Biographical Note Missionary, public official, LDS apostle.

Anthony Woodward Ivins was born in Toms River, New Jersey in 1852, the son of Israel and Anna Lowrie Ivins. While he was still a baby, the family, recent converts to Mormonism, migrated to Salt Lake Valley where Israel Ivins worked at a variety of jobs, including fishing on Utah Lake. In 1861 Israel was one of a group called by Brigham Young to settle southern Utah at the present site of St. George. Israel, in fact, completed the original survey of that city in addition to serving the colony as physician. Anthony grew up in St. George where he developed what would become lifelong interests in hunting, fishing, and the Indians.

In 1875 Ivins was called by officials of the LDS Church to participate in an exploring mission to Arizona and New Mexico. On this first mission, Ivins traveled 2,400 miles and assumed the role of hunter for the expedition. A result of this exploration was the subsequent establishment of several Mormon colonies in the area. Ivins approached the mission enthusiastically and began the first of his diaries, a habit which continued to his death. He wrote in an interesting manner, with much attention paid to details. His entry for 22 December 1875, illustrates his style and also indicates his continuing fascination with the Indians: