| First bishop of the Church of Christ,
presided over the church in Missouri from early 1831 until the organization
of a high council, July 7, 1834. The man Joseph repeatedly called "a
man without guile," but who was often in trouble with the Prophet. |
| |
|
|
| Born |
|
August 27, 1793 in Pittsfield, Berkshire
Co., Massachusetts |
|
Ancestry.com |
| Died |
|
May 27, 1840 in Nauvoo, Hancock county, Illinois |
|
|
| Father |
|
William Partridge (1753–1836) |
|
Whitney: Partridge
"Edward Partridge," Orson F. Whitney, Contributor 6 no. 1 (Oct. 1884):3-9.
, 3. |
| Mother |
|
Jemima Bidwell (1765–1842) |
|
Whitney: Partridge
"Edward Partridge," Orson F. Whitney, Contributor 6 no. 1 (Oct. 1884):3-9.
, 3. |
| Hatter |
|
[1809–1813] apprenticed four years as
a hatter, then worked his trade as a journeyman in Clinton, New York before
moving to Painesville, Ohio and, in 1819, marrying Lydia Clisbee. |
|
Revelations
Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Lyndon Cook (Provo: Seventy’s Mission Bookstore, 1981).
, 4. |
| Universal Restorationist |
|
A Universal Restorationist. The distinguishing feature of
restorationist Universalism is the belief in a disciplinary punishment
after death leading to ultimate reformation and holiness. Other Universalists
believed there was no punishment after death. |
|
B. H. Roberts footnote,
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
1:128–129;
Alexander Campbell, Millennial Harbinger 15 Extra (Dec.
1844):529–574 // "Life
and Death". |
| Campbellite |
|
1828 baptized "reformed" Baptist preacher, Sidney
Rigdon in Mentor, Ohio. Previously a Unitarian. |
|
|
| Civic affairs |
|
[1829] Notice.—The householders
of School District No. 6, in Painesville, are requested to meet at the
Hat Store of E. Partridge on Monday the 2nd of November at 7 oclock pm
for the purpose of devising ways and means for purchasing a site and erecting
a School House thereon and doing other school business … |
|
PT
Painesville [Ohio] Telegraph, Eber D. Howe, ed.
, Oct. 27, 1829. |
| Visits
Joseph |
|
[Early December 1830 Edward travels to New York with Sidney Rigdon to see the Seer:] being desirous to know the truth of these things: But not having confidence enough to inquire at the hand of God, Therefore he sought testimony of man, and he obtained it, and received the truth…" |
|
J. Whitmer
From Historian to Dissident: The Book of John Whitmer, edited by Bruce N. Westergren (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1995 ).
4. |
| Sidney will ordain Edward |
|
December 9, 1830 revelation: sins
forgiven, called to preach. "I will lay my hand upon you by the hand
of my Servent sidney & thou shalt <you shall>Receive my Spirit (the Holy Ghost) even the comforter) which
shall teach you the peacible things of the Kingdom" |
|
¶ D&C
36:2 |
| Baptized |
|
December 11, 1830 in Seneca River by Joseph Smith Jr. |
|
Whitney: Partridge
"Edward Partridge," Orson F. Whitney, Contributor 6 no. 1 (Oct. 1884):3-9.
, 4. |
| Elder |
|
Ordained by Sidney Rigdon a
few days after baptism. |
|
|
| Mission to family |
|
December 1830–January 1831 mission to relatives in Massachusetts. |
|
|
| |
¶ |
When my father returned to New York [from Massachusetts], his parents sent his youngest brother to accompany him, they thinking him deranged and not capable of taking care of himself. But this brother, after he arrived in Painesville, received the gospel and was baptized. His name was James Harvey Partridge. They reached home about the beginning of February 1831. |
|
Emily Dow Partridge, Reminiscence, Apr. 7, 1884. Typescript. BYU Special Collections. |
Bishop
No guile |
|
February 4, 1831 to be "appointed
by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave
his merchandise and to spend all his time in the labors of the church; …
And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathaniel
of old, in whom there is no guile." |
|
¶
D&C 41:9–11
Date per
JS revelations
Joseph Smith Revelations: Text and Commentary, H. Michael Marquardt (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1999).
, 105.
Edward Partridge was "a very honest
and industrious hatter, of Painesville, Ohio, who had, withal, a comfortable
stock of the good things of the world. He was … always obedient, … to
the revelations promulgated by Smith …" Eber D. Howe,
Unvailed
Mormonism Unvailed, Eber D. Howe (Painesville, Ohio: author, 1834).
, 139. |
| Rebuked |
|
May 9, 1831 rebuked for interfering
with elders visiting recently established churches in and around Kirtland. |
|
¶ D&C
50:38–39 |
| Consecration |
|
May 20, 1831 revelation outlines
Edward's responsibilities in consecration and stewardship. |
|
D&C
51 |
| High
Priesthood |
|
June [4], 1831 attends first church conference in Kirtland. Lyman Wight ordains
John Corrill and Isaac
Morley assistants to Bishop Partridge.
Edward is ordained to the High Priesthood and blesses all
others ordained. |
|
¶ Minutes
of June [4], 1831
¶ Lyman Wight's Vision and the
Man of Sin
|
| To
Missouri with Joseph |
|
June 7, 1831 assigned to travel to Missouri with Joseph, Sidney
Rigdon,
and Oliver Cowdery. |
|
¶
D&C 52:24 |
| |
|
June 19, 1831 leaves Kirtland for Missouri with
Sidney Rigdon, Martin
Harris, W.
W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and A. S. Gilbert and
his wife. They travel by wagon, canal, and stage to Cincinnati. Then by
steamer to Louisville to St. Louis. Walk to Independence. |
|
MH-A
Manuscript History of the Church (December 1805-August 30, 1834), 553 pages numbered from the "back" of Joseph's "large journal" (A-1), written June 11, 1839-Aug. 24, 1843. Selected Collections 1:1, Volume 1 // “Joseph Smith History, 1839” (first 93 pages), Early Mormon Documents 1:56-148; “History, 1839” (first 240 pages), Papers of Joseph Smith 1:265-386. Original, Church Archives, CR 100 102, Volume 1.
,
126.
Also dated June 18. ¶ W.
W. Phelps |
| Angers
Joseph |
|
July 1831 in Jackson county, angers Joseph by intimating
he and Oliver chose an inferior tract of land to settle near Independence. |
|
¶
Ezra Booth Letters (7) |
| Rebuked |
|
August 1, 1831 rebuked for "unbelief
and blindness of heart." |
|
D&C
58:14–15 |
| Prevented
from returning to Ohio |
|
August 5, 1831 writes Lydia, "I have a strong desire
to return to Painsville this fall, but must not. You know I stand in an
important station; and as I am occasionally chastened I sometimes feel as
though I must fall." Edward was directed not to return home because,
according to Ezra Booth, he had offended
Sydney by cautioning him about exaggerating his description of Zion. |
|
I remember
"What I Remember," Emily Dow Partridge Young. Photocopy of typed reminiscence dated April 7, 1884. Church Archives.
,
5.
¶ Ezra Booth Letters (7) |
| Rebuked |
|
September 11, 1831 rebuked for having
"sinned, and Satan seeketh to destroy his soul," but will be forgiven
when he repents. |
|
¶
D&C 64 |
| Rebuked |
|
January 14, 1832 Hyrum Smith and Orson
Hyde write Edward objecting
to his indirectly accusing Joseph of "seeking after monarchial power
and authority." |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
1:317–19.
The Bishop and the Lord |
Family
to Independence
Lilburn Boggs |
|
Spring 1832 Lydia and their 6 children arrive, move into the
log house room Edward had rented from future Missouri governor Lilburn W.
Boggs. The cabin is on the corner of the temple lot. |
|
I remember
"What I Remember," Emily Dow Partridge Young. Photocopy of typed reminiscence dated April 7, 1884. Church Archives.
,
6. |
| Dedicates
office |
|
May 29, 1832 dedicates the office of The Evening and the
Morning Star in Independence. |
|
|
| Differences
settled |
|
April 26, 1832 conference in Independence, Jackson county,
Joseph is sustained as president of the High Priesthood, and "All differences
settled & the hearts of all run together in love." However, by
July the accord had dissolved. |
|
Minutes
of April 26–27, 1832
¶ Joseph to W. W. Phelps, July 31,
1832 |
| Crowded
room |
|
Winter 1832–1833 takes in a widow and her 4 children,
making 12 or 13 living in one room. |
|
I remember
"What I Remember," Emily Dow Partridge Young. Photocopy of typed reminiscence dated April 7, 1884. Church Archives.
,
6. |
| Criticizes
Joseph |
|
January 14, 1833 Hyrum and Orson
Hyde write Edward and his counselors, objecting to their "accusing Brother
Joseph in rather an indirect way of seeking after monarchial power and authority." |
|
Letterbook-1
Joseph Smith letterbook 1 (1832 history and letters dated August 1829-August 1834). Selected Collections, 1:20. Original, Church Archives, MS 155.
, 20–25. |
| Joseph
chooses counselors |
|
June 25, 1833 Joseph writes Edward to choose Parley P. Pratt
and Titus Billings as his counselors. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
1:363. |
| Tarred |
|
July 20, 1833 tarred and feathered with Josiah
Gregg when they try to interfere with mob burning the office of The Evening
and the Morning Star. |
|
TS
Times and Seasons
6, no. 5 (Mar. 15, 1845): 834. |
Offers
self as ransom
Agree to leave Jackson |
|
July 23, 1833 Edward, John Corrill,
John Whitmer, W.
W. Phelps, A. S. Gilbert, and Isaac Morley
meet with Jackson county citizens' committee and offer themselves as a
ransom for the church "willing to be scourged or die, if that would
appease their anger toward the church." Instead, the citizens agree
to stop the violence and the Mormons agree to leave the county by April
1, 1834. |
|
EMS
The Evening and the Morning Star
2, no. 15 (Dec. 1833): 114.
¶ Missouri Persecutions (2)
|
| Head
of church in Zion |
|
September 11, 1833 acknowledged as "head of the Church
in Zion … [and] Moderator in councils or conferences by virtue of his
office." |
|
¶
Minutes of September 11, 1833 |
| Violence |
|
October 31, 1833 mob attacks Whitmer settlement about 8 miles
from Independence, starting a season of violence. |
|
Outrage
in Jackson (1) |
| Clay
county |
|
November, 1833 temporarily moves family into log and tent
shelter on the banks of the Missouri river. Then into old log cabin (previously a stable) with John Corrill and his family in Clay county. |
|
I remember
"What I Remember," Emily Dow Partridge Young. Photocopy of typed reminiscence dated April 7, 1884. Church Archives.
,
16. |
| Near Jackson County line |
|
I lived more than two <near three> years <in “Clay Co> within two miles of the line of Jackson Co. and no man from Jackson <Co.> or any where else offered to bring <brought> any suit against me of any kind during the time |
|
Partridge affidavit |
| Named
for Kirtland endowment |
|
June 23, 1834 named in first group to receive
Kirtland endowment. |
|
¶
Minutes of June 23, 1834 |
| |
|
Eastern states and New England, January–October 1835. |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
, 56n1. |
| Leave
for Kirtland |
|
January 27, 1835 leaves Missouri for Kirtland with Thomas
B. Marsh (h), arriving April 29, 1835. |
|
|
| Patriarchal
blessing |
|
May 4, 1835 receives patriarchal blessing. |
|
|
| Mission
to the East |
|
June 2, 1835 leaves on mission to
eastern states and New England with Isaac Morley. |
|
PWJS
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002).
,
103n70;
MA
Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate
, Nov. 1835, 221. |
| Returns |
|
November 5, 1835 returns from mission to the
East. |
|
PWJS
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002).
,
102. |
Sins
forgiven
Remain in Kirtland |
|
[November 7, 1835] The word <of the Lord> came to me
saying, behold I am well pleased with my servant Isaac Morley and my servant
Edward Partridge, because of the integrity of their harts in laboring in
my vinyard for the salvation of the souls of men, Verely I say unto you
their sins are forgiven them, therefore say unto them in my name that it
is my will that they should tarry for a little season and attend the school,
and also the solem assembly for a wise purpose in me, even so amen |
|
Diary-2
Joseph Smith diary (Sept. 22, 1835-Apr. 3, 1836). Selected Collections, 1:20 // Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., 221-225. Original, Church Archives, MS 155.
in
PWJS
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002).
, 102–103. |
| Visits
churches |
|
November 10, 1835 writes he and Isaac Morley have visited
26 churches with 700 "lively members," held about 50 meetings,
baptized 3. |
|
MA
Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate
2, no. 2 (Nov. 1835): 221–222. |
| School
of the Prophets |
|
Attends Hebrew class taught by Mr. Seixas with
Joseph, Sidney, Oliver, W. W. Phelps, Orson
Hyde, William E. McLellin and others. |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 1: Autobiographical and Historical Writings, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1989).
, 77. |
| Kirtland
temple dedication |
|
March 27, 1836 attends dedication of the House of the Lord
in Kirtland. |
|
|
| Washing of feet |
|
March 29, 1836 Edward and his counselors meet with all six presidents of the Church and Bishop Morley and his counselors, and participate in the washing of the feet in the House of the Lord. |
|
MH-B
Manuscript History of the Church (Sept. 1, 1834-Nov. 2, 1838), pages 496-849 (book labeled B-1), written Aug. 30, 1834-Apr. 4, 1845 and Jan. 15, 1846-July 1, 1854. At the time of Joseph's death (1844), the history was complete to August 5, 1838. Selected Collections 1:1, Volume 2. Original, Church Archives, CR 100 102, Volume 2.
, 645. |
| Return
to Zion |
|
April 9, 1836 leaves Kirtland for Zion with Isaac Morley,
John Corrill, and W. W. Phelps. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
2:436. |
| Clay
county |
|
May 4, 1836 returns to Clay County. |
|
|
| Move to Far West |
|
[October 1, 1837, Edward Partridge:] I expect to move into the village this fall, our town
or City is called Far west, it contains about 100 buildings—6 stores,
a post office &c. &c. Br. Wm. W. Phelps is post master. The town
platt has been consecrated in part, and I have the care of it for the benefit
of the church. |
|
Edward to James Partridge, Oct.12, 1837,
What crime
"What Crime Have I Been Guilty of?: Edward Partridge's Letter to an Estranged Sister," edited by Warren A. Jennings in BYU Studies 18, no. 4 (Summer 1978): 520-528.
, 521. |
| Numbered
with the blessed |
|
[January 7, 1838 revelation:] Edward and his house shall be
numbered with the blessed, and Abraham their father, and his name shall
be had in sacred rememberance. |
|
Revelation of January 7, 1838 |
| Arrested
at Far West |
|
November 1838 arrested and charged with treason. |
|
|
| Released,
to Quincy |
|
January 1839 released from jail, joins family in Quincy, Illinois. |
|
|
| Advises
scattering |
|
Spring 1839 with Far West stake president William W. Marks
advocates those fleeing to Illinois pay their own way, scatter out in communities.
Overruled by Joseph and the Twelve. |
|
Wilford's life
Things in Heaven and Earth: the Life and Times of Wilford Woodruff, Thomas G. Alexander (Salt Lake City: Signature Books), 1991, on New Mormon Studies CD-ROM: A Comprehensive Resource Library (Smith Research Associates), 1998.
,
82;
WWJ
Wilford Woodruff's Journal, 9 vols., compiled by Scott G. Kenney (Midvale: Signature Books, 1981-1984).
1:329 (Apr. 27, 1839). |
| Bishop |
|
October 5, 1839 appointed bishop of the Upper Ward in Commerce,
Illinois. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
In Waterloo |
|
|
December
1830
Sidney and Edward arrive during sermon |
|
In early December 1830, Joseph and
Emma travel to his parents' home in Waterloo. A meeting is arranged for
that night in their house. While Joseph preaches, Sidney and Edward enter.
After the sermon, comments are invited. |
|
Lucy
Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Smith's Family Memoir, edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson (Salt Lake City: Signature Books), 2001.
, 504 //
Early documents
Early Mormon Documents, compiled and edited by Dan Vogel. 4 vols. (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002).
, 1:444. |
| Edward
convinced by family reputation and |
|
Mr Partridge arose and stated that
he had been to Manchester in search of [damaged] s to ascertain the truth
of what we preached that he had visit some of our neighbors in that place
and enquired the character of the family some they said that the smith
family were very [damaged] estable people and no one could say ought against
them untill Joseph deceived them about [damaged] plates |
|
|
| Tidy
farm |
|
He had also walked over our farm
and seen the neatness and order and <and industry>
exhibited in everything arround he had seen what we had sacraficed for the
truth's sake and yet our enemies did not dispute our veracity upon any in point but that of religion—And now said he I am ready to be baptized
Brother Joseph will you baptism me— |
|
|
| |
|
Joseph observes that Edward is tired
from his trip and suggests they wait until tomorrow. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Tarred and
feathered in Independence (Autobiography) |
|
|
Taken
from home to court house
George Simpson leader
Tarred and feathered for refusing to leave |
|
I was
taken from my house by the mob, George Simpson being their leader, who escorted
me about half a mile, to the court house, on the public square in Independence;
and then and there, a few rods from said court house, surrounded by hundreds
of the mob, I was stripped of my hat, coat and vest, and daubed with tar
from head to foot, and then had a quantity of feathers put upon me, and
all this, because I would not agree to leave the county, my home where I
had lived two years. |
|
Edward
Partridge "autobiography," qtd. in
TS
Times and Seasons
6 no. 4 (Mar. 1, 1845): 819. |
| Speech
before being tarred |
|
Before tarring and feathering
me, I was permitted to speak. I told them that the saints had had to suffer
persecution in all ages of the world, that I had done nothing which ought
to offend any one. That if they abused me, they would abuse an innocent
person. That I was willing to suffer for the sake of Christ; but, to leave
the country I was not then willing to consent to it. |
|
|
| Attitude
of crowd |
|
By this time the multitude
made so much noise that I could not be heard: some were cursing and swearing,
saying, call upon your Jesus &c.; others were equally noisy in trying
to still the rest, that they might be enabled to hear what I was saying. |
|
|
| Filled
with love |
|
Until after I had spoken,
I knew not what they intended to do with me, whether to kill me, to whip
me, or what else I knew not. I bore my abuse with so much resignation and
meekness, that it appeared to astound the multitude, who permitted me to
retire in silence, many looking very solemn, their sympathies having been
touched as I thought; and, as to myself, I was so filled with the spirit
and love of God, that I had no hatred towards my persecutors, or any one
else. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Tarred and
Feathered (Affidavit) |
|
Dated
May 15, 1839
Original in the National Archives, qtd. in , 532, 534. Entire
affidavit in
Redress petitions
Mormon Redress Petitions: Documents of the 1833-1838 Missouri Conflict, edited by Clark V. Johnson (Provo: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1992).
, 512–514. |
July
20, 1833
George Simpson enters
50 mobbers at house, 200-300 at square |
¶ |
On the 20th day of July
A. D. 1833 George Simpson and two other mobbers entered my house (whilst
I was sitting with my wife, who was Then quite feeble my youngest child
being then about three weeks old,) and compelled me to go with them. soon
after leaving my house I was surrounded by about fifty mobbers who escorted
me about half a mile to the public square, where I was surrounded by some
two or three hundred more. |
|
Russell
Hicks: leave or else
|
¶ |
Russell
Hicks Esqr. appeared to be the head man of the mob, he told me that his
word was the law of the county, and that I must agree to leave the county
or suffer the consequences. I answered that if I must suffer for my religion
it was no more than others had done before me — That I was not conscious
of having Injured any one in the county therefore I could not consent to
leave it. |
|
Russell Hicks
conducted the citizens' organizing meeting that preceded this incident. ¶
Missouri Persecutions |
Hicks
begins to strip Edward
Others protest stripping
Tarred and feathered |
|
Mr. Hicks then proceeded
to strip off my clothes and was disposed to strip them all off — I
strongly protested against being stripped naked in the street, when some
more humane than the rest interfered and I was permitted to wear my shirt
and pantaloons. Tar and feathers were then brought and a man by the name
of — Davies with the help of an other daubed me with tar from the crown
of my head to my feet, after which feathers were thrown over me. |
|
|
Sued
for $50,000
Lost $800 |
|
For this abuse I have
never received any satisfaction, although I commenced a suit against some
of them for $50,000 damage, and paid my lawyers six hundred dollars to carry
it on, I also paid near two hundred dollars to get a change of venue. — |
|
|
| Lawyers
double-dealing |
|
My lawyers after getting
their pay of me, made a compromise with the defendents, without my consent,
and threw my case out of court without giving me any damages by their agreeing
to pay the costs, which they never have paid that I know of, and I never
could prevail upon my lawyers to collect them for me though they agreed
so to do.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Effect of Sermon on Joseph |
|
|
|
… like apples of gold in pitchers of silver |
|
[November 29, 1835 (Sunday):
went to meeting at the usal hour Elder Morley preachd and Bishop Partridge
in the afternoon; their discourses were well adapted to the times in which
we live, and the circumstances under which we are placed, their words were
words of wisdom, like apples of gold in pitchers of silver, spoken in the
simple accents of a child, yet sublime as the voice of an angels, the saints,
appeared to be much pleased with the beautiful discourse these two fathers
in Israel |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
, 92. |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
W. W. Phelps on Edward Partridge |
|
|
Sweet
communion
Snaps of passion |
|
…few will be able
to wear his mantle with such simple dignity. He was an honest man, and I
loved him. … We lived together in peace, and our communion was sweet;
although we often rebuked each other in plainness and had snaps according
to passion, yet, like the used key, our friendship was bright and moistened
with tears. |
|
TS
Times and Seasons
1,
no. 8 (June 1840): 120. |
| |
|
|
| |
|
Family |
|
|
| Wife |
|
Lydia Clisbee (1793–1878),
md. August 22, 1819 in Painesville township, Geauga (Lake) county, Ohio. |
|
FamilySearch™ Ancestral
File v4.19 |
| Children |
|
Eliza Maria (1820–1886)
Harriet Pamelia (1822–1840)
Emily Dow (1824–1899)
Caroline Ely (1827–1908)
Clisbee (1829)
Lydia (1830–1875)
Edward (1833–1900)
|
|
|
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