Photocopy of typescript. Author discusses his family's British roots; their acceptance of Mormonism while living in Birmingham, England, and their immigration to the United States. Tolton also describes his experiences during the Black Hawk War (Utah) and frontier life in Utah. His account goes into great detail about his involvement in territorial and state politics, his business ventures, family life, and his mission to Great Britain for the Mormon Church.

Two handwritten diaries and pasted in newsclippings. Many diary entries were made in short hand. The newsclippings relate to Hardy's discussions of religion and educational matters and to his attempts to harmonize religion and science. Hardy travelled through Europe in 1875 and was active in Utah educational matters upon his return.