The Third Mission of John Francis Astle, Sr. Central States Mission As recorded in his journal November 12, 1925 to May 27, 1926

More Options   Print/Save More Documents View Pedigree View Photographs

PREVIOUS   1  2   3   4   NEXT

January 1, 1926 - Rained all day, went to Mr. Millen's on 600 West 13th, loaned two little books. Took dinner with Mrs. Walmsley, a very good dinner. Mr. Fritz was thee. I had a long talk on the Gospel with him, sold him Pearl of Great Price and Practical Reference.

Saturday, revisited, cleaned up some in room.

Sunday went to Sunday School, took dinner with Brother Goldstein, and married a young man and lady by name of Bonnie Jachache and Minifred Bawling, Elder Talbert performing the ceremony. Meeting at night and tracked and revisited during the week, sold five Book of Mormon, loaned two, sold ten little books, had a talk Saturday evening with Mr. Fritz. He is coming along nicely, meeting Sunday.

January 16, 1926 - Weekending January 16th generally cold and clear until Saturday, rained all day. The week was spent in tracking and revisiting, sold three Book of Mormon, loaned one, sold five little books, seven meetings held. Things went on about the same with about the same success.
On the night of the 23rd it snowed six inches, the most snow for many years. President R. V. Beckstead came from San Antonio. We visited some of the Saints and arrangements made to release the present officers of the Austin Branch. H. J. Goldstein and I with Elder Arvel Talbert took charge of the branch.

January 26, 1926 - At the Hall meeting, January 26, 1926, at 7:30 p.m. Brother Goldstein was released, the day being fair we had a better attendance at Sunday School. I have put out to date 33 Book of Mormon and 78 little books, about 2 to 1 of any other Elder in the conference.
Elder Christenson has the hitch, very bad and has had for two weeks and has gone to San Antonio.
Elder Talbert and myself moved form 311 East 1st on the 29th, to 206 West 7th St., a nice home costing us $5.00 a week, $2.50 each. Too much money, but seems the best we can do at present. Date January 31st.

The work is about the same, some new friends and some very good investigators, one man by name of Fritz, about 65, a Catholic. I think will soon come into the Church. He is very interested. Told me the other day that he wished I was going to stay here when I told him that I was going to San Antonio to attend Conference. Most of the Saints here are good, some poor in the Gospel and all in material things of life.
We have tracked all east of the Avenue, or nearly so. I haven't been well for two weeks, but not down but what I could work. I have sold up to date, February 20th, 42 Book of Mormon, 98 little books, 1 Pearl of Great Price, 1 Doctrine and Covenants, put out a great many tracks and pamphlets and other reading materials. Feel that I have done what I can reasonably in my work in this city.

February 21 - Visited some, put out 4 Book of Mormon, had dinner and took the Union Bus for San Antonio, arriving there at 5:30 p.m. Found the Elders well, after a little visit, we held meeting in the street. I spoke most of the time, then had supper and went to bed.

Next morning after class and breakfast Elder Talbert and I visited some in the city, the Alamo, a building where fierce battle was fought when the state of Texas was taken from Mexico. Also visited Buck Eye, a building where there is all kinds of animal heads mounted, quite a sight to see many heads with so many kinds of horns. One long-horned Texas steer must have been four feet long and sixteen inches around close to the head. Went to a show in the afternoon. At night went almost out of the city and class meeting in the home of Brother and Sister (not given).

Wednesday morning went to Kelly Field, the government airplane department. Coming back got my shoe one-half soled, cost $0.65.
Thursday attended conference, sixteen Elders and President O. S. Bennion in attendance. Reports good and the Spirit of the Lord prevailed. Before the day I came to San Antonio I got letters from Joseph Baer and my daughter Klea, all well. On the 16th and 17th they had a snowfall of one and one-half feet of snowfall, very good. Also got letter from Agnes and May, also Grace.
A much better conference than in November 27, 1925. I was appointed, with Elder Bert Linford of Afton, Wyoming, to labor in Austin, my old field. We took room Saturday on E 10 Street 304 at Mrs. Gathrights.
Held meeting in the hall as usual with the Saints. Monday started to tract the second time from E 6 Street, north between the Avenue and Redriver Street. A great many did not care to receive us. I sold a Book of Mormon and four little books, had some good talks on the Gospel.

PREVIOUS   1  2   3   4   NEXT