Scope and Contents May to June 1862 precedes the section that begins July 1857. John spends his time herding stock, shearing, haltering and docking sheep, and plowing, planting and harvesting his crops; all the assorted tasks necessary to running a farm. He is a dutiful member of the Mormon Church, paying tithing, attending meetings, and obeying Brigham Young's orders and the dictates of his faith. He was a handsome and vigorous man...

Scope and Contents 1863 February 8 "about 5 oclock our baby Esther Ellen departed this life during the day I saw the cough went hard with it, a few minutes before 5 oclock I called together all the family had them sit around the baby on its mothers lap, I then anointed it with oil and layed on hands confirming the anointing...the family was shedding tears my heart was full unto the stoping... but was...

Scope and Contents New Years Reflections 1869 January "When I left home on the 11 of Nov I felt some considerable care on me leaving my family & business but more so starting on a journey of about 500 miles with a wife and young children at this season of the year I had never before handled a four team In our journey we had not a storm at all, my journey was pleasant had not...

Scope and Contents 1874 January 24 "went to City Subscribed for Salt Lake Herald daily 3 mo" February 1 "attended Sunday school & two meetings Bp Gardner preached on marriage urged it as a duty binding the Saints" March 20 "I had ten of my family in the school they had made good progress this winter" March...