Letter to the Latter-day Saints in the St. John District, 19 February 1880
To the Latter-day Saints in St. John District:
Bleoved Brethren:
We have met in council at Sunset, and taken into consideration the situation
of the town and land purchased by A. M. Tenney, and we have put a ^the^ price of the
farming land $8.00 per acre: and the City Lots at $25.00 on an average; and we
have named our town "St. John," for it is at St. John. And we wish it distinctly
understood, by the Saints who settle there that we do not expect to enter into
any speculation in the purchase of this country, for ourselves or our Brethren.
Our labors in these matters are for the building-up of Zion, and the settling
of the Saints. We have figured this matter as closely as we can, and we feel that
we cannot put the land and lots at any lower price. When the land and lots are sold
and the debts paid, if there is anything left, it will be returned, pro. rata, to
those who have paid for the land: and if we fall short of the payment, we consider
it right and just that those who have purchased the land, shall also pay, pro. rata.
to help pay the debt: but we expect the price set, will pay for the land. Bro.
Ammon M. Tenney was appointed to make this purchase, and we look to him to deal out
this land, both city lots and farming land, to those who buy: the payments to be
made to him. He is held responsible for the fulfilment of the contracts. We would
like all of the Brethren that he calls upon to assist him in any matter appertaining
to the settling of the place. We wish further to be understood that Brother Tenney
has been appointed to preside over the settlement of St. John, and to preside over
all meetings when he is present, until he is released from his responsibilities.
We also appointed Brother Tenney to preside over the Lamanite Mission; the the
reason that he has already opened the doors among many of the Eastern Villages,
and is quite well versed in Spanish.
We have also appointed Brother J. Allred to assist Bro. Tenney, under his
direction, and to preside over the meetings in Bro. Tenney's absence, until they
are more fully organized. And we wish all the Brethren who take land, to do what
they can, at once, to assist in the payment of the same. We have advised Bro.
Tenney in relation to the Missionaries associated with him, as regards their
raising grain for the season, concerning which he will instruct you.
W. Woodruff—John W. Young
