Sterling B. Talmage Correspondence, 1933-1938

File — Box: 106, Folder: 23

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Series: This section (boxes 16-131) includes documents dating from 1870 to 1953. Correspondence, journals, appointment books, statistics, programs, outlines, directories, reports, bulletins, rosters, notes, insurance policies, and biographical sketches are present The bulk of the correspondence is in boxes 16-17 and 20-72. Similar to boxes 7-13, some correspondence is described in order to present examples of the topics discussed. Some of these topics include George Albert Smith's civic duties, Utah and United States politics, the missionary program, the Quorum of the Twelve, George Albert Smith's health, Joseph Smith Jr., and general affairs of the LDS Church. The correspondence is arranged chronologically and alphabetically. Letterpress books and memorials, prepared at John Henry Smith's death, are located in boxes 18-19 and 33. They have remained in this section due to their connection with George Albert Smith who either compiled or had them in his possession. THE LETTER-PRESS BOOKS IN BOXES 18 AND 33 ARE RESTRICTED DUE TO THEIR FRAGILE NATURE. Microfilm copies are available. Journals and appointment books are located in boxes 73-78 and date from 1890 to 1951. Also included in this section are documents relating to the priesthood, located in box 78, and LDS Church programs, located in boxes 79-99. Materials regarding the priesthoods cover subjects such as African Americans, church courts, civil marriages, the temple, and the Twelve Apostles. These materials are in the form of correspondence, notes, programs, outlines, lists, reports, and announcements. The materials on church programs are similar to those in box 78, but also include meeting minutes, directories, statistics, reports, and writings. Some of these programs include the Mutual Improvement Association, the Sunday School, the welfare program, the missionary program, and the Boy Scouts of America. Smith's personal papers, such as biographical sketches, patriarchal blessings, passports, records of ordinations, genealogical records, legal documents, estate papers, and scrapbooks, are also included in this section, located in boxes 100-131. Boxes 100-104 contain information on George Albert Smith's childhood, his public and church duties, as well as his writings and speeches. Boxes 105-106 hold subject files on the Twelve Apostles, the Book of Mormon, evolution, polygamy, and other subjects. Financial and estate papers are located in boxes 107-118. The estate papers refer not only to George Albert Smith's estate but also to that of Wilford Woodruff, Annie D. Watson, Matilda M. Barrett, John Acomb, and others. Smith's last will and testament is located in box 107, folder 10. Scrapbooks, consisting mostly of information on Smith's activities as president of the LDS Church and his death, are located in boxes 119-131.

Dates

1933-1938

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Some original items have been removed and placed in Reserve. Access must be given by the Manuscripts Curator and by appointment. An archivist must remain with the items if being used. Photocopies are available in the collection for research use.