My parents, William W. Cannon and Margery S. Cannon, served a mission for the LDS Church as a married couple from 1947 to 1949. My father died in 2002 and my mother just recently died, in November 2023. I transcribed the journal after my father's death, finishing in 2004, and presented copies to family members. I decided to wait until after my mother's death to publish it on-line. It will be broken up into a number of different parts. Footnote are found at the end of the post.
March 25, 1947 (Tuesday):
An article in The Deseret News, dated March 25, 1947, was as follows [including a picture of Mom and Dad [1]]:
Hawaii Bound
Friends Fete the Bill Cannons
A host of friends are wishing Mr. and Mrs. William C. Cannon, 336 Fifth Ave., “Bon Voyage” prior to the Cannon’s departure for the Hawaiian Island the middle of April.
Dr. Elmer (Buz) Sandberg entertained at a dinner dancing party Wednesday at the Crown Room. The soon-to-be travelers were feted by Mr. and Mrs. Bob McKay Friday. A dinner was given Saturday by Mrs. James A. Melville in the Empire Room of Hotel Utah.
Mr. Cannon and his wife, the former Miss Margery Sorensen, left today for a few days’ trip to the southern parks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Q. Cannon, 231 D St.
Both the wayfarers are former University of Utah students, where Mr. Cannon affiliated with Sigma Chi fraternity. A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, he has been teaching engineering at the University of Utah. Mrs. Cannon, an affiliate of Chi Omega, has kept busy designing hats for many delighted Salt Lake women. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Sorensen, 2000 Connor St.
The young couple will complete special missions for the Church in Hawaii during their stay. A farewell testimonial will be held Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the twentieth ward chapel in their honor.
An undated newspaper clipping was as follows:
Rumors Flying
We’ve heard rumors that Marge and Bill Cannon soon will be taking a trip across the waters to that tropical isle. So this week end it was Frances Ellen and Bob McKay, along with Marge and Howard Sharp, Russell and Dantzel Nelson, who were saying, “Here is a good time to remember us by,” when they held a clambake at the new McKay abode.
An undated newspaper clipping with a picture of Mom and Dad (the same one as in their farewell program) states, in part:
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Cannon, 336-5th ave., will be honored at a farewell testimonial Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the Twentieth ward chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2nd ave. and G st., prior to their departure soon for the Hawaiian mission. Mr. Cannon, released from the navy recently as an ensign after three years active duty, is an instructor in mechanical engineering at University of Utah. Mrs. Cannon, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Sorensen, 3000 Connor st., is a former student at University of Utah.
Another undated newspaper clipping [perhaps from a Sugarhouse area paper] with the same picture of Mom and Dad states, in part:
William W. Cannons Hawaiian Island Bound
A prominent couple, well-known to southeasterners are being honored at a farewell testimonial Sunday evening, March 30, prior to their leaving on an LDS mission to the Hawaiian Islands. They are Mr. and Mrs. Wareing Cannon. Mrs. Cannon is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Sorensen, 3000 Connor street, and Mr. Cannon is the son of the Edwin Q. Cannons, 231 D street.
Mr. Cannon has been teaching at the University of Utah for the past several months. He is an instructor in the electrical engineering department. A prominent student in his undergraduate student days. Mr. Cannon attended Northwestern University [actually Illinois Institute of Technology] under the navy V-2 program during the war and was selected as one of the 13 outstanding students to continue studies at Harvard University.
A prominent student at the University before her marriage last September, Mrs. Cannon was affiliated with Chi Omega sorority.
The program will be as follows:………………
March 30, 1947 (Sunday):
A program for Mom and Dad’s farewell states:
Farewell Testimonial
in honor of
Elder and Mrs. Wm. W. Cannon
Prior to their departure for the
HAWAIIAN MISSION
SUNDAY EVENING, MARCH 30, 1947
5:30 P.M.
In the
TWENTIETH WARD CHAPEL
Second Avenue and G Street
PROGRAM
Opening Song “We Thank Thee, Oh God, For a Prophet…………...Congregation
Invocation…………………………………………………...………S. C. Sorensen
Selection “Beside Still Waters”………………………………………...……Choir
Robert Sloan, Conductor
Naomi Fetzer, Organist
Reading…………………………………………………….……Stanford Sorensen
Vocal Solo (a and b)………………………………………………Ruth J. Clawson
Remarks……………………………………………………Dean A. LeRoy Taylor
Piano Solo………………………………………………………..…..Nonie Nelson
Remarks……………………………………………….…………Robert H. Barnes
Selection (a and b)………………………………………………….Male Quartette
Ervin Peterson – Alex P. Anderson
Dr. T. A. Clawson, Jr. – Harold Keddington
Remarks…………………………………………….……..Bishop J. Howard Cook
Response………………………………………………………....Margery Cannon
Response…………………………………………………..……..Wm. W. Cannon
Selection……………………………………………………………..………Choir
Benediction……………………………………………………..E. Q. Cannon, Jr.
An undated newspaper clipping was as follows:
FAREWELL FACTS
We took in the Cannon-Sorenson farewell Sunday and needless to say it was a wonderful success. Marge and Bill both did themselves proud. Nonie Nelson, 938 Logan Ave., added a professional touch to the musical program with her Rachmaninoff number. She wore a stunning black evening dress with a diamond locket as her only jewelery. Cal and Becky Sorenson and Gordon and Elaine Sorenson chatted with members of the clan. Bob McKay and his wife, Francis Ellen, were delighted with young Stanford Sorenson’s reading “Boys will be Boys.” Cliff Curtis, son of Dr. and Mrs. George N. Curtis of S. 13th East, dated Rhoda Worley and her Easter bonnet of black fur felt with pink cabbage rose and black satin ribbon trim is something to talk about…P.S. Marge chose an original black faile suit beautifully cut and tailored. Her only jewels were a brilliant clip in her hair.
April 3, 1947 (Thursday):
A letter from Leon D. Garrett, Secretary of the Board of Regents of the University of Utah, dated April 3, 1947, to William M. Cannon, 231 D Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, states:
“At a special meeting held Monday, March 31, 1947, the Board of Regents accepted your resignation from the staff of the Mechanical Engineering Department, effective March 26, 1947.”
A picture labeled “Our Missionary Group” shows approximately 126 “MISSIONARIES ENTERING THE MISSIONARY HOME APRIL 7, AND DEPARTING APRIL 16, 1947” Mom is on the fifth row on the far right side and Dad is on the ninth row on the far left side.
JOURNAL BOOK 1
The Journal of William W. Cannon is in a bound leather book with pages marked up to 290 (each page number is pre-stamped in the top left-hand corner of each left page and the top right-hand corner of each right page). The entry for April 15, 1947 starts on page 1 [2] and the last entry is for December 31, 1948 and is on page 205. The first (unnumbered) page reads:
“Journal
Wm. W. & Margery Cannon
April 15, 1947 - October 25, 1948 - (MARGE)”
On page 297 is “Record of Ordinances Performed.”
DATE NAME PLACE ORDINANCE
8/31/47 Joseph Kaihe Wailuku, Branch Ordained Priest
12/7/47 Michael Melville Cannon Wailuku, Branch Blessed
3/14/48 Clinton Makekau Wailuku, Branch Ordained Teacher
3/28/48 Clarence Robt. Poole Wailuku, Branch Confirmed
6/6/48 Darrel Paul Kimo Christian Kapaa, Branch Blessed
6/26/48 Kauai [3] Kilauea Camp Marriage
6/27/48 Palama (NM) [4] Koloa Dist., Nomilo Beach Marriage
7/4/48 Gwendolyn Noelani Reis Kapaa Branch Blessed
7/21/48 Jose Billedo Kapaa Branch Ord. Elder
8/3/48 George Kodama (NM) Kalihi-Kai Branch Marriage
8/20/48 Engacin F. Apilado (NM) Kilauea Marriage
8/21/48 David R. Harbottle (NM Honolulu) Kapaa Branch Marriage
8/25/48 Wm. Montgomery Kapaa Ord. Teacher
9/15/48 Kai On Soong Kapaa Ord. Priest
10/11/48 Thomas Loubet Sheldon Kapaa Confirmed
10/11/48 Marilyn Valdez Kapaa Confirmed
11/1/48 Lillian Kauuku (M) [5] Honolulu Kalihi Marriage
11/3/48 June Marie Husmann (NM) Honolulu - Tab Marriage
11/17/48 Simeon Bautista Jr. Mauna Loa Molokai Confirmed
11/21/48 Helene Nahealani Han Hoolehua Blessed
2/11/49 Charles Ernest Hiers (NM) Honolulu - Tab Marriage
2/24/49 Alice Chiquita McMaster Honolulu - Tab Baptized
3/16/49 Ethel Leinaala Pana (M) (Paia) Honolulu - Tab Marriage
[3/19/49 Honolulu - Tab Marriage]
April 15, 1947 (Tuesday):
We left Salt Lake with all of our baggage packed snuggily in the back of our 1933 Plymouth [6] and that day we drove to Wendover. Earlier in the day the family’s met at the church office building, where we were set apart by Spencer W. Kimball, of the Council of the Twelve [7], and we later had lunch in the Empire Room of the Hotel Utah. Preston Nibley presented us with his new book - Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon.
April 16, 1947 (Wednesday):
Had a break down caused by universal joints of drive shaft giving way - traveled 23 miles into Battle Mountain, Nevada with car shaking terrifically. Was partially fixed by a drunk mechanic there, and this took us 120 miles into Lovelock where another mechanic had to re-do all the work. Stayed night in Reno, Nevada.
April 17, 1947 (Thursday):
Drove from Reno into San Francisco - car made Donner pass without any trouble and then seemed to gain momentum as we approached San Francisco. We drove right to Matson line office and there found that we were placed in separate rooms and were very discouraged and so we went out to see President Ellsworth [8] of the California Mission to see if he could do anything for us - we got assurance that everything would be alright. He also got us reservations for the night at the Federal Hotel on Market Street.
April 18, 1947 (Friday):
Went sightseeing in San Francisco, and sailed on S. S. Matsonia at 5:00 p.m. Sister Spafford and Simonsen of the Relief Society were aboard along with Elders Laycock and Russon going to Hawaiian Mission and Elders Hill, Lundgren, Lloyd, Carson and Welch of Central Pacific Mission [9].
April 23, 1947 (Friday to Wednesday):
On board ship - enjoyed trip immensely - food was marvelous - slept wonderfully and it was a complete rest. Neither of us had any sea sickness, although the water was very rough the first day and night out. The second say out we were placed in a cabin together.
April 23, 1947 (Wednesday):
Arrived in Honolulu at 9:00 A.M. and were greeted by a mixed chorus, and the Royal Hawaiian Band playing “Aloha Oe” - a very thrilling experience. Were also greeted by George Q. Cannon [10], wife Irene and daughter Mary Jean. They let us take their car and we drove all over Honolulu and area. Went up to the Pali, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and the Tabernacle. In the evening we went out to their beach and had a fine dinner. Several couples were there including Chauncey Cannon [11], wife Florence and daughter Connie. Rushed in from party in George Q’s auto, and barely caught the Steamer bound for Kahului Maui. Pleasant night aboard.
April 24, 1947 (Thursday):
Arrived in Kahului at 7:00 A.M. and were met by Pres. Castle H. Murphy [12] and we were worried not knowing what his attitude would be with regards to the coming of the baby. He drove us in his car up to mission headquarters in Wailuku, and we had a fine visit with him and his wife. We were very much impressed and relieved especially after we heard of his attitude toward having children in the field. He assigned us to a home in Waihee [13], 5 miles out of Wailuku. He also asked us to join him in conference at Hilo over the week end and we were pleased at that. The home in Waihee is very nice and Elder and Sister Cheney and Elders Bennett[14] and Neeley comprise our housemates. We picked up our trunks and found out that we had brought too much with us and so we sorted through everything and were able to fill one trunk with things that we would not use - in preparation for sending it home.
April 25, 1947 (Friday):
Flew from Maui to Hilo and during evening attended dinner given in honor of Pres. and Sis. Murphy[15] in Hilo Hotel. We were assigned to Hilo Mission Home during our stay.
April 27, 1947 (Sunday):
Attended meetings of Island Conference. The first meeting alone was worth the trip - it was a testimony meeting of all the officers and missionaries of the Island. The leaders of the people have powerful faith. One of the local brothers invited all of the missionaries to dinner at Wo Chong’s Chinese restaurant - it must have cost him well over $100 to feed the group of about 35. The food was not to my taste, and I had a difficult time downing any of it. Afterwards we went to a drugstore and bought sandwiches to fill up the corners in our stomachs.
April 28, 1947 (Monday):
Sis’s Spafford and Simonsen arrived in Hilo to have a meeting with local sisters. Attended meeting in evening and heard testimony of woman who was washed out to sea in the tidal wave and stayed afloat on a door for more than a day. She was saved from sharks by her garments.
April 29, 1947 (Tuesday):
Traveled around the Island of Hawaii in car with Mrs. Ralph Murray, her daughter, Warya, Sis’s Spafford and Simonsen and ourselves. Visited Kilauea volcanoe and lava flows and saw many beautiful sights. Stayed all night in near waterless mission home in Kailua, Kona. Ate in famed Kona Inn.
April 30, 1947 (Wednesday):
Continued our trip around the Island - drove through Parker ranch - visited Akkaka Falls - where Marsden Durham[16] was killed, and there we were drenched by rain.
May 1, 1947 (Thursday):
Flew from Hilo back to Maui with Sis’s Spafford and Simonsen - met at plane by Pres. and Sis. Murphy and they took us to Kaludin School to witness colorful May day or Lei day celebration. During the afternoon I studied for about 5 hours.
May 2, 1947 (Friday):
Went out tracting with Elder Cheney[17] for about 5 hours - had several interesting conversations. People would rather agree with us than cause an argument. Met an old Chinese fellow who remembered being visited by Richard Wells in 1915. Later in the afternoon I studied for several hours. In evening we went to see “Undercurrent” with Katherine Hepburn and Robert Taylor.
May 3, 1947 (Saturday):
Did a large 3 weeks washing - Studied and napped in the afternoon. In the evening we went to our first luau - the pork was delicious as was coconut pudding. I managed to gulp a bit of poi down, but on my last try, I got too much and I didn’t think I’d make it, but I did. The lomi-lomi salmon was alright, but my mind rebelled at the eating of the other raw fish. I did taste it though just to say that I had.
May 4, 1947 (Sunday):
Attended Waihee Branch for Priesthood, Sunday School, and Fast meeting. Originally scheduled to go out to Waikapu, but it was cancelled due to breakdown of mission car. I closed with prayer in Sunday School, blessed the sacrament and bore my testimony as did Marg. Also assisted in ordaining a young boy to the office of deacon (Akuna boy). In the evening we had a fireside at the Waihee mission home. Was much impressed with the people’s musical ability - most of the evening was taken up in their singing native songs and we enjoyed it very much.
May 5, 1947 (Monday):
Attended a missionary meeting in the mission office and new assignments were handed out. We were assigned to the Mission office to take care of the records and books[18] and our quarters assignment was changed from Waihee to Wailuku[19] next to the mission office. At first I was very much disappointed at this, but after thinking it over, I am sure that it will be best. The office experience is just what I need. Many of the missionaries were disgusted, and show poor spirit in their disappointment. There seems to be a lot of discontent among the missionaries here.
May 6, 1947 (Tuesday):
Had our first real day in the office and spent most of our time trying to make the Maui District tithing and fast offering records balance. This afternoon we went swimming at the Waichu beach - enjoyed it much.
May 7, 1947 (Wednesday):
So peeved with set up and with petty dealings going on that when we came back home, I decided to fast and pray. During evening, had a get together with a group of some of Saints from Waihee singing.
May 8, 1947 (Thursday):
Day at work in the office, and during evening, we went to the home of Bro. Ezell where a party was given in honor of Sis Croft who is leaving soon for the mainland. Had marvelous suchiachi [sukiyaki] cooked over charcoal.
May 9, 1947 (Friday):
Day at work in the office, where mission books were handed over to us. Sleepy and so we went to bed early.
May 10, 1947 (Saturday):
Did washing in morning, and then during afternoon we went up for a hike up the canyon in Waihee with Elder and Sis Cheney, Elder Neeley, Beverly and Kenny Akuna. Kenny picked us some coconuts, and we had a light brunch. During evening, I studied.
May 11, 1947 (Sunday):
Attended Priesthood and Mothers day program in Sunday School at Wailuku. I gave a talk, “A tribute to mother,” and Marg played the piano for several choral nos. After Sunday School, Bro & Sis Sol. Moikeha[20] drove us out to Waihee and on way out they bought us some lemon pie and ice cream. At the Waihee Chapel, they had a luau - the usual poi, lomi-lomi salmon, and coconut pudding, along with duck egg sandwiches, jerk beef, and soda pop. I managed to keep a little of the poi down with the help of the soda water and the strong garlic taste of the jerk beef. In the afternoon we attended Union Meeting in Wailuku, and then returned to Waihee where we spent evening in leisure.
A poem titled “Mother” was found with some of Dad’s papers. It appears it may have been given as part of Dad’s Mother’s Day talk. It was also sent to Grandmother Cannon as it states: “Thursday is your birthday Mom[.][21] Many happy returns of the day to the best mother that ever lived…This letter written Sunday May 11, 1947 to Mom and Pop with the poem enclosed” and signed “Bill and Marg.” The poem is as follows:
A tribute to the finest lady in the land
Could be played by the nation’s greatest band
And it would represent in a very small measure
How wonderful my mother is, and what a treasure
The load has been heavy that she’s had to bear
And she hasn’t shirked, nor neglected our care
For this has contributed to her pay
Of watching we children develop each day
Her mission has been a work of love
She taught me to pray to our Father above
And at first when I’d get on bended knee
Her help enabled me clearly to see
From childhood to present day I have sought
My mother’s opinion and her thought
And no matter how different or large my task
I’ve found her wisdom helpful - it’s paid to ask
And though now we are separated by the sea
My mother is still an inspiration to me
For every few days I get her letter
And each one makes me better and better
I was an infant when her love first came
And now I’m a man it’s still the same
Reverently now I speak of her
My ever loving Mother
May 12, 1947 (Monday):
Spent day moving to Wailuku and was impressed at how much time it requires to get things done around here. In the afternoon, I went down to get the car and was told to come back later - when I went back, I found that all the gas had been drained out, and the battery cable was disconnected and also the battery was dead. Besides, the glove compartment had been rifled, and glasses, flashlight and other things were all lifted out. Finally managed to get underway. During evening, all missionaries of the area went to a delicious home cooked Chinese dinner at Bro. Sam Ako’s home. Was much more appetizing than the dinner at Wo Chong’s 2 weeks previous.
May 13, 1947 (Tuesday):
Due to remodeling of office, we were sent out for our first tracting together, and we surely were discouraged. Most of the Hawaiian people just nod their heads and say yes to everything. The Portuguese say “I’m a Catholic” and close their minds. I hope that I can overcome my dislike for tracting. It seems to me that there should be a more effective means of reaching the people. During evening, we drove out to Honokohna, and had a wonderful dinner of Suckiachi [sukiyaki] steak at the home of Bro. Matthias. It was an interesting drive. We also went to the place in Lahaina where Grandfather walked and talked with the Savior[22]. I could feel that it was sacred ground.
May 14, 1947 (Wednesday):
Went to a Dr. Yee to have my eyes tested and he prescribed glasses to the tune of $20. Worked in the office all day but felt discouraged all day.
May 15, 1947 (Thursday):
Marg’s birthday - everything seemed to go better than usual - office work was not so much of a drain on either of us. Marg first noticed a back ache and the development of her girth is now noticeable. In the afternoon, Sis Afoon Kamauoha[23] insisted that we come over for some chop suey, noodles and other Chinese food. Luckily, Marg had an excuse for not eating. I ate and enjoyed it more than usual. By the time I leave the Islands, I will probably be able to eat most anything. After dinner, we went over to a social in the Wailuku Chapel given in honor of Sis Murphy by the West Maui District Relief Society. Food was served and we ate again. After this affair we drove out to Waihee and had a get together with some of the missionaries - showed pictures and talked.
May 16, 1947 (Friday):
A very warm day, not much to do in the office. We drove out to Kihei in the afternoon to take over a Religious Education Class. It was an interesting side out - when we arrived, we found a class of from 15 to 20 ranging from 6 to 15 years - and Marg held their attention for the better part of an hour.
May 17, 1947 (Saturday):
Awoke early and did washing, and then during the afternoon, went out to the Kihei beach and enjoyed a swim in the ocean. In the evening, we went to a luau at the home of David Keala in honor of his one year old son - ate a little more poi than last time. After that we all went to a show.
May 18, 1947 (Sunday):
Pres. Murphy awoke me at 6:00 A.M. because his car had broken down and I drove him out to Oloalu, a town this side of Lahaina so that he could perform a baptism. We attended Sunday School at Waikapu, and though the attendance was very small, the spirit was very large. In the evening, we spoke at Kahului. I spoke on faith, and Marg spoke on testimony. After that we attended an open house for people from Laie at Sis. Afoon’s.
May 20, 1947 (Tuesday):
A busy day in the office closing out the books in preparation for Pres Smiths arrival. The Moikeha family visited us during the evening.
May 21, 1947 (Wednesday):
Spent a full day working on books. Pres Smith[24] arrived in Honolulu, and Pres Murphy flew over to meet him. In evening we attended a chicken dinner in Murphy’s honor prior to departure. It was a fine affair.
May 22, 1947 (Thursday):
Worked until about 8:00 PM in office on books, and then went down to boat to see Murphy off.
May 23, 1947 (Friday):
In the evening we went to a cottage meeting at the home of Bro. Kekoami in Waihee. When we arrived, we found his son Henry sick and so the women went in and had the meeting, and Elder Cheney and I rode in to get the Dr. When we came back the boy was much better. Later we had refreshments and again it was difficult for me to eat any thing.
An article in The Deseret News, dated March 25, 1947, was as follows [including a picture of Mom and Dad [1]]:
Hawaii Bound
Friends Fete the Bill Cannons
A host of friends are wishing Mr. and Mrs. William C. Cannon, 336 Fifth Ave., “Bon Voyage” prior to the Cannon’s departure for the Hawaiian Island the middle of April.
Dr. Elmer (Buz) Sandberg entertained at a dinner dancing party Wednesday at the Crown Room. The soon-to-be travelers were feted by Mr. and Mrs. Bob McKay Friday. A dinner was given Saturday by Mrs. James A. Melville in the Empire Room of Hotel Utah.
Mr. Cannon and his wife, the former Miss Margery Sorensen, left today for a few days’ trip to the southern parks with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Q. Cannon, 231 D St.
Both the wayfarers are former University of Utah students, where Mr. Cannon affiliated with Sigma Chi fraternity. A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology, he has been teaching engineering at the University of Utah. Mrs. Cannon, an affiliate of Chi Omega, has kept busy designing hats for many delighted Salt Lake women. She is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Sorensen, 2000 Connor St.
The young couple will complete special missions for the Church in Hawaii during their stay. A farewell testimonial will be held Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the twentieth ward chapel in their honor.
An undated newspaper clipping was as follows:
Rumors Flying
We’ve heard rumors that Marge and Bill Cannon soon will be taking a trip across the waters to that tropical isle. So this week end it was Frances Ellen and Bob McKay, along with Marge and Howard Sharp, Russell and Dantzel Nelson, who were saying, “Here is a good time to remember us by,” when they held a clambake at the new McKay abode.
An undated newspaper clipping with a picture of Mom and Dad (the same one as in their farewell program) states, in part:
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Cannon, 336-5th ave., will be honored at a farewell testimonial Sunday at 5:30 p.m. in the Twentieth ward chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2nd ave. and G st., prior to their departure soon for the Hawaiian mission. Mr. Cannon, released from the navy recently as an ensign after three years active duty, is an instructor in mechanical engineering at University of Utah. Mrs. Cannon, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Sorensen, 3000 Connor st., is a former student at University of Utah.
Another undated newspaper clipping [perhaps from a Sugarhouse area paper] with the same picture of Mom and Dad states, in part:
William W. Cannons Hawaiian Island Bound
A prominent couple, well-known to southeasterners are being honored at a farewell testimonial Sunday evening, March 30, prior to their leaving on an LDS mission to the Hawaiian Islands. They are Mr. and Mrs. Wareing Cannon. Mrs. Cannon is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Horace A. Sorensen, 3000 Connor street, and Mr. Cannon is the son of the Edwin Q. Cannons, 231 D street.
Mr. Cannon has been teaching at the University of Utah for the past several months. He is an instructor in the electrical engineering department. A prominent student in his undergraduate student days. Mr. Cannon attended Northwestern University [actually Illinois Institute of Technology] under the navy V-2 program during the war and was selected as one of the 13 outstanding students to continue studies at Harvard University.
A prominent student at the University before her marriage last September, Mrs. Cannon was affiliated with Chi Omega sorority.
The program will be as follows:………………
March 30, 1947 (Sunday):
A program for Mom and Dad’s farewell states:
Farewell Testimonial
in honor of
Elder and Mrs. Wm. W. Cannon
Prior to their departure for the
HAWAIIAN MISSION
SUNDAY EVENING, MARCH 30, 1947
5:30 P.M.
In the
TWENTIETH WARD CHAPEL
Second Avenue and G Street
PROGRAM
Opening Song “We Thank Thee, Oh God, For a Prophet…………...Congregation
Invocation…………………………………………………...………S. C. Sorensen
Selection “Beside Still Waters”………………………………………...……Choir
Robert Sloan, Conductor
Naomi Fetzer, Organist
Reading…………………………………………………….……Stanford Sorensen
Vocal Solo (a and b)………………………………………………Ruth J. Clawson
Remarks……………………………………………………Dean A. LeRoy Taylor
Piano Solo………………………………………………………..…..Nonie Nelson
Remarks……………………………………………….…………Robert H. Barnes
Selection (a and b)………………………………………………….Male Quartette
Ervin Peterson – Alex P. Anderson
Dr. T. A. Clawson, Jr. – Harold Keddington
Remarks…………………………………………….……..Bishop J. Howard Cook
Response………………………………………………………....Margery Cannon
Response…………………………………………………..……..Wm. W. Cannon
Selection……………………………………………………………..………Choir
Benediction……………………………………………………..E. Q. Cannon, Jr.
An undated newspaper clipping was as follows:
FAREWELL FACTS
We took in the Cannon-Sorenson farewell Sunday and needless to say it was a wonderful success. Marge and Bill both did themselves proud. Nonie Nelson, 938 Logan Ave., added a professional touch to the musical program with her Rachmaninoff number. She wore a stunning black evening dress with a diamond locket as her only jewelery. Cal and Becky Sorenson and Gordon and Elaine Sorenson chatted with members of the clan. Bob McKay and his wife, Francis Ellen, were delighted with young Stanford Sorenson’s reading “Boys will be Boys.” Cliff Curtis, son of Dr. and Mrs. George N. Curtis of S. 13th East, dated Rhoda Worley and her Easter bonnet of black fur felt with pink cabbage rose and black satin ribbon trim is something to talk about…P.S. Marge chose an original black faile suit beautifully cut and tailored. Her only jewels were a brilliant clip in her hair.
April 3, 1947 (Thursday):
A letter from Leon D. Garrett, Secretary of the Board of Regents of the University of Utah, dated April 3, 1947, to William M. Cannon, 231 D Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, states:
“At a special meeting held Monday, March 31, 1947, the Board of Regents accepted your resignation from the staff of the Mechanical Engineering Department, effective March 26, 1947.”
A picture labeled “Our Missionary Group” shows approximately 126 “MISSIONARIES ENTERING THE MISSIONARY HOME APRIL 7, AND DEPARTING APRIL 16, 1947” Mom is on the fifth row on the far right side and Dad is on the ninth row on the far left side.
JOURNAL BOOK 1
The Journal of William W. Cannon is in a bound leather book with pages marked up to 290 (each page number is pre-stamped in the top left-hand corner of each left page and the top right-hand corner of each right page). The entry for April 15, 1947 starts on page 1 [2] and the last entry is for December 31, 1948 and is on page 205. The first (unnumbered) page reads:
“Journal
Wm. W. & Margery Cannon
April 15, 1947 - October 25, 1948 - (MARGE)”
On page 297 is “Record of Ordinances Performed.”
DATE NAME PLACE ORDINANCE
8/31/47 Joseph Kaihe Wailuku, Branch Ordained Priest
12/7/47 Michael Melville Cannon Wailuku, Branch Blessed
3/14/48 Clinton Makekau Wailuku, Branch Ordained Teacher
3/28/48 Clarence Robt. Poole Wailuku, Branch Confirmed
6/6/48 Darrel Paul Kimo Christian Kapaa, Branch Blessed
6/26/48 Kauai [3] Kilauea Camp Marriage
6/27/48 Palama (NM) [4] Koloa Dist., Nomilo Beach Marriage
7/4/48 Gwendolyn Noelani Reis Kapaa Branch Blessed
7/21/48 Jose Billedo Kapaa Branch Ord. Elder
8/3/48 George Kodama (NM) Kalihi-Kai Branch Marriage
8/20/48 Engacin F. Apilado (NM) Kilauea Marriage
8/21/48 David R. Harbottle (NM Honolulu) Kapaa Branch Marriage
8/25/48 Wm. Montgomery Kapaa Ord. Teacher
9/15/48 Kai On Soong Kapaa Ord. Priest
10/11/48 Thomas Loubet Sheldon Kapaa Confirmed
10/11/48 Marilyn Valdez Kapaa Confirmed
11/1/48 Lillian Kauuku (M) [5] Honolulu Kalihi Marriage
11/3/48 June Marie Husmann (NM) Honolulu - Tab Marriage
11/17/48 Simeon Bautista Jr. Mauna Loa Molokai Confirmed
11/21/48 Helene Nahealani Han Hoolehua Blessed
2/11/49 Charles Ernest Hiers (NM) Honolulu - Tab Marriage
2/24/49 Alice Chiquita McMaster Honolulu - Tab Baptized
3/16/49 Ethel Leinaala Pana (M) (Paia) Honolulu - Tab Marriage
[3/19/49 Honolulu - Tab Marriage]
April 15, 1947 (Tuesday):
We left Salt Lake with all of our baggage packed snuggily in the back of our 1933 Plymouth [6] and that day we drove to Wendover. Earlier in the day the family’s met at the church office building, where we were set apart by Spencer W. Kimball, of the Council of the Twelve [7], and we later had lunch in the Empire Room of the Hotel Utah. Preston Nibley presented us with his new book - Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon.
April 16, 1947 (Wednesday):
Had a break down caused by universal joints of drive shaft giving way - traveled 23 miles into Battle Mountain, Nevada with car shaking terrifically. Was partially fixed by a drunk mechanic there, and this took us 120 miles into Lovelock where another mechanic had to re-do all the work. Stayed night in Reno, Nevada.
April 17, 1947 (Thursday):
Drove from Reno into San Francisco - car made Donner pass without any trouble and then seemed to gain momentum as we approached San Francisco. We drove right to Matson line office and there found that we were placed in separate rooms and were very discouraged and so we went out to see President Ellsworth [8] of the California Mission to see if he could do anything for us - we got assurance that everything would be alright. He also got us reservations for the night at the Federal Hotel on Market Street.
April 18, 1947 (Friday):
Went sightseeing in San Francisco, and sailed on S. S. Matsonia at 5:00 p.m. Sister Spafford and Simonsen of the Relief Society were aboard along with Elders Laycock and Russon going to Hawaiian Mission and Elders Hill, Lundgren, Lloyd, Carson and Welch of Central Pacific Mission [9].
April 23, 1947 (Friday to Wednesday):
On board ship - enjoyed trip immensely - food was marvelous - slept wonderfully and it was a complete rest. Neither of us had any sea sickness, although the water was very rough the first day and night out. The second say out we were placed in a cabin together.
April 23, 1947 (Wednesday):
Arrived in Honolulu at 9:00 A.M. and were greeted by a mixed chorus, and the Royal Hawaiian Band playing “Aloha Oe” - a very thrilling experience. Were also greeted by George Q. Cannon [10], wife Irene and daughter Mary Jean. They let us take their car and we drove all over Honolulu and area. Went up to the Pali, Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and the Tabernacle. In the evening we went out to their beach and had a fine dinner. Several couples were there including Chauncey Cannon [11], wife Florence and daughter Connie. Rushed in from party in George Q’s auto, and barely caught the Steamer bound for Kahului Maui. Pleasant night aboard.
April 24, 1947 (Thursday):
Arrived in Kahului at 7:00 A.M. and were met by Pres. Castle H. Murphy [12] and we were worried not knowing what his attitude would be with regards to the coming of the baby. He drove us in his car up to mission headquarters in Wailuku, and we had a fine visit with him and his wife. We were very much impressed and relieved especially after we heard of his attitude toward having children in the field. He assigned us to a home in Waihee [13], 5 miles out of Wailuku. He also asked us to join him in conference at Hilo over the week end and we were pleased at that. The home in Waihee is very nice and Elder and Sister Cheney and Elders Bennett[14] and Neeley comprise our housemates. We picked up our trunks and found out that we had brought too much with us and so we sorted through everything and were able to fill one trunk with things that we would not use - in preparation for sending it home.
April 25, 1947 (Friday):
Flew from Maui to Hilo and during evening attended dinner given in honor of Pres. and Sis. Murphy[15] in Hilo Hotel. We were assigned to Hilo Mission Home during our stay.
April 27, 1947 (Sunday):
Attended meetings of Island Conference. The first meeting alone was worth the trip - it was a testimony meeting of all the officers and missionaries of the Island. The leaders of the people have powerful faith. One of the local brothers invited all of the missionaries to dinner at Wo Chong’s Chinese restaurant - it must have cost him well over $100 to feed the group of about 35. The food was not to my taste, and I had a difficult time downing any of it. Afterwards we went to a drugstore and bought sandwiches to fill up the corners in our stomachs.
April 28, 1947 (Monday):
Sis’s Spafford and Simonsen arrived in Hilo to have a meeting with local sisters. Attended meeting in evening and heard testimony of woman who was washed out to sea in the tidal wave and stayed afloat on a door for more than a day. She was saved from sharks by her garments.
April 29, 1947 (Tuesday):
Traveled around the Island of Hawaii in car with Mrs. Ralph Murray, her daughter, Warya, Sis’s Spafford and Simonsen and ourselves. Visited Kilauea volcanoe and lava flows and saw many beautiful sights. Stayed all night in near waterless mission home in Kailua, Kona. Ate in famed Kona Inn.
April 30, 1947 (Wednesday):
Continued our trip around the Island - drove through Parker ranch - visited Akkaka Falls - where Marsden Durham[16] was killed, and there we were drenched by rain.
May 1, 1947 (Thursday):
Flew from Hilo back to Maui with Sis’s Spafford and Simonsen - met at plane by Pres. and Sis. Murphy and they took us to Kaludin School to witness colorful May day or Lei day celebration. During the afternoon I studied for about 5 hours.
May 2, 1947 (Friday):
Went out tracting with Elder Cheney[17] for about 5 hours - had several interesting conversations. People would rather agree with us than cause an argument. Met an old Chinese fellow who remembered being visited by Richard Wells in 1915. Later in the afternoon I studied for several hours. In evening we went to see “Undercurrent” with Katherine Hepburn and Robert Taylor.
May 3, 1947 (Saturday):
Did a large 3 weeks washing - Studied and napped in the afternoon. In the evening we went to our first luau - the pork was delicious as was coconut pudding. I managed to gulp a bit of poi down, but on my last try, I got too much and I didn’t think I’d make it, but I did. The lomi-lomi salmon was alright, but my mind rebelled at the eating of the other raw fish. I did taste it though just to say that I had.
May 4, 1947 (Sunday):
Attended Waihee Branch for Priesthood, Sunday School, and Fast meeting. Originally scheduled to go out to Waikapu, but it was cancelled due to breakdown of mission car. I closed with prayer in Sunday School, blessed the sacrament and bore my testimony as did Marg. Also assisted in ordaining a young boy to the office of deacon (Akuna boy). In the evening we had a fireside at the Waihee mission home. Was much impressed with the people’s musical ability - most of the evening was taken up in their singing native songs and we enjoyed it very much.
May 5, 1947 (Monday):
Attended a missionary meeting in the mission office and new assignments were handed out. We were assigned to the Mission office to take care of the records and books[18] and our quarters assignment was changed from Waihee to Wailuku[19] next to the mission office. At first I was very much disappointed at this, but after thinking it over, I am sure that it will be best. The office experience is just what I need. Many of the missionaries were disgusted, and show poor spirit in their disappointment. There seems to be a lot of discontent among the missionaries here.
May 6, 1947 (Tuesday):
Had our first real day in the office and spent most of our time trying to make the Maui District tithing and fast offering records balance. This afternoon we went swimming at the Waichu beach - enjoyed it much.
May 7, 1947 (Wednesday):
So peeved with set up and with petty dealings going on that when we came back home, I decided to fast and pray. During evening, had a get together with a group of some of Saints from Waihee singing.
May 8, 1947 (Thursday):
Day at work in the office, and during evening, we went to the home of Bro. Ezell where a party was given in honor of Sis Croft who is leaving soon for the mainland. Had marvelous suchiachi [sukiyaki] cooked over charcoal.
May 9, 1947 (Friday):
Day at work in the office, where mission books were handed over to us. Sleepy and so we went to bed early.
May 10, 1947 (Saturday):
Did washing in morning, and then during afternoon we went up for a hike up the canyon in Waihee with Elder and Sis Cheney, Elder Neeley, Beverly and Kenny Akuna. Kenny picked us some coconuts, and we had a light brunch. During evening, I studied.
May 11, 1947 (Sunday):
Attended Priesthood and Mothers day program in Sunday School at Wailuku. I gave a talk, “A tribute to mother,” and Marg played the piano for several choral nos. After Sunday School, Bro & Sis Sol. Moikeha[20] drove us out to Waihee and on way out they bought us some lemon pie and ice cream. At the Waihee Chapel, they had a luau - the usual poi, lomi-lomi salmon, and coconut pudding, along with duck egg sandwiches, jerk beef, and soda pop. I managed to keep a little of the poi down with the help of the soda water and the strong garlic taste of the jerk beef. In the afternoon we attended Union Meeting in Wailuku, and then returned to Waihee where we spent evening in leisure.
A poem titled “Mother” was found with some of Dad’s papers. It appears it may have been given as part of Dad’s Mother’s Day talk. It was also sent to Grandmother Cannon as it states: “Thursday is your birthday Mom[.][21] Many happy returns of the day to the best mother that ever lived…This letter written Sunday May 11, 1947 to Mom and Pop with the poem enclosed” and signed “Bill and Marg.” The poem is as follows:
A tribute to the finest lady in the land
Could be played by the nation’s greatest band
And it would represent in a very small measure
How wonderful my mother is, and what a treasure
The load has been heavy that she’s had to bear
And she hasn’t shirked, nor neglected our care
For this has contributed to her pay
Of watching we children develop each day
Her mission has been a work of love
She taught me to pray to our Father above
And at first when I’d get on bended knee
Her help enabled me clearly to see
From childhood to present day I have sought
My mother’s opinion and her thought
And no matter how different or large my task
I’ve found her wisdom helpful - it’s paid to ask
And though now we are separated by the sea
My mother is still an inspiration to me
For every few days I get her letter
And each one makes me better and better
I was an infant when her love first came
And now I’m a man it’s still the same
Reverently now I speak of her
My ever loving Mother
May 12, 1947 (Monday):
Spent day moving to Wailuku and was impressed at how much time it requires to get things done around here. In the afternoon, I went down to get the car and was told to come back later - when I went back, I found that all the gas had been drained out, and the battery cable was disconnected and also the battery was dead. Besides, the glove compartment had been rifled, and glasses, flashlight and other things were all lifted out. Finally managed to get underway. During evening, all missionaries of the area went to a delicious home cooked Chinese dinner at Bro. Sam Ako’s home. Was much more appetizing than the dinner at Wo Chong’s 2 weeks previous.
May 13, 1947 (Tuesday):
Due to remodeling of office, we were sent out for our first tracting together, and we surely were discouraged. Most of the Hawaiian people just nod their heads and say yes to everything. The Portuguese say “I’m a Catholic” and close their minds. I hope that I can overcome my dislike for tracting. It seems to me that there should be a more effective means of reaching the people. During evening, we drove out to Honokohna, and had a wonderful dinner of Suckiachi [sukiyaki] steak at the home of Bro. Matthias. It was an interesting drive. We also went to the place in Lahaina where Grandfather walked and talked with the Savior[22]. I could feel that it was sacred ground.
May 14, 1947 (Wednesday):
Went to a Dr. Yee to have my eyes tested and he prescribed glasses to the tune of $20. Worked in the office all day but felt discouraged all day.
May 15, 1947 (Thursday):
Marg’s birthday - everything seemed to go better than usual - office work was not so much of a drain on either of us. Marg first noticed a back ache and the development of her girth is now noticeable. In the afternoon, Sis Afoon Kamauoha[23] insisted that we come over for some chop suey, noodles and other Chinese food. Luckily, Marg had an excuse for not eating. I ate and enjoyed it more than usual. By the time I leave the Islands, I will probably be able to eat most anything. After dinner, we went over to a social in the Wailuku Chapel given in honor of Sis Murphy by the West Maui District Relief Society. Food was served and we ate again. After this affair we drove out to Waihee and had a get together with some of the missionaries - showed pictures and talked.
May 16, 1947 (Friday):
A very warm day, not much to do in the office. We drove out to Kihei in the afternoon to take over a Religious Education Class. It was an interesting side out - when we arrived, we found a class of from 15 to 20 ranging from 6 to 15 years - and Marg held their attention for the better part of an hour.
May 17, 1947 (Saturday):
Awoke early and did washing, and then during the afternoon, went out to the Kihei beach and enjoyed a swim in the ocean. In the evening, we went to a luau at the home of David Keala in honor of his one year old son - ate a little more poi than last time. After that we all went to a show.
May 18, 1947 (Sunday):
Pres. Murphy awoke me at 6:00 A.M. because his car had broken down and I drove him out to Oloalu, a town this side of Lahaina so that he could perform a baptism. We attended Sunday School at Waikapu, and though the attendance was very small, the spirit was very large. In the evening, we spoke at Kahului. I spoke on faith, and Marg spoke on testimony. After that we attended an open house for people from Laie at Sis. Afoon’s.
May 20, 1947 (Tuesday):
A busy day in the office closing out the books in preparation for Pres Smiths arrival. The Moikeha family visited us during the evening.
May 21, 1947 (Wednesday):
Spent a full day working on books. Pres Smith[24] arrived in Honolulu, and Pres Murphy flew over to meet him. In evening we attended a chicken dinner in Murphy’s honor prior to departure. It was a fine affair.
May 22, 1947 (Thursday):
Worked until about 8:00 PM in office on books, and then went down to boat to see Murphy off.
May 23, 1947 (Friday):
In the evening we went to a cottage meeting at the home of Bro. Kekoami in Waihee. When we arrived, we found his son Henry sick and so the women went in and had the meeting, and Elder Cheney and I rode in to get the Dr. When we came back the boy was much better. Later we had refreshments and again it was difficult for me to eat any thing.
Footnotes:
[1] This has been typed up and put together by Bob Cannon, son of William and Margery Cannon. I struggled with whether to refer to them and my grandparents by their formal names, or by their names as I knew them, and ultimately decided on the latter. Therefore, at times I refer to Bill and Marg as “Dad” and “Mom,” to Edwin and Luella Cannon as “Grandfather Cannon” and “Grandmother Cannon,” and to Horace and Ethel Sorensen as “Pop” and “Tutu.” When Dad was called to preside over the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, beginning in July 1975, I went with them as an 18 year old, having just graduated from high school. I went to BYU-Hawaii for a year, before going on my own mission, but had the opportunity to travel the islands with Mom and Dad and to meet many of the people they knew on their first mission in 1947 to 1949. I have inserted, in footnotes, some of my own experiences with these same people taken from my journal during that later period. Dad’s mission journals, which I found after his death, are a treasure that I felt needed to be shared with the entire family.
[2] Dad completed a book, Beachheads in Micronesia: A View of the Proselyting Efforts of Mormon Missionaries Who Followed the Liberating Campaigns of Military Forces of the United States in Micronesia (hereafter “Beachheads”) in 1997. In it he referenced his first Hawaiian Mission several times. He prefaces his mission as follows: “I was chosen as a disciple to open my mouth and share ‘the voice of warning’ to the people of Hawaii in 1947. The hostilities of World War II had ceased in August of 1945. I was released to inactive duty in the Naval Reserve in midsummer of 1946, was married in September of 1946, and about seven months after that, Sister Cannon and I accepted a call to serve as missionaries in Hawaii. The impact of World War II on Hawaii and its people was still fresh when we arrived in April of 1947. We became witnesses of some deprivation of the island people through shared war stories. Abandoned military barracks were plentiful. Some people we associated with became keys to future establishment of the restored gospel in Micronesia. Approximately twenty-six years after our release as Hawaiian missionaries, Sister Cannon and I were called to return to Hawaii and preside over the Hawaii Honolulu Mission in July of 1975.” Beachheads, p. 2.
[3] Sister Hualu was one of the parties (see entry for June 26, 1948).
[4] Iris Evelyn Palama and Martin Hornstine (see entry for June 27, 1948). “NM” appears to mean “non-member.”
[5] Married Leroy L. Silvo, also a member (see entry for November 1, 1948).
[6] The 1933 two-door Plymouth sedan was referred to as the “green thing” (see entries for October 18, 1947, January 12 and February 26, 1948, January 15, 1949, and a Mother’s Day Tribute from Dad to Mom in 1999 (“Mother’s Day Tribute”)).
[7] Dad related to me that after his uncle (and the man after whom Dad was named), William Tenney Cannon, returned home from Hawaii, where he served as director of the Visitor’s Center at the Hawaii Temple, he contacted David O. McKay, then a counselor to President George Albert Smith, and told him that teachers were needed in the Religious Instruction program in Hawaii. He suggested that his nephew, Bill Cannon, would be perfect for the job. President McKay issued a call to Mom and Dad to teach in the Religious Instruction program in Hawaii. When Dean Taylor of the Engineering program at the University of Utah found out (Dad was teaching engineering mechanics at the University), he lobbied Grandmother and Grandfather Cannon with the idea that Dad could do more good by teaching at the University and getting a Ph.D, than by going to Hawaii. Dad felt he wanted to do something for the Church and despite some pressure not to go, he and Mom decided to go to Hawaii. He was promised there would be a position for him in the engineering department at the University when he got back.
[1] This has been typed up and put together by Bob Cannon, son of William and Margery Cannon. I struggled with whether to refer to them and my grandparents by their formal names, or by their names as I knew them, and ultimately decided on the latter. Therefore, at times I refer to Bill and Marg as “Dad” and “Mom,” to Edwin and Luella Cannon as “Grandfather Cannon” and “Grandmother Cannon,” and to Horace and Ethel Sorensen as “Pop” and “Tutu.” When Dad was called to preside over the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, beginning in July 1975, I went with them as an 18 year old, having just graduated from high school. I went to BYU-Hawaii for a year, before going on my own mission, but had the opportunity to travel the islands with Mom and Dad and to meet many of the people they knew on their first mission in 1947 to 1949. I have inserted, in footnotes, some of my own experiences with these same people taken from my journal during that later period. Dad’s mission journals, which I found after his death, are a treasure that I felt needed to be shared with the entire family.
[2] Dad completed a book, Beachheads in Micronesia: A View of the Proselyting Efforts of Mormon Missionaries Who Followed the Liberating Campaigns of Military Forces of the United States in Micronesia (hereafter “Beachheads”) in 1997. In it he referenced his first Hawaiian Mission several times. He prefaces his mission as follows: “I was chosen as a disciple to open my mouth and share ‘the voice of warning’ to the people of Hawaii in 1947. The hostilities of World War II had ceased in August of 1945. I was released to inactive duty in the Naval Reserve in midsummer of 1946, was married in September of 1946, and about seven months after that, Sister Cannon and I accepted a call to serve as missionaries in Hawaii. The impact of World War II on Hawaii and its people was still fresh when we arrived in April of 1947. We became witnesses of some deprivation of the island people through shared war stories. Abandoned military barracks were plentiful. Some people we associated with became keys to future establishment of the restored gospel in Micronesia. Approximately twenty-six years after our release as Hawaiian missionaries, Sister Cannon and I were called to return to Hawaii and preside over the Hawaii Honolulu Mission in July of 1975.” Beachheads, p. 2.
[3] Sister Hualu was one of the parties (see entry for June 26, 1948).
[4] Iris Evelyn Palama and Martin Hornstine (see entry for June 27, 1948). “NM” appears to mean “non-member.”
[5] Married Leroy L. Silvo, also a member (see entry for November 1, 1948).
[6] The 1933 two-door Plymouth sedan was referred to as the “green thing” (see entries for October 18, 1947, January 12 and February 26, 1948, January 15, 1949, and a Mother’s Day Tribute from Dad to Mom in 1999 (“Mother’s Day Tribute”)).
[7] Dad related to me that after his uncle (and the man after whom Dad was named), William Tenney Cannon, returned home from Hawaii, where he served as director of the Visitor’s Center at the Hawaii Temple, he contacted David O. McKay, then a counselor to President George Albert Smith, and told him that teachers were needed in the Religious Instruction program in Hawaii. He suggested that his nephew, Bill Cannon, would be perfect for the job. President McKay issued a call to Mom and Dad to teach in the Religious Instruction program in Hawaii. When Dean Taylor of the Engineering program at the University of Utah found out (Dad was teaching engineering mechanics at the University), he lobbied Grandmother and Grandfather Cannon with the idea that Dad could do more good by teaching at the University and getting a Ph.D, than by going to Hawaii. Dad felt he wanted to do something for the Church and despite some pressure not to go, he and Mom decided to go to Hawaii. He was promised there would be a position for him in the engineering department at the University when he got back.
In Beachheads, Dad stated: “We had been called to teach in the LDS Hawaiian Religious Education program. Shortly after our call, which was to have begun at the end of the ’46-’47 school year, we learned that we were to be blessed with our first child. We sought out Elder Harold B. Lee, of the Council of the Twelve, for direction. He suggested that we proceed with our mission and begin our service earlier than planned. At the time, I was on the faculty at the University of Utah, and so, with Elder Lee’s blessing, we left for Hawaii in April 1947, after the end of the winter quarter.” Beachheads, p. 6.
In his Mother’s Day Tribute, Dad stated the following: “We had received our mission call to Hawaii in December, and then discovered that Marg was pregnant…We made an appointment to see Elder Harold B. Lee of the Quorum of Twelve to get direction…After hearing of our plight, he suggested that we proceed with our plan and have our baby in the mission field. The implications of this were very sobering…”
Mom says they were set apart as missionaries even though they were sent to work in the Religious Education program, which was one hour of released time for religious instruction for school children of all ages. They had about three days of preparation in Salt Lake before leaving for their mission.
[8] German E. Ellsworth was the father of Dr. Homer Ellsworth, who delivered the last five of Mom’s children (Wendy, Bob, Merilee, Chris and Matt). “He told us that we would likely be separated and assigned to separate companions once we arrived in Hawaii. [A married couple that later came into the mission, the Ellis’s, were assigned to separate islands, he to Molokai and she to Maui (see entries for December 4 and 24, 1947).] He was understanding and supportive, but this left us on edge. This was compounded when we found that we were assigned to separate staterooms on board ship. Marg…let it be known that these travel arrangements were unacceptable to her. [She was fearful of being seasick, because of her pregnancy, in a stateroom with two other strangers.] We were ultimately united in a stateroom of our own. There was a telephone strike and we were unable to call home. We wavered, and had we been able to call for help and sympathy, we may have succumbed to pressure and given up. We both grew up at that moment, and we proceeded to embark upon an adventure that would change our lives.” Mother’s Day Tribute.
[9] The Central Pacific Mission was headquartered in Honolulu and had previously been called the Japanese Mission in Hawaii. President Heber J. Grant was one of the missionaries who opened Japan to proselyting in 1901. In the next 23 years, only 176 baptisms had been performed in Japan when the Oriental Exclusion Law was passed and relations between the United States and Japan were strained and the LDS Church pulled all of the missionaries out of Japan. When President Grant organized the Oahu Stake in Honolulu on June 30, 1935, the first stake to be organized outside of continental North America, he was introduced to nine Hawaii Japanese, or Americans of Japanese Ancestry (AJAs) as they were called, who were baptized members of the Church the day before. Pres. Grant confirmed each of these nine AJAs as members of the Church. He was a guest of Japanese members in Laie and Honolulu and attended ethnic Sabbath schools in Honolulu in both Japanese and Chinese. While in the islands, Pres. Grant talked with Castle Murphy, then the Mission President, about reopening the Japanese Mission in Hawaii. The idea was that Hawaii was the most favorable place for the Church to make its next effort to preach the gospel to the Japanese people and that a strong colony of Japanese Saints in Hawaii could operate from there into their homeland in a way that might bring many Japanese to a knowledge of Christianity and the restored Gospel. In February 1947, Hilton A. Robertson arrived in Honolulu as the first president of the Japanese Mission in Hawaii. Elders and Sisters in the mission were encouraged to learn Japanese, but it was almost unnecessary as most of the converts were young Japanese who spoke English. As the missionary force increased, it became necessary to coordinate the work of the Japanese Mission, the Hawaiian Mission and the Oahu Stake, to avoid duplication and interference. When elders of the Hawaiian Mission contacted AJAs interested in the Church, they transferred the teaching over to the Japanese Mission and vice versa. When Edward L. Clissold was named mission president in 1942, he changed the name of the mission to the Central Pacific Mission as the term “Japanese” was held in derision following the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. In 1947, the CPM had 66 missionaries and 15 baptisms. In 1948, 89 missionaries and 52 baptisms, and in 1949, the CPM had 77 missionaries and 67 baptisms. In 1948, Edward L. Clissold went to Japan to reopen missionary work there and on April 1, 1950, the Central Pacific Mission and Hawaiian Mission were merged into one mission, the Hawaii Mission. Britsch, R. Lanier, Moramona: The Mormons in Hawaii, Laie: The Institute for Polynesian Studies, 1989 (hereafter “Moramona”), pp. 154-165.
[10] George Quayle Cannon was Dad’s first cousin, one of 7 children of his Uncle William Tenney Cannon (who recommended Mom and Dad for the mission and who helped Grandfather Cannon get started in Salt Lake Stamp Co.). He was a descendant of Eliza Tenney, the third wife of George Q. Cannon, and was one of Dad’s closest cousins (most other cousins were descended through one of the other wives of George Q. Cannon). George Q. was age 38 at the time and had three children, Mary, Vance and George Quayle Cannon III. Vance, who was just 8 years old at this time, later was our Bishop in the Lanakila Ward in Honolulu when Dad went back as Mission President in 1975. He interviewed me for the Melchizedek Priesthood and I hometaught with him. See a later reference to Vance on October 30, 1948.
[11] Chauncey Llewellyn Cannon was another of Dad’s first cousins, one of 2 children of his Uncle Read Tenney Cannon. He was also a descendant of Eliza Tenney, the third wife of George Q. Cannon, and another of Dad’s closest cousins. Eliza only had three children: Read, William and Edwin, Dad’s father. Therefore, at this time, there were three grandchildren of Eliza, one from each of her sons, all living in the Hawaiian Islands. Chauncey was age 43 at the time. I met Chauncey when Dad went back as Mission President. My journal entry for March 7, 1976 states: “The family took a trip over to see Chauncey and Florence Cannon. He needs to go into a nursing home so they will probably move to Boulder, Colo. and stay with their daughter…After looking at Chauncey, I also got the urge to force myself into physical shape, so that I can avoid disabling influences and be more fit to ward off illness. I don’t ever want my wife to have to take care of me.”
[12] There is an autobiography by Castle Murphy titled: Castle of Zion, Hawaii: Autobiography and Episodes From the Life of Castle Murphy, Missionary to Hawaii (Deseret Book, 1963) Pres. Murphy served as mission president in Hawaii from 1931 to 1936 and 1944 to 1947. In 1944, Pres. Murphy also served as president of the Central Pacific Mission (until Pres. Weenig was called in 1946) and of the Hawaii Temple. Mormamona, pp. 160, 201-202.
[13] The home in Waihee had three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen and a bathroom. They shared it with another missionary couple and a set of Sister missionaries. Mom says they had plenty of privacy.
[14] Donald E. Bennett of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (see names and addresses in Journal 2).
[15] Mom says that Sister Verna Murphy was very quiet and quite obese. She probably weighed more than 300 pounds.
[16] Before going to Hawaii, Mom and Dad visited Marsden Durham’s mother. Dad was a good friend of Marsden’s brother, Wayne. She told them that Marsden, while a chaplain, visited Akaka Falls and stepped over the guardrail to get a closer picture of the falls. He slipped and fell to his death. His mother mourned terribly and eventually Marsden appeared to her and told her to quit mourning. He said he was happy, busy, and where he needed to be. His mother asked Mom and Dad to take a picture of Akaka Falls for her, which they did.
[17] The Cheneys were another couple in the Released Time program. They had a 2 1/2 year old daughter with them. When Dad went out doing proselyting, Mom rarely went with him, except for an occasional cottage meeting in the evening. It was felt to be inappropriate for a pregnant woman to be doing that kind of work. Dad usually went with someone else in the office. The missionaries at this time did go about in pairs, and couples usually worked together. The missionaries had to wear straw hats, white shirts, ties and coats. They could go swimming and they could see movies, although the movies then were the equivalent of a “G” rating. Mom does not remember any type of “discussions” or tracts. They learned the gospel and taught as they thought best.
[18] Dad told me that because of his training at Harvard, in the Navy Supply School, President Murphy assigned him to be Mission Secretary and Mom continued to teach in the Religious Instruction Program. In Beachheads (p. 6) he indicates they were doing “religious education in the elementary schools in Wailuku and other nearby towns” and “used materials that were prepared by Brother Frank McGhie’s LDS Hawaiian Religious Education office in Honolulu. [Mom also prepared some visual aids and other activity type material.] This lasted until school ended in early June, and the program was then discontinued because of decisions outlawing religious instruction in public educational facilities.” See the entry for May 16, 1947 where there were 15 to 20 children ranging in age from 6 to 15. Mom does not recall teaching (although entries for May 16, 1947 and June 3, 1947 appear otherwise, and other entries show they attended schools, but make no allusion to teaching [see June 3, August 27, August 29, October 4, November 30, 1947; and February 1, March 5, April 27, April 29, May 6, May 13, May 27, May 31, June 3, and June 9, 1948]). Entries for October 3 and November 30, 1947 mention Frank McGhie. Mom recalls mainly preparing materials for use in instruction by others. When the U.S. Supreme Court issued the ruling forbidding prayer in schools, the Religious Education program was abolished (see entry for April 27, 1948) and Mom and Dad were pulled into the regular proselyting mission.
[19] The home in Wailuku was more of a shack and was on the same grounds as the Mission Home and the Mission Office (three buildings in all). They could see daylight underneath the doors and there were cracks between the wall boards. These allowed ready access to spiders and cockroaches. Other office missionaries lived nearby, but Mom and Dad lived alone. Their bedroom was barely large enough to fit a bed. They had a small kitchen with a sink, refrigerator, and a counter with cupboards above and below, enclosed by fabric instead of doors. There was a large avocado tree in the backyard. Dad loved avocados.
Of this home, Dad said: “We lived in a home adjacent to the Maui County Courthouse and offices. The Maui County Office building had been built on the site where Judge Jonatana Napela had lived with his family when he befriended one of the first missionaries to Hawaii, Elder George Q. Cannon, my grandfather. Elder Cannon later translated the Book of Mormon into Hawaiian with the assistance of Brother Napela. We sensed a special aura connected with this location…” Beachheads, p. 7.
“Marg was a picture of faith as we survived some unusual housing arrangements and changes in our missionary assignment. Her only complaints came from coping with the bug-life. During her pregnancy, she suffered through warm weather with no air conditioning other than a hand held fan. I can see her even now with her hair braided and tied on top of her head to keep it off her neck and shoulders, with maternity dress covering a bulging abdomen, perspiring and fanning herself. But, I do not recall her ever complaining about her physical discomfort of that ordeal.” Mother’s Day Tribute.
In a letter to the family, dated March 31, 2001, Mom stated the following: “…most of you know how I am about spiders. I can’t even touch a picture of one. I like to blame my twin brother, Maynard. When we were in the fourth grade, he put a daddy-long-legs down the neck of my dress. Even now I shudder thinking about it’s creepy legs struggling against my skin. The ultimate challenge came on our first mission to Hawaii. We were living in a small frame house with a few spaces between the boards, and larger spaces under both doors where uninvited creatures crept in at all hours -- cockroaches, geckos (small lizards which I loved) and yes, cane spiders. These were as large as an adult hand with fingers spread apart. Not hairy like tarantulas. Their bodies were smaller and their legs were smooth. They were very fast-moving and liked to hide. When we came home after dark Bill had to search the place before I would come in. Once, when I had to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, I pulled the string on the ceiling light to turn it off before crawling into bed. I know it had to be Father in Heaven who had me take a closer look (I was close to calling it quits and going home to mother). There in the bed, smack in my body-spot, was a huge one. I’d have joined him if I hadn’t taken that second glance. Of course, I screamed, and scared the spider as well as Bill. I insisted that we find him, wherever he went, but we never did. Give me a star for courage. I slept in that bed all night. I won’t go into detail about the one I discovered on the inside of the sink as I leaned over to get a drink, or the one that was hiding in our curtained dish cupboard, or the ones that Bill captured in a quart bottle with their legs touching top and bottom and the sides. Nor will I detail the flying cockroaches that were from 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, or the time that I laid Michael on our dim-lit bed and saw a scorpion scoot away. I endured the first three months before I decided I could stay.”
[20] In July 1989, a talk was given by Glorian Akau titled: “The Maui Mo’ikeha and Extended family: Direct Lineages” at a meeting held at the Kahului Stake Center (found on the internet at www.nanilaie.com/MPHS/Proceedings/Akau89.htm). The article goes into some detail on the posterity of James and Annie Moikeha who lived in Wailuku, Maui. It shares a letter written by Castle H. Murphy to the Church News about his call of eight members of the Moikeha family to part-time missions on February 19, 1945. This was following the bombing of Pearl Harbor and a resultant reduction in the missionary force in the Hawaiian Islands to eight missionaries. Dad’s journal references the Moikeha family many times and specifically references Annie (December 2, 1948); Daniel (September 10, 1947 and January 1 and March 9, 1948); Solomon (May 5, May 11, May 26 and July 11, 1947 and February 2, April 16, October 23, November 30 and December 1, 1948); Jubilee (December 7, 1947 and February 25, 1949); and Amy (February 28 and April 15 and December 9, 1948).
In Beachheads, Dad points out how James Moikeha was instrumental in getting the gospel introduced on the island of Palau in Micronesia: “I met James Moikeha while he was flying to Saipan and learned that he was manager of the Continental Hotel on Palau. This was the entrée I had been praying for as I sought a key to opening Palau…I felt very close to his family in Maui, Hawaii, because of having been associated with them on our first mission. Jimmy was a very talented and appealing teenager then. I sensed that he had not been active in the Church in recent years, but I asked if he would assist in getting missionaries established on Palau, and he readily agreed to this…(pp. 86-87). On February 17, 1986, Mom received a letter from Nona Dyer, a daughter of LeGrande Richards and a neighbor and member of their ward, postmarked in Kwajalein. It stated: “Do you remember a Jimmy Moikeha from Hawaii? He said he knew you from your days as Hawaiian missionaries; he was a teenager then. He said he saw you again when you were back as mission presidents, on Saipan or somewhere like that. I guess he wasn’t active then, and you or Bill asked him to do something for the church. He said he did, and he’s been active ever since. Now he’s on Truk, the (very successful) manager of the Truk Continental and the mainstay of the Church there (he’s actually the district clerk), one of the most respected members of the Truk community and a devoted Church member. We were there for a district conference and heard Jimmy talk on the theme ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.’ It was very moving to see such a good man who really isn’t ashamed, and to recognize just how important to the Church on Truk it is that he is now.” (p. 150)
[21] Thursday was May 15, 1947 and Edith Luella Wareing Cannon was born May 15, 1888.
[22] See entries for July 24, 1947 and March 15, 1948.
[23] Afoon lived across the street from the Mission Home in Wailuku. The home was quite nice for the islands at that time. She often boarded visiting general authorities and had a massive four poster bed, made of koa wood, that had been slept in by various Presidents of the Church and general authorities. Her husband was dead and she would take charge and order other people around to get things done. Dinners at her home were often picnic (or potluck) style with other people bringing in the food. Her daughters were also good cooks. Afoon later visited Mom and Dad several times in Salt Lake. I met Afoon on July 23, 1975, while an 18 year old in Hawaii. My journal reads: “Mom woke me up at 8:30 to drive Afoon to get some I.D. I drove her clear past Farrington High School past some Bishop Museum. We found out the place was by Iolani Palace. She couldn’t even remember her father’s name. She had to get a birth certificate. We were there till 12:30. Finally we got out of there. I was pretty P.O’D. She is the most scatter brained, loud mouthed, talkative person I have ever met.” In a letter to Spencer Kamauoha, dated October 13, 1997, Dad responded to a request for his written recollections of the “bed of the apostles.” Mom and Dad slept in it at least once, Tutu at least once, and Grandmother and Grandfather Cannon slept in it a couple of nights in March of 1948. He then shared the following story: “I remember one specific incident when I stayed with Afoon when traveling alone as a counselor to E. Wesley Smith, President of the Hawaii Mission. This was after the mission office was moved to Honolulu and I was in Wailuku on a matter of business, for one day. I stayed with Afoon the one night. As I was getting ready for bed, she asked that I get in my pajamas and come out of the bedroom into another room and have an icecream sundae with her and Ululani. I had to tell her that I didn’t have any pajamas, just my underwear. I therefore put on my trousers and came out in stocking feet. The date of this incident was in approximately February of 1949. This was a defining moment in my travel and as a result, have never gone without pajamas whenever there was a chance I would be a guest in the home of a patron.”
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ReplyDeleteYour mother was beyond amazing. This account increases my already vast love and respect for her.
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