MORGAN STAKE 1877-1981

An ecclesiastical history of Morgan County from the inception of the Morgan Stake in 1877 to its division in 1981

by North Stake

Printed by Publishers Press , Utah Copyright © 1988 by Morgan Utah North Stake All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America ROY ELMER FRANCIS Roy Elmer Franciswasbom in Morgan, Utah, 27 May 1891, asonofSamuel Francis, Jr., and Sarah Jane Ursenbach Francis. He married Ivy Thomas on 11 October 1916, in the and they were the parents of three boys and one girl. Roy served as stake clerk under the administration of five stake presidents for a total of fifty-four years. Called to serve in this position on 28 July 1918, he was finally released 12 March 1972. He left behind an impressive legacy. Without his notes and ledgers the history of the Morgan Stake would not have been possible. In one set of papers he has collected the names and dates of the ordinations of every person who served in a or a stake position since 1918. For example, Roy has listed the names of every man who served on the high council from 1918 to 1972—a total of one hundred and one. Roy died 9 February 1988, at the home of his son in Bountiful. He was a faithful member of the Church ofjesus Christ of Latterday Saints of whom it is written: "For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father." (see D&C 72:4.) TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE Frontispiece, Roy Elmer Francis iii Acknowledgments vii Preface ix Map—Early Settlements of Morgan x Chapter 1: Settling of Morgan 1 Chapter 2: Administration of Willard G. Smith 15 Chapter 3: Administration of Richard Fry 43 Chapter 4: Administration of Daniel Heiner 87 Chapter 5: Administration of Melvin Howard Randall 117 Chapter 6: Administration of George Sylvester Heiner 147 Chapter 7: Administration of Clarence D. Rich 167 Chapter 8: Administration of Raymond P. Larson 183 Chapter 9: Administration of Keith Rawle Little 207 Chapter 10: Division of Morgan Stake 231 Endnotes follow each chapter Appendix A: Biographical sketches of Morgan Stake Presidents 237 Appendix B: Bishops of Morgan Stake 279 Appendix G Patriarchs 297 Appendix D: Stake Mission Presidents 299 Appendix E: Stake Auxiliary Presidents 301 Appendix F: Wards in Morgan Stake 305 Index 307

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

It has been a privilege as well as a formidable task to complete this history of the Morgan Stake. It began as a dream and goal of Calvin R. Stephens, First Counselor in the Stake Presidency of the Morgan Utah North Stake, to provide a history of the first stake in the Morgan area. Under his inspired leadership, the following people were called to help him bring this dream to fruition: Jean Biglerjeanine W. Carter, Marjorie Crittenden, Carole C. King, Dwight L. King, Roger K. Petersen, and Laraine S. Whitear. Along with President Stephens, these people have spent countless hours over a three year period searching and researching, reading, listening, organizing, writing, rewriting, deleting, and editing. Typing, retyping and entering on computer scores of drafts was performed capably and cheerfully by Vicki Eldridge. A history such as this must necessarily include the work of many. We are indebted to the numerous people who recorded and preserved the manuscripts, articles, and books that compose our source materials. For those who helped us gain access to essential library and records resources, we are most grateful. The dedication and expertise of the staff ofThe Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church Historical Archives and of the Utah State Historical Society was extremely helpful. The Morgan County Historical Society under the direction of Joseph Francis, provided much information to our group. We appreciate also the hardworking volunteers at the Morgan County Daughters of Utah Pioneers and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Library in Salt Lake City and their willingness to help. The people at the Morgan CountyNewswere very cooperative in letting us scan many years of past issues of our local newspapers. The Morgan County Library workers helped us find useful information from that collection. We thank the many Morgan County residents who graciously allowed us to peruse treasured family histories and photographs as well as personal journals and scrapbooks. Many oral interviews have helped considerably in our understanding of past events. Bevan Whitear, with help from Julie P. Russell, has spent many hours doing technical photographic work. We appreciate their willingness to help in the completion of this project. Finally, we would like to express our gratitude and our sincere admiration to the good people who have lived in Morgan Valley, from the earliest pioneers to the faithful leaders and members of the Church today. Their journals, letters, and histories have been inspiring to us. We have gained much from learning of their sacrifices, their courage and determination, their love for family and friends, their faith in the Lord, and their devotion to right. They were of tremendous importance to the time and place in which they lived. They now continue in the lives of those of us who are influenced by their strength and spirit. We feel we know these wonderful people personally. They are an inspiration to us and our lives are better because of them. „ii

The Latter-day Saints under inspiration from a prophet of God gathered to the Rocky Mountains in 1847 to fulfill their prophetic destiny. Here they would become a mighty people, build temples and disseminate the gospel throughout the world in preparation for the second coming ofjesus Christ. Eight years after the pioneers had entered the Salt Lake Valley, Thomas Thurston, Charles Peterson and others entered the Morgan Valley and commenced a settlement. Those early years were wrought with trials and hardships. Floods, frosts, and hordes of grasshoppers took their toll on the crops that were necessary for survival; while smallpox and diphtheria brought death and misery to many homes in the Valley. However, the Saints persisted. President Jedediah Morgan Grant, a counselor in the First Presidency of the Church had promised through an apostolic blessing that the Valley would produce and become a stronghold in the Kingdom of God. In July 1877 Morgan was organized into a stake of Zion by and Franklin D. Richards, who were acting under the direction of President . The Morgan Stake grew and prospered for one-hundred and four years when it was finallydivide d in March 1981 into the Morgan Utah Stake and the Morgan Utah North Stake. During those years eight men were called and given the opportunity to preside at different periods of time over the Morgan Stake. Their administrations were impacted by persecution, a depression, world wars, and countless other problems that tested their inspired leadership as well as the faith of the Saints. (D&C 115:6) EARLY SETTLEMENTS OP MORGAN CHAPTER 1

SETTLING OF MORGAN

The beautiful Morgan Valley, which originally was called the Weber Valley, lies in the northeastern part of the State of Utah where it is hemmed in by the Wasatch Mountains on the west and spurs of the Unitah Mountains on the east. The Weber River flows in a westerly direction through the central portion of the Valley, and Cottonwood and Lost creeks are the principal tributaries to the Weber from the north and East Canyon Creek from the south. The Valley is somewhat irregular in shape and covers an area of more than six hundred square miles. Early Mormon Settlers The Valley was first explored during the winter of 1824 by fur trappers working under General William H. Ashley. The Weber River receives its name from a member of the Ashley-Henry fur trapping company named John Weber. Twenty-rwo years later Lansford W. Hastings, and the emigrant company he was leading, passed through the Valley in early summer on their way to California. They were followed in late summer by the Donner-Reed party. A year later the Latter-day Saints, under the direction of President Brigham Young, traveled through the east end of what is now Morgan County, arriving in the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847. Three months later, on 6 October 1847, Thomas Jefferson Thurston arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in thejedediah M. Grant Company. In 1848 Thomas was called by Brigham Young to help explore Cache Valley. Later he settled with his family in Centerville, where he began to farm eighty acres of ground.1 While getting timber from the steep mountains above his home in Centerville, Thomas saw for the firsttim e the beautiful Morgan Valley, which reminded him of his former home in Ohio. It was early summer, and from a distance the Valley looked well-watered and well-wooded. Determined to explore the Valley, he talked until he got two of his friends, William Porter and J. B. Nobel, to go with him. Together they crossed over the mountaintops and spent three days exploring the Valley and its resources. Thomas Jefferson Thurston was born 12 February 1805 "They found the valley well-watered with lots of in Fletcher, Vermont, and timber on its streams which were all well died 4 May 1885 < stocked with fish, the country covered with George, Utah. grass, and deer and fowl and game in abundance,

1 wood and timber so plentiful and convenient that without making any canyon roads they could go into the low hills and get three loads of dry quaking aspen poles in a day. They also found very fine building rock."2 Favorably impressed with the Valley, Thomas resolved to move his family there. There was one serious obstacle that had to be overcome before this was feasible, however. He had to find an entrance to the Valley, which appeared to be surrounded by high rugged mountains on all sides. He later found that entrance could be achieved only by going over the mountains or else through Weber Canyon on a narrow, winding trail that was used by the Ute Indians who considered the Weber Valley their home. Little Soldier, chief of the Utes in the area, was friendly with the Saints and later allowed them to purchase land on which to settle. Thomas spoke often of the Valley to his friends, encouraging them to go with him. Finally Charles S. Peterson, his two sons, and his son-in-law, Roswell Stevens, agreed to go. During the winter of 1855-56, they began working on a road through Weber Canyon. Thomas was also able to interest Jedediah M. Grant and Jesse C. Little in the project. President Grant furnished three men with teams to assist in making the road through the canyon. John Cousins and Thomas Bebington, who had stayed with the Thurston family in Centerville, also assisted in the project.3 The work was mostly accomplished by hand labor, principally picks, shovels, crowbars, and a small plow. The large rocks laying on the side of the canyon were loosened and roiled into the river to make a foundation upon which to build the road. The road was completed by early spring and they were able to move their families into the Valley. Charles Peterson, his sons, and son-in-law settled in the lower end of the Valley and called their new settlement Weber City, after the Weber River. It wasn't until 1872 that the name was changed to Peterson in honor of its founder. Thomas Thurston, along with Jedediah Grant's hired men, went further up the Valley, where they put in about twelve acres of wheat. Dalton Creek became the dividing line between the two families. Thomas, representing himself, Jedediah M. Grant, and Jesse C. Little4 claimed all of the land between Line Creek and just south of Deep Creek. The crops that first year were destroyed by grasshoppers and lack of water. Thomas spent the winter months in Centerville Charles Sreeie Peterson was born 28 July 1818 at Mount and returned to Morgan in the spring of 1857 to Holly, New Jersey. I'riortohis plant his crops. The crops again failed, this time move to Morgan he was the because of late frost. presiding Flder at Alpine, Utah. He died 26 September In the spring of 1859 Thomas sold all of his 1889 at Mesa, Arizona. holdings in Centerville for $7,000 to Brigham Young. He was paid mostly in cattle, sheep, and horses. In the fall he moved his family to Morgan, building his first permanent home, which he enclosed with a stockade. This stockade was about 1/4 mile west of Deep Creek and about 1/4 mile above the current county road. This area came to be known as Littleton. At about the same time the Territorial Legislature granted to Thomas Thurston, his older brother George W. Thurston, and Jedediah M. Grant a large section of land in the Valley for herd grounds.5 In I860, Thomas moved his family from Littleton to the west side of Line Creek. There he built another home about 1/4 mile above the current Milton meetinghouse near some springs. The move from Littleton to Milton came about as the result of a division of the land with the heirs of Jedediah M. Grant. Thomas gave the Grant heirs their choice of the land, and they chose the Littleton area, leaving the northwestern part to him.6 Settlements The early settlements in Morgan included Peterson, established in 1855; Littleton, 1859; Mountain Green, 1857, Porterville and Richville, 1859; Stoddard, Round Valley, and Morgan City, which was divided into North and South Morgan, I860; Milton and Enterprise, 1861; and Croydon, 1862. Jesse W. Fox, This home of Thomas Thurston was the territorial surveyor, did the survey located twenty yards east oj the borne work for these settlements. Date and Barbara Thurston presently On 9 December 1861 the ninth reside *Jt**om wouMhat,e been Terriloria] Legislature convened in Salt at least the third one Thomas built in . , _, ° . ,.,.,. the Valley. Lake City. During this legislative assembly which finally adjourned on 17 January 1862, an act was passed creating Morgan County from portions of Weber and Summit Counties. The act was approved and signed into law by acting Governor Frank Fuller. Temporal Matters Late frosts, lack of water, and plagues of grasshoppers all contributed to the difficulty of raising crops and being able to maintain a family in the Morgan Valley. President Jedediah Morgan Grant, by the power of the priesthood, blessed the Valley that the elements would be tempered and crops could grow. The Saints dug canals several miles long from the streams that flowed through the Valley to provide water in the summer months for their crops. Through these efforts the land began to produce and Morgan became a permanent home for many. In 1862 the Saints faced a different problem. This time there was too much water, and the swollen streams began to exceed their banks and flood the land. The Weber River made Devils Gate impassable for several months, destroying the road through the canyon. Access through the canyon was not restored until the first of August. Supplies were obtained by driving oxen over the tops of the Wasatch Mountains through Hardscrabble Canyon into Salt Lake Valley. Flour was purchased from the Heber C. Kimball mills. The portion of Morgan City lying to the south and west of the Weber River was flooded by the overflowing of East Canyon Creek, forcing the inhabitants to leave their homes. The families decided to move to the south across East Canyon Creek to the base of the hills onto land owned by T. R. G. Welch. He had earlier donated it for a townsite. The move was made on a Monday, so the new Jedediah Morgan Grant for whom Morgan was named settlement was called Monday Town Hollow. was bom 21 February 1816 The incoming settlers, however, quickly outgrew in Windsor, New York. At the land available, and by 1865-66 most had eighteen be served in Zion's moved back to the original site at Morgan City.8 Camp. In December 1845 be was called to serve as one of the Seven Presidents in the The flood of 1862 proved that the road First Quorum of Seventy. In through Weber Canyon was a necessity. Means 1854 be was ordained an for its repair and maintenance had always been a Apostle and set apart as constant problem. At a public meeting at Weber Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church. He City 13 April 1870, the people decided to make died in Salt Lake City the road up Weber Canyon a toll road "in order 1 December 1856 at the age to protect the people of Weber Valley, who Offony. owned it, against those who persisted in using it without doing anything towards keeping it in repair." The toll was set at fifty cents for a team and twenty-five cents for each extra span of animals. Joshua Williams was designated as superintendent of the canyon road with power to call out the men and direct the work through Devil's Gate.9 From this time on, the road was kept up and made more usable. To lessen dependence on the Salt lake Valley, a gristmill was started in 1862 in Richville by George W. Taggart and two brothers, Morgan L and Henry L Hinman. Materials had to be brought in from the Wasatch Front and precisely fitted together in order for it to work in the shallow water provided by the millrace built from East Canyon Creek. Thomas Grover said that President Young came to the Richville settlement before the gristmill was in operation, After looking it over, he said to George Taggart, the builder of the mill, "It won't run. The draft is in dead water." President Young's observation turned out to be true, and the wheel had to be enlarged and sunk deeper into the moving water at the bottom of the mill race before it would run. The mill was finally completed in 1864.10 The importance of the gristmill cannot be overstated. It provided a place where the crops raised in Weber Valley could be milled and processed into flour and cereal for the people and feed for animals. Once the mill was built, the early settlers had a place to market their crops and turn them into usable products. Many of the surrounding communities came to Richville to take advantage of the gristmill. It was much easier to travel from Coalville and other places in Summit County to Richville than to go down the canyons into Salt Lake and other communities along the Wasatch Front. During the summer of 1868, swarms of grasshoppers destroyed every green thing that grew in the Valley. Fortunately for the people, however, a construction contract had been signed by President Brigham Young with the Union Pacific Railroad on 21 May 1868 to grade, tunnel, and bridge the Weber River for the Union Pacific Railroad. This work was to be done from the head of Echo Canyon through Weber Canyon to the shores of the Great Salt Lake. Subcontractors under Brigham Young each employed men and were then allotted so many miles of track to complete. These contractors included , Charles S. Peterson, S. W. Richards, Isaac Groo, and William H. Hickenlooper.11 The work was to be completed by 1 November 1868. The people of the Valley were happy for the work. Priesthood leaders organized the workers to the advantage of the struggling communities. Richard Fry, T. R. G. Welch, Wyman Parker, and Philemon C. Merrill managed the contracts. These leaders urged all to participate. The proceeds helped pay debts and replace the crops destroyed by the grasshoppers. The use of railroad ties made from wood hauled out of Hardscrabble Canyon with ox teams, also helped the Valley economically. Employment by the companies doing the work was limited to Church members. There was to be no swearing, no work on Sunday, no drinking, and each man was to pay his tithing on what he earned. In some cases the profits on the contracts were used by the communities to build meeting­ houses. The various wards and branches formed themselves into working companies. This competition promoted speed and excellency in work. Leaders of the Church visited the railroad gangs made up of Mormon men and exhorted them to keep the commandments. George A Smith, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve in company with A. Milton Musser, traveled to Morgan in July 1868 where he preached to about one hundred men at Mountain Green. Most of these men were those employed by Elder John Taylor, also a member of the Twelve, to work on the railroad through the lower end of the Valley.12 In October 1868, the preliminary organization of Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institute (ZCMI) was approved by the leadership of the Church, and by 1870 no settlement, including Morgan, was without a cooperative retailing establishment. At first the mercantile business in Morgan had stock of $1,300. When William Eddington put in his stock of goods, the capital swelled to about $5,000. The new business at first was located in South Morgan but was moved to North Morgan where it was closer to the railroad depot. For a time it was fairly prosperous.13 Smallpox for many years was a serious health concern for the Saints in Morgan Valley. In June 1870 there was an outbreak. The following is an account of the problem in June 1870 as well as a clarification over some misunderstandings as written by Mayor William Eddington and printed in the . "Editor Deseret News—Dear Sir: "I regret that I have again to revert to the subject of the small-pox in Morgan County, and do hope your next informant will be better posted than the one to whom you refer in Wednesday's issue of the Weekly. I am also sorry that any portion of my letter should have been so understood as to be considered a confirmation of said report. In justice to the inhabitants of this city, I wish here to state that quarantine regulations were established in Morgan City immediately after it was positively known that such a disease existed. The young lady who was the first to take the infection had accompanied her father and brother, prominent members of the Morgan Ward Brass Band, to a festivity got up by the inhabitants of Milton, in honor of Bishop Peterson's return from his Eastern , having with him a lady convert, who it appears took the infection from a fellow traveler while on the cars. The result of this visit to Milton was the introduction of small-pox into Morgan City, the young girl and her brother both falling victims of it. Some days elapsed ere the nature of the disease was known, and inasmuch as the girl had been poisoned last year with a weed known as the poison ivy, which prcxjuces a result on the surface of the body similar to small-pox, when the attack is light, her case was so judged by a medical man in the vicinity; but some dubiety on the matter was entertained. About this time, the disease broke out in Weber Settlement, and the known contact of the parties at the festival, left no doubt on the minds of the authorities here; and with promptness, under the direction of Bishop G. W. [W. G.] Smith, and at the suggestion of Col. Little, a hospital was erected at a convenient distance from the city, and in twelve hours, three comfortable compartments were finished, well floored on joice, the city forthwith placed under quarantine regulations, and the same placarded on both sides of the river in the mast conspicuous places of business, which your informant might have read for weeks past-

"For nearly two months we have had neither meetings, schools nor gatherings of any description; and every precaution used to keep in check the disease. True there has been considerable ingress and egress. The railroad runs directly through the city, on the north side of the river. The only station for the county is here. The vast lumber business now being done in the Hardscrabble canyons produces much teaming; all of which had to pass through the city, across the bridge to the depot. The City council looking at these circumstances, and realizing the difficulties liable to accrue by enforcing quarantine rules on all the trains, before passing the bounds prescribed by law, together with canon teams, and knowing that but two cases existed, we deemed it most prudent to take the parties afflicted, with the entire households, which consisted in one instance of father, mother and four small children; in the other, of grandfather, grandmother, who was then in ill health, two daughters and a visiting boy, and place them in the hospital, taking care again to prudently divide them, thus ridding the city entirely of the dreadful malady. "For several days we experienced much difficulty in procuring a hospital steward. Finally the services of a Brother Winslow was obtained, who, I understand, had done his duty. I notice that a similar course was adopted last year at Coalville, with many more cases in the hospital resulting in good. May the same success attend the efforts of all concerned this year! "I would add that we shall not permit the inmates of the hospital to leave until thoroughly cured, and their homes well fumigated and cleansed, together with their clothing. They shall abstain from visiting Salt Lake City for a considerable time at least, as the infection may still be held to some extent by the parties. "The two families have patiently and respectfully submitted to every necessary restraint, and I am sure will do so for public safety. We cannot but sympathize with them; it was an unfortunate occurrence, though unavoidable. A poor requital for a labor of kindness on their part, and I hope their efficiency in the Band will not be marred by discouragement. "Allow me most respectfully to ask, wherein has Morgan City been more negligent or less prompt than its neighbors, and consequently more deserving of public censure? The authorities have diligently kept the sickness out of the settlements, while they have nursed it in. The little boy had it so light that it was scarcely preemptible. The young man brought here from Ogden is doing well, and we have no further indications of new cases at present. "I have yet to be convinced that either county or city officers lacked in duty, and trust that this will be sufficiently explicit, but can give further particulars if necessary; and that your valuable time will no longer be occupied in perusing the contents of Anynomous letters upon this subject, or have to listen to irresponsible tales. Persons should be very careful how they impart information for the press, especially local, and know that it is reliable. "In haste, Yours truly, Wm. Eddington, Mayor"14

In 1872 an outbreak of smallpox resulted in five deaths in the Valley. The President of the Church Visits Morgan On 4 August 1864 President Brigham Young left Salt Lake City to attend a two day conference in Morgan. He proceeded as far as Farming!on where he stayed overnight. Early the next morning President Young and his party continued on to Morgan. President Young was escorted through Weber Canyon by Captain Robert T. Burton's mounted company. Brother Burton served as a sheriff and later as United States deputy territorial marshal. In 1874 he was called to serve as second counselor to in the Presiding Bishopric. Heber C Kimball, John Taylor, , George A Smith, and Franklin D. Richards of the general authorities also accompanied President Young. Christopher Layton, Bishop of Layton, John W. Hess, Bishop of Farmington, and Lorin Farr, President of the Weber Stake, as well as many Saints from the Davis, Ogden area attended the conference. The Ogden Brass Band provided music for the historic occasion. President Young and his party arrived at Bishop Thomas Thurston's place at about 2:00 p.m. "where a neat substantial Bowery had just been erected45 by 65 feet, the posts of which were ornamented with sheaves of wheat and oats, and stalks of corn, flax and hemp, also with bunches of onions, carrots, turnips and cabbages—the productions of the valley."15 The stand from which the speakers were to address the congregation was also decorated with flowers and in the midst was a large sign sewn on green silk in scarlet the word "WELCOME". The conference commenced Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. with President Heber C. Kimball being the firstspeaker . He blessed the Saints in the valley and exhorted them to continue faithful that the land would be blessed and fruitful for them. He then advised Bishop Thurston "to build a good house for his worthy family and pay some good mechanic in wheat for errecting the same."16 Elder George A. Smith was the concluding speaker in the morning session. He advised the Saints to continue to make improvements in the Valley and to love one another and to get along. In the afternoon session Elders Franklin D. Richards, Wilford Woodruff and George A Smith were the principle speakers. Elder Richards counseled the Saints to be honest in the payment of their tithes and the Lord would rebuke the devourer for their sakes. He testified that the elements had been modified for the sake of the Saints in these mountains and that the Lord would continue to bless them if they would be faithful. After the meeting, President Young visited theTaggart and Hinmins mill on East Canyon Creek. He then spent the evening with Bishop Thurston and his family. The conference reconvened Sunday morning with John Taylor, Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young all speaking. President Young said, "the work of God was a labor of love; and that many of the Saints would desire that they had lived more faithful and made more improvements."17 In the afternoon session President Young was the principal speaker and gave the following counsel: (1) Cattle should not be allowed to wander into neighbors fields and destroy their crops, (2) water should be used in turn, (3) Saints should not allow passion to rule in their households, (4) children who are brought up the way they should be will not depart fromth e truth, (5) food should be blessed before it is eaten, (6) Saints should be one in temporal matters as weli as spiritual matters, (7) the people who were scattered in the Valley should gather together in sufficient numbers to have a district school so children would not be in danger from traveling long distances, (8) encouraged the Saints to live so they would be willing to be dictated by their leaders, and (9) "it is the duty of every Elder to make his home so pleasant that his children will not wander therefrom to find the enjoyments of life."18 President Young concluded his message by blessing the fathers, mothers, children, and the beautiful Valley in which they lived. Elder George A. Smith then made a few remarks on education and the conference was closed. President Young and his party left for Salt Lake City Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. Ecclesiastical Organization Prior to 1877 Prior to 1877, when President Brigham Young set the priesthood in order throughout the Church, there was no definite order to the way local ecclesiastical units in the territory were governed. For example, there were local presiding bishops, acting bishops (meaning not ordained), seventies serving as bishops, bishops with no counselors, and stakes with no bishops such as the Weber Stake, which had presidents over the local units.19 Because of these multiple problems, it is somewhat difficult to completely understand how Church government functioned in Morgan prior to the organization of the stake in June 1877. At first Thomas J. Thurston presided over the entire Morgan Valley as bishop with Charles S. Peterson serving under him as presiding elder of the Weber Settlement. Richard Fry moved to Morgan in September I860 and sometime after that was called to serve as a counselor to Bishop Thurston.20 As soon as enough families located in a particular area, a branch of the Church was organized and one of the settlers was appointed as presiding elder. On Sunday 21 October I860 at a meeting held in the school house at Mountain Green, President Lorin Farr along with his counselor, James Brown organized the Saints in the northern end ofWeber Valley into a branch ofth e Church. Ten years earlier in the spring of 1850, Lorin Farr had been called by President Young to settle in Ogden and preside over the Saints in the northern part of the territory. In 1851 the Weber Stake was organized, and Lorin Farr was called to serve as stake president. Apparently with ecclesiastical jurisdiction over the northern end of Weber Valley, President Farr called Charles S. Peterson to serve as the new branch president. A week later President Farr completed the organization by calling John Parsons and Thomas S. Johnson-to serve as counselors in the branch presidency.21 President Fair again met with the Saints at Mountain Green on Sunday 8 December 1861 to present a proposal from the First Presidency of the, Church to divide the Morgan Valley into two wards. Charles S. Peterson-was called to serve as bishop of the newly created Weber Valley Lower Ward.22 Bishop Peterson's ward consisted of Weber City (Peterson), Mountain Green, Enterprise, part of Milton, North Morgan, and Round Valley. Thomas Thurston remained bishop of the upper end of the Valley, which was called the Morgan Ward and included Littleton, South Morgan, Richville, Porterville, and part of Milton. In 1862 Bishop Peterson of necessity excommunicated several members from his ward, several of whom held priesthood positions. They had joined with the Morrisite movement in South Weber.23 The leader of the Morrisites was Joseph Morris, a convert to the Church from England. In I860 Morris, who was out of harmony with the leaders of the Church, had moved toSouth Weber, where he began to establish a substantial following of people who believed in his purported revelations. The Morrisites were broken up injune 1862 when Morris and several of his followers were killed resisting Deputy Marshall Robert T Burton, who was acting in the performance of his duty. Even though Croydon was in Morgan County, it does not appear that it was under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of Bishop Thurston. In October 1863, William Hennifer, the presiding authority at Henefer, organized the Saints at Lost Creek into a temporary branch and appointed George Shill as presiding elder. At this time, the Saints of Lost Creek and Henefer were meeting together—alternating meeting places every other week.24 In 1865, Elijah F. Sheets, bishop of the 8th Ward in the Salt Lake Stake, and other brethren from Salt Lake City came to Lost Creek and appointed James Walker to preside over the new settlement. They also organized the Croydon Branch and separated it fromth e branch at Henefer. Morgan, Croydon, and all of Summit County were part of the Salt Lake Stake until the priesthood reorganization of 1877. Bishop Elijah Sheets was a traveling bishop for the Salt Lake Stake because of its extensive boundaries, which explains why he participated in the organization of the branch at Croydon. Bishop Sheets also served for fiftyyear s as the bishop of the 8th Ward in Salt Lake.25 Willard G. Smith, who had been living in Salt Lake City since his return from his mission in 1863, was called and ordained a bishop in the spring of 1865 by Brigham Young to replace Thomas Thurston, who was presiding over the Saints in Morgan.26 Bishop Smith held this position until the organization of the Morgan Stake in 1877. He presided over Milton, Littleton, Richville, Porterville, and South Morgan, and Bishop Charles Peterson continued to preside over the other settlements. Richard Fry, who had served as a counselor to Thomas Thurston, continued in this calling to Willard Smith until the organization of the Stake- In 1867 the Valley was again divided, and Milton was placed under Bishop Peterson. North Morgan and Round Valley were placed under Bishop Smith. Bishop Smith's area was called the Morgan Ward and Bishop Peterson's was the Peterson Ward. The Milton area remained under Bishop Peterson for only a short time, and then it was put back into the Morgan Ward. In March 1865 a further change and addition took place in the Morgan area. William Wallace Guff was called to be the presiding bishop of the area by President Young. He was to preside over the settlements in Morgan, Summit, and Wasatch Counties. Bishop Cluff settled with his family at Coalville, which was centrally located to the district he was over. Except for an interlude in 1870-71 in which he presided over the Scandinavia Mission, he served as presiding bishop of the Morgan, Summit, and Wasatch areas. He was finally released fromthi s position on 9 July 1877 when he was called to be the president of the Summit Stake.27 At one time there were fifteen presiding bishops in the Church. In 1877 these were eliminated when Brigham Young announced that Edward Hunter would be the only Presiding Bishop of the Church.28 To assist the Saints in the smaller settlements that were distant from Salt Lake, missionaries were called to visit the settlements and strengthen them. Elder Edward Stevenson, born at Gibraltar, Spain, was one who was called as a special home missionary among the Saints in the northern settlements from 1865 to 1877. He later served as a in the First Quorum of Seventy, being called to the position on 9 October 1894.29 In the month of July 1867 in company with Bishop Cluff, Elder Stevenson spent six days visiting the settlements in the Morgan area. He spoke in the various areas to attentive audiences and reported that the settlements were in good condition.30 In the fall of 1869 President Young called Jabez Woodard, who was living with his family in St. George, to go to Morgan to help strengthen the Saints. Jabez, a faithful missionary, had labored with Lorenzo Snow in opening Italy for the gospel in 1851 and was left in charge of the mission by Elder Snow. He also helped open Malta where he labored for five months. Obedient to the leadership of the Church and ever willing to sacrifice all for the kingdom of God, Jabez spent the winter of 1869 and 1870 in Morgan where he died at Milton on 2 March, away from his family, but ever faithful to the Savior and the cause which he had espoused. A vision he received nineteen years before his death seems a fitting epitaph: "I saw Jerusalem inhabited by happy multitudes. The children were playing in the streets and old men leaning upon their staves. The curse brooded no longer over Judah's ancient land, for the midnight shades of sin and sorrow were replaced by the brightness of the Millennial mom. 'Jesus had visited the earth again, and all nature smiled as if conscious of her Creator's presence. Myriads of noble beings came from tower and temple, and stood near the holy city. Then the Savior came forth, and every eye rested upon His glorious countenance, while every knee bowed in reverence. He raised His right hand, and pointing to Calvary, thus addressed the mighty host which worshipped at His feet: Two thousand years ago I died upon that Mount for the sins of the world, but now my Father hath given me the crown of universal empire. Thus shall it be known through all His vast creations that sacrifice and obedience bring forth honor and immortality.' "31

11 Home missionaries were also called, to strengthen the Saints as attested to by a conference involving both of the wards. The conference was held in Peterson and presided over by Bishop William Cluff. At the conference, which was convened on 13 November 1875, the following brethren were called to labor as home missionaries in Morgan County: from Mountain Green, John Robinson; from Enterprise, Joseph L Card; from Peterson, Lars Anderson and F. G. Nielsen; from Morgan City, Charles Turner and John Wells; from Porterville, Alma Porter; and from Milton, Jens Hansen.32 Another important visitor to the Valley in March 1870 was Joseph F. Smith, a member of the Quorum of Twelve. After visiting with the Saints at Croydon, Elder Smith traveled down the canyon by sleigh because of the deep snow. He stated, "We had one breakdown (running against a stump) and two upsets in the snow, on the way down, occasioning many sallies of good humor and considerable mirth." Arriving an hour late for their appointment at Morgan, they found Bishop Willard G. Smith speaking to a large congregation. He was followed by Elder Joseph F. Smith, who bore "an earnest and fervent testimony of the wisdom and power of God manifested in the deliverance of the Saints from bondage and oppression."33 On 15 November 1874 a conference convened in Morgan City for the Saints of Morgan County and the Saints who lived in the northern half of Summit County. Bishop William Cluff presided. The conference lasted two days with two meetings being held each day. Reports on the various branches were given by the elders presiding over them. This included such information as donations toward the building of the Salt Lake Temple and the spiritual condition of each branch. Home missionaries were called and assigned, and Bishop Cluff encouraged the young men to devote agood deal of their time to "intellectual pursuits, instead of so much dancing."34 Under the direction of Presiding Bishop William Cluff and Bishops Charles Peterson and Willard G. Smith, the Saints in Morgan received priesthood direction and counsel until the organization of the stake in 1877.

Endnotes 1. Andrew Jensari, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, (Salt LakeCity: Western Epics, 1971),3:269. 2. HuldaCordeliaThurston Smith, "Sketch of the Life of Thomas Jefferson Thurston," July 1921, Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, pp. 14-15. 3. Ibid, p. 15. 4. Jesse Carter Little served as second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of the Church from 1856 to 1874. Littleton was named after him. 5. Smith. "Sketch of Thomas Jefferson Thurston," p. 19. 6. AndrewJenson, comp., Milton Ward History, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 7. See Mountains Conquered for more information on these settlements and the pioneers who settled them. 8. The FineArtsStudy Group, comp., Mountains Conquered(Motgm: Morgan County News, 1959), p. 80. 9. , comp., Peterson Ward History, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City.

12 10. Andrewjenson, comp., Richville Ward History, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 11. Journal History,22 July 1868, Historical Department, The Church ofJesu s Christ of Latter-day Sainis, Salt Lake City, p. 3. 12. Journal History, 16 Jury 1868, p. 1. 13. Edward W. Tullidge, Tultidge'sHistories, (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor, 1889), 2:108. 14. Journal History, 25 June 1870, p. 1. 15. Journal History, 8 August 1864. 16. Ibid. 17. Ibid. 18. Ibid. 19. See William G.Hartley, "The Priesthood Reorganization of 1877: Brigham Young's last Achievement," Brigham Young UniversityStudiesiPravo: Press, Fall 1979) Vol. 20, Number 1, pp. 3-36, for a thorough treatment of this significant

20. Milion Ward History. 21. Jenson, IDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:749; Peterson Ward History; Andrew Jenson, Church Chronology (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1889), p- 64. 22. Peterson Ward History. 23. Ibid. 24. Andrewjenson, comp., Croydon Ward History, Historical Department,The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 25. Lynn M. Hilton, ed„ The Story of Salt Lake Stake of the Cburch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (Ml Lake City: Published by Salt Lake Stake, 1972), p. 33. 26. Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:474. 27. Ibid, 1:340. 28. Hartley, "Priesthood Reorganization," BYUStudies, p. 7. 29. Jenson, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:215. 30. Andrewjenson, comp., Morgan Stake, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 31. Eliza R. Snow Smith, Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co., 1884), pp. 168, 229; Jenson, Church Chronology, p. 82. 32. Peterson Ward History. 33. Journal History, 17 March 1870, p. 1. 34. Morgan Stake.

ADMINISTRATION OF WILLARD G. SMITH

In April 1877, when most of the general authorities and many of the Church members fromal l over the Territory were gathered in St. George for the dedication of the temple and the annual conference of the Church, President Brigham Young revealed a plan to reorganize the stakes of Zion. B. H. Roberts states, "In the last months of his life, President Young was led to set in order the existing stakes of Zion."1 The work commenced at St. George while the general authorities were present for conference, and then continued throughout the settlements. Before the summer was over, the general authorities had either organized or set in order twenty stakes under the direction of President Brigham Young.2 Morgan was eleventh on the list, and the date for the organization was set for 1 July 1877. Organisation of the Morgan Stake William Cluff, the presiding bishop of the area, notified the priesthood authorities in the Morgan Valley and asked them to assemble the Saints for the pending organization of the Morgan Stake. Elders Lorenzo Snow and Franklin D. Richards, members of the Quorum of Twelve, were assigned by President Young to attend the conference and effect the organization of the stake. They were officially welcomed to Morgan by many of the Saints who met them at the train station. The conference was held in a bowery one hundred feet square, which had been specially erected for the occasion. Sunday morning, 1 July 1877, the two Apostles together with Presiding Bishop William Cluff, Bishop Willard G. Smith, and other priesthood leaders of the Valley met in council at the home of William Eddington to discuss the organization of the stake. During the meeting the new stake presidency was chosen, as were the bishops of the new wards. Those officers chosen were all sustained by those present. The meeting was then adjourned to the bowery where the Saints had assembled from throughout the Valley.3The DeseretNewsgave the following account of the organization conference: "Elders Snow and Richards and Bishop Cluff occupied the forenoon and afternoon on Saturday June 30, giving excellent and appropriate instructions to the vast congregation assembled from all parts of the county. "Sunday July 1 was taken up with instructions fromth e Apostles and the election of the necessary officers to perfect the stake organization; who were ordained and set apart by the Apostles."4 Willard G. Smith was called to serve as president of the Morgan Stake with Richard Fry and Samuel Francis as first and second counselors. The stake boundaries were to follow Morgan County lines. Nine wards were then created in the stake according to settlement and population. The following is a list of the wards and the men called and ordained as bishops at the time: North Morgan Ward—Wyman M. Parker South Morgan Ward—Charles Turner Richville Ward—Albert D. Dickson East Porterville Ward—Joseph R. Porter Milton Ward—Eli Whitear Weber Ward ( Peterson) —Charles S. Peterson Enterprise Ward—John K. Hall Croydon Ward—John Hopkin West Porterville Ward—Thomas Brough Willard G. Smith was born at (called a fewweeks after the July organization)5 Amherst, Ohio, 9 May 1827. After the new officers were presented and He presided over the Morgan Stake from 1877 to 1893 sustained in the Sunday morning session of Willard died 21 November conference, the meeting adjourned with instruc­ 1902. tions that the new officers were to be back in one hour to be ordained and set apart in their new callings by Elders Snow and Richards.

Charles S. Peterson moved from the Valley in the fall, necessitating a reorganization of the Weber Ward. Lawrence Robinson was then called and ordained to succeed Bishop Peterson on 25 November 1877.6 On 11 July an epistle was sent out by the First Presidency of the Church to stake presidents, bishops, and all officers and members of the Church. "Beloved Saints: As we are now organizing the Stakes of Zion in these mountains and setting in order the quorums of the priesthood, we think it proper to give some general instructions to secure uniformity and concert of action in the Church." The epistle was lengthy and went into detail about organizational matters. The following are some highlights: 1. Under the direction of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles, the presidencies of the various stakes were to have the super­ Richard Fry—Born Fast vision in all matters pertaining to the Church Down, Devons' in their area. Trowbridge, 15 April 1831. 2. Wards were to be organized, and every Died 15 April 1900. family, no matter how far removed from a settlement, was to be included in the membership of the nearest ward. 3. The organization of the priesthood quorums was outlined. 4. Stake conferences were to be held every three months. 5. Tithing and temple offerings were needed to complete the three temples under construction (Logan, Manti, and Salt Lake). 6. There was no duty more important than the education of the children. 7. Children were to be taught the art of singing. 8. Every settlement was to have a library with Samuel Francis was born carefully chosen books. 3 July 1830 at Trowbridge, 9. All were to become self-sustaining. Wiltshire, England Served as a counselor to Willard G. 10. Grain was to be stored. Smith and then to Richard 11. The stake presidencies were to visit wards Fry for a total of twenty- three on a regular basis. years. He died 26 May 1906. 12. All members were urged to read and follow the counsel of the 121st section of the .7 On Wednesday 27 August 1877, President Brigham Young died at age 76 at his home in Salt Lake City, having led the Church for 33 years. On Sunday, 9 September, Presidents Fry and Francis, representing the Morgan Stake, attended the viewing and funeral service for President Young in Salt Lake City. They were also privileged to walk in the funeral procession.8 The reorganization and setting in place of the priesthood in 1877 was the final testament by Brigham Young. George Q. Cannon, counselor to President Young, stated: "He set the Priesthood in order as it has never before been since the first organization of the Church upon the earth. He defined the duties of the Seventies, he defined the duties of the High Priests, the duties of the Elders and those of the lesser Priesthood, with plainness and distinction and power—the power of God—in a way that it is left on record in such unmistakable language that no one need err who has the spirit of God resting down upon him."9

Growing Into Stakehood General Authorities who visited the Morgan Stake during the administration of Willard G. Smith were: Francis M. Lyman, Charles W. Penrose, Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Heber J. Grant, Joseph F. Smith, , John W. Taylor, , Orson F. Whitney, , Abraham H. Cannon, and , who were all Apostles. Daniel H. Wells, a former member of the First Presidency and an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve along with Levi Hancock1", B. H. Roberts and Seymour B. Young of the First Council of Seventy also visited Morgan. Some of these brethren came many times over the years to teach and bless the Saints. Quarterly conference of the Morgan Stake was held at the new school- house in Morgan City located at 1st North and 1st West. Stake conferences were held there until the stake meetinghouse was completed. When the weather permitted, conferences were held in the bowery because the schoolhouse could not contain the crowd that would assemble. The first quarterly conference was held 17 and 18 November 1877. After the invocation, the Morgan City Choir sang, "The Morning Breaks, the Shadows Flee." President Smith then addressed the congregation, followed by President Francis who had just begun his remarks when President Fry arrived in company with Joseph F. Smith and Franklin D. Richards and escorted them to the stand. As recorded in the minutes of the conference, Elder Richards' remarks dwelt upon subjects both temporal and spiritual-marriage, tithing, building of tanneries, and the storing of grain. "He gave some very good instruction to the Relief Society. Spoke of the powerful persuasive qualities that the sisters possessed. Counselled them to continue in laying up grain for the men would not do it. Advised the brethren if there were any grog shops in the place to do away with them by petitioning the court to have them dispensed with."11 It was during this conference that the Saints supported a decision to build a stake meetinghouse. Also, in this first stake conference, a pattern was set for calling home missionaries to preach the gospel throughout the stake. This practice would continue through the M. Howard Randall administration. A period of over sixty years. In thejuly 1877 epistle from the First Presidency, priesthood leaders were instructed to hold a monthly stake priesthood meeting. Monthly priesthood meetings were conducted by the stake presidency. The bishops and their counselors were specifically asked to attend these meetings. The business of the meeting was to receive reports of the conditions and activities in the wards. These were to be oral and presented by each bishop. They were to include a financial report, a statistical report, a brief summary of conditions and activities in the ward which included the priesthood quorums and auxiliaries. The remainder of the meeting was given to items of general importance to the stake. This meeting was to be held on the first Saturday of each month; however, the first meeting in Morgan was not held until 31 September 1877. This was followed by similar meetings on 3 November and 1 December.12 Some of the topics discussed at the first priesthood meetings were the construction of a tithing house, the organization of a library in each ward and in the stake, and the organization of the Young Women's Mutual Improve­ ment Association in Milton. At one meeting, "the question as to how dances should be conducted was handed in, in writing by Bp. Chas. Turner, then it was widely discussed, and decided that all dancing in the stake should stop by 12 p.m., no swinging to exceed two times around, and as little waltzing and round dancing of any kind as possible."13 President Smith stated in his remarks to the brethren on December 1 "that the time would come when the kingdom would be the firstthin g with the bishops and temporal affairs would be secondary."14 Of necessity, however, the brethren were often concerned with temporal problems. It was not unusual to find that the main topic discussed at priesthood meeting was what type of hay should be planted or that fences were needed to keep livestock out of gardens. President Fry on one occasion gave instructions on raising sheep, encouraging the brethren to care for their sheep, trying to improve the breed and not let them get diseased.15 An interesting example of church and state working together is noted in the minutes of the Morgan City Council: "The committee for the Sunday School Jubilee to be held in Morgan City on the 4th ofJul y prayed that the City Authorities make an appropriation to assist in the celebration and entertaining of the children. On motion of Councilor Charles Turner, the amount of $25 was appropriated for the above purpose."16 The ward during this period was more than an ecclesiastical'unit. It was the most important political unit, the main economic unit, and, except for the family, the most important social unit. Challenges of 1878 According to priesthood meeting minutes of 5 January 1878, the West Porterville Ward began the newyear by holding a joint meeting of the Relief Society and priesthood and setting apart the officers. Things were not going quite so well, however, in the Enterprise Ward. Bishop Hall reported that they were considering holding meetings on Sunday evening, but some members of the ward objected because they feared for their safety. Some of the young rowdies in the ward apparently were causing trouble. "But aside from those little difficulties, they were doing and feeling fine."17 President Smith, in answer to specific questions regarding blessing of children and marriages, stated: "Parents could bless their children when and as often as they pleased, but if health will permit on the part of the parent and children, it should be taken before the Church and there be blessed by the authoritiesandrecordedinthewardrecord. . . .In relation to marriages, the parties applying for marriage should be sited [referred] to the bishop of the ward. And no Elder has the right to perform the ceremony without the sanction of the bishop and that only in extraordinary circumstances."18 In March, President Smith addressed the members of the priesthood and told them the General Authorities of the Church were anxious to see a new meetinghouse put up in time for the next fall conference. The building then in use wouldn't hold one-fourth of the members of the stake.19 Construction on the courthouse was temporarily suspended so that work could go forth unimpeded on the stake meetinghouse.20 An interesting discourse on plural marriage was given to the Saints by Elder Joseph F. Smith at the third quarterly conference, 19 May 1878. The purpose of this address was to correct the difference of opinion among the Saints in many areas regarding plural marriage. Using Doctrine and Covenants section 132 as his text, he told the Saints that we are not all able to comprehend everything alike, but we should receive the truth as it is advanced to us and pray for the spirit of discernment that we may all be able to comprehend things in their true light.21 The spring of 1878 brought much illness to the Valley, and Croydon seemed especially affected. Bishop Hopkin reported in priesthood meeting that school had been closed and meetings had not been held for some time, causing a sense of gloom to come over the area. He also reported that the Saints in Croydon had called a special fast day and laid their circum­ stances before the Lord.22 In addition to the problems with illness, bad feelings arose in the Milton Ward over visits of some members to astrologers. President Francis advised Bishop Whitear to send the teachers to Each ward bad its own visit tnese individuals and persuade them to fringed banner. The stop, as such visits were "strictly forbidden."23 Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum in Morgan has this Sunday School X«*wt,S,"/'* Shortlyafter.heMorp^akewasorganized in July 1877, the stake Sunday School was organized with John K. Hall as superintendent,24 and on 24 July 1878, the Sunday School held a Jubilee celebration.25 The following is an account of what took place; It was held near the river down under the Enterprise point in a grove of cottonwood trees on the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad. There was a platform erected from which speeches were made, songs were sung and musical selections were rendered. Charles Bull played a violin soloand Cy Eardly, a cousin of Moroni Clawson, played cornet solos. The children danced on the grass. So also did the grown ups. They had a barrel of lemonade, made without lemons. Sugar, lemon extract and tartaric acid. The main feature of the entertainment was a demonstration of what the telephone would be. It was in 1876 that A. G. Bell made the first exhibition of his telephone in the east. At the time of the celebration it had not reached the west. The demonstration was engineered byT. R. G.Welch, assisted by some others. The booths were two large grocery boxes set up possibly two or three hundred yards apart. The transmitter consisted of a tomato can, or a can about that size, with a bladder stretched over it. To this was attached a string. First of all one would speak through the transmitter. Then the one on the other end of the string would reverse it and say "I received it." But Mr. Fry says, "We hollered out so loud that it could be heard without the use of the string." The children all lined up awaiting their turn to either send or receive a message on this improvised telephone system.26 Relief Society At the fourth conference of the Morgan Stake, 18 August 1878, the Morgan Stake Relief Society was organized. The following excerpt from the autobiography of Lydia Ponds Rich gives valuable insight into the character of the women in the Valley in those early days: "In 1878, the Relief Society of Morgan was organized and I have been a member of it ever since; forwhich I am truly thankful, for it has been a good school for me; it has taught me to rely on my Father in Heaven for strength to do all things. In March 1877,1 was chosen President of the Relief Society of Morgan, and when the stake organization [Relief Society] was effected in 1878,1 was chosen President of the stake and held both offices until 1889 when I asked to be released from being President of Morgan ward; I am still laboring as president of the Morgan Stake. I shall never forget how I felt when my name was called out for me to take that responsible position. When I reached home I said to our dear sister Eliza R. Snow [Sister Snowwas General President over the auxiliaries which included, Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary. In this calling she was unique. ]; I fear I am not capable of fillingtha t position; she said you will; and fill it with honor, and those words have always been strength to me in the hour of need, and before she went home she blest me; and it has always been a help to me with other blessings that I have received from her and Aunt Zina [Zina Young served as General Relief Society President following Eliza R. Snow. ] and many others who have gone behind the veil not forgetting the many kind and encouraging words that I have received from any of the sisters that have visited our conferences; among them Sisters Jane S. Richards [wife of Franklin D. Richards, who was stake Relief Society President in Ogden] andE. B.Wells [Emmeline succeeded Zina Young as President. ], many words of counsel have been given me by them and they have been as landmarks while passing through life."27 Martha Tonks, an active participant in the Relief Society in Morgan County, served as a counselor in the Stake Relief Society. One of her many duties was to visit other wards. This she did with horse and buggy. On these occasions she had her young son Charles drive her. It took two days to go to the Peterson Ward. On the way they would visit Littleton and Milton. One meeting was held in the morning, the other in the afternoon. Then they would drive on to Peterson, if it wasn't too late in the day, and attend the meeting there the next day, and then back to Morgan. It also took two days to visit Croydon.28 Young Men and Young Women Organization On 18 August 1878, the Stake Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association and Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association were also organized. Sarah Rawle was sustained president of the Young Women Association and William Brough, president of the Young Men.29 Daniel H. Wells, an assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve, was in attendance at this conference, and testified: "It is the love for the gospel that has brought us here to the Valleys of the Mountains. It was God's purpose to bring us here to be co-workers with Him, in consummating his mighty purpose."30 Years of Hardship By the summer of 1879, temporal problems were once again a concern. The wheat crop was poor, and drought, frost, and grasshoppers all took their toll. To help, the County Court in June remitted 25 percent of the taxes due.31 Work on the stake meetinghouse was progressing slowly, and funds were being gathered to try to roof it by fall. President Smith addressed the priesthood on several occasions. He advised the bishops not to be too "stiffhecked and undertake to drive the people." But they were to be fathers to them and try to get their goodwill by leading them and manifesting a kindly feeling toward them. In November, he pointed out President John Taylor's instructions to cut off the dead branches, to cast out corruption, and keep the Saints pure and holy. Nevertheless, he stated, they must be kind and merciful and have in view the Saints' salvation, and cut off nothing it is possible to save by kindness and encouragement.32 The year 1880 did not bring any rest from the problems the Saints were facing. Diphtheria raged throughout the Valley during the winter and early spring. Hulda Cordelia Thurston Smith, wife ofWillard G. Smith and daughter of Thomas Jefferson Thurston, describes some of the hardship their family faced that spring: "Quite early in the spring of 1880 the terrible scare of diphtheria broke out in our valley and people did not know how to treat it. Death took a terrible toll wherever it went. I was frightened terribly of it and, of course, looked very closely after our children. But finally, the last ofjune it came to us. My second daughter, Amanda, had it. I immediately treated her thoroughly for a sore throat, not knowing what it was. She was getting better when little Sarah, my seventh child, came down with it. And when I found out it was truly the diphtheria we had, I was perfectly unnerved, and did not know one thing to do for it. At that time in Salt Lake City, Davis, Weber, Utah, and Cache Counties, we could hear of whole families dying with it, and in our county two and three seemed to be taken out of every family. I was truly distracted. No one dared come to the house. Those passing on the street would hold their noses and take the opposite side [of] the road. We had no drug stores and were three miles from stores of any kind or a railroad station. Amanda got better but little Sarah died on the 3rd ofjuly, 1880, and was buried on the 4th. Our little daughter Deseretta, then six years old, was coming down with it and she died July 26,1880, and was buried on the 27th. My oldest daughter Cordelia, went to the burial but was sick coming down with it. I thought surely that all were going to die and all that I desired was to be able to live and wait upon them all till the last minute to see them laid away and then go too. "I had those children sick, very sick over a month, i sat up with them night and day. No one but myself gave them one bite to eat, a drop to drink or adose of medicine. I never closed my eyes in sleep but twice during that period. Once was when little Sarah died—I laid down and had a short sleep thinking to be able to lookafter the next, and once after little Dessie died for the same reason that I might better take care of Delia who was then coming down with it. During all this time I never took my clothes off except to change, and never even lay down to rest. My daughter, Delia, then about fourteen was a very sick girl. I think she suffered more than those who died, and she came very near dying. One morning a Brother Little came to administer to her. He did so. I listened to the administration with great anxiety to see if he would promise life and recovery. All the promise he made was that as her faith was so it should be with her. Just about one o'clock she seemed to get worse. Her pain was intense. She tore her hair and seemed distressed for breath. Her heart, too, seemed to be failing her. I knew not what to do. There was a bottle of turpentine there, I poured some into a teaspoon and gave it to her in my desperation. 1 think it acted as a heart stimulate and also a febrifuge, anyway it gave her some relief. Soon she said, 'Mama, who is that singing outside?' I said that I could not hear any one. She said it sounded like little boys' voices and thought it strange that I could not hear them. There,' she said, They have gone away.' Soon she said there were girls singing, and asked if I couldn't hear them, and as I said 'No,' she replied, that they were right under the window and wanted me to look out and see them, which I did but could see no one. She wondered at that but immediately said, "They are little girls and are here in the room dressed beautifully and they have come for me. Mama, can't I go with them?'

"I said, 'Delia, you are my oldest I love you and would hate to spare you, but if you want to go you can. You know, Cal Little said in his prayer that as your faith was so it should be with you, so if you want to go you can, but I hate to have you go.' She thought a moment then said, 'I will stay.' The little girls then disappeared instantly. I knew then that she would get well, but she recovered slowly and for some time she was almost paralyzed in her lower limbs. She was covered with large purple spots. It was several weeks before they cleared up and a long time before she had a proper use of her limbs."33 Sister Smith's daughter describes what her mother did to try to prevent others from facing the fear and uncertainty of disease: "A doctor finally located in Morgan and started a study class. My oldest sister, Delia, was then about fifteenyear s old and with the three youngest children gone, she could and did take over the care of the family so mother could attend classes two days and one night a week. This Doctor Kohler was a well trained physician who had come to the arid West to regain his health. His school of medicine, as he called it, continued for several years and mother studied very hard; firsttw o days a week %<•* 9 and later three. She got the training he could give in obstetrics, physiology, anatomy, general medicine and pharmacy. After Dr. Kohler returned to the East, mother had most of the medical practice of the entire county. She never refused a call no matter how bad the weather or how great the distance. Those were horse and mXm buggy days, and with no road surfacing, travel at 34 Hulda Cordelia Thurston times was almost impossible." Smith was the daughter of Thomas Jefferson Thurston Preserved in family histories of the early and the wife of Willard G Smith She held a Utah State settlers are accounts that tell of the Saints certificate to practice reliance on the power of the priesthood. Daniel medicine, and for a number Heiner relates the following: "At one time in of years was the only licensed Hamner's [his son] life, he accidently had a Pjactmoner in the Valley. She . .( , . , . , ' ' , died tn July 1939 at the age pitchfork run in his lungs. I was away, and was of ninety-three about twenty minutes reaching him. When I did come in the house, he was sitting in a chair holding the bottom of it with both hands, struggling for his breath. His face was blue, water was dripping from his hair. There was an Ogden doctor in town. He and our Icxal doctor were sent for as soon as possible. When they came they made an examination, then said they would be frank with us and tell us that no power on earth could save the boy's life five hours. His oldest sister stood by. She said, 'He can live,' and went upstairs to pray for him. My two brothers were present. I said to them in the presence of the doctors, You stay with us and we will show the doctors that he can live.' "The doctor had said that there was a bowl of blood at the bottom of his lungs. "When the doctor left I sent over for father and four of us put our hands on him and asked God to save his life. Before we took our hands off of him, he released his hold on the chair (as up to that time he was fighting to get his breath; he could only hiccough) and began to breath natural. We put him to bed. He soon went to sleep and slept all night and got up next morning and went to school. Never had any bad effects from the wound. "The Ogden doctor was so sure that the boy would die, that he had it announced in the morning paper that D. Heiner had lost a boy by having a pitchfork run in his lungs."35 In addition to the problems the Saints faced with diphtheria in the spring of 1880, they were facing a terrible food shortage. The wheat crop had failed the previous summer and there was almost no seed to plant the spring crop. The Relief Society sisters had stored grain, following the direction of the general authorities, and they donated this grain for spring planting in the Valley. Then during the summer, the Morgan Relief Society raised the sum of $275 and had a grainery constructed in South Morgan so grain could be saved in the future.36 Every priesthood meeting through the year reflected the brethren's concern about crops, and finally as the harvest was undertaken in the fall, it seemed adequate to carry the families through the winter and provide enough for planting in the spring.37

Primary The Primary of the Morgan Stake was organized 25 October 1880. Zina Young and Emmeline Wells of the general board were in attendance and assisted in the organization, and Harriet Welch was called and set apart as stake primary president. The following officers were chosen: President, Harriet Welch; First Superintendent, Rachaef Robinson; Second Superintendent, Eliza A. Goodrich; Treasurer, Lucy Rich; Secretary, Emma Bull; and Assistant Secretary, Mary L Welch. Prior to the stake organization of the primary Harriet Welch had been called by Eliza R. Snow to serve as president of the Morgan Ward primary organization. She held both stake and ward positions for twelve years when she was released as president of the Morgan Ward Primary. Primary conferences were held every three months in the stake with all wards participating. Members of the general board would attend and participate in the conferences. The conference usually consisted of songs and recitations by the children of the various wards. Questions from the Bible and Book of Mormon were also asked the children so they could demonstrate what they had learned.38 A delightful history compiled by Emma Harding gives us information about early primary days. Harriet Welch served as Morgan Ward Primary President for twelve years. On one occasion as the Primary children were singing 'Open the Door to the Children,' Sister Welch was inspired to have the children gather the means to emigrate poor children from the old country. This was done and she furnished some of them a home until they grew to manhood and womanhood. Her home was a haven for some poor orphans as well as her own.

25 Sister Lucy Rich was chosen treasurer of the Primary of Morgan Stake at thirteen years of age. During this time, the Primary gathered up means and emigrated two little orphan girls from Denmark who each grew to womanhood and are mothers of large families. Lucy's mother was Relief Society President of Morgan. General Board members who made their stops at my mothers home while they visited in Morgan made it possible for me to listen to many fireside conversations of those dear sisters. . . . One evening she [Eliza R. Snow] took off her watch and passed it around and told us to take a good look at it and told us all it was the Prophet Joseph's watch. When it came my turn to take it she said to me, 'Lucy, when you are a grandmother, I want you to tell your grandchildren what you have seen tonight.' One time when I drove them, [Sis. Snow and others] to the depot to return to their home, the train was late and Sister Snow said to me, 'Lucy, would you like a blessing?' I said, 'Certainly.' So she with my mother and two sisters put their hands on my head and blessed me. She hardly had begun to speak, when she started to speak in tongues. When she was through she gave the interpretation. She said I should live long and do much good and raise a family that my mother would be proud of. This has been literally fulfilled. At a conference held April 30, 1886, SisterSimmons of the general board spoke. She urged the children to work for merit cards. Sister Welch asked the little girls not to bang their hair as someday they would want to go through the temple. In early days traveling to ward primaries was a difficult task In winter months, the bob-sleigh was filled with straw and large rocks which had been heated in the oven overnight, were buried in the straw; then each sister wrapped in a quilt, would snuggle down into the straw and hot rocks. They were truly thankful for a good 'rig' and a congenial drive. The husbands of these officers were due much credit, too. It would take the greater part of a day to make the trip to Croydon or Mountain Green to visit and at ward conference time they always stayed over Saturday night and visited Sunday sessions of the conference. In the summertime it was more pleasant. The team was hitched to a two seated, white top buggy, usually taking two hours each way to outlying wards. One fall they had all the primary children go gleaning wheat. The stalks that were left standing around the edges of the field after the binder had taken the main crop were gathered by the children. The owner of the thrasher would thrash it free and it was sold. The money received was used to do many projects. A set of Standard Works was purchased and paid for with gleaning money and donated to the new stake.39

Counsel to the Priesthood President Willard G.Smith on5 October 1881 gave counsel and direction to the priesthood leadership of the Stake. He asked the bishops to occasionally remind the membership of their wards that all worthy males should be ordained and that all persons attending the Endowment House should have a recommend signed by a member of the stake presidency. All should be physically clean, and the men should wear a long-tailed white shirt.

26 He reported that good schools were functioning, but there were conflicts on fast days, which were usualryThursdays. In most of the wards, schools and church meetings were held in the same building.40 In November 1881, a special meeting was called wherein all the bishops reported the results of their canvas of the wards for funds to put the roof on The Endowment House was a two story the stake meetinghouse. Over 1400 had adobe structure which was located in the northwest corner of . been collected and a special committee It was completed in April 1855 and was appointed to purchase the needed dedicated by Heber C. Kimball on materials.41 5 May 1855. It was torn down under the direction of President Wilford By the fall of 1882, the Saints in Woodruff in the spring of 1889. Morgan Stake were beginning to feel the pressure of the U.S. government's fight against polygamy with the passage of the Edmunds Tucker Bill. The brethren were reminded by the stake presidency that they would be strengthened through persecution. At the same meeting, President Smith called for a general rally in order to effect a partial completion of the stake meetinghouse so that it could be used for the next stake conference. He also reminded the brethren that they were "part of a temple district that is erecting the grandest temple of our day" and asked them, "What are we doing toward it?"42

Stake Meetinghouse Completed By 21 May 1882, the stake meetinghouse was ready for the stake conference. The finish work inside, however, was not yet completed, but at least the members of the stake had a building large enough to hold the congregation which gathered for the quarterly meetings. The foundation of the building was five feet deep and three feet wide, and the dimensions of the main chapel were forty feet by eighty feet and thirty feet to the square. Henry Rock, Conrad Smith, and George Criddle were the rock masons; and the walls were made of hard blue limestone taken from the quarry above Como and hauled about three miles to the site. The uprights, braces, and planks were made of red pine poles. There were no hydraulic lifts, so wheelbarrows were used to deliver the rocks to the workmen. As the walls got higher, Ambrose Welch and his son Dan, both large strong men, wheeled the rocks to the top of the building.43 When the twenty-second quarterly conference of the stake convened in the stake facility on 17 and 18 February 1883, Elder Franklin D. Richards, of the Quorum of the Twelve, attended. The existing minutes of the meetings are brief, but one excerpt from Brother Richards' address is especially interesting. He spoke on the energy and growth of God's people and then said, "Waiting spirits wish to where they will not be in danger of being disembodied before entering the world, or murdered soon after."44 In June, at the monthly priesthood meeting, President Francis expressed concern about the wards not owning necessary property. He told the brethren The Morgan Stake Tabernacle was that they should follow the counsel of completed at a cost of $8,000 and Joseph F.Smithattheprecedinggeneral dedicated by President John Taylor. conference and purchase property for The building bos been dedicated on schools and church buildings. The two other occasions. Once by President Joseph F. Smith in 1901 after being brethren were also reminded that damaged by fire and again by sending children to gentile schools was President Heber J. Grant after it bad a grievous sin.45 been remodeled in 1938.

Reorganization of the Thirty-Fifth Quorum of Seventy The first quorum of was organized on 28 February 1835 underthe direction of at Kirtland, Ohio. By 1846 there were thirty-four quorums of seventy organized in the Church, the thirty-fourth quorum of seventy being the last one organized in Nauvoo prior to the departure of the Saints for the West. On 16 February 1853 the thirty-fifth quorum of seventy was organized in Salt Lake City. From this point on all who were ordained seventies were placed in the thirty-fifth quorum until it had seventy members, at which time another quorum was organized. Most of the members of the thirty-fifth quorum when it was organized were from the Salt Lake Valley; however, there were members from Iron County, Spanish Fork, Rush Valley, Springville, Kaysville, and Ogden.46 With quorum members living so far apart, "the only meetings that could be held were 'mass meetings' in appointed districts, instead of in quorum meetings."47 The quorums of seventy were finally set in order in 1883 under the direction of President John Taylor. A written document to correct the problems and set the seventies in order was presented to the Quorum of Twelve and the First Seven Presidents of Seventy on 14 April 1883 and approved by them. President Taylor then presented the document to the Lord and received confirmation that it was acceptable.48 The revelation "proposed that quorum districts be organized with the establishment of headquarters for each quorum, where its records should be kept; such districts to be distributed throughout the Church territory under the direction of the first council [of Seventy] as the number of the priesthood residing in such localities might seem to justify; any vacancies that existed, either in the presidency or the membership, might be filled by the ordination of persons residing in the locality in which the respective quorums were located; seventies removing from one district to another could take a transfer to the one into which they moved, and thus the quorums would be kept in existence, meet in their quorum capacity, and maintain a permanent entity, as a unit in the priesthood oigantzation."49 Thus it was that on 19 August 1883 the thirty-fifth quorum of seventy was reorganized in Morgan with jurisdiction over all seventies who lived in the boundaries of the Morgan Stake.50 School of the Prophets As early as 27 December 1832 the Prophet Joseph Smith learned that a school of the prophets was to be organized (see D&C 88). The revelation also designated who should attend the school and what should be taught. The school was organized and commenced to operate on 24 January 1833 at Kirtland, Ohio. The Prophet presided over the school and appointed as teacher. occasionally taught the school. The school of the prophets lasted four months during which time many spiritual manifestations took place. Zebedee Coltrin, an eyewitness to these manifestations, testified that during one of these meetings the Father and Son made a personal appearance to the members of the school.51 Fiftyyears later at the school of the prophets held in Salt Lake City on 10,11 and 12 October, Zebedee Coltrin again testified of these sacred experiences. Meetings of the school during these two days were held in President John Taylor's office and in the Endowment House. Those in attendance wereJoh n Taylor, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith from the First Presidency; Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, , Franklin D. Richards, Brigham Young, Jr., Albert Carrington, Moses Thatcher, Francis M. Lyman, George Teasdale, and Heber J. Grant from the Quorum of Twelve. There were twenty stake presidents in attendance, including Willard G. Smith. Zebedee Coltrin and Reynolds Cahoon, members of the first school of prophets, were also present. This was a parenting school to train stake presidents and to decide if and when such schools should commence in the various stakes. President Taylor explained, "This school isa kind of initiatory step to aid people to carry out the words, the will and the law of God." An assortment of doctrines and various topics were discussed throughout the two days of meetings, some of which included marriage, Word of Wisdom, ordaining of high priests, issuing temple recommends, tithing, punctuality, order in meetings, and the importance of the sacrament. President Taylor then closed the school of the prophets, which had lasted three days, by exhorting those present: "Brethren, if you will go to the Lord in humility and place your trust in him, he will direct you how to act in all things and at all times."52 Strengthening of the Saints At the November 1883 meeting of the priesthood, President Smith addressed the brethren, and in response to President Taylor's plea at general conference to "purge and elevate" the priesthood, he reminded them to be conquerors instead of conquered. The following resolution was drawn up, and President Smith called for a vote on it: "Be it resolved that we, as the presiding and working priesthood of the Morgan Stake of Zion, in priesthood meeting assembled, will make an honest, earnest, and continued effort to keep the Word ofWisdom as taught by the Church to live chaste and upright lives before God, and teach the same as servants of God to the members of the Church."53 The resolution was passed with a unanimous vote, and the meeting was adjourned until Monday, 5 November, at the stake house. The minutes do not record whether this meeting was for general membership of the Church or just the priesthood. At the meeting each member of the stake presidency addressed the congregation. President Smith again spoke on President Taylor's desire to "purge and elevate" the priesthood, saying that the word of the Lord was that he was going to have his priesthood keep the Word ofWisdom; if anyofficer of the priesthood cannot comply with the requirements, he should hand in his resignation. Then the resolution read to the brethren on Saturday was read, presented and sustained by a unanimous vote. The bishops were instructed to present the resolution to their wards and were told that no ordinations were to be performed nor recommends to the House of the Lord given unless the Word ofWisdom was kept. The resolution was presented to the wards, and, in subsequent priesthood meetings, the bishops reported the membership of the stake was supporting the resolution.54 Stake members were further encouraged and strengthened in the subsequent conference on 18 November when Elder Albert Carrington, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, gave a "powerful sermon on the duties and privileges of the Latterday Saints." The theme of his address was, "None are Free but those who love and Serve God."55 At stake conference on 31 July 1884, John W. Taylor, a member of the Quorum of Twelve, gave an excellent sermon, which was summarized in these words; "Truth was always opposed and always will be. Truth and error were always antagonistic. Almost all the Apostles were slain, and the same spirit prevails today, but all that is done to retard the work of God will tend to advance it."5^ Memorial Service On 10 August 1884, members of the Church met at the home of James Condor at Cane Creek, Tennessee, for religious services. Here mobs attacked the Saints, killing two missionaries, William S. Berry and John Henry Gibbs. Two members of the Condor family were also killed as they attempted to defend the missionaries.

30 Elder Berry left a family of thirteen children, the youngest of which was bom after he left for the mission field. The bodies of both men arrived in Utah by train on 22 August 1884. Thousands of Saints assembled at the various railway stations as the bodies were transported through the territory; Elder Berry to Iron County and Elder Gibbs to Cache County. President Joseph F. Smith, in the absence of Presidents Taylor and Cannon, published a request that memorial services for the missionaries should be held in the stakes of Zion on 24 August.57 At 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, 24 August, the Saints assembled in Morgan for a memorial service. President Willard G. Smith addressed the congregation. The Ogden Herald carried the following report of President Smith's address: President Smith delivered a very impressive address, and while expressing condolence for the bereaved said he thought no one could sympathize with the bereaved better than himself. The killing of these servants of God brought back to memory what he witnessed at Haun's Mill, when his father and brother were murdered and another of his brothers was seriously wounded. He was but a boy then, but he would never forget the horrid butchery. . . . Himself and six more children were in a house at the time the mob commenced firing, and the bullets passed through the house in every direction. They all crept under a bed that was in the room and stayed there for a while. The thick casing of oak around the house, about two feet high, protected them from the shower of bullets fired upon them by the mob. As there was no let up to the continuous firing, they agreed to leave the house to find a place, if possible. On emerging from the house, the mob occupied a semicircle around them, but they passed out of a door, traversed the millrace on a plank to a house by the mill, where they found Brother [the reporter forgot the name] whohadgotintothecellar.Hewas shot through the body eight times. 'He begged me,' the speaker continued, 'to lift him out of the cellar.' I did so and notwithstanding the many times he had been shot, he lived some time after. From this house we made our way to a corn field, dodging behind the shucks of com, the mob firing on us little children as they had done during the whole of the time. The children who stayed behind in the blacksmith shop were killed. When the firing was all over, we found eighteen dead bodies, among them my father and brother. Our family was journeying to find a new home at the time. We had no means of getting coffins for the dead and had to bury them all together in a dry well. Myself andjoseph Young [senior president of the Seventy] dragged them to this improvised grave and put them in, but when we came to my brother, Joseph Young turned so sickat the sight that he said he could not help any longer, so I called my mother to help me carry my brother to the well. She did so and helped bury the rest.

After we had covered them up, we made haste to leave, as the mob was still there anxious to complete their bloody work by murdering the rest of us. We took along my wounded brother and by my mother's wonderful faith, God raised up my brother and he is still alive. With the Mormon Battalion, I went to Mexico to defend my country although its officers in the time of my greatest trouble afforded me no

31 protection. After our discharge on the Pacific I went to Oregon, and while there at work with some companions, a man who appeared to be a tramp, dressed in a pair of overalls and shirt, stated that he had been traveling for years hoping to find someone to kill him, that he was one of the mob who murdered the '' and little children at the Haun's Mill massacre, that he had never known one minutes peace since, that his life was a burden to him, and he wanted someone to kill him. He asked if there were any Mormons there. Someone told him there was; that a young man was there who was present at the massacre and who had a brother killed at the time under the bellows at the blacksmith shop. The individual muttered a terrible moan and said, 'He was the one who killed him.' He was led into my presence, and as he approached me, he bared his breast and said, 'Shoot me; kill me, that I may be at rest.' I said, 'No sir, I will do no such thing. If you were wicked enough to kill my little innocent brother and others without cause, and are suffering the just penalty of such a horrible crime, I would not stain my hand with your blood, but leave you in the just hands of God.' He trembled from head to foot and went away. I have never heard of him since. I have told you this much of my experience of the Haun's Mill massacre, but I can never tell you all of it. I feel now toward the murderers of Bros. Gibbs and Berry as I did toward the murderers of my brother. Let God deal with them. I do not envy them their feelings. They will never more be happy on the earth. We leave these men in the hands of God. Amen.58 At the September meeting of the priesthood, President Fry said a request had been made by the Presidency of the Church to take up a donation for the benefit of the families of the deceased elders. Directions were given to the bishops on how to proceed.59 Though pressure from the "outside" mounted, life went on and growth continued within the stake. Following a trip to the Logan Temple during the spring of 1885, Brother S. W. Porter was requested to give a report at the March priesthood meeting about the requirements a person must meet before being granted a recommend. He said, "A person must be living as near as possible up to the line of their duties, and obeying counsel from those who have a right to counsel the Saints, they must be tithe payers, none Sabbath breakers, must not profane the name of Deity, sustain the institutions of Zion, and pay their honest debts, must not have hardness of heart, their families must be in order, and attend to their prayers, in fact there is nothing in the revealed will of God that is not required of a person before entering the temple. The Word ofWisdom must be kept strictly, and persons that do not fully believe the law of celestial marriage are requested to withdraw and go back until they do."60 President Smith was excused from the April priesthood meeting because he was in Salt Lake City where he had been called to serve on a committee to draft resolutions to forward to Congress in regard to the grievances of the Saints.61 On4 April 1885 the Fifty-FifthAnnual General Conference of the Church convened in the in Logan, Utah. Elder Franklin D. Richards

32 presided over the conference in the absence of the First Presidency, who were being sought by federal marshals for the practice of plural marriage. Franklin D. Richards, Francis Marion Lyman, John Henry Smith, and Heber J. Grant along with a number of stake presidents and bishops from throughout the territory were in attendance. During the conference Willard G. Smith was called on to speak. He reported on the spiritual and temporal condition of the Saints in Morgan, discussed some of the earlier events of Church history of which he had been part, and then "concluded with an exhortation for the Saints to be true to their integrity."62 Persecution Over Plural Marriage Increased persecution over polygamy was being felt throughout the Church. President Taylor and many of the General Authorities were forced to go "underground" to avoid imprisonment. During the years 1886 and 1887, general conferences were held in Logan, Provo, and Coalville, instead of Salt Lake City.63 The Saints in Morgan County were not immune fromthes e persecutions. Few records can be found which show the number of men from the Valley who were imprisoned, nor is the amount paid in finesknown , but individual histories and minutes from the priesthood meetings give us some information. When the priesthood brethren met in August, they organized a defense fund to help defray the court costs of some of the brethren.64 Samuel Carter of Porterville was imprisoned in 1886 and served a four-month prison sentence. He paid a $300 fine rather than desert one of his families. While in prison, he made use of his forced idleness by diligent study of good books.65 After his release from the penitentiary, Brother Carter "reported his mission to the state Pen" at the monthly priesthood meeting.66 Daniel Heiner, who later became president of the Morgan Stake, left this moving account in his autobiography of his involvement in the government's crusade: In the eighties, when the crusade was on, I was arrested for having two wives. I was taken to Ogden for trial. I gave bonds to appear in court at the next term which was six months ahead. At that time, I appeared in court for trial. The judge called the case when the government witnesses were to be present, but the clerk had failed to notify them, so the judge said this case will be postponed for six months. At the end of that time the witnesses had been summoned and it looked as though I must sure go to prison. The folks put some underclothes and other things in a suit case and I partly bid farewell to my family for six months (and yet I felt as though something might intervene so I would not go to jail). I took the early train for Ogden and when the court was called the witnesses were all there. The judge ordered the clerk to call my case from the docket. The judge seemed to be vexed and the attorney told the court that all was ready for trial, why not go on?But the judge said the case is off for six months longer. I returned to Morgan two hours after dark. When the train pulled up to the depot I looked out of the window and saw four of my little black-eyed boys on the platform. 1 heard them say, There's pa.' I took them a few steps away from the crowd and asked them why they had come out so late at night. They said, 'Pa, we fasted and prayed all day and we knew you would come back.' They said they had prayed each time 1 went to court and they knew the Lord had heard their prayers and He would not allow them to lock me up in prison. ... And sure enough before the six months were ended the Manifesto was issued, and I did not go to jail at all.67 Living the law of plural marriage was not always easy, but the Lord did help those who called on him for assurance. In a letter written to her grandson many years after the event, Annie Maria Hall Whitear told him of her feelings when her husband, Bishop Eli Whitear, took a second wife. 'Your grandfather was put in Bishop of the Milton Ward and the offices [sic] of those days were expected to set an example to the people, so your GrFather believed that he was doing right by taking my sister to Wife and I felt that I wanted to do rightwit h him. Well after they came back from Salt Lake Your GrFather said to me, Now Annie, Ellen is as much my Wife as you are, how do you feel: I did not say but felt bad and unhappy, and when I went to my room alone thought I would not sleep a wink, but a thought came you must control your feelings better than that, so I fell down on my knees by the side of my bed and said, Oh Lord if Polygamy is true let me have a good night rest tonight. Well Hyrum, I got on the bed and did not know anything more until the next morning, when your GrFather came in my room and said will you get up Anne as breakfast is ready and as I opened my eyes the sun shone full on my face, and I felt well and so refreshed that I then felt Polygamy was true and I would live it and do my duty and that we all tried to do."68 Sometime between May 1 and July 2, President Smith was called to Salt Lake City to a meeting of the leading brethren in the Church to consider a state constitution. In speaking to the brethren present at the July stake priesthood meeting, he said that the leaders in the Church felt that statehood would be a step toward deliverance. Then he exhorted the brethren at the meeting to come to an awakening of a sense of their duties in regard to the coming campaign. At the close of the meeting, he "suggested that the presiding officers take steps to instill into the minds of the young people that marriages solemnized outside the House of the Lord were of not much accord."69 On 25 July 1887, President John Taylor passed away. At the August meeting of the stake priesthood, President Smith "spoke of the loss sustained by the Church through the death of President John Taylor, said that the Lord was as able as ever to raise up another president—referred to the time in Nauvoo when the Church was without a president. The people were ready and willing then to hear the word of the Lord concerning it, it should be the same now. Said the instruction given to the people of the Priesthood should be in accordance with the councils of the leaders of the Church. We will see greater events than we have yet seen and we must prepare for them for they will be for our benefit and deliverance."70 President Smith was ill during the month of September and when he met with the priesthood in October he talked with the brethren, expressing to them his thoughts of the past few weeks. He encouraged them to live so that the light of the Holy Spirit would be with them, and he told them that no one apostatized all at once. He said that he had reflected much of late about the condition of the young and asked the bishops to encourage the teachers to talk with the young people when visiting them; he then expressed his concern that fashionha d a strong influence on the young and many are led away by it. He asked the bishops to encourage the musical talent in their wards and stressed the importance of keeping the Sabbath. Then he talked of those who had been called on a mission to New Zealand and the responsibility of the priesthood to contribute to the missionary fund (their passage alone was more than $300 each) and to help their families at home71

Diphtheria Again On 26 November 1887, the forty-first conference of the Morgan Stake was held. Diphtheria was once again raging about the Valley, and the conference attendance was poor. All of the stake presidency were absent, and the conference was presided over by Jesse Haven of the high council. Elder Franklin D. Richards addressed the conference on Sunday morning. He expressed his concern for the many deaths in the stake and commended those who had stayed away to help prevent the spread of the disease. He spoke of the attitude of the government toward the Church and advised the people to be quiet and submissive and not protest against the government but learn to govern themselves as "he that governs himself is greater than he that governs a city."72 On 12 November, the city council met and passed a quarantine ordinance, the first passage of which reads, "Be it ordained by the City Council of Morgan City: That said City and all that district of county embraced within four miles of the outer limits thereof, are hereby declared subject to quarantine regulations."73 At the February 1888 priesthood meeting, President Fry reported the deaths of three small children and said several others were sick. Schools were closed throughout the county. Disease prevention was discussed, and the March stake conference postponed. An excerpt from the journal of Wademar T. Nelson makes the agony of those long nights more real: "Fri. 13 [April 1888] Cleaned up around the house. We was sure it was the diphtheria that our little girl had. But we hope

35 she will pull through. It is now about 12 o'clock at night. I am sitting up watching. The rest of the folks are to sleep. While keeping my lonely watch many things come to my mind of past troubles and sorrows. "Sat. 14 The little girl seems to be about the same. She suffers a good deal of pain when she takes her medicine. The days and nights seem to be very long for us. It seems to be pretty hard to be closed up. "Sun. 15 One more njght of watchful wakefulness have passed.... "Mon. 16 Our little girl seems a little better. But I stayed around home to help. "Fri. 19 Mable is better. She ate a little today."74 A Martyr's Death Tragedy struck the Valley in another form that summer when Alma P. Richards, son of John and Martha Richards was murdered while serving a mission in the southern states. John and Martha had lived a very difficult life, losing two infant children within two days of arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. They also experienced the difficulty of being among some of the earliest pioneer families in the Morgan Valley. Martha was an invalid when Alma, her only living son, was called on a mission. Alma was married and the father of three children, one of whom died a few days before he left for the mission field. He was murdered on 2 August 1888, and his body placed on the railroad tracks to cover up the deed. It was months before his body was finally recovered and sent home, and his murderers were never brought to justice.75 President Samuel Francis recorded in his journal the following: "Saturday, June 8, 1889, Body of Alma P. Richards arrived by D.R.G. R.R., at 11:30 accompanied by Bro. Spry [William Spry was president of the Southern States Mission from 1888 to 1891 ]. Brought body home in the evening. A host of people were awaiting to receive the body at the depot. Took body home to Littleton. "Sunday 9 Funeral of AP. Richards solemn yet grand, funeral held in stake house. Many could not get in. The procession was nearly a mile long.76 Morgan Stake Academy In December 1888, the Morgan Stake Academy opened. The school was housed in the upper room of the county courthouse and later in one or two rooms downstairs. Albert N. Tollestrup was the principal. Subjects taught were theology (the New Testament and Book of Mormon), geology, grammar and composition, arithmetic, reading, United States history, physiology, orthography, bookkeeping, penmanship, and music. The following were some of the rules presented to the school by the Church Board of Education of Morgan Stake, 9January 1889. 1. The use of tobacco and liquors is prohibited amongst the students of the Academy. 2. All students should attend sacrament meeting each Sunday.

36 3. Students should be at home by 9 o'clock every night except Sunday night, and by 10 on that night. 4. Students of the Academy will be given the privilege of attending four dances each term. The fundamental principles of Latter-day Saint education were plainly marked, viz: a religious foundation, consisting of reverence for and obedience to the revealed word of God, and a living testimony of the divinity of the Latter-day work.77 At the February 1889 meeting of the stake priesthood, Jesse Haven brought up the subject of card playing and wanted the opinion of the brethren present. Some thought it did little harm if not carried to excess; others suggested that the best plan would be to send the card players to the Academy so they would have something better to do.78 During the fall of 1889, Professor Tollestrup organized an oratorio entitled Esther, the Beautiful Queen as a missionary benefit. Singers were recruited from all over the stake, and intense practicing and rehearsing went on for four months. A stage was built across the north end of the stake meetinghouse especially for the production. It was a great success.79 Manifesto In December 1889, with the weight of persecution resting heavily on the Saints, the First Presidency sent a letter to the stakes requesting that 23 December, Joseph Smith's birthday, be a day of fastingan d prayer for the Church.80 At the January meeting of the priesthood, President Smith complimented the stake on their observance of the day of special fast and stated, "Our enemies are doing all in their power to get the reins of government fromu s in this territory, and they don't care by what means they obtain it."81 In March, as the pressures mounted, Samuel Francis advised the bishops to consider the matter of building houses of worship as "we will probably be deprived of the use of our school houses." He asked them to see to the matter as soon as possible.82 Then, on September 25, President Wilford Woodruff recorded the following in his journal: "I have arrived at a point in the history of my life as President of the Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where I am under the necessity of acting for the temporal salvation of the Church. The United States government has taken a stand and passed laws to destroy the Latter-day Saints on the subject of polygamy, or patriarchal order of marriage; and after praying to the Lord and feeling inspired, I have issued the following proclamation which is sustained by my counselors and the twelve apostles." [See D&C, Official Declaration—1.] At the October general conference, the Manifesto was submitted to the Church for its approval or disapproval.84 At the October 11 meeting of the Morgan Stake priesthood, President Smith told the brethren that they should sustain the Manifesto as it had been presented to the body of the Church at general conference and abide its conditions.85 3" In December two letters were read at stake priesthood meeting from the First Presidency. President Woodruff encouraged the establishing of theological classes to work in harmony with Church schools. He also asked that prayer meetings be held in the wards and that home missionaries be called to travel in the wards as those do who are called to serve abroad.86 End of an Administration During the spring of 1891, there were some difficulties among the people of the stake. A special conference was called for 7 June, and four members of the Quorum of Twelve visited the stake to help settle the problems. Three of these Apostles were Lorenzo Snow, Abraham H. Cannon, and Franklin D. Richards. The fourth is not named. The advice given at the conference would be as beneficial today as then. Following are some excerpts from the Deseret Newszccount: "They advised the brethren to settle their grievances between themselves and not let them spread abroad among the people so as tocause trouble and disunion. It would be better for us under all circumstances to suffer an injustice rather than do a similar act toward our brother. It would also be better for us to submit to the decision of Bishop's Courts and High Councils, as the men composing these courts were generally the best among us, men who were guided in their actions by the Spirit of the Lord and would give just decisions. . . . "If we were only to observe one grand law in the Church given to us in the Doctrine and Covenants, that the teachers visit the people and see that no iniquity existed, there would be no difficulties existing among us."87 The Priesthood Notes after August 1891 are not available, and thus we lose much insight into the events of the stake thereafter. The journals of Wademar T. Nelson, however, provide us with two interesting comments. On 7 February 1892 he wrote, "Went to meeting, before the sacrament was administered, Bp. Mecham got up and asked forgiveness for giving Peter Parkinson a thrashing. They all forgave him." Then on 27 March he recorded the following: "Cold and windy today. I went to meeting, also Rosetta. W. G. Smith Sr. spoke about procrastination was the thief of time. Spoke about young men who used tobacco. He said, that some of them would have a chew or a smoke of tobacco before they put on their drawers in the morning. This was a habit that was hard to break. . . .Meeting in the evening. The house was crowded. We had a very good program... . William Brough spoke to us. He said the gospel was intended to make bad men good and good men better. He advised us to improve our minds and not be idle. To help the poor and needy. He said it was not the preacher that was always the best man the man who showed by his example and his daily life that he was indeed a man, was the best man. This closed the meeting for this winter."88 On 6 April 1893, the Salt Lake Temple was dedicated. Over the forty years of its construction, the Saints in Morgan Valley had contributed much in time, labor, and money to the building of this sacred edifice. Many of the

38 Saints from Morgan Stake attended the dedication; among them were all three members of the stake presidency. While he was in Salt Lake City for the dedication, or shortly thereafter, President Willard G. Smith was released as president of the Morgan Stake. Presidents Smith, Fry, and Francis had led the stake for almost seventeen years. During these years there had been much illness, drought, and persecution, yet the stake seemed only to grow stronger.

Endnotes 1. B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (Salt LakeCiry: Deseret News Press, 1930), 5:507-508. 2. Ibid, 5:508. 3. Journal of Charles Turner, July 1,1877, copy in possession ofjerry Turner. Original in Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Sainis, Salt Lake City. 4. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1877, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 5. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conferences, November 17,18, 1877, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 10. 6. Andrewjenson, comp., Peterson Ward History, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City; History of Charles S. Peterson in the possession of Laraine Whitear. 7. James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency (Salt LakeCiry: , 1965), 2:283-295. 8. Samuel and Esther Francis Family Organization, Our Heritage: Samuel & Esther Francis (Bountiful: Horizon Publishers, 1984), p. 104. 9. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 5:508. 10. Levi Hancock served for forty-five years as ageneral authority oftheChurch. He was called into the First Quorum of Seventy 28 February 1835 when it was first organized in Kirtland. He served as one of the seven presidents of the First Quorum of Seventy and later the First Council of Seventy until his death in 1882. He attended the eighth quarterly conference of the Morgan Stake held 17 August 1879- 11. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conferences, Nov, 17,18,1877, p. 9. 12. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 2:301; Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, pp. 1-3. 13. Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, p. 5. 14. Ibid. 15. Ibid, p. 25. 16. Minutes of Morgan City Council Meeting, 18 June 1877, Morgan City Courthouse, Morgan, Utah. 17. Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, pp. 12-13. 18. Ibid., pp. H-15. 19. Ibid, p. 21. 20. Our Heritage, p. 112. 21. Morgan Slake Historical Record, Conference Minutes, May 19, 1878, pp. 21-22. 22. Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, p. 27. 23. Ibid., p. 32. 24. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1877. 25. Ibid. 26. Mary Chadwick, comp., "History of the Early Settlement and Later Development of Morgan County, Utah," Oct. 1930, Utah Historical Society, Salt Lake City, p. 52. 27. Mary Chadwick, comp., "Lydia Pond Rich," Book *1, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 28. Bessie Brough, comp., "Pioneer 1859, William Tonks Son of George and Martha Tonks," Book #6, Daughiers of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 29- Morgan Stake Historical Record, Conference Minutes, August 18, 1878, p. 30. 30. Ibid., p. 28. 31. Edward Tuliidge, History of Northern Utah and Southern Idaho (Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Press, 1889), p. 121, 32. Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, p. 69. 33 Kate Carter, comp., "Autobiography of Hulda Cordelia Thurston Smith", Heartthrobs (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1946), 7:208-209. 34. Smith Poner, "ASketch of the Life of Hulda Cordelia Thurston Smith," Book #5, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 35. Daniel Heiner, A Short Story of His Life, Morgan, Utah, December 1929, pp. 43-44. 36. "History of the Relief Society," Daughiers of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah, p. 70. 37. Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, 1880. 38. Morgan Stake Primary History Scrapbook, 39- Emma Harding, "Morgan Stake Primary," July 1971, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 40. Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Book, p. 112. 41. Ibid.,p. lid 42. Ibid., pp. 147-48. 43. Bessie Brough, "History of the Morgan Stake House," Book #7, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah, p. 15. 44. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Conference Minutes, February 17,18,1883, p- 73; Journal History of The Church, Feb. 19,1883, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 45- Morgan Stake Priesthood Minutes Book, p. 164. 46- Record of Seventies Quorums, Reel 9; 35th Quorum of Seventies, Book A, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 47. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 6:107. 48. Clark, comp.. Messages of The First Presidency 2:352-55. 49. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 6:107. 50. Record of Seventies Quorums, Reel 9; 35th Quorum of Seventy, Book A. 51. Calvin Robert Stephens, "The Life of Contributions of Zebedee Coltrin" (unpublished master's thesis, Brigham Young University, 1974), pp. 21-28. 52. Merle H. Graffam, Salt Lake School of the Prophets, Minute Book 1883 (Palm Deseret: ULC Press, 1981), pp. 39-56. 53- Morgan Stake Priesthood Minute Bk, p. 319- 82. Ibid,, p. 321. 83. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 6:220. 84. Ibid, 6:222. 85. Morgan Stake Priesthexxl Minute Book, p. 327. 86. Ibid, p. 329. 87. Deseret News, 1 June 1891, p. 2; Journal History, June 7, 1891, p. 2. 88. Journal of Wademar T. Nelson, 7 February, 27 March 1892.

CHAPTER 3

ADMINISTRATION OF RICHARD FRY

For forty years members of the Church had toiled and sacrificed to build the Salt Lake Temple. When the time for completion neared, the Saints in Morgan gathered in their ward meetinghouses for a special fast meeting on Saturday, 25 March 1893, to listen to a letter from the First Presidency counseling them to prepare spiritually to enter this holy temple.1 The meeting held in Croydon was perhaps typical. It was explained that no one would receive a recommend to the dedicatory services if he or she had any malice or unresolved grievance toward a neighbor. All those who planned on attending the dedication were then given the opportunity to speak and express their feelings and desires. The Spirit of the Lord prevailed throughout the meeting.2 Dedication of The Salt Lake Temple The finishing touches to the interior of the Salt Lake Temple were made during the afternoon of 5 April 1893. In the evening, the temple was opened for inspection. Not only members of the Church were admitted, but nonmembers as well. President Wilford Woodruff personally invitedagroup of non-Mormon citizens to pass through the sacred building and inspect its interior.3 The temple had cost nearly three and a half million dollars and was finally dedicated on 6 April 1893 by President Woodruff. The dedicatory services were held in the assembly room, which seated 2,252 persons. This, however, was not nearly enough room for the thousands who desired to attend, so the services were repeated until thirty-one meetings had been held and 75,000 Latter-day Saints had witnessed the services. No one was admitted without a recommend signed by the bishop of his ward and the president of his stake.4 "All who attended the dedicatory services on the morning of the 6th of April, 1893, remember the impressiveness of the day. The sky was overcast and lowering, and shortly before the hour of beginning, a strong wind set in from the northwest. This wind increased to a veritable hurricane and throughout the morning session it seemed indeed, that the prince of the air was in full control; but the peace and serenity of the assembly was rendered the more impressive by contrast with the turmoil and storm without."5 Members of the Morgan Stake were assigned a specific day and session to attend. They were instructed to present themselves with their recommends at the West Gate of the temple block at 8:00 a.m. for the morning session and 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon session on the days designated. They could not be admitted any other time.6 Samuel Francis, counselor in the Morgan Stake Presidency, recorded: "Went to attend dedication services at 8:30. Was in the jam until nearly 10:00 o'clock trying to get in. The temple was so full I could not get a seat. Everything was grand, peaceful, heavenly. I heard the voice of God speak through President Woodruff." Samuel's wife, Esther Francis, and their eldest daughter, Lovinia, attended the dedication the next morning while Samuel attended to business around town.7 The Sunday School children ofth e Church had donated funds for building the temple, and they expressed a desire to attend a dedication service. The First Presidency set apart Friday and Saturday, 21 and 22 April, for the children under sixteen years of age. This invitation was extended especially to the children in primary classes, those of the first and second intermediate grades. Arrangements were made with the railroad to transport the children at reduced rates.8 The Sunday Schools of the Morgan Stake were to meet at the West Gate of the temple block at 12:30 in the afternoon, Friday, 21 April 1893, for the third session of the day.9 Joseph Lyman Mecham, a nine-year-old boy living in Milton, attended the dedication with his father. He received his recommend from William Giles, who had just been called in February as bishop of the Milton Ward. Eighty- five years later, Brother Mecham bore his testimony in sacrament meeting in the Milton Ward of the great honor that had come to him as a boy to hear President Wilford Woodruff dedicate the Salt Lake Temple.10 Morgan Stake Presidency Reorganized During the time of the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, a change was made in the Morgan Stake Presidency. Willard G. Smith was honorably released, having been called on a mission to the southern states.11 Richard Fry, first counselor to President Smith, was called as stake president. The call came on his sixty-second birthday, 15 April 1893-12 Samuel Francis, who had been second counselor to Willard Smith, wrote in his journal on 15 April 1893: "Went to see Brother Fry before he went to the city about bringing blank recommends for the Temple." President Fry mentioned nothing about his new calling during this visit.13 He may have received notification of the call in the mail, if he picked it up on his way to "the city," which may have been Ogden or Salt Lake City, or he may have been asked to come to Salt Lake City for an appointment with the General Authorities, which may have been one reason why he went to "the city." At any rate, the next day, Sunday \6 April 1893, Samuel Francis went to see Brother Fry to pick up the blank recommends. Samuel wrote in his journal format date; "He [Brother Fry] told me he had been appointed President of the Stake. He asked me to be his first counselor. I told him if it was his personal wish I would- He said it was."14 The same day President Francis was called to serve in the new stake presidency, the stake meetinghouse caught firean d burned. It was Sunday morning, and Sunday School was in progress. Bishop Anderson of Round

44 Valley was riding past and saw the blaze. He hurried into the building and informed A O. Durrant, who was in charge, and he quickly dismissed classes. The congregation marched out in order. When all were outside a bucket brigade was quickly formed and all set to work. Water was passed from the ditch in front of the courthouse. Although the roof was so badly burned that it fell, the rest of the building was saved and rebuilt.15 On Wednesday, 19 April 1893, by invitation ofFresident Wilford Woodruff, the stake presidency of Morgan met in the President's Room in the Salt Lake Temple. There were 115 men present, including the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the presidents of the First Council of Seventy, and other stake presidencies. Samuel Francis wrote: "We all spoke our feelings and desires, bore our testimonies, confessed our sins, forgave each other and became one in Christ."16 At the close of the afternoon meeting in the temple, Richard Fry was set apart as president of the Morgan Stake by Lorenzo Snow. Samuel Francis was set apart as first counselor by John Henry Smith, and William H. Rich was ordained a high priest and set apart as second counselor by Heber J. Grant.17 On Thursday, the new stake presidency met again in the Salt Lake Temple to receive instructions from President Woodruff and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. A special prayer circle was held in the celestial room in which all 115 men participated. Dressed in their temple clothes, they partook of the William Henry Rich uxts bom 4 September 1857 in Center­ sacrament together just as the Savior had ville, Utah. Served as a administered it to his disciples so many years cou nselor to Richard Fry and ago. Samuel wrote; "I ought to say that this day also Daniel Heiner in the and yesterday were two of the grandest days of stake presidency. Died at bis borne in Richville, 29 my life. In God's house, God acknowledged us, September 1923. forgave us our sins and blessed us, our families, our possessions."18 But all was not well in Morgan. Some of the members of the high council thought they should have been consulted before a change was made in the stake presidency. On 3 May 1893, the high council met at 2 p.m. to decide what should be done about the First Presidency of the Church appointing a new stake president without submitting the matter first before them. On Sunday, 6 May 1893, at the regular meeting of the high council, President Fry announced the release of President Smith and his counselors. When the names of the new stake presidency were presented, at least one member of the high council objected. After some discussion, the council unanimously agreed to sustain President Fry and his counselors as the presidency of the Morgan Stake.

45 When stake conference convened a week later, the same high council member who had opposed President Fry requested the visiting authorities, Francis M. Lyman and Abraham H. Cannon, to meet with the high council before the names of the stake presidency were presented to the Saints for a sustaining vote.19 Alonzo Francis, son of Samuel Francis, was stake clerk at the time. In the record containing minutes of stake conferences he wrote: "The removing of President Smith and putting in Bro. Fry was done by the Presidency of the Church and the Twelve Apostles. Certain members of the High Council took exception to the action of the Presidency in this regard, thinking the Presidency had no right to do this without their consent. Apostle [Francis] Lyman came up to the May Conference and in a priesthood meeting set the High Council right, most indelibly impressing upon their minds that the Presidency of the Church had a right to do what they saw fitan d it was not the business of this High Council to question their right. After the remarks of Apostle Lyman the action of the Presidency of the Church was put before the meeting and sustained by them."20 On Sunday and Monday, 14 and 15 May 1893, the sixty-second quarterly conference of the Morgan Stake was held. Because of the fire,the y met in Simmons' Hall, which had been built by George and William Simmons. It was a frame building, approximately forty feet wide and sixty feet long. A stage was located in the west end. Large lamps hung from the ceiling for lighting and it was heated by large stoves. It was used as the social center for many years where there were dances, theatrical groups, roller skating, and even the old medicine shows.21 On Sunday morning after singing and prayer, President Richard Fry reported on the condition of the stake, and then President Willard G. Smith spoke. Elder Abraham H. Cannon told about the great blessings of the temple. He said the Saints enjoyed blessings as great as any of God's people had enjoyed in any period of the world, and if they did not continue to live righteous lives, the Spirit of God would be withdrawn from them. He also spoke about tithes and offerings, and advised the Saints to be honest and deal with others as they would have others deal with them. In the afternoon session, the sacrament was administered by the bishops of the wards, which was the custom in those days. Elder Francis M. Lyman then addressed the congregation. He spoke about the great powers of the mind and of the necessity to train and school their minds. He said it was important to listen carefully when a brother was speaking or praying. He gave good suggestions on prayer and administering the sacrament. Elder Lyman also spoke about the order of the priesthood and the unity and harmony which should exist therein.22 Monday morning, Elder Abraham H. Cannon again addressed the congregation. Perhaps the attendance was not as good as at the Sunday meetings, because Elder Cannon said if the brethren would stop their work and come to meeting, the Lord would make up the time to them. The

46 minutes reported he "believed there was a good people in this stake. Yet he knew there were difficulties existing that should not exist and the apostles have to be sent up here to settle them. If we would settle our own difficulties and forgive each other, be charitable and live right, we would be blessed. Advised the Presidency and bishops to stop these difficulties in the start and not let them spread throughout the stake and into other stakes. The speaker dwelt impressively upon the duties of children toward their parents and of parents honoring the priesthood placed over them. He said if we did not repent of these evil ways the Lord would not allow his spirit to dwell in our hearts. Advised those who had difficulties to bury them so deep they will never come to light again."23 Elder Francis M. Lyman addressed the conference in the Monday afternoon session. He also spoke about the importance of having the bishops mediate differences between members who could not resolve their own problems, rather than asking for help from the First Presidency of the Church. Brother Lyman counseled the people to keep out of difficulties and to reconcile differences on their own. He talked about the necessity of parents teaching their children, placing before them good literature to read, and setting before them worthy examples. He closed by asking God's blessing to rest upon the people of the Morgan Stake. Following the conference, the two visiting authorities ordained Martin Heiner and Evan A Richards, patriarchs. Robert Hogg, Jr., James Stewart, Jr., Fred W. Clark, and Henry C. Eddington were set apart as alternate members of the high council.24

Tabernacle Choir Tour TheTabernacle Choir (two hundred fifty members), along with President Wilford Woodruff and his counselors, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith, left Salt Lake City on 29 August 1893 to attend the World Fair in Chicago. As they traveled east, they gave concerts along the way. On 1 September, they arrived at Independence, Jackson County, Missouri. "There were fifty carriages at the depot to carry them to the Temple grounds. Great reception was given to them by city authorities and citizens. Thousands gathered to listen. The sang, 'Oh, My Father.' There were remarks from President Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and others."25 At the World Fair, the Choir entered competition with the trained choruses of Wales and other countries, and won second prize.26 "The first prize was $5,000, the second prize was $1,000. The Tabernacle Choircame near getting the first prize—by one point."27 Following the tour, the choir came to Morgan. The event had taken shape months earlier. On 30 August 1892, Samuel Francis met with a committee from Salt Lake City who represented the Tabernacle Choir to plan for a celebration at Como Springs in September 1893. Supplies of goods were ordered from Ogden, while extra slabs of lumber were hauled to Como to

47 give adequate seating in the picnic area for members of the choir. Even the railroad cooperated by providing a special rate of fifty cents per person for the round trip from Salt Lake City. When the long-awaited day finally arrived, members, friends, and families filled the park. More than eight hundred, attended. The Choir enjoyed the area and the activities very much after the rigors of their cross country tour. The Morgan Brass Band performed for the occasion.28

Como Springs Como Springs, or Lake Como, is located on a tract of ground containing forty acres with geothermal springs of volcanic origin which have been in existence for many ages. The Weber River in ages past washed out a wide gutter, forming a pool or lake, the beginning of what is now known as Lake Como. The warm-water lake provided boys with fishing during the winter. Samuel Francis and Richard Fry, jointly purchased this and an adjoining property of eighty acres from the Union Pacific Railroad in March 1883 for $200. The hollow located on the property was named Fry Hollow in honor of Richard Fry. The land was primarily used for raising livestock, and the warm springs were not considered to be of any economic value until about 1887.29 Dr. Frederick S. Kohler, one of the first medical doctors to come to Morgan,30 drew attention to the springs when he analyzed the water and found it contained properties he said might be valuable for curing skin diseases, as well as for bathing and swimming. Later, Dr. Thomas Shore Wadsworth and Dr. C. F. Osgood analyzed the water and came to the same conclusion reached by Dr. Kohler. They urged the owners to convert the springs into a bathing resort. In 1889, Samuel Francis, Richard Fry, and Dr. T. S. Wadsworth organized a company with a capital stock of $1,500. Dr. Wadsworth was Esther Charlotte Emily employed as general manager. The ground Weisbrodt Francis was bom surrounding the lake was covered with a dense 24 June 1836 in Turin, Italy growth of underbrush which had grown up of German parentage. She was converted by Samuel around the existing cottonwood and box elder Francis white be was a trees. A large pond was dug out on the east end Italy- They were of the lake for a plunge bath. ~26jufy 1856. She died in Morgan 21 February Esther Francis, wife of Samuel, suggested the 1912. name of Lake Como for the resort, in honor of a beautiful lake in Turin, Italy, where she was born. Her parents, from Saxony, Germany, had been assigned at the time of her birth to the German consul in Italy31 The resort became a full-time responsibility, and it must have been apparent to Samuel Francis and Richard Fry that to run the resort and make it pay was not an easy undertaking. Since both men were in the stake presidency, they had little time to help with the management. The business had thrived for several years, with all the money being put back into the development of the resort. While the business had been successfully operated and the future looked good, no one could have anticipated the economic panic of 1893-94. Money simply was not available for recreation. The resort, which had been so full of life and fun, was deserted; however, the resort was left open for local residents to swim and enjoy themselves. Many Church groups from the local wards used the resort for picnics and social gatherings. Como also became important to the wards in the stake as a place for baptismal services.32 Without constant care, the resort soon deteriorated. Brush grew back around the trees, buildings were abused and vandalized. Finally, the buildings were torn down and the pavilion was burned by arsonists. When Richard Fry died, Samuel assumed the responsibilities that remained in the company and paid a small sum to the Fry heirs for their interest in the resort company. Como remained dormant in the hands of Samuel Francis and Sons Company until after the death of Samuel in 1920, when it was sold for $8,000 to the Heiner family of Morgan, who developed the area again into a popular resort. Temple Work In May 1894, a Church periodical, The Contributor, published an article which reported the amazing magnitude of temple work performed in the Salt Lake Temple in less than a year after its opening. From 23 May 1893 to 1 March 1894, baptisms for the dead numbered 30,500; ordinations to the priesthood CoTolpm^Ticture obtained from forthedead, 7,000; endowments for the Utah State Historical Society. dead, more than 18,000; sealings of husbands to wives, nearly 5,000; and sealings of children to parents, about 1.200.33 Charles Turner reported the following in his journal for Thursday, 9 December 1897: "Arose, took breakfast, and went to the temple. Labored for our dead. Got out early today. Brother Carter and myself went to the President's office [President Wilford Woodruff]. Waited a short time before he came in as we had to get his signature to our recommends for our second endowments [second anointing] which we got without any question as we are known to several of the leading authorities. "Friday, December 10, 1897: Friday morning, arose took our breakfast, went to the Temple where we met Brother and Sister Carter and today have got our Second Endowments. Also my brother George and my wife, Elizabeth's, who are dead. This ended our temple work for today."34 After this work was done they visited friends in Salt Lake, then took the "Dummy Line" to Centerville where they stayed with friends and heard Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith. On Sunday morning, 12 December 1897, Bishop Turner returned to Salt Lake to continue working in the temple. Monday, he took the list of names to the temple for whom he wished to do the baptisms on Tuesday. For the rest of the week, Brother Turner worked in the temple every day. His journal entry for Friday summed up his feelings: "We have enjoyed our labors at the temple very much together. It has been quite a treat to us all for which privilege we thank the Lord for the favors granted unto us weak Mortals."35 On 16 August 1897, President Richard Fry, in his stake conference address, told the members that in order to go to the temple, a person must be an honest tithe payer and attend the duties of his priesthood quorum. He requested that the people who had recommends to be signed should come in person and not send a substitute. President Fry stated he wanted to question each one personally for a recommend.36

Church Survey In May 1894, The Contributorprinted an article called "Homes in Zion." In it is a questionnaire that was sent to stake presidents. There seemed to be a problem with families moving away from the Territory. They often gave the excuse that the stakes of Zion were becoming so crowded that it was necessary to move where the land was unoccupied. The arguments concerning overcrowding appear to have had no foundation in fact. On the contrary, it appears that most of the stakes needed to be strengthened by more people instead of being weakened by people moving away. The questions asked were as follows: 1. Is your stake overcrowded? If not, what inducements does it present to young, energetic, and thrifty men who desire homes, to settle and remain within its limits? 2. How many families can the portion of country under your supervision yet accommodate? 3. At what price can reasonably good farming land be purchased in your stake? Is there any government land that can be reclaimed still unoccupied? 4. What occupations yield the richest financial returns in your stake? The answers of many stake presidents were also printed in The Contributor including the reply from Richard Fry: PRESIDENT RICHARD FRY of Morgan Stake Morgan City, April 5, 1894 THE CONTRIBUTOR CO. GENTLEMEN: All our tillable land is occupied. For fifteen years families and young people about to marry have moved out to Bear Lake, Star Valley and Unitah 50 County, to settle on land for farming. For twenty years our population has not increased on account of so many moving away. Farming land when offered for sale sells from thirty to fifty dollars per acre. There is considerable government land situated in the mountains that can be reclaimed for pasturage. Blacksmiths and carpenters earn the highest wages. Morgan County is purely agricultural. Nine-tenths of the people farm for a living. Respectfully, R. Fry37

Industry and Economy in Morgan County Margaret Thackery gives an interesting picture of the state of the economy in Morgan County around 1894: My husband, Horace Thackery, was busy working in the garden getting it ready for winter. As he was digging the potatoes, he found a small, round coin, about one inch in diameter. He put it in his pocket and continued digging. I joined him later in the afternoon and he showed me what he had found. He scraped off some of the dirt and we could see that it wasn't actually money, but the number 10 showed up so clearly that I took it to the house to try to polish it more. As the corrosion began to disappear, lettering came clearing into view. On one side was written; Fry Mercantile General Merchandise Morgan, Utah On the reverse side was: Good for 10 in Merchandise This fascinated me. I hadn't heard of this type coin in the county before. I first contacted Roy E. Francis to see if he could tell me anything about it. He had heard of this medium of exchange in early days, from his father. We thought it best to inquire of Richard T. Fry for information. This is the story as Mr. Fry gave it to me; "Indeed I do remember the coins or checks, as they were called then, .very vividly. They were used by my father, Richard R. Fry, and my grandfather, Richard Fry, in their store. "During the financial panic of 1894 money was non-existent in Morgan. If anyone did have a dollar or so they kept it. The three mercantile stores, namely, J. Williams & Sons, Z.C.M.I., commonly known as the Co-op, and Fry Mercantile, were at a loss to knowwhat to use for money when people brought produce such as potatoes, eggs, butter, fruits, etc., to sell from the farms of the community. They finally decided to issue their own money and did so. "Williams coins were made of brass and were the same size as regular United States money. Co-op coins were also made of brass, only octagonal.

51 Fry's were made of aluminum. The denominations being in $1,5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, and 50 cents. Each store's coins were redeemable at their store only. "At one time I remember a lady coming to my father's store for 50 cents worth of sugar. Father didn't have any sugar. He did have a Co-op check in the till. He gave it to me and told me togd to the manager of the Co-op and ask him to exchange it for a Williams check. I took the exchanged check, went to Williams, purchased the sugar and took it back to the lady waiting at father's store. "It was during this period of time that a strike was called on the railroad. For three or four months the only trains passing through Morgan were mail trains. Williams had sent someone to Salt Lake for supplies and was successful in bringing back three or four hundred pounds of sugar, among other things. "This type money was used for about ten years. As conditions in the nation and state began to right themselves, the 'checks' were called in and regular United States money was used to redeem them. The Co-op and Williams were able to weather the storm, but the Fry Mercantile went broke." How many years this coin has lain in the ground, been trampled on by cattle and horses, chickens and pigs, no one knows. It could be sixty to seventy years. At any rate the little coin has an interesting background.38 Margaret Thackery donated the coin from Fry Mercantile to the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers Museum in Morgan, Utah. In the Morgan Stake conference, 13 and 14 May 1894, with Elder Franklin D. Richards present, counselor Samuel Francis referred to the excellent condition of the people of the Valley in comparison with the condition of laboring classes in other parts of the country, as well as abroad. From the minutes taken of his talk we read: "While the whole country seems upset by the working class, we see a great contrast at home. Why? Because we have had better teaching. The servants of God talk to us about our farms, etc. They are interested in our scholastic as well as in our spiritual welfare. . . . Great educators are encouraged to come among us to teach our teachers. We not only have the Spirit of God, but the best of teachers. Zion is to be the light of the world. Let us not be behind in performing our duties. Let us educate ourselves and our neighbors that we may do each other good."39

Morgan Stake Meetings and Visitors The first annual Sunday School conference of Morgan Stake was held in Simmons' Hall at Morgan City, Saturday and Sunday, 1 and 2 September 1894. Stake Sunday School superintendent, John K. Hall, with his counselors James R. Stuart and Daniel Heiner, presided. The stake presidency was in attendance, along with John M. Whitakerand Levi W. Richards, visitors from the General Sunday School Board. Brother Whitaker, in his cheerful manner, greatly attracted the attention of the Sunday School children with his excellent stories and made a lasting impression for good upon the minds of all those present. The children of the stake sang for the conference.40 At the next stake conference, 10 and 11 February 1895, Elder Francis Marion Lyman, of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, attended. He there noted the fact that Bishop John K. Hall was holding positions which were incompatible. He was concurrently serving as bishop of a ward and stake superintendent of Sunday Schools. In obedience to the counsel of Elder Lyman, Brother Hall resigned as stake superintendent of Sunday Schools, which was accepted. He had held this position for almost twenty years. Fred W. Clark was selected to fill the vacancy. The Sunday School workers held a banquet in Simmons' Hall on the evening of 10 March 1895 to honor John K. Hall and James R. Stuart, his first assistant, who was also released. The event was well attended by numerous stake and ward authorities, as well as by Sunday school workers, relatives, and friends fromal l over the Valley. The opening prayer was given by President Richard Fry, after which the South Morgan choir, under the leadership of Professor James R. Rawle, sang. There were speeches, songs, and recitations by some of the most talented people in the stake. Brother W. G. Brough spoke and presented Super­ intendent Hall with a handsome gold-headed cane, with his name, position, and the dates of his Sunday School service engraved in the gold. James R Stuart was presented with a finely finished umbrella. E. A Richardson read a poem he had written especially for this occasion, after which speeches of appreciation were given by Brothers Hall and Stuart. After an excellent supper, everyone in the group, young and old alike, enjoyed a social dance until after the midnight hour, when the entertainment was brought toa close with prayer being offered by Willard G. Smith.41 The quarterly conference of 19 and 20 May 1895, was the first to be held in the Morgan Stake meetinghouse after the fire in April 1893. During the conference, President William H. Rich and other speakers referred to the unfinished condition of the stake meetinghouse, and urged that it be completed. President Rich warned the people about expending their means unwisely. Elder Franklin D. Richards, of the Council of the Twelve, was the visiting authority from Salt Lake City. He discussed the importance of keeping records. Willard G. Smith also spoke on records.42 At stake conference, Sunday, 4 August 1895, Sister Ann Fry, wife of Richard Fry, was set apart as Stake Primary president, with Rachel Robison as her first counselor, Emma White as second counselor, and Lucy Robison as secretary.43 Dr. Joseph Marion Tanner, a prominent educator of the day, spoke along with George Goddard of the Deseret Sunday School Board, Ezra Thompson Clark, a patriarch fromFarming ! on and one of the early pioneers of Davis County, also visited and spoke at the conference.44 One reason for frequentvisit s of Church authorities to the Valley was the excellent train service from Salt Lake City to Morgan. In only two hours, the people could ride via the Oregon Shortline to Ogden and from there by Union Pacific to Morgan. A trip to attend conference could be made in one day, if necessary, but most visitors stayed overnight for the two-day stake conference. Telegraph messages were sent to announce time of train arrivals for convenient pickups at the railroad station, and from there the visitors would be taken directly to the meetings.45 On 18 May 1897, Bishop Charles Turner wrote: "Sunday: Did chores, cleaned up and went to conference in which the Sunday School children took part. In this morning's meeting I directed the administration of the sacrament. Apostles Franklin Richards and John H. Smith was present and both of them spoke to us this morning. . . Afternoon: Prepared the sacrament and directed the administration of the same. The Apostles again addressed us. A large gathering this afternoon. After meeting I went to President R. Fry's and assisted in administering to Jessie Taggart who has been unwell for some time. Had quite a talk with the Apostles and Apostle F. D. Richards accompanied me home. Took supper and stayed over night with us, for which privilege we feel to thank God for the honor of entertaining an Apostle over night and to have him eat, drink, and pray with us."46 At times, the leaders of the stake were invited to conferences of their neighboring stakes. Frequent mention is made by Samuel Francis about visiting Summit Stake conference at Coalville. On one occasion he recorded: "Sunday, May 14, 1899: Counselor William Rich and I went to Coalville to attend the dedication of the new Summit Stake House. On boarding the train we met President Lorenzo Snow and Apostles Franklin D. Richards and GeoigeTeasdale and accompanied them on the train toCoalville. This was a spiritual experience long to be remembered."47 With all the responsibilities and busy schedules of the visiting Church authorities, it must have been refreshing and relaxing to take the train ride up Weber Canyon and see the beautiful mountains and Morgan Valley. After one of his trips to Morgan, Elder Edward Stevenson wrote to the Deseret News describing his trip as follows; "A Trip to Morgan" Morgan City, Morgan County, Utah May 18, 1896 ApostleJ. H. Smith and I left Salt Lake City on the U.P. train at 7:00 am. in the midst of a rain storm, and in fiftyminute s we were in Ogden City, thirty-eight miles north of Salt Lake, where we changed cars for Morgan City, east and up the Weber River, passing through Devil's Gateway, in the midst of towering rocks and elevated mountain peaks, dotted here and there with cedars and pine trees, but capped with snow. Indeed the panoramic scenery was sublime and as the tourist from the flat, level country passes through these mountain gorges, all is excitement. Eager eyes turn toward the grand scenery. Doubtless God's anger was kindled when His only begotten Son was ignominiously murdered. No wonder if the solid rocks were rent in twain, mountains cast up and the face of nature changed! 54 Carriages were prepared on the arrival of the train, in the broad fields where the mountains opened up space for a lovely valley and the city of Morgan. We were conveyed to a meeting house where about 800 souls were waiting for spiritual food. Jesus said to his ancient Apostles, and why not to his modern disciples: 'If you love me, feed my sheep, feed my lambs.' The morning services were occupied by speaking comforting words and instructions and by reports from the various wards of this Stake of Zion located in the tops of the mountains. In the afternoon Sacrament services took place, with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost. Eighteen pieces of silver sacramental service, glittering in their burnished beauty, was presented to the Church by the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Society and was graciously received with a vote of thanks. The cost of the service was $80.00. Apostle Smith and visitors were the first to sip from the cup, the emblems of the spilt blood of a crucified Redeemer. Two beautiful chandeliers had also been presented by the Relief Societies for the benefit of the edifice. These were procured by the sisters by nickel subscription. What cannot the sisters do when they take it into their heads? The original price of the three chandeliers was over $100.00. Five meetings in all were held. Monday's meetings were crowded and a happy time was enjoyed. There is a useful industry started up, near this city, which proves a blessing to many. It is a creamery. Milk is bought even in small quantities and taken from the doors of widows and the poor and credit is given to each party on the factory books. A store is kept by the company from which the creditors may draw their groceries and necessities. Eight hundred dollars was paid out in money and goods for the past month. This amount scattered among the people monthly relieves many wants. A widow may keep a cow or two,especially just outside the city. Father Rich, one mile and a half out, milks his cows and lets them out on the sides of the mountains to feed, and they return home generally in the evening. I met Father Martin Heiner at the conference, whocrossed the plains in my company in the year 1859. Then his family numbered only 10 souls; now, including his grand and great grandchildren, they number 124 souls, and most of them are in this country. Edward Stevenson (First Council of Seventy)48 It was customary at the time to have the sacrament administered and passed to the members during Sunday sessions of stake conference. This was done under the direction of the bishops of the stake, with Bishop Charles Turner in charge. At the Sunday afternoon session, 10 September 1899, the blessing on the bread was given by President Richard Fry, and the blessing on the water was given by Samuel Florence. The choir sang the hymn, "He Died, the Great Redeemer Died," as the sacrament was being passed.49 Music being an important part of Church worship, there was usually a choir for each stake conference. One Sunday afternoon on 14 February 1897, the music must have sounded especially beautiful. The South Morgan Choir was directed by the stake chorister, James R. Rawle. The singers were accompanied by Eliza Turner at the organ, George Taggart on the violin, Octave Ursenbach on flute, with Samuel Francis, Jr., playing the bass viol. The choir and congregation together sang, "Oh,Ye Mountains High." Then during the service, the choir sang, "Awake, Ye Saints of God," and another anthem, unnamed. The visitors from Salt Lake City at this meeting were Elder Francis Marion Lyman, of the Quorum of the Twelve, J. Golden Kimball, of the First Council of Seventy, and Charles F. Middleton of the Weber Stake presidency.50 Shortly after the arrival of the pioneers in the valley of the Great Salt Lake, the first Thursday in each month was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer. The members of the Church were asked to bring on that day their contributions for the relief and sustenance of the poor, and hand them to the bishop of the ward. The Saints in Morgan followed this practice. On 5 November 1896, a letter written under the direction of President Wilford Woodruff informed the people of Morgan, and all other stakes of the Church, that the time for holding fast day would be changed from the first Thursday to the first Sunday of each month. The ward members would no longer assemble in the various ward buildings throughout Zion on the first Thursday of each month.51

Political Activity During theyears preceding Utah's admission to the Union as the forty-fifth state, there was much political excitement in the Territory. The Saints had been advised in 1893 by the First Presidency of the Church to divide on national party lines, Democrat or Republican, instead of staying with the People's Party (Mormon) and the Liberal party (Gentiles) of Utah.52 President George Q. Cannon told the people that although most of the members of the Church were traditionally Democrats, it was folly to continue the parry lines on which the citizens of the territory had divided as Mormons and non-Mormons. He said it would not do for all the Saints to join the Democratic Party, for if they did, the Gentiles would become Republicans and thus perpetuate the old feelings about politics. He suggested that it would be best for many of our people to become Republicans so the old fight would not continue. President Cannon said it would be all right for those who had strong convictions on the Democratic side to feel free to follow their convictions. But those who had no strong feelings on politics might go into the Republican Party. One thing certain, he told them, was that the old party fight between Mormons and non-Mormons must not continue.53 The people at last began to realize that if statehood were ever to be granted, they must lay aside their bickering and conform to the principles of democratic government. So Democratic and Republican clubs were organized throughout the territory. In Morgan County, Samuel Francis stayed a Democrat. He had been very active for several years in politics, and had been attending a state constitutional convention in Salt Lake City every six months since he had

56 been appointed on 10 April 1882. On this committee, he represented Morgan County. Samuel's diary notes his attendance at twelve conventions prior to statehood. Each lasted from two to fivedays . The highlight of Samuel Francis' public career came when Utah was admitted to the Union. The Congress of the United States and President Grover Cleveland, on 14 July 1894, called for a constitutional convention to be held on the first Monday in March 1895. One hundred seven delegates from the territory met to form a constitution for the state. Morgan County was allotted one delegate to the convention. It could only have been Samuel Francis.54 The Constitutional Convention convened on 4 March 1895 and lasted sixty-six days, until 8 May 1895. Most of the men elected to the convention were Republicans, ranging in age from twenty-four to ninety. Professor A C. Lund was the youngest and Lorin Farr the oldest.55 John Henry Smith, a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles, was elected president of the convention. He was a Republican, but in his address to the convention, he declared that he would preside without party feelings. The question of suffrage for women took up the better part often days at the convention. The debates on this issue fill nearly four hundred pages in the published proceedings.56 Two great orators of the day were there and took a leading part in the debates. Orson F. Whitney was in favor of woman suffrage; B. H. Roberts was opposed. Throughout these debates, the house was filledwit h spectators. Of the event, Judge Samuel Thurman said: "To undertake to adequately describe the eloquence displayed by the speakers, and the powerful arguments made by them would be impossible. Whitney's language was chaste, refined, eloquent and convincing in accordance with his style. Roberts' argument was so strong and powerful as to cause even the most ardent believer in suffrage to fear its consequences."57 Even though the proposed constitution granted suffrage to women, they were not allowed to vote in November 1895 because the territorial supreme court ruled against them participating in the election of 1895, and both parties removed women's names from their ballots. The next year, however, Utah women were allowed to vote and three women were elected to offices.58 The State constitution, a critical document to Utah, was a result of the constitutional convention. Samuel Francis's name appears on the original document, which is on exhibit in the rotunda of the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City 59 President Grover Cleveland signed the proclamation which admitted Utah into the Union on 4 January 1896. It was a day to be remembered. The Western Union in Salt Lake City fired off a gun in the streets when the news arrived that President Cleveland had signed the proclamation. At the sound of the gun, sirens shrieked, whistles blew, bells rang, and firearms went off without regard to place. Songs and cheers rent the air. Bands marched, playing the national anthem, flags furled to the wind. It was aglorious day.60

57 Two days later, the Saints in Morgan celebrated. On 6 January 1896, Charles Turner recorded: "Monday. This morning did up chores and see after things a little. Got ready and went to the big Celebration over Utah becoming a State. We had music, singing, reciting, speeches, firing of guns, etc. etc. Quite a jolly time. Brother Willard G. Smith acting as Marshall of the Day. It was quite a big turn out and agood time. Came home and took supper after doing chores, then went down to Simmons Hall and see the people dance.. . .What a crowd both there and at the court house. Weather bright and clear, but quite cold."61 Obviously, Samuel Francis was excited about the outcome of his years of effort. He wrote: "Saturday, January 4, 1896: Attended general monthly priesthood meeting at 11:00 o'clock. President Cleveland proclaimed Utah a SovereignStateoftheAmericanUnionthismomingatl0;00o'clockAM. . . . Monday, January 6,1896; State Inauguration Day. All State officers entered upon the duties of their respective offices today. We had a grand meeting at the Stake House. Ball at the Hall and Court House in the evening... ,"62 In the Sail Lake Tribune, 23 January 1977, there wasa picture of the official invitation to Utah's First Inaugural Ball, held under the auspices of the National Guard of Utah in the Salt Lake Theatre the evening of 6 January 1896. Listed as a member of the reception committee was Samuel Francis of Morgan County 63Samuel, however, chose to celebrate in Morgan rather than in Salt Lake City, Had Samuel and Esther Francis gone to the Inaugural Ball, they would have been treated to an elaborate affair. The historic Salt Lake Theatre was profusely decorated with flags, with an electric flag suspended at the front of the archway of the stage. It was a blaze of beauty. In the , the largest flag in the United States at the time had been suspended from the ceiling. George Romney and his workers had made the flag, which contained 1,296 yards of bunting; each stripe was two yards wide. The flag was 132 feet long and 78 feet wide. The new Utah star was beautifully and ingeniously illuminated by cutting out the star shape from a yard of black felt, covering the opening with plate glass and placing back of it a reflector which contained five 32-candlepower electric lights. From the great flag were countless red, white, and blue streamers running in all directions and joining the colors which decorated the gallery. An immense eagle rested atop the great organ. Under it was the name UTAH electrically illuminated, The flag, when completed, required eight men to cany it. Ropes were sewed into the edges and it was elevated to within nine feet of the ceiling. The effect was wonderful! The band played "The Star Spangled Banner" as the new, forty-fifth star took its place. Twelve hundred other flags were used in the decoration of the tabernacle, and every child in the chorus carried a flag.64 All the restrictions placed upon the people by a territorial government were now void, and the people united to build a new state. They had a constitution, and they had the right to elect their own governor, legislature, and other public officials. Heber M. Wells was elected the first governor. Daniel Heiner was elected a representative from Morgan County to the first state legislature 65 Shortly after all the festivities for statehood, on 6 April 1896, the Political Manifesto was released by the First Presidency of the Church and signed by the Twelve Apostles. Its primary purpose was to remove the Church's General Authorities out of the political arena. No General Authorities were to become candidates for political office without the permission of the First Presidency. Samuel Francis was attending general conference in Salt Lake City when this declaration was read. He noted that Moses Thatcher's name was dropped from the Quorum of Twelve because he refused to sign the document.66 In October 1896, Samuel attended the Republican convention in Salt Lake City, and then went to the sessions of general conference. On Monday, 5 October 1896, he wrote: "Attended conference in the morning. F. D. Richards, B. Young, F. M. Lyman addressed the conference. In the afternoon President Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Brigham Young, (Jr.)john Henry Smith, George Teasdale, and Joseph F. Smith spoke of the wrongs of Moses Thatcher."67 Again in February 1897, at the Morgan Stake conference, Francis Marion Lyman and J. Golden Kimball spoke about the former Apostle, Moses Thatcher, condemned his actions and all who sympathized with him in any way. In the afternoon session of conferencej. Golden Kimball warned the Saints not to revile against the leaders of the Church—that there were some who were doing so. Elder Lyman then spoke and warned the Saints against the influence Moses Thatcher was trying to use against the Church. In the evening, a priesthood meeting was held where Elders J. Golden Kimball and Francis M. Lyman further warned against Moses Thatcher and what he was trying to do. The priesthood body was then asked to show by the raising of the right hand whether they supported the prophet or Moses Thatcher. All were in favor of the President of the Church. On Monday, at the morning session of conference, after remarks from Samuel Francis and William H. Rich, Bishop Turner recorded: "F. M. Lyman, the Apostle, gave us an amount of valuable instruction of an everyday nature and shown very clear the situation of Moses Thatcher."69 The conference must have been a special one. Over and over, references were given about loyalty to the Church and to the prophet, and warnings against being influenced by Moses Thatcher. Elder Lyman said Moses Thatcher was making himself a great Apostle of freedom by trying to bring a divorcement of church and state. He arraigned himself against the Church and he is not entitled to the privileges in the Church. Elder Lyman told the people of Morgan Stake that a year ago he had asked the people in Cache Stake to fast and pray for Moses Thatcher. They did so. Brother Lyman said that he offered to do the work of two Apostles in order that Moses might

59 recuperate, but President Woodruff told the Apostles if they thought they could bring Moses back into harmony with the Church, they were mistaken. He told the Apostles the responsibility rested upon them and the firsttim e his quorum felt like they were waiting too long was when Thatcher publicly announced that he called upon young Utah to vindicate the cause he had taken against the Church. Elder Lyman admitted that the Apostles did not believe the prophet at first when he told them Moses Thatcher could not be redeemed. Brother Lyman announced a special priesthood meeting for that evening at 7:00 p.m. and he particularly requested the presidency of the high priests, the high council, the bishops, presiding brethren of the quorums, and all the rest of the priesthood to attend7° Again a vote was taken in the meeting to see who supported the leaders of the Church. During the conference, Elder Lyman gave the reasons for the Political Manifesto, stating that it was necessary because of the course taken by B. H. Roberts and Moses Thatcher. He told the people assembled that Elder Roberts had changed his attitude and wanted to be associated with the Church. Moses Thatcher, however, refused to accept the counsel of the general authorities and did not want to associate with the Church. Elder Lyman said, "There never was such an experience in this church since my father (Amasa Mason Lyman) left the church. There never was, perhaps, one so tried as I was." He cautioned the people to be ready for other trials, for, he said, "we are to be a tried people."''1 James Rutherford Stuart, then a resident of Morgan, had enjoyed quite a close relationship with Moses Thatcher, they having been missionary companions in Scotland about 1863- James had been converted and baptized in March 1862. At that time, he was just twenty two years old. He had made preparations to go to America shortly after his baptism; however, when he was about to board the boat, he got word that he was needed as a missionary. Eager to do his part for his newly found religion, he went back and remained in Scotland for two years. During this time Elder Stuart traveled a great deal, part of the time with Elder Moses Thatcher. Brother James Stuart often related an experience he had had during a holiday celebration. There had been a famous runner at the celebration who issued a challenge to anyone in the crowd. Elder Thatcher had urgedJame s to accept the challenge. He finally did, and won the race by a large margin. Of course, James had been very happy about his victory. On the way home, he had related to Elder Thatcher in detail how he had won. While he was talking, Elder Thatcher merely smiled, and then suggested that he and James have a race. James accepted readily, and the two prepared to run. Moses Thatcher, who was then about twenty years old, gathered up his coattails at the signal and started out running away fromJames , leaving him far behind. It was a good lesson in humility for Elder Stuart. James Rutherford Stuart came to Utah in the 1860s and settled in Morgan. He was very active in the Church serving as Sunday School superintendent with Robert Hogg and E. Crouch; later he served as counselor to John K. Hall, Stake Superintendent of Sunday Schools; and as counselor to Bishop Charles Turner in the South Morgan Ward for thirty years.72 It must have been a personal sorrow to him to hear about the problems of Moses Thatcher. Porterville Ward Union For quite some time in the stake there had been talk about uniting the East and West Porterville wards. Elder Francis Marion Lyman referred to it in a talk he gave in Morgan Stake Conference. He said that he preferred to see larger wards. During the summer of 1897, petitions were circulated and signed by all the people in East Porterville and by two thirds of the people in West Porterville requesting the wards to be consolidated. In August 1897, George Teasdale, a member of the Quorum of Twelve, attended conference in Morgan. He mentioned the petitions. He understood the majority of the members favored the proposition, but he addressed the minority who were opposed to the union and asked them to consider the best interest of the entire community. He told the people he would return the next Sunday and go to Porterville with the stake presidency to unite the two wards. He asked that every member of the East and West Porterville wards be in attendance.73 On the next Sunday, 22 August 1897, by direction of President Wilford Woodruff, the members of the East and West Porterville wards met together in a beautiful grove of cottonwood trees on the north side of East Canyon Creek. Here the members of the community had built a bowery to meet in. The ward leaders took a grain header box and turned it up on its side to make a sort of canopy to shade the brethren who were coming to conduct the meeting. Elder George Teasdale was present, along with the Morgan Stake Presidency. Bishop Joseph Porter of the East side and Bishop Samuel Carter of the West side were there with their counselors. President Fry conducted the meeting. The combined choirs of both wards sang under the direction of L H. Durrani. The prayer was given by Lyman W. Porter, and the sacrament was administered by Hyrum Phillips, Heber Carter, and Marlow R. and Hyrum K. Porter. Elder Teasdale addressed the congregation and disorganized the two wards and then united them as one. He called on the people to unite their hearts as the ward was united and to sustain the man who would be called as bishop. He asked the Lord to bless all the deliberations, that things might be done in harmony. The first thing to be done was to honorably release the two bishops with a vote of thanks. That action also automatically released the counselors. Elder Teasdale then wanted to hear from the bishops. Bishop Joseph R. Porter said that the action just taken would be best for the people. He told the group that he knew that the two wards would be united as much as ten years earlier and he had patiently awaited the day. He gave reasons he

61 felt it was best to unite. Then he said, "I tender my resignation as bishop of East Porterville Ward." Elder Teasdale accepted his resignation with appreciation for his labors. Bishop Samuel Carter then spoke about the pleasure he had received during the time he had been bishop. He said the day had come that he had looked forward to for years. He wanted to be obedient to the request, and he willingly and cheerfully resigned as bishop of West Porterville Ward. It was moved to accept the resignations with hearty appreciation for the many years of service. Aunanimous vote of appreciation on each resignation was registered. President Richard Fry then called for members of the high council who were present, along with the patriarch, Alma Porter, to join with the members of the stake presidency as they retired to counsel together about the choice of the new bishop. Elder Teasdale then addressed the meeting as the group under the direction of President Fry left to prayerfully deliberate on their choice. Elder Teasdale talked to the people about the importance of sustaining the man who was to be called. He said they no longer had an East and West Porterville, but they were one. He admonished them to build a new chapel for the ward and promised those who would put forth their time and means to build it, that they would be better off personally when the meetinghouse was completed. When the brethren returned to the meeting they had not decided who should become bishop of the combined wards. Joseph Durrant, who was first counselor to Bishop Samuel Carter at the time, had not arrived at the meeting. He and his wife, Annie Geary, had had three boys, but Annie died after the birth of the third boy. The little son soon followed her in death. Later, in 1883, Joseph married Margaret Cottam. They were very happy together and became the parents of seven children. Three of these children died in infancy, then Margaret also died following the birth of her last little daughter. So Joseph was left again with ayoung family to care for. He kept the four boys with him while relatives cared for the two little girls. Brother Durrant at first decided that he would not go to the meeting. He got the little boys ready and sent them, while he stayed at home to finish up the dishes and straighten the house. Later he changed his mind and decided to go. When he entered the grove, Elder Teasdale saw him and told the stake presidency, "There is the man who will be bishop and will unite your two wards together!" Brother Durrant was called forward. He felt it would be very difficult for him to occupy such a responsible position when he had a young family to care for by himself, but he accepted the call. Bishop Durrant was accepted by the people and served them faithfully until 1907/4 The Porterville Church The members of the new Porterville Ward were anxious to carry out the admonition of Elder Teasdale to buildaward meetinghouse. Henrietta Rich deeded a plot of land at the mouth of Hardscrabble Canyon for that purpose. On 16 October 1897, the members of the deacons quorum met at the site of the new church to "grub" sagebrush. The work of excavation began two days later at 9:00 a.m. Prayer was offered by William G. Brough, and the ground was broken by Bishop Joseph Durrant on the southeast comer. In November 1897, Charles Pentz and Brigham Robison of North Morgan began the masonry work for the rock foundation. A footing eight feet wide had previously been laid, and the foundation, thirty inches thick, was placed on it. The foundation later reached eight feet to the coping. In January 1898, Bishop Durrant and others helped Henry Florence and John Smethurst move their sawmill from Little Dutch in East Canyon. They set it up on the meetinghouse grounds so that lumber could be sawed forthe new building. A week later, William Florence brought an engine that belonged to the sawmill. During that winter, timber was cut from nearby canyons. As ward members brought the timber in, Henry Florence cut it to specification for the carpenters, Johnny Smethurst, Willard Mikesell, and L H. Durrant. In May 1898, work on the foundation resumed. Stone was hauled from the Red Hill in Hardscrabble and from the stone quarry near Devil's Slide. Joseph C. Carpenter blasted all the rock fromth e Red Hill for the basement. It was cut to fit by James Andrew Martin and his son, Jim, and laid by Charles Pentz and Brigham Robison. By 12 June 1898, the foundation was completed. During the summer, Henry Florence continued to saw lumber for the interior of the chapel. He piled it in front of his home until the carpenters were ready for it. On 17 September 1898, the masons began laying brick on the meeting­ house. The inner brick was kilned in Porterville, at Brough's kiln, and the outer brick facing came from Ward's brickyard on East Layton bench in Davis County. Much of the brick was hauled by William and George Florence, who drove to the Davis County kiln, stayed overnight, then returned with their load the next day. On one of these trips, a team driven by George Florence spooked going down Devil's Gate and plunged into the river. Luckily team and driver were rescued, wet but unharmed. Hyrum Phillips was in charge of mixing mortar for the bricklayers. A small stream of water had been brought fromhighe r up on the hill, running into a trough where buckets caught the water. Young boys then carried the water to where the mortar was mixed. One day, William Dearden was mixing the mortar and one of the boys was not moving fast enough to suit him. Brother Dearden called out, "Hurry up, Adam. I need the water." When the boy got there, he said, "My name is JOB, not ADAM!" Brother Dearden replied, "Well, I knew it was one of those old prophets!" On 17 September 1898, John Smith Goodfellow and James Neville of Bountiful came to do the brickwork on the new meetinghouse. John andjim rode horseback over the mountains to Porterville. They stayed with William Florence most of the time they were working on the chapel. They laid the walls, six bricks wide, side by side. They finishedth e walls, except for the chimney, on 6 December 1898. When the building was at the square, placing the date stone seemed an almost impossible task. After the masons had actually given up, however, Hyrum Phillips, in a moment of inspiration, was prompted to use a block and tackle. The marker was soon in place. L H. Durrant had the honor of hauling the rock for the date stone from the quarry below Devil's Slide. He was proud that it was set in place on his forty-second birthday, 2 December 1898. After the brick masons finished the walls, the weather became too severe to finish the chimneys. The temperature dipped to twenty and thirty degrees below zero, and work on the church discontinued for a time. So severe was the winter that meetings could not even be held. On 6 February 1899, a blizzard came in dropping temperatures to 45 degrees below zero. The women of the ward worked as hard as the men on the church, going without many of the things they needed. Sister Elizabeth Porter suggested that each sister pay five cents a month donation until the meetinghouse was finished. Also, they were to donate a ball of rags to make a rug. The women held rag bees and tore worn clothing into strips, sewed the strips together, and rolled them into a ball, which was woven into a rug long enough to go the full length of the chapel. At one time the Relief Society paid $50.00 toward the fund, another time $4.50, and another $6.75. The sisters also bought blinds and glass pitchers for the meetinghouse. The women painted, scrubbed, and cleaned windows,' doing everything they could to help finish the chapel. The firstgatherin g held in the Porterville church was a funeral. The chapel was not completed, but when Emily Jane Brough died in childbirth, her funeral was held in the church. She had been president of the Young Ladies Mutual Association when she died, and the young women oftheward, along with the members of the Sunday School, showed their love for her by beautifully decorating the unfinished church for her funeral. The young women all dressed in white and, forming two lines, walked behind the white topped buggy carrying her body. The steps were not finished, so planks were placed so that the casket could be carried up into the chapel. On 17 December 1899, the new meetinghouse was so far completed that a social was held in the basement. The membership voted to use the church for amusement, but closed the chapel to the libertine, the drunkard, or the profane. Thomas Rich objected to that proposal, thinking anyone with money could demand admittance, but his was the only dissenting vote. So, in addition to being a holy sanctuary—a place of peace and worship—the building also served as a place for dances, parties, and amusements of all kinds. 64 President Richard Fry did not live to see the building dedicated. He was, however, able to see the hard work and cooperation of the people of Porterville. The beautiful church, designed by the people oftheward and the builders who built it, was a unifying force in the lives of the Porterville people. It cost about $5,000, and it stands today as a monument to the planning and sacrifice of the men, women, and young people of the ward.75 Tithing When Lorenzo Snow became Presi­ dent of the Church, it became his "prayer and labor" to get the Church out of debt. President Samuel Francis recorded that he attended a special I priesthood meeting in the Salt Lake I Temple on Sunday, 2 July 1899, which | lasted all day. He said, "The meeting I was devoted to strengthening our faith PorterZlle Church in the law of tithing. About a dozen addresses were given on the subject. We all promised to pay our tithing and teach others to do likewise."76 There had been instruction concerning tithing over the pulpit at Morgan prior to this meeting, however. Many different speakers had discussed this important commandment in stake conferences. At a Morgan Stake general priesthood meeting in March 1899, Bishop William Giles of Milton reported on the conditions in his ward. He asked President Fry if he should recommend non-tithe payers to other wards as being in good fellowship. President Fry said no.77 A continued emphasis was placed in Morgan on teaching the importance of paying an honest tithe. The eighty-third Morgan Stake Quarterly Conference held June 1899, had nearly every speaker address the law of tithing. The same was true of the following conference in September 1899. John Henry Smith, a member of the Quorum of Twelve, was sent by President Snow as a special representative on the subject.78 Before the Morgan Stake was organized, each branch was directly accountable to the Presiding Bishop's Office in Salt Lake City for collecting and disbursing tithing. Money was very scarce, and tithing often had to be paid in kind, which might include property, labor, or produce. Only a small percentage of cash was ever given. Because of the variety in tithing donations, it was an exceedingly involved task to receive, store, and handle the tithing and to convert it into a form suitable for Church creditors. Approximately one-third of the tithing received was used within the stake in which it was collected. The remaining two-thirds was sent to Salt Lake City for disbursement. Soon after the Morgan Stake was organized, a directive was given by the First Presidency for stake presidencies to establish a central stake tithing storehouse. Ward storehouses were to be eliminated, and tithing collected

65 by bishops was to be taken to the stake storehouse. Stake presidents would then be responsible and accountable to the Presiding Bishop of the Church for tithes received from wards in their stakes. The Morgan Stake tithing storehouse and bam were located directly south and in back of the original tabernacle, and the tithing office was located on the comer of State and Main Streets. Later the storehouse and barn were moved to the south side of Main Street across from the present Morgan High School. As a member of the stake presidency, Samuel Francis was responsible for the tithing program of the stake.79 It is difficult to comprehend the amount of work and time necessary in those early days of the Church to care for tithes and offerings. Bishop George Thackery of Croydon made many trips to Morgan by horse and wagon to take perishable goods to the tithing storehouse in Morgan. This was not an easy trip, even after the railroad made apassable road from Croydon to Morgan.80 Bishops from Mountain Green, Peterson, Porterville, and the other outlying settlements had the same problem. Writing receipts posed another problem. A cash value had to be assigned to the commodities, and all offerings had to be carefully recorded so that an accounting could be held at the end of the year. A receipt to the bishop's storehouse, number 238, lists a donation made on 30 June 1898 by Ann Fry, wife of President Fry. It reads as follows: • •* ' E S <|! 2 pounds butter 30 cents J....1.. ^.,,.-^.J..y.,„... *tJ»./,..„ -i-:*iB9>i 4 pounds butter 40 cents 4 dozen eggs 40 cents Total $1.10 igfcjfferxr] It is signed by Bishop Charles Turner of the South Morgan Ward, Morgan Stake.81 Charles Turner, as stake custodian of tithes, under direction of Samuel Francis, had the responsibility to care for the tithing of the entire stake. From his journal it is possible to understand a little better how much time was required to implement the instructions from the First Presidency about tithing. During the first week in January 1896, Charles Turner made the following entries in his journal: January 2, Thursday: Booked up some tithing accounts and took in a little cash. January 3, Friday; Did up my chores today and wrote out tithing receipts until 10:00 o'clock this evening and have been very busy all day. January 4, Saturday; Did up chores. Got tithing books and receipts togetherandwenttostakepriesthood meeting. . . Heard Bishops' reports, reported myself and heard the Presidency all speak. Done considerable business with the Bishops. January 5, Sunday, (1896): Fed tithing stock.82 Continuing with Charles Turner's journal, it is possible to learn more about the kinds of tasks necessary to implement the law of tithing in Morgan Stake: 66 February 19, 1896: Spent this day doing chores and laboring at tithing books. March 16, Monday (1896): Looked after tithing sheep and cattle and delivered one black tithing horse to Samuel R. Brough in part pay for poles or post. . .March 17, Wednesday, (1896): Worked on log chicken house. Talked with Brother James Creager about putting up hay shed in Richville. Hay is getting scarce in our valley at the present. Wednesday, February 24,1897: Spent two or three hours with T. R. G. Welch (the stake tithing clerk) at our tithing accounts. Attended Relief Society meeting. . After meeting we returned to Brother Welch's where we still labored at our tithing accounts and also after supper till 10:00 o'clock tonight. Thursday, February 25,1897: Did chores and spent a pan of the day with Brother T. R. G. Welch at the tithing accounts which are now ready for copying for good. Saturday, February 27, Saturday (1897): Done chores and helped load 100 sacks of tithing potatoes. Tuesday, March 2, 1897: . . .This afternoon took my book and went to BrotherT. R. G.Welch'stohelphimwiththefixhehasgotusintowithour tithing account for 1896. Wednesday, March 3, 1897: Done chores and helped get up potatoes out of tithing cellar and went over the river. This afternoon spentwithT. R. G.Welch at tithing accounts. Monday, March 8, 1897: Spent this afternoon at T. R. G.Welch's in company with President Fry and Counselor W. H. Rich looking over last year's tithing papers and signing them ready to send them to general tithing office at Salt Lake City. Spent this evening looking over the stake meeting house accounts. Tuesday, March 9, 1897: Done chores, then got the yearly tithing reports and took them to the Railway Station and expressed them to the General Tithing Office in Salt Lake City. Came home and settled up with Counselor Rich about Stake Meeting House. Friday, March 12, 1897: Have had to spend the morning with Brother Welch revising some tithing inventories. Took dinner with Brother and Sister Welch this afternoon, helped sack tithing. July 3, 1897: Sent money and some tithing scrip to General Tithing Office while over the river. Wednesday,November 24,1897:. . .Tookinalittletithingandshipped some chickens to the Salt Lake City office. December 6, Monday, 1897: Accompanied Brother Lyman Mecham to Richville and tooka rough sketch of the Richville tithing hay. December 22, 1897: Went to tithing office and put up some tithing pork and chicken, also buner83 Priesthood leaders who spent so many hours administering the tithing program were compensated somewhat for their efforts by receiving a small percentage of the tithing they handled. This was never paid in cash, but "in kind," or a part of the goods they were handling. Entries in Charles Turner's journal indicate payment for services rendered: February 6, Wednesday, (1896): Made out orders forBishopS. Carterto get his percentage for his care of the tithes of his ward.

67 February 20, Thursday, (1896): Settled up with Brother William H.Rich for his labors as counselor to the Stake President of the Stake. February 21, 1896: I visited President R Fry and Counselor Samuel Francis and settled up with them about their salaries from the stake. March 19, Friday, 1897: Got tithing potatoes and helped sack up oats for President R. Fry and Counselor William H. Rich on their services.84 In March, 1900, Bishop Turner was honorably released as stake custodian of tithes at age seventy-two. At the same time, the stake office was discontinued, and the bishops of each ward were given the responsibility for tithing.85 Missionary Work The Saints in Morgan often made personal sacrifices to serve in the mission field. Men were called to serve six month stake missions. These generally lived at home, took care of their homes and families, as well as doing missionary work. In one session of stake conference on Monday morning, 15 November 1897, President Fry read the list of missionaries to travel throughout the stake. They were assigned areas as follows: South Morgan—Orrin H. Randall and James Durrant North Morgan—Anthony Heiner, Sr., and J. W. Stewart Porterville—Hyrum Phillips and L O. Porter Richville—Joseph Waldron and J. H. Dickson Milton—Lyman Mecham and Albert Giles Peterson—Joseph Carrigan and Eli F. Whitear Enterprise—George W. Taggart and R. R. Fry86 Some were called on work missions. In June and July of 1899, several men were asked by the Church to travel to Canada to work on the construction of a canal, James R. Rich, Fred Toomer, Ira Creager, George Hogg, and Joseph Francis went from Morgan, working about four months and returning in October 1899.87 On 6 February 1894, Elder John Hopkin was asked to report in stake conference on his "mission" to the state penitentiary, where he had served a term for unlawful cohabitation.88 Those who made the greatest sacrifices, however, were the families where husbands and fathers were called to leave their homes to serve missions far away for two years or even longer. The "two year" mission was not spelled out as it often is today. In the MillennialStar, June 1899, we read, "The more thoughtful of the brethren will continue to work as if they never expected to return."89 Missionary work then, as now, was extremely important in the Church. From journals and family histories we learn interesting details about LDS missions at the turn of the century. Often there was little time given to a missionary prior to his departure. In the Deseret Newswe read: "A pleasant surprise in Croydon Ward. George Toone was honored. He will leave for a European mission with only 16 days notice."90 It seems to have been the custom to hold a party for the missionaries before they left, usually presenting them with gifts or money collected from friends and relatives. Again, fromth e Deseret News we read, "Elder Thomas Harding, Jr. of South Morgan leaves tomorrow on a mission to Great Britain. A farewell party was tendered him last night and a purse raised to help him on the way."91 William Weisbrodt Francis was married when he was called on a mission to the Netherlands. His father Samuel wrote; "March 19,1897: Snowing and blowing all day. Weather was bad. . . .It was W. W.'s benefit party this evening. It was not well attended. He received $14.00 from receipts of party to help him on his mission. All our family attended except myself and mother." Samuel's wife was ill. At the time, W. W. Francis had been married for ten years and had several children. Samuel was undoubtedly concerned for them when he wrote: "When W. W. went to Salt Lake to be set apart for his mission, he had not been gone more than an hourwhen one of his cows was found dead in acrib in the corral." The very next day W. W. sent a telegram from Salt Lake to his family saying he would have to leave by morning train for Holland. Apparently this was not anticipated because Samuel went right over to W. W.'s home to help his wife pack for his mission. Samuel's wife, Esther, was still not well, and was unable to help. Samuel wrote: "Saturday, March 27, 1897: 28 above zero, fair. My son, W. W., bid us goodbye this morning and left home for a mission to Holland in Europe. He left in good spirits. God will go with you, my son, and bless and protect you and keep you faithful and you shall return to your family in good health, thus saith the spirit."92 W. W. Francis served for three years in the Netherlands. James Tucker, a lifelong friend of President Fry, received a mission call to England when he was almost fifty-eight years old. Brother Tucker and his wife had crossed the ocean from Liverpool, England, in I860, as newlyweds. With them were Richard and Ann Fry, also newlyweds. Together they had crossed the plains to come to Utah, and together they had lived as neighbors' inMorganformanyyears.93JamesTuckerwrote; "InApril, 1894,1 rented my business (Firm of Tucker and Tonks Shoe Store) and responded to a call to perform a mission to England. I received a very honorable release and returning home found my business in much worse shape than I left it. After working years paying off my debts and suffering loss from thieves, I finally sold all my store, also my interests in the Morgan ZCMI."94 Missionaries from Morgan Stake during the presidency of Richard Fry were sent to Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Indian Territory, Great Britain, Netherlands, Australia, and the Northern and Eastern States Missions. But, more than any other place, missionaries were called to the southern states. Following are a few experiences reported from that mission: Patriarch Martin Heiner gave a patriarchal blessing to ayoung man named Joseph Coulam. Joseph was the brother of Martin Heiner's daughter-in-law, Sarah Jane Coulam Heiner, wife of Daniel. In the blessing, Patriarch Heiner

69 told Joseph that he would be called immediately on a mission to the Southern States where he would labor under very trying conditions. There would be times when he would hardly have clothes to cover his body, and his parents would be unable to help him. But, Brother Heiner promised him, the Savior would help him. Elder Coulam was called to the southern states, and the circumstances were just as the patriarch had foretold. One day Elder Coulam and his companion were walking past a blacksmith shop. A man inside called out asking them to come inside to talk to him. The man told them that the night before he had had a dream or vision. He had seen two young men coming down the road. He had even seen their blue serge suits and duffy hats. He said that he could see that the smaller of them had holes in the soles of his shoes and needed new ones. The man then asked Joseph to show him the bottoms of his shoes. Elder Coulam lifted up one foot and then the other. Both of them had holes about the size of a dollar. His stockings were worn through as well, and he was walking on his bare feet. The man said, 'You are the ones I saw in my dream. I'm sure of it." The voice had suggested that he go buy a pair of shoes, and he did just that before he opened his shop that morning. He told Joseph he thought size 8 and 1/2 would be just about right. Joseph replied that that was his exact size. The blacksmith went to his bellows where he had put the shoes that morning. He gave them to Joseph and said, "You take them, you're welcome to them, and I wish you all the success in the world."95 Charles George Turner, son of Bishop Charles and Anna Bosch Turner, also served in the southern states. He left just two weeks after his marriage to Fannie Giles. He labored in Alabama while Fannie remained at home to care for her mother. Charles became very ill with malaria and was released after serving seven months. He died five weeks after arriving home, leaving Fannie a widow less than a year after their marriage. This was very sad and difficult for the young bride. She continued to care for her mother until the elder woman died. Ten years later, she married Joseph Enoch Francis, son of Samuel and Esther Francis.96 The Southern States Mission was especially difficult because of the hatred and cruelty of the people there. In the Morgan Stake quarterly conference of 14 August 1893. Bishop Samuel Carter read a letter from his missionary son, Hyrum. The letter said that President Cleveland had ordered the sheriffs of the southern states to protect the Mormon missionaries from mob violence. They were to have the same freedoma s other citizens.97 In spite of this, Elder Carter was once stripped of his clothing and given twenty-two lashes over his back and loins with a harness tug while he was forced to bend over a log. In a letter home, he said, "Mother, after the firsttw o lashes I didn't feel the rest of them, for God withheld the sting." Sometime later, still suffering fromth e effects of the whipping, he became ill with a fever and died in the mission field. It was fourteen days before his body arrived home. His death was a terrible blow to the Carter family.

70 James Thomas Rich also served in the Southern States Mission, from November 1898 to January 1900. He left awifeandsix children at home. His wife, Emma Elizabeth Hemming Rich, had to care for the six children and do all the home chores. It was very difficult to feed the family and also send money for his mission expenses. One time, James desperately needed a new suit for a mission conference. He sent home for money to buy one. Emma sold everything she could to raise the necessary funds, but was $5 short of the needed amount. She called her family together and prayed that the way would be opened up for her to get the money her husband needed. She received no answer, so she decided to just mail what she had. As she walked into the post office, she shook hands with Brother James Tucker and he left $5 in her hand. That night she called her family together again to thank the Lord for hearing her prayers.98 Illnesses and Epidemics Everyday existence in Morgan County meant hardships in the form of accident, sickness, or disease. Effective medications were not yet available, and little was known in the late 1800s about causes or cures of the many ailments which afflicted the people. During stake conferences, bishops reported on the conditions in each ward. Many of the reports were about illnesses. Stake Sunday School Superintendent F. W. Clark reported in February 1898, that illness was greatly interfering with the Sunday Schools. In the same conference, Patriarch Alma Porter spoke of God's mercy to the people during the epidemic which had been in their midst.99 Bishop George Thackery also reported much sickness in the Croydon Ward. The previous Sunday only six people attended church, a very unusual situation. Also, many old people were passing away.100 The reports of other bishops were much the same. In the Monday morning session of stake conference, 14 February 1898, President Fry adjourned conference because of smallpox in the familyo f Brother Simmons. All public gatherings stopped for three months. Brother Simmons had been serving as a stake missionary, Charles Turner, as mayor of Morgan, was urged to issue a proclamation recommending that all schools, dances, and public gatherings in Morgan be suspended for at least two weeks. Missionaries from different wards ceased their labors for a time. President Fry said, "Let us all supplicate our God on behalf of this disease. ... I say, God bless and protect you from all disease and all infirmities."101 Epidemics in the 1890s were of measles, influenza, scarlet fever, and diphtheria. During a flu epidemic, Esther Francis made big milk cans full of soup, and Samuel delivered them to the families of the sick. Esther and Samuel didn't get the flu, but three of their children did.102 The local doctor was extremely busy during the fluepidemic , going from place to place, rarely stopping, as he helped each person who needed him.

71 When the doctor's wife became ill, he could not stay with her when there were so many others who needed him. He called on Lovinia Francis, who had herself recently recovered from the flu, to help. Willingly, "Aunt Vean" stayed with the doctor's wife, caring for her until the flu had passed. The doctor credited her with saving the life of his wife during this crucial time.103 The entire town of Porterville was quarantined with the doctor diagnosing the illness as scarlet fever. He wouldn't let anyone get near Morgan. Lawrence Porter of Porterville stayed in Morgan and brought groceries part way and left them, and someone fromPortervill e would then pick them up. The doctor treated the disease with rubbing alcohol and cough syrup. Some people were not satisfied with the diagnosis and called another doctor. Medical ethics prevented him from changing the diagnosis, but he was heard to remark, "The people in Porterville had measles. If there had been that many cases of scarlet fever, they would have buried half the town." Nevertheless, some people insisted they had had scarlet fever.104 The Samuel Francis family was quarantined for scarlet fever in February 1898. Samuel rather enjoyed a Sunday at home with all church meetings cancelled. He read English literature in the morning, the dairy papers in the afternoon, and wrote a letter to his sister in the evening.105 Diphtheria seemed to hold the greatest threat for the people. After attending a general conference in Salt Lake City, Esther Francis and her daughter, Lovinia, contracted diphtheria and became very ill. They were attended by Dr. Osgood and also Dr. Rich.106 In October 1899, Samuel bought bromo-quinine to give them. Their doctor injected an antitoxin into their arms for diphtheria, and they both developed partial paralysis. Samuel wrote; "Friday, October 27, 1899; Mrs. F. seemed better this morning. But in the afternoon and evening the pains returned and were more violent than ever. I prayed long and earnestly to the Lord for her relief and after hours of continued earnest prayer, God heard my prayer and Mrs. F. got easy after midnight and was free frompain , but still very sore. Thanks to God for improvement in her health." On Sunday, 12 November 1899, Samuel continued: "Meetings and Sunday Schools in Morgan City all stopped and eight families quarantined for diphtheria. . . . Mrs. Geary of Round Valley died today. She and her husband were among the firstsettler s in Round Valley. "Monday, 13th: Mrs. F. had the worst night of all last night, did not lay down all night. I called Sam and Alonzo [his sons] to assist me in administering the ordinance to her. Gave her a morphine pill about midnight. "10f About a month later, Joe Francis, Samuel's son, was quarantined for diphtheria. Esther was feeling better by this time, and she went with Samuel to visit Joe. They talked with him through his door. The next day, Samuel wrote; "Monday, December 18, 1899: 10 below zero. Very cold this morning. Coldest day of the winter. My cold troubled me this morning. In the evening, Joe was so much worse we brought him home

72 and put him in the office. His wife stayed with him. His throat was nearly closed up. Doctor called at 10:00 p.m., but concluded he would wait until morning before lancing his throat. 'Tuesday, December 19, 1899; 16 below zero. Colder still this morning. We kept Joe warm and gave him good attention. Doctor called about 10:00. Joe was much better. He did not have to use the lance. Joe continued to improve all day. Our home was quarantined again because of Joe. My cold was worse today." The next Sunday, two days before Christmas, Joe was well enough to go home and the quarantine was raised. Just two months later, however, tragedy came to the Francis family. Joe's wife, Mae Stuart Francis, became dangerously ill with a heart condition shortly after the premature birth of her first child, a son. She died on Friday, 23 February 1900, leaving Joe with a rwo-week-old baby, less than a year after their marriage. A heartbroken Samuel wrote; "Oh, my son, Joe. God bless and strengthen you to bear this death blow to your beloved wife so early in married life."108 The Lord did bless Joe. Four years later he married Fannie Giles Turner, the widow of Charles George Turner, who had died frommalari a contracted in the mission field. As mentioned earlier, Fannie had been married less than a year when her husband, Charles, died. Joe and Fannie later became the parents of three sons.109 Like diphtheria, typhoid was also extremely dangerous. Thomas Charles West of Round Valley became ill with typhoid in the late winter of 1898. Dr. C. F. Osgood, just out of medical school, had come to Morgan to practice. He and a nurse, Miss Lucy Baker, attended Brother West, but complications set in. After abdominal surgery, Thomas died on 25 June 1898, at age forty-five. He left a wife with a familyo f fiveboy s and two girls. He had been a skilled plasterer and carpenter. He and his sons had made the adobes for the lining of his new brick home, which was only partially built when he died. Brother West had been very active in community and Church affairs, and he was mourned by many.110 Entertainment and Celebrations In spite of, or perhaps because of, their many heartaches and hardships the Morgan people seemed to take every opportunity to entertain themselves. Many of their celebrations were church related. When special occasions were celebrated by the Church in Salt Lake City, people from Morgan often traveled by train to participate. One such occasion was the celebration of President Wilford Woodruffs ninetieth birthday on 1 March 1897. Samuel Francis loved these great events, and this one was no exception. He wrote: "It was fair and cold, Monday, March 1st, 1897.1 left Morgan by train early to attend the ninetieth anniversary of President Wilford Woodruff Got a place in the tabernacle and felt splendid. Never enjoyed a meeting better in my life. It was grand. President Woodruffspoke well. The music was

73 impressive and inspiring. In the afternoon 1 attended the legislature. In the evening I went to the theatre with Brother Hopkin. This has been a pleasant and happy day for me. I thank God for it.""1 Bishop Charles Turner recorded President Woodruffs birthday in his journal. With it is a description of an old folks' party he attended, which had been arranged in honor of the prophet. "A fine picnic dinner was gotten up and served by our young people. All partook and had a grand time. Was enjoyed by young and old. The afternoon was spent in singing, reciting, music reading, and making speeches, all designed for the occasion. Separated between 4 and 5 o'clock, was carried home by sleighs."112 As early as December 1891 a committee was organized to begin preparations for a pioneer monument which would be part of the fiftieth anniversary celebration to be held in July 1897 to pay tribute to the original pioneers who had entered the Salt Lake Valley. The design for the monument was done by Cyrus E. Dallin, a native Utahan. Collecting funds for the monument was difficult until "the First Presidency of the Church issued a strong address to the presidents of stakes and bishops of wards asking for contributions, and apportioning certain amounts to the several stakes of Zion." The assessment for the Morgan Stake was $280.00. On 20 July 1897, the monument was unveiled in Salt Lake City as the opening feature of the celebration which lasted five days. Wilford Woodruff stood with other snowy haired survivors of the original pioneer band that first entered the valley on 24 Jury, fiftyyear s earlier. Members of the Morgan Stake at the time of the unveiling of the monument had contributed $135.35.113 It was during Daniel Heiner's administration that the rest of the assessment was finally paid. At least two of the original band of pioneers were early residents of Morgan County; Colonel Jesse C Little and Roswell Stevens. Of the companies that came later in 1847, there were several who made their homes in Morgan. Jesse Little had died in 1893 and Roswell Stevens in 1880, so neither of them were there, but their survivors were presented gold badges. It is unknown if any other Morgan residents were there in person as pioneers of 1847.114 Journals of the time show that a few people from Morgan attended this Jubilee. Wealtha Porter Heiner remembered it well, especially the grand parade.115 Charles Turner did not go himself, although several members of his family did. On Sunday 25 July 1897, he recorded in his journal: "Brother Stuart speaks of it [the Jubilee] in high terms as being a very orderly, well got up, interesting affair."116 Another general jubilee commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the Sunday Schools. This was held in local wards on 10 December 1899- Samuel Francis tells of a badge he received for being one of the first superintendents of Sunday Schools in Morgan. Charles Turner also received a badge for his service.117

74 The Fourth of July was the outstanding celebration of the day. It was held in the city-county park in the center of Morgan. Tall grass and plenty of shade trees covered half the block on which the courthouse stood. On the north half of the block was a baseball diamond. Aband serenaded around the park. A patriotic program was then held in the stake tabernacle. Each family from around the Valley gathered at the park for a family lunch. Punch, ice cream, and candy were sold at a central stand in the park. Games were held for children. Older folks would visit about the "growings up and goings on" in the Valley. The Fourth of July was also the day to decide who had the best baseball team in the county. Two, sometimes three, games would be played. Each settlement had its own team, and the competition and rivalry were spirited. The day ended with a community dance at Simmons' Hall—in later years it was held in the Opera House. A Memorable Birthday Party Two grandchildren of President Richard Fry were invited to a birthday party for their little friend, Morgy White (William Morgan White). The party was held at the home of Morgy's grandmother, Jane Bull, and turned out to be more exciting than anticipated. Dick Fry, age five,an d his beautiful little golden haired sister, Ada, age three and one-half, were having a wonderful time playing games of Ring Around the Rosy, Drop the Handkerchief, and Braid the Maypole, with the other children, when a band of Indians joined them. The children thought it was great run to have the "wild" Indians come to the party and they crowded around them. One of the Indians in the group was quite an old man with a big blanket wrapped around him. He wore buckskin trousers and walked in moccasins. Another Indian handed Sister Bull a note fromth e bishop which was written to remind the settlers of the well-known policy of Brigham Young to feed the Indians, not fight them. The bishop asked the people to give the Indians all the food they could spare. Morgy White's grandmother was a widow and she didn't have much to give, but she went to find something for them. The old Indian turned and somehow managed to grab up little Ada Fry, hold her tightly under his blanket, and walk away. Nobody at the party saw what had happened, and nobody noticed that little Ada was missing. Even her brother, Dick, didn't realize she was gone. But over in a vacant lot south of the Bull home where the opera house was later built, Alfred Ellingford and another man were up on the roof of an old shed tearing off shingles with abarand hammer. One of the men noticed the old Indian and said, "Look at that. I wonder what that old Indian has hidden under his blanket." He jumped down, accosted the Indian and told him to drop whatever it was he had hidden under his blanket. He thought the Indian had stolen a smoked ham from somebody's porch. Anybody who had a ham in those days was very lucky. The Indian would not drop what he was holding tightly until the man raised his crowbar as though he were going to

75 strike him with it. Then the Indian dropped the little girl, and she ran screaming back to the party. When five year old Richard saw what had happened, he asked Ada why she hadn't screamed. She cried as she told him the old Indian had clapped his hand over her mouth and held her so tightly to his belly under his smelly old blanket that she couldn't even breathe. Dick asked her why she didn't bite him. She said, "I did, but he pinched my cheek."118 A Practical Joke Then, as now, young boys in families delighted in playing practical jokes on their elders. One such escapade caused quite a sensation in the Valley in the late 1890s. John Gibby and his two wives, Ellen and Dorcas, had a large family of healthy, fun-loving boys and girls. John had an apple orchard which was his pride and joy. He sold bushels of bright red Astrachan apples to people in all parts of the state. In the fall,traveler s came by team fromal l over to buy the Gibby apples. In those days it was often preached from the pulpit that days of calamity were near at hand and people should be prepared. The Gibby boys, George and Alma, listened and were impressed but not seriously frightened by the admonitions. As they went about their work, the idea of a joke began to take shape in their minds. They cut letters and numbers from an old calendar. Then they chose a big green apple growing in a high, sunny spot in the orchard. Carefully they pasted the letters and numbers on the apple, then slipped away quietly and left the apple to ripen. Some time later when the apples were ripe, the boys found their special apple, picked it and carefully washed off the letters and numbers they had pasted on the green apple. To their great delight, the apple had ripened just as they had hoped. It had turned a beautiful bright red color everywhere except where the paper had been pasted on it. There it had remained green and the message on it was easy to read: "Famine 1900." Full of glee, the boys took the apple to show their father. Father Gibby was very impressed and became quite excited. "It's a warning from heaven," he said. "It couldn't have gotten on the apple any other way!" The news spread fast. People talked about it and marveled at it all over the Valley. Some laughed and shook their heads, but most people agreed with Brother Gibby. How else could it be explained? Brother Gibby took the apple to priesthood meeting and it was thoroughly examined and discussed. The old stake patriarch, Richard R. Rawle, said, "Boys' tricks, boys' tricks," but when asked to explain, he couldn't. Brother Gibby pointed out as proof that it was a warning from heaven that it had been placed in the finest orchard in the Valley. Brother Gibby and a good many others were talking of storing food for the Day of Judgement! By this time, the boys were getting worried. Their little joke had gone a bit too far. They would have liked to tell their father about it, but after all the publicity, they were afraid their father would be angry. One day, Father Gibby called his boys together and announced that because of the great warning heaven sent to them by means of the mysterious apple, he considered it absolutely necessary to glean the fields carefully and thoroughly, starting immediately, for grain to be stored away and used when the days of famine were upon them. Poor George and Al! The tables had really turned on them. They went into a huddle and finally decided they would rather brave their father's anger than glean the fields. And so the story came out. Father Gibby was angry for a while, but as time went by, he learned to laugh about it as much as everyone else.119 Youth Dances Some of the stake leaders were concerned about the youth getting too much of a good thing. In the quarterly stake conferences of 1899, several talks included admonitions about the dangers of "round dancing." Parents were encouraged to attend the dances with their young people. In stake conference on 11 December 1899, Elder Anthon Lund gave a sermon on round dancing. 120Although the message he gave was not recorded, the idea behind it becomes clear as Bessie Porter Brough, ayoung girl of eighteen at the time, describes the reaction of the youth. There was a time in the early days in Utah, I think in the 1890s, when the church put the stamp of disapproval on all "round dancing" such as the waltz, schottische and polka. The young people didn't like it. They wanted to waltz and learn new dances. Quadrilles and reels had had their day. They were outdated, old-fashioned. The preachers talked square dancing from the stand. Parents talked it at home, but still the discontent grew. Finally, the church relented just a little and decided to permit two or three round dances each evening. The young people were delighted for a little while, then they began to clamor for more. I remember being present at a dance one night when we saw the boys gather in a group with their arms around each other and their heads together. When the next set of numbers was called, the boys went in the usual way, selected their partners, then turning and facing the dance floor, they stood still. A few hurried words of explanation to their partners and there they stood, eight couples just lined up along the edge of the dance floor. The floor manager asked them all to take their places on the floor. Still, not a move. He warned the boys they were losing their turn todance, then he motioned the musicians to start the music. They played the music through about the usual number of times, then stopped. Then the exasperated floor manager said, 'All right, you can have your remaining number of round dances and then you can go home,' and that is exactly what they did. I do not remember what followed immediately after this incident, but it was not long until the ban on round dances was lifted. But on yielding to

77 the popular plea for round dances, stria regulations were demanded by the church. There must be no close dancing. There must always be two or three inches between the partners, or as someone said, you must always be able to see daylight between the partners.' In some of the towns, floor­ walkers walked up and down the dance floor, making sure the rules were strictly followed. And the parents were always there on the side-lines, backing up the floor-walkers. This rule was gladly accepted, and then we danced the latest dances, the two-step, the racket the rage, and the Irish Washerwoman, but the two-step was the favorite.

Amusement Centers In the wake of the financial panic of 1893, which threw the American economy into a slump, the Church took specific measures to stimulate the regional economy, including the establishment of Saltair bathing resort on a beach of the Great Salt Lake.122 The Deseret Evening News of 31 May 1897, Decoration Day, had the following announcement: "Saltair was formally opened today, and a large company of people went to that resort, some of whom enjoyed a bath in the Lake. "The Lagoon at Farmington was also opened, and crowds went there by the Salt Lake and Ogden Railroad."123 People of Morgan enjoyed the easy access to these resorts because of the railroad. Ezra T. Clark, of Davis Stake, spoke in Morgan Stake conference in August 1897, warning the people about mixing with the wicked, referring in part to "Lagoon, now a resort of pleasure in Farmington."124 Brother Clark, who lived near Lagoon obviously saw things there that concerned him.

End of the Nineteenth Century—Statistics of Morgan Stake From the beginning of the Morgan Stake in 1877 until the end of the century, there was steady growth in the population of Church members. Church records show that on 1 January 1880, the total membership of The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was 160,000. Twenryyears later, in 1900, it had grown to 268,331. During this same period, membership in Morgan Stake had increased from 1,492 to 1,783- The only boundary change in Morgan Stake before the end of the century was the consolidation of the East and West Porterville wards.125 Breakdown of statistics in a few of the wards in Morgan Stake: Porterville Ward, under Bishop Joseph Durrant, had 316 members: 1 Patriarch, Alma Porter 13 High Priests 9 Seventies 18 Elders 7 Priests 16 Teachers 25 Deacons 148 other members and 79 children under the age of eight.

78 Croydon Ward, under Bishop George Robert Thackery, had 135 members: 7 High Priests 3 Seventies 8 Elders 3 Priests 6 Teachers 14 Deacons 59 other members and 35 children under the age of eight. Peterson Ward, under Bishop Joseph B. Robbins, had 111 members: 5 High Priests 2 Seventies 12 Elders 3 Teachers 10 Deacons 53 lay members and 26 children under the age of eight.126 Big Horn Basin Move In January 1900, the governor and the secretary of state ofWyoming visited President Lorenzo Snow in Salt Lake City. They wanted to get a colony of Mormons to settle in the Big Horn Basin ofWyoming. In northern Wyoming at that time, there was nothing but barren waste, with no wagon roads, no railroads, no canals. The leaders from Wyoming were assured that a colony would be sent. President Snow appointed Abraham O. Woodruff to take charge of the settlement. It was decided to have the people who were interested in settling this new country meet at Ham's Fork near Kemmerer to be organized into companies. They wanted to begin early so they could arrive at the Big Horn before the rivers reached the high water stage. On 25 April 1900, Elder Woodruff met the colonizers as scheduled. Seven companies were organized. Company two was made up of people who were mainly from Morgan County. George H. Taggart was appointed captain, with William G. Simmons and Alexander Sim, assistants, and John J. Simmons, chaplain. Other Morgan County men and their families were John H. Dickson, Charles A Welch, and John Croft of Enterprise. They had sixteen wagons, twenty-two men, six women, twenty-seven children, and thirty-six horses. Companies two and three had traveled one day's journey from Ham's Fork on Slate Creek in the Fontanelle Mountains. That evening a severe storm with wind and snow came; it lasted three days. During this time the small daughter of John H. and Avilda Dickson became seriously ill and died of pneumonia. The family decided to have the body taken back to the old home of the parents in Morgan for burial. Avilda could not leave her infant son and other children, so Mary L Welch, wife of Charles A Welch, offered to take the body back to Kemmerer. William Passey fromth e Bear Lake country offered to use

79 his team and buggy to make the trip. The Dickson's eldest son was to go along and take the little body from Kemmerer to Morgan. Not a single extra board could be found to build a coffin, so parts of end gates were used by George H. Taggart to make the box. All that could be done by the fellow travelers was done—but it was, indeed, a sad parting, The companies reached their destination on 24 May 1900. The only shelter was the tents and wagons of the settlers, and each family realized there would be many months and perhaps years before they could again have the comforts of home living. These companies settled Cowley and Byron, Wyoming.127 Death of President Richard Fry President Richard Fry attended general conference in Salt Lake City the weekend of 8 April 1900. His counselor, Samuel Francis, was also there. In the Sunday afternoon session they heard the announcement of the calling of a new Apostle, , who filledth e vacancy created by the death of Franklin D. Richards. It was snowing and cold in Salt Lake during conference, and Presidents Fry and Francis both had bad colds when they arrived home. The next day, Samuel wrote in his journal: "Tuesday, April 10,1900: President Fry came home last evening sick and today he was very sick. I administered to him and in doing so I felt that a resisting power was active. I contended against it and rebuked the cause of the disease and had hopes of improvement. My own health was not good today, and through the evening I had severe spells of

Many people in Morgan Valley were sick at this time. President Fry's wife, Ann, and two of their daughters were also ill. President Fry, however, had suffered with asthma for years and this condition greatly aggravated his cold which quickly developed into pneumonia.129 Samuel visited his friendever y day that week. Each day he wrote in his journal about the progress. "Saturday, April 14,1900: This afternoon I spent about one hour with President Fry. He was in great pain and delirious. It was very painful for him to breathe. Bishop [Charles] Turner and Brother Hogg and myself administered the ordinance to him, but he did not get much relief. He had a severe choking spell about six o'clock and it seemed as if he would choke to death. But he finally rallied. "Sunday, April 15: President Fry was very lowthis morning, but apparently easier. At one o'clock, Elder [William H. ] Rich and myself went to Enterprise to attend ward conference. We called on President Fry before leaving Morgan. He was quiet, but very low. On our return from Enterprise, we went to President Fry's home and found him dead. We were told that he died at 3:00 o'clock. I cannot, here on this leaflet, attempt to tell my feelings in receiving this sad, sad news. I had hoped against hope that God would give him back to us."130 President Fry died on his sixty-ninth birthday, exactly seven years to the day after becoming president of the Morgan Stake. The next day the two counselors, Brother Francis and Brother Rich, met with Richard Rawle Fry, the son of President Fry, to help make arrangements for the funeral. A telegram had been sent to the General Authorities in Salt Lake City on the day of President Fry's death, but Samuel Francis wrote a long letter that evening to President Lorenzo Snow.131 President Snow: In deep sorrow I announce to you that our beloved president, Richard Fry, died here at his home at 3 o'clock this afternoon of heart failure. President Fry returned from the annual conference last Monday night, sick from a bad cold. Tuesday and Wednesday he had a violent fever. Thursday it settled on his lungs and brought on pneumonia. He improved somewhat from the bad effects of his cold and fever on Friday and Saturday, but his heart troubles grew worse and his pulsation weakened. He suffered much in his efforts to breathe and became delirious. President Fry had been so often sick, worse, apparently, than this time and rallied again, that we had good hopes for his recovery. He was resting quiet when Brother Rich called on him before going to attend the Enterprise conference at 1 o'clock. We were much surprised to find him dead on our return in the evening. President Fry has suffered for years from heart troubles and had to be very careful to keep up sufficient strength to get about. President Fry was just 69 years of age when he died. He was bom at 3 o'clock, April 15,1831, and died at that same hour today. President Fry was greatly beloved for his loving kindness and earnest devotion to his duties as our president. Outside of his family none will feel his loss more than myself; we have labored together for thirty-five years in the Morgan Ward and Stake. The family have appointed Thursday next at 1 o'clock for the funeral. We hope you can send some of the brethren up, if you cannot come yourself, to attend the funeral and to give us instructions how to proceed in the absence of our deceased president. It seems impossible for me to write you as I would like to for the great loss affects me mentally and physically. Praying God to guide and direct you, and to help us always to follow your directions, I am Yours truly, Samuel Francis132 Samuel Francis wrote about the funeral: "Thursday, April 19,1900: Today we buried our President, Richard Fry, one of the oldest settlers, a good neighbor, with whom I have worked shoulder to shoulder for over thirty years. I shall miss him and never be able to replace him. We had the largest funeral ever had in Morgan County. The Stake House was most beautifully decorated for the occasion. . . . Mrs. Ann Fry and her daughters, Mary Ann and Emily, were too sick to attend the funeral."133 1. Complete text of letter can be found in James R. Talmage, House of the Lord, pp. 129-31. 2. Gibson Condiejoumal, 25 March 1893, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Sainrs, Salt LakeCiry, p. 132, 3. James E. Talmage, The House ofthe Lord'(Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1968), p. 132. 4. Orson F. Whitney "An Ensign for the Nations," The Latter-day Saints' (Liverpool: Published by Platte D. Lyman, July 1899), 61:469. 5. Talmage, The House of the Lord, p. 143. 6. Journal History of the Church, April 20,1893, Historical Department, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 2. 7. Samuel Francis Journal, April 6,1893. Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 126. 8. Journal History, April 20, 1893, p. 2. 9. Ibid, p. 2, 10. Oral interview with Calvin R. Stephens, former bishop of Milton 1st Ward, 26 November 1985, by Carole King; oral interview with wbodrow Giles, 11 March 1986 by Carole King; oral interview with Mary Mecham, 25 February and 31 March 1986, by Carole King. 11. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1893, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 12. Andrew Jensen, LDS Biographical Encyclopedia Salt Lake City: Western Epics, 1971), vol. l.p. 474. 13. Samuel Francis Journal, April 15, 1893- 14. Ibid,, April 15,16,1893. 15. Mary Chadwick, comp,, Pioneering Morgan County Morgan, Utah: The Morgan County News, 1947, p. 39- 16. Samuel Francis Journal, April 19, 1893. 17. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1893. 18. Samuel Francis Journal, April 20,1893. 19. Ibid., May 6,7, 14,15,1893. 20. Morgan Stake Hisrorical Record, Minutes ofStake Conference, April 1893, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 145. 21. The Fine Arts Study Group, comp., Mountains Conquered (Morgan: Morgan County News, 1959), pp. 54-55. 22. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minuies of Stake Conference, May 14,1893, p. 146. 23. Ibid,, pp. 147-148. 24. ibid. 25. Gibson Condiejoumal, May 6,1893, pp. 135-136. 26. Whitney, "An Ensign for the Nations," Millennial Star, 61:469. 27. Gibson Condiejoumal, p. 137. 28. Samuel Franc is Journal, August 30,1892, p. 113; Samuel and Esther Francis Family Organization, Our Heritage.-Samuel and Esther FrancisiBountiM: Horizons Publishers, 1984), p. 203- 29. Our Heritage, p. 200. 30. Mountains Conquered, pp. 38-39- 31- Maggie Taggart Francis and Hattie Robison Heiner, "History of Lake Como in Morgan County," Morgan County Daughters of Utah Pioneers Histories, Book #4, Daughters of Urah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 32. Our Heritage, pp. 203-4. 33- The Contributor (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Co., May 1894), 15:7a. 34. Charles Turner Journal, copy in possession of Terry Tumer, Morgan, Utah, pp. 201-4. Original located in the Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City.

82 35. ibid. 36. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, August 16, 1897, p. 173. 37. The Contributor, 15:421-22,428. 38. Margaret Thackery, "Story of a Coin," Daughiers of Utah Pioneers Museum, Salt Lake City, Utah, filed under Morgan County history. Used with permission of Horace Thackery, Morgan, Utah. 39. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, May 1894, PP- 155-56. 40. Morgan Stake Historical Record, September 1, 2, 1894. 41. W. W. Francis, "Notes from Morgan," Deseret Evening News, 50:444. Newspaper article is pasted in the original book of Morgan Stake History, 1895, The Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Sainrs, Salt Lake City. W. W. Francis was secretary of the Sunday School Union of the Morgan Stake. 42. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1895, unpaged, copy of newspaper articles pasted on pages of original record book, Deseret Evening News, 50:790, no date included on

43. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1895. 44. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1895, unpaged, copy of newspaper articles pasted on pages of original record book, Deseret Evening News, 51:538; Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1896, unpaged, copy from newspaper article, Deseret Evening News, 52:799. 45- Our Heritage, p. 112. 46. Charles Turner Journal, May 18, 1897, p. 144. 47. Our Heritage, p. 113- 48. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1896, unpaged, copy of newspaper article pasted on pages of original record book, Deseret Evening News, 52:740. 49. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, September 10,1899, pp. 166,316,353,357. 50. Ibid., February 14,1897, pp. 260, 262-265. 51. James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency (Salt Lake City; Bookcraft, Inc. 1966), 3:281-282. 52. Annie Clark Tanner, Mormon Mother, An Autobiography by Annie Clark Tanner, (Salt Lake City: Tanner Trust Fund, 1983), p. 142. 53- Kate B. Carter, comp., Gordon B. Hinckley, "Early Utah Political Events in Which James E. Moyle Participated", Heart Throbs of the West, (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1949), 10:25-26. 54. Our Heritage, p. 196. 55. KateB. Carter, Heart Throbs of the West, 2:91 56. Truman G. Madsen, Defender of the Faith: TheB. H. Roberts Story (Salt lake City: Bookcraft, 1980), p. 217, 57. Kate B. Carter, Heart Throbs, 2:91. 58. Kenneth W. Godfrey, et al„ Women's Voices-. An Untold History of the Latter-day Saints, 1830-1900 (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1982), p. 426. 59- Our Heritage, p. 196, 60. Kate B, Carter, Heart Throbs, 2:91. 61. Charles Turner Journal, January 4, 6, 1896, 62. Samuel Francis Journal, January 4, 6,1896. 63. Our Heritage, p. 197. 64. Kate B. Carter, Heart Throbs, 2:92. 65. Chadwick, Pioneering in Morgan County, p. 26. 66. Samuel Francis Journal, April 6,1896. 67. Ibid., October 5,1896. 68. Ibid., February 1897. 69. Charles Turner Journal, February 14,1897, p. 121. 70. Morgan Srake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, February 14, 15, 1897, pp. 262-66. 71. Ibid,, p. 269. 72. Mountains Conquered, pp. 293-94. 73- Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, August 1897, p. 171. 74. GncehowenKi\ba\xm, History of Old Porterville Church, 1864-1948,1981, p. 39. 75. Ibid, pp. 4,40-51. 76. Samuel Francis Journal, July 2, 1899- 77. Morgan Slake Hisiorical Record, Minutes of Morgan Stake Conference, March 1899, p. 338. 78. Ibid., June 1899, September 1899, pp. 352-55, 358, 79. Our Heritage, p. 120. 80. Mountains Conquered, p. 301. 81. Life Histories of Morgan County Pioneers, Book 2, Morgan Daughters of Urah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 82. Charles Turner Journal, January 5, 1896, pp. 3-4,28, 83. Ibid.,Februaryl9,Marchl6,17,1896,Febraury24,25,27,March2,3,8,9,12July3, November 24, December 6, 22,1897, pp. 66, 123-125,128,157,196,205. 84. Ibid., February 6, 20, 1896, March 19, 1897, pp. 17, 20, 130. 85. Mountains Conquered, p. 326. T. R. G. Welch was the tithing clerk from 1864 to 1900, so Charles Turner was probably custodian of tithes for Morgan Stake for those thirry-six years as well. In his journal account, Bishop Turner left a space which he obviously intended to fill in later concerning the number of years he had served, but it was never filled in. See Charles Turner Journal, March 4, 1900, p. 57. 86. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, November 15,1897, p. 303. 87. Chadwick, Pioneering Morgan County, p. 34. 88. Morgan Srake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, February 6, 1894, p. 153. 89. Millennial Star, 61:344. 90. Journal History, February 13,1900. 91. Ibid., January 19,1900, p. 16. 92. Samuel Francis Journal, March 1897, p. 171, 93. HenryB. Fry, "History of the Fry Family," unpublished manuscript in possession of Camille Fry Wilde, p. 5. 94. "Aurobiography of James Tucker," Book #1, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah. 95. Oral interview with Henry Heiner (son of Daniel Heiner, grandson of Patriarch Martin Heiner) conducted by Lila Christiansen in the 1970s, no date given, recorded on audiocassette tape in Morgan County Library. 96. Our Heritage, p. 227. 97. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, August 14, 1893, p. 150. 98. Mountains Conquered, p. 273. 99- Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, February 1898, p. 314. 100. Ibid, p. 316. 101. Ibid, pp. 324-25. 102. Our Heritage, p. 265. 103- Ibid., p. 240. 104. Grace Kilboum, Old Porterville Church, p. 119 105. Samuel Francis Journal, February 20, 1898, p. 185. 106. Our Heritage, p. 128. 107. Samuel Francis Journal, October 27, November 12,13, 1899.

84 108. Ibid., December 18, 19, 1899, February 23, 1900, pp. 225, 227, 237. 109. Mountains Conquered, p. 202. 110. Ibid, p. 330. 111. Samuel Francis Journal, March 1,1897. 112. Charles Turner Journal, p. 125. 113. Horace G. Whitney, "A Jubilee Review," Improvement Era (Sail Lake City: Published by the Genera! Board, December 1897), 1:71; "The Pioneer Monument," Improvement Era, {.October 1900), vol. 3, pp. 881-885. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, p. 360. 114. Chadwick, Pioneering Morgan County, p. 10; Carter, Heart Throbs, pp. 405,407. 115. Wealtha Porter Heiner, "This is My Life," unpublished typed manuscript, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 2. 116. Charles Turner Journal, March 1,1897,p. 163. 117. Samuel Francis Journal, December 10, 1899, p. 230; Charles Turner Journal, December 10, 1899, p. 51. 118. Dick Fry storytelling session in Morgan County Ubrary, taped by Betry Mecham, 1974. Cassette rape located in Morgan County Library. Oral interviewwith Robert (Chub) Brimley, son of Ada Fry Brimley, on May 26, 1986, by Carole King. Oral interview with Emma Harding, August 4, 1986, by Carole King. 119. "Father Turns the Tables," by Bessie Porter Brough, as told to her by Clara Gibby Whittier. Histories of Morgan County Pioneers, Book *6, Morgan Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan, Utah, pp. 78-80, 120. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conference, pp. 156, 338,340, 363; Charles Turner Journal, January 20,1897, p. 113. 121. Kilbourn, Old Porterville Church, pp. 136-37. 122. Dean L May, 'Towards a Dependent Commonwealth," in Poll, et al., eds., Utah's History, p. 238. 123. Journal History, May 31.1897, p. 2. 124. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minuies of Slake Conference, August 16, 1897, p. 173. 125. Our Heritage, p. 111. 126. Morgan Stake Historical Record, 1900. 127. Mountains Conquered, p. 82. 128. Samuel Francis Journal, p. 243. 129. Journal History, April 16, 1900, p. 5. 130. Samuel Francis Journal, April 15,1900, pp. 243-44. 131- Ibid, 132. Journal History, April 17,1900, p. 4. 133. Samuel Francis Journal, April 19, 1900, p. 244.

CHAPTER 4

ADMINISTRATION OF DANIEL HEINER

It was five months after the death of President Fry before the Morgan Stake was organized with a new stake president. During the interim Samuel Francis and William H. Rich, counselors in the stake presidency, conducted the affairs of the stake. The first stake meeting held after the death of President Fry was the stake priesthood meeting on 5 May 1900. President Francis presided and conducted the meeting. He reported on the death of President Fry and asked the leaders to continue in their positions until the First Presidency saw fit to reorganize the stake. On 10 and 11 June the quarterly stake conference was held. Elders John W. Taylor and Reed Smoot of the Quorum of Twelve were the visiting authorities. President Francis conducted the various sessions of conference. With the apostles present many thought the stake would be reorganized, but nothing was said about it by the visiting authorities.1 New Stake Presidency Called The First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve met in a council meeting in the Salt Lake Temple on Thursday, 6 September 1900. Those in attendance were Lorenzo Snow, George Q.Cannon, and Joseph F.Smith of the First Presidency. Brigham Young, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley, , and Reed Smoot represented the Quorum of Twelve. During the meeting the reorganization of the Morgan Stake was considered. John W. Taylor and Reed Smoot had visited Morgan the previous June. Their report of the affairs of the stake was discussed. President George Q. Cannon then asked those present how they felt about Daniel Heiner being called to preside over the Morgan Stake. Elder Cowley highly recommended him. He felt Brother Heiner was a progressive man, more so than any other man in the stake. After further discussion President Snow assigned Elders Teasdale, Cowley, and Smoot to visit the Morgan Stake conference Saturday and Sunday to effect a reorganization of the stake presidency. President Snow then charged the three apostles to consider carefully the name of Daniel Heiner along with the names of the other brethren in the report Elders Taylor and Smoot had made when they attended the Morgan conference in June.2 Saturday, 8 September 1900, stake conference convened in South Morgan. Elder George Teasdale addressed the Saints about obedience to God and the importance of keeping his commandments. He then stated that it would be necessary to call a new stake president and asked for the faith and prayers of the people in his behalf in calling the man whom the Lord wanted to preside over the stake. When the Saints reassembled in the afternoon session, Elder

87 Teasdale arose and stated that Daniel Heiner had been called to be the stake president. After voting upon the motion by Elder Teasdale, Daniel Heiner was called on to speak. President Heiner "prayed that the Lord would strengthen him and unite the people." He "asked for the support of the Saints and accepted the position." Elder Teasdale then eulogized the labors of the past stake presidency. He admonished the people to pay their tithing and spoke of the necessity of laboring in the temple for those who lived in the world of spirits. Elder Reed Smoot then addressed the conference on the principles of obedience, humility, and patience. (Elder Matthias Cowley didn't attend the conference. The minutes do not explain why.) Following the conference sessions Daniel Heiner was ordained a high priest by Elder Smoot and set apart as President of the Morgan _ ^ • Stake ty Elder Teasdale. William H. Rich was >•# calledtoserveasfirstcounselorandWilliam W. Francis to serve as second counselor in the stake 9>t presidency. Samuel Francis, who had served * / *| faithfully for so many years in the stake * JUttflB Bra* presidency was ordained a patriarch by Elder

'v^^r 1 On Thursday, 13 September 1900, members S^^^™^ ^k of the First Presidency and the Quorum of ^g^ A J^H Twelve met in their weekly meeting in the Salt Daniel HelnertlSSO^T) ^ TemPle" Th°Se PKSGnl WeK ^Sident Lorenzo Snow, Brigham Young, John Henry Smith, GeorgeTeasdale,Anthon H. Lund, RudgerClawson, and Reed Smoot. As pan of the business the brethren reported on their assignments of the previous week. Elder Teasdale reported that the Morgan Stake was again organized with Daniel Heiner called to serve as stake president and William H. Rich and William W. Francis as his counselors. Elder John Henry Smith then moved that the action of Elders Teasdale and Smoot be accepted. All present approved of the new stake presidency of Morgan.4

Stake Conference Stake conference convened during the months of March, June, September, and December. Usually two or three General Authorities visited each conference. During President Heiner's administration John Henry Smith, George F. Richards, HeberJ. Grantjoseph Fielding Smith, Orson F.Whitney, David O. McKay, Francis M. Lyman, , Rudger Clawson, James E. Talmage, Richard R. Lyman.John W.Taylor, George Teasdale, Reed Smoot, Anthon H. Lund, Abraham O Woodruff, Hyrum M. Smith, Charles W, Penrose (Apostles), Joseph F, Smith (President of the Church), Hyrum G. Smith (Patriarch), Seymour B. Young, Joseph W. McMurrin, Rulon S. Wells, Charles H. Hart, Levi Edgar Young, Jonathan Golden Kimball, Anthony W. Ivins, B. H. Roberts, (First Council of Seventy), Orin P. Miller, and David A. Smith (Presiding Bishopric) visited the Morgan Stake. Most of these brethren came on several different occasions. Conference lasted two days with two sessions being held each day. From 1901 to 1905 stake conference was held on Sunday and Monday. This same format was followed during President Fry's administration. Starting in December 1905 stake conference was held on Saturday and Sunday, a practice that has been followed to the present time. During the two days of conference, steward­ ship reports were given by the stake presidency, bishops, Melchizedek Priesthood quorum leaders, and stake auxiliary presidents. If there were any returned missionaries, they were called on to give brief reports of their missions. The sacrament was always passed during one of the Sunday sessions. In a typical stake conference in the Morgan Valley, members of the stake presidency and the visiting authorities would give inspiring doctrinal messages and in addition would give practical advice concerning the planting of crops and daily living. Temporal affairs were 4% often discussed in the early Church meetings. William' '"(7864-1941)" W. Francis On Sunday, 13 March 1904, only one session of conference was held because the roads were impassable fromth e severe weather. But poor roads were not the only problem to keep the Saints from attending stake conference. Working on the Sabbath, distance from the stake center, and general apathy of the Saints were all factors in poor attendance at stake conference. President Heiner struggled for many years to increase attendance. Elder Rulon S. Wells in September 1904 stated that "he regretted that so few were at conference." He then remarked that "when nine-tenths of your congregation is absent, there is something wrong. He did not mean to say that men and women should be to every meeting, but it should be their first consideration to their duties in the Church."'President Heiner also expressed his concern that the attendance was so small. He felt the ward teachers and bishops were not doing their duty and that this in part accounted for the small attendance. Only a few statistics are available for the attendance during the early 1900s. They reflect an average of about eleven percent attendance at the Sunday session. The Sunday session was usually better attended than the Monday session or, later, the Saturday session. A note at the side of the minutes indicates that there were no conferences held between November 1913 and May 1914 because of smallpox in the Valley. The minutes do not tell of the personal heartache of families who fought the disease. Many notable stake conferences were held. Elder Reed Smoot explained in the March 1901 conference that "the land of Zion will be purchased and not redeemed by blood." He explained that in the Thursday meetings with the General Authorities in the Salt Lake Temple, President Lorenzo Snow continually emphasized this principle. Elder Rudger Clawson related the following story in the December 1904 conference; "on one occasion a young man after being baptized and the authority of the Holy Priesthood conferred upon him, he received the gift of healing and was commanded by the Spirit of God at three different times to heal a child that was afflicted, he hesitated each time refusing to obey the voice of the Spirit when the Lord said to him, Thou fool the gift has departed fromthee. ' This young man in afteryears told me he plead with the Lord time and time again for that Spirit, but never received it again." In the September 1906 conference Elder George A Smith warned the Saints to get out of debt. He prophesied that hard times would soon come and admonished the people to remember what he had told them. At the June 1907 conference Elder Heber J. Grant sang a solo, "Who Is on the Lord's Side Who" and "I Know It Is the Promised Land." Whenever Elder MelvinJ. Ballard visited the Morgan Stake conference, he would also sing for the Saints, thrilling them with his beautiful voice. When President Joseph F. Smith visited Morgan in September 1907, he told the story of his mother exercising her faith to find their oxen that had gotten lost during the night. His uncle and a hired man had hunted all morning and couldn't find them. Mary Fielding Smith knelt in prayer and then proceeded to where the oxen were. President Smith concluded by encouraging the youth to always be prayerful. In 1910 Elder Grant again visited Morgan, this time in February and again in December. He asked the Saints if they would not be excited to receive and be able to read a letter from the president of the United States. He then explained that the members of the Church had received many letters from the Savior in the Doctrine and Covenants. He then asked how many had read the Dextrine and Covenants or even the firstsection . In the December conference Elder Grant sang the hymn, "O My Father," and then spoke on the history of the Improvement Era. He explained that every Latter-day Saint home should take the Era. He challenged the stake to have ninety subscribers, which would be five percent and an increase over the past.6 Fouryears later Elder Grant again visited Morgan and spoke on a theme for which he is still remembered: "That which we persist in doing becomes easy for us to do, not because the nature of the thing has changed, but because our power to do it has increased."

In 1904 a pea canning company was constructed in the Valley, which became famous for its peas. An eastern magazine wrote of the Morgan Cannery, "out in this great broad western country, in a crack in the mountains, I find the largest, best equipped, and most modem pea canning plant in the world. Nine complete lines have a daily capacity of over 20,000 cases."7 The pea cannery brought an economic boost to the county, but its operation on the Sabbath caused concern. Elder David O. McKay, in a visit to stake conference in August 1912, stated, "I am sorry that the Lord has blessed Morgan with so many peas that people have to work and run the factories on Sunday." In an effort to ease the problem the stake presidency granted the Morgan Ward permission to hold sacrament meeting on Sunday evenings instead of Sunday afternoon so that those who had to work on Sunday could still attend sacrament meeting.8 At the 136th quarterly conference in February 1916, Elder Orson F. Whitney gave a stirring address, relating important events in church history. Among other things he told about the arrival of the Saints in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. He said, "When they got to the mouth of the canyon, Brigham Young told them to bear to the North but it seemed as though and Erastus Snow who went ahead could see something that looked like a meadows to the south but when they got there they found it to be swamps. So they had to turn and go where Brigham Young told them to go." He also talked of his feelings as he visited the Carthage Jail and saw the bloodstains where Hyrum was mortally wounded and the bullet hole through the door which had killed him.9 Elder Melvin J. Ballard in March 1922 stated; "These conferences give us an opportunity to take stock of ourselves and replenish our Spiritual energy."10 Truly stake conference has been and is a time of learning and refreshing for the Saints who are actively pursuing a course that leads to eternal life. Special Conference On 10 October 1901 President Lorenzo Snow passed away. His death occurred just a few days after the closing session ofth e general conference of the Church. Following the instructions of President Woodruff and the example set in organizing the First Presidency when Lorenzo Snow was chosen President, the Council of the Twelve Apostles, including the two Counselors of the late President, took immediate action. Seven days after the death of President Snow, Joseph F. Smith was chosen President and he selected John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund for his Counselors. By instruction from the First Presidency of the Church, a special conference was held in the Morgan Stake on 3 November 1901. The conference convened at 10:00 a.m. in the stake meetinghouse. A letter from the First Presidency was read by President Heiner explaining that the purpose of the conference was to sustain the actions of the Apostles in choosing a new First Presidency of the Church. In the afternoon session the letter was again read and explained. President Rich then presented the names of the General Authorities of the Church for a sustaining vote. The voting was conducted in the following manner: First the stake presidency was asked to stand and vote, followed in turn by the patriarchs, high priests, high councilors, alternate high council, presidents of seventies, seventies, elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and last of all the entire congregation was asked to stand and vote. The voting was unanimous. It was then "Moved that

91 a certified copy of the resolutions be forwarded to the General Conference to be held in Salt Lake City, Nov. 10, 1901."" The sustaining vote for a new First Presidency was conducted after the manner established by President John Taylor in 1880.

General Conference President Heiner always encouraged the stake leaders to attend as many sessions of the general conference in Salt Lake City as they possibly could. In the first stake priesthood and auxiliary meeting following the conference he would call on various individuals to report on the conference and what they had learned. In the April 1903 general conference of the Church President Heiner was called on to speak. He reported on the stake, the Valley, and the people of Morgan. The Morgan Stake is comparatively small. Brother Hakes stated that he had one of the smallest Stakes. I have been thinking that we had almost the smallest in the Church. We live in a very small valley, but the soil is fertile. The Presidency of the Stake feel that they have a very good people. The Priesthood of Morgan Stake are becoming more united, and the prospect for the spiritual growth of the people is very favorable. The Presidency of the Stake are united. We meet once a week My counselors understand just about as much of the condition of the stake as I do. I have two very good counselors. The same may be said of the High Council. Our financial condition is improving. The people are just beginning, I believe, to find out the value of their homes. I think the homes in Weber valley have, in the estimation of the people there, increased in value 100 per cent within the last year or two. It is probably due to the people cultivating the land more thoroughly and making better use of their time and opportunities. The organizations in the Stake, such as the Sunday school, we are very proud of. We feel that there is an extra good work being done in the Sunday schools and in the Mutual Improvement associations. I am happy to say that everything is favorable in the Stake, although we have some people that are a long way off from being as good as they ought to be; but the Presidency of the Stake are encouraged by the prospects. I thank the Lord for a living testimony of the Gospel. I thank Him that He blessed me with goodly parents, who taught me the Gospel, and that He gave me faith in the Gospel, so much so that I have a living testimony, which comforts me all my days. I ask the Lord to bless the people in the Morgan Stake and in the whole Church, in the name ofjesus. Amen.12

In the October 1918 conference President Heiner was again called on to address the body of the Church. His remarks are as follows; If the Lord will support me, I will be glad to say a few words. I have been very much impressed with the conference up to this time, with the many things of real worth that we have listened to, and I have felt to say that surely the Lord is with his people. Never in my life was I more pleased and thankful for a testimony of the gospel than I am at this time. I also feel more thankful, it seems to me, for our valleys of these mountains, and for our

92 beautiful homes, for our beautiful streams and for these beautiful mountains. I truly feel that this is a blessed spot, most blessed of all upon the face of the earth. I often think about the advice that was given to our leaders in early days that they ought to go to the Lower California to locate. I visited Lower California a couple of years ago, all the way up as far as Berkeley. I spent a month up there, and I thought of what had been said, that we ought to locate up there. But while they have a beautiful valley, especially around Los Angeles, with their beautiful groves of oranges, etc., yet it took millions of money to get the water out to produce what they have there. I want to say that we Latter-day Saints ought to be very thankful for what the Lord has done for us in locating us here. We are surely living in a wonderful time. It seems that great things are transpiring nearly every minute; and if there ever has been a time when the Latter-day Saints ought to be true and faithful to their covenants it is now. I have often wondered if we are thankful enough for our country here and for the land of America. You know, we are a blessed people to have the privilege to live in this land of America One of the Nephite Prophets, 2,400 years ago, stated; 'Blessed are the people whose feet are planted in the land of Zion.' As I have said, I wonder sometimes if we appreciate it as we ought to do. I often times wish that the rulers of our own Nation and even other nations would read the Book of Mormon, and study its contents. Frequently I have thought they would figure things out in a different way if they did. I feel that we ought to stand by this great Nation, and I feel that the whole people of the United States ought to really repent and turn form immorality, and live better lives. I have sometimes thought, I would like to hear of the President of the United States making a proclamation, asking the people to repent and turn to God. I have thought that if that could be done, and the people would listen, that the peace of the millennium would be much nearer. Our boys now over in France are very anxious for us to live righteous lives. They are not only expecting us to put up our money in buying liberty bonds, but they expect us to keep our covenants. They are anxious for us to keep the home fires burning, and if we can assure them that we are true to our covenants, and that we are waking up and understanding the real condition that the world is in at the present time, and that we are living up to the requirements of the gospel, it will help to keep up their morale, and they will surely feel like they had more to fight for and to come back to. I would just like to leave a thought with you, and that is for us to attend to our prayers, to attend to our sacrament meetings, and to wake up, and not be so indifferent, remember the Lord and be true to our covenants. I ask the Lord to bless us and help us to live aright, in the name ofjesus Christ. Amen.13

Building Program and Ward Changes The Saints in Morgan had met in their tabernacle as early as 1882, but a fire in 1893 had destroyed all but the rock framework. It took eight years ofhard work before the building was again ready for dedication. At a stake priesthood meeting on 1 December 1900 the stake presidency presented an estimated cost of items that needed to be done to complete the

93 work on the tabernacle. The items included a gallery, $1,450; approach to the building, $600; seating, $600; raise floor, $207; elevate stand for choir, $600; and heating, $600 for a total cost of $4,057. Two days later a special meeting was called for the priesthood leaders to further discuss the plans for completing the stake tabernacle. President Heiner explained that the approach to the building, the place for the choir, and the raising of the floor were the most essential items to be completed. He explained that he didn't favor the gallery because of the increased expense. It was also suggested that the tithing sheds be moved and the grounds beautified. President Heiner then asked those present to make a tourof the building to ascertain what the priorities should be in improving the building. Afterwards the meeting was opened for discussion. Most were in favor of the needed improvements. The decision was finally left to the stake presidency. It was also decided to move the tithing sheds as soon as a suitable place could be found.14 On 11 February 1901 a general priesthood meeting was held. President Heiner explained that the presidency had decided to finish the tabernacle according to the plan of the 2nd Ward meetinghouse in Ogden. He explained this would include elevating the stand, adding the seating, work on the vestry, and improving the approach to the building for a cost not to exceed $2,000. The bishops were then asked if they would support the proposal, to which they unanimously agreed. The question of raising funds to carry on the work was then discussed at length. Bishop Charles Turner guaranteed payment of $100 to start things moving. It was then decided to ask all members of the Church outside of the Morgan Ward to contribute $1 per family payable within sixty days.15 On 15 December 1901 President Joseph F. Smith, his First Counselor Anthon H. Lund, and Rudger Clawson, a member of the Quorum of Twelve, attended the quarterly stake conference. In the Sunday afternoon session of conference, President Smith commented on how pleased he was with the building and the fact that it was paid for. He reminded the people that it was a house of worship and not a house of pleasure and that everyone from children to adults should reverence it. The dedicatory prayer was then offered by President Smith, culminating the many years of work and sacrifice by the Saints in the Morgan Valley.16 The Porterville building had been started in October 1897 and completed to the point that it was being used in late 1899; however, it was eleven years after it was started before the Saints had paid for the building and it was dedicated. Dedicatory services were held 21 June 1908, at which time President Joseph F. Smith offered the dedicatory prayer. As early as September 1904, Elder Rulon S. Wells had advised the North and South Morgan wards to unite into one ward. Finally on 15 July 1906 a special meeting was held in the stake meetinghouse at 2:00 p.m. for all who lived in the North and South Morgan area Elders Charles W. Penrose and David O. McKay presided at the meeting. The stake presidency and eight high councilors were also present. Bishop

94 Charles Turner of the South Morgan Ward was asked to conduct the meeting. Elder Penrose explained, "Two weeks ago we were here at your quarterly conference and we suggested to the Presidency and High Council that on account of North Morgan not having a house to meet in it would be better to unite the wards. After this matter was laid before the Presidency and high council they voted for the proposition and the reason why it was not made public was that the matter had to be presented to the First Presidency and Apostles for their approval and because I and Brother McKay were present at your quarterly conference we were sent here to attend to the matter. Now we are here this afternoon for the purpose of amalgamating the two wards with a presiding Elder in Stoddard."'7 Bishop Charles Turner, of the South Morgan Ward, and Bishop George Bramwell, of the North Morgan Ward, were then respectively called on to speak. Bishop Turner exhorted the people to be faithful and stated that he was willing to be released. Bishop Bramwell stated that he had suggested over two years ago to Elder McKay that N hM chat, 'be two W2X<^S should be united into organ ape Qne ^ ^ ^^ Qf ajj He tnen gg^j the people of North Morgan to support the consolidation of the two wards. Elder Penrose then released the two bishops and presented the name of Alonzo Francis to be the Bishop of the new Morgan Ward. Bishop Charles Turner was then presented to the people and sustained as a patriarch.18 On 17 June 1910, twelve men with ten teams began excavating the site for a new meetinghouse in North Morgan. The building was completed and dedicated Sunday, 15 June 1913 by President Joseph F. Smith.19 Before the dedication the Morgan Ward was again divided and the Saints living on the north side of the Weber River were again organized into the North Morgan Ward, while the organization on the south side of the river remained under the name of the Morgan Ward instead of restoring the former name South Morgan. Before the construction of the North Morgan church, most of the baptisms in the stake were performed at Como Springs or other outdoor locations. When the North Morgan church was constructed, a large baptismal font was included in the plans and was to double as a swimming pool for the youth in the ward, A group of deacons especially enjoyed this privilege. Normally they would receive the required permission from the bishop before a swim; however, there were some days, as Patriarch Russell Rock recalls, when the temptation was too great, and he and the other boys would slip through a basement window and enjoy a cool swim.20 Because of increased growth and continual changes in ward boundaries the following letter, dated 6 August 1912, was sent out to the various stakes

9^ of the Church from the office of the Presiding Bishop. The letter was recorded in the Morgan Stake minutes as follows: Regarding the Naming of Wards 1st. Before organizing or dividing a ward, please conferwith the Presiding Bishops Office to ascertain whether the name desired is already in use. It is not a good policy to have more than one ward with the same name. 2nd. Wherever practicable the name of the post office and name of the ward should be the same unless, as quoted above, it has already been given to another ward in some part of the Church. 3rd. Namesof one word only should be given to wards; avoiding the use of the terms north, south, east, west, first and second, as far as possible. The general suitability of the name should be carefully considered. 4th. The name of the incorporated ward should not be changed, nor should the ward be disorganized until the subject has been referred to the Presiding Bishop's Office. This is desired in order to avoid legal complications.21 The Morgan Opera House acquired by the stake was originally constructed by the People's Opera House Company in 1906. The building was owned and operated by a private corporation. It had two stories. The lower story was used as a theater while the upper floor was used primarily for dancing. Basketball games in the county were also played there before the high school was finally constructed. Nearly all the stake activities during the Heiner era took place in this building. Just when the stake negotiated for the building is not clear. President Heiner reminded the leaders of the stake on 4 March 1911 that there was still $6,000 owed on the Opera House. He explained that the Church had offered to pay $3,000 providing the other $3,000 could be raised by the people of Morgan. Three months later the subject again was brought up before the priesthood The Opera House was constructed of leaders by President Heiner who grey sandstone and then trimmed with encouraged the raising of the necessary red sandstone. It was one-hundred feet funds so the Church could own the long by fifty feet wide and rose to a 22 height of thirty feet at the square. The building. building was located on the northeast Finally in 1924 the building was corner of State and Young Streets. deeded to the Church. A fifty-one percent interest in the building was deeded to the Morgan Stake and forty-nine percent was deeded to the Morgan Ward.23 At a stake presidency and high council meeting heldSunday, 23 November 1913 the matter of effecting a ward organization at Devils Slide was discussed. It was finally decided to have the stake president raise the issue with the visiting brethren at the next stake conference. Approval must have

96 been given because on 22 March 1914, President Heiner reported to the high council that he had talked to Elder Bush "to see if he was going to remain permanently at the Slide as his name had been talked of for the Bishop there." He explained to President Heiner that his stay in the area would be brief. Cyrus Jensen was then called to be the bishop of the new ward. Joseph Rees and John Taggart were called to serve as his counselors. The boundary lines of the ward were then established as follows: East as far as the bridge on Lost Creek, southeast as far as the Morgan County line in the narrows, and West to the big tunnel.24 In August 1915 President Heiner reported to the high council that he had visited with Bishop Jenson concerning a new meeting house for the Slide Ward, Bishop Jenson had met with President Joseph F. Smith and discussed the matter with him. The bishop felt the building would cost $35,000 to erect, which President Smith had felt was too high for the Church to pay. President Smith offered $2,000, and the balance would have to be paid by the members of the Slide Ward.25 On 15 August 1920 Elder Orson F. Whitney, along with the stake presidency, visited the Slide Ward to look over the matter of building a chapel. The minutes do not mention the result of the meeting; however, the idea of building a new meetinghouse was finally abandoned when the Ideal Cement Company gave the ward a building to meet in for a nominal cost. Another project completed during the Daniel Heiner era was the construction of a new stake office building. President Heiner in March 1917 met with the Presiding Bishopric in Salt Lake to discuss a new stake office. Bishop Orrin Miller was in favor of such a building which would have a room for the prayer circle, an office for the stake president, a vault, and two rooms for the auxiliary organizations. Bishop Miller explained they would have the plans drawn up and ready for the stake presidency's approval when they attended the general conference in April. On 25 May bids were let out for the construction of the building. The building was to be completed and ready for inspection on 1 October 1917. The cost of the building was to be $4,599, The money was to be obtained from the surplus tithes of the North andSouth Morgan wards with this notation; "If you [President Heiner] are not able to obtain this from Morgan North and South wards as last as payments are desired under this contract.you may arrange withyour local bankto borrow money to be repaid to the bank as you receive it from the bishops of Morgan North and South wards."26 At the stake priesthood and officers meeting on 28 October 1917 President Daniel Heiner announced that the new stake office building was complete. The first high council meeting in the new building was held 23 December 1917. President Heiner explained that as soon as the grounds were put in shape the building would be dedicated.27 Following the Sunday afternoon session of stake conference on 15 June 1919, a special meeting was held in the new stake office building for the purpose of dedicating it to the Lord. James E. Talmage and J. Golden

9^ Kimball were the visiting authorities and were in attendance at the dedication along with the stake presidency, high council, seventies, elders and high priests who were the leaders of the respective quorums. Bishoprics were also invited to attend. Elder James E. Talmage in brief remarks at the dedication service, explained that "the dedication of a building was similar to the setting apart of a missionary, and that it became a place of Holy worship." ElderTalmagealso spoke on the importance of a prayer circle. He then offered the dedicatory prayer.28 Prayer Circle The first mention of a prayer circle was made by President Daniel Heiner at the stake priesthood meeting 29 September 1900. He explained that a prayer circle should be established on a stake level for the presidency and the high council and then it could be I organized in the wards.29 Nevertheless, New stake Office Building a would be twenty-three years later before President Heiner's goal to have a prayer circle was realized. The new stake office building, completed in 1917, was designed with a room in which the prayer circle could be held. In January 1922 it was decided that the fourth Sunday of each month would be set apart to conduct the prayer circle. The members of the high council were then instructed to begin to acquire the necessary temple clothing. However, it was ayear later before President Heiner was finally able to write to Salt Lake asking that one of the brethren be sent to organize them and teach them how to conduct the prayer circle. Finally on 22 April, 1923, Elder Richard R. Lyman came to Morgan by special appointment to organize a prayer circle. He explained the importance of attending sacrament meetings, having family prayers and secret prayers, observing the law of tithing, being exemplary fathers and husbands, and becoming good financiers. He also explained that proper clothing was necessary to participate in the prayer circle. The members of the stake presidency, the high council, the stake clerk, and Elder Lyman then adjourned to the prayer circle room where Elder Lyman conducted the prayer circle. The opening prayer was offered by William W. Francis and President Heiner led the prayer at the altar. The benediction was offered by Elder Richard R. Lyman.3" There is no indication that prayer circles were ever held on a ward level. The prayer circle was finally discontinued on a stake level during President Little's administration. Importance of Tithing One of the first tasks undertaken by President Daniel Heiner and his counselors after taking office was to fixu p the tithing office. Tithing was paid in many different ways, as people didn't always have money. Sometimes it was paid by giving commodities, such as grain, livestock, chickens, eggs, property, or labor. To receive, store, and handle the tithing and to convert it into a form suitable for the Church was an involved job. Morgan Stake's tithing storehouse and barn was located directly south and in back of the original tabernacle, with the office located on the comer of State and Main Street. Later, the storehouse and barn were moved to the south side of Main Street across from the present high school (1984). The tithing offices were in deplorable condition. President Heiner raised $4,000 locally and with it he commenced the job of making the tithing office functional and beautiful. The ground was cleared, and lawn and trees were planted. Inside the building, the walls were papered to make the surroundings more pleasant. Corrals to house the animals were repaired to provide better care. Elder George Teasdale spoke on tithing and its importance at the time he called Daniel Heiner to preside over the Morgan Stake. Three months later, 15 December 1900, Elder John Henry Smith attended the Morgan Stake Quarterly Conference. Most of his message centered on the law of tithing. He encouraged the people to attend tithing settlement with the bishop so the records would accurately reflect what they had done concerning the payment of their tithes and offerings. He then closed by saying: "Pay your tithes and offerings, deal just one with another and when the books are opened in the other world you may have a claim upon eternal life."31 The record keeping was greatly improved. Better and more accurate records were kept, and the paying of tithes became a constant message to the people. In 1904, a letter was sent from the First Presidency to all wards stating that the paying of tithing had greatly improved during the past few years. The tithing records were in much better condition. We want every member of the Church who pays tithing to be correctly recorded and those records preserved. We desire to impress upon all those to whom this communication is addressed, the importance of laboring continuously, until every person, who should pay tithing, is on the tithing record, and a list of non tithe payers eliminated. Not only should the 'Law of Tithing' be taught during the annual tithing settlement, but it should be a constant feature of the teachings of the Presiding Officers of Wards and Stakes, Quorums of the Priesthood and all Auxiliary Organizations. Your Brethren in the Gospel, Joseph F. Smith John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund.32 Tithing, a law unto the Saints forever (see Doctrine and Covenants 119:4) has brought great blessings to those who have faith to keep this commandment. Hazel Richins, whose father, Albert Whitear, was a bishop during the Heiner administration, recorded the following testimony of tithing. I had always felt close to father. As a child I would feel happy and secure when he was well and happy. One day a severe hail storm swept off the peak and swerved south missing the neighbor's pea crop on the north. The peas were just podding out and still tender so that a hail storm could ruin the crop. The storm turned and swept south over father's pea crop, beating the pods and vines. Then it turned and missed the neighbor's crop to the east and Uncle Arthur's crop on the west. Uncle Arthur came to see father and asked, "Why do you think the Lord allowed yours to be the only pea crop destroyed? You pay your tithing and serve as bishop.' My father's reply was, 'I don't pay tithing to gain financial success, but if every one of my children should be married in the Temple and live good lives I will feel it is the greatest blessing I could receive.' Over thirty years later I was in the Salt Lake Temple to witness the marriage of my youngest brother Don. He was married by Spencer W. Kimball, a second cousin. As Bro. Kimball shook hands with us, Mother said, This is the last one to be married and they have all been married in the Temple.' Bro. Kimball said, 'What a marvelous blessing.' The goose flesh stood out on me and there flashed back to my hearing the words of Father telling Uncle Arthur, 'If all my children would be married in the Temple and live good lives, it would be the greatest blessing I could receive.' The picture was so plain I could even see the dress I wore, and the exact spot where I had stood. I felt father's presence and thought if I turned my head I would see him. The challenge was accepted and fulfilled. 'Prove me now herewith, if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it.'33 In March 1908, President Heiner reported in conference that there had been much improvement in the stake in the paying of tithes and offerings. At this same conference Elder Francis M. Lyman spoke on fast offerings and the benefit that would come to all who would contribute to this important fund. He suggested a payment goal of five cents per member per month or sixty cents for the year for each individual in a family.34 In 1913 President Francis recommended that the deacons collect the fast offerings oncea month. After discussion it was decided by the stake presidency and high council that the bishops be directed to have their deacons collect the fast offerings on a monthly basis and that each member in the stake contribute twenty-five cents per year. The stake clerk was then charged to write a letter to the office of the Presiding Bishopric and explain the policy that had been adopted.35

Word ofWisdom By 1908 prohibition had become an issue nationwide. Church leaders supported a temperance movement and encouraged the Saints to live the law that had been revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in February 1833 in Kirtland, Ohio (see Doctrine and Covenants 89). Long before prohibition was an issue, however, the leaders of the Church had taught the importance of refraining from substances that weaken an individual physically and spiritually. In March 1903 it was decided at a general priesthood meeting in Morgan that none would be allowed to administer the sacrament unless they were keeping the Word ofWisdom. Bishops were instructed to see that this policy was carried out in their respective wards.36 A year later Elder George A Smith stressed the importance of the Word of Wisdom at a stake conference in Morgan by stating: "We want you men to keep the word of wisdom, if you do not you will be removed fromyou r position. Take Moses Thatcher's condition, he did not keep the word of wisdom, he used tobacco and many other little things that were forbidden and he fell from his position . . . .And! say unto you in the name of Israel's God if you are using tobacco and you do not quit it you will be removed."37 Elder Seymour B. Young commented when he visited the Saints in Morgan that "tobacco isan Indian weed. The devil sowed the seed. It scents your clothes and makes a chimney of your nose."38 At a stake priesthood meeting held 10 October 1908 Bishop Albert D. Dickson39 explained that at one time he had attended a conference held in the Old Bowery on Temple Square where he listened to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young. At the time Heber was speaking the wind was raging. When he rebuked it there was an instant calmness. President Young then spoke on the Word ofWisdom, asking all to live it. Bishop Dickson testified that he had been obedient to the counsel of President Young and had received many blessings for living the Lord's law of health. In September 1909 Elder George F. Richards exhorted the Saints in Morgan to become involved in the prohibition movement. He explained this could be accomplished in part by electing men to city, county, and state offices "who are men of integrity and will carry out the desires of the people." He then asked the stake presidency to interview their stake officers and make sure they were converted to the principles of the Word ofWisdom. Likewise bishops were asked to interview their ward officers. Ward teachers were also asked to interview their individual families and teach them the importance of the Word ofWisdom.40 In 1917 the Utah legislature approved prohibition for the state. The Saints in Morgan County strongly supported this amendment with Morgan being the firstcount y in the state to "go dry" after the prohibition amendment was adopted.41 In 1920 the eighteenth amendment to the United States Constitution made prohibition a law nationwide. Priesthood Responsibilities At a general priesthood meeting 30 March 1901 the stake presidency established the following meeting schedule for the stake: "Monday evening. . . for the holding of Bishops Council meetings, Tuesday evenings young men and young ladies will hold their meetings, Wednesday evening choir practice, Thursday evening all will remain at home teaching their

101 families, Friday evening entertainment and amusements, Saturday night has been set apart as tub night preparatory to the Sabbath."42 Over the years the meeting schedule of the stake was often changed to correlate with new programs and activities of the Church. Ward priesthood meeting, ward teaching, and were three such programs that necessitated a modification in the meeting schedule. Under direction of the First Presidency, Elders David O. McKay and Rulon S. Wells attended the Morgan stake conference in December 1908. A special meeting was called for all of the priesthood holders of the stake following the Saturday morning session of conference. At this meeting, which was well attended, Elder McKay explained that it was the desire of the First Presidency that all the priesthood holders in each ward were to meet on a weekly basis and take up courses of study suited to their individual quorums. The resolution was unanimously adopted by all who were present. Two weeks later the bishops of the stake reported that they were making arrangements for Monday evening priesthood meetings. Ayear later it was reported that all wards were holding this meeting and that it was well attended.43 It was decided on 26 October 1913 to ask the bishops to hold the weekly priesthood meeting Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m, and then commence Sunday School at 10:30 am. It was explained that this change was recommended by the brethren in Salt Lake City. North and South Morgan wards were asked to hold these meetings this way for a month to see how it would work. The Sunday meeting schedule must not have worked out because four years later the minutes record that the weekly priesthood meeting was still being held on Monday evening.44 The home missionaries reported in stake conference 26 February 1916 that the ward priesthood meetings were not running as they should. They also reported that sacrament meetings throughout the stake were largely attended by the women. Several months later the high council reported that at least three of the wards, North Morgan, Slide, and Mountain Green, were not holding any priesthood meetings. It was then recommended that the high council as a body visit these three wards and help them correct the problem. The Croydon, Milton, South Morgan, Porterville, and Richville wards were still holding their priesthood meetings every Monday night.45 If minutes of stake presidency and high council meetings are used as evidence, the area which received the most discussion, prayer, and dedication during the Heiner administration was that of ward teaching. As reports were fileda t high council meetings it was evident that ward teaching was nonexistent in many wards. President Heiner expressed great concern about this and assigned high council members to specific wards to be responsible for ward teaching. President Heiner was convinced that as the ward teaching improved, the conditions and spirituality of the members of the stake would also improve. Slowly the trend changed and by September of 1916 reports showed the ward teaching had increased to fifty percent. In

102 December 1916 it was up to 68 percent; and then in the month of January 1917 it was 81 percent. Forde Dickson recorded his early ward teaching experiences. His first assignment came when he was sixteen years old. He and Lavern Dickson were assigned to be partners and their first appointment was to visit the first counselor in the stake presidency, William Rich. In his own words, "I had studied the duties and responsibilities of the ward teachers so that I was familiar and conscientious with our assignment. It is found in the Doctrine and Covenants 20:53-54. When we arrived we were cordially welcomed. Then I said to him, 'Are you digging any pit for your neighbors? Are you lying or backbiting, faultfinding or speaking evil about your neighbors?' He asked us to pray with him and his family, and after the prayer he put his arm around us and said, "That is the best home teaching that I have ever had, for no one has ever asked me those questions before.' This experience has made ward teaching have an extra special meaning for me. As I offered the prayer in President Rich's home that night, I felt the love he had for us young teachers, and I also gained a love for him that has been everlasting."46 Thursday night was continually stressed as the night ward teachers should visit their families and the night families should stay home and study the scriptures. In 1915 President Joseph F. Smith asked that regular family home evenings be held Churchwide. The following instructions were issued by him and his counselors: We advise and urge the inauguration of a 'Home Evening' throughout the Church, at which time fathers and mothers may gather their boys and girls about them in the home and teach them the word of the Lord. They maythusleammorefullytheneedsandrequirementsoftheirfamilies. . . . This 'Home Evening' should be devoted to prayer, singing hymns, songs, instrumental music, scripture reading, family topics and specific instruction on the principles of the gospel, and on the ethical problems of life, as well as the duties and obligations of children to parents, the home, the Church, society and the nation. For the smaller children appropriate recitations, songs, stories and games may be introduced. Light refresh­ ments of such a nature as may be largely prepared in the home might be served. Formality and stiffness should be studiously avoided, and all of the family should participate in the exercises. These gatherings will furnish opportunities for mutual confidence between parents and children, between brothers and sisters, as well as give opportunity for words of warning, counsel and advice by parents to their boys and girls. They will provide opportunity for the boys and girls to honor father and mother, and to show their appreciation of the blessings of home so that the promise of the Lord to them may be literally fulfilled and their lives be prolonged and made happy. . . . If the Saints obey this counsel, we promise that great blessings will result. Love at home and obedience to parents will increase. Faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influence and temptations which beset them.47 At the stake presidency and high council meeting on 27 June 1915 it was decided that the fourth Thursday of each month throughout the stake should be set aside as family home evening night. The ward teachers were instructed to use the first three Thursdays of each month to visit their families.48 It would be fiftyyear s before the Church would publish a family home evening manual and set aside a particular night free from various meetings and activities of the Church for family home evening. Genealogy and temple work were also stressed during President Heiner's administration. Individuals were invited from other areas to visit Morgan and teach about genealogy and the importance of keeping better records. Genealogy Sundays were also set aside each year to teach the necessity of genealogy and temple work. Stake temple days and temple excursions were also held to encourage the Saints to do their genealogy and go to the temple. Not only were the members of the Morgan Stake asked to do temple work, but they were also asked to contribute financiallytowar d the building of new temples. The leaders of the Church set 12 September 1920 apart as Arizona Temple Day. The stakes were asked to raise as much money as they could on this day and donate it towards the construction of the Arizona Temple. Croydon contributed $62.85, Milton $24.45, Mountain Green $11.50, Morgan $101.55, Porterville $51.08, Peterson $31.15, Richville $43.90, and Slide $54.65- No contributions were received fromth e North Morgan Ward.49 Elders Quorums A special meeting for all the elders in the stake was held 8 December 1907. During the meeting President Heiner read a letter from the First Presidency of the Church on the course to be pursued by the elders quorums.50 The letter contained instructions on recommending men to be ordained to the office and calling of an elder and of ordaining seventies to the office of high priest. Concerning elders the First Presidency stated: "All recommendations for ordination to the office of Elder to be made by Bishoprics to Stake Presidencies after having submitted the same to and received the sustaining vote of the Priesthood or Saints of the ward at their respective meetings. And after receiving the approval of the Stake Presidencies, the same then to be submitted to the Stake Priesthood Meeting for its sustaining vote, or where it may not be convenient to present such recommendations to the Stake Priesthood Meeting, then to a conference or other public gathering of the Saints." The First Presidency also gave general instructions pertaining to all who held the priesthood. "We feel to add that a great deal of labor needs to be done by way of improving the general status of the quorums of Priesthood, both Melchizedek and Aaronic; and that as presiding officers in the Church, we must not permit, in a instance, unworthiness to exist among them; neither should negligence be permitted to go on without special effort being made to stimulate negligent brethren into a state of life and activity."51 104 On 24 January 1915 President Heiner announced to the high council that George Kershaw, who had been serving as president of the second elders quorum, had moved from the stake and was therefore released from his position. It was also decided in this meeting that at least for awhile there would only be one quorum of elders in the stake.52 Two years later the second quorum of elders was again organized. Conway Morris was called to be the president. His quorum included all elders in the North Morgan, Milton, Peterson, and Mountain Green wards. The firstquoru m retained South Morgan, Porterville, Richville, Croydon, and Slide wards. One year later the quorums were realigned with President Heiner announcing that the elders who resided in South Morgan, Porterville, and Richville would belong to the First Quorum of Elders; while those living in North Morgan, Croydon, Slide, Milton, Peterson, and Mountain Green would belong to the Second Quorum of Elders. The two quorums were again changed in February 1921 when it was decided to transfer the elders of the Peterson and Mountain Green wards from the Second Elders Quorum to the First Elders Quorum.53 At the stake priesthood and officers meeting held 28 April 1918 a change was made in the procedure for the ordination of an elder. The stake presidency announced "that from now on any one being ordained to the office of an Elder would have to be excepted [accepted] by the intire [entire] priesthood meeting instead of being presented to the bishops department only as has been the custom during the past."54 Scouting Program The General Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association officially recognized Scouting for boys twelve to eighteen years of age on 29 November 1911. On May 1913 the Church was issued a charter fromth e Boy Scouts of America and thus became an official sponsor of the Scouting program. At the priesthood and auxiliary meeting held on 26 July 1914 Sylvester Heiner, President of the Stake Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, spoke on scouting. He said they intended to effect a Scout organization in the stake and wanted the support of the parents, A year later Edward H. Anderson, Jr. was called by the stake presidency to serve as stake Scoutmaster. In February 1917 he was replaced by Charles White.55 On 8 September 1918 during stake conference Charles White was released and William Abplanalp was sustained as stake Scoutmaster. President Daniel Heiner also announced that they wanted to organize a troop in every ward in the stake. In May 1919 President Heiner instructed the high council to take up the Boy Scout organization in the wards they visited and encourage them to support the program. A special meeting was called on 14 September 1919 and all bishops and members of the high council were asked to attend. Several items were discussed, one of which was the Boy Scout movement. William Abplanalp discussed with the bishops the importance of organizing a Scout troop in their respective wards.56 105 The minutes are silent as to when each ward finallyha d its own Scout troop. However, it seems that by 1922 the Scout organization was fairly well established in the Morgan Stake. At a meeting held for the high councilors and bishoprics 10 February 1922, President Heiner asked the bishops who had not yet organized a Scout troop in their ward to do so immediately. He further encouraged the high council and bishops to support the program. In July, October, and December members of the National Association of Boy Scouts visited Morgan and held training sessions for the leaders in the stake and wards.57 World War I The Saints were to face great hardships as the United States was pulled into a dark cloud of war which was enveloping the world. War broke out in Europe in 1914, and even though the Saints were not part of the initial conflict, they were involved in other ways. October 4,1914, was set aside as a special Peace Day by the president of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, and the Morgan Stake Sunday School Board prepared a special program to be held on that day and also on the following Sunday, 11 October, as 4 October was general conference. As early as February 1915, the Saints of Morgan were contributing to the war stricken Saints in Europe.58 One of the aspects of life in Morgan Stake which gained added emphasis as the war spread, was the participation in county and state fairs. For example, in August 1913, President Heiner encouraged all members of the stake to participate in and support the state fair. Then at the general priesthood and officers meeting on 26 October, it was announced that Morgan County received first prize on "Best Display of Farm Products" at the state fair. A vote of thanks was given to Joseph Durrant for his efforts in preparing the display.59 The winter of 1916-17 was severe. The price of food went higher than it had been in twenty-five years; hay sold for $40 a ton and was very difficult to obtain. Much of the livestock in the Valley died before spring.60 Because of the severity of the previous winter, the stake presidency encouraged the Saints to plant gardens and preserve food. In March 1917, President Heiner asked the people to make every effort to utilize every foot of ground because it appeared there would be a shortage of almost all food supplies the following winter. He personally offered a $10 bill to the man or woman who could raise the best garden of not less than 'A acre. Brother Wm. Smith received the prize in August.61 The United States entered the war in April 1917 and troops were sent to Europe. At the same time the stake received a letter from the leaders of the Church urging the preservation of all food stuff because, "America has entered the big world war to fight for liberty for the world and we must stand at her back." At the next Union Meeting (meeting of the auxiliaries and priesthood), members of the Stake Relief Society presidency gave talks on

106 conserving foods. The use of food substitutes was also discussed because much more food was needed to feed the soldiers and the people of Europe.62 The war came even closer to home in September of that year when, at the Stake Union Meeting, Sister Emeline Bond requested a prayer for her son George, who was in the service of his country and very ill. In August, Bishop Alonzo Francis asked the farmers who were raising wheat to let families who didn't have any wheat go into their fields to glean. President Heiner announced that October 28 would be a day of prayer for our nation "to implore the help of the Lord in fighting the cause of truth and liberty in the earth."63 As plans were made for the 142nd quarterly conference to be held in September 1917, it was decided to hold a special priesthood meeting. Arrangements were made for the sisters to meet for the first session of conference at a special testimony meeting in the Opera House. The priesthood of the stake met together at the stake meetinghouse. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the priesthood of the stake. Encouragement was given by the stake presidency. Elder Seymour B.Young spoke of the "cloud that has arisen in Europe," and promised, "if the boys that are called will be faithful and attend to their prayers God will sure [sic] show his power." At the Sunday afternoon session of conference, Elder David O. McKay gave a stirring address. He expressed his appreciation to the Saints in Morgan for their support to the nation, particularly in the preservation of food. Over 140,000 cases of peas had been canned. He said that for every boy who goes into the war, four are needed to remain at home to take care of him by way of support. "I believe my country is right and those that are going to fight are fighting for the greatest principle that any people or nation ever fought for 'Liberty.' The present war has its purpose and God will bring good out of it. I am not fearing as much about our boys giving up their lives in the trenches as I am about them keeping themselves pure and unspotted from the sins of the world." President Heiner closed the conference with a plea to the people to take good care of the bounteous crops they had been blessed with.64 As winter approached with its shortages, the Saints in Morgan joined the nation in having meatless and wheatless days. On Mondays and Tuesdays each week everyone would refrain from eating meat orwheat respectively so there could be more food for the soldiers and those starving in Europe. In addition the school schedule was changed to a six day week so that young men and women could work longer into the fall on the farms.65 At the December Stake Union Meeting, President Heiner offered words of encouragement to the Saints, advising them to try to make each other happy regardless of the world war that was raging.66 Elder George Albert Smith was the presiding authority at the stake conference in March 1918. He related incidents of the war abroad telling the

1(T Saints that when the Germans were bombing in England the people gathered to the house of Deseret. They seemed to feel that if they could get close enough to the building to touch it they would be protected. The house of Deseret was the London District headquarters, which had been designated by President Charles W. Penrose in his 1908 dedicatory prayer as a "refuge in time ofdanger." During the World War it became shelter for more than a thousand people during the German bombing raids. The building came through the war unscathed.67 At the Sunday morning session he spoke to the children and told them the story of the sons of Helaman, promising them the Lord would protect them if they were in the right. Then he spoke on the patriotism of the people of the state of Utah. At the firstan d second call for liberty bonds, the Utah allotment was for $17,000,000; however, $26,000,000 was raised. Also, for every one man asked to serve, Utah sent four,68 Morgan County was the second county in the state to fill its quota on Liberty Bonds; they were the firstcount y in the United States to go over the top on the Red Cross fund! Then in May at the Stake Union Meeting it was announced that Morgan County was to raise $55,000 or $20 per person for each person in the stake to purchase "thrift stamps" and to aid the war effort.69 A special tribute was paid to the young men in the armed forces at the August priesthood and auxiliary officers meeting. The Morgan County Band was on hand to furnish stirring patriotic music. President Heiner announced that in response to the proclamation of the governor of Utah the services would be of apatriotic nature. The boys leaving for training camps and home on furloughs were issued a special invitation to attend, and were accorded seats on the stand. President Heiner honored theyoung men but alsooffered timely advice on the conservation of foods and the regulations of the government regarding wheat conditions. Other speakers were Warren Porter, Arthur W. Francis, Bishop James A Anderson, Bert S. Dickson, Charles M. Croft. Joseph M. Anderson sang the solo, "My Little Grey Home in the West." As a concluding number the band played the "Star Spangled Banner."70 On 11 November 1918, an armistice was declared. "The war to end all wars" was over. Morgan County had seen 152 young men enlist in the service of their country. They were especially blessed in that none of them lost their lives.71 Post-war Problems It was tragic that signing of the armistice found the country ravaged by an epidemic of Spanish influenza. There were no public meetings of any kind held in Morgan Stake from October 6 to December 29,1918. The war had not claimed the life of any young man from Morgan, but the flu did. Brother Forde Dickson graphically describes what his family suffered during this time of terrible trial.

108 In the fall of 1918 my next brother Jared enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Logan, Colorado. This was the year that the great Spanish influenza plague swept the country. The little town of Richville had its Gethsemane, too. Dozens died in only a few days. Our first casualty came when our older brother, Abel J. Dickson, succumbed to the dread disease on the 16th of October 1918, leaving a wife and fiveyoun g children, and in another two days we received word that Jared had passed away at Fort Logan. Mother had the disease, Elbern was down, and I was sick. Abel was buried without a funeral, and only a few remarks were given at the graveside. He was carried into the room where Mother was at death'sdoor, then taken to the little Richville cemetery for burial. When we got home, it was discovered that he was buried without some of his burial clothes, so by flashlight that night he was unearthed, the casket opened, and the dressing was completed. We were so weak and exhausted because of our sickness that this experience proved to be a most difficult task. The sadness that filled our home was almost more than we could take. In several days Jared's corpse arrived at Morgan. We were there to meet the train, and as we went into the car for his remains, we noticed that the train was full of caskets. I asked the soldier in charge, 'Do all these caskets contain dead soldiers?' His answer was, Yes, and there are seven other cars that are all full of Army boys who have died at the Forest Logan Army Base.' We took the casket over to R. H. Welch's undertaking establishment and opened it to see if we had the right boy. We brought him home and carried the casket into the house for mother to view. This was more than I could take, and so I went upstairs and was followed by Elbern, who said, 'Mother will be the next to die.' I knew that Mother would not die at that time because I had received a witness that she would live until I became a man. I am unable to describe the downcast, blue, and brokenhearted feeling that existed in our family. I will leave this to your own imagination. My rather could not shed a tear, and my poor mother, so weak and sick herself, went through the most heartbreaking and trying time of her life. Jared was buried in the Richville cemetery by his brother Abel without military honors and with only a few members of the family present. Elbern was about to enlist in the Service when the armistice was signed on November 11,1918. The world war and the influenza epidemic was over, and we all got to feeling better.72

Many other homes in the stake were struck with similar tragedies. Only a few names of the many who died are recorded in the stake minutes because they were 'prominent church workers' at the time of their deaths. President Joseph F. Smith passed away 18 November 1918, only one week after the signing of the armistice. No public funeral could be held, but the Saints lined the streets to pay tribute to their prophet as the body was carried to its final resting place. Heber J. Grant was selected by the Twelve Apostles to be President of the Church on November 23, but he was not sustained by the membership of the Church until the following June because no conference could be held with the flu raging,73 At a special stake auxiliary meeting held 29 December 1918, President Heiner expressed his gratitude that they were able to meet. It had been three

109 months since they had been able to meet together and the terrible disease had taken many of their members. He expressed his gratitude for the blessings the Saints enjoy away from the terror of war and then turned the rest of the meeting to the bishops and heads of organizations. Heartfelt testimonies were expressed by all and a strong spirit of love and peace was present.74 The flu abated during the summer of 1919, but as cold weather arrived the epidemic again spread. At the September Union Meeting, President Heiner asked the bishops to have the deacons make sure that all the widows were supplied with wood for the winter; and he warned the people to be on guard against the flu as it was again in their midst. Again in February 1920 the flu struck, but this time it was of shorter duration. Throughout these years of trial, the sisters in the Relief Society of the Morgan Stake offered countless hours of service. Most of those hours are not recorded except in the hearts of those for whom the service was performed. Challenges to Young and Old Though often suffering hardships, the Saints were constantly seeking for improvement in themselves and the circumstances about them. The Mutual sponsored contests in public address and singing. In one particular year, 1915, the contest involved specifically a male quartet and a female quartet. To participate in the contest, every young man or woman had to be in attendance at five regular class meetings of Mutual before they were allowed to enter.75 A reading course was also involved in the contest. At the 135th quarterly conference in November 1915, Elder Heber J. Grant encouraged the development of public speaking and discussed the joint reading course for young men andyoung women and stated one of the main purposes of the reading course was to get young men to read. Some of the books recommended for the course were: The Strength of Being Clean; The Young Man of the World; The Daughter of the North; and The Salt Lake Theater76 One book in particular which had great influence on two of the young men in Morgan Stake and probably countless others was, From Plowboy to Prophet by William A. Martin. Forde Dickson records in his autobiography that he knew that book spoke the truth even before he went to school. Samuel Hopkin relates a special story. When he was a young boy about five years old, he was kicked in the face by a horse while doing chores. His eyes were badly damaged and for a period of over two years they were bandaged and he saw nothing. During that time his bishop, J. Melvin Toone, gave him the book, From Plowboy to Prophet. Samuel loved the book and his mother and other members of his family read it to him over and over again. Even after he knew it by heart, he still enjoyed having it read to him. He states that time after time, as he lay there listening to the story of the First Vision it seemed as if it were happening right then in his room. An unshakable testimony of the Prophet grew which has endured to this day.78 110 At the monthly priesthood meeting on 29 October 1919, President Heiner listed seven areas of suggested improvement for the Saints. They included: 1. Thursday evenings should be set aside as home night. 2. The children should be encouraged to read church magazines. 3. There should be no more card playing. 4. Say a hearty amen at the close of a speech if you endorse it. 5. See that all outsiders (non-members) in your wards are visited. 6. See that men holding the priesthood refrain from improper vulgar references. 7. Try to put down the cigarette habit.79 Another example of the stake's efforts to improve itself was the Betterment Convention held 16 November 1919. An organization had been formed which included a member from the stake presidency, one from the county commission, and a member from the school board. It also included the school superintendent and members of the stake Mutual and Sunday School boards. The committee met and drew up a list of resolutions. These resolutions were then presented by President Heiner at the Betterment Convention. WHEREAS, certain conditions exist in our county which if not corrected, promise to undermine our common welfare, and, WHEREAS, such conditions are contrary to the teachings and practices of The Church ofjesus Christ of latter-day Saints, and in conflict with the Laws of health and Morality, and detrimental to the development of the best civic and patriotic service, and WHEREAS, these conditions, especially the use of tobacco with its kindred evils, are increasing with alarming rapidity, and WHEREAS, the laws of the State of Utah are being openly and knowingly violated in the sale and distribution of tobacco to minors, and in possession and use of tobacco by minors, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that we the citizens of Morgan County, in a special meeting assembled this sixteenth day of Nov. AD. 1919, do pledge ourselves, individually and collectively, to face the situation squarely and to use our utmost efforts to stamp out the evils that confront us, and be it further RESOLVED, that we realize and assume our natural obligations, 1. To discourage the use of tobacco among ouryoung people and to insist upon the enforcement of the laws of this State with reference to the sale and distribution of tobacco to minors and of its possession and use by them, and 2. To encourage and establish principles of Modesty and morality, and 3- To discourage profanity and vulgarity in all their forms, and be further RESOLVED, that in order to accomplish the purposes of this meeting that we effect an organization which shall unit the moral agencies and efforts of the Church, the School, the County and the Home, and which shall be known as the MORGAN COUNTY BETTERMENT ASSOCIATION; and further that it be the sense of this meeting that every citizen of Morgan County be urged to join this organization and to participate in its activities.80

Pioneers of Morgan The Saints in Morgan showed great interest in their pioneer heritage. In 1916 the Church Historian's Office requested that someone from the Morgan Stake be appointed to visit all the pioneers still living and secure data and pictures for the historian's office. Some of the information would be placed in the LDS Biographical Encyclopedia being written by Andrew Jenson, assistant Church Historian. Elder Lorenzo H. Durrant was appointed by the meeting to fill this position 81 Andrewjenson on occasion visited the Morgan stake conference and gave the Saints encouragement and instruction on preparing family histories. Brother Henry Florence, the last of the handcart pioneers in Morgan Stake, spoke at the 154th quarterly conference in 1921. He related some of the hardships and trials of their journey to the west and told of the faith they had in the Lord.82 Henry Florence was eighteen when he crossed the plains in the George Rowley Handcart Company in 1859. It was the eighth handcart company to arrive in Salt Lake, and the only one to cross the plains in 1859. There were 235 people and sixty handcarts in the company which arrived in Salt Lake City 4 September 1859. The company was composed of English and Scandinavian Saints.83 A special program honoring the pioneers was conducted in the Morgan Stake Tabernacle on 22 July 1923- The pioneers of the stake were ushered in by the Boy Scouts and Beehive Girls and seated on the stand. An address of welcome was given by Sister Daisy Crouch, then the pioneers were introduced by Sister Annie Dickson, according to the year they came west. Those honored were: 1847 Thomas Grover 1852 William H. Dickson and William H. Toone 1853 Mrs. Carter 1855 Mrs. Benjamin Smith 1859 Daniel Heiner, George Heiner, Anthony Heiner 1860 James Tucker and Emma Rich 1861 Emma Butters and Mrs. NJ. Peterson 1862 David Coolbear 1864 F.W. Clark, R.R. Fry, Annie Turner, Hyrum Phillips, Thomas Phillips, Martha Dickson, and Thomas Palmer 1866 William Smith 1868 Joseph Durrant Each of these pioneers was presented with flowers by the Beehive girls. Then many of them shared experiences from their past. The program was concluded with a tribute to the Pioneers by H. B. Crouch, the singing of "America" and the benediction by Joseph Durrant.84

112 End of an Administration President William H. Rich, first counselor to President Heiner, passed away 29 September 1923 following a long illness of heart trouble. At his funeral held in the stake tabernacle, President Daniel Heiner spoke of his faithfulness and rehearsed some of the experiences they had shared during the twenty-three years they had labored together.85 Because of the death of President Rich and his own length of service President Heiner requested of the First Presidency that he be released. His request was honored at the l63rd quarterly conference held 9 December 1923. During the presidency of Daniel Heiner the Saints in Morgan experienced many hardships and trials which tested their faith and loyalty; however, through the tests came growth with the stake improving in areas of ward teaching, tithing, and genealogy. The Saints also learned to sacrifice by giving generously of their means to support the nation during the war and to aid those who suffered as a result of the conflict. Endnotes 1. MorganStakeHistoricalRecord,BookC, 1900-1912, p. 14, Located in the Historical Department of The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 2. Journal History, September 6, 1900, p. 1, Located in the Historical Department of The Church ofjesus Christ of Utter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 3. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, September 9,1900. 4. Journal History, September 13,1900, p. 1. 5. Morgan Stake Historical Record, September 18,19,1904. 6. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, found under dates listed in paragraph. 7. Women's Exponent, vol. 32, no. 9, February 1904, p. 69. 8. Morgan Stake Historical Record, August 31,1912, p. 10; June 25,1916, p. 124. 9. Morgan Stake Historical Record, February 27, 1916, p. 117. 10. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 11, 12, 1922, p. «. 11. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, November 3, 1901, 12. Conference Report, April 1903, p. 49. 13. Conference Report, October 1918, p. 79-80. 14. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, December 1, 3, 1900. 15. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, February 11,1901, 16. Journal History, December 21,1901, p. 18. 17. Morgan Stake Historical Record, BookC, July 15,1906. To what extent the Stoddard Branch functioned isn't clear. The stake minutes report no activity of any kind. There are only two references made in the minutes that denote that there was even a branch. On 25 January 1914 it was reported that the Stoddard Branch wanted to hold Sacrament meeting on the second and third Sundays of each month. They also requested home missionaries be sent to help them. When the ward conference assignments were given to the high council and stake presidency 15 December 1915 for the coming year the Stoddard Branch was included. 18. Ibid. 19. Morgan Stake Historical Record, June 17, 1910; June 22, 1913- 20. Oral interview with Russell Rock by Laraine Whitear, December 3, 1987. 21. Morgan Stake Historical Record, August 6,1912. 22. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, March 4,June 10,1911. 23. Morgan County News, September 25, 1987. 24. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 22, 1914. 25. Morgan Stake Historical Record, August 22, 1915. 26. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 7, 17, 1917. No date is given on the letter from the office of the Presiding Bishop but the entry is on p. 153.) 27. Ibid., October 28, December 23, 1917. 28. Morgan Stake Historical Record, June 15, 1919, p. 211. 29. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, September 29, 1900. 30. Morgan Stake Historical Record, April 22,1923. p. 43. 31. Morgan Srake Historical Record, Book C, December 15, 1900, p. 35. 32. James R. Clark, comp., Messages of the First Presidency (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1975), 4:88-89 33. Personal experience recorded by Hazel Whitear Richins. Copy in possession of Laraine Whitear. 34. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, March 14, 1908. 35. Morgan Stake Historical Record, August 10, 1913, p. 37. 36. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, March 7,1903. 37. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 13, 1904. 38. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, June 6,7.1908. 39. Ibid., October 10, 1908. Because the school house was being rebuilt a special meeting was held at President William Rich's home in Richville on 1 November 1914 to sustain a new bishopric oftheward. Bishop Dickson, one ofihe original bishops called in 1877, had presided over the ward for thirty seven years. He was released because he felt "he was getting a little too old to get around and attend to the affairs of the ward as he should." (Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 1, 1914, p. 77). 40. Ibid, September 4, 5, 1909. 41. Morgan Stake Historical Record, September 1,1917, p. 155. 42. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, March 30, 1901. 43. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, December 5,26,1908. 44. Morgan Stake Historical Record, October 26, 1913, December 23, 1917. 45. Ibid., February 26,1916; December 23,1917. 46. Life of Forde Dickson, p. 26. 47. Richard 0. Cowan, TbeCburch in the Tu'entietbCentury(Sait Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985), pp. 322-323 48. Morgan Stake Historical Record, June 27,1915. 49. Morgan Stake Historical Record for year ending 1920, p. 263. 50. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Book C, December 8, 1907. 51. James R. Clark, comp., Messages ofThe First Presidency (Salt Lake City; Bookcraft, 1970), vol. 4, pp. 161-162. 52. Morgan Srake Historical Record, January 24, 1915, p. 74. 53. MorganSrake Historical Record, February 25,1917, February 24,1918, February 27, 1921. 54. Ibid., April 28, 1918, p. 178, 55. Morgan Stake Historical Record, July 26, 1914, December 26, 1915, February 25, 1917. 56. September 8, 1918, May 25, September 14, 1919. 57. Ibid,, February 10, July 23, October 22, December 24, 1922. 58. Ibid., September 27,1914; February 20,1915. 59. Ibid., no date given in rhe record. 60. Ibid., no date given in the record. 61. Ibid., March 25, August 26,1917. 62. Morgan Stake Historical Record, April 22, May 27, 1917. 63. Ibid., September 28, October 28, 1917. 64. Morgan Stake Historical Record, September 1, 2, 1917. 65. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 25,1916.

114 66. Ibid., December 23,1917. 67. V. Ben Bloxham, Larry C. Porter, Truth Will Prevail (Cambridge: University Press, 1987), p. 372. 68. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 9, 1918; B, H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, p. 457. 69. Morgan Stake Historical Record, April 28, June 16, 1918. 70. Ibid,, April 25,1918, p. 190. 71. Mountains Conquered 11. Life of Forde Dickson, p. 50, 73- Comprehensive History of the Church, p. 479. 74. Morgan Stake Hisrorical Record, December 29, 1918. 75. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 27,28,1915, p. 97. 76. Ibid., p. 98. 77. Life of Forde Dickson, p. 4. 78. Oral interview with Samuel Hopkin by Laraine Whitear, December 28, 1987. 79. Morgan Stake Historical Record, October 29, 1919. 80. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 9, 16, 1919. 81. Morgan Stake Historical Record, January 23, 1916, p. 113 82. Morgan Stake Historical Record, June 18, 19, 1921. 83. LeRoy R. Hafen and Ann W, Hafen, Handcarts to Zion (Glendale: The Anhur H. Clark Co., I960), pp. 166-177, 305. 84. Ibid., July 12,1923. p. 49. 85. MorganStakeHistoricalRecord.SynopsisoffuneralwrittenbyRoy E.Francis,p. 53-

CHAPTER 5

ADMINISTRATION OF MELVIN HOWARD RANDALL

There was nothing unusual about the crisp early morning air of Sunday, 9 December 1923. But, for Melvin Howard Randall it was a morning ofgrea t anticipation. In the Saturday morning session of stake conference, Joseph F. Spendlove, bishop of the Milton Ward, C. Calvin Geary, bishop of the Morgan Ward, and Joseph A. Parrish, the bishop of Mountain Green Ward all spoke giving reports on their respective wards. Melvin Howard Randall, who was serving as Stake Sunday School Superintendent, was then called on to speak. He reported that the Sunday Schools of the stake were in good condition, "supported well by the children but the parents' classes could have better attendance."1 After the meeting, Elder Melvin J. Ballard, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, stopped Howard and whispered into his ear. He was told to meet the Apostle that evening at six o'clock at the home of President Daniel Heiner. Howard's wife, Amy, had teased, "Are you going to be the new stake president?" The teasing was a little too pointed, since Howard had indeed had an impression that he was to be called. After meeting with Elder Ballard that evening, Howard told his wife it was true- he was to succeed Daniel Heiner, who had been president of the Morgan Stake for more than twenty-three years.2 The Sunday morning session of stake conference commenced at 10:00 a.m. with Elder Ballard presiding and President William W. Francis conducting. After the sacrament had been blessed and given to the Saints, Elder Ballard, often called the "Sweet Singer of Israel," sang the hymn "I Stand All Amazed." Elder Ballard then explained that President Daniel Heiner in February had written to President Heber J. Grant suggesting that the First Presidency consider a reorganization of the Morgan Stake. President Heiner cited his age and poor health, length of service, and the death of his counselor, William H. Rich as reasons for the possible reorganization. The First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve had given consideration to the request and felt an honorable release should be extended to President Heiner, explained Elder Ballard. The name of Melvin Howard Randall was then presented for a sustaining vote as the fourth president of the Morgan Stake. William W. Francis was sustained as first counselor and George Sylvester Heiner, as second counselor. Daniel Heiner was sustained as patriarch. The new stake presidency were then given the opportunity to speak and share their testimonies. Elder Ballard concluded the conference session by reminding the members "that it was not a position that would gain our salvation but

117 how we keep the commandments of the Lord." He also bore witness of the reality of the Savior by relating a personal experience in which he had been permitted to be in the presence of the Savior and kneel at his feet where he saw the wounds from the nails. He testified that on that occasion the Savior blessed him.3 President Randall conducted the afternoon session which commenced at 2:00 p.m. Edward H. Anderson, senior member of the high council, read a tribute to the retiring stake presidency listing their accomplishments. The 1t, V tribute was composed by all the stake officers and signed by them. President •:••*••?' Heiner then spoke giving appreciation for the love and support he had received Left to right.-William W. Francis, Melvinas stake president. Elder Ballard con­ Howard Randall, George Sylvester Heiner cluded the conference by speaking on the degrees of glory and man's destiny. Following the afternoon session, Elder Ballard set apart the new stake presidency and ordained the new patriarch. The following were then set apart as members of the high council: Edward H. Anderson, Arthur W. Francis, W. George Brough, William Giles, Alonzo Francis, Francis Bingham, Herbert B. Crouch, Alfred M. Croft, William Vrctor Shaw, DeLore Nichols, Parley Rose, and Morgan J. Davis.4 Thus began a nineteen year period of growth for the Morgan Stake. At the time of the reorganization, the stake had 2,120 members, 442 ofwhom were present at the Sunday meeting on 9 December, or twenty-two percent of the stake. At the afternoon session 536 attended.5 There were nine wards in the stake at the time of the reorganization, which included Croydon, Milton, Mountain Green, Morgan, North Morgan, Porterville, Peterson, Richville, and Slide.

Changes In the Stake Presidency On 19 December 1926 Elder Melvin J. Ballard was again in attendance at the Morgan Stake quarterly conference. William W. Francis, who had served as second counselor to Daniel Heiner for twenty-three years, was released as first counselor to President Randall. At the time of the reorganization of the stake, Elder Ballard gave President Francis a special mission to continue as a counselor to President Randall to assist him in his new calling. Elder Ballard honorably released President Francis and called George S. Heiner to take his place. Edward H. Anderson, a member of the high council, was then sustained as second counselor. President Anderson moved to California after serving just under a year in the presidency. In the regular high council meeting with the stake presidency held 28 August 1927, President Randall, by letter of authority from President Heber J. Grant, released Edward

118 Anderson as a member of the stake presidency. At stake conference held 2 October 1927 Elder Ballard extended an honorable release to Edward Anderson and presented the name of Charles Calvin Geary to be sustained as second counselor in the stake presidency. President Geary had served as the bishop of the Morgan Ward and at the time of his new call was a member of the high council and stake Sunday School superintendent.6 President Randall, Heiner, and Geary served together until their release in March 1942. Sabbath Day A continual theme of the Randall administra­ tion was the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy. President Randall set the example by being in attendance at his meetings, not working on the Sabbath, and by continual exhortation from the pulpit. One of the problems that developed in the stake was the youth playing baseball every Sunday. During the meeting of the stake presidency and high council on 26 February ... , .. , . .. .«„„ i i i ,- J , i ii Charles Calvin Geary 1928, a plan to control the Sunday baseball was discussed. It was decided to refer the matter to the bishops for their advice and support. A fewweeks later the stake presidency met with the Bishoprics and ward Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association leaders. The purpose of the meeting was to hear the report of the committee who had been called to draw up a set of rules for a baseball league in the stake. Everett E. Anderson read the report of the committee, which was accepted, and then a discussion of the rules and regulations for the league ensued. After approval of the rules it was decided that each bishop should organize a ball team along with a ward committee to help schedule and manage the games.7 Four months later the problem with playing baseball on Sunday still had not been completely resolved. During the stake presidency and high council meeting, President Randall asked if there were any present who supported or favored the Sunday baseball. All responded in the negative. He then asked that the matter be presented to the bishoprics and the stake auxiliary officers "with the understanding that if there was any, that they change their attitude or resign their position."8 Still a matter of concern four years later "it was decided to ask all stake and ward officers to refrain from attending base ball and resorts on Sunday, or to resign from their positions". President Randall then asked the high council to support the General Authorities of the Church who had asked them to refrain from such activities on Sunday.9 On 3 July 1935 Elder Ballard called a special meeting with the stake presidency to discuss the continual problem of leaders attending resorts on the Sabbath. He counseled the stake leaders to do all they could to avoid criticism of their conduct on the Sabbath.10 119 On 11 December 1932, it was decided to ask the Summit Stake to join in a baseball league to help avoid the Sunday playing. The two stake presidencies met and agreed to call a committee of three from each stake to organize the league. By March 1933 the league was organized and ready to play. Arrangements were made to play the games on Wednesday afternoon.11 A very successful series of games was conducted which resulted in much good in both Stakes by way of entertainment and sociability among the membership of the two stakes. In 1934, The Morgan County Newstepoaed: The Mormit league will come to a very successful close this year next Saturday, Sept. 8th, with Echo the winning team in the South Half playing Devil's Slide, the winning team in the North Half, for the championship honors, at the Morgan County Fair. W L Teams: Devil's Slide 16 4 Peterson 15 5 Henefer 14 6 Milton 8 11 Richville 4 15 Morgan 2 18 Echo 19 1 Park City 12 8 Kamas 12 18 Hoytsville 9 11 Coalville 8 11 Oakley 0 2012 This baseball league continued on for several years. After meeting with the Summit and South Summit stakes in early 1935 the Morgan Stake presidency reported that they had decided to continue the baseball league between the counties and include a junior league also.13 In 1937 another matter of concern developed, and that was the showing of movies on Sunday. It wasn't until 16 January 1938 that further discussion on the matter took place. President Randall explained that the difficulty "had arisen since a commercial picture show had started up in Morgan and were trying to close up the picture show operated by the stake." After considerable discussion it was decided that the stake would show movies two nights a week and ask all the wards to support them.14 The stake along with the help of the Morgan Ward had purchased as early as 1932 a Western Electric motion picture sound machine. The first movie in the stake was shown 1 September 1932.

Ward Boundary Changes The stake presidency discussed with the high council on 23 November 1924 the matter of organizing a ward in Stoddard. It was decided that if the people in the area wanted award, and upon approval of the First Presidency, one would be organized. Enterprise would be asked to join the new ward

120 and Charles J. Pentz would be called to serve as bishop. Following the last session of stake conference on Sunday 28 March 1925, a special meeting was held at 8:00 p.m. at the schoolhouse in Stoddard for the purpose of organizing the Stoddard Branch (there is no explanation given as to the change from award to a branch). , a member of the Quorum of Twelve, who had been the visiting authority at stake conference presided at the meeting which was conducted by President Randall. After the opening song and prayer by President Heiner, Elder Smith spoke explaining that the object of the meeting was to organize an independent branch. He explained that the operation of a branch was similar to that of a ward. The motion was then presented that the Stoddard Branch be organized, which carried with only one opposing vote. Charles J. Pentz was sustained as branch president with Joseph Heiner and Conrad Smith as his counselors. Elder Smith explained what their responsibilities were. President Randall then spoke concerning what the stake would like to see the branch accomplish. He was followed by Bishop Everett E. Anderson of the North Morgan Ward who had been over the Stoddard area. The members of the branch presidency were ordained High Priests and set apart to preside by Elder Smith.15 At stake conference three months later Charles Pentz reported that only the Sunday School had been organized in the branch. This was probably the reason for the discussion a few days later by the stake presidency and high council as to whether or not Enterprise should be joined with Stoddard. It was finally decided to call a meeting of those living in Enterprise who were under the direction of Bishop James W. Carrigan of the Peterson Ward and see what their attitude was concerning the change."5 Apparently those in Enterprise chose to remain in the Peterson Ward. In November, less than nine months after the organization of the branch, Roy Heiner was ordained a high priest and set apart as a counselor in the branch presidency to take the place of his brother, Joseph, who had died.17 In July 1927 problems developed in the Stoddard Branch andacommittee was assigned to investigate what they were and how best to resolve them. After months of laboring with the branch to settle the difficulties, Charles Pentz resigned as presiding elder. After due consideration, the name of Joseph F. Spendlove was submitted to the First Presidency for approval to be called as branch president. With the calling of Brother Spendlove as branch president, an audit of the records was made by stake clerk Roy Francis which is standard procedure in the Church when there is a change in leadership. The audit showed the following: TTTHING ACCOUNT On hand January 1, 1928 $88.20 Tithes received 2.00 $90.20 Remitted to Presiding Bishop's Office $88.20 Tithes on Hand 2.00 .*. $90.20 POOR ACCOUNT Balance on hand January 1, 1928 $17.24 Transferred to incoming Presiding Elder $17.24 MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT Balance on hand January 1, 1928 $25.46 Paid for Heat and Light 5.68 Paid for improvements 6.80 Balance on hand June 30, 1928 12.98 $25.4618 Brother Spendlove served for about one year when it was decided to call a special meeting of the branch, 16 June 1929, to consider whether the branch should be maintained or joined to the Milton Ward. Apparently it was decided to maintain the branch because two months later it was decided to release Joseph Spendlove from his special appointment of acting as presiding elder of the Stoddard Branch and call George M. Robinson, a member of the branch, to preside. A month later, however, it was decided by the stake presidency to ask the General Authorities for permission to join the branch to the North Morgan Ward, and so Brother Robinson was never called. On 5 January 1930 at 7:45 p.m. the Saints at Stoddard met for the last time as an organized branch. In attendance at the meeting were the stake presidency, stake clerk, the Bishop and his first counselor of the North Morgan Ward, Presiding Elder Joseph F. Spendlove, and twenty-two members of the branch. President Randall "explained that the aim and desire of the Stake Officers is and has been for the welfare of the members of the Stoddard Branch and that the conditions that exist here have been given considerable thought and consideration by the Stake Presidency, High Council and referred to the First Presidency and we propose to disorganize the Stoddard Branch and join them to the North Morgan Ward expressing the hope that they would feel welcome and be one with them. The members of the branch were then given the opportunity to show by sustaining vote whether they accepted the proposal. There were three negative votes so the proposition carried."19 On Sunday 11 November 1928 the Mountain Green Ward was dis­ organized and consolidated into the Peterson Ward. Both bishoprics had recommended this action to the stake presidency. Presiding Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon presided over the meeting which was held in the Peterson schoolhouse. Bishop James Carrigan of the Peterson Ward and Bishop Joseph A Parrish as well as all ward officers were released. A discussion then followed as to what the new ward should be called. Bishop Cannon suggested that inasmuch as the post office and town was called Peterson, it would be to their advantage to call the ward by the same name, which motion was sustained. The name of Joseph A Parrish was then presented to be the bishop of the Peterson Ward. James W. Carrigan and John S. Hulet were sustained as counselors. Bishop Cannon then spoke and gave counsel on building a new meetinghouse.20 Joseph Parrish served until 7 February 1932 as bishop of the Peterson Ward at which time he was released, having served as bishop of the Mountain Green Ward and Peterson Ward for a total of twenty-three years.2! During President Randall's administration nineteen bishops were called and two branch presidents. Building Program In the Stake The first seminary in the Church was started in 1912 at Granite High School. The program was instituted by the leaders of the Church to supplement the secular education that high school age youth were receiving in the public schools. The new program quickly proved to be a success and soon spread to other areas in Utah?2 During the high council meeting held 24 May 1925 part of the discussion centered around trying to establish a seminary in connection with the high school. A month later a committee was appointed to meet with the Church Board of Education concerning a Seminary in Morgan. The committee was asked to recommend DeLore Nichols, a member of the high council, to serve as teacher. The committee was also to take steps to finance a new seminary building. In July President Randall announced to the high council that the stake had received approval of Elder Adam S. Bennion, superintendent of Church Schools, to have a seminary in the stake. Elder Bennion had even gone so tar as to help select a site for the seminary building. The building site was purchased from Charles Stuart, which was a lot adjoining the Morgan High school property. President Randall explained that Brother Nichols's application to be the teacher would be considered another year because Everett Mecham had already been signed as the teacher. James A Anderson, Edward H. Anderson, Jr., Herbert B. Crouch, Gilbert Francis, and Alma R. Bertoch were chosen as a committee to raise funds for the seminary building.23 Released time seminary commenced on 14 September 1925 with 65 students attending class in what became known as the Junior Sunday School chapel in the stake tabernacle. Two classes of New Testament and two classes of Old Testament were taught the first year. The second year Church history was added to the curriculum, and 126 students were enrolled in the seminary program of the stake. By taking two classes of seminary in oneyear, ten students were able to complete the three courses required and graduate in the spring of 1927 from seminary. Everett Mecham was the teacher for four years and was then succeeded by C. Calvin Geary, who taught for eighteen years, from 1929 to 1947.24 The building was started 15 June 1926, and by 1 November 1926 classes were moved from the tabernacle to the seminary building. Five years passed before the building was completely paid for and dedicated.25 Numerous references are made in the stake minutes encouraging the members to support the seminary. At the stake quarterly conference held 25, 26 September 1926 Hyrum G. Smith, Presiding Patriarch of the Church and Tracy Y. Cannon of the General Sunday School Board, both spoke on the seminary, stressing its importance and encouraging the members to support financially the cost of the new building.2^ During the stake conference of September 1931, it was reported that the seminary building was paid for and was ready for dedication. The dedicatory services were held on 18 October 1931 at 10:00 a.m. in the seminary building. President Heber J. Grant was present to offer the dedicatory prayer. As part of the services Herbert B. Crouch and Everett Anderson, members of the finance committee, reported on the erection and cost of the building, which was $7,990.78. President Grant stated: "We as Latter Day Saints should be greatly interested in establishing a Religious foundation in the Hearts of our children. The knowledge of the Gospel is not bom in them we must teach it to them in the Home and in the Church. The Seminary is a great factor in this teaching." President Grant also spoke of the importance of the Book of Mormon and how it would strengthen the individual lives of the members of the Church. He then offered the dedicatory prayer.27 On account of the large crowd who were turned away from the morning services because of the limited capacity of the building, services were again held at 2:00 p.m. in the Stake Tabernacle where President Grant again spoke and blessed the Saints.28 Nineyears later further improvements for the building as well as the purchase | ofequipmentwasassessedtothewards. ; The assessments to the wards were as I follows: Croydon, $8.50; Milton, $16.00; [ Morgan, $3900; North Morgan, $39; | Porterville, $26.50; Peterson, $18; Rich­ ville, $11; and Slide, $18. The office of I thePresidingBishopmatchedthefunds - on a 50-50 basis.29 In 1928 the Richville School House was purchased by the Church because of the consolidation of the schools in the county. Extensive remodeling was done on the building which had been built in 1913 with one room for the school and one room for the ward. An addition was added on the north side to make a large assembly hall and an amusement hall was added to the basement. Several classes were also added, bringing the cost to approxi­ mately $6,000.30 Many years passed before the building was formally dedicated because of the Depression and the difficulty of paying off the expense on the building. Dedicatory services took place the last week of November 1941 under the direaion of Elder Joseph FieldingSmith, who was accompanied by his son, Lewis. The program consisted of an organ solo by

124 Mrs. Levi Waldron, a vocal solo by Frank Smith, and a violin solo by Parley Rose. Brief remarks were given by Bishop Arthur Rich, a talk by President Randall, followed by Elder Smith, who spoke and dedicated the building. As part of the service Fred Clark gave abrief sketch of the history of the Richville Ward.31 The Mountain Green chapel was finally paid for and dedicated 19 June 1927 by Elder George Albeit Smith of the Quorum of Twelve. The building had been completed for some time but final payment on it was not made until i\M the spring of 1927. The lot was fenced and the grounds put in perfect condition for the dedication. The members of the Peterson Ward were invited to attend Richville Church the dedication along with the stake officers.32 Dorothy and Margaret Warner, eleven and fifteenyear s old at the time, gathered bluebells from the hills to decorate the chapel. During the services Elder Smith called them to come up in front of the congregation where he personally thanked them for being so thoughtful.33 In less than eighteen months the Mountain Green Ward was disorganized, however, and united with the Peterson Ward with instructions to build a larger facility to handle the new Peterson Ward. During the month of May 1929, the Peterson Ward commenced the erection of a new meetinghouse. By the end of [ June the walls were up and the roof was on. The building was completed 1 November 1929 at a cost of $14,000. The contract for the building was let to the Harbenson Brothers of Ogden, Utah. The first meeting in the new building was held 5 November 192934 President Heber J. Grant dedicated the Peterson Mountain Green Church chapel, after which he took time to shake hands with all who were present.35 A year later the new Milton Ward building was dedicated. Work on the building commenced 15 April 1930 and was completed 1 October 1930. Each family in the ward was assessed $150. The members were allowed to work out what they could of the assessment. The total cost of the building was $14,700, half of which was paid by the Church and the other half by the local members. On 30 November 1930, President Heber J. Grant dedicated the new facility.36 At 11:30 a.m. on 28 October 1931, a special meeting was called in Croydon to dedicated the Croydon Chapel. The opening song was "We

125 ThankThee O, God for a Prophet," with President C. Calvin Geary offering the opening prayer. A male chorus then I sang "Sowing." Bishop Claudius Toone I then reported that the building had I been purchased from the Board of J Education for $100. The remodeling of I the building had been done at a cost of | $1,900, halfofwhich had been paid for through local labor and cash donations Peterson Chapel with the Church paying the other half. President Randall spoke, expressing his appreciation to the members for their interest in helping to provide such a beautiful building. The hymn "God Be with You" was sung, and President Heiner gave the benediction.37 Because of the growth of the stake, and particularly the Morgan Ward which used the Tabernacle as a meeting house, it was recommended by John Wells (second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric) at the Morgan Stake Quarterly Conference held September 29 and 30, 1934; that the Stake Tabernacle be remodeled to make better accommodations for class work On November 1,1934, [President Randall] called a special meeting of the Stake Presidency, High Council, and BishopMiltons to Chapelconside r the recommendation of Bishop John Wells. Throughout the winter, considerable time was spent with the Church architect in planning the Stake Tabernacle. Finally in December of 1936, a contract was given to the Haslan Contracting Company of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the remodeling and building additions to the Stake Tabernacle. The project was to cost approximately $23,000. During 1937, and the first part of 1938, all stake conferences were held in the Morgan High School building because the Tabernacle was under construction.

Work on the Tabernacle was stopped in October 1937, because of lack of finances. At the time the Tabernacle was about fifty percent completed. Work resumed slowly on the Tabernacle. However, in May, 1938, the Quarterly conference was again held in the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was dedicated on Jury 10, 1938, by President Heber J. Grant. Two sessions were held with President Grant being the principal speaker in both meetings. The dedication itself took place in theaftemoon session.38 A capacity crowd of approximately 1,000 members was in attendance. A loud speaking system had been installed to accommodate the overflow crowd. DEDICATORY PRAYER OF THE MORGAN STAKE AND MORGAN WARD HOUSE July 10, 1938 By President Heber J. Grant Our Heavenly Father: In humility, in gratitude, and in thanksgiving, we come before Thee on this occasion with our hearts full of joy for the accomplishments of the people here in the remodeling and rebuilding of this old meetinghouse. We thank Thee for the faith of the people and for their contributions and for the goodwill, also contributions of friends here, people not of our own faith. We thank Thee that this building has been so beautifully remodeled, rearranged and additions made to it, and that it is now in such a fine and splendid condition that we feel proud and grateful for it. We are grateful to Thee, Heavenly Father, for the Gospel of Thy Son Jesus Christ. When we think that Thou didst see fit to come with Thy son into the world and didst introduce Thy Son to the boy Joseph Smith, and told him to listen to the Redeemer, we are grateful unto Thee. We do thank Thee that the Savior didst give instructions to this boy that he should not join any of the churches, but that he should live worthily and eventually become an instrument in Thy hands and again establish the Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth. This was the greatest manifestation that we have any record of where God the Father and Jesus Christ, his son, both appeared at the same time. Accept the gratitude of our hearts that Thou didst send Thy servant Moroni, who delivered the Golden Plates to him, which contained the record of the Book of Mormon. We thankThee that Thou didst restore the priesthood by allowing the men who held it to come into the Temple in Kirtland, and restore it. We are grateful that Thou didst send John the Baptist, the man who baptized the Savior, to come and lay his hands upon the heads ofJosep h Smith and , and gave them the power to baptize. They were commanded to baptize each other, and we rejoice that Thou didst promise them through John the Baptist, who baptized the Savior, that the Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, Peter, James and John, would later restore the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood, and restore the Apostleship upon the earth. We thank Thee for this marvelous manifestation and for the remarkable testimony which Thou didst give to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon and which they gave in these words, "And now after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last ofall, which we give of him; that he lives, for we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (D&C 76:22-24) Oh Father, we thankThee for the restoration of the Gospel, and that we have been made participants of it, and for our parents, and the wonderful men from Joseph Smith to those of the present time who have stood at the head of the Church, in time and devotion, and willingness to sacrifice; for the faith of Thy people, that they were not discouraged, that after being

127 driven out of Nauvoo they crossed the plains and came 1,500 miles to this country in the mountains. We thank Thee for the prophecy ofJosep h Smith given on the shore of the Mississippi River, August 6,1842: "I prophesied that the Saints would continue to suffer much affliction and would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, and many would apostatize, others would be put to death by our persecutors, or lose their lives in consequence of exposure or disease, and some of you will live to go assist in making settlements and building cities, and seethe saints become a mighty people in the midst of the Roclcy Mountains." And Oh Father, this promise has become fulfilled, with more than 120 stakes and over 1,100 wards from Canada on the north to Mexico on the south. With a temple in Canada, with a great temple in Salt Lake City, and others in Logan, St. George, Manti, Arizona, and on the far off Island of Hawaii, and plans for two more temples, one in California and another in Idaho. Our hearts go out in gratitude for the wonders with which Thou hast blessed the people, and thank Thee for the faith of the people here in remodeling this building, for the good fellowship here, and we thank Thee for the authority of the Holy Priesthood of the living God. I dedicate this ground upon which this building stands,and the surrounding land, and all the materials used in its construction from its foundation to its roof, and the furnishings and fixtures, all to be used for holy purposes. Inspire those who speak and teach here. Bless the children and the teachers that they may instil! in the hearts of the people of the love of the Savior and of the Gospel of Thy Son Jesus Christ. Help us as we grow in years, and increase our understanding that our minds may never become darkened. Strengthen our faith, may we grow in good deeds, may our lives bear witness to the truths of the Gospel. Dismiss us now with Thy blessings. We dedicate this building by the authority of the living God, and in the name of our Redeemer. Amen.39 The building was completed at a cost of $28,151.42, sixty percent ofwhich was paid by the Church and forty percent by the stake. Of the forty percent paid by the stake, the Morgan Ward paid sixty-two and one-half percent while the rest of the wards paid the balance of thirty-seven and one-half percent.40 Throughout President Randall's tenure, the stake maintained a vigorous building program. Interestingly, all stake buildings were insured, a practice not used today. Years of the Great Depression Because of speculation and highly extended credit the stock market crashed in October 1929. The entire nation was thrown into a state of economic depression. Industrial expansion ceased, businesses and banks closed while agricultural markets dried up. Between 1929 and 1932, President Herbert Hoover tried to stabilize the country, but his efforts were not very successful. Concern over the depression by the Saints in Morgan is first mentioned at stake quarterly conference on 21 and 22 June 1930. At the stake conference 128 held in March 1831 Lyman Mecham, Sr. stated that he wasn't praying for hard times but hoped that the difficult period they were passing through would turn the members of the Church to the Lord. A week later the First Presidency instructed all stake presidents to talk on tithing at every meeting during the month of May. The Saints were also encouraged to plant gardens.41 Elder George Albert Smith, the visiting authority at stake conference on 18 March 1933 asked the Saints if they had been honest in their needs for assistance during these trying times. He told of the trying times of the pioneers and how they still rejoiced and "praised God for his blessings toward them." He further encouraged the Saints to be self sustaining and not dependent on others.42 In 1933, the farmers in Morgan Valley experienced a severe loss when the beet web worm nearly destroyed the sugar beet crop. On the front page of the Morgan County News, the publishers wrote, "If it is impossible to pay cash, perhaps you have vegetables or other eatables to spare. . . .If so, will accommodate you and allow you the same price as we must pay Morgan merchants for such articles." The hog farmers of the Morgan Valley were being paid five dollars per head for reducing their sale of hogs by 25 percent.43 Floods and drought seemed to alternate during the 1930 decade. In August 1930, Governor George H. Dern launched a drive to obtain $35,000 to aid the residents of "devastated" counties in Utah. A terrible rainstorm had just the month before hit Devil's Gate where it "poured a torrent on the mountains which rushed down the steep canyons sending down hugh masses of earth and filled the bottom of the main canyon in two places and covered the railroad over for 600 feet and 40 feet in depth."44 By 1934, the situation seemed reversed, and more than $450,000 was raised for the Utah drought relief. Morgan City received $2,000 from this fund,45 During the spring and early summer months of 1934 the members of the Church were asked by the First Presidency of the Church to fast and pray that the Lord would send the rains that their crops would be saved. At a priesthood and auxiliary meeting held in the Tabernacle on 22 July 1934 W. George Brough in the opening prayer expressed the heartfelt appreciation of all present for the rain the Lord had sent to the valley.46 Times were not so hard, however, that life did not go on. In fact, people continued to enjoy themselves in spite of their poverty. The Morgan County A^ews reported in its 29 May 1930 edition that Lake Como was soon to open. "The formal opening of Morgan's wonderful pleasure resort—Como Springs, occurs tomorrow, Decoration Day." As a whole, people in Morgan passed through the depression years fairly well. Several factors contributed to this. The united effort of the people, avoiding debt, a farming community which was able to raise much of what it needed, and the Union Portland Cement Plant at Devils Slide which commenced operation on 1 June 1932 after being closed for eleven months were all contributing factors to the welfare of the people.47

129 Church Security Plan In 1933 the First Presidency requested that each stake president conduct a survey indicating what resources they had available, their areas of need, and what employment opportunities there were. Stakes were urged to develop community enterprises where able bodied members could find employ­ ment. Local priesthood leaders were to look to the needs of their members and help them become self-reliant and not dependent on government agencies. By 1935 it appeared that many local units had fallen short. A churchwide survey conducted under the direction of the Presiding Bishopric indicated that approximately 18 percent of the members of the Church were either receiving Church or government relief (88,460 persons). "Further study revealed that between 11,500 and 16,500 of these persons did not actually need this relief."48 Concerned over such statistics, the First Presidency inaugurated the Security Plan at general conference inApril 1936. "The announced objective set forthe Church under this Program was toprovidebyOctober 1,1936, by a wholly voluntary system of gifts in cash or in kind, sufficient food, fuel, clothing, and bedding to supply through the coming winter, every needy and worthy Church family unable to furnish these for itself, in order that no member of the Church should suffer in these times of stress and emergency."49 At the October General Conference President Grant explained the purpose of the Church Security Plan was "to set up a system under which the curse of idleness will be done away with, the evils of the dole abolished and independence, industry, thrift, and self-respect be once more established among our people. The aim of the Church is to help the people help themselves. Work is to be re-enthroned as the ruling principle in the lives of our Church members."50 The responsibility for the program rested primarily with the bishop of the ward who was to draw on all ward organizations to assist him. If more help was needed than the ward could provide, the bishop could draw on the stake, then the region, and finally the office of the Presiding Bishopric for assistance. In 1937 it was announced that sewing and canning centers were to be established. These would be directed by Relief Society officers who would act under the direction of priesthood leaders. Home training was established to help mothers learn the art of baking, sewing, and etc. Bishop's storehouses were also to be established for the storage and distribution of fuel, food and clothing. These materials were to come primarily from ward members.51 The Morgan Stake opened a storehouse 3 March 1937 in the Dale Pingree Produce building. The newspaper of Morgan reported: This is a part of the LD.S. Church Security Program, and is under the direction of the Stake Presidency, Stake Relief Society President and the Bishops of the wards. Donations of food and clothing will be accepted, and the general public is urged to support the drive. The produce and articles collected are to be used for church people who are in need. 130 During the summer there will be a canning center established to prepare for the needs of next winter. A sewing center will be organized in the very near future for the purpose of making clothing for those in need. Such a program, outlined for the betterment of those in need, is to be commended, and the people of Morgan Stake are asked to contribute in every way possible to advance this splendid program.52 At the April 1938 general conference of the Church, the Security Plan was designated the Welfare Plan. Also in August of that year Deseret Industries was organized. The Church Security Plan was organized in the Morgan Stake by 28 June 1936, and in the fall President Heiner was sent to Salt Lake to meet with the Presiding Bishopric to discuss a bishop's storehouse. The direction was given that at least for the present a building should be rented. During the next four years there was repeated discussion between the stake presidency and bishops on the feasibility of building a storehouse.53 It would not be until the administration of President Clarence Rich that the storehouse was built, however. —n^— On 14 March 1937 a special meeting for the Lyman, Woodruff, and Morgan A. stakes was held at the Morgan High a l -— ^fV9 44RP^HK School at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the Church Security Plan. Harold B. Lee, chairman of the Committee for the Church Security Plan, outlined and I ^^^w explained the program. He listed five important items pertaining to the — — ' success of the program: (1) see that For a httle over a year the stake rented , j L - — the Pingree Building and used it as a «ery priesthood quorum has a proiect Bishop'sStorebouse. By September 1938 and that there is no idleness among its the old South Morgan School building quorum members, (2) learn self wbicb was owned by the Morgan Ward 5^^ (3) master the art of livingand was turned into a canning center. , . . , ,\ __. Equipment was installed under the working together, (4) practice a greater direction of the Stake Welfare brotherhood, and (5) learn courage to 54 Committee. The main floor served as a meet today's problems. canning center while the second level m th , t Campbei] M, was used as a sewing center. The „ , , c , 1 canning center was supervised by the Brown, also a member of the general Stake Female Work Director. ' committee, met with ward and stake leaders at the high school to discuss their responsibility to the Security Plan. He explained that the stake committee consisted of the stake presidency, stake Relief Society president, a male and female work director and the chairman of the bishop's council; while the ward committee consisted of the bishopric, a representative of the high priests, seventies and elders quorums, ward relief society president, and a male and female work director. This meeting was held in conjunction 131 with the 119th quarterly conference of the stake, which was presided over by Elder Reed Smoot. During the meeting Elder Smoot spoke on the power and influence of the program.55 At the meeting of the high council and stake presidency 26 March 1939 it was decided to investigate a two-story building to accommodate a canning and sewing center.56 The 125th quarterly stake conference convened on 26 May 1939 and was attended by Albert E. Bowen, of the Quorum of Twelve, and Harold B. Lee. The Saturday evening session, which commenced at 8:00 p.m., was devoted tochurch welfare. Each member of the stake welfare committee was asked to report on his or her responsibility and what they had done. President Randall spoke on the general plan followed in the stake and then was followed by Walter D. Francis, who spoke on the organizations in the different wards and the problems confronting the ward and stake committees; May D. Rich explained the activities of the relief society in the welfare work; Dorothy Bertoch spoke on the canning and sewing centers; Bishop Horace Heiner then talked about the disbursements of commodities to the wards and their needy. The remainder of the time was given to open discussion and questions on the work. This part of the program was handled by Elder Lee.57 An important part of the Security Plan was work projects to raise various agricultural crops. At a meeting with the bishops on 7 June 1939, the stake presidency asked them to support the planting of one acre of cauliflower. Stanley B. Rose volunteered an acre of his land for the project, and Walter Francis was asked to supervise the project. The bishops were asked to have ward members donate the labor for the planting and harvesting of the crop. That same year squash was also raised and canned in the stake.58 Prohibition Of all the issues of public debate, none affected the Saints' lives with more force than the debate over Prohibition. On 17 and 18 June 1933, the people were publicly asked to "take a stand on the Eighteenth Amendment and support the First Presidency regardless. . . of personal feelings." On the same day, Elder Reed Smoot also warned the people of the Valley of the dangers inherent in the return of beer sales to Utah.59 As early as 1908 the prohibition of alcoholic beverages had become a political issue in Utah. The Utah legislature finallyapprove d prohibition in 1917 and by 1920 it was a law nationwide with the passing of the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Alcoholic beverages began to be produced illegally and sold by people who became known as "bootleggers." This illegal traffic was soon dominated by professional criminals who made millions. People throughout the nation began to demand that the Eighteenth Amendment be repealed. President Heber J. Grant spoke out against these critics, saying that "the Eighteenth Amendment was 'one of the greatest benefits that has come to the people of the United States.' He countered arguments of increased crime with the statement that

132 one should not give equal weight to the few who break the law as to the millions who benefit from it. He believed there had been a dozen times as much drinking before prohibition went into effect. Millions of homes were thus being spared from being wrecked through drunkenness. In February 1933 the Twenty-first Amendment which would repeal the Eighteenth Amendment had passed both houses of Congress. Before the year was out Utah became the necessary thirty-sixth state to ratify the repeal amendment thus putting it into law. The repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment was a great disappointment to the leaders of the Church. Elder George F. Richards, of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, declared: "When the President of the Church stands up in general conference and declares in favor of prohibition, it has been a source of great regret to me that prominent, leading, faithful men in this Church have felt justified in voting in favor of the return of liquor as against the expressed will of the President of the Church, who I believe expressed the mind and will of God unto this people."61 Another member of the Twelve, George Albert Smith, ten years after the Eighteenth Amendment was repealed told of the penalty of rejecting a prophet's counsel. We are fortunate today to have the servant of the Lord who presides over the Church, the mouthpiece of the Lord to us, sitting in our midst. There are thousands of people who would walk any distance they were able, in order that they might see the face and touch the hand of the Prophet of the Lord, and yet there are many of our own people who disregard his guidance and his counsel. From this very stand he pleaded with us to not repeal the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. He didn't speak as Heber J. Grant, the man. He spoke as the President of the Church and representative of our Heavenly Father. And yet in a state where we could have retained what we had, there were enough Latter-day Saints, so-called (some of them hold positions in the Church, or did at that time), who paid no attention to what the Lord wanted, ignored what he had said through His Prophet, and what is the result? Such delinquency as we have never known is in our own community today, and the sons and daughters and grandchildren, and in many cases the fathers and mothers, who defied the advice of our Heavenly Father and said, We will do as we please,' are paying the penalty and will continue to do so until they turn away from their foolishness and desire with all their hearts to do what our Heavenly Father desires us to do.62 President Grant, himself, deeply disappointed that the Saints had not listened to him stated in general conference: "I want to tell you that starting with Brigham Young and coming down to your humble servant, the Lord has been with us and has directed this Church. May the Lord help us so to live that you will sustain us, and may I never live long enough that when I am in favor of a thing and all the brethren are in favor of it, such as was the case when we were opposed to bringing whisky back, that Utah and the Mormons will be in opposition to

133 us. I would almost have staked my life, knowing that the people know that we did not want to have whisky again, that the people would not have voted to bring it back"63 The membership of the Church in Morgan could take pride in the fact they had followed the counsel of the President of the Church as well as their stake and ward leaders. In the 1933 election Morgan had voted to maintain the Eighteenth Amendment, thus supporting the counsel and direction of their Prophet. At the stake conference held 23 June 1935, Elder Joseph Fielding Smith spoke on the importance of the Word ofWisdom and asked the Saints to continue to oppose the sale of liquor regardless of the fact that it had been made legal in the State of Utah.64 Ensign Monument In May 1934, stones were requested from all the stakes in the Church to build Ensign Monument. The monument was to be located on Ensign Peak where President Brigham Young and other Church leaders surveyed the Salt Lake Valley on 26 July 1847. The movement to build the monument was initiated by the Ensign Stake Mutual Improvement Association. John D. Giles, a prominent member of the Church, and executive secretary of the Utah Pioneer Trials and Landmarks Association helped obtain permission from the city to erect the monument.65 The stones for the monument were to be eight by twelve inches in size and would represent various historical aspects of the Church. Stakes and missions were each invited to participate. An effort was also made to obtain rocks originally used in the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples, and fromhistori c sites such as the Sacred Grove, the Hill Cumorah, the temple lot in Jackson County and from important sites along the pioneer trail. Each rock was identified with a metal tag.66 The monument designed by George Cannon Young, a grandson of Brigham Young, was dedicated by President Heber J. Grant, 24 July 1934- Other speakers for the occasion were Anthony W. Ivins, President Grant's First Counselor, and George Albert Smith, who was President of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association. The monument contained over one hundred historic stones, one of which was from the Morgan Stake. Morgan Stake Priesthood and Auxiliary Officer Meetings This particular meeting was held on the fourth Sunday on a monthly basis at the stake tabernacle to train the leaders of the different wards. Leaders who were to be in attendance from the wards included high priests, seventies, elders, relief society, sunday school, young men, young ladies, primary, religion class, genealogical association, and recreation committee. The format for the meeting was a general session to conduct the necessary business and then a separation into the various groups for departmental work. The meeting usually lasted between an hour to an hour and a half. During the general session returned missionaries reported on their

134 missions, stake officers were sustained and released, names for priesthood advancement were presented, and most often a member of one of the general boards of the Church would be in attendance and speak. James Gunn McKay of the Young Men's General Board was a frequent visitor at these meetings. Topics of discussion were as varied as the speaker. Delore Nichols, County Farm Agent, was asked to speak on what crops to plant for the coming year; while on another occasion S. Dilworth Young, District Boy Scout Executive, spoke on the importance of guarding the life of the boy. Disapproval of games of chance at church carnivals, the life of George Washington, tithing, state laws on the sale of tobacco, planting a family garden, importance of obeying the counsel of the General Authorities, the life of Joseph Smith, mission of the Savior, Aaronic Priesthood work, ancient traditions of celebrating Christmas, temple work, and the welfare program were some of the topics covered over the years. A special program for the pioneers was held each year as part of the priesthood and auxiliary leadership training meeting. After the meeting the Daughters of Utah Pioneers would hold a banquet in honor of the pioneers of the Valley. In 1937 a special program was held at this particular meeting in honor of the pioneers. A tribute to the pioneers was given by Ethel Tippets, Ida M. Kirkham of the central committee of Daughters of Utah Pioneers, spoke on the value of "Relics and Land Marks," Mary Chadwick spoke on the history of the pioneer cabin which had been moved to the stake lot to preserve it. The services concluded with the pioneer monument being unveiled by Jane Foote and the dedicatory prayer being offered by Richard R. Fry.69 Stake Conference During the eighteen years of the Randall administration, twenty-eight different General Authorities visited the quarterly stake conferences, several of which came on more than one occasion. They included , Orson F. Whitney, Joseph Fielding Smith, Rudger Clawson, J. Golden Kimball, John A Widtsoe, Charles H. Hart, George F. Richards, George Albert Smith, Hyrum G. Smith, Melvin J. Ballard, John Wells, Sylvester Q. Cannon, Rulon S. Wells, David A Smith, Reed Smoot, David O. McKay, Levi Edgar Young, Samuel O. Bennion, John H. Taylor, Charles A Callis, Joseph F. Merrill, Albert E. Bowen, Richard R. Lyman, Joseph L Wirthlin, Richard L Evans, , and Marvin O. Ashton.70 Often the visiting authorities would bring their wives and sometimes their children who would also participate in the conference. Sometimes two or three general board members of the various auxiliary organizations would also attend the conference with the visiting authority. The sacrament was passed to the membership of the Church at the Sunday morning general session at the quarterly conferences in 1924 and 1925. Apparently the practice was stopped because the recorded minutes of the conferences from 1925 on never mention it again.71

135 Stake quarterly conference was held in March, May (later on June), September, and December. Conference sessions were held Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. and at 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon. The times were the same on Sunday. This format was followed until March 1929 when the Saturday morning session was eliminated. In December the one session that had still been held on Saturday was moved to the evening. Attendance at this session significantly increased for the next two conferences, but then began to stabilize at what it had been when the two sessions were held in the morning and the afternoon on Saturday. The average attendance at the Saturday sessions was about 6 percent. The Sunday sessions varied from a low of 9 percent (201 people) to a high of 31 percent (617 people). The average attendance over the years was about 26 percent. The Saturday session almost always was used to train the priesthood leaders in their responsibility. Rarely was the general membership invited. When there were two sessions on Saturday the afternoon would be used to separate into quorums. The quarterly conference of 28 March 1925 illustrates what was taught in these sessions. The high priests discussed, "the rights, obligations, and opportunities of Presidency;" seventies, "the calling of the Seventy and the order of his priesthood;" elders, "how may the Elders Quorum function to better prepare young men for missions, for marriage;" priests, "Quorum Organization, Ward Duties andTraining for the Ministry;" teachers, "Quorum organization, Ward Duties and Local Ministry;" deacons, "Quorum organization, Ward Duties, and Field of Service.' In the stake conference of 24 May 1928 Elder George Albert Smith introduced in the priesthood session on Saturday the new plan for holding ward priesthood meetings outlining the instructions from the First Presidency. In December a special Sunday evening session for all Aaronic Priesthood holders was held in the tabernacle at 7:30 p.m.73 Each conference varied in its themes and the topics covered by the General Authorities. On 9 March 1924 Elder Stephen L Richards spoke on maintaining a good home. Fathers should preside and young people should be thoughtful and obedient to parents. Joseph Fielding Smith covered doctrinal topics during the two days he was in Morgan in March 1925. Book of Mormon prophecies, the three degrees of glory, temple marriage, and salvation for the dead were some of the topics. He also took time to answer doctrinal questions that the members of the stake had. Andrew Jenson, Assistant Church Historian, spoke on the gathering of Church history and the faith of the handcart pioneers on 26 September 1926. Three months later Elder Melvin J. Ballard was the visiting authority. He is quoted as saying, "It is the fault of our teachers that theyoung people get the idea that our religious teachings are dry and noninteresting." The visiting authority on 22 June 1929 was Elder George F. Richards who challenged the Saints, "we are to be judged by the higher law, so [we] should strive to know the higher law by studying the Scriptures. By a systemized method the Standard Works of the Church can be read in a very

136 reasonable time." J. Golden Kimball spoke on the importance of singing in the meetings and Samuel O. Bennion told the members that only by standing together could they withstand the powerful attacks of Satan. He explained that the Saints were their brother's keeper and would be held accountable for those things which they did to weaken each other. At the 119th quarterly conference held 12 December 1937 Elder Reed Smoot related a prophecy he heard when he was a boy from the mouth of Brigham Young who had said that the day would come when a voice in New York would be heard in California. Three years later Bishop Joseph L Wirthlin encouraged the Saints to build boys and girls rather than having to mend men and women.74 There were a few occasions when the General Authorities didn't make it to stake conference as appointed. President Randall was therefore, left in charge of the two day conference quite unexpectedly. Perhaps the most memorable conference for President Randall was the occasion when he had had all of his teeth pulled. He had been assigned to speak in stake conference by Elder George F. Richards, but had asked his first counselor President Heiner to give the talk. "During the conference when it came time for President Heiner to speak Elder Richards leaned over to [President Randall] and told him he had been assigned to give the talk and not his counselor. [President Randall] explained, to no avail, that he had had his teeth pulled and that was why he had asked President Heiner togive the talk. Elder Richards told him not to worry about not having his teeth, and go ahead and give the talk,"75

Missionary Work Anciently the Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth gtxxi tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!" (Isaiah 52:7) Missionary work, a vital part of the plan of salvation, was stressed throughout the Randall administration. Seventies, home missionaries, and full-time missionaries were all called to proclaim the gospel. A letter sent to the stake presidents dated 19 March 1927 and signed by the First Presidency of the Church is both enlightening and instructive concerning the preparation and qualifications of those called to be full-time missionaries. The Committee appointed to consider the work of the Missionary Home has called our attention to the fact that some of the missionaries have come there with the habits that practically unfit them for the missionary services of the Church, and they have come to the conclusion that sufficient care and personal attention is not given in the examination and investigation of the habits of the missionaries before they are officially called. We therefore suggest that you personally interview each prospective missionary before you sign the recommendation to the First Presidency that he or she be called to labor, and none should be recommended for a

137 mission until you are satisfied from personal inquiry, that the prospective missionary is thoroughly moral and is possessed of high moral standards; and is an observer of the word of wisdom; fully converted to the law of tithing; possesses faith in and some knowledge of the Gospel; is endeavoring to live it and willing to teach it; is in good physical health, and that funds will be provided to keep the person in the mission field. Where the answers to these specific inquiries are not satisfactory to you we suggest that the call of the missionary be deferred until you are convinced that the person is fully prepared for the missionary labor. The recommend may be forwarded to call such person into the mission field. Hereafter the signature of the Presidency of the Stake on the recommendation form will be considered as evidence that you have had a personal interview with the prospective missionary and that he has complied with all the requirements.76 Four months later President Randall read a letter to the high council signed by President Heber J. Grant asking for missionaries to fill foreign missions. In December Elder Stephen L Richards the visiting authority at stake conference stated that President Grant had asked him to deliver a special message concerning the importance of missionary work. He then taught that Christianity needs the true Church ofjesus Christ and it was the duty of the members to prepare themselves and respond to the call when it comes. He encouraged all to pay an honest tithing that they might be blessed as well as help spread the gospel through their financial offerings.77 In January 1932 the stake presidency received a letter from the First Presidency asking them to organize a missionary class in the stake to prepare prospective missionaries for their call. The high council was then assigned to visit each ward in the interest of organizing the class.78 During 1933 each bishop in the stake was asked to prepare and send at least one missionary from his ward. Again in 1938 a similar goal was set.79 A circular letter from the First Presidency of the Church dated 26 September 1940 gave further clarification to the calling of missionaries. The purpose of this letter is to explain more fully than heretofore the procedure which is to be followed by Stake Presidents in recommending prospective missionaries to the First Presidency. Once again, and frequently, will you please instruct your Bishops to choose only worthy young men and women to represent the Church as missionaries. The Mission Field must not be looked upon as a reformatory. After the Bishop has personally interviewed a prospective missionary and found him or her in all respects worthy, he should complete and sign the regular missionary recommendation blank, and send it with the medical examination blank to the Stake President. Upon the receipt of the missionary recommendation, the Stake President should interview the prospective missionary, and, if he approves by finding the missionary a trustworthy representative of the Church, he too should sign the recommendation. Prospective missionaries so chosen should be instructed to be present at the regular Stake Quarterly Conference at which time they will be interviewed by one of the General Authorities. 138 Immediately following the interview, the General Authority will report confidentially to the Stake President either favorably or unfavorably upon the fitness and preparedness for a mission of each of those interviewed. The Stake President will then forward without delay the approved recommendation. If this procedure be followed carefully, the receipt of missionary recommendations, medical examination blanks, and reports of interview will be expedited, and early consideration of prospective missionaries for missionary service can be given by the First Presidency.80 Over the years it appears that missionary work on a stake level was handled in various ways. For example, at a stake presidency meeting held 27 November 1927 it was decided to ask the elders quorums in the stake to take charge of the missionary work in the stake.81 In 1936 "A New Plan of Missionary Work in the Stakes of Zion" was launched under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church. The First Council of Seventy made recommendations to the Quorum of Twelve 12 March 1936 concerning missionary work in the stakes. The Twelve made some modifications of the proposal and then sent it to the First Presidency who approved it 23 March. The proposal contained the following items: (1) a mission was to be organized in each stake under the general supervision of the First Council of Seventy, (2) the First Council of Seventy would operate directly through the stake president, (3) the mission in the stake would be under the direction of a mission president who should preferably be a seventy but maybe a high priest, (4) the mission president is recommended by the stake presidency and approved by the First Council of Seventy, (5) missionaries to be employed preferably be seventies but high priests and women may also be called to serve, (6) the mission should be divided into districts with a seventy preferably over each, (7) each mission will report to the First Council of Seventy through a prescribed reporting system, (8) calls for missionary service are made by stake presidents after consultation with bishops and the stake quorum of seventy, and (9) the stake mission president is authorized to release missionaries after consultation with the stake president.82

Frank Turner was sustained as the first president of the Morgan Stake mission on 28 June 1936 and was ordained a seventy by Elder Rulon S. Wells that same day.83 On 8 September 1937 a special meeting for all seventies in the stake convened at 8:00 p.m. at the stake office, J, Golden Kimball, Rulon S, Wells and Rufus K, Hardy of the First Council of Seventy were in attendance and presided over the meeting, Thirty-one men representing the Morgan, Porterville, Peterson, North Morgan, Richville, Croydon, Slide, and Milton wards were ordained seventies in the thirty-fifth quorum of seventy. Six of the seven presidents of the quorum were released and new brethren called and given the opportunity to serve. Elder Wells and Hardy each spoke. Their message was on the fellowship of the seventies and the responsibility of missionary work.84

139 Throughout President Randall's administration the practice of calling home missionaries was continued. About sixteen priesthood holders were called every three to six months to serve in the stake in this important calling. Many were called several different times over the years to serve in this capacity. The missionaries were to travel to all of the wards speaking in their sacrament meetings on the second and third Sundays. Over the years, seventies, elders, high priests, bishops, high council, and even the stake presidency participated in the home missionary work.85 In 1928 the Morgan and Summit stakes exchanged home missionaries. Much good was accomplished by these visits including an increase in sacrament meeting attendance in the Morgan Stake. Again in 1935 and 1936 there was an exchange of missionaries between the Morgan, Summit, and South Summit stakes!86 Direction from Priesthood Leaders At the high council meeting on 27 January 1924 it was decided to set apart the first Thursday of each month as family home evening. A few weeks later President Randall introduced the idea to members of the stake and encouraged them to be with their families on this particular night. The stake prepared cards as a reminder and asked that each family hang them in their home, they were introduced by President Heiner at stake conference in March.87 Other matters that were discussed and resolved with the high council included asking the bishops to avoid Sunday funerals especially if they interfered with regular meetings. Because of the importance of the sacrament it was also decided not to allow boys that have not been ordained to the priesthood to assist in passing the sacrament.88 With the moderate growth of the stake and after carefully reviewing the statistics of the Melchizedek Priesthood it was decided to organize a third elders quorum in the stake in May 1931. The first quorum included the Morgan Ward the second quorum included North Morgan, Slide and Croydon wards, while the third quorum included Porterville, Richville, Milton, and Peterson. Carl Phillips was called to be the new president of the third quorum.89 Five years later the fourth and fifth quorums were organized. The firstquoru m included the Morgan Ward, North Morgan the second, Porterville and Richville the third, Milton and Peterson the fourth, and Slide and Croydon wards the fifth. Andy Nelson was called to serve as president of the fourth quorum and Arthur Carter to preside over the fifth quorum.90 On 23 October 1938 President Randall read a letter to the priesthood leaders that he had received from the First Presidency concerning the issuance of temple recommends to wives of non-members or inactive husbands who had not or were not taking the opportunity to go to the temple for their endowment. The letter addressed to stake presidents stated: Some unfortunate and untoward incidents following the giving of endowments to wives of Church members who have not been through the temple, and to the wives of non-members, have brought this matter again in review by the Council of the First Presidency and the Twelve. After Silly considering the whole matter the following decision has been reached: Hereafter you will not give a recommend, under any circumstances, toa wife whose husband is not a member of the Church. You may use your own good judgment and wisdom in explaining to those who apply that our experience has shown that the results of giving endowments to women whose husbands are not members of the Church have led to regrettable and unfortunate conditions, which frequently have made most difficult the lives of the women receiving their endowments. You will give recommends to wives of members of the Church who have not had their endowments only if the husband is absolutely willing that the endowment should be given to his wife. You will therefore be expected personally to interview the husband in order to assure yourself that he has no objection whatever, and, in addition, he must express his willingness and consent in writing. This written consent must be attached to the recommend itself, which must be signed by the Bishop of the ward and the President of the Stake, or, in the case of people living in the missions, by the President of the Branch and the President of the Mission. Unless these requirements are fully complied with, it will not be possible for the woman so recommended to go into the Temple.91 Prior to August 1939, there were apparently few restrictions as to who might perform civil marriages in the Church. In a circular letter to stake presidents the authority for performing civil marriages was restricted to stake presidents and bishops or their counselors if they so designated. "Authorization for marriages to be performed by 'other Elders in the Church' [was] discontinued."92

A Tragedy During the Randall administration four men at various periods served as patriarchs. They included, James R. Rawle, Daniel Heiner, Joseph Alonzo Parrish and William W. Francis. Brother Francis was ordained a patriarch 28 May 1939, by Elder Albert E. Bowen 93 He served in this calling for two years before he was accidentally killed. One of Utah's strangest shooting cases was closed last Friday night in Morgan when a coroner's jury, composed of M.J. Davis, R.H. Rich, Wm. Chadwick and W. George Brough, held that a 76 yearold father and his 33 year old son were accidentally shot to death. Testimony taken indicated that WW. Francis was killed instantly by a slug from a .22 rifle while in the chicken coop near his home in Morgan. He was shot when a rifle in the hands of his son, Carl Francis, accidently discharged when the younger man swung the weapon around to aim at a target. Not knowing that the bullet had entered the chicken coop and killed his father, he reloaded the weapon while his brother, Rulon, walked out to adjust the target. Carl leaned over and set the gun butt down on the ground. Again the weapon discharged, this time killing Carl. 141 He was rushed into the Francis home and a physician was called to treat him, Rulon testified. Then members of the family went in search of the elder Francis to inform him of the tragedy, only to find him dead in the chicken coop. The death of this faithful man who had served for a quarter of a century in two different stake presidencies cast a feeling of gloom over the entire valley. World War II and A New Administration World War II had a marked effect on the Saints in Morgan. It is first mentioned in the high council minutes 9 March 1941. The Saints were meeting at the 135th quarterly conference at the time Pearl Harbor was being bombed, on 7 December 1941. Shortly after this, the First Presidency issued instructions to the Saints to conserve rubber "because of the war on Germany, Japan, and Italy." No high council or stake priesthood meetings were held in January 1942. Other meetings were also restricted to conserve in the war effort. Because of poor health Melvin Howard Randall was released as stake president of Morgan on 15 March 1942. On 5 April, the Saints gathered from across the Valley to honor President Randall at a special meeting at the tabernacle. The following tribute was paid to him by the women of the stake (read by Annie S. Dickson): It is my very delightful task tonight and I esteem it as one of the greatest honors of my life to represent the Women of Morgan Stake in paying a tribute to our beloved Pres. Brother Randall. This meeting is both a sad and happy one—because Bro. Randall is our president no longer—happy because he has served us so well. As a rule we do not commend our faithful leaders enough. If anything didn't quite suit, we might censure or criticize them wholeheartedly, but as long as things go well we just take it for granted—it was what we had expected of them—we knew they would do it. Really President Randall needs no eulogy. His splendid record speaks for itself. If all the meetings President Randall has attended during the past 18 years of his service were to be put into one meeting what a large, large meeting that would be. If all the counsel he has given us would be recalled, what a mighty counsel that would be. If all the miles he has traveled were to be put into one mile, what a long, long mile that would be. If all the smiles he has given us were to be put into one smile, what a broad broad smile that would be. If all the handshakes were one hand shake, what a hearty handshake that would be. The tribute continues, telling of the many things Howard Randall did with the aid of his able counselors. The committee gave him roses for each of the eighteen years he served. The Sunday School also gave him roses for each of the years he had served in that organization.95

142 1. Morgan Stake Historical Record, December 9, 1923, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 56. 2. Calvin Robert Stephens, Biography of Melvin Howard Randall, 1981, p. 53- 3. Morgan Stake Historical Record, December 9,1923, pp. 57-58. 4. Ibid., p. 58-59. 5. Ibid., p. 58. 6. Ibid, pp. 154,157. 7. Ibid, February 26, March 18,1928, pp. 173,175. 8. Ibid,July 22,1928, p. 195.' 9. Ibid, July 17. 1932, p. 401. 10. Ibid,, July 3, 1935, p. 44. 11. Ibid., December 11,1932, February 26, March 26, April 23,1933. pp. 417,429,437, 439. 12. Morgan County News, September 6, 1934, p- 2. 13- Morgan Stake Historical Record, February 24, 1935, p. 34. 14. Ibid., January 16,1938, p. 123; History of Stake and Wards for the three months ending September 30,1932; This was part of the Morgan Stake Historical Record and >was part of the year end summary. 15. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November23,1924, March 28,1925, pp. 82,94,95. 16. Ibid., June 20,28,1925, pp. 99-100. 17. History of Stake and Wards for the three months ending December 31,1925. 18. Morgan Stake Historical Record, July 27, 1927, May 27, July 1, 1928, pp. 153, 185, 193. 19. Ibid.,May26,August25,September22,1929,January5.1930,pp.243,251,253,277. 20. Ibid., October4, November 11, 1928, pp. 205, 208-09. 21. Ibid, February 7,1932, p, 383. 22. Richard Q.Cowan,TbeCburcbInTbeTwentietbCentury($ah Lake City: Bookcraft, 1985), p. 107. 23. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 24, June 28, July 26,1925, pp. 97, 100, 102. 24. Derrel W. Judd, "History ofThe Morgan Srake Seminary," 1972, copy located at the Morgan Seminary. 25. Ibid 26. Morgan Srake Historical Record, September 25,26,1926, pp. 130-31. 27. Ibid, October 18,1931, p. 355. 28. Ibid. 29. Ibid,June 12,1940, p. 190. 30. History of Stake and Wards for the three months ending September 30, December 31,1928; March 31, 1929; Morgan County News, August 28,1964. 31. Morgan County News, August 28, 1964. 32. History of Stake and Wards for the three months endingjuly 31, 1927. 33. Oral interview with Dot Wilkinson by Laraine Whitear, December 31, 1987, 34. History ofStake and Wards for the three months ending June 30, and December 31, 1929. 35. Oral interview with Alfred C, Bohman by Calvin R, Stephens, December 6, 1987. 36. History of Stake and Wards for the three months ending December31,1930. 37. Morgan Stake Historical Record, October 18,1931, p- 357; History of Stake and Wards for the three months ending December 31,1931- 38. Stephens, Biography of Melvin Howard Randall, pp. 60-61. 39. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Inserted between pp. 136 and 137. 40. Ibid.July 10,1938, p. 136. 41. Ibid, June 22,1930, March 22, April 26,1931, pp. 293,329,333. 42. Ibid, March 18,1933, p. 433. 43. Morgan County News, January 4,1934,

143 44. Ibid, July 17, August 21,1930. 45. Ibid, June 1934. 46. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 27, July 22,1934, pp. 10,14. 47. History of Stake and Wards for the three months ending July 31,1932. Roy Elmer Francis oral interview by Charles Ursenbach, 1974, typescript, p. 25, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 48. James B.Allen, Glen M, Leonard, The Story of the Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976), pp. 518-20; James R. Clark, comp., Messages of The First /^eHrfency(Salt LakeCiry: Bookcraft, 1975X6:9-10. 49. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 6:19. 50. Conference Report, October 1936, p. 3. 51. OaiK Messages of the First Presidency, 6:24, 2B-29. 52. Morgan County News, March 4, 1937. 53. Morgan Stake Historical Recordjune 28, November 22,1936;June 27,1937; March 26, 1939; April 28, 1940; pp. 76, 84, 104,158, 186. 54. Ibid,, March 14,1937. p. 97. 55. Ibid, December 11,1937, p. 116. 56. Ibid., March 26,1939, p. 158, 57. Ibid., May 27,1939, p. 161. 58. Ibid, June 7, October 22,1939, pp. l<33,171. 59. Ibid, June 18,1933, p. 445. 60. Cowan, The Church In the Twentieth Century, pp. 128-29. 61. Conference Report, October 1935, p. 30. 62. "The Penalty of Rejectinga Prophet's Counsel," Improvement Era, November 1943, p. 707. 63- Conference Report, April 1942, p. 11. 64. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 26,1933, June 22,23,1935. pp. 457,42, 65. Morgan County News, May 10,1934, p. 1; Journal History, May 23,1934, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Sainrs, Salt Lake City, p. 3- 66. Journal History, May 23, 1934. p. 3. 67. Ibid., July 26,1934. 68. Ibid,, May 23. 1926, p. 124. 69. Ibid.,October 24,1937, p. HI. 70. See Stephens, Biography of Melvin Howard Randall, Appendix H, pp. 109-10 where the list of the General Authorities is given and the date they visited the stake. 71. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 9,1924, March 29,1925. pp. 68.94. 72. Ibid., March 28. 29, 1925. p. 93. 73. Ibid., March 24. December 16, 1928. pp. 177, 217. 74. Ibid, March 9, 1924; March 29.1925; September 26. December 18,1926; June 22, 1929;June 19,1932;June 24,1934; December 12,1937; Decembers, 1940, pp. 68,94, 135,245,399,13,115,198. 75. Stephens, Biography of Melvin Howard Randall, pp. 65-66. 76. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 19, 1927, pp. 145-146, 77. Ibid, July 27, December 18, 1927, pp. 152, 163. 78. Ibid, January 24,1932. p. 381. 79. Ibid, April 23, 1933; Jury 24, 1938, pp. 439-41, 137. 80. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 6:114. 81. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 27,1927. p. 160. 82. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 6:13-15- 83. Morgan Stake Historical Recordjune 28,1936, pp. 76-77. 84. Ibid.. April 2,1939, p- 159. 85- Ibid., July 24,1932, p. 403. 86. Ibid, May 27, July 22,1928; March 31,1935; August 23, October 5,1936, pp. 185, 195, 37-38,79, 83.

144 V Ibid .January 27, February 24, March 9,1924, pp. 35,36,38. » Ibid June 22,1924; August 24,1930, pp. 75,297. 19 1b.d. May 24,1931, p. 335. H). Ibid.. March 1, March 22, April 26.1936, pp. 67,69,70,71, >1 Ibid. October 23,1938, p. 142; Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 6-.6Q-6X. )2 Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 6:88. >3 Morgan Srake Historical Record, May 28,1939, p. 163. H Morgan County News, March 28, 1941. )5. Stephens, Biography of Melvin Howard Randall, pp.69-71.

CHAPTER 6

ADMINISTRATION OF GEORGE SYLVESTER HEINER

On 14 March 1942, at 7:00 p.m., Elders George Albert Smith and Charles A Callis met with the priesthood holders of the Morgan Stake, there hoping to get an expression of all present on the suggestion of the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles that President Melvin Howard Randall be released from his labors as president of the Morgan Stake. These labors had become difficult for him following a serious illness.1 Counselors George Sylvester Heiner, C. Calvin Geary, and all the members of the high council expressed their joy and satisfaction in having worked with President Randall and regretted that it was necessary to release him. The following day, during the afternoon session of stake conference, Elder Smith related to the general congregation the action of the General Authorities in releasing President Randall. This action was unanimously approved. George Sylvester Heiner was then sustained as President of the Morgan Stake; Charles Calvin Geary, first counselor, and Clarence Dickson Rich, second counselor, with Roy Francis remaining as clerk.2 During the course of the conference sessions, Elder Smith gave an address on the theme, "Life is the Sum of Your Thoughts." Elder Callis' remarks were summarized as follows: "Are we on the Lord's side? If so, we are safe. Sin is the greatest enemy we have, even in time of war. Our soldiers are messengers of peace."3 At the close of the conference, the new stake presidency was set apart by Elders Smith and Callis. As the United States mobilized for World War II, the Morgan Stake, too, became increasingly involved. Almost all recorded history for the time, ecclesiastical or secular, was somehow involved with the War. George Sylvester Heiner Effects of War When the priesthood and auxiliary leaders met at the tabernacle on 26 April 1942, President Heiner announced that, per instructions from the General Authorities, in the future only heads of priesthood quorums and auxiliary boards would be asked to attend. All organization union meetings were discontinued and monthly stake priesthood meetings were also discontinued. Traveling needed to be limited to save gasoline.4 When the stake presidency and high council met following conference, one of their first orders of business was to send letters to all the young men from the stake who were in the armed services.5 All citizens of Morgan County were asked to plant victory gardens, and in July, high council members were assigned to visit the homes throughout the stake and make sure that there were adequate fuel supplies for the coming winter.6 Douglas M. Crouch, who was serving in Pearl Harbor in the spring of 1942, sent a clipping Clarence Dickson Rich home which the Saints in Mon3an most ,ikelV found interesting. The article was taken from the Honolulu Star Bulletin: To many on the island, Col. O.E. Sandman's field artillery is new, and comparatively little is known about its background and its home state. Few, if any, national guard units of the United States can boast of as colorful as history as this battalion, which is now in its 101st year of existence. The origin of the regiment is traced back to the original , founded February 3, 1841, as part of the armed forces of the state of Illinois. Members of this legion were for the most part made up of men from the group of Mormons residing in that state. It went to Utah later, but before that, when war with Mexico broke it marched from Kansas to San Diego on the coast, approximately 2,000 miles, which military experts claim is the longest infantry march on record. There followed considerable travel, anytime duty beckoned. The unit fought in the Spanish-American war around Manila and was overseas in France with orders to enter combat when the war ended in 1918. The memorable December 7 found the unit and several others one day at sea. News flashed of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The ship did a turnabout and hurried back to port. About a week later, this time in convoy, the unit set sail again and arrived in Hawaii without incident. So once again, with America passing through a critical period, the Utah field artillery, descendant of the Nauvoo Legion, founded in a critical period of history, also is once again at its post, ready to fight for everything American, and to cany out its motto—Pro Deo, Pro Patria, For God, For Country.7 As the War began, the shortage of goods and rationing quickly became a part of every household in Morgan. This humorous clip appeared in the Morgan County News in May 1942: "DID YOU KNOW that the aluminum in 60,000 quart sauce pans makes a flying fortress; cotton in two mattress covers makes an army shelter tent; metal in eight electric toasters makes a 76mm shell case; materials in an average home radio make radios for two paratroopers; jute in an average living room rug makes 46 sandbags; wool in 15 blankets equips a soldier for ayear; wool in a woman's sport suit makes 13 overseas caps; silk in 185 pairs of women's stockings makes one parachute; and, the rubber in 13,600 of milady's girdles will furnish four nice new tires for an army jeep? That's the why of civilian goods shortages in the peace-to- war shift. . . .** John C. Irwin of Devils Slide composed the following poem as he watched the young men of the ward leave for the service. From the farms and from the factories, from the offices and banks, They are quickly being mustered in the fighting U.S. ranks. They are mostly real young fellows, some just out of their teens, And they're gathering in the army, navy, Air Corps and Marines. There these units all will flourish, within this year perhaps; And our forces, Allied Nations, will strike terror to the Japs. And the legions of Heir Hitler, with his ally Mussolini, Will be rounded up and conquered by this Allied War Machine. This little, unobtrusive town, we know as Devils Slide, Has sent in five young fellows who are our joy and pride. I've known these boys since they were small, and now I do not joke. I've never seen a one of them indulging in a smoke. I've never seen one drinking hootch, or heard a yarn obscene, We thank the Lord, these boys of ours are wholesome, pure and clean. Take George, you always find him courteous and kind to one and all, And Robert, always smiling, never grouchy, not at all. We will look on these with honor, where they travel near and far, Knowing that their mothers' precepts made of them the men they are. Then there's Calvin, rather quiet, always clean and plenty strong, To the boys who live clean lives, old Cal does rightfully belong. He will make a good old record in the service of this land, And the officers will appreciate ole Cal in their command. Now, Cecil, he was whisked away without a bit of fuss, One morning bright and early, he went out to get the bus. His father went across with him, then came back home alone; His mother bravely suffered many days after he was gone. He helped his mother every day and always was polite, He took his parents out for rides and to the shows at night. The other one, he is my boy, I will not praise him loud. He's only just a common kid, but of him we are proud. Before this war is over and our boys to us return, There will be a lot of trouble and our boys for home will yearn. They will be where sin is prevalent and where pitfalls line the way. Let's not forget those boys of ours and for them let us pray. There'll be a lot of others leave our town ere this is o'r. And we must pray for all of them and love them more and more; And hope with all our faith and prayers, that on some future day, Our boys will all return as clean as when they went away. John C. Irwin9 149 Even the talks at stake conference in May and throughout the war years reflected the leaders' concern about the war and the stake's involvement in it. In May, President Geary spoke of our free agency to worship God and asked that the slogan be adopted, "For God and For Liberty." President Heiner remarked that we should be very thankful that the battle fronts of this war are not in our country and asked that all be alert and safeguard "our" young people.10 In November, it was decided that the home missionaries should be released to cut travel, helping with gasoline rationing, and the bishops of the wards were asked to appoint a committee to arrange for the sacrament meeting programs for the second and fourth Sundays using ward members.11 At the October meeting of the stake presidency and high council, the matter of keeping in contact with all the young War Ration Book men in the armed services was considered, and it was decided that a committee be appointed in each ward to keep an up-to-date mailing list and have a photo of each posted in the ward meetinghouse. Also, it was decided that church literature, including the Improvement Erabe sent to them.12The Relief Society sisters, too, were doing all they could. One of their main projects was sewing for the Red Cross.13 The Saints in Morgan, as all citizens in the United States were faced with rationing. They supplemented their food supplies by growing as much as they could at home and preserving many foodstuffs. By the end of November 1942, there were 113 men from Morgan County serving in the armed forces. Sister Nettie Durrant of Morgan, widow of Owen Durrant, had six grandsons serving with two more soon to go.14

Ward Activities &£&n giEffi «tirt? Activities were still held when rationing and 34''a f*£a3 frfigigl SS22! conditions would permit. In August there was a '**££! gfc£r3 **03 !M3: stake Sunday School outing at Lagoon, and in *s£iS *&T?3 gfiKSa *6^£ October, the stake presidency hosted the high *g£S3 *e£ii3 *si20 SiS£ council and ward bishoprics and their wives at ^M!*B£3Sa6E£ an annual social.15 4£s3 ?fc£s!l ftfflB *8H£ Many of the wards made efforts to provide *^s3 **3£! !!IE-Q3 «i^ recreation for their members within the ward mtS® AB9 AtiJB «£S boundaries. The Croydon Ward Relief Society fssan •*»»! gwjH WaL* anAi bishopric purchased volleyball equipment, "" roller skates, and table tennis equipment.16 The *~VL! ?CK1 **&&\ JfcffS Peterson Ward bishopric—Alfred Bohman, Lee Rollins, and Deverl Lamb—went to Deseret

150 Book Company and arranged to buy sixty pair of roller skates, a record player, and a movie projector. Bishop Bohman had met previously with the school board and they had agreed to turn the old Peterson School over to the ward. For several years, the halls rang with music and laughter as the members and their friends skated and watched, movies.17 At the 139th quarterly conference in December 1942, Presiding Bishop LeGrand Richards was present. In the priesthood session, he advised the brethren against working on the Sabbath day and told them if they would pay an honest tithing, they would be blessed accordingly. He closed the conference by talking of the marvelous things our Mormon boys were achieving in the armed services and stated that "their actions are demanding the attention of the world."18 Christmas 1942 As Christmas approached, the hearts of the stake were with those who were away fromhome . At the same time, those who were away longed to be at home with their families. Russell Toone wrote home from England thanking his family for a Christmas cake, expressing his regrets that he hadn't been able to get gifts for his younger brother and sister. ^ John Brimley wrote home from Fort Knox, Kentucky, describing to his family the church meeting he had attended. It was held and conducted by soldiers. A missionary attended the meeting. In his talk he spoke of the faith and prayers of the Dickson twins from Morgan. He said a ship they were on was blown to pieces, but they were saved. After the services, John went up to him and delighted in telling him he was from Morgan and a friendo f the Dickson family. John commented at the end of the letter that "the church they used was not a Mormon church, but that didn't make any difference. We still had the spirit of the Lord with us."20

The Year 1943 The new year brought sadness to the Stake with the report of Morgan's first casualty in the war. Samuel Max White was killed in Asia 12 January 1943- A memorial service was held in his honor at the stake tabernacle on 31 January.21 On 7 March, the Richville Ward Relief Society sponsored a program honoring parents of boys in the service. Almost every family in the ward was present.22 The 140th stake conference of the Morgan Stake was held on 14 March. Elder Thomas McKay, an Assistant to the Twelve, gave needed counsel about prayer and also told those present that everyone's life affects someone else, either for good or for bad. We preach the gospel by example.23 On 6 June, the stake gathered for the 141st conference. The stake leaders counseled all members to be awake and watchful lest our young people are led astray, and reminded them that we must not lose the war at home while our boys are winning the war for the nation.

151 As on many occasions, the Allegro Chorus, under the direction of Ada Waldron, furnished the singing for the conference. Their rendition of the closing song, "The Lord's Prayer," was so impressive that the visiting General Authority, Samuel O. Bennion, asked that it be repeated.24 In July, the Stake sponsored the annual Old Folks Party. Bishop Joseph Rees of Morgan was master of cere­ monies and President Heiner was the . speaker. Jesse Little recited a poem he had written about victory gardens. There j were ninety-five present and all reported 1 that they had had an enjoyable time.25 In August, a letter was received from the First Presidency authorizing the , ... , , . ' IJL Left to Right-. Homer Nelson, Ralph ordination of eighteen year old boys to Carter,James Palmer, HowardFranlis, the office of elder if they were entering Dale Durrant, John J. Johnson, John C the armed services. Also the brethren johnson.Ada Waldron, WoodrowGiles, asked that all the Saints be encouraged «** Giles Bert Carrigan, Charles , . c i c i . Francis, Clarence Rich, Newell to store wheat and fuel for the comtng WaUrlMi Frank SmUbi Don Durmni, years. Members of the high council AmosBingbam. were asked to take these instructions to the various wards.26 By the fall of 1943, there were many young men and even some young women from Morgan in the service. The South Morgan Mutual Improvement Association held an activity to honor those from their ward. As of November, there were sixty-eight boys from the ward in some branch of the service. One had been killed in action, one was missing in action, and one was in a prisoner of war camp. During the course of the program, pictures of all the boys were displayed and letters from the boys were read by some of the parents. Funds were also raised to send reading material to the servicemen.27 On 21 November, the stake presidency and high council met in a special session with 100 percent of the members in attendance. Two hundred and twenty-five letters were written to the young men and women in the armed services and signed by each person present.28 The December stake conference was organized to honor the Aaronic priesthood. All the addresses centered on the importance of young men and those that teach them. Elder Clifford Young was the visiting General Authority. His address was summarized in the following words, "There is a divine mystery and holiness in man. If we magnify our calling, we must down the sin but not the sinner."29 Christmas 1943 A special edition of the Morgan County News-was published at Christmas time to be sent to the servicemen. In it, letters to the boys from various church authorities and organizations were published. The following excerpt from President Grant's talk at general conference was printed: It grieves me deeply that it is necessary for thousands of our boys to go into the army. I hope and pray that they will go out with the missionary spirit, maintain their ideals and come back to us sweet and clean as when they went away. I trust that it will be possible to keep them out of this terrible war. You parents and loved ones, keep as close to them as you possibly can. I want every Latter-day Saint soldier to get down on his knees and pray God to help him lead a clean life, and to preach the gospel while he is in the army. Now, I pray the Lord to bless our boys. I give them my blessing, and I havea right to bless them, and I promise them that, if they will be prayerful, God will give them joy even in the army, if they will live sweet and clean lives. I do hope and pray that they will be like the Lamanites who were converted and who, when they went into war, none of them lost their lives30 The stake primary board, under the direction of President Amy Heiner, wrote a letter to the "Grown up Primary Soldiers of Morgan Stake" in which the board promised that "no matter how dark the hour or severe the ordeal, you will not be overwhelmed if you have faith."31 Jesse C. Little summed up so many of the thoughts of the members of the Stake with the following poem: With our love through this human Christmas Tree Our greetings pass along to you, How we laud you for your gallantry; Now to your own dear selves be true. True victory lies in self control, Twill lock the gates of sin. And glorify our immortal souls As we purify within. May we cherish that pure love of Him Upon whom the heavens smiled. When the Star shone o'er fair Bethlehem As a halo o'er the sleeping child. In the ranks as valiant soldiers, In a cause that must be won, With this burden on our shoulders, As we bask in hope's bright sun. Let us ask in faith, it shall be given, God will lighten our load of care. For the key that opens Heaven Is the key of humble prayer.32 In January 1944, Corporal D. R. Brooks, who was stationed in England, wrote home telling a heart warming story. Many of the servicemen had sponsored war orphans for Christmas, and his outfit had adopted a nine year

153 old boy. They had had an American uniform tailor made for him, and at the same time, immediately advanced him to the rank of 1st Sergeant. He was the guest of honor at a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and it was hard to tell who received the most joy from this, the boy or the soldiers.33 The Year 1944 The 144th and 145th stake conferences were held in February and May, withjoseph F. Smith and Harold B. Lee presiding at the first conference and John H. Taylor presiding at the second. Elders Smith and Lee gave excellent doctrinal addresses on the priesthood and the reality of a God who has body, parts, and passions.34 At the May conference, Elder Taylor talked of the importance of a mother's place in the home and her influence on her children. Instructions were given at this conference that for the duration of the war no member of the Church under age thirty-eight, would be sustained as a bishop or bishop's counselor,35 Following the instructions of Elder Lee, of the Council of the Twelve, the high council members were assigned a ward for the year to make contacts for the stake presidency on all matters with special assignments on ward teaching, welfare, and priesthood activities.36 Forde Dickson, a new member of the high council, was given a special assignment. He was set apart as a stake missionary with Fernando Jensen as mission president. In his history, Brother Dickson says he pleaded with the Lord for inspiration and motivation to fulfill the calling, and within a short time, they had missionaries in every ward in the stake. They held cottage meetings, taught the gospel to nonmembers, visited the inactive and bore testimony to all they came in contact with. Brother Dickson said that he enjoyed this labor as much as he did being a full time missionary in the Northern States.37 Celebrations The Morgan Stake Primary presented a program on Sunday evening, 15 May. The theme was "Keys of the Kingdom," and the music and talks were all presented by children of the Morgan Stake.38 On 30 June, there was an Independence Day celebration at the tabernacle. It was titled, "A Prayer for Peace and Victory Celebration." All citizens of the County were invited to attend.39 A special program honoring the pioneers of Morgan County was presented by the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers at the monthly meeting of the stake officers on 23 July. A few original pioneers from the county were invited as honored guests.40 Other activities sponsored by the stake that summer were the annual Old Folks Party and the stake presidency social for all high council members, bishoprics, auxiliary heads and their wives. This party was held at the fairgrounds, and after supper a large bonfire was lighted and all gathered there for an interesting program.41

154 During the summer the Relief Society stake board collected 225 red ration points and 2,970 blue ration points so that the Boy Scouts could use them for Camp Kiesel.42 In September, the Scouts from Morgan County joined more than 5,000 other Scouts in the Utah National Council area in gathering floss from milkweed pods. The floss was needed to replace Kapok in life jackets and life vests needed by the servicemen,43

War Casualty The War came even closer to home in August 1944 when the parents of Craig Hannum were notified that he had been killed in action on D-Day in Charbourg, France. A letter written by Mrs. Hannum, who was in Sacramento, California, at the time, to her husband Olin, is self explanatory: My Dear Husband: This is the saddest time of our life and it is too bad we can't be together at this time. I miss you so much. I hope you are bearing up bravely over the loss of our brave and gallant soldier boy. It hurts so badly to think he will never come home to us again. He was so grand and fine a prince among men—such a beautiful fine life to go down so suddenly. I am sure though Daddy dear, he rests in peace with God who saw best to take him home at that time. I have humbly prayed God's will be done, for He knows what is best for each one. The day will come when we will join our Craig boy in glory. It is so comforting to have God's promises. Death to the righteous is the gateway to heaven. We will not be long until we will be with him again along with thousands of other brave soldier boys, and millions of righteous people. We will miss our darling boy in a million ways. Our hearts will ache and we will long for him as thousands of other fathers and mothers are for their boys. 1 pray that they can find comfort in God's great love. The night we received the message of Craig's death after I had gone to bed and couldn't sleep my heart hurt so badly and I prayed dear God will comfort me in these trying hours. Very soon I dropped off in a light sleep and the picture ofjesus hanging on the Cross of Calvary and His mother standing at the foot of His cross came to my view and God whispered to me: T gave My Son that men might live and you have given yours.' And it is this way. Glory be to His Holy Name. . . . A letter from the war department will come soon telling us more about Craig and you shall know all about it. . . . Tell the children I'll write them. I am looking for several letters today especially one from you, Daddy. I won't try to write any more now, so all my love to you, Margery and the boys.44 Other parents in the Valley waited for news of their loved ones involved in the massive D-Day invasion. Mrs. R. H. Giles finally received word from her son: Dearest Mother: As you have heard by now we're here in Northern France. I know how much your worry has been, but its not at all possible to write any more often. So far, up to the date of this letter, I haven't gotten a scratch, and have been in the bitterest battles in the invasion of this country. I have undergone many experiences equal to none other of my life. My testimony has been strengthened now to the point that I know, instead of believe the powers of God. The jump in was not quite as planned, nevertheless our missions were all completed. No man on earth will be able to paint, write or tell of the picture that was seen as we jumped down on our foe. . . . From here on things shouldn't be so rough. See that all my friends know that I am well. My thoughts are always with you. Don't worry about me. I'll soon be home. Your son, Allison. 5 These two letters sent home very different messages. One a message of joy and the other of sorrow; yet so evident in both was the evidence that a loving God was near.

Meetings As the Sunday morning general session of the 146th stake conference opened, President Heiner gave an address in which he stated, "Our permanent peace will come when we live the Laws of God." He encouraged all the Saints to make a proper home and community life for our boys when they return home from military service. Joseph F. Merrill, of the Council of the Twelve, closed the conference with an address about ward teaching, asking all the Saints to support each other in this work.46 On 25 and 26 November, Presiding Bishop LeGrand Richards was the General Authority at stake conference. He remarked upon the "splendid example of our LD.S. boys in the U.S. armed service." Later in the conference, he addressed the fact that we owe all that we are to the Lord Jesus Christ.47 While the Saints were meeting at their conference in Morgan, theiryoung men were meeting, where possible, all over the world. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Lee received a letter from a chaplain in New Guinea. He mentioned that he had met their son Jay Lee and told them how the number attending meetings had grown from five in the beginning to thirty-four the past week. They held priesthood meeting and a short sacrament service. The fine spirit of the brethren makes the meetings rich in spiritual blessings, as well as giving us an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship of each other. There is nothing finer than to meet, mingle and associate with our brethren. I am very happy to see how most of our LDS men continue faithful to the standards of the church. All of them who do, are performing great missions by example, as well as precept. . . ,48

More War Deaths The last three months of 1944 and the first four months of 1945 brought the news of numerous war deaths to loved ones in Morgan. Tragedy struck twice at the Walter Nelson home in Milton. They were notified that their son, Sgt. Henry Burton Nelson, was killed in action in France on 25 November 1944. Another son, Lt. Norris A Nelson, had been missing in action over Boiugainville since 14 November 1943. Norris was the eighth child of Walter and Nellie Nelson. He grew to be 6'2 " tall and had blue eyes and light brown hair that turned darker and curly in his teens. His sister May fondly remembers afternoons of weeding potatoes and thinning beets with him, followed by a plunge in the nearby river. Norris was jolly and good natured as a boy. He enjoyed primary and particularly liked Emma Jensen as one of his teachers. When he was eleven, he was baptized twenty-nine times for the dead; then as a priest, he had the opportunity of baptizing his younger brother Kenneth. A leader and an athlete, he was president of his senior class and captain of the basketball team. He worked hard to go to college at both Utah State and Weber College. At Weber, he was captain of the college team and was noted most valuable player and chosen "all conference" center for 1939-40. At the outbreak of the War, he enlisted in the Air Force and graduated from bombardier flying school 13 August 1943. He had flown many successful missions and was ready to come home when a bombardier on another crew became ill and Norris was asked if he would take the other flyer's place. That plane never returned from its mission and was sighted going down in the Pacific.49 A few months before his death, Norris wrote home to his family and described his feelings about the War and his flying missions. He said, "Speaking of clouds, every time we fly through one, things seem dark, and then all of a sudden you break through and it sorta seems like a new world. Life is full of similar incidents. I'm reminded of a little verse I learned in high school. " 'So live that when the summons comes to join that innumerable caravan, which moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death—tho go not like a quarry slave at night—soothed and sustained by the unfaltering trust—approach the grave like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams.' "50 Burton was the tenth child in the family of eleven children. As an adult, he was 6'0" tall with dark wavy hair, dark brown eyes, and an olive complexion. His love of the mountains and horses was apparent very early in life; he also loved music and learned to play the guitar well without taking any lessons. When he was twelve years old, he had filled all the requirements of a Trailbuilder, knew his family history, learned the Articles of Faith, knew the names of the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. After he was ordained a teacher, he often took his guitar with him when he went ward teaching; and when he and his partner were ready to leave, he would sing and play the family a song. Burton was inducted into the Army on 29 November 1943, only two weeks after Norris had been reported missing in action. On his last furlough home before going overseas, he visited with his sister in Salt Lake City. In the

157 early evening, she drove him home to Milton. As they drove up Weber Canyon, he commented many times on the beauty of the mountains and how he missed them. On 10 November 1944, Burton wrote a letter home from France. He said they were holed up in a barn and he had the chance to shave and comb his hair for the first time in many days. Some formanimal s had been left there, so he was milking the cow and he said the milk tasted pretty good. Then he closed the letter with these words, "I hope history repeats itself tomorrow and ends the war its sad anyway you take it. May the Lord be with us. I remain your son, Burton."5•Four days later Burton was killed in Weisse, France; it had only been a year and a day from the time that Norris was reported missing in action. Mary Nelson Robbins, sister of Burton and Norris, stated: "My mother always seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to the boys. When the telegram came with the words that Norris was missing in action, Mother told me that she already knew something had happened. Norris had come to her in the night and told her he was hurt. Before they received the word about Burton being killed, mother was crying and said that she knew something had happened to him. Months later, I met her coming up the stairs, (the boys clothes were in a wardrobe closet downstairs) she said T just had the nicest visit with my boys. "Though she was separated from the boys for the duration of this life, she still felt their presence near and took comfort in that until her death."52 On 1 December 1944, Chester Olson, a cousin of the Nelson boys, was killed in action in Germany. His parents received the telegram notifying them of his death on 29 December, and a few days later they received a letter from a companion of Chester whom he had asked to write his folks should he be killed. A joint memorial service for Burton and Chester was held Sunday, 14 January 1945.53The program at the tabernacle was conducted by Bishop Clifford Spendlove. Malin Francis, another Morgan boy, lost his life during those months. Malin was the son of Roy and Ivy Francis. He had been attending BYU and was a member of the National Guard when the war broke out. He was immediately called into the service (he completed his degree by correspondence). He joined the Air Corps and graduated as a pilot serving more than fifty missions over India and Burma. His father later pieced together some of Malin's activities as his companions visited the family after the War. They told him that Malin was always considered the leader of their reconnaissance group. They all figured that if they could get on the flight with Malin, they would always come back. One of these men, who was a nonmember during the War, later joined the Church. He said that after each flight liquor was offered to the men to settle their nerves. Malin, however, always just threw his flight jacket over his shoulder and went to his bunk. The friend stated, "We could never make out what it was, but there was something about that boy that had us all

158 excited. . . . afterIcameoutWest,Ifoundoutwhatttwas.HewasIivinghis religion."54 Malin had completed his service and was going to come home when a new type of plane came in. They asked for volunteers to test fly it. Malin and a friend volunteered. During the flight, the plane developed engine trouble but Malin was able to make a landing in a rice field. As the plane was coasting to a stop, abig Brahma bull dashed in front of him and turned the plane over. Malin and his companion were both crushed and killed.55 Malin's parents later received a letter from his commanding officer. On February 1, 1945, your son was given a military burial at the American cemetery at Barrachpore, India. Officers and men of his squadron attended the funeral. His fellowpilots flew their planes over the cemetery in honor of a man they all loved. Malan was an outstanding officer in the squadron. His conscientious attitude and deep devotion to duty, along with his wonderful sense of honor, made him respected, admired and loved by all who had contact with him. Your son and I first became friends two years ago at Peterson Field, Colorado Springs. I had come to know him well and respect him deeply. His loss is a great one to myself, the entire squadron and the army air forces.56 These brief histories of the Nelson brothers and Malan Francis are examples of the many fine young men from Morgan who served in the armed forces. Sixteen young men from Morgan gave their lives in the service during World War II. They were Thomas Henry Giles, Henry Burton Nelson, Chester R. Olson, Roy K. Eastman, Ray Robinson, Robert D. Smith, Gale Robert Spackman, Wendell Foster Carrigan, Malin E. Francis, Richard J. Mikesell, Norris Nelson, Craig Hannum, Arthur Leatham, Ronald Lucky, Riley LaMar, and Samuel White.57 As the American forces advanced in the Pacific, the story of the heroism of another Morgan family came to light. Mr. and Mrs. Norris Wadsworth and their daughter Theresse (son, daughter, and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Reddon and Mr. and Mrs. Richard R. Fry) were released from ajapanese POWcamp. When the war broke out, they were living on Mindanao. First they fled to the jungle and lived "like hunted animals" for five months and finally gave themselves up to the Japanese. Transferred from one prison camp to another, they existed in terrible conditions on subsistence rations for three years. In a letter home after their release, Mr. Wadsworth wrote, "In the last several months we were fed practically nothing. I weigh 125 lbs. now compared to the 190 I used to weigh. Terry weighs 60 lbs. and she used to weigh 80. Our release on the night of February 3 was spectacular and heroic. . . . We expect to leave soon for the states and are thankful to our Heavenly Father for our safety and health."58 At the March stake conference Elder Mark E. Peterson, of the Quorum of Twelve, seemed to summarize by talking about faith promoting instances of our boys in the armed services, saying, "There is nothing so precious as a human soul." He asked, "Are we willing to do our share to save wavering members?" He then closed his remarks by imploring the Saints to serve God and keep his commandments and telling them if you love himyou will serve him.59 Peace at Last Spring and summer finallybrough t peace to a war torn world as terms of surrender were signed with both Germany and Japan. The newspapers were filled with joyous reports of returning service men, many of them heavily decorated, and all with a deeper appreciation of home. Don Whitear recalls with emotion his feelings when he returned fromth e Far East, stepping fromth e bus at the old Bohman store in Peterson. As be started down the road toward the forma t the foot of the mountains his eyes filled with tears of joy and the words of the song, "The Hills of Home" came to mind. A peaceful, light feeling came over him and with it the realization of what a special valley this is. When the Saints gathered for stake conference in September, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, of the Quorum of the Twelve, was the visiting authority. He spoke about foreign missions and the need for missionaries. He also cautioned the members to guard against the temptations of the world and promised that peace would come to the righteous. President Heiner talked of the peace which had come after four years of war and asked the Saints to so live that when temptations came they could resist the storms.61 The 150th quarterly conference of the Morgan Stake was held 1 and 2 December, with Bishop Marvin O. Ashton, of the presiding bishopric, in attendance. The entire conference was dedicated to theyoung people of the stake. Some of the youth speakers were Kent Smith, Ray Jensen, Eldon Mecham, and Marjorie Lewis.62 Life seemed to return somewhat to normal once the terms of surrender were agreed upon and the treaties were signed. The papers were filled with reports of social events instead of war. Meetings which had been cancelled throughout the war were resumed. A special Christmas program was held Sunday, 23 December at 8 p.m. in the tabernacle.63 Saints Respond to Famine in Europe One major concern did come to the fronta s winter approached. Many of the Saints overseas were left destitute from the War. The Relief Society sisters again mobilized. Many made coats. Quilting frames were set up all over the Valley as the sisters got out their needles and went to work. Sister Virgie Rock particularly remembers meeting with other ladies and tying a big flannel quilt on framesse t up in a room at the old Peterson school house.64 The Relief Society general board sent out letters asking the sisters to give baskets of food to the hungry instead of Christmas gifts.65 On 16 January 1946, the Morgan Stake Relief Society board, ward presidents, work directors, and ward bishops met at the North Morgan church and sorted and packaged the clothing that had been collected by the Relief Society sisters. Before the day was over, seventy-six eleven lb. packages were ready to be sent to Europe. They contained clothing of all kinds and for all ages, soap, and bedding. Everyone who participated reported it was one of the most inspirational days they had ever spent.66 The 151st stake conference was held on 23 and 24 February. Elder Marion G. Romney was the presiding authority. At the first general session, he described what the Saints were doing to help their brothers and sisters in Europe67 Faith-Promoting Experiences Recalled Thayne Rogers, ayoung man who returned from the War, remembers that he had worked the night before conference and was sitting about four rows back, kind of half asleep, when he faintly heard his name mentioned. He roused up and his Mom said, "Thayne, they called on you to speak." As closely as he can remember, the following experience is what he shared at conference: When I was 10 years old, I was given a Patriarchal Blessing by my mother's uncle. In the blessing he stated a phrase which I still think of often, "Thy life shall be spared and the power of the destroyer shall be stayed." Then as I left to go into the service, I went to Bishop Richard Rich for a blessing and in that blessing he stated, "The time shall come when you shall know without a doubt that the Lord has spared your life." I was a waist gunner on a B-29 and had completed every training mission. We were at Kearny, Nebraska, our point of embarkation and most of the group I had trained with had left. Our Colonel decided to make one more high altitude flight. For some reason, I felt I shouldn't go on that flight. I talked to my commanding officer and said, "If you don't mind I'd like to stay down." He asked me why and I told him I really didn't know just didn't feel right about it. The next morning he came into the mess hall and said, "I've been thinking about what you said all night and I've decided you can stay down." I went out with them, helped prepare the plane, then stood by the side of the runway and watched them take off The thought crossed my mind, although I didn't know why, I wonder if I'll ever see them again. About three hours later word came. While flying at a high altitude, the windows had iced up on another plane coming up underneath. The planes collided and our plane was cut in two. There were only two survivors of the ten man crew. The fellow riding in my place was burned beyond recognition.68

The Saints Asked To Give More As the conditions of hunger in the world intensified, the Saints in Morgan responded to the call of their leaders. At the March stake presidency and high 161 council meeting, President Heiner reported that the General Authorities were concerned over conditions of the world today and asked that welfare budgets be increased 50 percent and that 100 percent produce be turned in, instead of cash69 It is interesting to note that the ward budget, for the South Morgan Ward for 1946 consisted of 508 bushels of barley, 6,000 pounds of cabbage, 1,800 pounds of squash and 1,300 pounds of mutton. Then at the May stake conference, Elder Charles A Callis, of the Quorum of the Twelve, told the Saints that the famine of the world today was the fulfilling of the prophecies of the Old Testament. He also stated that through our labors in the welfare program, we gain favor with the Lord, overcome selfishness, and gain eternal life.70 Even the children in the stake became involved in helping those left destitute by the war. In August, a clothing drive "for the children in the famine stricken countries overseas" was conducted by the stake Primary. Nettie Robinson, stake Primary president requested that families assist by contributing clothing from infants to twelve years.71

Youth Activities There were many activities for the Saints in 1946. As spring cleared the snow from the fields, the stake presidency and high council sponsored a baseball league. The turnout was good. In May, the Beehives of the stake held a Beehive Swarm Day. Sixty girls participated. They visited Salt Lake City where they went to the state capitol building, Memory Grove, and Temple Square. The day was topped off by a visit with President George Albert Smith at his office.72 In June, thirty-two Primary Trailbuilders from Morgan went to Salt Lake City where they, too, visited the capitol building, Temple Square and the Hotel Utah. Then they had lunch at Liberty Park/3 "Music, the Universal Language" was the theme of a stake M.I A. program in May. It was under the direction of J. L Terry. The stake M.IA also had a special sunrise service for the Young Men and Young Women of the stake in August.74

Conference and Reorganization In Wards Two wards of the stake were reorganized in the fall. Bishop Elmer Lewis and his counselors of the Porterville Ward were released and Charles R. Kippen was sustained as the new bishop. Bishop Stanley Rose of Richville was also released. The stake presidency was not prepared, however, to effect anew organization, so with the permission of the General Authorities, Elder George Brough of the high council was appointed to preside over the ward until a bishop could be chosen.75 Elder John A Widtsoe, of the Quorum of the Twelve, was the presiding authority at the 153rd stake conference in August. He spoke on many doctrinal topics throughout the stake conference sessions. At a special

162 meeting, he talked of some of the false doctrines that were prevalent in the Church and warned the Saints about them, stating that he was pleased that there was none such being taught in the Morgan Stake.76 Following a plea from the First Presidency in the fall of 1945 to reduce the amount of drinking and driving taking place in Utah, a committee was organized by the stake presidency to try to close beer parlors in Morgan. They made many attempts to see the sale of liquor in Morgan County reduced, but all measures failed. Finally, an ordinance was drawn up which would prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. This petition was presented to the City and County officials in October with the ordinance being adopted in Morgan City but not in Morgan County.77 Centennial Year 1947 Nineteen forty-seven was the centennial year for the Church. Activities commemorating the arrival of the Saints in Utah in 1847 were held throughout the various wards of the Church. Morgan Stake began their celebration with a centennial ball on 25 January. Those attending were asked to wear pioneer costumes if possible.78 Another aspect of the centennial celebration was a cleanup, fix-up campaign in all the wards. In Croydon, the priesthood took charge of the project. Fences were repaired, old trees removed, rubbish hauled away, the cemetery cleaned up and the ward meetinghouse and grounds refurbished. All the other wards in the stake had similar projects. Also the stake tabernacle was repaired, renovated, and painted and an amplifying system installed.79 The Morgan Ward M-Men's basketball team won the stake championship and represented the stake in the Ogden division and won the division championship. They went on to the final tournament in Salt Lake City and did well but were finally defeated by Springville. Team members were F. Dickson, F. Rogers, C. Randall, G. Rose.G. Porter, F. Little, and Francis.80 At the spring stake conference in March, Clifford Young and Henry D. Moyle were the visiting authorities. A "Committee on LDS Girls" had been organized in the stake on 26 January; and at stake conference a mother's and daughter's meeting was held on Sunday morning. President Geary made the following statement in his address at the afternoon session, "No matter how humble your position in the Church, the Church will suffer if you fail it. We are a blessed people, live the Gospel to the best of your ability." At the close of conference, both President Heiner and Elder Young talked about the hardships the pioneers faced on our behalf and our debt of gratitude to them.81 The Daughters of Utah Pioneers sponsored a centennial ball on Saturday, 26 April. Catherine Rogers was chosen queen and Camille Fry and Dot Whittier were named attendants. During the evening, a floor show was presented. A handcart company, made up of Primary girls of the stake, dressed in pioneer costumes, sang songs of the pioneers. F. W. Clark was honored as the oldest pioneer present (he was eighty-seven). Elizabeth

163 Kingston and Emmaline Fry were the oldest ladies present. Bob Brimley won the contest for the longest whiskers, measuring out at 2 1/2 inches. The finale of the night was a grand march led by President Sylvester Heiner and his wife, Elsie. Three weeks later, President Heiner and his counselors were honorably released after guiding the stake for five years. During those years twenty different General Authorities had visited the stake. They included Apostles, Joseph F. Merrill, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Mark E. Peterson, Spencer W. Kimball, John A Widstoe, George Albert Smith, and Charles A Callis. Assistants to the Twelve, Thomas E. McKay, Clifford E. Young, Nicholas G. Smith, and Marion G. Romney. Antoine R. Ivins, Oscar A Kirkham, Samuel O. Bennion, of the First Council of Seventy; LeGrand Richards, Marvin O. Ashton, and Joseph L Wirthlin of the Presiding Bishopric; and Patriarch Joseph F. Smith.

1. Morgan Srake Historical Record, March 14,1942, Historical Department, TheChurch ofjesus Chrisr of latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 228. 2. Ibid,, March 15.1942, p. 229. 3. Ibid 4. Ibid,, April 26, 1942, p. 233. 5. Ibid,, March 22,1942, p. 231. 6. Ibid., March 22,1942, p. 240. 7. Morgan County News, April 24, 1952, 8. Ibid., May 15, 1942, 9. Ibid, July 3,1942, 10. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 31, 1942, p. 236, 11. Ibid, November 22, 1942, p. 244. 12. Ibid, October 25, 1942, p. 243. 13. Morgan, Utah Srake Relief Sociery Minutes, December 27, 1942, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, p. 22. 14. Morgan County News, October 31, November 6, 1942. 15. Ibid., August 7,1942; Morgan Srake Historical Record, p. 243. 16. Manuscript Historyofthe Morgan Stake, December 31,1942, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter day Saints, Salt Lake City. 17. Oral interview with Alfred Bohman by Laraine Whitear, August 6, 1986. 18. Morgan Stake Historical Record, December 12,13,1942, p. 247. 19. Morgan County News, December 11, 1942. 20. Ibid, December 4,1942. 21. Morgan Stake Historical Record, January 24, 1943, p. 256. 22. Morgan County News, March 12, 1943. 23. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 14,1943, pp. 257-58, 24. Ibid,June 6,1943, pp. 263-64. 25. Morgan County News, July 23, 1943. 26. Morgan Stake Historical Record, June 27, July 25, 1943, pp. 264-66. 27. Morgan County News, November 5, 1943. 28. Morgan Srake Historical Record, October 24, 1943, p. 270, 29. Ibid., December 11, 12, 1943, p. 271. 30. Morgan County News, December 17, 1943. 31. Ibid. 32. Ibid,

164 33. Ibid,, January 28, 1944. 34. Morgan Stake Historical Record, February 27, 1944, p. 281, 35. Ibid, May 14, 1944, pp. 286-87. 36. Ibid., March 26,1944, pp. 283. 37. The Life and Works of Forde Dickson, a family publication, p. 146. 38. Morgan County News, May 12, 1944. 39. Ibid, June 30,1944. 40. Morgan Stake Historical Record, July 23, 1944, p. 289- 41. Morgan County News, August 18, 1944. 42. Stake Relief Society Minutes, June 25, 1944, p. 14. 43. Morgan County News, September 1,1944. 44. Ibid„July21,1944, p. 4. 45. Ibid. 46. Morgan Stake Historical Record, September 10, 1944, pp, 291-92. 47. Ibid., November 26,1944, p. 296. 48. Morgan County News, October 6, 1944. 49. Oral interview with Mary Robbins by Laraine Whitear, September 1986. 50. Letter written by Norris Nelson, January 28, 1943, in possession ofhissister,Mary Robbins. 51. Letter written by H. Burton Nelson, November 10, 1944, in possession of his brother, Kenneth Nelson. 52. History written by Mary Robbins, September 1986, and in possession of Laraine Whitear, 53- Obituary and letter in possession of Mrs. Hilliard Williams, Morgan. 54. Roy Elmer Francis, oral history, interview by Charles Ursenbach, 1974, typescript, pp. 29-30, Historical Department, TheChurch ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 55. Francis, oral history, pp. 29-30. 56. Morgan County News, March 9, 1945- 57. United Srates Archives, Veterans with Federal Service Buried in the State of Utah, Historical Department Library, Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo Memorial to World War II War Dead located at the Morgan County Court House, Morgan, Utah. 58. Morgan County News, May 18, 1945. 59. Morgan Stake Historical Record, p. 301. 60. Oral interview with Don Whitear by Laraine Whitear, December 1986. 61. Morgan Stake Historical Record, September 15,16,1945, p. 311. 62. Ibid,, December 1, 2,1945, p. 318. 63. Ibid., November 25, 1945, p. 315. 64. Oral interview with Virgie Rock by Laraine Whitear, August 6, 1986. 65. Stake Relief Society Minutes, p. 25. 66. Ibid, p. 30. 67. Morgan Stake Historical Record, February 23. 24, 1947, p. 322. 68. Oral interview with Thayne Rogers by Laraine Whitear, September 3,1986. 69. Morgan Stake Historical Record, March 24,1946, p. 324. 70. Ibid, May 19,1946, p. 328. 71. Morgan County News, August 9, 1946. 72. Ibid, May 24,1946. 73. Ibid,July5,1946. 74. Ibid,, May 17,1946. 75. Manuscript History of Porterville and Richville Wards, December 31, 1946, Historical Departmenr, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 76. Morgan Stake Historical Record, August 31, September 1,1946, pp. 334-335. 77. Morgan County News, September 20, November 29, 1946. 78. Ibid, January 24, 1947,

165 79- Manuscript History of Croydon Ward, December 31,1947, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 80. Manuscript History of Morgan Ward, December 31,1947, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt LakeCiry; Morgan County News, March 7, 1947. 81. Morgan Srake Historical Record, January 26, March 2,1947, p. 345- 82. Morgan County News, May 2,1947. ADMINISTRATION OF CLARENCE D. RICH

On 17 May 1947, Elders Joseph F. Merrill and Harold B. Lee came to Morgan under instructions from the First Presidency to call a new stake presidency for the Morgan Stake. At the first general session of conference on Sunday morning, 18 May, Elder Merrill explained to the congregation that President Sylvester Heiner and his counselors would be released. He expressed thanks for their many years of faithful service. Then, at the afternoon session, he presented the name of Clarence Dickson Rich to be president of the Morgan Stake, with Raymond P. Larson as first counselor and Fernando C. Jensen as second counselor. Roy E. Francis was retained as stake clerk.1 A testimonial was held in the stake tabernacle 8 June 1947, honoring the retiring stake presidency and high council. Elder Henry D. Moyle, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, represented the General Authorities. The tabernacle was decorated with flowers, and members of the stake filled it to honor the retiring stake president and members of the high council and their wives. Each retiring official was given a token of remembrance for his faithfulness.2 Brother Jensen had been serving as bishop of the Morgan Ward prior to his call to the stake presidency. At the first high council meeting on 24 May, Frank B. Rich was approved to replace President Jensen as bishop of the Morgan Ward.3 Within the next six months three more wards were reorganized. Clifford Spendlove was called as bishop of the Milton Ward, Russell Rock as bishop of the Peterson Ward, and Raymond Wiscombe as bishop of the Richville Ward.4 During President Rich's administration many General Authorities visited the Morgan Stake. _ They included Joseph F. Merrill, Harold B. Lee, Raymond p. Larson Mhen E.Bowen, Spencer W.Kimball, Stephen L Richards, Mark E. Peterson, , Henry D. Moyle, Joseph Fielding Smith (members of the Quorum of Twelve); Thomas E. McKay, and Clifford E. Young (Assistants to the Twelve); LeGrand Richards and Thorpe B. Isaacson (Presiding Bishopric); Levi Edgar Young, Milton R. Hunter, Antoine R. Ivins, and S. Dilworth Young (First Council of Seventy).

167 Centennial Activities celebrating the centennial of the pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley commenced in the Morgan Stake under President Sylvester Heiner and now continued under President Rich. Many of the Saints from Morgan visited Salt Lake City for the festivities on 24 July. Sister Eva Rich recorded the following in her journal; "We went to Salt Lake City early this morning for the centennial festivities. We went to the ceremonies for the This is the Place Monument' then had lunch in Liberty Park. . . . We went to the big parade at 6 p.m."5 On 5 September, the Morgan County Fernando C Centennial Committee presented their pageant entitled, "O Ye Mountains High." The production was written by Faye Williams and directed by J. L. Terry. It was based on the early history of Morgan County, portraying the struggle the pioneers faced when they first came to the Valley. Over 300 people from the Morgan Valley were involved in the production. Many of them were direct descendants of the characters they portrayed,6 It seemed to those spectators who attended that nothing ever presented before in the Valley could equal "O Ye Mountains High." Both President George Albert Smith and Governor Herbert Maw, who were special guests at the pageant, said it was the finest centennial production they had seen.7 There were other activities of note that summer and fall. The Guide Patrol boys of the North Morgan Ward built a beautiful replica of the Primary Children's Hospital to be used as a bank when collecting funds for the children at the hospital. Also, the annual Old Folk's Party was held and a hot dinner was served to over one-hundred.8 Welfare Later in the year, with work on the Bishop's Storehouse proceeding well, the Saints became involved in many welfare projects. Bishop Rees of North Morgan asked that every man, woman, and child in the ward bring their buckets and pick up potatoes for the church welfare.9 Also, the Saints were still concerned about their brothers and sisters in war ravaged Europe. Among other fund raising activities planned to help these Saints, the stake held a picture show at the recreation hall on 26 October. The proceeds went to help alleviate the starvation in Europe. Also, the First Presidency of the Church called a special fast to be held on the first Sunday in December for the same purpose.1" At stake conference held in September, Elder Thomas E. McKay, Assistant to the Council of the Twelve, spoke of the important role the Church Welfare program had played in relief to the Saints in Europe.11

168 Again, when the stake met for conference in November, the prevailing theme ofthe talks was welfare. Elder Albert E. Bowen, of the Quorum of the Twelve, gave instructions about using the bishop's storehouse properly, and President Rich asked the Saints to live closer to the Savior remembering that the welfare program is part ofthe gospel plan.12 1948—Stake Conference and Dedication of North Morgan Chapel When the Saints gathered for conference on 28 February 1948, Elder Spencer W. Kimball, ofthe Quorum ofthe Twelve, spoke at length about the sacredness of marriage.13 Also, a special meeting was held for all stake and ward officers, which also included their husbands and wives. Elder Kimball stressed that leaders should live up to the commandments of the Lord. He impressed the following upon the people: "Have family prayer regularly, attend sacrament meeting, remember chastity, keep the Sabbath day holy, pay your tithing, avoid card parties, and make time to attend assigned duties. Those in authority should teach the sacredness of garments and the privilege of wearing them." He told those present, 'You leaders are the church here in this community, live to glorify the same."14 Again, from Eva Rich's journal of 29 February 1948, "Conference has really been wonderful. It was the largest ever held in the history ofthe stake. Our daddy gave such a splendid talk in the morning session. . . . This afternoon Brother Kimball had the congregation sing 'Who's On the Lord's Side Who'. .. . Brother Kimball was here for supper and then he and Clarence went to North Morgan for the dedication of their new ward house."15 The remodeling ofthe North Morgan chapel was begun in 1941, but during the war construction was halted. However, in 1948, the building at dedication was finished in every detail and free of debt.'6 At the dedication on 29 February, Elder Kimball presided over the congre­ gation of approximately 500 people. The North Morgan choir sang four North Morgan Chapel Picture courtesy , ,„. ° _. . ¥I ,,«--. of Utah State Historical Society numbers, Bless This House, The Lord Hath Appointed the Day,'" "Softly andTenderly," and "Hosanna." After the dedicatory prayer by Elder Kimball, the members oftheward presented Bishop Rees and members ofthe choir with a new piano—a special surprise,17 Activities Agoal long worked for by the Morgan stake presidency was the restriction of the sale and use of alcohol in the county. This was partially achieved in March 1948 when the Morgan County Commissioners enacted an ordinance making it unlawful to sell liquor on Sundays in Morgan County. The city had passed a similar ordinance earlier.18 In a similar effort, the brethren ofthe high council were asked in the same month to use their influence among the wards to have them refrain from the games of chance at their entertainments. At the same meeting, plans were laid for a temple excursion to Salt Lake. Such excursions were planned regularly and enjoyed by members ofthe Stake.19 Aspecial achievement banquet was held 17 April 1948 to honor theyouth of the Stake. Henry G. Tempest spoke and presented awards. President Clarence Rich and Bishop Frank Rich also spoke. Sister Rich noted the event in her journal, stating that she truly believed it was the finest thing that had ever been put on in the stake.20 In May, the Morgan Stake Primary board, under the direction of Sister Nettie Robinson, entertained the stake presidency, bishops of all the wards, ward Primary officers, and a number of children at a presentation honoring the first missions ofthe Church. Sister Peter Cook, a convert from theBritish mission, told of her conversion, and Sister Calvin Geary related her conversion in the Hawaiian Islands. Flags "of all nations" decorated the hall for the evening.21 Elder Keith Toone, of Croydon, and his missionary companion got some national publicity in the summer of 1948 when the newspapers across the country printed a story about two Mormon missionaries of the Southern States Mission who were broadcasting a radioprogra m of religious thoughts and sacred music.22 Even as late as 1948, the Saints in the Morgan Valley were still very concerned about helping members ofthe Church in Europe. In October, the stake M-Men and Gleaners, under the direction of Keith Little and Eva Rich, boxed approximately 200 pounds of personal gifts and packages of food to be mailed to Germany. The gifts, which included soap, shaving articles, combs, brushes, canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and candy, were sent to the M Men and Gleaners ofthe West German Mission.23 Earlier in the year, Sister Evadna Francis had sent clothing to LDS Church members in Germany. She had placed a note in the toe of a shoe. A lady in Germany wrote back thanking her and mentioned in the letter that she was expecting a baby. Sister Francis discussed this with a class of second graders at Morgan Elementary School and they started a campaign to provide a layette for the baby. Their project mushroomed until they also had enough to send "care" packages to England and Italy.24 Conferences and Dedication of Porterville Chapel As the Saints met for quarterly conference in May 1948, Elder Stephen L Richards, ofthe Quorum of the Twelve, presided. At the conference George Sylvester Heiner was called to serve as a patriarch.25 In September, Elder Mark E. Peterson presided at conference. In one encouraging address to the Saints he said, "It is no sacrifice to live your

170 religion, as it brings real happiness. The temptations of Satan bring sorrow and disappointment." In a later address he stated, "There is no sting in the death of a righteous soul. Christ took out the bitterness and made it sweet to them."26 An especially notable occasion for the Saints was a visit by Elder Matthew Cowley to the November stake conference. At the firstgenera l session, he spoke ofthe humility ofthe Saints in the Pacific Islands and related to the Morgan Saints many manifestations of the power of God among the Islanders.27 On Sunday evening, 28 November 1948, the Porterville chapel was dedicated. The project of remodeling the old Porterville schoolhouse into a church had begun in 1942. It had taken six years to transform it into a ward chapel and amusement hall. As with the North Morgan Chapel, the work was slowed by the War; the Saints, however, were delighted to finallyhav e their chapel completed. At the time ofthe dedication, there were 337 members in the Porterville Ward; Charles Kippen was the bishop. Elder Cowley offered the dedicatory prayer.28 Christmas 1948 In 1948, throughout the Valley, the g Saints celebrated Christmas, and each I ward seemed to have its own special I traditions. At the Croydon Ward party, i Bishop Mark Thackery presented a present to each child and then Santa ' arrived with a sack of candy and an I orange for each ofthe children.29 The Morgan Stake closed out T Porterville Church with a musical held at the stake tabernacle on 30 December. The program featured a new electric organ which had been recently installed. Earlier in the year, the stake presidency had appointed a committee of twenty-five men to help raise money for the organ. The committee had contacted the people of the Valley and within one week had raised more than enough money to buy the organ. The organ was first used at the November stake conference, but at the special program on the 30th, the Saints spent a special evening enjoying it.30 The Year 1949 The new year, 1949, began with a note of sadness for the members ofthe North Morgan Ward and many others, when Bishop Joseph Rees passed away suddenly with a heart attack.31 A few months after Bishop Rees' death, John L Heiner was ordained Bishop ofthe North Morgan Ward.32 The theme for the firstquarterl y conference in 1949 was "The Importance of Families." Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson of the presiding bishopric

171 represented the General Authorities. President Rich discussed "The Great Joy of Parenthood;" Albert Welch spoke on the topic, "What I May Do To Strengthen My Relationship With My Son;" Ivan Rich, an Aaronic priesthood member, addressed the subject, "What I Should Do To Strengthen My Personal Relationship With My Father;" and Sister Gwen Adams spoke on the theme "What I May Do To Strengthen the Testimony of My Daughter."33 When the Saints met in May for their conference, Elder Joseph F. Merrill, of the Quorum ofthe Twelve, represented the General Authorities. Roy Thackery, a returned missionary, reported on his labor in the South African Mission and Wayne Nielson on his labor in the Swedish Mission.34 On 17 March, the Relief Society celebrated its 107th birthday. The Morgan women chose the theme "Through the Halls of Morgan Stake Relief Society" for their part ofthe celebration. Past and present presidents were honored as follows: Sister Lydia Rich, president for thtrty- For over sixty years Ada mo y6318. Maryette Waldron-eleven years, Waldron has shared her Mary Chadwick—five years, Sophia Anderson— sical talents with the eight years, Elizabeth Geary—four years, Mae members of the Church. She is Rich—seven years, and Margaret Thackery who an accomplished musician was serving at the time.35 who has organized and conducted numerous choirs. The Beehives of the Morgan Stake held their She has spent countless hours annual Swarm Day in May 1949. The theme for ccompanyingotbers, teaching the ^ ..^j, Go Camping." Held in IUSIC, and playing for the _ ... , ,. . ,. , - • . enjoyment ofm • " ** * PortervillePj"Mts*n'ill*a, tht\-it>e highligh hlrth lfrht to r\tf th thep daHaiy rwa nnsc whe\i'h*>nn She was the organist for toe ninety-four-year old Matilda Peterson kept the first session of the dedication audience spellbound with her stories and her of the Ogden Temple. Sister 36 Waldron's expertise at the ability to quote poetry. organ was featured at the Dances were, for many years, the high social special program on 30 events of the stake. There were usually three December 1948. main dances each year. The Gold and Green Ball, the Sweetheart Ball, and the Rose Prom were all sponsored by the Stake Young Men and Young Women's Mutual Improvement Association. The Gold and Green Ball was usually held in January. A queen was selected from all the girls ofthe stake with a young man as her escort. The decorations were often elaborate. One year myriads of cotton balls were hung from the ceiling to make a very realistic snow scene. In February, the annual Sweetheart Ball was usually held. A couple was selected from each ward to represent the sweethearts of the ward. This couple was most often an older, married couple. The Rose Prom featured the younger Mia Maid girls. In addition to these dances, an M-Men and Gleaner banquet was held each year. Often this was a nice dinner dance.37 172 Sports was also important in the stake's activities. In the winter there was M-Men basketball. The teams competed ward against ward within the stake; then the winner went on to region competition. Finally, the region winners played at an All Church competition in Salt Lake City. In 1949, Porterville won the stake championship and went on to region, but was defeated there.38 All of these programs had as their purpose an increase in the fellowship between ward members. In addition to activities, the members ofthe stake often worked together. One example took place in June 1949, when a call went out for volunteers from the stake to work at the grain elevators in Kaysville. Morgan responded with men and labor which reportedly was greatly appreciated by the Church's General Committee on Welfare.39 In September 1949, Elder Clifford E. Young, Assistant to the Twelve, was the visiting General Authority at conference. His closing remarks were memorable. He bore his testimony to the truthfulness ofthe gospel and then said, "May the children ofthe future say of us as we say of the pioneers of this Church, They were sincere and faithful to the [ ir] belief.'"411 The high council meeting of 25 September was very inspiring, even touching. All present wanted to bear testimony to the truthfulness of the gospel. The meeting extended well past the regular time for dismissal. According to Roy Francis, those in attendance witnessed an unusual outpouring ofthe Spirit.41 In November, Elder Levi Edgar Young, of the First Council of Seventy, attended stake conference. During one of his talks, he discussed the beliefs of the American Indians as shown by their legends. In his closing address, he encouraged the Saints to study the gospel more. President Rich then spoke of love, as he often did at conference. He spoke ofthe love given by Christ, saying, "What we keep we lose, what we give to others, we keep forever."42 The stake held a special Christmas program on 21 December in lieu of their monthly priesthood meeting. All priesthood holders and their partners were invited. The program featured many of the talented and devoted members ofthe Stake, and went as follows: Preliminary music on the organ: Ilene Johnson Christmas carols by the congregation Prayer: Patriarch George Sylvester Heiner Stake Presidency Season's Greetings: President Clarence Rich Male Quartet: "Christmas Lullaby," John Johnson & Company Trumpet Solo: "Christmas Song," John Tooler Reading: "A Candle in the Forest," Sharlene Francis Vocal Duet: "Star ofthe East," Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thatcher Organ Selection: "The Holy City," Ada Waldron Retold Story: "The Village's Strangest Christmas," Sister Ivy Francis Vocal Solo: "Can't You Hear Me Calling," Dorothy Rose Vocal Duet: "Walking in a Winter Wonderland," Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thatcher Reading: "The Little Angel," Mrs. Carma Newbold Male Quartet: "Holy Night," John Johnson & Company (Frank Smith, Woodrow Giles, and Ralph Carter) Organ Selection: "Jingle Bells in Variation," Ada Waldron Benediction: Howard Francis Scouting Scouting was an important function in the Morgan Stake. One of many who served was Herb Whittier, who devoted many hours to the young men in the Scouting organization. In 1950, Robert Sherwood, an Explorer Scout from Morgan, was chosen to represent Region Twelve in the annual report to the nation. Robert was the first LDS young man to win the honor. He represented 150,000 Boy Scouts in Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California and Hawaii. Prior to his departure to the East, Robert was honored in the Morgan Stake Tabernacle. More than 300 persons attended. Speakers included President Rich and executives from the Boy Scouts. The highlight of the trip for Robert was his personal meeting with, and report to Harry S. Truman, president ofthe United States.43 Conference and Dedication of Bishop's Storehouse Elder Milton R. Hunter, Assistant to the Twelve, visited the stake for the May conference in 1950. In one notable address he told the Saints that "God is a personal being, celestialized and glorified," and reminded them that even God has to abide by the law. He told them that except they become as little children, they cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven; he also bore testimony that God is actually and literally our Father in heaven. Brother Charles T. Francis also spoke at the conference reminding the Saints that some ofthe most precious truths ofthe gospel have come to us from the darkest hours of persecution.44 On 9 and 10 September, Presiding Bishop LeGrand Richards attended Morgan stake conference. The theme hinged on the value of youth and the importance of teaching them correct principles. Bishop Richards closed the conference by asking the congregation if they fully appreciated the gospel and the blessings it brings.45 On the afternoon of 10 September, , ,,,_,, . . _ . „, . , - As of 1987 the building houses the ii the newly constructed Bishop s Store- Mor^anS(akeextraction pr0gramand house wasdedicated. All common labor the Morgan Historical Society and is no and some of the skilled labor on the longer used as a Bishop's Storehouse. building had been donated by members ofthe stake. The cost was about $12,000. Fifty percent ofthe cost of materials was furnished by the stake. At the dedication ceremonies, which were held just outside the newly constructed storehouse, President Rich expressed 174 sincere appreciation for the response ofthe members in the construction of the building. Elder Richards talked briefly about the marvelous work being accom­ plished by the Church Welfare program to assist the needy. He testified that this program is part ofthe Lord's work hereon.earth. Then he offered the dedicatory prayer.46 Roy Thackery, president ofthe second quorum of elders, reported at the same conference that the second quorum had raised a crop of peas, making over $400 profit ,47 In November 1950, Elder Mark E. Peterson was the visiting General Authority for conference. Elder Peterson brought new instructions from the General Authorities for missionaries. Among other things, the age limit for boys had been lowered to 19 years. At the close ofthe conference, Dale Bohman was ordained bishop ofthe Peterson Ward.48

Sacrifice and Love of Primary Children In February 1951, a heart warming event took place which involved the primary children of Morgan Stake. Several years before, on President Heber J. Grant's eighty-second birthday, he had been given a large beehive containing a chest made of Utah copper. Inside were 1,000 silver dollars made from Utah silver. President Grant asked that the money be used toward building a new Primary Children's Hospital. He did not live long enough to see this accomplished, but the Primary General Board carried out his wish. They had each silver dollar made into a paperweight. Anyone who donated $100 to the hospital fund would be given one of these paperweights as a souvenir. The Primary children of Morgan, under direction of their officers and teachers, went to work. They sponsored parades, bazaars, and the like to earn their $100. When they received the paperweight, I because of their love and respect for President Clarence Rich, they presented it to him. The presentation was made at theunionmeetingon21 February 1951. Sister Betty Mecham, a ward Primary president, gave the paperweight to the stake president on behalf of all the children in Morgan. Sister Catherine Tucker, ofthe stake Primary board, spoke on the spirit of giving. Following are some excerpts from her talk: In the life of our Savior, no service was more touching or more important than the blessing of little children and the caring for the sickand afflicted. Through our unselfish efforts, we too can help the blind to see and the lame to walk.

175 The Savior spent his whole life giving and doing for others. So let us remember the greatest commandment of all: To love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind and might. And to love thy neighbor as thyself. For love is the greatest influence in the human life. . . f" That night, Eva Rich wrote in her journal, "The primaries of the stake presented ourdaddywith one ofthe paperweights that is [sic] purchased to help the Children's Hospital. He surely was thrilled with it."50

Conference and Auxiliary Meetings At stake conference in February 1951, President Raymond Larson addressed the concerns of many ofthe Saints as soldiers from Morgan were again being called to fight in a war. "This country of ours has been set up as a place of security for those who live the commandments of God. Let us face the future without fear, for if we live as we should, we have no need of fear."51 Elder Antoine R. Ivins was the visiting authority and he asked that a special meeting for the thirty-fifth quorum ofthe seventies be called. At this meeting, he taught the gospel, gave instruction, explained the rights ofthe presidencies ofthe quorum and encouraged all seventies to be active and full tithe payers.52 On 1 March 1951, the stake presidency called a meeting for all elders who had been ordained in the past two years. President Rich explained that the meeting was to help the young elders become better acquainted, to learn more of their responsibilities, and to receive encouragement in priesthood assignments. Each member of the stake presidency gave instructions and encouragement, after which the meeting was opened for questions.53 The minutes of all the monthly stake presidency and auxiliary meetings reflect the leaders' concern for the members ofthe stake. The love they had for the Saints was evident in their conversations and their actions. The Saints in Morgan experienced a loss when President George Albert Smith passed away on 4 April 1951, on his birthday. On 9 April, David O. McKay was ordained President of the Church.54 The Morgan Stake Sunday School board sponsored a convention for all stake Sunday School workers on 15 April. The main focus ofthe convention was to improve the standards of teaching. Two sessions were held and the featured speakers came from the Sunday School General Board. Between sessions, the ladies of the stake Sunday School board served dinner at the Daughters of Utah Pioneers building.55 In like manner, the Morgan Stake Relief Society hosted two Ogden stakes at the annual Relief Society convention on 24 August. The morning was devoted to instructions from the stake board and general board leaders. The afternoon was turned over to stake and ward officers. Over two hundred Relief Society members attended.56 At the May and September conferences, the Saints were encouraged to provide for themselves a two year supply of food and clothing, and to pay their fast offerings and budget.57In November, the ward and stake leaders

176 were encouraged to stay close to their Father in Heaven through prayer and by following the word of the Lord. Elder S. Dilworth Young counseled parents, "Be what you want your children to be and teaching them will be easy."58 The young men's and women's organizations, in the stake were busy. For years, they had had a special MIA session on Sunday evening following stake conference. One interesting presentation was the "Pattern for Living" given on 9 September 1951. The programs were made up to represent a pattern used for sewing. A skit featuring a family seeking the best pattern for living was presented with a set of instructions. Step one (of fourteen steps) read, "Select only genuine materials. Time spent on cheap imitations is wasted."59 Roadshows were also popular. Held annually, each ward wrote and planned their own show. Then, usually on two consecutive evenings, the youth traveled through the stake presenting the plays. In 1951, the theme was transportation. Each of the wards decided to base their production on the following variations ofthe theme: Morgan—automobiles; Porterville— covered wagons; Richville—boats; Milton—trains; Peterson—horses; North Morgan—bicycles; and Croydon—fuel.60 Many leaders worked tirelessly with the youth of the stake during this time, but two stand out—Margaret Little and Donald Brough. On 1 March 1952 at the MIA session of conference, they were awarded the first honorary Golden Gleaners and Master M-Men awards ever given in the stake.61 A Time of Trial and Hardship The spring of 1952 brought unique trials to some ofthe Saints in Morgan. Raymond Wiscombe, bishop ofthe Richville Ward, was called to active duty in the Army in Korea. Bishop Wiscombe, like many other members of the stake had served four years in the service during World War II. He had then remained in the Marine Air Corps Reserve after the War. In 1949 he had been seriously injured in a farm accident, which limited the use of his foot. He was called to duty, nevertheless, leaving on 6 January. His wife, June, was expecting their fourth child. Bishop Wiscombe asked President Clarence Rich, his brother-in-law, to keep a special watch over his family during his absence. Reed Dickson and Dale Porter were Bishop Wiscombe's counselors. Brother Dickson took over the main responsibility of the ward, while Brother Porter rented and took care ofthe Bishop's form. Bishop Wiscombe was able to come home in February for the birth ofthe baby, but then he had to return to duty until Jury.62 In 1952, severe floodingthroughou t the Valley caused perhaps the worst flood damage on record. Spring run-off brought unbelievable amounts of water down from the mountains. The road to Ogden was washed out in Weber Canyon at Devil's Gate. For several weeks, anyone wishing to travel out of the Valley to the West had to go through East Canyon to Salt Lake or have someone meet them fromth e Ogden side by walking along the side of the mountain. 177 Farmers suffered severe damage to their crops and lands. Many homes were damaged. In addition to the flooding, Peterson experienced a severe windstorm. Roofs of homes were blown off. A frame barn on the Donald Whitear farm was moved a foot to the west, but stayed in one piece. Large trees were felled. A tall stand of cottonwoods that lined the road to the Peterson church were blown down across the road, some snapping in two with the force of the wind. The members of the ward hiked through the fields to the church until the road could be cleared. Ward members, however, turned out to help each other and homes were saved. Some roofs that were threatening to go were cabled down by neighbors. The power was off for three days, and it took cooperation and the help of everyone to get necessary work done. In one instance, through the ingenuity of some ofthe dairymen, the air vacuum on the windshield of a car was used to run the milkers until power could be restored 63 President Rich Dies That spring, President Rich became very ill. His health had begun to fail several months before. By spring, it was apparent that the illness was life threatening. In June, the auxiliaries in the stake presented him with a lounge chair which made it easier for him to rest. Sister Rich recorded in her journal on 15 June, "Clarence's lounge chair is simply a blessing because he can sleep in it without being propped up. . . .We bring it in each night andthen take it outside in the morning and our Daddy spends most of the day out of doors."64 On 1 July, President and Sister Rich visited a clinic in Salt Lake City and then went to the Church office building where Elder Harold B. Lee gave President Rich a blessing which brought him and Sister Rich much comfort65 However, President Rich's health continued to decline, and on 29 July he passed away. The stake mourned his loss and reached out with love to his widow and three young children. President Rich was only 41 at the time of his death. The Morgan County News editorial printed the feelings of many who loved him, "Truly a churchman, President Rich had a sympathetic understanding and a gracious heart. His thoughtfulness of others was only surpassed by his love of God, Church, Family and Country."66 The crowd who gathered for the funeral on 1 August was so large there were as many seated outside the tabernacle as inside. Elder Harold B. Lee, of the Quorum of the Twelve, spoke at length at the funeral. Following are some excerpts from his address: "This morning, I met President David O. McKay. He wanted me to say to you Sister Rich, and to your family that you have the affectionate regards ofthe First Presidency and their prayers foryour comfort and foryour peace; and to you, members ofthe Morgan Stake, he wanted me to say that the church is mourning the loss of your splendid leader."67 178 Elder Lee reminded the gathering that fife is fleeting and today is indeed the day to perform one's labors. He also explained a verse of scripture which he said is often misinterpreted. "Those that die in me shall not taste of death" (D&C 42:46). He said that some would say because President Rich's illness was long and lingering he did indeed taste of death and thus did not receive the blessing of not tasting of death. Elder Lee then went on to explain, "But that is not what it means at all. It means that those who die in the Lord, as we all of us believe this fine young man did, what he shall see when he passes from this life will be so joyous to his soul as to give him a rejoicing that shall make death sweet; but to those who haven't lived in Christ, their death shall be bitter to them whether it come by slow processes or quick means—it doesn't make any difference, it shall be bitter. As the Prophet Joseph Smith said that the most agonizing thing that shall ever be told to a soul will be on resurrection morning to be told that because of his life he shall not be permitted to come forth in the morning of the first resurrection, that he'll have to wait 'till a later hour."68 Elder Lee also spoke to those who might question why President Rich was not healed by priesthood power. He reconfirmed that any elder in the Church could testify of times when loved ones had been healed miraculously; then answered the question, "Why then was not President Rich healed?" "I have a witness by the spirit because of a sacred experience that I had with President and Sister Rich in the Church Office Building. We had the spirit tell us that he should live on the earth as long as life should be sweet to him—to live to finish his mission and he wouldn't be called from here until that mission was concluded. He lived to finish the mission. He had faith that he could be healed; there wasn't any doubt in the mind of Sister Rich; there wasn't any doubt in the minds of any of those who administered to him, that he couldn't be healed. Then why wasn't he healed? The Lord gives us the answer—because he was appointed unto death."69 In conclusion, he offered this beautiful, comforting advice: Now, Sister Rich, you have faith today and you have given us all courage. Look up and he won't be far away. Where is this spirit world? Brigham Young said in answer to his own question, The spirit world is right here.' If our eyes could be opened, we would be able to see the spirits of those who have passed on before, who can draw very near to us to give us comfort and to give us peace. We speak of dreams sometimes in this age of sophistication. We have almost done away with the possibility of dreams being for spiritual purposes. But the old prophets taught that during those times when our physical senses were asleep, our spiritual senses might be very keen and awake, and there might be hovering near us during the hours of our physical sleep one who has passed away, a husband, a wife, a son or a daughter, father, and mother, who might draw very close to us and weave into the fabric of our dreams something that would be for warning or for instruction, for comfort or for direction. You were bound to him by ties that were stronger than death, Sister Rich. You're his and he's yours,

179 and these children belong to both of you. Teach that to these children of yours, and teach them to so live that they can always be worthy of the presence of their father. Oft times if you learn to give heed to the sudden strokes of ideas which come to you—impressions of the day time or dreams ofthe night time—you'll find those things presented toyour mind coming true in the very hour, and you'll never be left alone. God will guide you, and bless you, and give you strength for every responsibility of life. Let this day not pass for any of us without we rededicate ourselves anew to the purpose of life. Let's prepare ourselves so that when our time comes, we may lie down to our sleep in the language of that immortal poem, 'like one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams.' I know that the Lord lives, that Jesus the Christ died for all of us. He unlocked the doors to the eternities by resurrection. This is but one step onward in the development of fife itself. Let's now rally round in this stake, Perhaps President Rich dying can have more influence in Morgan Stake than President Rich living. Who knows? He has given you a mark to shoot at. You'll remember long after he's gone the ideals and the standards and his admonitions. I pray God's choicest blessings upon you, that the peace of heaven will be in this stake and particularly with this fine family whose representative mortal remains lie before us this day. I humbly bear witness to these solemn truths that our Father has given us in the name ofthe Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.70 Endnotes 1. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 17, 18, 1947, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, pp. 353-54. 2. Ibid,, May 25,1947, p. 356. 3. Ibid, May 24,1947, p. 357. 4. Ibid, June 22, July 20, 1947, pp. 359, 361, 5. Journal of Eva Rose Rich, July 24, 1947. Journal in possession of Lynn London, 6. Program from "O Ye Mountains High," in possession of Mildred Williams. 7. Morgan County News, September 12, 1947. 8. Ibid, June 13, October 3,1947. 9. Ibid., October 10, 1947; Eva Rich Journal, September 20, 1947, 10. Morgan Stake Historical Record, November 13, 1947, p. 368. 11. Ibid., September 13,14,1947, p. 264. 12. Ibid, November 29, 30, 1947, pp. 370-72, 13. Ibid, February 28, 1948, p. 381. 14. Ibid, February 29, 1948, p. 382. 15. Eva Rich Journal, February 29. 1948. 16. Morgan County News, February 27, 1948. 17. Ibid, March 5, 1948. 18. Ibid 19. MorganStake Historical Record, March21,1948, p. 383,September 9.1951.p. 480. 20. Eva Rich Journal, April 17, 1948; Morgan County News, April 23, 1948. 21. Morgan County News, May 7, 1948. 22. Ibid, June 4, 1948. 23. Ibid, October 22, 1948. 24. Ibid, October 22,1948. 25. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 16,1948, p. 386. 180 26. Ibid, September 11, 12, 1948, p. 393. 27. Ibid, November 27,1948, p. 396. 28. Morgan County News, November 26, December 3, 1948. 29. Ibid, December 31,1948. 30. Ibid, November 26,1948; Morgan Stake Historical Record, p. 397, 31. Lynn London Scrapbook, in possession of Lynn London. 32. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 15,1949, p. 410. 33. Ibid, February 26, 27,1949. p. 404. 34. Ibid, May 14,15,1949, p. 409. 35. Morgan County News, March 11, March 25, 1949. 36. Ibid, May 10,1949. 37. Oral interview with Margaret Little by Laraine Whirear, November 17,1986. 38. Morgan County News, February 18,1949- 39. Morgan Stake Historical Recordjune 26,1949, pp. 412-13. 40. Ibid, September 11, 1949, p. 417. 41. Ibid, September 25,1949, p. 418. 42. Ibid, November 27,1949, p. 421. 43. Lynn London Scrapbook, Margaret Lirtle Scrapbook, in possession of Margaret Little. 44. Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 14,1950, pp. 436-37. 45. Ibid, September 9, 10,1950, pp. 444-45. 46. Ibid, Seprember 10, 1950, p. 446. 47. Ibid,, September 28, November 25,1950, pp. 448,452. 48. Ibid, November 25, 26,1950, pp. 451-53- 49. Lynn London Scrapbook. 50. Eva Rich Journal, February 21, 1951, p. 37. 51. Morgan Stake Historical Record, February 24, 1951, p. 464. 52. Ibid, February 25.1951, p. 465. 53. Ibid, March 1,1951, p. 465. 54. Eva Rich Journal, April 4, 1951;April9, 1951, p. 48. 55. Morgan County News, March 29, April 20, 1951. 56. Ibid, August 24, August 31, 1951, 57. Morgan Srake Historical Record, May 12,1951, p. 470. 58. Ibid, May 12,13; September 8,9; November 24, 25,1951, pp. 485-86. 59. Margaret Little Scrapbook, p. 13. 60. Morgan County News, November 2, 1951. 61. Eva Rich Journal, March 1,2,1952, p. 58, 62. Oral interview with Raymond Wiscombe by Laraine Whitear, January 23. 1987. 63. Oral interview with Donald J. Whitear by Laraine Whitear, January 22, 1987; Eva Rich Journal, May 4, 5, 6, 1952. 64. Eva Rich Journal, June 6,16,1952, p. 64, 65. Eva Rich Journal, July 1,1952, p. 66. 66. Morgan County News, August 1, 1952. 67. Manuscript copy of funeral services for President Clarence Dickson Rich, in the possession of Laraine Whitear. 68. Ibid 69. Ibid. 70. Ibid,

ADMINISTRATION OF RAYMOND P. LARSON

Reorganization ofthe Stake With the passing of President Clarence D. Rich on 29 Jury 1952, a reorganization of the stake presidency became imperative. On Saturday, 13 September, Elder Mark E. Peterson, ofthe Quorum ofthe Twelve, and Elder , Assistant to the Quorum of Twelve, visited Morgan to effect the reorganization. Elder Peterson began interviewing various brethren that afternoon. He commenced at about 1:30 p.m. and interviewed some twenty-two men before the decision was made and the call extended. Among those interviewed were the members of the high council and the bishops. Finally that evening Elder Peterson called Raymond Parley Larson to preside over the Morgan Stake. President Larson chose Fernando Cuello Jensen as his first counselor, Donald Peter Brough as his second counselor, and Roy E. Francis to continue as stake clerk. President Larson and President Jensen had both served as counselors in the former stake presidency and President Brough, at the time ofthe new organization, was serving as stake superintendent of the YMMIA program.1 During the Sunday morning general I session of stake conference, Elder £ Peterson presented the names of the 1 new presidency to the membership of | the stake for their sustaining vote. Of I this singular experience President L Larson recorded: "I surely appreciate f the good wishes of so many of the L people. I approach this position with a I feeling of weakness not only because of ' , ,,_, , . • . .. Left to right: Raymond Larson, my own lrmrtatrons but because I realrze F^nando Jensen, Donald Brough, how well Pres. Rich had performed his Roy E Francis tasks and how much the people loved and respected him. I pray the Lord will bless me and magnify me in this new calling so that I may accomplish the things he wants me to do."2 The presidency was set apart during the noon hour by the visiting authorities. Thus commenced twenty years of dedicated service to the people of Morgan Valley by a new stake presidency. The members ofthe high council remained intact with the exception of Howard Francis who was released after almost fifteen years of service on the council. The high council members included James T. Palmer, Herbert J. Whittier, Forde Dickson, Peter E. Evans, Morris A Newbold, Lee B. Rollins, Albert C. Welch, Woodrow Giles, Rulon Scott, Chester Heiner, Delbert Robison, and Samuel F.Hopkin [last two weresustainedatstakeconference on 30 November]. A little over a week later, President Larson received a letter of congratulations as well as helpful instructions from his uncle, ElRay L Christiansen, an Assistant to the Quorum of Twelve. As I was returning from an assignment in Idaho last Saturday, I bought the Deseret Newsand of course discovered by reading herein that you two had been greatly honored. I mention both of you because I have long felt that only with the help of a good wife can a man rise to his full stature in this life—especially in religious attainments. Lewella and I congratulate you both most sincerely. While such responsibilities are demanding of ones time and energy and means, he nevertheless gains in the end, both spiritually and temporally. The office of stake president calls for work and systematic check up and follow up on all matters and assignments even though, The other fellow is responsible' I am sure that Raymond's experience has taught him that. I believe that nothing could be more important than to lead the people into spiritual activity such as attendance in Sacrament meeting, observance of the Sabbath day and family prayer. I have always felt that if there is spirituality developed in the individual and in the homes, that those who have developed it will be led to keep other commandments as the Lord has given them.3

Stake Conference The Morgan stake conferences were held on a quarterly basis during the months of March, May, September, and December. On these occasions the faithful Saints gathered throughout the Valley to receive inspired instruction, to be edified, and to approve or disapprove ofthe officers ofthe Church. During the administration of President Larson, thirty-two General Authorities visited the Morgan stake conferences, some ofwhom came more than once. These authorities included: Apostles Joseph Fielding Smith, Richard L Evans, , Mark E. Peterson, and Gordon B, Hinckley, who came three times each; Marion G. Romney, Delbert L Stapley, Harold B. Lee, George Q. Morris, Henry D. Moyle, LeGrand Richards, Adam S. Bennion, and Spencer W. Kimball, also Apostles who each came twice. From the Assistants to the Twelve, Alma Sonne came three times; Clifford E. Young, John Longdon, Theodore M. Burton, Alvin R. Dyer, and William J. Critchlow, also Assistants who each came twice. From the First Council of Seventy, Oscar A Kirkham, S. Dilworth Young, Antoine R. Ivins, Milton R. Hunter, Bruce R. McConkie, and Marion D. Hanks who all visited twice; Joseph L Wirthlin, Carl W. Beuhner, Robert L Simpson, and John H. Vandenberg, ofthe Presiding Bishopric, each came twice; Patriarch Eldred G. Smith came twice as well. Often the General Authorities brought one or more of the general auxiliary board members with them, depending on the theme of the particular conference. These included representatives of the Missionary Department, Welfare Committee, Genealogy Department, Primary, Home Teaching Committee, Relief Society, Sunday School, Young Men and Young Women organization. Stake conference lasted two days with meetings being held on Saturday with the stake presidency, a leadership training session in the late afternoon, and an evening meeting with all parents of the stake. Sometimes this format varied depending on the desire of the visiting authority. Sunday, two general sessions lasting two hours each were held commencing at ten in the morning and at two in the afternoon. The Sunday morning session was always the best attended. The following chart compiled from statistics found in Raymond Larson's journal, gives the Sunday statistics as far as they are available: Stake Conference Sunday Morning Sunday Afternoon 30 November 1952 588 people 374 people 26 September 1954 600 people 400 people 12 December 1954 2596 20% 10 March 1957 25% 15% 26 May 1957 732 people or 32% Not available 22 September 1957 632 people or 26% 488 people or 20% 13 March I960 882 people 698 people 11 March 1962 23% 9 December 1962 748 people or 28% 500+ people or 21% 10 March 1968 1448 people or 46% Discontinued 22 September 1968 1495 people 8 December 1968 About 700 people 8 March 1970 1021 people or 29%4 The largest crowds during President Larson's administration attended on 13 March I960 and on 22 September 1968. Both of these sessions were presided over by Marion D. Hanks which is an obvious reflection of his ability as a speaker and teacher of the gospel ofjesus Christ. In December 1968, just three months later, when there was no visiting authority at stake conference, the attendance dropped to less than half of what it had been, an obvious indictment against the faithfulness ofthe Saints. At the end ofthe conference sessions in September 1957, Elder Adam S. Bennion, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, visited the homes of Albert Wright, Alfred Carter, and O. S. Kilbum where he gave them a priesthood blessing according to their needs. In June 1958, Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a member ofthe Council of Seventy, was the visiting authority at stake conference. During the two days he was in Morgan, he visited the home of Harvey and Mary Mecham where he blessed their son, Harvey Rex, Jr., who was five and a half months old. At the time, the child could see very little and had other serious health problems. The blessing was a source of great comfort to the family. Rex died prior to his twelfth birthday in September 1969 having, however, been a source of joy to his family for eleven years.5 After attending stake conference in March 1959, Bishop Joseph LWirthlin paid the following tribute as well as giving an exhortation in a letter directed to the stake president: "President Larson, I am very grateful for the accomplishments of you and your two counselors in guiding and directing the membership of your stake. While it is one ofthe oldest stakes ofthe Church, yet with reference to the matter of various activities it is far above Church average except the matter of attendance at Sacrament Meeting, and no doubt, that problem, too, will be solved."6 While attending the conference sessions in September I960 along with Elder Hugh B. Brown, Preston Nibley, an Assistant Church Historian, paid tribute to Roy E. Francis for his forty two years of service as stake clerk. He commended him for his faithful and accurate work and explained to the congregation that Roy was now the senior stake clerk out of the three hundred and three organized stakes of the Church.7 Three years later, Roy was featured in an editorial ofthe ChurcbNewsfor forty-five years of service as a stake clerk which was "an all church record for clerks now serving." It was acknowledged that he had served under five stake presidents including Daniel Heiner, M. Howard Randall, George Sylvester Heiner, Clarence Rich, and currently Raymond P. Larson. During that time he had served with seventy-two high councilors, fifty-nine bishops and two presiding elders.8 At the September conference in 1961, the members ofthe Church were edified by the teachings of three visiting authorities. Elder Joseph Fielding Smith, of the Quorum of Twelve, Eldred G. Smith, Patriarch, and LaMont Richards (son of Elder LeGrand Richards), who was the stake mission supervisor, all spoke and participated in the conference. At the Sunday session Jessie Evans Smith, wife of Joseph Fielding Smith, spoke and entertained the Saints with her beautiful voice. Sister Smith was then a member ofthe Tabernacle Choir.9 After Elder EzraTaft Benson had attended the Morgan stake conference in September 1967, he wrote a letter to the stake presidency expressing his thanks for the kindnesses extended to him. The letter also contained helpful instruction to bless the lives ofthe members. I have just one or two suggestions that may be of some help to you. Many stakes are finding it useful to have song sheets available with the words of the songs on. I found a number of the people were not singing and seemed to be groping for the words on some of the songs. In order to make our services as reverent as possible and avoid confusion, you may find it advisable to rope off a few seats near the exits for mothers with small children. You may want to consider, if you have not already done so, designating a certain night in the week for home evening and announcing that there will be no meetings of any kind on that night, that all fathers are expected to be in their own homes with their families. Iamsureyouwillendeavortostepupyourmissionaryworkinthehope that all the non-members in the stake will be properly approached regarding the church and its program. Please let me know if I can be helpful at any time.10 In 1968, a significant change occurred in stake conference procedure throughout the Church when the First Presidency announced that in the future there would only be one session of conference held on Sunday. This announcement took effect in Morgan at the March stake conference. Elder Spencer W. Kimball, ofthe Quorum of Twelve, was presiding. As we look in historical retrospect, it becomes obvious that the members ofthe Church were greatly blessed by attending stake conference. It was a time of spiritual renewal for the Saints, an opportunity to participate in sustaining changes in Church government on a local level, and most important a time to learn the doctrine which leads to a fulness of life in the eternities to come.

Building Program During the Larson administration the membership of the Stake became involved in building a stake recreational hall, the Peterson chapel, a new seminary building, the Milton chapel, McKay Dee Hospital and the Ogden Temple. To complete these edifices required many free will offerings and many hours of service on the part ofthe Saints. Stake Recreational Hall—To meet the needs for recreation in the stake, it was first determined to remodel the Morgan Opera House. This decision, however, was finally changed in favor of constructing a new facility. The Opera House was subsequently sold to Alva Dearden who converted it into a movie theater. President Clarence D. Rich had earlier obtained permission from the presiding bishopric to begin collecting money for the facility, and on 31 July 1952, a circus had been held to begin raising funds. However, because ofthe passing of President Rich, nothing further was done until the fall. Under the new leadership, application was made in October 1952, to again begin collecting money for a new stake recreation hall. The general plan ofthe building called for a recreation hall, stage, Relief Society room, kitchen, various class rooms, and office space for the leadership ofthe stake. Estimated cost for completion was $91,000, ofwhich $47,000 would come from general Church funds in Salt Lake City, while the Morgan Ward would be assessed $26,000; the rest ofthe wards in the Stake would be assessed a total of $18,000 to be divided among themselves. Before an architect could be hired and plans drawn up, the stake had to raise one-half of its estimated share. James T. Palmer and Herbert J. Whittierwere called to direct this fund drive in the stake.11 With the support ofthe stake presidency and the bishops, the two men proposed a fund raising campaign to begin in February 1953. Letters were sent to all members ofthe stake explaining the costs and asking for their support. The "Kick off' event was a movie at the Morgan Theater on

187 3 February. Alva and Cecil Dearden, owners of the theater, agreed to advertise and support the project. The movie, "I Don't Care Girl," featuring Mitzie Gaynor, successfully netted $250 to start the drive.12The committee, along with members of the stake presidency, met with the various ward leaders to discuss the proposed recreation building. Each ward was then given an assessment. In Milton this assessment was $55.00 per family; in Richville it amounted to $75.00 per family. The Croydon Ward was the first in the stake to complete its assessment.13 Many other events were planned and carried out by the committee to raise money. They were almost always supported by local businesses, clubs, community members, and the members of the Church. Such events as rodeos, dances, fairs, and stake fun nights were planned and carried out. By April 1953, the committee reported that $14,000 had been collected for the recreation hall.14 On31 July and 1 Augustarodeo was held under the direction of Golden Porter (chairman), Earl Mecham, Jack Kippen, Arnold Hannum, Earl Thompson, Whitey Little, and George Thackery. The price was ten dollars per family or one dollar plus tax at the gate for those not buying a family ticket. The money was then credited to ward accounts for their building fund. There was a good crowd both nights, and the stake cleared close to $1,000.15 When the county fair was held the end of August, the priesthood quorums took care ofthe concession stands to raise funds.l6A little over a year later another rodeo was planned and held. This one wasn't as successful as the first, but still $370 was netted.17 Ideal Cement Company at Devils Slide gave $1,000 as a donation which caused President Larson to send the following letter of appreciation to company officials in Denver: On behalf of the members ofthe Morgan Stake ofthe Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I want to thank you for your support in obtaining a contribution from the Ideal Cement Company of $1,000.00 to help with our recreation building. Since approximately one-half of the cost ofthe building must be raised by contributions of our members, a willingness to help as shown by your company is greatly appreciated.18 ByAprilofl954, $30,000 had been raised locally witha little over$15,000 still to go. A stake fun night was then held which brought in $1,494. A dance was also held in July in the new facility (which had now been completed) along with a floor show sponsored by the stake MIA to see if the rest ofthe funds couldn't be raised. Refreshments were served and music for the occasion was furnished by the Shorty Ross Orchestra.19 Focusing on the project from the start of construction, ground breaking services were held 2 September 1953 at 7:30 P.M. The program was as follows: Herbert Whittier gave the opening prayer; Darlene Sherwood sang, "I'HNever Walk Alone;" A P. Wallace, building contractor from Farmington, Bishop Frank Rich of the South Morgan Ward, President Raymond Larson, and Samuel E. Bringhurst were the speakers. Brother Bringhurst, the property purchasing agent for the Church, was the principal speaker. The actual breaking ofthe ground was also done by the speakers. Ray Thatcher and his wife then sang, and the closing prayer was offered by James T. Palmer. After the completion ofthe program, Glen Thurston auctioned off the shovels used in the ground breaking ceremonies for $101. The evening ended with hamburgers and soda pop being served to all present.2" Excavation for the building started Friday, 5 September, and was completed on Saturday. Actual construction of the building •— took two years. The facility was finally completed and dedicated on Sunday, 5 25 September 1955. Dedicatory services I were planned in conjunction with stake ' conference. Elder Marion D. Hanks, of | the First Council of Seventy, was the visiting authority. Following the last I session of stake conference, the dedicatory services were held at 7:30 p.m. in the stake center. The program was as follows: Prelude Ada Waldron Opening Song "Come, Come Ye Saints" Invocation President F. C. Jensen Vocal Number "Bless This House", Morgan Stake Chorus Remarks Pres. Raymond P. Larson Violin Solo Grant Hardy Remarks Former Bishop Frank B. Rich Remarks Bishop Arthur Earl Butters Ladies Trio Alda Thatcher, Vesta Francis, Doris Ashby, "Closer Still With Me" Dedicatory Address & Prayer Elder Marion D. Hanks Song "The Spirit of God," Congregation Benediction President Donald C. Brough21 Attendance at the dedicatory services was fairlylarg e with four hundred seventy-two members of the stake in attendance. Henefer Chapel—Ground breaking ceremonies for a new chapel in Henefer were held in September 1954. Two months later, one hundred and ten persons from Morgan traveled to Henefer where they presented roadshowplays to assist in a fund raiser for the new addition. The roadshows were under the direction of Shirley Nelson, stake drama director. South Morgan, Richville, Devils Slide, Peterson, Croydon, and North Morgan wards all participated. Milton and Porterville wards were unable to participate because of prior commitments. 2 Milton Chapel— Following Church approval, site preparation of a new Milton Ward facility began in the &I1 of 1963-The small chapel that had been in use for thirty-four years was no longer adequate for ward needs. Leland Mecham, Royal Clark, and Alvin Jensen served as the building committee. Construction commenced on the new addition in June 1964. The new addition required that the red schoolhouse located beside the old chapel be razed. This was accomplished in May 1964. In July 1964, James Goulding with his wife arrived in the area to serve as building supervisor. He was later succeeded by Carl Johnson and then Floyd T. Nielson before the project was completed. Under the direction of the building supervisor were work missionaries who had been called to labor in building chapels and other facilities for the Church. At one time as many as twelve work missionaries labored on the Milton facility. They lived with local members who provided them room and board. Working beside the missionaries, local ward members were to provide ninety per cent ofthe labor. They were also asked to contribute financially toward the building's completion. The building was under construction for two and one half years, costing $250,000. The old chapel was remodeled and used for the junior Sunday School. By November 1966, all work on the building had been finished, and preparation for the dedication began. Dedicatory services were held on Sunday, 18 December 1966 at 2:00 p.m. under the direction of Mark E. Peterson, of the Quorum of the Twelve. The program was as follows: Prelude Helen Anderson and Kirby Giles Welcome Bishop George F. Rhodes Opening Song "Come, Come Ye Saints" Invocation Gale F. Allen Remarks LaPreal Johnson Remarks '. Floyd T. Nielson Song "If God Forgot," Milton Ward Choir Remarks Bishop George F. Rhodes Remarks President Raymond P. Larson Song "Rejoice, the Lord is King," Congregation Speaker Elder Mark E. Peterson Dedicatory Prayer Elder Mark E. Peterson Closing Song "Prayer of Dedication," Milton Ward Choir Benediction Homer F. Randall23 Seminary Building—The new seminary buildihgwas dedicated 12 March 1967, by Elder Sterling W. Sill, Assistant to the Quorum ofthe Twelve. The day was windy and cold with overcast skies. At the end of the Sunday afternoon session of stake conference, those who desired to attend the dedication moved to the seminary building where the dedicatory services commenced at 4:30 p.m. About one hundred and fiftypeopl e attended. Work on the building began lApril 1966. The plan called for two classrooms, two offices, restroom, work room, and custodian closet. The seminary instructors at the time were Darrell Judd and Darrell Williams.2'* Peterson Chapel—Because off population growth in the Peterson area I it became necessary to build a new J chapel there. The existing chapel was | thirty-five years old and too small to I take care of the needs of the members I in the area. At a special meeting held I 24 June 1961, the bishopric of the I Peterson Ward informed the members I of their finding concerning the newB building program. The General Authori­ Seminary Building ties of the Church were opposed to adding onto the existing building because: (1) they did not advise letting an old building dictate the design of the new one, (2) soon the old section would have to be replaced, and (3) the location seemed poor (next to the railroad; also it was on a dead end street). Bishop Verl Poll informed those present that he and others in the ward had been to Salt Lake City and Idaho looking at various chapels hoping to find a design that would best meet their needs. A plan was presented to the congregation by the bishopric and a motion made that a new chapel be built. The vote was unanimous in favor. There were thirty-six in attendance.25 It was later announced that construc­ tion would begin in the spring with every effort to complete the new building in one year.26 As things turned out, however, it was five years before • the building was dedicated, even though I serviceswereheldinthenewchapelas •* early as May 1963- The afternoon session ._ ofthe Morgan stake conference held in - May was conducted in the new Peterson e erson nape chapel with three hundred and ninety- six persons in attendance. Visiting authorities for the occasion were Walter Dansie of the General Welfare Committee and O Tolman of the General Genealogy Committee.27 During the years that followed the announcement ofthe new chapel in Peterson, a variety of fund raisers were held to pay the ward's expenses so the

191 building could be dedicated. On 19 June 1964, a special program anddinner was held with Elder Marion D. Hanks, ofthe First Council of Seventy, as the guest speaker. Elder Hanks had recently been released as President ofthe British Mission with headquarters in London, England. Following the program, a smorgasbord dinner was sponsored by the MIA28 Five years of hard work, both physical as well as spiritual, on the part of Church members in the Peterson area finallybrough t to fruition their labors as they witnessed the dedication of their building. The building was started under the direction of Bishop Verl Poll and completed under the direction of Bishop Gene Jones. With an eye to the future, Church authorities planned the ward headquarters so that it could be expanded into a stake center, if and when population growth demanded it. Ezra Taft Benson, a member ofthe Quorum of Twelve, was the visiting authority at stake conference on 23 and 24 September 1967. Following the afternoon session of stake conference, dedicatory services were held at 5:00 p.m. in the Peterson chapel. The program was as follows: Opening Song "Come Listen to a Prophets Voice" Invocation Don Whitear Song "Bless This House" by Robert Bigler Remarks Bishop Verl J. Poll Remarks Bishop Eugene C. Jones Musical Number "This House We Dedicate To Thee" Peterson Ward Choir Address and Dedicatory Prayer Elder Ezra Taft Benson Closing Song "Rejoice, the Lord is King" Benediction Donald J. Kimbal29 McKay Dee Hospital—On 10 February 1958, priesthood leaders from Morgan and Ogden, including stake presidency, high councilors, and high priest group leaders, met in the Ogden Tabernacle with Thorpe B. Isaacson, first counselor in the presiding bishopric of the Church, to discuss the problem and need for a new hospital in the Ogden area. The projected cost ofthe building at the time was five million dollars, of which the people of Ogden and Morgan were to raise 25 per cent. The rest would come from Church funds and be paid back from income from the operation of the hospital. It was four years later, however, before the decision was finally made to actually build the hospital. The Morgan Stake was assessed $19,000.30Bids were finallyopene d in January 1966, and on 20 April 1966, "The First Presidency authorized construction of the hospital at a cost of $9,971,785, including furnishings." President David O. McKay attended the ground breaking ceremony on 23 April and "threw the switch to detonate the dynamite that signaled start of construction."31 On 9 July 1969, the hospital was completed and its doors were opened to receive patients.

192 Ogden Temple—An event that caused great excitement among the members ofthe Church in Morgan was the announcement of a temple to be built in Ogden. On 18 October 1967, members ofthe First Presidency met with stake presidents ofthe soon to be Ogden Temple District and made the announcement that a temple would be built in Ogden on the same blockas the Ogden Tabernacle. The decision was sustained by the stake presidents. A year later President Hugh B. Brown, a member ofthe First Presidency, again assembled the stake presidents and showed them the preliminary plans for the new temple. Ground breaking ceremonies were then held on 8 September 1969, under the direction ofthe First Presidency ofthe Church with the exception of President David O. McKay and Thorpe B. Isaacson who were unable to attend.32A little over two years later, the temple was completed and dedicated on 18 January 1972, by Joseph Fielding Smith, President ofthe Church. The services were repeated three different days with many faithful Saints from Morgan in attendance to witness and experience the sacred proceedings." Thus we see that the members ofthe Church in Morgan were involved in a constant building program that extended over the twenty year period of President Larson's time in office, and as will be seen in the next chapter, this building program was to extend for at least another ten years. During this time there were tests, trials, and sacrifices on the part of many to meet their assess­ ments. Ogden Temple

Church and Community Affairs On 29 October 1952, President Larson recorded in his journal that it was the "48th day of good weather," breaking a record that had lasted since 1904. This was an interesting sequel to the terrible flooding which had occurred earlier in the spring. Certainly it had been a difficult weather year for the people of Morgan Valley. However, in late fall the rains came again, followed by the snow, and the people turned to other matters of importance. On 26 April 1953, the Morgan County Pioneer Memorial building was dedicated. Work on the facility had commenced with ground breaking ceremonies on 17 September 1948. The actual building time had taken almost two years with an open house being held on 12March 1950.Muchof the labor had been donated by individuals and organizations in Morgan County. Undoubtedly, because of these donations, the cost of construction was only $8,000. Ella Despain Boyce was the first president ofthe Daughters of Utah Pioneers in Morgan when it was organized in April of 1918.^* Special guests at the dedication were Matilda Peterson of Milton who was the oldest resident ofthe County and an original pioneer. Another special

193 guest was Harriet Clawson, an original pioneer and former resident of Morgan35 The dedicatory services commenced at 2:00 p.m. with the following participating on the program; Song "Ode to Pioneers"36 Prayer Stake Pres., Raymond P. Larson Song "Long, Long Ago" History and Reporting of Building Elsie Bell Tribute Jessie Creager, 1st Vice President Talk Pres. Kate B. Carter, Central Company, D.U.P. Salt Lake City Song "Those Songs My Mother Used To Sing," Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thatcher Dedicatory Prayer Patriarch G. Sylvester Heiner Song "Bless This House," Leone Heiner Benediction Jenna Rich Elder Marion D. Hanks was the invitedguest speaker for the Veteran's Day program at Morgan High School held on 11 November 1957. Three months later, Elder Bruce R. McConkie offered the dedicatory prayer at the dedication ofthe new county and city memorial building. This facility was built at a cost of $325,000 to replace the outmoded $8,607 edifice which had served the community for seventy years. Both of these men were members ofthe First Council of Seventy who willingly supported community affairs at the invitation of Church and civic leaders.7 Acentennial celebration was held in Morgan injury I960 to commemorate the hundredth anniversary ofthe founding of Morgan City. The arrival ofthe first settlers in South Morgan in September I860 marked the official centennial date. Following several earlier designations, South Morgan became the permanent county seat. Some ofthe highlights that occurred in Morgan during these one hundred years are as follows: (1) A rudimentary educational system was organized in 1862. (2) The first election for the purpose of city government was held in 1868. A few years later, Morgan had the distinction of being the only incorporated city between Ogden and Omaha, Nebraska. (3) The Union Pacific Railroad passed through Morgan which had a great effect on the future planning ofthe city. (4) In 1903, Morgan received its first telephone system. (5) The Union Portland Cement Company, which later was called the Ideal Cement Company, located in Devils Slide in 1906 and became one ofthe most important industries to affect the economy of Morgan. (6) The pea canning industry owned by Pingree-Anderson Milling Company started in 1908, lasting until 1956. The seasonal employment gave a great lift to the economy of Morgan. (7) In 1913, the first attempt to bring electrical power and light to Morgan was made. (8) The first high school was constructed in 1914, while a modern elementary building was added in 1936.

194 Richard Fry, Richard Norwood, and Daniel Bull had first settled South Morgan in I860; a hundred years later there were 1,200 residents in Morgan The celebration commenced Friday, 22 July, at the fairgrounds with a picnic barbecue and entertainment. In the evening, the MIA presented roadshows with a fireworks display ending the activities ofthe day. Saturday again saw activities at the fairgrounds which included the Morgan High School band concert, American Legion Junior Posse show, junior rodeo, children's competitive sports, and a junior league baseball game. In the evening there was a western dance at the high school.39 William Smith and Jane Foote were crowned king and queen ofthe centennial (both were 94 years old). On Sunday the 24th, sacrament meeting was held right after Sunday School in all wards of the stake to accommodate a special program held outdoors on the stake meetinghouse grounds. Special guest speaker for the evening was President Henry D. Moyle of the First Presidency of the Church.40 Other participants were Betty Mecham, who spoke on Morgan pioneer history and Carina Newbold, who gave a selected reading. A tragedy struck the community on Thursday morning, 25 September 1969, when Bishop Leon Clark of the North Morgan Ward, at theyoung age of forty-one, was killed. Bishop Clark was the manager of Clark Brothers Feed and Grain Company. The morning ofthe accident, he had climbed up into a huge concrete silo to check it when it collapsed, burying him beneath tons of concrete and grain. It took fifty minutes before rescuers could locate the body and remove it. Funeral services were held in the stake center with one ofthe largest crowds in memory overflowing the chapel.41 Ecclesiastical Changes When the Morgan Stake was organized in 1877, nine wards were organized at the same time to meet the needs of the Saints in various geographical locations. These included North Morgan, Richville, East Porterville, West Porterville, Milton, Enterprise, South Morgan, Croydon, and Peterson. Over the years ward boundaries were changed due to population increase or decrease. This resulted in the creation of newwards as well as the discontinuance of old ones. In 1958, there were seven wards and one branch in the Morgan Valley. Devils Slide area maintained a branch, while Croydon, Milton, Morgan, North Morgan, Peterson, Porterville, and Richville areas all had wards.4 Richville Ward Discontinued—The Richville Ward almost burned to the ground in late December 1956. For the fifth time in less than four years, the ward chapel caught fire—this time from an overheated furnace. Through the actions of Lola Creager the building was saved from extensive damage and perhaps total destruction. At about 1 ;00 p.m. on Saturday, she saw smoke escaping from the roof and immediately called Bishop Forde Dickson. Bishop Dickson, along with other ward members, was able to contain the

195 blaze in the furnace room before the fire department arrived. It was necessary to chop a hole in the floorofth e upper hall and pourchemical on the hot areas. Most ofthe damage was finallyconfine d to the lower hall and furnace room.43 However, because of the age of the building and cost to maintain and repair it, the decision was finally made to discontinue the Richville Ward. On 23 August 1964, the entire stake presidency attended the ward sacrament meeting. During the meeting, Otis Rose was released as bishop, and it was announced that the ward would be discontinued and joined with the Morgan Ward. President Larson read a letter from the general church building and inspection committee which condemned the building because of the high cost of repair. It was also explained that since the membership was few, the cost to build a new meeting house would be out of reason in expense per capita. When the meeting was opened fordiscussion , there was a divided opinion on the proposal. After a fairly lengthy discussion, the members present sustained the action proposed by the stake presidency. It was nevertheless a sad time for all, knowing that this was one of the last meetings they would attend as a ward in Richville. Richville, a parent ward in the Morgan Valley, had enjoyed use of its facility since 1913. The members of the Richville Ward attended Morgan the following Sunday, 30 August. Because ofthe added growth to the Morgan Ward, it was divided on Sunday, 13 September. The division created the Morgan Second Ward. Keith Little remained bishop of the Morgan Ward with counselors, Gerald Whittier and Darrell Judd. Charles Price was called to serve as bishop of the Morgan Second Ward, with William Branch and Don Turner as counselors. The two wards were divided so that their total numbers were within ten people of each other 45The boundaries of the Morgan Second Ward encompassed the area north of Young Street, east to State Street, then south to First South Street; east to Second East Street; North to the Weber River and then East through Taggart's Camp. South of this line, including Richville, was the boundary ofthe Morgan Ward.46 With the discontinuance of the Richville Ward, the building was taken down a little at a time for salvage purposes. It was finallyse t afire and the debris cleared out leaving a vacant lot.47 Slide Ward Discontinued—-The Slide Ward was organized on 29 March 1914, and remaineda ward for forty-two years. On 20 January 1956, the ward was made an independent branch with Samuel F. Hopkin being called as branch president. Hyrum Winters and John C. Irwin were asked to serve as counselors with John T. Sommers as branch clerk. The necessitated change from ward to branch was a result of many of the Latter-day Saint families building or buying permanent homes in surrounding communities. Soon there were not enough men and women to staff a ward organization.48 During I960, just four years after the ward was made a branch, the stake presidency approached Elder Mark E. Peterson about joining the Slide Branch with the Croydon Ward. However, President Hopkin felt like they

196 should wait. After a meeting in Salt Lake City with Elder Peterson, it was decided that they would wait. A year later, on 17 December 1961, the stake presidency attended sacrament meeting in the Slide Branch, at which time they released Samuel F. Hopkin as branch president, closed the branch, and combined the members of the Slide area with the Croydon Ward. "This move was made necessary because of lack of activity and willingness to assume leadership among so many of the members in the Slide."49 The building which had at one time been sold to the ward by the Ideal Cement Company for one dollar was turned back to the company. In a short time they demolished it and the rubble was hauled away.50 Other Ward Boundary Changes—In January 1955, letters were sent out to those in Stoddard, North Morgan, and Morgan announcing ward boundary changes. The Weber River became the boundary line between North Morgan and Morgan, and Stoddard was attached to the Milton Ward. For years there had been no definite boundaries between the Morgan and North Morgan Wards. Taggart's Camp was left as part ofthe Morgan Ward, while the North Morgan Ward extended to include the home lived in by the George Smith family on Highway 30. The change became effective 9 January.51 As early as February 1968, plans were discussed for a division of the Peterson Ward. A year later, on 23 March 1969, the ward was divided. The division took place under the direction of President Larson and his counselor, Donald Brough. The new ward was named Mountain Green. It had a membership of three hundred eighty, leaving the Peterson Ward with a membership of four hundred. The dividing line between the two wards was Dry Creek. Blaine Lundquist was called to be the bishop of the Peterson Ward with Dean Grissel and Otto Pendleton as counselors and Lee Rollins as ward clerk. Eugene Jones became bishop of Mountain Green with Dale Smedley and Chester Crowther as counselors. Clerks chosen were Vem Gale and Leo Hansen.52 During the twenty years that Presidents Larson, Jensen, and Brough served as the members ofthe stake presidency, they effected the calling of twenty six new bishops in the various wards ofthe Morgan Stake. These were always special occasions. When Clifton Wayne Jenkins was sustained as bishop of the Peterson Ward, the Saints there received another blessing. Elder Theodore Turtle, a member of the First Council of Seventy, was passing through the area when his car stalled on the highway. While the car was being fixed, he attended sacrament meeting in the Peterson Ward. After the new bishopric was sustained, Elder Turtle spoke to the people.53 Missionary Work—On Sunday, 23 October 1966, President Larson recorded in his journal: "I went over to North Morgan to a missionary testimonial for Tom Thackery. He is going to South Africa. This will be the last farewell as such since the First Presidency have asked us to discontinue regular testimonies." Though this policy change was significant, it has been difficult to get the Saints to accept it. A year later, a special meeting was held in the Logan Temple for returned missionaries who were attending Weber State College and Utah State University. The meeting was called by Elder Paul Dunn, a member of the First Council of Seventy and chairman of the LDS Student Associations Committee. The meeting lasted two and a half hours during which time Elders Paul Dunn, Thomas Monson, Spencer W. Kimball and Hugh B. Brown, all General Authorities of the Church, spoke and taught the principles ofthe gospel ofjesus Christ. President Larson, along with returned missionaries Chris Newbold and Jeff Shaw, were in attendance at this special meeting.54 In January 1970, another significant change took place concerning missionary work. Up until the present time, General Authorities of the Church had reserved the right to set missionaries apart for their appointed labors. Under the direction of the First Presidency, this responsibility was shifted to the shoulders ofthe stake president who was now authorized to set all missionaries apart in his stake prior to their entering the mission home. A month after receiving the letter President Larson recorded: "I set apart Dan Follett for his mission. This was my first experience in doing this."55 Important Events Religious education for adults was encouraged by stake leaders, and in February 1959, the Brigham Young University Extension Services sponsored a class in Morgan. James R. Harris, a teacher at the Ogden Seminary, was asked to teach a Pearl of Great Price course for eight weeks. The class was held on Monday evenings fromeigh t to nine-thirty.56From this beginning religious education for adults has continued periodically until the present time. "Know Your Religion" lectures, education days, and evening classes have been sponsored by Brigham Young University for the benefit of the Saints in the Morgan Stake. On Sunday, 3 January I960, a special meeting was held in the stake tabernacle for all youth of the stake. President David O. McKay spoke by direct wire fromth e tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City. Prior to his talk, a program was held under the direction ofthe stake presidency in which several of the youth of the stake were given the opportunity to participate. The program for the evening was as follows: Organ Prelude Bessie Brough "Do What is Right" Congregation Prayer Ricky London "Shall The Youth of Zion Falter" Youth Chorus Theme: "True to the Faith" Welcome and Introduction Darrell Judd, Stake YMMIA Superintendent WE BELIEVE OUR RELIGION "God Lives-He has Revealed Himself in Modern Times" Paul Carter 'What Powers of Evil Are Arrayed Against Us" Diane Dickson "Shall The Youth of Zion Falter" Brent Rich Vocal Solo, "I'll Serve The Lord While I Am Young" Ann Carrigan; Accompanist Launa Tucker WE WILL LIVE OUR RELIGION "Our Standards Are Important" Neil Dickson 'We Will Be True" Barbara Peterson "The Morning Breaks The Shadows Flee" Youth Chorus 'Youth of The Noble Birthright- Cany On!" President David O. McKay "Carry On" Congregation Closing Prayer Judy Olsen It was a special evening with approximately four hundred thirty people in attendance. Most of them were teenagers.57 Roadshows—Under the direction of Emma Loo Bell, the stake drama director, the centennial roadshow was held Jury 1963 at the Morgan fairgrounds. Over a thousand people were in attendance to watch the various wards present plays centered around the theme, "Morgan Through The Years." All seven wards participated, each with a supporting theme: Richville Ward, "Pioneers"; North Morgan Ward, 'Transportation"; Milton Ward, "School Days"; Peterson Ward, "Opera House"; Porterville Ward, "Early Business"; Croydon Ward, "Civic Clubs; A Peaceful Afternoon"; and Morgan Ward, "Holidays, Fourth of July, Now and Then."58 Another special event took place in the Peterson Ward with a visit from Elder LeGrand Richards, a member of the Quorum of Twelve. At the completion of a "project temple course," in which nine couples participated, the Peterson Ward bishopric invited Elder Richards to speak to them. The invitation was accepted by Elder Richards with the comment by him that he would rather talk to people than to empty benches, so the rest ofthe ward was invited.59 Scouting—With the sustaining approval of the First Presidency that Scouting was to be the activity arm ofthe Aaronic Priesthood, the leaders of Morgan, along with the members of the Church, have been staunch supporters of this important program. Victor Nelson, the district chairman for the Morgan Stake for many years, along with Donald Brough who had responsibility for Scouting as a member ofthe stake presidency, continued to build and strengthen the work of Scouting in Morgan. 199 In 1963, the Church began to hold training sessions for stake presidency members at the Philmont Scout Ranch located in northeastern New Mexico. The Philmont Scout Ranch is located about four miles fromCimarro n and covers a scenic area of over one hundred thousand acres. The first training session in 1963 was under the direction of Robert L Simpson, a member of the presiding bishopric, with twenty-three in attendance. The program to train stake presidencies has continued and even greatly expanded until, at the present time, this world famous Scouting center sees over twenty thousand boys come and go annually. Four years after the first training session was successfully held by the Church at Philmont, President Raymond Larson and his wife attended a week of intense training there. The training commenced on Wednesday, 28 June, and ended Monday, 3 July. Bishop Robert L Simpson, of the presiding bishopric; Sister Lavern Parmley, general president of the Primary Association; Superintendent Carlos G.Smith, ofthe YMMIABoard; George R. Hilljr., explorer chairman; Blaine Watts, Scouting chairman; and Folkman D. Brown, chairman of Mormon Relations Boy Scouts of America were the leaders in charge ofthe workshop.60 A little over a year later the stake presidency held a special Scout seminar in the stake. All were invited who had any connection with Scouting. About one hundred and fiftywer e in attendance. Special guests for the evening were Bishop Robert L Simpson; Carlos Smith, general MIA superintendent; Lavern Watts Parmley, general Primary president; and two members of the YMMIA general board. It was an enjoyable evening with many helpful suggestions to build the Scouting program in Morgan.61 Meeting for Young Ladies—All stake presidents from Salt Lake, Ogden, and Morgan attended a meeting on 16 April 1968 in the Salt Lake Tabernacle where they received instructions on passing the sacrament at a special meeting which would be held the next evening for the young ladies of their stakes. The meeting itself was for all young ladies attending college. Elder Paul H. Dunn, ofthe First Council of Seventy, conducted. Itwas,accordingto thosewhoattended,"inspirationalandinformative."Paul H.Dunn,Bruce R. McConkie, Florence Jacobsen, Lavern Parmley, Mark E. Peterson, N. Eldon Tanner, and Hugh B. Brown all spoke.62 CentennialBall—To locally commemorate the one hundredthyear since the organization of the YWMIA (first called the Young Woman's Retrench­ ment Society), a centennial ball was held in the Morgan Stake Recreational Hall on 28 November 1969- A crowd of three hundred and fifty,includin g adults and young people, attended. Most ofthe women and part ofthe men wore pioneer style clothing which included authentic gowns ofthe period for the women while the men wore high starched collars, bow ties, and long-tailed coats. "At the door was a 'hitching post' to tie your horses to, inside lining the walls was a replica of Morgan's Main Street a century ago. On one side was the Heiner's livery, ZCMI, Williams store and the like, and the other side, what else but a railroad, complete with locomotives and box

200 cars." During the evening, special tribute was paid to all past stake young women presidents. Seventeen had held this important position during the past one hundred years. At the time, several were still living and were "honored with a corsage and a special song, "My Best to You." Those honored were Lilly Clark, Clara Turner, Florene Heiner and Emma Loo Bell, then current president.63 Yearling Award— Under the direction of Lola Walker, ninety-eight girls between the ages of twelve to twenty, plus twenty-two leaders attended the Shingle Creek camp located above Kamas in July 1969- This was the firsttim e that MIA girls in Morgan "had ever availed themselves ofthe opportunity to gain the coveted Yearling (first year) Camperafter Certificate." Much preparation by the leaders had been spent to make this a significant event in the lives of the young ladies. As part of this preparation, on 1 July, Sister Walker took the advisors on an overnight camping trip up East Canyon. Each advisor was required to pass the tests and camping skills that would be expected of the girls. Those who participated were Patsy Duncan, Gale Haskell, Julia Porter, Virginia Pendleton, Betty Shupe, Debra Hopkin, Ida Peterson, Shirley Dawson, Ruth Kirk, Pauline Gorder, and Jeanine Carter. Seven ofthe eight wards in the Stake participated. Afterayear ofworking at various projects to raise the necessary funds, the camp was finally held 9-11 July. The requirements for the Yearling Award were as follows: "Plan and go on a hike and cookout; know proper dress and care for clothing; know local hiking rules; find north by stars and sun; observe something new in nature; prepare a safe place to build a fire, build, tend and extinguish it; know how to use a knife; cook and eat one item; tie two knots, know how to use them; present a poem, story or picture describing the outdoors; develop a new craft for the arts and crafts section; make a bedroll; know emergency first aid; and complete a special assignment."64 So successful was this camping experience that it became an annual event for the young ladies. Each year the number increased of those desiring to participate, and new leaders continued to certify so they could be involved in a program that was indeed beneficial to all. All-Church Dance Festival The final all-church dance festival was held Friday and Saturday, 25 and 26 June 1971, at Rice Stadium at the . Tickets were $1 for chair seats and 50 cents for general admission. The theme was "Dancing Around The World" with the participants doing dances in American Ballroom, Latin Ballroom, International, Folk Section, Original, All Girls, and MIA Pop. The youth from Morgan were involved in American Ballroom performing the waltz, swing and Charleston. There were seventy-two stakes on the field at one time. Each dance section had 1,000 youth participants with a total of 7,000 youth participating in the various sections throughout the evening. All dance participants came on the field for the grand finale while the audience stood and sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." A year before the dance festival Gary and Jeanine Carter, the stake directors, met on a regional basis to learn the dances from instructors from Salt Lake City. They would then in turn teach the kat%L youth of the stake. Practice for the Morgan youth commenced in November with dance practice being held either at 6:00 a.m. or 10:00 p.m. These times were the only ones when all could meet Left to right: Stewart Smith, Leon together to learn the dances. Waldron, Denny Carter, DavidSaxton, Kent Allen, Brad Shaw, Dick Whittier, The girls themselves along with the Leslie Adams, Ted Taylor, Maria Wright,mother s made the costumes. The girls Paul Brower, Debbie Saxton, Shelly Poll, Denise Mortenson, Gaylene Clark,wor e pink satin dresses •while the boys Sonja Jensen, Cindy Johanson, and had pink satin vests with black pants Cindy McMillan. and black bow ties.65

Notification of Release After almost twenty years of dedicated service as a stake presidency, President Larson received the following letter from the First Presidency of the Church: The First Presidency and the Council ofthe Twelve have been giving careful consideration to the advisability of sharing at more or less frequent intervals the responsibility of presiding officers in the Church. Doing increases the power to do, and the more the activity, the greater the interest and spiritual growth. Ordination to the priesthood is an eternal endowment, lost only through transgression and subsequent excommuni­ cation from the Church. A setting apart, however, to some position in which a man may serve by virtue of his priesthood is more or less a temporary responsibility. The office of stake president, mission president, member ofthe high council, and similar ecclesiastical positions are fields of laborwhich offer activity for the priesthood ofthe Church. It is advisable that responsibility and consequent development in these positions be frequently shared. On the other hand, however, too frequent changes are not for the best. We are grateful that you have been able to serve a substantial term as president of the stake, which has fully demonstrated your devotion and loyalty to the Church, to your fellowmen, and to the Lord. With our hearty approbation and full appreciation of your watchful guidance of stake affairs, and your deep concern for the welfare of the people, we now extend to you, and to your worthy counselors, an honorable release from your positions in the presidency ofthe Morgan Stake, effective at the quarterly conference to be held on March 11 and 12, 1972, unless, of course, you have some good and sufficient reasons for postponing the reorganization to a later date,

202 We should like you to accept for yourself, and to extend to your counselors, and to your wife and to their wives, our heartfelt gratitude for the service which you and they have rendered. Without our good wives we should not be able to do nearly the good that we do accomplish with their valued and appreciated aid. We do thank all of you foryour loyal, devoted service to the Lord to his cause, and to the people over whom you have the honor to preside. The letter was signed by President Joseph Fielding Smith and his counselors, Harold B. Lee and .

Endnotes 1. Journal of Raymond Larson, September 13, 1952, in possession of his wife, Ann Larson; see also Morgan County News, September 19, 1952. 2. Larson Journal, September 17, 1952. 3. Letter dated September 25, 1952 and in possession of Ann Larson. 4. All statistics come from the Journal of Raymond Larson and can be found in his journal under the date given in the chart. 5. Larson Journal, September 22, 1957; June 1,1958; Oral interview with Jackie Mecham by Calvin Stephens on January 24,1987. 6. Letter in possession of Ann Larson, dated March 1(5,1959- 7. Morgan County News, September 30, I960, p. 5. 8. Ibid., August 16,1963. 9. Larson Journal, September 23, 24,1961, 10. Letter dated September 26,1967 and in possession of Ann Larson. 11. Larson Journal, October 21, 1952; Morgan County News, January 30,1953, p. 1. 12. Morgan County News, January 30,1953, p. 1; Larson Journal, January 27,28,1953. 13- Larson Journal, February 9, 10, 1953; Morgan County News, April 9,1954. 14. Larson Journal, April 9,1953. 15. Morgan County News, July 10,1953, p. 1; Larson Journal, July 15, August 1,1953. 16. Larson Journal, Augusr 28,1953- 17. Ibid., September 11, 1954. 18. Morgan County Neus, October 23. 1953. 19. Ibid,,April 9,1954;July 16,1954. 20. Larson Journal, September 2, 1953; Morgan County News, September 11, 1953, p. 1 21. Dedicatory Services Program Morgan Stake Recreational Center, September 25, 1955. 22. Morgan County News, September 24, 1954; November 12, 1954- 23. Milton Ward Dedication Program, December 18,1966. 24. Larson Journal, March 12, 1967; Morgan County News, March 10, 1967. 25. Peterson Ward Quarterly Historical Report, June 30,1961. In possession of Morgan Utah North Stake. 26. Morgan County News, January 26, 1962, 27. Ibid., May 31.1963. 28. Ibidjune 12,1964. 29. Peterson Ward Dedication Program, September 24, 1967. 30. Larson Journal, February 10, 1958; August 20, 1962; September 2, 1962. 31. Eleanor B. Moier, ATradilion of Caring, p. 30. 32. Larson Journal, October 18, 1967; January 25, 1968; September 8, 1969. 33. Ibid.January 18, 1972; January 20, 1972. 34. Morgan County News, April 24, 1953, p. 1. 35. Ibid, May 1, 1953, p. 1. 36. Ode to the Pioneers How dear to my heart are the Pioneer memories The yellow sun-flowers that swayed in the breeze The willow that grew by the stream running gaily Among the wild sage and the cotton-wood trees The oxen were yoked to the plow bright and early, The children assisted in planting the com, In fancy I feel now the breeze softly blowing, And hear the birds singing today newly bom. How peaceful the valley, how purple the mountains How happy the hearts of those brave Pioneers. The Father had led them thro' trials and troubles, Thro' wrongs and thro' hard-ships, thro' heartache and tears. To the mountains he led them and gave of his Wisdom They planted the seed and the harvest they earned, They toiled and they trusted, His blessing was promised, And faith in their bosoms unceasingly burned We'll sing of their courage, their raith, their endurance. Our voices we'll raise to the blue arching sky. Our hearts swell with gladness we honor their memory, We love them the more with each year passing by. All honor and glory, stout hearts of our fathers, Toil hardened their hands in the battle for bread. What words can express to them our admiration. Dear Pioneer Parents, both living and dead. 37. Larson Journal, November 11,1957; February 8,1958. 38. Centennial Celebration Program, Morgan, Utah, Jury 22-24, I960. 39. Ibid. 40. Larson Journal, Jury 24, I960. 41. Morgan County News, October 3, 1969- 42. Ibid., February 7,1958. 43. Ibid.,January4, 1957, 44. Larson Journal, Augusr 23, 1964; Morgan County News, August 28, 1964. 45. Larson Journal, September 13,1964; Morgan County News, September 18,1964. 46. Morgan Ward Quarterly Historical Report, September 30, 1964. Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 47. Morgan County News, March 29,1966. 48. Larson Journal, December 14,1952; Morgan County News, October 22, 1971. 49. Larson Journal, December 13, I960; December 11,17,1961. 50. Morgan County News, October 22, 1971. 51. Larson Journal, January 3,1955; Morgan County News, January 7,1955. 52. Larson Journal, February 4,1968; March 23,1969; Morgan County News, March 28, 1969- 53. Larson Journal, March 15, 1970. 54. Ibid, May 4,1967. 55. Ibid., February 15,1970. 56. Morgan County News, February 6, 1959, p. 6. 57. Larson Journal, January 3, I960. 58. Morgan County News, July 29, 1963- 59. Ibid,, February 4,1966. 60. Larson Joumaljune 28,Jury 3,1967; Oral interviewwith June Weiss, Administrator of Mormon Relationships for the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, April 15, 1986 by Calvin R. Stephens.

204 61. Larson Journal, September 20,1968. 62. Ibid., April 16,17,1968. 63. Morgan County News, December 5,1969; Larson Journal, November 28,1969. 64. Morgan County News, July 18,1969- 65. Oral interview withjeanine Carter by Calvin R. Stephens, January 2,1988. 66. Letter in possession of Ann Larson.

ADMINISTRATION OF KEITH RAWLE LITTLE

On Saturday, 11 March 1972, Keith R. Little was in his work clothes pruning roses and planting flowers. He was well aware that something was happening at the stake tabernacle, for he was the stake executive secretary. However, he did not believe these things would concern him much at that time. At about 11:00 a.m. he received a phone call, however. Elder Gordon B. Hinckley wanted to see him. President Raymond P. Larson, who was calling told him, "Come down to the tabernacle." "But I'm in my dirty clothes," President Little responded. "Well get out of'em!" said President Larson. In a few minutes President Little was before Elder Hinckley. "I just had to see who this 'Cotton Little' was that everyone's been talking about," said Elder Hinckley. He then proceeded to interview Keith Little. "It was like no interview you've ever had," said the President, "they just dissect you and lay you out on the table." After the interview, President Little went home, put on his dirty clothes and started again to work. Later in the afternoon, Elder Hinckley called again, asking him to come down again, this time with his wife. When he got there, Elder Hinckley said, "Well, you're not much to look at, but you're all the Lord's got," and he called him to be president of the Morgan Stake, succeeding Raymond P. Larson, who had served for 19 1/2 years. With the call, he was told to choose six new high councilors to replace the six most senior high councilors, and he was to choose his two counselors and be back in forty-five minutes. Also, he was to choose new clerks. This was no small order, according to President Little, because Roy Francis had served for fifty-four years as stake clerk. His work had been monumental in the development ofthe Morgan Stake. Because ofthe length of service and because ofthe poor health of his wife it was thought advisable to release him as stake clerk. When President Little returned he had chosen Dale C. Wilson, Jimmie Merrill, Verl Poll, Albert Carrigan, Garth Palmer to serve as high councilors with John C. Johnson as an alternate high councilor. He had in mind the names of the men he wanted for counselors, but when Elder Hinckley started talking to him prior to his naming these men, his "choice changed immediately." Robert W. Walker, who was quite new to the Valley at the time, and who had earlier been called to the high council, but who had not been sustained, was chosen as firstcounselor . Eugene Jones, who was then serving as bishop of the Mountain Green Ward was called as second

20"/ counselor. Frank Rich was called to serve as stake clerk. Because he had been unavailable prior to conference, his call was extended to him from the podium during the conference. Larry Wilson was called as executive secretary. The sustaining took place on 12 March 1972 with Elder Gordon B. Hinckley officiating and Rex Skidmore, Regional Representative, assisting. When Brother Skidmore spoke he said that this was his first opportunity to participate with a general authority in reorganizing a stake.1 Stake Building Program .p. Penhapsthe most significant accomplish- f~^% * ment of President Little's nine year tenure began even before he was called as stake president. One evening, while meeting with Larry Wilson, then Elders Quorum president in the Morgan First Ward, Larry laughingly joked saying, "Keith, when you're called as our new stake president, will you do something Uft to Right Frank Rich, Robert Walker, about a Stake building program." Both Keith Little, EugeneJones, Larry Wilson knew that some change was going to take place in the stake leadership. However, neither knew how directly they would both be involved. As it turned out, both of them would be deeply involved in a program that was later to affect not only the stake as a whole, but eventually the plan developed in the Morgan Stake would be adopted by many other stakes. First they set up a stake-wide study to determine the building needs. When the results came back, they were "shocking," said President Little. "We found that we were many, many years behind in building needs. Because of inflation and serious problems of inequity, we felt impressed to unify the Stake's resources for building and maintaining stake and ward buildings. It was just this aspect of the program that was later adopted by other stakes— that is the unification of resources from the single ward level to the stake level."2 Immediate plans were laid to categorize the stake's building needs on a priority basis. The first need was to build a new stake center that would house two wards. The estimated cost of this building was $500,000. The Church would pay two-thirds, but even at that, the stake's share would be $165,000. The second priority was a new chapel for the Porterville Ward. The stake's share of this building would be $97,000. Third was an addition for the Mountain Green Peterson facility. The stake's share was to be $37,500. Fourth, a remodeling ofthe Morgan 1st and 2nd Ward meetinghouse at acost to the stake of $22,500. Fifth was an addition to the Milton Ward meetinghouse at a cost of $13,000 to the stake. Sixth was the Croydon Ward remodeling to cost Stake members $2,000. In all, the total estimated costs for the projected stake building program were $1,125,000 or $337,000 to be paid in by stake membership.3 At a time when the average annual income per family in the stake was around four to six thousand dollars per year, this loomed over the stake leadership as a tremendous burden to place upon a Church membership that numbered under 5,000 people, less than half of whom were really active, and only a fraction of which were full tithe payers.4 Many faith promoting stories were recorded in the completion of these projects; a few of which are recorded in this history. When the full program was presented to the body ofthe priesthood for a sustaining vote on 25 June 1972, it was approved, but not without some reluctance on the part ofthe membership. One bishop felt that he could not sustain the program. He, however, later became one of the program's strongest supporters. After the proposal was put to a vote and carried, Brother Gower Clark, of Richville, came forward to President Little, put out his handand said, "I don't knowwhat you put up for a vote tonight President, but I sustain and support you all the way. But just what did I vote for?" President Little felt that this one response, more than any other, symbolized the faith with which the members accepted the new stake presidency's leadership.5 Before beginning, a system was worked out to ensure an equitable and continuous flow of funds. It was determined that if each active family contributed just twelve dollars per month, the goals could be met. But all families had to participate to keep the contribution per family that low. "Things were tight," says President Larry Wilson, who in May 1974, was called to be second counselor in the stake presidency when President Jones decided to move to Idaho where he had bought a farm.6 Bishop Gene Hayes of Porterville tells of two inactive brethren and their contribution. "On the first day of every month [one] brother came to my house and handed me a check until the program ended. And yet he never came to Church. Another brother handed me a check for $500 even though he hadn't participated in church before." Bishop Hayes himself, who felt very unqualified to be the bishop and publicly said that he couldn't address a large audience, later acknowledged that he had been called to help build the Porterville chapel and help with the other facilitiesa s well.7 Two, almost miraculous, land acquisitions took place. For the Porterville chapel, the site selection committee chose at least four sites, but felt good about the site where the chapel presently stands. However, when Bishop Hayes approached the owner, he was told "No!" The committee prayed for a change of heart in the owner. When Bishop Hayes went back, the owner offered it to the Church at an appraised value well within market value.8 At the site where the new stake center was built, the property had originally been acquired by Bishop John L Heiner as a ward welfare project. The site at the time ofthe new building program was the location ofthe old North Morgan meetinghouse. Bishop Heiner envisioned the day when a

209 new chapel would be built on this location. The stake leaders wanted at the time to have enough property for a recreational park, but there just wasn't enough in the program moneys. An adjacent piece of property was owned by Brother Sid Heiner. Brother Heiner sold the property to a private investor. As he did so, however, he stipulated in the contract that this adjacent piece of property was to be sold to the Morgan Stake at a certain price' "whenever the stake fathers wished to purchase it." That parcel later was added and a lovely recreational facilityno w stands on the site.9 The stake center itself was to be built after a plan called "The Big Turtle." The plan, however, called for a flat roof. The committee foresaw the problems that a flat-roofed stake center in Morgan Valley would create. They contacted the building people at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City to voice their concerns. The central building committee was quite adamant that the flat-roof plan be followed exactly. Finally, after some talking, it was agreed that a pitched roof could be added, but the stake itself would have to bear the $6,000 engineering fees all by itself. That was agreed to. Later, when the plan proved its usefulness, it was adopted throughout the Church where the 'Turtle" plan was used. President Little felt this was another instance where the Lord had been working closely with the stake leaders, inspiring them as to their course.10 Another instance of such inspiration came with the actual construction of the Porterville Ward meetinghouse. This building was built large enough to house two complete wards, and it had a full sized cultural hall. At the time of its construction there were only enough people in the ward for one unit, and local growth projections did not include a large influx of people in the Porterville area. By the time the chapel and recreational facility were finished, however, the need for the increased space had become evident, and the Porterville Ward was divided shortly after the dedication. mm In all, the building program strengthened the stake tremendously. President Wilson said, "Whenever the people sacrificed, the percentages of attendance went up. Wherever buildings I were built, the Lord filled them up." | The building program was an essential 1 forerunner to the division ofthe stake. | Without it the two stakes that now exist could not have functioned as they now do.'1 The ground breaking for the new stake center took place on 22 March 1974. Bishop Verl Mecham had arranged for a large flat bed trailer. It was a cold, blustery day. There was a choir put together for the occasion by Sister Ada Waldron. DeOrr Peterson gave the invocation after which President Eugene Jones introduced the dignitaries, which included county commissioners, the mayor, and John

210 Wadman and Era Martineau, the contractors. President Jones introduced what was called "the Millennial Club." For $1,000 anyone could purchase one of the guilded shovels and thus join the club. A history of the North Morgan chapel was read by Bishop Abbot Mikesell. In the history, Bishop Mikesell noted that one of the choir members singing at the occasion, James T. Palmer, had been the deacons president when Joseph F. Smith had dedicated the old North Morgan Ward meetinghouse in 1912. Brother Palmer had actually passed the sacrament to President Smith on that occasion. That same old building had had "a swimming pool in it;" said Bishop Mikesell. "I don't know but it might be the only LDS. Church that used to have a swimming pool in it." The swimming pool which was located in the basement was later turned into a recreation hall. President Little then turned some time to Brother Jay Durrant, who was to serve as the construction supervisor out of the office of architect Sterling Lyon. Other speakers included President Walker and President Little. President Little gave a short history of the plans for construction, including the special permission requested for the pitched roof President Little concluded, "I pray that we may never lose sight of the purpose for which this chapel is being built. A holy house of prayer, a sacred house of worship, a house of our Father in Heaven, where we may learn the mean ing of life and be taught the principles of the Gospel ofjesus Christ. May we mark this day as a milestone in this great stake of Zion."12 Bids opened on 1 March 1974. Ben Lomond Construction of Ogden had the low bid at $886,000. The stake, of course, had to pay 30 percent of this amount which came to $265,000. Construction progressed rapidly and by October the walls were up and part ofthe roof was on. Finally after 1 1/2 years of work the building was ready for dedication. The dedication was held in conjunc­ tion with stake conference on 21 September 1975. At 2:30 p.m. dedicatory services were held at the new stake center. Elder L Tom Perry offered the dedicatory prayer.13 During the general session of stake I conference, which was held prior to the • dedication, the Milton Ward was divided I into the Milton 1st and Milton 2nd wards. Almost all of theward boundaries in the stake were also changed at this conference. Elder Perry was accompanied by Patriarch Eldred G. Smith and both spoke during the conference session.14 President Little could note with satisfaction that every project on the list was completed or under way by the end of his nine year tenure. Ground breaking for the Milton addition which turned out to be the last project on the list was held 2 March 1981 six days prior to President Little's release as

211 stake president. The dedication took place on Sunday 29 November 1981 a little over eight months after the ground breaking had taken place. President Calvin R. Stephens, first counselor in the Morgan North Stake, offered the dedicatory prayer.15

Stake Youth In a letter written to President Little shortly after his call as stake president, Helen Welch said, "Our youth need all the kindness and love and understanding as well as committment to the standards of our faith as they can have .... When I first heard you talk in Stake Conference on the new program for service men and heard the compassion in your voice and your real understanding of the problems, I could feel your sincere humility and spirituality."16 President Little kept records of the youth and what they were doing and accomplishing. He kept count of the "Duty to God" awards, the Eagle badges, and of course, letters from mission presidents. He presided at seminary and institute functions, spoke at baccalaureates, and each was diligently recorded in his scrapbook. In August 1972, just after his appointment, he approved the stake joining with the Roy North Stake in a youth conference at Brigham Young University. He attended M-Men and Golden Gleaner functions; he faithfully saved wedding invitations, especially those from youth to be married in the temple. Even the Beehive girls and their programs did not miss his attention. One invitation reads: Life is a loom and we are the weavers, Weaving our own design. All we believe, all we achieve, These are the strands that our hands intertwine. Life is a loom and we are the weavers, Making each thread secure. Row after row our pattern will grow, And its beauty and strength will endure. Father in Heaven has given the partem To follow with love and with prayer. Life is a loom and we are the weavers. And what we weave, we must wear. With Warp and Waft, we are weaving an interesting!evening. Our loom will be complete with your attendance. President Little attended. In an article from The Morgan County News entitled, "Morgan Stake Presidency Closes Generation Gap," we see how dedicated the whole presidency was to youth programs. It reads, "There's no such thing as a 'generation gap,' and members ofthe Morgan Stake Youth Council and their directors will prove this statement when the Morgan Stake Presidency and THEIR WIVES take to the floor to demonstrate to the young folk that they can

212 have fun doing a pop dance too." The dance took place 24 February 1973- It was themed "Candy Land," and featured a new dance called the "Buddy Dance" where the young girls arranged dates for their best friends.18 Anna Porter, sustained as stake young women's president on 21 September 1975, summarizes in a short history the youth activities that took place during most of President Little's time in office. In June of 1977, there was a regional conference held at the Morgan Stake Center. Susan Hill of the Young Women's general board attended. It featured a talent night using people from all stakes in the region. The "talent evening" idea was so popular that the Young Men and the Young Women ofthe stake sponsored a similar evening on 1 November 1977. It centered on the theme—"What Can I Do If The TV Goes Off?" Over 700 people attended. A special Laurel Standard Night was held 29 November 1977. A Laurel chorus consisting of Andrea Barnes, Valynn Atkin, Lisa and Sherry Weitziel, Jill Thompson, Sharlene Kennedy. Robyn Peterson, Cindy Russell, Pam Morgan, Lynn Whittier, and Doreen Little, accompanied byjanine Irwin sang, "He That Hath Clean Hands," "A Pearl of Great Price," and "Starry Way." Joan, Cindy, and Andy Russell gave a poem. Sister Lila Walch, who had recently been released as matron of the Hawaii Temple, spoke. Her husband, C. Lloyd Walch had been President of the Hawaiian Temple from 1 June 1971 to 1 June 1976. The New Year's Eve dance for 1977 was under the direction of Shelly and Steve Hopkin. It was a dinner dance and cost $5.50 per couple. Ward conferences were held in the first four months of 1978. On 1 February 1978, Milton First Ward held a notable evening on "temple marriage." Nell Allen, Jeanine Carter, and Kathy Olsen joined the board as Laurel and MIA ward leaders, with Gloria Weitziel as secretary. One of the especially well attended events of 1978 was the youth conference held at Brigham Young University on 12,13, and 14 June. Special speakers included Scottie Davis, a convert fromScotland . An Indian named Apache McClean did an Indian dance using live snakes. Another speaker was a young girl who had been in a car accident and had been paralyzed fromth e waist down. "These speakers were especially inspirational," says Sister Porter. In the afternoon, the group held a polygamy party, and in the evening there was a banquet where all were in best dress. "Morning's Child" entertained. On Wednesday morning the group fastedan d walked to the temple grounds where they held a testimony meeting. In February of 1979, traveling roadshows were held at the various wards. And in April of 1979, the stake youth hosted the Lamanite youth conference at the request of Elder George P. Lee. Two hundred and sixty-five Lamanite youth attended. The conference lasted three days with the Lamanite youth staying in the homes ofthe Saints throughout the Valley. Youth conferences and standard nights and testimony meetings similar to those of 1978 were also held in 1979- In February of 1980, the first youth leadership awards banquet was held. Awards were given to Ted London, Margaret Little, Glen

213 Thurston, Josephine Clark, Sid Heiner, Jane Pate, Veva Whitear, Helen Anderson, Gail Allen, and Betty Rose for their years of service to theyouth of the stake. The first youth conference to be held within the stake boundaries took place in 1980. It started early in the morning with breakfast at the stake center. Then workshops were held at the city park. Afternoon activities included dancing. That evening the stake presidency prepared a special supper after which all the participants loaded into wagons and rode to Mecham's camping area for a testimony meeting. In November of 1980, the Beehives ofthe stake held "Beehive Week." The group held activities all week long which were highlighted by a tour of Temple Square and the Beehive House in Salt Lake City with lunch at Harman's Cafe. There were several people in the stake who received special honors for their efforts in various field on 23 January 1980, Robert Poll, bishop of the Mountain Green Ward received his Silver Beaver award. "Silver Beaver is the highest recognition a volunteer Scouter may receive at the council level."19 Also in 1980, Lorraine Heiner began supervising the stake "Pursuit of Excellence" program. The names of those receiving awards are too numerous to list individually, but the program had a profound effect on the Relief Society sisters ofthe stake. Marie Tonks was also named "Woman of the Year" by the Morgan Business and Professional Women's Club in 1980. Changes and) Added Responsibility During President Uttle's administration continued emphasis was placed upon the family as the most important church unit. Family home evening was re-emphasized as an evening to be reserved for the family without interference from other Church obligations.20 It was also during this time that local brethren, rather than paid referees, were used to officiate at basketball games. President Wilson recalled one year that Morgan traveled to Roy fora regional championship game and that during the game "The place became so violent that we had to call for the Roy City police before we could get out ofthe building."21 On 20 October 1972, President Little received a letter from President Spencer W. Kimball stating that Raymond P. Larson had been approved by the Quorum of Twelve and First Presidency to serve as a patriarch in the Morgan Stake. Because ofthe poor health of Mark Thackery who had been serving for fifteen years as the stake patriarch it was determined that another brother should also be called to serve as a patriarch along with Brother Thackery to help ease his work load. During stake conference 10 December 1972, it was announced that Raymond Larson had been called as a patriarch. The action was unanimously approved by the membership of the stake.22 Because ofthe world wide growth ofthe Church it became necessary to better reflect the geographical location ofthe stakes ofthe Church. President Little officially announced in the Morgan newspaper that following approval

214 from the First Presidency the Morgan Stake would now be known as the Morgan Utah Stake. He explained: The Morgan Utah Stake is one of 630 ecclesiastical units ofthe Mormon Church throughout the world. Under the new naming adopted by the Church, existing stakes and all new stakes in the future will be designated more appropriately with the name ofthe city and state, province or county in which its headquarters are located.23 During President Little's time in office, stake presidents were first allowed to ordain men to the priesthood office of a seventy within their stakes. President Little tells a rather humorous story of this decision. The stake presidency had decided to greatly strengthen the stake seventies quorum. They sent nineteen names to Salt Lake for approval. After a time, President Little received a letter from Elder S, Dilworth Young which gave approval for him to call and interview the brethren recommended and then to go ahead and ordain them seventies. This was such a change that President Little was concerned that an error had been made, so he called and presented the matter to Elder Young. Elder Young responded, "What's the matter! Don't you want to do it." He then explained to President Little that he was letting him in on a responsibility that would soon be announced to stake presidents throughout the Church.24 The names of these nineteen brethren were presented in stake conference on 10 December 1972 for a sustaining vote and then they were ordained to the office ofaseventy on 17 December by President Little. They included Francis Tilby, Doran Webster, Robert Rich, Farrel Kirk, Dean Pace, Farrell Olson, Orson Harvey, Rodney Earl, Joseph A Badalijerred Jeppson, Alonzo Earl McCain, Paul Smith, Gordon Smith, Riley Lionel Olson, and Max Duncan.25 Official notice was given 29 March 1974 by the First Presidency that stake presidents could ordain seventies. The letter stated:

Stake presidents are authorized to ordain seventies and to set apart presidents of seventies quorums following approval in each instance by the First Council ofthe Seventy. Please continue to make your recommendations to the First Council in the usual way and then act upon the ordinations and settings apart only upon receipt of approval from them. Certificates of ordination will continue to be issued by the First Council as at present. A little over ayear later the First Presidency authorized stake presidents by letter dated 23 July 1975 to ordain men to the office of bishop. The letter received by stake presidents explained: It was decided at a recent meeting ofthe Council ofthe First Presidency and the Quorum ofthe Twelve that stake presidents may, in the future, as specifically authorized by the First Presidency, ordain and set apart bishops. Similarly, the presidents of student stakes may, in the future, as specifically authorized by the First Presidency, set apart branch presidents. This decision will in no way alter the procedure which has been followed in the past in recommending changes in bishops. In each case where a stake president desires to recommend a change in the bishop of a ward, he must submit an application for a change on the usual form. If the recommendation is approved, the stake president will then be notified by letter from the First Presidency as in the past. Such a letter will contain express authorization from the First Presidency to ordain and set apart the bishop and will contain instructions about the procedure to be followed by the stake president in interviewing, calling, presenting, ordaining, and setting apart the bishop. Despite such authorization which may be given in individual cases, it is understood that if a General Authority is present at a time when abishop is to be ordained, the General Authority may ordain the bishop, or may instruct the stake president to ordain the bishop as he may elect. This historic change in procedure has become necessary because ofthe rapid growth ofthe Church and the all too frequent turnover in the tenure of bishops. This has dramatically increased the burdens upon the General Authorities; and because of the worldwide scope of the Church, it has often resulted in lengthy delays between the sustaining of a new bishop and his ordination and setting apart. In announcing this decision, we stress the need for stake presidents to give proper motivation and training to bishops in order that the average tenure of bishops can be lengthened. We also emphasize the need for stake presidents to follow explicitly the instructions which will hereafter be given to them as to the procedure to be followed in ordaining and setting apart new bishops.27 The first bishop ordained in the Morgan Utah Stake by President Little was Calvin R. Stephens on 25 January 1976.28 Soon after the completion of the stake house a practice started in the administration of President Daniel Heiner was officially stopped. Since the days of President Heiner it had been the practice ofthe stake presidency and high council to dress in their temple robes and kneel at an altar for prayer. President Little asked the brethren in Salt Lake if this was still appropriate and received word that the practice should be discontinued. The reason in part being the closeness and availability of the Ogden Temple.29 The two hundred eighth stake quarterly conference convened Saturday, 9 December 1978, in the Morgan Stake Center. It had been announced prior that this would be the last quarterly conference held in Morgan. The new program starting in 1979 called for semi-annual stake conferences. A week after conference President Little announced boundary changes for the Porterville Ward. This was done at the time ofthe dedication ofthe new Porterville Chapel. All members ofthe Church in the Morgan First Ward who lived south ofthe Richville Lane were added to the Porterville Ward.30 Not quite a year later a special meeting was held by the stake presidency Sunday 19 August 1979 at the Morgan Stake Center. During the meeting boundary changes were made between the Morgan 3rd and 4th wards. The change affected about ninety people who were moved from the 3rd Ward to the 4th Ward. 216 Extraction Program The records extraction program "is the process of copying onto cards, forms, or directly into a computer each and every name and other identifying data from a record containing genealogical information. The names so obtained are sent to temples so that ordinances can be performed for the people."31 The coming forth ofthe extraction program is a faith promoting story. For over one hundred years members of the Church searched records and recorded from them the names of their ancestors so that vicarious work in the temple could be accomplished for them. This process provided sufficient names to keep busy those members ofthe Church who attended the temple to perform the vicarious labors. However, during the 1950s with the increase in temple building and increased temple activity ofthe Saints names were in short supply. George H. Fudge who was the supervisor ofthe genealogical society's records processing function stated: "This was aperiod of time when the building of the new temples in Los Angeles, New Zealand, Switzerland, and London was under way, and the demand for names in the temples shot up in one year 29 per cent over the previous year. "It became obvious that we were not getting enough names in from members to keep the temples busy."32 At the time there were no branch genealogical libraries making it difficult for those living outside of Salt Lake City to do productive research concerning their ancestors. At the same time priesthood leaders were successful in motivating members to increased temple activity. The temples therefore, began to lack sufficient names to handle the increased temple activity. Brother Fudge described the problem, "The temples were the ones putting on the pressure. They would say, "We're out of names. When can we have more names?' As fara s the Salt Lake Temple was concerned, it was on a day-by day basis. We were taking names over there every day just so they could do baptisms and have names ready for endowments."33 It was finally suggested to President David O. McKay that the number of temple sessions be reduced so as to balance with the supply of names. President McKay immediately rejected this proposal and gave the mandate to the genealogical society that temple work must not be slowed down. Another way must be found to supply the temples with names. With the responsibility resting upon him to solve the problem George Fudge prayerfully sought an answer to the dilemma. Finally in October 1961, he asked Florence Mead "to take the microfilm containing the record ofthe Bolden, England Parish, extract each name, and compile each name along with brothers, sisters and parents, on family group record forms." Sister Mead through this process was able to successfully provide 2,000 names which could be submitted to the temple to have the work done for them. However, "because ofthe improbability of accurately reconstituting families from a single source, the idea of putting families together on group record forms was abandoned, but the idea of extracting individual names for

217 baptism and endowments survived and the records extraction process was bom."34 The idea, which was a break with the tradition that the individual member must "do this", was presented to President Hugh B. Brown. After discussion among the rest ofthe First Presidency approval was given for the extraction program to commence. This took place in 1961. The extraction program was so successful that apparently members of the Church no longer felt the urgency to submit names to the temple. Of this concern Brother Fudge reported: In 1976, Elder [Boyd K] Packer was very desirous of having the members be more and more involved in genealogy. So in one of our meetings one day, at the end ofthe meeting I went up to him and said You know there is a possibility we could take this extraction program to the stakes.' And he said That's inspired.' We then began to move out to get ready to do that in the end of 77. President Tanner and the First Presidency approved that we proceed in an orderly manner.35 It was finally determined that the St. George and St. George East stakes would be the pilot areas for the new program. On 24 February 1977, George H. Fudge, Rolf Magnusson, and Noel Barton of the genealogical department, met with the stake leaders and outlined the extraction program. Requirements were outlined and explained as follows; 1. The stakes would purchase the necessary film reading machines. 2. Space would be provided for the program. 3. A survey would be taken to determine language capabilities other than English. 4. Those selected to help would be given aptitude tests. 5- Stake presidents would call people to work at least twelve hours per week. 6. Those called would first pass a proficiency test and then begin to extract. 7. The genealogical department would assign the films, coordinate the project, and input the extracted data into the computer. 8. All names resulting from the project would be sent to the St. George Temple.36 The program was a success and by October 1977, it was decided to expand into other stakes. George Durrant, director of the Priesthood Genealogy Division reported; "Noel Barton is heading the extraction program which has been accepted by the Brethren to become a Church wide program. Noel and his people are working on that. They are developing training materials to teach the members ofthe stakes how to do this work. We have much to do in this area prior to the first ofthe year. I hope we will be ready to implement the program Church wide by January. That is our assignment."37 Elder Thomas Fyans, the Executive Director of the Genealogical Department, gave a graphic talk in the October 1978, General Conference

218 explaining just what the extraction program was, and by the end ofthe year 214 stakes had been authorized to proceed with the extraction program. However, only thirty-four stakes at this point were doing extraction with the rest in various stages of setting up and implementing the program.38 In April 1978, future stakes being involved in the program were put on hold. Guidelines were then established for approving stakes to enter the program. A stake that had one or more ofthe following conditions would not be approved: 1. A stake consisting of young families. 2. A stake whose geography requires undue travel, especially in view of the energy crisis. 3- A struggling stake that is shallow in leadership. 4. A stake that does not show enthusiasm for the program 39 After a fourteen month hold on new stakes entering the program, the Brethren in August 1979 gave approval for Executive Administrators to add to the program as many stakes as they wanted who could meet the guidelines. The Morgan Stake first made application to have the extraction program in February 1978. The request was made by President Little through Robert B. Harbertson, the regional representative. He then addressed a letter to Elder George P. Lee, the area supervisor, stating: "I feel very good about thisStake participating in the program and recommend them to you." Elder Lee wrote a note at the bottom of the correspondence simply stating that he concurred.40 Because ofthe moratorium on the extraction program nothing was done concerning the request ofthe Morgan Stake. On 2 January 1979, application was again made by the stake presidency through the regional representative to start the extraction program in Morgan. President Little explained that the stake center had been designed with a room next to the library to house the readers and other necessary equipment, that the stake was financially prepared to purchase the items needed, and that a survey had been conducted throughout the stake for language and genealogy experience. Having received no response to their request the stake presidency again made written request through the proper channels on 28 October 1979, to have the extraction program in the stake. They stated: "We sincerely feel that the Morgan Utah Stake can and will support this program. We also feel that this program is needed and that it can be a source of much spiritual growth in our stake."41

On 28 November 1979, Royden G. Derrick, Executive Director of the Genealogical Department, addressed the following letter to President Little: Your request for participation in the stake records extraction program has been approved by your area executive administrator and is now in our office. We do not have a language survey for your stake to help us determine which language assignment your stake could handle. We are currently able to supply stakes with records in the following 1; Danish German Norwegian Spanish Swedish As we already have a sizable number of Spanish and German assignments, we would prefer to make more Scandinavian assignments if your stake could qualify. We have learned through experience that a stake is more successful with this program if the leaders are able to select a language trainer who is a native or has extensive ability in the assigned language and has available time to spend training others. You may want to use this information as well as a stake language survey to help in making your decision. Would you please choose a language for which you fee! your stake would be best qualified and so inform us. We will then provide you with additional information pertinent to your choice, A new survey was conducted by the stake and the request submitted along with the survey to extract records written in the German language. On 2 February 1980, the genealogical department ofthe Church approved the Morgan Stake to work in a records extraction program in the German language.43 The program finally got under way in the stake on 19 May 1980. Sidney Creager was called as Coordinator-Director and Joseph Hamula was called as trainer. The languages taught and worked in were the Old German script, German-Latin, German-French, German-Dutch and modern German. Ten individuals were called to serve in the extraction program and completed their training on 5 September 1980, and were assigned their first films.44

Solemn Assembly In December 1975, solemn assemblies were held to instruct priesthood leaders on the Wasatch front. On 13 December, the stake presidency, bishoprics, and other priesthood leaders attended the held in the assembly room ofthe Salt Lake Temple. The meeting lasted three and one-half hours and was presided over by President Spencer W. Kimball. The sacrament was passed and then the General Authorities who were present instructed the assembled leadership of the stakes and wards who had been invited to attend. President Kimball spoke concerning the flood of wickedness that was upon the earth. Such things as fornication, adultery, homosexuality, abortion, vulgarity, people living together without the sacred bonds of marriage, and couples who don't want families. Marion G. Romney explained that our assignment was to prepare the earth for the second coming. He discussed the importance ofthe Word ofWisdom as a law of health from the Lord. He also stated that in 1973 over 20,000 young people had been arrested in the mountain west, 14,000 of which were Latter-day Saints. The three most common things for which they were arrested were (1) possession of alcohol, (2) running away, and (3) shoplifting. Thomas Monson then discussed certain difficult issues that

220 often face bishops and stake presidents giving counsel on how to deal with them. He also discussed the seriousness of vulgarity and the importance of holding family prayer on a daily basis. Theodore M. Burton discussed the procreative powers, tithes and offerings. Nathan Eldon Tanner talked about record keeping, income tax responsibility, birth control, abortion, interviewing young boys for priesthood advancement, and temple recommends. His instructions were implicit that married couples should be interviewed one at a time when receiving a temple recommend. President Kimball then concluded by covering a multiplicity of topics and issues that face priesthood leaders in Church callings.4' It would be nineyears later on 3 June 1984, before the priesthood leaders in the Morgan Valley would again be called to a solemn assembly in the Salt Lake Temple.

Service to Others Perhaps one ofthe most noted acts of service in the history ofthe Morgan Stake was the record set by the Milton Ward Relief Society. In September 1956, the following picture was published in the Relief Society Magazine for one hundred per cent visiting teaching for eight straight years. This was only the beginning, however, to the record set by the visiting teachers ofthe Milton Ward. In October 1973, a recognition dinner was held in the ward to pay tribute to the sisters for maintaining a 100 percent record in visiting teaching for twenty-six years. It had all commenced with ward Relief Society President Ireta Jensen, who set the goal of 100 percent visiting teaching. Front row, seated, left to right: Helen The goal was then continued by Sister Daw, Eunice Lake, Nettie Gordor, MayJensen' s successor, Norine Giles who Thurston, Norine Giles, President, Clara Mecham, Reta Mecham, Alice Mecham, served faithfully as Relief Society Annie Taylor. Back row, standing left president for twenty-three years.46 toright- VemaNelson, OlgaHannum, Ella Barnum, Catherine Maason, Hazel During the month of June 1976, the Spendlove, Laura Spendlove, Latrine Teton Dam in Idaho broke. Tremendous Preece, Helen Nelson, Ada Mecham, damage resulted to farms and homes in Ireta Jenson, Ida Mae Clark, Delia Spendlove, Lola Gordor, and Ella Jones.th e path ofthe flood of water that was released. The Saints united throughout Idaho, Utah, and other areas to help in the clean up and restore the Saints to what they had. The Morgan Stake was asked to help in the clean up by sending a bus load of men on Monday, 28 June, and Thursday, 1 July, to Rexburg. The bus left the stake meetinghouse at 4:00 a.m. and arrived back in Morgan at 11:15 p.m. The day was spent in cleaning out mud and other debris from the homes so the occupants could move back in. All who participated felt well rewarded for their time in helping others.47 In February 1977, President Kimball asked the members ofthe Church to fast to help each other because of the weather conditions. In the East it was bitter cold with thirteen feet of snow in places, while in Utah there was hardly any snow and a possible drought likely that summer. The combined faith ofthe Saints brought the snow to the mountains and to the Valley with a bounteous harvest that summer.48 A group in Denver, Colorado, established an adult book shop on Washington Blvd. in Ogden, Utah, during the winter of 1976 and 1977. Groups were organized throughout the various stakes in the area to help combat the filth that was sold from this store. In Morgan, Richard Clay and his wife were in charge of organizing groups to picket the book store. Through the efforts of many in our stake as well as the Ogden area the book store was closed.49 Centennial Celebration Perhaps one ofthe most interesting events during President Little's time in office came on 1 July 1977—the Morgan Utah Stake Centennial Celebration held at Riverside Park. It had been one hundred years since the Stake was first organized. The participants came to the park in wagons made in replica of those used a hundred years ago. These modern participants came to a bowery which had been constructed like the original one in which the first stake was organized. President Little opened the proceedings with a warm welcome. Brothers and Sisters it's a thrill and an honor, rather a heart-choking experience, as I welcome you to this very special, one time, I think, that most of us will enjoy, all of us, I guess, the 100th birthday ofthe Morgan Stake of Zion. I truly express our love for each one of you for being here. My thoughts went back, as I saw those wagons coming in, of how much we have to give credit to those who made this possible for us, for this beautiful valley, choice above all others—the majestic mountains that have protected us so much for so long, for all the bounties of life that our Father in Heaven has given us. For all these things we are truly grateful. ° He then introduced the chairman and his wife, Joe and Evadna Francis. They were given a bouquet of roses. A script was then played out as people thought it had occurred originally. According to the script, Bishop William W. Cluff, the presiding bishop over Morgan, Wasatch, and Summit counties, rose and began the program. Bishop Cluff was played by Otis Rose. With him on the stand were Elders Lorenzo Snow (Dan O. Heiner) and Franklin D. Richards (Don A Turner). Bishop Cluff greeted the congregation and told them how grateful he was to participate in the organization ofthe Morgan Stake of Zion. Summit County was made a stake on the following Sabbath day with William W. Cluff being called to serve as stake president. The opening prayer was offered by Thomas J. Thurston (Richard Poll). The choir sang "Love at Home." Then Elder Richards (Don) addressed the congregation. He told how the general conference had been held in St.

222 George that April past. There they had dedicated the first temple completed in Utah. Wilford Woodruff had been installed as president of that temple. Other temples then under construction were the Salt Lake, the Logan, and the Manti. The next speaker was Elder Lorenzo Snow (Dan). It was his responsibility to ask fora sustaining vote ofthe new stake officers. He introduced President Willard G. Smith (LorinTonks), first counselor Richard Fry (Abbot Mikesell), and second counselor Samuel Francis (George N. Francis). The first high councilors were Thomas Rich, Sr., George Criddle, Thomas R. G. Welch, Thomas J. Thurston, Joseph L Card, George W. Taggart, John H. Rich, Frederick Kingston, Jesse Haven, Richard Rawle (great grandfather of President Little), Martin Heiner, and David Robinson. (See The Morgan County News, July 8, 1977, where the names of the high council actors are given.) All received a unanimous sustaining vote. The bishops ofthe various wards were also introduced. Ofthe North Morgan Ward, Wyman N. Parker; Richville Ward, Albert D. Dickson; East Porterville Ward, Joseph M, Porter; West Porterville, Thomas Brough; Milton, Eli Whitear; Enterprise, John K. Hall; South Morgan, Charles Turner; Croydon, John Hopkin; and Peterson Ward, Charles S. Peterson. All were sustained. Willard G. Smith (Lorin) then told how he had helped as a little boy on both the Kirtland and Nauvoo Temples. He told how the Prophet Joseph Smith would "put on his tow frock and tow pantaloons and go into the quarry with the rest ofthe men to cut stone." He told how his father's family had been traveling through Missouri to join the Saints. They were camped at Haun's Mill. "Til never forget, I'll never forget that bloody tragedy. The sun shown clear and bright, the morning was tranquil." Then, he recalls, that about four o'clock in the afternoon a large company of men rode into the camp. "Their leader fired one shot, then there was ominous silence for ten or twelve seconds. Then about one hundred guns discharged and they kept firing and firing and firing." By the time it was over, Willard Smith's father and his brother Sardis had been killed. Another brother, Alma, had part of his hip blown away. This wound was later healed through the faith of his mother in a miraculous manner. Richard Fry (Abbot) then spoke, telling how he and his wife had emigrated from England. His wife was baptized by her brother, Richard Rawle. He told of crossing the plains to Salt Lake and then being sent to Morgan by Brigham Young. Of President Young's inspiration, he said, "We can see now that he was inspired to send us here, because we have prospered." Richard Fry's daughter, Mary Ann, was the first white baby bom in Morgan City. The next speaker was Samuel Francis (George). He recalled how he had been called as a boy of seventeen shortly after his conversion to preside over the Switzerland and Italian Missions. In Italy he met his wife, Esther. He told of her great education. She could read, speak and write four different languages. She taught him French and Italian, while he taught her English.

223 Before she joined the Church she had taught in a seminary and sung at the La Scala Opera House in Milan, Italy. On joining the Church she not only lost her job, but she was asked to leave her home.51 It was this same Esther who later helped the original surveyors of Morgan Valley to lay out their grids and coordinates. She also showed the first farmers how to lay out their farms. In her honor, they named Francis Peak after her.52 As a mid-wife, she helped deliver many . . . babies under trying circumstances.53 In all, the presentation was as realistic as if the 1977 Saints had been transported back one hundred years. The final speaker was S. Dilworth Young ofthe First Quorum of Seventy, Elder Young had always felt a special affinity for the people of Morgan Valley, He had been, prior to the centennial celebration, involved closely with the Boy Scout program. In his address he said, "I'm wrapped up in the lives of your boys." Speaking of his involvement with Glen Thurston and the Boy Scouts he said, "We used to sit out here in the bottom lands around campfires, and talk scouting, talk history and talk Morgan. And my heart came into your valley and has stayed here. I didn't live here, but in all the travels I've made in scouting as I came along, Morgan was the one which I enjoyed coming to most."54 Elder Young continued, "I've always had a feeling that in Morgan County, of all places I've been, you have maintained over the years your pioneer heritage betterthanmost. . . .You've kept the feeling of your ancestors. "He continued, 'Your ancestors. . . didn't settle this valley to lose it to apostasy. They didn't come here and strive and suffer that their grandchildren might go the way of the world." He ended by telling those present to teach their children about the ideals and faitho f their grandmothers and grandfathers. The evening ended with square dancing and song. Perhaps the greatest lesson learned from the occasion was a profound respect for the founders of Morgan Valley.55 Presidents of the Church While serving as president of the stake, President Utile had the opportunity to receive counsel from President Spencer W. Kimball. They spent nearly an hour together on one occasion. The problem for which President Little had gone to Salt Lake City seeking counsel was a particularly "trying" one. President Kimball counseled him and then said, "Now, president, go home and do your duty," then there was a pause and the prophet continued, "But make sure it's right!" President Kimball observed the tie President Uttle was wearing and commented on howwell it matched his suit and that he would love to have one like it. President Little explained that his wife had made it for him. The next time he visited President Kimball's office he gave him a hand made tie from his wife which the prophet graciously accepted. President Little also personally visited President Harold B. Lee. "He was just standing there on his front lawn waiting for us," says President Little. In

224 all, these were sweet interviews with moments of inspired counsel for the leader ofthe Morgan Stake.56 Revelation on Priesthood It was during President Little's administration that one of the most significant revelations ever given in the history of the world was received by the President of the Church along with his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve. The revelation came on 1 June 1978, inanupperroom ofthe Salt Lake Temple in answer to the question as to whether or not the priesthood should be conferred on worthy males of all races. After all present had had the opportunity to freely express themselves concerning the matter they knelt in prayer with President Kimball serving as voice for all. He recalled: I told the Lord if it wasn't right, if He didn't want this change to come in the Church that I would be true to it all the rest of my life, and I'd fight the world ... if that's what He wanted ... I had a great deal to fight, myself largely, because I had grown up with this thought that Negroes should not have the priesthood and I was prepared to go all the rest of my life till my death and fight for it and defend it as it was. But this revelation and assurance came to me so clearly that there was no question about it.57 Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained what happened: It was during this prayer that the revelation came. The Spirit ofthe Lord rested mightily upon us all; we felt something akin to what happened on the day of Pentecost and at the dedication ofthe . From the midst of eternity, the voice of God, conveyed by the power ofthe Spirit spoke to his prophet. . . .And we all heard the same voice, received the same message, and became personal witnesses that the word received was the mind and will and voice ofthe Lord.58 A further endowment of the Spirit was given to faithful members of the Church throughout the world when the announcement was made concerning the revelation. Hundreds of Saints in the Morgan Valley felt the Spirit tell them that the revelation was true and binding upon them. (The revelation is found in Doctrine and Covenants, Official Declaration—2.)

Sesqulcentennlal Celebration Nineteen hundred eighty was the Sesquicentennial celebration commemorating the Hundred Fiftieth anniversary of The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was decided that the kickoff event would be the musical play "Because of Elizabeth" which would be done under the direction ofthe Morgan Stake Rel ief Society. The play written by Moana Bennett was originally produced as an outdoor pageant in Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1978, for the dedication ofthe monuments to the women ofthe Church. The play portrays "the life of Elizabeth, a young English girl, who journeys to America and then follows her as she meets new challenges, dangers and loneliness in doing what had to be done. Elizabeth is a character created by the author, but whose life is firmly rooted in the historical truths of our history as this inspiring story tells

225 of the building of Nauvoo, the exodus west, and the establishment of Zion."59 Practice for cast members was intense being held almost daily for over two months. The play with close to two hundred members was directed byToni Morgan with Patti Jones serving as choreographer. The play was held Friday, 28 March, and again Wednesday, April 2, at the Morgan High School auditorium. Both nights saw capacity crowds in attendance.60 Joseph H. Francis was honored for out­ standing service to the Utah Historical Society at j the twenty-eighth annual banquet held in Vernal, j Utah in November of 1980. The Daniel Heiner I home located in North Morgan, built in 1882, j was placed on the national historical register j 16 March 1979-61

Visit of General Authorities The Stake was served by the visits of many General Authorities during the nine years of President Little's administration. In 1972, Elder Paul Dunn visited. He came at a time when President Little's daughter-in-law, Melody, was Leading roles starred Robert in the hospital having a problem with a difficult Peterson as "David" and birth. Elder Dunn was very concerned. On that Virginia Pendleton as Saturday afternoon, they held interviews until "Elizabeth" 10:30 p.m. When they were finished, he said to President Little, "Do you want me to go with you to the hospital?" President Little didn't think he needed to go, but his concern was touching. Sister Little was always careful to ensure that she had fresh bread baking when General Authorities came. As Elder Dunn came in, he smelled the bread and sat in a chair, took off his shoes and just thoroughly enjoyed himself. President Little had a shower with a pulsating head. Elder Dunn asked very kindly, "President, do you think it would be all right for me to use that?" Before Daniel Heiner Home. Picture courtesy retiring he said, "Now President Little, if of Utah Stake Historical Society. you have to go to the hospital, just go. I can get my breakfast and take care ofthe conference." Later, he sent a very special letter to President Little's daughter. "From the beginning to the end, he exhibited this same extreme thoughtfulness," said President Little. President Wilson recalls how Elder Dunn told stories to the youth. Elder Dunn, himself, told a story of a time when he had been at a meeting filled with other General Authorities who had all given very somber speeches. He

?.?.(•> then got up and "literally had the audience in stitches." Later when he went in for an interview with President Harold B. Lee, he thought to ask the president if his speech had been well received. President Lee said without smiling, but with atwinkle in his eye, "Well, Paul, my granddaughter enjoyed your talk."63 Another delightful story of a visit by a General Authority occurred with the visit of Elder A Theodore Turtle on 22 and 23 September 1973. On his way to the conference, his car broke down near Lagoon. He called and told President Little ofthe dilemma. President Little offered to immediately come and get him, but Elder Turtle declined saying that his son was on the way with another car, but he would be late. When he arrived he said to President Little, "president, you invited me to stay with you, but there's just one problem. My clothes all went back to Salt Lake in the other car that was broken down. If you have an extra pair of pajamas and an extra toothbrush, I'll still stay." President Little recounts how that evening he came out into the living room in those pajamas, and when he left, he tucked the toothbrush into his pocket and said, "Well, president, I'm leaving with more than I came with."64 Another special time came with the visit of Marvin J. Ashton on 9 and 10 March 1974. He came at a time when Morgan High School's basketball team was to play for the state championship. Several people wanted President Little to cancel the evening session of stake conference, but he didn't feel he could do it. But he did mention the fact to Elder Ashton. The meetings went on as scheduled. Later that evening, they received word that Morgan had won. Elder Ashton called the arena where they were playing and publicly congratulated the team over the public address system. He told Coach Ron Abegland to have his team in stake conference the next morning. He wanted them all there. Early Sunday morning, as a special priesthood leadership meeting was in session in the Relief Society room in the old stake center, the team arrived home from Provo. Many of the people had gone down Weber Canyon to meet them. As they came into town, the fire engine and police car sirens were screaming, horns were honking, and as they came near the Church, Elder Ashton, of course, heard them and said, "I think it is time to go greet the champions." That morning in the general session of stake conference, Elder Ashton called on Coach Abegland and several ofthe players to speak. David Rogers, who was very instrumental in that championship game, played under very trying conditions. His body was literally racked with pain from acute Leukemia. The courage and determination that he displayed was a testimony to all. Later that year David Rogers passed away. Elder Ashton saw the notice in the paper and called President Uttle. He said, "Do you think it would be all right if I came and spoke at that funeral?" He did come and gave a stirring spiritual message.65 "Even today," says President Little, "when Elder Ashton drives through Morgan Valley, he either calls or later writes me a letter of his great love for

227 the Saints in the Morgan Stake," President Wilson remembers how Elder Ashton invited him and his wife and family up to a home Elder Ashton had in Midway, Utah. "His wife Norma remembered all the children's names," said President Wilson.66 Other great experiences with visiting General Authorities included the visit of Loren C. Dunn on 21 and 22 September 1974; George P. Lee on 10 and 11 March 1979. It was during this time that Elder Lee asked the Morgan Stake to sponsor the Lamanite Conferences. Elder Carlos E. Asay came to Morgan on 8 and 9 March 1980. Elder Sterling W. Sill came on 3 August 1975; and Elder James E. Faust on 3 December 1978. Elder , who served under six presidents ofthe Church and still swims a mile every day except the Sabbath, came at age 94. When Eldred G. Smith came on 21 September 1975, with Elder L Tom Perry, he stressed to the brethren that they should take their wives out on a special evening at least once each week "just the two of you," Patriarch Smith had his grandfather, 's, watch to show to the conference, and a 2° x 4" microfiche card containing all ofthe Book of Mormon and the Bible.67 Victor L Brown and Burke Peterson also visited the stake. Such was the administration of Keith R. Little over the Morgan Stake of Zion from 12 March 1972 until 10 March 1981.

Endnotes 1. Oral interview with Keith Little byjeanine Carter, June 23, 1986; Morgan County News, March 17,1973. 2. Ibid. 3- Ibid. 4. Ibid. 5. Ibid. 6. Oral interview with Larry Wilson byjeanine Carter, October 12, 1986; Morgan CountyNews, May 31,1974. 7. Oral inrerview wirh Gene Hayes byjeanine Carter,June 30, 1986. 8. Ibid, 9. Oral interview wirh Keirh Little bvjeanine Carter, June 23,1986. 10. Ibid. 11. Oral interview with Larry Wilson byjeanine Carter, October 12, 1986. 12. Morgan Urah Stake Cenrer and Morgan Third-Morgan Fourth Wards, Dedication Services, September 21, 1975. Copy of program in possession of Calvin R. Stephens; Morgan County News, March 29,1974. 13. Ibid. 14. Journal of Calvin R. Stepheas, Seprember 21, 1975. 15. Ibid, March 2, November 29.1981. 16. Letter from Helen Welch to Keith Little. Original letter in possession ofKeith Little. 17. Author unknown. 18. Morgan County News, February 16, 1973. 19. Ibid,January25, 1980. 20. Oral interview with Larry Wilson, October 12, 1986. 21. Ibid. 22. Morgan County Neus, December 15, 1972. 23. Morgan County News, February 1,1974. 24. Oral interview with Keith Liule byjeanine Carter, June 23, 1986.

?.?.H 25. Morgan County News, December 15, 1972; Oral interview with Keith Little by Calvin R. Stephens, January 1,1988. 26. Letter ofFirst Presidency addressed to Stake Presidents, March 29, 1974. 27. Ibid,, July 23, 1975. 28. Journal of Calvin R. Stephens, January 25. 1976. 29. Oral interview with Keith Little by Calvin R. Stephens, December 28, 1987. 30. Morgan County News, December 8, 22, 1978. 31. "History of the Extraction Program", Produced by the Family History Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. 32. Ibid. 33. Ibid. 34. Ibid. 35. Ibid. 36. Ibid. 37. Ibid, 38. Ibid 39. Ibid. 40. All correspondence for esrablishing the name extraction program in rhe Morgan Stake comes from rhe Family History Department of The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Copies of the letters are in possession of Calvin R.Stephens. 41. Ibid. 42. Ibid. 43. Ibid. 44. Morgan County News, May 17, 1985. 45. Stephens Journal, December 13,1975, 46. Morgan County News, October 26, 1973. 47. Stephens Journal, June 28, 1976. 48. Ibid., February 5,1977. 49. Ibid., February 26, 1977. 50. History and script ofthe Centennial Celebration ofthe organization ofthe Morgan Stake.Jury 1,1977. 51. Ibid. 52. Oral interview with Richard Fry byjeanine Carter. 53. Centennial Hisrory. 54. Ibid, 55. Ibid. 56. Oral interview with Keith Little byjeanine Carterjune 23,1986. 57. Richard 0, Cowan, TheChurch in The Twentieth Cew

CHAPTER 10

DIVISION OF THE MORGAN STAKE

Toward the end of 1980, President Keith R. Little felt the time had come for a division of the Morgan Stake. He reported his feelings to the First Presidency with very mixed emotions. Though he knew the time had come, he had two main concerns: one, that this would probably mean his release as stake president; and two, that the stake had been together as one body for such a long time. He hated to see the separation into two.1 On 23 January 1981, President Little was notified by letter from the First Presidency that he and his two counselors would be released at the stake conference on 7 and 8 March. Four days later President Little received the following letter from Elder LeGrand Richards; I have received the assignment to attend your srake conference on March 7th and 8th, and I am pleased to receive this assignment. I have been advised that there will bea reorganization ofthe stake presidency at this conference, so I will plan on reaching the stake center at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7ih, I will appreciate it if I can interview each member of the retiring stake presidency, each of the srake clerks, the high council, and the bishops, allowing about five minutes for each interview, a little longer with the siake president. Then we could hold a leadership meeting with all the presidency, clerks, high council, bishoprics, and heads of priesthood quorums and auxiliaries at 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Then a resr period from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Then at 7:00 p.m. the meeting of al I of rhe adults of your stake for which you have a suggested program with a film. Then I always like to meet with the young people on Sunday morning if that is convenient, say at eight o'clock until 9:15 a.m. so we can help them to feel that they are a part ofthe conference and the future leadership of rhe Church. Then rhe regular session of rhe conference would be at ren o'clock on Sunday. Your Regional Representative is Nathan C. Tanner of 6225 Woodland Drive, Ogden, Utah 84403, to whom I am sending a copy of this letter, inviting him to attend this conference with me if it meets with his convenience. I will probably ger one of my sons to drive me ro rhe conference because the Brethren don't want me to drive anymore. I will look forward wirh pleasure ro attending this conference with you, and rrust the Lord will bless us with a good one On 18 February President Little received further correspondence from the First Presidency stating: At a recent meeting of the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve, consideration was given to the recommendation to divide the Morgan Utah Stake and create the new Morgan Utah North Srake, unit number 051-4470. After the division, the Morgan Urah Stake will include approximately 2528 members, divided inro6 units; and the new Morgan Utah North Stake will include approximately 1958 members, divided into 5 units. It was the sense ofthe Council that such a stake be created. The brethren who may be appointed to effecr this organization will conferwith you in the near future relative to the details of this proposed organization and the time when the srake will be created. Needless to say, this matrer should be given no publicity until the General Authority meets with you and attends to the division.' On that same date Elder LeGrand Richards wrote: You have been advised by now rhat the Brethren have approved the division Milton 1st and 2nd Wards, the Mountain Green Ward, and the Peterson 1st and 2nd Wards. Now if you will prepare a list ofthe officers: the stake presidency, clerks, high council, and bishops who will be living in the Morgan Urah Stake, and let us commence interviewing them about five minutes starting at ten o'clock on Saturday morning; then when we have interviewed all those brethren, we could interview the members ofthe stake presidency, high council, clerks, and bishops who will be living in the new stake, interviews to be about every five minutes, I think we could get through in time for our afternoon meeting. I am sending a copy of this letter to Elder Tanner, your Regional Representative, so that he will be apprised of this change and can plan to be there at 10:00 a.m. to meet me and join me for these interviews. With all good wishes, I remain, Thursday evening, 5 March, at 7:00 p.m. a special meeting was called by the stake presidency for all bishops and members of the high council. During the meeting President Little announced that the stake would be divided Sunday by Elder Richards. He then explained what the new boundaries of the two stakes would be. It was further explained that each bishop and each member ofthe high council were to meet with Elder Richards on Saturday for five minutes each. A time was then appointed for each member who was to meet with Elder Richards and the meeting was dismissed.5 On Saturday morning, 7 March, President and Sister Little left early for Salt Lake City to personally escort Elder Richards to Morgan. Lacking four months, it had been 104 years since Elder Richards' grandfather, Franklin D. Richards, in company with Lorenzo Snow, had Utah. He was called to be the entered the Valley by train to organize the PresidingBishop6 April 1938, „ . _ ' ' *r7T , . where he served until 10 April Morgan Stake. The same mountains still guarded 1952_ wben &, was caa^t0 the Valley, but there were many changes. the Quorum of Twelve Arriving in Morgan, President Little escorted Apostles. Elder Richards to a modern stake center where hundreds could meet and worship together. This was a sharp contrast to the outdoor bowery, one- hundred feet square with packed clay floor, where the conference had been held at the first organizational meeting.

232 A meeting had been called for 10:00 am. Saturday morning. Elder Richards and Regional Representative Nathan Tanner met first with the stake presidency and laid plans for the day. As the morning progressed, Elder ^^tog Richards and Brother Tanner inter- I viewed the members of the high fh Q ~^M I council, bishops, and others called in j^|^I*JjfciB from the stake. At noon, lunch was I served by the stake presidency's wives. I Brother Richards enjoyed his meal and I finished it off with a good quaner of a I huge lemon meringue pie, stating as he • did so, "I may be old, but there is Left to Right: Nathan C Tanner, LeGrand Richards, J ay Taggart, Lee C.nothin g wrong with my digestive Dickson system." Then he went in the office, laid on the floor and slept, asking to be awakened in one half hour. In the afternoon, the interviews proceeded. Jay Taggan, the gospel doctrine teacher in the Morgan South Ward, was called in. He had experienced certain feelings for days prior to the phone call, but had thought they were probably preparing him for a call to the high council or something similar. He never imagined it would be a call to the stake presidency. As he entered the room for the interview, Brother Taggan was welcomed and then asked three questions by Elder Richards. The first dealt with testimony, the second with wife and family, and the third with his feelings for the gospel. Immediately Elder Richards turned to Brother Tanner and said, "Do you want to tell him?" Brother Tanner deferred and Elder Richards issued the call for Brother Taggart to be the new president of the Morgan Stake. With a full heart, Brother Taggart accepted the call and then asked, "What do I need to do?" He was told to take 45 minutes and select two counselors and then come back. Leaving the stake center, he drove to Round Valley and in his own words, "I went out under a tree and prayed to Heavenly Father for assistance and help." He returned to the stake center and went into the interview room to find Elder Richards resting with the lights off. He then requested that Lorin Tonks and Lee Dickson be called to serve as his counselors. Then Elder Richards said, 'Young man, come sit and chat with me for a while." They talked Lorin Tonks alone for about 45 minutes. During that time, Brother Taggart said he was taught the gospel. Many of his questions about organization, use ofthe high council, and working with bishops were answered. At the end of the session, Elder Richards asked Brother Taggart if there were any other questions he would like to ask him. President Taggart states he thought a moment and then asked what it was like in the hereafter. Elder Richards replied, "I have only one worry about dying. I'm afraid I might not be able to findm y wife."6 Robert W. Poll had been released as bishop ofthe Mountain Green Ward eight months earlier. During his time as bishop, President Little had told him on occasion, "Nowprepare yourself, brother, because sometime you will be president of this stake,"7 But Bishop Poll had just laughed and dismissed the thought from his mind. He was at work in Salt Lake City on the afternoon of 7 March when he received a call from President Little about 3:00 p.m. President Little said, "Bishop, I need a favor. LeGrand Richards is here and wants to talk to you." As he drove north from Salt Lake, Bishop Poll recalls, "There was a BYU basketball game on the radio; but I didn't hear a word of it." He arrived in Morgan at 3:55 p.m. and was ushered into the interview room. This was the first time that Bishop Poll was aware that a division of the stake was to happen. Elder Richards said that he had a priesthtxxi leadership meeting to attend in five minutes. He spoke to Bishop Poll for about three minutes and asked three questions. In the middle of the third question, Elder Richards looked at Brother Tanner and asked if he felt ready to issue the call. Again, Brother Back row, left to right: Loel Mecham, Tanner deferred and Elder Richards, on Assistant Clerk: John Lofgren, Executivebehal f of the Savior, called Robert W. Secretary; Jimtnie Merrill, Stake Clerk. Front Row, left to right: Calvin Stephens, Poll to serve as president ofthe Morgan Robert Poll, William Weaver. North Stake. As the call was issued, President Poll says he experienced an immediate peace of mind- He was asked to select his counselors and high council, and be back at the stake center early Sunday morning. During the night the assurance came that the two counselors were to be Calvin Stephens and William Weaver. An hour and a half prior to the Sunday morning session of stake conference calls were extended to Calvin Stephens and William Weaver to serve as counselors in the Morgan North Stake Presidency. The new stake presidency was then told by the Regional Representative to decide on at least seven high councilors (majority necessary to function), a stake clerk, and an executive secretary before the conference session started. The assignment was completed and the brethren called just minutes before the general session of conference commenced.8

B-\ Also, early Sunday morning, a special meeting was called for all the serving stake presidency, high councilors, clerks, and their wives. They were informed of the division of the stake and the calling of two new stake presidencies and officers. Love was expressed and testimonies born. As the river mists cleared in the morning sun, over 23009 Saints gathered from across the Valley for the conference. Present on the stand were Elder Richards, Regional Representative Nathan Tanner, President Little, and his counselors Robert Walker and Larry Wilson. The conference was under the direction of Elder Richards. Announcement of the division of the stake was made and the new boundaries set. The Morgan Utah Stake was to include the following wards: Croydon, Porterville, and Morgan 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th wards. The newly created Morgan Utah North Stake was to include Mountain Green, Peterson 1st, Peterson 2nd, and Milton 1st and 2nd wards. During the conference, the Peterson Ward was divided into the Peterson 1st and 2nd wards. Jerry Peterson was sustained as Bishop of the new Peterson 2nd Ward. After the announcement ofthe division and the sustaining ofthe new officers the retiring stake presidency and their wives were each given the opportunity to speak. They were followed by members of the newly sustained stake presidencies and their wives. Elder Richards then closed the conference with his powerful testimony.10 After the conference adjourned, the newly sustained stake officers were set apart. As President Taggan was set apart by Elder Richards, he remembers, the Apostle repeated many things "from my patriarchal blessing, then finished by saying, You are now the president ofthe Church in this area. Now you set apart your counselors.' I will never forget the feeling of the Apostle's hands upon my head." Elder Richards gave final words of counsel to the newly appointed brethren. He cautioned them to be concerned about the spirit ofthe law, not the letter, to teach and to love. He told President Poll, 'You have only one mission to accomplish. I want you to return all the people within the boundaries of this stake back to their Father in Heaven." When asked in a subsequent interview in the fall of 1985, what had been his main goal as president ofthe Morgan Utah Stake, President Taggart said, "For my two years, I tried to do everything with love. When people weren't happy, I tried to make them happy." Two years after being called as stake president, Jay Taggart was released when his work required him to move from the area. A short time later, he was called to serve as president ofthe Terrace View Stake in Ogden. His counselor, Lorin Tonks, was called to succeed him as president ofthe Morgan Utah Stake. In an interview four years after the division ofthe Morgan Stake President Poll reminisced, "On the day following the conference, I took the day off work and brought four or fivechairs , a table, and some records down to the Mountain Green/Peterson meeting house and selected a room (the old

235 nursery) to set up my office. There, sitting alone in the quiet building, I sensed the awesome responsibility that now rested upon me." When asked what his goals were for his administration ofthe Stake, he replied, 'To be able to follow the goals and ideals those brethren set that preceded us. There is something special in this Valley, there is a destiny for this Valley and its people."1' Perhaps it is fitting to close this work with the words of Daniel H. Wells, who speaking at the fourth conference of the Morgan Stake on 18 August 1878, said, "It is the love for the gospel that has brought us here to the valleys ofthe mountains. It was God's purpose to bring us here to be co-workers with Him in consummating his mighty purpose."12

1. Oral interview with Keith R, Utile by Laraine Whitear, October 1985. 2. Letter in possession of Keith Little. 3- Ibid. 4. Ibid 5. Journal of Calvin R. Stephens, March 5, 1981. 6. Oral interview with Jay Taggart by Laraine Whitear, November 1985. 7. Oral interview with Robert W. Poll by laraine Whitear, September 17, 1985, 8. Stephens Journal, March 8, 1981. 9- Morgan County News, March 13, 1981, 10. Stephens Journal, March 8, 1981. 11. Oral interview with Robert W. Poll by laraine Whitear, October 1985. 12. Morgan Stake Historical Record, Minutes of Stake Conferences, August 18, 1878, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. APPENDIX A

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MORGAN STAKE PRESIDENTS

Willard G. Smith 1877-1893 Richard Fry 1893-1900 Daniel Heiner 1900-1923 Melvin Howard Randall 1923-1942 George Sylvester Heiner 1942-1947 Clarence Dickson Rich 1947-1952 Raymond P. Larson 1952-1972 Keith Rawle Little 1972-1981 Robert Warner Poll 1981- Jay Bryant Taggart 1981-1983 Lorin Cecil Tonks 1983- WILLARD G. SMITH

Willard G. Smith was born on 29 May 1827, in Amherst, Lorain County, Ohio, to Warren and Amanda Barnes Smith. He was first in a family that was to have eight children. Just four years after his birth, Willard's parents were introduced to The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They accepted the gospel and were baptized. As ayoung boy, Willard carried water for those building the Kirtland Temple. When the persecution ofthe Saints in Kirtland increased, Willard's parents were forced to sell their home. In the spring of 1838, they left Ohio to join the Saints in Missouri, The journey was dangerous and often they were forced to travel by the light ofthe stars to avoid mobs. The family arrived in Missouri 23 October 1838, only to be detained for three days by an armed mob who threatened them with annihilation. On the morning of 30 October, they arrived at the settlement of Haun's Mill. That very afternoon an armed mob attacked the settlement. From Willard's own account we read:

Myself and rwo little brorhers were with Father when without warning a large body of mounted men blackened and painted like Indians rode up yelling and commenced shooting at the crowd. The men at the shop called for quarters; to this the mob paid no attention. These men then called for the women and children to run for their lives. We were surrounded on rhree sides by the mob; the old mill and mill pond was on the other. The men ran for the shop taking the little boys with them. My two little brothers ran in with Father. I followed but when I started to enter the shop my arms flew up and braced themselves against each side of the door, preventing my entrance. In my frenzy of fear, 1 again tried to enter the shop, and again my arms were braced to prevent going in. After the third futile attempt, I ran around the comer of the shop and crawled into a pile of lumber, hiding as best I could. , . . As soon as I was sure they had gone, I starred for the shop. I was the first to enter this holocaust, stepping over the dead body of my father in doing so. I looked around and found my brother Sardis dead with the top of his head shot away; and my little brother Alma almost lifeless lying among a pile of dead where he had been thrown by the mob, who evidently thought him dead. Willard picked up Alma and carried him from the shop where he met his mother and told her that his father and Sardis had been killed. His mother took Alma to their tent which the mob had ransacked. She laid him on a pile of straw and plead with her Father in Heaven to spare his life if he could be well and strong, but to take him to himself if this were not his will. She was inspired to take the ashes from the campfire and place them in water to make a weak lye with which to wash the wound. Then she sent Willard for bark

?S\ from a slippery elm from which she made a poultice to place within the large cavity left when the shredded flesh was washed away. She continued this treatment for weeks until finally Alma did indeed growa new hip. He was so fully restored to health that he later became a dancing master. The next day, after the massacre, Willard helped his mother and others bury their dead in an old dry well. When Alma was finally well enough to travel, the family made its way to Quincy, Illinois and then to Nauvoo. In Nauvoo, Willard joined the martial band, played the kettle drums for the Nauvoo Legion, and entered fully into the activities of the growing community. Willard especially treasured the relationship he formed there with the Prophet Joseph Smith. He ate often at the Nauvoo Mansion with the Prophet's sons and enjoyed many an afternoon at sports when Joseph Smith would take off his coat and join the boys in their activities. Willard worked as a stone cutter during the construction ofthe and, as a glazier, helped make the oxen on which the baptismal font rested. In her history, Willard's daughter, Cordelia, states: "Of the awful martyrdom of the Prophet and his brother Hyrum, Father couldn't talk without tears filling his eyes and choking his speech. After the murders, Father marched with muffled drum at the head of those who brought their bodies back to Nauvoo." Less than three years after the martyrdom, the Saints left Nauvoo and their beautiful temple. When the call came at Winter Quarters for fivehundre d men to form a company of infantry for the Mexican War, Wrllard became one ofthe first to volunteer as he stepped forward to drum for recruits. After months of hardship, the battalion reached San Diego, California, where Willard re-enlisted forsix months guard duty. He ended up remaining in California for ten years. He then moved to Salt Lake City, but within a few months was called on a mission to England. He left for the east coast with just "a single suit, badly worn, one pair of shoes, a change of underwear and socks, a few handkerchiefs in a little bag with a draw string, a little extra food. . . . and an abiding faith and joy in being considered worthy of the call." When he returned from his mission in 1863, he was put in charge of a large company of Latter-day Saints who were emigrating from Liverpool. In 1865, Willard was ordained a Bishop and sent by Brigham Young to preside over the settlements in the eastern end of Morgan Valley. After arriving in the Valley, he stayed at the home of ThomasJ. Thurston where he met his bride to be, Cordelia. Cordelia had been bom in a wagon on the plains of Iowa the same time that nineteen year old Willard marched west with the Battalion. Willard and Cordelia were married 15 April 1865. Willard and Cordelia became the parents of twelve children, three of whom died in childhood. Their home was always a place of learning, where books were a treasured item. They were able to bring one of the first organs into the Valley, and many neighbors treasured the memories of happy evenings of song and discussion in the Smith home. On 1 July 1877, when the Morgan Stake was organized, Willard was called to be the stake president. He served in this capacity until 1893- These were years filled with challenges as the Saints in Morgan Valley struggled to build homes in a new environment. As spiritual leader ofthe Saints in Morgan, President Smith was often called upon for advice and counsel. He was greatly loved and respected, and never lost an opportunity of bearing a strong testimony to the truthfulness ofthe gospel as revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. President Smith was also active in civic and community affairs. He served as probate judge, county commissioner, and representative of Morgan County in the territorial legislature for four terms. He also served as chaplain of the legislature. In the spring of 1902, President and Sister Smith purchased land in Idaho and made plans to move there. Before they could do so, however, President Smith suffered a severe stroke. By June, he was recovered enough that they could make their journey, but the first few months there proved that his health was not up to pioneering a new area. In December, he and Cordelia moved to Logan where they rented a small home near the Logan Temple. Here, for the last months of his life, he spent his time doing temple work and enjoying the company of friendswh o had been with him in the Mormon Battalion. He died 21 November 1902 at his home in Logan. In a short sketch ofthe life of Willard G, Smith, W. E. Criddle writes; "Brother Smith was a man who could ever smile through tears.'This seems a fitting epitaph for a man who experienced much tribulation in his life, but overcame all to rise to greatness. Sources: "Biography of Willard G. Smith" by Cordelia Smith Reeder Ellingford, Mormon Biographies, Box 23, Folder 3, Item 3, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City; "Life of Willard G. Smith" by W. E, Criddle, Book No. 5, Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum, Morgan. RICHARD FRY

Richard Fry, President ofthe Morgan Stake of Zion from 1893 to 1900, was bom in the small town of East Down, Devonshire, England, on 15 April 1831. His parents were William and Mary Ridges Fry. Richard was the youngest of six children with three older brothers and two older sisters. He survived them all. Richard was a strong, supple young man. He was about 5'8" tall and weighed about 200 pounds. He had pleasant, well defined features, blue eyes, determined mouth and well kept beard. For years before he came to Utah, he took part in varied athletic tournaments and games, including wrestling. He was an excellent horseman who loved outdoor life. Like most other boys of his time he did what he could to support himself and to aid his parents, but did not have the opportunities for a good education. In spite of this, he managed to gain a common schl education while engaged with his father in working for Mr. Samuel Coffin. He gained the lasting respect and confidence of his old school master, Mr. Irwin. Samuel Coffin, his employer, was a wealthy land owner who owned a stable of well bred horses and kennels of fine stag hounds. Mr. Coffin was also rector in charge of a parish of the Church of England. Richard became manager of the stables and supervised several men. He was held responsible for the condition ofthe horses and the hounds. Many times after the animals were groomed, Mr. Coffin would stroke his white silk glove over their shining coats and if a trace of dirt appeared on his glove, the animals were ordered regroomed. The whole estate was managed with this same meticulous care. The Coffins were a highly respected family. Richard had a close companionship with Mr. Coffin and his son. They rode side by side in hundreds of English fox and stag hunts, riding many hours together over hedges, fences, creeks, and rivers on the blooded and well trained horses. In 1852, when Richard was twenty-one years old, he and Mr. Coffin's son traveled to the United States together with Richard as guardian and protector ofC.CS. Coffin. This trip was taken solely for pleasure and Mr. Coffin, Jr., treated Richard more like a brother than a companion. They visited the largest cities and places of interest in the East, traveled as far West as St. Paul, Minnesota, the end of the Western railroad, then up into Canada as far as possible by rail. Richard's expenses were all paid by Mr. Coffin, Sr. After Richard returned to England, he learned about the gospel from Richard Rawle, a brother of Ann Rawle, who worked as a maid in waiting for

241 Mrs. Samuel Coffin. Ann, who later became the wife of Richard Fry, had been converted to The Church ofJesu s Christ of Latter-day Saints by her brother and was baptized by him in 1845. Richard Fry accepted the gospel and was baptized and confirmed a member ofthe Church on 27 January 1857, by Elder W. H. Barnett at Exeter, Devonshire, England. Richard's parents were very displeased when he joined the Church. Neither the parents nor any of his brothers or sisters were ever converted to the Mormon faith. Richard became discontent with his life in England and he resolved to emigrate to Utah. On 25 March I860 he married Ann Rawle and two days later they sailed with several hundred other emigrants from Liverpool, England, on board the ship Underwriter. They were not the only newlyweds on the ship. James Tucker and his wife, who was related to Ann, were married in Liverpool at the same time. These couples crossed the ocean and the plains together, and finallysettle d and lived as neighbors in Morgan City, Utah. On the sea, Richard was made superintendent of a ward. About twenty days out, he celebrated his twenty-ninth birthday. Alter fiveweek s at sail they landed safely at New York harbor, 1 May I860. Traveling by rail and boat Richard and Ann, with other emigrants, made their way to Florence, Nebraska, where they remained for five weeks to organize themselves for the long trek across the plains. The Fry and the Tucker families bought their equipment together, food, a wagon, two yoke of oxen and two cows. None ofthe animals had been yoked before. They had to be broken to it. Neither Richard or James Tucker had ever driven oxen before. They joined the James D. Ross Company where at the start, Richard was made captain over ten wagons. They had the usual hardships of such a journey and encountered hostile Indians along the way, but arrived safely in Salt Lake City on Ann's birthday, 3 September I860, after eleven weeks of difficult travel. To celebrate the occasion, Richard bought his wife a glass of beer that day. She never forgot it, so cool, sparkling and delightfully refreshing! It cast twenty-five cents. The young couple spent two weeks in Salt Lake City, a mere village then, skirted by willows, trees, and an expansive lake. Fall was approaching. They were concerned about a home and food for themselves and their animals for the winter. Brigham Young suggested they go to Weber Valley, now known as Morgan, to settle. So the Frys and the Tuckers parted temporarily. The Tuckers stayed in Salt Lake Valley for the winter and the Frys, with two other families, the Daniel Bulls and the Richard Norwoods, drove their wagons up through Weber Canyon to Morgan. It took them two weeks to make the trip. They had to take the wagons apart to bring them over part of the hill in Devil's Gate. They strapped parts of their wagons and belongings on the oxen and made several trips as they unloaded their equipment and supplies and returned for the rest of their load. The women walked and carried what they could. They spent one week camped in the canyon during the process of getting through Devil's Gate. They continued their journey up the Valley on the west side of the Weber River.

242 The Frys became one ofthe first five families to settle in South Morgan. Daniel Bull took up a claim on what is now known as the Island; Norwood, the next claim of land south. Eddington and Turner, and Richard Fry claims ran south in the order named. On the north east comer of the Fry farm, Richard Fry built his firsthom e in the Valley, of cottonwood logs chinked with wood and clay between the logs, topped with a thatched roof. While all this work was in progress, Richard and Ann lived in the wagon. One day while Ann was preparing dinner in the wagon, the dark face of an Indian appeared between the flapso f the wagon cover. Ann had always been frightened of Indians and was terribly upset. In broken English the Indian told her to get out ofthe wagon, that his squaw would take possession of it. Without argument and glad to get away, Ann ran breathlessly to tell Richard what had happened. The two made their way back to the wagon and gained peaceable possession of their home. The Fry home was finally finished and all preparations for winter completed. On 2 February 1861, their firstchild , Mary Ann Fry (Eddington), was bom. Mary Ann, named after both her grandmothers, was the first white child to be bom in South Morgan. Their second child, Susan Fry (Tonks) was also born in this house on 12 April 1862. Richard had fenced in one ofthe bends along Canyon Creek as a sheep and calf pasture. One morning he discovered several of his sheep had been killed by a large animal. Later a calf from the same pasture was killed. This time the tracks of a large bear in the area gave a clue to the killer. With his neighbor and their dogs, Richard began to search for the bear which they discovered in the brush not far fromth e pasture. One look at the huge bear convinced the aroused neighbors that the old shot guns they had were not equal to the task of killing such an animal. They did follow him with their dogs eastward across the fields hoping that someone with a high-powered gun would take up the chase and finish it. True Love Manhardt, an old hunter, did finally kill the bear, performing a great service for the settlers that day. He said the bear was the largest grizzly he had ever seen. During this time Richard and his wife kept up a correspondence with their parents in England. Richard received a letter from his father begging him to come back to England. His father was very worried about the young family. He was afraid Richard would have to go to war [Civil War in America! and leave his family without means or support. He mentioned land in England where Richard could raise his family with security. But Richard and Ann wanted to stay, in spite of all the risks and dangers of frontier life in an unsettled land. As spring came the heavy snows of winter began to melt and fillth e rivers and creeks beyond capacity. Brigham Young advised the settlers to seek higher levels for their homes. Accordingly the log house was torn down in the spring of 1862 and the logs were taken to the mouth of Monday Town, near Richville. From the same logs a second house was built which stood nearly fiveyears , until the fall of 1867. In this house, on 20 January 1864, was

243 bom the first son ofthe family, Richard Rawle Fry. Two more little girls were also bom during the time the family lived in Monday Town, Agnes Fry, bom 7 November 1865 and Emily Fry (Welch), bom 28 June 1867. Fall 1867 saw the house torn down again and the same logs, with other new logs added, were used to build another home in Morgan City. The home built on lot 1 was a very good one for those times. It consisted of two good sized log rooms. Facing south it had two windows with an entrance between them. This door led into the combination dining room, kitchen, and sitting room. No provision was made for a stove, but a large fireplace at the northeast end of the room served to heat the house and provide cooking facilities. The fireplace was made of sandstone which was plastered on the inside with clay mortar. From the front room a door led west to the bedroom. South ofthe house a thirty foot well was dug to supply the family with clean drinking water. The well was not quite finished when a blinding snowstorm hit the area. During the evening, the family members were startled to hear the cries of a neighbor, Mr. Alpin. Unable to see in the blizzard, he had ridden his mule into the open well. Fortunately neither he nor his mule were badly injured and after much effort both were lifted to the surface frightened and shaken but able to resume their journey. During the next years more children were bom to the Fry family: William John Fry, bom 18 March 1869; John Rawle Fry, bom 22 August 1870; David James Fry, bom 22 February 1873; and Henry B. Fry, bom 13 December 1876. Richard Fry entered the order of plural marriage on 11 April 1876 when he married Ann's niece, Susan Lerville. Susan came from England to Utah in 1875, She was only ten years old when Richard and Ann had left England to come to America. Richard and Susan became the parents of five children; Thomas William Fry, bom 12 November 1877; Alfred George Fry, bom 27 August 1879; Flora Mary Fry (Robison), bom 13 October 1882; Charles Lerville Fry, bom 25 November 1884; and Winnie May Fry (Crouch), bom 18 December 1886. The wives and children of the family were very close and respected and loved each other. After the passage ofthe in 1882, the laws ofthe United States aimed specifically at the Mormons declared plural marriage a crime. Vigorous prosecution of those practicing plural marriage in the Church was instituted. The following account is taken from The Deseret News, 9 November 1886: ARRESTED FOR COHABITATION On Tuesday last, Brother Richard Fry, first counselor to President Willard G. Smith of the Morgan Stake, was arrested on a charge of living with more than wife. He was taken to Ogden and when arraigned before rhe Commissioner pleaded guilty. He was placed under $1500 bond to appear for trial in First District Court. Another news item in The Deseret News oil December 1886 reported: ARRAIGNED ON 3 COUNTS FOR COHABITATION. Richard Fry of Morgan City was arraigned and took time toplead guilty toa three count indictment agaiast him for unlawful cohabitation. 244 Richard subsequently appeared before the First District Court and for the offense as charged was sentenced to six months in the Utah Penitentiary and fined the sum of $380.00.John Croft, an old friend ofthe family, loaned Richard enough money to pay the fine without any note or security of any kind. Every cent was returned to him in due time. This act of kindness was never forgotten by the Fry family. Henry B. Fry, son of Richard and Ann, remembered the day the United States Marshall, Henry Whetstone, took his father away from his home. He heard his father tell the marshall, "Mr. Whetstone, I am going with you because I respect the law and my country. But, man for man, you could not take me one step." Richard's wives and children followed the carriage to the gate, crying as they went. Richard wrote the following letterto his family from the Utah Penitentiary: Utah Penitentiary December 10,1887 Dear Richard Fry family one and all, Your letter and mothers came to hand this morning, was pleased rohear you was all well and rrust this will rind you all well and trust this will find you all enjoying the same blessings. I am getting on I think pretty well. It's now three weeks ago since I left home and I must say I am surprised how quick this time has passed away. I am bunking with a Danish man, a very nice old gentleman and when I say old I am reminded that he is not so old as myself but kxiks much older. News has just been received that Brother Livingston has been pardoned as well as Bro. Clawson, which is received by all the inmates with thanksgiving and joy altho its them that join with the parries so liberated. We have many jovial men here but you would laugh to see so many barefaced men. Shaved close and you seeour interest is studied and kx)ked after. When we arrived our valuables are taken careofby the warden and if we make any contracts while here we issue orders on him. And as long as we have money he will honor the orders. 1 have just learned rhar he promises to allow any little thing that may be sent by friends to come in on Christmas day and that reminds that the little ones at home will be looking for Sanra Claus. I hope they will not be disappointed entirely. I see some men here are making fans and orher roys. These are mosrly long timers and you would be astonished tosee how much talent is confined within these walls. The Penitentiary is being covered in and its a fine building. Irs been storming a little today but very little snow is on the ground yet. This is the day we all write to our friends and in kxiking around I find a grear many engaged. You said the girls were expecting to pay me a visit. I don'r know if they will recognize me or nor but I expecr I shall know them and shall be pleased to see them but I wish I was situated so I could entertain them. Tell all the boys ro attend school and learn all they can. I hope George goes with the orher boys and was pleased to hear that Flora had been such a good girl doing everything as requesred. Brother H. V.Jones had a little girl come in Sunday last with our people who held services here and I tell you it produced quite a feeling through the wholecrowd to see how this little girl kissed and loved her father, who has been here for over a year. Everyone's thoughts were turned to their little ones at home. Give my best love to them all., .1 cannot write but one letter a week if any of my friends wished to write I can receive more and its very comforting to hear from home. My interest is the same in all Uxral affairs in our Stake, Many are taking lessons in b

245 others are studying histories and which is good to obtain knowledge and will bea lasting benefit. Have you found that young mare yet, if not it would be well to hunt her up soon. Was pleased to hear you had finished the corral in the field. Perhaps it will be well to feed moderare for there is no knowing how lare spring will be. I suppose Sister Eddington's funeral was largely attended. Well we can say of her as was said of Sister Snow, "She was one ofthe noble women of our day." I will draw my epistle to a close, praying God's blessings to rest upon you all. From your affectionare Father Richard Fry was released a bit early based on the merits of his good behavior. This item appeared in the Deseret EveningNewson April 19,1888: RELEASED FROM 'PEN' SERVED THEIR TERMS This morning Richard Fry, of Morgan City, counselor in the presidency ofthe Morgan Stake, emerged from the penitentiary. He served a six month term and paid the fine imposed. At the Fry home in Morgan, a celebration was planned for the arrival of Richard. It was evening and the lights streamed out the windows ofthe old home. Long tables were spread in the ample dining room. In the center of the largest table was a roasted pig with an apple in his mouth. The rest ofthe table was covered with lovingly prepared food in shining dishes to add to the feast. Every member of the two families bustled about in preparation for the homecoming of their husband and father. They welcomed the arrival of neighbors who had been invited. But, as they rushed around, they were listening carefully for the sound of horses' feet. There was much laughter, scurrying of feet, children running back and forth inside and out, peeking in the door for another look and another smell of mince pies, roast pork, and other tempting dishes, but everyone was listening. The sound ofthe horses coming was finally heard and a great shout arose. Many ran out to meet the carriage while others remained inside to finish the preparations. It was a very happy family that night in the old Fry home. It was a great occasion for Richard, too. He was returning to his home and loved ones. What a welcome! Family, neighbors and friends from far and near were there to greet him. But there were lines in his face. His closely cropped hair and beard made them all the more noticeable. The foul air of the prison, which had been crowded almost to the point of suffocation at times, had made inroads upon his health. He never was as well physically after his prison experience. Richard Fry possessed a strong faith and testimony ofthe restored Gospel ofjesus Christ. He never forgot the principles which meant so much to him. Throughout his life he lived those principles and taught them to his children. His life of service to others is an eloquent example of his beliefs In the spring of 1861 a ditch known as the "Fry Ditch" was made by Richard Fry, Daniel Bull, and Richard Norwood. In 1864 a canal known as the "Weber Ditch" was begun under the direction of Thomas J. Thurston with Richard Fry, Charles Turner, and George Simmons as committee members.

246 When the railroad was being built in 1868, Richard Fry andT.R.G. Welch had the contract for the first mile, from Carryle Cut to the William's point. This work was done with pick and shovel. Richard Fry was mayor of Morgan City, treasurer of Morgan County and served as city councilman for several terms. He was a successful and thrifty business man and served for eighteen years as superintendent and manager of Z.C.M.I. at Morgan. Later, he engaged in the mercantile business for himself. When Thomas Jefferson Thurston served as Bishop in Morgan he chose Richard Fry as his first counselor. Richard later served as a bishop in Morgan. At the organization of the Morgan Stake he was chosen as first counselor to Willard G. Smith, president ofthe stake. He held this position until 15 April 1893, when he was called as stake president. He performed the duties of this high and responsible calling the remaining years of his life. President Fry's last public duty was to attend the general conference ofthe Church held in Salt Lake City in April 1900. On his return home from that conference, he became ill with a severe cold which later turned into pneumonia. He died on his sixty-ninth birthday, April 15, 1900. Henry B. Fry, the son of Richard and Ann, wrote as follows about this sad event: Those were dark days when Father passed away. No one could fill his place. Morher was rex) ill to attend the funeral, Mary Ann near death's dcxir with typhoid, Susan sick and in Idaho and I just one more year to spend at college but without much chance to return. I shall never forget it. I did somedeep thinking. I recall that Mother was brought into the room on rhe arm ofone ofthe family to take a last glance at her lifetime companion and husband as he lay in the casket. How tired and drawn was her race, how sad and hea\y her eyes, how weak and frail the sickness had made her. She fondled his hair and face and then in sheer weakness turned away with these words, 'And this is the end of it all.' A kiss, a sigh and she went away. Andrewjenson, assistant Church historian had this to say about Richard Fry: "Brother Fry was one who ever played the part of a man; one who, though content to follow, possessed the ability to lead; one, whose wise management reared two families in love and harmony, and won for him a host of friends. He passed away in the hope of a glorious resurrection, and his name will ever be mentioned among those of the good and the righteous." Sources: Sketch ofthe Lives of Richard, Ann and Susan Fry; History ofthe Fry Family, written in the spring of 1935 by Henry B. Fry, son ofRichardFry;A Brief Sketch ofthe Life of Richard Fry; Unpublished family histories in the possession of Camtlle Fry Wilde, a great granddaughter of Richard; Journal History, July 27, I860, April 19, 1888, December 7, 1886, April 15, 1900; Frank Esshom, Pioneers and Prominent Men ofUtah(Sah Lake City: Western Epics, 1961), Fine Arts Study Group, Mountains Conquered (Morgan: Morgan County News, 1959), pp. 40, 217, 218; Andrewjenson, L.D.S. Biographical Encyclopedia (Andrew Jenson History Co., Exact photo reproduction, 1971), 1:474-75; Pioneering Morgan County (Morgan: Morgan County News, 1947), pp. 22, 26. DANIEL HEINER

Daniel Heiner was born in Franklin County, Pennsylvania on 27 November 1850 to Martin Heiner and Adelgunda Detzel. He was the sixth child in a family of nine children. His parents : •. jguAmg^ were good people of German ancestry who instilled in their children a love of God and a ?, desire to follow his teachings. They had a cheerful home of humble circumstances, but it never lacked for love and ^B . happiness. Martin played a German Zither (a flat t^rfpr ^L stringed instrument), his wife sang and the ^tk * ^Kk home was filled with laughter and music. They I * fh^'j^^m reac* scriptures together and were always full of ^^m 4*rr^^^m inspiration, never complaining of their trials or hardships. They lived the gospel and found all the enjoyment out of life that they could. Daniel was baptized into the Church on 11 April 1859, the same year the family emigrated to Utah. All they owned was put into one wagon, and with one yoke of oxen and oneyoke of cows, they started across the plains. Daniel walked all the way. He later stated: "It's wonderful how happy we could be with all the hardships." On 16 September 1859, the family arrived in Salt Lake City and camped for three days. Then they moved to Bingham Canyon into a dugout with a dirt floor and no windows. The smoke from a fire in the center ofthe dugout often drove them outdoors. The four older children stayed in Salt Lake where they had found work. As food was very scarce, the family subsisted mainly on bran bread. When Daniel learned to shoot a gun, things were a little better. During the second winter in Bingham, Daniel froze his heels so badly that the flesh came off, exposing the bone and cords. It was months before flesh grew back, during which he suffered greatly. In I860, the family moved fivemile s west of Salt Lake City. Here they tried to grow crops, but the soil was poor and they would not grow. Daniel and his brother, Anthony, herded sheep during the summer months. Their food was mostly bran bread and molasses. Daniel felt bad when a wolf would kill one of the sheep. His mother would take the wool, card it, spin it, and weave cloth, which she used to make clothing for the family. During the winter of 1863, the Heiners moved to Morgan. As they were crossing the river at Devils Gate, the oxen began slipping on the smooth stones, and Daniel, now 13 years old, had to help get them turned around. As a result, he became very wet and his clothes froze to him. Only by running up and down the road was he able to keep from freezing to death. When they

249 reached Mountain Green, a family took them into their house and let Daniel dry his clothes by a fire. In 1864, the family had cleared eight acres of land and were able to raise wheat and potatoes. Their life began to be better. Daniel was able to get about six weeks of schooling that year. All told, his formal schooling amounted to about six months, but he studied on his own every night. This was made more remarkable by the fact that in 1871 and 1872, Daniel was asked to teach school in Morgan. He taught 111 students from their ABC's to the fifthgrade . He had to constantly study at night to keep ahead of them. Daniel's older brother John had married Sarah Jane Coulam on 31 March 1867. John's death, in less than a year, left Sarah a young widow with a baby on the way. Her daughter, Sarah Coulam Heiner, was bom in St. George on 10 February 1868. Sarah Jane returned to Morgan and built a house there. She was friendly to Daniel and became fond of him, and he to her; but he wanted a wife who could be sealed to him for eternity. He began to search for one who, as he stated, "would join me in a three horse team." He found a sweet sixteen year old girl whom he described as "timid as a fawn." She lived with her family in Echo Canyon. Her father preferred to live a little away from the main communities, and as the population came too close, he would move further away. He was impressed with Daniel and gave his consent to the marriage. On 31 March 1873, he married both women, Sarah J. Coulam and Martha A Stevens in the Salt Lake Endowment House. Two dollars was all he had in his pocket, one dollar for each wife. Sarah was twenty-eight years of age, Martha was eighteen, and Daniel was twenty-two. In ten years, there were twelve children bom, and it took long, hard hours of work to get money for the things they needed. Daniel trapped beaver, mink, and fox after his regular working hours. His wives made butter, which they sold. All of their clothing was made at home. Martha's children were: Daniel Nephi 14 July 1874 Roswell Martin 22 December 1875 Moroni 18 February 1877 George Anthony 7 December 1879 Charles 13 April 1881 Heber J. 18 November 1882 Martha Sophia 26 April 1884 Estella 12 May 1887 Mary Elizabeth 13 August 1889 Brenton Wells 24 June 1891 Rebecca 21 September 1893, died 21 Sept. 1893 Spencer 21 November 1894 Dise 1 December 1896 Cash 7 February 1898 Sarah's children (bom to Daniel) were: Adelgunda 1 February 1874 John 7 February 1876 Daniel Hamner 24 February 1878 Fannie 6 August 1880 Henry 11 September 1882 George Sylvester 2 March 1886 There seemed never to be any trouble or strife in their home. "My dear wives, God bless them forever for the noble way they took their part," said Daniel. "We lived the Gospel. . . . remembering the Sabbath day, having prayers, keeping the word of wisdom, and paying tithing." Daniel was a good hunter, and for many years he guided hunting parties that would come from Salt Lake. He hunted deer and elk. One time he killed a bear by throwing a rock which hit the animal above the eye and broke his skull. "I gained the reputation of being the best deer hunter in the state," he once said. He thought his ranch would always be his life, but things change. After joining with another ranch, conditions became such that he was compelled to sell. Onlyasmall farm was left. It was not enough for a large family, so he looked for other opportunities. Daniel gave many hours of service to the community. He was a Republican and did much for the party in Morgan. He served for two years as Mayor. In 1896, he served as representative to the state legislature. The governor appointed him road commissioner of Morgan County, and says Daniel, "I built a new road below Mt. Green to Devils Gate and I built a bridge at Devils Gate."During World War I, he was chairman for the council of defense, chairman of three liberty bond drives, and food administrator for Morgan County. He also gave considerable service to the Church, serving as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School superintendent, and assistant stake superintendent. He served ten years in the MIA and for several years on the high council before being called as stake president in 1900. After being in the stake presidency for eighteen years, Daniel lost his wife, Sarah Jane. She died on 30 April 1918 at age seventy-three. She was buried in Morgan. Daniel continued to serve both the Church and community. Five years after the death of Sarah, he asked to be released as stake president because of the failing health of his wife Martha. He was released in 1923. At the time he stated, "The Lord has been kind to me and made many things plain to me while I was president ofthe stake. When different problems came up, I was always shown a way out." Many tributes were paid to him at his release. Heber J. Grant wrote of him; 1 have admired your absolute integrity to the Gospel ofjesus Christ, the most excellent union of your large family and rhe splendid example of integrity and devotion to the work of the Lord, which you have always set foryour wives and children. 251 Accept Brother Heiner, my assurance of deep appreciation for the splendid service which you have rendered to the gotxi people of Morgan during the time you have presided over [the] Morgan Stake of Zion. Sincerely your friend and brother, Heber J. Grant At the quarterly stake conference where he was released on 9 December 1923, it was said of him: We love him as a man of God, devoted to high callings. He has dedicated his life to God's service- He has lived a clean honorable life and has a grear ability to share with others his cheerfulness and council when great problems beset their paths. Many people have followed his example. . . . Let me say that this whole community owes a wonderful debt of gratitude to the kind and fait hfulpresidenr of ours, who served for 23 years, No man ever came here thai was better than he. He has been my inspiration in every way and when I wanted to know what was best to do when great problems beset my path, the inspiration of my Heavenly Farher told me to go to President Heiner, In a letter to his children President Heiner wrote: I have lived a clean life I was true to your mothers. I was true to my family. I leave you a good name. I have been true to the covenants I have made in the temple. I have tried to learn what the gospel is and what life means. I will teach you God is a personal being. The Gospel will teach you the truth of the Book of Mormon as a divine record, and that Joseph Smith is a prophet. I have fought the battle of life and when things looked darkest, some power has come to my rescue. When I think of my blessings I almost feel ashamed to think I ever allow myselftobeblue. Daniel Heiner died at his home in Morgan, 8 August 1931-

Sources: "Life of Daniel Heiner", Book No. 1, Daughters of Utah Pioneer Library, Morgan; "Life Sketch of Daniel Heiner" by himself, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City; Daniel Heiner Family Group Sheet; Morgan Stake Historical Record, December 9, 1923, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City. MELVIN HOWARD RANDALL

Howard, as he was affectionately called by his family and friends, was bom 10 December 1879, in Centerville, Utah. He was one of eleven children bom to Melvin Harley Randall and Frankie Phelps. From his youth, Howard was taught the gospel by parents who were dedicated and loyal to the Church ofjesus Christ. Melvin Harley Randall, Howard's father, served as a counselor in a bishopric for twenty-two years and then as bishop for twelve more years. Howard, greatly influenced by his father, gave similar service throughout his adult life. A characteristic which set Howard apart was his punctuality; a trait he learned from his mother who bore the responsibility of getting eleven children ready and to their meetings on time. As president ofthe Morgan Stake, Howard was never late to his meetings. "As a small child Howard's legs were bowed which caused him difficulty in walking. His father fixedsplint s which Howard would wear on his legs at night to correct the bow in them. As he would adjust to the tightness ofthe splints and become used to wearing them his father would again tighten them. This process was repeated over a period of time until Howard's legs were straight." With the correction of his legs, Howard was able to participate in sports with other young men of his community—baseball being his favorite sport. Over a thousand acres in Morgan were purchased and owned by the Randall Corporation. This included much ofthe Cottonwood area, as well as a large home which was located where Harry and Dorothy Wilkinson's present home is today. It was here that Howard spent his summer months working. On 16 May 1900, Howard was ordained a seventy by J. Golden Kimball, a member of the First Council of Seventy. That same month a call was extended to him by President Lorenzo Snow to serve as a full time missionary in the Southern States Mission. The mission included, at the time of Howard's call, the states of Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Florida. While serving in the mission field, Howard on several different occasions, miraculously escaped the hands of cruel mobs who sought to inflict bodily harm. Howard was released as a missionary after serving faithfully for twenty-six months. Two years after returning from the mission field, he married Mattie Whitear in the Salt Lake Temple. They established their home in Milton

253 where Howard took up farming. Blessed with only one daughter, their married life ended four years later when Mattie developed pneumonia and died. A little over a year later, he married Amy Peterson in the Salt Lake Temple. Their union was blessed with nine children; three of which died shortly after birth and a fourth died from red measles when she was six. All four were girls. Howard farmed to provide for his family. He also served as Morgan County Treasurer and later as Morgan County Road Supervisor to help supplement the famrry income. Howard's motto was, "It's better to wear out than rust out." He was true to this motto, literally wearing himself out in the work of the Lord. On 23 December 1906, he was ordained a high priest and set apart as a member of the high council of the Morgan Stake by Stake President Daniel Heiner. Here he served for seventeen years. About one year after being called to the high council, Howard was given the added responsibility of serving as Superintendent of Religion in the stake. In this position, he served for six years. The responsibility of serving as Stake Sunday School Superintendent was extended to him in May 1911. As Stake Sunday School Superintendent, Howard was responsible to train the ward superintendents throughout the stake and see that they were fully staffed. On 9 December 1923, Howard was called to preside over the Morgan Stake; a position he would hold for almost nineteen years. He was called to this position by Elder Melvin J. Ballard, a member ofthe Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Throughout the years Howard served as stake president, Elder Ballard was a frequentvisito r in the Morgan Stake. As a stake president, Howard received semi-annually a ticket to attend general conference. On a couple of occasions, he was called upon to participate in the conference. While sitting in the tabernacle 3 October 1926 (Sunday morning), waiting for the first session of conference to start, Howard was called by President Heber J. Grant to go to the Assembly Hall to speak. Bert Dickson recorded the following concerning Howard's talk: "We [Bert Dickson, and his two brothers, Rufus and Elbern] found a fair seat in the assembly hall, and sure enough our good and true friend was the first speaker. They always had a good shorthand to report as near as possible what every speaker said. President Randall started slow, made a wonderful introduction. Then he started and gave as wonderful a talk as ever heard, he was full ofthe spirit, and he held that crowd spell bound, never did I hear him speak better. Rufus said he is just as fine a speaker as we have in the Church, but look at the man taking short hand of what is said, the scribe just stopped and looked at President Randall, and never tried to take anymore of what was said. The scribe after the meeting said 'I was trying my best to keep up but it was so fast and wonderful. I forgot what I was there for and my heart just burned inside of me, what a wonderful man.' We told the scribe why he is our Stake President, the finest in the whole Church." Because of ill health and length of service, Howard was released 15 March 1942 at the stake quarterly conference as president ofthe Morgan Stake. One month later, a special meeting was held in the stake tabernacle to honor him for his many years of service. Joseph L Wirthlin, Presiding Bishop of the Church was present and participated on the program. The last few years of Howard's life were spent working on the farm he had enjoyed throughout most of his life. On 15 April 1945, he died at his home in Milton. Source: Calvin Robert Stephens, Biography of Melvin Howard Randall GEORGE SYLVESTER HEINER

George Sylvester Heiner was one of four sons born to Daniel J. andSarah J. Coulam Heiner on 2 March 1884. He served in the eastern states mission from 1909 to 1910. He enjoyed his mission until he had a ruptured appendix. While in the hospital, the doctor took a lot of data from him, and one of the last questions he asked was "Now if you should pass away, where would you like your body sent?" George's lips quivered and he said, "Send it home." George did not receive the educational opportunities some of his brothers received. He was a genuine cowboy and used to spend time on the ranch helping with the chores or spending time at home while his brothers were at school. There were twenty children in his father's two families. George married Elsie Clawson in the Salt Lake Temple in 1911. One humorous, but serious, story told of George happened in his early courting days. George was courting Elsie Clawson, whom he later married. The Clawson family owned the Morgan Hotel. George rode into the hotel on horseback. He turned around in the hotel on the horse, and rode the horse out of the door again, and as he was riding the horse out, he reached his hands up and grabbed a ceiling transom across the top of a door. The horse went out from under him, and as bad luck would have it, the beam broke. He came crashing down on the small of his back on a stair. He was in great pain and spent a few days at home in bed. Some thirty or forty years later, he had trouble with his legs. There was some pain and he started to walk with a limp. His daughter, Elsie Mae, encouraged him to go to the doctor and get it checked out to see what was wrong. As the doctor sat him down and was analyzing the X-rays with him, he asked him the question, "When did you break your back, Syl?" Of course he didn't realize that he had broken his back, and it was probably that incident when he was riding the horse in the Morgan Hotel that caused the damage. In the fall of 1917, George and a number of his brothers and his father went in a bobsled up to old Lake Como. The brothers and their father had purchased this property and were looking it over with the idea of building a swimming pool and a resort. Sylvester Heiner, son of George says, "It was a little scarry for me in that we went on the dugway around the lake on a very narrow road and then drove down into the grove and over to the lake." Como Springs was completed in 1918. George would follow a team of horses through the slough until he was almost submerged with water

?.% holding a hand scraper to scrape out the mud to provide room for the concrete footings that were used in constructing the swimming pool. George was made manager of this resort facility and John Heiner, who was the principal owner, was the president. About 48 percent of the stock was held by the rest of the brothers, including George. George was always very busy and dedicated to working in the Church. He served in the youth organizations and later was called to the high council. He attended meetings in the old rock stake house where the meetings were usually conducted by President Daniel Heiner, his father. Later on, the stake was reorganized and President Randall was made stake president. George served as one of his counselors. He was himself made stake president in 1942. His counselors were Cal Geary and Clarence Rich. His clerk was Roy Francis. George held the position of stake president for five years. This was during the war years. After he was released as stake president he was called and ordained a patriarch which position he held the rest of his life. He also held a position on the draft board and served in a number of other civic responsibilities. He was also instrumental in getting the first power to Morgan City from the generating plant at Hardscrabble Creek. George was a county commissioner for a number of years and was instrumental in getting roads oiled in Morgan County. He was also a very good public speaker and served on the school board. George was frequently called on to speak at funeral services, participating in close to a thousand such services. He seemed always able to bring out the salient points of the gospel with a good story that was appropriate for the occasion. One memorable story went as follows: There was a young girl who was dating age. The girl's mother was concerned about her, and wanted to give her some advice before her date. So she sat her daughter down and said to her, "I want you to be a good girl. This boy you are going to date will probably want to hold your hand, and then he'll want to lay his head on your shoulder. Now that's when your Mom starts to worry." When the girl returned from her date some time later, the mother questioned her. 'Tell me how your date was." The young girl said, "Well, you were right. He wanted to hold my hand and then I thought, I'll lay my head on his shoulder, and let his Mom worry.. .. and that's what I did." Like his rather, George was a great hunter, having hunted all of his life Together they provided much wild game for the dinner table. George did not have a high paying position, and his family had to plan to have adequate food on the table. But his family felt he was a good provider. He had a cow and he taught his children to milk when they were very young. He also raised several pigs during the year to supplement the meat supply along with the deer and elk that he was usually able to secure. George used to take a number of his friends and acquaintances hunting with him, and he had some very unusual and interesting experiences. He

257 also had a group that he used to hunt with such as Dr. Gilbert Francis, Dr. E. M. Abbott, Ken Sommers, Jack Heiner, Garland Heiner, and a number of other people from Morgan, Quite often, they would go up to the Francis ranch where they would have some excellent accommodations. George was also active in the Lions Club and was an officer. He really enjoyed and loved the people of Morgan County. In his early years, George, along with his brother Hamner, had a butcher shop on Main Street near the location ofthe old post office. In 1938, he resigned as manager and sold his stock in Como Springs to his brother John, and they both decided to build a fox farm on the plat near Como Springs, which they jointly owned. At this time, his son Sylvester had graduated from the University of Utah in engineering, so he laid out agrid for their fox pens and for the future mink farm that they intended to build, George started up in the fox business with some fox that they had at the Como Springs fox farm. About the time he could have made a little money on this venture, the Queen of England declared that long-hair furs were out of style and the price of fox fur dropped from$12 5 to $25, which hardly paid for their feed, so George had to forget raising fox. He then started to raise mink. Mink fared better, and he was able to make a living with his mink farm operation. George was a very hard worker, and worked long and hard hours all his life. Again, his son Sylvester reports, "There were times when I was home and would work along beside him in various chores, on the mink farm, fox farm, in butchering, and other experiences which were choice to me. He had a keen sense of humor and usually had some good wholesome stories to tell." George's wife passed away in the summer of 1949, and he lived alone for about three years. He was fortunate to meet another very lovely person by the name of Sade Dean whom he married. George was asked to talk at a missionary farewell of one of Sade Dean's grandsons in the late 1960s. He went down to stay with them to prepare to go to meeting the next day. It was on a Saturday and he woke up in the morning and suffered a mild stroke, losing his voice. He lived after that about four years. For about two of them, he was completely unable to take care of himself, except to lay on a hospital bed and respond. Sade took care of him during this period of time. He moved to Ogden in about 1970 where he passed away on 29 February 1972. Source: Information provided by Sylvester M. Heiner, the son of George Sylvester Heiner. CLARENCE DICKSON RICH

Years ago in front of the Morgan Stake Tabernacle, President Howard Randall placed his arms about the shoulders of a young man in his teens and said, 'Young man, you will some day be the president of this stake." The young man was Clarence Dickson Rich and he didn't pay much attention to President Randall at the time. But these prophetic words came clearly to his mind when in May 1947, at the age of thirty-six, he was sustained and set apart as president ofthe Morgan Stake. President Rich's life story begins in Richville, Morgan County, Utah, when he was bom to Clarence E. Rich and May Dickson Rich, 3 July 1911. He was the oldest of seven children, five brothers and two sisters. Being the oldest, he seemed to watch over the entire family with deep concern. He had a great love for his parents. He would often seek their counsel and advice and he respected their judgment and knowledge. He set a good example for his brothers and sisters to follow, trying to make others happy. He didn't want to do anything that might hurt or embarrass anyone. He disliked being in the presence of those using offensive or indecent language or actions. He did not reproach them publicly, but others knew how he felt and their actions were more acceptable in his presence. Clarence exhibited a maturity beyond his age. He had an upstairs bedroom on the frontofth e home. When his sisters arrived home from their dates, if they sat in the car too long, he would turn his light on and off to signal it was time to come in. As a guide to the family, he had a calm nature and expected the good. He received his early education in Morgan schools and graduated from Morgan High School. While in high school, he was active in student affairs and in drama, debate, and music. He sangwith the Richville quartet and later became a member of the Allegro Male Chorus of Morgan. Coming from a home of little means, he was determined to improve the condition ofthe family. Working to help pay for his education, he graduated from Brigham Young University in 1935 with a Bachelor of Science degree in the School of Business with a minor in education. He also attended the University of Utah one year and one summer session at Oregon State University at Corvallis, Oregon, studying finance, banking, and accounting. He put his education to advantage as he headed the commercial department of Morgan High School for three years. He then became cashier ofthe First National Bank of Morgan where he was employed for twelve years.

259 He worked in many worthwhile community activities. He was a member of the county recreation board, chairman ofthe Morgan bond drives, and secretary-treasurer ofthe county Red Cross. He also served as secretary ofthe Morgan Lions Club. Clarence was a person who looked beyond tcxJay and into tomorrow. He had a new home built for his bride before their marriage. A courtship began while Eva Rose was attending the University of Utah and studying to be a physical education teacher. Clarence and Eva had grown up in the same community and because he associated with her brothers, he had been in her home many times. It wasn't until Eva was teaching school at Box Elder High School that they became engaged. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on 1 September 1942. Clarence and Eva were thought of by many as the perfect couple. Clarence was an ideal father. When he brought Eva and their firstchild , Lynne, home from the hospital, he tenderly took the baby in his arms and gave her a royal tour ofthe home, telling her all about her new home and the love he had for her. He also loved his sons, Clair Scott and David Alan, and he set a good example for them to follow. His church career was varied. It began when he was president of his deacons quorum. He also served as Sunday School superintendent of the Richville Ward, superintendent of the ward MIA, and a member ofthe high council. Six months before he was married, on 15 March 1942, Clarence was called and set apart as counselor to President George Sylvester Heiner. As a new bride of only three months, Eva had guests for dinner following stake conference which included the stake presidency and their wives and Elder Joseph Fielding Smith. Clarence served with President Heiner for five years. Remembering Brother Rich as a counselor, President Heiner commented, "I think of him when he first came in the High Council—humble, sincere, accepting every assignment with never an excuse. And then I see him as he served as my counselor for five years, still humble, lovable, always ready to serve. And then I see him now the past fiveyear s as my president—still the humble, faithful servant." On 18 May 1947, Clarence Dickson Rich became president ofthe Morgan Stake. Eva recorded in her journal, 'Yesterday and today has been our stake quarterly conference and today has been so sad and so very wonderful. They reorganized our stake and Clarence was put in as the president. Brother Joseph Merrill and Brother Harold B. Lee were the presiding officers. Brother Merrill set Clarence apart. The counselors are Raymond Larson and Fernando Jensen with Roy Francis as clerk. He will have some wonderful help and I'm sure that with the help ofthe Lord and the goodwill of all the people that he will do a splendid job." President Rich was a man who thoroughly enjoyed his Church work and he especially liked to work with theyoung people and mingled with them at their parties. Nothing impressed him more than friendly, good clean boys and girls who were wholesome in their living. President and Sister Rich enjoyed entertaining friends in their home. General Authorities, members of the stake presidency, youth groups, relatives, and many friends were often invited to a party or as dinner guests. Several General Authorities were overnight guests; Elders John H. Taylor, Henry Smith, John A. Widtsoe, Spencer W. Kimball, Mark E. Peterson, Matthew Cowley, Joseph F. Merrill, LeGrand Richards, and Joseph Fielding Smith all stayed in their home. President Rich loved to be out-of-doors, in the canyons and close to nature. But most of all, he liked to engage in gospel conversations. Nothing pleased him more than to discuss the principles ofthe gospel with friends, associates, and acquaintances. He served with love and compassion and truly lived the commandments. There wasn't anyone he didn't love, and it showed in his actions. He knew everyone in the stake, young and old, and made a point to talk to each as he saw them. He seemed truly to care. He cared about those who were not in church; he spoke to them often expressing his love to them. As he stood at the rostrum at quarterly stake conference, he told the Saints to fill their hearts with love, take malice from their hearts and love their fellowmen; and then, in the sweetness and joy of his soul, he would turn to the young people that were singing and say, 'You young people be clean, be sweet and chaste and virtuous always as you are now." President Rich shared everything he had with the Saints. He shared his love, he shared kindness, his appreciation. In fact, he gave his life for the gospel and for the Saints. In September 1951, he began to have problems with his heart. Good and bad days followed for several months. In June of the following year, he became very ill but his thoughts were still of others. He wanted to get well because so many ofthe people ofthe stake had fasted and prayed for him, and he didn't want their prayers to be unanswered or their testimonies lessened. He told his loved ones, "Oh, if I could just put what is in my heart into the hearts of all those in the stake. That they might know of God's love for them and that the Gospel is true." They visited several doctors with no promise for the President's future. He then felt he should seek a blessing from the General Authorities. "Elder Harold B. Lee gave President Rich a most wonderful blessing. Brother Lee was so kind and so sincere and loving." President Rich now felt his life was in the Lord's hands. His wife wrote: All ofa sudden everything dropped right out of our life—Our Daddy went home to his beloved Heavenly Father on Tuesday-July 29,1952 at 1:30 a.m. I am sure that he must have been needed, bui what am 1 ever going to do without him. I loved him so dearly and depended on him for his understanding, wisdom and his beautiful devoted love. He always knew just whar to say and just what to do. 1 keep praying that I may be blessed to know how to make decisions and how to take care of our three lovely children all alone. I know that I will be helped, bur, oh dear, the lonely empty feeling is still there. Some said his life was short—only forty-one years—and it seemed short. President Raymond P. Larson said at the funeral: We live in deeds, not years—in thoughts, not breaths—in feelings, not in figures on a dial. We should count life by heart throbs. He most lives who thinks most, feels the noblest, and acts the best. And so in that period of forty-one years. President Rich has accomplished more, has had more of life, he has given more to life, he has shared more of life than many of us will ifwe live rhe allotted time of man. And so he has achieved the goal he came here to fill and goes home blessed of his Heavenly Father. President George Sylvester Heiner added the following: "Why did he have to go so young when he was serving so well in the community? Think back 2,000 years ago and fancy seeing the mother ofjesus kneeling at the cross, pleading that same thought,—oh, why did they have to take him when he was so young and could do so much good here? And then later on we see the mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith kneeling at her bedside after he was martyred, asking the same question of almighty God,—why, oh why, did they have to take him so young?" Apostle Harold B. Lee addressed an over-flowing crowd at President Rich's funeral, There are times when we pray for our loved ones when we've seen the miracle performed. The priesthood has been called in to administer to them and they have been raised up in a miraculous way. But there comes a time when we pray for our loved ones who are sick when the Lord answers, 'No, I have other plans; your wishes and desires must be set aside...' I think if Clarence Rich could speak to us today he'd say, 'Be kind 10 my sheep, my lovely wife. You, Bishop, you see to it that she won't want. You, Stake Presidency who shall succeed me, will you shepherd my sheep?' I fancy he'd say, Take care of my little lambs; see that they go on missions-, see that they prepare themselves for the priesthood; see that they prepare logo to the house ofthe Lord ar rhe proper time.' I knowrhat the Lord lives, that Jesus the Christ died for all of us. He unlocked the doors to the eternities by resurrection. This is but one step onward in the development Of life itself. Let's now rally round in this stake. Perhaps President Rich dying can have more influence in Morgan Stake than President Rich living, who knows? He has given you a mark to shoot at. You'll remember long after he's gone rhe ideals and rhe standard and his admonitions. President and Sister Rich were soon to be reunited. Sister Rich passed beyond the veil to meet her husband on 7 November 1953, at age 39, just seventeen months after her husband had passed away. Brother and Sister Rich's three children (ages 10,7, 5) were raised by Ray and June Wiscombe. June and Eva were sisters. President Rich's testimony is a stirring reminder of his life, "I love the gospel ofjesus Christ, it's a glorious plan of salvation; let's all live it; let's keep the commandments of our Father in Heaven. Let's pray to Him often.

262 Keep clean, keep chaste; pay your tithes and your offerings; keep the Sabbath Day holy; live clean and pure lives before God. And I want you brothers and sisters to keep that testimony in your hearts that you may remember it long years to come." Sources: Morgan Stake Historical Record, May 17, 18, 1947, Historical Department, The Church ofjesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, pp. 353-354; Oral interview with Jolene Price, Ken Rich, Marie Rich Francis, and June Wiscombe, by Jeanine Carter, May, June 1986; Mountains Conquered, p. 285; Journal of Eva Rich; and funeral services of President Clarence Dickson Rich.

263 RAYMOND P. LARSON

Raymond P. Larson was bom in Mayfield, Utah, on 1 October 1909. He was the first son of Raymond David and Metta Eulalia (Lily) Larson. He had one sister and two brothers. He lived his early life in Mayfield where he attended school until the tenth grade. He attended the eleventh and twelfth grades at Manti High School, graduating in May of 1927. He then attended Utah Agricultural College (now Utah State University) from September 1927 to June 1929, receiving a two year teaching certificate. He later attended Brigham Young University, Utah State University, and the University of Utah, completing enough correspondence and extension work to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education in 1945 and a Master of Science degree in school administration in I960—both degrees from USU. He began teaching in a two room school in Milton in September of 1929. The other teacher was Bernice Littlefield. He taught grades four, five, six, and seven. In the fall of 1930, he went to Porterville and began teaching the same grades in that school. He taught there for six years. In 1936, a newelementary school was built in Morgan City. The people in the rural areas voted to bring all ofthe students to Morgan. Here his assignment was the fifth grade. About March of 1937, Max Penrod, the principal left the school and went to teach in an Indian School in South Dakota. Raymond became the acting principal for the rest of that year and for 1937-1938. In 1938, he was given the permanent appointment as principal and served in that position and as sixth grade teacher until 1953. In July of 1953, he was appointed principal of Morgan High School and served in that position until 30 June 1966. At that time, he was appointed director of special programs for Morgan School District. In 1972, he was appointed superintendent of Morgan School District, a position he held until he retired injury of 1975. During the time he was principal, he served on the Utah State High School Activities Association Board. He was vice-president one year and president for two years. He met his future wife, Ann Giles, at a dance at Como Springs in the fall of 1929. They soon fell in love and were married in May of 1930 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had three children: Raymond Keith, Leah Ann, and Vaughn William. Raymond and Ann lived in Milton and Porterville before building their home in Morgan City. They lived there until his death in 1982. The following experiences helped make him the type of man he was: When Raymond was bom, his mother's doctor, John Haggen, had gone duck hunting. Raymond's father found a mid-wife to help with the birth—a Sister Carlson. On examining the baby, it was found that Raymond had club feet. His parents were very disturbed and were determined to correct the deformity. During the first three years, several attempts were made by various doctors. Finally, he was taken to Holy Cross hospital in Salt Lake City where a Dr. Hosner split the instep on each foot, lengthening the cords between the feet and leg muscles. He then put Raymond's feet in plaster casts for about six months. Dr. Haggen (the local doctor) later removed the casts and placed some iron braces on Raymond, which he had to wear for nearly three years. The surgery corrected the problem and Raymond was able to wear normal shoes like all other boys or girls his age. In telling of his early life Raymond said, "I have been eternally grateful to my parents for the determination, patience and love they showed in helping to correct this deformity." Raymond early learned discipline from his parents. Following one of his first days in the Mayfield School, Raymond and a cousin played on the way home from school until almost dark. In his own words, "Suddenly I noticed father coming along the road on oursaddle pony.'Well,'I thought,'this will be real nice. I can get on the horse behind father and ride home.' I noticed dad had a buggy whip with him. These whips were made of a stiff handle about four feet long with a heavy piece of string about six inches long on the end. Well, father didn't let me ride. He said, 'you will have to learn to come home when school is out. Now get for home as fast as you can go and if you need it I will give you some help.' The help he gave was to flick my backside with the buggy whip every once in a while so the lesson would sink in. Needless to say I remembered where I belonged when school let out." Growing up on a farm, Raymond was given chores. He learned about responsibility very early. He learned to effectively use the farm machinery, the old dump rake and the plow. Usually, he had three to four horses. Because of his skill, he was often hired by local farmers for custom work. During his life he held many Church positions. He served on the MIA stake board, in the Sunday School, and the Sunday School stake board; he was also Scout Master for three years. For nine years, he was in the bishopric ofthe Morgan Ward. In 1947, he was called as first counselor to President Clarence Rich. Then in 1952, he replaced President Rich as president ofthe Morgan Stake. There he served for nineteen and one-half years, until March 1972. Elder Gordon B, Hinckley when releasing President Larson noted, "Ofthe 570 stakes now organized in the Church, at the time of their release this stake presidency served the longest. . . . President Larson, President Jensen, and President Brough have served the entire nineteen and one-half years together, creating a close-knit relationship between the brethren that would be difficult to equal anywhere." President Larson stated on his release, "We have not always been in complete harmony on every matter, but there has never been a time when a

265 solution to a problem or situation has not been accomplished without any feelings of discord." In February of 1973, he was ordained a patriarch in the Morgan Stake. Then, upon retiring as superintendent ofthe Morgan School District in July 1975, he and his wife, Ann, were called to serve in the Oakland California Mission at the Visitor's Center. He was director ofthe center for the eighteen months of their mission. When they returned to Morgan, they were called as temple workers and he resumed his duties as stake patriarch. On 11 November 1977, he was set apart as a sealer in the Ogden Temple, becoming Coordinating Director of the Sealing Department. He performed these duties until he died on 16 October 1982. Source: Information provided by Vaughn Larson, a son of Raymond Larson. KEITH RAWLE LITTLE

Keith Rawle Little was bom 4 May 1922 to Ernest Jedediah and Lydia Rawle Little in Morgan, Utah. He has lived in Morgan except for theyears he spent in the military service. As a young boy, he worked for various farmers, both in the fieldan d milking cows. Just to be able to ride a horse, he would take the neighbor's cows to feed on the hillside and go get them each night. He participated in the 4-H program, raising pheasants and Jersey calves and cows. The firstthroug h fourth grades of school were attended in the old South Morgan School, and fifth through seventh grades at the North Morgan School. Keith graduated fromMorga n High School in 1940. Following graduation he worked at Ideal Cement Company for a short time, and then World War II began. He enlisted in the Navy on 26 October 1942. He was to attend basic training for a few weeks and then return home for a short time, but this all changed when he was chosen to attend special schooling at the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. There he received his first training in Naval Radio Intelligence. This training made it impossible for him to return home until he was discharged 19 December 1945. The war had ended and he was able to return to civilian life again. He then immediately began working at the Navy Supply Depot in Clearfield, Utah. He was married 3 July 1946 to Faye Donna Mecham in the Logan Temple. They were blessed with two children, Susan and Jeffrey Keith, both now married. On 16 April 1976 he retired from Hill Air Force Base. He had worked for Hill Air Force Base and the Navy Base for a total of thirty-four years. His Church assignments began almost immediately following World War II; first he was secretary in the elders quorum, then counselor. He was then called to serve as M-Men leader in the MIA; later as secretary and then as a counselor. He was also called as one ofthe seven presidents in the thirty-fifth quorum of seventy. He was bishop ofthe Morgan Ward, executive secretary to the Morgan stake presidency, and then the ninth stake president of the Morgan Stake. President Little had meetings with several ofthe Presidents ofthe Church. The first was with David O. McKay while President Little was yet a bishop in the Morgan Ward, He and his bishopric had written to President McKay requesting an interview. Several days later, the prophet called Bishop Little's home. His daughter Sue answered. When the voice on the other end said, "This is President McKay," Sue "about had a heart attack." President McKay was going to Scotland and couldn't accommodate the bishopric's request. Later, however, they did go to Salt Lake City to meet with the President. "He came out in the hallway. He was a very tall man, very stately," remembers President Little. The prophet asked, "Where have we met before?" President Little had never personally met him, but President McKay insisted that they had known each other before. "It was a powerful experience," said President Little. At the time of his release as stake president, 11 March 1981, the stake was divided and Morgan North Stake was organized. Three months later he was ordained a Patriarch in the Morgan Utah Stake. His grandfather, James Richard Rawle, had also been a patriarch in the Morgan Stake. On Sunday, 4 July 1982, he was set apart as a sealer in the Ogden Temple by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the church office building in Salt Lake City. He is now serving as supervisor of the sealing department. He has served on several committees for the development and growth of Morgan City and County. He has been secretary of the Morgan County Fair since 1960. During his work for the United States government, he attended classes at both Weber State College and the University of Utah. President Little enjoys sports of all kinds. During his school years, he participated in field and track. Later baseball and basketball became a big part of his life as he played on county teams. Now he plays golf. He loves to work with the soil, and every year he grows a beautiful garden. Now, as time permits, he can be found in his wood-working shop, turning out objects made fromal l kinds of hard wood that he collects. Each phase of his life has been important to him. His devotion to serve his Father in Heaven, and "do it" to the best of his ability, has always been utmost in his mind. He is a man full of love, understanding, and great compassion for all those with whom he ass

Robert Warner Poll was bom in Ogden, Utah, on 2 February 1942 to June and Verl Poll. His parents brought him home fromth e hospital to live in a small log house in Mountain Green. The little house didn't have an indoor bathroom or plumbing. From the time he was big enough to hold a ball, Bob loved to throw and play catch with anyone who would play with him. He came by baseball quite naturally from his two grand­ fathers who loved the game and from his aunts Donna and Beverly Poll who played professional ball for the Utah Shamrocks. His father had a large herd of registered Jersey cows, so fromth e time he was big enough to help, he had chores to do. When he was old enough to be in a 4-H club, Bob's father purchased a registered Jersey heifer for him to take to the fairs and shows. One cow Bob remembers was Jewel. He spent many hours working with her. She was easy to show, always stopping and starting and setting herself up with only a touch on the halter. Through these lessons, Bob learned to set goals and he developed good habits, disciplining himself and learning to work. When Bob was nine the Poll family had a sleigh riding party on the dry farm (where Paul Warner's farm is today). The toboggan tipped overcoming down the long hill and Bob broke his right leg. He was taken to the Dee Hospital where Doctor Stranquist operated on him, putting a silver plate in his leg that is still there today. He was in traction in the hospital for two weeks. Finally, he was brought home in a body cast from his chest to his toes. He was out of school for four months. When he was eleven, his father left him at the Wyoming State Fair along with his Grandfather Warner to take care of a show herd of fourteen head. His grandfather was so proud of him. He said Bob knew all the cows and the classes they were in, and that he was just Bob's helper. In high school, he lettered in baseball four years and basketball three years. He was allowed to play football only in his senior year because ofthe plate in his leg. He was very good at it, however, and really enjoyed it. Bob was active in4-HandFFA. He won a trip to Chicago for his work with dairy animals. He also won many other honors in FFA, including offices in the Morgan chapter. His first car was a red 1956 Chevrolet. As a joke, he wired the backseat to a model "T" coil to shock those sitting in the back seat. "It was all great fun." He went to Utah State University for half a year prior to his mission call. He was called to serve in the British Mission. While there, he served as district

269 and zone leader and assistant to the mission president, who at the time was Marion D. Hanks. This was "the greatest experience of my life up to that time," says Bob. When he returned home from his mission, he studied and received his license to sell insurance and real estate. Bob's profession has always been in selling. He learned to work hard while growing up on the farm with his dad. He also worked on the Paul Warner and Dave Carrigan farms. He would get up at 3:30 to4:00 AM. to get the milking and chores done before school. Then he would repeat the same chores at night. "I'd like a nickel for every bale of hay I've hauled while growing up," says Bob. He can still arm wrestle with the best of them. Often he challenges the missionaries before he sends them out. Bob has been employed with the Farm Bureau Insurance Company as an insurance agent, with Mountain Green Realty as a real estate counselor, as a builder and as a developer. In 1968, he began selling snowmobiles and motorcycles as co-owner in KatCo, in Mountain Green. Later with the A Ray Curtis Co. in Salt Lake City, as their sales manager, he traveled to many different states. Because of his experience, the Coleman Company of Kansas came to him and asked him to be a factory representative for them in the sports vehicle division. After four years, however, he came home hoping not to have to travel so much. He has since managed stores for Barlow Trailers in Ogden; Rick Warner Traveland in Salt Lake City; Motor Sports Land in Salt Lake City; and he is now sales manager for Rocky Mountain Chrysler R.V. Center in Ogden. His home has always been in Mountain Green. His church callings have included being Scoutmaster: once of Troop 176 and twice of Troop 276. He has helped thirty-two boys earn their Eagle Scout rank. He has also been ward and stake young men's president, high councilor, bishop for six years, then back to Scoutmaster for eight months. He now serves as stake president ofthe Morgan North Stake. According to him, the hardest job in the Church is being a good home teacher.

Source: Information obtained from June Poll.

Testimony of President Robert W. Poll I have been greatly blessed to have been asstxriated with many special people who have tried to teach me about life and its rules and principles. Teachers like Mrs. Rawle, Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. McKinnon, Mrs. Baer, Mr. Oliver, Brotherjudd, Mr. Miles, Mr. Peter Evans, President Raymond Larson (who was my principal every year but one out ofthe twelve years at Morgan). In looking back I probably didn'r take high school as seriously as I should or could have, bur I had gtxxj experiences through it all. I liked hisrory and math and all sporrs. 1 never could grasp Algebra, however. I never knew girls exisred unril I was a senior. In fact, I took my mom to the junior prom because the reachers threatened to tail us ifwe didn'r go. I believe my first date was on my graduation night. Some of my friends at school were Mark Wilkinson, Ward Winchester, Tony Hassell, Keith Carrigan, AI, Steve, and Curtis Morgan, and Royal Lamb. I was never tempred to break the Word ofWisdom, and I have seen rhe blessings of obeying that principlecome to me throughout my life. Someof my heroes while

270 growing up have been: Paul Smart, Reed Nelson, and Ken Sommers (who helped me in the little league baseball where I was on the all srar team all three years I played). Don Gust, my high school baseball coach; Paul Warner, a friend, an uncle, and a man that I have never seen do anything wrong are also great examples. I had a desire to go on a mission because Paul went, Marion D. Hanks was my mission president and is a lifelong friend. 1 learned much from my two grandpas, especially Grandpa Ralph Warner—'You Can Dolt" was his motto to me. But I suppose my greatest heroes have always been and will continue to be my special parents, Verl andjune Poll. I pray my life will be a monument built in their behalf, one that will always stand straight, weathering time and enduring to the end. My wife, Judy, has played a very big part in my life since my mission. 1 proposed marriage to her at the start of a softball game at the Fair Grounds in Morgan. I was either lucky or a mighty good salesman, because she said yes. She has been by my side, whether racing snowmobiles, showing cattle, or promoting any and all business ventures. She has helped me put on all-night ward dinners; she has accompanied me to Paris, France and Spain. But mostly I love her outside in our yard, beautifying it through our landscaping. I have never seen a wife of a priesthtxxl leader who is more supportive and devoted than Judy is. We have learned many lessons in mortality, some the hard way, some a little easier. Judy can do about anything she makes up her mind to do. She is not afraid to try anyrhing. With my travel and my busy schedule, ifsomerhing has needed doing, she's had to do it herself. And she always has done well. As we have matured together in life and in the gospel, our love has increased immensely. We have been blessed wirh four boys and four girls and four grandchildren up to this rime (1986). They also have played a very big part in my life. I write about some of my spiritual experiences reluctantly, nor wanting to brag or boast, but to let the "rising generation" know that such things happen even today: even to us who live in this Valley. I have sat ar the feer of many Prophers and Apostles and General Authorities during my lifetime, and I have been taught many eternal principles. Each time 1 have had the witness ofthe Holy Ghost that the principles ofthe gospel are true. One of my firstremembere d experiences was with President Hugh B. Brown in the Hyde Park Chapel in London, England. He told me about his call to be an Apostle, where he had an experience with Satan. I have never felt the presence of the Spirit more powerfully. While there as second counselor and assistant to President Marion D. Hanks, I conducted many meetings, rubbing shoulders with men like President David O. McKay, Nathan E. Tanner, Henry D. Moyle, Mark E. Peterson, and LeGrand Richards. Since the mission field, I have had occasions to be with President Spencer W. Kimball, President Thomas S. Monson, Elder Boyd K. Packer, President Ezra Taft Benson, Elders Dallin H. Oaks, Russell M. Nelson, Neal A Maxwell, and President Gordon B.Hinckley. I have had the opportunity to attend two Solemn Assemblies in the upper rm ofthe Salt Lake Temple. I have been a participant when at least six Apostolic blessings were given to those of us present. I've sat in the presence of the highest councils in this, the Savior's, church, knowing also of his presence. I have seen miracles throughout my life under the direction ofthe priesthood. Evil spirits have been cast out of people, and the peace and calmness of their own spirits have returned. I have seen men's lives saved and extended for many years through ihe Savior's love and his priesthcxxl. I've seen children come in to LDS homes where doctors said parents could not have any, and I've seen people who were told they could have no more children receive more—all through priesthood blessings. I have seen men who have tried to fight against the Lord's Kingdom removed from the

271 battle. I have seen individuals brought back to life, and 1 have witnessed many other gifts of the Spirit from both sides of the veil. How, then, could 1 ever deny the Savior and his Church? I never intend to. I have been blessed to serve with thirteen bishops since I have been stake president, and I have experienced countless blessings and challenges with each of ihem. They are al I special and great men in their own way. From the Mi [ton wards—bishops Calvin Stephens, Marlin Brooks, David Gold, Dee Preece, and Gerald Beroumay. In Peterson—bishops Jerry Peterson, Rex Wilkinson, James Pendleton, John Kartchner, Lorin Smart, and Larry Brewer. And, from Mountain Green—bishops Jack Savage and LaMar Bott. President Keith Little has also had much influence for gocxj in my life. He has shown patience and understanding with me, disciplined me when needed, and trained me as apriesthood leader to love and care for our people. He always makes one feel important. I will always be honored to have served under his administration. Also, Presidents Calvin Stephens and William J. Weaver have taught me much. 1 have appreciated their support and valued their contributions to our stake tamily. They are doers and I love them and their families. We have accomplished much together. We've learned how to receive revelation and communicate with Father in Heaven. We learned the gospel together and how to berter understand rhe scriprures. We have tried to be builders. During our tenure, we have added a large addition to the Milton building with some major remodeling. We have also expanded (with the Morgan Stake) the seminary with its new wing. We've done extensive building and improvements to our stake recreation area. We've built a 3000 square foot stake suite on to the Peterson Mountain Green building, with many remodeling improvements. Also, we have purchased four acres in Mountain Green for a possible future stake center, and we now have enough money in our building fund set aside to build it when that time comes. We hope, however, that we will be remembered forourbuildingofgoodin the lives of our beloved srake tamily members. They have been very special to us. We have tried to set some good solid foundations and traditions under this stake of Zion, It is not difficult to lead a people who are chosen and obedient and want to do good. Like strong, obedient horses, we only need to rein them in occasionally. It is the touch ofthe 'Master's hand' that makes all the difference. Weare grateful to have been able to inspire and work with those who are writing this book on the Morgan Stake history. We hope there will be much more we can do before our tenure is completed. May I close with this favorite thought of mine—Tonight not one alone am I, but three: the lad I was, the man 1 am, and he who is my future self. Nay more, I am his Savior. That thought makes me four. Master of Christmas, that star of thine shines clear. Bless thou the four of me, down here. May this history book and all others, record that Robert W. Poll, the man blessed to be the firststak e president ofthe Morgan North Stake, knows and testifies thar Jesus is the Chrisr, the Son ofthe living G

Jay Bryant Taggart was bom 21 May 1928 in Ogden, Utah, to Cordon Jay and Myrtle Stratford Taggart. He was raised with his two brothers, Albert and Blaine, in Ogden, Utah, Twin Falls and Pocatello, Idaho, graduating from Pocatello High School in 1946. Jay's father was a warehouseman for Scowcrofts & Sons in Ogden, Twin Falls, and Pocatello. The family returned to live in Ogden in 1946. It was then that Jay joined the Army. He served as a paratrooper in Japan with the occupational forces. Returning from Japan, he worked for Commercial Security Bank as a cashier and bookkeeper. Then in late 1948, he went to France for two and on-half years as a missionary, returning home in May of 1951. He then enrolled in Weber College and attended one year. On 11 June 1952, he married Nadine Carver of Plain City, Utah, in the Logan Temple. He then attended the University of Utah for three years, graduating in 1955 with a BA in Social Studies and French. It was during these three years that his firsttw o children were bom—Nancy in 1953 and Brycejay in 1954. He began his teaching career at South Ogden Jr. High School in the fall of 1955. He lived in Plain City for seven years, moving to Riverdale in 1962. While in Plain City, Mark Carver Taggart and Jan Taggart were bom. Just prior to this time he also transferred to Weber County High School to teach history and French. During the school year of 1962-1963, he attended Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois (just ten minutes from Chicago). His fifthchild , Diana, was then just two weeks old. Prior to leaving for Northwestern, he had been teaching at the newly opened Bonneville High School in Washington Terrace. He returned there in 1963 as the vice-principal. In 1964, Bonnie, his sixth child, was bom. The next year, he received his Masters Degree in Education at Utah State University. In February of 1966, he left Bonneville High School and went to the Central Office ofthe Weber County Schools as director of federal funds for team teaching. In the fall of 1967, he became principal of Bonneville High School. By this time James Royal, the seventh child, had joined the family, necessitating a larger home in South Ogden. While there, Scott Jay, the eighth, and Blaine Albert, the ninth, were bom. In June 1969, Jay went back into the Weber County Central Office as assistant superintendent of schools. In April 1975, he was appointed superintendent of Morgan County Schools, moving there with his family in October 1975. He lived there for eight years at 158 S. Esquire Dr. in Morgan City, surrounded by the beautiful hills and mountains of Morgan County. In September 1982, Jay returned to Weber County as superintendent of schools. He kept his home in Morgan for one more year, moving to Washington Terrace in August 1983. Jay was at home in the Weber District, having worked there for twenty years before moving to Morgan. It was hard for Nadine and the younger children to leave Morgan, however. The first year they longed to return to the Valley and their friends. At the present time, February 1986, three ofthe nine children are married. There are six grandchildren. The two older boys served missions and James is serving one now. The five oldest children have each graduated from college, and the next two are attending. The youngest two are still in the public schools. Jay's three loves are his family, his work, and his church. Following are Church positions he held prior to coming to Morgan:

MIA Ward secretary, M-Men leader, stake super­ intendent, Explorer leader Sunday School Superintendent (ward and stake), gospel doctrine teacher, teacher trainer class teacher, project temple teacher, and home teacher Bishopric 1960-1962; first counselor to Bishop Rulon D.ChuggofPlainCitySecondWard, Farr West Stake. 1964-1966; firstcounselortoBishopLeo N. Harris of Washington Terrace Fifth Ward, Riverdale Stake. 1967-1968; second counselor to Bishop Lew A Wangsgard of Sixty Fifth Ward, South Ogden Stake.

In Morgan he taught the gospel doctrine class for the Morgan Third Ward from 1975 to 1981. On 7 March 1981, he was called to be president ofthe Morgan Stake by LeGrand Richards ofthe Quorum of the Twelve. He was set apart by Elder Richards 8 March 1981 and then released 12 March 1983 because of the job change earlier mentioned. On 19 February 1984, he was set apart as President of Terrace View (Ogden, Utah) Stake by Boyd K. Packer ofthe Quorum ofthe Twelve. He is a great teacher, always happy and positive. He is also a strong leader and a good musician with a fine singing voice; he loves to read, especially history. He enjoys watching sports, playing volleyball, horse shoes, and golf.

274 He also likes to travel and meet people, and he enjoys young people, especially his own family and grandchildren. Among his awards are the Outstanding Superintendent Award for the State of Utah, 1986. Also, he received the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts Alliance for Arts Education, National Superintendent Award for the superintendent who has done the most to support the finearts . It was awarded in San Francisco in February 1986. Says President Taggart: "I believe so strongly in the positive life. There isn't one negative thing that can't be turned into the positive. I insist on having some fun everyday and laughing and smiling. I like to hug people. "I think if people in the world would smile a little more, we'd solve most of our problems. "I know that my Father in Heaven is extremely close. "All you have to do is get down on your knees for a while and talk to him and you'll know that, too." Sources: Information obtained from Nadine Taggart, wife of Jay Taggart. LORIN CECIL TONKS

Lorin Cecil Tonks was bom 22 Jury 1934, to Cecil Tonks and Harriett Ellen Fenner in Round Valley, Utah, at home. He was the second of two children. During his early childhood, his father developed an allergy to hay dust when the cattle were fed in the winter time, so the family often went to Arizona in the winter. Lorin began kindergarten in Mesa, Arizona. Upon moving back to Utah, Lorin's father decided togive up farming. He moved his family to Morgan into the home just east of the old blacksmith shop on Commercial Street near the lower underpass (247 North 500 East). The family lived at the above address until Lorin was a junior in high school. Then they moved in with their grandfather Tonks in North Morgan (66 South 200 East). While Lorin lived in North Morgan, the beginning of a number of changes took place. Morgan farmers used to grow many acres of sugar beets and the beet dump was directly across the street from Lorin's grandfather's home. Lorin would watch and assist at times with the dumping of hundreds of truck loads of beets, watching as a conveyer belt elevated them into the waiting railroad cars to be shipped to a factory to be processed into sugar. Today all evidence ofthe beet dump has disappeared and not a single sugar beet is grown in the Valley. Also, Lorin remembers when the farmers would grow acres of peas, and the Del Monte Company had a large processing plant in a large rock warehouse across the street from Clark's Feed. These facilities, in their prime, processed the famous Del Monte "Spring Garden" peas and the famous "Spring Garden" sauerkraut. During the rush time ofthe pea harvest, the boys Lorin ran with would often con the drivers of the wagons loaded with peas to throw them a pitchfork full of peas. Says Lorin, "We would almost founder on newpeas."Often it took a couple of days to recuperate from the feast. Lorin grew up working for the farmers who produced these cash crops. "It was a way to earn spending money. I was pleased to have a job where I could work eight to ten hours each day in the hot sun for twenty-five cents an hour so that I could buy some of the things I wanted. This enabled me to purchase, among other things, a show ticket for ten cents and a large ice cream cone for a nickel," says Lorin. Today the tedious, back-breaking jobs of farming are about a thing ofthe past. The cash crops of peas or cabbage are not grown in Morgan and the Del Monte plant has moved from Morgan to Idaho. Lorin remembers the trains that rambled past his grandfather's home. "They were the coal-eating monsters of a bygone era. The huge 4,000s would belch a sky full of cinders as they roared past, and so thick was the smoke from their stacks that the sun would be blotted out and everyone's eyes would fillwit h cinders. Gradually the steam engines were retired as the new diesel units took over. Gone are the coal and water depots which serviced the giants as they made their way up Weber Canyon to Evanston, Wyoming." Living next to the blacksmith shop, Lorin watched the smithy forge and beat metal into plowshears and horseshoes. There were very few tractors then. The old blacksmith shop was also important to Lorin because his great grandfather Tonks had been the firstblacksmit h in Morgan County. His first shop was on the same site as the present shop. The family soon moved to South Morgan into a new home, away from the railroad tracks. That was a hard adjustment. It was so quiet that getting to sleep was a real problem. Lorin's walk to High School was only a block away. The "M" on the hill was almost completed when Lorin graduated. He was president of the senior class that year. One tradition he helped start was "Lighting the M" at graduation time. At his graduation in 1952, the "M" was lit for the firsttime . Following high school, Lorin attended two years of college at Utah State University, and between his firstan d second years, he was employed as a forest service lookout in the Salmon National Forest in Idaho. Stationed in one of those small cabins in the primitive area straight up fromth e middle fork ofthe Salmon River, Lorin felt the fact that it was fifty-eightmile s to the nearest road. "I was alone with the creatures of nature and enjoyed a special summer." Following his second year in college, Lorin served a two year mission for the Church, as did his father before him. He left for the New York Mission on 5 January 1955, traveling by train. It took him and his companions three days and two nights to get to New York. Lorin served in three states: New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. When released, he returned home and within three months he was drafted into the Army and sent to Ft. Lewis, Washington for twenty-one months. On his first furlough, following basic training, Lorin married his sweetheart, Lillisjeppesen, who had waited patiently for him for two years in the mission field,throug h a summer in the forest service, and through basic training. "We must have written a zillion letters to each other," says Lorin. They were married in the Logan Temple. After their marriage they lived in Mantua, Utah, with his wife's parents and commuted to Logan for almost three years. Lorin's first job after graduation was with the United States Forest Service as their recreation planner for the Ashley and Manti-LaSal National Forests. His most exciting assignment was designing the camping facilities around the Flaming Gorge Reservoir—those accessible by motor vehicle and those only accessible by boat. After three years, Lorin moved back to the town of his birth and bought a little home in which to raise his family. "With five little ones, I wanted to have a place where we would be permanent and could enjoy a wholesome atmosphere." Lorin's children are Becky, Eric, Val, Adele, and Glade. Lorin works as a State Farm Insurance agent in Ogden and Morgan. His real joy is working in the soil, planting flowers and vegetables of every kind. His home has over forty fruit trees on it. "I love to try to grow everything that this Morgan Valley will produce." He has a few acres with some Herefords on it and about 200 colonies of bees. "It gives me much pleasure to be as self-sustaining as possible. If I could live my life out growing gardens and crops and sharing it all with family and friends, and then spend my winter evenings drawing with pen and ink, I'd be satisfied," says Lorin. Lorin looks forward to retirement when he can share the gospel with people who haven't had the chance to hear it. Both he and his wife look forward to that time. Lorin has held positions as genealogy teacher, Explorer Scout leader, and elder's quorum president. In February 1969, he was called as bishop ofthe Morgan Second Ward. When released as bishop, he was called as stake executive secretary under President Little. From this position he was called to be first counselor to President Jay Taggart in the Morgan Utah stake presidency. In March 1983, he was called to be president ofthe Morgan Utah Stake. His counselors were Lee Dickson and Larry Wilson. Brother Dickson moved away from Morgan and was replaced by Lyle Tucker. Says Lorin, "I love my work. I know the Gospel is true. My wife and family are the most important persons in my life." Source.- Written by Lillis Tonks, wife of Lorin. APPENDIX B BISHOPS OF MORGAN STAKE

Croydon Ward

James Melvin Tooni 1917-1926 Theodore Charles London Marcus Reed Wilde Jr. David C. Wilde 1952-1966 1966-1977 1977-1984

Bert Stoddard Dickson Golden Glen Slei William Andrews Redden 1926-1952 1952-1954 1954-1956 Enterprise Ward

John K. Hall 1877-

Stoddard Branch

Joseph F. Spendloi 1928-1930

Loel R. Mecham 1970-1975; Bishop of Milton 1st Ward 1975-1976

Milton 1st Ward

Calvin Robert Stephet 1976-1981

Milton 2nd Ward

RavmondJ. Van Tassell 1975-1979 Mountain Green Branch

* ,x

John Robison Jr. 1877

Mountain Green Ward

Mountain Green Ward was joined to the Peterson Ward in 1928, It was again organized North Morgan Ward

UNAVAILAB1£

Wyman M. Parker William B. Parkin Olief B. Anderson 1877-1881 1884-1905

North and South Morgan Wards were combined into the Morgan Ward in 1906. North Morgan Ward was again organized in 1910.

George Walter Bramwell James A. Anderson 1905-1906 1910-1925

Everett E. Anderson 1925-1930 Charles C. Turner 1877-1906 Morgan Ward

Howard Francis Richard H. Rich Fernando C. Jer 1926-1936 1936-1945 1945-1947

Keith R. Little 1960-1969 Charles Wayne Price Lorin C. Tonks Francis P. Websier 1964-1969 1969-1974 1974-1978 North Morgan became Morgan 4th Ward in 1975

Peterson Ward

Ezra B. Parrish 1906-1909 Joseph A. Parrish Albert V. Whitear 1909-1912 1912-1920

C. Alfred Bohman 1933-1947

Thomas Russell Rock 1947-1950 UNAVAILABLE

Eugene C, Jones Royal Blaine Lundquist 1965-1969 1969-1970

Raymond J. Van Tassell James S. Pendleton 1973-1975 1975-1981

East Porterville Ward West Porterville Ward

Porterville Ward

Joseph Durrant Samuel Stephen Florence Joseph Durn 1897-1907 1907-1916 1916-1917

George Edward Carter 1917-1920 Charles R. Kippen Clarence Elmer Porter Ivan Edward Carter 1946-1951 1951-1956 1956-1958

Ralph Shirley Carter Leon Rex Ca 1958-1964 1964-1967 James Eugene Hayes 1972-1979 Richville Ward

Alberi D. Dickson John H. Rose William R. Rich 1877-1914 1914-1929 1929-1931

Arthur R. Rich William George Brough 1931-1942 A member of the high council who was asked to preside. 1946-1947 Raymond Wiscombe 1947-1953 "•X, APPENDIX C

PATRIARCHS

Alma Porter 1878-1903 Martin Heiner 1893-1906 Evan A. Richards 1893-1912 Richard Rawle 1895-1901 Robert Hogg, Sr. 1895-1900 Samuel Francis 1900-1906 Charles C. Turner 1906-1910 Lyman W. Porter 1912-1914 William Hemming 1912-1916 James R. Rawle 1912-1931 John H. Rich 1912-1916 Daniel Heiner 1923-1931 Joseph Alonzo Parrish 1932-1957 William W. Francis 1939-1941 John Henry Rose 1946-1948 George Sylvester Heiner 1948-1972 Mark Thackery 1957-1977 Raymond Larson 1972-1982 Russell Rock 1975-

APPENDIX D

STAKE MISSION PRESIDENTS

Frank Turner 1936-1937 John C. Irwin, Jr. 1937-1942 Fernando Jensen 1942-1945 Albert R. Carrigan 1945-1947 Chester Heiner 1947-1950 John Sidney Creager 1950-1955 Frank Bohman 1955-1959 F. Paul Dickson 1959-1970 Calvin R. Stephens 1970-1974*

*On 11 October 1974 the First Presidency gave the following direction by letter to all stake and mission presidents:

"Previously, three of the seven presidents of the seventies quorum have comprised the stake mission presidency. Effective immediately, all the presidents of the seventies quorum in a stake will comprise the stake mission presidency. The practice of calling three from among the seven presidents for this special service is therefore discontinued. As a council, with the senior president presiding, all seven presidents constitute a stake mission presidency."

APPENDIX E

STAKE AUXILIARY PRESIDENTS

Stake Primary Presidents Harriet N. Welch 1880-1894 Ann Fry 1894-1901 Sarah Jane Francis 1901-1906 Eliza F. Hopkin 1906-1923 Lillith Anderson 1923-1927 Flaurie E. White 1927-1929 Jessie E. Sagers 1929-1932 Alene Eskelson 1932-1937 Bertha Dickson 1937-1941 Amy Heiner 1941-1944 Nettie Robinson 1944-1954 Catherine W. Tucker 1954-1963 Kay D. Phelps 1963-1970 Leila L Judd 1970-1973 Josephine Clark 1973-1979 Shirley Wilkinson 1979-1981

Stake Relief Society Presidents Lydia P. Rich 1878-1901 Sarah L Eddington 1901-1910 Maryette R. Waldron 1910-1921 Mary Hansen Chadwick 1921-1926 Sophia Anderson 1926-1934 Elizabeth Geary 1934-1938 Mae D. Rich 1938-1945 Margaret Thackeray 1945-1952 Eva H. Jensen 1952-1958 Hazel F. Durrant 1958-1962 Jolene R. Price 1962-1965 Thelma J. Reese 1965-1968 Eva V. Jensen 1968-1973 Emma Lou Bell 1973-1978 Emma M. Harding 1978-1981 Stake Sunday School Superintendents - Presidents John K. Hall 1877-1895 Fred W. Clark 1895-1901 James H. Taggart 1901-1908 Harley P. Randall 1908-1909 James W. Carrigan 1909-1911 Melvin Howard Randall 1911-1923 Delore Nicholes 1924-1925 C. Calvin Geary 1925-1927 Robert Henry Giles 1927-1941 Walter E. Francis 1941-1945 Clarence E. Rich 1945-1949 Samuel F. Hopkin 1949-1952 Arthur Earl Butters 1952-1954 Verl J. Poll 1954-1958 Edwin T. Vest 1958-1968 John Sidney Creager 1968-1970 David J. Carruth 1970-1972 Donald J. Anderton 1972-1974 Richard Dale Dunn 1974-1976 Elwood Zaugg 1976-1977 Rex Wilkinson 1977-1981

Young Men Mutual Improvement Association Presidents William G. Brough 1878-1898 James H. Taggart 1898-1899 Charles A. Welch 1899-1900 Herbert Benjamin Crouch 1900-1906 Milton Croft 1906-1908 George A Taggart 1908-1909 George Sylvester Heiner 1909-1922 W. George Brough 1922-1926 William R. Eddington 1926-1928 Clyde R. Richards 1928-1930 Charles Turner Francis 1930-1933 Albert Clifford Welch 1933-1937 Clyde R. Richards 1937-1942 Peter E. Evans 1942-1946 Woodrow Giles 1946-1948 Donald P. Brough 1948-1952 Frank E. Smith 1952-1959 Darrel W. Judd 1959-1964 Robert W. Poll 1964-1965 Max B. Widdison 1965-1965 William J. Weaver 1965-1967 Frank Bohman 1967-1972 Ben H. Malan 1972-1973 'From 1973 ro 1978 there was a change in the Young Mens organization. The new title was Stake Aaronic Priesthood Direct or which position was heldby a member of the High Council. Burdett Johnson 1978-1980 Abbott Mikesell 1980-1981

Young Women Mutual Improvement Association Presidents Sarah A Rawle 1878-1879 Mary Jane Tooner 1879-1884 Susannah Heiner 1884-1893 Mary L Welch 1893-1900 Sarah L Eddington 1900-1905 Nettie Durrant 1905-1908 Annie S. Dickson 1908-1922 Lillie Clark 1922-1924 Andria Porter 1924-1926 Jean Clark 1926-1927 Elsie Heiner 1927-1933 Lovina Francis 1933-1935 Clara Turner 1935-1937 Anna Sommers 1937-1940 Thelma Bell 1940-1948 Margaret Little 1948-1961 Florene B. Heiner 1961-1969 Emma Loo Bell 1969-1973 June Wiscombe 1973-1975 Anna Porter 1975-1981

APPENDIX F

Wards In Morgan Stake 1877 to 1981

North Morgan South Morgan Milton _ Peterson Croyden East Porterville West Porterville Richville Enterprise Mountain Green npWBiiiiiiiiiiimii' • 1 • .mm Morgan

Morgan

Morgan TKirH Morgan

Milton

Milton Second , HiH -iiiiiiiiiiniiiiiia South Mountain Milton Morgan Morgan Morgan P •1I••• West East Milton __•llllllllHRBIII North 1mM Milton Morgan

(50 951

955

l',H

•*>o 306 sls^ssssSsSaslsii T •••in Abbot, E.M., 258 Badali, Joseph A, 215 Abegland, Ron, 227 Baer, Virginia, 270 Abplanalp, William, 105 Baker, Lucy, 73 accidental deaths, 141,142,195 Ballard Melvin J., 90, 91,117,118, Adams, Gwen, 172 119,135,136,254 Adams, Leslie, 202 baptism, 95 adult book shop, 222 baptismal font, 95 alcoholic beverages, 163,169,170 Barnes, Andrea, 213 All-Church Dance Festival, Bamett,W.H.,242 201-202 Bamum, Ella, 221 Allegro Male Chorus, 152, 259 Barton, Noel, 218 Allen, Gale R, 190, 214 baseball, 119,120, 269,271 Allen, Kent, 202 basketball games, 173, 214, 227 Allen, Nell, 213 bear hunt, 243 Alpin, Mr., 244 Bebington, Thomas, 2 Anderson, Bishop, 44 "Because of Elizabeth", 225-226 Anderson, Edward H. Jr., 105,106, Beehive Week, 214 Bell, Alexander Graham, 20 118,119,123 Bell, Elsie, 194 Anderson, Everett E., 119,121, Bell, Emma Loo, 199, 201, 301, 124, 285 Anderson, Helen, 190, 214 303 Anderson, James A, 108, 123, 285 Bell, Thelma, 303 Anderson, Joseph, 228 Ben Lomond Construction, 211 Anderson, Joseph, M., 108 Bennett, Moana, 225 Anderson, Lars, 12 Bennion, Adam S., 123, 184-185 Anderson, Lillith, 301 Bennion, Samuel O., 135,137, Anderson, Olief B., 285 152,164 Anderson, Sophia, 172, 301 Benson, Ezra Taft, 184, 186, 192, Anderton, Donald J., 302 271 apple orchard, 76 Berry,WilliamS.,30,31,32 Arizona Temple, 104 Bertoch.AlmaR., 123 armistice, 108 Bertoch, Dorothy, 132 arrest, for plural marriage, 33, Betoumay, Gerald, 272 244-245 Betterment Convention, 111 Asay, Carlos E., 228 Beuhner, Carl W., 184 Ashby, Doris, 189 Big Horn Basin Wyoming, Ashley, William R, 1 settlement, 79 Ashton, Marvin J., 227-228 Bigler,Jean, vii Ashton, Marvin O., 135,160,164 Bigler, Robert, 192 Ashton, Norma, 228 Bingham, Amos, 152 astrologers, 20 Bingham, Francis, 118 Atkin, Varynn, 213 bishops, 215-216 auxiliary officer meetings, 134, bishop's storehouse, 131,174 176 blacksmith shop, 277 Bull, Daniel, 195, 242-243, 246 Bond, Emeline, 107 Bull, Emma, 25 Bond, George, 107 Bull, Jane, 75 Bohman, C. Alfred, 150,151, 290 Burton, Robert T., 8,10 Bohman, Frank, 299,302 Burton, Theodore M., 184, 221 Bohman, Wilson Dale, 175, 290 Bush, Elder 96 Book of Mormon, 93 Butters, Arthur Earl, 287, 302 Bott, LaMar, 272 Butters, Emma, 112 Bowen, Albert E„ 132,135,141, Byron, Wyoming, 80 167,169 Cache Stake, Utah, 59 Boy Scouts of America, 105, Cahoon, Reynolds, 29 155—See also: scouting Callis, Charles A, 135,147,162, Boyce, Ella Despain, 193 164 Bramwell, George Walter, 95, 285 California, 93 Branch, William, 196 Canada, 68 Brass Band. See: Morgan Brass canals, 3 Band, Ogden Brass Band Cane Creek, Tennesee, 30 Brewer, Larry, 272 Cannon, Abraham H., 17, 38, 46 Brigham Young University, 198, Cannon, George Q., 17, 29, 47, 213 56,87 Brimley, Bob, 164 Cannon, Sylvester, Q., 122, 123, Brimley, Ernest Dalton, 280 135 Brimley, John, 151 Cannon, Tracy, Y., 124 Bringhurst, Samuel E., 188 Card, Joseph L, 12,223 Brooks, D.R., 153 card playing, 37, 111 Brooks, Marlin F., 272, 283 Carlson, Sister, 265 Brough, Bessie Porter, 77, 198 Carpenter, Joseph C, 63 Brough, Donald Peter, 177, 183, Carrigan, Albert R., 207, 299 189, 197,199, 265, 302 Carrigan, Ann, 199 Brough, Emily Jane, 64 Carrigan, Bert, 152 Brough, George, 162 Carrigan, David, 270 Brough, Samuel, R., 67 Carrigan, James, 289 Brough, Thomas, 16, 223, 292 Carrigan, James W., 121,122, 290, Brough, W. George, 118, 129, 141, 302 294, 302 Carrigan, Joseph, 68 Brough, William G., 22, 38, 53, 63, Carrigan, Keith, 270 302 Carrigan, Wendell Foster, 159 Brower, Paul, 202 Carrington, Albert, 17, 29, 30 Brown, Campbell, M., 131 Car-ruth, David J., 302 Brown, Folkman D., 200 Carruth, John Ehvood, 280 Brown, Hugh B., 186, 193, 198, Carter, Alfred, 185 200, 218, 271 Carter, Arthur, 140 Brown, James, 9 Carter, Brother & Sister, 49 Brown,VictorL,228 Carter, Daniel, 293 Bull, Charles, 20 Carter, Denny, 202 Carter, Gary, 202 Clawson, Rudger, 87, 88, 90, 94, Carter, George Edward, 292 135 Carter, Heber, 61 Clay, Richard, 222 Carter, Hyrum, 70 Cleveland, Grover, 57, 58,70 Carter, Ivan Edward, 293 Cluff, William Wallace, 11, 12, 15, Carter, Jeanine, vii, 201-202, 213 222 Carter, Leon Rex, 293 Coalville, Utah, 5,7,11, 54,120 Carter, Mrs., 112 Coffin, Samuel, 241 Carter, Paul, 199 Coltrin, Zebedee, 29 Carter, Ralph Shirley, 152,174, Como Springs, 47,48, 49,95, 129, 293 256-258, 264 Carter, Samuel, 33, 61,62, 67, 70, Condor, James, 30 292 conferences. See: Morgan Stake Carter, Ted, 289 Conferences; General Conference Carter, Thomas, 292 of the Church centennial ball, 163, 200 Cook, Peter, Sister, 170 Centennial celebration, 194-195, Coolbear, David, 112 222 Coulam, Joseph, 69,70 Centennial Year 1947, 163, 164, county fair, 106,120 168 Cousins, John, 2 central building committee, 210 Cowley, Matthew, 167, 171, 26l Chadwick, Mary, 135,172, 301 Cowley, Matthias, 87-88 Chadwick, William, 141 Cowley, Wyoming, 80 chandeliers, 55 Creager, Ira, 68 Chicago World Fair, 47 Creager, James, 67 choir, 55,152 Creager, Jessie, 194 Christiansen, El Ray L, 184 Creager, Lola, 195 Christiansen, Lewella, 184 Creager, John Sidney, 220, 299, Christmas, 151-153, 171,173 302 Chugg, Rulon D., 274 creamery, 55 Church survey, 50 Criddle, George, 27, 223 civil marriages, 141 Criddle, W.E., 240 Clark, Ezra Thompson, 53, 78 Critchlow, William J., 184 Clark Fred W., 47, 53,71,112, Crittenden, Marjorie, vii 125,163, 279, 301 Croft, Alfred M., 118 Clark, Gaylene, 202 Croft, Charles, M., 108 Clark, Gower, 209 Croft,John,79,245 Clark, Ida Mae, 221 Croft, Milton, 302 Clark, Jean, 303 crop iailure, 2,100,129 Clark, Josephine, 214,301 Crouch, Daisy, 112 Clark, Leon, G., 195, 286 Crouch, Douglas, 148 Clark, Lilly, 201, 303 Crouch, E.,6l Clark, Royal, 190 Crouch, Herbert B., 112, 118, 123, Clawson, Harriet, 194 124, 302 Clawson, Moroni, 20 Crouch, Winnie May Fry, 244 Crowther, Chester, 197 Dickson, John H., 68, 79 Croyden Chapel, 125,126, 208 Dickson, Lavern, 103 Croyden, Utah, 3,10,12 Dickson, Lee, 233, 278, 288 Croyden Ward, 16, 20,43,71, 79, Dickson, Martha, 112 102,104,105,118,124,140, Dickson, Neil, 199 150,163,171,189,195-197, Dickson, Reed, 177 199, 235, 305-306 Dickson, Rufus, 254 Dallin, Cyrus E., 74 Dickson twins, 151 dancing, 19, 77,78,172, 213—See Dickson, William H., 112 Also: All-Church Dance Festival diphtheria, 22, 23, 35, 36,72 Dansie, Walter, 191 discipline, 265 Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 135, Donner-Reed party, 1 154,163 drought, 129 Davis, Morgan J., 118,141 Duncan, Max, 215 Davis, Scottie, 213 Duncan, Patsy, 201 Daw, Helen, 221 Dunn Loren C, 228 Dawson, Shirley, 201 Dunn, Paul H., 198, 200, 226-227 deacons, 100 Dunn, Richard Dale, 302 Dearden, Alva, 187-188 Durrant, AO-, 45 Dearden, Cecil, 188 Durrant, Annie Geary, 62 Dearden, William, 63 Durrant, Dale, 152 death, sermons, 179, 262 Durrant, Don, 152 debt, 90 Durrant, George, 218 Del Monte Company, 276 Durrant, Hazel F., 301 depression, 128 Durrant, Howard, 293 Dern, George H., 129 Durrant, James, 68 Derrick, Royden C, 219 Durrant, Jay, 211 Deseret Industries, 131 Durrant, Joseph, 62,63, 78,106, Devils Gate, 3,4, 63,129, 242, 112, 292 249, 251 Durrant, LH., 61, 63,64 Devil's Slide, 64,96,120 Durrant, Lorenzo H., 112 Dickson, Abel J, 109 Durrant, Margaret Cottam, 62 Dickson, Albert D., 16, 101, 223, Durrant, Nettie, 150, 303 294 Dyer, AlvinR, 184 Dickson, Annie S., 112, 142, 303 Eardry, Cy, 20 Dickson, Avilda, 79 Earl, Rodney, 215 Dickson, Bert Stoddard, 108, 254, early settlements of Morgan, 280 map, x Dickson, Bertha, 301 East Canyon Creek, Utah, 4 Dickson, Diane, 199 East Porterville Ward, 16,61, 62, Dickson, Elbern, 109, 254 195, 305-306. See also: Dickson, F. Paul, 163, 299 Porterville Ward Dickson, Forde, 103,108,110, Eastman, Roy K., 159 154, 184, 195, 295 ecclesiastical organization, 9-11, Dickson, Jared, 109 15,195-196, 215, 231-235 Echo Canyon, Utah, 5 Florence, Samuel Stephen, 55, Echo, Utah, 120 292 economy, 51, 52,90, 106, 128 Florence, William, 63, 64 Eddington, Henry C, 47 Follett, Dan, 198 Eddington, Mary Ann Fry, 81, 223, food perservation, 106,107 243,247 Footejane, 135,195 Eddington, Sarah L, 301, 303 Fourth of Jury celebration, 75 Eddington, William R, 5,6, 7,15, Fort Logan, Colorado, 109 302 Fox, Jesse W., 3 Edmonds Anti-Polygamy Act, 27, Francis, 163 244 Francis, Alonzo, 46, 72, 95,107, Eighteenth amendment, U.S. 118,287 Constitution, 101,132-134 Francis, Arthur W., 108, 118 elders quorum, 104,105,140 Francis, Carl, 141 Eldridge, Vicki, vii Francis, Charles Turner, 152,174, Ellingford, Alfred, 75 302 emigrants, 25, 26 Francis, Esther Charlotte Emily Endowment House, Salt Lake Weisbrodt, 44, 48, 58, 69,71, City, Utah, 26, 27, 29 72,223-224 Ensign Monument, 134 Francis, Evadna, 170, 222 Enterprise, Utah, 3,10,120,121 Francis, Fannie Giles Turner, 70, Enterprise Ward, 16, 19, 195, 73 305-306 Francis, George N., 223 entertainment, 53, 58,73-75 Francis, Gilbert, 123,258 epidemics, 71,108,109,110 Francis, Howard, 152,174,183, Eskelson, Alene, 301 287 Europe, 106,107. See also: saints Francis, Ivy, iv, 158, 173 in Europe Francis, Joseph Enoch, 68, 70, Evans, Peter E., 184, 270, 302 72-73 Evans, Richard L, 135, 184 Francis, Joseph H., vii, 222 extraction program, 174, 217-220 Francis, Lovinia, 44, 72, 303 family histories, 112 Francis, Malin, 158-159 family home evening, 101-104, Francis, May Stuart, 73 111,140,186,214 Francis Peak, Utah 224 farm land, 50, 51 Francis, Roy E., Hi iv, 51,121, Farr, Lorin, 8, 9, 57 147,158,167,173, 183,186, Fast Day, 56 207, 257, 260 fast offerings, 100 Francis, Rulon, 141, 142 Faust, James, E., 228 Francis, Samuel, 16,17,18, 20, fire, 44-45,196 28, 36, 37, 39, 44,45, 47-49, 52, First Council of Seventy, 215 54, 56-59, 65-66,68-69, 71-74, flag, U.S., 58 80-81, 87-88, 223, 297 floods, 3-4, 129, 177, 221 Francis, Samuel Jr., iv, 56, 72 Florence, George, 63 Francis, Sarah Jane Ursenbach, iv, Florence, Henry, 63, 112 301 Francis, Sharlene, 173 Geary, Elizabeth, 172, 301 Francis, Vesta, 189 Geary, Mrs., 72 Francis, Walter D, 132 genealogical society, 217-218 Francis, Walter E., 302 genealogy, 104, 217-218 Francis, William Weisbrodt, 69, General Authorities, in politics, 88, 89, 98, 100, 117-118, 141, 59,60 297 General Conference ofthe "From Plowboy to Prophet' by Church ofjesus Christ of Latter- William A Martin, 110 Day Saints, 32-33, 59, 92 Fry, Ada, 75-76 George Rowley Handcart Fry, Agnes, 244 Company, 112 Fry, Alfred George, 244-245 German language, 220 Fry, Ann Rawle, 53, 66, 69, 80-81, Gibby, Alma, 76-77 241-243, 247, 301 Gibby, Dorcas, 76 Fry, Camille, 163 Gibby, Ellen, 76 Fry, Charles Lerville, 244 Gibby, George, 76-77 Fry, David James, 244 Gibby, John 76-77 Fry, Emmaline, 164 Gibbs, John Henry, 30-32 Fiy, Henry B„ 244-245, 247 gift of healing, 90 Fry Hollow, 48 Giles, Albert, 68 Fry, John Rawle, 244 Giles, Allison, 156 Fry, Mary Ridges, 241 Giles, Harry, 152 Fry Mercantile, 51, 52 Giles, Kirby, 190 Fry, Richard, 5, 9, 10, 16-19, 21, Giles, John D., 134 Giles, Norine, 221 32, 35, 39,44-46, 48-51, 53-55, Giles, R.H., Mrs., 155 61-62, 65, 67-69, 71,75,80-81, Giles, Robert Henry, 282, 302 87, 195, 223, 237, 241-247 Giles, Thomas Henry, 159 Fry, Richard Rawle, 51, 68, 81, Giles, William, 44, 65, 118, 282 112,135,159,244 Giles, Woodrow, 152, 174, 282, Fry, Richard, T, 51,75,76 Fry, Susan Lerville, 244, 247 302 Fry, Thomas William, 244 Goddard, George, 53 Fry, William, 241 Gold, David, 272 Fry, William John, 244 Goodfellow, John Smith, 64 Fudge, George H., 217-218 Goodrich, Eliza A, 25 Fuller, Frank, 3 Gordor, Lola, 221 fur farming, 258 Gordor, Nettie, 221 Fyans, Thomas, 218 Gorder, Pauline, 201 Gale, Vem, 197 Goulding, James, 190 games of chance, 170 Grant, Heber J., 17, 28-29, 33, 45, Geary, Calvin, Sister 170 87,88,90,109,117-118, Geary, Charles Calvin, 117,119, 124-125, 127, 130, 133-134, 123, 126,147, 150, 163, 257, 153,175,251-252,254 287, 302 Grant, Jedediah Morgan, ix, 2-4 grasshoppers, 2,5 grievances, 38, 45-47 Heiner, Chester, 184, 299 Grissel, Dean, 197 Heiner, Dan, 222-223 gristmill. See: Richville gristmill; Heiner, Daniel, 24, 25, 33, 34, 52, Taggart and Hinmins Mill 59, 74,87-88, 88-89,91-92, Groo, Isaac, 5 94,96-100, 104-114, 118, 141, Grover, Thomas, 4,112 186, 216, 237, 249-252, 254, Gust, Don, 271 256-258, 297 Haggen, John, 265 Heiner, Daniel Hamner, 24, 250, Hakes, Brother, 92 258 Hall, John K„ 16, 19-20, 52-53, Heiner, Daniel, home of 226 61, 223, 281, 301 Heiner, Daniel Nephi, 250 Hamula, Joseph, 220 Heiner, Dise, 250 Hancock, Levi, 17, 39n Heiner, Elsie May, 256, 303 Hanks, Marion D., 184-185, 189, Heiner, Elsie Clawson, 164, 256, 192,194, 270-271 258 Hannum, Arnold, 188 Heiner, Estella, 250 Hannum, Craig, 155,159 Heiner family,4 9 Hannum, Olga, 221 Heiner, Fannie, 251 Hannum, Olin, Mrs., 155 Heiner, Florene B., 201, 303 Hansen, Jens, 12 Heiner, Garland, 258 Hansen, Leo, 197 Heiner, George, 112 Harbertson, Robert B., 219 Heiner, George Sylvester, 105, Harding, Emma, 25, 301 117, 118, 119, 121, 126, 131, Harding, Thomas, 69 137, 140, 147, 150, 152, 156, Hardscrabble Canyon, Utah, 4-6 160, 162-163, 164, 167-168, Hardy, Grant, 189 170, 173, 186, 194, 237, 251, Hardy, Rufus K_, 139 256^258, 260, 262, 297, 302 Harris, James R., 198 Heiner, Heber J., 250 Harris, Leo N., 274 Hart, Charles H., 88,135 Heiner, Henry, 251 Harvey, Orson, 215 Heiner, Horace, 132, 285 Haskell, Gale, 201 Heiner, Jack, 258 Hassell, Tony, 270 Heiner, John, 250 Hastings, Lansford W., 1 Heiner, John, 251, 257-258 Haun's Mill massacre, 31-32, 223, Heiner, John L, 171, 209, 286 Heiner, Joseph, 121 238-239 Heiner, Leone, 194 Haven,Jesse,35,37,223 Heiner, Lorraine, 214 Hayes, James Eugene, 209, 294 Heiner, Martha A Stephens, Heiner, Adelgunda, 251 250-251 Heiner, Adelgunda Detzel, 249 Heiner, Martha Sophia, 250 Heiner, Amy, 153, 301 Heiner, Martin, 47, 55, 69, 70, 223, Heiner, Anthony, Sr., 68, 112, 249 249, 297 Heiner, Brenton Wells, 250 Heiner, Moroni, 250 Heiner, Cash, 250 Heiner, Mary Elizabeth, 250 Heiner, Charles, 250 Heiner, Rebecca, 250 Heiner, Roswell Martin, 250 Hunter, Edward, 8,11 Heiner, Roy, 121 Hunter, Milton, R., 167,174, 184 Heiner, Sade Dean, 258 Hyde, Orson, 29 Heiner, Sarah Coulam, 250 Ideal Cement company, 97,129, Heiner, Sarah Jane Coulam, 69, 188,194,197 250-251, 256 Improvement Era, 90 Heiner, Sid, 210, 214 Independence, Jackson County, Heiner, Spencer, 250 Missouri, 47 Heiner, Susannah, 303 Indians, 75-76 Heiner, Sylvester M., 256, 258 industry, 51, 55, 90 Heiner, Wealtha Porter, 74 influenza, 108-110 Hemming, William, 297 Irwin, Janine, 213 Henefer chapel, 189 Irwin, John C, 149-196, 299 Henefer, Utah, 10,120,189 Isaacson, Thorpe B., 167,171,192 Hennifer, William, 10 Ivins.AnthonyW., 88,134 Herrick, Ron, 284 Ivins, Antoine R, 164, 167, 184 Hess, John W., 8 J. Williams and Sons, 51-52 Hickenlooper, William H., 5 Jacobsen, Florence, 200 Hill, George R, Jr., 200 Jenkins, Clifton Wayne, 197, 291 Hill, Susan, 213 Jensen, Alvin, 190 Hinckley, Gordon B., 184, Jensen, Cyrus, 97, 280 Jensen, Emma, 157 207-208, 265, 268, 271 Jensen, Eva H., 301 Hiriman, Henry L, 4 Jensen, EvaV, 301 High council. See: Morgan Stake Jensen, Fernando Cuello, 154, High Council Hill, George R, 200 167, 168, 183,189, 197, 260, Hinman, Morgan L, 4 265, 287, 299 Hogg, Brother, 80 Jensen, Ray, 160 Hogg, George, 68 Jensen, Sonja, 202 Hogg, Robert, 61, 297 Jenson, Andrew, 112, 136, 247 Hogg, Robert, Jr., 47 Jenson, Ireta, 221 Hoover, Herbert, 128 Jeppsonjerrod, 215 Hopkin, Brother, 74 Jerusalem, 11 Hopkin, Debra, 201 Jesus Christ, 11,29,118 Hopkin, Eliza F., 301 Johanson, Cindy, 202 Hopkin, Frank Beman, 279 Johnson, Burdett, 303 Hopkin, John, 16, 20, 68, 223, 279 Johnson, Carl, 190 Hopkin, Samuel F„ 110,196-197, Johnson, Ilene, 173 281, 302 Johnson, John C, 152, 207, 288 Hopkin, Shelly Poll, 213 JohnsonJohnJ., 152, 173-174 Hopkin, Steve, 213 Johnson, LaPreal, 190 Hosner, Dr., 265 Johnson, Thomas, S., 9 hospital, 6-7 Jones, Ella, 221 Hoytsville, Utah, 120 Jones, Eugene C, 192,197, Hulet, JohnS., 123, 290 207-208, 210, 211, 284, 291

31: Jones, Patti, 226 Larson, Metta Eulalia (Lily), 264 Jubilee celebration, 20,74 Larson, Raymond David, 264 Judd, Darrell, 191, 196, 198, 270, Larson, Raymond Keith, 264 302 Larson, Raymond Parley, 167, Judd, Leila, 301 176, 183, 184-190, 193-194, Kamas, Utah, 120 196-198, 200, 202-203, 207, Kartchner, John, 272 214, 237, 260, 262, 264- 266, Kemmerer, Wyoming, 79-80 270, 297 Kennedy, Sharlene, 213 Larson, Vaughn William, 264 Kershaw, George, 105 layton, Christopher, 8 Kilburn, O.S., 185 LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Kimbal, Donald J., 192 by Andrewjenson, 112 Kimball, Heber C, 8, 27,101 Leatham, Arthur, 159 Kimball, Heber C, mills, 4 Lee, George P., 213, 219, 228 Kimball, J. Golden, 56, 59, 88, 98, Lee, Harold B., 131-132,154,164, 135,137,139, 253 167,178-180, 184, 203, 224, Kimball, Spencer W., 100, 160, 227,260-262 164, 167, 169, 184, 187, 198, LeeJ.C.Mr. and Mrs., 156 214, 220-222, Lee, Jay, 156 224-225, 261, 271 Lewis, Elmer, 162, 293 King, Carole C, vii Lewis, Marjorie, 160 King, Dwight L, vii Liberty bonds, 108 Kingston, Elizabeth, 164 Little, Cal, 23 Kingston, Frederick, 223 Little, Doreen, 213 Kippen, Charles R., 162,171, 293 Little, Ernest Jedediah, 267 Kippenjack, 188 Utile F„ 163 Kirk, Farrel, 215 Little, Faye Donna Mecham, 226, Kirk, Ruth, 201 232, 267 Kirkham, Ida M., 135 Little, Jeffry Keith, 267 Kirkham, Oscar A, 164,183 Little, Jesse Carter, 2, 6, 12n, 74, Kirtland, Ohio, 29 152-153 Knight, George, 279 Little, Keith Rawle, 98,170,196, Kohler, Frederick S., 24, 48 207-216, 219, 222-224, Korea, 177 226-228, 231-232, 234-235, La Scala Opera House, Milan, 237, 2(57-268, 272, 278, 287 Italy, 224 Utile, Lydia Rawle, 267 Lagoon,78,150 Utile, Margaret, 177, 213, 299 Lake, Eunice, 221 Utile, Melody, 226 Lamanite youth conference, 213, Utile Soldier, chief of the Ute 228 Indians, 2 LarMar Riley, 159 Uttle, Susan 267-268 Lamb, Deverl, 150 Uttle, Whitey, 188 lamb, Royal, 270 Uttlefield, Bemice, 264 Larson, Ann Giles, 200, 264, 266 Uttleton, Utah, 3,10,12n, 21 Larson, Leah Ann, 264 LofgrenJohnC, 234 Logan Temple, 198 Mecham, Alice, 221 Logan, Utah, 32 Mecham, Betty, 175,195 London, Rick, 198 Mecham, Bishop 38 London, (Ted) Theodore Charles, Mecham, Clara, 221 213, 280 Mecham, Earl, 188 Longdenjohn 183-184 Mecham, Eldon, 160 Lost Creek Branch, 10 Mecham, Everett, 123 Lucky, Ronald, 159 Mecham, Harvey, 185 Lund, AG, 57 Mecham, Harvey Rex, Jr., 185 Lund, Anthon H„ 77, 87-88, 91, Mecham, J. Lyman Jr., 282 Mecham, Joseph Lyman, 44, 282 94,99 Mecham, Leland, 190 Lundquist, Blaine, 197, 291 Mecham, Loel, 234, 283 Lyman, Amasa Mason, 60 Mecham, Lyman, 67-68,129 Lyman, Francis M., 17, 29, 33, 46, Mecham, Mary, 185 47,53,56,59-61,88,100 Mecham, Reta, 221 Lyman, Richard R, 88, 98,135 Mecham, Verl, 210 Lyon, Sterling, 211 medical practice, 24,72-73 McCain, Alonzo Earl, 215 meeting schedule, stake, 101-102 McClean, Apache, 213 Merrill, Jimmie, 207, 234 McConkie, Bruce, 184, 185, 194, Merrill, Joseph F„ 135, 156, 164, 200, 225 McDonald, Mrs., 270 167, 172, 260-261 McKay, David O., 88, 90, 94, 95, Merrill, Philemon C, 5 102, 107, 135, 176, 178, 192, Mexico, 31 198-199, 217, 267-268, 271 MIA Morgan Stake, 22, 105, 110, McKay Dee Hospital, 192 119,177,213 McKay, James Gunn, 135 Middleton, Charles F., 56 McKay, Thomas, 151,164, Mikesell, Abbot E., 211, 223, 286, 167-168 303 McKinnon, Mrs., 270 Mikesell, Clifton, 293 McMillan, Cindy, 202 Mikesell, Richards J., 159 McMurrin, Joseph W., 88 Mikesell, Willard, 63 Madsen, Catherine, 227 Miles, Robert, 270 Magnusson, Rolf, 218 Miller, Orin P., 88-89, 97 Malan, Ben H„ 302 Milton First Ward, 211, 213, 232, Manhardt, True Love, 243 235,305, 306 Manifesto, 34, 37 Milton Second Ward, 211, 232, Martin, James Andrew, 63 235, 305, 306 Martin, Jim, 63 Milton, Utah, 3, 6,10, 21 Martineau, Era, 211 Milton Ward 16, 20, 44, 102, Maxwell, Neal A, 271 104-105, 118, 120, 122, 124, Maw, Herbert, 168 140, 167, 188, 195, 197, 199, Mead, Florence, 217 211,305,306 Mecham, Ada, 221, 195, 197, 199, Milton Ward chapel, 125, 126, 211, 301 190,208,212,272

316 Milton Ward Relief Society, 221 174-175, 184-187, 216, 235 missionaries, 11,12, 30-31, 35, Morgan Stake High Council, 36,38,60,68-69,70-71, 45-47 137-140, 150, 154, 170, 172, Morgan Stake office building, 175, 190, 197-198 97-98 mob violence, 31-32,70 Morgan Stake Presidency, 45 Monday Town Hollow, Utah, 4 Morgan Stake Primary, 154 money 51-52 Morgan Stake Tabernacle, 27, 28, Monson, Thomas S., 198, 220, 271 fire,44-45,93-94, 124,126 Morgan, Al, 270 Morgan Stake tithing storehouse, Morgan Brass Band, 6,48 66 Morgan City Council, 19, 35 Morgan, Steve, 270 Morgan City, Utah 3,4,7,—See Morgan Third Ward, 216, 235, also: Morgan, Utah 305-306 Morgan County Commissioners, Morgan, Toni, 226 169 Morgan, Utah, 4, 55, 75 Morgan County Pioneer Memorial Moigan Utah North Stake, building 193-194 231-235 Morgan County, Utah, 3,108 Morgan Utah Stake, 215, 222 Morgan, Curtis, 270 Morgan Valley, Utah 1, 3, 9 Morgan Elementary School, 170 Morgan Ward, 10, 95,104, 118, Morgan First Ward, 216, 235, 120,124, 126-128, 140, 163, 305-306 167,195-197,199, 305-306 Morgan First and Second Ward Mormit League, 120 chapel, 208 Mormon Battalion, 31 Morgan Fourth Ward, 216, 235, Morris, Conway, 105 305-306 Morris, George Q., 184 Morgan High School, 264 Morris, Joseph, 10 Morgan High School basketball Morrisite movement, 10 team, 227 Mortenson, Denise, 202 Morgan Opera House, 95, 96, 107 Mountain Green chapel, 125 Morgan, Pam, 213 Mountain Green—Peterson Morgan School District, 264, 274 Chapel, 208, 235, 272. See also: Morgan Second Ward, 196, 235, Peterson chapel 305-306 Mountain Green, Utah 3, 5, 9, 10 Morgan Seminary Building, Mountain Green Ward, 102, 124,—See also: seminary 104-105, 118, 122-123, 125, Morgan Stake, 10, 15-17,43, 50, 197, 207, 232, 234-235, 78, 92, 118, 127, 195, 208-209, 305-306 231, 235-236 movies, 120, 188 Morgan Stake Academy, 36, 37 Moyle, Henry D„ 163,167,184, Morgan Stake Center, 208-211, 195, 271 219, 232 murder, 30, 36 Morgan Stake Conference, 7, 8, music, 55, 56,110,171 12,18,35,46-47,52-53,55,59, Musser, A Milton, 5 65,77,87-89,91,107,117, naming of wards, stakes, 96, 215 135-136, 147,169-172, 317 National Guard, 148 Nauvoo Legion, 148 Oliver, Mr., 270 Nauvoo Temple, 239 Olsen, Judy, 199 Negroes, 225 Olsen, Kathy, 213 Nelson, Andy, 140 Olsen, Farrell, 215 Nelson, Helen, 221 Olson, Chester, 158-159 Nelson, Henry Burton, 157-159 Olson, Riley Uonel, 215 Nelson, Homer, 152 oratorio, 37 Nelson, Kenneth, 157 ordinations, 215-216 Nelson, Mable, 36 Oregon, 32 Nelson, May, 157 Osgood, C.F., 48,72-73 Nelson, Nellie, 157 Pace, Dean, 215 Nelson, Norris A, 157,159 Packer, Boyd K„ 218, 271, 274 Nelson, Reed, 271 Palmer, Garth, 207 Nelson, Russell M., 271 Palmerjames, 152,183,187-188, Nelson, Shirley, 189 211 Nelson, Vema, 221 Palmer, Thomas, 112 Nelson, Victor, 199 Park City, Utah, 120 Nelson, Wademar T., 35, 38 Parker, Wyman, 5, 16, 223, 285 Nelson, Walter, 156 Parkinson, Peter, 38 Neville, James, 64 Parkinson, William B., 285 Newbold, Carma, 173,195 Parmley, Lavern Watts, 200 Newbold, Chris, 198 Parrish, Ezra B, 289 Newbold, Morris A, 184 Parrish, Joseph Alonzo, 117, Nibley, Preston, 186 Nichols, DeLore, 118, 123, 135, 122-123,141,284,290,297 Passey, William, 79 302 Pate, Jane, 214 Nielsen, F.G., 12 patriarchal blessing, 69-70, 161 Nielson, Floyd T., 190 patriarchs, 47, 88, 95, 117, 141, NobelJ.B., 1 214,266,268,297 North Morgan Chapel 95, 169, pea canning company, 90,194, 211 276 North Morgan, Utah, 3,10 Pearl Harbor, 148 North Morgan Ward, 16, 94, 95, Pendleton, James S., 272, 291 97, 102, 104-105, 118, 122, 124, Pendleton, Otto, 197 140, 171, 189, Pendleton, Virginia, 201, 226 195,199, 305-306 Penrod, Max, 264 Norwood, Richard, 195, 242-243, Penrose, Charles W., 17,88, 246 94-95, 108 occupations, 50-51 Pentz, Charles, 63, 281 Ogden Brass Band, 8 Pentz, Charles J., 121 Oakley, Utah, 120 Perry, L Tom, 211,228 Oaks, DallinH, 271 Petersen, Roger K., vii Official Declaration—2, 225 Peterson, Barbara, 199 Ogden Temple, 193, 216 Peterson, Burke, 228 Ogden, Utah, 222 Peterson, Charles Sreeve, rx, 2, Poll, Verl, 191-192, 207, 269, 271, 5-6, 9, 10, 12, 16, 223, 289 290,302 • Peterson, DeOrr, 210 population, 50-51,78-79 Peterson First Ward, 232, 235 Porter, Alma, 12,62,297 Peterson, Ida, 201 Porter, Andria, 303 Peterson, Jerry, 235, 272 Porter, Anna, 213, 303 Peterson, Mark E., 160, 164, 167, Porter, Clarence Elmer, 293 170, 175, 183-184, 196-197, Porter, Dale, 177 200, 261, 271 Porter, Elizabeth, 64 Peterson, Matilda, 172, 193 Porter, G, 163 Peterson, N.J., Mrs., 112 Porter, Golden, 188 Peterson, Robert, 226 Porter, Hyrum K., 6l, 292 Porter, Joseph M., 223 Peterson, Robyn, 213 Porter, Joseph R., 16, 61, 291 Peterson Second Ward, 232, 235 Porter, Julia, 201 Peterson, Utah, 2, 3,178 Porter, LO,68 Peterson Ward, 10, 21,79, Porter, Lawrence, 72 104-105, 118, 120-125, 140, Porter, Lyman W., 61, 297 150-151, 167, 175,189, 191, Porter, Marlow R., 61 192, 195, 197, 199, 208, 235, Porter, S.W., 32 305-306. See also Weber Ward Porter, Warren, 108 Peterson Ward chapel, 125-126, Porter, William, 1 191 Porterville chapel, 62, 63-65,94, Phelps, Kay D.v 301 Phillips, Carl, 140 171, 171 Phillips, Hyrum, 61, 63-64, 68, Porterville, Utah 3, 10,72 112 Porterville Ward, 61-62,78, 102, Phillips, Thomas, 112 104-105,118,124,140,162, Philmont Scout Ranch, 200 171, 173, 199, 209, 216, 235, Pingree-Anderson Milling 305-306 Company, 194 Porterville Ward chapel, new, 208, Pioneer Monument, 74 210 pioneers, 74, 91, 112, 135 Pratt, Orson, 91 plural marriage, 20, 33-34, 37, prayer, 34, 37, 71-72, 90, 107, 244, 250 126,129, 225, 233 Political Manifesto, 59-60 prayer circle, 45, 97, 98, 216 politics, 56-57, 59 prayer dedicatory, Morgan Stake Poll, Beverly, 269 and Ward House, 127-128 Poll, Donna, 269 Preece, Dee, 272 Poll, Judy, 271 Preece, George D., 283 Poll, June Warner, 269, 271 Preece, Larrine, 221 Poll, Richard, 222 presiding bishop, 11 Poll, Robert Warner, 214, Price, Charles Wayne, 196, 288 234-235, 269-272, 284, 302 PriceJoleneR.,301 Poll, Shelly, 202 Priesthood, power, 3, 24, 271 Priesthood, the, 17-18, 59,60, Rees, Joseph, 97,152,168-169. 101, 104, 225 171, 285 priesthood meeting, 102, 111, Rees, Scott, 289 134, 136, 148 Reese, ThelmaJ., 301 Primary Children's Hospital, Relief Society, Morgan Stake, 21, 175-176 25, 106, 107, 110, 150, 155, Primary, Morgan Stake, 25, 26, 175 160-161,172,176,214,221 prison camp, 159 religious education, 198 prohibition, 101, 132, 133 revelation, 225 Pursuit of Excellence, 214 Rexburg, Idaho, 221 quarantine, 6, 35, 72-73 Reynolds, George, 88 Quorum of Seventy, Thirty-Fifth, Rhodes, George F., 190, 283 28, 29, 45 Rich, Arthur, 125, 294 race, foot, 60 Rich, Brent, 199 Railroad, "Dummy Line", 50 Rich, Clair Scott, 260 railroad gangs, Mormon, 5 Rich, Clarence D, 131,147, 152, railroad, 53, 78, 277 167-170,172-179,183, Railroad, Union Pacific, 5,48, 54, 186-187, 237, 257, 259-263, 194 265 Randall, Amy Peterson, 117, 254 Rich, Clarence E„ 259, 302 Randall, C, 163 Rich, David Alan, 260 Randall, Frankie Phelps, 253 Rich, Dr., 72 Randall, Harley P., 302 Rich, Emma Elizabeth Hemming, Randall, Homer F., 190 71,112 Randall, Mattie Whitear 253-254 Rich, Eva Rose, 168-170,176, Randall, Melvin Harley, 253 178-179, 260-262 Randall, Melvin Howard, 117, Rich, Father, 55 118,119,121-123,125-126, Rich, Frank B„ 167,170, 188-189, 128, 132, 137-138, 140, 142, 208, 287 147, 186,237, 253-255,257, Rich, Henrietta, 63 259, 302 Rich, Ivan, 172 Randall, Oriin H., 68 Rich,JamesR.,68 rationing, 150 Rich, James Thomas, 71 Rawle, James Richard, 53, 55, 141, Rich, Jenna, 194 268, 297 Rich, John H„ 223, 297 Rawl, Mae, 270 Rich, Lucy, 25-26 Rawle, Richard R, 76, 223, 241, Rich, Lydia Ponds, 21,172,301 297 Rich, Lynne, 260 Rawle, Sarah A., 22, 303 Rich, Mae Dickson, 132, 172, 259, reading course, 110 301 recreation, 150 Rich, R.H., 141 recreational park, 210 Rich, Richard, 161, 287 recreational hall, stake, 187-189 Rich, Robert, 215 Redden, John, Mr. and Mrs., 159 Rich, Thomas, 64,223 Redden, William Andrews, 280 Rich, William Henry, 45, 53-54, Robison, Delbert, 184 59, 67-68, 80-81,87-88, 91, Robison, Flora Mary Fry, 244-245 103, 113, 117 Robison, John Jr., 284 Rich, William R„ 294 Robison, Rachel, 53 Richards, Alma P., 36 Rock, Henry, 27 Richards, Clyde R., 302 Rock, Thomas Russell, 95,167, Richards, Evan A, 47, 297 290, 297 Richards, Franklin D, rx, 8,15-18, Rock, Virgie, 168 27-29, 32-33, 35, 38, 52-54, 59, Rogers, Catherine, 163 80, 222, 232 Rogers, David, 227 Richards, George F., 88, 101,133, Rogers, F., 163 135-137 Rogers, Thayne, 161 Richards, Jane, 21 Rollins, Lee, 150,184,197 Richards, John, 36 Romney, George, 58 Richards, LaMont, 186 Romney, Marion G., l6l, 164, Richards, LeGrand, 151,156,167, 184, 220 174, 184,186, 199, 231, Rose, Betty, 214 232-235,261,271,274 Rose, Dorothy, 173 Richards, Levi W., 52 Rose, G., 163 Richards, Martha, 36 Rose, John Henry, 297 Richards, S.W., 5 Rose, Otis P., 196, 222, 288 Richards, Stephen L, 135-136, Rose, Parley Otis, 118,125, 295 138, 167, 170 Rose, Stanley B., 132,162, 294 Richardson, EA, 53 Round Valley, Utah, 3,10 Richins, Hazel Whitear, 100 Russell, Andy, 213 Richville chapel, 124 Russell, Cindy, 213 Richville gristmill, 4, 5 Russell, Joan, 213 Richville, Utah, 3-4,10,109 Russell, Julie Petersen, vii Richville Ward, 16, 67, 102, Sabbath day, 119 sacrament, 54-55,101,135,140 104-105, 188, 120, 124, 125, sacrament meeting, 91,102 140, 151, 162, 167, Sagers, Jessie E., 301 188-189, 195-196, 199, St. George East stake, 218 305-306 St. George Stake, 218 Rtgdon Sidney, 29 St. George, Utah, 15 roadshows, 177,189,199 saints in Europe, 106,161,168, Robbins, Joseph B., 79, 289 Robbins, Mary Nelson, 158 170 Roberts, B.H., 15, 18, 57, 60, 88 Salt lake Tabernacle, 58,73 Robinson, David, 223 Salt lake Temple, 12, 38, 43-45, Robinson, George M., 122 65,217, 225 Robinson, John, 12 Salt Lake Theatre, 58 Robinson, Lawrence, 16 Saltair, 78 Robinson, Nettie, 162,170, 301 Savage, Jack, 272, 284 Robinson, Ray, 159 Saxton, Debbie, 202 Robinson, Rachael, 25 Saxton, David, 202 Robison, Brigham, 63 scarlet fever, 72 Smith, Alma, 223, 238-239 school, 36,38 Smith, Amanda, 22-23 school of medicine, 24 Smith, Amanda Barnes, 238 School ofthe Prophets, 29 Smith, Benjamin, Mrs., 112 Scotland, 60 Smith, Carlos G„ 200 Scott, Rulon, 184 Smith, Conrad, 27,121 scouting, 105-106, 174,199-200, Smith, Cordelia Thurston, 23-24, 214, 224, 270 239-240 second anointing, 49 Smith, David A, 89,135 seminary, 123-124 Smith, Deseretta, 23 seminary building, 191, 272 Smith, Eldred G„ 184, 186, 211, servicemen, 107-109,148-152, 228 153-159, 177, 267 Smith, Frank, 125, 152, 173, 302 Sesqurcentennial Celebration, Smith, George, 197 225-226 Smith, George A, 5, 8-9, 90,101 seventies, 28-29, 215 Smith, George Albert, 88,107, Shaw, Brad, 202 129,133-136,147,162,164, Shaw, Jeff, 198 168, 176 Shaw, William Victor, 118 Smith, Gordon, 215 Sheets, Elijah R, 10 Smith, Henry, 261 Sherwood, Darlene, 188 Smith, Hulda Cordelia Thurston, Sherwood, Robert, 174 22-24 Shingle Creek camp, 201 Smith, Hyrum, 91, 228, 239 Shorty Ross orchestra, 188 Smith, Hyrum G., 88, 124, 135 Shill, George, 10 Smith, Hyrum M., 88 Shupe, Betty, 201 Smith, Jesse Evans, 186 Sill, Sterling W, 191,228 Smith, John Henry, 17, 33, 45, Silver Beaver award, 214 silver dollar paperweight, 175 54-55, 57, 59, 65, 88,99 Sim, Alexander, 79 Smith, Joseph F.f 12, 17-18, 20, Simmons, Brother, 71 28-29,31,47,50,59,87-88, Simmons, George, 46, 246 90-91, 94-95, Simmons' Hall, 46 97,99,103,109,154,211 Simmons, John J., 79 Smith, Joseph Fielding, 88,121, Simmons, Sister, 26 124,125,134-136,164,167, Simmons, William, 46 184, 186, 193, 203, 260, 26l Simmons, William G., 79 Smith, Joseph Jr., 26, 28-29, 127, Simpson, Robert L, 184, 200 223, 239 Slide Ward, 96-97, 102, 104-105, Smith, Kent, 160 Smith, Lewis, 124 118,124,140,189,195-197, Smith, Mary Fielding, 90 305-306 Smith, Nicholas G., 164 smallpox, 6-7, 71,89 Smith, Robert D„ 159 Smart, Lorin, 272 Smith, Sarah, 23 Smedley, Dale, 197 Smith, Sardis, 223, 238 Smethhurst, John, 63 Smith, Stewart, 202 Smith, Warren, 238 Stewart, J. W., 68 Smith, Willard G„ 6, 10, 12, 15, Stewart, James, Jr., 47 76-19,22,26-27,29-35, Stoddard Branch, 113n, 121-122, 37-39, 44, 46, 53, 58, 223, 197,305-306 237-240,247 Stoddard, Utah, 3, 95,120-121 Smith William, 106,112,195 Stranquist, Dr., 269 Smoot, Reed, 80, 87-89,132,135, Stuart, Charles, 123 137 Stuart, James Rutherford, 52-53, Snow, ElizaR, 21, 25-26 60, 61,74 Snow, Erastus, 29, 91 Stuart, Paul, 271 Snow, Lorenzo, ix, 11,15-17, 29, sugar beet farming, 276 38, 45, 50, 54, 59, 65, 79, 81, Summit County, 10 87-88, 90, 91, 222-223, 232, Summit Stake, Utah, 54,120,140 253 Sunday School children, 44 solemn assembly, 220-221, 271 Sunday School, Morgan Stake, 20, Sommers, Anna, 303 52-53,106, 176 SommersJohnT., 196 sustaining vote for First Sommers, Ken, 258, 271 Presidency ofthe Church, Sonne, Alma, 135,184 91-92 South Morgan, Utah, 3,10 swimming, 95 South Morgan Ward, 16,61, swimming pool, 211 94-95, 97, 102, 105, 152, 189, Tabernacle Choir, 47-48 195, 233, 301 Taggart, Albert, 273 South Weber, 10 Taggart and Hinmin's mill, 4, 8 Southern States mission, 69-71, Taggart, Blaine, 273 253 Taggart, Blaine Albert, 273 Spackman, Gale Robert, 159 Taggart, Bonnie, 273 Spendlove, Clifford, 158, 167, 282 Taggart, Brycejay, 273 Spendlove, Delia, 221 Taggart, Cordon Jay, 273 Spendlove, Hazel, 221 Taggart, Diana, 273 Spendlove, Joseph F., 117, Taggart, George A, 287, 302 Taggart, George H., 79-80 121-122, 281, 282 Taggart, George W., 4, 56,68, 223 Spendlove, Laura, 221 Taggart, James H., 301-302 sports, 173 Taggart, James Royal, 273-274 Spry, William, 36 Taggart, Jan, 273 stake auxiliary presidents, 301 Taggart, Jay Bryant, 233-235, 237, stake building program, 208 stake mission presidents, 295 273-275, 278 Stapley, Delbert L, 184 Taggart, Jesse, 54 state fair, 106 Taggart, John, 97 Stephens, Calvin R., vii, 212, 216, Taggart, Mark Carver, 273 234, 272, 283, 299 Taggart, Myrtle Stratford, 273 Stevens, Golden Glen, 280 Taggart, Nadine Carver, 273-274 Stevens, Roswell, 2,74 t, Nancy, 273 Stevenson, Edward, 11, 54-55 t, Scott Jay, 273 Taggart's Camp, 196-197 Thurston, George W, 3 Talmage, James E., 88,97-98 Thurston, Glen, 189, 214, 224 Tanner, Joseph Marion, 53 Thurston, May, 221 Tanner, N. Eldon, 200, 203, 218, Thurston, Thomas Jefferson, ix, 221 7-3,8, 10, 222-223, 239, Tanner, Nathan C, 231-233, 235, 246-247 271 Thurston, Thomas Jefferson, Taylor, Annie, 221 home of, 3, 8-9, 22 Taylor, John, 5,8,17, 22, 28-30, Tilby, Francis, 215 33, 34, 92 Tippetts, Ethel, 135 Taylor, John H, 135,154, 261 tithing, 65-68, 99-100,129 Taylor, John W., 87-88 tithing office, Morgan Stake, 98 Taylor, Ted, 202 tithing receipt, 66 Teasdale, George, 17, 29, 54, 59, tithing storehouse, Morgan Stake, 61-63,87-88,99 99 telegraph, 54 tobacco, 101,111 telephone, 20-21, 194 Tollestrup, Albert N., 36-37 Tempest, Henry D., 170 Tolman, O., 191 temple marriage, 100 Tonks, Adele, 278 temple recommend, 32, 50, Tonks, Becky, 278 140-141,221 Tonks, Cecil, 276 temple work, 49-50,104, 217 Tonks, Charles, 21 temples, 217, 223 Tonks, Eric, 278 Terry, J. L, 162, 168 Tonks, Glade, 278 testimony, 270-272 Tonks, Harriett Ellen Fenner, 276 Teton Dam, Idaho, 221 Tonks, Ulltsjeppesen, 277-278 Thackery, George Robert, 66, 71, Tonks, Lorin C, 223, 233, 235, 79, 188, 279 237, 276-278, 288 Thackery, Horace, 51 Tonks, Marie, 214 Thackery, Margaret, 51-52,172, Tonks, Martha, 21 301 Tonks, Susan Fry, 243 Thackery, Mark, 171, 214, 279, Tonks, Val, 278 297 Tooler.John, 173 Thackery, Roy, 172, 175 Toomer, Fred, 68 Thackery, Tom, 197 Toone, Claudius, 126, 279 Thatcher, Alda, 189 Toone, George, 68 Thatcher, Moses, 17, 29, 59-61, Toone, J. Melvin, 110, 279 101 Toone, Keith, 170 Thatcher, Ray, Mr. and Mrs., 173, Toone, Russell, 151 Toone, William H., 112, 279 189,194 Tooner, Mary Jane, 303 Thompson, Earl, 188 traveling bishop, 10 Thompson, Jill, 213 trial, court, 33 Thurman, Samuel, 57 Tribe, David, 289 Thurston, Barbara, 3 Truman, Harry S., 174 Thurston, Dale, 3 Tucker, Catherine, 175, 301 Walch, C. Lloyd, 213 Tucker, James, 69,71, 112, 242 Walch, Ula, 213 Tucker, launa, 199 Waldron, Ada, 152, 172-174,189, Tucker, Lyle, 278, 288 210 Turner, Anna Bosch, 70 Waldron, Joseph, 68 Turner, Annie, 112 Waldron, Leon, 202 Turner, Charles, 12,16,19, 49-50, Waldron, Levi, Mrs., 125 54-55, 58-59, 6l, 66-68, 70-71, Waldron, Maryette, 172, 297 74,80, 84a, 94-95, 223, 246, Waldron, Newell, 152 286, 297 Walker, James, 10 Turner, Charles George, 70 Walker, Lola, 201 Turner, Clara, 201, 303 Walker, Robert W., 207, 211, 235 Turner, Don, 196, 222 Wallace, A P., 188 Turner, Elizabeth, 50 Wangsgard, Lew A, 274 Turner, Frank, 139, 299 war casualties, 151,155-159 Turner, George, 50 war ration stamps, 150 Tuttle, Theodore, 197, 227 ward boundaries, 95-96,196-197, Twenty-first Amendment, U.S. 216 Constitution, 133 ward teaching, 102-104 Union Pacific Railroad. See: Warner, Dorothy, 125 Railroad, Union Pacific Warner, Margaret, 125 Union Portland Cement Plant. Warner, Ralph, 269, 271 See: Ideal Cement Company Warner, Paul, 269-271 University of Utah, 201 water, 3 Ursenbach, Octave, 56 Watts, Blaine, 200 Utah Constitutional Convention, Weaver, William, 254, 272, 302 56-57 Weber Canyon, 2, 5,7, 54,177 Utah, government, 59 Weber Canyon toll road, 4 Utah Historical Society, 226 Weber City, Utah, 2,10. See also: Utah legislature, 101 Peterson Utah State Penitentiary, 68, Weber, John, 1 245-246 Weber River, Utah, 1-3 Utah State University, 198 Weber settlement, 9 Utah, statehood, 34, 56-58 Weber Stake, 9 Utah Territorial Legislature, 3 Weber State College, 198 Ute Indians, 2 Weber Valley Lower Ward, 9 Vandenberg, John H., 184 Weber Valley Utah. See: Morgan Van Tassell, Raymond J., 283, 291 Valley, Utah Vest, Edwin T., 302 Weber Ward, 16. See also; Wadmon, John, 210 Peterson Ward Wadsworth, Norris, Mr. & Mrs., Webster, Doran, 215 159 Webster, Francis P., 288 Wadsworth, Theresse, 159 Weitzel, Gloria, 213 Wadsworth, Thomas Shore, 48 Weitzel, Lisa, 213 WaireJohnA, 284, 289 Weitzel, Sherry, 213 Welch, Albert, 172,184,302 Whittier, Herbert J, 174, 184, Welch, Ambrose, 27 187-188, 282 Welch, Charles, A, 79,302 Whittier, Lynn, 213 Welch, Dan, 27 wickedness, 220 Welch, Emily Fry, 81, 244 Widdison, Max B., 302 Welch, Harriet, 25,301 Widtsoe.John A, 135,162,164, Welch, Helen, 212 261 Welch, Mary L, 25, 79, 303 Wilde, David C, 280 Welch, R. H., 109 Wilde, Marcus Reed Jr., 280 Welch, T. R. G, 4-5, 21, 67, 84n, Wilkinson, Dorothy Warner, 253 223, 247 Wilkinson, Harry, 253 Welfare Plan, 130-132, 168-169, Wilkinson, Mark, 270 173, 175 Wilkinson, Rex 272, 302 Wells, Daniel H., 17, 22,236 Wilkinson, Shirley, 301 Wells, Emmeline B„ 21, 25 Williams, Darrell, 191 Wells, Heber M, 59 Williams, Faye, 168 Wellsjohn, 12,126,135 Williams, Joshua, 4 Wells, Rulon, S., 88-89, 94, 102, Wilson, Dale C, 207, 294 Wilson, Larry, 208-210, 214, 226, 135,139 West Porterville Ward, 16, 19, 228, 235, 278 61-62,195,305-306. See also: Wilson, Woodrow, 106 Porterville Ward Winchester, Ward, 270 West, Thomas Charles, 73 Winters, Hyrum, 196 Whetstone, Henry, 245 Winder, John R, 91,99 WhitakerJohnM, 52 Winslow, Brother, 7 White, Charles, 105 Wirthlin, Joseph L, 135,137,164, White, Emma, 53 184,186,255 White, Flaurie E., 301 Wiscombe, June, 177, 262, 303 White, Samuel Max, 151,159 Wiscombe, Raymond, 167, 177, White, William Morgan, 75 262, 295 Whitear, Albert v., 100, 290 Woodard, Jabez, 11 Whitear, Annie Maria Hall, 34 Woodruff, Abraham O, 79,88 Whitear Anhur, 100 Woodruff, Wilford, 8 27,29, Whitear, Bevan, vii 37-38,43,47, 56,59-61,73-74, Whitear, Don, 100, 160, 178, 192 91, 223 Whitear, Eli, 16,20,34,68,223, woman suffrage, 57 282 Word ofWisdom, 30,100-101, Whitear, Ellen Hall, 34 134,220,270 Whitear, Laraine S., vii World War I, 106-108 Whitear, Veva, 214 World War II, 142,148,158-159 Whitney, Orson F, 17, 57,88, 91, Wright, Alben, 185 97, 135 Wright, Maria, 202 Whittier, Dick, 202 Wyoming, 79 Whittier, Dot, 163 Yearling Award, 201 Whittier, Gerald, 196

326 Young, Brigham, 1-5,7-11, 15, 17,75,91,101, 134,223,243 Young, Brigham, Jr., 29, 59, 87-88 Young, Clifford, 152,163-164, 167,173,184 Young, George Cannon, 134 Young, Joseph, 31 Young, Levi Edgar, 88,167,173 Young, S. Dilworth, 135,167,184, 215,224 Young, Seymour B., 18, 88,101, 107 Young, Zina, 21,25 youth activities, 162,177, 200-202, 212-214 youth conference, 213-214 YWMIA, 200-201 Zaugg, Elwood, 302 Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Institute, 5, 51-52, 69

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