Item Detail
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17580
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0
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0
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English
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Diary
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Mormon Diaries, Journals, and Life Sketches (Transcriptions) [Microfilm]
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Washington, D.C.
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Library of Congress
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Reel 11, Item 3
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"Opening pages damaged; some words missing, including date of author's birth. Several pages missing in 1853 section. Retrospective though full account up to 1851; then detailed daily entries, continuing to 1855. Birth and early life in England. Converted to Mormonism, 1843. ("I attended the meetings of the Saints, heard them speak in tongues and glorify God.") Marriage to Ann Webster. Persecution. Looking for work. Missionary preaching. Healings. Death of wife, 1850. Called as full-time missionary. Vivid picture of conditions: much opposition, Saints sometimes lukewarm, sense of confidence. Debate with a Mr. Williams. ("He hissed and groaned and caused confusion till the people stoned me.") Many meetings. Travels from town to town. Attended LDS Religious Literary and Scientific Institution. Turned away from houses when seeking a bed; sought refuge in a barn. Joined emigrating party, early 1853. Ocean journey described in detail. Meetings on ship. ("Elder Kendall spoke for about 1 hour on the plurality of wives. the saints rejoiced.") To New Orleans. Shocked at slave auction. Incredibly coarse behavior of sailors aboard river vessel; Mormon immigrants had to appoint their own men as guards during night. Discussion of D.O.P.O.W. [Doctrine of Plurality of Wives]. Met and assisted by Elder Haight. To camp in Iowa. ("At night the camp echoed with the songs of Zion.") Preparations for overland journey. Organization into tens and fifties. Detailed description of most of trip, but missing pages 377 to 398 of original. In Salt Lake. Marriage. Rebaptisms. Church positions. Polygamy discussed. Birth of daughter. Death of wife; interesting sickness shows attitude towards doctors. Author did surveying work, described in detail. Dream followed by news of his baby's death. Paid debts. Optimistic about future." [Abstract from Davis Bitton's Guide to Mormon Diaries and Autobiographies, 1977]