Twelve Mormon Homes : Twelve Mormon homes visited in succession on a journey through Utah to Arizona.

Twelve Mormon Homes, introduction xvii

Perhaps because of Thomas Kane's request for a low key visit, there is little information in the newspapers and other church publications about the honored visitors. Only the most cryptic accounts appear in the Deseret News, Millennial Star, and even Brigham Young's "Manuscript History" (Church Archives, Historical Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, Salt Lake City). From diaries we learn that the Kanes were entertained in various homes while they wintered in St. George. They attended Mormon church services, and they were feted at a gala banquet just prior to their departure in February 1873. Another honor was accorded the Kanes. They were both given "patriarchal blessings" by Mormon Patriarch William G. Perkins of St. George. This was an unusual event, since such blessings are part of the ritual reserved for the faithful adherents of Mormonism. I This much admired couple, though encouraged to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, chose not to do so. Nevertheless, on February I I, 1873, they were given the Mormon blessings. At a later date (April 28, 1884) after the death of Thomas Kane, other ordinances were performed in the St. George Temple by George Q. Cannon that brought Kane posthumously into full fellowship in the Mor- mon church. What progress Kane made on the Brigham Young biography has not been determined. Certainly more crucial problems in- volving Brigham Young were discussed. Shortly after Thomas Kane's return to Kane, Pennsylvania, an exchange of corres- pondence revealed that Lawyer Kane had prepared a will for xvii