Today In Mormon History

140 years ago today - Jul 8, 1886 • Thursday

[George Q. Cannon]

Thursday, July 8/86 We are having exceedingly hot weather. Listened to and answered correspondence.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

140 years ago today - Jul 8, 1886 (Thursday)

David M. Stuart was discharged from the Penitentiary, but was immediately re-arrested on a new charge for u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife] and placed under $1,500 bonds.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

140 years ago today - Jul 8, 1886 (Thursday)

Bishop James W. Loveless, of Provo, was arrested on a Utah Central Ry. train, charged with u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife]

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

140 years ago today - Jul 8, 1886

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]

8 I spent the day reading. It was vary hot. Lucerne Mowed.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

140 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 8, 1886

[Apostle John Henry Smith]

Parowan

Bro. J. R. Murdock took me and Bro. Waddell in his wagon to Buck Horn Springs. We had a pleasant visit but about two miles from the spring the hind wheel of the wagon broke down and it turned over. Bro. Murdock got under but was not hurt and Bro. Wadell and I got out all safe. Bro. Murdock got on the Horse and went to the Springs and met Bro. Miller from Parowan who came and got us and took us to Parowan, Bro. Murdock going back home.

The Presidency, High Council and Bishops met and organized and Incorporated a Company to hold Church property.

[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff]

8 I am some better to day. Walk about. I received my Daily Papers & some Letters.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891

[President Wilford Woodruff]

8 I am some better to day. Walk about. I received my Daily Papers & some Letters.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891

[Heber J. Grant]

We have spent the time at our meeting this morning and this afternoon in listening to what brother Franklin D. Richards had prepared for the history of the Apostles. He and brother A. H. Cannon read to us something over a hundred pages. Bro. Richards has finished the record of the Apostles from the organization of the Church to about the year 1841.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891 • Wednesday

[George Q. Cannon]

Wednesday, July 8th, 1891

I called upon President Woodruff this morning and found him somewhat better.

President Smith and myself met with Le Grand Young and F. S. Richards and we communicated to them the information that Judge Estee was here and was interested in our case, and desired, if agreeable, to have an interview with them. We told them concerning the Judge’s past advocacy and defense of our cause, and how warm and zealous a friend he had been to us, and an appointment was made to meet him at Brother Richard’s office at 2 o’clock today. At that time President Smith and myself went to that place. We spent two hours and a half in conversation. The Judge drew out from Brothers Young and Richards their views concerning the line of evidence that they intended to present to the master in chancery. The conversation was principally upon this point, with a view to getting up an outline of a plan of campaign for the recovery of this property, and also to get correct information before the country through the evidence that would be presented concerning our true position. The question arose as to whether it would be well for the Judge to appear openly in this case. There was some discussion upon this point; but after listening to what was said, I felt very clear, and so told them, that it was my judgment that he should not appear openly, for reasons all of which I did not care to explain, but they were in part personal to the Judge himself and his political prospects, and partly on our own account. The interview, I think, was very satisfactory, and the attorneys were both impressed by the Judge’s clearness in setting forth his points and his skill and knowledge as a lawyer. He has written works which are standard in the legal fraternity.

President L. Snow and the brethren of the Twelve who met yesterday met again today, with the exception of Brother Thatcher, who had gone East.

I had an interview today with Mr. Mortimer A. Downing, of the Agricultural Department of Washington, who is out in this country securing data concerning the best methods of irrigation.

The regular meeting of the bank was held at 1 o’clock.

I called at President Woodruff’s, reported the condition of business, and found him improved.

In the evening I drove to my place over Jordan and took my wife Sarah Jane with me. Brother Wilcken accompanied us.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891 (Wednesday)

The Republicans of Salt Lake County held a convention in Salt Lake City and placed the first Republican ticket for county officers in Salt Lake County in the field, after the division of the People's Party on party lines.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891 (Wednesday)

Orlando F. Herron was discharged from the Penitentiary.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891

There were present all as yesterday except Bro[ther] [Moses] Thatcher who is gone east & J[ohn] H[enry] Smith this morning ... Pres[iden]t [Lorenzo] Snow said it was impracticable for the Presidency to meet with us today but hoped that Pres[iden]t W[ilford] W[oodruff] would be able to meet us tomorrow'said his health was improving.

[Franklin D. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891

[Franklin D. Richards]

[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

135 years ago today - Wednesday, Jul 8, 1891

[Apostle John Henry Smith]

Salt Lake City

I returned to the City and attended the Republican Convention. We had a nice day.

In the convention today, L. G. Hardy, Miller and Ashton and Kimball were nominated for County Offices.

135 years ago today - Jul 8, 1891

[Apostle Franklin D. Richards]

There were present all as yesterday except Bro[ther] Thatcher who is gone east & JR Smith this morning ... Pres[iden]t Snow said it was impracticable for the Presidency to meet with us today but hoped that Pres[iden]t WW would be able to meet us tomorrow--said his health was improving.

[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

[Marriner Wood Merrill]

I again attended Quorum Meeting at 10 am and at Recess at Noon went in Company with John W Taylor to see Bro[ther] Abraham Cannon at His Home. Found Him very Ill indeed, He could not speak above a low whisper and very weak. He has three Beautiful Homes close together all well furnished.

[Marriner Wood Merrill Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

[Marriner Wood Merrill]

[Marriner Wood Merrill Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

At 10 am attended a meeting of the Apostles in the Temple. Prest Lorenzo Snow offered the opening prayer, and he very earnestly supplicated the Lord in behalf of Apostle Moses Thatcher. John Henry Smith said that he did not look on him the same as a man who had become addicted to the use of liquor to the extent that he was not responsible for his actions. Bro Moses had been addicted to the use of morphine. He related a dream he had which he had had in relation to Bro Thatcher, which had given him the impression that Bro Moses would not have any great influence in leading the Saints from the path of duty should he fail to harmonize with hie brethren, and we be under the necessity of taking action against him. Expressed the very best of feelings and perfect fellowship for the Presidency and the members of the quorum of the Apostles. Felt the more active we were in mingling among the people the better it would be for us.

Heber J. Grant. I related a number of incidents regarding the labors of Bro Thatcher, and his failure to mingle among the people, and magnify his office as an Apostle since I became a member of the quorum, and stated that while I continued to hope and pray that he would yet place himself in harmony with his quorum, that I was unable to have much faith that he would do so. John W. Taylor said that he felt after considering the matter, and the acts of Bro Moses Thatcher for many years past, that he, Bro Taylor, had been wasting altogether too much sympathy over Bro Thatcher's case. Felt well towards his brethren. Told that he had been down between meetings and visited Bro Abraham H. Cannon, who was very sick, and in his opinion was very low condition. He felt well while administering to Bro Abraham.

[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896 • Wednesday

[George Q. Cannon]

Wednesday, July 8, 1896

I attended a meeting of the Wonder Mining Company this morning at 11 o’clock.

Brothers Heber J. Grant and F. S. Richards came to the First Presidency to know concerning the best steps to take in relation to the Parsons Ranch. President Woodruff has given his note for $20,000 to Wells, Fargo & Co., secured by the stock of this ranch; but Brother Richards, upon investigation, now finds that there is danger of this stock becoming valueless, and the question before us this morning was, what shall be done to save this? We can save it by taking up an option that we have, which will necessitate the payment of $35,000, though Brother Richards thinks he can get this reduced to $30,000. $15,000 of this will not be required to be paid for several months, and $15,000 will be paid to the State for lands covering a period of several years. Brothers Grant and Richards were both of the opinion that we should take this option up. President Jos. F. Smith was rather opposed to it; still he could see no way by which the $20,000 could be saved. Brother Richards was instructed to see Mr. Parsons and find out the best terms that he would be willing to have us take the option on, and Brother Grant was to see Brother Frank Armstrong, who stands with himself as the nominal purchasers.

Brother Evan Stephens came to talk about the choir going to Denver, and we had considerable conversation on the subject. We assured him that the Church could do nothing towards helping the choir on this trip. He thought that by each member of the choir paying $5, added to some funds that he had, he might be able to take the choir to Denver, if the Denver people would furnish $1000 and keep the choir while at Denver, and transportation could be obtained to Denver and return at $10 per head. I proposed to see the Union Pacific people and learn from them whether they could meet this.

Brother John James came this morning to the office to talk about holding a celebration on the 24th at Saltair. The Presidency of the Stake were sent for, and the matter was taken into consideration. A committee of fifteen was appointed to get up a programme, most of those appointed being sons or grandsons of pioneers.

[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896; Wednesday

I again attended Quorum Meeting at 10 am and at Recess at Noon went in Company with John W Taylor to see Bro[ther] Abraham Cannon at His Home. found Him very Ill indeed, He could not speake above a low whisper and very weak. He has three Beautiful Homes close together all well furnished.

[Marriner Wood Merrill, Diary]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

Elder Brigham Young [Jr.] of the Twelve had an interview with the First Presidency in reference to the case of Brother Geo[rge]. W. Thatcher, one of the High Council of the Cache [Utah] Stake.

He stated that Brother George W. had explained that he had given a promise to stand by his brother Moses [Thatcher] in his political course, but that he had expressed to Moses his opinion that he was taking the wrong course, whereupon Moses had called him a coward, and gave him such a tongue-lashing as he had never experienced before. He desired to have time as to the disposition of his, George W's case. This was assented to by the First Presidency.

Elders Heber J. Grant and F[ranklin]. S. Richards explained to the First Presidency the condition of the Parson's Ranch business. $20,000 in notes had been endorsed by the Trustee in Trust, with capital stock in the Company as security. Payment of his was doubtful, and the security was rendered less valuable because of the power of the Company to contract indebtedness. The Brethren advised the Presidency that with $35,000 further a clear title could be obtained to the property. Brothers Grant and Richards were instructed to see Brother Francis Armstrong and get him to organize a syndicate to secure the property, which with $5,000 of personal property would be very cheap at $50,000.

Brother Evan Stephens, leader of the Tabernacle Choir, called upon the First Presidency, in reference to taking a chorus of 150 voices to the Denver [Colorado] Eisteddfod. The Denver people promised $1,000 towards expenses. Brother Stephens was instructed to see the railroad people in regard to rates, and no objection was offered by the Presidency.

The Presidency of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion met with the First Presidency, by request, to take into consideration the celebration of the anniversary of the arrival of the Pioneers into Utah. A committee of 13 was decided upon with Heber J. Grant as chairman, to arrange for a program, with the understanding that all the Pioneers who were living should be invited to attend and expenses paid at Saltair on the 24th. ...

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896; Wednesday

At 10 am attended a meeting of the Apostles in the Temple. Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow offered the opening prayer, and he very earnestly supplicated the Lord in behalf of Apostle Moses Thatcher. John Henry Smith said that he did not look on him the same as a man who had become addicted to the use of liquor to the extent that he was not responsible for his actions. Bro[ther] Moses had been addicted to the use of morphine. He related a dream he had which he had had in relation to Bro[ther] Thatcher, which had given him the impression that Bro[ther] Moses would not have any great influence in leading the Saints from the path of duty should he fail to harmonize with his brethren, and we be under the necessity of taking action against him. Expressed the very best of feelings and perfect fellowship for the Presidency and the members of the quorum of the Apostles. Felt the more active we were in mingling among the people the better it would be for us.

Heber J. Grant[:] I related a number of incidents regarding the labors of Bro[ther] Thatcher, and his failure to mingle among the people, and magnify his office as an Apostle since I became a member of the quorum, and stated that while I continued to hope and pray that he would yet place himself in harmony with his quorum, that I was unable to have much faith that he would do so. John W Taylor said that ... considering the matter, and the acts of Bro[ther] Moses Thatcher for many years past, that he, Bro[ther] Taylor, had been wasting altogether too much sympathy over Bro[ther] Thatcher's case. Felt well towards his brethren. Told that he had been down between meetings and visited Bro[ther] Abraham H. Cannon, who was very sick, and in his opinion was very low condition. He felt well while administering to Bro[ther] Abraham.

[Heber J. Grant, Diary]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896; Wednesday

Elder Brigham Young [Jr.] of the Twelve had an interview with the First Presidency in reference to the case of Brother Geo[rge]. W. Thatcher, one of the High Council of the Cache [Utah] Stake.

Brother Evan Stephens, leader of the Tabernacle Choir, called upon the First Presidency, in refernce to taking a chorus of 150 voices to the Denver [Colorado] Eisteddfod. The Denver people promised $1,000 towards expenses. Brother Stephens was instructed to see the railroad people in regard to rates, and no objection was offered by the Presidency.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

I again attended Quorum Meeting at 10 am and at Recess at Noon went in Company with John W Taylor to see Bro[ther] Abraham Cannon at His Home. found Him very Ill indeed, He could not speak above a low whisper and very weak. He has three Beautiful Homes close together all well furnished.

[Marriner Wood Merrill, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

The First Presidency, at their office today, considered the application of President Jesse N. Smith of Snowflake [Arizona] Stake, who had been nominated for the Arizona Legislature. He stated that in case of his election, his counselors could attend temporarily to the duties of the Stake Presidency. It was decided that there would be no objection to his candidacy. Elder Brigham Young [Jr.] of the Twelve had an interview with the First Presidency in reference to the case of Brother Geo[rge]. W. Thatcher, one of the High Council of the Cache [Utah] Stake. He stated that Brother George W. had explained that he had given a promise to stand by his brother Moses [Thatcher] in his political course, but that he had expressed to Moses his opinion that he was taking the wrong course, whereupon Moses had called him a coward, and gave him such a tonguelashing as he had never experienced before. He desired to have time as to the disposition of his, George W's case. This was assented to by the First Presidency. Elders Heber J. Grant and F[ranklin]. S. Richards explained to the First Presidency the condition of the Parson's Ranch business. $20,000 in notes had been endorsed by the Trustee in Trust, with capital stock in the Company as security. Payment of his was doubtful, and the security was rendered less valuable because of the power of the Company to contract indebtedness. The Brethren advised the Presidency that with $35,000 further a clear title could be obtained to the property. Brothers Grant and Richards were instructed to see Brother Francis Armstrong and get him to organize a syndicate to secure the property, which with $5,000 of personal property would be very cheap at $50,000. Brother Evan Stephens, leader of the Tabernacle Choir, called upon the First Presidency, in reference to taking a chorus of 150 voices to the Denver [Colorado] Eisteddfod. The Denver people

promised $1,000 towards expenses. Brother Stephens was instructed to see the railroad people in regard to rates, and no objection was offered by the Presidency. The Presidency of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion met with the First Presidency, by request, to take into consideration the celebration of the anniversary of the arrival of the Pioneers into Utah. A committee of 13 was decided upon with Heber J. Grant as chairman, to arrange for a program, with the understanding that all the Pioneers who were living should be invited to attend and expenses paid at Saltair on the 24th. ...

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]

Wednesday. Attended Quorum meeting at 10 a. m. in Salt Lake. At noon went in company with John W. Taylor to see Brother Abram Cannon at his home. Found him very ill indeed; he could not speak above a low whisper, and was very weak. He has three beautiful homes close together and all well furnished. Called on Miss Laura Hyde after meeting; also on Mr. McCormick on College business.

[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Jul 8, 1901; Monday

Elder Brigham Young Jr., reported that at a meeting held at Lewiston [Utah] it had been decided to establish the headquarters of the Benson Stake at that place.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

125 years ago today - Jul 8, 1901; Monday

Elder Brigham Young Jr., reported that at a meeting held at Lewiston [Utah] it had been decided to establish the headquarters of the Benson Stake at that place.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

125 years ago today - Jul 8, 1901

Attorney Franklin S. Richards asked President [Lorenzo] Snow for the privilege of going to the coast to recuperate as his health has not been good for some time. He is the attorney for the Church. The request was granted. Elder Brigham Young Jr., reported that at a meeting held at Lewiston [Utah] it had been decided to establish the headquarters of the Benson Stake at that place.

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

125 years ago today - Jul 8, 1901

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill]

Monday. Meadow Farm. I left at 5:45 for Logan to attend our Temple Board meeting at 10 a. m. and the members' meeting at 2 p. m.

[Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Monday, Jul 8, 1901

[Apostle John Henry Smith]

Manassa

During the afternoon we held the stockholders meeting and Reelected the old board of the Mexican Colonization and Agricultural Co. John Henry Smith, Anthony W. Ivins, A. F. McDonald, Albert R. Smith, L. P. Helm, L. M. Petersen and Thos A. Crowther. Some reports were read and accepted & filed.

The Directors were sworn and organized with President John Henry Smith, Vice President and Manager A. W. Ivins, Secretary and Treasurer, L. M. Peterson, Ass. Secretary Henry Eyring.

I put into the Treasurers hands $50.00. Three dollars each was paid to the Directors for last years service and five each to the secretary and Treasurer, expense going out $8.00.

120 years ago today - Jul 8, 1906 (Sunday)

Isaac H. Rogers was appointed presiding Elder at Papago, Maricopa Co, Arizona.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

120 years ago today - Jul 8, 1906 (Sunday)

Isaac H. Rogers was appointed presiding Elder at Papago, Maricopa Co, Arizona.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

110 years ago today - Jul 08, 1916

The Tongan Mission is organized.

110 years ago today - Jul 08, 1916

The Tongan Mission is organized.

105 years ago today - Jul 08, 1921

Spencer H. Osborn, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

105 years ago today - Jul 08, 1921

Spencer H. Osborn, later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

90 years ago today - Jul 8, 1936

The Presidency commented on the publicity given to Alexander Schreiner through the Deseret News and others and felt that some injustice had been done Frank Asper, who worked so diligently for ten months of the year, day and night as might be required. They requested that before any future arrangements are made for the employment of Alexander Schreiner during the summer of 1937, that the matter be brought to the attention of the Presidency.

[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

90 years ago today - Jul 8, 1936

[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

70 years ago today - Jul 08, 1956

Elder Henry D. Moyle organizes the first branch in Peru.

70 years ago today - Jul 08, 1956

Elder Henry D. Moyle organizes the first branch in Peru.

60 years ago today - July 8, 1966

Dear Clare:

On Tuesday, July 5, 1966, I had the privilege of meeting with President

David O. McKay and discussing the republishing of my book, Mormon

Doctrine. At your request, I give the following information:

President McKay discussed the entire matter with me, asked numerous

questions about the original publication, about the need for the book,

and about what had happened since its publication. We discussed the

fact that the book had been read with care by one of the Brethren, but

that no one had gone over the corrections I had made as a result of

this reading. President McKay indicated that the book should be

republished at this time, said that I should be responsible for what

was in it, that it would not be a church publication, and that Elder

Spencer W. Kimball, who has in the past been chairman of the Reading

Committee, should check the changes I have made in it as a result of

the prior reading. He asked me to meet with Brother Kimball and convey

this message. I did so and Brother Kimball graciously agreed to do

this as his time and circumstances permitted.

Please accept my sincere appreciation for your help and cooperation in

this matter.

Sincerely,

Bruce R. McConkie

BRM:vh"

[David O. Mckay Diary excerpts by Gregory A. Prince, Mormon Studies Library Collection, University of Virginia (https://mormonstudies.as.virginia.edu/david-o-mckay-diary-excerpts/. There are certainly errors in this reproduction, FYI.)]