The Biography of John William Hart prepared by Veda Hart Mattice and Katheryn Hart Conger June 1 954 His Patriarchal Blessing

The Biography of John William Hart prepared by Veda Hart Mattice and Katheryn Hart Conger June 1954 His Patriarchal Blessing

A blessing given by Jas. J. Chandler patriarch in the Rigby Stake of Zion upon the head of John William Hart, son of John 1. Hart and Martha Barton, born at Ogden, Utah November 14, 1 866. Given at Rigby, Idaho March 7, 1920.

Brother John W. Hart, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, as His servant, called to the patriarchal office and blessed with the holy priesthood, by your request, I place my hands upon your head and confer upon you a patriarchal blessing.

Dear brother, the Lord has had His eye over you during your lifetime up to the present. He has enabled you to overcome the obstacles in your pathway and confound your enemies. To Him are the glory and the honor, for He magnifies His children and exalteth them who put their trust in Him. You have been greatly blessed in receiving the blessings of the holy priesthood and in the various callings unto which you have been called and in as much as you will be humble and seek the Lord in prayer He will continue to bless you. You shall have the privilege, as you have had, of bearing your testimony before the great men of the earth and while some may scorn and ridicule the same, many shall be impressed thereby and shall honor you for that testimony and in the great hereafter shall seek you and inquire what can be done for them. By living a consistent life you shall not only make an impression on others, but your family shall observe your steadfastness and your integrity and it shall be an incentive to them that they shall seek after the God of their father and shall lay aside the things of the world for the more precious treasures that are laid up in Heaven. In this way, your children and your children's children shall rise up and honor you and shall declare the truths that they have received from your lips until your testimony shall spread far and wide and those who are the happy recipients of the gospel shall, thereby, revere your name and bless you in time and in eternity.

You are a descendant of Joseph, the son of Jacob, and have a right to all the blessings and privileges connected with the restoration of the gospel in these the last days and, through faithfulness, when He reigns, whose right it is to reign, you shall obtain an inheritance in this great land, the land of Joseph that shall be eternal. Because of your faith and your devotion to the service of God you shall have the privilege of assisting in building up Zion even in the place where God has designated that Zion shall be established, in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times. You shall counsel with your brethren and shall receive counsel from them and in turn your counsel shall be sought by many, so that unto your kingdom and dominion there shall be no end.

By the power of the holy priesthood and by virtue of my office, I seal this blessing upon you and seal you up against the power of the adversary who would fain lead you away and destroy you, but so long as you seek the Lord with full purpose of heart, he shall obtain no power over you but you shall obtain a place in the celestial kingdom of our God, shall have a part in the first resurrection, shall join in doing the work of the Redeemer that pertaineth to the exaltation of man, and honor, power, glory and dominion shall be yours forever and ever. These blessings, in all humility I seal upon you in the name of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, Amen. (Signed) James J. Chandler

BIOGRAPHY OF JOHN WILLIAM HART

Few people in the State of Idaho have contributed more to its growth and development than John William Hart. From 1 895, when he first settled in the young State, till his death forty years later, he consecrated his life to the up building of the State of Idaho and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is important that we record the deeds of such an influential man, that his posterity may know of his good works and emulate him.

This biography is the result of the combined efforts of the sons and daughters of John W. Hart. Others who kindly assisted us were: Dr. M.D. Beal, Idaho State Historian; Mr. Lynn Crandall, Snake River Water master; The History of Idaho for 1 920; comments from various other interested friends; and his own autobiographical sketch.

The ancestry of John W. Hart consisted of the sturdy, hardworking, and middle-class type of English people. His grandfather, Isaac Hart, born in Devonshire, England, was a blacksmith by trade and later became foreman of the city's works. His grandmother, also English born, was a lady's Maid to a Mrs. Pinchard. Isaac did not join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints, but his wife was converted to the Gospel and baptized by their son, John Isaac, who emigrated to America in 1 853. John Isaac lived in Ogden, Utah where he engaged in farming and entered the ranks of polygamy by marrying six wives over a period of forty years. To his third wife, Martha Barton, who was also a convert from England, was born a son on November 14, 1866, whom they named John William and who was destined to become one of the great leaders of that time. He had two brothers--Walter and Abraham, and a sister--Ann. When John was four years old his father went on one of his many missions to England, and one of his converts, Sister Long of Newcastle, sent the little boy a gold watch. This little family unit remained in Ogden for several years, and John’s schooling commenced there.

A few years later the family moved to West Weber where they shared a house with another of John Isaac's wives--Sarah Ann Clayton. Each family had its own two rooms and shared the kitchen which they called the II polygamy kitchen." John's mother took in washings and helped Aunt Sarah Ann Stretch curtains long hours each day for a living. In this way these women supported their families and their husband while he filled five different missions to England. Their curtains came from all the big hotels in Ogden and Salt Lake, as well as the homes of the Apostles and other prominent Utah people. These two wives gained quite a reputation for their fine work and were kept so busy that John's mother sent him to live with the more prosperous second wife, Sarah, who lived in Ogden. Being well educated she gave John much of his early training and readily recognized that he was a potential leader. She taught him to play the organ, and he used to play and sing at the same time such tunes as the "U and I Waltz" and "Where, Oh Where, Has My Little Dog Gone?"

He grew to be a tall slender young man. At the age of eighteen his hair turned snowy white, and it remained thick and beautiful throughout his life--it was one of his most distinguishing characteristics. He was very athletic, very friendly, and possessed a winning personality. During his school days his closest friend was Ammon "Sonny" Green who later became a schoolteacher. These boys went to Weber High School together and "batched it"--their food consisting mainly of corn bread, sorghum, and dried apples without sugar, all of which they brought from home. John claimed that all the money he had during his freshman year was ninety cents, which led him to jokingly in later years when his own children who were away at school wrote for money--"I don't know why these children need so much money for school these days. All I had for my nine months of high school was ninety cents, and I got along all right." They had to work for their room, and it was here that he learned to play the "coronet’ which was purchased by some of the "Aunties" (his father's wives) who pooled their meager funds to make the purchase. He had a fancy blue uniform with gold braid and a high hat with a long white tassel--the band rode in a wagon whenever they performed. All the "Aunties" doted on "Johnnie" because he seemed so brilliant and full of possibilities, and he enjoyed this favored position. His education ended after this first year in high school.

In his early adolescence John was attracted to a beautiful, brown- eyed girl in West Weber who lived on a neighboring farm. Her name was Elizabeth Jane Hogge, daughter of Charles Hogge and Ann Stanger Hogge. Often he would call by for her on his horse and take her to choir practice. In the next few years their friendship deepened, and fortunately he gained favor with her parents and was thereby allowed to take her to church or an occasional dance or party. They told of going to dances in their bare feet. Lacking money for a dance ticket, he would often take vegetables, poultry, or other produce to gain admission; and they would spend the evening dancing the Schottische, Quadrille, Virginia Reel, and Waltz to the music of a fiddle. Often they went to house parties and played "Nosey" or 'Dominoes."

At the age of nineteen John was called on a mission to the Southern States. He and Elizabeth were very fond of each other, and they wondered whether or not to marry before his mission. His parents urged them to marry, but Elizabeth was working in Hooper for a Stanger family and was reluctant to give up her job and be married at such an early age, only to be left alone during his mission. The two of them met with his father, John Isaac Hart who was then Bishop of their ward, and he advised them to be married before the mission. Mother thought it her duty to do as he said, and so it was that Elizabeth, not yet 1 8, consented to be the bride of John, not yet 20. They selected December 2, 1 885, as their marriage date, with the Logan Endowment House (later known as the Logan Temple) to be their place of marriage. Here they were sealed "For time and all eternity,” with M.M. Merrill performing the ceremony. Both of these young people were grateful for the privilege of being married in the Temple of God, and throughout their lives they cherished the blessings they received because of it. Henceforth, in this history, we shall speak of them as "Father" and "Mother." They realized one of their greatest desires when they lived to see all their children go through the Temple and receive their endowments. They could ask for no greater blessing.

Soon after their marriage Father prepared to leave for his mission. A farewell party was given for him by West Weber Ward on the night of January 20, 1886, and the Ogden Herald printed the following article about it--"On this night the people met in the school house about 5 p.m., and over 200 sat around the tables to a picnic supper. After the tables were cleared away song, recitations, and speeches were delivered. Bro. Hart was then presented with a purse of over $80.00. This was followed by a dance. A few nights later a concert was given for his benefit by the Amateur Dramatic Association, and $18.00 was collected for him. The total that he will receive will be $105.00. Allow me through the Herald to thank the people in his behalf for their liberality. May God bless him and preserve him that he may return home to his family in peace--not only him but all who go on the same errand, is the wish of the Ogden Herald." A private family party was also given for him. He kept a day-by-day diary of his first year in the mission field. This is the opening statement, dated January 16, 1886, West Weber--"My wife and I went to Ogden and had our picture taken. Bought some of my books for the Southern States Mission."

On the morning of January 26, 1886, just seven weeks after his marriage, he left by train for his mission, in company with eight other Elders. He arrived in Florence, Tennessee, five days later. His cousin, George W. Stanger, was his first companion. They held many meetings in people’s homes, always stayed with the Saints, sang hymns each night before retiring. He walked many miles each day and often had to half-sole his shoes or buy new ones, which cost $1.50. His shoe size was 8 or 9. His wife and many of his relatives wrote him often and sent him money, which he lent freely to the other missionaries in addition to caring for his own needs. He and his companion often went into the woods to pray in peace and solitude, following the example of the Savior and Joseph Smith. Just seven months after his mission began he performed several baptisms, which he continued to do throughout his mission. Occasionally he and his companion were threatened by a mob but nothing materialized This clipping from a paper published at that time in Athens, Alabama, showed the sentiment of many people toward the missionaries--"We hear some parties have been returned to the grand jury for threatening to mob the Mormon preachers over Elk River. We only wish they had mobbed them for if their is a stain on our country it is in permitting g such creatures to remain within its borders. We say mob them and mob them quickly and if you are jailed for it, the new jail will fall a prey to an infuriated community and it would be broken upon and you will be turned loose. A shame it is and will be upon us until they are driven out, hung, or drowned in the waters of Elk River. Editor Robert Rawls."

Father wrote many letters and anticipated those from home. Late October he records in his diary--"I received a letter from my wife's sister stating that my wife had a baby boy, and she gave me a description of him and sent some of his hair. I was glad to hear such cheering news. I went to bed feeling very proud over my son." He records this interesting menu for his first Christmas dinner away from home--"Roast goose, boiled ham, pickled onions, beets, cucumbers, butter, carrots, turnips, molasses, biscuits, sweet potatoes, fruit cake, apples, cornbread. Refreshments later in the day consisted of soda, sugar and water."

In June of 1 887 he was honorably released from his mission, and he returned to his wife and son in West Weber. He built a small brick house of his family, and gave his wife an organ for a wedding anniversary present. She sewed rags and had a carpet made from them on a loom in Ogden. Other furniture included a center table, and a mahogany bedstead. The children slept on the floor on straw ticks. In the kitchen were a table, a few chairs, and a small stove. Mother knitted the curtains for the windows. Father bought some cows and built a fence around their farm out of willows wound in and out of posts standing close together. To supplement his income he herded sheep and sheared them in the spring. Soon he had enough money to buy a fine new buggy, and the envy of all West Weber. It was taken from him, though, when the barn where it was sheltered caught fire and burned to the ground. It was the duty of mother and the children to milk the cows and make the butter. In the seven years they lived in Utah after his mission, Father was a Ward Teacher, President of the Y.M.M.I.A. Secretary to the Elder's Quorum and Ward Clerk.

Several of their friends had moved to Idaho and sent back enthusiastic reports about the possibilities of this new territory. They idea of a similar move appealed to Father and Mother. So, in April of 189S, they and their five children started out for Idaho in a covered wagon, which contained all their belongings. They took a cow along which furnished milk for morning and evening meals. After many days’ traveling they reached Menan, Idaho, a small settlement, which was to be their future home. Father arranged to buy a farm, and he moved his family into a poorly built house, which sheltered them for two years. Being extremely ambitious and anxious to get ahead Father worked long hours to support his family and accumulate enough money to make a down-payment on a choice farm of 160 acres in west Menan. He had to borrow the remaining $4500 to pay for it. Here, in 1898, they built a fine new home and began acquiring some much-needed equipment. Father gradually assumed the role of leadership in the Church, where he worked two years as Sunday School Superintendent. In 1899 he was ordained a High Priest and set apart as Bishop of Menan Ward, which position he held for ten years. The next two years he was a member of the High Council of Rigby Stake. Then in February of 1912 he was set apart as President of Rigby Stake, where he served diligently and faithfully the remaining years of his life. He became a community leader at this same time, and had to be away from home much of the time. He leaned heavily on his wife and sons to run the farm in his absence.

The turn of the century, 1 900, saw the Hart Family becoming well established, and for the first time, finding security and hope for a better future. The children now numbered eight. Father had become an executive in the Woods Live Stock Company, one of the largest farming and livestock concerns in the West. He became intimately acquainted with the founders, Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Wood--who were wealthy influential people and who had great respect for him. His work consisted of inspecting farms, buying and selling sheep and cattle, measuring hay. He commented that in one year the company paid out to farmers around $70,000 for hay, which sold for $7.00 a ton. Soon he was able to pay off the mortgage on his own farm, and more land was then purchased. Though his business interests widened in later years, he always listed "agriculture and livestock" as his life's occupation, the one in which he felt most secure.

As his church responsibilities grew and his financial interests increased he and Mother decided it would be wise to leave the farm and move to nearby Rigby where they could be closer to these interests. Early in 1 91 7 they made this move, first renting a house from George A. Cordon until their elegant new home was completed the following year. Many of their children were now married and had homes of their own.

In the year 1 91 2 Father began his colorful venture in banking. The following detailed account is given by one of his sons who were closely associated with him in this experience. Father and other local men including R. H. Smith, F.B. Ellsworth, Josiah and Cyril Call, John Pingree, and M. S. Browning, bought the already existing Rigby State Bank. Father was made vice-president, and in a few years became president. The bank was changed to a National Bank under the name of First National Bank of Rigby. Under the new management it showed a steady and substantial growth, and in due course a new two-story building was constructed on a corner location--it had a white terra cotta exterior and was the finest business building in Jefferson County and the leading bank.

Following the termination of World War 1, in 1 91 8, an economic depression engulfed the nation, and many business including banks of the country closed. In the face of this depression the First National absorbed a rural bank in Menan and the Anderson Brother's Bank in Rigby, so that the depositors would be protected from any loss. The bank--now 3 in I -- was doing nicely under its larger volume of business and heavy responsibility. Everywhere banks continued to close, and the only competing bank in Rigby--the Jefferson County National--found itself in trouble. It had reached a point where it could not collect enough of its loans to pay the customers' checks and was thus facing receivership Its officers urged Father to absorb their bank, too, in order to avoid its closing. This was a most serious moment for all concerned. If this bank did close, it would cast a feeling of fear over the country and could well cause the First National depositors to rush to its counters and withdraw their deposits. Since banks were not then insured, this would have been a disaster. The officers of the closing bank assured Father and his board they would support the National Bank in every possible way if it would protect them. Bank examiners pointed out the grave danger to friends advised against the merger. The moment for a most important decision was here--should they reject the merger and run the risk of a "run" on their own bank, which might be sufficient to close it, or should they take over the failing bank’s assets and assume its deposits and other debts and get in and work it out as they had done with two others, thereby saving the depositors a loss and an economic disturbance to all business in the county? Father, who had the utmost confidence in his ability to surmount any and every obstacle, favored the merger and said further, "I am President of this stake and Josiah Call is a counselor Many of our saints, some of them being widows, would suffer if that bank should close. It is our moral duty to take it over and very likely avert a disaster to the community."

The decision was now made to take over the Jefferson County Bank, which event occurred in the spring of 1923. All went pretty well for a few months. Then in the fall a noticeable number of depositors (principally from the absorbed bank) closed out their checking accounts. A whispering campaign was developing that the First National Bank was unsafe and about to close. People would not come in and ask about it, but a regular transfer of accounts by check to banks in Idaho Falls continued. It soon developed into a quiet but persistent run, getting heavier each day. Cash reserves began to shrink rapidly. Father was in the hospital in Idaho Falls, suffering from an automobile accident. The Cashier was sent to Salt Lake to negotiate further loans from banks there to help avoid a crisis. During those conferences a telephone call came from Father advising against any further loans and telling the Cashier to return home, that a Board meeting was being held in his room in the hospital. He also said, "Matters at our Rigby bank are worse, and in the interest of the loyal depositors we have concluded it best to close the bank and ask for a receiver. Any further loans would at best be only temporary relief. We have passed the resolution, and the bank will not open tomorrow." This was a courageous step but a severe shock to everyone. On the bank door next morning was the sign, "Closed for Liquidation." The hearts of the officers and employees were low indeed as they had done all in their power to save the bank, but the withdrawal of deposits had been too great a handicap to overcome, plus the extreme indebtedness they assumed from the Jefferson County Bank.

H.G. Fuller, a real estate and insurance man of Ashton, was appointed receiver. A very poor job of liquidation followed, much good paper was liberally compromised, and the depositors realized only 80 cents on the dollar, even after the stock holders' lost their stock and paid 100% assessment which was required under National Bank law. Father suffered the greatest financial loss. He had guaranteed the bank's note for $50,000, and his stock assessment was $I 9,000. He agreed to deed the bank all his real estate, consisting of three farms, to be divided 2/7 to the Receiver and 5/7 to the Federal Reserve Board. Those concerned agreed that the deeds to the land would fully satisfy the debt, so Father and Mother received a release of any judgment and a receipt for full payment of his obligations. Such agreement and release are among his personal papers. Though some special audits were made, no irregularities were ever found, and Father continued to live in Rigby until his death. He held his head up as always, was friendly and looked each one squarely in the eye, knowing in his heart he had served, even as the leading town banker, in the interest of his people as had always been the case, ecclesiastically and politically. The liquidation was completed, and there was no evidence whatever of any unethical or illegal transactions. It was a tragedy of the times that there was no federal protection to banks throughout America, and that was the chief reason why the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was eventually instituted--to protect our banking system. Though Father was now stripped of his life's earnings, he wasn't one to sit by and moan over his loss. He set about at once to find new employment and make a fresh beginning. Because of this experience, he always bore strong testimony to the principle of tithing, which he always had observed. He knew that because of it he was spared his health and his ability to get out once again and earn a living to support the remainder of his large family.

In addition to his banking venture, Father had other business activities through the years which include--Vice President of C.A. Smith Mercantile Company of Menan; President of the City Pharmacy of Rigby; President of the hart-Ellsworth Automobile Company of Rigby and Rexburg, and later a director of the Smith-Hart Automobile Company of Idaho Falls; President of Snake River Dairy Products Company; General Superintendent of the Woods Live Stock Company of Jefferson and Clark counties; personal adviser to tand general manager of the Hansen Meat Packing Company of Butte, Montana; Chairman of the "Committee of Nine" which concerned itself with irrigation and reservoirs. Other activities, because of his church position, included being one of the directors of the L.D.S. Hospital in Idaho Falls, a member of the Board of Directors for Ricks College, and a member of the Church Auditing Committee. Because of this latter responsibility his name was always listed with the General Authorities of the Church. For ten years he was a member of the Board of Education for the Idaho Academy at Pocatello, which later became Idaho State College. A Newspaper clipping dated November 20, 1 908, states that "a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Academy of Idaho is being held this afternoon with a full membership present, including State Senator John Hart of Menan."

The following political data takes us into another phase of Father's life. His political activates began in Utah where he served as justice of the Peace. In Idaho he was a member of the Republican National Committee for twelve years, a member of the U.S. Mint Commission for one year, and County Chairman of the Liberty Loan organization during the First World War. In 1 928 he was one of the Presidential Electors, and was a delegate to the State and National Conventions many times. While in the Legislature, he helped create the Southern Branch of the University of Idaho, serving as the Secretary of the Board of that institution for ten years. He was an intimate friend of U.S. Senator William E. Borah and met and conferred with the following U.S. Presidents--Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover. His political achievements were not for selfish or personal interests but demonstrated his implicit love for his fellowman and his interest in their welfare. He served both Democrats and Republicans alike though, of course, he affiliated completely and entirely with the Republican Party. Following is an excerpt taken from the book History of Idaho, 1 920, on the life of Honorable John W. Hart: "For a number of years Mr. hart had taken a very prominent part in the public and political affairs of his state and community. As a staunch Republican he has served for the past seven years as a member of the Republican National Committee. He has twice had the honor of nominating Senator Borah for the U.LS. Senate, and once nominated Senator Heyburn. He was chose to represent his district in the 6th Session of the Lower House of the State Legislature, and on the expiration of his term his constituents were so fully satisfied with the quality of his work that he was chosen to represent his district in the State Senate during the 8th to the 14th Sessions with the exception of the 11th. In 1910 Mr. Hart served as Governor of the State of Idaho for 30 days during the absence of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor." he will long be noted for his brilliant defense of the Mormons when a bill was introduced in the State Senate to disfranchise them. He debated long and ardently especially against Senator DuBois who introduced the bill, until he had won the Senators to his side and the bill was defeated. Thus once again, he championed the cause of Mormonism.

During his lifetime he was active in helping to promote the development of the Upper Snake River Valley, as evidenced by this account given by Lynn Crandall, Snake River Water master. "On January 30, 1 923, a special meeting of the Snake River water users in the area from Ashton to Twin Falls, comprising a million acres of irrigated land, was held at Idaho Falls. The meeting was called by W.G. Swendsen, State Commissioner of Reclamation, for the purpose of considering problems connected with water distribut9ion. The persons present, representing about 60 of the larger canal companies, chose a committee of nine men to represent different sections of the river. This committee selected john W. Hart, one of its members, as chairman and he was unanimously re- elected each year by the water users to that position until his death in 1 936. Both by natural ability and wide experience in the political and business field he had become an able public leader, and under direction the Committee of Nine became a very influential organization on irrigation matters. It was able with Mr. Hart's leadership to develop agreement between the opposing interests on such questions as stored water transmission losses, methods of segregating stored water and natural flow, etc. During his tenure of office the American Falls Reservoir was built, adding twice as much (1,700,00 acre feet) stored water to the Snake River irrigation system as previously existed. The Committee under his direction was successful in working out the details for the sale of this new storage and its transfer under an exchange arrangement for storage in Jackson Lake, so that water users above the American Falls reservoir could use its stored waters through such exchange."

Mr. Crandall continues further, "Dry years of greater intensity than had previously been known appeared on Snake River during the year 1 931 - 1 934, causing many difficulties in the distribution of the scanty water supply, and demonstrating the need for still more stored water. Mr. Hart was successful in 1 932 in enlisting the support of Senator Wm. E. Borah and Elwood Meade, U. S. Commissioner of Reclamation, in starting investigations for a new reservoir on Snake River above Idaho Falls, He worked unceasingly on the promotion of this project during his remaining years, and the fruits of his labors are today apparent in the Palisades Dam, a $76 million project now under construction on the Upper Snake River. During his 1 3 years as Chairman of the Committee of Nine it is indeed a personal tribute to him that no dispute arose among the water users to which he was not able to find a solution within his committee, without resort to litigation between the contending parties. For six years I was in close association with Mr. Hart concerning the numerous details of river operation and the promotion of a new reservoir project on the river. I thus became well acquainted with him and acquired a high regard for his ability, integrity and fearlessness. He was a man who could always be relied upon to do what was fair and right for all, and that fact was mainly responsible for the trust reposed in him by the Snake River water users."

From the historian's point of view, Dr. M.SL. Beal, Professor of History at Idaho State College says of Father, "in the specific field of political affairs John W. Hart would be ranked at the apex. His primary and most exceptional contribution was in politics. His loyalty to the Church cause did not obscure devotion to party, state and nation. He had a capacity to mingle with all kinds of men and develop a more universal viewpoint than most. He could 'burn a little incense' at the fellow's altar, so to say, and thereby get a little support for his own. The result of his leadership in the Republican Party is bearing fruit now as never before."

Throughout his life Father remained firm in his faith and loyal to his Church. People could confide in him with great assurance that he would be true to their trust. Many needy families were given help from his own personal income, but no one else knew about it except the ones involved. The years of World War I were dark and hectic, and yet toward the end of that period Father stimulated and supervised the building of the Rigby Stake Tabernacle, which was completed and dedicated in 1 91 7. It still stands--stately, well planned, spacious--a true monument of his leadership and foresight. In this building and in his home he was host to many of the Church leaders--George A. Smith, Melvin J. Ballard, David 0. McKay, Stephen L. Richards, and Heber J. Grant, President of the Church. It was a familiar scene, during quarterly conference, to see him bring several visiting brethren home for Sunday dinner, talking and gesturing all the way as they walked the short distance between the Tabernacle and home. He was a great conversationalist, and he took advantage of these visits from the General Authorities to hear of their experiences and thus enhance his own testimony. The other members of his family, who listened with interest, were also inspired.

Because of his great interest in young people and their need for education he played a prominent part in the maintenance and development of Ricks College. Though the Church had supported it for many years, the leaders decided in 1933 to discontinue certain of its schools and Ricks was one of them. In order to encourage the State to take over the school, the Church announced the school's closing and appropriated only $10,000 to run it that year. When the State Legislature opened in 1934 Father went to Boise at his own expense and spent many weeks urging that body to take over the school as a state junior college. Because of a rather critical depression the State did not accept the institution. In March of that year Father went to the Church Board of Education and secured another $3,000 to keep the school running till the end of that term. Through his persistent efforts the Church decided to retain it as their one Idaho school. His next concern was to raise the standards of the school so it could become accredited along with the other colleges of the country. Scholastic standards were raised, faculty members were urged to get high degrees, and in 1935 the college became an accredited institution. Father was never satisfied with the mediocre. It was his desire to see the school grow into a major four-year college, which it now is. He urged the faculty members to pay their tithing. He insisted that the school be operated on a firm business bases. Because he was so fond of athletics he was proud of the consistently good basketball teams at Ricks. As President of the Advisory Board for that school he conducted the meeting in his usual dignified way, and he was a positive supporter of all issues for the progress and growth of the school. As one of the faculty members said, "He had the qualities of a great leader-forthright, well- spoken, he stood by his convictions, fearless, sometimes intolerant of other people's viewpoint. He had certain prejudices which were understandable because of the confidence he had in himself and the job he had to do."

Much has been said and written about Father in past years, but one of the most valued 'appraisals' comes from a close friend and educator, M.Dl. Beal, previously mentioned as an authority on Idaho history. He speaks of Father as the "Honorable John W. Hart," a title which was always attached to his name and which he earned through his long years of public service. Dr. Beal further comments, "President Hart was a very vigorous man with much energy disclosed in his gestures, voice, and eyes. With a dynamic personality he made the sparks fly in labors and all kinds of undertakings. Endowed with high intelligence, though limited as to formal education, he developed in the Lincoln tradition. He was able to marshal facts and march them to a logical conclusion. He was a man of great moral strength--direct, firm, consistent, well assured of his worth and the rightness of his position. Balanced and poised, he was able to take triumphs and reverses in normal strides and endure opposition without bitterness. He was an attractive masculine personality, not without grace. No matter what he suffered, his forbearance was as dignified as that of a great Indian chieftain. He possessed the admirable trait of avoiding extremes--He was always in a state of balance and proportion, a man of good will toward others, even his opponents. He worked and fought to enrich the lives of the Mormons and people generally of Idaho. What effort is more worthy than that?"

Over and above all these things Father loved his family. In his Family Record Book he stated that his special interest was 'providing for my family." He took understandable pride in the facet that he and Mother were parents of fourteen children seven girls and seven boys--John William whose wife is Mable Fisher; Elizabeth Ellen, wife of Alvin S. Green; Clarence whose wife is Seretta May Green; Charles Oscar whose wife is Alice Hamblin; Vera Ann who died in 1910; George Leland whose wife is Emily Poole; Martha who died in 1898; Sarah Zella, wife of David H. Manwaring; Veda Luella, wife of Walter A. Mattice; David Francis whose wife is Dale Davis; Cecil Elmo whose wife is Vera Pfost; Baby Hart who died at birth in 1907; Joseph lrel whose wife is Bessie Collins; and Ivy Katheryn, wife of Gene M. Conger. His grandchildren number 48, his great-grandchildren 63, and his great-great grandchildren2. He adored his grandchildren. Each Christmas morning it was his delight to pay them all a visit to see what Santa had brought them, and at the same time sample their candy and nuts. To all of his offspring he set a fine example of hard work combined with devotion to the Gospel. Always he knelt with his family around the table before breakfast and led them in family prayers. He firmly believed there was no substitute for hard work, and he often boasted of the fact that he had never taken a vacation.

At this point we shall record the personal incidents, reminiscences, and memories of his sons and daughters as they reflect on his illustrious life--things that have endeared him to them, lessons he taught them, characteristics he possessed that made him loved and revered by all. Said one son, "One quality I remember about Father was his limitless energy and drive, never tiring nor feeling discouraged. The tast was never too hard for his to tackle. He never thought of quitting, and he guided his life by thought--'It is better to wear out than to rust out.' It was an inspiration to note his ability to mix and mingle with the high and mighty and feel at home in any society. And, conversely, he could and did give listening ear to the plight of the unfortunate. He championed the cause of every worth- while project that affected the lives of his people. Soon after his passing Senator Borah said of him, 'Idaho has lost her leading citizen.' He had implicit faith in God, and the Gospel guided his life to the end.

Tucked in the memories of his oldest daughter was their tedious trek by team and covered wagon from West Weber to Menan, their hardships as pioneers in a new undeveloped country, Father's endless gratitude that they moved to Idaho. There was the time when 'we had the siege of small pox, when Mother lost a baby and nearly lost her own life with the disease, and Father remained brave and cheerful when the rest of us were so sad. He gathered us children around to the back of the house by Mother's bed- room door, and we all sang, "Count Your many Blessings." We wondered what our blessings were at that sorrowful time, but we knew Father was always right. We had perfect confidence in him, and he led us safely through that crisis. No matter how great his trials he held his head up and fought life's battles like a man. To the last he was humble and faithful, and so full of courage, so that the twilight of his life was serene and sweet and worthy to receive an inheritance of celestial glory. My last picture of Father was as he left the back door of his home to go to the garage and get his car, prior to leaving for conference in Salt Lake. He drove the car to the back door, and then walked slowly around the back yard as if he were looking his place over for the last time. Whenever doubts crossed my mind I would go to him, and each time he would point out to me that adversity gives depth and richness to life, that it helps us appreciate the good and gives us faith and courage to grow into the plan God has outlined for us. Too, I shall never forget during his busy years in Menan how he would come home from his many trips by train to Roberts and phone for us to come and meet him. Often it would be in the middle of the night, but some of us would go out and hitch the horse to the buggy and hurriedly go get him through the darkness. No task seemed to big when father asked us to do it. His life was filled with adversity but crowned with success."

From another son comes this physical description--"My memory of Father reveals him as a man of good stature. He stood erect and moved with agility and poise, being about six feet one inch in height, and weighing about 240 pounds, wearing size 1 7 112 shirts. Formerly he had a large bushy mustache, which later became a neatly trimmed one, and he had a head of heavy white hair, which was always well groomed and trimmed. He was a very impressive-looking individual. His wearing apparel consisted of good quality high-top shoes, which he later changed for the oxford type, well-tailored suits of good quality and design, white shirts with detachable collars and highly starched cuffs requiring cuff links, of which he had several pair. He usually wore a vest with a gold chain extending from his gold watch in one pocket to his small knife in the other. Until late in his life his health was excellent. His teeth remained perfect throughout his life, and he didn't need glasses until his last few years. He, of course, had a few minor accidents. When living on the ranch in Menan he rode "Old Mollie" over to the Woods ranch and somehow she threw him to the ground. After settling things with the mare, he led her back to the yard, somewhat upset but not seriously injured. Another time he was driving the Hudson Speedster home from Spencer late at night, failed to negotiate a turn east of Roberts, tore through a fence, causing the car to roll over in the field of the Bitton farm. Father was pinned under the car for several hours, finally freeing himself and walking 21/2 miles to his son's farm where his bruises were soothed. Still later in life he was riding in a car, which turned over on an icy highway and broke several of his ribs, causing him to be hospitalized for some time. Often as he drove his car his mind was preoccupied with other things that seemed more important, so his driving caused his family deep concern, but he was always protected from serious injury.

"I recall how much he liked to read, particularly church publications and the Congressional Record. He would retire early, get a delicious apple when in season, and read well into the night. He was a forceful public speaker as well as an able conversationalist, well posted on current events. Perhaps his most serious error in grammar was the frequent use of 'aint', but his family lovingly laughed about it, and he went right on using it. As to discipline, he was a kind considerate man, but stern. His general demeanor commanded obedience so that, with respect to his family, physical punishment was rare. I recall, however, tussling with a younger brother in the back seat of our new cloth-top Studebaker when one of our arms went through the back rising glass window. Father was on hand and could see it was my fault, so he 'helped' me out of the car and with his foot applied to the seat of my britches every few steps I was propelled to the cellar back of the house and confined there till I had shelled a big wooden bucket full of green peas. He did 'pop' us occasionally for getting a little sassy. As to his self-discipline he was most particular. He always lived what he believed to be the right way. Because truth was so much a part of him, he never feared criticism but always held his head high and looked people squarely in the eyes. Though he traveled thousands of miles his conduct was ever beyond reproach, his was truly the exemplary life. Never did he gossip or say anything derogatory about anyone-in fact, he usually expressed the good he saw in his fellow men.

"Father like pleasantries, enjoyed good jokes and jovial conversations His favorite slang word was 'By jolly'. He even read the comics, his favorite being 'Andy Gump'. He laughed and 'joshed' a lot with his family. He loved to tell this story about two of his sons who resented having to plow with old Nubbins' and who said in a disgusted voice--'This is hot farmin' when we have to use a buggy horse to pull the potato cultivator.' This is a favorite story his family delighted in telling on him. A train he wanted to take to Salt Lake was late, so he called the depot and asked impatiently, 'How's that train coming in from the North?' A temporary employee couldn't resist so calmly replied, 'On the tracks.' He liked good food, too, and enjoyed carving his roasts at the table, recommending rare beef for flavor and the fat on the meat for lubrication. He'd say, 'Your body needs lubricating just like a car does.' Often he made his salad dressing at the table and he liked unusual meats like brains, tripe, and sweet breads, pickled pigs feet. He was very proud of Mother's excellent cooking and never hesitated to bring large groups of people home to her meals.

"He used to preach the gospel to a lot of his acquaintances, but this was always done with politeness and decorum. One sensed immediately his pride in Mormonism. On one occasion when he was in Cleveland, Ohio, to a Republican National convention he arranged to take a party of delegates including Governor Moore of Idaho, out to the Kirtland Temple. Father really had a 'field day' for preaching the gospel that day. Yet he didn't overdo it and everyone seemed enthralled. He visited me several times in the mission field, we had him speak at our conferences and even at a street meeting we held in front of the Post Office at Peru, Indiana. He was a wonderful man, and I was so proud of him."

These things impressed another daughter--"We all valued Father's advice. When we were married he said to my husband-'Now you are going into business you will be serving the public. You may be criticized--some of it just, much of it unjust. The most important thing to remember is -- have you been just, honorable, and honest and do you feel right inside? If so, let the criticism fall from you as water from a duck's back'. His personality was appealing; he kept himself dressed neatly; he walked so straight and with such dignity that everyone looked up to him. His ambition and foresight appealed to me. Because of his public life he was away from home too much and we children missed his companionship, but when he told us to do something we knew he meant what he said. On the occasions when he came to our home for a meal he always went straight to the kitchen and lifted the lid to the roaster to see what kind of meat I was cooking! He was always very fussy about how meat was cooked. In his later years he had more time to enjoy his grandchildren, and he took an active interest in them. Father was never afraid to go out after the thing he thought best for the people, as an exemplified in his fight for Ricks College. He was a fine, honest, honorable man."

Another son reminisces along these lines--"Father exhibited genuine pride in telling new acquaintances about his large family. He was anxious to provide opportunities for his children, which he and mother were never privileged to enjoy. He derived great joy and satisfaction over the slightest accomplishment of one of his children or grandchildren, whether it was on the farm, in school, church, or business. How he loved the letters his children would write while away from home! He was eager to share them with any interested person. As members of the family left home for school, missions, matrimony, or new occupations he would write, 'So you can see we will be lonesome from now on, but we have the satisfaction of knowing we have reared a family of good children, which pays us for all our efforts.’ His letter always made us feel welcome to come home, and when our going was rough he would say, 'You know you can always come home when you cannot do better.' Though he was generous with his family he was firm in his teachings concerning the value of a dollar and how it should be spent. Often when his boys would ask for money to go to the show, he would take great delight in pulling from his pocket the same old button, nail, bolt washer, and foreign coin. He would hold them out in his hand and say, 'Well, there it is, if you can get it out of that you're welcome to it.' Eventually he would find a dollar bill somewhere, but the boys were careful never to ask to go more than once a week. With a keen sense of humor he related with joy his story of the batch of biscuits he baked for some of the boys on the farm while Mother was away and how much they 'enjoyed' them (Actually the biscuits were hard and unpalatable, but the boys were hungry and had so much respect for him they always agreed that the biscuits were fine). Another time when he was alone for a few days he wrote, "I had a good breakfast because I cooked it myself." He loved the radio broadcast of the renowned 'Amos and Andy'. His letters were gems, very brief and to the point, always closed with 'affectionately your Father, John w. Hart.'

"I had the highest admiration for Father because of his outstanding achievements in the Church and public life. In 1 932 while in Washington, D.C. I had the rare privilege of accompanying him to conferences with Senator William E. Borah, several U.S. cabinet members, and President of the United States Herbert Hoover at the White House. Pres. Hoover's secretary had granted Father a ten minute conference, but the President kept him in his office forty minutes. Upon entering Pres. Hoover's office Father was greeted with the broad smile and hearty handshake of a genuine friend. The President made earnest inquiries as to political trends in Idaho and other western states. He listened intently to Father's explanation of conditions in the West and his recommendations with respect to matters, which he believed to be economically and politically expedient at that time. I have listened with pride in recent years to former State Senators who served in the Legislature with Father and described him as a man of outstanding character, courage, and determination, and one of the greatest public leaders Idaho has ever known. Father lived his religion by example. Though he mingled with men from all walks of life as he traveled all over the United States, he made no compromise with the forces of evil. He is not known ever to have betrayed the trust and confidence placed in him by the Authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints."

This tribute come from another daughter who said--"Father had four outstanding characteristics which have remained uppermost in my mind through the years. First, his intense love for his fellow men and his willingness to forgive them and 'turn the other cheek' when they wronged him or ridiculed him. Second, his tender devotion to his family, relatives, friends and their neighbors in times of illness or trouble. Third, his ability to carry his religion, without fear or shame, into business or political circles with him. Fourth, his marvelous strength of character. For this he was admired not only by those close to him in the family, church and business circles, but also by political friends as well. For instance, I heard his intimate and life-long friend, William E. Borah, remark upon one occasion that even though Father mingled with all kinds of people while on his various political missions and gatherings, he had yet the first time to see him (Father) turn his head in the wrong direction. Another remark which made my heart swell with pride was when, in the year 1 929, Senator Borah gave his last political address in the Rigby Stake Tabernacle, in which he said, "John Hart is more responsible than any other man in this country fro my being in the United States Senate.' To know Father was to love him. It was fun being his secretary, even though when I made an error in translating his dictation, he would never fail to tell me to use my head, that was what it was for."

Though he never retired from business Father's later years were spent mostly in an advisory capacity. He had many interests all over Snake River Valley, and his work with Hansen Packing Company sent him to the East and West coasts, as well as well as Hawaii He withdrew from active participation in politics, though he ever remained an ardent supporter of the Republican Party. His church work as President of Rigby Stake consumed the major part of his time. He and Mother found time for more companionship and more trips together, chiefly to see their children and to go to Salt Lake to conference. Mother served as Stake President of the Relief Society for many years, and together they served the people of that area with devotion. Toward her middle sixties Mother showed signs of weariness from her long years of hard work and tireless service, and she suffered a series of heart attacks. Finally, on March 10, 934, she passed away in her home with Father and most of her children at her bedside. Thus ended, temporarily, the partnership of two of the finest people in all the world. Father remained in his home where his children cared for him for the next year. He found joy in his garden, his church, and his grandchildren; but he was lonely and desirous of maintaining his independence,

On one of his trips to Salt Lake he became acquainted with a schoolteacher from Logan, Miss Anna Boss, who was well mannered and we-- educated. During the coming months they corresponded and grew better acquainted. In June of 1 935 they were united in marriage in the Salt Lake Temple and returned to Rigby to live. They continued to have Church visitors in their home and to participate in all church activities. They drove to Salt Lake to conference in April of 1 936 and it was there that Father suffered a heart attack in his room in Hotel Utah and passed away very suddenly on the night of April 5. The entire conference grieved with his family the net day when his death was announced. Funeral services were held in his beloved Rigby Stake Tabernacle on April 9, with the business houses closing in order to pay tribute to a great leader. Hundreds of people attended the services, which were honored with the presence of the President of the Church--Heber J. Grant.

After the funeral his wife returned to Logan to live with her mother. A few months later a son was born to Anna, and she named him John Adolph after his father and grandfather. This little family, consisting of Anna, her mother, and John moved to Provo, Utah, where she became a member of the Brigham Young University faculty and the Relief Society General Board. John has developed into a fine young man, active in church, interested in music and athletics, and an Eagle Scout--a real credit to the Father he has never known.

Briefly follows some quotations from the funeral service held for Father. Attorney Miller, on behalf of the Committee of Nine, said, "Wonderful work was accomplished by this man. Perhaps he has been the most outspoken and outstanding man for reclamation in the State of Idaho." A telegram from Senator Borah--"We are deeply shocked and grieved that our dear friend has passed away. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you all." His counselor and devoted friend, W.W. Selck, said, He was honest to the core. I have never seen a man in my life who could get things done like he could." A close neighbor, George A. Cordon, said, "He always helped spread cheerfulness and good will. Anything a good neighbor could do he has not left undone." Hyrum Manwaring, President of Ricks College, commented, "in him was combined most of the elements that make men truly great. All his effort was spent in working for the higher, nobler things." Heber G. Austin, a close friend, said, "He was always in the lead in worthy causes and the up building of everything good." From his first counselor, Josiah Call, came this tribute, "President Hart is every ounce an honest man." Said Judge 13udge, another close friend, "Monuments that will ever stand are the result of his handiwork." His Bishop, O.S. Cordon, said, "His advice and counsel have always been uplifting." The closing speech by President Heber J. Grant included these tributes-- I had the honor of laying my hands upon his head and setting him apart to preside over this Stake. He was a wonderful president. There are no better men living in Idaho that he was". After the funeral, which was attended by 2,376 people, Father's burial took place alongside Mother in the family plot in Annis, midway between Menan and Rigby, the two towns where he had spent most of his life. These last rites were a glowing tribute to the rich full life of our illustrious Father.

He had made the most of his years on this earth. There was no time wasted. He set big goals for himself and he achieved them. He didn't ask for the easy life--his joy came in conquering the difficult, in making the path brighter for someone else, in defending his religion and sharing it with others. in the eyes of the historian he was "a forceful character, four- square, like a stone pillar, of broad high proportions. There was nothing petty, vindictive, or jealous about his behavior. He was indeed one who became a part of the action and passion of his times."