Sidney Rigdon (1793

Mormon History 1830-1844

Sidney Rigdon (1793–1876)

Baptism §. Studies for the Regular Baptist ministry §. Marries mentor's sister-in-law, Phebe Brooks. Ordained §. Minister of Pittsburgh Baptist Church §. Expelled from Pittsburgh pulpit §. Mentor of Painesville-Mentor Baptist Church §. Skilled orator §. Mahoning Baptist Association's evangelist, Walter Scott §. Adopts Scott's method, baptizes hundreds §. Splits with Alexander Campbell over common-stock property §. Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt, and companions arrive, convert Sidney §. Visits Joseph Smith, compared to John the Baptist §. Ordained to the High Priesthood §. Dedicates the land of Zion §. Challenges Ezra Booth, Symonds Ryder §. Accuses Edward Partridge of denigrating the prophet §. United Firm organized §. First Presidency organized §. Experiences vision of the three degrees of glory with Joseph §. Ordains Joseph president of the High Priesthood, or seals blessing previously given §. Counselor in First Presidency §. Joseph's ambivalence toward §. President, Kirtland Safety Society §. §. §. §. §. §.

Born		February 19, 1793 in Saint Clair township, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, the third of four children.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Died		July 14, 1876 in Friendship, Allegheny County, New York
Father		William Rigdon (1748–1810)	Sidney Rigdon Genealogy Source
Mother		Nancy Gallagher (1759–1839)	Sidney Rigdon Genealogy Source
Occupations		Farmer, preacher, tanner
Father's death		May 26, 1810 father dies.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Regular Baptist baptism		May 31, 1817 baptized by Rev. David Phillips, pastor of the Peters Creek Baptist Church near the Rigdon family farm.	Source
Alexander Campbell		August 1817 likely meets Alexander Campbell at the annual meeting of the Redstone Baptist Association held at the Peters Creek church. After hearing heresy charges lodged against Campbell for preaching that "the moral law" (law of Moses) does not pertain to Christians, the "messengers" (representatives) of association churches decide they do not have jurisdiction to excommunicate him.
Leaves home		1818 leaves home to study for the ministry with Rev. Andrew Clark of the Providence Baptist Church in North Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Clark replaced Sidney's cousin, Thomas Baker Rigdon (III), at the Providence church in 1815 when the latter went on to minister to the Baptist Church of New Lisbon, Ohio.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Preacher's license		March 1819 licensed to preach.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Warren, Ohio		May 1819 moves to Warren, Ohio and moves into the home of Adamson and Mary Brooks Bentley.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
		August 1819 attends the annual meeting of the Beaver Baptist Association at New Lisbon, Ohio and is apointed to a committee to draft the "Circular Letter" with his cousin Rev. John Rigdon.	Early Sidney, 45, quoting Beaver Baptist Association Minutes (1819), 6.
Preaches in Warren		April 1, 1820 preaches in Warren church's monthly meeting as a licensed minster.	Early Sidney, 46, citing Church Record, Warren Central Christian Church, Disciples of Christ Historical Society, Nashville.
Marries		June 12, 1820 marries Phebe Brooks, daughter of the Baptist minister Rev. Jeremiah Brooks and Dorcas Smith of Warren. Phebe's sister Mary is married to Rev. Adamson Bentley.	Sidney Rigdon, 17.
Ordaination		August 24–26, 1820 ordained at the annual meeting of the Beaver Baptist Association at Conequenesing, Pennsylvania after examination by a committee appointed the year before and a vote of the association. As planned in 1819, the association divides into three: Beaver (Pennsylvania), Mahoning (Trumbull, Portage, Mahoning, and part of Columbiana counties in northeast Ohio), and Mohican (east central Ohio along the Tuscarawas River).	Early Sidney, 47–48, quoting Beaver Baptist Association Minutes (1820), 6.
Mahoning Association founded		August 30, 1820 Mahoning Baptist Association is organized in Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio.	Early Sidney, 48, citing Beaver Baptist Association Minutes (1819), 6.
Pittsburgh church		January 5, 1822 leaves Warren to take up his post as minister of the Baptist church in Pittsburgh.	Early Sidney, 50; ¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
		Winter 1822–1823 fifteen orthodox dissidents are expelled from the Pittsburgh church for opposing Sidney's teachings.	Stanton. 18–20. Source
Heresy charge		July 11, 1823 accused of heresy.	Stanton. 18–20. Source
Resigns		October 1823 forced out of the Pittsburgh with seventy or eighty followers by the decision of five neighboring churches for teaching "anti-scriptural” doctrines “calculated to destroy vital piety.” (Sidney claims he resigned in August 1824.)	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Tanner		Works for his brother-in-law as a tanner in Pittsburgh.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Ohio		December 1825 Sidney, Phebe, and their four children move to land owned by Phebe's father in Bainbridge, Geauga County, Ohio.	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Sidney's doctrine		Preaches "the doctrines of repentance, and baptism for remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, according to the teachings of Peter, on the day of Pentecost."	¶ Sidney Rigdon (h)
Funeral sermon		August [17–18], 1826 preaches funeral sermon of Rev. Ichabod Warner Goodell, a Regular (Calvinist) Baptist, in Mentor.	Hayden history, 191. Hayden dates Goodell's passing in June, but the Mentor cemetery headstone gives August 15, 1826.
Mentor church		Fall 1826 called as pastor of the Regular Baptist Church of Painesville-Mentor, Ohio. On May 17, 1837 Grandison Newell addressed a letter to Sidney, published in the Painesville Telegraph, indicating he came to the Mentor church as a Regular Baptist. "You came to Mentor in a cloak of religion, pretending to be a Baptist; suddenly you changed to a Campbellite, and lastly to a Mormon."	Hayden history, 191. PT, May 19, 1837. Source
Orator		[A. S. Hayden:] Sidney Rigdon was an orator of no inconsiderable abilities. In person, he was full medium height, rotund in form; of countenance, while speaking, open and winning, with a cast of melancholy. His action was graceful, his language copious, fluent in utterance, with articulation clear and musical. Yet he was an enthusiast, and unstable. His personal influence with an audience was very great, but many, with talents far inferior, surpassed him in judgment and permanent power with the people. He was just the man for an awakening.	Hayden history, 191–192. Hayden was a contemporary of Alexander Campbell and Sidney, and published the first history of the Disciples of Christ (Campbellites) in 1876.
	¶	[Henry K. Shaw:] Rigdon has been described as a winning speaker, one who used copious language, fluent, eloquent, enthsiastic, and of great personal influence. He was considered the orator of the Mahoning Association, and declared by many to be superior to Campbell as a preacher.	Buckeye disciples, 79.
Regular Baptist Mahoning Association		August 27, 1826 addresses the Regular Baptist Mahoning Association at annual meeting held in Canfield. Other speakers include Alexander and Thomas Campbell, Walter Scott.	Mahoning minutes, [1826].
Mantua church		January 27, 1827 organizes a church in Mantua Center with nine members: John Rudolph, John Rudolph, Jr., Zeb Rudolph, James Rudolph, Darwin Atwater, Laura Atwater, Cleona Rudolph, Elizabeth Rudolph and Patta Blair. Eighteen are added the first year "including Seth Sanford, Seth Harmon, Lyman Hunt and Mrs. Judge Atwater. Sidney Rigdon was their stated, though not constant, minister."	Buckeye disciples, 23; Hayden history, 237–238.
Baptizes Thomas Clapp		June 15, 1827 baptizes Thomas Jefferson Clapp.	Hayden history, 193.
Regular Baptist Mahoning Association		1827 attends annual Mahoning Association in New Lisbon. Though not a member of of the council, he and others seated are seated with council representing sixteen congregations, including Stoneites. Walter Scott named evangelist for the association. Mantua–Hiram congregation reports 9 new members for the year, bringing total to 26. Association totals 492 in 16 congregations.	Buckeye disciples, 42–43, 44, 45.
Baptismal formulary		Baptismal formula used by Walter Scott is, "For the remission of your sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, I immerse you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit!" Regular Baptists object this constitutes salvation by baptism rather than by faith.	Buckeye disciples, 46–47.
Walter Scott		1828 Walter Scott converts Universalist minister Aylett Raines. The two proselyte together successfully. Alexander Campbell endorses Raines by distinguishing between matters of faith and matters of opinion. Raines' restorationist "opinions" are tolerated.	Buckeye disciples, 50–51.
Sidney endorses Walter		1828 the Mahoning Baptist Association debates the question of what area Scott is authorized to preach in. "Rigdon, who had taken no part in this discussion, becoming weary of it, said: 'You are consuming too much time on this question. One of the old Jerusalem preachers would start out with his hunting shirt and moccasins, and convert half the world while you are discussing and settling plans!' Then Rigdon [said], 'I move that we give Bro. Scott his Bible, his Head, and Bro. William Hayden.' It was settled in a few moments, as Rigdon's resolution was seconded and passed unanimously."	Hayden history, 174.
1,000 baptisms		1828–1829 one thousand are baptized into Mahoning Association churches during Walter Scott's first year. Congregations averaged one thousand baptisms per year in the three previous years. Scott required obedience to gospel for baptism rather an experience of salvation.	Buckeye disciples, 53.
Five-finger exercise		Scott often begins by playing games with children, then teaching them his five-finger exercise: "Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Remission of Sins, Gift of the Holy Spirit."	Buckeye disciples, 53–54.
Grand River Bible Society		January 8, 1828 as a member of the Grand River Bible Society meeting in Painesville, he is named to the committee to ascertain the number of families that have "Bible and Testaments" and the number of destitute families	PT Jan. 11, 1828.
Walter Scott's door approach		March 1828 visits Walter Scott in Warren:
		He [Rigdon] had been with him on former occasions, and had adopted fully his method of preaching Christ, and of calling the awakened and penitent believer to an immediate obedience of his faith for the remission of sins. The missing link between Christ and convicted sinners seemed now happily supplied by the restoration of the way of bringing converts into the knowledge of pardon, which was established by Christ himself in the commission.	Hayden history, 192–193.
To Mentor with Adamson Bentley	¶	Rigdon was transported with this discovery. On leaving Warren to return to Mentor, he persuaded his brother-in-law, Adamson Bentley, to accompany him. This was a visit to that town of no ordinary [193] importance. Bentley was a gentleman of cultivated manners, tall of benign aspect, and of commanding presence; …they were both ablaze with the new developments of gospel light, which was shedding its effulgence rapidly over the country.
Clapp brothers Baptize 50	¶	… The first person to accept the offered boon and lead the people to Christ, was an intelligent young man, M. S. Clapp, then in his twenty-first year, son of Judge Clapp. His older brother, Thomas J. Clapp, had been baptized in June previous. Twenty persons were baptized the first time they repaired to the Jordan. The immediate result of the meeting was the conversion of over fifty souls to the Lord Jesus. …
Kirtland	¶	From Mentor they went to Kirtland, where almost an equal ingathering awaited them. … At the first baptizing here, twenty souls were lifted into the kingdown. Others followed, and soon the numbers so increased that a separate organization became a necessity—so mightily prevailed the word of the Lord.	Hayden history, 194.
Mantua church divides		April 18, 1829 the Mantua Center church divides. Symonds Ryder is ordained "first overseer" of the new Hiram–Nelson congregation, consisting of thirty-seven members. Another group is at Garrettsville.	Hayden history, 249; Buckeye disciples, 24. Later the members in Nelson withdraw to form their own congregation in Garrettsville.
Thomas Campbell		May 1828 Thomas Campbell visits to "set in order the things that were wanting." Zeb Rudolph and Darwin Atwater are "chosen by the church, and set apart as 'teachers.'" On May 24, Zeb Rudolph and Darwin Atwater are "appointed deacons." Symonds Ryder is converted by Campbell's sermon and is baptized by Reuben Ferguson.	Hayden history, 238.
Beaver Association anathema		August 1829 four Mahoning churches (Youngstown, Salem, Palmyra, Valley of Achor), opposed to reforms, apply for membership in the Beaver Baptist Association. The association's finding, later known as the Beaver Anathema, declares that congregations of the Mahoning Association
Baptism controversy		contend there is no promise of salvation without baptism—that it should be administered to all that say they believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God without examination on any other point—that there is no direct operation of the Holy Spirit on the mind prior to baptism—that baptism procures the remissions of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost—that the scriptures are the only evidence of interest in Christ—that no creed is necessary for the church but the scriptures as they stand—and that all baptized persons have a right to administer the ordinance.	Source
Sidney and Orson Hyde		Sidney and protege Orson Hyde undertake a mission west and establish churches in Elyria, Lorain County and Florence, Huron County.	¶ Orson Hyde (h)
Drops Baptist affiliation Alexander Campbell publications		August 27–29, 1830 Mahoning Baptist Association holds its annual meeting in Austintown. Sidney Rigdon proposes system of common property based on New Testament practice. Campbell puts down the idea by insisting the New Testament practice was a special circumstance and that it was discontinued when the deception of Ananias and Sapphira was discovered.	Buckeye disciples, 57–59. Peter catches Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, withholding part of the proceeds of the sale of their land. He rebukes them and they fall dead. Acts 5:1–10.
Sidney proposes common property		The association disbands as a Baptist organization, though at Alexander Campbell's urging they agree to hold annual meetings.	Buckeye disciples, 60–61; Hayden history, 298–300.
Cousins also reformed preachers		As well as being the brother-in-law of Adamson Bentley, three of Sidney's cousins, Thomas, John, and Charles Rigdon, are "reformation" preachers.	Buckeye disciples, 79.
Missionaries arrive		October [30], 1830 Oliver Cowdery and companions call on Sidney in Mentor. The next morning, he tells the Clapps, "It's all a lie!"	¶ Missionaries in Kirtland, 1830
Baptizing for miracles		November 5, 1830 the day after the missionaries baptize seventeen members of the common stock family at Isaac Morley's farm, they call on Sidney again. He accuses them of baptizing "that they might work miracles as well as come under the … covenant."	¶ Missionaries in Kirtland, 1830 ¶ Missionaries in Kirtland, 1830
		[John Whitmer:] After several days the Lord heard his [Sidney's] cries, and answered his prayers, and by vision showed to him, that this eminated from him and must remain, it being the Fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, first unto the Gentiles and then unto the Jews.	J. Whitmer, 4.
Vision		[Matthew S. Clapp:] Mr. Rigdon again called upon them [the missionaries] for proof of the truth of their book and mission: they then related the manner in which they obtained faith, which was by praying for a sign, and an angel was shown unto them. … [Sidney objected,] "if you ask the heavenly Father to show you an angel when he has never promised you such a thing, if the Devil never had an opportunity of deceiving you before, you give him one now."	M. S. C. to the editor, PT, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
	¶	However, about two days after, Mr. R. was persuaded to tempt God by asking this sign, which he knew to be contrary to his revealed will; he received a sign, and was convinced that Mormonism was true and divine. Wherefore, to make use of his own reasoning, we presume the Devil appeared to him in the form of an angel of light.

Weeps at Morley farm meeting		November 6, 1830 [Saturday] Josiah Jones attends meeting at the Morley farm and sees "Elder Rigdon much affected and shedding tears."	¶ Missionaries in Kirtland, 1830
Sidney speaks		Sidney Rigdon then spoke And said he had bin trying to preach the gospel for a long time and now he had done he thought he should never try to preach again and confessed he was completely used up and advised the people not to contend against it what they had heared	¶ Levi Hancock
Ordained by Oliver	¶	Now it came to pass, after sidney Rigdon, ~~and~~ <was> received into this church, that he was ordained an Elder, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery.	J. Whitmer. 4/
Recants		November 7, 1830 [Sunday] tries to preach to his reformed Baptist followers at the Methodist chapel at Kirtland, but is "so affected that he could not; he said all that he had to say to us was to repent and humble ourselves before God." Attends converts' confirmation meeting at schoolhouse and says "that for two years past his preaching had been of no use to us; it was more to please our fancy and tickle our ears, than to affect our hearts."	¶ Missionaries in Kirtland, 1830 The Methodist meetinghouse was on the northeast corner of the block where the House of the Lord would be raised. See Kirtland map at back of JS personal, rev. ed.
Baptism		November 8, 1830 baptized. Wife and Clapps note changed demeanor.	¶ Missionaries in Kirtland, 1830 ¶ History of the Mormonites
Moves out of Clapp compound		The next we heard of him, on Monday, he and his wife had been baptized some time during that Sunday night and gone over to Mormonism. This was immediately confirmed by his sending teams for his household goods which were thus removed to Kirtland, himself never coming near us.	H. H. Clapp to [James T. Cobb], Jan. 28, 1879, Salt Lake Tribune, May 16, 1879. Source
Leaves for New York		November [29], 1830 Sidney and Edward Partridge leave for New York.	Matthew S. Clapp to the editor, PT, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
Palmyra	¶	[Early December 1830] Therefore, after Sidney Rigdon had been at Palmyra a few days he proclaimed the gospel, in those regions rount about at which the people stood trembling and amased, so powerful were his words, and some obeyed, the gospel, and came forth oout of the water, rejoicing with Joy which is <unspeakable and> full of glory.	J. Whitmer, 4–5.
Fayette		From thence he journeyed to Fayette, where Joseph lived, ~~and~~ there he also proclaimed [5] the gospel, and in the regions round about <and> there were numbers added.	Also see Sidney Rigdon: 1830 Church.
Compared to John the Baptist		December 7, 1830 Joseph receives a revelation declaring Sidney was "sent forth even as John to prepare the way before me & Elijah which should come & thou knew it not."	BCR, 63 // "Mormonism," Ohio Star, Jan. 5, 1832; ¶ D&C 35:4
Returns to Kirtland		January 30, 1831 reports his New York trip in Kirtland and tells the people Joseph will arrive soon.	Matthew S. Clapp to the editor, PT, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
Matthew Clapp challenges Sidney		January 31–February 1 Matthew Clapp and others challenge Sidney's faith in the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith.	Sidney Rigdon Interview (January 1831)
Thomas Campbell challenges Sidney to debate		February 15, 1831 Painesville Telegraph publishes Thomas Campbell's challenge to Sidney to debate the Book of Mormon. "Mr. [R.] waited for no explanation, but dashed the letter into the fire, professing to feel very much insulted, but no doubt feeling very glad of an excuse for refusing to debate the question as he had proposed."	PT, Feb. 15, 1831. Source H. H. Clapp to [James T. Cobb], Jan. 28, 1879, Salt Lake Tribune, May 16, 1879. Source
	¶	[February 15, 1831] The Painesville Telegraph of this morning has the particulars of the acceptance of a challenge by Thomas Campbell, given by a noted mountebank by the name of Elder Rigdon, … to test the validity of the doctrine contained in the Book of Mormon!…	Cleveland Advertiser, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
Suspected of writing the Book of Mormon	¶	Rigdon was formerly a disciple of Campbell's and who it is said was sent out to make proselytes, but is probable he thought he should find it more advantageous to operate on his own capital, and therefore wrote, as it is believed the Book of Mormon, and commenced his pilgrimage in the town of Kirtland, which was represented as one of the extreme points of the Holy Land.
Baptizes Carvel		May 1831 baptizes his brother, Carvel.	MS 16:835.
High Priesthood		June [4], 1831 ordained to the High Priesthood by Lyman Wight at the the first "general conference" in Kirtland.	¶ Minutes of June [4], 1830
To Missouri		June 19, 1831 departs Kirtland for Missouri with Joseph, Edward Partridge, 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, then St. Louis. Walk to Independence.	MH-A, 126 // Papers 1:356. W. W. Phelps dates the departure June 18. ¶ W. W. Phelps
Independence		July 14, 1831 party arrives in Independence.	¶ W. W. Phelps

		Events in Zion (July–August 1831)
July arrivals Twelve gather	¶	I hereby give a copy of the proceedings of the laying of the first logs of the City of Zion. As written by Oliver Cowdery… And by the special ~~direction~~ protection of the Lord, br Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon, in company with eight other elders, with the church from Colesvile New York, consisting of about sity souls, arivd in the month of July and by Revelation the place was made known where the Temple shall stand, and the City should commence. And by commandment twelve of us assembled ourselves together Viz. Elder Joseph Smith Jr. the Seer, Oliver Cowdery, Sidn[e]y Rigdon, Newel Knight, William W. Phelps, and Ezra Booth who denied the faith. [Text continues below: "On the second day."]	J. Whitmer, 86.
Sidney to describe land		August 1, 1831 a revelation commands Sidney to "write a description of the land of Zion, and a statement of the will of God, as it shall be made known by the Spirit, unto him … And let my servant Sidney consecrate and dedicate this land, and the spot for the temple, unto the Lord."	¶ D&C 58:50, 57 ¶ Ezra Booth Letter #5
August 2			¶ D&C 58:50, 57 ¶ Ezra Booth Letter #5
Pomp and ceremony Consecrates land Oath of allegiance	¶	[August 2, 1831] The laying of the foundation of Zion was attended with considerable parade and an ostentatious display of talents, both by Rigdon and Cowdery. The place being designated as the site where the city was to commence, on the day appointed we repaired to the spot … Rigdon consecrated the ground, … and then … prepared the way for administering the oath of allegiance to those who were to receive their "everlasting inheritance" in that city. He laid them under the most solemn obligations to constantly obey all the commandments of Smith.	¶ Ezra Booth Letter #6
Shrub oak		These preliminaries being ended, a shrub oak, about ten inches in diameter at the butt, the best that could be obtained near at hand, was prostrated, trimmed, and cut off at a suitable length; and twelve men, answering to the twelve apostles, by means of handspikes, conveyed it to the place.
Oliver selects stone		Cowdery craved the privilege of laying the corner-stone. He selected a small rough stone, the best he could find, carried it in one hand to the spot, removed the surface of the earth to prepare a place for its reception, and then displayed his oratorical power, in delivering an address, suited to the important occasion.
		The stone being placed, one end of the shrub oak stick was laid upon it; and there was laid down the first stone and stick, which are to form an essential part of the splendid city of Zion.

First log and Sidney dedicates the land of Zion for gathering	¶	On the 2d day of August, I assissted the Colesville branch of the church to lay the first log for a house as a foundation of Zion, in Kaw township, twelve miles west of Independence. The log was carried and placed by twelve men in honor of the twelve tribes of Israel. At the same time, through prayer, the land of Zion was consecrated and dedicated for the gathering of the Saints by elder Rigdun; and it was a season of joy to those present, and afforded a glimpse of the future, which time will yet unfold to the satisfaction of the faithful.	MH-A, 137.

Leads pledge Consecrates land	¶	On the second day of August 1831, Brother Sidney Rigdon stood up and asked saying: Do you receive this land for the land of your inheritance with thankful hearts from the Lord? answer from all we do, Do you pledge yourselves to keep the laws of God on this land, which you have never have kept in your own land? We do. Do you pledge yourselves to see that others of to brethren, who shall come hither do keep the laws of God? We do. After prayer he arose and said, I now pronounce this land consecrated and dedicated to the Lord for a possession and inheritance for the Saints, (in the name of Jesus Christ having authority from him.) And for all the faithful Servants of the Lord to the rimotest ages of time Aamen [Amen].	J. Whitmer, 86.
August 3
Cornerstone		The next day the ground for the temple was consecrated, and Smith claimed the honour of laying the corner-stone himself. Should the inhabitants of Independence feel a desire to visit this place, … they will have only to walk one half of a mile out of the town, to a rise of ground, a short distance south of the road. They will be able to ascertain the spot by the means of a sapling, distinguished from the others by the bark being broken off on the north and on the east side. On the south side of the sapling will be found the letter T, which stands for temple; and on the east side ZOM! for Zomas; which Smith says is the original word for Zion. Near the foot of the sapling they will find a small stone covered over with bushes, which were cut for that purpose. This is the corner-stone for the temple.	¶ Ezra Booth Letter #6 "On the third day of A[u]gust <I proceeded to dedicate >the [one indecipherable word canceled] <[spot?]> for the Temple, a little west of Independence, ~~was dedicated in presence of eight men, among whom were myself~~ and there were present Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, Martin Harris, and Joseph Coe. The 87th Psalm was read and the scene was solemn and impresive." MH-A, 139.

Dedicates temple site	¶	The day following eight Elders viz. Joseph Smith Jr., Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Peter Whitmer Jr., Frederick G. Williams, Wm. W. Phelps, Martin Harris, and Joseph Coe, assembled together where the temple is to be erected. Sidney Rigdon dedicated the ground where the city is to Stand: and Joseph Smith Jr. laid a stone at the North east corner of the [87] contemplated Temple in the name of the Lord Jesus of Nazareth. After all present had rendered thanks to the great ruler of the universe. Sidney Rigdon pronounced this Spot of ground wholy dedicated unto the Lord forever: Amen.	J. Whitmer, 86.
August 4
Delivers charge to the Saints in Zion		August 4, 1831 exhorts the Saints to obedience "by delivering a charge" to "the Bishop, rulers & Members of the Church planted in their inheritances in the land of Zion."	Minutes of August 4, 1831

Chastized Writing rejected		[August 30, 1831] I the Lord am not pleased with my servent Sidney he exhalteth himself in his heart & received not <Council> but grieved the spirit wherefore his writing is not exceptable unto the Lord & he shall make another & if the Lord receive it not he standeth no longer in the office which he hath appointed him	¶ BCR, 108 // D&C 63:67.
		September 6, 1831 Joseph, Sidney, Oliver, Christian Whitmer, and Sylvester Parker vote to "silence" Ezra Booth from preaching.	Minutes of September 6, 1831
Baptizes Orson Hyde		October 2, 1831 baptizes Orson Hyde. Joseph confirms him, and together they ordain him an elder.	MH-A, 154.
High Priesthood indifference		October 26, 1831 chastizes elders ordained to the High Priesthood the previous evening, "saying that the Lord was not well pleased with some of them because of their indifference to be ordained to that office, exhortation to faith and obedience setting forth the power of that office."	¶ Minutes of October 25–26, 1831
Hiram		November moves with Joseph Smith family to John Johnson property in Hiram, 30 miles southeast of Kirtland.
United Firm		November 12 Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, John Whitmer, Sidney Rigdon, and W. W. Phelps named stewards to publish the Book of Commandments. Organization later known as the Literary Firm and part of the United Firm.	BCR, 124 // D&C 70
Hyperbole		[November 24, 1831 Ezra Booth:] It is also indirectly stated, that Rigdon has acquired the habit of exaggeration. The truth of this statement, I presume, will be doubted but by few, who have been long acquainted with him. Most of his communications carry the appearance of high and false coloring; and I am persuaded, that truth by this embellishing touch, often degenerates into fiction. … "You are a liar, you are a child of the Devil, you are an enemy to all righteousness, and the spirit of the Devil is in you," and the like is dealt out profusely against an obstinate opponent, and especially, one whom they are pleased to nickname apostate.	¶ Ezra Booth Letters (7)
Challenges Symonds Ryder		December 15, 1831 issues a notice to the public that he will discuss Ezra Booth's letters at a school in Ravenna and invites Ezra to be present. He also challenges Simonds Rider [Symonds Ryder] to debate the Book of Mormon in Hiram:	Ohio Star, Dec. 15, 1831. Source
	¶	Sir—As you have publicly declared the book of Mormon to be an imposition, and I believing it to be otherwise, at present, deeming it my privilege to know it as well as you, do hereby present a request to you to meet me in the township of Hiram, Portage county, at such time and place as may be agreed upon hereafter, to investigate this subject, before the public; that if I am deluded in receiving this book as a revelation from God, I may be corrected, and the public relieved from anxiety. Your acceptance or rejection of this request, is desired through the medium of the Ohio Star.	No record of a debate between Rigdon and Booth or Ryder is known.

Conclude mission		January [8–10], 1832 Joseph and Sidney conclude their mission to Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places to refute Ezra Booth's "scandalous letters" recently published in the Ohio Star.	MH-A, 179–80 // HC 1:239.
Attacks Edward Partridge's character		[January 24, 1832] at a conference in Independence, Bishop Partridge presents letters from Sidney to him dated September 10, 1831, and to John Corrill and Isaac Morley dated November 14, 1831, that make "certain charges … detrimental to [his] character and standing as a Bishop." Conference recommends that elders "stationed in this land" discuss situation with Edward and then write Sidney "a friendly humiliating letter advising that this difficulty be settled and thereby the wound of the Church be healed."	¶ Oliver to Joseph, January 28, 1832 Minutes of March 10, 1832 Joseph to W. W. Phelps, July 31, 1832
The Vision		February 16, 1832 working with Joseph on the translation of the Gospel of John, experiences "the Vision" with Joseph. According to Philo Dibble, several others were in the room at the time. Joseph would describe what he saw and Sidney would reply, "I see the same," and vice versa.	MH-A, 183. D&C 76 ¶ Joseph Remembered: Philo Dibble
Ordains Joseph president		February 25, 1832 either Sidney "ordained" Joseph Smith President of the High Priesthood at a general conference in Amherst (Reynolds Cahoon); or "Joseph was acknowledged President of the High Priesthood, and hands laid on him by Elder Sidney Rigdon, who sealed upon his head the blessings which he had formerly received" (Orson Pratt).	¶ Presidents of the High Priesthood
United Firm		March 1, 1832 Joseph, Sidney, and Newel to covenant with one another on behalf of the United Firm, and counsel with Saints in Zion.	D&C 78
Counselor in presidency of the High Priesthood		[March 1, 1832] Chose this day and ordained brother Jesse Gause [11] and Broth Sidney to be my councellors of the ministry of the presidency of <th> high Pri[e]sthood	Entry in KRB, 10–11. Conflicts with the March 15 date for D&C 81, which calls Jesse to the presidency in the same record book.
Zion conference defends Edward		March 10, 1832 special conference in Zion resolves to write Sidney regarding his November 14, 1831 charges against Bishop Edward Partridge, stating that Edward has made amends and suggesting that Sidney has been motivated by "hasty feelings rather than the Spirit of Christ."	Minutes of March 10, 1832
Tarred and feathered		March 24–25, 1832 in Hiram, Joseph and Sidney are dragged from their beds, beaten, tarred, and feathered. Sidney moves to Kirtland on Wednesday, March 28.	1832 Tarring
Moves to Chardon		April 1, 1832 moves to Chardon.
Left in Kirtland		April 2, 1832 apparently left behind when Joseph leaves for Missouri with N. K. Whitney, Peter Whitmer Jr., and Jesse Gause.
		April 26, 1832 at the conference in Independence where Joseph is acknowledged as the President of the High Priesthood, the conflict over Sidney's charges against the Bishop Partridge seem to be settled and "the hearts of all run together in love." Joseph receives D&C 82, establishing the United Firm.	Minutes of April 26–27, 1832
Joseph's counselor Equal in holding keys		[March 18, 1833] … Bro Sidney arose and desired that he and Bro Frederick Should be ordained to the office that they had been called Viz to the of [sic] President of the high Priesthood and to be equal in holding the keys of the Kingdom with J Brother Joseph Smith Jr according to a revelation given on the 8th day of March 1833 in Kirtland …	¶ Minutes of March 18, 1833 ¶ D&C 90:6
Bible translation complete		July 2, 1833 Joseph and Sidney complete their work "translating" the Bible.
Joseph suspects Sidney		November 19, 1833 after returning from a mission to Upper Canada, Joseph suspects Sidney has been criticizing the prophet behind his back. Sidney is a great speaker and easily wins people’s friendship, but he is not reliable.	Diary-1, 20–22 // Journal 1, 18–19.
Not reliable		Brother <Sidney> is a man not capab[le] of that pure and Stedfast love for those who are his benefactors as Should ~~posess~~ p[o]ssess the breast of an ~~man~~ <a Presd> President of the chu[r]ch of christ [21] this with some other little things such as a Selfish and indipendance of mind which to often manifest distroys the confidence of those who would lay down their lives for him	Written in Joseph Smith's hand.
Great speaker, makes friends easily		but notwithstanding these things he is <a> very great and good man a man of great power of words and can <gain> the friendship of his hearrers very quick he is a man whom god will uphold if he will continue faithful to his calling O God grant that he may for the Lords Sake Amen
Talks of Joseph behind his back		[22] the man who willeth to do well we should extole his virtues and speak not of his faults behind his back a man who willfuly turneth away from his friend without a cause is not ~~lightly to be forgiven~~ <easily forgiven> the kindness of a man is never to be forgotten that person who forsaketh his trust Should ever have the highest place for regard in our hearts and our love should never fail but increase more and more and this is my disposition and sentiment &c Amen …
Blessing		Still, Sidney is to be blessed.
	¶	[N]otwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that coucheth beneath his burthen; that learneth his master’s by the stroke of the rod: thus saith the Lord. Yet the Lord will have mercy on him and he shall bring forth much fruit; even as the vun [vine] of the choice grape when her clusters are ripe, before the time of the gleaning of the vintage: and the Lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine because of him who putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up from <out of> [a] deep mire, and pointeth him out of the way, and guideth his feet when he stumbles; and humbleth him in his pride. Blessed are his generations. Nevertheless, one shall hunt after them as a man hunteth after an ass that hath strayed in the wilderness, & straitway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. Thus shall the Lord watch over his generation that they may be saved: even So; Amen.	Written in Sidney Rigdon's hand.
Mission with John P. Greene		February 20, 1834 called on a mission to Strongsville with John P. Greene.	¶ Minutes of February 20, 1834
Church name change		May 3, 1834 proposes name change to Church of the Latter Day Saints. Approved by conference of elders, Joseph Smith, moderator.	¶ Minutes of May 3, 1834
Patriarchal blessing		September 13, 1835 receives patriarchal blessing from Joseph Smith Sr., which includes the promise, "Thou shalt receive an ordination not many days hence which shall surpass all human understanding; for thy Redeemer shall come down and stand before thee—thou shalt see his face and hear his voice and great shall be thy rejoicing."	Patriarchal blessings, 45.
		July 25, 1836 strapped for cash to meet debts incurred to build the House of the Lord, Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney, and Oliver leave Kirtland for Salem, Massachusetts, where they are promised the city's "wealth pertaining to gold and silver." (They return empty handed.)	D&C 111
President, Kirtland Safety Society		November 2, 1836 constitution of the Kirtland Safety Society, a "mutual stock association," is adopted with Sidney as president and Joseph as cashier.	Kirtland economy, 42.
Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company		January 2, 1837 Sidney presides over a meeting of "subscribers" to the Kirtland Safety Society. The November 2, 1836 "constitution" is annulled and the name of the company is changed to the "Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company." One hundred eighty-seven individuals sign the new "Articles of Agreement." The society begins issuing stock certificates to be traded as currency on January 6.	Kirtland Safety Society Articles
Suit		Shortly thereafter, Samuel D. Rounds files a complaint against Sidney and Joseph accusing them of violating the state's banking statutes.
Urges unity	¶	[Wilford Woodruff:] 15 Sunday Attended meeting in the house of the Lord. President Rigdon preached in the Spirit & exhorted the Church to union that they might be prepared to meet every trial & difficulty that awates them.	WWJ 1:121.
Safety Society court date postponed		March 24, 1837 court date regarding the Safety Society is postponed to the fall session.
Hiding		April 1837 after conference on April 6, Joseph and Sidney go into hiding for a few weeks.	That their whereabouts were unknown as late as May 17 is apparent in Grandison Newell's letter published in the PT, May 19, 1837: "To SIDNEY RIGDON, at Palmyra, Waterloo, Chenang[o] Point [in Broome County, NY], Pittsburgh, Massachusetts, Maine, or some other place where his business calls him."
Abortive attempt to excommunicate dissenters		May 29, 1837 presides over meeting of Kirtland high council to try Presidents David Whitmer and F. G. Williams and Elders Lyman Johnson and Parley P Pratt (h) and Warren Parrish for conduct "injurious to the Church of God in which they are high officers." Warren objects that the complaint is "not in accordance with the copy of which they received of the charge preferred against them." Frederick objects that the high council does not have jurisdiction over church presidents. Parley objects to being tried by Sidney or Joseph "in consequence of their having previously expressed their opinion against him." Meeting ends "in confusion."	Minutes of May 29, 1837
		June 3, 1837 testifies at Joseph's murder conspiracy trial in Painesville:
		That about two years [sic, months] since he had heard [Marvel C.] Davis and [S. Wilber] Denton had conspired against the life of Mr. [Grandison] Newell; that on receiving this information, he went to Smith and stated the case to him, requesting him to see to it.
		Witness had never had any conversation with either Davis or Denton on the subject: Smith said he had known nothing of the conspiracy until then.
		Witness together with Smith, was often at the Bank when the prosecution of its officers was spoken of, but never heard Smith make any threats, though we often discussed the question, how far we should suffer, before we offered violence in self-defence. …
		Denton was excommunicated about two or three months since.	Earlier in the day, Denton testified, "I was excommunicated about two months since for lack of faith, non-observance of duties and contempt of the quorum of High Priests."
		When asked, "Why did you let them continue in your Church so long after you considered them guilty of such conduct?" Rigdon replied, "We supposed they had desisted from their evil course."
Canada Joseph is arrested		July 27, 1837 Joseph, Sidney, and Thomas B. Marsh leave Kirtland for Upper Canada, accompanied by Albert P. Rockwood, who is returning to his home in Massachusetts, and Brigham Young starting a mission to the East. But at Painesville, Joseph is "detained all day by malicious and vexatious law suits." As they were about to return to Kirtland, the sherriff arrests Joseph on a writ by a salesman who had placed a stove in his home as part of a promotion, but Joseph refused to pay for it. After leaving his watch for surety, "we all returned home."	MH-B, 767–768, addendum 6nS. Canceled text on p. 767: "[in Painesville] Horace Kingsbury and others of our enemies entered various complaints and instituted several malicious suits against me and Elder Rigdon. from which we succeeded in extricating ourselvesd in a short time. and returning to Kirtland, went on our way in a day or two. and soon found ourselves among the brethren in Canada."
Travel by night to avoid detection		July 28, 1837 Joseph and his party travel through the night in S. B. Stoddard's wagon, bypassing Painesville/Fairport, traveling thirty miles to the port at Ashtabula. They enjoy the beach before boarding a steamship to Buffalo.	MH-B, addendum 6nS .
Arrested returning from Canada, escape		Late August 1837 returning from Canada, Joseph is arrested and taken to Painesville for trial, but they manage to escape and and spend the night hiding in the woods before reaching Kirtland at 3 a.m.	Mary Fielding to Mercy R. Fielding (1837)
Guilty of illegal banking		October 1837 jury finds Sidney and Joseph guilty of illegal banking. They are fined $1,000 each plus court fees. They appeal, but flee the state before the appeal is heard.	Sidney Rigdon, 186.
Sidney edit Elders' Journal letters First Presidency compensation		May 13, 1838 named by council to edit the "Orthography and Prosody" of letters to the editor for the Elders Journal. A committee is "authorized to instruct the Bishop to pay the First Presidency, Joseph Smith, & Sidney Rigdon, whatever sum they agree with them for."	Minutes of May 13, 1838 Ebenezer Robinson later reports annual salaries of $1,100 were granted but quickly rescinded. ¶ Joseph's Finances: 1838
Daviess County		May 18, 1838 travels north with Joseph, Thomas B. Marsh, and others to Daviess County, where they meet with Oliver Cowdery, Lyman E. Johnson and others exploring for possible settlement sites on Grand River. Return to Far West the same day.	¶ Thomas B. Marsh (h)
Salt Sermon		June 17, 1838 delivers "the salt sermon," declaring it is the duty of people "to trample [dissenters] into the earth" or hang them. Joseph reportedly says, "Though I don't want the brethren to act unlawfully; but I will tell them one thing, Judas was a traitor, and instead of hanging himself was hung by Peter."	All known salt sermon texts and an excellent analysis are in Salt sermon; Reed Peck Manuscript 7; Sidney Rigdon 218–219.
Independence Day oration		July 4, 1838 delivers fiery Independence Day oration in Far West.	Sidney Rigdon's Independence Day Oration (1838)
			Sidney Rigdon's Independence Day Oration (1838)
Nancy's marriage proposal		August 27, 1842 writes to the Nauvoo Wasp that John Benett's claim that Joseph Smith proposed marriage to his daughter, Nancy, in writing, is false. Nancy told Sidney "that she never said to Gen. Bennett or any other person, that said letter was written by said Mr. Smith, nor in his hand writing, but by another person and in another persons' hand writing. … I would further state that Mr. Smith denied to me the authorship of that letter."	The Wasp 1, no. 20 (Sept. 3, 1842): 2.

Autobiographical sketch		May 1, 1843 Sidney's third person autobiography appears in the Times and Seasons series, "History of Joseph Smith."	TS 4, no. 12 (May 1, 1843): 177–178.
Joseph tries to drop Sidney		October 6 & 8, 1843 Joseph Smith moves the conference drop Sidney Rigdon from the First Presidency, but ultimately he is retained.
Early church experiences		April 6, 1844 delivers conference address relating early experiences in the church, endorsing secret meetings and theocracy, and bearing testimony.	Sidney Rigdon: 1830 Church
Excommunicated		September 8, 1844 excommunicated.

New church		October 12, 1845 Pittsburgh supporters sustain Sidney as "first president" of the new Church of Christ.	Origins, 653.

		Joseph on Sidney (1833)
Joseph blesses Sidney		[November 19, 1833] … blessed be brother Sidney also notwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that coucheth beneath his burthen; that learneth his master’s by the stroke of the rod: thus saith the Lord. Yet the Lord will have mercy on him and he shall bring forth much fruit; even as the ~~vun~~ of the choice grape when her clusters are ripe, before the time of the gleaning of the vintage: and the Lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine because of him who putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up ~~from~~ <out of> [a] deep mire, and pointeth him out of the way, and guideth his feet when he stumbles; and humbleth him in his pride. Blessed are his generations. Nevertheless, one shall hunt after them as a man hunteth after an ass that hath strayed in the wilderness, & straitway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. Thus shall the Lord watch over his generation that they may be saved: even so; Amen.	Diary-1 in Papers, 13, handwriting of Oliver Cowdery. Cp. blessing of ¶ Frederick G. Williams immediately preceeding.
Joseph tries to remove Sidney		In October 1843 Joseph makes a motion to remove Sidney from the First Presidency and office of postmaster for negligence, malfeasance, and collusion with Missourians and John C. Bennett. Hyrum, William Law, and others come to Sidney's defense, and Joseph relents "but signified his lack of confidence in his integrity and steadfastness, judging from their past intercourse."	Minutes of October 7–8, 1843

		Sidney's Influence
Sidney added the religious component of Mormonism		That Rigdon forms the connecting link between Spalding’s book & the Bible & put all the Judaism & Christianity there is in Mormonism into it there is not a shaddow of a doubt in my mind That 'he stole (not all but the best part) of his thunder from the Disciples' by taking their plea for the restoration of primitive Christianity & if the Disciples could be successful in bringing the people back to the old Apostolic doctrine of faith repentance & baptism for the conversion of sinners so could the Mormons. With this he coupled the common expectation of Many in almost all the churches that before the Millennium began we should have faith & purity enough & miracles would be restored This coupled with the other constituted the elements of their success.	J. J. Moss to T. J. Cobb, Dec. 17, 1878, 1. Source

		Family
Wife		Phebe Brooks, b. May 3, 1800 in Bridgewater, Cumberland, NJ, daughter of Jeremiah Brooks and Dorcas Smith md. June 12, 1820 in Warren, Trumbull, Ohio d. Feb. 2, 1886 in Friendship, Allegheny, New York	Ancestry.com; Sidney Rigdon, 17, citing Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine (1936) 27:158; ¶ Sidney Rigdon (h) has Bridgetown.
Wife		Phebe Brooks, b. in Bridgeton, Cumberland, New Jersey md. June 12, 1820 in Warren, Trumbull, Ohio d. July 14, 1876 in Friendship, Allegheny, New Yrok	¶ Ancestry.com
Children		Lucy/Lacy, b. 1819 in South Bristol, Addison, Vermont md. Jeremiah Hatch; d. Apr. 15, 1877	¶ Ancestry.com
		Hortensia A., b. 1821 in Warren, Ohio md. George W. Robinson; d. 1900 in Friendship, Allegheny, New York
		Nancy, b. Dec. 8, 1822 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania d. Nov. 1, 1887 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny, PA
		Elizabeth Eliza, b. 1823 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania d. Aug. 1842 in Nauvoo, Hancock, Illinois
		Sarah, b. 1824 in Friendship, New York md. Earl Bradley Wingate
		Sidney, b. 1828 in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio
		John Wickliff, b. June 14, 1830 in Mentor, Geauga County, Ohio md. Sophia Jane Cole, Dec. 12, 1861 d. Apr. 5, 1912 in Salt Lake City
		Samuel Carvel, b. Dec. 29, 1834 in Kirtland d. Jan. 16, 1835 in Kirtland
		Phebe, b. 1836 in Ohio md. Samuel Speer
		Ephraim R., b. 1842 in Illinois md. Alice
Sidney Rigdon (h) Sidney Rigdon: 1830 Church Sidney Rigdon's Independence Day Oration (1838) Sidney Rigdon Interview (January 1831) Biographies Home