Comments on: MormonUSA, 1910

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:08:56 +0000

Since 1861 the church has kept a ledger (replaced in modern years, I suppose, with something more modern, but I haven’t had need to research in recent records) of missionaries who were set apart in SLC — name, date of departure or setting apart, name of mission, and in some cases date of return. At some point, the cards began recording the names of the missionaries’ parents, and one or two other details.

The missionary index is a huge card file, available on microfilm in the church history library (I don’t know whether it’s available in the FHL or FHCs). The cards are arranged alphabetically. Using the index, you can tell when someone you care about served his mission and where, which makes it possible to turn to the records for that mission and era to learn more.

I know the missionaries here have been working on an electronic index to missionaries that comes virtually current. That, however, is not now public; I don’t know whether the intention is ever to make it public or whether it’s simply an internal tool. The microfilm seems clumsy now that we’re used to digital tools, but it works well enough.

By: Justin

Justin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:03:09 +0000

You’re welcome, Mark.

Ardis, what’s the missionary index?

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:45:39 +0000

Nothing caught in moderation, Mark. Aren't you glad Justin is on our side?

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:11:16 +0000

I thought I wrote a comment thanking Justin for, once again, coming up with amazing stuff at the drop of a hat. I wonder if I made some mistake and failed to post it, or if I’m once again stuck in moderation.

Anyway, thanks Justin, and I’m amazed. Again.

By: Researcher

Researcher — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 12:58:29 +0000

I had never heard of Central, Arizona, and wondered why an old pioneer would be living there. Upon looking it up, it is a tiny settlement up the highway from Thatcher and Safford in the Gila Valley.

The Gila Valley is a very distinctive and beautiful location for those who do not mind desert places, with Mt Graham located just south of the towns.

Very nice collection, once again. Thanks, Ardis, for a snapshot of church and missionary life almost a century ago.

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:38:00 +0000

It's likely a reference to an Alma Butler (Liahona, Mar. 14, 1911, p. 619).

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 20:35:52 +0000

Thanks Ardis. I’ll do some more digging.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:44:40 +0000

Edje, I know you know about the Liahona, but I’ll keep an eye out in other sources for the Cudes and their mill.

By: Ardis E. Parshall

Ardis E. Parshall — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:43:36 +0000

Mark, I just checked the missionary index. There are a dozen John B’s but I didn’t see one going to the Northwestern States. Still, it’s worth asking family because the index isn’t necessarily complete.

By: Mark B.

Mark B. — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:09:12 +0000

My dad’s Uncle John was the only one of his brothers who served a mission–the family was too poor to support any others. He would have been 22 years old in 1910, so the time is right. I now need to find out if he served in Bellingham, Washington.