Jacob F Miller - Flynn's Lick in June 1883

[A continuation of my GGGrandfather's missionary journal in Tennessee. For all his entries posted so far look here -BAllen]

Other than a few houses and farm buildings, this sign was the only indication that I had reached Flynn's Lick

Flynns Lick June 12, 1883 Left word to have appointment for meeting made for Sunday July 1st at 10 A.M. in the grove, near the mouth of Wolf Creek. Mr. Peyton Gill, a young man who spoke warmly in our favor at the time we were excluded from using the Baptist Church, spoke to me about using the grove as a place of meeting. I believe the grove alluded to is owned by one M. Axham an uncle of Mr. Gill. Stopped last night at John Jones. We visited Mrs. Welch last evening and this morning.  Reached Samples today and found mail awaiting us. Pres. Jackson writes in approval of the course taken here. Elder Hunter reached his field of labor May 24th and Elder Joseph next day. Hammond Hendricks and Crandoll have taken a railroad contract together.

Flynns Lick, June 14, 1883 Still stopping at Sample's. Went to the office yesterday and found papers awaiting me, among them five copies of the Denver Republican of April 5th giving an account of the Utah and Colorado countries. Receive letter from my father. All well.

Flynns Lick, Friday June 15, 1883 Spent last evening with Mr. Carter, a Brother-in-law of Mr. Samples. He and his family seem much interested in Utah affairs.

Flynns Lick, Monday June 18, 1883 Held meeting here Saturday evening and again at Chestnut Grove Sunday. About fifty or sixty in attendance at each place. I spoke a little over an hour at the first place and about 45 minutes at the second. We went home for dinner with John Brown and were invited to call whenever convenient.

Granville has all the appearance of being a seasonal resort town complete with shops selling frozen custard, taffy and fudge; all closed for the season during my visit.

Flynns Lick, June 19, 1883 Took dinner at Joseph Perseleys yesterday. Went to Granville and by invitation held meeting in the Presbyterian Church there last night. Stopped overnight with Mr. Cross. There was an attendance of about forty. The people are, I think very much prejudiced at Granville and I understand that Elders Adams and Jackson were unable to obtain a Church there to hold meetings in. We visited the Cumberland River this morning. Today I saw a reaping machine at work, the only one I have seen this year or in Tennessee.

Flynns Lick, Wednesday June 20, 1883 Went to Wm. Lambert Jr. for dinner yesterday. Stopped over night there were treated very courteously and invited to call again. Also received invitation to visit Mr. Lambert's father and a neighbor named Harris. Came back to Joseph Sampler today.

Flynns Lick, June 22, 1883 Went to the post office yesterday. Received photographs of my Uncle Nathan Cheney and his wife. There was a severe storm last night.

Flynns Lick, Saturday June 23, 1883 Went to Chestnut Grove last evening expecting to attend a Methodist meeting but the preacher was not present.

Chestnut Mound sits on a ridge south of the Cumberland River. Today about 600 people live there.

Flynns Lick, Monday June 25, 1883 Held meeting at Chestnut Grove yesterday. An attendance of from forty to fifty. Several other meetings close by at the same hour. Took dinner with James Union. It rained yesterday and is raining today.

Flynns Lick, Tuesday June 26, 1883 Stopped last night here with Joseph Perseley. Had conversation on religious subjects with Mr. Perseley and with Mr. John Samples. Mr. Samples again bantering me to baptize him as a believer in Christ.

Flynns Lick, June 27, 1883 Went to John Samples' yesterday for dinner and stopped over night at his place. Mr. Samples was telling us of one James Carter who had been talking of mobbing us out of the country and wished us to pay him a visit. Had some talk today with Mrs. Sarah Carter who had declared that she never wished to see my face again but talked very sociably today.

Jacob F Miller - I find these people regard pleasure as a much worse evil than sin.

[A continuation of my GGGrandfather's missionary journal in Tennessee. For all his entries posted so far look here -BAllen]

Laurel Hill, Saturday June 2, 1883 Stopped last night with Prettyman Jones. He is much interested at present in a volume of sermons by one Benjamin Franklin, a Campbellite preacher. Visited Jefferson Lee today.

Laurel Hill, Monday June 4th 1883 Stopped Saturday night H. with Squire Felix Smith. Attended the meeting at the Baptist The Church yesterday. Preacher first read the 19th Chapter of First Corinthians then offered prayer. The reading however had been preceded by singing and was followed by singing. The preacher then took for his text the 13th verse of the chapter he had read and labored very hard to show first that repentance always, in and of necessity, and as taught by the Scriptures precedes Faith, and Second that as soon as one believes by the act of belief he obtains remission of sins and is saved. The minister then called upon the Methodist, Mr. Clark who had objected to us the preceding Sunday to pray after which he sang a hymn, prayed and then arranged for a meeting Saturday June 30th for the people to decide whether they wished him for a pastor or not. As the meeting was dismissed, I announced that by permission, the people generally known amongst them as Mormons would hold meeting there the next Sunday, and also that we would hold meeting at the Garner schoolhouse that afternoon. The Minister at once spoke up that he had forgotten to give out an appointment for a meeting in the afternoon, which he was going to hold. After we had got out of the house, Marion Pullham, a deacon of the Baptist Church called the attention of the congregation and announced that the appointment given out for next Sunday was objected to by the Church. I replied that it would then be withdrawn. I understand that warm words occurred about the affair after we left the house. We took dinner at Squire Smiths and came on up to our appointment at the Garner schoolhouse where we are writing today but which is in Putnam Co. and must therefore belong to some other district aside from Laurel Hill. We had a good audience. Stopped with the Clemmens Brothers last night and until after dinner today.

Laurel Hill, June 6, 1883 Stopped night before last at John Jones' in Buffalo Valley. Yesterday Sophronia Welch a neighbor of Mr. Jones sent for us to come and pray for her. We had no oil but held prayer in the house and then prayed for her, placing our hands on her head as in administration. I asked her if she was in much pain. She replied "not now." I asked her if she felt better to which she replied that she did. I then  explained to her our method of administering to the sick, told her that we had so far been unable to procure any oil, but would endeavor to do so, and enquired as to whether she wished us to return if we got the oil. She replied that she did. We went to the drugstore kept by Mr. Gilliam the Baptist Pastor of the Sunday before. He had sent for Olive oil and received sweet oil instead. He was very polite and told us of a neighbor, Captain Mr. Gee who was wishing to see us. We stopped last night at S. H. Smith's. He told us that Mr. Bartlett had gone to a lawyer for advice about disposing of the Church and had been advised to complete it and then sell it if the Church did not pay him what he had advanced above his donation. Mr. Smith added that the Church would never pay him, they were not able to do so. Squire Smith had told us that Bartlett was talking of selling the Church and he hoped that he would do it. We came here to Dr. Sybert's today to write our mail. He informs me that Bartlett is intending to sell the Church and added if he does we are going to buy it for a schoolhouse and hold it free for all denominations to preach in. The weather is very warm with frequent showers. We stay at Dr. Sybert tonight.

Laurel Hill June 8, 1883 Fasted yesterday until supper. Visited Mrs. Welch. She was sitting up and is better. Both Mr. and Mrs. Welch urged us to call on them when we were passing and Mrs. Welch wished us to hold meeting as she was unable to attend at the Garner schoolhouse. We stopped last night at Capt. McGee's, a neighbor of his, Mr. Wallace spending the evening with us. McGee is a Christian without a Church. We meet a number of these men who unwilling to accept the Doctrine taught by any of the denominations, have established a code for themselves, and my experience has been that such men are more inclined to bend the truth to serve their opinions than men who have with their opinions the belief of the community and the tradition of their fathers. Perhaps this is from the egotism of human nature displaying itself in supporting out all hazards opinions so peculiarly their own both in origin and faith. The Captain received us very kindly and urged us to call again. Stopped last night at W. E. Bartlett's. Learn of a Methodist meeting this evening, which we are expecting to attend. 

Garner Schoolhouse, Monday June 11, 1883 Attended Methodist meeting last Saturday night. The circuit rider gave a discourse, taking for his text First Thessalonians Fifth Chapter Twenty-third verse. [I'll quote it here so you don't have to look it up: And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.]  I find these people regard pleasure as a much worse evil than sin. Saturday night we stopped with Mayberry Smith, a son-in- law of W. E. Bartlett's. Sunday we came here expecting to hear Mr. Chaffin, but it rained severely during the forenoon and no one but ourselves reached the schoolhouse. The rain ceasing, we went to George Jones' for  dinner and returning found a large congregation for the building. Elder Holbrook spoke less than ten minutes, I  followed speaking an hour, but being tired from our rapid climbing up the hill I found the effort at speaking very tiresome. We stopped over night with James Jones, an uncle of George Jones. Talking of war times, he relates an anecdote of a man with whom he was acquainted who fled to Kentucky, afterward attempted to visit his family here and was captured by some of his neighbors who first cut off his arms at the elbows, afterwards at the shoulders, then cut out his tongue and finally shot him. I gave out an appointment for meeting here on Sunday July 1st at 3 P.M. I think the Campbellites here were convinced yesterday that we were not teaching Campbellite doctrines. That has been talked considerably by them and by other parties but I think the remarks yesterday would give them some idea of a vast difference between us.

Jacob F. Miller at Laurel Hill - May 1883

Laurel Hill, Saturday May 26th 1883 Left Samples and came to this place yesterday calling on Mr. Chaffin at Buffalo Valley on the way. We stopped last night at Samuel Smiths. It rained heavily last night and has been raining today. Dr. Cyper tells me that Mr. Chaffin told him yesterday that he was going to arrange the time for the debate but he (Mr. C) did not mention it when we called on him yesterday.

Laurel Hill, Sunday May 27th 1883 Stopped at the house of Felix H. Smith yesterday to inquire our way as we were in a part of the country new to us. Were urged to stay all night and accepted the invitation. T. H. Smith is a justice of the Peace in this District. I had heard of him before but did not know where he lived. He told us he had not been to meeting for over a year but would go with us today. We had a good attendance. Bro. Holbrook spoke first, I followed and had been speaking half an hour when it commenced storming heavily and seeing that the congregation were afraid of getting wet I dismissed the meeting. I asked Samuel H. Smith who had gained us permission to use the house if there would be any objection to our holding a meeting the next Sunday. He hesitated, spoke of a meeting at the Baptist Church at that time and then referred me to another Trustee who was present. He told me that the Church objected. I announced the result to the audience and thanked the Trustees for the use we had of the building. F. H. Smith at once spoke to me telling me that the Baptist Church, the only other one in the vicinity would be at our service when not otherwise occupied. I remained in the building answering questions until the storm subsided when we accepted invitation of S. H. Smith to go home with him for dinner.

Laurel Hill, Tuesday May 29th 1883 Leaving Smith's we met Dr. Hardcastle, a stranger who had been questioning me after the meeting. He expressed regret at the conduct of Clark and invited us to call and see him. We went to the residence of one W. E. Bartlett who had joined with F. H. Smith in offering us the use of the Baptist Church and unvited us to call on him that evening. We stayed there until this morning. Mr. Bartletts wife, a sister of F. H. Smith's, died recently. Bartlett has been a user of Morphine and is now trying to quit the habit. I learn that he and F. H. Smith are two of three members of a building committee which has charge of erecting the Baptist Church yet uncompleted, also that Mr. B. has advanced about $150.00 above his subscription for which the Church is owing him. Mr. B. is a Campbellite in religion and a Republican in politics, but moderate throughout. He commenced life in poverty and has gathered means enough around him for comfort, seems to be a man of influence and spoke in our conversation of having declined nomination as Justice of the Peace. Dr. Sypert Sunday invited us to come to his place as to a home and bring any of our people with us. We are at his place now writing letters.

Laurel Hill, Wednesday May 30th 1883 Went to see the Clemmen's yesterday and stopped overnight with them. It rained very hard last night, rained some this morning and is still cloudy. Writing in the schoolhouse. Visited Andrew Carr day before yesterday. Obtained permission from the Trustees of the Garner schoolhouse to hold meeting there next Sunday at 3 P.M. Stopped overnight at Wade Jones' in Buffalo Valley. Yesterday took dinner with Dr. Hardcastle. Stopped overnight with George Jones.

Jacob F. Miller at Flynn's Lick - May 1883

Flynns Lick, Saturday May 19, 1883 Held meeting at New Hope near Alexandria on Sunday April 29th. Had an attendance of about 120 and were urged to call again. Monday [Apr 30] went to Bairds Mills stopped at Bright's Monday, and Tuesday night with Pres. Jackson at J. D. Sanders, Wednesday [May 2] night with Pres Louis Kelsch of the Kentucky Conference, at Robert Gwynn's Thursday night with Pres. Roberts. During the time we were away, Wetmore schoolhouse was burned down by an incendiary. While we were at Gwynns he told us that he hoped that the Wetmore Schoolhouse was not burned because the Mormons preached in it, but if it was, there is another here that can be burned for the same reason and it is at your service at any time and for any purpose.

Libelous notices respecting the Saints in Wilson Co. had been posted in different parts by some unknown party and though the outrage was nowhere approved openly and was severely condemned by the County paper, it was followed by warnings to the Elders to leave and by calls to the citizens to drive them out. I kept one of the notices of which the following is a copy:

Citizens. The time has come for us to act; The Mormon question demands our serious consideration! If we intend to become Mormons then we may be excused for tolerating a people who have not a single female member who is not a prostitute. Their doctrines and presence are dangerous to our best moral political and financial interests! We urge you act! Act together and with determination! A mightier corporation than the Mormon Church will sustain you! Strike them and strike deep as the curse that they would rivet on us! Our sons, our  daughters, our wives are in the balance. 

By order of Lodge No 13. U. O. M. Ks

Friday [May 4] morning the following notice was found at our place of meeting.

May 3, 1883

Specially to the Latter Day Saints of this community:
We as a people do this day swear that from this date on we will not allow the Mormons to hold meetings in this community. Now we beg of you as we do not want to hurt any of you, but so sure as you hold meeting in this community some or all of you will be beaten with many strikes and probably several killed. Study this well before you proceed. We remain now and forever the gentile dead click.

I was appointed Clerk of the Conference. We held Priesthood meeting each morning of the Conference. Presidents Jackson and Roberts and Elder Joseph spoke Friday forenoon, Elders Griffin, Holbrook and myself in the afternoon. Presidents Roberts and Kelsch, Elder Godfrey and myself passed the evening at Simmins. I stopped over night at Rappael Neil's with Elder Godfrey. Next morning we were given our fields of labor, Elder Wm. H. Joseph, Joseph S. Hunter, Thomas Godfrey and Thomas Griffin were to return to their field in the east. Elder Holbrook and myself were to labor in Jackson Co. and Elder Elderedge was to accompany Louis Kelsch, President of the Kentucky Conference back to that state. Pres. Roberts spoke
each day of the Conference and with great power. The authorities of the Church were presented Saturday. Saturday evening I went to Mr. Schneiders with Pres Kelsch and spent the night there. We had a pleasant evening, some very good singing and some German talk.

Sunday [May 6] evening we spent together, the ten of us at Huddleston's. I stopped overnight at Brights. Thomas Lane was baptized Sunday afternoon.

Monday [May 7] night stopped at Huddleston's.

Tuesday May 8] Raphael Neil and wife and Mrs. Schneider and her daughter Maggie were baptized. I was mouth in confirming Raphael Neil and Maggie Schneider. I stopped over night at Bottom's.

Wednesday [May 9] I went to Huddleston's and from there to Irving Sanders where Elder Hunter and myself passed the night. Irving Sanders was the first person to receive the Elders at Bairds Mills.

Friday [May 11] night I stopped at Bright's. Elder Joseph had been sick for about a week and breaking out with a kind of rash, fears were entertained by some on Saturday that he had the Small pox. I sat up with him all night Saturday night. He was much better in the morning. He was administered to twice Saturday. [the previous] Thursday night I had stopped at Wm. Burke's who in connection with his wife had been baptized on the previous evening.

Sunday [May 13] night I again stopped at Brights and Monday night at Huddleston's. Monday a daughter of Brother Smith was baptized.

Tuesday [May 15] I started for this place in company with Elder Hunter and Holbrook. We found a large number of wild Strawberries during the day the only ones I have seen yet. Tuesday night we stopped just beyond Alexandria.

Wednesday [May 16] we took dinner with Jackson Malone. He told us that a relative of his living at Bethel was wishing to hear us preach there. We stopped that night with one John Elbert Robinson near Temperance Hall. He is one of the Trustees of a Church there and volunteered to use his influence to get us the house to preach in, but told us there was a Church there open to all denominations, which he was sure, we could obtain. He invited us to call on him whenever we were passing that way and said he would like to hear us preach.

Thursday [May 17] night we stopped at Dr. Cypers at Laurel Hill.

Friday [May 18] we came here, stopping at Mr. Chaffin's on the way.

We held a meeting here this evening [May 19] and had a very good spirit. I spoke near an hour and a half.

Flynns Lick, Thursday May 24, 1883 Held meeting at Chestnut Grove last Sunday [May 20]. Had a heavy rain here Sunday, Monday and part of Tuesday. Monday, Joseph Perseley visited us here and passed nearly the day in conversation. Tuesday [May 22] forenoon John Samples spent talking with us. We went to Gainesborough yesterday I bought a pair of breeches, eight dollars, a pair of boots $3.78 and a pair of cuff buttons forty cents. Visited Joseph Perseley today. His youngest child is named Erastus Snow. I presented him a photograph of that Apostle for a keepsake.

Jacob F. Miller - April 1883

[This is a continuation of the journal of Jacob Franklin Miller, as he serves a mission in middle Tennessee. - BAllen]

Bairds Mills, Monday April 2, 1883 Held meeting March 25th at F. P. Simmons, Elder Adams preaching, myself and Elder Jackson bearing testimony. F. P. Simmons was ordained Teacher to succeed Elder Dennison in the Presidency of the Branch. Monday evening we held a meeting at George Burke's. Elder Adams speaking; Elder Jackson and Brother Dennison following with brief remarks. Tuesday evening we held a meeting at the same place. I spoke about an hour, was followed by brief remarks from Elder Jackson and Brother Dennison. Wednesday we went to Murfreesboro to see Elder Adams and Brother Dennison and family start. Came to Smyrna to spend the evening at Wm. Gwynn's. Stopped at Gwynn's Wednesday and Thursday nights. Stopped Friday night at James Summor's, Saturday night at Robert Gwynns, a brother of Wm. Gwynn's. Gwynns mother and sister and four gentlemen were in to see us during the evening. We remained in conversation until after 11 o'clock. Sunday morning we went to Brights, stopping there last night and coming on to the Huddleston place this morning. Received letter from my Father today and wrote in reply.

Bairds Mills, Friday April 6th 1883 According to agreement stopped at Mrs. McHenrys Monday evening and at George Burkes Tuesday. Miss Emma Cummings from Nashville arrived here Tuesday and her sister left her home Wednesday. Wrote to Joseph L. Clark at Quincy Monroe Co., Miss. on Tuesday, also to my Uncle Wm. Rawson. Stopped here at Sister Huddleston Wednesday. Fasted Thursday and spent the night at Charles Bottom's.

Bairds Mills, Friday April 13th 1883 Rec'd letter from home last Friday. My little Cousin Amy Foss is dead. Stopped Friday night at Wm. Barretes. Saturday we went to Suddes Creek and held meeting there stopping over night at Wm. Daniels. Sunday we held meeting again and stopped over night at James Robertson's. Monday we came back to the Huddleston place to post letters. Elder Jackson having received a letter of instruction to which he wished to reply. He is instructed in connection with other Pres. of Conferences to travel alone and Presidents who have traveling companions are requested to report at once so that Elders may be sent out to take their places. Presidents are also requested to report the post office addresses of all Elders laboring in their Conferences. My address is reported at Flynn's Lick, Jackson Co. Stopped Monday and Tuesday night at Huddleston's. Went to John Daniel's Wednesday. Stopped with him that night and the next night at Thomas Smith's. Came to Brights today. Received letters from my Father, from Wm. V. Carbine and from E. O. Wilcox. Geo. Steed is under arrest for shooting a man who had seduced his wife. Dr. Carrington is reported to have eloped with a daughter of W. O. Mayfield.

Bairds Mills, Sunday April 15, 1883 Stopped Friday night at Brights. Came to Huddleston's Saturday but spent the night at Geo. Burke's. It is storming hard and there seem to be little chance of holding a meeting today.

Laurel Hill, Saturday April 21st 1883 No meeting last Sunday stopped over night at F. P. Simmons. Stopped Monday night at B. P. Bright. Tuesday met Elder James A. Eldredge and Brigham A. Holbrook at G. P. Huddleston's. They had reached there from Chattanooga the day before. Were sent for by George Burke to administer to a sick child and stopped over night there. The child, as soon as we had administered, threw up a worm six inches long and rested easier during the night. Were sent for again by Burke Tuesday afternoon and all four went and administered to the child who seemed better. Leaving the others at Burke, Elders Eldredge and myself went to F. P. Simmons to pass the night. We met next day at Brights. Elders Holbrook and myself stopped overnight at Huddleston's. Received letters from my Father, E. B. Clark and J. H. Gibbs. Walter Walker of Farmington has been sold out. Wrote to my Father and to Emily Foss Tuesday. Thursday morning Elder Jackson and myself started for this place. It rained very hard during the day. Selecting a house at which we had concluded to stop we were met by a boy who told us that if we were wanting to stop over night we might as well pass on for they did not keep any one there. We sent him for his Father who, starting to make an excuse for turning us off, changed and invited us in. We were charged 25 cts each for supper, breakfast, and a night of lodging. After this, learning that we were Mormon Preachers, regret was expressed that they had not known that in time to have held an evening meeting. We were invited to stop a day or two and hold meeting. We made an appointment there for a meeting on the 29th. Last night we stopped with one Prettyman James. This morning we visited Jefferson Lee and took dinner today at Andrew Carr's, each friends made by the other Elders in their last labors. At the latter place we were handed a letter directed to the Mormon Teachers, which read as follows:

Dear Sirs
Word having reached me that you deny the body which I stand identified being the Church of God, that we have wandered off, that we have a form of Godliness but deny the power there of. Now sirs if either of you will meet me and affirm that the Church of the Ladder Day Saints is the Church of God I will deny or I will affirm that the Church that I stand identified with is the Church of God if you will deny. Or I will affirm that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance toward God and Baptism into the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit will secure the forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit if you will deny. Or if you will affirm that miraculous gifts are necessary today and those belonging to the true Church can perform them and confer the Holy Ghost by the Laying of hands, I will deny. Now sirs let us have a friendly discussion of these and others points if you choose, or else it will be taken for granted that you cannot sustain what you teach. This is all through friendship seeking truth and dispelling error. You can give me an answer by some friend or through the mail direct to Buffalo Valley Tenn. And I will answer you as you may direct.
Yours Truly W. R. Chaffin

Flynns Lick, Monday April 23, 1883 Saturday night we stopped with two brothers named Clemmens. Sunday held meeting. A stormy day and but light attendance. Took dinner with a Doctor near by. Visited Mr. Smith. Stopped over night with Mr. Chaffin spending the whole night in conversation in the Scripture. Came on to Samples today.

Flynns Lick, Wednesday April 25, 1883 Stopped at Samples Monday and Tuesday night. Had a "log rolling" here yesterday and a dance last evening. A meeting is announced here for tomorrow evening.

Flynns Lick, Friday April 27, 1883 Stopped Wednesday night with Mr. Hoover at Whites Bend. Visited Mrs. Angus yesterday, and took dinner with Mr. Sherlock. Held meeting here last night.

Jacob F. Miller First Area - March 1883

[The continuation of Elder Jacob F. Miller's missionary journal....]

Bairds Mills Wednesday March 7, 1883  ... I traveled as far as Murfreesboro that evening [March 5th] and came on to this place¹ yesterday. Bros. [John H.] Gibbs, [Robert] Pearce and [Joshua] Hawks traveled with me as far as Murfreesboro. [A]ttended a revival or protracted meeting Monday evening. The Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterians and Christians or Campbellites have joined together in the work and are now in the second week of their labors. One person, a young girl came forward and was duly prayed, preached and groaned over by the temporally united Ministers. A call was then made and much pleading indulged in to induce the congregation to gather round the "Altor" and join in Prayer. By much persuasion about one in ten were induced to comply. Others were then requested to bow their heads during the prayer and most did so. They hold a meeting each afternoon and each evening. The text was Matthew 11:28, the sermon "Come to Jesus and Ye are Saved". The evening before this I attended a Baptist meeting at Chattanooga, The First Chapter of the Book of Acts was read there for a text. I hired a buggy at the livery stable and came on here yesterday. The headquarters of the mission here is at the residence of G. P. Huddleston. There is a Branch of the Church consisting of about forty members here. Of these I have been introduced to Brother and Sister Huddleston their, daughter Sarah Vaughn, their cousin Mary Cummings and the teachers of the District or Branch Brother Dennison and his wife. Bro. and Sister Dennison are intending to emigrate to Colorado this month. A company starts from Chattanooga March 29th.

[I omitted a list of the missionaries with their hometowns and their assignments. You can find that list here.]

The people here seemed much pleased at some views of Utah which I brought with me, also with photographs of some of the authorities. I wrote to my Father and Thalia at St. Louis, to my Father from Chattanooga and to Thalia from Murfreesboro. Write today to my Father, my Uncle Nathan Cheney, W. W. Steed and J. H. Gibbs.

Bairds Mills, Thursday March 8, 1883 A warm, sunshiny, pleasant day. Visited Bro Dennison for a short time. Bro. Dennison and family spent the evening here. Wrote to E. O. Wilcox today.

Bairds Mills, Friday March 9, 1883 Obtained copy of Logan Leader today with a list of our missionary company. My name is incorrectly printed J. T. Miller.

Bairds Mill March 10, 1883 Wrote to my cousin J. T. Hammond today.

Bairds Mills, Sunday March 11, 1883 Meeting held here today. About thirty attending. I spoke 46 minutes. Congregation very attentive. Meeting announced for Wednesday evening and next Sunday.

Bairds Mills, Monday March 12, 1883 Received a card from Pres. Morgan today.

Bairds Mills, today. Tuesday March 13, 1883 Wrote to Pres. Morgan

Bairds Mills, Wednesday March 14, 1883 Meeting this evening at Brother Dennison. Spoke a little over half an hour. Was followed by Brother Dennison who speaks fluently and with no apparent embarrassment.

Bairds Mills, Friday March 16, 1883 Visited Brother [Franklin Pierce] Simmons yesterday. The Elders have had their mail stopped and write that they will be here by about the 20th.

Bairds Mill, Friday March 19, 1883 Held meeting at the Wetmore schoolhouse yesterday. Spoke about an hour. Stopped over night at Brother Barretes. Received letter from Charles Shumway in Alabama today.

Bairds Mills, Tuesday March 20, 1883 Elder Adams and Jackson arrived today. They left their things at Jackson Co. I take a trip up there after them starting tomorrow.

[It was apparently a short trip, of which he wrote nothing at the time and very little upon his return]

Bairds Mills, Saturday March 24, 1883 Left here last Wednesday for Jackson Co., leaving Elder Adams to spend the few days he had left here in visiting with the Saints. Stopped at Gordonsville Wednesday night with Joseph Samples. Thursday night, at Grant on my return. Friday night, and reached here last evening. Find two letters awaiting from my Father, two from my sister and one from my Uncle Nathan Cheney. All well at home. Report a good time at Conference.

Bairds Mills, Sunday March 25, 1883 A stormy day today so that no meeting was held. Jefferson Davis Simmons and George Monroe Burke were baptized today. Elder Adams officiating; Elder Jackson confirming Bro. Burke and myself Bro. Simmons. Elder Jackson has been appointed to succeed Elder A[lphonzo] H. Snow as President of this the East Tennessee Conference. A Conference will be held here May 4th, 5th and 6th and in Campbell or Union Co. in August or September. Wrote to my Father today.

¹ Bairds Mill is a small community, then and now. Most of the saint emigrated west before 1890. In 1895 the population was 28. It is probably less than 100 today.

Jacob F. Miller En Route - March 1883

Chattanooga Tenn. Sunday March 4 1883

...Tuesday 27th left home for mission. Bro. F[ranklin] D. Richards was in the train riding to Ogden and gave us some good instruction. A Doctor from Park City a rabid anti Mormon was on the train and was very bitter and noisy in conversation. We had a great number of conversations on the train and distributed quite a number of tracts. I had several interviews Thursday with a Baptist minister, C. T. Chaffee First Baptist Church. He told me that the Baptists were the most numerous sect in America, the Methodists ranking second, that the salary of a minister in Nebraska ranged from $500 to $5,000 and averaged from $1,000 to $1,200 also that he had the largest Church in the state. Nebraska offered nothing for view except corn, cornstalks and hogs. Iowa offers marked contrast by its rolling hills and Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee add considerable timber to the prospect.

We reached Omaha Thursday evening, crossed the bridge reported to be 2750 ft long to Council Bluffs and took the St. Louis Kansas City and Northern train¹ for St. Louis, where we obtained late breakfast Friday Morning. Took a tramp through the town, which seems to be mainly of brick, wrote to my Father and Thalia. Twelve of us including Bro. Morgan went to visit Shaw's Garden. A very large tract of land is here laid out as a place of pleasure resort. A large number of tropical plants are to be found in the green house, one corner is devoted to Scriptural plants. Amongst them my attention was particularly attracted by a tiny Ceder of Lebanon. A large variety of Cactus adorned the green houses, half a dozen Century Plants were in one. A Pomegranate in one as also palmetto, gum elastic and Camphor.

In the evening we embarked

on the Ohio and Mississippi Railway for Cincinnati. I passed the night in conversation with a stranger, W. T. Nelson of Hillsborough Ohio, between five and six hours were spent in rapid religious argument the remainder of the time in general conversation. My companion gave me control of the argument, by objecting to any opinions and appealing to the written word in the Bible as sole criterion. He had previously laid down as an axiom that the majority were always in the wrong and so could make no logical appeal from the wording of the Scripture to the general opinion of mankind regarding its meaning. In general conversation he informed me that the principal native trees of that part of the country were the oak, hickory and beech on the poorer soil; the walnut and sugar maple in the richer; and the sycamore and elm on the riverbanks and lower lands.

We took the Cincinnati and Southern railway for Chattanooga Saturday morning arriving late Saturday evening. Bro. Rigby found that he had been robbed. I think on the O & M Train I saw one steamer crossing the Ohio. We crossed the Mississippi in the dark. A partially disarranged switch nearly through our train off the track yesterday, The Conductor stopped the train to learn the cause but gave us no information on the subject. A young assistant told us the train narrowly missed being thrown into the river. We crossed a bridge yesterday 286 ft high. We stop here [in Chattanooga] at the Florentine Hotel.

Jacob F. Miller's route from SLC to Chattanooga

Bairds Mills Wednesday March 7, 1883

Sunday March 4th. We held a meeting in my room at the hotel. Bros. [John] Morgan and [Alphonzo] Snow gave us much good advice about our conduct in the missionary field. Following this we met on Cameron Hill² named during the War in honor of Secretary Simon Cameron. Pres. Morgan, then a young man served in the war under General [John T.] Wilder. The General, now a resident of Chattanooga met us on Cameron Hill and jested with Pres. Morgan about the Battalion he was now leading. All the boys received their appointments Sunday evening except myself. I received mine Monday morning. We all left for our fields of labor Monday.

¹ Actually purchased in 1879 by Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway so by the time Elder Miller rode it in 1883, the name had already changed.
² Cameron Hill sits in the center of downtown Chattanooga, providing an excellent view of the city. It would later be developed into a residential district with a rail to the top, with a casino and a Civil War memorial park. Today most of the hill is occupied by an office complex for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

Jacob F. Miller Mission Preparations - February 1883

[This is one in a series of posts on Jacob F Millers's mission journal. To see them all look here.]

Farmington Thursday February 8, 1883
Went to Cache Valley January 23d on a visit. Returned February 5th. Small pox still spreading in Logan. Received a Patriarchal Blessing from Father Richardson at Richmond February 2d and one from Father John Smith of Farmington February 6th. Attended Theological Class Tuesday evening. A very good play was performed last night by the Kaysville Dramatic Association. The Social Glass Farce "Miss Tibbetts Back Hair".

[The text of both Patriarchal Blessings were included in his journal]

Saturday February 10th 1883
Took a trip to Salt Lake City today. Was introduced to Pres Morgan by Henry Roberts. Purchased copies of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine of Covenants Compendium & Mediator.

Visited Salt Lake City Saturday Feb 24. Had some Photographs taken. Received present of a Bible, Oxford edition, a Book of Mormon, a Compendium and a copy of Mormon Doctrine from W. W. Steed and of a Hundred copies of the Articles of Faith from Bro James T. Smith, each copy having my name and address upon it. Spent the evening at Bro. Stayners the evening before at Wilcox and at a farewell dance. Sunday preached at meeting occupying nineteen minutes so my Father told me. Monday went to Salt Lake City to be set apart for my mission. Bought 150 of Bro. Morgan's Tracts.

[On February 26, 1883 Jacob F. Miller was set apart as a missionary in the Historian's office by Apostle Joseph F. Smith, the long text I have omitted here. Afterwards he was given a certificate of his ministerial call]

Copy of Certificate

Holiness to the Lord

To All Persons to whom this Letter Shall Come

          This certifies that the bearer, Elder Jacob Franklin Miller is in full faith and fellowship with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and by the General Authorities of said Church has been duly appointed to a Mission to the Southern States to Preach the Gospel and Administer in all the Ordinances there of pertaining to his office.

          And we invite all men to give heed to his Teachings and councils as a man of God, sent to open to them the door of life and salvation and assist him in his travels, in whatever things he may need.

          And we pray God the Eternal Father, to bless Elder Jacob F. Miller and all who receive him, and minister to his comfort, with the blessings of Heaven and Earth, for time and all eternity, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen

Signed at Salt Lake City,

Territory of Utah

          February 26th, 1883 in behalf of said Church

          John Taylor

First Presidency

          Joseph F. Smith

[The next day he and several other missionaries boarded a train for the east.]

Jacob F. Miller's Mission Call - January 1883

Farmington January 13, 1883  Received a letter of which the following is a copy today.

Salt Lake City 

January 12, 1883

Elder Jacob F. Miller 
Farmington

Dear Brother
Your name has been suggested and accepted as a Missionary to the Southern States. The work of the Lord is progressing in the nations and faithful, energetic Elders are needed in the ministry to promulgate the Everlasting Gospel, openings for doing good appearing in numerous directions. Yourself with others having been selected for this mission, should there be no reasonable obstacles to hinder you from going, we would be pleased to have you make your arrangements to start at as early a date as Tuesday February 27th 1883. Please let us know at  your earliest convenience what your feelings are with regard to this call.
Your Brother in the Gospel.
John Taylor 

p.s.
Please have your Bishop Endorse your answer.

I send the following as reply:

January 13th 1883

President John Taylor
Salt Lake City

Dear Brother
Your letter of yesterday requesting to me to be prepared to start on a mission to the Southern States by February 27th was received today. I shall expect to be ready at the time mentioned.
Yours Very Respectfully
Jacob F. Miller

Farmington January 14, 1883 Sunday B[isho]p [J. M.] Secrist endorsed my answer to Pres. Taylor today.

Jacob F. Miller's Mission to Tennessee - An introduction.

A couple years back I learned that my great grandfather served his mission in the Southern States, and in particular in Tennessee. Thanks to the work of my brother, his three journals have been transcribed and I now have a copy of that transcription.

While I am sure that some of you might find every word of his journal fascinating, I have resisted the urge to simply post it here in serial form. Why? I'm not entirely sure. Of course the length is one issue. It has almost 300 pages of detail greater than the average person can tolerate. It isn't light reading. But in the detail is a trove of information if your hobby is reading missionary journals. And his style is a combination of dry and clever. Some days he wrote only the barest details, and other days he was eloquent. He named names, and described places. He revealed customary missionary practices (i.e. he and his companions took turns asking for a place to stay the night), explained how he spend money, and sometimes speculated where other missionaries were. His journal described his own personal world, noting the letters he sent and received connecting him to Utah, while his awareness of the wider world around him comes through loud and clear.

On each day he wrote he noted his location. Taking those places I searched for the frequency those places are mentioned in his journal. Using my limited mapping skills I put together the following. For those of you not familiar with Tennessee, this covers an area east of Nashville and west of Knoxville. He spent most of his time in the Upper Cumberland region.

Jacob Franklin Miller¹ arrival into the world was marked with this note in his father's journal "Tuesday, December 9, 1856, my 21st birthday was spent in getting my last load of wood for my winter fuel, green cottonwood, which we first cooked or dried in the stove oven and then burned. I arrived late and found my wife in labor and December 10, one-half hour after midnight, our first son, Jacob Franklin was born."

He was studious by nature, intelligent, and known for his mathematical ability. In his journal on Wednesday June 25, 1879 is an example:

"Yesterday my father read an account of a gentleman who had trained his memory to such perfection that he could multiply two numbers of fifteen figures each performing the operation mentally. 'I don't know that I could do that' I said half aloud. 'Could you with five figures' my father inquired. (The) answer on return from work in the evening. I brought an answer to the first problem mentioned, that of multiplying fifteen figure by fifteen. I had worked along with the boys in the field doing my share of the work and at intervals talking with the boys. The answer contained thirty figures. Upon proving the work I found three figures to be incorrect. The next forenoon I took the following example 987,654,321,987,654,321 x 123,456,789,123,456,789 obtaining 121,932,631,356,500,531,347,203,169,112,635,269 as the answer.² I set the answer down at noon and working the example upon paper proved it to be correct. In the second example as in the first I was interrupted by conversation besides having to pay attention to my work. Those with whom I was working did not know that my mind was occupied aside from my work."

He was a deeply religious man. Another Farmington resident wrote about him and attributed the healing of her husband to his priesthood administration.³ He was President of the 40th Quorum of Seventies.⁴

He taught school both before and after his mission. He attended Wesleyan University in Illinois, though I have yet been able to identify when. In 1892 he became professor of History and Political Science and was listed as the Librarian and Registrar as well.⁵ He eventually was the chair of the department at Brigham Young College in Logan, was first counselor to the Faculty President, and a Fellow of the Historical Society of America.⁶ I've not been able to locate anything he published, but there are so many places to check still.

On September 18, 1901 he married Hulda Larson, daughter of Ola Larson (landscape architect. See here and here, and Ardis' post here) and Johanna Nilson. They had two children, Joseph Larson, born September 1, 1902 and Helen Mar, born November 13, 1903. "He would come home from school each day to eat with the family. He would enter the home from an outside door leading into the bedroom, change his clothes, and then go in to eat. He would take his two young children, one on each knee, and would play and talk with them while eating. When it was time to return to school he would go back into the bedroom, change his clothes again, and return to school. He loved his family dearly and would spend as much time as possible with them."

Late in 1905 he became ill with stomach problems. His condition was considered "very serious."⁷ It was eventually diagnosed as pernicious anemia, and condition now treated with Vitamin B12, but was then always fatal. He died at his residence on March 25, 1906 leaving his wife and two very young children, aged 4 and 3.

Footnotes

¹I am drawing heavily on an existing biography. 

²In the interest of due diligence I tried to check his math  using my spreadsheet program (Excel). The program would not allow me to enter more than 15 significant figures, rendering it incapable of doing this calculation.

³Life of Laura Louisa Smith https://familysearch.org/patron/v2/TH-301-40947-296-42/dist.txt?ctx=ArtCtxPublic

⁴Pioneers and prominent men of Utah

⁵The American University Magazine, May 1896, Vol 4 No 1, New York City. See also Brigham Young College Catelogue 1895-1902

⁶The Improvement Era, Volume 9 page 581 see also Officers, Committees, Act of Incorporation, Constitution, Organization and List of Members 1905 By American Historical Association

⁷ Professor Miller Very Ill. Salt Lake Tribune, November 17, 1905, page 10 

Other Notes

The Tri-Weekly Journal of Logan, Utah in 1895 wrote: The Library at present contains upward of 2,500 bound volumes and 600 pamphlets and additions will be made during the year to meet the requirements of students in the several Departments. Professor Miller's valuable collection on History and Political Science will be the most desirable parts of Logan City, at the corner of First and College streets on the North Fork of Logan River.


According to a BYC Catalogue entry for him he was a Student in the University of Utah, 1873-74. 1875-76, 1885; On mission to the Southern States, 1883-1885; Superintendent of Public Schools, Davis County, 1889: Teacher of Advanced Department Davis Stake Academy, 1889-1891; D. B., Church Board of Education. 1896; A. B., Brigham Young College, 1902; Member of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, and also member of the Historical Association since 1897; Present position since 1892.  [Member of the following standing committees] College Council, Scholarship and Graduation, Library. 

According to the same BYC Catalogue,  From 1902 to 1906 he taught courses on Church History and Doctrine, Ecclesiastical History, Church History II, Principles of the Gospel, European History, History of Orient & Greece, History of Rome, History of U.S., Establishment of the Church by Christ, Civil Government, Life of Christ, Political Economy, Old Testament, and American History. Newspaper in 1893 also noted he taught Higher Algebra, Commercial Arithmetic, Historical Reading, Ancient History and Ecclesiastical History.

Flippin, Kentucky

Last week I was contemplating using my Great Grandfather's (Jacob F. Miller) journal as the basis of some posts, so I pulled out my copy and started re-reading it. In the process I noticed that for a short time he and his companion traveled across the state line into Kentucky. As luck would have it, I was just given a client (from my day job) that is in the very same area of Kentucky. So when it was time to pay them a visit, I thought why not drive along the route he took on the way home, maybe take some pictures, see what it was like. Later on I will share some of what he wrote about his side trip, but for now I'll just share what I found.

My first stop was a small town named Flippin. I kid you not. When I shared with my client where I was going she just said "That's not much more than a stop sign." (imagine it with a really smooth Kentucky drawl). She under estimated it a little, but not by much.

I did find the post office. But I'm not sure it was being used.

As you can see, I did pick the best day, weather-wise, for a road trip. It was cold, overcast, and windy, but at least it wasn't raining - yet.

At Flippin, my ancestor scheduled a sermon for 11:00 am Sunday morning at a local school called the Boyd School House. Fortunately for me it was still standing, or so the internet said. There was even a photo, from 2008, but I wanted one of my own. Poor directions forced me to do some digging. And a good thing I did. This far away from, well, ANYTHING, meant that my mobile phone based GPS did not work. (Note to self. Bring the Satellite based GPS next time) And it was so cold no one was outside, and try as they might cows do not give good directions. I was entirely dependent on the paper maps I printed.

Eventually the Boyd School gave up its secrets. It was in much worse shape than the photo I had seen from only 6 years earlier. But clearly the same building.

The rain started falling each and every time I got out of the car, and stopped while I was driving. I eventually gave up and just rolled down my window when I wanted a photo. Dressed as I was (a suit and tie from my last client meeting) I didn't want to do much walking around anyway. The country side was mostly rolling hills, which made for short horizons. There were several barns, placed in green and brown fields. Cattle was the most common agricultural use, as well as goats, hay, and what appeared to be the remnants of rows of corn.

Below is the "bridge" over Peter Creek. It consisted of poured concrete over 6 inch culvert pipes. I hadn't seen a bridge like that since I moved east, and I visit a lot of out of the way places.

Into this beautiful, yet stark environment I placed my great grandfather. I was there in March at the end of winter. He was there in early December, just before winter started. He and his companion spent a couple days wandering around meeting people, trying to drum up attendees for Sunday's meeting. I imagined Elders Miller and Wilson's visit was as lonely as mine. He wrote...

It rained some during the night and we found poor prospects for a meeting. We went the schoolhouse, kindled a fire and awaited results. A small audience gathered expressing themselves as being desirous of hearing us and we concluded to hold a short meeting.

They left immediately after lunch, heading south to Tennessee, never to return. I, however, will be back.

A mobbing in Putnam County

In Putnam county, Tennessee. February 14th, 1885, Elders Joseph Franklin Miller and George Wilson were at the Rutledge home helping them prepare for emigration to Zion, and had just finished nailing the last packing box shut. Elder Miller decided to go to the Samples home for “some pop corn and a popper to help pass the night away.” As he left he heard the neighbors’ dog barking and thought it odd that the dog would see him a such a distance. Turns out the dog was barking at a mob of about 22 men. They had just left the Sample home looking for the Mormon missionaries, and were on their way to the Rutledge home. As luck would have it, they missed Elder Miller in the dark. Elder Miller didn’t see them and so continued on unaware to the Samples home.

Meanwhile the mob arrived at the Rutledge home where they convinced Elder Wilson to accompany them, with a promise that he not be hurt. As they left towards the woods they asked for Elder Miller and was told truthfully that he was back towards the other home. When Brother Rutledge tried to come along, however, was refused permission to join them.

While in the woods, the mob searched Elder Wilson. He freely offered that he had nothing but a knife on him, which he gave to them when he was asked. But then an argument broke out among the men saying that “neither his money nor any of his things should be taken from him.” Someone obviously in authority ordered that his knife be returned to him, which it promptly was.

The mob led him back to their horses and they rode him off about a hundred yards. There he was left with two guards while the other returned to the Samples house to look for Elder Miller. One mobber said that he didn’t “give a damn to get any of them but Miller.” “Miller came out to preach” said another snarlingly. “Yes” said a third “he’s a real hellcat.”

Meanwhile Elder Miller arrived at the Sample home where several sisters were popping corn. While he waited in the other room, Sister Rutledge’s baby awoke and started crying. For some reason only Elder Miller could comfort the child. She even preferred him to her own mother. After finally calming the child back to sleep, Elder Miller started back to the Rutledge home with pop corn and a popper. But found no one there. Confused and still unaware of the mob, Elder Miller was startled by voices outside the home. But for some reason he felt prompted not to investigate. Instead he knelt and said a prayer. Immediately he felt calm, and settled down to stoke up the fire. It wasn’t long before sister Lambert and sister Rutledge came to the house and warned him of the mob. Thinking the mob was right behind the sisters, Elder Miller quickly went into the woods and hid.

At the same time Elder Wilson was being questioned by the two left to guard him. They would sometimes step away to converse with each other privately. Elder Wilson thought he heard them arguing about whether to kill him or not. But before either one had the chance to try it, the rest of the mob returned empty handed from searching for Elder Miller.

While the mob was considering their next course of action, a pistol fired quite by accident by one guard and hit the other guard ( a local bailiff) in the foot. Several members of the mob took the injured man aside and tended to his wound.

The mob insisted that the Elder Wilson take his companion and leave by Monday (two days later) but insisting they did not have money to travel, they granted him thirty days to get the money together but that was the “extreme limit of [their] grace.”

They then secured Elder Wilson fast, administered twenty lashes upon his back with beech limbs, and turned him loose. Elder Wilson was not seriously injured by the blows he had received, and in a short time was able to join Elder Miller. The names of these mobbers were never learned. But one local man said it was “constables, ex-constables and Methodist preachers.”

Elders in his MTC Distric

I was reading though my great grandfather's mission journal and found a list of the missionaries that went with him. I found the list fascinating, and thought you might as well. My great grandfather is first on this list. I recognized one other name in this group. Are there ones you recognize?

Joseph F. Miller - Farmington, UT - Bairds Mill, TN
Joshua Hawks - Franklin, ID - Duck River, TN
John H. Gibbs - Paradise, UT - Duck River, TN
Robert Pearce Jr. - Paradise, UT - Duck River, TN
Thomas Godfrey - Clarkston, UT - Powells River, TN
Thomas Griffin - Clarkston, UT - Powells River, TN
Charles Shumway - Clarkston, UT - Springville, AL
Geo. A Biglow - Millville, UT - Valley, VA
Jens Jenson - Mendon, UT - Valley, VA
A. H. Richards - Mendon, UT - Moscow, AL
J. S. Willie - Mendon, UT - Moscow, AL
Andrew Israelson - Hyrum, UT - Spruce Pine, AL
Orsomell Wilson - Hyrum, UT - Spruce Pine, AL
Wm. Rigby Jr. - Newton, UT - Spruce Pine, AL
John Davidson - Benson, UT - Whittaker, SC
Andrew Spence - Wellsville, UT - Stewartsville, VA
John H. Maughn - Wellsville, UT - Stewartsville, VA
Joel Ricks Jr. - Logan, UT - Stewartsville, VA
Joseph Morell - Logan, UT - Stewartsville, VA
J. L. Ferrin - Eden, UT - Travelers Rest, AL
H. S. Beattie - Salt Lake City, UT - Travelers Rest, AL
Peter Soutsensock - Lehi, UT - Travelers Rest, AL
Joseph Safish Salina - Sevier, UT - Travelers Rest, AL

Among other things, I noticed that several of them were from the same town. Not only that, but three quarters were from Cache county, which at the time I believe was one stake. This was certainly no accident. There was something about Church policy at the time driving this. Anyone know what it was?

Jacob Franklin Miller

March 11, 1884 found Elder Jacob Miller spending some time in Nashville doing whay we would call P-Day (for preparation) activities. He and his companion, along with two other Elders, found a room in which to stay at the "Weller House." Later that night between 8 and 9 pm Elder Miller and Elder Holbrook met two other Elders (from Cane Creek) at the train station. Back at the Weller House, the six of them talked "until a late hour at night."

The next day they explored the city, at one point they went out on a "wire bridge" that spans the Cumberland River. From there they could see the section of the city flooded. After arranging to meet for lunch at the "top of the state house" they split up into pairs each seeing what they could find to bring to the capital. Elder Miller and Elder Wilson bought "cookies and fried cakes." The others bought bread, cheese, maple sugar and bananas. The Capital building is on the highest point in the city and affords a spectacular view, even today. From the top they could see more of the flooded portion of the city, and noted that "through the streets men were going in skiffs and canoes."

After singing "Let Us All Press On" It began to rain so the Elders descended to the Library and the Museum. That night they purchased some clothes and went back to their room to write letters.

The next day, they saw more of the city and had pictures taken together and "a few on tin." I wish I had a copy. The six of them were Jacob Franklin Miller, Orson Wilson, William Hess, Brigham Holbrook, Willis E. Robison and John H. Gibbs.

What you don't know about your own family

I was talking with my mother the other day, and it turns out that her grandfather Jacob Franklin Miller served a mission in Tennessee in 1883 & 1884. In fact, according to my mother, he knew the Elders involved in the Cane Creek Murders and wrote about the incident in his journal (so, Mom, any luck finding the journal?). How did I miss that growing up? I guess it proves that you never know what your living relatives might have until you ask.