May 4, we sailed from Copenhagen to Malmo, Sweden.  Here we were informed that the
semi-annual conference would begin that evening.  Of course, we went to the meeting.  The
hall was well filled with Saints and investigators, also strangers and a goodly number of elders
from Utah.  President Fjelsted and brethren from Copenhagen were also present at the
conference.

After singing, prayer, and singing, the conference president announced that young elders
from Utah had just arrived.  I was asked to speak first.  I arose and went to the little square
table.  A large, Swedish Bible was on the table.  I was very much frightened, almost scared to
death, being the first time I attempted to talk at a Swedish gathering.  However, I got along
fairly well.  After this experience I remembered my dream several months prior to this date.  I
had dreamed I was attempting to speak to a large audience; I was very much frightened; I took
hold of a small table, the very table that I now stood by, with the same Bible I had seen in my
dream.  The hall was shaped the same, long and somewhat narrow, and there were the same
people.  All of this came to my recollection like a flash of electricity.

Brother Nelson was the next speaker.  He had hard sledding; after saying three or four
words he was at a loss for something to say.  Finally President Fjelsted said: "Tell them you
were born in Utah.  " At this conference the missionary who spoke quoted scripture.  I thought
it was wonderful the way these elders explained the gospel.

I was appointed to labor in the Helsingborg Branch. My parents' relatives lived in that
part of the country.  Elder Andrew Jenson, from St. Charles, Idaho, was president of the
branch. He told me he would help me find my relatives.  We went by rail to Helsingborg. I told
Elder Jenson my mother's sister lived there.  She was married to a man by the name of Anders
Nelson.  Their address was Quarteret Bomen 28.  Elder Jenson told me he could find the place
very readily.  After being in the city a day or two, Brother Jenson and I left to find my aunt. 
After leaving the main part of the city, the streets became narrow and crooked, They were laid
with cobble-rock, while the sidewalks were covered with large, flat rocks.  The houses were
pretty, all covered with corrugated tile.

Finally Brother Jenson said: "We are at number 28, " The number was over the entrance
of a house.  We went in and Brother Jenson asked the lady of the house if Anders Nelson lived
there.  The lady answered, "No, there is no one of that name living here.  " Of course, there
was only one thing to do, and that was to leave.

When we got outside I said: "Brother Jenson, there were six children in that house.  My
aunt has only one son." Brother Jenson then noticed it was not the right quarter; he said we
must go on a little farther. Finally we came to Quarteret Bomen, and then to house number 28,
"Here is the place, " said Brother Jenson, We entered.  There was only one aged lady there.
Brother Jenson asked if Anders Nelson lived there.  The lady answered, "Yes." "Then this
young man is your relative from America."

The lady paused for a moment, then to my surprise she said: "No, he is not my relative."

Brother Jenson suggested that I stay and he would go back to our rooms. Well, my aunt
was quite reserved and did not seem to want to say very much.  I made the best of it: I told her
about my mother and father, also her sister and brother Bengt Olson, who had left Sweden and
gone to Nebraska.  Finally there was a change.  My aunt got quite interested and had me stay
over night. Her son and her husband came home.  I had a real visit.  My aunt later told me that
she really thought at first Brother Jenson and I were trying to mislead her when we told her I
was her relative from America.

She was a fine woman and always made me welcome to her home.  She often came to
our meetings to hear me preach.  Next day I went back to our rooms with the missionaries. 
After having this experience I recalled a dream I had four or five months ago: I had dreamed
about a strange city, different to any in which I had been.  I had related this dream to my
mother next day.  In this dream I saw the city of Helsingborg, the streets, the sidewalks, the
houses with the tile roofs, our entering into the first house with the six children in the room,
the cold reception my aunt gave me; in fact, the entire happening I had seen in my dream.  The
strange thing to me was how I could see in a dream 8000 miles away, the old city of
Helsingborg together with this entire experience.  Surely the Patriarch was inspired when he
gave me a blessing, when he said: "Ere long thou shalt go on a mission and preach this gospel
from nation to nation and from kingdom to kingdom.

Our first trip to the country we walked from Helsingborg to Lands Krona, about fourteen
miles.  Each of us had a satchel and a number of tracts.  We followed the highway, a fine road,
with beautiful farms and homes all along the way, but not a home did we enter.  I suppose
Elder Jenson wanted to comply to the very letter with the instructions of Jesus, who said to his
Disciples: "Go in haste; salute no one on the way." Well, that is just what we did. We did not
disturb a living soul on our entire march.

I think I rather worried Brother Jenson every once in a while.  I would say: "Brother
Jenson, there is a fine house. Some fine people must live there.  Let us go in and explain the
gospel to them.  Possibly some of these folks might join the Church."  "No, " he would say,
"They do not want to see us." Well, in Lands Krona we visited a few poor Saints, which
brought to my mind the saying of the Savior: "The poor ye shall have with you always."

We stayed there over night.  The next day we went to Wiarp.  This is the birthplace of my
father.  We went to the old home where he lived as a boy.  My father's sister and her husband
owned the place.  The man's name was Carl Lagason Jonsson, My relatives received me very
kindly.  I remained with them two days, enjoyed my visit and explained the gospel to them as
much as I thought was wise.

I next visited my mother's sister, Kersti. She was married to a man by the name of Peter
Rasmussen. They lived in Frilestad, a very beautiful place about half a Swedish mile from
Helsingborg.  They had two sons, Peter and Olof R. Hammerlund.  Peter was a farmer; Olof R.
was a school teacher.  This was the birthplace of my mother.

A son of my uncle, Bengt Olsen, was staying with my aunt.  He was a student of the
University of Lund.  My relatives received me kindly.  My cousins thought they would have a
happy time with me because I was a Mormon missionary, a mere boy.  My cousin Olof lead the
argument.  A school teacher in Sweden must qualify in religious study equal to a Lutheran
minister. After a two hours' discussion my cousin had no more questions to ask about Brigham
Young or the Mormon Church. Finally he said: "I have heard it said it is of no use to argue
with a Mormon, for they are so sharp that no one can stand their arguments."

I had a lot of relatives in the Southern part of Sweden, I always made it my business to
explain the gospel to them. After Elder Jenson had taken me around the Branch and introduced
me to relatives and friends and Saints, I very seldom traveled with my missionary companions. 
I did not feel satisfied nor contented to spend my time as they did.  I decided I would spend my
time tracting.  I conceived the idea of tracting in my own way; I would knock on the door,
enter the house, sit down, open my satchel and exhibit our tracts. Then I would explain their
contents and deliver a message at every house. I entered, explaining the principles of the
Gospel for fifteen or twenty minutes, then tell them that was what we believe and teach.  I
always told the people that this was the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints or Mormon. I often continued from morning to evening, then arranged to meet the
missionaries when they had a meeting.

I had relatives in a fishing village, Fortuna. Brother Rosenlund and Brother Olsen
accompanied me there and we arranged for a meeting to be held one night.  My second cousin
Nelly and I canvassed the town and invited the people to come out to our services.  Fishermen
are very rough people.  The house was filled, a number of people standing.  Elders Olsen and
Rosenlund spoke, but were interrupted so much that they only spoke a few minutes.  One of
the Elders asked me if I wanted to speak, or if they had better dismiss.  I said no, I would like
to talk.  When I arose every one was attentive, not a question was asked or any disturbance
made.  I spoke freely for about forty minutes.  The meeting was then dismissed without any
disturbance.

August 17 I decided to tract a new district not yet visited by our Elders for many years.  I
walked quite a distance, starting out early in the morning, then began to tract.  I entered every
house as I passed on from one village to another.  Wherever I went they knew something
about the Mormons, but everything bad.  At noon time I entered a large yard.  The farmer met
me just outside the house.  I put my satchel down, opened it, took out some tracts and began
to explain the Gospel to him. His wife and a number of servants came out.  I soon had a real
congregation.  As I was explaining Baptism, the farmer's wife was so taken up with my talk she
exclaimed: "Yes, these Baptists have the right understanding of the scriptures.  " I said: "I am
not a Baptist.  " She thought she had offended me, and said, "We call them Baptists, but we do
not intend to offend them.  " I answered: "I do not belong to the Baptist Church.  I belong to
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormons."

They all listened to me very attentively, but they sympathized with me for being led astray
by the Mormons.  I continued tracting until evening. Not being able to get a place to stay I
walked back to Helsingborg, which took me far into the night.

October 3 I left the city for Copenhagen, Denmark, on a small steamboat, I had a
pleasant visit with President Fjelsted.  I remained in the city two days and visited the places 
of most importance, then returned to my field of labor.

I then left for the country, tracting and explaining the gospel.  October 13 I returned to
Helsingborg, When I was about two miles from the city a sudden gloom came over me. I felt
depressed and sad.  I felt I must get relief. I left the highway, walked into a pine grove, and
knelt down and prayed.  I needed a blessing from my Heavenly Father. I then continued my
march to the city, reaching our rooms a short time later.  There was a letter from my father
informing me my mother had died September 18. No wonder I was overtaken by a depressed,
heavy heart on entering the city, preparatory to meeting this sad letter. I am quite sure her
spirit met me on the way to the city, although I could not detect her with my natural eyes.  My
spirit did sense the real condition.  She was ill only a short time, then passed to the Great
Beyond.  I am sure her meeting in the Spirit World with the four children who were waiting for
her would be a happy one.

She was a true Latter Day Saint, one who loved God.  She was a real mother, kind and
loving, refined in her make-up, desirous of helping all who were in need.  I often sat with
her innthe twilight.  We would talk matters over and plan for the future.  She was endowed 
with extraordinary judgment, a clear thinker and a quick thinker.  Having once made up her 
mind, she was firm and positive.  The moment I received word of her death was indeed the 
saddest moment of my life.  I now realized her statement the night I kissed her goodbye, when 
she said: "I shall never see you again."

The next day was Sunday.  I was alone to hold meetings and as the preacher, I felt I
would rather cry than preach on consolation.  I had never disobeyed my mother, nor given her
a cross answer.  I had no regrets as to that question.  I wrote my father a consoling letter. He
was alone and surely would be lonesome.

Elder John Olson and I called on one of our Church members in a coal mining village,
Scrombarga.  We found our brother in a very precarious condition.  He was sitting on a chair
with one leg on another chair. The leg and foot were swollen and red, double the size of his
other limb, He said: "I have been waiting for you brethren.  I want you to bless me."

I annointed his head, then his leg and foot. After the administration we left for the next
village.  The following day we returned.  To our surprise our brother had gone to work in the
coal mine hundreds of feet in the earth.  God had healed him through our humble faith and
administration.  This was a real miracle.  This man had been afflicted with erysipelas.

December 16, 1883: I baptized Olof Carlson and his wife.  They lived in a fishing village
by the sea.  The sea was low this night.  We had to wade out about half a block in order to get
water deep enough to baptize. The wind blew hard and the water was very cold.  It reminded
me of St. John Chapter 3, Verse 23: John baptized in Enon near to Seelirn because there was
much water there.  There was much water in the sea where I performed this baptism, only I
had to wade out quite a distance to get deep water.

I had a thrilling experience in the city of Helsingborg.  Some of the Saints asked me to go
with them to visit a Bible Class.  I consented, , thinking it would be quite interesting, About
forty people met in a large room, read a few verses of James' Epistle, then they would try to
give an explanation. I sat quietly and listened.  After the time for the meeting expired I asked
if I would be permitted to say a few words.  No one objected.  I spoke for about fifteen minutes,
then invited the audience to come to our meetings.  I left the place without a word of
opposition.  Quite encouraged over our visit, next night we went to hear the Valdenstrom's
Service.  I took a seat near the front. Soon the minister spoke in a low tone, saying if anyone
wished to talk with God they might do so. I did not catch his words, but understood him to say
if anyone wished to talk, they might do so.  I arose, went up to the preacher and asked: "Did I
understand you to say anyone who wished to talk might do so?"

He asked who I was.  I replied that I was a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. He replied: "The Mormon, Joseph Smith, You are a stranger." Not to cause
any disturbance I immediately took my seat. The following day I decided to call on the minister
at his home and get acquainted. (I had now been in Sweden about eight months, I was not
afraid to meet anyone in an argument. )

The minister asked me to take a chair.  I referred to his statement the previous night, that
I was a stranger.  I said I had come to get acquainted.  We had a lengthy conversation which
lasted about two hours and thirty minutes. When his co-worker came in, the minister excused
himself and said his friend would talk with me.  We continued our argument until the minister
returned. I then had both of them to contend with; finally the minister walked up to me, placed
both hands on my shoulders, and said: "Young man, come and join our Church, for you are
able to do a lot of good."

I said: " No, certainly not.  You cannot defend your faith.  We have the truth, the real
Church of Christ, and I have proved it to you."

Afterward when I would see these ministers on the street they would cross over on the
other side to avoid meeting me.

A native brother by the name of Rasdahl asked me to go with him to visit his relatives. 
We took the train to Eslöf , then walked to Soder Tarp, where his mother and step-father
lived.  We were received very kindly by this fine, aged couple.  We then went to Herby where
Brother Rasdahl's sister lived in a very humble cottage.  She was a member of the Church. She
told us of the Lutheran minister who lived about five miles from Herby. He was very kind, and
such a wonderful man.  She insisted that we call on him and have a gospel interview with him. 
Finally we decided we would go. The snow had melted, leaving the road muddy, Walking was
very hard.  We called on this good Lutheran minister, found him home, and told him we had
called on him desiring to talk over religious questions with him.  He asked me what Church I
represented. I told him I was a Mormon missionary.  He flew into a rage, told me if I
attempted to preach in his district be would have me arrested.  Then he showed me the door
and told me to leave. We did not hurry off, but tried to have a conversation with him, but it
was no use. He was white with anger and trembled like a man taking a chill.  After being
ordered out four or five times we decided to go.  It was a fine walk back to Herby through the
mud.  I asked our Sister if I could have a cottage meeting that night in the house she occupied.
She said if I could get permission from the landlord, she would be glad to invite the people.

I went to the palace and was permitted to interview the landlord, who was in his office.  I
asked him if I could hold a cottage meeting in one of his small cottages. He asked what church
I represented.  I told him the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He said: "Such
trash, " I said: "No, it is not trash. It is the true Church of Christ, his divine Gospel."

The landlord positively forbade me to hold a service. I said: "All right, I will not hold a
meeting tonight. " However, word was circulated  that a Mormon missionary was staying at
the cottage and a lot of people gathered there. It had been rumored that we would hold a
meeting that night.  I sat down at the end of the table and explained that I was not allowed to
preach, but I would read the scriptures to them.  I read passages from the New Testament,
then explained them. After about two hours the crowd left, all feeling fine.

The next morning the landlord called on us and told us to leave or he would have us
arrested. I looked at the dirt floor, then at the black smokey wall, taking a real look at the
room, for there was only one room.  Then I said: "If I am doing any harm to this place, I shall
be glad to go." The landlord seemed to be very angry. About two hours later we left, walked
by the place where the landlord lived, a fine house situated on the north side of the road, with
the barn and stables on the south side.

About six months later I happened to pass through this same yard. I was informed that
the entire dwelling and barns had all burned to the ground a short time after I had been there
the first time.  It is not safe to fight against the work of the Lord, nor belittle the principles 
of eternal truth.  God's judgment is sure to follow.  I felt this was his reward for forbidding
me to preach, and for ordering us off his premises.

We returned to the home of Brother Rasdahl's parents in Soder Tarp.  We made
arrangements to hold a meeting in their home. All day Brother Rasdahl and I went from house
to house, inviting the people to come to our meeting the next day.  Wherever we went we
were received kindly and were asked to drink wine or whiskey. If we had been in the habit of
indulging we surely would have been loaded. Sunday we had a real time; three rooms were
packed full of strangers. A lot of them were required to stand outside.  After the meeting I
answered questions and explained our faith for two hours or more. Our Lutheran friend, the
minister, failed to have us arrested.  This meeting was in his district.

On Monday, 12 of May, I left Helsingborg for the country, a district that had not been
tracted by our missionaries possibly for many years.  I continued tracting until dusk, then began
to inquire for a place to stay over night, but was turned down at every place.  Being too far
from the city to get back, my only chance was to go into the first nearby forest and gather a lot
of leaves to lie on. This was a poor bed; the night was cold, and I had to get up often and run
around to get warm. Next day I continued tracting and explaining the gospel.  I entered a
number of fine houses and met a lot of people.  Late that night I walked back to the city.  
All I had to eat was a crust of bread that I had carried in my satchel for about a week.

I was never contented to remain idle or to waste my time. I constantly traveled, tracting
and going from house to house bearing witness to the truth and explaining the Gospel.  I
walked thousands of miles during the twenty-nine months I was on my mission. I did not
consider it much of a job to walk fifteen or twenty miles in one day.  Brother Olson and I
walked from Grotinge to Uglarp in one day; that was thirty-five miles.  The road was wet and
muddy.  In the afternoon we sat down by a stream of water, took off our shoes, washed our
swollen feet, then continued our march.  The next day I wore a pair of wooden bottom shoes
or slippers, as I could not put my shoes on.  I felt quite content to stand in a pair of wooden
bottom shoes and preach the Gospel.  Next day we continued our march to Helsingborg.

July 28 I was appointed to preside over the Christianstad Branch.  I immediately took the
train to Christianstad.  The Elders in this branch were released to go home as soon as they had
made me acquainted with Saints and friends. I labored in this branch all alone, did a lot of
missionary work and had a lot of meetings. I did the praying and the preaching.  My only
difficulty was to get someone to sing. During the winter I baptized sixteen converts. I had a
number of meetings in the city of Christianstad; for some unknown reason the elders had not
had any meetings in this city.  I baptized two families to whom I had had the pleasure of
bringing the Gospel.

May 22 I was notified that I was honorably released to return to my home.  I left
Copenhagen June 15, I had received a most wonderful experience on this mission.  I had
learned the Swedish language, had held a lot of meetings all alone, tracted a great deal,
traveling thousands of miles to do it, made a lot of friends, administered to many that were
sick, had baptized thirty people, and had brought back many that had left the faith.  Many of
these afterwards came to Utah and became faithful members of the Church.

Before leaving Christianstad the Elders, Saints and friends arranged for a meeting, the last
one that I would attend in that city.  We had an extra big gathering, I occupied all the time.
They also gave me a wonderful reception, and a lot of Saints and friends followed me to the
station. Many tears were shed.  I felt just as badly about leaving the mission field as I had
felt about leaving my home to go to the mission field.  After a visit to my relatives, and 
bidding them good-bye, I left Sweden on June 15, 1885.

Almost all the passengers were sea-sick sailing on the North Sea. June 20 we landed at
Hull, England, and took the train to Liverpool.  On June 21 we went on board the old ship
Wisconsin.  We arrived at New York July 1. On July 8, I again set foot on Logan soil, I was
met at the station by my father.  I found one missing whom I had always loved; my mother.  It
seemed almost as if she had just passed away.  At the first opportunity I went to the cemetery,
knelt beside my mother's grave, and prayed to God that I might always live the life my mother
had taught me to live.

October 27, 1885, I was invited to go to the Temple.  President Merrill had sent for me. 
He asked me if I could give my time free without pay, and become a worker in the temple. I
accepted this call and began work the same day.  This call was in answer to my prayers, when I
knelt and implored my Heavenly Father that in due time I might have the privilege of becoming
a Temple worker.

During my labors in the Temple, I baptized many thousands for the dead, administered to
many who were sick and who came to the Temple to receive a blessing.

A young girl from Hyde Park was afflicted with a cancer on the end of her tongue. 
Doctor Ormsby cut it out, but it soon came back larger and worse than before.  She went back
to the doctor but he told her no living power could do anything for her.  She then went home,
fasted, and came to the Temple for a blessing. Brother Edlefsen was ill, so did not administer
to the sick that day.  He asked Brother Lorenzo Peterson of Hyde Park, and me to bless the
sick. Brother Peterson annointed Sister Myra Lamb.  I sealed the annointed and promised her
she should be healed. Before leaving the Temple that day the swelling began to go down.  A
few days later she came back and said the cancer had come out root and all.

She had been healed by the power of the Holy Priesthood.  She later married Joseph
Daines, and had eight children, but was never afflicted with cancer.  This was a real
manifestation of the power of God made manifest through faith.

I was asked to administer to a young man in connection with another Elder.  The man
seemed to be mentally affected. When we entered the room he became much disturbed and on
our approaching the bed he became frantic and uncontrollable; began to kick and hollar in rage. 
He knocked the plaster of the wall off beside his bed by kicking the wall with his feet.  
I raised my right hand and said: "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to be calm and
still." He quieted down immediately.  We annointed him with oil and blessed him, then left 
the house. This man afterward recovered and regained his normal condition.  The power of 
the Priesthood is great; the name of Jesus Christ has its wonderful influence and effect always.

During my labors in the Temple I witnessed many wonderful manifestations.  One
morning in fast meeting a wife of Brigham Young arose and said, "I feel like singing in
tongues." She then sang a song in tongues.  Aunt Zina gave the interpretation.  It was a
beautiful poem, a wonderful influence accompanied the singing; it went through me like an
electric shock. I heard others pray in tongues.  Many wonderful experiences were told by the
early members of this church.

On the 18th of November, 1885 Annie Charlotte Eliason and I were united in marriage at
the Logan temple for life and eternity by Pres.  M. W. Merrill.  Annie was 19 and I 21 years of
age.  Our happy married life has been blessed with nine children, five sons and four daughters.
The outstanding quality of their lives, the growth and development of a positive faith in God
and the Gospel of Christ, revealed anew to earth by the Prophet Joseph Smith, has been a
source of joy and satisfaction to us.

The five sons and one daughter, Luella, have had the privilege of fulfilling missions in
various parts of the world, bearing witness of the restored gospel.

We are very fortunate in seeing all of our children grow to maturity.  Men and women
whose course of life and acts have brought untold joy and happiness to us, for after all, we live
in the lives of our children.  Our greatest aspiration is their pursual of the most honorable and
the best in life.

My wife has been a real mother, devoted to her family. No mother could have done more
for her children than she has done. Possibly only a very few women would have the strength of
endurance which she has shown.  She has always been economical and loving, satisfied and
contented with her home and surroundings, which are after all the real qualities of a good
mother.

My dear wife has been a true companion and a real mother.  Her life and interest has been
with her children to care for them. The night was never too long to await their return, nor the
duties of the day too important when sickness entered our home, but she would walk the floor
with her little ones, or keep untiring vigil at their bedsides to nurse and care for them. They
may never realize the many hours and days of strain, worry and care. She has truly been an
angel mother; none could have done more for her children than she has done. The endurance of
a loving mother is most wonderful. God recognized a mother's love when he said, "If it is
possible for a mother to forget her nursing child, yet God will not forget thee."

These many years we have lived a most peaceable and congenial life.  We have
endeavored to make our home a place of peace, joy, happiness and contentment.

In the spring of 1888 I was honorably released from the Temple. I obtained work
repairing bridges, also working on the road in Logan Canyon.  In the fall of 1888 I obtained a
job at Z. C. M. I. , working in the packing room.  I also delivered for Z. C. M. I.