John A. Widtsoe
Born: 31 January 1872
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 17 March 1921
Died: 29 November 1952
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 17 March 1921
Died: 29 November 1952
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Improvement Era, May 1921, Portrait of John A. Widtsoe, Newly Chosen Member of the Council of the Twelve
Juvenile Instructor, June 1921, Dr. John A. Widtsoe, An Appreciation
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, Apostle John Andreas Widtsoe
Improvement Era, November 1932, Greatness in Men - John Andreas Widtsoe
Improvement Era, January 1952, Highlights in the Life of John A. Widtsoe
Improvement Era, January 1952, John A. Widtsoe - Scientist, Public Servant, Friend
Improvement Era, January 1953, John A. Widtsoe - 1872 - 1952
Relief Society Magazine, January 1953, Elder John A. Widtsoe (January 31, 1872 - November 29,1952)
Ensign, February 2010, Elder John A. Widtsoe
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Improvement Era, May 1921, Portrait of John A. Widtsoe, Newly Chosen Member of the Council of the Twelve
Juvenile Instructor, June 1921, Dr. John A. Widtsoe, An Appreciation
Young Woman's Journal, June 1921, Apostle John Andreas Widtsoe
Improvement Era, November 1932, Greatness in Men - John Andreas Widtsoe
Improvement Era, January 1952, Highlights in the Life of John A. Widtsoe
Improvement Era, January 1952, John A. Widtsoe - Scientist, Public Servant, Friend
Improvement Era, January 1953, John A. Widtsoe - 1872 - 1952
Relief Society Magazine, January 1953, Elder John A. Widtsoe (January 31, 1872 - November 29,1952)
Ensign, February 2010, Elder John A. Widtsoe
Jenson, Andrew. "Widtsoe, John A." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 768.
WIDTSOE, John A., a prominent Elder in the Church, and a resident of Logan, Cache county, Utah, is the son of John A. Widtsoe and Anna C. Gaarden, and was born Jan. 31, 1872, on the island of Froen, Trondhjem amt, Norway. He was baptized April 3, 1884, by Elder Anthon L. Skanchy, and in 1884 he emigrated to Utah, together with his mother and younger brother, and located in Logan, Cache county. From the time he first became connected with the Church, he has taken an active part in its affairs, and has always been a zealous worker in whatever capacity he has been called to serve. Brother Widtsoe was from early youth possessed of a keen desire for knowledge, and at an early age he became a student in the B. Y. College at Logan, from which school he graduated in 1891. He then entered Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., and In 1894 graduated with the highest honors. During 1894-98 he gave instructions as professor of chemistry in the Agricultural College, Logan. Aug. 5, 1898, he was ordained to the office of a Seventy and set apart to do missionary work in connection with his studies in Europe. He entered the University of Goettingen, Germany, and after applying himself diligently to his studies he graduated from that institution, with the degrees of A. M. Ph. D. in 1899. Elder Widtsoe also made trips to Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and France in the interests of his studies while abroad. On his return to Utah, in 1900, he was made director of the experiment station of the State Agricultural College, Logan. His special branch of study is chemistry, and he has already earned a splendid record in that field. A number of his experiments and researches have attracted the attention of many scientific men at some of the leading institutions of learning.
WIDTSOE, John A., a prominent Elder in the Church, and a resident of Logan, Cache county, Utah, is the son of John A. Widtsoe and Anna C. Gaarden, and was born Jan. 31, 1872, on the island of Froen, Trondhjem amt, Norway. He was baptized April 3, 1884, by Elder Anthon L. Skanchy, and in 1884 he emigrated to Utah, together with his mother and younger brother, and located in Logan, Cache county. From the time he first became connected with the Church, he has taken an active part in its affairs, and has always been a zealous worker in whatever capacity he has been called to serve. Brother Widtsoe was from early youth possessed of a keen desire for knowledge, and at an early age he became a student in the B. Y. College at Logan, from which school he graduated in 1891. He then entered Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., and In 1894 graduated with the highest honors. During 1894-98 he gave instructions as professor of chemistry in the Agricultural College, Logan. Aug. 5, 1898, he was ordained to the office of a Seventy and set apart to do missionary work in connection with his studies in Europe. He entered the University of Goettingen, Germany, and after applying himself diligently to his studies he graduated from that institution, with the degrees of A. M. Ph. D. in 1899. Elder Widtsoe also made trips to Denmark, Norway, Switzerland and France in the interests of his studies while abroad. On his return to Utah, in 1900, he was made director of the experiment station of the State Agricultural College, Logan. His special branch of study is chemistry, and he has already earned a splendid record in that field. A number of his experiments and researches have attracted the attention of many scientific men at some of the leading institutions of learning.
Jenson, Andrew. "Widtsoe, John A." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 735-736.
WIDTSOE, John A., president of the University of Utah. (Continued from Vol. 1:768.) Professor Widtsoe acted as director of the Utah Experiment Station from 1900 to 1905. director of the Department of Agriculture in the Brigham Young University at Provo from 1905 to 1907, president of the Utah Agricultural College from 1907 to 1916, and president of the University of Utah since 1916. He organized and conducted the first farmers' institutes in the State of Utah, served as president of the International Dry Farming Congress at a session held at Lethbridge, Canada, and was chosen as an officer at various times of the Irrigation Congress. He is now the senior member of the State Board of Education, is a member (and was for several years president) of the State Board of Horticulture, was a member of the Utah State Conservation Commission from the time of its organization, acted as chairman and member of the Utah Committee to Commemorate Irrigation. During the World War he was a member of the Utah State Council of Defense, chairman of the Food Production Committee of Salt Lake City and of the Irrigation Committee of the Food Administration. Dr. Widtsoe has contributed much to literature; thus he is the author of "Principles of Irrigation Practice," "Concordance" to the Doctrine and Covenants (published in 1906), "Joseph Smith as a Scientist" (published in 1908), "Dry Farming" (published in 1911), and "Rational Theology” (published in 1915). He has written several manuals and popular articles on gospel subjects, besides numerous technical and popular articles on scientific subjects, upwards of forty bulletins on irrigation, dry farming, soils, etc. In a Church capacity Dr. Widtsoe has acted as secretary of a Priests quorum, counselor in the presidency of an Elders quorum, Stake secretary of Elders, member of a Stake Sunday school board, president of local Y. M. M. I. A., teacher, officer and superintendent of Ward Sunday schools and teacher and president of a Seventies quorum. For many years he has acted as a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. Dr. Widtsoe ranks as one of Utah's foremost educators, and is one of the best Informed Elders in the Church on doctrine and Church organization. Elder Widtsoe married Leah Eudora Dunford (daughter of Alma Dunford and Susa Young), who was born Feb. 24, 1874, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a grand-daughter of President Brigham Young. Seven children have been-born to them, namely, Anna G., John Andreas, Karl Marcel, Mark Adriel, Helen, Mary and Leah Eudora. Of these Anna G., Karl Marcel and Leah Eudora only survive.
WIDTSOE, John A., president of the University of Utah. (Continued from Vol. 1:768.) Professor Widtsoe acted as director of the Utah Experiment Station from 1900 to 1905. director of the Department of Agriculture in the Brigham Young University at Provo from 1905 to 1907, president of the Utah Agricultural College from 1907 to 1916, and president of the University of Utah since 1916. He organized and conducted the first farmers' institutes in the State of Utah, served as president of the International Dry Farming Congress at a session held at Lethbridge, Canada, and was chosen as an officer at various times of the Irrigation Congress. He is now the senior member of the State Board of Education, is a member (and was for several years president) of the State Board of Horticulture, was a member of the Utah State Conservation Commission from the time of its organization, acted as chairman and member of the Utah Committee to Commemorate Irrigation. During the World War he was a member of the Utah State Council of Defense, chairman of the Food Production Committee of Salt Lake City and of the Irrigation Committee of the Food Administration. Dr. Widtsoe has contributed much to literature; thus he is the author of "Principles of Irrigation Practice," "Concordance" to the Doctrine and Covenants (published in 1906), "Joseph Smith as a Scientist" (published in 1908), "Dry Farming" (published in 1911), and "Rational Theology” (published in 1915). He has written several manuals and popular articles on gospel subjects, besides numerous technical and popular articles on scientific subjects, upwards of forty bulletins on irrigation, dry farming, soils, etc. In a Church capacity Dr. Widtsoe has acted as secretary of a Priests quorum, counselor in the presidency of an Elders quorum, Stake secretary of Elders, member of a Stake Sunday school board, president of local Y. M. M. I. A., teacher, officer and superintendent of Ward Sunday schools and teacher and president of a Seventies quorum. For many years he has acted as a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. Dr. Widtsoe ranks as one of Utah's foremost educators, and is one of the best Informed Elders in the Church on doctrine and Church organization. Elder Widtsoe married Leah Eudora Dunford (daughter of Alma Dunford and Susa Young), who was born Feb. 24, 1874, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is a grand-daughter of President Brigham Young. Seven children have been-born to them, namely, Anna G., John Andreas, Karl Marcel, Mark Adriel, Helen, Mary and Leah Eudora. Of these Anna G., Karl Marcel and Leah Eudora only survive.
Jenson, Andrew. "Widtsoe, John A." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 250, 321, 686-687.
WIDTSOE, John A., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. since 1906. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 768, and Vol. 3, p. 735.)
WIDTSOE, John A., president of the British Mission from 1927 to 1928. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 768, and Vol. 3, p. 735.)
WIDTSOE, John A., one of the directors of the Genealogical Society of Utah since 1921, was born Jan. 31, 1872, on the island of Froen, Trondhjem amt, Norway, a son of John Andreas Widtsoe and Anna Karine Gaarden. He is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 783; Vol. 3, p. 735.)
WIDTSOE, John A., a member of the General Board of Y. M. M. I. A. since 1906. (See Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 768, and Vol. 3, p. 735.)
WIDTSOE, John A., president of the British Mission from 1927 to 1928. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 768, and Vol. 3, p. 735.)
WIDTSOE, John A., one of the directors of the Genealogical Society of Utah since 1921, was born Jan. 31, 1872, on the island of Froen, Trondhjem amt, Norway, a son of John Andreas Widtsoe and Anna Karine Gaarden. He is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 783; Vol. 3, p. 735.)
"Portrait of John A. Widtsoe, Newly Chosen Member of the Council of the Twelve." Improvement Era. May 1921. pg. 612.
ELDER JOHN A. WIDTSOE Ordained a member of the Council of Twelve March 17, and sustained as a member of the quorum by the General Conference, April 6, 1921. Born January 31, 1872, on the island of Froen, Norway; baptized, April 3, 1884, in which year he emigrated to Utah. He was Director of the Utah Experiment Station, 1900-05; director of the Department of Agriculture in the Brigham Young University, 1905-07; President of the Utah Agricultural College, 1907-16, and President of the University of Utah, 1916-21. He is the author of many books, scientific and religious. |
ELDER JOHN A. WIDTSOE
|
Sjodahl, J. M. "Dr. John A. Widtsoe, An Appreciation." Juvenile Instructor. June 1921. pg. 288-290.
Dr. John A. Widtsoe An Appreciation By J. M. Sjodahl Dr. John A. Widtsoe, now the junior member of the Council of the Twelve, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is a son of Norway, the beautiful "land of the midnight sun"—the land of furrowed "fjelds" and winding "fjords" from which came Bjarni Herjulfson, Leif Ericson, and other daring voyagers, who found their way, over Iceland and Greenland, to the American shores at the close of the tenth and the beginning of the eleventh century—at a time, that is, when, as far as can be ascertained from archeological accounts, Mayapan, Chichen Itza, and other cities now in ruins were flourishing Lamanite settlements in Yucatan. He comes from a land that has given us a great many intelligent, staunch citizens and faithful Church members, and in their ranks he holds a prominent place. Dr. Widtsoe was born January 31, 1872, on the island of Froen, not far from the city of Trondhjem,the ancient Nidaros, famous for its picturesque Gothic cathedral and at one time the center of the struggle for Christianity and liberty in the northern part of Europe. His parents were John A. and Anna C. Gaarden Widtsoe. At the age of 12 years he became a member of the Church by baptism, Elder Anthon L. Skanchy officiating in the performance of the ordinance, and the. same year he accompanied his mother and younger brother, the late Bishop Osborne Widtsoe, to Utah. The age of 12 seems to have marked an important milestone on the journey of life of many of God's servants. Samuel, one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, was called at that age. The late President Anthon H. Lund was baptized when 12 years old, and our Lord Himself, though not baptized at that age, commenced, we may say, when 12 years of age, His public career by His first appearance among the rulers and leaders of the people, astonishing them with His questions and answers. From the days of his early childhood, Elder John A. Widtsoe had a great desire for knowledge, and God prepared the way for him so that this desire was gratified. A great deal of credit for this is due to his dear, departed mother, whose love and refined taste prompted her to make many sacrifices in order that her sons might have the advantages of a higher education. In 1891 he graduated from the Brigham Young College, Logan, and shortly afterwards he entered Harvard University, from which institution he graduated with the highest honors, in 1894. The four years following he held the position of professor in chemistry in the Brigham Young College, Logan. In 1899 he graduated from the University of Goettingen, Germany, with the degrees of A. M. and Ph. D. While studying in Germany he also performed missionary work as time and circumstances would permit. He then held the office and calling of a Seventy in the Church. On his return home he was made director of the experiment station of the Agricultural College, Logan, and his work while holding that position attracted attention both at home and abroad. From 1905 to 1907 he was director of the Department of Agriculture in the Brigham Young University, Provo, and then he became president of the Utah Agricultural College, which position he held until, in 1916, he was appointed president of the University of Utah. The influence of Dr. Widtsoe on the material interests of Utah and of the entire West has been no less than that which has attended his educational and literary labors. He organized the first farmers' institutes in Utah, presided at the International Dry Farming Congress held at Lethbridge, Canada, and was at various times an officer at the Irrigation Congresses. He has rendered valuable service on the State Board of Education, the State Board of Horticulture, the State Conservation Commission, and, during the war, on the Utah State Council of Defense, and several other organizations. His contributions to literature are highly appreciated. Among the best known are, "Joseph Smith as a Scientist," and the "Concordance to the Doctrine and Covenants." He has written articles on irrigation and dry farming and on many other subjects, some of a scientific and some of a doctrinal character, all instructive and convincing. Though Elder Widtsoe has been a diligent student and hard worker all his life, he has never neglected his duties in the Church, and in this he has set a glorious example to the children and youth of Zion, who have life before them and are anxious to make a success of it. In his early days he faithfully performed the duties of secretary of a quorum of Priests. Later he was counselor in the presidency of an Elders' quorum; then he became stake secretary of Elders, member of a stake Sunday School Board, president of a local Y. M. M. I. A., teacher, officer, and superintendent of ward Sunday Schools, and one of the presidents of a quorum of Seventy. For many years he was a member of the general board of the Y. M. M. I. A., and thus he passed through a long course of training for service in the Church. This experience has all been preliminary to his entrance into the position he now holds and the performance of the duties pertaining to it. The appointment of Dr. John A. Widtsoe to the Apostleship cannot but add strength to the Council of truly great men holding that office. Like Dr. James E. Talmage he has, though a young man, acquired international reputation. His range of knowledge is remarkably wide. His labors in connection with agricultural experiments have been followed with interest in other parts of the world, and his writings on such subjects have been translated into foreign languages and eagerly studied abroad. As an instructor he holds a place in the foremost ranks, and his training in that direction will be a benefit to the Saints. His knowledge of the history and organization of the Church, and his thorough understanding of the doctrines of the Gospel will enable him to lead and counsel the Saints, as occasion shall require, as a safe guide. And, above all, his humility and purity of character will make him an exemplar to all men, an honor to the Church and to the Master who has called him to be His servant. |
DR. JOHN A. WIDTSOE
Of the Council of the Twelve |
Harris, Franklin Stewart. "Apostle John Andreas Widtsoe." Young Woman's Journal. June 1921. pg. 318-322.
Apostle John Andreas Widtsoe
By Franklin Stewart Harris.
David Starr Jordan has often said that the world gets out of the way of die man who knows where he is going. Anyone who has stood on the street and studied the crowd as it passed has noticed a great difference in the people. There are some who hold the attention of the observer as long as they are in sight. Every movement they make indicates something outstanding which commands respect. They walk as if they had a definite place to go and their bearing impresses one that nothing would be allowed to prevent them from reaching their goal. The majority of the people in the crowd pass along without being noticed. There is nothing particularly attractive nor repulsive about them. They are just a part of the crowd; their presence neither makes the crowd better nor worse; they simply add to its number. Among the passers there is occasionally one so repulsive in appearance and manner that the observer feels relieved when he passes out of sight.
So it is with life. There are some men who are so negative or destructive in their attitudes that they spend their lives tearing down what others build up. Other men pass through life in an easy sort of way; they live and die without doing much of either harm or good.
They have neither added to nor taken from the total sum of human happiness. There are, on the other hand, a few men who spend all their lives in vigorous building. Wherever they go or whatever they do they attract attention. They are always veritable centers of activity. Wherever they are something is going on. Everything they touch is made better by the work of their hands. Every day they live they add a brick to the structure of human welfare.
Such a person is Doctor John Andreas Widtsoe, the newest apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His entire life has been one of intense activity, and that activity has been intelligently and efficiently directed toward constructive ends.
He was born on the Island of Froyen, Norway, January 31, 1872. His father, John A., went to the island to teach school. There he met Anna C. Gaarden whom he married. She was a descendant of a line of kings’ pilots. While John and his younger brother, Osborne, were little boys their father died and soon afterward their mother, having joined the Church, brought her two boys and her sister to Utah where they settled in Logan.
The boys were both studious and their mother was ambitious for them to become educated. The fact that they had no means of support other than what they earned with their hands was not allowed to interfere with their schooling.
On graduating from the Normal Department of the Brigham Young College in 1891, John entered Harvard University where he specialized in Chemistry. His early training had been so thorough and he applied himself so industriously to his studies at Harvard that he was graduated from a four year’s course in three years, attracting much attention for his brilliancy in Chemistry and other branches, particularly English.
As a result of his Harvard record and the quality of the work he did the next few years at the Utah Agricultural College, he was in 1898 given the Parker Traveling Fellowship by Harvard. This enabled him to go to Europe and to continue his studies. He chose Gottingen University in order that he might study under Tollens, the world’s leading authority on certain phases of Agricultural Chemistry. From Gottingen he was given the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Afterward he studied at the Polytechnicum in Zurich and in London. This European experience helped to give the breadth of vision that has characterized all his work.
Before going to Europe he was married to Leah Eudora Dunford; who accompanied him on his trip. It is sometimes said that the best in men’s lives come through women. Certainly the life of Dr. Widtsoe has been much influenced by his wife and his mother. His mother possessed that rugged determination that knows no defeat. This helped to overcome many obstacles during John’s childhood days. With a mother having less determination his life might have been very different.
Certainly no woman could have contributed more to a man’s success than has the wife of Dr. Widtsoe. Her temperament and training are such that they have fitted exactly into the work required of her and her husband. They were both born to leadership, and circumstances have given them constant opportunity to exercise this quality.
In personal appearance Dr. Widtsoe is always neat. In purchasing clothing, as in everything else, he is satisfied with nothing but the best. One is impressed with the idea that he is well dressed, but there is not the slightest suggestion of the over-dressed dude. Simple dignity in dress, dignity in bearing, and dignity of action taken with his alertness of mind and quickness of movement impress one that here is found stability without sluggishness and vigor without hastiness.
While his new labor as an apostle will call for a more complete attention to spiritual matters than he has previously given, he is by no means unfamiliar with Church work. As a young man he made a concordance to the Doctrine and Covenants, and since that time his pen has been constantly busy in defense of faith and saints. He has written numerous articles for the various Church periodicals and has outlined many of the lessons studied by different organizations. His little book “Rational Theology” is one of the clearest expositions of the essentials of “Mormonism” that is extant. He has always been a diligent worker in the Priesthood, particularly as a Seventy in which calling he labored for many years as class leader and president. His membership on the General Board of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association has kept him constantly in touch with that organization, and he was for several years the teacher of what was said by some to have been the best Sunday School class in the Church.
In his chosen profession of a teacher Dr. Widtsoe has few equals. His splendid personality has always attracted students to him and his vigorous intellect has been so thoroughly stimulating to them that many of the leading scholars of the West trace their incentive to advanced study directly to his influence.
Some teachers have a way of impressing their own importance on the pupils, particularly on the young ones. They convey the idea that all knowledge centers in themselves and that the chief function of the pupil is to sit in awe at the unattainable heights reached by the teacher. This is just opposite to the attitude assumed by Dr. Widtsoe before the class. With the modesty that characterizes everything he does, he puts himself in the background and impresses on the student the sublimity of the great universe of truth and fills him with a desire, which reaches almost a passion, to seek relentlessly for truth wherever it may be found. His students are never given the impression that any one body of truth is more sacred than another. They get through him a thirst for knowledge that leads them to all sources of information: the revealed word of God, the written word of man, and the open book of nature.
During recent years most of Dr. Widtsoe’s time has been required in administrative matters with the result that he has not been able to devote to research the attention he would like to have given it, yet he is considered to be one of the chief contributors to agricultural research in the West. On graduating from Harvard in 1894 he became chemist of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station. He immediately began the investigation of a number of the fundamental problems of Utah’s agriculture. His studies of the chemical life history of lucern gave a scientific basis for handling that crop that has resulted in saving great sums of money not only to the farmers of Utah but also to those of the other parts of the world where lucern is raised.
On his return from Germany in 1900 he was made Director of the Utah Experiment Station. In this position he had an opportunity to enlarge his field of investigation. He recognized that the lack of water is the chief factor limiting western agriculture. This led him to an intensive study of the principles underlying irrigation and dry-farming. His researches have made him a world authority on these subjects. His books “Dry-Farming” and “The Principles of Irrigation Practice” are used throughout the world where irrigation and dry-farming are practiced, having been translated into a number of foreign languages.
In recognition of his authority in the subject of dry-farming he was made president of the International Dry-Farming Congress and it was during his presidency that this organization reached its highest point of usefulness. Dr. Widtsoe has also been prominent in the affairs of the International Irrigation Congress.
Among scientific workers differences of opinion are likely to arise. This often leads to much bitterness, and one investigator is likely to speak disrespectfully of the work of another. For these reasons it is difficult for an investigator to command the complete respect of all workers in his particular field, yet I never remember of hearing a scientist speak in anything but the highest respect of the work of Dr. Widtsoe. As I have traveled throughout this country, Canada, and Mexico I have been pleased to note the universal respect in which he has been held by scientific workers. I have also heard the same respect expressed by visiting scientists from all parts of the world. His State and his Church have both been elevated in the eyes of scholars throughout the world by his splendid contributions to science.
Probably more of Dr. Widtsoe’s manhood energies have been devoted to problems of administration than to any other single field. In this work he has been eminently successful. The openness of his method of dealing with people, his obvious honesty of purpose, his desire to give all a fair hearing, his sagacity in understanding the real problem before him. and most of all his unfailing ability to estimate men have given him the respect of those over whom he has presided. To say that he has never had opposition would be far from the truth. All men of action find difficulties to remove. Whenever a stand is taken for the right, the opposite forces are naturally antagonized. Dr. Widtsoe has had a number of very difficult administrative situations to meet, but his diplomacy and tact have enabled him to overcome the difficulties and in a large measure to bring harmony out of chaos.
Even with the success Dr. Widtsoe has attained as a scholar, an investigator, a teacher, and an administrator his best friends do not love him primarily because of these things but because of his real manhood. John A. Widtsoe the man is even more outstanding than John A. Widtsoe the scholar. There is something fundamental about people that is not greatly changed by education or the conditions in which they live. It is the central essence of their being, the thing that determines real character. It is a personal human quality that manifests itself in spite of polish or veneer. It becomes most evident in times of unusual stress. It is likely to crop out in the intimate home relations when restraint is thrown off.
It is those who know Dr. Widtsoe under these acid-test conditions that love him best. I have had the good fortune to know him intimately as a teacher, a colleague, a traveling companion, and a neighbor, and I have been privileged to live in his home. These intimate associations have revealed to me a character so fine, so upright, so humble, so intelligent, and so lovable that I cannot help but recognize in him one of our Father’s most choice noblemen that all Zion will do well to know more intimately.
Apostle John Andreas Widtsoe
By Franklin Stewart Harris.
David Starr Jordan has often said that the world gets out of the way of die man who knows where he is going. Anyone who has stood on the street and studied the crowd as it passed has noticed a great difference in the people. There are some who hold the attention of the observer as long as they are in sight. Every movement they make indicates something outstanding which commands respect. They walk as if they had a definite place to go and their bearing impresses one that nothing would be allowed to prevent them from reaching their goal. The majority of the people in the crowd pass along without being noticed. There is nothing particularly attractive nor repulsive about them. They are just a part of the crowd; their presence neither makes the crowd better nor worse; they simply add to its number. Among the passers there is occasionally one so repulsive in appearance and manner that the observer feels relieved when he passes out of sight.
So it is with life. There are some men who are so negative or destructive in their attitudes that they spend their lives tearing down what others build up. Other men pass through life in an easy sort of way; they live and die without doing much of either harm or good.
They have neither added to nor taken from the total sum of human happiness. There are, on the other hand, a few men who spend all their lives in vigorous building. Wherever they go or whatever they do they attract attention. They are always veritable centers of activity. Wherever they are something is going on. Everything they touch is made better by the work of their hands. Every day they live they add a brick to the structure of human welfare.
Such a person is Doctor John Andreas Widtsoe, the newest apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His entire life has been one of intense activity, and that activity has been intelligently and efficiently directed toward constructive ends.
He was born on the Island of Froyen, Norway, January 31, 1872. His father, John A., went to the island to teach school. There he met Anna C. Gaarden whom he married. She was a descendant of a line of kings’ pilots. While John and his younger brother, Osborne, were little boys their father died and soon afterward their mother, having joined the Church, brought her two boys and her sister to Utah where they settled in Logan.
The boys were both studious and their mother was ambitious for them to become educated. The fact that they had no means of support other than what they earned with their hands was not allowed to interfere with their schooling.
On graduating from the Normal Department of the Brigham Young College in 1891, John entered Harvard University where he specialized in Chemistry. His early training had been so thorough and he applied himself so industriously to his studies at Harvard that he was graduated from a four year’s course in three years, attracting much attention for his brilliancy in Chemistry and other branches, particularly English.
As a result of his Harvard record and the quality of the work he did the next few years at the Utah Agricultural College, he was in 1898 given the Parker Traveling Fellowship by Harvard. This enabled him to go to Europe and to continue his studies. He chose Gottingen University in order that he might study under Tollens, the world’s leading authority on certain phases of Agricultural Chemistry. From Gottingen he was given the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy. Afterward he studied at the Polytechnicum in Zurich and in London. This European experience helped to give the breadth of vision that has characterized all his work.
Before going to Europe he was married to Leah Eudora Dunford; who accompanied him on his trip. It is sometimes said that the best in men’s lives come through women. Certainly the life of Dr. Widtsoe has been much influenced by his wife and his mother. His mother possessed that rugged determination that knows no defeat. This helped to overcome many obstacles during John’s childhood days. With a mother having less determination his life might have been very different.
Certainly no woman could have contributed more to a man’s success than has the wife of Dr. Widtsoe. Her temperament and training are such that they have fitted exactly into the work required of her and her husband. They were both born to leadership, and circumstances have given them constant opportunity to exercise this quality.
In personal appearance Dr. Widtsoe is always neat. In purchasing clothing, as in everything else, he is satisfied with nothing but the best. One is impressed with the idea that he is well dressed, but there is not the slightest suggestion of the over-dressed dude. Simple dignity in dress, dignity in bearing, and dignity of action taken with his alertness of mind and quickness of movement impress one that here is found stability without sluggishness and vigor without hastiness.
While his new labor as an apostle will call for a more complete attention to spiritual matters than he has previously given, he is by no means unfamiliar with Church work. As a young man he made a concordance to the Doctrine and Covenants, and since that time his pen has been constantly busy in defense of faith and saints. He has written numerous articles for the various Church periodicals and has outlined many of the lessons studied by different organizations. His little book “Rational Theology” is one of the clearest expositions of the essentials of “Mormonism” that is extant. He has always been a diligent worker in the Priesthood, particularly as a Seventy in which calling he labored for many years as class leader and president. His membership on the General Board of the Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association has kept him constantly in touch with that organization, and he was for several years the teacher of what was said by some to have been the best Sunday School class in the Church.
In his chosen profession of a teacher Dr. Widtsoe has few equals. His splendid personality has always attracted students to him and his vigorous intellect has been so thoroughly stimulating to them that many of the leading scholars of the West trace their incentive to advanced study directly to his influence.
Some teachers have a way of impressing their own importance on the pupils, particularly on the young ones. They convey the idea that all knowledge centers in themselves and that the chief function of the pupil is to sit in awe at the unattainable heights reached by the teacher. This is just opposite to the attitude assumed by Dr. Widtsoe before the class. With the modesty that characterizes everything he does, he puts himself in the background and impresses on the student the sublimity of the great universe of truth and fills him with a desire, which reaches almost a passion, to seek relentlessly for truth wherever it may be found. His students are never given the impression that any one body of truth is more sacred than another. They get through him a thirst for knowledge that leads them to all sources of information: the revealed word of God, the written word of man, and the open book of nature.
During recent years most of Dr. Widtsoe’s time has been required in administrative matters with the result that he has not been able to devote to research the attention he would like to have given it, yet he is considered to be one of the chief contributors to agricultural research in the West. On graduating from Harvard in 1894 he became chemist of the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station. He immediately began the investigation of a number of the fundamental problems of Utah’s agriculture. His studies of the chemical life history of lucern gave a scientific basis for handling that crop that has resulted in saving great sums of money not only to the farmers of Utah but also to those of the other parts of the world where lucern is raised.
On his return from Germany in 1900 he was made Director of the Utah Experiment Station. In this position he had an opportunity to enlarge his field of investigation. He recognized that the lack of water is the chief factor limiting western agriculture. This led him to an intensive study of the principles underlying irrigation and dry-farming. His researches have made him a world authority on these subjects. His books “Dry-Farming” and “The Principles of Irrigation Practice” are used throughout the world where irrigation and dry-farming are practiced, having been translated into a number of foreign languages.
In recognition of his authority in the subject of dry-farming he was made president of the International Dry-Farming Congress and it was during his presidency that this organization reached its highest point of usefulness. Dr. Widtsoe has also been prominent in the affairs of the International Irrigation Congress.
Among scientific workers differences of opinion are likely to arise. This often leads to much bitterness, and one investigator is likely to speak disrespectfully of the work of another. For these reasons it is difficult for an investigator to command the complete respect of all workers in his particular field, yet I never remember of hearing a scientist speak in anything but the highest respect of the work of Dr. Widtsoe. As I have traveled throughout this country, Canada, and Mexico I have been pleased to note the universal respect in which he has been held by scientific workers. I have also heard the same respect expressed by visiting scientists from all parts of the world. His State and his Church have both been elevated in the eyes of scholars throughout the world by his splendid contributions to science.
Probably more of Dr. Widtsoe’s manhood energies have been devoted to problems of administration than to any other single field. In this work he has been eminently successful. The openness of his method of dealing with people, his obvious honesty of purpose, his desire to give all a fair hearing, his sagacity in understanding the real problem before him. and most of all his unfailing ability to estimate men have given him the respect of those over whom he has presided. To say that he has never had opposition would be far from the truth. All men of action find difficulties to remove. Whenever a stand is taken for the right, the opposite forces are naturally antagonized. Dr. Widtsoe has had a number of very difficult administrative situations to meet, but his diplomacy and tact have enabled him to overcome the difficulties and in a large measure to bring harmony out of chaos.
Even with the success Dr. Widtsoe has attained as a scholar, an investigator, a teacher, and an administrator his best friends do not love him primarily because of these things but because of his real manhood. John A. Widtsoe the man is even more outstanding than John A. Widtsoe the scholar. There is something fundamental about people that is not greatly changed by education or the conditions in which they live. It is the central essence of their being, the thing that determines real character. It is a personal human quality that manifests itself in spite of polish or veneer. It becomes most evident in times of unusual stress. It is likely to crop out in the intimate home relations when restraint is thrown off.
It is those who know Dr. Widtsoe under these acid-test conditions that love him best. I have had the good fortune to know him intimately as a teacher, a colleague, a traveling companion, and a neighbor, and I have been privileged to live in his home. These intimate associations have revealed to me a character so fine, so upright, so humble, so intelligent, and so lovable that I cannot help but recognize in him one of our Father’s most choice noblemen that all Zion will do well to know more intimately.
Hinckley, Bryant S. "Greatness in Men - John Andreas Widtsoe." Improvement Era. November 1932. pg. 7-10, 32.
Greatness in Men JOHN ANDREAS WIDTSOE By BRYANT S. HINCKLEY Here is another story of unusual achievement. Son of an immigrant widow, Dr. Widtsoe climbed the ladder of education until it was said of him that "owing to his recent study in Europe (he) is now as well qualified as any one in the country for work in physiological chemistry, in fact I think there is no one in America so well equipped " He has stood at the head of education in his state as president of the two highest state institutions of learning, yet the faith implanted by his mother was so genuine and firm that he left his career as an educator to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. UPON what small events hinge mighty consequences! A humble cobbler in Norway said to a widow who brought her boy's shoes to be repaired: "I can give you something more valuable than soles for your son's shoes." When the shoes were returned she found in each of them a "Mormon" tract and out of curiosity read them. Thus began an investigation which resulted in the conversion and baptism of the mother of Dr. John A. Widtsoe. Forty-nine years ago this November she came to Utah with her two sons, John A., eleven, and Osborne J. P., six. This widow was not only an educated woman but a woman of literary ability and of deep religious convictions. Her husband, John Widtsoe, an educator of recognized standing, died five years before. He was a man of unusual intelligence and moral power whose family for several generations had been teachers. This mother brought little, if any, worldly wealth to this land but she brought a deep and settled determination to educate her boys. Like Cornelia, the Roman mother, she could point with pride to "her jewels." No Roman mother ever gave to the world nobler sons. They were not schooled in the art of war, their conquests were not military; rather they were trained in the gospel of "Peace and Good Will" and, consequently, had no taste for the roar of battle or its carnage. They had that fine creative quality of mind which knows how to propound questions to the undiscovered world of nature about us and then proceeds to wrest the answer from it. Such minds unlock the treasure-house of truth, enrich the world, and bless mankind. ALEXANDER the Great mourned because there were no other worlds to conquer, (simply because he could not turn his mind to the conquest of unseen but nobler worlds. True, this mother brought little worldly wealth to this land but the contribution which her sons have made to this Church and to the world would be hard to estimate. The younger son, Osborne, died suddenly in his fortieth year, beloved by all who knew him, leaving a past bright with splendid achievements and a future glorious with hope. Dr. John A. Widtsoe, now in his sixtieth year, has long been recognized as a distinguished scholar. While he was a young man in his late twenties Charles Loring Jackson, then Erving Professor of Chemistry in Harvard University, said of him: "He is one of the most able men who has come under my instruction, and you should remember that my advanced students are picked men from all parts of the country. He showed remarkable power in his work, and owing to his recent study in Europe is now as well qualified as any one in the country for work in physiological chemistry, in fact I think there is no one in America so well equipped. With this preparation for his work, and the excellent work he did before he went to Europe, we have a right to expect a most distinguished career from him—one that will be followed with interest and admiration by the whole chemical world. * * * He is a very rare sort of man." THIS was written of Dr. Widtsoe more than thirty years ago and his life since that time has verified all of the high predictions made of him by his distinguished preceptor. But to proceed with the narrative of 'his life! John A. Widtsoe was born January 31, 1872, on the island of Froyen, Norway. Six years later his father died. For the next five years he attended private and public schools of his native country with the ministry in view. In 1881 his mother joined the "Mormon" Church and in November, 1883, with her two sons, emigrated to America and settled in Logan, Cache County, Utah. In June, 1891, John A. was graduated from the normal course of B. Y. College and in July he entered Harvard University at Cambridge, Massachusetts. In April the following year he won a university scholarship, and in April, 1893, he again won a scholarship. In September of that year he was elected president of Boylston Chemical Club of Harvard and in June, 1894, he was graduated from Harvard. He completed the work in three years and received the highest honor — -summa cum laude. This honor may be won in two ways : first —by examinations showing excellent and wide acquaintance in one line of study; or, second—by uniform excellence in all subjects taken. The highest honors may be won in both ways at the same time. Both of these were won by him. In the "Boston Magazine's" review of the work of this graduating class the literary quality of the work was represented by selections from the pen of Dr. John A. Widtsoe. Thus at twenty-two years of age he had distinguished himself for his capacity to work and for superior ability. ON graduating he was offered several alluring positions in the East but he preferred to come back to Utah. In September of that year he entered the Experiment Station of the Utah Agricultural College as chemist. Here he began his research work in agriculture and published a number of bulletins. On June 1, 1898, he married Leah Eudora Dunford, daughter of Susa Young Gates by a former marriage. That same month he was appointed to the Parker fellowship in the Graduating Society of Harvard with the privilege of foreign study. In July he sailed for Europe and in October began his study in the great JUniversity of Goettingen, Germany, as a candidate for a Doctor's degree. In June of the following year he finished his Doctor's thesis and took the examinations of the faculty of that University in November, 1899, winning the degree of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy with the high honors magna cum laude. From January, 1900, to May he studied chemistry in Zurich, Switzerland, and from May to i August of that year he resided in London, much of his time traveling in England and on the continent. He sailed for America in September. In the meantime he had accepted the position of director of Utah Experiment Station and professor of chemistry. In 1905 he became a director of the department of Agriculture in i the Brigham Young University at Provo and in the spring of 1907 he was elected president of the Utah Agricultural College. His presidency was a period of ,great prosperity for the College and the institution gained an international reputation under his administration. He was made president of the University of Utah in 1916. He continued in this position until he was called to the apostleship in March, 1921. He was made president of Utah Historical Society in 1921. Jn 1923 he was invited to serve on a Commission to investigate government reclamation methods with Julius Barnes, Oscar E. Bradfute, James R. Garfield, Elwood Mead, Thomas E. Campbell, and David W. Davis. In 1925 he was appointed with Governor Campbell to investigate twenty-two Western irrigation projects. November 21, 1927, he was set apart to preside over the European Mission and arrived in England December 24th. DR. WIDTSOE is a pioneer in extension work. He organized the work of the Utah Experiment Station, planned and organized the Farmers' and Housekeepers' Institute work which resulted in the establishment of the Extension division of the Utah Agricultural College. These were the forerunners of the Farmers' Roundups and Housekeepers' conferences. His work in Utah has been devoted largely to a study of the agricultural resources of the state. The first soil survey of this state was made under his direction. He inaugurated scientific work in irrigation which was probably the first systematic effort in the world to make irrigation a science. He won international honor for himself and the state as organizer of the work of dry farming. His best known books in this field are: "Dry Farming," "The Principles of Irrigation Practise," and "Western Agriculture." Some of these have been translated into seven languages. He has published between thirty and forty scientific and popular bulletins on Utah agriculture and has contributed more than two hundred articles, editorials, etc., bearing upon a variety of subjects of popular interest. For forty years he has been a leader in public life. He was president of the International Dry Farm Congress when it convened in Canada. He has served as vice president of the Irrigation Congress a number of times, president of Utah Educational Association and of the Utah Irrigation Congress, and is a member of numerous societies, boards, and commissions at home and has been elected to membership in many scientific societies in all parts of the world. The Utah Agricultural College gave him the honorary degree LL.D. DR. WIDTSOE is an author, a scholar, a specialist, skilled in handling the problems of human nature and of nature, of boys and men as well as crops and animals, one of the distinguished administrators and leaders of this country. He is preeminently a scientist. He has majored as such and has made contributions in scientific fields of practical and far-reaching importance. As an industrial chemist he undoubtedly could have made a fortune and secured fame. He served as president of the Utah Agricultural College for nine years and as president of the University of Utah for five years. These are executive positions of the highest responsibility, positions which make unusual demands upon one's thought and attention, but during this time he was making contributions in other fields. One is impressed with the quality and amount of work which he can do. He is a productive worker and his work is of the highest order. He has the rare capacity of seeing things in their proper relation and the ability to express himself with clearness and beauty. His name will stand forever among the distinguished scholars and educators of the Church. There are a simplicity, a teachableness, a gentility and consideration for others about him which are characteristic of the truly great. The depth of his understanding, the breadth of his tolerance, the absence of dogmatism, the wisdom and effectiveness of his diplomacy are all evidences of /real superiority. FROM his boyhood he has been active in the organizations of the Church and is one of the best informed elders in doctrine and Church organization. He has written a number of manuals and many popular articles on gospel subjects. Among his theological writings should be mentioned: "Joseph Smith as Scientist," "Rational Theology," "Concordance of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants," "What Jesus Taught," "In Search for Truth." "Gospel Doctrine," by Joseph F. Smith was compiled largely by him and "Discourses by Brigham Young," were compiled and prepared by him. Since he was called to preside over the European Mission in November, 1927, he has written a series of tracts in which the gospel is interpreted in terms of today with such simplicity and clearness as to place it within the understanding of all. Fourteen years ago he wrote: What My Faith Means to Me "My faith in the principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as restored by the Prophet Joseph Smith, places me in possession of an all-comprehensive philosophy according to which I can order all the affairs of my life, whether of a temporal or a spiritual nature. "By this faith I draw wisdom from the past, obtain visions of the future, and walk fearlessly in the present, with a full assurance that God's goodness will guide me. "By this faith I am able to interpret whatever I learn of this or of any other time, and find its place in the eternal scheme of things. "By this faith, which teaches me that I am eternal, with an existence before this life, and an ever active life hereafter, I am given full courage to battle against evil, whether in me or in others. "By this faith, which promises the endless triumph of the progressing .spirit of man over the things of the universe, I attack the duties of my daily life with the clear confidence that if I but do my duty well, I shall find the way to the mastery of the earth and all earthly tasks. "By this faith my joy in life is abundant, my sorrows are tempered, my trust in the ultimate triumph of good over evil is unshakable. "By this faith I learn more and more to hate sin and to reach out a helping hand to the sinner. "By this faith which embraces a complete plan of man's endless journey from a dim past into an eternal future, I learn that I need God's help in all that I do, but also, as a glorious comfort, that God, to a small degree, infinitely small perhaps, needs me and all His children to work out His mighty purposes. It is good to know oneself in partnership with God. "By this faith, amidst the wearisome toil and the strife of the heat of the day, I am at rest and at peace, for 1 know my history and my destiny and the eternal meaning of the day's work. "By this faith I know that however lowly my task in life may be, before the judgment seat of God, if my work has been well done, it shall be transmuted into spiritual values, and my soul shall know that I have been doing necessary work for the fulfillment of the Master's plan. "By this faith I am unafraid, for I know that God's power is everywhere and that I never walk alone, but that in joy or sorrow, at home or abroad, God's will guides me. "By this faith it is easy to lay aside the material for the spiritual things of life; to exchange the honor of men for the service of God. "By this faith my life is one of gratitude for favors received, and of trust that whatever is for my good will be given me if I strive for it honestly. "By this faith I know the brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God; the joy and necessity of serving and helping my fellow man; and the satisfying fellowship of my brethren and sisters. "By this faith I know that whatever of experience I have gained in this life will be mine forever, and that my family and children are mine to the end of an endless day, in which I shall grow to the fuller stature of a God-like man. "All these and a thousand other things that would fill many volumes does my faith mean to me." {Juvenile Instructor, Vol. 53, p. 461.) EVERY word of this declaration is big with meaning and every paragraph is a text. We have rarely read anything that contains so much in so few words. It is so simple and yet so all-comprehensive, so compact with meaning and yet so luminous and far-reaching, so practical and yet so beautiful and soul satisfying—permeated with hope and glorified with a sublime faith, this is a remarkable philosophy of life. It was a significant day in the life of John A. Widtsoe when he married Leah Dunford. No woman could have complemented more completely his life than she has done. With an intelligence and an understanding of the most unusual order she has promoted his interests. Appreciating his capacity and the importance of his work she has sought to relieve him of all possible burdens and has managed his home and borne the responsibilities of the family as far as possible in order that he might be free and unhampered in the pursuit of his labors; she has shown marked ability in doing this. She is a college bred woman of capacity and intellectual power whose soundness of judgment, evenness of temper, and sweetness of disposition have won the confidence and affection of all who know her. She has cooperated with her husband in his work, and sustained him in every crisis of his life. With dignity and ability she presides in his household and manages its domestic affairs in "a way to make their home a delightful center where notables have been entertained and charmed with the spirit of welcome and hospitality which prevails there. Under the direction of Dr. Widtsoe she presides over the Relief Society, Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, and Primary Association of the European Mission. Congenial, constructive in her thinking, genuinely religious, she is a leader among women. Dr. Widtsoe's fine Scandinavian background, his wise choice of a companion, his profound understanding of the glorious religion of the Master as revealed through the Prophet Joseph i Smith, and his deep devotion to it;—all of these synchronizing completely with one of the most original and brilliant intellects we have known, accounts for his splendid achievements and predicts a great future for him. |
Leah Dunford Widtsoe
John A. and Leah D. Widtsoe, with their daughters, Eudora and Anna, and two oldest grandchildren, John and Joan Wallace.
The Widtsoe family many years ago.
His mother and John A. Widtsoe
|
"Highlights in the Life of John A. Widtsoe." Improvement Era. January 1952. pg. 15.
Highlights in the life of John A. Widtsoe
January 31, 1872 Born at Daloe, Island of Froyen, Norway, the son of John Andersen and Anne Karine Gaarden Widtsoe.
February 14, 1878 His father, John Andersen Widtsoe, died.
April 1, 1881 His mother, Anne Karine Gaarden Widtsoe, baptized.
October 20, 1883 Sister Widtsoe and her two sons left Norway for Utah.
April 3, 1884 John A. Widtsoe baptized at Logan, Utah, by Anthon L. Skancliy.
Secretary, deacons quorum.
Secretary, priests quorum.
June 4, 1891 Ordained an elder by John E. Carlisle.
June 1891 Was graduated from normal course, Brigham Young College, Logan.
July 1891 Entered Harvard University.
1893 President of the Boylston Chemical Club at Harvard.
June 1894 Received his bachelor of science degree (summa cum laude) at Harvard.
September 1894 Employed by Experiment Station, Utah Agricultural College, as chemist.
Stake secretary, under Cache Stake presidency, for elders' quorums.
1895-1905 Member, Cache Stake Sunday School board. Professor of chemistry, Utah Agricultural College.
August 5, 1898 Ordained a seventy by Elder Brigham Young, Jr.
June 1, 1898 Married Leah Eudora Dunford in the Salt Lake Temple.
June 1898 Appointed to the Parker fellowship as a traveling fellow of the graduate school of Harvard.
August 1898 Sailed for Europe to enter the University of Goettingen, Germany. (Had been set apart as missionary in Germany.)
Dec. 1898 His first Improvement Era article appeared.
November 1899 Received his master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees, magna cum laude, from Goettingen University.
Jan. 1900 Graduate student at Polytechnicum, Zurich, Switzerland.
1900-1905 Director of Utah Experiment Station.
1905-07 Director of the agricultural department of Brigham Young University.
1906-36 Member, general board. Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
1907-16 President, Utah Agricultural College.
March 4, 1907 Set apart as a president of the sixty-fourth quorum of seventies, by President Charles H. Hart.
Member, state board of education.
1912 President, International Dry-Farming Congress.
Senior President, 132nd quorum of seventies.
1914 Received an L.L. D., Utah State Agricultural College.
January 20, 1916 Appointed President, University of Utah.
March 17, 1921 Ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant.
June 11, 1921 Received an L.L. D., University of Utah.
Member, Board of Trustees, Brigham Young University.
1921 to present Director, Genealogical Society of the Church.
1921 President, Utah State Historical Society.
January 26, 1922 Appointed Church Commissioner of Education.
1923-24 Member of fact-finding committee of the department of Interior, investigating conditions of U. S. Reclamation Service.
Nov. 21, 1927 Set apart to preside over the European Missions of the Church.
1928 The British Mission, long under the same presidency as the European Mission, became a separate organization.
July 4, 1929 Organized Czechoslovak Mission.
1933 Released as president of the European Mission.
March 29, 1934 Appointed Church Commissioner of Education (second term).
Sept. 14, 1935 Appointed Lecturer, University of Southern California, on the program of the L.D.S. Church, for the college year.
April 23, 1935 to present Editor of The Improvement Era.
July 20, 1937 Appointed to the first permanent board of governors for the National Farm Chemurgic Council.
October 20, 1937 Appointed adviser. Church welfare plan.
1951 Appointed by Canadian government to investigate possibilities of a Saskatchewan irrigation project.
A Partial but Representative list of Books by Elder John A. Widtsoe
A Concordance of the Doctrine and Covenants (1906)
Joseph Smith as Scientist (1908)
Geography of Utah (with William Petersen) (1908)
Dry Farming (1911)
Education for Necessary Pursuits (1913)
The Principles of Irrigation Practice (1914)
A Rational Theology (1915)
Anthon L. Skanchy (Translator and editor) (1915)
Western Agriculture (Editor, with George Stewart) (1918)
Gospel Doctrine (Co-editor) (1919)
Federal Reclamation by Irrigation (1924)
Discourses of Brigham Young (Editor and Compiler) (1925)
Success on Irrigation Projects (1928)
In Search of Truth (1930)
Studies in Priesthood (1930)
The Successful Missionary (1932)
Seven Claims of the Book of Mormon (with. Franklin S. Harris, Jr.) (1935)
Program of the Church (1936)
The Word of Wisdom (with Leah D. Widtsoe) (1937. Revised 1951.)
Priesthood and Church Government (1939)
In the Gospel Net (1941)
Evidences and Reconciliations (1943)
An Understandable Religion (1944)
Man and the Dragon (1945)
Gospel Interpretations (1947)
How the Desert Was Tamed (1947)
Evidences and Reconciliations, volume 3 (1951)[1]
Joseph Smith—Seeker After Truth—Prophet of God (1951)
[1] Volume 2 was Gospel Interpretations.
Highlights in the life of John A. Widtsoe
January 31, 1872 Born at Daloe, Island of Froyen, Norway, the son of John Andersen and Anne Karine Gaarden Widtsoe.
February 14, 1878 His father, John Andersen Widtsoe, died.
April 1, 1881 His mother, Anne Karine Gaarden Widtsoe, baptized.
October 20, 1883 Sister Widtsoe and her two sons left Norway for Utah.
April 3, 1884 John A. Widtsoe baptized at Logan, Utah, by Anthon L. Skancliy.
Secretary, deacons quorum.
Secretary, priests quorum.
June 4, 1891 Ordained an elder by John E. Carlisle.
June 1891 Was graduated from normal course, Brigham Young College, Logan.
July 1891 Entered Harvard University.
1893 President of the Boylston Chemical Club at Harvard.
June 1894 Received his bachelor of science degree (summa cum laude) at Harvard.
September 1894 Employed by Experiment Station, Utah Agricultural College, as chemist.
Stake secretary, under Cache Stake presidency, for elders' quorums.
1895-1905 Member, Cache Stake Sunday School board. Professor of chemistry, Utah Agricultural College.
August 5, 1898 Ordained a seventy by Elder Brigham Young, Jr.
June 1, 1898 Married Leah Eudora Dunford in the Salt Lake Temple.
June 1898 Appointed to the Parker fellowship as a traveling fellow of the graduate school of Harvard.
August 1898 Sailed for Europe to enter the University of Goettingen, Germany. (Had been set apart as missionary in Germany.)
Dec. 1898 His first Improvement Era article appeared.
November 1899 Received his master of arts and doctor of philosophy degrees, magna cum laude, from Goettingen University.
Jan. 1900 Graduate student at Polytechnicum, Zurich, Switzerland.
1900-1905 Director of Utah Experiment Station.
1905-07 Director of the agricultural department of Brigham Young University.
1906-36 Member, general board. Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
1907-16 President, Utah Agricultural College.
March 4, 1907 Set apart as a president of the sixty-fourth quorum of seventies, by President Charles H. Hart.
Member, state board of education.
1912 President, International Dry-Farming Congress.
Senior President, 132nd quorum of seventies.
1914 Received an L.L. D., Utah State Agricultural College.
January 20, 1916 Appointed President, University of Utah.
March 17, 1921 Ordained an Apostle by President Heber J. Grant.
June 11, 1921 Received an L.L. D., University of Utah.
Member, Board of Trustees, Brigham Young University.
1921 to present Director, Genealogical Society of the Church.
1921 President, Utah State Historical Society.
January 26, 1922 Appointed Church Commissioner of Education.
1923-24 Member of fact-finding committee of the department of Interior, investigating conditions of U. S. Reclamation Service.
Nov. 21, 1927 Set apart to preside over the European Missions of the Church.
1928 The British Mission, long under the same presidency as the European Mission, became a separate organization.
July 4, 1929 Organized Czechoslovak Mission.
1933 Released as president of the European Mission.
March 29, 1934 Appointed Church Commissioner of Education (second term).
Sept. 14, 1935 Appointed Lecturer, University of Southern California, on the program of the L.D.S. Church, for the college year.
April 23, 1935 to present Editor of The Improvement Era.
July 20, 1937 Appointed to the first permanent board of governors for the National Farm Chemurgic Council.
October 20, 1937 Appointed adviser. Church welfare plan.
1951 Appointed by Canadian government to investigate possibilities of a Saskatchewan irrigation project.
A Partial but Representative list of Books by Elder John A. Widtsoe
A Concordance of the Doctrine and Covenants (1906)
Joseph Smith as Scientist (1908)
Geography of Utah (with William Petersen) (1908)
Dry Farming (1911)
Education for Necessary Pursuits (1913)
The Principles of Irrigation Practice (1914)
A Rational Theology (1915)
Anthon L. Skanchy (Translator and editor) (1915)
Western Agriculture (Editor, with George Stewart) (1918)
Gospel Doctrine (Co-editor) (1919)
Federal Reclamation by Irrigation (1924)
Discourses of Brigham Young (Editor and Compiler) (1925)
Success on Irrigation Projects (1928)
In Search of Truth (1930)
Studies in Priesthood (1930)
The Successful Missionary (1932)
Seven Claims of the Book of Mormon (with. Franklin S. Harris, Jr.) (1935)
Program of the Church (1936)
The Word of Wisdom (with Leah D. Widtsoe) (1937. Revised 1951.)
Priesthood and Church Government (1939)
In the Gospel Net (1941)
Evidences and Reconciliations (1943)
An Understandable Religion (1944)
Man and the Dragon (1945)
Gospel Interpretations (1947)
How the Desert Was Tamed (1947)
Evidences and Reconciliations, volume 3 (1951)[1]
Joseph Smith—Seeker After Truth—Prophet of God (1951)
[1] Volume 2 was Gospel Interpretations.
Bowen, Albert E. "John A. Widtsoe - Scientist, Public Servant, Friend." Improvement Era. January 1952. pg. 16-19, 30-38.
John A. Widtsoe Scientist... Public Servant... Friend... By Albert E. Bowen of the Council of the Twelve THE LIFE of John Andreas Widtsoe has been so rich in accomplishment and broad in scope that it is difficult to write about it within the limits of permissible space. The difficulty is increased because a mere factual recital might give the impression of extolling the man, which he would not welcome. It is rather the purpose of this article to offer the stimulus of example to all who may feel stirring within them the impulse to high achievement and fulness of living but are timid about embarking upon the venture. Briefly to list his major activities would seem the best way to serve that purpose. Eighteen hundred and ninety-eight was a signal year in his life. On June First he married Leah Eudora Dunford. Throughout all the years since, the youthful romance has flourished and still blooms today in all its fresh loveliness. The secret of their happiness is told in the concluding sentence of a story he has written for his family about the coming of love: "Where Leah was, there was Eden. This is the best chapter in the story of my life." In July he received notice of his appointment by Harvard University, his Alma Mater, to the coveted Parker fellowship with the privilege of foreign study. The award designated him "traveling fellow" of the graduate school and right well did he justify that designation. In October he began his studies in the celebrated Georg Augustus University of Goettingen, Germany. By the following June (1899) he had completed his doctor's thesis. In November of the same year he took the faculty examinations and was awarded the degrees Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy with highest honors. He was then only twenty - seven. He had gone to Europe to seek training in bio-chemistry, often, spoken of as the chemistry of life. This falls into two divisions: the chemistry of the carbohydrates and the chemistry of the proteins. The two internationally preeminent men of the day in that field of learning were Dr. Tollens of Goettingen and Dr. Schulze of the Politechnicum at Zurich, Switzerland. Having studied the carbohydrates with Dr. Tollens, he put off to Zurich to study the proteins with Dr. Schulze; there he spent the period from January to May 1900. From this intensive beginning has stemmed his lifelong study of human nutrition and his later work on the Word of Wisdom. From May to August he made London his place of residence but traveled widely in England and on the continent visiting all the notable experiment stations, talking with the eminent men who staffed them, and, indeed, with all others from whom he could extract knowledge. In September 1900 he set sail again for America to take up his work as director of the experiment station and professor of chemistry at Utah Agricultural College,[1] appointment to which positions he had in the meantime accepted in preference to other flattering, apparently more inviting, and certainly vastly more lucrative offers. May we digress long enough to remark the contrast between that coming to America and to Utah with the earlier one, just seventeen years before, when as a mere lad, speaking only his native Norwegian tongue, he had come clutching the hand of a widowed mother, without substance and with no other means of subsistence than the natural endowment of an indomitable spirit, a willingness to toil, an aspiration pointing upward to the stars, and the fortitude to endure privation and submit willingly to the sacrifices necessary to make roseate dreams come true. Such is the man of whom his old teacher. Dr. Charles Loring Jackson, Irving professor of chemistry at Harvard University, wrote as Dr. Widtsoe took up his new duties in 1900: He is one of the most able men who has come under my instruction, and you should remember that my advanced students are picked men from all parts of the country. He showed remarkable power in his work, and owing to his recent study in Europe is now as well-qualified as anyone in the country for work in physiological chemistry, in fact, I think there is no one in America so well-equipped. With this preparation for his work, and the excellent work he did before he went to Europe, we have a right to expect a most distinguished career for him—one that will be followed with interest and admiration by the whole chemical world, . . . He is a very rare sort of man. That all happened over fifty years ago. The slender, attractive-appearing young scholar with prominent, full blue eyes today bears the weight of eighty years of unremitting, intensive, intelligently and unselfishly-directed toil. His brown wavy hair, now greatly thinned, has turned to white. But his spirit still is young, and his omnivorous, searching, inquisitive mind, ever darting about in quest of knowledge, seems yet alert and fresh as in youth. It was nothing to occasion surprise that Harvard University should appoint John A. Widtsoe to the Parker graduate fellowship. He had before won scholarships and honorable recognition for scholarly attainment. When he went to school in Logan, he was put in the second grade because his tongue was still thick with Norwegian accent. In a week he was advanced to the seventh grade. Under sacrifice he entered the Brigham Young College at Logan at the age of seventeen, from the normal course of which institution he was graduated in June 1891, and in July at the age of nineteen he entered Harvard University, despite the headshaking of those who knew the family circumstances. It was an unbelievably rash thing that the widow's son should embark on such an impractical, dreamy, intangible venture. But they did not reckon with the granite- like resolution of his extraordinary mother, Anna Karine Gaarden Widtsoe, who, aided and abetted by her aspiring son, had long since determined in their family council that John, and Osborne, too, his younger and only brother, must be educated. It was in the family tradition. His father, John Andersen Widtsoe, who years before in Norway had died prematurely young, had been a teacher and a scholar. And now, as immigrants, in Logan, through unflagging industry and the strictest frugality the family had acquired a modest; home, which could be mortgaged. The widow could ply a little later into the night the needle with which she earned their livelihood. So off John went to Harvard. By April the next year he had won a scholarship. The next year he won another scholarship. In September of the same year he was honored by election to - the presidency of the Boylston Chemical Club, an organization comprising major students and the faculty of the department. In June 1894—-after three years' study there—he was graduated from Harvard University with highest honors — summa cum laude! This honorary scholastic distinction can be won in two ways: by showing excellent and wide acquaintance in one line of study or for uniform excellence in all subjects taken. Young John Widtsoe won in both. His lifetime habit of wide reading in many fields was paying off. A Boston magazine published annually a review of the work of the current graduating class, selecting from the various departments a. notable production by a member of that department. For the class of 1894, singularly enough, the literary quality of the work was represented by a selection from the pen of John A. Widtsoe, the immigrant boy who still carried with him to Harvard his Norwegian accent and pronunciation. His English then as now is simple, direct, and always correct. When a word of one syllable will serve, he never employs one of two syllables. The achievements exhibited in this culled and limited list took some doing. In appraising them, it must be remembered that his preparatory schooling for entry to Harvard was at the Brigham Young College which then offered considerably less than does the ordinary high school of today. But John A. Widtsoe's preparation was not limited by what he received in school. Poor and lean as his purse was, he managed each month to scrape out of his meager pay enough to buy a coveted book which he promptly read. In his diary he records: "One day I bought a set of Chambers Encyclopedia. It was a tremendous financial venture. But, who should care, when the books contained the world's knowledge for which I was hungry." He would ransack libraries, too, and he formed the habit, which has never been dropped, of cultivating the friendship of men who read or traveled, and of eagerly drinking up the bits of wisdom or learning that fell from their lips. His list of intimates included the poor and lowly as well as some generally thought eccentric or a bit queer. He early learned that there is no monopoly on intelligence and that wisdom may be garnered in unexpected places. The family's first journey to America was briefly interrupted at Liverpool, and John found his way to a museum. In his boyish Norwegian scrawl in his journal of that day he records, "There was more to see than I thought could be collected in one place." To this day if you travel with him and stop to have your car serviced, you will see him striking off to examine some object that has attracted his attention or plying with questions some loiterer or other person he has engaged in conversation. If you miss him in a town, the place to look is in a library or secondhand bookstore. His thirst for knowledge is insatiable. Small wonder he was graduated summa cum laude. One of the striking characteristics of Dr. Widtsoe is his astonishing versatility. This writer is fully convinced he could have been eminently successful in any line of endeavor he might have chosen, including business or finance. His wise budgeting and prudent expenditure of vast sums as administrative head of the Experiment Station, the Agricultural College, and of the University of Utah amply demonstrate that every dollar spent yielded manifold returns. But he has never loved money. When he was graduated horn Harvard, four widely varying positions were open to him. He could have remained as a teacher at Harvard, or become research chemist for a great national and international industrial enterprise (Incidentally, the man who took the position is a multiple millionaire), or he could have joined the editorial staff of an important national magazine. Lastly he could go back to the Agricultural College at Logan as teacher of chemistry. Right there John Widtsoe had to make some decisions. First, he had to decide whether he wanted to be a writer or a scientist. There was a strong pull both ways. He resolved the conflict upon the basis of his conclusion that his state needed most his services as a scientist. It was devotion and loyalty to the Church which had brought his widowed mother and her two boys out of their native land and loyalty to the people who had become his people that decided among the choices. That is a devotion and a loyalty that has never faltered even under the test of flattering allurements, both public and private. Service to the Land During the three years between Harvard and Goettingen, he was professor of chemistry and chemist for the Experiment Station at the Utah Agricultural College. These were busy years. Wherever John Widtsoe was, there was action. The foundation for the monumental work he did to lift agriculture to a scientific plane was there laid. Somewhere along the line in the course of his wide reading in many fields, he formed the firm conviction that agriculture is the foundation for success of any nation, and he developed an abiding faith in the power of the land. He traveled widely over the arid and semi-arid lands of western America. Taking note that approximately two- thirds of the land surface of the earth falls under one or the other of these classifications, his restless mind was soon busy with the question whether the vast reaches of land for which there was no water must forever remain non-productive. Dr. Widtsoe, no mere abstract investigator, realized that even with the most painstaking research for the discovery of a truth, the task is only half done when the discovery is made; it must find practical application to the satisfaction of human wants. As a mere inert piece of knowledge it has little value. A good scientist or any other creative worker needs a highly imaginative quality of mind, capable not only of creating in fancy an image of the thing he seeks but also of projecting the vision out to far horizons and beyond into the realm of shadow and seeing in the dim mists its possible relationships to and influence upon the course of the human race. Returning from his European experiences, advantaged by his position as director of the Experiment Station, Dr. Widtsoe saw visions of the blessing to humanity which would flow from making the waste places fruitful. Having well-formed theories, he attacked seriously the job of submitting them to scientific tests. Satisfied by laboratory experiments with his theory that under proper observances of governing laws, crops could be profitably grown under quite low rainfall, he published his first treatise on dry farming which was for the first time, so far as known, put on a scientific basis. The effect was electrical and worldwide. The college and the station were put on the map. From almost every nation men called at Logan to inspect the work. Young men trained there under Dr. Widtsoe's tutelage were employed both in the United States and many foreign countries. After ten years of study he published his book on dry farming which was promptly translated into French, Italian, and Spanish—languages of three countries with large land areas to which water could not be taken. Basically the same principles, namely, the relationships among water, air, and earth, are involved in both irrigation and dry farming studies, scientifically conducted. Experiments in both fields accordingly were carried on simultaneously. Government and State aid were obtained authorizing dry farm and irrigation experimental stations to test the practicability of laboratory findings. Oddly enough, irrigation, though a very ancient art, had so far as known never until 1900 at the Utah Station been subjected to scientifically controlled experimental study. Several new laws were discovered and many quite revolutionary findings were made. As the result of long study he wrote a book on irrigation which met with a reception comparable to that accorded his book on dry farming. It likewise has been translated into several languages and is to be found in many widely separated countries over the world. Over the years it has been no uncommon thing to see in courtrooms where irrigation problems were the subject of litigation his book pored over and quoted from by court and counsel. Modestly Dr. Widtsoe has written, under an assignment requiring his telling something about the work he had done: "I suppose I may claim to be a pioneer in the field of placing irrigation on a scientific basis, and a pioneer scientific investigator of the possibilities of growing crops without irrigation under a low rainfall . . . millions of acres in America and other countries are now redeemed. There are now many villages and happy homes on the desert which this work done by myself and my colleagues helped to bring about." There is both romance and drama in the typical story of the establishment of the forty-acre experimental farm on the Levan Ridge, Utah, where billowing fields of grain now spread out on lands that were before only sagebrush wastes. Out of Dr. Widtsoe's discoveries and demonstrations came the International Dry-farm Congress to which delegates were sent from many countries. With it he was prominently identified until it had fully filled its purpose. Perhaps by this time the reader has formed some conclusion as to whether Dr. Widtsoe has justified Dr. Jackson's early prediction for him of a career so distinguished "that it would be followed with interest and admiration by the whole chemical world." He was director of the Utah Experiment Station where he could devote himself to scientific research and experimentation for but a scant five years. In 1907 he was made president of the Utah Agricultural College, which position he held for the next nine years and could have held indefinitely so firmly was he intrenched in the confidence and esteem of the trustees and the people of the state. All the rest of his academic life he was weighted down with the exacting, time-consuming duties of executive administration. This left little opportunity for carrying on research and experimental work, but his accomplishment during the period 1901 to 1907 excites astonishment as well as admiration. Whether it was wise to take him out of research and put him into administrative work is a question which in this life can never be resolved. Here is involved the elusive matter of relative values. He was eminently successful in both fields. It is perhaps safe to assume that left to his own choice he would have elected to stay with science. This writer can never forget making a trip to Logan with Dr. Widtsoe when he was president of the University of Utah. He ended by driving around to the experiment farm established by him when he was director of the Station and where the experiments were conducted which furnished the basis of his history- making books, bulletins, and publications on irrigation and dry farming, which have so incalculably enriched the dwellers on arid lands in many countries throughout the world. He sat there apparently lost in reverie. No one spoke. Finally, as if speaking to himself and unconscious of the presence of anyone else, he said, "The state of Utah made a great mistake when it took me out of this Experiment Station." It was as if he had been seeing pass by in procession a train of discoveries his fertile, imaginative mind had conjured up as feasible realities if he had been left to give them birth. But who shall say? The period of his presidency at the Utah Agricultural College saw great expansion in the work, prestige, and influence of the College. Many of the things he did so greatly contributing to that expansion he could not have done if he had not been the authoritative head of the school. By the same token, as president, advantaged by his intimate acquaintance with the discoveries of the station and their far-reaching potentialities, he implemented them into practical application as he could not have done as the station director. Though unable to carry forward experimental details, he nevertheless from prior experience and clear vision of needs and possibilities could and did influence powerfully the course of experimental progress. It is idle to speculate about the position in which he could have rendered the greater service to his generation. During his first year as president he organized the agricultural extension work as a coordinate division of the college, later recognized by act of Congress in the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. During subsequent years he organized many new departments, put courses in experiments on an elective basis, raised entrance standards from two years high school work to requirements of standard colleges, secured an impressive number of new buildings, built up new laboratories in practically every science taught in the college, and set up the correspondence department, farmers' roundups and housekeepers' conferences. "An educational institution," he declared, "that confines its work to the college campus fails in our day to render service to its constituents." He found faculty salaries extremely low and worked several years before he convinced the Board of Trustees that they should authorize him to fix a schedule for the various ranks nearly twenty percent above what it had been. At the same time he resolutely refused to have his own salary increased. Finally after the board tried for three years to increase the president's salary, they sent him out of board meeting on an errand, and in his absence increased his salary. With much labor and persistence he convinced the board of the necessity of a sabbatical leave program and then sent many men, particularly from the West, away for their higher degrees, thus greatly strengthening the faculty. In many ways he was a trailblazer. Under his direction the first soil survey in the state of Utah was made. In 1911 he secured the appointment of an agricultural agent for work in the Uintah Basin who was probably the first county agent in the United States. In 1913 he sent a qualified woman to Sanpete and Sevier valleys as the first home demonstrator county agent in the United States. Now such agents are routine. Utah Agricultural College graduates soon were being sent to Uruguay and the Argentine and other foreign countries as well as throughout the United States. Under his direction a bill was drafted and given to Senator Reed Smoot to be introduced into the United States Senate. After some years' delay federal legislation patterned on the lines of this bill was enacted giving women in the field of home economics opportunities similar to those afforded by the legislation enacted for agricultural experimentation and extension work. Dr. Widtsoe is the author of about forty scientific bulletins on Utah agriculture and has contributed more than two hundred articles and editorials on this and kindred subjects. He carries on a voluminous correspondence with notable people as well as others in various parts of the world. For more than thirty years separated from academic work and earlier still taken by the hand of destiny out of his loved laboratory and seated at the office desk, yet he kept up his dry farm and irrigation connections though they were much interfered with during the exacting, strength-consuming demands of his university presidency. Even since his call to Church duties, his professional service is in constant demand and quite generally has been given gratuitously. By consent and advice of the Presidency of the Church, he responded to many highly important public calls, among them an invitation from the governor and the state engineer of Utah to join an exploring expedition down the Colorado River in search of possible dam sites, and then to assist in formulating the famous Colorado River Compact. The state engineer has told how Dr. Widtsoe through his knowledge, wide acquaintance, and diplomacy, so notably contributed to securing the final adoption of that document. Following closely the completion of that work, he became, through the call of Hubert Works, Secretary of the Interior of the United States, vice president and secretary of the committee created to examine into the conditions of the projects of the Bureau of Reclamation which by that time had expended $134,000,000.00 Some of the water users under these projects were discouragingly in arrears in their payments. Dr. Widtsoe took up his residence in Washington, D. C, for a time and compiled the data for the committee and in the end wrote its report which was published by Congress under the title, Federal Reclamation by Irrigation. Following the findings of that report, Congress charged off $28,000,000.00 because of mistakes of both engineers and farmers. Having gained a close insight into government operations, he came to this fixed conclusion, "Bureaucracy and increased government by bureaus will always lead to disaster.'' Currently he is one of a three-man Royal Commission appointed by the Canadian Government to report with recommendations upon the vast Saskatchewan River Project which may take ten years for completion and involves a cost of approximately 125 million dollars and would turn nearly five hundred thousand acres of arid prairie land into livable and farmable country. A quarter of a century before, the Province of Alberta, Canada, called for his advice concerning the provincial- supported Lethbridge irrigation project which seemed to be failing. The Parliament passed an act based on his report, and the project seems now to be prospering. Later, while he was in Liverpool, England, presiding over the European Mission of the Church, the premier of Alberta solicited him to help in some of their agricultural matters, offering an exceedingly flattering fee which of course he could not accept. True to his conviction about the importance of agriculture as a foundation upon which a nation safely may be built, he has told the Canadian government in a published interview that rich as it is in land and natural resources, the nation will never reach its ultimate strength until the vast unpopulated areas of the prairie are filled in. "Canada," he said, "must become one continuous home. Neighbors must be able to shake hands with each other all across the country," As President of the University of Utah Entering upon his ninth year as president of the Utah State Agricultural College with everything moving smoothly toward what he conceived to be its destiny, he was beginning to nurse hopes of a little easing of the terrific pace he had so long maintained and of carrying forward some long postponed plans. In a new building then being erected he reserved a room to be fitted up for his use as a private laboratory. His dream was rudely shattered by a call to the presidency of the University of Utah. He didn't want to take it. but yielding to the persuasion of friends who argued the case on the basis of the demands of a public service, he permitted himself to be elected to the post at great financial sacrifice with the assumption of new and arduous duties. The university was in a state of upheaval. Recommendation for certain dismissals and demotions of faculty members had been made. Seventeen professors resigned in protest. Alumni and state organizations entered the agitation. The reputation of the university was a subject of national discussion. The new president stepped into this difficult situation. Moreover he was heir to the envies and jealousies which disappointed aspirants to the position nursed. The faculty, not knowing what to expect from the new man, were uncertain about their own security, and on edge. All this he had foreseen. He wrote in his diary: "I valued the confidence placed in me, and I had no fears about the future of the school; but why should I have to carry the burden of straightening things out? I had already had a great deal of that to do for the state of Utah. Washing dirty linen for a state is always an unpleasant task." The new president, fully aware of the undercurrents flowing from the general air of unrest, suspicion, and "show me" attitude of many with whom he had to work, chose to ignore most of them, trusting to the healing powers of time to cure many raw sores. Obviously the first task was the restoration of order and good feeling. Tact, patience, and diplomacy won the day. Gradually it began to be manifest that sincerity, open, frank honesty of dealing, and the good of the school, wholly divorced from personal ambitions were to be the guiding principles of the new administration. It was soon equally apparent that the president knew not only what he wanted to do but also how to do it. Under these calming, reassuring influences, unrest began soon to disappear, and men and women at the institution, mainly high-minded, honorable people, settled cheerfully down to work. Finally student body, alumni, and faculty, with one or two exceptions, gave wholehearted allegiance to the school and the administration. Among these the president established lasting friendships. Following his lifelong habit of looking for causes he soon discovered some fruitful sources of recent troubles. A university, like any large public enterprise, requires for its effective administration orderly procedure. There were statutes authorizing the establishment of the university, the composition of the board of regents, and various rules and regulations governing the institution, but strangely enough they had not been collected together in one place or published. There was no set of board regulations derived as bylaws from the general state laws, and nothing had been crystallized as to relationships among regents, faculty, and other employees, and oftentimes decisions previously made were forgotten. As his first act, even before entering upon his official duties. Dr. Widtsoe formulated a series of board rules and regulations and a code regarding faculty deliberation and decision, all of which were printed and published and are followed today with such amendments and revisions as the years have brought and have contributed greatly to the saving of time and debate and the restoration of order. These seem simple, non-impressive, and non-spectacular things, but they put the university administration upon a sound legal footing and went far toward the solution of the troubles that had recently plagued the institution. Meantime, amidst all of the muddle, the future growth and development of the school must not be neglected. True to his long held conviction that to meet its obligations to the state the activity and influence of the university must reach out far beyond the campus confines, extending its privileges to all who wanted to participate in its benefits, the new president in his first year established the extension division with correspondence courses and extension classes offered in many places. This department has since greatly expanded and grown into a popular and important division of the school. After many trips to the headquarters of the American Medical Association, he secured for the new two-year medical school an A-rating, obtained for it a new building, still in use, and introduced as part of the medical school activity extension work in health matters, notably in child health welfare, which was gratefully received by the mothers of the state. He organized the school of commerce (now called business administration) conceived to serve as a training school for industrial and commercial leadership in our richly endowed but as yet undeveloped state; inaugurated the group elective system under which candidates for degrees are required to earn a certain number of credits in physical science, biological sciences, social sciences, and the humanities, so that each shall have an acquaintance with the basic areas of knowledge. For the rest the student is free to elect his studies, thus affording him while concentrating upon some particular field of knowledge, the opportunity to form at least a speaking acquaintance with the great heritage of the past. The home economics department was taken out of the basement and given new space of its own, and a suitable building was erected for the Stewart Training School which was made a part of the training in the school of education. Dr. Widtsoe was active in national educational circles, and made addresses ranking high in quality, in exposition, and in conception of what a true education is and how it best may be fostered and made accessible. For two successive terms he was president of the Utah Educational Association where he labored to bring about a closer unity between the high schools and the institutions of higher learning in the state, believing that both parts of the state's educational system would thus be greatly benefited. He foresaw and urged preparation for the time when higher degrees would be required for teachers in the high schools and correspondingly higher requirements for grade school teachers as well. After a long struggle he had the master's degree authorized at the U. S. A. C, in telling about which he comments, "Similar objections will be raised when the schools of Utah attempt to offer the doctor's degree. But . . , such a step forward in Utah should be taken soon." This was written long before the University of Utah conferred a doctor's degree under the presidency of Dr. A. Ray Olpin. As if internal troubles at the university had not been enough, our nation entered World War I, and the university campus was transformed into a military camp, slowing up progress planned for the great institution which the president had always envisioned. The war, moreover, imposed multitudinous new duties upon the president, such as chairmanship of the Salt Lake City food- production committee, member of the State Council of Defense, and active participant in the campaign for economical use of irrigation. The extent and far-reaching effects of his contributions to the university can be but glimpsed. They are solid buttresses upon which the institution has expanded and will continue to expand. All things considered, it is doubtful if a greater example of administrative leadership can be produced. If the story of Dr. Widtsoe's presidency of the University of Utah is ever written, as it is to be hoped it will be, there will be an astonished opening of eyes. In 1921, with the storm ridden out, and quiet and order practically restored and a broad pattern established looking far into the future, he responded to the call of his Church, and was able to turn the school over to his successor as an orderly, smooth-running concern. It is doubtful if at the time when he left active association in the academic world, there was any man who knew more thoroughly the rich and varied natural resources of Utah and their potentialities than did he, though he understood that realization of many latent possibilities must wait till unfolding events made the time ripe. Church Service Nothing has been said directly about Dr. Widtsoe's Church service. That is so well-known that it needs little elaboration. It stands at the head of all his long list of absorbing interests and includes service as Church commissioner of education, as president of the European Mission for the longest continuous term of record, notable service to the temples and the Genealogical Society and the general boards, courses of study for the auxiliaries, books written for the priesthood, innumerable articles for Church magazines, editorship of The Improvement Era, and important and innumerable contributions in almost every avenue of official and unofficial Church activity. His service did not await the call to high office but has been constant since boyhood. From early youth he tells us, he had known that the gospel is true, had studied it as carefully as any science, and had subjected it to every test known to him. He had collected one of the best private libraries of Church literature, and read it, some parts time and time again, and large parts of his unusual library are found now in each of the three major institutions of higher learning in the state of Utah. To that literature he has richly contributed. From young manhood he had been a prolific writer of books, pamphlets, tracts, and other forms of composition. Now when the call to high office came, he responded willingly, well knowing that he was abandoning an honorable position of great influence and still greater potentialities of which he had a clear vision. He was closing the door of opportunity for pursuing further work which he had so loved and for which he had so carefully prepared. His own simple words are: "I knew the time had come to turn my back on the projects of the past." He had come to the University of Utah for a salary $2000.00 less than that which the Agricultural College paid him. The College board of trustees offered him, if he would stay, a handsome increase in salary besides added perquisites. He was on the way to financial independence. At the University of Utah, however, he had had to draw on his private savings to live as the office demanded. Now again, as he entered Church service as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles he was to have to revise drastically downward his whole material scale of living, but he was not deterred, and for thirty years has given the Church all his strength and power. Non-understanding friends wondered whether he had taken leave of his senses. His life has never been ruled by love of money or grasping ambition. In all his public service there has never been a thought about how a policy adopted would affect his personal fortune. The job, and whether it was in the public interest, was the only thing that mattered. A more completely unselfish man it would be difficult to find. He has developed and lived a philosophy which has brought him sweet contentment unmarred by envy or dwarfing, cankering ambition. In the relatively few statements he has made about his own work, there stand revealed some of the outstanding characteristics of the man and the qualities that so eloquently proclaim superiority. One of these is his innate modesty. When speaking of experimental discoveries, he will say "my colleagues and I." He makes very little use of the personal pronoun. He always contrives to make associates feel that their part is important and that they are necessary to it, and always sees to it that they get full credit for their participation. He is always willing to listen to their opinions, realizing that however humble people may be their ideas may be valuable. He is careful in the extreme not to embarrass or cause a hurt to an associate, or any one else. He is not a contentious man. If questions arise he is quite likely to express his view and let it be taken or left without argument. In one place he has said, "In my life I have never sought position. In fact, the rear guard has been my desire. Even now I am timid under the limelight. I have wanted only the opportunity to work out quietly my dreams and plans." The rapidity with which he works excites wonder. He grasps the content of a printed page almost at a glance. That rapidity of accomplishment in part accounts for the amazing amount of work he can accomplish. He is a prodigious worker with the capacity for having many things going at the same time. This results from his ability to utilize to the fullest the services and abilities of others, He assigns them a task and trusts them. If one undertook to list his dominating characteristics and qualities — the things for which he is to be known and honored, at the top of the list would have to be put his unyielding and unwavering devotion and fealty to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church which proclaims it. Time and again he has at its call turned away from the lure of personal ambitions, chances for worldly renown, openings to avenues promising wealth and ease and comfort, and to accept privation and disappointments. To his everlasting honor let it be said that with his education gained, for which his devoted mother had sacrificed and toiled, she never again had to know drudgery or want. When his monthly pay came, two checks were promptly issued—the first for his tithing, the second to his mother. After Church devotion and loyalty, it wouldn't much matter what order in the list other honorable or notable mentions took. Conspicuously somewhere along the line mention would have to be made of his training and production of men and women beyond the call of duty. His interest in people is universal. He has been the stimulating influence that has sparked the slumbering ambitions of young men and women in great numbers and set them out on careers that have eventuated in invaluable benefit to state and nation and to far places beyond our own shores. He is alert to discover those who show talent in any line and to encourage them through training to fit themselves for their greatest possibilities as useful members of society. It is through his encouragement and stimulating aid that many of Utah's young men and women have been spurred on to courses of training that have lifted them to places of high eminence. Out of his own purse he helped unknown numbers of struggling young students. He is sensitive to the appeals of those coming into our country from the old world, conscious of the struggles they have to make. He trusts people, and while some have disappointed him, he feels that in the aggregate more has been gained by the faithfulness of the many than by the dereliction of the few. Because of his great kindness and willingness to help the distressed, whether from material want or because of mental or spiritual unsettlement, people old and young have flocked to him. A trail has been beaten to his door. Even when, to meet the demands of fixed duties he has tried to seclude himself at home, they have followed him there. No one is ever turned away empty. He has never learned to say no or to protect himself from demands beyond his physical powers of endurance. Seven children were born to John and Leah Widtsoe: Anne (Mrs. Anne Widtsoe Wallace), John Andreas, Karl Marselius (Marsel), Mark Adriel, Helen, Mary, and Leah Eudora (Mrs. G. Homer Durham). Four of these died in infancy. Marsel, the last of the sons, died in the promising prime of young manhood. Two remain—the eldest and the youngest, with six worthy grandchildren. In each of these losses, John and Leah walked forward in love and faith — and took other people unto their hearts and cherished and encouraged them as they would have cherished and encouraged their own. One can never cease to be impressed by his intense love for and loyalty to family, friends, and colleagues. Association and companionship with them, and to merit their approbation, is of more worth to him than the cattle on the thousand hills. Once again, in entering the service of the Church, long cherished plans for the closing years of life had to be laid aside, this time, apparently for good. In boyhood he had mapped out the whole course of his life, reaching down to the end. He envisioned a few peaceful years after the main battle was finished, in a quiet place among his books and apparatus, where he might read and reflect and experiment and write. This must now, he realized, all await the day of fulfilment in a future realm. [1] Later changed to Utah State Agricultural College |
Dr. John A. Widtsoe with the author, Elder Albert E. Bowen.
Dr. John Andreas Widtsoe.
Brother and Sister Widtsoe in the summer of 1929, during
their European Mission days. John A. Widtsoe at the time of his marriage.
Leah D. Widtsoe taken about the time of her marriage to Brother Widtsoe.
John A. Widtsoe the year he was graduated from Harvard University.
John Andersen Widtsoe, father of John Andreas Widtsoe.
Anna G. Widtsoe and her two sons John A. and Osborne,
taken about 1883. The Widtsoe family in April 1920 in Salt Lake City: left to right, Sister Widtsoe, Leah Eudora, now Mrs. G. Homer Durham; Anne Widtsoe Wallace; John A.; and Marsel, who died in 1927.
The family in June of 1909: Dr. Widtsoe, Anne, Sister Widtsoe, and Marsel,
The most recent photograph of the Widtsoe family, taken about 1946: left to right, front, Joanne Wallace Koplin, Doralee Durham, Elder Widtsoe, Carolyn W. Durham,
Sister Widtsoe, and George Homer Durham, Jr.; (back) G. Homer Durham, Eudora W. Durham, John Widtsoe Wallace, Anne W. Wallace, and Margaret W. Wallace. |
Josephson, Marba C. "John A. Widtsoe - 1872 - 1952." Improvement Era. January 1953. pg. 18-20, 58-61.
John A. Widtsoe- 1872-1952 By Marba C. Josephson ASSOCIATE MANAGING EDITOR, THE IMPROVEMENT ERA LIKE Nephi of old Dr. John Andreas Widtsoe felt that he had been highly favored of the Lord in all his days. Born on the tiny island of Froyen, Norway, January 31, 1872, he moved to Logan, Utah, when he was eleven years of age—halfway around the world from the place of his birth. The Lord had favored the mother of John and his brother Osborne by bringing through his missionaries the gospel message of hope to her—and to her sons. Like Nephi, also, Dr. Widtsoe could say that he had seen many afflictions in his day—but he had triumphed over them and turned them to his advantage. When Dr. Widtsoe was a child of six, his father died, leaving the widow and her two sons to make their way. Wealth they did not have, but they knew the value of work. Difficulty also confronted them when they moved to a land where their native Norwegian had to be supplemented by the more difficult English. But to Dr. Widtsoe his adopted tongue has become the means of expressing his original thoughts in strong, succinct language. Thirty books and innumerable articles and manuals bear testimony to the fact that he mastered what might to others have seemed a handicap. Poverty in the new land was always waiting for the Widtsoes, but pride and self-reliance were strong enough to defeat this affliction. Of course, "grits" became the substitute for more appetizing food during one long period of privation. Through this and similar experiences Dr. Widtsoe learned the value and the wise use of money as well as the value of wholesome food. To him as to his mother and brother the blessings far outweighed the afflictions—and his testimony has rung out to this generation that the Lord is anxious to bless his people, if they will but follow after his teachings. Education was important to Anna Gaarden Widtsoe, as it had been to her husband; and her children, no matter at what sacrifice to herself, must have the opportunity that would come with a college education. Dr. Widtsoe worked summers and after school to provide as much of the needed money as possible. Scholarships, fellowships, also, assisted the young student—but with it all went the diligent, happy service of a mother who wished the best for her sons, even mortgaging the home to insure the desired training. With his marriage to Leah Eudora Dunford on June 1, 1898, he received one more impetus for educational achievement. With her in the succeeding fall he went to George Augustus University, Goettingen, Germany, on a Parker fellowship from Harvard University—and on money that had to be borrowed. Two years later he returned with the prized scientific work and with a still greater prize, his and his wife's first child, a daughter, whom they named in honor of Anna Gaarden Widtsoe. The desert places shall blossom as the rose had long been in the mind of Dr. Widtsoe. He knew that the Lord had promised it, and man could help fulfil the prophecy. He turned his attention to the life-giving irrigation projects that have made the great arid plains bear bountiful harvests. His last great project, aside from his calling as an Apostle of the Lord, was in the interest of reclaiming the barren regions of our great neighbor to the north, Canada. His service to the state of Utah is well-known and deeply appreciated. He developed the experiment station of the U.S.A.C. on a recognized basis, secured the appointment of probably the first agricultural agent in the United States, and sent a qualified woman as home demonstrator into an outlying area. For almost nine years he served as president of the Utah State Agricultural College and then received the call to become president at the University of Utah, a position he held for five years. He became president during a most difficult period, but with his usual genial, sincere recognition of the problems he reached conclusions and initiated programs that quickly won the support of the board of regents and the faculty. Naturally, the foremost incentive in his life was his Church activity; it was what gave purpose and direction to all of his multitudinous activities. From the time of his baptism in 1884 throughout his life he accepted the calls that came to him—serving as secretary of the deacons' quorum and of his priests' quorum, and later as stake secretary for the elders' quorums. For ten years (1895-1905) he was a member of the Cache Stake Sunday School board, and one of his assignments as an Apostle has been as an adviser to the Deseret Sunday School Union. Even during his years of study in Germany he served as a missionary. From 1906 to 1936 he served as a member of the Y.M.M.I.A. general board, and in 1907, having become a seventy, he was set apart successively as president in two quorums of the seventies. From March 17, 1921, Dr. Widtsoe has served as a member of the Council of the Twelve, during which time he has presided over the European Missions of the Church, organizing the Czechoslovak Mission. He has rendered yeoman service in the genealogical society, the Church board of education, the welfare committee, in addition to the pressing assignments at stake quarterly conferences throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He was called to the editorship of The Improvement Era in 1935. From the funeral services held for Dr. Widtsoe in the Tabernacle, December 2, 1952, we have gleaned some of the tributes of those who addressed the vast congregation. President David O. McKay * * * I wish I could summarize, or I feel to summarize the tributes paid to Sister Widtsoe, in the words of a Mr. Appleton, who, in paying tribute to womankind said that behind, the success of every man lies the quiet, pervading influence of a good woman. In one of his paragraphs he says of her, "Helping, loving and serving. Urging when that were best. Keeping her fears in hiding Deep in her quiet breast. This is the woman who kept him True to his standards high, Helping, loving, urging still. Win you can, you must, you will." God bless you, Sister Widtsoe, for the inspiration you have been to this great and good man. The world is better off because of your loyalty and devotion to your beloved husband. It is said that "our echoes roll from soul to soul and go forever and forever." As we recall in memory the deeds, the accomplishments of Dr. Widtsoe, I would wish that we might connote with his life, three dominant virtues, which I name more in summary than discourse. First I would name, his willingness, we might say his eagerness, always to speak well of others. If you will recall your conversations with him, your deliberations in counsel, what you have read in any of his books, bring to your mind any of his sermons, you will find that whenever he referred to a friend, an associate, a teacher, a child, he always spoke favorably of him. It has been said that "many men know how to flatter; few men know how to praise." Elder Widtsoe is one of the rare men who know how to praise. It is that quality, I think, which has endeared him to so many tens of thousands of young men and women. It is true that: "Words of praise are almost as necessary to warm a child into genial life as acts of kindness and affection. Judicious praise is to children what the sun is to flowers." It is this quality expressed, I repeat, wherever merited, that has encouraged and stimulated many students, who sought Brother Widtsoe's advice, and were encouraged thereby to press on to achievement. * * * Second, I would name, as has been mentioned and emphasized today, particularly by Elder Evans, his love of truth. A man who makes the greatest contribution to humanity is he who loves and follows truth at all costs. I quote from one of his books, I think it is his latest: "From my earliest youth education became my objective. There was a real relish for learning in my soul. ... In the little red diary from January 28, 1888 to June 7, 1891 there is a constant cry and prayer for more education, high school and college. That urgent desire made education achievement more easily possible." * * * Truth, and strength to accept it. That is a quality of a great man, who chooses the truth with invincible resolution. I commend that characteristic. And the third, his desire and love to serve his fellow men. It is said that the greatest and sweetest encomium ever paid by one of the Apostles of his Master was that saying of Peter's: "He went about doing good." As a true disciple, and Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, Dr. John A. Widtsoe spent his life going about doing good. In the concluding paragraph of In a Sunlit Land, he writes as follows: "I hope it will be said of me, I have tried to live unselfishly, to serve God and help my fellow man, and use my time and talents industriously for the advancement of human good." Brother Widtsoe, in conclusion, I am saying, for your fellow workers in the Presidency and the Twelve, for these thousands who are assembled here in these impressive services, and for a million others whose lives you have touched, that all with one heart agree that, "You have lived unselfishly, you have served God and helped your fellow man, and used your time and your talents industriously for the advancement of human good." We are not going to say goodbye to you, but au revoir, for to us you are just away, associating with that fine, handsome son, missionary boy, Marsel, and your other loved children, members of the Council who have gone before you, and you are in the presence of your Redeemer, whom you have served so well. * * * President J. Reuben Clark, Jr. This man was a man of great distinction and great achievement. * * * He chose for his profession the field of chemistry, the field which too often develops intellects into doubt and sometimes into atheism. But I think I can summarize my own view about him and his work in this field, by saying that wherever men saw blind forces at work and at play, he saw God. Throughout his life, as I see it, he brought to bear the full treasure house of his great knowledge in the field of science to advance the cause of our Heavenly Father. That was the key to his work throughout life. As has been said, he sought to aid his fellow men, temporally as well as spiritually, and how well he succeeded is evidenced by the growth of agriculture in this country, not only in this state, but throughout the world. He loved truth, he delighted in sharing it with others, and that led him to the very great amount of work which he did with his publications on many, many subjects. But behind each work he wrote, again I say, was his belief in God, the Father, and his Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Restored Gospel, the restored priesthood. I think, perhaps, his greatest achievement in one sense, the individual sense, was in the home which he and Sister Leah built. He taught his children the elements of good citizenship, industry, thrift, honesty, integrity, truthfulness, and all the rest of those good and great virtues. He taught them in the spiritual way and taught them faith, and he taught them prayer. He taught them the plan of life and salvation, and the youth of this Church have been greatly benefited and greatly built up by those same teachings which in his love of truth he passed on to them in his many writings and many sermons. Out of this great field in which he gave such instructions, his family and the youth of the Church have come to understand better the plan of life and salvation, have come to understand the premortal existence, before that the great plan in heaven, then the mortal existence where we come to prove whether or not we can obey the commandments of the Lord, and the glories that are promised to those who do, and passing to the other side for a temporary period, and, finally, a reuniting of the body and of the soul, of the spirit into the perfect soul. These things he engrained in his children, and he engrained in the youth of the Church. I do not know what more could be said about him, than that in every place, every position to which he was called, he gave the full measure of his strength and of his devotion, and of his great faith, never doubting, never wavering. Words fail me in trying to express my love, my affection, and my appreciation of this great man. * * * President Richard L. Evans It might sometimes be supposed that the life of John A. Widtsoe was free from the difficulties and discouragements that beset so many of us. To some it might have seemed that he walked through life serenely and successfully, with things easily unfolding for him. But lest it should seem so, let us look for a moment at a few of the facts. He followed no well-worn road, he had no early advantage. He came to earth in an inconspicuous place, on a rocky island among fisher folk on a winter night, with the wind adding its cold and comfortless sounds to the breaking waves of the North Sea. It was little expected that he should live. He was born with his hand attached to his head, and a crude operation had to be performed. He was fatherless at six. His custody was in question, not too long later, after his mother espoused an unpopular faith. At twelve he found himself in a frontier town, a foreigner, an immigrant, among people speaking a strange tongue, with a family livelihood at first dependent upon the seamstress hand of a widowed mother. No one gave him his education. It was financed by mortgaging and borrowing, which he paid back with interest added. But he went to the highest halls of learning to receive the highest degrees of the day, from the highest authorities in his chosen fields in this land and others, and with highest honors. Then he chose to return to serve his own adopted pioneering people, rather than accept offers elsewhere. Repeatedly he was called upon to leave work that he most loved and to undertake difficult assignments in difficult situations. No man may now know the price he paid for the preferences he put behind him. Nor was the personal side of his life without its sorrows. Of the seven sons and daughters who were born to him and his cherished wife, five were taken from him. These two together came into my life a few months after they had lost their last son, a promising young man of twenty-four years, and the last of his line who could have carried on the Widtsoe surname. Deep disappointment and sorrow ensued, but no bitterness. Instead they took unto themselves yet other sons, whom they counseled and encouraged and lifted on their way in life. I thank my Father in heaven that I was one of them, and a host of others would so testify if it were their privilege to do so here today. No one may know the number he has helped. His heart, his home, were open to all, and when he was not at the office, those who sought him in solving personal problems beat a path to his home, even in his illness. He has helped men redeem their lands and their lives, and has given as though the reservoir of his strength and his love were unbounded, which indeed they have almost seemed to be until these last few weeks. He preached the doctrine of health and of happiness, of labor and of learning, and earnestly practised and pursued what he preached into the eighty- first year of his life. In the last public discourse that he gave here in Salt Lake City, I think, before the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, he had this to say of himself: "I want to say to you frankly that I have nothing in my life to recommend me except one thing, and thousands of men can say the same thing. I have done a day's work all the days of my life, and if that can be spoken of me, I will be quite satisfied." Only a few days before he died he was working on a manuscript on a vitally important subject for young people. Some thirty books or so have come from his pen, as perhaps another thirty or more courses of study, plus hundreds of scientific, religious, and educational pamphlets, tracts, and treatises, all of which has been done simply as a sideline in the midst of all other work. He had a profound regard for facts, and an insatiable appetite for the discovery of further facts. At his elbow, even almost unto the last, was a constantly replaced stack of significant books. His was an almost universal interest. He spoke the language of many lands. He was at home, interested, at ease, wherever he went. I shall not attempt further to elaborate the record, but I would speak another word or two of the faith that was within him. When the call came to become an Apostle, again there was no looking back. Years before he had in principle settled all such decisions. He had probed and weighed the things of earth and the things of heaven. The man of science was also the man of God who could see truth wherever it was an eternal part of a great eternal plan and purpose and picture, and who humbly accepted his Father in heaven as the source of all light and learning. Decades before, as an earnest, searching student, he had faced and accepted the fact of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in this our day and dispensation. When he was a young man still in his twenties in Germany, he sent home a manuscript, written for the building of faith, which was published in the second volume of The Improvement Era, which could well have been called the first of his "Evidences and Reconciliations." He was sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, and was as convinced of his eternal continuance as most of us are certain of the dawn of this day. There are some men in whom faith in things not seen comes very close to certain knowledge, so close indeed that there is little or no line between the two, and in him there was such faith. He knew that his Redeemer lives, that God lives, that men are immortal, that life and truth are limitless, that time is only part of eternity, that we are children of God, our Father, in whose image we were made, and that his plans and purposes for us are limitless and everlasting, and that heaven could only be heaven with family and friends. All this he knew with a sureness and certainty that in his own soul left no room for doubt. He lived, according to his own testimony, in a sunlit land, not without its shadows, but he did not dwell in the shadows. He looked always toward the light. All this he shared with the wonderful companion of his life. From their first days together, nearly sixty years ago, to these last difficult, but devoted days, I have never seen a sweeter association. Eternity is little enough for such completeness of companionship as theirs has been. The Lord has been good to John A. Widtsoe, and he has been deserving of God's goodness. I cannot say how much we shall miss him. We shall miss his quick step. We shall miss the acute mind that quickly cut to the core of questions and problems presented. We shall miss stepping into his room, with his books and his tools of writing. We shall miss his kindly humor, his counsel, and his comfort and encouragement. We know not how much we shall miss him, but the years go quickly, and John A. Widtsoe is still himself, and should we ever come within reach of so high a place as where he is, we should like to take his outstretched hand and resume our talk where last we left it. Almost to the last time he talked to us, he was earnestly anticipating other activities, and I doubt not that already he is engaged in them. There are walls that will listen for sounds that are silenced. There are places and people that will be lonelier than they have been, but somewhere this past week there has been a glorious reunion, and the sweet sounds that have faded from our ears are somewhere heard in a heavenly session. * * * President Franklin S. Harris Forty-seven years ago he became my teacher, and he has remained my teacher ever since. In no branch of learning has the pupil been able to equal the master. In those days at Brigham Young University scores of capable young men clustered about him and were fired with the ambition that drove them to get the training necessary for leadership. Best of all, he implanted in them a philosophy and an attitude toward religion that has kept them in balance during the vicissitudes of a turbulent world. What a privilege it was to sit at his feet as he taught us the fundamentals of science and implanted in us a love of truth, a respect for religion and a determination to live useful lives. When Dr. Widtsoe was made president of the Agricultural College I followed along as a young instructor in chemistry. Fortunately I had the privilege of living in the home of Brother and Sister Widtsoe that year as a member of the family. The first two months of our married life were also spent there. That is how we came to know one of the finest homes that anyone could imagine. We have never ceased to marvel at the resourcefulness of Aunt Leah, as we affectionately call her, and we soon became aware of one of the chief sources of the strength of this great man. She has supported him without reserve and he constantly relied on her judgment, particularly in the work for women and in the extension activities which he initiated in all three of Utah's institutions of higher learning. Dr. Widtsoe's ability to bring order out of chaos, simplicity out of complexity, light out of darkness, hope out of despair, and faith out of doubt was soon recognized beyond the walls of the institution where he served. In the three institutions of Utah where he served, he was not only a skilled administrator and organizer, but he also personally stimulated thousands of young men and women to make the most of themselves. I have shed many tears during the sickness and passing of Brother Widtsoe, but now that he has gone, I experience a great surge of gratitude for what he has done for me and my family, for his state, for his nation, and for many other parts of the world. I have witnessed the fruits of his scientific work in many lands, from the tiaga of Siberia, the highlands of Iran, the hills of Palestine, the farms of Canada, to the arid lands of Latin America. With all his accomplishments as a scientist and an educator, however, I think of him most today as the head of one of the finest households I have ever known, and as a humble servant of God who, in meeting his Maker, is entitled to the commendation, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord." * * * A valiant defender of the Church, Dr. Widtsoe has through the force of his life, his scholarship, and his testimony won many people to a thoroughgoing respect for the gospel he embraced as a youth on the tiny island of Froyen, in the land of Norway. Through his service he has borne testimony to the doctrine of the Master whose cause he espoused: "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these my children ye have done it unto me." These tributes bespeak a man whose love for truth, mankind, and his Creator lifted him from the common life which he may have lived had it not been for the message of the restored gospel brought to his mother through the ringing testimony of the humble shoemaker who first taught the widowed mother the glory of the restoration. |
John Andreas Widtsoe -
January 31, 1872 - November 29, 1952 |
Smith, Joseph Fielding. "Elder John A. Widtsoe (January 31, 1872 - November 29,1952)." Relief Society Magazine. January 1953. pg. 13.
Elder John A. Widtsoe (January 31, 1872 - November 29,1952) President Joseph Fielding Smith Of the Council of the Twelve POET, writer, educator, scientist, teacher, executive, diplomat, friend of the oppressed and unfortunate, missionary and special witness for Jesus Christ, all these and more, was Elder John A. Widtsoe of the Council of the Twelve. His learning did not spoil him. The man-made philosophies and theories of this modern world through which, in his school days, he had to pass, failed to destroy his faith. When the pressure of such things was upon him and doubts arose in his mind, he presented his problem to his Eternal Father and obtained the answer. In his pleadings he wrote the beautiful hymn, "Father: Lead Me Out of Darkness." He received the answer. He believed the teachings in the Bible. He knew that ''Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy." He knew that it was "by reason of transgression'' that came the fall; that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of the Father in the flesh and our Elder Brother in the spirit, and that we arc the "offspring of God." He knew without any doubt that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world and the Savior of all men who will repent and accept his gospel, and this was Elder Widtsoe's message as a special witness for Christ to all the world. He was loyal to his brethren, his religion, and to God. |
ELDER JOHN A. WIDTSOE
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