Mormon History 1830-1844

Ohio Opposition
False Spirits   Joseph recalls false spirits in Kirtland—all sorts of visions, enthusiastic notions, fallings-down, false speaking in tongues, false discernment of spirits without evidence, etc. Members exhibiting such spirts were tried and disfellowshipped or excommunicated.
History of the Mormonites   Josiah Jones provides a glimpse into the religious life of Kirtland Saints. This is among the first and most detailed accounts of Lamanite missionaries Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, Peter Whitmer Jr., and Ziba Peterson in Kirtland and the impact of their ministry. It also provides some of the scant details we have of Isaac Morley's common stock communities.
Ezra Booth Letters   Popular Methodist minister, Ezra Booth, joins the church early in 1831, goes to Missouri with Joseph, Sidney, and others, and comes to the conclusion that Mormonism is a hoax and a fraud. Beginning in September 1831 he writes nine letters detailing his experience. They are published in the Ohio Star between October and December 1831.
Tarring of Joseph and Sidney   Joseph and Sidney are dragged from their beds, tarred and feathered in March 1832. The mob is led by former Mormon and Campbellite preacher Symonds Ryder. Other former Mormons include Methodist minister Ezra Booth, brothers Eli and Edward Johnson (not sons of John Johnson Sr.) and John Johnson Jr.
Grandison Newell Murder Plot
Argument to Argument   August 1838 Elders Journal attack on Warren Parrish and other 1837 dissenters. Parrish is accused of embezzling from the Kirtland Safety Society Bank and leading the attack on the Prophet in the Kirtland Temple. Co-conspirators: Leonard Rich, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Johnson, Stephen Burnett, Sylvester Smith, Grandison Newell. Others denounced: Warren Cowdery, Martin Harris, Joseph Coe, Cyrus Smalling.
Egging of Parley P. Pratt (1835)
Thomas B. Marsh to Wilford Woodruff [1837]   In Joseph's absence, Warren Parrish, three apostles, and a member of the high council tried to seize control of the church. When Joseph returns from Canada, they publicly renounce the church. William Parrish is a deist.
Doings and Sayings   George A. Smith (January 10, 1858) relates how Joseph and the church were scoffed at by the learned, abused by the newspapers, and persecuted by blackguards. Early converts of all stripes. Some departed for frivolous reasons, others to start their own churches, but all wound up fighting against the work of God. Numerous anecdotes about apostates to make his point that envy, hypocrisy, and adultery lead to apostasy—and dissenters are immoral.
Satan Came Also   George A. Smith (November 15, 1864) recalls the unusual characters and spiritual manifestations of the early Kirtland period, especially Ezra Booth. Joseph and Sidney tarred and feathered. Dedication of the House of the Lord at Kirtland. The bank failed because Warren Parrish and other apostates embezzled funds. Councils and trials were held constantly in Kirtland.

Ohio




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