"James Kirkham’s life spanned nearly eight decades, from the second half of the nineteenth century through the first three decades of the twentieth, a time period that included the administrations of presidents Brigham Young to Heber J. Grant of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During these years, dramatic changes took place in the Church that enabled Utah to transition from relative isolation into statehood. In this biography, Lemon incorporates information from Kirkham’s journals to paint a broad stroke showing what family, religious, and community life was like in Utah during these years of transformation and change." - Alexander L. Baugh, PhD Professor, Church History and Doctrine, Brigham Young University “I hope to ever live the life of a saint, as near as possible, that in the end, it may be said of me that he was true,” wrote 32-year-old James Kirkham in 1881. Fortunately, Kirkham kept a daily journal of over 5,900 pages that describes how he fulfilled his self-imposed expectation. This biography combines rich details gleaned from the author’s careful reading of Kirkham’s daily journal with other historical information to illuminate Kirkham’s life in its historical context. James Kirkham was born in London, England, in 1849 and emigrated to the Utah Territory with his family in 1859. Kirkham was a humble man of modest means who worked tirelessly to support his family, serve his community, and build up Zion. His life was distinguished by an abundance of spiritual gifts including healings, speaking in and interpreting tongues, and beholding spirits. In his younger years, Kirkham worked as a laborer on the transcontinental railroad and as a farmer. In his middle and later years, he founded and managed a dry-goods store in Lehi, Utah, served as a postmaster in Canada, and worked with one of his sons in the newspaper publishing business. During his older years, he worked as a security watchman at the Salt Lake City temple. James Kirkham was a deeply devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He worked tirelessly to serve his family and build up the Kingdom of God on Earth. He lived with a consecrated heart and an eye single to the glory of God. He was faithful and true to his covenants and responsibilities to the end. This book provides a detailed view of Kirkham’s life and includes many previously unknown inspirational stories.