| 326 same time F. M. Lyman, son of Amasa Lyman, and John Henry Smith, son of George A. Smith, were ordained and became members of the Quorum of Twelve.
The following concerning Lamoni, and other items, is from the editorial columns of the Herald for October 15:
On a recent visit to Lamoni, Decatur County, Iowa, we found a very decided improvement in the state of the country. A town of over two hundred inhabitants; with stores and business houses; blacksmith, wagon, and harness shops; with an active grain and stock business, give an appearance of thrift and enterprise quite gratifying to those interested. We found a most excellent feeling prevailing in regard to the settlement of the locality, and active preparations being made for a further increase. Crops this year have been fair, though hurt some by dry weather; the absence of frost up to October 2 greatly aided in overcoming this, however, and corn matured well. There has been considerable sickness the past summer, chiefly bilious and typhoid fevers; but the approach of cooler weather seemed to have a beneficial effect on the people. The air on some days was clear and bracing, seeming to impart snap and vigor to the system.
The Saints, as a whole, were and are anxious to know when the press is to be removed into their midst; but we could not assure them as to the time and event. We believe that a better community would be hard to find; we quite fell in love with the people and the country. We spoke to the Saints at their meeting-house (old quarters), and also spoke at Davis City, in the union church, owned by Mr. John Clark, a pleasant man, past middle age, and so liberal in view as to have erected a house in which all may meet and worship, without regard to denominational name. Bro. Z. H. Gurley fills regular appointments in this church each two weeks, and the interest is good.
Bro. O. B. Thomas held a debate with one Elder Ryan, down in the edge of Missouri, while we were at Lamoni, and acquitted himself well for the cause, so at least says report. Two good rains fell during our stay, and we saw the country wet and dry.
On October 27, 1880, Elder J. L. Bear wrote from Zürich, Switzerland, as follows:
I am still working for the cause of our Master, preaching every Sabbath in private houses; average attendance about twenty; good feeling prevails. Three again have covenanted with God, and rejoice in the gospel; some more are believing. Those who come to hear the word preached are astonished and surprised from where the knowledge and power comes that enables me to teach the gospel. I am thankful to God for the assistance of his Spirit; may he always be with me to lead and guide me in this great and glorious work. Persecutions have ceased to considerable extent; and some of the Saints were
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