George Albert Smith, Thursday, May 23, 1907

-- Thursday, May 23, 1907
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. All of the first Presidency and Myself, George Teasdale, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith and Orson F. Whitney of the 12, Patriarch John Smith and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs met in council.

Reports were made. Routine business gone through with. President Smith informed us that he wanted the 12 to keep aloof from other than their church duties. (1)

-- Thursday, May 30, 1907
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. all of the First Presidency and Prest. Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, G. F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay of the Twelve and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs [met].

At 1 p.m.S.B. Young, B. H. Roberts, R. S. Wells, Jos. W. McMurrin and Charles H. Hart joined us.

The bad grammar and bad spelling in the Book of Mormon was discussed and a theory by Bro. B. H. Roberts was Considered and we concluded to meet tomorrow.

We were together for eight hours. (1)

-- May 31, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he departs SLC for Palmyra, New York, to investigate the possibility of purchasing the Hill Cumorah (2)

-- June 7, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Palmyra N.Y. Friday June 7 clear Spent the day with Mr. Sexton accompanied by [wife] Lucy. We drove all over the country, and visited with several men. Russell T. Stoddard (Son of Russel Stoddard) about 60 years of age Said he heard his Father say he built the Smith house for Jos Smith Senior assisted by others. They lived about a '½ mile from the Smith farm.

"Wm Wallace Miner aquainted (Sic) with surrounding country 60 years of age. Remembered when Hill Cumorah was covered by trees. He said the Chase farm and Smith farm joined. Pointed out a spot where he siad (sic) a well and cave were dug on the Chase farm. Thot (sic) Joseph got the peep stone at this well and abandoned the cave to dig on the farm of Whipple [p. 179] where Miner now lives. Miner remembered a door to said cave and had been in it himself about 25 feet but it is now covered over. He has the spot marked where the opening was. He told of a cooper shop and log house on the Smith farm which is the N.W. corner of the town of Manchester. Hill Cumorah was owned by Robt Robinson when Joseph secured the plates afterward owned as follows

Randall Robinson

Ausax "

Edwin "

Auson Parker

Wm. T Sampson (Admiral)

Pliny T Sexton

Edmond Reynolds remembered the hill Cumorah when it was covered by tress and had seen an excavation where it was said the plates came from. Common repute that Smith farm is the one owned by Chapman W.A." (2)

-- June 10, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Plymyra (sic) N.Y. Monday June 10/07 clear Awoke feeling well. Had a long talk with W Avery Chapman about purchasing his farm and closed the deal with him during the day for $20,000. He is to remain on the premises until Apl 1. 08 under a lease from me. The people of the town are curious and some are quite concerned about our visit. Ashby Snow and German E. Ellsworth were present and indorsed my action as did my wife Lucy W Smith. The property is in good condition and is a beaufiful (sic) farm. It is where the Father and Son appeared to Joseph the Prophet and the Angel Moroni also. Part of the Book of Mormon was translated here. I am not very strong physically." (2)

-- June 11, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "At 5 P.M. Pliny T Sexton called for us with a nice carriage and drove us to his office to inspect the Printers (Sic) copy of the first edition of the B. of M. He treated us very well and on being informed that we had bought the Chapman farm said he was glad and further said the Hill Cumorah would likely come to us some day." (2)

-- During 1907 June
George Albert Smith purchased 100-acre Smith Farm in Manchester, New York, for the Church. (3)

-- July 2, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] returned to SLC (2)

-- Aug 8-Aug 20, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] he is in Canadian settlements with Rudger Clawson (2)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - Journals of George Albert Smith
3 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Thursday, Dec 20, 1906

-- Thursday, Dec 20, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I sealed in the Temple today My son Nicholas G. Smith [half brother] born June 20th, 1881, Salt Lake City, Utah and Florence Gay, born Sept. 24th, 1886 at

Ogden, Utah. The Witnesses were Lorin Farr and Winslow Farr Smith. About 50 persons were entertained by my wife Josephine at her

home during the evening. We had a nice lunch. (1)

-- Wednesday, Jan. 16, 1907
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I dined at my son George Alberts. His guests were Jacob Riis of Danish birth and who is a lecturer of some standing on slum conditions, Joseph F. Smith, Lorin Farr, Wilford Woodruff and Mrs. Tirzah F. Gay, myself and wife Sarah F. (1)

-- February 28, 1907; Thursday
The regular ten o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held as usual this morning in the Temple.... A letter was read from Brother M[ahonri]. M. Young, dated 23rd inst., stating that according to his calculations it would take him about a year to mould a life size figure of the Prophet Joseph [Smith], and that there would be considerable expense attached to the work, and he thought $150 a month for the twelve months would be a fair wage to pay him; and if it should take more than a year to do the work, it would be at his own expense; and if on completion the figure shall be satisfactory, and is to be cast in bronze, he would be willing to leave the matter of any further compensation to the Presidency.

This not being entirely satisfactory, a committee was appointed consisting of Brothers Clawson and George Albert Smith to wait on Brother Young for the purpose of obtaining from him a definite statement, thereby avoiding any misunderstanding hereafter. ... (2)

-- Wednesday, March 20, 1907
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I spent some time at the office. We were reading a document prepared by a committee composed of LeGrand Young, B. H. Roberts, F. S. Richards, R. W. Young, Orson F. Whitney, D. O. McKay and James E. Talmage to be addressed to the People of the United States in defense of our Position. We read and ammended it. My sons George A., Don C., Winslow F., Nicholas G. & Son in law M. A. Pond and their wives and me and my wives [spent] the evening at my son Ezra Chases home. He has been Married ten years today. (1)

-- March 21, 1907; Thursday
The regular meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles was held at 10 o'clock this morning at the Temple....

Bro[ther]. George Albert Smith reported that Brother Smoot and he went to Rexburg, Fremont [Idaho] Stake, where they met the Stake Presidency and the Bishopric of Marysville, and found that the difficulty existed between the Stake Presidency and Bishopric of Marysville and the people of Vernon Ward. Ashton, he said, is settling very rapidly as a railroad town, and is situated one and a half miles from Vernon, and it seems that the railroad people missed Marysville intentionally, and the people feel very much hurt about it. Evidently the Bishop of Marysville has felt very much exercised over it, and has acted somewhat unwisely in consequence, in having failed to go and see Pres[iden]t. Basset in regard to the matter. Bro[ther]s. Smith and Smoot met with the brethren named and the Bishop of Vernon, and visited Ashton and

Vernon Tuesday. They talked plainly to these brethren on account of their unfounded suspicions in regard to the Stake Presidency, and left them to settle their difficulties. ... (2)

-- March 28, 1907; Thursday
The regular ten o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles was held this morning.

Present: Pres[iden]ts. [Joseph F.] Smith, [John R.] Winder and [Anthon H.] Lund, Elders Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay and the Patriarch. ...

The question of accepting the proposition of M[ahonri]. M. Young, partly considered a few weeks ago, was now brought to the attention of the council said proposition in substance as follows. To execute a life size statue of the Prophet Joseph Smith, case in plaster, for the net sum of three thousand dollars, to be paid at the rate of $150. a month for twelve months, at the end of which time, if the work be not completed, he to finish same without further expense to the Church; but on completion, if approved and accepted, he to receive the additional sum of $1,200.00. He also to superintend casting in bronze, and deliver same in place in Salt Lake City, said bronze cast to cost approximately from $1,200 to $1,500; not to exceed $1,500. If plaster model should not be accepted, it is to become the property of the Church with the understanding that it shall not be cast in bronze. If plaster case is completed and submitted in less than twelve months, but not approved, the monthly
payments to cease, and cast to become property of church with the understanding that it will not be bronzed. It is also understood that Brother M[ahonri]. M. Young is to bear his own expenses to the east and return while supervising the casting in bronze and delivering same in place at Salt Lake City, and that he furnish at his own expense the material for the proposed statue.

It was unanimously decided to accept the proposition. ... (2)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 1906

-- Wednesday, Aug. 1, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

George Albert Smith and I went [to] Provo. We attended the funeral of Byron Cheever, about 7 years old. It was held on the Lawn in front of the house. George Albert Smith and Frank Hinckley were the speakers. (1)

-- Thursday, Aug. 30, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. Presidents John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, George Teasdale, Reed Smoot, George Albert Smith, C. W. Penrose, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay of the Twelve, Patriarch John Smith and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs tact in Council.

Our Regular business was gone through and reports made And Assignments to the various conferences.

Bro. Reed Smoot was all broken up over some of Bro. Roberts talk on Polatics.

[Went to Idaho to Irrigation Conference at Boise.] (1)

-- 1906 September 21
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Hannah Maria Libbey Smith, the "aunt" who reared him, dies in Provo at age seventy-eight. (2)

-- Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I met with the Presidency and some of the Twelve and the Presidency of the San Juan Stake and Bp. L. Redd of Bluff. I[t] was decided to abandon that place.

I had my own children and grand children together also some friends and other relatives, about forty souls in all at aunt Josephines.

I talked to them all at length. We had Cake and Ice Cream. (1)

-- Thursday, Oct. 11, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency and all of the Twelve but Heber J. Grant Met in the Temple at 10 a.m. Prayer by Prest. Francis M. Lyman. Mouth at the Altar George F. Richards. Business was gotten through with. George Albert Smith and B. H. Roberts are to go to the Eastern and Southern States on a Mission.

My son Nathaniel L. Smith left at 5:55 p.m. for his Mission. I supplied him with $140.00. (1)

-- October 11, 1906; Thursday
The regular 10 o'clock meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held this morning at the temple.... Pres[iden]t. Lyman informed the Presidency that the Council of Apostles had taken under consideration the question of some of the Apostles visiting some of the missions in the United States, and they had concluded to advise that Brother Hyrum M. Smith accompanied by Brother Charles H. Hart, visit the Colorado, Central States and Northern States Missions; that Brother George Albert Smith, accompanied by Brother B. H. Roberts, visit the Eastern States and Southern States Missions, and that the Northwestern States and California Missions be visited by Elder George F. Richards.

On motion of Pres[iden]t. Winder, recommendations adopted. ... (3)

-- Saturday, Oct 20, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I was Married Forty years ago Today to Sarah Farr [mother]. Ours has been a most happy life. She has borne Eleven children, Eight sons and three daughters. Three of the sons died in infancy. (1)

-- Dec 15, 1906
Polygamists and monogamists among General Authorities in 1890, 1900 & 1906-- Salt Lake City, Utah, December 15th, 1906. Senator Reed Smoot, Washington, D.C.

Dear Brother:

We proceed to give you herewith the information as to the General Authorities of the Church, asked for in your telegram of yesterday:

Polygamists in 1890. Monogamists in 1890. Wilford Woodruff (P) John Smith (M) George Q. Cannon (P) Anthon H. Lund (M) Lorenzo Snow (P) Henry Herriman (M) Franklin D. Richards (P) Brigham Young (P) Moses Thatcher (P) Francis M. Lyman (P) John Henry Smith (P) George Teasdale (P) Heber J. Grant (P) John W. Taylor (P) Marriner W. Merrill (P) Abraham H. Cannon (P) Jacob Gates (P) Seymour B. Young (P) C. D. Fjeldsted (P) John Morgan (P) George Reynolds (P) B. H. Roberts (P) William B. Preston (P) Robert T. Burton (P) John R. Winder (P)

NOTE: According to Joseph F. Smith's own testimony in the Smoot Hearings he became a polygamist before 1890. Therefore his name must have been inadvertently left off this list of polygamists for 1890. His name it will be noted does not appear in either column.-JRC

Polygamists in 1900. Monogamists in 1900. Lorenzo Snow (P) John Smith (M) George Q. Cannon (P) Anthon H. Lund (M) Joseph F. Smith (P) Abraham O. Woodruff (M) Brigham Young (P) Rudger Clawson (M) Francis M. Lyman (P) Reed Smoot (M) John Henry Smith (P) J. G. Kimball (M) George Teasdale (P) Rulon S. Wells (M) Heber J. Grant (P) Joseph W. McMurrin (M) John W. Taylor (P) William B. Preston (M) Marriner W. Merrill (P) John R. Winder (M) Matthias F. Cowley (P) Seymour B. Young (P) C. D. Fjeldsted (P) B. H. Roberts (P) George Reynolds (P) Robert T. Burton (P)

Polygamists in 1906. Monogamists in 1906. Joseph F. Smith (P) John R. Winder (M) Francis M. Lyman (P) Anthon H. Lund (M) John Henry Smith (P) George Teasdale (M) Heber J. Grant (P) John Smith (M) Charles W. Penrose (P) Rudger Clawson (M) Seymour B. Young (P) Reed Smoot (M) B. H. Roberts (P) Hyrum M. Smith (M) George Reynolds (P) George [Albert] Smith (M) Robert T. Burton (P) George F. Richards (P) Orson F. Whitney (P) David O. McKay (P) J. G. Kimball (P) Rulon S. Wells (P) Joseph W. McMurrin (P) Charles H. Hart (P) William B. Preston (P) Orrin P. Miller (P)

The balance of the information will follow as soon as it can be ascertained, are now working at it. Yours, etc., GEO. F. GIBBS, Secretary. {Office of The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints} (4)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics, p.xviii, A John Henry Smith Chronology, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
3 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
4 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Sarah Farr Smith, mother of George Albert Smith

Sarah Farr Smith, mother of George Albert Smith

Sarah Farr Smith, mother of George Albert Smith.

Photo from Special Collections Dept., J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah

George Albert Smith, Monday, April 9, 1906

-- Monday, April 9, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 12:30 p.m. All of the First Presidency and Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Chas. W. Penrose, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David McKay, Patriarch John Smith and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs.

The Seven Presidents of the Seventies, Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, George Reynolds, J. Golden Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, Joseph W. McMurrin and Chas. I. Hart [met].

Prest. Joseph F. Smith was mouth in ordaining all of the brethren for the offices for which they had been chosen. (1)

-- Tuesday, April 10, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. Prest. Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, George F. Richards and Orson F. Whitney of the Twelve, Ben E. Rich, Nephi Pratt, J. G. Duffin, A. W. Ivins, McCray and German E. Elsworth of the Presidents of the Missions met in the Apostles room of the Temple and talked over the resignations of the brethren John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley. We were together over three hours and a half. All spoke and voted they were one in faith. At 2 p.m. several of the leading brethren met in the Annex to the Temple.

Forty Eight Elders were set apart for missions and Five sisters as mid Wives. (1)

-- Thursday, April 19, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency and Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, George R. Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay, Patriarch John Smith, Secretary George F. Gibbs met at 10 a.m. in Council at the Temple.

The brethren contributed $10,000 ten thousand to the suferers by the earthquake in California.

San Francisco, California Is said to be rouined by Earthquakes and fire. (1)

-- Friday, April 27, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I was at the Presidents Office most of the day. Quite a number of leading brethren met and read some Papers drafted by B. H. Roberts and Franklin S. Richards on the Reed Smoot Case.

[Went with George Albert Smith to Rexburg, Idaho, for conference, April 28-May 1.] (1)

-- Thursday, June 7, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. All of the First Presidency and Prest. Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Hyrum M. and George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, George F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney, David O. McKay, Patriarch John Smith and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs met in the Temple.

Routine business was gone through with the J. M. Tanner matter considered. No reports were made.

At 3 p.m. today I sealed Emily Whitney, daughter of Elder Orson F. Whitney and his wife Zina Smoot Whitney to my son Winslow Farr Smith at the Salt Lake Temple in the presence of a number of kinsfolk and friends. The Witnesses were Elders Orson F. Whitney and George Albert Smith.

We had a most agreable time at the home of Bp. O. F. Whitney receiving an army of Friends and relatives. Many presents of Various Kinds were made to them. (1)

-- Thursday, July 5, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency and Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, Geo. F. Richards, Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay, Patriarch John Smith and Geo. F. Gibbs met at 10 a.m. in the [?].

Routine business was gone through and Reports were made.

We partook of the Sacrament, Prest. Joseph F. Smith blessing it. Water and not wine was used. (1)

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

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, February 9, 1906; Friday

-- February 9, 1906; Friday
I believe Reed [Smoot] will go through all right but from the spirit here [in Washington, D.C.] the fight later on the Church will become intense. On the ground that we have conived at or actually taken part in later [plural] marriages. Reed has talked to no one but [George] Sutherland in regard to the [John W.] Taylor [Matthias F.] Cowely situation. Reed and most of the brethren object to my talking to the Senators. Your mother and I called upon the President he received us warmly, but only shook hands and said a few kind works to each other.

I feel certain that our only danger lies in the fact we have not cut [apostles] Cowley and Taylor right off of the church. These men demand that we do something heroic. They say that if we cant and wont act they will finish the matter completely by our disfranchisement. (1)

-- February 20, 1906; Tuesday
Since writing a few lines to you Bro[ther]. [Reed] Smoot has introduced me to some of my old friends and I have had some very pleasant conversations. They all seem to feel that we must do something to convince the public and also the Senators that we are not coniving in these later cases [of plural marriages]. One man [i.e., Theodore Roosevelt] told me that [John W.] Taylor [Matthias F.] Cowley and [Joseph M.] Tanner must be disciplined by the Church, not cast out but drooped [sic] from their positions, and that it must be done at a conference. (1)

-- Thursday, March 8, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. I met in Council at the Temple. All of the First Presidency and F. M. Lyman, myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. and George Albert Smith, C. W. Penrose and Patriarch John Smith and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs.

Routine business gone through with Benediction by A. H. Lund.

The apostles met and had a long talk over the situation of John W. Taylor, M. F. Cowley and J. M. Tanner. We came to the conclusion to suspend the[m] or rather to accept their resignation. (2)

-- Wednesday, April 4, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I met with the Directors of the Utah National Bank. We held our dividend in abeyance for a time.

At 11 a.m. Prest. Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith and Charles W. Penrose met in their Quarterly Conference.

At 4 p.m. all of the First Presidency and all of the Twelve in the City met in the office of the Presidency with the Auditing Committee and went through the reports of the condition of the finances. They are in good shape. (2)

-- Thursday, April 5, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. all of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, John Smith and George F. Gibbs met in Council.

Reports. Routine business. We administered the Sacrament and had a trying day.

[General conference began Friday, April 6.] (2)

-- April 7, 1906; Saturday
Attended forenoon meeting and at close of the meeting when Pres[iden]t [Joseph F.] Smith concluded making announcements Pres[iden]t [Francis M.] Lyman requested him to announce that Pres[iden]t. H. S. Gowans and Counselors were wanted at the stand after close of that meeting which announcement was made. We met Pres[iden]t Lyman who requested me to meet him in about 30 minutes at the Historians office. This I did and there met Elders John Henry Smith, George Albert Smith with Pres[iden]t Lyman also B[isho]p Orson F. Whitney and David O. McKay. Then Pres[iden]t Lyman made known the intended action of the Conference to release from the Quorum of Apostles Jno [John] W Taylor and M[atthias]. F. Cowley which with the vacancy occasioned by by [sic] the death of Apostle [Marriner Wood] Merrill would leave 3 vacancies which would have to be filled and we were asked as to the manner of our living and our faith in all the principles of the Gospel &c. Pres[iden]t Lyman said the Spirit ha
d indicated that we were the men--Each of us expressed our feelings & faith. I first then Bro[ther] Whitney & then Bro[ther] McKay after which we separated. I attended the General Priesthood meeting in the evening. (3)

Footnotes:
1 - John Henry Smith, letter to George Albert Smith, George [Albert] Smith Family Papers, Marriott Library
2 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
3 - George F. Richards, Diary

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, January 4, 1906; Thursday

-- January 4, 1906; Thursday
The regular meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles was held this morning in the temple.... Brother Charles W. Penrose reported the visit of President Smith and party to Vermont and return, briefly as follows:

Speaking for himself the said he appreciated very highly the great pleasure it had afforded him to accompany President Smith

and party to the birthplace of the Prophet Joseph Smith, to witness and take part in the dedication services of the monument erected to the memory of the Prophet Joseph. A splendid spirit prevailed during these services, and a great number of people came from the country round about more people in fact than the house could accommodate; so a meeting was held at the monument at the same time; and the services in the house after the memorial services were very enjoyable indeed. At night a meeting was held at South Royalton, in Willard's hall, which was tendered by the people. This was a very fine meeting on Sunday and spent Christmas day. From Boston [Massachusetts] they went to Palmyra [New York], where they visited the house where part of the Book of Mormon was translated, and here they visited the grove, which is said to be the place where the Father and Son appeared to the Prophet Joseph. The party sung a hymn here. They visited the Hill Cumorah, from which place a most exc
ellent view of the country round is afforded. The party of course was reminded of the great and final battle of the Jaredites which took place around this hill, and later between the Lamanites and Nephites, and as souvenirs some of them brought flint arrow heads, which are continually being gathered now and sold as souvenirs. Prayer was offered on the hill and the site was pointed out as near as possible where the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated were concealed. President Smith offered the prayer, but much to the regret of all it was not reported. This property belongs to the estate of the late Admiral Sampson. From the hill they went to the cottage occupied by the brother of the late Admiral, where they purchased the arrowheads. They also went to Palmyra and saw the press on which the first edition of the Book of Mormon was printed, and they also went to the office of Mr. P[liny]. T. Sexton, where they saw printed sheets of a copy of the first edition of
the Book of Mormon. From visiting the hill Cumorah their next trip was to Kirtland [Ohio], where they visited the temple. They were conducted through the building by a man named Greed, one of the Apostles of the Reorganized Church. They took dinner at Willoughby, the nearest town to Kirtland, afterwards they went to Chicago [Illinois], from which place they went to Kanosha [Wisonsin], in response to an invitation of the Bain Wagon people to visit their works at that place; and they also visited the Racine-Sattley Carriage Works, and the offices of the J.J. Gas Works. They also visited the Automobile works of the Jeffreys Co[mpany]., where they were also shown courtesies. At Chicago next day some of the party visited the Swift Stockyards. While President Smith and others dined with Mr. Calahan, Passenger Agent of the Nickel Plate Railroad. At Chicago they held a very fine meeting in our own chapel. Large congregation, good discourses. The return trip was very enjoyable, as wa
s also the going trip. They wound up the trip on New Year's eve by a testimony meeting, at which all present spoke. The spirit of the Lord attended them on the whole trip, and everything was done to promote the happiness of each other. All had a good time and a good rest, and he believed great good would result from it. He believed that seeds were sown which will bear fruit in a day nor far distant. they all felt greatly indebted to Brother George Albert Smith for

his personal attentions and the successful way in which he managed the affairs of the party, and resolutions of thanks were passed to him, also to Mr. W. H. Bancroft, through whose efforts they obtained the private car they occupied, for the kindness and courtesy shown the party.

Brother George Albert Smith said, in addition to what had been said, literature, containing pamphlets, views and books were taken with them for free distribution, some of which were distributed en route at various points where they stopped, and the balance left at the cottage to be distributed there to friends who may visit the monument..... (1)

-- Thursday, Jan. 25, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. all of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose and Patriarch John Smith and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs [met]. Prayer by George Albert Smith. Mouth at the Altar Anthon H. Lund.

Minutes read and approved. The Routine business was gone through with. A. H. Lund is to go to Washington as also Franklin S. Richards. I may follow.

I met with the Directors of the Con. W. & M. Co. Directors.

I gave Bp. George Romney my appointment to the Seeing America First Congress. (2)

Footnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

More History?

Want more LDS history? Check out Mormon-Church-History, a comprehensive chronology of church history. It is a tour through church history, covering a little bit each day through the the history of the church. About a dozen chronological entries are posted daily, gradually covering the entire history of the Mormon church over the next several years. More info can be found here: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html

George Albert Smith, Dec 23, 1905 (Saturday)

-- Dec 23, 1905 (Saturday)
The Joseph Smith Memorial Monument was unveiled at Sharon, Windsor Co., Vermont, and dedicated by President Joseph F. Smith. Following are the names of the visitors from Utah who composed Pres. Smith's party and who were present at the dedication: Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Hyrum M. Smith, George [Albert] Smith, .... (1)

-- Sunday, Dec. 24, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] South Royalton, Vermont, and Boston

At 5 a.m. we left for Boston, Mass., where we arrived at 11 a.m. At 2 p.m. we went to church.

Monday, Dec. 25, 1905Boston

We paid our bill and went by Rail out to the Home of Mr. Frank P. Bennett. We took Autos and went to Topsfield, Essex, Mass. and visited the grave of Robt. and the 1st and second Samuel and the old home of Asael Smith in Topesfield. We then drove to the Home of Robert Smith at Boxford. Our party consisted [of] Joseph F. Smith Sr., Hyrum M. and Joseph F. Smith Jr., Ina, Myself and son George Albert, Elias A., Jesse M. and Edith Smith and Mr. F. P. Bennett & Son. We rode in Autos about 40 miles.

We returned to the home of the Bennetts and had an elegant dinner, after which We returned to Boston, having rode on the cars about 16 miles.

It was a most agreeable day. The day was among the most pleasing in my life.

We left for Palmyra N. York State about 7:30 p.m. (2)

-- Tuesday, Dec. 26, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Palmyra, New York

We reached here about 9 a.m. and took carriages and drove to the old farm of Joseph Smith Sr., Manchester, now owned by a Mr. Chapman. It is a frame house and with slight additions remains the same. We drank out of the old well.

We visited the grove where it is said Joseph the Prophet saw the Vision of the Father & the Son. A hymn was sung.

We drove to the Hill Cumorah and there President Joseph F. Smith made a magnificent Prayer.

We drove to the cemetery and saw the grave of Mr. I. H. Gilbert who set the type of the First Book of Mormon. We saw one of the early copies and also the press on which the Book of Mormon was printed. We had supper at the Powers Hotel.

We left for Cleveland, Ohio a[t] 8 p.m. (2)

-- Wednesday, Dec. 27, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Cleveland, Ohio

We reached here at 7 a.m. and breakfasted at the Nickel Plate station. We chartered a car and drove [to] Willoughby, took teams and went to Kirtland, Ohio. Visited the Temple owned by the Reorganized Church. It is three stories high and a Basement. The first and second floor consists of one room each and a Lobby. The Melchizedek and Aaronic stands remain perfect.

The Temple is 59 feet wide, 79 feet long. Their are five rooms in the upper story. The Building is in a good state of preservation. We saw the home of Patriarch Hyrum Smith. On our return to the City of Cleveland we visited the Lake View Cemetery and went into the Garfield monument.

[Spent two days in Chicago, visiting automobile, carriage, and farm machinery plants.] (2)

-- Sunday, Dec. 31, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] on train in Colorado

On train I was attacked by Lumbago very severely here.

The day was spent in reading, singing, and Prayer. Meeting was held.

We have traveled on this trip 5,650 miles and have held 9 meetings. I have traveled during this year 1905, 30,199 miles. (2)

-- Jan 1, 1906
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Attended an important meeting at the President (Sic) office at 3 P.M. and spent part of the evening at the home of Joseph A West." (3)

-- Monday, Jan. 1, 1906
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Evanston, Wyoming, to Salt Lake City

We reached our homes in Salt Lake City about 12 noon. I am myself so lame with Lumbago I can scarcely walk. Our trip [was] a splendid one and all have returned happy. My family are all well. (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology
2 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
3 - Journals of George Albert Smith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, 1905 December

-- 1905 December
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] With other members of Smith family visits church sites and old family homes in Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio. (1)

-- December, 1905
After Reed Smoot wrote the Presidency in December 1905 to have Owen Woodruff's post-Manifesto plural wife hide, Apostle George Albert Smith was the one who visited her in Salt Lake City to warn her to leave Utah. (2)

-- Dec 17, 1905
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] he was invited by Apostle George Albert Smith to attend the dedication for the monument to Joseph Smith at Vermont, but he declined the invitation, "on account of my financial condition." (3)

-- Dec 18, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] departs SLC for Sharon, Vermont to attend dedication of the memorial to Joseph Smith's birth, returning to SLC on Jan 1, 1906 (4)

-- Monday, Dec. 18, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 7 a.m. in the Pullman Car Sofala the following party left for Sharon Vt.: Prest. Jos. F. Smith and his children Hyrum M. [and] Jos. F.

Smith Jr., Ida, wife of Hyrum, daughter Ina. Patriarch John Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, George Albert Smith, Elias A. & Jesse M. and Edith A. Smith, C. W. Penrose, L. W. Shurtliff, Lorin Farr, A.M. Cannon, George Romney, Rulon S. Wells, John McDonald, B. F. Grant, B. F. Goddard, Ashby Snow, George H. Richards and Wife and child Oliver, Mrs. Susa Young Gates, S. B. Young, Frank Y. Taylor, Arthur Winter. The day was [spent in] reading and playing games. (5)

-- Thursday, Dec. 21, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Syracuse, New York

We had breakfast on the train. We traveled up the Mohawk River and crossed the Hudson River and reached the Whim River Junction. We stoped over night. (5)

-- Friday, Dec. 22, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] White River Junction, Vermont

We went to South Royalton and hired sleighs and drove some six miles to Tunbridge, Vt., the old home of Asael Smith. We saw some of the old Records of town meetings at some of which our ancestor had been moderator. My grand Father John Smith obtained his majority here. A number of friends met us here from New York City.

We had a nice meeting [in] the Hall of the Hotel. (5)

-- Saturday, Dec. 23, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] South Royalton, Vermont

It is snowing. The Prophet Joseph Smith is one hundred years old today.

Our party and Many Visitors were driven to the old Mack Farm in Sharon Township, Windsor Co., Vt. where the Patriarch Joseph Smith lived and where Joseph Smith the Prophet was born December 23rd, 1805.

At 11 a.m. services were held in the Cottage owing to the storm. Singing America. Prayer by A. H. Lund, Councillor. Singing Page 166 We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet. Elder Junius Wells made his report of the Work done. Singing by R. C. East. Francis M. Lyman, Dr. Edgar Fish & Myself spoke. Singing by Emma Lucy Gates. Hyrum M. Smith, Jesse M. Smith and Charles W. Penrose spoke. President Joseph F. Smith offered the Dedicatory Prayer.

Singing by Choir. Benediction by George Albert Smith. On the Poarch of the house the Star Spangled Banner was sung. Some Pictures were taken.

A splendid Lunch was served in the basement. Fully five hundred people must have been present. The Utah party had a love feast at the dose and presented to President Joseph F. Smith an Elegant fob and chain. Some nice speaches were made. The hearth of the old Smith home is in the Center of the Cottage.

The monument wont cost less than $25,000.00. It is of gray granite polished and about 53 feet high.

We returned to South Royalton at 7:30 p.m. Services were held in the Hotel hall. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics, p.xviii, A John Henry Smith Chronology, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - "Plural Marriages After the 1890 ManifestO" by D. Michael Quinn, 11 August 1991
3 - Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
4 - Journals of George Albert Smith
5 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

John Henry Smith, father of George Albert Smith

John Henry Smith, Apostle,
 First Presidency counselor,
father of George Albert Smith

George Albert Smith, Oct 20, 1905

-- Oct 20, 1905
Apostle John Henry Smith writes, "All of the First Presidency and Twelve in the City met in the Temple and discussed the situation at Washington and the position in which the absent brethren had placed themselves by their acts." The "absent brethren" were apostles John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley, who continued to refuse to testify in the Smoot hearings to avoid questioning concerning their post-manifesto polygamy activities. (1)

-- Oct 23, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Met with quorum. Important matters discussed." (2)

-- Oct 26, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Attended council meeting. Met at 5 PM at Presidents (Sic) office." (2)

-- Oct 28, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Met with council. Important matters. Conclusion arrived at on two of the brethren." (2)

-- Saturday, Oct 28, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
I met Jerry Langford and two other gentlemen and talked over some Improvements at Saltair Beach.
I met with the First Presidency and 7 of the Twelve at the Church offices. Later we met 2 more of the Twelve and were to gether along time and had a very serious visit. (3)

[Quorum of Twelve] After week of Quorum of Twelve meetings so secret that no official minutes are kept, apostles John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley write formal resignations due to their participation in post-Manifesto polygamy. Resignations are held in reserve unless considered necessary to save church from U.S. constitutional amendment or to save Apostle Reed Smoot from expulsion from U.S. Senate. (1)

-- Thursday, Nov. 9, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
The Presidency and Myself, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith and Brigham H. Roberts met and read a Document on the question of the one spoken of in Section 85 of the D&C. (3)

-- Friday, Nov. 10, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
At 10 a.m. at the office of the First Presidency the following named brethren met in Council: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, Anthon H. Lund of the First Presidency, Myself, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. and George Albert Smith and C. W. Penrose of the Twelve, Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, George Reynolds, J. Golden Kimball, Rulon S. Wells, and Joseph W. McMurrin of the Seven Presidents, Patriarch John Smith, and William B. Preston and Robert T. Burton of the Presiding Bishopric. It was decided to publish a Document on the question of the one mighty and strong spoken of in the D.&C.
At 2 p.m. all of the Presidency, myself, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, C. W. Penrose, B. H. Roberts, Franklin S. Richards met at the office and talked over Reed Smoots speach in Congress. (3)

-- Wednesday, Nov. 15, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
At 10:30 a.m. all of the First Presidency and myself, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith and C. W. Penrose met at the
office, read the speach of Senator Thomas Kearns and discussed it. It is a very vicious attack on the church. (3)
Footnotes:
1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Journals of George Albert Smith
3 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith
Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, June 7, 1905

-- June 7, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] md in SL Temple Ernest R Woolley & Emeline Rampton (?) and Newton a Gay & Gwen Maud Chisholm (1)

-- June 29, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] md. William M. Waddell & Florence Barlow (1)

-- Thursday, June 29, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George [Albert] Smith and Patriarch John Smith, Secretary George T. Gibbs met at the Temple. All routine business was gone through with Prayer by Rudger Clawson. Mouth at the Altar George Albert Smith. It was dedided to try and lessen the collections of Contributions from the Saints.

I went to Provo to my Mother's birthday su[r]prise party. She was 77 years old today. 40 old and young ladies were present. Among the 15 widows the oldest of whom was Mrs. Riggs 88 years. My wives and I returned home. (2)

-- Sunday, Sept. 10, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

My son George Alberts wife gave birth to a son this morning. (2)

-- Sunday, Oct. 1, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I attended the fast meeting in the Temple at 10 a.m.

Prayer by George Albert Smith. The speakers were John R. Winder, Rudger Clawson, Angus M. Cannon, W. B. Preston, Mrs. Bathsheba W. Smith, May Booth Talmage, Francis M. Lyman, Hyrum M. Smith, Mrs. M. F. Cowley, Prest. Jos. F. Smith, Sarah Nibley, Romania B. Penrose,

Rachael Grant, Edna K. Smith, Joseph Christianssen, Mary Jane Davis, George M. Cannon, Calvin C. Smith, Henry W. Nesbit and C. W. Penrose bore Testamony and spoke. (2)

-- Saturday, Oct. 7, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 4 p.m. the Funeral of my sister Emma Pearl Smith took place at her mothers home. Bp. Walter J. Beatty presiding. Prayer by Prest. Ben E. Rich. Jesse N. Smith, W. J. Beatty, Francis M. Lyman and Joseph F. Smith were the speakers. Benediction by Silas S. Smith. At the grave we had singing and George Albert Smith Dedicated the grave. Peace to the ashes of my invalid sister, and all respect and honor to her Mother Susan E. Smith who was most devoted to her in her sufferings of 34 years. (2)

-- Tuesday, Oct 17, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I attended Directors [meetings] of the Idaho Sugar Co. and the Independent Telephone Co. I received a letter from my Wife Sarah Farr [mother]. She is not well and is undergoing treatment for her face that has some kind of a breaking out on it.

I wrote to her and sought to comfort her. (2)

-- Oct 19, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Attended my quorum meeting. Matters of great importance discussed." (1)

-- Thursday, Oct. 19, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

At 9 a.m. all of the First Presidency and Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, Patriarch John Smith and Secretary George F. Gibbs, Franklin S. Richards and Brigham H. Roberts met in the Temple and heard reports and some statements by Bro. Roberts on his finding in some Papers [he] had been examining.

At 3 p.m. all of the Presidency and the Apostles at home met in the office of the Presidency and after much talk agreed that every fellow should take his own course politically. (2)

-- Oct 20 & Oct 21, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] Same for entry for each, "Met with quorum on important matters." (1)

Footnotes:
1 - Journals of George Albert Smith
2 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Feb 18, 1905

-- Feb 18, 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "2 P.M. large audience present several brethren spoke to the people. I referred to the Smoot investigation and testified to President Smith's Integrity." (1)

-- March 11, 1905; Saturday
[Letter: Heber J. Grant to George Albertr Smith] Yours of the 15th. ult. came to hand some days ago, and was received and read with interest. I am always please to hear from any of my brethren, but Bro[ther]. [Francis M.] Lyman and your father [i.e., John Henry Smith] are about the only ones who have written me much. I have so many letters to write and get so sick of pounding this little machine that I do not feel to complain that they have failed as a rule to write me. I write the Presidency once in a while, but they very seldom write me, and as a rule my letter are answered by Bro[ther]. [George] Reynolds. I think I have had one letter direct in about four months, and that was on the Schettler Bank suggestion. I am well and happy and as busy as can be, and feel that I shall be contented as long as I am wanted in this land, but shall not cry when I am called home as four Christmases away from home is about all I want, but if I am here in Dec[embe]r. I am sure I shall be as happy as if I were home. I am glad your health
is so good. Pres[ident]. Lyman writes me you are very active and he greatly appreciates your work. I have been made happy to see your father so much improved. At one time I almost felt like sending his boys home from Holland and Germany. I fell in love with Winslow. He is one of the sweetest spirited young men I have ever met. If I were a girl I would certainly try and capture him. Pres[ident]. [John R.] Winder never did sleep much. I have never been able to understand how he has kept up for twenty years on so little sleep, it would kill me. Glad Pres[ident]. [Joseph F.] Smith stand it so well under the strain that is put upon us. "The unwise position taken by some of the brethren" etc. I have read what you say on this with interest, and I wish to say that I think they did just what they felt in their hearts was desired and they have my unbounded love and confidence, much more I will say than do some of the men who find the most fault with them, and who never do anything for
the cause. Devoted and faithful men, and men that God blesses and inspires in their labors are not in my opinion to be compared to men who do nothing but find fault. I do not care to express an opinion in detail while I am six thousand miles away, but I have opinions and strong ones on a good many subjects. (2)

-- Thursday, April 27, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
All of the First Presidency and of the Twelve Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. and George Albert Smith, C. W. Penrose and Patriarch John Smith and George F. Gibbs [met]. Routine business was gone through. Prayer by George Albert Smith. Prest. Francis M. Lyman was mouth at the altar. Fair reports were made by all. We talked over the question of Rebaptism and some other subjects. It was felt we had been a little too exacting in the matter. I met with the Directors of the Con. W. & M. Co. (3)

-- Saturday, May 6, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
I was at President J. F. Smiths office part of the day and at 8:30 p.m. in company with my son George Albert and my daughter Nancy Claribell and my son Don C., wife & cousin Edith Smith in company with Reed Smoot, wife & daughter, C. W. Penrose and Wife, Nephi Morris, L. Holbrook & Wife, W. J. Beatty and Wife, John Critchlow and Wife, W. N. Williams & Wife, David Smith and Wife, Wesley Smith, George Horne, Dr. Elias Wrights Wife left for Los Angeles, California at 8:30 p.m. on special car. (3)

-- May 12, 1905; Friday
[Letter: Heber J. Grant to George Albertr Smith]  I do rejoice to learn of the improved condition of your father's [i.e., John Henry Smith's] health, and hope and pray that he will continue to men until his health is perfect.
I must have had fifteen letters at least telling of your glorious conference and I do rejoice with you in the blessings of the Lord. Would have been happy to have been with you. Regret that Bro[ther]. [Marriner Wood] Merrill continues poorly. I do not think it will do any good to worry about Congressional action against us, as efforts to that end have been going on from the time I was a small boy, and we are still alive. In the language of your grandfather [i.e., George [Albert] Smith], "We came to these valleys willingly because we had to." It was for the best good of the people, and if we have to do something also the same way or suffer in any way I feel sure it will all be for the best. Regarding the actions of some of the brethren I perhaps do not know "just how far reaching their action has been," but I do know they have my perfect love and confidence, and that they have done nothing but what they felt was all right, and little more than some others, and I fear no more than I would have done had I not been in Japan.
I am glad to learn of the safe arrival of your brothers. Glad they feel so well about our treatment of them. I am sure we did but little, but had pleasure in doing what little we could. They were among the very best of our Conference Presidents. Their missions have done them good, as a mission does every one who is faithful. I can understand that you are kept busy. Sorry the tithing fell off some last year. I have never been to Canada, and so do not know the ranch you refer to. I only saw Jos[eph]. Rivett for a few hours and he impressed me as a business man from the word go, and one that religion would not bother to any extent. I like him very much. He is frank and honest and a splendid fellow if I am any judge. Glad your eyes are mending, but sorry they are so poor. Sorry your new office is not to [illegible] as nice as your present one.
I have wished for years that our Quorum had a nice office some where. We had one over twenty years ago when I was first made a member. It was in the Council House, and when that was destroyed by fire we have never had one since.,
My health is excellent, never better. I am as busy as a bee. I find just a little more to do than I can get done with ease. We put out more tracts last year than the year before and so far this year are doing better than last year. All well in the mission, and with few exceptions all working with a will. (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Journals of George Albert Smith
2 - Heber J. Grant, letter to George Albert Smith, George [Albert] Smith Papers, Marriott Library
3 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith
Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

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George Albert Smith, Thursday, Oct. 6, 1904

-- Thursday, Oct. 6, 1904
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

The Semi Annual Conference convened in the Tabernacle at 10 a.m. Today. All of the £trst Presidency and Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George [Albert] Smith and C. W. Penrose of the Apostles and the Patriarch of the church John Smith and other brethren present. Many of the stakes were fully represented. (1)

-- Oct 12, 1904
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Performed the Marriage Ceremony uniting Gottlieb Van Gunter [Gunten?] and Sarah Orilla Parrish as husband and wife." (2)

-- Oct 26, 1904
Apostle George Albert Smith instructs Salt Lake stake prayer circle: "Among some women the practice of removing the garments from the neck and arms and tying them behind the back was common. These were serious faults, and might result in the offenders being disfellowshipped." (3)

-- Friday, Dec. 9, 1904
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

Prest. Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, A. H. Lund, F. M. Lyman, Myself, Hyrum M. and George [Albert] Smith, B. H. Roberts, James E. Talinage & C. W. Penrose spent the day reading and studying the Doctrines of the Church. (1)

-- Sunday, Dec. 18, 1904
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Washington, D.C.

I attended the Catholic church. I wrote to my son George [Albert] Smith. In the evening I took a Turkish bath. (1)

-- 1905
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "12 Apostles should be Americans." (2)

George Albert Smith told John W. Taylor of the revelation to apostle Francis M. Lyman warning Taylor not to travel to Washington D.C. to testify about polygamy. (4)

-- Thursday, Jan. 12, 1905
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

I met with the brethren in the Temple. All of the First Presidency and F. M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, George [Albert] Smith and C. W. Penrose of the Twelve & Patriarch John Smith were present. Secretary G. F. Gibbs also present. Francis M. Lyman reported his trip to Canada and I mine to El Paso, Texas. Prayer by prest. John R. Winder. Mouth at the Altar Francis M. Lyman.

We transacted all routine business. We then partook of the sacrament, George [Albert] Smith asking a blessing on the same. (1)

-- February, 1905
[George Albert Smith] George Albert told Reed Smoot's secretary that no action would be taken against Apostles Taylor and Cowley [for continued performance of post-manifesto plural marriages]. (4)

-- February 8, 1905; Monday
Some of our people are uneasy and feel that they want to the Church to begin handling some members for their standing and that without delay. It is usually those however who are self righteous, but who are themselves not living as they should, and who would object seriously if the strict rule of the Church were applied to them.

To take hasty action with reference to some men whose names have figured prominently in the investigation, would only add fuel to the flame and would gratify the sensation-monger unnecessarily. The Church will not do anything simply to curry favor, but will handle its affairs in its own way and not at the dictation of the rabble. It will do what is right because it is right and not because it is forced: consequently it will take its own time in its own affairs. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - Journals of George Albert Smith
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
4 - "Plural Marriages After the 1890 ManifestO" by D. Michael Quinn, 11 August 1991
5 - George Albert Smith, letter to Carl A. Badger, Carl A. Badger Papers, Lee Library

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Thursday, Feb. 4, 1904

-- Thursday, Feb. 4, 1904
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, George Teasdale, Matthias F. Cowley, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M., George A. & John Smith and Secretary George F. Gibbs met.

The annual statement of the Church was read by Rudger Clawson

The Live Assetts are $2,819,728.80

" Silent " "

673,485.40

$3,493,214.20

Total

This does cover the Tabernacle and grounds and other church edifices. (1)

-- February 4, 1904; Thursday
The meeting of First Presidency and Apostles was held in the Temple. ...

Brother George Albert Smith visited Brother M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill last Sunday. He found him very weak, unable to stand on his feet with safety, on account of his knees giving way. He was able however to drive to Logan [Utah] two days a week to attend to temple business, and he believed the drive had a tendency to do him good. He very much appreciated the visit of Brother George Albert, and desired to be kindly remembered to the brethren. ... (2)

-- February 18, 1904; Thursday
The meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held in the temple.

A notice prepared by Brother George Albert Smith under the direction of President Francis M. Lyman for publication in the [Deseret] News was read and passed upon by the Council. This notice calls for a meeting to be composed of the priesthood of the wards comprising the new southwest stake of this city to be held in the Assembly Hall on Tuesday evening next, and a general meeting of all the members of those wards to be held in the tabernacle Friday night.... (2)

-- February 22, 1904
[George Albert Smith] On February 22, 1904, he was elected Chaplain in the local organization of the Sons of the American Revolution. (3)

-- Apr 5, 1904
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "At Presidents Office in Council at 4 P.M. where the reaffirmation of the manifesto was discussed." (4)

-- April 13, 1904
[George Albert Smith] On April 13, 1904, he was called as Superintendent of the Church YMMIA organization. (3)

-- April 14, 1904
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Met with Council. Assigned to Utah Stake Conference. J.W. Taylor's finances were discussed and President Lyman was instructed to write him." (4)

-- Thursday, Jun 2, 1904
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Raining part of the day. 10 a.m. Meeting at the temple. ... The brethren clothed and sang, "How Great the Joy, the Promised Day." Elder Geo. A. Smith opened, and Prest. Lyman was mouth at the altar. The minutes of May 26th were read and approved....

Elder S. B. Young wrote, recommending the improvement of the Lion House by raising it one story. The suggestion was not approved. ...

Conference appointments: Bear Lake, Elder Smoot; Tooele, F. M. Lyman; Panguitch and Kanab, Elder Clawson. The brethren voted to sustain Chas. P. Margetts, Alfred C. Thorne, and Lorentius Dahlquist as the bishopric of the 7th Ward, and Elders Clawson and George [Albert] Smith were appointed to effect the reorganization of the 7th Ward bishopric this evening.

Reports

Pres. Winder attended fast meeting at the temple and the Granite Stake Conference in the afternoon and evening of Sunday. Elders Smoot and Geo. A. Smith attended the Box Elder Stake Conference. Meetings well attended. Lesser priesthood in somewhat disorganized condition. On Monday Decoration Day was observed by the people going to the cemetery en masse to decorate the graves. Meeting in the afternoon in the tabernacle.

Elder Clawson called attention to a question that had been submitted to him regarding the standing of certain persons in the church, namely, "What action should be taken in reference to a man who claimed he had been ordained to the priesthood but had no record of his ordination, and perhaps had even forgotten the name of the party who ordained him?" The answer was that each case must be determined on its merits. Benediction by Elder Jno. H. Smith. (5)

-- Sep 26, 1904
[Member of the Quorm of Twelve] The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve decide to withdraw the authority that "President Woodruff and President Snow, each in his time, authorized some of the Apostles, and perhaps others to perform sealings for time and eternity" in places other than the temples. This leads to President Joseph F. Smith's so-called "Second Manifesto." (6)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
3 - LDSIndex.com
4 - Journals of George Albert Smith
5 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

Photo: George Albert Smith

George Albert Smith (left) - with brothers and sisters

George Albert Smith, Thursday, Dec. 31, 1903

-- Thursday, Dec. 31, 1903
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
I went with both of my wives out to the Granite Stake house to a Banquet. We had a great time. All went as merry as a Marriage Bell. ...
The year has been fairly prosperous for me and the general health of my family has been fair. Two of my sons are on Missions and doing nicely. We have built Josephine a house out of her own money at a cost of nearly $8,000.00. I am gratefull to the Lord for his goodness to me and mine. My son George A. & Wife took a trip to Europe. He has been elevated to the Apostleship. (1)

-- During 1903
(George Albert Smith) Called to the Quorum of the Twelve by Joseph F. Smith after the death of Brigham Young, Jr., fulfilling an 1882 promise by Patriarch Zebedee Coltrin that Smith would "become a mighty prophet in the midst of the sons of Zion." (2)

(George Albert Smith) When President Smith sought the approval of George Albert's father for his choice, Apostle John Henry was hesitant: "I told him if it was a political office I would advise against it but I could not stand in the way of the suggestions of the spirit to him."They were the only father and son combination to serve in the same Quorum of the Twelve.
Just after ordination, Elder Smith listed the guidelines by which he intended to live his life: "I would not seek to force people to live up to my ideals, but rather love them into doing the thing that is right ... I would not be an enemy to any living soul." (2)

In 1903, at the age of thirty-three, George Albert Smith was named to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the LDS Church, in which capacity he worked with the YMMIA, with church missions, and with scouting, serving as a member of the executive board of the national council. He was also vice-president of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and founding president of the Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association, and he helped organize the American Pioneer Trails Association. (3)

-- 1904
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "3 months ago in Conf Prand [sic?] Law for day & week Danger is not in being caught but in undermining our faith."
***
"Brethren seemed to lean on President
"No need of New contracts
"President Smith didn't know what was the matter Had a right to."
***
"Church Not responsible for individual action
Manifesto Res in conf
"Covenant breakers
"Can things be done in any place with KGJ. (4)

-- Wednesday, Jan. 6, 1904
[Diary of John Henry Smith (apostle and father of George Albert Smith)] Salt Lake City
President Jos. F. Smith and daughter, Prest. A. H. Lund & son, Coy. Wells and Wife, General C. S. Burton & Wife, Bp. T. R. Cutler & Wife, W. S. McCornick, Joseph Geoghegan, George [Albert] Smith and wife, George Alfred Smith, Myself & Wife Sarah F. and others Went in a special Car to the Sugar Co. Power plant in Bear River and found it in excelent shape. We had lunch on the train on our way to the Sugar Factory at Garland. When we reached the factory a large concourse of people were present. Gov. H. M. Wells, Presidents J. F. Smith and Lund and Bp. T. R. Cutler spoke to the people. We all went through the factory. Our train returned to Salt Lake City reaching there at 7:30 p.m. (1)

-- Jan 7, 1904
[Member of the Quorm of Twelve] Church president instructs twelve apostles to walk through doorways in order of seniority. Protocol follows technology as church buildings and temples install elevators. (5)

-- Jan 31, 1904
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Sunday. Richmond. At home. Apostle George [Albert] Smith came to see me. Held two meetings in Richmond with full house each time. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
3 - Utah History Encyclopedia: George Albert Smith, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SMITH%2CGEORGE.html
4 - Journals of George Albert Smith
5 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower
6 - Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies
LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith
Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, October 8, 1903; Thursday

-- October 8, 1903; Thursday
A meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held this morning.

...Brother George Albert Smith received his ordination under the hands of all present, President Smith officiating.... (1)

-- Oct 08, 1903
George Albert Smith is ordained an Apostle, replacing Brigham Young Jr., who had passed away. He becomes the first son to serve concurrently with his father (Elder John Henry Smith) in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (2)

-- Oct 8, 1903
His father, Apostle John Henry Smith, told mission presidents that he could not sustain his son as an Apostle if George Albert Smith did not accept plural marriage, and then he told his son the same thing in the Apostle's Charge. (3)

-- Oct 22,1903
[Member of the Quorum of Twelve] First Presidency and Twelve authorize purchase of twenty five acres of the original temple lot at Independence, Jackson County, Missouri. Purchase is complete on 14 Apr 1904. These purchases continue throughout twentieth century. (4)

-- Thursday, Oct. 29, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency and Myself, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, Matthias F. Cowley, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum and George A. Smith of the Twelve met in the Room of the presidency in the Temple. The political situation was talked over. Bro. Reed Smoot is going east in a few days.

[wife] Josephine is getting part of her outfit moved into her house. (5)

-- Thursday, Nov 12, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

Myself, Wife Sarah F. and Son George A. Went to Ogden and attended the funeral of Aaron F. Farr in the Tabernacle there. The speakers were Joseph Parry, Moses Thatcher, Myself, Hyrum M., John and George Albert Smith. (5)

-- Thursday, Nov. 19, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

All of the First Presidency, Myself, George Teasdale, Matthias F. Cowley, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. and George A. Smith and Patriarch John Smith and G. F. Gibbs [met]. We talked over the situation at Washington as also the reports of Plural Marriages. Prest. Jos. F. Smith spoke to us to say he did not endorse any sealing or marrying in plurality.... (5)

-- Thursday, Nov 19, 1903
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Clear and cold. 10 a.m. Meeting at the temple. ... President Lund prayed, and Elder George A. Smith was mouth at the altar. The brethren disrobed and sang, "An Angel from on High."

The question arose as to how far the tokens and signs of the priesthood should be explained in a prayer circle. It was the sense of the meeting that we should go no further than an explanation of the signs. Minutes of Nov. 5th and Nov. 11th were read and approved. .... Jos. W. McAllister, recorder of St. George Temple, wanted help to the extent of $90.00 from the church to repair his two homes, which were in bad shape and leaking. It was decided to extend him a loan of $90.00 and take his note for same. If he failed to pay the obligation, it would be forgiven him.

Reports

... /Elder Teasdale said that he attended the Nebo Stake Conference last Sunday and was accompanied by Elder George A. Smith. Had a good time. David Prior was ordained a high priest and set apart as 1st counselor to Bishop [George] Hales of Spanish Fork 3rd Ward. Elder Cowley attended meeting last Sunday at the Fielding Ward, Malad Stake.....

Elder George A. Smith attended the Summit Stake Conference two weeks ago. Good attendance. Good music. Opportunity for doing much good in that stake. ... Reports and labors of the brethren approved. Meeting adjourned. Benediction by President Smith. (6)

-- Thursday, Dec. 3, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. all of the First Presidency and myself met with Gov. heber M. Wells and Gen. Chas. S. Burton and talked over the [Scofield mine] strike matter.

All of the First Presidency, John Smith, George A. Smith, Hyrnm M. Smith, Reed Smoot, Rudger Clawson, Abraham O. Woodruff and I met in Council at 10 a.m.

Minutes were read. All present reported on their labors. The question of the jurisdiction of officers was discussed at some length. Reed Smoot is thinking of employing W. H. Dickson as his attorney in his case before the Senate of the United States. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com
3 - "Plural Marriages After the 1890 Manifesto" by D. Michael Quinn, 11 August 1991
4 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power
5 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
6 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, October 6, 1903; Tuesday

-- October 6, 1903; Tuesday
At one o'clock today the First Presidency and Apostles and Patriarch met at the President's Office for the purpose of filing the vacancy in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, caused through the death of Brigham Young [Jr.], resulting in the choice of George Albert Smith, who was sustained at this afternoon's session of the conference. (1)

-- Oct 6, 1903
George Albert Smith is presented to general conference as new apostle. "A cold wave passed over the congregation," general authority J. Golden Kimball writes, "and many expressed themselves to me as disgusted. . . . It is nepotism of the strongest kind since the days of Brigham Young." (2)

[George Albert Smith Journal] "Have had a busy day in the Land Office. At 3-30 P.M. I left for home to take my children to the fair.

"Was met at my door by sister Nellie C. Taylor who congratulated me with much earnestness. I was nonplussed (sic) at first but she soon told me I had been voted in that afternoon as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. I though (sic) she was mistaken and told her so. She felt confused and returned to the Tabernacle to ascertain if she was wrong. Later I was met by her and others who corroborated the matter. I was completely dumbfounded and could hardly believe it possible at this time, although I felt that I might someday succeed my Father as my Patriarchal blessing under the hands of Zebedee Coltrin indicated that I might become an Apostle." (3)

-- Oct 7, 1903
Release of Francis M. Lyman, European mission-- This letter constituted notice to Francis M. Lyman in Europe that he had been released as President of the European Mission, and sustained as President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in absentia. ...

Dear Brother,

Your favor of the 22nd ult., with its encouraging items of news from the missions in Europe came to hand in the midst of the sessions of a very enjoyable general conference, wherein much valuable instruction was given and a very sweet spirit prevailed. On Sunday, the opening day, there was probably the largest attendance ever gathered at a conference in this dispensation. The regular and two overflow meetings were held in the afternoon, at which it is estimated fourteen thousand persons were present.

Yesterday, 6th inst., several matters were considered which will be of special interest to you. You were presented and sustained as the president of the Council of the Twelve Apostles; you were released from the presidency of the European mission to return home and Elder Heber J. Grant was appointed to succeed you in the duties of that responsible and honorable position. We cannot at this writing tell you the exact date that Brother Heber will leave here for Liverpool, but it is his intention to do so as early as his circumstances will permit. With regard to these details we expect to write you more fully in the immediate future.

The vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, caused by demise of President Brigham Young was also filled, Elder George A. Smith being chosen and unanimously sustained to fill that position. We are satisfied you will rejoice with us in the choice of the Lord in this selection, and that, if present, you would have heartily joined your vote and voice with ours in sustaining him. ...

Your brethren and fellow laborers, JOSEPH F. SMITH, JOHN R. WINDER, ANTHON H. LUND. {1903-October 7-MS 65:683, (October 22, 1903).} (4)

-- Thursday, Oct. 8, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. all of the first presidency and Myself, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, and George A. Smith of the Twelve, Patriarch John Smith and Secretary George F. Gibbs met in the Temple.

President Joseph F. Smith was mouth in ordaining George A. Smith a high Priest and an Apostle. All present but George F. Gibbs had their hands upon his head. I accepted the fact that President J. F. Smith was mouth as an answer to my wish unexpressed in words.

Reports were made and an appointment made for tomorrow to hear Heber J. Grants report of his Mission to Japan.

The Presidency withdrew and the Apostles gave a charge to George A. Smith and he responded in an aceptance of their good feeling. (5)

-- Thursday, Oct 8, 1903
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Salt Lake City. Clear and cool. 10:25 a.m. Meeting at the temple. Present: Presidents Jos[eph] F. Smith, [John] R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund, and Elders [John Henry] Smith, [George] Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, [John] W. Taylor, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, Hyrum M. Smith, [George] A. Smith, [John] Smith, the patriarch, and the clerk. Song, "The Happy Day Has Rolled On." Prayer by Pres. Jos. F. Smith, and Elder Clawson at the altar. Song, "How Pleasant 'Tis to See."

Conference appointments: Beaver, Elder Hyrum M. Smith; Emery, Elder Cowley; Utah, Elders Grant and Taylor. The minutes of Oct. 1 were read and approved.

Pres. Lund moved that Elder [Joseph A.] Jones, whose name had been recommended for bishop of Cherry Creek, Malad Stake, be presented to the people of the ward. Carried. Elder Geo. A. Smith was then ordained an apostle in the quorum of the Twelve Apostles under the hands of the brethren above named, Pres. Smith being mouth.

Reports

Elder Jno. H. Smith reported that he attended the general conference, as did all the other brethren. He also reported the meeting of the Twelve with the mission presidents and said that more experienced elders were needed in the field. Elder Teasdale assisted in setting missionaries apart yesterday. The other brethren reported their attendance at the conference.

Elder Woodruff read the notes that he had taken at the meeting of the Twelve and mission presidents, showing among other things the financial status of the missions in the United States. Most of them are self-supporting.

Elder Grant suggested that the headquarters of the British Mission, namely 42 Islington, Liverpool, be abandoned and new headquarters established with the erection of a new building. He believed that he could raise by voluntary donation at least $25,000 for this purpose before leaving and he had no doubt that he could raise a similar amount in Gt. Britain. The English people would certainly be as liberal in this matter as had been the Scandinavian saints for their headquarters.

Pres. Smith remarked that a strenuous effort was being made to cancel the church indebtedness and he did not want any move made that would affect the payment of tithes on the part of the saints. Elder Grant replied that he could raise the money in a way that the tithes would not be affected. It was moved and carried that this question go over until tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at the temple. Meeting adjourned. Benediction by Elder Woodruff.

Pres. Smith withdrew with his counselors after instructing Elder Jno. H. Smith to deliver the charge to the new apostle. Elder Jno. H. Smith, addressing Elder Geo. A. Smith, said in part. You should understand that you are now wedded to a tie stronger than life or death. You are subject to the counsel and direction of the Presidency and your quorum, and your field of action is the whole world. You are to attend your quorum meetings regularly. It is presumed that you accept all the principles of the gospel and that you accept and sustain with your whole soul the First Presidency as now organized, and that you accept and sustain Francis M. Lyman as president of the quorum of the Twelve with the members thereof. You are to respond to the calls of the Presidency though it should take you from a sickbed, though it should cost you your life. The obligation is placed upon you to express when called upon clearly and boldly your views even though you may differ with your brethren, b
ut you

must in all cases submit to the decisions and judgment of your quorum. It is your duty to preach the gospel and lead an exemplary life. It is your duty to serve God and fear no man.

Each of the brethren present spoke briefly a word of counsel and welcome to Elder Geo. A. Smith, who in a few earnest words expressed his determination to magnify his apostleship. It became the sense of the council, that all matters which are brought by the President to the council should be discussed and decided here and not be referred back to the Presidency for action. It was clearly apparent that when the President submitted a matter to the council, he expected a decision and to immediately refer the matter back to the Presidency, as had been done in some instances, would be in bad taste.

Meeting adjourned. Benediction by Jno. Smith, Pat. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes
2 - Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/extensionsofpower
3 - Journals of George Albert Smith
4 - Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)
5 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
6 - Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1902

-- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 1902
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

This has been a fairly prosperous year for me. Myself and family have paid Tithing on over five thousand dollars... (1)

-- Tuesday, Jan., 27, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City and Provo

I went down to Provo today and attended the funeral of Mrs. Richard Briarton. The audience was largely apostate Mormons. I had good liberty in speaking as did the other brethren. I returned to Salt Lake City and in company with my son George A. took the remains of my brother Charles W. Smith to Provo and to his home there. (1)

-- Thursday, April 9, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Ogden

I went to Ogden and had a nice time with the Farr family, 260 of whom me[t] together in the Ward meeting house and amusement Hall. Speaking, Singing, reciting, dancing and eating was the order of the day and evening. Aaron Farr is 85 years old. Lorin [grandfather] is 83 years old and Winslow is 66 years old. My sons George and Nathaniel and daughter Priscilla and wife Sarah F. were present. (1)

-- Wednesday, April 15, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] ... To night I blest my son George and his wife who are going on a trip to Europe. (1)

-- Thursday, June 8, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

At l0 a.m. all of the First Presidency, Francis M. Lyman, Myself, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot, George Albert Smith, Charles W. Penrose, John Smith Patriarch and George F. Gibbs met in Council in the Room of the Presidency at the Temple.

Reports were made and Routine business was gone through with. It was decided to allow the people of St. John and Snowflake stakes to move away if they wished to as so much damage had come to them in recent floods in the Little Colorado River. (1)

-- Wednesday, July 15, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

I have paid to the family of my Bro. Charles W. this Month $20.00 and George has paid her $5.00. He has paid to help Winslow and Nicholas $10.00 and I have sent them $125 this month. (1)

-- Wednesday, Sept. 30, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Sunday, Oct. 4, 1903 - Salt Lake City [general conference]

President Jos. F. Smith said to me tonight that the mind of the spirit was that my son George Albert should fill the vacancy in the Apostles. I told him was it a political office I would advise against it but I could not stand in the way of the suggestions of the spirit to him. (1)

-- Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City [general conference]

... All of the First Presidency and Patriarch and of the apostles Myself, George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Matthias F. Cowley, Abraham O. Woodruff, Rudger Clawson, Reed Smoot and Hyrum M. Smith met in Council in the Presidents office.

President Joseph F. Smith said the mind of the spirit to him was that George A. Smith fill the vacancy in the Council of the Apostles. It was

sustained unanimously, all speaking their minds.

At 2 p.m. the Conference convened.

President Joseph F. Smith presented the General Authoraries. Francis M. Lyman was sustained as President of the Twelve, George A. Smith as one of the 12 caused by the death of Brigham Young. Heber J. Grant to go to England to preside over the European Mission. (1)

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

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

George Albert Smith, Thursday, Apr 4, 1901

-- Thursday, Apr 4, 1901
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

I had my wife Josephine sealed to me 24 years ago today. My son George A. was born 31 years ago today.... (1)

-- Wednesday, Aug. 21, 1901
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] ... I blest my sons George A. and Nicholas G. who are going on a pleasure trip of three or four weeks going Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pa., New York City, Albany and Buffalo, N.Y., Omaha, Na. and other points of interest. (1)

-- Monday, Nov. 18, 1901
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

My son George A. had an opperation on his forehead today by Dr. Joseph S. Richards. (1)

-- Sunday, March 16, 1902
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Baltimore, Maryland

It rained most of the day. I attended the Presbyterian Church in the morning and heard a nice sermon on Charity. I wrote to my children. I attended the services in the Catholic Cathedral. Father O'Gavin gave a fine sermon on the reason why the Catholics adored the Images of dead Saints. (1)

-- Tuesday, April 22, 1902
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

My son George A. had a surgical operation performed on him at the Holy Cross Hospital today by Dr. J. S. Richards. An anneurism was removed from his head. (1)

-- Wednesday, April 23, 1902
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Salt Lake City

George A. is doing nicely. My son Joseph H. is in trouble at his school. He has stoped going.... (1)

-- Thursday, July 3, 1902
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] ... At 9:45 a.m. son Nicholas G. and William T. Nuttall [left] for their missions. L. J. Nuttall, my sons Joseph and George A. and I went to Ogden with them. At 2:10 p.m. they left Ogden for the East in a Pullman Palace Car. (1)

-- 1902 September
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father]] Visits Nauvoo, Illinois, and other early church sites. (2)

-- Saturday, Sept. 6, 1902
[Apostle John Henry Smith [father] Diary] Nauvoo

I saw the homes of Brigham and Jos. Young, John Taylor, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Parley P. Pratt, Edward Hunter, Lorin Farr. The old Farm of Daniel H. Wells, the Masonic and Seventies Halls, The Temple block and many other places.

My Father's home was at the Corner of Parley and Durfey streets and was Lot 4 Block 123. Part of the old wall is in the present Rock house built by a Mr. Gates. My grand Father John Smith Patriarch lived here with his son George A. Smith.

It is said that a man by the name of Hauck killed Joseph the Prophet. It is also said he fled the country and has never been heard from.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith are presumed to be buried by the grove of Emma Hale Smith just north and about three rods south west of the old Smith Home just over looking the River to the south.

Emma Hale Smith objected to Polygamy in her first husband but she lived with Major Bidamon while he raised a family outside of Wedlock.

Some of the old furniture owned by the Prophet is still in the house known as the New Mansion. I wrote a few lines on an old table said to have been one used by the Prophet. I have felt I have been standing on holy ground today.

Mr. Chas. E. Bidamon showed us a medal said to have been carved by Joseph Smith with this inscription on It Confirms O Dius [Deus] Potentessemus [Joseph Smith's Jupiter Talisman]. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith
2 - White, Jean Bickmore, Church, State, and Politics, p.xviii, A John Henry Smith Chronology, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith

LDS History Chronology: George Albert Smith

Mormon History Timeline: The life of George Albert Smith
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/