Thomas Karren

THOMAS KARREN

By May Belle (Thurman) Davis  (granddaughter)

Thomas Karren was born on the Isle of Man, 1 May 1810; died in Lehi, Utah 4 Apr 1876. His parents were farmers, respected for their industry and integrity. They were possess of intense religious sentiments, and under their training, he partook of the same feeling and was ever found seeking a true religion. While a young man he left his native home, after serving two or three years in preparing himself for a baker in plain and fancy cooking, and went to Liverpool where he engaged himself to a man by the name of Bennion who had a very large business.

John Ratclife was engaged in the same business. In a short time he was taken sick with typhoid fever and died. His business was left in need of a competent and reliable person. Thomas Karren was recommended as such, and accepted the position. Anne Ratcliffe, 12 year old daughter of John Ratcliffe, had always been a great help in her father’s business and continued as manager after his death.

They worked together in the bakery and after a few years they had become greatly attached to each other and wished to marry. Her mother opposed it, as she had been reared a Catholic and Thomas belonged to the Church of England. However, the opposition increased their desire, and they were married by the consent of her grandmother who had partially cared for her, and who felt assured that Thomas Karren was a young man to be trusted. They started on life’s journey for themselves and were very successful, accumulating means rapidly, and soon had a comfortable home for their family.

As I said in the beginning, Thomas Karren was of a religious turn of mind, forever seeking after the true church. He was never satisfied until he found the Mormons (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and then he knew that the truth had come. After that, he never had a doubt, for it filled every desire of his heart, and his soul was made to rejoice. He continued to study the gospel and make himself more familiar with its principles.

The dearest wish of his life was that his wife should accept the Gospel, as he had done; but owing to her strict upbringing in Catholicism it was very difficult for her to do so. However, with the confidence she always had in her husband, she felt there must be some truth in it, and as a result went to hear the elders and became interested in their teaching, but not fully converted to them.

Thomas Karren was very desirous of leaving the old country to join the Prophet and Saints in Nauvoo. He was determined not to let a single thing stand between him and what he thought was his duty, and told his wife that he must go, regardless of all costs. By this, his wife knew that it would be useless to object. This was the greatest trial of her life – to know she would either have to give up her home, mother, sisters and brothers, and all that was dear to her and go to some new country that she knew nothing of, or part with her husband. As she was willing to trust herself in his care in her younger days, she felt she could trust him still.

As soon as it was convenient she purchased a large box with iron handles on the sides, and each day would carefully store away some article that she thought would be for their use and comfort, until at last, she had it full to over-flowing and was obliged to order another box. In that way she continued to work for many days unknown to her husband. When time arrived that he was ready, he said, “Ann I have purchased my ticket for Nauvoo.” She replied, “Thomas, purchase one for me (and the children) as well.” She then showed him the boxes that she had filled and made ready for their journey.

They sailed from Liverpool 6 February 1844, arriving in Nauvoo two months later. Their departure from their native land was marked by a most pathetic incident. The exact date for them to sail could not be determined (because of weather). Their effects had been in the ship for more than a week. Each day they would go down to the docks to see if the vessel was ready to start. Their youngest child, being a delicate one, suffered from exposure encountered in taking him to and from the docks, so as a result, he contracted a severe cold, which developed into (Pneumonia-diphtheria—the records differ). After an illness of twenty-four hours he died, and before arrangements could be made for his burial, word was received that the ship was ready to leave. They were thus compelled to leave their little one to be laid away by a sister who was very much opposed to their departure and who despised the name of a religion that would call for such sacrifice.

Both Thomas and Ann Karren had the privilege of seeing the Prophet Joseph Smith many times and shaking hands with him. Anne attended a meeting that he called especially for the mothers, from which she ever after received the greatest comfort and strength to her faith. She was baptized 3 Feb 1846, the same day they received their endownments in the Nauvoo temple, at midnight just prior to their departure from that beautiful city.

They were driven from Nauvoo with the rest of the Saints to Iowa, thence along the route of travel until they reached Council Bluffs, then called Kanesville. From there the Mormon Battalion received its call, and Thomas Karren was one of those who responded, solely from a sense of duty. Born and reared an English man he was not inspired by feelings of patriotism, as were many others. Only the strongest sense of duty and devotion to his religion could have induced him to leave his delicate wife and five small children under such distressing conditions. The shock, being so great to his wife, caused a premature birth. The baby lived 24 hours. The oldest boy, twelve years of age built a crude box of rough boards and buried the little one, (digging her grave with the only tool he had, his mothers large mixing spoon). It was in the rainy part of the season and their mother’s bed was in a wagon box, without a waterproof roof, so every morning she would be soaked through with water. The two oldest girls (aged 8 and 10) would lift her up and dip the water from under her, then lay her back. Such was her condition while her husband was making his march with the Battalion.

Thomas Karren enlisted in Company “E: and for several weeks continued the march in good health. But accustomed as he was to indoor life, the hardship was so great that he became too weak to walk. He grew so ill that it seemed he had only a short time to live, and as the hospital wagons were already over-burdened, the officers gave order to leave him behind on the trail. He lay there in the scorching sands, listening as the beat of the Battalion drum grew fainter and fainter, not knowing whether his death was to be by wild animals or savages, or come as the result of the fever which possessed him. But it was not the will of Providence that he should die at that time. After a few hours some emigrants passed his way. Seeing a man lying stretched upon the ground, with his tongue protruding, they approached to see if he was still alive. Finding that he was yet breathing, they lifted him into their wagon and gave him every care within their means. Upon arriving in Santa Fe, he again joined the Battalion, and although much improved in health, he was not able to undertake the march to California, but went with other disabled members of the Battalion to Pueblo (Colorado) for winter quarters.

The following July this group rejoined the first group of pioneers and entered Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young. He was among the number who received the order from President Young to erect a bowery (built where the temple now stands), and his spade turned the first soil on the Temple grounds.

After the departure of Thomas Karren with the Battalion, the Lord showed his kindness and mercy to his wife in many ways. She was restored to health and a way was opened for her to provide for her family. She had an offer from a kind man going west, that if she returned to Garden Grove she would have a one room house and a piece of ground, which he had left planted with potatoes. She accepted his offer which proved a great blessing to her, for she raised enough for the necessities of life. From her potatoes alone, she received several hundred dollars. She remained there until the return of her husband in the fall of 1847.

Thomas Karren, with other Battalion men, marching in the same manner as on their previous journey, with Allen Compton as the Captain, left Salt Lake City, 16 August 1847 to return to their families. The journey consumed a little over nine weeks. They reached Winter Quarters 21 October. (Thomas must have continued eastward on to Garden Grove.) Words cannot express the great joy of such a return home, as their parting thoughts were that perhaps they would never meet again.

Thomas’ clothes were made of buckskin, with fringe down the sides of his trousers and sleeves. His shoes were of buffalo hide. When he first entered the home his wife and children did not recognize him, and the small children became frightened. It did not take many moments until the apparent stranger who had returned home, proved to be the dearest one on earth. His wife, as in all other emergencies, was prepared for the occasion and presented him with a comfortable and up-to-date suit of clothes. He also found her in the one room house, with a granary near at hand, well filled with provisions and food for the winter.

A baking business was also set up. He joined with Anne, working together again. She made the cakes and pies, and he the bread and crackers, and when Saturday night came they would count their money and find her receipts equal to his. In this way they continued until they accumulated enough to secure them a good outfit in which they journeyed on to the Saints in Salt Lake Valley, arriving in the spring of 1850.

They stayed in Salt Lake only a short time. With four other families, consisting of Canute Peterson, David Clark, Henry Royal and Daniel Cox families, they journeyed southward and were among the first settlers of Lehi. They lived in their wagons for several months during which time crops were planted and arrangements made to build temporary homes.

In 1852 he received a call to be among the first missionaries sent to the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii). Again, his wife was called to sorrow, for she lay afflicted with mountain fever, as a great many people were at that time. President George A. Smith came to their home and gave her a blessing, promising that she would be healed upon her consent to allow her husband to fulfill the mission. The she willingly gave, and immediately received the blessing promised. Again she assumed the responsibilities of caring for herself and a family of seven children, with many hardships to endure, incident to the pioneer days.

Thomas Karren’s experiences on his mission in those early days were very hard. (see his mission journal link) They traveled without purse or script and the food on the islands was not agreeable to his appetite. He labored as counselor to President George Q. Cannon, with Redick Allred, Henry Bigler, Nathan Tanner and several other elders. He was absent from home three years, and during that time his testimony grew stronger and stronger in the realization that it was only by the help of the Lord that such a work could be accomplished.

Returning home, he found his family in more comfortable condition that when he left. Anne had re-established her bakery and with the proceeds had built a more permanent home, with wood floors and a shingled roof. All his family was well.

He spent the rest of his life in the City of Lehi, ever ready and willing to assist in all its developments. He always responded to the call when it came for teams, wagons and drivers to meet the emigrants. His sons were grown men by that time and were ever eager to assist their father in all that he was called to do. It required much expense to make ready for such trips with ox teams to be gone for several months. Both Thomas and Anne would prepare enough food for the round trip by making crackers and bread that would keep for several months.

Thomas, along with other early settlers had procured the choice farmland. He served as a trustee on the school board for many years, and was ever seeking to promote the school system. He was one to assist in erecting the first adobe school house in Lehi.

He was first counselor to Bishop David Evans for many years and continued to act in that capacity until the day of his death, 4 April 1876.

DIARY OF THOMAS KARREN

Written while on a mission to the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands

May 4, 1853

Thursday 5th, as it is general fast day among the saints being the first Thursday of the month, we appointed this for a fast day also. The first think in the morning I was called upon to administer to the sick. I think the doctors will be down on us by and by because the missionaries are called upon from all quarters to administer to the sick and God does acknowledge our administration.

There was a man who sent for us to come and see him. He is French and a strict Catholic. He is Council for the French. He was struck some 16 months ago with a paralytic stroke. I took Elder B.F. Johnson and Elder Tanner with me to see him. He told them that he was told by a great many people that great and notable miracles were performed by them. The natives told him that there are similar cases to his, healed by the Mormons. He also told them that he was a Catholic, bred and born and that it was hard for him to make any promises. They were very cautious to inform him that the power was not in them but as the Apostles of old they went forth in the name of Jesus and administered to the sick by the authority of the Holy Priesthood which God has again restored to the earth. They told him that if the Church of Rome was true and if the signs follow them that believe that was the place for him to go, but he acknowledged that they did not. They told him that the Church of Rome was under a broken covenant and that God did not own her as His Church and that he need not expect any blessings from under their hands and that it all depended upon his own faithfulness. He wept before them and wanted to know of our doctrine and wanted Book to read. He manifested a good spirit.

We met this morning at 10 o’clock to teach and instruct our newly organized Branch. Elder Tanner being the chief spokesman, he being the only one that understands the language. Indeed it is encouraging to see the spirit that is manifested among this people that are zealous to learn and understand the Truth.

Met in the afternoon a 2 o’clock. It was expected that they would have brought their children to have them blessed, but it appeared they had none to bring. Elder Tanner spoke on the ordinance of blessing children and showed that it was a blessing to have children. He told them that they must pray that they may have children. This people have been fast decreasing for number of years. They have been destroying their own offspring. And it is very few that bring forth children. If they continue to decrease as they have done for some time back, these islands will become depopulated. But the day of their visitation has come when they shall begin to turn back from whence they have come. I think when they have got below all things the Lord will remember His covenants with Abraham and pour out His spirit on this people. The prospect is very flattering at present.

After meeting I was called to administer to the sick. I baptized, on Friday the 6th. There were 14 baptized this day and confirmed into the church. I felt very low in spirits today, being very unwell. I spent the day chiefly in reading. I feel my mind inactive and am laboring under a very bad cold and my system out of order, which gives me an unpleasant feeling. Although I can’t do much preaching (because of the language) I am kept pretty busy running to administer to the sick and to help to confirm. As Elder Tanner is the only one among us that can speak the language, it comes hard on him as there is a great deal of teaching and nursing which has to be done in the native tongue.

On Saturday –7th., the first thing after breakfast, I was called upon to administer to the sick, a very old man. He said he was old and likewise blind and thought it was about time for him to die but he believed we were the servants of God and if we thought that he could live he was reconciled either way. In the afternoon I went to see the French EX. Council, and was rejoiced to see the spirit he manifested. He told us that he was greatly disappointed in us for we were very different from what he expected and he felt very anxious to investigate and to read our Book.

On Sunday the 8th., the first think in the morning, I had to administer to the sick. It puts me in mind of the days of the Savior when the people thought if they could only touch the hem of his garment they would be healed. This people have great faith in administering to the sick. The Lord will make manifest His power in their midst.

I attended a meeting at 10: O’clock. E. Kauwaki preached, one of the native elders. He read the revelation on plurality and showed them that they had read these things before in the Bible but did not understand it and no one could tell them anything about it. But now they keys had come and they could unlock these things and understand. At 2: o’clock in the afternoon we met again and had a good meeting. The greatest of attention was given and the best of order kept. After meeting there were twenty seven candidates for baptism. There were hundreds of spectators looking on. It excites and great curiosity among the people. Elder Johnson and myself attended to the baptizing after which I was called to administer to the sick. We felt all to rejoice together after a hard days work.

On Monday the 9th., I spent the forenoon in administering to the sick. In the afternoon we held a meeting to instruct the native officers.

On Tuesday the 10th., a very wet day. Before noon I administered to 10 sick persons, objects of great pity. I pray God to pour out his spirit upon them. I went, this morning to see the French Ex. Council. To see the state of his mind was indeed encouraging. He told us that he lay awake most all last night meditating upon our doctrine and the principles that we teach. He is fully satisfied that it is true and has concluded to be baptized on next Saturday with all his family.

On Wednesday the 11th., I felt very unwell. There were many calls from the sick but I did not feel fit to administer. There is scarsely [sic] one hour in the day but there are calls for some of us to visit the sick. The work seems to be increasing daily, with all the opposition that Satan can control.

On Thursday, 12th., we baptized 9. There was one man that did not walk for 6 or 7 months before. When first we administered to him, he was very low. His limbs all drawn up and he disturbed all the neighbors with his cries and groans. He told us that he would have been baptized when first he heard of us. He manifested great faith and as we administered to him his pains left him right off and in a few days he got up and today he has walked to the waters of baptism, about one half mile. He is filled with joy and gladness. It is astonishing, the faith of these people have. I pray that the spirit of God may be poured out on this people in mighty power. It is lamentable to behold the misery and wretchedness, the degredation [sic], sickness and disease into which this people have fallen. My bowels yearn over them and I pray God that he will hasten his work and have mercy on these the sons of Jacob; that they may speedily be brought to a knowledge of the truth and become a clean, a white, a delightsome people. There is a spirit among them that you will not find among the gentiles. They are kind and benevolent and have great faith in the ordinances of God not withstanding all their poverty.

On Friday the 13th., the first thing after breakfast, I was called upon to go and see the Ex. French Council. We found him in good spirits rejoicing in the truth of our doctrine. He sends for some of us every day to converse with him. He has been a man that at one time has carried his head pretty high. He says that the finger of scorn will be pointed at him, but he doesn’t care for that. There are not less than 20 cases a day that we are called upon to administer and the number keeps increasing daily. If I don’t preach a good deal, I still find a great deal of business to attend to. There is not much time for study.

On Saturday the 14th., Brother Wert (Ex. Council from France) came forth and obeyed the Gospel. This is the second foreigner that has been baptized since I have been here. I think there are but very few of the foreign population in this place that will be saved. As far as I can learn the greater part of them have had to run away from civilization and have made these islands their home or place of refuge to avoid the justice of the law. All they care for is to get gain and to carry on drunkenness and prostitution. They have been a curse and not a blessing to these poor natives.

On Sunday the 15th., I attended meeting in the forenoon at 10: o’clock. Brother Kauwaki and Brother Earta preached to a very respectful congregation of the native brethren. A good spirit prevailed. I did not go in the afternoon as Brother Tanner being not well, I stopped with him. He has been sick for several days through a severe cold. After meeting was over, I went with them to baptize. There were 14 candidates that came forth to obey the Gospel. There were hundreds of spectators to witness the scene. There was good order kept among all except on Rev. Gentleman that stepped up. He enquired if someone would tell the natives for him that we were deceivers; he knew all about us; he had come through Salt Lake Valley. Before we could get across the stream to where he was, he had gone. He was an emigrant on his way to Australia.

(“on” and “the” will be omitted after this when giving the date)

Monday 16 and 17 was chiefly spent administering to the sick. It is heart rending to see the suffering of these people and the greatest part of it has been through the foreigners. I feel sometimes like as if all the strength in my body was gone through administering so much.

Wednesday 18, we appointed this day to fast and pray in behalf of the sick. We held a meeting at 10: A.M. Elder Farrer spoke to the people on different subjects relative to there being so much sickness in their midst and exorted [sic] them to faithfulness and to live virtuous before the Lord and keep His commandments. They seem to manifest a good spirit and great sincerity. In the afternoon we met again. Several of the brethren spoke and prayed. Brother Johnson and myself sang two hymns in English. I enjoy myself first rate to meet with the native brethren although I do not understand a great deal that they say.

Thursday 19: I met a man on the street. He shook hands with me and enquired how we are getting along. I told him that we are getting along very well. He said he was very glad to hear it. “I know,” said he “that you are persecuted people and I am glad to see you go ahead. I was in the state of Missouri when your people were driven from there and know some little about their sufferings.”

He asked me if I would lend him the Book of Mormon. He told me that he did not belong to any Christian Society. “I am an artist,” said he, “but I am not to [sic] prejudiced to read your Book. I told that he could have any book that I had in my possession. He said he had a book that he would like me to read if I would not destroy it. I told him that I believed in searching all things and proving all things and holding fast to that which is good. I told him that I was not prejudiced and would read his book. He loaned me the book and I loaned him the book of Mormon, The History of the persecution and P.P. Pratt’s Proclamation.

Friday 20: I wrote a letter to Brother Bigler; administered to 5 sick persons. There are not quite so many calls these last few days. I hope it may continue so. I feel that it effects [sic] my health very much.

Saturday 21: I wrote a few lines to Brother John Dixon in the Valley, likewise to Brother Redder A. Allred on Maui, and spent an hour or two with Brother Wert (French Ex. Consul) conversing about the Latter Day Work.

Sunday 22: At the close of our afternoon meeting, there were 17 come forth for baptism. There were many hundreds standing by to watch the ceremony. It makes quite a stir among these people. Some make a mock of it; others say there is something serious about it; and others say there is something strange that they cannot comprehend and wish to examine further into it. And like on the day of Penticost [sic] many believe our testimony and are baptized. The priests are filled with tears and dismay and know not what to do. And every effort they make to oppose the Work of God they only burn their own fingers. The calls for preaching are increasing daily; the sick are healed, and the poor and needy among men rejoice. The work of the Lord is rolling forth and none can hinder. This afternoon I was called to administer to four persons.

Monday 23: After breakfast I was called to administer to the sick and to visit with them. In the afternoon myself and Bro. Tanner had a short interview with General Miller, the British Consul. He is very friendly but has not a great deal to say about Mormonism.

Tuesday 24: I spent most of the day in the house studying my books. There was some sick called to be administered to. Bro. Lewis and Bro. Tanner baptized nine. The field opens larger and wider every day.

Wednesday 25: I spent the day in reading and studying my books.

Thursday 26: The first thing in the morning, I was called to administer to a man that had a sore leg. It was frightful to look on. It made my heart ache to behold such suffering; to see men and the flesh rot off their bones, which is the case with many of this people. Such objects of suffering, I never before beheld. When shall the day come when such scenes of wretchedness and woe shall cease? When, when shall the day come that sin shall have an end and peace and health and righteousness cover the Earth? O, Lord hasten on that day when such scenes shall be hid from our eyes. There were two that came forth for baptism, which was attended to.

Friday 27: Went and visited some sick and administered to them. The remainder of day, I spent in studying and reading.

Saturday 28: I was in the house most of the day reading and endeavoring to acquaint myself with the native language.

Sunday 29: The first thing after breakfast, I was called to administer to the sick. I then went to meeting. Bro. Kauwahi preached to a very attentive congregation. He is a native Elder, a member of the legislature, a man of considerable talent and good learning. There was a good spirit manifested in the meeting. There were 4 candidates came forth for baptism. Not quite as much excitement today as has been for several weeks back. I baptized four in this place, but there were 18 others baptized round the suburbs of the town which makes 22 of us together to hold an English meeting with the expectation that we might induce some foreigners to come in. We sang several hymns. I think there were two or three came in. We did not preach, closed our meeting by prayer and went home giving an appointment to try it again next Sunday.

Monday 30: Being impressed on my mind by some power or other, I am determined on leaving this island for a season and go to the island of Hawaii which is about 280 miles distant, accompanied by Bro. Tanner. I think there is a Providence in it and that we are dictated by the spirit of God. However the future will tell for we are in the hands of the Lord and have no other object in view but to preach the Gospel and do good to the children of men. This is our object. This is our mission, for which we have left all that is dear to us on earth and I pray God that no other spirit may have power to lead us but the spirit of our calling. Tomorrow the vessel will sail at 2 O’clock for Hawaii.

Tuesday 31: The vessel did not sail today as we expected. We have to wait till tomorrow. We spent the day chatting with the brethren and getting our things ready for to start. Bro. Dinnes gave us 14 dollars; may God reward him.

Wednesday June 1: At 2 O’clock in the afternoon, we left Honolulu for Hawaii. There were a great many of the native brethren and sisters came for to see us off. They manifested a great affection for us and were sorry to part with us. I saw some with tears running down their cheeks.

On Saturday morning about daylight, June 2, we got to the island of Maui. We had very disagreeable passage. I never was so sea sick in my life. At 7 o’clock, we went ashore and called to see Bro. Hammond to get some refreshment as we had eaten nothing. We felt very feeble. Sister Hammond got us breakfast and after a good wash we felt very much refreshed. She likewise provided for us a good dinner. She cooked chicken and made some chicken soup which was the best medicine we could have on such an occasion. We were then prepared for another start. We left that same afternoon, June 3.

At 5 O’clock, and on Monday morning, we arrived at the island of Hawaihae where we could get nothing to eat or to drink, and that sick and feeble at the same time, I could hardly walk. This part of the island is a poor, barren, miserable place. There are only a few miserable natives living chiefly on fish. My feelings were very sensitive on this occasion, I could not help but reflect on home. I thought I could get bread and water enough at any rate but here we could not get a drink of water. However through the course of this day I fell in with an Englishman from Cumberland who has resided on these islands for 16 years. I told him my business and preached to him some little on the first principles of the Gospel. About sundown he invited us to supper which was very thankfully received.

The schooner only stopped here to land some freight and we intended to take an overland trip to Hiloo, the place for which we started, but found it was further than we expected. Many streams to cross, we did not undertake it. We thought it best to go aboard the schooner again. We sailed from this place about midnight.

On the 7th., about the middle of the day we had a hard wind. On Wednesday 8th., we had a heavy gale of wind right ahead all the time. With a very heavy sea and our vessel being very small which made us very sick. On Thursday morning the 9th., it was no better, it continues to blow a heavy head wind. We have been now two days and two nights and have not made more than twenty miles. This morning we had to turn about and put back for some place of shelter and wait until we get a better wind. We run before the wind for about 3 hours and then came to a little bay where we cast anchor. We soon afterward put out the small boat and went ashore.

When I landed I could hardly walk up the beach, my limbs fairly trembled with weakness having not eaten anything since Monday night, now it is Thursday. Soon we were surrounded by a lot of natives—poor and miserable—to all appearance. We felt that nature was almost exhausted. I thought of home and wished I only had the buttermilk I have seen thrown in the swill tub. We could get nothing to eat or to drink except some poi that the natives eat. My stomach was so weak and sick that it would not admit of that food. However we found some chickens and bought two and went to work to cook them. This was very difficult for want of fire, but we got them cooked and had a good supper of boiled chickens after which we felt greatly refreshed.

In all this we have to acknowledge the providence and goodness of God toward us in bringing us to this place. We were not here long before we were informed that there was a native brother, a Mormon, living in this settlement. He was sent for. He came to see us and invited us to come down to his house. We went and stopped with him that night. Great many, through the course of the evening, came to hear us and to ask questions about our church. We have an interpreter with us, a native Elder. He is a very smart and intelligent native and can handle the scriptures well. We appointed a meeting for tomorrow morning the first thing.

Friday 10: Before we had got up they had commenced to gather. We soon opened our meeting by prayer and singing. Elder Kahumoku preached to a very attentive and well behaved congregation of natives. At the close of the meeting there were 25 candidates came forth for baptism which was attended to before breakfast. In the afternoon, we appointed another meeting to attend to confirming and instructing them on these principles. They all felt to rejoice in the gospel which we teach. There were 25 baptized and confirmed this day in the Church of Jesus Christ.

Saturday 11: We had another meeting this morning about 5 O’clock. Elder Kahumoku preached. After the meeting 2 came forth for baptism. Some of the natives say that God caused a strong head wind to blow us into this place to preach the gospel to them. When the Capt. Of the Schooner heard of us baptizing a good many, he said that was the reason he had to put into this place, because he had 3 Jonahs on board and they had to be landed here. Indeed I believe the hand of the Lord is in it—in causing us to have been driven to this place. This is the extreme north point of the island of Hawaii, the district of Kohala.

While traveling this morning through the settlements and neighborhood of this place, along the sea coast, I was reminded of the sayings of the Prophets: when God would send out fishers and then hunters to hunt out Israel out of the dens and caves of the earth and holes of the rocks. Indeed the sons of Jacob are to be found here in the holes of the rocks and the spirit of God is at work with them.

As we were returning back to our stopping place, we were saluted by a call at some distance—perhaps some 10 or 15 rods from us--. We were informed it was the chief calling us. We went up to his house and were invited in with all the friendship managable [sic]. He had heard some little about the Mormons before but could not tell what they were and wished for to hear them here. Said he had great joy in seeing us and hearing us talk. He invited us to eat but we had just been eating. However he brought us some milk which is the first treat of milk which I have had since I have left home. He manifested a good spirit and said he would come to hear us preach tomorrow. He also said for to come there and eat while we stopped in this place. We were very glad of the invitation as the native food is no that of the best quality.

Sunday 12: We held a meeting at 10 O’clock. The house was crowded to excess. A more sincere and attentive congregation I never saw. At the close o the meeting 4 came forth for baptism which was attended to. This Chief was there also as he promised and nothing would do but we must go right to his place and preach. We gave an appointment to preach at his place at 1 O’clock which we tended to forthwith. There was a good gathering and Elder Kauhumoku [sic] preached an hour and a half. They seem to rejoice very much with our doctrine and say it is like the Bible. At the close of the meeting we gave out an appointment for tomorrow morning for a meeting at 8 O’clock and would attend to baptizing those that were ready to obey the gospel. After meeting supper was prepared for us. It consisted of goat’s milk, molasses, fish, sweet potatoes, and poi which was a great treat to us notwithstanding the milk was strained through a stocking.

Monday 13: We met at the house of Mr. Nape, the Chief, according to appointment. When we got there he had a kid prepared for us for breakfast. Soon afterwards we commenced our meeting after which there were four came forth for baptism, which was attended to. The Chief was one of the number. We confirmed them by the water’s side and then retired to the house and spent the forenoon instructing them in the principles of the gospel. After dinner we left to attend another appointment where we baptized 8 which makes 12 we have baptized this day. This people are very kind and affectionate and believing, more so than any people I have ever seen according to the abilities they have. But they require a great deal of teaching.

Tuesday 14: This morning the Schooner left here. The whispering of the spirit to us was to tarry here for a while, how long I do not know. But I pray to my Father which is in heaven always that I may know the voice of his good spirit and walk according to its dictates. He that walks humble and prayerful before the Lord shall surmount every difficulty and the path of his duty will be made plain before him. I do feel to praise my God for every manifestation of His providence to me. I spent a good deal of this day in reading, in the afternoon we baptized 2. This evening I wrote a letter to Bro. Hammond on Maui.

Wednesday 15th.: I stopped in the house this forenoon, reading. I could not help but pour out my soul to God in behalf of this people. To see the kindness they manifest to us in bringing their fish and potatoes—the best they have got. This afternoon we met according to appointment to organize a branch. The meeting was opened with singing and prayer and then proceeded to business. We ordained 3 priests, 3 teachers, and 2 deacons. As they are somewhat scattered we proposed dividing the district into two branches. I never saw a people feel better in my life. They manifested much of the spirit of God. We all felt well. In the evening, some of the natives spent an hour or two with us teaching us to speak the native language.

Thursday 16: We remained in the house all day studying the language. The natives feel very anxious for us to learn. They take a great deal of pains to teach us. In the afternoon a number of the brethren met together and we held a meeting and much of the spirit of God was in our midst. I never saw people in my life express more joy and sincerity than this people do. Bro. Nape—he is a man of some note among the natives. He is a chief and is rich—as soon as he obeyed the Gospel, he received a letter from his Priest, the Rev., Mr. Bond of the Calvinist Order. The letter stated that he (Mr. Bond) was acquainted with the Mormons in America and said that we are a very bad people; we were thieves and robbers and everything else that was bad. Bro. Nape answered him back, “I won’t believe a word you say. I would not come back if you were to entreat me with tears running to the ground. I have been fed on your sour milk long enough. These men preach the same as the Bible teaches and I know it is true.” This is the import of the answer he sent the priest.

This people have great faith in the Bible. It is the only book they have been taught to read and there are some great scriptorians among them. And when the principles of the Gospel are preached to them in simplicity they receive them with all their hearts. Let the devil have his due, the missionaries have done some good. They have taught this people to read and write. There are some smart scholars among them, so far so good. At the close of meeting this afternoon there was one candidate for baptism, which was attended to.

Friday 17th., The first thing this morning, we were informed by a school teacher of the Rev. Bond’s that he (Mr. Bond) held a meeting yesterday; and expressed great fears of his members all leaving him and turning to the Mormons. He made proposals to them (his teachers) that those who now pay $30.00 per year should now pay him only $10.00 and all the rest in proportion to what they pay; that is reducing. And so it is with all the priests of this people. They fear us worse than they do the Almighty. They find that their craft is in danger. I must acknowledge they have some wit. They hold their peace. What they do is in secret. They dare not come out before the public. They are aware that they have sharp edged tools to handle and are afraid of cutting their fingers.

We received a letter from Elder Johnson this morning informing us of his receiving three letters from home. It made our hearts rejoice to hear of the work of the Lord advancing so in the valleys of the mountains and to hear of the foundation of the Temple being laid on the 6th., of April. Our feelings were—“Glory to God in the highest.” And my prayer is: O, Lord, make bare thy arm in the midst of the nations; save thy people, Israel; burst their bonds asunder and let the captives go free. May they be speedily brought to a knowledge of the Truth and know Thee, the only living and true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

It appears that the spirit of the world is to have a railroad—a railroad to the great Pacific. O, Lord, roll on thy work; cast up a highway before thy people that Israel may be gathered from the ends of the earth and that Zion in the midst may become mighty and terrible as an army with banners.

We spent this day studying the native language and reading, as we perused the “Emigration Guide”, a paper from Kainsville. I felt to rejoice to learn the spirit of the Times. It appears the great topic is to put a railroad through to the Pacific all goes to show the great work of the last days and to fulfill the sayings of the prophets respecting the gathering of Israel. We held a meeting this afternoon. Elder Kahumoku preached and Priest Paul. There was a good spirit in the meeting.

Saturday 18: After breakfast we went and spent the day with Bro. Nape, reading and expounding the scriptures.

Sunday 19: This morning, at 10:00 O’clock, we held a meeting at Bro. Nape’s. It is about twenty rods distance from Rev. Mr. Bond’s meeting house. Before our meeting was closed Bond’s congregation all came in and manifested a disposition as if they wanted to hear. Elder Kahumoku reopened the meeting and delivered a discourse on the first principles of the Gospel, which was very attentively listened to. There seems to be a moving of the waters. After meeting, we baptized one, there were a great many spectators. The people say that we teach like the Bible and believe what we say. But a great many of them are afraid of the missionaries (leaders of other faiths that are established in the Islands) and are backward to obey the Gospel, so great is the influence they are under. But the Lord is at work among the people and Mormonism is getting to be the topic among the Islands. You can’t go any where or turn any corner but your ears are saluted with “Mamona”, the native word for Mormon. The priests say this is the mammon spoken of in the scriptures which is one of their great weapons.

Elder Kahumoku is our spokesman. We sent him this afternoon to fill another appointment after which he baptized 11 and John Kalama, a native priest, baptized one in another place making 13 that have been added to the Church this day.

Monday 20: I spent the forepart of the day in writing because I fell in with a Scotchman that is casting around the Island. He is going direct to the coast of California and I thought I would improve the opportunity and send some letters by him. I wrote a lengthy letter to Bro. Evans (no doubt this is the same Bro. Evans who served for so many years as Bishop in Lehi and to whom Thos. Karren was counselor until his death) on Dry Creek. In the afternoon I attended a meeting to bless children.

Tuesday 21: I spent all that day in writing. I wrote four letters to my wife and children.

Wednesday 22: The first thing this morning, we received fresh news from Honolulu by a schooner that stopped here to land some passengers, which informs us of the small pox making great havoc in that place. Two to three hundred have been slain by the hand of the destroyer through that plague, since we left, which is only about three weeks. It is very fatal in every case with a very few exceptions. It rejoices me to see the faith of the saints and the power of God that is made manifest in their midst. I have not heard of any deaths among the Brethren as yet although there have been cases. All the aid they want is to have the Elders administer to them. I never saw as much faith in my life among any people as there is manifested among these natives. One of the native Elders has petitioned the government—signed by all the members—to grant them the privilege of their own doctors. They want to medical men near them. All they want is the Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ to administer to them and to pray with them, anointing them in the name of the Lord. They believe in the sayings of James.

When the small pox first made its appearance, there was an act passed—that every affected person should be taken to the hospital and certain doctors appointed to take care of them. And also a fine of five dollars if they neglected to be vaccinated. But the plague is becoming fearful and spreading death and devastation on every hand. I suppose they are willing to grant the saints their request.

Priest Smith, when he was accused by some of his members for not doing as the Mormons did—telling that they did like the Bible—said it was all right and went to work and laid his hands on some of them. So it is with the doctors, they have commenced anointing with oil saying it is the best cure for the smallpox; seeing the Mormons are very successful in their administrations. It is now as it has been in all ages of the world they will [a ] to anything before the truth. I suppose they think because we use oil in our administrations that it is the medicine through which the sick are healed. O, how dark is the mind of man.

Thursday 23: This morning we started to travel and to hunt up new places to preach in. This place we have been laboring in this last fortnight is a poor miserable one, and are not able to keep us. There is not a morsel of wood to cook a potato for us neither is there a drop of fresh water that we can get to drink. There is nothing of any description that grows here. The natives live on fishing all together. We have had pretty hard times since being here. There is nothing but a sense of duty that would induce us to stop here and that of the strictest sort. Our living is not only poor and dirty but is very scanty at that. We can hardly get enough at times to sustain nature and a great deal of the food that we do get, nothing but hunger would induce us to eat it. Yesterday morning Bro. Tanner and myself got one sweet potato for our breakfast. We felt satisfied. We knew it was the best they had and all they had. That was all we had that day. At night we got some hard poi that was half rotten and mouldy. Hunger compelled us to eat, but I’ll assure you it was very little. No one knows the [ ] of feelings that we have to endure at times. Only they that have passed through the same experience can have any idea. After all they treat us with the best they know how. When we see the kind disposition they manifest toward us, we can’t help but sympathize for them. Our hearts are moved with compassion for them. We feel to endure all privations that we may with them to Christ.

After traveling 5 or 6 miles this morning, we came to a house where a native Bro. lived. He kindly invited us in. The house was small. We had to stoop on our knees to get in. He got dinner for us which consisted of pork and poi and some fruit. I felt greatly refreshed as I was very weak before. He invited us to call again. When we came back and stopped over night with him, he would not have the people of that place to meeting. We traveled a few miles father and put up for the night.

Friday 24: Very wet and stormy this morning. After breakfast of calf and poi, we were ready for another start but beings so wet we did not leave until about noon. We traveled some 4 or 5 miles and put up for the day. It happened to be a Sister Mormon’s house—her husband was a Calvinist—but we were warmly received. She went to work and prepared a good supper for us. While waiting for supper the children came in and treated us to lots of apples which was a very good fruit. They are not like our home apples. They are more like pears, but very red. This country looks a little more natural than it has been for some time back. You will find a little water and some small groves of shrubbery which has a very pretty appearance. We spent a good night here and were well refreshed.

Saturday 25: This morning we had a good breakfast of milk and poi which was a choice dish to us. We then left and traveled about 2 miles and came to a very deep valley, called the valley of Pololu. It is situated on the sea coast and has a very singular appearance. You can’t see it until you are right perpendicularly over it. We commenced to descend a winding path about three fourths of a mile long. My legs were very tired before I got to the bottom. This valley is no larger than a common sized farm and there are no less than one hundred natives living in it. When we first made our appearance among them, we were looked upon as some strange beings that had come from the upper worlds. We were received very coldly. The Catholic and Calvinist influence is very strong in this place. They have been instructed and ordered against the Mormons. However we spent the day trying to get an opening to preach. Everything seemed very dark. I felt myself like as if the heavens were brass; everything was discouraging. The people were poor and miserable and no signs for anything to eat. We persevered and got to preach to a few in the afternoon after which there were 8 came forth for baptism. I could not help but feel condemned for my littleness of faith. However we felt greatly encouraged and gave an appointment to preach tomorrow morning at 10 O’clock.

Sunday 26: The first thing after breakfast the people commenced to gather. I felt to pour out my soul before God in prayer in behalf of this people; that His spirit may bear down on them that they may know the voice of the Good Shepherd. Elder Kahumoku spoke one hour and a half. He spoke with power. The spirit of God rested upon him. It appeared that every mouth was opened and every eye steadfast. They never heard the like before. One man said that he never knew there was anything required of him in the Bible but to pay the priest and quit smoking. That is the most of the teaching they have ever heard. After meeting there were 20 came forth for baptism, which was attended to forthwith. We held a meeting again at 1 O’clock, after which we baptized 2. We also ordained two teachers and one deacon and gave an appointment for next Sabbath to organize a branch and an invitation for all the neighborhood to come and hear us.

Monday 27: We left to return to our stopping place which is about 15 miles. We had not traveled more than 2 or 3 miles when up came a constable and put a summons into our hands. We were to appear before the district judge to stand trial for disturbing one of their schools which was a false accusation. However it will have a good tendency. It will preach a loud sermon. Before we got the court hose we were being escorted by 4 or 5 hundred people. It put me in mind when I have seen marriages go through town. The court house was crowded to excess and every eye was upon us. The charges that had been laid against us were proven false. We are to have a rehearing on next Friday. We have traveled some 15 miles today and very poor feed. We had only a little potato and salt for breakfast. We plucked some sugar cane on the wayside and ate. After traveling that distance—when we got to our stopping place—the best they could give us was poi and salt.

Tuesday 25: This morning we fared very well. We got fish and poi for breakfast. I find no fault with the people. I feel to bless them. They do the best they know how if they had better we would get it. This day I remained in the house and applied myself chiefly to reading and study.

Wednesday 29: This morning I wrote a letter to Bro. Dennis in Honolulu. The remainder part of the day I spent in visiting the brethren.

Thursday 30: This morning after we had refreshed ourselves with a little poi and salt we started for the upper country to fill our previous appointment. I felt weak and unfit for traveling. Just as we were starting, up comes a native with some bananas to sell. As fortune would have it, Bro. Tanner had 25¢ which enabled us to purchase a few. I felt encouraged and very thankful. We started with fresh courage. We traveled a very short distance and put up for the night at a little native hut. We were very kindly treated. He is a Bro. in the Church. He went to work and cooked us a chicken. We had a good supper and felt first rate. We retired to rest for the night Indian fashion as we lay on mats on the ground.

Friday July 1: This morning I feel very unwell at my stomach. Breakfast was prepared for us which consisted of a few cold sweet potatoes and a small morsel of fish. I sat down o n the mat with rest of the company but my stomach would not admit of any food. We then started to attend to our previous appointment before the judge for disturbing the school. No charges were laid against us be we were fined 1 dollar cost. We then went on to the valley of Pololu where we were very warmly received and got some fish and poi to eat which is the first I have eat today. After being refreshed and rested a little we left for another little valley called Honokane which is about a mile distant. There is only one way to get into this valley and that is at low water. It is a bold shore all along and at high water the waves dash furiously up against the rocks.

It is very difficult to get there at any time it is only lately that the natives are able to travel from one valley to another without swimming. That is owing to a great landslide which has happened lately and filled up the water so that we are able to climb over. It is almost frightful to pass from one valley to another. The shore is not only perpendicular but it is undermined with the washing of the sea and is frightful to look at. I was caught by one of the breakers as I was passing around a point of rocks and got wet nearly to my middle; “Behold I will send forth many fishers, saith the Lord and they shall fish them and afterward I shall send forth many hunters and they shall hunt them from the mountains and from every hill and out of the holes of the rocks.” I have seen these predictions of Jeremiah literally fulfilled in this place. I don’t know where nor when nor how it came to be but surely the sons of Jacob are here living in the holes of the rocks and in the mountains and in the hills and they have the gospel preached unto them and my obey its mandates.

Saturday, July 2: We were very kindly received in this valley and treated to the very best they have. There were 12 came forth for baptism this day which makes forty we have baptized in this valley. They formerly belonged to the Calvinist and Catholic. There are only two members left that belong to the Catholics and 5 to the Calvinists and some 4 or 5 belonging to no church. This is a very small valley and only contains about one hundred souls all together. I think as a general rule they will receive the Gospel. They manifest a good spirit. We shall stop here for a short time, until the spirit dictates otherwise. They are some little better off here than where we have been stopping this last month.

This morning Bro. Tanner and myself undertook to ascend the mountains, in search of some apples, which we found to be very difficult before we got to the top. However we succeeded and got up and it presented a very beautiful scene, the sea roaring in on each side. We traveled about one mile on the top of this ridge which in many places was not wide enough for a foot path. Then we sat us down on a rock to rest. The place being retired, we poured forth our souls in supplication and prayer to our God. We implored his aid and assistance and prayed in behalf of our friends and families. We afterward returned back and began to descend the mountain into the valley. As we found it difficult to go up, we found it far worse to come down. There was a little rain which made the ground very slippery. It was not only difficult be very dangerous. However I got down after some little exertion. Bro. Tanner gave out when he got a little more than half way. He said he durst not come any farther. One of the natives had to go up and help him down. I think we will not forget apple hunting very soon.

Sunday 3: This morning I went to Pololu to fill the appointment given last Sunday along with Bro. Kahumoku. Bro Tanner is unwell and not able to go. We had a very good meeting. The spirit of the Lord rested upon the speaker and the people. At the close of the meeting there were 12 came forth for baptism and 4 in the afternoon. The kingdom of God is rolling ahead and is gaining influence in all these islands.

Monday 4: I spent the forepart of the day writing and in the afternoon studying the language.

Tuesday 5: We met according to a previous appointment in the valley of Honokane to organize a branch. The meeting was called to order—opened by singing and prayer. Elder Tanner was nominated President of the meeting, Thos. Karren and Elder Kahumoku his counselors. There were 2 priests, 2 teachers, 2 deacons ordained. Elder Kahumoku spoke a lengthy discourse on the duty of officers. There was much of the spirit of God in the meeting. The people were all filled with joy and gladness after the meeting was over. One was baptized, which makes this branch 60 members.

Thursday 7: Being the first Thursday of the month, we kept this day as fast day. The brethren met together to fast and pray that they might be delivered from the hands of the destroyer. Death and devastation are spreading through the land. About 8 hundred have died within the month through smallpox.

Friday 8: This day I spent in the house studying the language. We have to labor under a great disadvantage, not being able to speak in our own tongue to the people yet; notwithstanding all this the work of the Lord is rolling forth with great rapidity.

Saturday 9: The forepart of the day I spent in studying and reading. In the afternoon Elder Rice called to see us. He had been hunting for us for 3 weeks before he found us. He concluded we were not on the Island. He wrote a letter to Honolulu to know if the schooner was not lost that we left in. It was a source of joy and gladness to me to meet with one of our brethren in the ministry. We have been here for some time as exiles, shut up from all communication with our brethren, among the rocks and dens and caves of the mountains hunting up Israel. He also brought us three letters from the brethren in Honolulu which were comforting to our hearts. He also brought a short extract of the 9th general Epistle form the First Presidency at Salt Lake City, which made my heart rejoice and praise God in the Highest. I hear testimony that the same spirit that the Epistle brought was felt long before we heard it. And notwithstanding all the opposition and evil spirits and powers of darkness which we have had to contend against, the work of the Lord is rolling forth majestically and in might power. Since the 1st of April the work of the Lord has most miraculously gone ahead.

Saturday night I had an attack of choleramorbus for about twelve hours which left me very weak the next day.

Sunday 10: This morning Elder Kahumoku returned to us from an appointment which he had attended and baptized 10. We had preaching twice today. At the close of the afternoon meeting there were 3 baptized.

Monday 11: This morning we left Upolu for Pololu. I felt weak and unfit for traveling. When we got to Pololu we were very kindly received and got a young roast pig for supper and some good poi, which was a great treat.

Tuesday 12: This morning after breakfast, Bro. Rice and myself went up to the foot of the mountains to hunt some fruit which we very early found to gratify our wants at the present. I brought my pockets full down to Bro. Tanner and afterwards went to the valley of Honokane. The brethren were rejoiced to see us. In the afternoon we held a meeting and had a good time.

Wednesday 13: This afternoon we received a summons to appear before the Judge of the District Court of Kohala, next Friday being charged for breaking the Sabbath. Elder Kahumoku left us 2 or 3 days ago to preach at a certain place. He left on Saturday night to return to us in a Canoe, it being the best way of conveyance. But owing to a strong headwind he did not get to us until early Sunday morning. This is the awful crime that is alleged against him for breaking the Sabbath. I think the people are just as holy now as they were in the days of the Savior when they accused him for plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath. In this, the devil whets a knife to cut his own throat for instead of weaking [sic] our influence it increases it four fold. This afternoon we held a meeting. Elder Kahumoku preached. There was a good spirit in the meeting. There were two candidates came forth for baptism.

Thursday July 14: being a stormy day—heavy wind and rain all forepart of day. In the afternoon we held a meeting to teach and instruct our young brethren the duties of their calling.

Friday 15: We had to attend court, which is the distance of about 6 miles, to stand trial for the awful crime of breaking the Sabbath because Elder Kahumoku happened to return to us in a canoe on Sunday morning. When the witness was examined he stated that the canoe was loaded with freight. This freight proved to be nothing but a few small fish and a little poi that he had for to eat besides the Holy Bible. The Judge said that he would consider the matter over and have a rehearing some other time. We told him that we should not pay anymore regard to his calls which were illegal and contrary to any law; but should appeal to the British and American Consul for our rights and privileges the same as any other religious sect. All these petty law suits are caused through the missionaries. If they had the power they would speedily banish us from these Islands.

Saturday 16: Spent the day in reading and study. In the afternoon I went to administer to a sick man who has been sick for 2 years and has been confined in the house for seven months. This is the second time we have administered to him. Yesterday he was out and walked about considerable. He thinks he can soon walk to the waters of baptism.

Sunday 17: We preached twice in the valley of Pololu. At the close of the forenoon session there were 3 came forth for baptism. A good spirit prevailed among the people. The spirit of inquiry is increasing and spreading far; and fast over all these Islands. The priests don’t know what to do. They are spuing [sic] out all their filth against us but to no effect. Every effort they make to frustrate the work of the Lord only tends to the rolling forth of the Kingdom of God.

Monday 18: We attended a meeting in the Valley of Honokane, after which we baptized 2.

Tuesday 19: I spent the day in writing letters to my brethren in Honolulu. I have been deprived of this opportunity for some time.

Wednesday 20: A very wet and stormy day. I remained in the house all day and applied myself to reading and study. Brother Rice left us this morning for Honolulu, accompanied by a native Brother, to attend to some business relative to our little difficulties here, caused through the missionaries which are false and contrary to the laws of the nation. We have appealed to the British and American Consuls for protection and our rights.

Thursday 21: A very wet and stormy day. I applied myself to study and reading.

Friday 22 and Saturday 23: I gave myself to study and reading. This morning, Elder Kahumoku, our Spokesman left us for a few days to attend to some appointments. May God bless him and pour out his spirit upon him is my prayer; that he may be a might instrument in the hands of the Lord of bringing many of His people to a knowledge of the truth.

Sunday July 24: I could not help but reflect on home this morning as this is the anniversary (sixth) of the Pioneers in the Valleys of the Mountains. Knowing it is a time of rejoicing among the Saints I cannot help feeling lonesome. I am on the Island of Hawaii at the same time an exile for the Truth, among a people that I cannot talk to, but very little, whose manners and habits are that of the lover of greed. I can somewhat realize the situation of the Saints this day and better appreciate it than I ever did before. I do not feel to murmur or complain although we do have some dark and gloomy times. It needs to be that there should be an opposite in all things. If we were not deprived of our friends and of our Homes; and all that is most dear to us we would not know how to appreciate them. All these little trials and privations will only sweeten the cup of our happiness and prepare us for a more exceeding and eternal weight of glory if we only endure faithful to the end. It is hard for me to mingle with this people. In order to get at them, you have to eat and to drink and to sleep and to partake of all their filth which is very trying and humiliating to my feelings. However I am willing to become anything or nothing that I may win them to Christ and save them in the kingdom of God. I know they are the sons of Jacob and the blood of Israel flows through their veins; notwithstanding their low degraded condition they are warm-hearted and affectionate and treat us the best they know how. We can’t help but love them in beholding their simplicity. Although their manners are disgusting we have our times of rejoicing and the lord blesses our labors. Many are receiving our testimony and obey the gospel.

We attended meeting twice to day; in the valley of Pololu where we attended to blessing children and baptized 1 and in the Valley of Honokane (which is 1 mile distant) the young priests, teachers, and deacons are very anxious to learn. They have meeting mostly every afternoon and are very diligent in searching the scriptures.

Monday 25: Myself and brother Tanner, felling somewhat lonesome and having nothing very particular on hand and knowing no one we could unbosom [sic] our feelings to, took a walk this morning up the valley to hunt some fruit. We were accompanied by several young natives who were very diligent in waiting upon us. They were very active in running up the trees. All we had to do was to sit down and eat. They reverence us very much and do the best for us they know.

This evening, Elder Kahumoku—our interpreter—returned. He had preached several times and the people believed his doctrine but he had not baptized any. They want us to come although we cannot preach they want us to be there. This evening we attended meeting which they do every day either early in the forenoon or in the afternoon. It is amusing to see the women bring us the fruit. One will have a bunch of bananas, another a stick of sugar cane, and another will have some apples. Indeed we cannot help but bless them when we behold their warm feelings and simplicity.

Tuesday 26: We held a meeting this morning before breakfast. These brothers and sisters are very zealous and anxious to learn. We feel sometimes discouraged because we cannot communicate our feelings to them only second handed. This morning after meeting our Speaker was taken sick; having taken a very severe cold through exposing himself the night before. This people are very imprudent in regards to taking care of themselves. We administered to him but it did not have the desired effect. He kept getting worse all day. I spent the greater part of the day in study and reading.

Wednesday 27: The brethren met, this morning, soon after 4 O’clock and as Bro. Kahumoku was a great deal worse, we were requested to hold a prayer meeting and beseech the Lord in his behalf. We also appointed this day for a fast day, but all to no effect. Myself and Bro. Tanner cried unto the Lord in his behalf. We also appointed this day for a fast day, but all to no effect. Myself and B ro. Tanner cried unto the Lord in his behalf. But all had failed. Everything was dark, the heavens appeared as brass. Our prayers seemed to bound back upon us, the reason why—we know not. The Lord only knows. About 2 O’clock he departed this life. It appears that he had a special call to go the world of spirits to preach to his people there. He is the first of his nation that has gone into the spirit world with the priesthood upon him. He was faithful to his calling and did not shun to declare the Gospel of the Son of God as far as he knew how. His labors were unwavering by night and by day. A more faithful young man I never knew. His character was unimpeachable. Ever since he came into the Church (he has only been in the Church a little over three months) it may be said of him he left all and followed Christ. He gave himself wholly to the ministry. It was his joy and his delight, his meat and his drink to win souls into the kingdom of God. We mourn and lament his loss.

We did the best we knew how and all we could. He had finished his work here and is called to act in another sphere. On Tuesday morning the 26th of July, he preached (about 6 O’clock, A.M.) After meeting he asked Bro. Tanner and myself to administer to him. We laid our hands on him and he was all of a tremble like one having the ague. He then went to bed. I did not pay much attention to him that day. He did not say anything nor ask for anything. In the afternoon he appeared to be a great deal worse this called our attention. We prayed for him and administered to him but it did not appear to do him any good. He was sick 32 hours—from the time he preached until he closed his eyes in death. During which time he never made a complaint nor said his suffering was great. I never witnessed the like before. It did not appear like death. He appeared like a man falling asleep without a struggle. His appearance was unchanged. He looked as natural as life. He has laid down his life in the field like a soldier of Christ and his work will follow him. He has laid the foundation of a work that will stand to the winding up scene. His name will be had in honorable remembrance among his people and among the saints of God.

Thursday 28: The first ting this morning, we made preparations to deposit the last remains of our much lamented Brother John W. Kahumoku. We buried him as decen [sic] as we could under the circumstances, although without a coffin. It was out of our power to furnish a coffin. We are out of the reach of lumber or anything else. Notwithstanding all our inconvenience we buried him very comfortable in a good stone vault.

This was a time of much lamentation and sorrow among the brethren. Indeed it was a time darkness with us all. He was our spokesman and interpreter. Here we were among a people that we could not talk to, to comfort them on so solemn occasion as this. But the will of the Lord be done. We are in His hands as clay in the hands of the potter, to do with us as seemeth Him good. It is the Lord’s work and who can hinder. I pray that I may so live that the Lord may work through me to the salvation of many on these Islands.

This evening at early candlelight, we ordained Daniel Kaiwi an Elder in the Church. We also ordained three priests: Tucmana, Puoanui, Kuanaana (Ku-a-na-a-na).

Friday 29: We left Honokane this morning for Waiemea to see the Governor of this island. This is a distance of about 25 miles, to attend to some business relative to our little law difficulty. The devil will not be still and let us alone. He will keep tormenting us. I suppose he thinks his time is short. We traveled, this day, through a very rough and mountainous country—uphill all the way—and not many places to call for refreshments. However we met a poor native in the mountains who invited us into his hut to eat. We went in and sat down on the mats and refreshed ourselves with some poi and salt, the best the poor old man had. We preached some to him on the first principles of the Gospel and left him.

After we had traveled about 15 miles we were thoroughly informed that the Gov. was not at Waiemea and that we would not get to see him. We proposed going no further. There was a white man living close by. We were told that he would not entertain strangers and that his character was not very good. Bro. Tanner said that he was the very man that we wanted to see; says he, “character not very good—he may be a good man for that”--. We went to his house and found him in a bad state of health. He invited us in and ordered supper to be got ready for u s. He also invited us to stop all night, which was very pleasing to our feelings. We were very tired and hungry. Such an invitation was very acceptable. We got a good supper of beef and Irish potatoes and butter and a good dish of tea and a table to eat off. This is the first human appearance I have seen for two months.

We preached a good deal to him. He had no fault to find with our doctrine only the principle of plurality. That he could not receive. He treated us well and gave us a warm invitation to call again whenever we came that way.

Saturday July 30: As soon as I awoke this morning, Bro. Tanner said to me, “Bro. Karren, we shall get some news today. I know through the dream I had last night.” About 5 O’clock we got up and went out to the creek to wash ourselves. There were 2 men on horseback came up to us and informed us where there was a letter for us. They were two foreigners—strangers to me. I could hardly believe that the letter was for us as they could not tell the name. However we were very anxious to know and returned back and quick as possible. We found the letter was for us from Bro. Harmond at Lahaina. It was very greedily read as we were very hungry for news. We are deprived of the privilege of holding regular correspondence with our brethren on the different islands. It makes it very lonesome and disagreeable to us. This letter brings us news from Honolulu which is very pitiful. The smallpox is still raging most seriously. From the first of June to the 26th., there are about one thousand that have died of that plague. There are 5 or 6 often found dead in one house. The dogs are known to drag the dead through the streets of Honolulu.

In the midst of all this calamity the saints of God have been preserved most miraculously. We can only learn of one death among all the brethren. Bro. Lewis and Bro. Farrer were barbously [sic] attacked one day when going to administer to the sick. Bro. Lewis was knocked down and then kicked. Bro. Farrer got his coat tore and was struck once or twice. The devil is mad because the saints won’t take the doctor’s medicines. This is what Bro. Lewis has been accused of. They say he is going through the streets of Honolulu with his sleeves rolled up and a bottle of oil in his hand and that he tells the people to throw all the doctor’s drugs away. Bro. Farrer; being an Englishman, has appealed to General Miller—the English Consul—for redress. Gen. Miller told him if the proper authorities did not take his case in hand and do him justice that he would take the case in hand and attend to it.

Sunday 31: A very wet and stormy day. We did not go out anywhere today. We held two meetings where we are stopped. There was a very good spirit in the meetings. The brethren felt well.

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Here the diary comes to an abrupt end. Why? However the mission of more than two and one half years was completed and Thomas returned to his family in Lehi, Utah. See “Life of Thomas Karren” by Isabelle Karren Thurman—page 4. Nine pages of words writing in the native language of the Islands follow this final entry. No doubt there were written as vocabulary helps as he learned the new tongue.