“My Past Life as Remembered”

March 10, 1911
Some hour of this eventful day I came into existence. I knew not why.

After six or seven years of child life I came to a stage where I begin to remember myself a bad little child always getting into trouble.

1917
In school I was dumb as the worst and had no inclination to do any better. There wasn’t a day or a week gone by but what I had not gotten into trouble.

1921
Somewhere in this period of my life I finished grade school, but not with the highest honors. During my summer vacation I attended the golf grounds and made enough to pay the much indebtedness owed to parents.

1924
I began as a freshmen in my Dear old high school. But not for long. I attended high school for two years. During summer of 1927 I got a job at Hotel Custer as a elevator boy

"Hotel Custer, Galesburg, Ill." postcard. The Hotel Custer was built at the northeast corner of Kellogg and Simmons Streets, where it stands today. It was dedicated in 1915, with three floors and 100 rooms. The hotel was very successful and over the years more floors were added. To the left of the hotel, north on Prairie Street, you can see the Orpheum Theatre and the Bank of Galesburg building. (http://knox.ilgenweb.net/postcards/hotels.htm)I liked this job so well I did not return to school but stayed at the hotel working.

1929
3 years has passed by making them the sadest years of my life. I encountered temptations that were hard to pass by. Some I fell into with out much stain on my character. During this period of my life, I have made my first major error. To be followed closely by another major error. The next period of my life was spent in the United States Army as a non commissioned officer. This is( an experience )that I will never forget even though I was not in the environment that was beneficial for the building of my character.

1932
On Aug 9, 1932 Ended my trip of adventure in the Island of the Sea. My ports of Calls being Saint Louis, E Chicago, Detroit, Windsor, Canada. Buffalo NY down to New Jersey. Later up to New York City. Left New York on Nov 13, 1929. an the USAT Carolina on her maiden Voyage to the Island of the Pacific. Arrived in the West Indies and (Pxxxxx.) Nov 22 1929. Left 23rd and stopped at Carinto for mail and marines. Arrived at the Golden Gate and San Franciso on Dec 1 1929. Left there for Honolulu Dec 6 1929. Arrived Honolulu Dec 12/ 1929. Arrived Guam Island Dec 18 1929. Arrived Manila Dec 28. Now all set for a 2 ½ year tour on the Island of Corrigidor. During that time spent 2 months in the Mountains of Luzan. Sino Pussian, Japan trouble in Asia. Ready to go.

1932
July 24/37 Ready to sail from Manila in the U.S.A. T Republic for the U.S. of A.

( In 1931 she reverted to Army control as a troopship. After alterations, USAT Republic made three trips to San Francisco, Hawaii, and Manila. According to Dad’s journal, he must have been on the last trip USS Republic made from Manila)
I found a picture of the Republic on the internet. If you are interested, google USAT Republic. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Republic_(AP-33) )
Left San Francisco for Salt Lake City on Aug 10/32. Met Ruth and Hanna at the Temple Square Hotel. Left Salt Lake at midnite, arrived Chicago Aug 14/32. Arrived home again Aug 15/32. A great change had come over the famkly. Still getting along and religious as ever.

1933

Sept 8 month at home while Mother went to Sweden. During my time at home I planted the ( Dxxxxbery) bushes and a tree out in front.
Tree is officially called missionary tree. Commemorating my leaving on a mission. Planted about April 18 /33