William E. McLellin (1806

Mormon History 1830-1844

William E. McLellin (1806–1883) (1)

Early convert (1831), important diarist, apostle. Coverage to 1835.

Born	January 18, 1806 in Smith County, Tennessee	¶ Ancestry.com (subscription)
Died	April 24, 1883 in Independence, Jackson Co., Missouri
Father	Charles McLellin
Mother	Cynthia Ann
Profession	School teacher
Conversion	Summer 1831 converted in Paris, Illinois by Samuel H. Smith and Reynolds Cahoon on their way to Missouri.
School teacher Harvey Whitlock speaks David Whitmer saw, heard angel	[July 18, 1831] I heard very early that two men (who said they were traveling to Zion which they said was in upper Missouri. They had also a book with them which they said was a Revelation from God. calling it the book of Mormon) were to preach 2½ miles below Paris at N. W. Nunally's. I taught school until 12 o'clock. I saddled Tom and rode there with speed, Anxious to see and hear those quear beings. … The people were assembled in a beautiful sugartree grove. … [Harvey Whitlock gives his reasons he believes in the Book of Mormon.] D Whitmer then arose and bore testimony to having seen an Holy Angel who had made known the truth of this record to him. all these strange things I pondered in my heart.	McLellin journals, 29. No mention of plates.
Travels with missionaries.	July 19, 1831 at William's invitation, Harvey and David preach in Paris, "Though it had but little effect." Travels with them 5 miles to T. Hicklin's, where they spend the night.	McLellin journals, 29.
Invited to Jackson County	July 24, 1831 (Sunday) hears David and Harvey speak again. "I was induced to believe something in their mission." They tell William that Joseph Smith and others had gone to Jackson County and he could see them there.	McLellin journals, 29–30.
Converted by Harvey Whitlock	[Harvey speaks about three hours.] I never heard such preaching in all my life. The glory of God seemed to encircle the man and the wisdom of God to be displayed in his discourse. Some of the people seemed to be much affected.	McLellin journals, 30.
Closes school	July 29, 1831 closes school.	McLellin journals, 29–30.
Leaves for Independence, migraine	July 30, 1831 leaves Paris and meets up with Harvey and David in Cole County. Hears Harvey preach about two hours. Has "the sick head ache very badly."	McLellin journals, 30.
Wife's grave	August 1, 1831 visits gravesite of his wife, Cinthia Ann, and child with Jesse Fuller and his family. They "seemed to mourn with me for the loss of my dearest friend and her blessed little infant."	McLellin journals, 30.
	August 2, 1831 continues journey, hears Harvey speak an hour.	McLellin journals, 30.
Parts with Harvey and David	August 3, 1831 parts with Harvey and David, they to go through Vadalia and St. Louis, William to go more directly through Springfield in order to reach Independence before them to "see if the testimony of the other witnesses wouls agree with theirs." Rides 5 miles beyond Shelbyville to widow South's and reads from the Book of Mormon to "them."	McLellin journals, 31.
Brother, uncle	August 5, 1831 arrives in Springfield, talks to his brother, Israel, and his uncle about "the book, the people, and what they believed." The uncle, "seemed to be anxious to know the truth of what I had told him."	McLellin journals, 31.
Ill	August 6, 1831 resumes journey feeling unwell. Over next day develops a high fever and has "very singular dreams about my journey (which afterward proved true). Bedridden until August 11, rides 4 miles to Jacksonville, Morgan County.	McLellin journals, 31.
Just misses Joseph and others	August 14–15, 1831 reaches Mr. Ivey's at Salt River, Missouri and learns that Hyrum Smith and John Murdock recently left after staying with Mr. Ivey for a week. Next day travels into Howard County and discovers Simeon Carter and Solomon Hancock had just left there after baptizing one or two.	McLellin journals, 32.
Independence	August 18, 1831 rides the last ten miles to Independence, where he has breakfast, feeds his horse, asks the residents about "those people that they called the Mormonites. They though[t] they were generally a very honest people but very much deluded by Smith and others." He purchaes Brown's Concordance for 75¢	McLellin journals, 32.
Blue River settlement	About to leave Independence, William runs into David Whitmer and Martin Harris, who accompany him about 10 miles west to a settlement where reside Edward Partridge and counselors Isaac Morley and John Corrill, and "several other Elders and a number of private members both male and female."	Atherton is 10 miles northeast of Independence, and the Blue River settlement was 10 miles west of Independence. Term: private members
Peaceful, loving people	Friday 19th I rose early, talked much with those people: Saw Love, Peace, Harmony and Humility abounding among them. A rare circumstance occured while attending family prayr which convinced me that the Elders had the power of deserning spirits. It affected me so that my weakness was manifest.	McLellin journals, 33.
Four-hour discussion with Hyrum	He goes into the woods with Hyrum, where they converse for about four hours about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the rise and progress of the church, and testimonies. In the evening he attends a prayer meeting, and spends the night with J[oshua] Lewis.	McLellin journals, 33.
Prays Convinced of Book of Mormon, people of the Lord	Saturday the 20th I rose early and betook myself to earnest prayr to God to direct me into the truth; and from all the light that I could gain by examinations searches and researches I was bound as an honest man to acknowledge the truth and Validity of the book of Mormon and also that I had found the people of the Lord—The Living Church of Jesus Christ.	McLellin journals, 33.
Baptism	At breakfast, William tells Hyrum, "that I wanted him to baptize me because I wanted to live among a people who were based upon pure principles and actuated by the Spirit of the Living God." Hyrum baptizes him and he is confirmed at the water's edge.	McLellin journals, 34.
Fears for salvation	That evening, however, " The Enemy of all righteousness made a mighty struggle to persuade me that I was deceived until it seemed to me sometimes that horror would overwhelm me. I did not doubt the truth of the things which I had embraced, but my fears were respecting my own salvation."	McLellin journals, 34.
Assured by Newel's inspiration	At prayer meeting, he tells Hyrum and the others about his struggles "and they prayed for me. Bro. N. Knight after arising from prayr came and by the spirit of God was enabled to tell me the very secrets of my heart and in a degree to chase darkness from my mind, I went to bed, rested well—"	McLellin journals, 34.
Sacrament meeting	August 28, 1831 (Sunday) attends sacrament meeting at Brother Lewis'. John Corrill "Lectured" from Galatians 1. "His remarks were very plan and conclusive. A number of brethren and sisters spoke of the marvelous works of God & of their willingness and determinations to serve him & keep all his commandments." William gives his reasons for joining. That evening they gather at the schoolhouse for prayer meeting:	"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:6–8.
Peace, order, harmony Beauty of Christianity	Peace, order, harmony and the spirit of God seemed to cheer every heart, warm every bosom and animate every Tongue. I really felt happy that I had seen the day that I could meet with such a people and worship God in the beauty of Holiness, For I saw more beauty in Christianity now than I ever had seen before.
	On Monday or Tuesday, Simeon Carter and others tell William "it was my duty to become an Elder in the [35] church and go and preach the Gospel." He sleeps with other members at the schoolhouse.	McLellin journals, 34–35.
Conference elders and brethren	August 24, 1831 attends conference of "Elders and brethren … and offer a sacrament to the Most High to fill the commandment which they received at Charatin [Chariton].”	On August 13, Joseph met John Murdock, Hyrum Smith, Harvey Whitlock, and David Whitmer in Chariton and instructed them to go on to Independence, "hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most High.and hold a conference." D&C 62
Ordination	During the break between sessions, William goes into the grove to pray about being ordained. He is concerned about possible motives. "And this answer seemed to be whispered into my heart. (viz) The glory of God, The Salvation of my own soul, and The welfare of the human family." He returns for the second session of conference and when asked his feelings, replies "that I was resigned to the will of God in the matter and ~~that~~ I believed that God would make my duty known to them if they would inquire." Hyrum immediately rises and says he has a witness of the Spirit; all agree; and Hyrum and Edward ordain William "an Elder in the Church of Christ."	McLellin journals, 34–35.
Leave Zion	August 25, 1831 after paying Edward Partridge $1.25 for a Book of Mormon, William leaves the Blue River settlement for Independence with Martin Harris, David Whitmer, Harvey Whitlock, Hyrum Smith, and Simeon Carter. At the tavern, he pays 75¢ for three days of boarding for his horse.	McLellin journals, 36.
Harvey Whitlock's wife	August 27, 1831 learning that his wife is nearing Independence, Harvey returns.	McLellin journals, 36.
First sermon	August 28, 1831 (Sunday) [Enroute to Independence]: The people collected for to hear preaching, brother Hiram opened the meeting & addressed them about and hour "on the Gospel." I then arose for the first time to attempt to preach. … it seemed to me that the whole volumn of Truth was opened before me. My heart was animated and burning; and my tongue seemed to be untied. I spoke about an hour and a half. Many hearts were affected and many eyes filled with tears. I ceased to proclaim and seated myself. Filled with astonishment to behold the wonderful works of the Mighty God while wrapped in his Eternal Spirit.	McLellin journals, 36.

Kirtland	October 18, 1831 reaches Joseph Smith Sr. home in Kirtland, "and found them all well and strong in the faith and good works; rejoicing in the hope of the second coming of the Lord with all his saints."	McLellin journals, 44.
High Priesthood Joseph heals ankle	October 25–26, 1831 meets Joseph for the first time at a conference in Orange, Ohio. Ordained to the High Priesthood by Oliver Cowdery. Returns to Hiram with Smith men. Enroute, sprains his ankle badly, asks Joseph for a blessing, and is healed.	¶ Minutes of Oct. 25–26, 1831 Healings
Mission with Samuel H. Smith	October 29, 1831 called on a mission to the East with Samuel H. Smith. Beware if adultery temptation.	D&C 66

Trumbull County, Ohio	December 1, 1831 continue journey east through Warren, Trumbull County. Put up for the night by a Diest named W. Suse. He demands a sign to convince him.	McLellin journals, 63–64.
Deist	December 2, 1831 travel a mile to Daniel Eatin, Esq., "a professed and hardoned Deist though a very friendly man." He invites them to stay with him and calls his neighbors over to listen. They make Eatin's their headquarters until returning to Kirtland in early January.
Healing	[December 10, 1831] Samuel lays hands on Sarah St John's child who had been scalded badly, "and healed it in so much that it did not even so much as blister—"	McLellin journals, 66.
Preaching subjects	[December 11, 1831 (Sunday):] A large assembly collected. I … spoke about 2½ hours on the Covenants, the evidences of the book of Mormon, and of Zion and Jerusalem the two places of the gathering in the last days and of The nature of the two gatherings on Zion and Canaan and of the glories of the Millenniel reign and closed by speaking [of] the glories of the gospel and exhortation.	McLellin journals, 64.
Healings	December 11, 1831 (Sunday night) lays hands on Mrs Smith, who was "very sick." She is "restored to health … We also prayed for and laid our hands upon a Mr Campbell's child who had a most remarkable sore face and next morning it was almost well —"	McLellin journals, 66.
Enthusiasm Two believe Campbellite preachers	[December 13, 1831] … we attended our appointment. the house was full of people. I opened the meting by prayr. Saml then spoke a while on the 12 Chap of 1 Cor. I then arose … I had preached so much to the people before and several there believed that we had declared the truth them and I exorted them to obedience and unfolded the glories of heavedn and Zion until the Lord poured out his spirit in my heardt till I ceased to exhorted and I just shouted and praised the Lord and offered my hand to all to go with me to Zion. there were many who shed tears freely and many more who were very serious. [Mother C. Reed and S. St John declare desire to be baptized.] We dismissed. There were two Campbellite Preachers there who had come to contend with us. [One speaks but the people "were not much attentive."] I then arose and removed the difficulties he mentioned and I believe I gave general Satisfaction	McLellin journals, 65–66.
Baptisms Preaching topics	[December 14, 1831] It was snowing considerable. And though we had to break the ice. I went down in the watter and baptized the two Sisters who had joined There was a considerable congregation present. [At confirmation meeting that night:] I then rose and spoke about an hour on the first establishment of Christianity then on the rise and progress of the church of Christ in these last days and the importance of the ordinances of the gospel but particularly that of the Laying on of the hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. … Elizabeth Everhart come forward and we repaired the water and I baptized her and as we came out of the water Saml Burwel came to me and I took him down and immersed him and then we returned to Mr Reed's and prayed with them and I laid my hands upon them.	McLellin journals, 66.
Sick	December 15, 1831 I was taken with a diarhoea and was quite unwell with a violent cold—	McLellin journals, 66.
Sick	December 17, 18, 1831 Preach at a school in Youngstown and in Austintown at Peter Lanterman's.	McLellin journals, 67.
Sick	December 20, 1831 though sick and weak, preaches an hour in Weathersfield Township.	McLellin journals, 67.
Joseph and company visit	December 27, 1831 Joseph, Hyrum, Reynolds, and Lyman Johnson call on William on their way to Ravenna, where Sidney was scheduled to debate Ezra Booth.	McLellin journals, 67.
Healed	December 28, 1831 in the morning Brother Joseph came to my bed side and laid his hands upon me and prayed for me and I was healed so that I got up and eat breakfast and attended an ap. [appointment] made for them. the brethren spoke. I then arose and was enabled to speak about half an hour. [S. Burwell's wife, Celia, requests baptism.]	McLellin journals, 67.
Hiram, Kirtland	December 29 returns to Hiram, and to Kirtland on the 31st.	McLellin journals, 68.
Meets brethren	January 1, 1832 (Sunday) attends meeting "where I recd much edification & comfort to my heart." Thomas B. Marsh presides. Meets "some good brethren that I had not seen—" Presides at evening meeting.	McLellin journals, 68.
Disobedient cut off	January 2, 1832 presides at Kirtland meeting where "[w]e had much labour with some disobedient members. one was restored and some cut off."	McLellin journals, 68 ¶ Reynolds Cahoon
Mission	January 25, 1832 chastized at Amherst conference for "the murmurings of his heart." His mission assignment is changed from the East to Ohio with Luke Johnson.	¶ D&C 75:6–11 Meeting of January 25, 1832

Must fulfill mission	July 31, 1832 Joseph writes W. W. Phelps in Missouri chastizing him for receiving William into fellowship when he hasn't fulfilled his mission as commanded.	¶ Joseph Smith to W. W. Phelps, July 31, 1832
Excommunicated	[December 3, 1832] William Mclelen [McLellin] was excommunicated from the church	Diary-1, 3.
Mission with Parley	Winter 1832–1833 mission with Parley P. Pratt (h) through Missouri into Green Co., Illinois.	McLellin journals, 89–129.
Lord not pleased	March 8, 1833 revelation: "I am not well pleased with my servant William E. McLellin."	¶ D&C 90

	October 1833 evades capture by Independence mob by fleeing through a cornfield into the woods on the night the printing press is destroyed.	Beadle '75. Source
Arrested, released Peaceable man, well liked	[October 1833] At the time of the difficulty at Wilson's store, I had Dr. McLellan [McLellin] and another man under arrest upon a charge of some misdemeanor, I don't remember just what, preferred by one Richard McCarty and their trial was in progress when the news of the battle at Wilson's was received, and I had hard work to protect them during the excitement. I placed them in jail until the next day and then turned them loose and told them to "git" which they did in short order. Dr. McLellan came back here about [fifteen] years ago and he and I often talk over the events of those troublesome times. The doctor was always a very peaceable and law-abiding man and very well liked by everybody during his residence here in 1831-2-3.	Col. Thomas Pitcher, in “Mormon History: Col. Thomas Pitcher Gives the Journal Readers His Recollections of Mormonism in This County.” Kansas City Daily Journal, June 19, 1881. Source

High council 1834	July 3, 1834 named to the Clay County high council.	Minutes of July 3, 1834
To Kirtland	July 9, 1834 starts from Independence for Kirtland with Joseph and others.
Amherst	[October 30, 1834:] We the members of the church of Christ in Amherst having considered the circumstances of our beloved brother Wm E. McLellin in as much as he has been labouring with us in the Gospel in Word and in Doctrine, for some time past; believe it to be our duty to assist him. We therefore subscribe [$6.26] for his benefit.	McLellin journals, 145.
Kirtland via stage	November 4, 1834 returns to Amherst from Florence, takes stage for Elyria, Cleveland, Chagrin, Kirtland (65 miles, $3.12½).	McLellin journals, 147.
Popular speaker in Kirtland	November 11, 1834 preaches an hour to "about 500 persons" in a large schoolhouse "on the principoles of 'Going on to perfection.' … A number were heard to say 'It was the best meeting that I was ever at in Kirtland.' &C—"	McLellin journals, 147.
Reigned in Sidney's jealousy Painesville	[November 9, 1834:] I made preparations to start to the East on a preaching tour with a bro. NewCome—But I was called into the council [148] chamber in connexion with bro. Boynton and it was decided that it was not wisdom for us to go so far— But that we must Labour in the regions round about— Bro S[idney] R[igdon] also gave me a most tremendious setting out about my awkward Jestures &C. Our place of Labour was pointed out to be in Painesville and the regions round about—	McLellin journals, 147–148.
Sophia Howe support	[November 16, 1834:] This afternoon we went up to spend the evening with Sister Howe— Her husband was absent— The neighbours collected in to the amount of about 20 and we had quite a good meeting.	Sister Howe: Sophia Hull Howe ¶ Eber D. Howe
	November 19, 1834 returns to Kirtland,
School of the Prophets	December 22, 1834 begins teaching grammar with Sidney Rigdon.	¶ Heber C. Kimball (h3)

Apostle	February 15, 1835 receives ordination blessing as one of the first members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, appointed clerk.	Minutes of February 15, 1835
Debates Campbellite	March 27–28, 1835 debates the divinity of the Book of Mormon, at Huntsburg, Geauga County, Ohio, with Campbellite J. M. Tracy.
	March 29, 1835 Joseph Smith preaches at Huntsburg, six are baptized.
First mission of the Twelve	May 4, 1835 leaves Kirtland at 2 a.m. "with my friends the twelve" on a mission to "preach the Gospel, attend confirences and give council pertaining to the things of God to our brethren in the churches abroad and to regulate the things that are wanting." They travel to Fairport in wagons supplied by Elders R. Orton and W. Bosley and at 6 a.m. board the steamboat Sandusky, reaching Dunkirk, New York, at 4 p.m. (120 miles). Stay the night in Dunkirk with a brother Russel Pemberton, who is having his doubts. The Twelve decide to split up and preach in the area.	McLellin journals, 171.
Fredonia	May 5, 1835 travels 4 miles south with Luke Johnson to Fredonia "where were three or four sectarion chapels. consequently the people were very self-righteous but some were willing to hear us." At early candlight William preaches an hour and a half from 1 Thes. 1–5. "But no person inviting us in the village to stay with them we went about two miles and tarried with a brother Fisher."	McLellin journals, 171, 174. "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake." 1 Thes. 1:5
	May 7, 1835 having let out an appointment for a schoolhouse in "St. Clairsville" [Sinclairville] the preceding day, William and Luke arrive to find the building locked "and only One person who was an old lady attended—consequently we left them shaking the dust from our feet as a testimony against them."	McLellin journals, 175.

Westfield conference	May 9, 1835 Twelve meet in conference at Job Lewis' [tavern].	McLellin journals, 175. Minutes of May 9–11, 1835
	May 10, 1835 Westfield Conference commences in Job's barn. William baptizes five, though only Benjamin and Rebecca Brown, Nancy Snyder named. "Some boys acted very wickedly at the water's edge &c and finally one little fellow fell into the water." Confirmation meeting in the evening.	McLellin journals, 175. Minutes of May 9–11, 1835
	[On the 11th] the Church came together in order to consult about an appoint 'wise' men' [sic] to send up with their moneys to purchase lands in Zion and the regions round about &c &c—They did their business in the presence of the council [of Twelve] and appointed Timt Foot [Timothy B. Foote].	McLellin journals, 176.
	[Brigham Young speaks in the afternoon:] after reading a portion of the Saviour's teaching in the book of Mormon he spoke about 1½ hours contrasting the religions of the day with the truth. Thence we went immediately to the watter and Elder O. Hyde immersed 7 persons named as follows William Gould, Sally Ann Gould, Betsy Mapes, Fanny Wilton, Sabra Stringham, Hester Norton, Caroline L. Babcock—	McLellin journals, 176.
	Confirmation meeting includes blessing the sick, continues until about midnight.	McLellin journals, 176.
Clerk to the Twelve	May 12, 1835 the Twelve meet for prayer, then separate "to proclaim the Gospel, warn sinners and to gather up the deciples &c—&c." William and Orson Hyde remain another day to finish up their work "as clerks of the council &c."	McLellin journals, 176.
	May 13, 1835 leave Brother Lewis' with Orson Hyde and Lorenzo Lewis, who they ordained an elder. Elder J. Gould takes them 8 miles in his wagon, they continue 7 miles on foot.	McLellin journals, 176–177.
Pray for vision	[May 14, 1835] This day we spent from 9 till 3. together in the woods in prayrs and contemplation endeavouring to obtain an open vision but we did not altho. we felt that we drew very near to God.
Freedom Conference	May 22–25, 1835 attends Freedom Conference with the Twelve.	Minutes of May 22–25, 1835
Forgiven, restored	September 26, 1835 meets with the Twelve and First Presidency re: "derogatory" charges of Warren A. Cowdery against the Twelve at the Freedom Conference in May; and "Elder Wm. E. McLellins letter to his wife expressing dissatisfaction with President Rigdon's school." William confesses and is forgiven.	Minutes of Sept. 26, 1835 Minutes of May 22–25, 1835

	Family
Wife	Cinthia Ann md. July 30, 1829 d. before Aug. 1, 1831, when William visits the grave of his "dearest friend and her blessed little infant."	McLellin journals, 82, 30.
Wife	Emeline Miller md. Apr. 26, 1832 in Ravenna, Portage, OH	McLellin journals, 82.
Wife	Clara Jesse [Lyman E. Johnson's aunt] md. Apr. 26, 1832 in Hiram, Portage, OH	Beadle '75.
	Biographies