Idaho State University

Scope and Content

This is a very small collection consisting of one 2 inch manuscript box containing Mr. Bowen's Diary. It covers the dates from December 15, 1884 - March, 1911.

This is the story of D. J. Bowen's life as a pioneer in southern Idaho. It contains much material concerning the early history of Arbon Valley.

D.J. Bowen was a member of The Seventy* of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and takes the time to make a note of the meetings in his diary. He includes details of his visits with friends and his travels through Utah, which include trips to the Temple and other church functions.   *Note: In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the members of the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy are General Authorities of the church, with responsibilities covering the church as a whole, including areas of the church where stakes are established. This result came about after Brigham Young disbanded the High Council in Zion and led his followers west to present-day Utah.

He also includes descriptions of his everyday life on a farm, which includes care for the livestock, and the harvesting and delivery of hay and straw.

Box 1