As soon as he crossed the thresh hold of the front door, I felt that he had negro blood in him. He came for a recommend to go through the temple and I asked many questions concerning his birth. He told me his father was a pure blooded Cherokee Indian and that he never knew his mother, but was told by some friends she was very dark, Creole, or mulatto, and a woman by the [name] of Nancy McNeal raised him. he told me he explained to his present wife before he married her all knew of his ge[n]ealogy and they want to go through the temple. He has been faithful and a good provider and saw no reason why he could not. But that feeling still persisted and I had many conversations with him on the matter and finally sent for his wife and learned all the facts she knew still I felt the same and told them how I felt. They were really disturbed over the matter and I told them I would take their genealogy and all the facts and submit the case to the First Presidency of the Church. I did and they held several meetings with the Twelve and finally President Smith sent for me and said: Johnny (He always called me by that name for years) We have fully considered the case of Brother Ritiche, and have concluded that as you are the common Judge in Israel, we return the case to you to decide." That was a terrible responsibility, but I again had several meetings with the Ritchies and finally told them. I still felt the same...