Lanai Mormons - Palawai Experiment - Lanai Culture & Heritage ...

Saturday 14 th July/55.
Today we have finished harvesting one field of corn and got it in the crib. Our corn is
good and sound. I think it will turn forty or fifty bushels to the acre. This evening mister
Pease the surveyor called on us and stayed all night. He is surveying out the land on
which we live, or in other words are farming at the present time. This is what we have
wanted for some time, for the lines were not exactly plain in many places where we
wished to farm the most.
Sunday 15 th June/55.
Tended meeting today. Bro. H. gave them a lecture on the principles of faith. They give
good attention. In the afternoon I remained at home.
Monday 16 th July/55.
This morning Mister Pease [Government Surveyor] wanted two natives to go with him to
carry the chain and survey out the farm on Palawai. The rest of the pioneers we set to
work to make a corral to herd our cattle. Bro. Silas S. Smith and myself went to thrashing
out wheat. The wind was so high that we were compelled to quit till it went down. This
evening Bro. Partridge and Cluff arrived from Kauai they came [page 212]
over from Lahaina in a whale boat. They had a rough time and were compelled to throw
some of their loading overboard to keep there boat from sinking. The brethren are well
and hearty. We expect the rest of the brethren along in a few days.
Tuesday 17 th July/55.
We have spent this day in visiting with the new brethren. No news in particular.
Wednesday 18 th July/55.
This morning we all went to work to get ready to receive the brethren. I went to grinding
flour in a hand mill. I have ground nearly two bushels. This evening there was nine of the
brethren came from Maui. Bro. Joseph Smith, Rogers & Thurston & all the brethren from
Hawaii, except Bro. King and West.
Thursday 19 th July/55.
We have been engaged in various kinds of employments in the afternoon. Bro. King and
West arrived. There was thirty in all that crossed in one boat. No news from the states
this mail.
Friday 20 th July/55.
This day we have spent in visiting with the brethren. After super we all went to the
thrashing floor, and the brethren had quite a frolic in the straw. They nearly all had a
round or a fall this made me think of old times when [page 213]
I was a boy. They scuffled nearly two hours then came to the house and sung several
songs. Then had a hymn sung and prayers, then retired to rest.
Saturday 21 st July/55.
We all have been engaged in getting prepared ready to receive our brethren from Oahu.
They arrived about three o clock, all but Bro. Woodbury, and he got tired out on the way.
Läna‘i (1853-1864) – A History of the Mormon Mission at Päläwai
Working Manuscript of the Läna‘i Culture & Heritage Center (November 2009) 50