Volume 1 Pages 2-3

2

Feb Jan 1899 Call and Departure

Wens 25: Recieved a latter from the missionary comitee of the church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints. Asking if I was willing to except a foren mission. To preach the gospel, and if so at what time I could leave.

I ansured this letter Feb 27 stating my willingness to except this call & could be ready at any time. Acordingly at our stake quarterly confrance held at logan. Feb. 29 & 30 I was called ( at the after noon meeting of the 29) to meet with the apostle in the vestry of the Tabernacle at the close of the meeting. I did as directed, and in conection with upwards of 20 elders who had met to recieve apointments to various fields of labor. I recieve my apointment at the hands of Apostle Georg Teasdale to labor in the Society Islands mission. To leave Sanfrancisco Mar. 1/99. From my apointment to the

3
Feb 1899

the time of my departure my time was spent in preperation & friendly calls

Wens 15- A fare well party was tendered me in the evening at the Ward Asembly hall, by where a great number of friends from the sourounding settelments as well as those from my own ward, had gathered for that purpose. Thy Hyrum Opra Orchasty furnished music. All seemed to enjoy the evening in the highest degree. An evening was spent which I shall long remember, for the respect and esteem shown to me.

Saturday evening 18// A suprise party was tendered me by the young Ladies M. I. A. during the evening The young ladies presented me with A fountian pen with which I write these lines, acompanied with the following verses.

Volume One Title Page

1

Daily Journal

of

R. A. Dowdle

From

Feb

21st

1899

To

Jan 5 1900

Missionary in Society Islands

I know no one is reading this right now...

But maybe someone will.  Anyway I'm going to do something different.  Ruth generously took the time to scan the entire set of diaries, I now have digital images of the pages.  I will post each page with the transcription.  If you see anything in need of correction, please reply in the comments, and I will fix the original document.  Once a volume is done, it can be saved as a document (with images) and distributed to anyone interested.  (It will be a word document, because that is what I have, sorry).

May 8 to May 14 1899

Mon. 8: This being my turn for to do the cooknig. Elder Curtis 35 May 1899 Papeete Tahiti

and I went to the City for provision I spent the evening writing to my Brother Aurelius, at Cardston, Canada

Tues. 9: Elder Curtis and I went to Tamaiti’s. We cleaned and oiled his clock and set it in running ordor. Elders Widtsoe and Davis returned from their trip around the Island. I wrote to my Sister Eliza at Canada.

Wens. 10: Fast day. I atended fast meeting at 8-25 A. M. Studied language in the afternoon

Thur. 11: I wrote a letter to my mother. The remander of the day spent reading, writing, Etc.

Fri. 12: Wrote to my Brother Samuel C. Dowdle. Also to the Improvement Era Thomas Hull manager Improvement Era, asking the Era to be sent to my adress. Walked with Elder Taylor to purchase vegitables from John Chinames

Sat. 13: Went to the City Exchanged money, posted letters Etc.
36 May 1899 Papeete Tahiti assisted in clearing the yard in the evening.

Sun 14: I attended three meetings Elder Hansen and I spent the evening at Papeete.

May 2 to May 7 1899

Tues: 2: Elders Davis and Widtsoe started on a trip around the island Elder Hansen and I went to Papeete Also did some washing of clothes 33 May 1899 Papeete Tahiti

Wens. 3: I did some studying on the language. Passed through a drill on the same to under Elder Tylor.

Thur. 4: Studied language in fore noon. The American ship: Tropic Bird arived in the afternoon, which we had been anxously waiting for, for two or three days. Elder Willey and I went to the City for mail. Returned about 7 in the evening wated down with papers & letters The letter from home that I had longed for never came. I kept my self buisy till a late hour reading the Utah news papers.

Fri. 5: Elder Chamberlin and I went to the City to get the mail that had not been destributed the night before. Elder Chamberlin had recieved word of the death of his Sister, I had recieved no word from home and to gether we walked, same wahat down hearted. I spent the remander of the day reading News papers & magizens. 34 May 1899 Papeete Tahiti

Sat. 6: Studied sone little on language. Elder Hansen and I cleaned up the houses for our porton of the weeks work. We gave the kitshen a good moping. Elder A. R. Curtis arived from the leward grop of islands, where he had been laboring. He brought a good report of the labor being don there.

Sun. 7: This being the regular fast day of the church it was obsurved by all us elders. Two meetings were held in the morning Elder Curtis took up the time at both meetings. I class was conducted by Elder Neff at noon. Sacrement meeting was held in the after noon. Prest. D. T. Miller was the speaker. Sacrement adminestered by Tamaiti, Elders Taylor, Hansen and I went to City in the evening, spent about an hour on board the Ship Tropic Bird.

April 30 and May 1 1899 May Day Celebration

Sun. 30: I atended three meetings of the saints one of which I was called to desmiss. Instructions were given by Tamiti. Elder Wm B Taylor Elder Chamberlin and Rua.

Mon. 1: I with the other Elders spent May day in the canyon. We visited the old French Fort about 7 miles up the canyon. It is about 4 thousand feet above sea leavell. We reach it by way of a narrow trail that leads up the mountain side. This fort was build for the protection of women and children in case of atact by foren nations. Here upon the green grass we ate our lunch. Which I spread upon Bananas leaves, (it being my cook day. It was sugested by some one of the company that a poem be 30 May 1899 French Fort written by each one sugesting a line.

The following is the result.
Several headings were given I ecept this

A Mormons tale of woe.

1: The scean is so enchanting,
It fills my heart with love:
Becaus my heart is panting
To see my turtle dove.

2: When last I saw her violet eyes
Beyond the deep blue sea,
Her soul with love that never dies
Said I’ll be true to thee.

3: For three long years Ive wandered
My heart way down in pain,
My shirt will not be laundred
Till I go back again.

4: Oft have I known the pulse devine
That beats with in her wrist,
Oft has she squirmed in arms of mine
When her sweet lips Ive kissed

5: Oh when again shall fall the snow
Upon my smooth bald pate,
Oh when for us shall embers glow
Within the parlor grate

31 May 1899 French Fort

6: Me thinks the time is growing nigh
When a bill of sale I’ll see,
I’ll close tale and homeward hie,
To bread and milk and thee.

South sea mormons.



We also stopped at the watter fall which is one of the highest in the World, I am told. It being 680 feet. The stream in its long decent is transformed into little els than a spray by the time it reaches the pool below. It presents a magnificent sight which which well payes one for the long walk to reach it. We all returned gathering moss & fernes on our way also stopping to bathe in the cool refreshing watters of the river. During the evening my mind was wont to wander to seen of child hood of the happy May walks on Utah soil gathering the butter cups and Violets that adorned the fields & medows, of romping over the bench lands among the rocks and sage brush 32 May 1899 Papeete Tahiti Or watching Utah’s fair maidens dance around the May pole, and listening to the strain of music from the silver instruments born by her young men, as well as the knoble speaches of Utah’s vetrans. I am wont to draw the contrast then with now where my lot is cast with a small band of fellow laborers, cast out upon the mountain tops that rise from the midst
of the mighty deeps here as embasadors of Jesus Christ laboring for the caus of truth that for which he laid down his life. And for which many have filled the marters grave to up hold, In this he I find joy, Though childhood dayes with their joy and pleasures have gon, only to be recalled in the memory.

April 23-29 1899

Sun. 23: I atended two meetings, was called to open the morning meeting. In the afternoon Elder Taylor and I went to the house of Tamiti the counslor to the president of the branch, where we were recieved, by the family. A plate full of delisous pineapples was set before us upon the straw flour floor of the hutt. We were also given several pineapples for the Elders at home.

Mon. 24: Spent most of the day studying language. Went through a drill on same under Prest. Miller, With the little native girl whom we call topsy sitting at the opposit side of the table meking amusement for her self as well as for us, over our awkward way of speaking the words given us. Topsy or is the daughter of one of the local missionaries who is sleping at our neighbors preparitory to taking a mission around the Island. She is the pet, & life 28 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti the head quarters, she is twelve years of age, large bright eyes one eye being blured a large mouth rather thick lips a plesant voice, heavy black hair. Every morning she is to be seen bound into the house or yard where we are all at work, whil her plesant laugh & morning greeting with a hearty shake of the hand for each of us. Again in the evening she makes her apearence to spend an hour or to with her jokes and singing, her favorite song, Poor Nellie Gray, which she sings in broken English

Tues. 25: Spent the day studying language.

Wens. 26: I atended fast meeting at 8-30 A. M. Went through a drill on the language under Elder Taylor Wrote a letter to Elder F. T. Yeates who is laboring on

Thur. 27: Spent the day studying.

Fri. 28: I strolled out on the beach alone, with book in hand studying language

29 May 1899 Papeete Tahiti

Sat. 29: Studied language. Also asisted in clearing the yard of leaves and rubish colected during the week. Passed through a language drill in the evening under Elder Taylor.

April 16-22 1899

Sun. 16: I atended three meetings of the saints. These meetings ending the confrance. All went of plesantly. There being about one hundred and fifty saints in atendence from the Tamutas, besides the few saints on Tahiti & thirteen Elders 26 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti All enjoyed a good spirit, and seemed to be well paid for their atendance. Elder Hansen, Wright, and I walked down to the sea. I was able to realize the full meaning of the song: Gathering up the shells from the sea shore

Mon 17: Elder Hansen and I took short walk in the canyon, returned feeling much refreshed for the walk.

Tues 18: I spent most of the day studying the languages. Elder Hansen and I again walked down to the sea shore

Wens. 19: We agan obsurved fast day. I atended the meeting at 8 A. M. I spent the day triming the benches of the meeting house, prepatory to painting. Passed a drill in the language under Elder Crapper.

Thur. 20: I made a trip to the City to purchas some stationary.

Fri. 21 Studied language in the day.Went to Papeete in the evening for provisions for the following day.

Sat. 22: I preformed the duties of cook for the Elders, also did 27 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti some studying and writing.

April 9-15 Ships departure

Sun. 9: I atended the morning meeting. Elder Hansen and I visited Captin F. B. Dinsmore on board the Galile. Took supper with him and enjoyed a plesant gosple conversation with him during the evening.


10, 11, & 12: Nothing of importance transpiring only ocasional trips to the City. Studying language Etc.

Thur. 13: A number of the Anaa saints who wer atending confrance returned home. I spent the day at headquarters

Fri. 14: Elders Holten and Andrus left with the Anaa visiters, to them fields of labor. Elder Holten to the Marquesus group and Elder Andrus to Anaa. Elder Hansen and I 25 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti
went to Papeete, spent a few hours conversation with Mr. Barnet at the hotel De Louver.

Sat. 15: I went to papeete with Elder hansen. The ship Galilee sailed for Sanfrancisco. When at Sanfrancisco I feared the ship and regretted to step on its deck. After a month on its board it grew to be a second home to me. And now as it sailed away I felt as though I had parted with a friend. I felt a sadness to know that it sailed for my native land and I left behind. Elder Wright who had remained with me to see the ship sail, and I took diner at the resturant which cost us 60 cts. Each.

April 3-8 1899

April 1899 Papeete Tahiti


Discription

Mon. & Tues. 3 & 4 Visited around the City obtained parsels from costum hause etc. Tahiti is the principle island of the Society Islands. The distance around it is about one hundred and twenty miles. It had a popilation in 1892 of 10,113 of which 4288 reside at Papeete. The area of the Island is 260,000 acres. The Society Island mission embraces the Society, Taumotu, Austral & leeward groups and Marquesus groups of Islands also the Cook. These groups number 115 islands, with a papilation of 23,000, covering an event 1,500 by 1,200 miles. The saints number about 1,150 total. The Island of Tahiti is of mountains formation the highest mountain being, the Orohena 7,339 feet above sea level.

Wens. 5: This our privated fast day was obsurved as such by all the elders. It is also the first day 23 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti of confrance. I atended two meetings in the fore noon. Elder Wright and I went to the City in the after noon.

Thur. 6: I went to the City in the morning and returned to the meeting at 10 oclock A. M. With the other Elders I again atended a native feast, the same as the previous ones. We were just through eating when Mr. & Mrs. Homes the Photographers arived. Our pohotoes were here taken. We also had a group picture of Elders and natives taken, With the L. D. S. meeting house in the back ground. The evening was spent with the Elders singing songs & Hymns

Friday 7 Atended the morning meeting. Went to Papeete. Was called upon to visit a native brother who sick. He was on a small sail boat that lie against the wharf. He wished to be adminestered to. I anointed him and Elders Taylor and Andrus asisted in sealing the same Elder Andrus being 24 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti Mouth, the brothers name Takenuker

Sat. 8: Spent the day at head quarters nothing of importance trampiring. A meeting of the Elders was held in the evening, at which Prest Miller gave many instructions to the Elder, A number of important questions were brought up and desposed of.

April 1-2 First days in Tahiti

Fri. 31: We took breakfast with the elders, which consisted of bread, watter and suggar. Elder Hansen & I went to Papeete. We returned and atended two testimony meetings of the natives:


Sat. 1: Elder Hansen and I again went to Papeete, took breakfast on board the Galilee, with the captin. I atended priesthood meeting of the natives. After the meeting I with the other Elders were envited to a native feast at the residence of our neighbor Orai. The feast consisted of faies & pork cooked in the rock oven. The native women had woven mats from coconut leaves upon which the food was spread and 21 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti We all sat around it upon the green grass, and after thanks was given the lord for the same by the president of the branch, we all helped our selves, useing our fingers of course in native fassion. A heavy rain passed one after the feast was started which spoilt the pleasure, all had to gather their food and make for shelter. I went bathing in the evening

Sun. 2: Fast day, which we Elders all observed. I atended fine meetings Also another native feast the same kind, and at same place as the day before, only the rain did not disturb us, all went of plesantly. I have not enjoyed this sabath as I am want to to upon sabath days, the people strange and coreous. The sermons & singing not under stood. The food foren to my Utah nature. I lay me down at night in gloomy spirits, rather enclined to weep than rejoice

March 30 Arrival in Tahiti

Thur. 30. We are but little closer to Tahiti than the day before, and still under daldrum. A light wind rose about noon which increased at 3 oclock P.M. and we sailed rapidly toward the light house and point veners. We were met by 18 Mar. 1899 Papeete Tahiti tug boat which was sigd signeled by the flying of the american blue jack flown at half mast. We were drawn up to the wharf at Papeete at 6 oclock PM. The night was very beautifull as we sailed into the harbor of Papeete. With a line of white foaming watters on one side as the waves dashed over the coral reef which soround the Island, And the thick growth of drouping palm trees on the other, under which were nesteled many native huts & white painted cottages. There were quite a number of people on the shor waiting the arival of the ship. Among them we met Prest. D.T. Miller & Elder Crope. We walked to the mission head quarter about 2 Kelos East of the city, calling on several native families on the way who were deurous of seeing the new elders. We found the following Elder her at Tahiti, some of whoam had came in for confrence.

X Prest. Daniel T Miller. Farmington Ut.

X David Neff. East Mill Creek Utah. 19 

Alex. R. Curtis, Sugar house Ward. S. L. Uta

Leonidas Kennard, Farmington, Utah.

X Isreal E. Willey, Bountiful Utah.

Ezra T. Hatch “ “

X Edgar L. Cropper. Deseret Utah

X Wm: H. Chamberlin. S. L. City

Wm. C Mc. Gregor. valley Idaho

X Geant Andrews S. L. City Ut.

Ammon T. Rappleye, Kanosh Utah.

Fredrick T. Yeates, Willville Cache Co. Ut.

X Osborne Widtsoe, Logan “ “ “

X Wm. B. Taylor, Holliday, S. L. Co. Utah.

Andrew Mortensen, Brighton, “

G. Brown S. L. City “

X Isaac L. Wright, Richfield “

X Mervin W. Davis, S. L. City “

X Eli Holten, Farmington “

Those names proceeded by a X are those who wher were her at Papeete at the time Elder Hansen & I arived the others were on the sourounding islands.

We spent the evening ansuring many questions put to us by the elders who were anxious to here from Utah.
20 April 1899 Papeete Tahiti
At a late hour we spread our blankets on the floar of the meeting hous, and lied down for the night upon hard bed but I feld thankfull that it was under the roof of the house of God. And that we were among his survents.

Mar 24-29 End of Sail to Tahiti

Fri. 24: Every thing going smoothly 17 Mar 1899 Pacific Ocean under light winds, nothing importent

Sat. 25: Very light winds, rain in evening

Sun. 26: The wind was still very light, the air being very warm and sultry, we were hardly able to endure the heat.

Mon. 27: We had several heavy squalls of rain in the morning but no wind

Tues. 28. Heavy rains were falling during the for noan. A heavy wind started up in the after noan which was blowing to hard in the evening to continue head sailing in fear of runing into Tahiti at night. The ship was have to, and we sailed back and forth the most part of the night.

Wens. 29: On rising this morning we were in sight of Tahiti. Also finding our selves in a perfect daldrum, which continued all day and night.

March 23 1899, Hiking to a spring in the Marquises

Thurs. 223:- Passed the Washington Island on our left. Reached Taiohoe (the principle camers point of the Marquises group.) at 11 oclock A. M. After the a small amount of cargo was unloaded. Elder Hansen, Messers Barnet & _______  The Captin & I went a shore the captin for buisness the rest of us for cureosity. We were directed to visit the mineral spring, we started in the direction pointed out. We met an American Who put 15 Mar 1899 Pacific Ocean 1899 us on the right trail, we had went but a short distance up the narrow dugway trail when we observed four lively native girls following us. We had been told all maner of stories about these natives, of their luce carictor, of their luce delight at having feasts on the flesh of captured white men, therefore we were puseled to know what their intentions were. But not wishing to be atall distant with these merry dark skined madens we waited for them. We enquired of them (as we had been directed), for Cava vai vai’ they simply laughed and pointed on ahead. We thought we would follow them, thinking that such mery madens ment no harm. As we went on up the trail they kept straying of one by one, into the native huts located along the trail untill but one was left. We enqiured again for Cava vai vai 16 again we were directed ahead. We continued to follou the maiden. She soon turned from the main trail following a small path that led through to the brush across the crick on the large rocks that laid in its course. The maiden stoped at a small stream of watter which came from an iron pipe that had been laid in the ground to keep the watter clean. She filled the rusty quart cup that laid upon the rock and we were permited to recieve of natures soda watter from the hand of the Marquisen maiden. After resting a few minuets we returned, feeling thankfull to the ladie for her kindness, as we would have been unable to find the spring with out her asistance. We gave her the word of greeting Ooua, and returened to the ship. We set sail again at 7 oclock P.M.

March 1899 End of journey across ocean

Sun. 19:- Wind fair, during this weather the sailing was very pleasand. We would sit in the canvis chairs under the Awning enjoying a good book or each a canversation with each other.

Mon 20:- Wind still favorable Showers of rain would pass ___

Tues. 21:- Wind heavy.

Wens. 22: Wind light sighted land at the Marquesus Islands.

Mar 1899 Continuing across the Pacific Ocean

Tues. 14: Sea fair, health good.


Wens 15:- No wind. sea calm There were eleven pupies born to our pet baby, they after words became the pets of the crew

Thur 16:- We were lying in a rals or daldrum, with no motion exsept the ship being racked from 13 Mar. 1899 Pacific Ocean side to side by the heaving ocean a little excitement was created in the after noan by three sperm whales passing our ship they were about 30 feet in length.

Fri 17th The western sky being decked by thin clouds hanging low at the watters edge the sun sank to rest in all its grandur linging the clowds with many callars of majestic beauty that is beyond the power of pen to describe, beyond the artists power to re produse.

Fri 17. Light wind in evening health good. Again the sun sinks to rest in its grandure of the night before, with such beauty that one on board who cared not for religion, or here after was led to exclaim, there must be a God.

Sat: 18:- Wind light and favorable from this on during the voyage my health was good.

Mar 1899 Pacific Ocean

Sun. 5. Weather & sea fair. This being fast day it was observed by Elder Hansen & I. 12 Mar. 1899 Pacific Ocean one reason for my observing it might be sighted. I was not able to do otherwise. I had suficently recovered to put in an offerance at the supper table at 5 P. M. having eaten nothing since bording the ship.

Mon. 6: Wind light sea mar______ health improved.
Tues. 7:- Wind favorable health fair
Wens. :-
Thurs. 9:- The wind heavy Sea rough. Again this sea sickness came over me, and remained so untill the 14 when the wind went down.

February 26 to March 2 1899 Sanfrancisco

Sun. 26. I atended the meeting of L. D. S. at 11 A.M. in the hall at 909 Market Street. In the afternoon In company with Elder Hansen, I visited Golden Gate park which is a very beautiful place. We put up for the night at a private room at 34 Golden Gate Avenue residence of Mrs. M. Kane we also atended a meeting of the L.D.S. in the evening.


Mon.27 Visited the U.S.Mints, The Sutro hights, the Cliff house and Dr. Jordan’s museum of anatomy. Went to the Columbia theater in the evening, the play entitled the sign of the cross.

Tues 28. We met elder Batt of Brigham city who remained with us during the day. We visited the
9 Mar 1899 Sanfrancisco Acadimy of science. Visited one of the seinedarie asended hill where we obtained a beautifull view of the city. We also visited the schules, and the L.D.S. Dance in the evening.

Wens 1: Aranged for our transportation to Papeete, Tahiti.

Visited the Battleship Iowa, which was lying in the harbor, were treated very cortusly by the crew who showed us around the ship. In the evening we atended the Alcizar theater, play, The girl I left behind me.

Thur. 2 : We visited the diamond palace Jewelry store. Strolled through china town, returned to our room & written wrote letters to our folks at home whoam we beleived to be ancious to here from us.

Photographs of San Francisco

Golden Gate Park in 1899, (almost 30 years before the Golden Gate Bridge)

From the Collection of the San Francisco Public Library  Photo I.D. AAA-7310

Sutro Heights, the estate of land devoloper Adolph Sutro, including the Cliff House

From the collection of the San Francisco Public Library ID No. AAC-1341

February 19-25 1899 Travelling to San Francisco

Sun 19th:- As twas my costum I atended Sunday School Sacrement and evening had the privelege of speaking at each of these. bid fare well to many friends.


Tues 21:- I parted with my beloved home. My sister Hannah & Nephew Samuel P. My father, mother, Bros. Samuel & William and a number of friend acompanied me to the depot from whoom I parted at 4-15 PM. On the short line R.W. I reached Willard City at 6 oclock where I remained for the night to visit friends.

Wens: 22 Left Willard on the morning train for Salt Lake City 6 Feb. 1899 Murry, Salt Lake.
It being Washingtons birthday I could do no buisness. I went to Cotton Wood to visit friends stopping at Bro. Henry Birds. I visited the Smelting works being erected by the Bancroff Bros. Atended a dance in the evening with the young people at the Society hall.

Thur. 23:- Returned to Salt Lake City. Was ordained a Seventy and set apart to labor in the Society Island mission by Apostle Geo Teesdal . After making arangements for my transiportation I took lunch with Elder Ujene M Cannon. I went to Farmington in the evening spent the night with Bro. ____ Miller.

Fridy 24:-Returned to S.L.C. where I met my father who had come to The City on business, after remaining at the depot a few minuets I left for Sanfrancisco. Changed 7 cars at ogden taking the SP.R.W. to Corene. I met Bro. Willard Hansen & Wife who were acompanying their son Christen J. Hansen (my companion) as far as Sanfrancisco. There ware traveling with us on the train Sister Eliner G. Jones of Logan, Ut. Bro. as a missionary to Sanfrancisco; Bro James Gilbert & wife of Mury Ut. traveling for pleasure. & Mrs. Oneil of Ogden. All of whoom asisted in making the trip very plesant.

Sat 25: Arived in Sanfransisco at 9 P.M. I left my native home land draped in a mantal of cristal white snow to arive so suddenly to a land of fragrent flowers, large beautiful grain fields, and green glowing pastures. We found our way through the crowded streets 8 Feb. 1899 Sanfrancisco to the L.D.S. head quarters where we were recieved hospitabily by Elder Nye & wife, with a number of elders laboring in this visinity. I remained here for the night.

More info about George Teasdale

George Teasdale was born in London in 1831 and died in 1907.

From "General Authorities Born in the British Isles" by Bernell W. Berrett, New Era. November 1971.

Jan-Feb 1899 Call and Departure

2

Feb Jan 1899 Call and Departure
Wens 25: Recieved a latter from the missionary comitee of the church of Jesus Christ of Later day Saints. Asking if I was willing to except a foren mission. To preach the gospel, and if so at what time I could leave.
I ansured this letter Feb 27 stating my willingness to except this call & could be ready at any time. Acordingly at our stake quarterly confrance held at logan. Feb. 29 & 30 I was called ( at the after noon meeting of the 29) to meet with the apostle in the vestry of the Tabernacle at the close of the meeting. I did as directed, and in conection with upwards of 20 elders who had met to recieve apointments to various fields of labor. I recieve my apointment at the hands of Apostle Georg Teasdale to labor in the Society Islands mission. To leave Sanfrancisco Mar. 1/99. From my apointment to the [3 Feb 1899]
the time of my departure my time was spent in preperation & friendly calls

Wens 15- A fare well party was tendered me in the evening at the Ward Asembly hall, by where a great number of friends from the sourounding settelments as well as those from my own ward, had gathered for that purpose. Thy Hyrum Opra Orchasty furnished music. All seemed to enjoy the evening in the highest degree. An evening was spent which I shall long remember, for the respect and esteem shown to me.

Saturday evening 18// A suprise party was tendered me by the young Ladies M. I. A. during the evening The young ladies presented me with A fountian pen with which I write these lines, acompanied with the following verses.
4
Go Amos thy distant course persue,
Select many of the just and true.
Think not though distant that thou are
Thou can’st forgotten be.

While memories live with in our hearts,
We will always remember thee.
May happiness ever be thy lot,
Wherever thou shalt be.

And joy and pleasure light the spot,
That may be home to thee:
And when in your hand this pen you take,
Think of the ones that presented it to thee

And though oceans wide between us roar,
And distant be thy lott;
Should we never see thee more,
Amos forget us not
M.A.
5
The evening was spent in every way that would satisfy the taste please the ear, and gladen the heart. Though events may pile upon my mind mountain high and my heir turn white with age, yet glimering as a bright star will be the memories of these happy events.

Title Page and Editors Notes

1


Daily Journal
Of
R. A. Dowdle
From
Feb
21st
1899
To Jan 5 1900
Missionary in Society Islands

Editors Notes:


Spelling and formatting have been preserved as much as possible, and three underscores “___” have been used to denote any words that are illegible.



[Robert headed pages with the month on the far left and the year on the far right, with the location in the center of the pages. This has been adjusted to read the month and year first, then the location.
Ex: “Mar Pacific Ocean 1899” has been changed to read “Mar 1899 Pacific Ocean”

Robert wrote his letter “o” in much the same manner as his letter “a”, the choice of this letter is made by context.]

Welcome!

I have been working on transcribing Robert Dowdle's Missionary Journal to the Society Islands.  I thought that it would be nice to post it as a blog, therefore people can read it one day at a time, and it can be easily published in a public forum.  Eventually I would like to include original images from the journals which are currently in the collection of the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University, Provo. 

I am transcribing the text as close to the original as possible, keeping original spelling and grammar.

Please feel free to invite friends or leave comments.

-Lucy Moulton