Hi, can you help me? My name is Michael and I'm doing some research on Rutherford and the early WTS.
OK, full disclosure: I'm writing a novel, and the subject is Rutherford.
Back when several posters like Leoleia and Farkel were posting stuff about Rutherford's private life and travels, many people commented that this would make a really great book. So I'm takin them up on their suggestion. But I need your help.
I've read a lot of the reseach posted on these forums, and it has all been very informative, but there's still a few more things I'd like to know. If you have answers to any of the following questions, could you post a response here, or let me know where I can find the answer?
Questions:
1. Rutherford's Education -- Where did Rutherford go to law school? I found an early photo of him with a caption or news clipping that named a school for steongraphy and shorthand, but is that all there was? Did he have no further education? Or was his story about paying his father to replace his farm labor a made-up lie? Just before the St. Louis convention in '39, he gave his last interview in which he told a very different story.
2. Convention Programs -- Speaking of the spirit of '39, can anyone help me find a program from that convention? What about the list of speakers and topics at Madison Square Garden (June 25 & 26, 1938 I think it was)? Moyle must have spoken that fateful day at the Garden, as he was on the speakers platform -- right?
3. Beth Shan -- Anyone know the exact address of Beth Shan? (Not Beth Sarim, that one's easy to find. I mean the second, larger one across the canyon). I live in San Diego and have driven all around Talmadge looking for it, but none of those houses is nearly big enough. Google maps are appreciated!
4. Knorr's Succession -- Why did Rutherford choose Nathan Knorr as his VP and successor, and not William Heath? Heath was a trusted friend, board member, and close confidant of Rutherford. Was there anything in particular 'wrong' about Heath?
5. The Boyd-Heath Marriage -- If Bonnie Boyd was Rutherford's mistress, why did he let her marry William Heath? Did she perhaps negotiate a secret deal to get herself married off to the Coca-Cola heir? Or did she have the goods on Rutherford and use that information to blackmail him into letting her marry?
6. Boyd-Heath, cont. -- Any record or evidence that either Bonnie or William Heath continued as active Witnesses after the death (and fabulous spy-burial) of Rutherford? If they kept living at Beth Shan, did they still attend a congregation in San Diego? Or did they run off and hide in the Bahamas?
7. The Moyle Trial -- Any trial lawyers out there? Could you tell me what you think of the Moyle trial transcript, esp. as it descripes the two attorneys? How did the consels perform? Hayden Covington's arguments and demands are hillarious, and the judge keeps getting frustrated with him. Was he just totally incompetent? Is this the same guy who won all those 1st Amendment cases before SCOTUS?
8. Photo Drama -- Any photos of William Pratt Heath, Jr.? Photos of Olin R. Moyle?
You don't have to be Leoleia to contribute. If you or anyone you know have any clues, please share with all of us. I promise to be very generous and include everyone in my acknowledgments.
Thank you!