewing Machine” as Mr. Andersen was the general agent for the State.  I stopped off at Brigham and Ogden, but could not engage any person in the machine business.  We still continued the CO-OP Store by consent of the principal creditor (The Logan Co-op) two or three years, but however, we could not redeem the concern. 

This same season, 1888, my father-in-law’s estate having been probated, we received the first payment of $500. 

On the 22nd of September 1890 I was ordained to the office of a High Priest by Apostle Moses Thatcher, having been appointed 2nd Counselor to Bishop Henry Hughes. 

I hope the reader will pardon me for forgetting some important events and consequently mixing up this record somewhat as to dates.  As on the 27th August 1886, my son John A, was baptized by his father and confirmed on the same date also by his father.  In a few days after this he took quite sick with some kind of blood disease and we feared very much we would lose him, but by the power of God he was raised up. 

On the 6th of April 1891 another daughter was born to us and on the 4th day of June we had her blessed by Henry Hughes and we named her Josephine. 

On the 30th day of June 1889, my daughter Emma Maude was baptized by Elder Andrew Andersen and confirmed the same date by Bishop Henry Hughes. 

In the month of May 1888, I went up to Teton, Idaho for the purpose of building a home, having decided to move there with my family, but after I had been there a month I changed my mind and came back home, not that I disliked the county, because it is one of the finest counties in the west, but as I was pretty firmly established in Mendon and had a good home, I thought I would stay there, and I had too many good friends in Mendon to abandon them. 

On the 14th day of July my daughter Ester May was baptized by Alfred Gardner and was confirmed on the same date by Alfred Gardner.  

Sometime in this year my father-in-law’s  estate was settled up and we received another payment, some over fifteen hundred dollars.  Also in this year myself and my wife, also my brother James and sister Emma, did considerable work in the Logan Temple, being endowed and sealed for the dead. 

On the 8th day of February 1894 my eldest daughter Sarah Jane was married to Magnes Larsen and on the 24th day of January 1895 a son was born to them. 

In the year 1896 I purchased five acres of meadow land of Jasper Lemmon, paying him one hundred dollars for it.  In the spring of 1897, I paid to Mr. John Colley the sum of $100 to learn my son A.I. the art of Telegraphy. 

In this year and on the 18th day of March my wife gave birth to another son, and on the 2nd day of May of the same year we had him blessed by his father and we named him Fredrick Arnold and on the 8th day of August of this year my daughter Ester May was baptized by Isaac Sorensen and was confirmed the same date by Alfred Gardner. 

I must state here that on the 11th day of March 1891, having been called to fill a mission in the interest of the Sunday Schools.  I started from home and went to Centerville to the residence of Elder Nathan Porter, he being the Supt. For Davis Stake.  I spent about 21 days and visited all the Sunday Schools of the Stake.  My traveling companion was Elder Robert Daynes of Hyde Park.  We also held an officers meeting at each school. 

In 1892 I took out a commission as a Notary Public and have held that position ever since. 

I think in the fall of 1896 or 1897, I was appointed to preside over the Y.M.M.I.A.  Association of Mendon, choosing Elders Jos. T Wood and Nathan Forster as my counselors.  I also held the position of 1st Assistant to Isaac Sorensen, who was Supt. of our Sunday School, which position I held for ten or twelve years.  I also held the position of Superintendent for two years as a City Trustee, and was also clerk of the Elders Quorum for a number of years.  I also was City Treasurer for nine years. 

On the sixth day of February 1900 my wife presented me with another son and on May 6th of the same year he was blessed by Patriarch Henry Hyughes, and we named him Hugh Raymond. 

On the 25th day of April 1900, my son Alfred Irvin was married in the Logan Temple to Miss Margaret E. Bird, and on the 25th of February 1901, a son was born to them and was blessed April 11th, 1901 by Delburt Bird and was named Lavelle Irvin. 

On the 1st day of April 1902, my son Irvin was appointed as Agent at Mendon for the O.S.L. Railway Company and about the 30th day of November of that year, he took sick with pneumonia and died on the 7th of December and was buried on the 10th.  He was a good dutiful obedient son and died in full faith of the gospel. 

On the 3rd day of January 1903, my son John A. started from home on a mission to the Southern States and was appointed to labor in the Virginia Conference. 

On the day my son started upon his mission my youngest son, Hugh R. took sick with typhoid fever.  It was about twelve days before we got the fever broke on him..  He was very sick and I feel assured he was healed by the Power of God through the being administered to by the brethren holding the Priesthood.  Hugh was administered by John H. Andersen. 

In the summer of 1902, I raised a very nice crop of wheat.  I had in 72 acres and had 178 bushels.  In the summer 1903, I put in 5 acres,  2 acres of winter and 2 in spring wheat, but on account of drought and other reasons I only raised 34 bushels. 

In the fall of 1903, I was appointed as instructor of the Junior classes in the M.I.A. and we had some grand meetings during the season, the pupils taking great interest in the lessons. 

On the 16th day of October 1903, I commenced weighing beets of the Mendon farmers for the Logan Sugar Factory at $1.75 per day and worked sixteen days.  In the latter part of November I received a check for the same amount, but I  fired it back  by return mail., On the last day of December I received an invitation through the Telephone to attend a grand banquet and ball in the Thatcher Open House, gotten up by the officers of the Amalgamated Sugar Company. 

The winter of 1903 and 1904 was an exceptionally long and tedious one, the snow coming about the 5th of November. 

Our dramatic Association only put on one play (“The Innkeepers of Abbeville”) during the winter and it was remarkably well sustained and the proceeds of the same we gave as a benefit to the Sunday School, the amount being $17.05. 

Sometime in November 1903 I sold my land at Teton, Idaho (50 acres) to my brother-in-law, Martin L. Bird and his son for $600, and received $300, down and the balance in the fall of 1904. 

Here I am again going back in my record to some important events omitted.  In the year 1891, I started a store with about $500 stock.  I continued this for about ten months or a year, but owing to there being two other stores in the town, I closed out. 

Either in the year 1891 or 1892, I was appointed Postmaster, which position I held for about five years but at the change of administration, I happened to be on the wrong side of politics, consequently I had to yield up the office. 

On the 20th day of April 1900, it was thought by the authorities of the Church to have a change of the Bishopric of the Mendon Ward.  Consequently Bishop Hughes and his counselors were honorably released and John H. Andersen of Logan was installed as Bishop of the Mendon Ward and he selected Elfer John S. Willie as first and George N. Sorensen as second Counselors. 

A very strange coincidence transpired at this conference.  Elder Andrew P. Shumway, who had been living in Franklin, Idaho and was our first Bishop of Mendon, was at our conference, consequently all four Bishops, or all the Bishops that Mendon ever had, were all on the stand at the same time. 

On the 4th day of July 1903 my brother Fredrick died and I was notified of the fact by wire, but the telegram was twenty four hours getting to me, consequently I did not get to his funeral.  His wife wished to do some Temple Work for him and I went down in September and did it in the Salt Lake Temple. 

On the 31st day of January 1903 my older brother William in England died at the age of 77 years, leaving a wife and two children and several grandchildren. 

Saturday, May 28, 1904, I spent two or three hours in the cemetery fixing up and beautifying the graves of our dead ones. I attended the funeral of Elder Hughes, as I was selected as one of the pall bearers.  Counselor Geo. O. Pitkin, Representative Joseph Howels, Ex Bishop Wm. H. Maugettit,  Ex Bishop John H. Andersen, Bishop Bird, Amos Clark, Andrew Andersen, Isaac Sorensen and myself, made some very appropriate and comforting remarks, encouraging the members of the family who are left to emulate the example of the deceased.  We went from the cemetery with my wife over to my nephew Chas. H. Baker, and ate supper.  Elder Abm. C. Baker , who had just returned from a mission to Texas, was also there and we spent the evening with Aunt Jane. 

Thursday June 2, 1904, I went to Logan to the Temple and was sealed for Henry Pettit, a great grand uncle on my mother’s side.  My wife was also sealed for a lady by the name of Ruth Tuttle, a stranger.  It rained considerably throughout the day and also much rain fell at night. 

Tuesday, June 14, 1904, I went to the Logan Temple and was baptized for the following persons: William Gardner, William Osborne, Edward Hudd, John Hudd, John Crips, John Knight, Thomas Young and William Lambert.  The first named was my oldest brother, the rest were friends of my father. 

Thursday, June 30, 1904: went to the Temple and had my second endowments, myself and wife also performed the same labor for my father and mother.  I was also endowed for my eldest brother, William. 

Monday July 25, 1904: we held our Celebration.  There was firing of a grand salute in the morning under the command of Marshal Harlow Bassett.  At 9:30 a.m. the sweet strains of music were heard from the band.  At 10:00 we were comfortably seated in the meeting house and we listened to a grand program, among other exercises was a speech on behalf of the Pioneers by Jos. Baker, speech on behalf of the Mormon Battalion by Christian Sorensen.  A.W. Baker then gave us a synopsis of the hardships through which the Saints passed in the early days of Utah.  Elder John H. Andersen then gave us the Ovation, having of his subject, “The Trial and Persecutions of the Saints from the Organization of the Church up to the Time they arrived at winter quarters mentioning in particular the Haun’s Mill Massacre, and the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum.  These speeches were interspersed with recitations, songs, instrumental music, tunes from the band, toasts, sentiments, etc.   At 2:00 we had a children’s dance, then at 4:00 we had foot and horse races.  Cash prizes for the winners (I myself won the prize for the fastest runner of 50 years, 50 cents cash) then came the ice cream, after which we retired home.  About 8:00 o’clock some of our children, first Hugh then Josie, took with very severe cramps in the stomach with severe vomiting and purgin, the Sally and her little boy Laverne, then Ma, myself and Orpah, seven of us in all and of course we discovered we were victims of poison.  Our neighbors soon rallied to our assistance.  We then found that most of the families in town were affected with the same malady.  We were dangerously sick.  By this time the Doctors of Logan were telephoned to, and they quickly responded and Dr.,’s Cutler, Calderwood and the two Dr.’s Pardenson , came and administered antidotes.  The following are among some of the families afflicted: Isaac Sorensen, 12 sick; C. Sorensen, 3 sick; J.F. Sorensen 2: A. Gardner 7; Jas. B. Hancock, Jos. T. Wood, 3: H.T. Richards, 2; Jos. N. Sorensen 2; E David, 2 Jos. Hardman, Chas,. Baker, 3; A.M. Baker, 1; John Ladle, 3: Abm. Sorensen, 2; Mary Lamont, 2; and many others in all, numbering 110 souls.  All night long our Elders who were able, were among the afflicted, administering to them, and our young boys and girls were like ministering angels, doing all they could to alleviate the sufferings of the sick.  As for myself, I shall not soon forget it as I never was so sick in my life.  It was simply awful…What the people passed through, it proved that the ice cream was poisoned, caused,I presume from something on the inside of the freezer and no one was to blame.  The hand of God was certainly extended in our behalf, as half of the sick might have been dead before the Doctors arrived and notwithstanding the excitement and distress among the people, there were many laughable incidents.  You could not pass along any street  in town without hearing the cries of the distressed.  Their vomiting could be heard a block and a half away.  This indeed was one of the most remarkable celebrations ever witnessed in the quiet town of Mendon, and not even one death resulted. 

Thursday August 11th, 1904: Went to Logan, got some dumping dust, also a sack of sugar.  Got some cash from the bank to send to Johnny and also saw the grand parade of Ringling Bros. Circus. 

Monday Aug. 22, 1904: I spent most of the day in John H. Andersens store as I had made arrangements with him to act as clerk therein and was to begin on the 1st of September. 

Thursday, Oct. 13, 1904:  We had an Old Folks Reunion consisting of speeches, songs, recitations etc.  A grand ball was participated in by old and young together.  A prize was given to Sister Mary Walker as the oldest lady present living 91 years old, also one was given to Wm. Kidman as the oldest man in town being 86 years old.  The day was so well enjoyed by the people that it will be long remembered. 

Sunday, Dec. 25, 1904:  Had an excellent Sunday School.  I had charge of the Theological Class, pupils quite ready to ask and answer the questions.  The meeting in the afternoon was quite interesting.  Much was said by the speakers in relation to Christmas and it’s subject and why we celebrate it.  Also as the Friday previous was the birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith, much was also said about his life and his sad untimely death.  There was no meeting in the evening as it was necessary to decorate the meeting house for the Christmas trees and put the prizes therein. 

Saturday 11 Feb. 1905:  Saturday was extremely cold and on Saturday night the thermometer suddenly dropped to 25 degrees below zero, and it was 32 degrees below in Wellsville. 

Saturday 18 Feb. 1905:  Received a letter from my son Johnny, giving us to understand he has received his release, to take effect on the 15th of March and would be home about the 1st of April. 

Monday 27 March 1905:  Johnny started for home on the 16 March from Key West, Florida and arrived in Salt Lake City over the D&RG at 11:30 a,.m. 

Friday 7 April 1905: My son John A. returned from his mission to the Southern States.  Somewhere in the neighborhood of one hundred people met him at the Depot.  He was away just two years, three months and four days.  Quite a crowd assembled at the return and spent the remainder of the evening until about 1:00 a.m. singing, reciting and organ music. 

Monday 10 April 1905:  Quite a nice surprise was gotten up for my boy in the evening but he was quite unwell, and continued so mostly during the week.  On Thursday we had the Elders in and administered to him and he began to improve. 

Thursday 1 June 1905:  My son John went to McCammon to work as night watchman at $30 per month with board and room.   

Monday 12 June 1905: My wife took my son Arnold to the Logan Temple and had him baptized. 

Sunday 24 June 1905:  My wife and I went to Hyrum to Quarterly Conference.  Had some excellent meetings.  President Lyman was in attendance and gave us some excellent counsel.  Speaking much upon the necessity of our young people marrying.  We ate dinner at the residence of Brother C.C. Shaw.  

Monday and Tuesday went off quietly.  Very warm in the daytime and cool in the evening.  On Tuesday I wrote a letter to the Hon. Moses Thatcher for some information he had.  In 1890 he ordained me to the office of High Priest.  I desired to trace up my Priesthood or authority and I desired him to inform me who ordained him to the same office.  On Wednesday I received his answer , which was as follows:  “ On Monday 1877 He was ordained to the office of High Priest by President Brigham Young.  This was when he was called to preside over the Cache Valley Stake of Zion and he was set apart as one of the Twelve Apostles in October 1889 by Pres. John Taylor.  He said he thought President Young and Taylor were ordained by the Prophet Joseph Smith, who was ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood by Peter, James, and John, Apostles of the Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the latter part of May 1829.”  Following up the genealogy of my priesthood it is as follows:  Brigham Young was ordained an Apostle February 14, 1835 by Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, and they were blessed under the hands of Joseph Smith the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon and Fredrick G. Williams .  Joseph Smith the Prophet was ordained as Apostle by Peter, James and John in 1829, and they were ordained by Jesus Christ, Moses and Elias, when they were with them up in the Mount. 

Monday, July 25, 1905:  The day was ushered in by the firing of thirteen guns and the hoisting of the Stars and Stripes.  At 9:00 a.m. there assembled the grandest procession ever had in Mendon, headed by the Pioneers (2 wagons) then followed in their order, the floats “ Goddess of Liberty, Utah, Sego Lily,” one containing 12 Young Ladies and Utah Best Crop, and last but not least “ The Burlesque Band,”  The Mendon Brass Band were in their place.  One of the most interesting features of the procession was that just as it came to Richards Store corner, the Pioneers were attacked by about 12 or 16 Indians on the warpath.  They surrounded the company and made great demonstrations as to how they would serve the men, women and children but they finally settled down to a peace talk and finally a treaty was concluded and the Indians fell in the procession and followed to the meeting house, where a splendid program was well rendered including some nice music by the Burlesque Band.  The following gave some fine speeches; P.A. Sorenson, Orator; Bp M.D. Bird on behalf of Pioneers; Elder John A. Gardner on behalf of the Mormon Battalion.  The sports in the afternoon consisted of a children’s dance, racing and other sports, and a baseball game concluding with a grand social and dance for old and young in the evening.  The day is one which will be long remembered by the people of Mendon. 

Saturday 29 July 1905: My John A. went to Provo and registered to take a chance on getting a Homestead on the Uintah Indian Reservation.  He got home Tuesday the 1st.  During the following week he went to Logan and visited Dr. Budge as he had been troubled with a severe pain in the night.  The Dr. informed him that one of his ribs was broken, done by some strain or over lifting.  The rest of the week passed off O.K. The family was very busy taking care of their fruit, principally, apples. 

Monday 31 July 1905: Quite a sad circumstance happened.  Brother Jasper Lemmon was found by Hans Jensen, dead in the field, street east of Lamonts.  It is supposed he had heart failure and fell from his house.  He was quite dead when found.  This was a very severe shock to his family.  He was buried on Thursday.  The meeting house was quite crowded at the funeral.  The following Elders spoke very highly of the character of the deceased: Alfred Gardner, Andrew Andersen, Issac Sorensen, Hans Jensen, Wm. Cunningham, Elder Rollings of Millcreek Ward and Bishop M.D. Bird. 

Saturday, 16 Sept. 1905:  Was called to Teton to the funeral of my brother James.  He met with misfortune by having a pole fall on him, breaking his arm and bruising him otherwise, besides injuring him internally.  This hastened his demise, although he was very feeble.  The funeral was held on Monday the 18th.  I returned to Inkom to my daughter’s on the 19th, where I found she had just been confined, a little boy being born to her.  I returned home on Wednesday the 29th. 

Tuesday, 2 Oct. 1905:  My wife went to Inkom to see our two daughters, and make them a visit, taking with her our two little boys Arnold and Hugh. 

Monday, 9 Oct. 1905:  Monday evening Maude had quite a crowd of young girls here sewing carpet rags. 

Tuesday, 17 Oct. 1905:  Tuesday was quiet and in the evening a Primary of the voters of the city was held where the following ticket was nominated: Wm. Sorensen for Mayor, Wm. Barret, Robt. Forster, Hamilton S. Baker and Mormon Bird, Councilmen.  Alfred Gardner, City Recorder, Tranfott Stumuph, Treasurer, A.H. Richards, City Justice, Harlow Bassett, City Marshall.  This was a citizen’s ticket.  That same night it snowed about 4 or 5 inches. 

Saturday, 21 Oct. 1905: My son John A. went to Salt Lake City to undergo examinations as to his qualifications as Section Foreman.  

Wednesday, 25 Oct. 1905:  Received a letter from my son giving us to understand he had been given a Section at Murray, Salt Lake County, temporarily as the foreman already there was sick in the hospital with typhoid.  He would likely hold this section until this man was well and prepared to take his place, he informed us.  He had three miles of track to look after and about six miles of side track and no end to switches. 

Sunday, 12 Nov. 1905:  Quite a nice Sunday School.  I had the honor of having charge of the Theological Class.  Pupils fairly well up in the lesson, which was Honest, Chastity and Charity.  The afternoon meeting was quite well attended.  The evening was occupied under the auspices of the Primary Association and at this meeting, Sister Ann Westover, who had been President of this Association for upward of 21 years was honorably released with a vote of thanks and Sister Mary E. Sorensen put in in her stead.  A beautiful program was well rendered at this meeting. 

Friday 17 Nov. 1905:  In the evening my daughter May came home.  She is attending the B.Y. College in Logan. 

Tuesday, 5 Dec. 1905:  In the morning of the 5th, word came to town that Assa Baker, son of widow Rachel Baker, was lost in the mountains west of Mendon, having started out hunting in the Deep Canyon.  He did not come home that night, but his horse came home.  Next morning as soon as the news reached town a number of men armed themselves and started to find him.  They hunted until about 6:00 p.m.  Next morning his brother Simon and his cousins Marvin and Jesse Baker started out again, and was successful in finding him in the afternoon some distance east of Deweyville, but he was dead, having frozen to death, as it was very cold weather. 

Monday 11 Dec. 1905:   Had memorial services over the remains of Brother Assa N. Baker.  The meeting was well attended.  Bro. John H. Andersen being also present.  After services, he went with me to the store and remained with me for some time.  I acknowledged a Deed for Ephraim P. Shelton in the evening. 

Monday 1 Jan. 1906:  I spent at home, had a good time.  My son John came up from Murray to spend New Year.  Was very pleased to see him and had a good time. 

Tuesday 2 Jan. 1906:  Still cold.  Johnny left us again and went to Collinston, to take charge of the Section. 

Thursday 4 Jan 1906:  My niece, Matilda May got tired of single life and got married.  The bridegroom being Henry J. Bassett of McCammon.  It fell my lot to perform the marriage ceremony, tying the knot about 7:00 p.m. There was a nice crowd there and we spent a very pleasant evening.  Herself and Spouse left for Gentile Valley on the evening of the 6th, intending to reach McCammon about the 9th or 10th.  Same day, I had my Notary Bond acknowledged and forwarded it to Salt Lake City so I could get my commission. 

Wednesday 10 Jan. 1906:  My son John came home from Collinston, spent the evening with us and went away Thursday morning to Hooper, also to take charge of a Section.  This week was noted for its many sociables.  Monday evening was spent at the residence of Bro. Andrew Sorensen and we had a grand time and on Tuesday evening after the close of M.I.A.  meeting, we went to Bro. Wm. Barret’s where we spent a beautiful time until about 12 o’clock. 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 11th, 12th, 13th, my wife was quite poorly, also Josie, Arnold and Hugh.  My wife had grippe and the three children had scarlatina. 

Friday 2 Feb. 1906:  Was the Old Folks Reunion.  Dinner at 12 o’clock, after which a grand program was rendered and a grand ball in the meeting house in the evening.  I think we never had a better time in Mendon. 

Wednesday 14 Feb. 1906:  Had a good M.I.A. meeting in the evening.,  spent the evening at the residence of Brother Andrew Sorensen preparing our Sunday School lesson. 

Sunday 8 April 1906:  Very pleasant, warm and nice.  The Sunday School as usual was very nice.  Jos. N. Sorensen  had charge of class.   Had S.S. meeting immediately after, where we selected a Queen for May Day.  The lucky person was Miss Olive Sorensen.  Immediately at the close of this meeting, held a meeting of the high Priests, where in many bore faithful testimonies to the truth. 

Tuesday 10 April 1906:  News came to town that a terrible earthquake had partly destroyed San Francisco, Cal. , killing about 1100 people and setting the city on fire.  At last account they had not got the fire under control. 

Thursday, 19 April 1906:  The above report is verified as to the earthquake.  Immediately after the quake, the city was set on fire and for two days it was impossible to get the fire under control.  The destruction went on until the destruction of property amounted to about $2,000,000,000.  In fact the beautiful city of San Francisco was virtually destroyed.  A very marvelous fact of the catastrophe is that not a single Latter-day Saint was injured or even received a scratch and very little of their property destroyed, but it cannot be estimated as yet as to the amount or number of people killed.  It is marvelous how the country is rallying to the assistance of the inhabitants of the grief stricken city with their finances.   The following are some of the amounts contributed:  The Government $2,000,000, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints $10,000, the citizens of Utah $50 or $75,000 and the other states of the Union in like proportion.  All of the Railway Companies took supplies to the doomed city free of charge.  The city of Logan sent three car loads of supplies; Hyrum, one car, Richmond one car; Ogden, Salt Lake and Provo and other cities, many carloads.  Mensdon gave about $112.00.  During the week of the 29th, Mary Larsen, wife of the late Magnus Larsen died. 
Monday 7 May 1906:  Funeral was held for Sister Larsen.  The services were held at the residence of the deceased under the charge of the Reverend Dr. Wishband of Salt Lake City.  the citizens showed great respect to the family.Thursday 7 June 1906:  My daughter May came from school at Logan as the school closed for the summer.  No storm through the day, quite clear at night and fears of frost were entertained. 

Monday 16 Jul 1906:  My oldest daughter, Sara Jane with her husband and children came in the 6 a.m. train for the purpose of paying us a good visit.  We were pleased to see them. 

Thursday 19 July 1906:  My son John got married in the Logan Temple.  He married Mary E. Sorensen, daughter of our old friend Isaac Sorensen.  After this they gave a nice wedding supper at the residence of the bride.  Also a dance in Richards Hall in the evening.  About this time, Irvin Larsen, my grandson, took down with Typhoid Fever, though it did not seem a bad case, still it required much attention.  I once had to stay up with him.  NIght and day, it was his Father, Mother or Grandmother.  He did not suffer much pain. 

Sunday 12 July 1906:  I went to Hyrum with Bro. A. Andersen to attend a High Priest meeting of the three wards of Hyrum.   Had an excellent meeting.  Got back home about 3 O’clock p.m.  Good meeting in the evening.  During the following week my daughter Jane also took down  with Typhoid and of course had Dr. Budge over.  Her fever did not range very high and she had a continual headache.  Still her case was not serious. 

Monday 20 July 1906:  My wife who had felt quite poorly for some time, took to her bed also with Typhoid.  She was also considerably troubled with stomach trouble:  She continued during the week very poorly, suffering considerably with her stomach and bowels. Her fever was much higher than that of my daughters.  The last of the week my daughter began to become somewhat better.  On the 3rd day of August, my daughter Maud gave birth to a beautiful little daughter.  My wife’s fever seemed to settle in her right leg, causing considerable pain, but her fever did not go very high.  My son Hugh was doing nicely.   His was a very light case.  Mabel’s fever did not go very high.  By the 10th of Sept. my daughter Sarah Jane was improved nicely as her fever ceased and she was feeling much better, though very weak.  About the 14th or 15th, Hugh’s fever broke and he felt nicely; could not get enough to eat. About this time, my wife began to get very weak and on Saturday morning the 15th she seemed to be quite dangerous.  We telephoned the  Dr. and he came and administered some stimulants and we sent for Bp. M.D. Bird and some of the Elders and we administered to her and she began slowly to mend.  I also sent the names of the sick to the Logan Temple to be prayed for there.  We also  telephoned my son John A. at Downey, Idaho and he came on Sunday morning and he is yet with us.  My wife continued to improve somewhat and at this writing Sep. 22, she is considerably better, although the fever settled somewhat in her legs.  Her fever is down to normal and has been so all day.  My daughter Sarah J. is now up and goes out doors so also is my son Hugh and feeling nice.  Can’t get enough to eat.  My daughter Mabel’s fever has been gone for three days and she expects to set up a little tomorrow, so they are all doing nicely except my wife, and she, I think is slowly recovering.  The last two or three weeks I have not been as particular in events as I should have been because I have been so worried, I could not do it.  But I do think and in fact I know, the Lord has greatly blessed us.  He always tempers the storms to the shorn Lamb.  The last three Sundays, I have neither attended Sunday School or Meeting. 

Sunday Sept. 23 1906:  The improvement in the sick still continued with the exception of my wife.  About the 25th day my daughter Mabel got up and sat in a chair and from then on continued to improve. 

Sunday 17 Oct. 1906:  I attended Sunday School and Meeting. I bore my testimony both in S.S. and Meeting and testified to the goodness of God towards myself and family.  My wife did not improve much during the week up to Oct. 14, when I attended S.S. and Meeting.  In the early part of this week my wife took a very severe chill about 11 o’clock A.M. and her fever almost immediately went up to 103 and it had been down to normal and below for four days.  During the afternoon we very much feared we would lose her, but in the evening the Doctor came and she was better.  Her temperature had gone down again to 99.  This chill seemed to be the turning point of her sickness as she has gradually improved up to this date Oc.t. 26, and she now sits up in her chair most of the day and we feel it is only a matter of a few days before she will be with us in the kitchen as she is getting along so nicely. 

Saturday 23 Oct. 1906:  I had my potatoes up.  Had a very nice crop and on Oct 25th, I sent 15 sacks to my daughter at Inkom, Idaho about 900 lbs.  Have been quite busy all of us for a few days getting in our apples, of which we have a large crop.  About the 22nd or 23rd, my nephew George Gardner came in from Pocatello Valley ( where he had been working for three or four months) sick with Typhoid and it seems to be quite a severe case.  The nurse from Logan is attending him. 

Wednesday 27 Oct 1906:  My wife, quite sick still.  She was slowly getting better.  By this time there was quite a famine of coal.  It seemed impossible to get any.  Everything moved as usual.  On the 11th of Nov. my daughter Mabel, went to Downey to clerk in the store owned by a Mr. Johnson.  The weather became quite cold with now and then, a little snow.  On the 18th Sister Charlotte Baker died and was buried on the 24th.  Quite a nice funeral, quite well attended.  Remarks were quite comforting made by Elders Andrew Anderson, Jos. Baker, Alfred Gardner, A.M. Bird . By this time my wife had taken two backsets from some cause, perhaps a slight cold, but no one can describe our happy feelings at seeing the family so far recovered as to be up and around. 

Nov. 26, 1906:  Perhaps from now on I shall be more particular in events as they transpire than I have the last four months owing to the worry on my mind, owing to the siege of Typhoid we had passed through. 

Dec. 14, 1906:  During the latter part of Nov. and so far in this month, my wife is improving nicely so much so that she gets around the house first class.  She cooks and does most of her housework.  She eats now pretty much what she wants.  Having been very short of feed for my stock, I sold my calf and also one of the milk cows.  This will help me out somewhat financially.  During the latter part of Nov. I paid to Sadie E. Baker (one of the Nurses I had to wait upon my sick family) twenty dollars and on Dec. 13th I gave her a check for $8.00, also on the same date I paid a drug bill of $6.25 to Co-op drug Co of Logan.  The weather is now quite cold, having been quite stormy for some time.  About one inch of the beautiful snow on the ground. 

Dec 15, 1906:  Nothing particular doing.  Had pretty fair time during the Holidays.  Myself and my wife ate dinner at my daughter Maud’s.  Weather rather disagreeable, some rain and some snow.  About this time my little granddaughter Mabel took quite sick and remained so for about a week when it began to improve. 

Saturday 12 Jan. 1907:  My wife’s birthday and we had a very enjoyable time, but we would have had a much better time had the weather been good but it snowed all day and none of our friends or relatives attended.  She was 51 years old. 

Sunday 13 Jan 1907:  Quite snowy and lay on the ground to the depth of about 24 inches.  No paths being made.  A very poor attendance at our Sunday School was the result.  Not more I think than about 40 or 50.  I had charge of Theological Class.  Some of the pupils were quite interested in the lesson.  Meeting in the afternoon was also quite slim owing to the inclement weather.  Elder Salmon of Salt Lake gave us quite an interesting discourse on the principles of the Gospel. 

Monday 14 Jan. 1907:  And in fact all during the week the snow continued to come down and the coal famine continued.  Coal was as scarce as cash.  On the 16th at about 10 o’clock A.M. Bro. Joseph Richards died of pneumonia and neuralgia.  This was a severe blow to Brother Alex Richards and his wife, happening so soon after the death of their sweet daughter Ireta.  All the people of our little town greatly sympathize with the family in this their hour of deep sorrow. 

Brother Richards funeral is to be held on Saturday the 19th of Jan. 

Sunday 20 Jan. 1907:  Very nice day.  Had a nice Sunday School with instructor P,.A. Sorensen in charge of the Theological Class.  The class was quite interested in the lesson and was quite ready to ask and answer questions.  Quite an interesting and good meeting in the afternoon.  I had the privilege in connection with Elders Henry Yonik of Peterboro and Elder Fiefield of Weston of addressing the Saints.  I also had the privilege of speaking to the Saints in the evening meeting which was quite well attended with young people.  During the week, we had quite a snow fall but we received two cars of coal, which quite relieved the coal famine, 

Wednesday 20 Feb. 1907:  We received a letter from my daughter at Inkom, notifying us that they were coming to Mendon to live, that her husband was going to take charge of the Ry Section here.  I tell you this was good news.  The rest of the week it was pretty fair weather and it was quite nice getting around. 

 Friday 22 Feb. 1907: We had a jolly dance in the meeting house.  Old and young together; best time we had for a long time.  The dance was for the purpose of getting means to clear off the Ward.  Which was done in good shape. 

 Thursday 28 Feb 1907:  My daughters Mabel and May went to Logan in the afternoon on the Flyer to attend a Grand Theatre.  

Wednesday 14 March 1907:  Had a business meeting at night to take into consideration the necessity of putting a fence around our Public Square.  It was decided to put up a picket fence and a committee was appointed to see to the matter. 

Thursday 15 March 1907:  I bought a nice cooking stove.  A Banquet Range costing me $54 cash down. 

Tuesday 20 March 1907:  It was quite stormy so much so that there was no meeting of the M.I. Association.  The storm continued in its fury until about 1 o’clock A.M. when it reached a perfect hurricane.  The hardest and most severe storm we ever had in Mendon.  This was accompanied by very severe thunder and lightning.  In the morning when it had calmed down to a normal condition, it was found that the following damage had been done.,  Thos. Muir Jr, Mrs. Lassis, and John S. Willie had their barns torn down and completely destroyed. David M. Rowes house was torn down but none of his family was injured.  Walter Ahrens had a valuable cow killed so did Mrs. Rachel Baker, Thomas Muir Jr. had a horse killed, P.A. Sorensen had some of his window lights broken.  Others received similar results, some 30 or 40 large shade trees were literally torn down by the roots.  Fred Manning had his house much damaged by trees falling on it.  My own barn was so damaged that it will have to be torn down.  Much other damage was done by the destruction of fences, outhouses and other buildings. 

Thursday, 22 March 1907:  The Sorensen family held a reunion in the meeting house, had a splendid program which was well rendered.  They had dinner and supper in the meeting house also and gave a free dance in the evening.  It was the anniversary of the 100 birthday of Grandma Sorensen who with her husband passed behind the veil many years ago, both died the same day and buried in the same grave. 

Nothing of note happened through the week.  We had a Patent Medicine Show every night during the week which was very good, fifteen cents per ticket.  I attended two or three nights, some of my family every night. 

Monday, 15 april 1907:  Arbor day which passed off very quickly. 

Tuesday, 16 April 1907:  I never was more surprised in my life.  I went in the evening to the Meeting house to attend M.I.A. meeting, supposing that it was the usual meeting but what was my surprise when I found the seats properly put away preparatory for a dance and programme.  The Young Ladies had done this as a surprise in a good shape it was to me at least.  I think it was the best sociable and dance we had had during the winter season.  The rest of the week passed off rather quickly. 

Monday, 29 April 1907:  My daughter May went to Inkom, Idaho to attend a wedding, had a grand time.  About this time my son John’s wife took quite sick, and had a miscarriage, had a Dr. Robinson of McCammon but did not improve very much. 

Wednesday, 1 May 1907:  Had a splendid time, a first class programme well rendered.  Miss Therese Bird was Queen.  Had a matched basketball game between Mendon and Newton, resulting in a victory for Mendon.  The remaining part of the week nothing of importance. 

Sunday, 5 May 1907: Nice weather, Sunday School good.  Meeting in the afternoon and evening good, good talks from the speakers.  My daughter-in-law is no better.  In fact she is dangerously ill, so much so that on Monday Dr. Cuther of Logan went up to attend her during the week.  Things went on very nicely.  On the 8th we had quite a nice show in the Meeting House, revolving or moving pictures, some as nice a scenes as I ever saw.  Myself and family all attended.  Among the scenes represented was “Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Robbing the Bank, A Curious Beehive, Robbing the Pay Master,”  and quite a number of other scenes.Monday, 20 May 1907; My daughter-in-law continued to improve.  In the evening a Peace Meeting was held in the meeting house under the auspices of the Relief Society.  An excellent programme was rendered.  It fell to my lot to give a speech upon the subject.  When was the first Peace Congress held at the Hague and the object and also the result. 

Thursday, 29 May 1907:  My youngest boy Hugh took quite sick and on Saturday I sent to Dr. Culter of Logan and he came and diagnosed his case and pronounced the case as Pneumonia.  I tell you this cast quite a gloom over the whole family but still we kept our faith up and had him prayed for in meeting Sunday June 1st, also in Sunday School. We also had him prayed for on Monday in the Primary Conference, also had Pres. Parkenson, Counselor W. H. Maughn, Bishop Bird and others administer to him on Sunday and on Tuesday. 

My son has nearly fully recovered. 

Sunday, 23 June 1907: Stake Conference in Paradise, I attended.  Went with Brother Wm. I. Sorensen , had an excellent time.  Apostle Lyman, and Elder B.H. Roberts of Salt Lake in attendance.  Much valuable counsel was given us.  The remarks of Elder Roberts were principally in regards to the duties of the Seventies.  I arrived home about 7 o’clock P.M.  The evening meeting was under the auspices of the Sunday School.  My daughter Mabel and May came home.  They had been to Wellsville to see our daughter Maud as she was sick with tonsillitis.  She was better Monday and my wife came home.  We had no celebration here on the 4th. 

Wednesday, 10 July 1907:  Myself and Wm. I. Sorensen and LeRoy Baker met at my house in the evening and appointed committees and also made a program for the 24th as we had been appointed to the previous Sunday as a standing committee for the purpose.  Weather continued to be hot. 

Thursday, 11 July 1907:  My daughter Maud and her daughter went to Salt Lake on a visit. 

Saturday, 27 July 1907:  My wife went to Teton, Idaho on a visit.   

Friday, 2 Aug.  1907:  Still warm, had a letter from my wife enjoying herself nicely having the time of her life.  Rained during the night,. 

Saturday, 3 Aug 1907:   Had one of the most severe rain storms of the season commencing about 11 o’clock a.m. continuing about half hour.  Very severe thunder and Lightning and some wind in the evening.  My daughter Mabel took quite a severe sick spell.  Heart trouble I think as a result of typhoid nearly a year ago.   

Sunday, 11 Aug 1907:  My daughter Maud troubled with tonsillitis, result of taking cold, I presume.  Very warm during the week.  Had my wheat cut and also finished my haying. 

Monday, 26 Aug 1907:  My wife came home from Teton, had enjoyed herself very much.  In fact she had the time of her life. 

Sunday, 22 Sept 1907: Quarterly Conference held in Hyrum.  Apostle Richards and Elder Golden Kimball from Salt Lake were in attendance.  The principal subject spoken upon was the necessity of beautifying our houses.  I went up with Jos. Hardman.  We had a good meeting in the evening. Elders Issac Sorensen and Wm. Cunningham gave some Conference news. 

Wednesday, 25 Sept 1907:  My birthday, my folks gave me a grand surprise and we had an excellent time until about 12 o’clock.  My daughter’s presented me with a beautiful rocking chair. 

Friday, 22 Nov 1907:  Made arrangements with Brother’s Pratt and Snow, sons of Parley P. Pratt and Erastus Snow, for my daughter Mabel to take a course in the Intermountain Correspondence School of Salt Lake City for $30.00.  Studies include Stenography, Typewriting, English, Literature, etc. 

Thursday, 28 Nov 1907:  It was Thanksgiving, we had an excellent meeting.  The Primary Association also rendered a nice program.  My wife and myself ate Thanksgiving dinner at Aunt Rachels, ( Rachel C. Cooley) had a good time. 

Thursday, 12 Dec 1907:  Had a letter from my son John at Downey, announcing that he and his wife were coming to pay us a visit on Christmas.  Also received a letter from my sister-in-law, S. I. Gardner also announced to us that Mabel Pearl would also visit us during the Holidays. 

Sunday, 22 Dec 1907: conference in Wellsville, I attended.  Never was to a better meeting in my life.  Such excellent counsel given by President Joseph F. Smith upon the necessity of Parents Training Their Children in the Way They Should Go.  Good counsel given also by Presiden Lund and Apostle H. J. Grant.  At the close of the morning service I had the privilege of shaking hands with Prs. Smith and Lund.  Quite late when I got home.  Had a grand meeting in the evening.  A nice Program was rendered during the evening by the Primary by the Primary Association.  I was called upon by the Bishop to give a short lecture on the “Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith.”  I did so, speaking for about fifteen minutes. 

Monday, 23 Dec 1907:  My son John and wife came from Downey to spend Holidays with us.  My family all ate dinner with us on Christmas day and we had a good time together.  We also had a good time at the Meeting House.  A first class program was rendered consisting of speeches, songs, recitations, comic and instrumental and sentimental music.  A dance was given in the evening.  Nothing special during the rest of the week. 

Monday, 30 Dec 1907:  My son John went back to his home at Downey and his wife went back Wednesday the 1st.  It continued cold. 

Wednesday, 15 Jan 1908:  We had an Old Folks Sociable.  A grand banquet was given at 12 noon, after which a beautiful program was rendered consisting of songs, speeches, recitations and instrumental music.  A dance was given in the evening in which the old and young joined.  I think it was one of the best times we ever had in Mendon.  It was a complete success from start to finish. 

Tuesday, 4 Feb 1908:  In the evening we held M.I.A. meeting.  I got through with  the lesson very nicely.  Also received word from my son John at Downey that his wife was quite sick.  Wednesday we received word that she had had a premature birth.  The child died shortly after birth and it was buried at Nine-mile, Idaho. 

Saturday, 15 Feb 1908:   My barn fell down, having been in a dilapidated condition since the 20th of last month when it was nearly blown over.  Fortunately nothing was in it.  That is, none of the family or any of my animals.  I immediately hired Amos Hardman to build a nice stable chicken coop and hog pen out of the remains of the barn.  I gave him a heifer calf for some of the payment. 

Friday 28 Feb 1908:  Our Dramatic Association put on a beautiful play called “ The Bank Cashier.”  The piece was beautifully rendered and to the entire satisfaction of all present.  The house was packed and the financial result of the play was $33.45.  It was put on as a benefit of the Sunday School  and Y.M.M.I.A.   Each of these associations received $15.75.  Some little expenses were taken out. 

Friday, 13 Mar 1908:  I was taken down again with Grip and was so poorly I remained at home Friday afternoon and Saturday and my daughter Josie went into the store.  On Sunday I was a little bit better but not so as to go out, consequently I did not attend Sunday School or either meeting. 

Monday 16 Mar 1908:  I was well enough to go into the store myself and on Tuesday I was a little better but did not attend meeting at night. 

Wednesday 25 Mar 1908: The Mendon Sociable Club intended to give an entertainment in the evening and was giving a Matinee in the afternoon, when the news came to us by the Marshall to the effect that 4 cases of Smallpox had been disco ered a the residence of James B. Hancock.  We further discovered that it had been in the family for upwards of a month and the whole town had been exposed by the children attending the school and the rest of the family by associating with the people.  The family not knowing of course what the disease was.  This condition of things caused the canceling of the schools. 

Friday, 26 Mar 1908:  We discovered the Measles spreading at an alarming extent.  Thirteen flags were put up that day and our youngest child Hugh was among the stricken ones so we had a beautiful flag put upon our premises by the doctor and Marshall. 

Sunday 28 Mar 1908:  Our boy was improving.  We kept a strict quarantine.  I took my meals and slept at night at my daughters ( Sarah Jane).  The rest of the family kept strictly on the premises at this time.  Many were in town with the disease above mentioned. 

Friday, 3 April 1908:  the quarantine was raised at my residence and the flag taken down and residence thoroughly fumigated. 

Monday, 6 April 1908:  Two more cases of measles.  That of the son of Geo. Lemmon and the daughter of W.  I. Sorensen and also at the residence of Thos. Muir Jr. his whole family coming down with measles.  About this time it entered the family of Jas. F. Whitney.  A few days after this Andrew Lamont came down with the same disease, also the daughter of Mrs. Laura Cooley, but thus far no more cases of smallpox.  Also on the night of 6th of April we had a snow storm .  At the present day April 12th everything is moving along nicely.  It seems that the diseases are dying out. 

Sunday, 17 May 1908:  I attended the 9-45 meeting.  I had a full class.  I had charge of the class and lesson 15 was pretty well discussed and many of the pupils had studied their lesson.  As much as it was Peace Day, the speakers were requested to speak on that subject.  I was called on to speak.   I did so, taking for my subject “The Necessity of the Peace” and called the attention of the congregation to the convening of the first Peace Congress held at Hague, Holland on the 18th of May 1899 and that it had done some good.  I also said it was necessary to settle all difficulties by Arbitration.  This is the method God had introduced to the world by the Gospel of Christ. 

Saturday, 30 May 1908:  It is Decoration Day and most of the people visited the Grave Yard.  Fixing up and beautifying the graves of our dead by planting many flowers.  The afternoon was spent on the Square witnessing a matched game of Baseball as well as an interesting game of Basket Ball. T”Sweeten Orchestra” furnished the music. 

Friday, 5 June 1908:  About this time Diphtheria broke out in the family of Henry Shelton.  Three of his children coming down with the malady.  Dr. Merrill of Wellsville and a member of the Board of Health called and the place was quarantined.  Also in this week my daughter Sarah Jane, had quite a time with her little boy Orval with measles.  He was quite sick but at this writing he is much better. 

Monday, 15 June 1908:  I went fishing, had a good time and caught enough fish for supper.  On this date it was discovered that H.J. Richards had diphtheria in his family.  The children of the Shelton Family were doing as well as could be expected. 

Tuesday, 16 June 1908:  My daughter’s children had so far got over the measles and they were Fumigated.  On this date about 5 o’clock a..m. Dr. Merrill visited the family of Henry Shelton and pronounced the children doing nicely, but the doctor had scarcely left town when  one of these children, a little girl, died.  Having taken a sudden turn for the worse.  This was a severe blow to the family, as no one could go to their assistance.  This was quite a relief to the family, especially the Mother.  The funeral was about 7 a.m. On the 27th.  No services were held owing to the nature of the disease. 

Monday, 16 Nov 1908:  By instruction from some authority, the Board of Education or rather the School Board of the County, Dr. Clark of Ogden visited our school and put our children that attended school, under a thorough examination.  Some he  pronounced had symptoms of Scarlet Fever, Diphtheria, Typhoid, enlarged tonsils, Strawberry Tongue, etc.    Keeping many of our children out of school for various periods of time.  The verdict of the people here is that it was the greatest graft we ever had imposed upon us in Mendon. 

Wednesday, 23 Dec 1908:  I took quite a severe cold, so much so that it kept me in the house so I did not get out on Christmas.  On the 24th, my son John A. and his wife came down from Cornish on a short stay for the Holidays.  My daughter Maud and my daughter May, also my niece Mae came down from McCammon to spend Holidays. We had a good time.  Had our children all together again.  It was quite a comfort to be surrounded with our dear children again.  

Tuesday, 29 Dec 1908:  My son John and wife went back home again and on Saturday Jan. 2nd my daughter May went back again to McCammon.  About the 20th of Dec. my sister Emma of Teton, Idaho had her husband Martin L  Bird came down and spent a few days with us.  They returned to their home in the cold north on Jan. 3rd.  We were glad to see them and we had a good time with them while they were here.  I desire to mention here that on Dec 30th my daughter Sarah Jane gave birth to another son.  This makes five sons and one daughter for her.   

Wednesday & Thursday, 12-13 Jan 1909:  Raining nearly all the time, causing almost a flood on our town, and not at this writing about 8 o’clock p,.m. raining very hard.  

Wednesday 3 Feb 1909:  We had an excellent Sociable at my residence.  We had a good oyster supper.  Brother’s Jos. Hancock and John Ladle and wives, Sister Eliza Hardman and my counselor M. Larsen being present.  Had quite a snow during the night, about 6 inches fell. 

Thursday, 18 Feb 1909: Received a Telephone from my son John telling us that his wife was quite sick so my wife went up there (Cornish).  That evening myself and a number of others spent the evening at the residence of Brother and Sister Ladle, had a good time until about 12:00. 

Sunday, 27 Feb 1909:  I went up to Cornish to visit my son and found his wife much better.  Had an excellent visit.  Came home again on Monday. 

Saturday 7 May 1909:  In the evening I received a Telephone from Sheriff Crookston of Logan, that my name had been drawn as a juryman and I was to be in Logan, Monday morning at 10:00. 

Sunday, 8 May 1909:  I attended 9:30 meeting Sunday School Conference.  Had an excellent time in the morning and afternoon sessions.  Evening meeting was good.  My son John came down from Cornish.  Monday morning I went to Logan according to the request of the Sheriff.  On the account of my business condition I was excused by the Judge.  My daughter-in-law had an operation performed on her.  She passed through it all right.  It was womb trouble.  

Wednesday 13 May 1909:  My son went back to Cornish. 

Saturday, 19 June 1909:  Somewhere about this time Brother Fred J. Sorensen came from Bannock County very sick with Spotted Fever.  He was dangerously sick.  He came as far as Brother John D. Bakers where his wife was. 

Tuesday, 22 June 1909:  In the evening I again went with some of the brethren out to administer to Elder F.J. Sorensen and found him still very sick, no better. 

Friday 26 June 1909:  Brother Sorensen died, his wife and parents, brothers and sisters of course felt very bad and he will be seriously missed by the people of the Ward as he was a very useful young man and occupied some important positions in the Ward.  He was Supt. of our Sunday School and was Pres, of the Elders Quorum. 

August 25th, 26th, 27th, 1909:  Had the store moved back in the lot about 40 feet so as to make room for a new store. 

Saturday, 29 Aug. 1909:  I and my wife went up to Cornish to attend my son John’s birthday.  Had an excellent time and came home Sunday evening.  Went from the Depot up to Uncle A.M. (Albert) Baker, found him no better but gradually sinking. 

Wednesday, 2 Sept 1909:  News just came that one Doctor Cook of Brooklyn, N.Y. had discovered the North Pole.  He was at the Pole on the 21st of April 1908.  Two Eskimos were with him.  Uncle Isaac and David Coon and Lehi Hardman came up from Pleasant Green (their home) Salt Lake County. 

Thursday, 3 Sept 1909: A.M. Baker died at 10:40 p.m.  Funeral held on the 7th.  A large number of people present. 

Thursday, 23 Sept 1909:  Brother John H. Anderson came to visit me at the store and he seemed to be perfectly satisfied as to the way I was conducting his store here. 

Tuesday 5 Oct 1909:  Had quite a severe earthquake shock.  Appearing at 7:43 p.m. and lasting about ten or fifteen seconds.  About 15 or 20 minutes afterwards another shock was felt not so severe. 

Tuesday 12 Oct 1909;  Had a telephone from Salt lake informing me of the death of my niece Luna Gardner, wife of F.W. Gardner, my nephew.  On the 13th had a telephone announcing the funeral would be Thursday, hence myself and wife went to attend the funeral arriving in Salt Lake about 1 o/clock p.m.  Arrived at the residence soon enough for the services, which were presided over by the Bishop of th Ward.  Judge Le Grand Young preached the funeral discourse.  There were four excellent quartets that sang.  I remained in Salt Lake until Sunday evening when I came home getting here at abou 8 o’clock p.m.  My wife stopped in Salt Lake a few days to visit among her relatives and friends.  My wife came home on the 25th. 

Saturday, 20 Nov. 1909:  It rained nearly all day.  Today and yesterday we moved into the new store.  I had my three daughters, Mabel, Mae, and Josie helping. 

Christmas Day, 25 Dec. 1909:  We held a splendid program in the morning, consisting of speeches, vocal and instrumental music, recitation etc.  After which S.S. children drew prizes from the Christmas Tree.  Dance for the children in the afternoon and also a dance for the Adults at night.  My son John and his wife came down from Cornish to spend the Holidays with us and my daughter Maud came on the 28th from West Portage.  So we had a grand time. 

Friday, 4 Mar 1910:  I went to Logan and had my name registered among many others who were trying to get Pensions for services rendered in Cavalry, Infantry, and Home Guard against Indians who were doing considerable damage to the inhabitants in the fall of 1864 in Cache Valley, especially in the vicinity of Franklin. 

Wednesday, 18 May 1910:  Was the noted day of the great view of Halley’s Comet.  This seemed to be quite an event, some people seemed to be quite excited over it for fear it would strike the earth in it’s mad rush through space.  Some people in Salt Lake City, I understand, put off their spring house cleaning until after said date for fear we should be knocked to smithereens by the Comet.  I understand one person in the East went crazy of the affair.  On this day, the 189th, I went fishing and had a good success, caught two or three meals. 

Monday, 20 June 1910:  I went to Logan and had mine and my father’s picture taken to be put in the pioneer Record Book or History which I had subscribed for costing $25.00 

Friday, 15 July 1910:  I went to the river and baptized Charles Hughes.  Bishop M. D. Bird confirmed him a member of the Church, Bp. Bird  being mouth.  We had just got the confirmation finished when Bro. Carl Hughes, son of the above Hughes, came in the gate and surprised the family.  He had just got home from a 32 month mission to the Northern States.  This was a happy reunion, great joy was manifested by all.  The boy greeting the family after so long an absence and the father just becoming a member of the Church.  Many joyful tears were shed. 

Tuesday, 18 July 1910:  I went to Logan and purchased the paint to paint my house.  Costing me $19.00  My wife and daughter Maud accompanied me.  

Sunday 31 July 1910:  I attended as usual the 9:30 meeting.  I also had charge of the Theological Class.  Afternoon meeting good, evening we had an excellent lecture hy Brother Burdette of Salt Lake City, a member of the Reform School of Ogden.  The subject “some of the Causes of our Young People being Put in this School and its results.” 

Tuesday 2 Aug. 1910:  My sister-in-law Date Coon and her two daughters, went home. I also started to paint my house. 

Wednesday, 7 Sep. 1910:  Peach Day in Brigham.  My three daughters were there. 

Sunday 25 Sep. 1910 : My birthday on Saturday evening the 24th.  Had a reunion of the family.  My wife and children presented me with a beautiful rocking chair and my two little boys, Arnold and Hugh gave me a nice watch fob and charm.  I also received some nice presents from my grandchildren, Irvin and Orpah.  My daughter Maud also sent myself and wife a nice cup and saucer and syrup pitcher, and they all treated me grand.  I attended meetings as usual. 

October 1, 1910: Weather continued very dry.  The farmers were afraid to put in any winter wheat, no rain during this week.  I had many of my apples ground up into cider, about 40 gallons.  Also plowed my potatoes, and had about 80 lbs. 

Sunday, 6 Nov, 1910:  About three weeks ago my little boy, Hugh had the misfortune to get his arm broken, both bones below the wrist.  Dr. Merrill of Wellsville set it again.  He is doing nicely at present date.  Also about a month ago my two nieces, Minnie Landon and Minnie Wheeler, took the Typhoid Fever, but are also at present date, doing nicely. 

Tuesday, 8 Nov. 1910:  Election day, the result was the States went Republican, so much so that the Democrats had but two Senators and seven members of the House, some minor offices also, but to make up for this the Nation went Democratic by a large majority.  In the house quite an exciting time among the people. 

Wednesday 7 Dec, 1910:  My daughter Maud came from West Portage on a visit for a couple of months. 

Friday 23 Dec. 1910:  My son-in-law came from Portage. Great preparations were being made in the homes of the people for Christmas and for the visit of Santa Claus.  The children in great expectancy.  In the evening the Primary gave an excellent program, having four Christmas trees, all lit up with candles and prizes which they had made, which were drawn from the trees and presented to their parents.  Also this same day I received a Christmas Box from my nephew F. W. Gardner, containing oranges and bananas.  I also send them a present each year. 

Tuesday, 30 Jan 1911: It has been raining all the past week and is still raining.  No Mutual held on account by this time the creek at the upper side of our block had become so swollen it was doing damage to the lots below it, especially mine.  Thomas Muir Jr. and David Mins, and in the afternoon a cloud burst and we had the greatest flash flood ever seen in Mendon.  Merely the whole of the stream ran through mine and Thos. Muir’s lot doing much damage, making great gutters and bringing down about 10 or 12 wagon loads of gravel and cobbies in my orchard, doing me I think $25 in damage.  Brother Jaconb F. Sorensen had an immense ditch washed through his farm just west of his house doing damage, or at least he said about $500 worth.  At this date, 1st of Feb. this storm was felt pretty much all over northern Utah and southern Idaho.   

Friday 2 Feb. 1911:  In the evening it came up a snow storm accompanied by severe wind.  I started up to Bro. Jeremiah Vakers as a Bishopric meeting was to be held there, but it got so severe I turned  back. 

Saturday 25 March 1911: I went to Logan with my wife to have a deed made out for a small parcel of land which I had sold.  After coming home I had the misfortune to hurt my throat with a goods box and in two minutes I became so hoarse I could scarcely talk above a whisper and I got somewhat concerned about it.  

Nothing happened during the week except my daughter May went to Cornish to help my son John to pack up his things and come home as he had quit the railroad at least for a time. 

Tuesday 4 April 1911: My wife went to Salt lake to Conference. 

Friday 19 April 1911:  My little son Hugh fell down and broke his shoulder blade.  Dr. T.B. Budge happened to be in town and he fixed it up nicely. 

Tuesday 23 April 1911:  My daughter Mabel came from Malad where she had been visiting her sister Maud for two or three weeks. 

Monday 4 Sept. 1911:  Labor Day.  I was in the store most of the day, although there was a track meet at the A.C. College in Logan by the four Stakes.  Hyrum, Cache, Benson, and Oneida.  Various kinds of sports were indulged in. 

Wednesday 1 Nov. 1911:  I went with my son John A. to Logan and got a grist.  Had quite a pleasant time. 

Saturday 22 Dec. 1911:  Orson and Maud and children came to spend Christmas with us from Malad City.  Also quite a number came from Teton, Idaho to see us and spend Chrirstmas.  My son John also left Swan Lake and went to Collinston to take that Ry Section there. 

January 1, 1912:  My sister Emma, her husband, daughter Maria, her husband and four children of Teton came and stayed about five weeks with us.  Maria undergoing an operation at the Budge Hospital for appendicitis, and ovary troubles.  Coming out of it nicely.  She comes out of the hospital Feb. 2, 1912;  As I said we had a good time during the holidays.  Our Dramatic Association played the beautiful drama, “ Twixt Love and Money” which took pretty well.  After a while they put on the drama “ Nevada or the Lost Mine.”  Realizing in the two pieces upward of $60, most of which, or at least upwards of $20 went to the Sunday School.  The Old Folks had a reunion in Jan. 17th and it was one of the best times we ever had in Mendon.  During the holidays and through January, I never missed a Sunday School and I never failed to attend the 9:30 meeting on time.  We also had a good Monday night Priesthood meeting and Mutual Meetings and everything seemed to go on nicely. During this period we took stock of the store and business seemed to satisfy Brother Jon H. Andersen. About the 19th of January my daughter-in-law Mamie had a miscarriage and she was quite sick.  She was so disappointed that her and John  took it quite bad.  Was nearly broken hearted.  We have had a very open clear winter this far. Dry and good sleighing for about a month, 

February 1, 1912:  Beautiful day, warm and pleasant.  Business rather quiet in the store.  Our Dramatic Association went to Newton and presented : Nevada or the Lost Mine.”:  They expect a good time. 

February 2, 1912:  This was the last date entered in my grandfather’s diary.  His handwriting got so it was hardly legible.  I have taken parts of this book and typed them up just what I thought I would like to have, and enjoy to hear about him.  I have tried to keep it word for word and the punctuation just as he had put it.  Some of the words have been hard to tell just what they are, so I have had to add what i thought they would be.  I finished typing this on the 10th of June 1964.  I recopied it to put in my :”Book of Remembrance: on the 25 Sept. 1965.  I am Vivian Lee Gardner Olsen, daughter of John Abraham Gardner, who is the son of Alfred,