J. Urban Allred was born in Lehi, Utah, on May 21, 1874, the eldest son of James Henry Allred and Catherine "Kate" Markland Jones Allred. Urban received his early education in Lehi, and later at Brigham Young Academy and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

During his school days at Brigham Young Academy, he kept a hand-written diary, one of the few such diaries to survive. It is the subject of this webpage.

He records several historic events, including the celebration of the BYA Founder's Day on October 16, 1895, and the events surrounding the ratification of Utah as the 45th state on January 4, 1896. He mentions many of the key individuals instrumental in the establishment and continuation of Brigham Young Academy.

Urban graduated from BYA in the Class of 1898, and after two years of study at BYU, he received a degree as Bachelor of Pedagogy (B.Pd.) in 1900. [Source: Deseret Evening News, June 2, 1900.]

Urban Allred filled a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Southern States Mission. He returned and taught school three years in Vernal, Utah and then 2 years in Lehi.

He first married Amelia May Hammond on June 5, 1901 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Amelia was a loyal wife and companion, and a sustaining power backing their accomplishments; a woman of rare leadership who could make an attractive home out of a mere house on the bald-headed prairies. She was a beloved leader of the youth, the YWMIA of the Taylor Stake, she served as teacher and Stake board member, and was Stake President of that organization at the time of her death, on October 8, 1910.

Amelia and Urban Allred were the parents of five children: Martha Jesina Allred Monson, Paul Hammond Allred, Urban Dilworth Allred, David Hammond Allred, and Kate Allred Whetten.

In the summer of 1903, the couple went to Alberta, Canada, making their home in Raymond. The Allred family lived there for 34 years, during which time Brother Allred engaged in farming and livestock raising. He loved the soil and was tied closely to it.

In 1903, Urban Allred was called to establish the first Latter-day Saint Seminary in Alberta, and for 18 years was head of this religious instruction in Taylor Stake.

Two years after the passing of his first wife, on June 26, 1912 in the Salt Lake Temple, he married Edna Bingham, daughter of Thomas Bingham and Elizabeth Gfroerer, pioneers of Ashley Valley in Vernal, Utah.

Through Edna's patient persistence and labor of love she succeeded in brightening and in bringing sunshine, peace and happiness again to their household. She has performed a great work as mother and wife and her family has been given a happy home life, beyond which she has served in the Relief Society as officer and teacher.

They were the parents of eight children: Ruth Allred Dallimore, Mary Allred, Lucile Allred Zenger, Odessa Allred Wood, Helen Allred Sweat, Hugh Bruce Allred, Eileen Allred Bell, and Miriam Allred.

During a busy lifetime Urban responded to calls for three other missions, one in Minneapolis of the North Central States Mission in 1925, and two later in the Southern States, largely in the interests of family genealogy. Down the years he, with other members of the Allred family, assisted in compiling a large and well organized Allred family genealogy record.

It was in the fall of 1937 that the Allred family moved from Alberta to Logan for the educational advantages of the Utah State Agricultural College [now Utah State University] and the Latter-day Saint Seminary system.

After moving to Logan, Urban Allred continued his services in the Church. At the time of his passing he was teacher of the Adult Class in Sunday School, a position which he started in June 16, 1894, when he was set apart as a teacher and told that teaching was his special calling. He was named an officiator in the Logan Temple in 1938, a duty he faithfully performed to the last.

Also surviving him were his widow, Edna Allred of Logan, the following brothers and one sister; Clarence Eugene Allred, Raymond, Alberta, Canada; Aaron Allred, Los Angeles, California; and Odessa Cullimore, of Provo, Utah; 34 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

James Urban Allred died suddenly June 25, 1956 at Logan, Utah.


~ ~ ~ ~

SCHOOL DIARY

B.Y. ACADEMY

Provo, Utah

August 19, 1895 to May 21, 1896

BOOK I

SCHOOL YEAR 1895~1896


Provo, August 19 to Sat. Aug. 24, 1895

Commenced school again. Bro. Peterson and I rented J. E. Booth's frame 2 roomed house for $2.50 per month and commenced boarding ourselves. --We got our election blanks, elected our studies and got a supply of grub. --Today the two bachelors, after breakfast, went to school. The day was spent in visiting classes and selecting studies. Weather warm. --Made arrangements with the baker to bake our flour and furnish us with bread. A pound of dough for a pound of flour. Lived on tomatoes, butter and bread. --I got an I.O.U. from the Academy for tuition for $6.00. Bro. P. was called to act as one of the counselors to the President of the Priests Quorum. A. B. Anderson brought us over some potatoes and cheese.



Sunday Aug. 25 to Sat. Aug. 31, 1895

Got ready to go to Sunday School but had to go for a collar so did not go. Went to meeting in the afternoon. Ben Cluff spoke on child ed. He said the time to begin to educate the child was before the child was born. --Studied, went swimming and walked around town. --Commenced, second week of school. In the evening had a terrible headache. Went to bed at 5 o'clock. --Was at school all day, but not feeling well. Provo city water does not agree with me. (Sat) Attended a meeting called for the purpose of organizing the Athletic organization. In the afternoon went swimming in Provo river.



Sunday Sept. 1 to Sat. Sept. 7th 1895

Attended B.Y.A. Sunday School. Nelson's class. In the afternoon started for church but stopped on the road at Anderson's where we remained until 10 o'clock being there eight hours. “Last time." (These words are underlined two and three times). --Arose at 6 o'clock. Nelson's drill class day. N. L. is trying to develop our will power in speech gesture and form. Got a letter from home. --Wrote home.

We had our ward authorities call on us at night, Hy Beckstrand and counselors. --Fast day, a good spirit prevailed. Much encouragement was given the students through the testimonies borne. Retired at 10:30, evenings lovely. (Sat) Arose and got breakfast by 8:30. At 9 o'clock went to the Academy to attend a law class, but it did not hold a session.

In the afternoon went down town got our laundry, after paying for which, between us we had 15¢. Bought a piece of cow (hamburger?) with 10¢ of it and then came home and went to Provo river to bathe where we found a boy who would sell us some corn. Spent our last nickel for 13 ears. At night we attended Pedagogium where Prof. Cluff spoke on “Greek Education.”



Sunday Sept. 8 to Sat. Sept. 14, 1895

Attended Sunday School. I reviewed in Prof. Nelson's class the subject of “The Being of God as from Nature, from History, and from Revelation.” In the afternoon Hy and Dave Peterson came over and brought us some potatoes and flour. --The Lehi school girls, Bro. Peterson and I attended Polysophical Society. J. E. Booth spoke on the “Trial of Christ Before Pilate.” He very plainly showed up the legal side of the trial; showed that the whole of the proceedings and that which led up to the judicial murder of Christ was unlawful. His arrest and trial in the night (underlinings are Father’s) and which caused Peter to draw his sword. The attempt made to make Jesus testify against himself. The change of charge from that of blasphemy to that of one opposed to the kingdom of Caesar when taken before Pilate and the third time discharged. First, before Pilate, second, before Herod, and then before Pilate all were shown as unlawful.



Sunday Sept. 15 to Sat. Sept. 21, 1895

May Kirkham came over and brought me $2.50 which just came in time to save P and I from the Poor House. I had not had a nickle for over a week. (Sat) Storm and snow fell doing much damage to vegetables and orchards. We were out of wood and so we went to the Academy to study. We put in one of the coldest days I ever experienced.



Sunday Sept. 22 to Sept. 23, 1895

Sunday was very cold. Assisted in passing sacrament in Room D. Sunday evening Pete and I attended a Baptist meeting. The minister attacked the Compendium and Spenser's Letters on the way they and the "Mormon" people treat Polygamy. He denied that it could be proven from the Bible. And showed what a failure it was with Abraham in him sending Hagar away an outcast. Said he, "It was not faith that induced Abraham into polygamy, but lust and wickedness." Poor argument. --This afternoon and evening Senator. W. Bryan of Nebraska spoke to the students of B.Y.A. in Room D. In afternoon he spoke briefly but said much. We must not look upon our education as the exalted position it gives us over our fellows; but rather at the position that we occupy over that which we would have been if we were not educated. We should be "Evergreen". Oratory's essential qualities: “Know what you are talking about” and “believe what you yourself say.” A man's greatness is measured by the amount of good he does. Man cannot raise above his environments; but he should endeavor to educate all around him. Free government depends upon education. Bryan said Utah was in the lead in education in the West. He congratulated the people of Utah on statehood under such favorable circumstances. In the evening he spoke in B.Y.A. on the silver question and he so beautifully showed it up that all were delighted. Mr. Byran is an orator of international reputation.


This ends Book I.


At the end of this book in the last two pages is the following accounts which are interesting:


Utah County Accounts

Wed. Sept. 26 -plowed beets for County half day.

Thur. plowed 1/2 day, hauled load of beets.

Fri. plowed 1 1/2 hours, hauled 1 1/2 loads beets.

Sat. hauled 2 1/2 loads beets.

Check Oct. for hauling $6.55. For ploughing $1. 87. Total $8.42.

Oct. 1 to 5, ploughed for Utah county. In afternoon hauled beets at 50¢ per ton.

Thurs. plowed 1/2 and worked single handed 1/2 day.

Fri plowed 3/4 day, worked single handed 1/4 day.

Sat. dug potatoes.

Mon. through Sat. --hauled. 2 loads beets 5400 and 5500 per 45¢ per ton. Also plowed 1/4 day and 3/4 day, and so onto Oct. 10.

Totals: Aug. 20. --$7.50 Sept. 16 --$2.50 Oct. 5 -- $3. 00


BOOK II


Provo, Oct. 16 to Oct. 19, 1895

This little book is dedicated to incidents of my life. Previous to date these were recorded in Book No. I. At the present writing I, J. U. Allred, am attending the Brigham Young Academy at Provo and I record from Founder's Day of that institution.

At 8:30 a. m. the students in their respective classes formed in line of march, each class having some mark of designation, such as articles of clothing, badges and class yells. The procession of students, eight hundred strong, headed by the brass band, marched down to the site of the old Academy that was burned; where we saluted it and that revered teacher, Dr. Maeser, made a few remarks. We then marched up to the bank building where we honored it with a salute. And then to the old warehouse building. From here we marched up past the [home of the] late Pres. A. O. Smoot where all the gentlemen removed their hats. At 11 o'clock we returned to the Academy where some splendid speaking was done. After which the teachers treated the students to a fruit festival in the lower halls. Among the speakers in the morning was Apostle Brigham Young, who said that he was going to live to be one hundred years old and that on Oct. 16, 1936 when he would be one hundred years old, he would meet with the students of the B. Y. Academy and celebrate Founder's Day. --(Sat) Quarterly Conference of the Utah Stake commenced. Bro. Peterson and I attended forenoon, afternoon and Priesthood at night.



Sunday Oct. 20 to Sat. Oct. 26, 1895

Attended conference all day. Mother, Gurnett and Peterson folks came over and took dinner with us.

Today the Academy held Memorial Services in respect to Sister Julia Hopkins, one of our number. On Sun. last she died, which caused a deep gloom of sorrow to hang over the school. The students, after the services, marched down to the depot from whence the body was shipped to her home at Glendale. The services were very impressive and during the speaking many were moved to tears.



Sunday Oct. 27 to Sat. Nov. 2, 1895

We attended a Baptist church and heard the minister discuss with Prof. Nelson "Mormon Doctrine." He tried (underlining Father's) to disprove the authority of the Priesthood and, of course, as in all his other arguments, he failed. --Today was the day appointed for oral storytelling contest in English. C. Westover, Roberson, Steele, Warnock and myself competed with five of the fair sex and we were beaten: 3 points. --I drew $3.00 from bank and spent 85¢ for book and 20¢ for supplies. --I decided to pursue the Sunday School course for twenty weeks. Bro. Brimhall teaches the class two days and Bro. Eggertson two days. (Sat) Went downtown at night and heard Hon. B.H. Roberts speak on “Democracy”. He made one of the most eloquent speeches I ever heard. He addressed the people for nearly two hours on political issues, using the most eloquent language and logical arguments. The building was kept ringing with cheers of applause.



Sunday Nov. 3 to Sat. Nov. 9, 1895

Attended Sunday School in B.Y.A. In Prof. Nelson's class we departed from regular and drilled in Ten Commandments. After which Bro. N. made some remarks. He showed the necessity of placing "Thou shall have no other God before me" first, as all other beliefs and theories rested on that. Showed in third commandment the justice in visiting the sins of the parents upon the children unto fourth generation. That the penalty of the parents sins is that their children should have like tendencies. Sunday evening Peterson and I took our Lehi girls to hear Prof. Nelson's reply to Mr. Andrew’s remarks on "Mormon Priesthood" made the Sunday evening before. He made a very logical and eloquent talk on Mormon Doctrine. At the close of Nelson's talk the Baptist asked him several questions: one was "What is the relation between our priesthood and that of the Bible." --After school I went down, drew a check for $15.00 and paid our taxes amounting to $16. 63~[?] Drew another check for $3.00, bought some butter 25¢, meat and wheat 20¢. Politics was never at so high a fever before in Utah. --Crowds of men everywhere are quarrelling about the various political topics. To avoid the contentious spirit from entering school Bro. Cluff asked the students to refrain from political arguments. --The Memorial Day. Pete and I went home in buggy to cast our first ballots. All was excitement in Lehi, the fight being a very close one. We voted the Democratic ticket and the majority of our two votes put J. Willis in city council. We each attended the election ball. There was much noise, confusion, drinking and swearing. --(Fri) In the evening Peterson, Miss Rhodes, myself and Miss Anderson attended a recital in the Opera House by Miss Eldredge and pupils.



Sunday Nov. 10 to Sat. Nov. 16, 1895

Attended Sunday School in morning in 4th Ward. At night I heard Dr. J. E. Talmage who spoke very logically on duties of the saints. --Drew $3.00 out of the bank. Loaned Henry Boyle 50¢.

Wrote home. --Arose in time for breakfast, which Peterson prepared. Went to school very much, much, crowded for time. Returns from the election show that Utah is to be admitted into the Union as a Republican state. There will be a big majority of Republicans in Legislature, Senate and House. I was tired when the week ended. At home at night. All the forenoon was spent in looking for a house to rent.



Sunday Nov. 17 to Sat. Nov. 23, 1895

The Sunday School of the B.Y.A. marched down to Tabernacle in forenoon, there was a very good attendance. In the afternoon, we had a splendid meeting. The following members spoke of the S. S. Board. The speakers gave some excellent instructions to the youth as well as to the older ones. Especially Dr. Tanner, who, among the many truths he uttered, said, that each individual was responsible for the out breaking of crimes to a more or less extent. We influence others in our thoughts no matter how secret. In the evening Bro. Maeser and Bro. Goddard, both of which veterans spoke most encouragingly words to the students encouraging them to be humble and prayerful. -- Went to school poorly prepared. --Gurnett and Rodney came over and brought a load of wood and stove. We moved from J. E. Booth's place to a house a half block North. Gurnett started to school. --Went teaching at night with Bro. C. Wentz. We had some pretty hard students to visit and labor with. --Domestic meeting. Very, very, busy. Lessons are nearly more than what I can get. -- I took part in a debate in our Psychology class as to which moved the emotions more: the poet or the painter. I spoke on the side of painting.



Sunday Nov. 24 to Sat. Nov. 30, 1895

School dismissed until Monday. At night when we were all surrounding the table studying, a rap came to the door and we found that we had been made the recipients of 2 pies and a cake for Thanksgiving. --Thanksgiving Day. We were at our studies all day. At night attended an oral contest between English C and Rhetoric A. The latter class beat by one point. The stories were very good. (Fri.) Studied all day at the Academy. (Sat) Studied until 2 p.m. when I went to Young Ladies conference. A number of ladies spoke, also Apostle John Henry Smith. He said, "He is the stronger among his fellows who has led a moral life." This was a splendid meeting. In the evening I took Mirinda Allred to the M.I.A. concert.



Sunday Dec. 1 to Sat. Dec. 7, 1895

Mutual Improvement conference continued. This story was related by O. P. Whitney in M. I. conference, Provo, Dec. 1, 1895, he having heard it from the recent missionary from Northern States.

After Oliver Cowdery had left the church while one day pleading a murder case and had made his plea for the defense to the jury, his opponent on the other side said: "My learned friend has made a very eloquent plea, but I wonder why he didn't tell us something about Joe Smith, the angel and the golden plates" Cowdery arose, pale as death, but with a determined look in his eye and said, “I will tell you something about them. All that I have formally testified to is true. It is not because they are not true that I am here today; but I have sinned and have, thus severed myself from the church of God."

This story is a matter of history told to a missionary lately in the Northern States by a man whose uncle served, in the late war and was present at the trial.

Commenced fifteenth week of school. Nelson criticized my composition before the class. He said it was no composition. --McKendrick, in criticizing our work in practical problems in Geometry A, said he was almost discouraged with the work done; the students had left the work to be guessed at. -Went without my dinner because baker did not come with the bread. Jerome got supper about 8 o'clock. The room did not get warm all night, the stove being too small to heat the room. --Another week ended, was down town after school for a refreshing walk. -- Studied at the Academy in the forenoon. In the afternoon went down town -- found John Peterson, Jr. and Jos. Christopherson. They stayed with us all night.



Sunday Dec. 8. to Sat. Dec. 14, 1895

Attended Sunday School in forenoon. Assisted in passing sacrament. Prof. Nelson spoke to his class on the Holy Ghost. Said that the Holy Ghost was the governing power as well as the thing governed. Sunday evening was at home studying at history. -- Went to school at 7:30 at my usual time. In Psychology and Theory class we held a convention of the educators of the sixteenth century. Went down town, got a dollar, and bought "Leonard and Gertrude." I was very tired when week closed. At home at night studying on my treatise on Theology G" -- Studied hard all day."



Sunday Dec. 15 to Sat. Dec. 21st -1895

Attended Sunday School in the Morning, in the afternoon and night studied my lessons; was not feeling very well at night. Retired at 7:30. Examination week began, was not feeling very well --Examinations hard and many had a fearful headache" -- The first semester closed. I passed examination in Theology Go English C, Psychology A and Theory A. In Geometry and Algebra was conditioned on Supplementary, for I did not feel well the last week of school. We came home at night in Peterson's wagon.--(Sat) Spent the day at home and around town. Studied some in Algebra.



Sunday Dec. 21 to Sat. Jan 4, 1895-96. (Lehi)

Attended Sunday School exercises known as promotion Sunday. In afternoon attended meeting. Father and Elisha Peck spoke. At night attended Memorial Services of the anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith held under, the management of M.I.A. Got “Josephus” from Geo. Smith. --Christmas morning about 8 o’clock. The weather was cold and snowed slightly in the morning. Was about home most of the day. Very dull down town. At dance at night. -- Studied in afternoon. John Worlton came over and gave some very good advice to me. Advised me to marry before I became twenty five years of age. --Stormed most of the day making good sleighing. I went to the field and helped drive a well in the stockyard. --At home most of the day, but very little excitement. At night I took Maggie Larsen to New Year’s ball. The dance was very crowded, not much drinking, carousing. We were forced to face a snow storm going home." -- (Thur.) Attended Fast Meeting in forenoon. This was one of the best meetings I ever attended. Mrs. Wodfenton spoke in tongues. In the name of Nephi prophets who warned the people against falling into wickedness and said that if the people turned from the Lord they should be smitten and scourged --Today Pres. Cleveland signed the Statehood bill whereby Utah became a state. There was great rejoicing throughout the new state. I was helping John Worlton kill a beef for us when the news reached us and he had to leave and go and fire guns in the shape of giant powder. Bells were sounded, guns were fired, whistles blown and everything and everybody rejoiced. The drum corps paraded the streets.



Sunday Jan. 5 to Sat. Jan. 11, 1896

(Mon.) Today was the day set apart for the grand ratification of the inauguration of Utah as a state. Imposing ceremonies took place in Salt Lake. Lehi had firing in the morning and music in afternoon, a meeting and programme. Gurnett and I came over to Provo with a load of wood and things to rent a house and go to school. --Last night my brother and I slept on the floor of Martin Bushman's house which we rented for the winter. Bro. Jos. Peterson came over in afternoon on a sleigh to batch with us. --At 6 o'clock after school took examination under Prof. Lyman in Algebra B for work done last Semester. He conditioned me on Surds (?). I am to listen in Class B during that subject. --At our bachelor's hall studying most of the day.



Sunday Jan. 12 to Sat. Jan. 18, 1896

F. W. Kirkham came down to go to school. Took dinner with us. In afternoon we all attended meeting in Academy. A number of brethren spoke at night a student's meeting was held, at which, as well as at afternoon meeting, a good spirit prevailed. --Attended school, the school very crowded. --Attended school. Acted as Hall Disciplinarian from 8 to 5. This is a position not to be desired. --Received my credits from Prof. Lyman. (Sat.) In the afternoon 12:30, attended U.C.T.A. in Fourth Ward meeting house. Mayor Holbrook made the address of welcome to teachers as having first meeting in Provo after Statehood.



Sunday Jan. 19 to Sat. Jan. 25, 1896

Attended conference in forenoon. Apostle Brigham Young and Geo. Q. Cannon spoke. Apostle Young spoke of returning. to that superior, primitive faith which the early settlers of Utah possessed. The conference was very well attended. Father and Mother and a number being over from Lehi. --I was sick during the night. Attended school. --After school I came home and, after getting material, rolled up my sleeves and commenced to make my first "pie". It had the form of a pie was its only requisite. I then dried it in the oven. Experience is a dear school. --Today the Board of Education visited our school. Apostle B. Young, Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon, and Bishop T. H. Cutler spoke to us.



Sunday Jan. 26 to Sat. Feb., 1, 1896

Went to meeting in Tabernacle. Bros. B. S. Hinkley and Jos. B. Keeler spoke. Bro. K. referred to the remarks of Pres. Cannon wherein he stated that men need not wait until they were elected to some high office in order to become honorable; but that they should fill their minor offices in such a way that they will confer honor upon the offices. At night I was at home alone studying my lessons. After Joe and Gurnett came home from meeting they "caught on" to some girls from the other room. When they came in at 12 o'clock they woke me up. And when I reproved them they said the senior had no right to interfere. --Arose and went to school without speaking to the boys for fear, that there would be trouble. Paid B.Y.A. $11.00 for Gurnett’s tuition. --I had to salt our meat. The weather being, so warm that it began to spoil. --Pres. Cluff read out my name being one of the speakers for Sunday night meeting. --I went to Poly. at night. O. F. Whitney spoke on oratory, poetry and prophesy. Showed very eloquently that they were twin sisters. That they were the same gifts only in different degrees. T'he poet and prophet are born so. The orator is principally made through education. The poet is as much above the orator as the prophet is above the poet. Man's attitudes are like the uneven earth. He has his hills and his hollows: his strong, points and his weak ones. --At home all day studying. Pete Anderson came down and called on us a few minutes. Geo. Smith came down and stayed with us all night.


Sunday Feb. 2, to Sat. Feb. 8, 1896

Attended S. S. in. the morning. Bro. Nelson's class considered the "Atonement" under 1. Need of, 2. Foreordination, 3. Manner of, 4. Effectualness --Extent of Ultimate Effect. Sunday night went to meeting, sat on the stand but did not speak as Bro. Jenson was present and he and others occupied the time. --Went to school, came home for dinner for the first time. Retired at 10:45. -- At night Bro. Peterson and I went to a teacher’s meeting in the Academy. The Domestic teachers reported their respective beats. --The Polysophical Society gave a Leap Year Ball in the Opera House. Peterson went as our representative.--Spent the day mostly hunting for a piece to recite on Feb. 22. At night I attended a social gathering at Miss Nora Burghs. Did not enjoy myself very well. We had ice cream for supper. Came home at 2 a.m.



Sunday Feb. 9 to Sat. Feb. 15, 1896

Attended Sunday School. Bro. Nelson took up “Faith” under two divisions: 1. The assurance of things hoped for, 2. The evidence of things not seen. Showed that faith is founded on assurances. In the afternoon we all attended meeting. Apostles A. H. Cannon and F. M. Lyman spoke. Apostle Cannon spoke on the mission of the B.Y.A. That it should give to its students the spirit as well as the letter of the Gospel. At night we all stayed home and studied. --(Fri.) Apostle F. M. Lyman and J. Golden Kimball spoke to our school. Bro. Lyman told us of our duties as students of the B.Y. Academy, and as young Latter-day Saints. Bro. Kimball told us of his experiences as a B.Y. student. He said it was not what we learned out of books but the testimony of Christ that makes the man. --Spent the day at my studies. Remarkably mild winter.



Sunday Feb. l6 to Sat. Feb. 22, 1896

Attended Sunday School. Bro. Nelson's class considered "Faith". Bro. K. G. Maeser, 2nd Assistant General Supt. of S. S. spoke to the school. He said the requisites to a model S. S. are: 1. That all come to S. S.. filled with the Spirit of the Living God, having offered a prayer to God for His aid in the Sunday School work. 2. Punctuality 3. Thought and preparation on the lesson. 4. Shall be able to partake of the Sacrament in proper way and spirit. 5. When a public prayer is offered everyone should say "Amen".

Night meeting in the Academy. Bro. Maeser spoke very inspiringly on the necessity of young people getting a testimony and what a testimony is: the spirit of testimony is the spirit of prophecy. That it illuminates not only the individual, but all around him, even as the grain of mustard does all the other vegetables. Retired at 10 p.m. --(Tue.) Apostle J. W. Taylor spoke to us during our regular theology. He said he had not had the advantages of education. But he bore a strong testimony and said that he had seen the face of God, and knew that He lived. In the grades he told the children how he had worked when a boy at delivering goods in a wheel barrow for a firm in S. L. City. Then he had kept books for another firm. J. W. Taylor then went into a sawmill business. When one night at a Fast meeting a lady predicted that he would be an Apostle. When called he was herding sheep. --After school I recited my piece before Nelson. He gave me a fearful criticism and advised me to get another piece before appearing before the public. --The regular Polysophical lecturer could not fill his appointment and so the program that was to have come off on Sat. eve was carried out tonight; consisting, of recitations, singing: by Chamberland sisters of S. L., which was grand. And an address in honor of Washington by Francis Kirkham. I took Miss Mary Richards. --Washington’s birthday. Stores closed, district schools celebrate. Prof. Nelson organized a class in spelling.



Sunday Feb. 23 to Sat. Feb. 29, 1896

Went to Sunday School. Visited Bro. Brimhall's Normal class. Considered three object lessons of the Savior: 1. Feeding the multitude. Principle taught: There is nothing so, small but what we should give thanks for. When ever we feed a multitude properly (by speaking) our giving increases our store. 2. The Fig tree that was caused to wither because it did not produce. Principle: We must give to our Master something or we shall be smitten. 3. Healing of man's daughter where Jesus drove out the scoffers. Mark 5. Principle: That it took more faith to heal while they were in the room and that Christ did not want to use the Power that God had given him extravagantly. We were all home at night. Retired at 10 o'clock. -- We received word that Apostle Teasdale and Geo. Reynolds met the following persons Sunday at Lehi and called them on missions. Francis W. Kirkham to go to New Zealand, T. F. Trane and Albert Bushman to California, J. F. Russon and Jos. Broadbent, Jesse Smith, Geo. Comer and Mark Austin to England, Franz Saltzner to Germany, C. Knudson, H. Baker and W. Taylor to Southern States. --In Domestic meeting I was called upon to speak a few minutes. Was not feeling very well, had a bad cold. --Regular testimony day. We had one of best testimony classes I ever attended. Gurnett went to Poly. --Today was general cleaning day in the history of the Academy for this year. The students met in groups, some prepared to work in the building and others on the outside. All day long the work of general renovating went on, faithful did the students work. At night the buildings and grounds took a decidedly different appearance. Bought Gurnett a pair of shoes, $2.00. F. W. Kirkham left school (for mission).



Sunday March 1 to Sat. March 7, 1896

Gurnett and I was at Mirinda's at night. --In Literature we considered Goldsmith. --Fast day we fasted and had a splendid fast meeting. I fasted all day. Cold. --Bro. A. A. Peterson and Hy came over and brought us some fruit and potatoes, meat, eggs and wood. Another general cleaning day at the Academy finished the work of last week. Sousa's Band played in Tabernacle.



Sunday March 8 to Sat. March 14, 1896

Attended S. S. in Academy. Was in Bro. Brimhall's class. He gave us one of the most inspiring talks I ever heard on how to gain the love and affection, of others --Commenced another week of school. Not very well prepared. --Very busy, extra work on account of S.S. Class. --Prof. Cluff took the theology hour in talking to the school in general. He made some inspiring remarks. He said that the young did not lack brains, but moral character, manhood, and womanhood. The Academy boys visiting saloons. --The young ladies of the Academy fasted and held special fast meeting for benefit of Sister Seth Allen who is very ill. The third and fourth year Normal boys met in Room A. Bro. Lyman made some very encouraging remarks. Spoke of the emphatic confidence we should have in each other; and how careful we should be not to do anything to destroy the confidence of others in us. Bro. Brimhall spoke in his enthusiastic and inspiring manner. He said he was an optimist, but he was afraid that there was a moral famine near at hand. We do not lack intellectual and brilliant men but we lack moral men. Men who have moral back-bone and not rag strings. The education of the future must be such as makes moral manhood and not scientists and orators. --The Academy run an excursion down to S. L. City for $1.25. About one hundred students went in consequence thereof there was no school. I worked in forenoon in laboratory. Made nitric acid, ammonium water and nitrogen. At night went to a free ball given to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Normals. Took Miss Verna Taylor from Draper. Had a lovely time.



Sunday March 15 to Sat. 21, 1896

Went to S. S., assisted in the administration of the Sacrament. --(Mon.) Received a patriarchal blessing under the hands of Chas. D. Evans. (See Appendix 1.) Gurnett came back from Lehi. Clarence took the team back. --At night we all went and heard in the Academy a phonograph which played pieces from all the leading bands in U. S.; sang a number of songs and gave a number of recitations; all of which was a marvelous manifestation of the wonders of our scientific age. --At night attended Polysophical. Prof. J. E. Hickman spoke in an eloquent manner on "Character". He showed that reputation was not character. Character is more valuable than gold, silver or even education and requires a lifetime to build a character. --At home most all day studying. Uncle Heber Allred is boarding with us while he is serving on the jury.



Sunday March 22 to Sat. March 28, 1896

Bro. K. G. Maeser took our class in the absence of Bro. Brimhall. He said that a teacher's duty is incessant work with the youth of Zion. In the afternoon we went to meeting. Bro. Maeser spoke. He referred to the increase of immorality that had been committed in our midst the last months and said that the time had come when there must be a distinction between Gentiles and the people of God. We must put a stop to such crimes. Bro. Peterson, Miss Burg, Mirinda, Gurnett and all visited the asylum. --After school I went down to the County Court House and listened to the Harry Hayes Pelican Point murder case. --(Sat.) Went to Academy and studied until 3 p.m. I then came home and studied. Very cold and stormy in the evening. Shrubbery in leaf. Lehi students to see us.



Sunday March 29 to Sat. April 4, 1896

Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon, Apostle B. Young and Presidency of Utah Stake were at S. S. Each spoke to the school. They all emphasized need of students being humble. They must not substitute book learning and theories for the spirit of the Gospel. In the early history of our Church book learning was the cause of apostasy. Also spoke of attending trial of a low down nature indirectly referred to the Hayes murder case. In the afternoon I attended meeting. In the evening we all went to a gathering of the Lehi students. --Attended school. Bro. Keeler and Brimhall spoke to school about class distinction and the tendency to indulge in slander. The remarks was occasioned by a petition to the Faculty for a ball for a few, (underlining is Father's) which was refused --Received my patriarchal blessings from Chas. D. Evans. Peterson’s buggy came over and we all went home. John F. Allred and Roy Johnson with us.



Sunday April 5 to Sat. April 11, 1896

Father and Mother went to conference. Today being Easter there was a suitable program carried out in Sunday. Before going to S.S. I was called to assist in administering to David Peterson who was in much pain. The attendance at meeting in the afternoon was the poorest I ever have seen. --(Mon.) Gurnett, John F. Johnson, the little boys and I went down into the field and branded some yearlings and drove off 17 head of stock, leaving 6 head at home. Conference adjourned. The folks came home. (Provo) Gurnett, John F. and Johnson came back from Lehi. Bro. Peterson did not come on account of his brother's sickness. Studied a little at night. --All the gentlemen of the Academy met in Room D. Bro. Brimhall and Keeler spoke. They gave us to understand in plain English that the end of education in the Academy was the cultivation of manliness. This is a land of liberty and every person ought to be allowed to dress and appear as they please without being annoyed by a human fuss. Respect everyone, no matter what their peculiar habits maybe. Manliness and purity are two questions for the students of the Academy to hear. --Testimony day i.e. theology hour is donated to testimony bearing. --(Sat.) Was up at school studying most of forenoon. Our cupboard was taken away from us by Mrs. Bushman and I got a large goods box from Geo. E. Howe and made another thing. At night we both went down to Silas Allred's place and heard his daughter Edna sing.



Sunday April 12 to Sat. April 18, 1896

Bro. Brimhall spoke briefly in conference to the Normal S. S. Class. He showed one point he had gained at the late Semi-Annual Conference: that God reversed the operation of taking the Gospel from the earth when the people became corrupt as He had in Adams, Noah, Israel's time; and also during 14 dark centuries and with Nephites. But today he has said that the Gospel is established for the last time and he removes men from the Gospel instead of moving the Gospel from men. --Went to school at seven without breakfast. --Instead of Domestic all the young men of the Academy met together. Bro. Nelson spoke on gaining self-control. Bro. Brimhall on "Purity". Spoke of the terrible sin of secret practices and of the many that it sends to the insane asylmn. Warned the young men of Zion to preserve their bodies which the Gospel has given them, by the bringing together of so many people of so many different nations. --(Sat.) Today was the opening day of our Quarterly Stake Conference. I attended in the morning. At night I recited in the Academy “The Moneyless Man.” Didn't do very well. Israel Anderson and Andrew Christofferson stayed with us. They informed us that father had been called in Priesthood meeting to be a home missionary. Went to bed at eleven o'clock.



Sunday April 19 to Sat. April 25, 1896

Attended Conference. The first speaker was Pres. Reed Smoot. He spoke of the necessity of us living humble and true to the Gospel, which is the only way that we can be saved.

Apostle A. H. Cannon spoke, of how some of our enemies had argued that this country was not a barren desert but was fertile when the Mormons settled it since the land, through the blessings of God, had blossomed as the rose. He bore testimony that this Church was not dead spiritually. And was not a dead volcano though it may be a hidden volcano. The ordinances of the Church evidence that it does not exist in letter alone.

In the afternoon Pres. Seymour B. Young was the first speaker. He said we should be very thankful that we of all the people of the world were the chosen of God. He showed the hardships that the early settlers endured. Pres. Joseph F. Smith was the last speaker. He spoke on church discipline, and referred to the inspiration of the authorities in issuing the new "Manifesto" setting forth the laws of the Church as regards the servants of God having right to dictate in spiritual affairs and counsel in temporal. That it was not stullification or belittling him to seek counsel from the Authorities. The new Manifesto was then read and voted upon, there being one dissenting vote. This ended one of the best conferences ever held in the stake.

In the evening Apostle A. H. Cannon spoke to the students of the B.Y.A. in the Tabernacle. The public was invited. This was one of the most timely lectures I ever heard. The Apostle spoke on the necessity of the pupils acquiring a spiritual education in preference to any other. Also to guard against conceit. It is a blessing to be poor. The poor, diligent student generally succeeds. Spoke of the serious error of pupils with a little book learning criticizing the servants of God from the standpoint of scripture. He again warned us that Holy writ or the Letter of the Gospel did not compose the Gospel. But the Church and oracles of God was what we must trust in. There is a great work for the young. Do we honor the aged who God has let live to teach us? --J. Peterson came back to school. Gumett was obliged to leave to help at home so he went back with Andrew Peterson. --(Sat.) Today was Arbor Day for the Academy. The east half of the Academy was planted in trees by the students, both by classes and by individuals. Paid the baker $3.00.



Sunday April 26 to Sat. May 2. 1896

Attended S. S. in Bro. Nelson's class, considered the “Holy Ghost”. We are not the only people who have the Holy Ghost, but it is striving with every man who is doing good, whether Jew or Christian. The whole object of this striving is to prepare man to receive the Gospel. All men who are learning truths are preparing themselves to receive the Gospel, if not in this life, in another. There is vastly less crime and skepticism today than at any other period of the world's history. In the afternoon was at home studying and writing. After supper took a walk to a green field above Provo and prayed to God to preserve me from destruction. --Bro. Nath. Baldwin, a fellow bachelor, came to dinner with me. -- Bro. Cluff spoke to the school during the first hour. (He spoke, of the encouraging prospects of the B.Y. Academy in the future. He urged the young men to live moral, virtuous lives and be self-governing men in every sense of the word. Have confidence in yourself so that you are not afraid to pass a saloon without being afraid of going into it. (Sat.) Father and Mother came over; the little boys came last night to fish. Spent the forenoon with the boys fishing; had poor luck. Father was set apart as a Home Missionary. They all went back in the evening.



Sunday May 3 to Sat. May 9, 1896

Went to S. S. in morning, visited J. E. Booth's, class. Went to Marinda's for dinner. Martin Bushman's boy was sick; the doctor believing it to be diphtheria. The folks worked all night with him. --Received a letter from father containing $1.00 with seventy-five cents of which I went to a ball and banquet in Southworth's given by the Class of 1900. My cousin, Marinda, went with me. We had a lovely time. --Arose at six with but 3 hours of sleep. Burl Martin Bushman's little boy was worse. The school prayed for him. When I came home was quarantined, but this did not apply to us. The boy was very low and the folks were feeling very bad. Later there were two doctors. We came home in a rain storm feeling that while the doctors said we were safe, still we felt that we were not doing the school justice: so after considerable worrying we decided to remain at home for a day or two and Bro. Peterson went to see Bro. Brimhall but could not find him. At 9:30 Burl died. We could do nothing for the mourning in the other room. --We remained in our room all day save for but a short time in which we took a walk through the pastures towards the asylum. They buried the body without services at about 5 o'clock, there being five buggies. At night we did considerable disinfecting. --The poplar trees came out in leaf last Sunday, May 3rd. The locust trees are not out in leaf yet nor will they be before May 15th. The spring has been backward. We studied nearly all day. --Today we went to school after having thoroughly cleaned our boarding place and disinfecting it with a Sulphur candle.



Sunday May 10 to Sat. May 16, 1896

Attended S. S. Bro. Cluff said that the object of Sabbath School teaching was not cramming the mind, but moral and spiritual development.--Today I read my thesis on "General Salvation" before Bro. Nelson's theology class. --Examinations in most of the classes. --After school I tested some ore. --After Polysophical Society I was introduced to Gov. McCounel of Idaho by Prof. Cluff. I then went with the class of 1900 down to Albert Huishes', the president of this class, where we surprised him and presented him with a new Oxford Bible. Bro. H. leaves the Academy to prepare for a mission. --Was at my studies most of the day.



Sunday May 17 to Sat. May 23, 1896

Conference of the YMMIA of this stake. Bro. B. H. Roberts first talked "Why Are We in Mountains, and What Brought Us Here?" He first quoted from Isaiah showing that the house (Church as well as Temple) of the Lord should be established in the tops of the Mts. and that all nations should flow unto it. And He shall Teach Us of His Ways. The speaker showed from Bible that the Lord was to establish a marvelous work and a wonder. Also the connection between ancient and modern prophecy in that this same prediction occurs in a number of places in the first 18 sections of Doc & Cov. which passages were given before the Church was organized.

These passages make clear the object of our coming to Utah. In the afternoon Bro. Brimhall showed that "learning His ways", was learning truth, which shall make us free.

Sunday night Bro. B. H. Roberts lectured. His subject being a reply to the ten reasons why Presbyterians would not walk in fellowship with Mormons. This was one of the most eloquent displays of oratory I ever heard. The speaker taught Mormonism pure and simple. He showed that Salvation or the atonement of Christ was a gift as sunlight is to the farmer's growing crop, and as his industry is a means of promoting the growth of his crop, so our righteousness is a means of promoting our salvation.

(Mon.) Went to school. This is our Commencement week. At night I took Miss Nora Stewart to the Literary exercises. At night, also the class of '97 gave a grand ball and supper in Southworth's. --The students received their credit slips. I was conditioned in Chemistry A. In the afternoon we had field day. At night Kindergarten exercises. --Today was Normal day, and the closing one of the Academy. The forenoon exercises were held in the Tabernacle. John Nickelson was the orator. Six graduated in the class of '96. I went down to Miranda's for dinner and as it was my 22 birthday, Mrs. Holden prepared a dinner for us there. The Alumni association in afternoon. Parting.



Lehi, Fri. May 22, 1896 --Bro. Jos. Peterson and I came home last night from school after having boarded ourselves together for about nine months. --Greased a set of harness.