Elder Stevenson Returns to Salt Lake

In the Deseret News on September 25, 1878 is printed a notice of Elder Stevenson's return from Tennessee. Elder Steven recorded in his journal preaching in Lewis County Tennessee and introducing several people to the LDs Church including Sheriff John Carroll (a brother of Malinda Carroll), and Tom Garrett. Neither Sheriff Carroll nor Tom Garret ever joined the LDS Church. Melinda did however, and became a central figure in the Cane Creek Massacre.

Local and Other Matters

From Monday’s Daily, Sept. 23

From Tennessee – To-day we met Elder Edward Stevenson, who returned this morning from the field of his missionary labors in the State of Tennessee. Brother Stevenson left Salt Lake City on the 18th day of last December, and was released to return home on the 11th Day of August. During the time of his absence, he held 177 public meetings, which were generally very well attended. A great deal of prejudice had existed against the truth, but since the people have had an opportunity to investigate, many defenders of the Gospel have arisen and the feeling of sympathy and honest inquiry is steadily gaining ground.


Brother Parley P. Pratt, who was the companion of Elder Stevenson, remains to continue the labor of preaching in Tennessee, and will be assisted by Brother Thomas S. Higham, a young Elder who left here with the last party of missionaries.


Elder Stevenson was serving the fifth of seven missions for the LDS Church. Parley P. Pratt was the son of the Apostle Parley P. Pratt. More on both of them and Thomas S. Higham later.