Henry Moon kept a journal for a few months in 1860 while he was the bishop of the Salt Lake 1st Ward. Here are a few excerpts from that journal:


"Jan. 1st: In the morning met with several of the Bishops. Bishop Hunter presiding. Some other Brethren there too. We met in Historians office upper room in a circle meeting then went to tabernacle. Heard Bro. Kimball E Bridge preach at night. Went to our school house in the 1st ward. I counseled the Bm. [brethren] against getting drunk and to begin and do better and to teach their families the way of life. Bro. Adams opened the meeting by prayer. I closed the meeting by prayer. Came home. Prayed. Went to bed. So ended the first day of this year."


"Monday [March] 12th: Went to Pres. B. Young's office on business. I inquired of him if he had any counsel for me. He said he had lots for me. To do as I had done. Only as I learned more to act upon and that would enable me to do better."



"Attended conference commencing on the 6th of April 1860, also Fast Meeting on the 5th. It surely was a good time for the Saints. Many true and faithful testimonies was bore on Sunday the 8th. At night attended a Bishops Meeting in the Social Hall. President Bp. Hunter gave some good advice and was followed by President B. Young. He told us some good things. I hope I shall not forget. Showed the duty of a Bishop, told us the North gave up and the South must not keep back. Said we should go and build the Centre Stake of Zion as soon as we were ready."







"Sunday [April] 22nd: Went to the Tabernacle. Bro. Woodruff preached in the morning. Wooley, O. Hyde & President B. Young in the afternoon. P. B. Young gave good instructions on the government of families and good advice to the Elders going on missions. At night - ward meeting."

I love that I have this view into his life at this time. According to his journal, he traveled up to Farmington and back to Salt Lake most every week. Also he attended meetings multiple times a week. He was a very busy man with work, families, and bishop. Henry was a very faithful man who loved his family and loved God.

Source: Moon, Richard Nephi , Maureen Moon LaPray, and Louise Moon Thiebaud. The Family of Henry Moon Mormon Pioneer 1819-1894. Provo: Brigham Young University Printing Press, 2006.