Letter from David F. Stout, 4 January 1896
Rockville
Presidents Woodruff Cannon and Smith.
Dear Brethren
I have had it in mind for some time to enter a home-
stead. As this is a step which would com-
promise me for 5 years at least, and as I feel it
might involve a loss, or prevent me from doing
something else my maker might desire me to do, I
thought it prudent to seek counsel before doing so.
The land I had thought to enter as a
homestead is situated in the N. W. corner of Kane
County about 30 miles ^East^ of Cedar city; is in the
high mts on the headwaters of the Rio Virgen River.
It may be irrelevant to give you
the locality of the land; as the two points on
which I have doubts as to whether it would
be right, and causes me to doubt the wisdom
of my intentions are:
1st Would it be right to isolate myself and part
of my family, at least half my time for 5 years
from any organized ward where I could attend
meetings or assist as a help to the Priesthood?
2 Would my assistance be wanted in the next
5 years in the missionary field or elsewhere
wherein I would be handicapped by homesteading?
I would greatly appreciate a few
words of counsel sometime during the winter if not too great an
intrusion on your valuable time. Your Bro. David. F. Stout
[sideways text] If bro. Stout feels that the land should be secured, and it is a proper and
reasonable investment for his future welfare, I think he should be a perfect
liberty to enter the same. And should his services be needed, in the mean time,
kind providence will open his way. Let him do what he thinks proper and good
for himself & family in the matter, with approval of the local authorities.
[Jospeh Fielding Smith|J. F. S.]] [end of sideways text]
