1831 Chronology

Mormon History 1830-1844

1831 Chronology


January [1]		Third conference of the church, is held at Peter Whitmer Sr.'s home in Fayette, New York (no minutes are known).	Minutes of January [1–]2, 1831 ¶ Sidney on the Early Days The log home in Fayette Township (but closer to the town of Waterloo) was 20 x 30, with two rooms on the main floor and one or two rooms in the attic story. Organizational origins, 150–151.
January 2		D&C 38 (Fayette): Wicked are kept in chains of darkness until the judgment; land of promise governed by God's law when the Lord returns; be one; gather in Ohio, where God's law will be given and the people will be endowed with power; care for the poor.
January 5		D&C 39 (Fayette): Baptist minister James Covill commanded to be baptized.
January 6		D&C 40 (Fayette): James Covill gladly received the commandment, but Satan tempted him. Fearing persecution, he rejected the word.
January [12–17]		Dispatched from New York in accordance with a now-unknown revelation, John Whitmer arrives in Kirtland with the newly revealed book of Moses and other revelations designating Kirtland as the eastern edge of the land of Zion—which extends to the Pacific Ocean—and directing the Saints not to sell their lands, but rather to purchase as much as they can.	¶ John Whitmer
January 11		Eber D. Howe, publisher of the Painesville Telegraph, writes William W. Phelps in Canandaigua, New York, for information on Mormonism—probably not knowing Phelps had received a Book of Mormon on April 9, 1830 and had met Joseph on December 24.	Early documents 3:5.
January 13		Missionaries arrive at Independence. Peter Whitmer works as a tailor and Ziba Peterson as a teacher to support the mission while Oliver, Parley, and Frederick cross into Indian territory to convert the Lamanites. (They are expelled in a few days by an Indian agent enforcing federal laws prohibiting unauthorized whites in the territory.)	¶ Peter Whitmer
January 15		[W. W. Phelps to Eber D. Howe:] I had ten hours discourse with a man from your state named Sidney Rigdon, a convert to its doctrines, and he declared it was true, and he knew it by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was again given to man in preparation for the millennium: he appeared to be a man of talents and sincere in his profession.	Early documents 3:7.
January 18	¶	*Mormonism.—A young gentleman by the name of Whitmer* arrived here last week from Manchester, New York, the seat of wonders, with a new batch of revelations from God, as he pretended, which have just been communicated to Joseph Smith. As far as we have been able to learn their contents, they are a more particular description of the creation of the world, and a history of Adam and his family, and other sketches of the ante-diluvian world, which Moses neglected to record.	"Mormonism," PT, Jan. 18, 1831. Source
		But the more important part of the mission was to inform the brethren that the boundaries of the promised land, or the New Jerusalem, had just been made known to Smith from God— the township of Kirtland, a few miles west of this, is the eastern line and the Pacific Ocean the western line; if the north and south lines have been described, we have not learned them. Orders were also brought to the brethren to sell no more land, but rather buy more. Joseph Smith and all his forces are to be on here soon to take possession of the promised land.
January 24		(Monday) after delivering a sermon at the court house, Sidney takes the stage from Waterloo bound for Kirtland.	Letter to the editor of Jan. 26, Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 1, 1831, Early documents 3:243–244. Waterloo is 28 miles southeast of Palmyra.
		The Prophet, Spouse, and whole "holy family" as they style themselves,) will follow Rigdon, so soon as their deluded or hypocritical followers, shall be able to dispose of what little real property they possess in this region; one farm (Whitmers) was sold a few days ago for $2,300. Their first place of destination is understood to be a few miles west of Painesville, Ohio, (the present place of the Elder's residence) which is just within the east bounds of this new land of promise, which extends from thence to the Pacific Ocean …
Late January		Joseph, Emma, Sidney, and Edward Partridge start for Kirtland "T<o>wards the latter part of January."	Newel Knight, Journal A, item 3 [1846], in Early documents 4:43.
January 27		On 24 January, Rigdon leaves Fayette by stage, while "The prophet Spouse, and while 'holy family' (as they style themselves) will follow Rigdon, so soon as their deluded or hypocritical followers shall be able to dispose of what little real property they possess in this region: one farm (Whitmar's) was sold a few days ago for $2,300.	Plain Truth to PT, Feb. 1, 1831. Source // Early documents 4:215
January 29		Oliver to Joseph: 25 miles from Shawnees on south side of Kansas River at its mouth; has not heard from Joseph since he and other missionaries left in fall 1830; deep snow; met with chief and 18–20 council members; chief said "they were very glad for what I their Brother had told them and they had recived it in their hearts &c—But how the matter will go with this tribe to me is uncirtain."	¶ Joseph to Hyrum, Mar. 3, 1831
January 30		Sidney tells his Kirtland congregation that Joseph will arrive soon, challenges the world to refute the Book of Mormon. (But when Thomas Campbell offers to debate, Sidney is so offended by Campbell's letter that he tosses it into the fire.)	Sidney Rigdon, 80.
February 1		It appears quite certain that the prophet himself never made any serious pretensions to religion until his late pretended revelation.	"Gold Bible, No. 3," Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 1, 1831. Source
	¶	"Feb. 1, 1831.—Mr. Rigdon just returned from the state of New York. … Two days after, I accompanied several friends to Mr. R.'s residence, and found him in conversation with a Methodist elder. …	M.S.C., letter to the editor, PT, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
	¶	"Mr. Smith arrived at Kirtland the next day …
February [1]		Joseph and Emma arrive in Kirtland, stay at the home of Newel K. Whitney for several weeks.
February 4		D&C 41 (Kirtland): Edward Partridge called as bishop. Ordained by Sidney Rigdon.
February 7		Alexander Campbell's "Delusions," the first substantive critique of the Book of Mormon, is published in the Millennial Harbinger.	Source
February 9		D&C 42:1–73 (Kirtland): Law of the Lord: ordination by recognized authorities only, missionaries, penalties for sins, consecration, plain clothing; idleness, elders bless the sick, the New Jerusalem, live together in love.
February [6–23]		D&C 43 (Kirtland): Only Joseph to receive revelations as long as he lives and remains faithful, only he can appoint a successor if he falls.
February [9–23]		D&C 44 (Kirtland): Missionaries to return to Kirtland in June; Joseph and Sidney to visit the poor and minister to their needs.
February 14		[A "Painesville correspondent informs us" that the missionaries in Kirtland] proclaimed that there had been no religion in the world for 1500 years,—that no one had been authorized to preach and teach for that period,—that Joseph Smith had now received a commission from God for that purpose, and that all such as did not submit to his authority would speedily be destroyed. The world (except the New Jerusalem) would come to an end in two or three years. The state of New York would (probably) be sunk: Smith (they affirmed) had seen God frequently and personally—Cowdery and his friends had frequent interviews with angels. … From 1 to 200 (whites) had already been in the water, and showed great zeal in this new religion— many were converted before they saw the book. Smith was continually receiving new revelations, and it would probably take him 1000 years to complete them—commissions and papers were exhibited, said to be signed by Christ himself!!! Cowdery authorized three persons to preach, &c., and descended the Ohio River. The converts are forming "common stock" families, as most pleasing in the sight of God. They pretend to give the "Holy Spirit" and under its operations they fall upon the floor —see visions, &c. Indians followed Cowdery daily, and finally saw him enter the promised land, where he placed a pole in the ground, with a light on its top, to designate the site of the New Jerusalem.	"Book of Mormon," Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 14, 1831. Source
		Lamanite missionaries Oliver Cowdery, Parley P. Pratt (h), Ziba Peterson, Peter Whitmer Jr., and Frederick G. Williams decide to send Parley back to Kirtland to report results.	Parley P. Pratt, 66.
February 15		Lengthy letter from M. S. C. [Matthew S. Clapp] in the Painesville Telegraph reports early Lamanite missionary efforts in the fall of 1830. They arrived "about the last of October, 1830" from Manchester and Palmyra, New York,	"Mormonism," PT, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
		bringing a pretended revelation, entitled the "Book of Mormon." They came to the brethern of the reformation in Mentor, saluted them as brethern, and professed to rejoice at finding a people walking according to the scriptures of truth, and acknowledging no other guide. …	brethern of the reformation: Campbellites, recently officially separated from the Regular Baptists, were formally known as Reformed Baptists.
		Sidney lets them stay with him, reads the book, and "partly condemned it," but two days later, declares it is true. Only after the missionaries see they have prospects for converts do they announce "that their book contained a new covenant, to come under which the disciple must be re-immersed."
		Immediately they made a party—seventeen persons were immersed by them in one night. At this Mr. Rigdon seemed much displeased, and when they came next day to his house, he withstood them to the face—showed them that what they had done was entirely without precedent in the holy scriptures—for they had immersed those persons that they might work miracles as well as come under the said covenant—showed them that the apostles baptized for the remission of sins—but miraculous gifts were conferred by the imposition of hands. …
	¶	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. … The Monday following he was baptised.	two days: the same two days mentioned above?
		On the morning of the preceding day he had an appointment to preach in the Methodist chapel at Kirtland. He arose to address the congregation apparently much affected and deeply impressed. He seemed exceedingly humble, confessed the sins of his former life, his great pride, ambition, vainglory, &c. &c. After he was baptized, he professed to be exceedingly joyful, and said he would not be where he was three days ago for the universe.
		"[A]bout three weeks" after Sidney was baptized, he went to New York to meet Joseph Smith, while Oliver Cowdery and his companions proceeded on to "the western Indians."
		[Re: last December: "At other times they are taken with a fit of jabbering that which they neither understand themselves nor anybody else, and this they call speaking foreign languages by divine inspiration."

		The same issue of the paper includes a challenge from Thomas Campbell (father of Alexander) to debate the Book of Mormon with Sidney Rigdon. (Sidney burns the letter.)

	¶	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 …	"Mormonism—or Grand Pugilistic Debate," Cleveland Advertiser, Feb. 15, 1831. Source
February 22		The Painesville Telegraph reprints article from the February 14, 1831 Palmyra Reflector, recounting Joseph's obtaining the Book of Mormon plates and asserting "no divine interposition had been dreamed of at the period."	Source
February 23		D&C 42:78–93 (Kirtland): Methods for dealing with transgressors; murderers, thieves, and liars to civil authorities; adulterers to be tried before the church, bishop should be present, two witnesses required; other offenders rebuked in secret if offense was private.	The Book B refers only to males, females added in 1835. JS revelations, 119–20.
February [24]		Parley reaches St. Louis (300 miles from Independence) in 9 days.	Parley P. Pratt, 66.
February 27		Orson Pratt arrives in Kirtland with Samuel Smith.	¶ Joseph to Hyrum, March 3–4, 1831
February 28		It is well known that Joe Smith never pretended to have any communion with angels, until a long period after the pretended finding of his book.	Palmyra Reflector, Feb. 28, 1831. Source
March 1		We have received a pamphlet of 12 pages, containing a review of the "Book of Mormon" from the able pen of Alexander Campbell, of Va. It unequivocally and triumphantly sets the question of the divine authenticity of the "Book" forever at rest, to every rational mind. We shall endeavor to lay it before our readers in two or three subsequent numbers.	PT, Mar. 1, 1831. Source

		Some months since, a young lawyer living in the western part of the state of New York, who probably had nothing else to do, and being acquainted with stenography, or the short hand, wrote the wonderful Mormon bible in stenographick characters. After having safely lodged his sacred deposite in the bowels of the earth, he marvellously appeared in disguise, in the form of an angel, to a man named Smith, and revealed to him where he would find the sacred treasure. Smith accordingly went, found the Mormon manuscript, and in his researches to find some one to interpret it, he fell in with his angel lawyer, who readily unravelled the mystery. Smith being an unlettered, ignorant man, sold his possessions in order to acquire the means for publishing his work.	"Mormonism," Cleveland Advertiser, Mar. 1, 1831, reprint of article from as yet unlocated issue of the Ashtabula Republican. Source
March 3–4		Joseph to Hyrum: Devil tries to overthrow churches in Ohio. Oliver's letter from Independence. Met with Delaware chief. Joseph urges Hyrum to come quickly. Joseph performs exorcism. Samuel and Orson Pratt arrived a few days ago. Joseph Sr. is threatened with suit. Avoid Buffalo (enemy ambush).	¶ Joseph to Hyrum, March 3–4, 1831
March [4]		Parley reaches Cincinnati after a one-week steamboat voyage from St. Louis.	Parley P. Pratt, 67.
March [6–7]		D&C 45 (Kirtland): City of Enoch, signs of second coming, millennium, gather to Zion. Commandment to translate the New Testament.
March 7		… some hundreds of the rabble and a few intelligent citizens of the western part of New York and the eastern part of Ohio, have, with the wildest enthusiasm, embraced a feigned revelation purporting to be literally new. … this new religion called Mormonism, …	"Something New.—Golden Bible." Evangelical Enquirer (Dayton, Ohio) 10, no. 1 (Mar. 7, 1831): 217–220. Source celebrated Jew: see Mordecai M. Noah and the Mormon Zion
		For a long time in the vicinity of Palmyra, there has existed an impression, especially among certain loose classes of society, that treasures of great amount were concealed near the surface of the earth, probably by the Indians, whom they were taught to consider the descendants of the ten lost Israelitish tribes, by the celebrated Jew who a few years since promised to gather Abraham's sons on Grand Island, thus to be made a Paradise. The ignorance and superstition of these fanatics soon conjured up a ghost, who they said was often seen and to whom was committed the care of the precious deposit. … One Joseph Smith, a perfect ignoramus, is to be a great prophet of the Lord, the fabled ghost the angel of his presence, a few of the accomplices the apostles or witnesses of the imposition, and, to fill up the measure of their wickedness and the absurdity of their proceedings, the hidden golden treasure, is to be a gold bible and a new revelation.
March 8		Joseph begins revision of the New Testament.	Date appears at the top of the first page of A Translation of the New Testament translated by the power of God, in the Community of Christ Archives. JS revelations, 123n29.
		D&C 46 (Kirtland): Admit all to public meetings, all members to sacrament meetings, transgressors not to partake of sacrament, honest seekers to sacrament and confirmation meetings; gifts of the Spirit.
		D&C 47: (Kirtland) John Whitmer to "keep a regular history" and assist Joseph "translating all things."
March 8–31		D&C 48 (Kirtland): Stay in Kirtland for now, share land to share with new arrivals, save to buy land for new city.
March 12		Martin Harris arrives in Painesville from Palmyra and testifies in a hotel bar. "Every idea that he advanced, he knew to be absolutely true, as he said, by the spirit and power of God." Concludes "declaring, that all who believed the new bible would see Christ within fifteen years, and all who did not would absolutely be destroyed and dam'd."	PT, Mar. 15, 1831. Source
March [5]		After walking 250 miles on muddy roads, Parley reaches the Coltrin home in Strongsville, Ohio, 40 miles from Kirtland. The Coltrins were among those baptized by the Lamanite missionaries en route to Missouri. Sick, he remains two weeks before leaving for Kirtland.	Parley P. Pratt, 67. Arrival date is based on 9 days from February 25, estimating 250 miles in mud would take approximately same amount of time—9 days—as his 300-mile walk from Independence to St. Louis.
March 15		[Alexander Campbell: The Book of Mormon is a composite of:] every error and almost every truth discussed for the last ten years. He [Joseph] decides all the great controversies: infant baptism, ordination, the trinity, regeneration, repentance, justification, the fall of man, the atonement, transubstantiation, fasting, penance, church government, religious experience, the call of the ministry, the general resurrection, eternal punishment, who may baptize, and even the question of free masonry, republican government, and the rights of men. All these topics are repeatedly alluded to.	"Internal Evidences," PT, Mar. 15, 1831. Source

	¶	The Mormon Bible is anti-masonic, and it is a singular truth that every one of its followers, so far as we are able to ascertain, are anti-masons. Now, probably we are to know what is meant by "Church and State."	"Antimasonic Religion," Geauga Gazette, Mar. 15, 1831. Source
March 19		There appears to be a great discrepancy, in the stories told by the famous three witnesses to the Gold Bible … Whitmar's description of the Book of Mormon, differs entirely from that given by Harris … Whitmar relates that he was led by Smith into an open field, on his father's farm near Waterloo, when they found the book lying on the ground; Smith took it up and requested him to examine it, which he did for the space of half an hour or more, when he returned it to Smith, who placed it in his former position … This witness describes the book as being something like 8 inches square … the leaves were plates of metal of a whitish yellow color, and of the thickness of tin plate; the back was secured with three small rings of the same metal … that the leaves were divided equi-distant, between the back & edge, by cutting the plates in two parts, and united again with solder, so that the front might be opened, as it were by a hinge, while the back part remained stationary and immovable, and in this manner remained to him and the other witnesses a sealed book … Harris … declares that the leaves or pages of the book are not cut, and a part of them sealed, but that it opens like any other other book, from the edge to the back, the rings operating in the place of common binding.	Palmyra Reflector, Mar. 19, 1831, qtd. in Early documents 2:249, 250. Other accounts of David Whitmer's experience, directly and indirectly reported, include a vision or angelic visitor.
March [20–26]		Parley arrives in Kirtland.	Parley P. Pratt, 67.
March 22		Ten unidentified Palmyra residents sign a letter asserting that Joseph and his father had "belonged to a gang of money-diggers … Jo pretending he could see the gold and silver by the aid of what they called a 'peep stone.'" Mormons in the Palmyra area are "few and generally of the dregs of community. … The whole gang of these deluded mortals, except a few hypocrites, are profound believers in witchcraft, ghosts, goblins, &c." The signers found it "hardly possible that so clumsy an imposition can spread to any considerable extent."	PT, March 22. The letter is dated Mar. 12, 1831. Source
Early spring		Joseph and Emma move into cabin built by Isaac Morley on his land several miles north of Kirtland.	Emma, 38.
March 30		Warner Doty, about 29, becomes the first Mormon to die in Kirtland. Refused medical aid at Joseph's urging. Believed he would live for a thousand years.	PT, Apr. 5, 1831. Source
April		Joseph revising the King James Bible.
April 7		Martin Harris sells 151 acres to Thomas Lakey for $3000 to pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon.
April 9		Conference (Kirtland): John Whitmer appointed Church Historian.	Minutes of April 9, 1831
April 9		A weekly Universalist paper in Utica publishes a letter from A. W. B. [Abram W. Benton] of South Bainbridge, New York about Joseph's 1826 and 1830 treasure seeking trials. In the first, "considering his youth, (he being then a minor,) and thinking he might reform his conduct, he was designedly allowed to escape."	"Mormonites," Evangelical Magazine & Gospel Advocate (a Unversalist magazine published in Utica, New York). Source Early documents 1:114–124 compares the 1839 draft history and MS history versions of the trials. Newel Knight journal 4:31–33.
		In the summer of 1830 Joseph was arraigned again. Oliver testified "that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates." Josiah Stowell testified that he and Joseph almost succeeded in treasure seeking, but "did not get quite to it!" Addison Austin testified that he asked Joseph "to tell him honestly whether he could see this money or not. Smith hesitated some time, but finally replied, 'to be candid, between you and me, I cannot, any more than you or any body else; but any way to get a living.'"
April 19		The Painesville Telegraph publishes a letter from Martin Harris that includes the earliest published version of the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ. Joseph and Oliver are each "called of God and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church."	Source
April 30		The first time Joseph and family came to Kirtland they lived with Isaac Morley, Lucy's father. Later "Father Morley" built a small house for them on his farm. The twins were born here [on April 30]. Lucy [Morley] and her elder sister kept house for Emma Smith while she was ill.	Lucy Diantha Morley Allen reminiscence, "Joseph Smith, the Prophet," Young Woman's Journal 17: 537.
		Joseph and Emma's twins, Thadeus and Louisa, are born in the cabin but survive only 3 hours.	Emma, 38.
		Julia Clapp Murdock dies in Warrensville after delivering twins. With three other children under seven years old, John felt he could not look after two more newborns. Emma would be able to nurse the twins, so John gave them to Joseph and Emma to raise. They named the twins Joseph and Julia.	John Murdock
		Revelation: Joseph Smith Sr. and Ezra Thayer, and use of Frederick G. Williams' farm.
May		Sidney Rigdon baptizes his brother, Carvel.	MS 16:835.
May 3 or 4		Lucy Mack Smith leads a group of about fifty persons, with another group of about thirty headed by Thomas B. Marsh (h), from Fayette through the Cayuga, Seneca, and Erie Canals to Buffalo, then to Fairport, Ohio (arriving on May 11–12), and finally on to Kirtland.	Early documents 1:450n312; Study of origins, 126.
May 7		D&C 49 (Kirtland): Sidney, Parley, Leman Copley mission to Shakers; marriage ordained of God (one wife); abstinence from meat not required; temporal inequality a sin; Jesus will not come as a woman; disasters precede his coming; first Indians will blossom as a rose, Zion upon the mountains.	The brethren "proclaimed according to the revelation given to them, but the shakers hearkened not to their words." J. Whitmer, 57.
May 9		D&C 50 (Kirtland): Satan uses false spirits to deceive; abominations in the church; cut off hypocrites; preach by spirit of truth; ask God to discern spirits; Edward Partridge not to put obstacles in the way of missionaries; grow in grace.
		Joseph and Emma adopt the Murdock twins, naming them Joseph and Julia.
May [13–14]		Joseph tours Cuyahoga county (Orange, Warrensville, Bedford) with Reynolds Cahoon and Parley P. Pratt.	¶ Reynolds Cahoon
May 14		Colesville church arrives in Painesville after crossing Lake Erie from Buffalo.	Journal History, July 25, 1831.
May 17 or 24	¶	About two hundred men, women and children, of the deluded followers of Jo Smith's Bible speculation have arrived on our coast during the last week, from the State of New York, & are about seating themselves down upon the "promised land" in this county.	Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, Jun. 25, 1831, citing PT of May 17 or 24. To be consistent with the arrival date of May 14, it would have to be the May 17 issue. Source
May 20		D&C 51 (Thompson, Ohio): Instructions to Edward Partridge on organizing the Colesville Branch, which had settled on Leman Copley's farm in Thompson; consecration and stewardship. Not included in Book of Commandments.
May 26	¶	We understand that a new arrival of Mormonites has taken place—some two hundred men, women and children having lately landed in Geauga county, their holy land, from New York. … They have commenced a new settlement, in the township of Thompson, near the line of Ashtabula county, thus extending the holy land farther east than the limits originally fixed. They have full faith in the Mormon doctrine, having as they say, worked a miracle in clearing a passage through the ice at Buffalo, by which they sailed several days sooner than other vessels.	Western Courier (Ravenna, Ohio), May 26, 1831. Source
	¶	In June they are all to meet, and hold a kind of [jubilee] in this new 'land of promise,' where they are to work diverse miracles—among others that of raising the dead. It is said there are soon to be miraculous births among them, and the number it is expected, will [be] materially increased after the general meeting.	According to Dale Broadhurst, there was a rumor that "one of Joseph Smith's sisters was secretly impregnated by Sidney Rigdon." Raising the Dead
	¶	Strange as it may appear, it is an unquestionable fact, that this singular sect have, within three or four weeks, made many proselytes in this county. The number of believers in the faith, in three or four of the Northern Townships, is said to exceed one hundred—among whom are many intelligent and respectable individuals. The prospects of obtaining still greater numbers in this county, is daily increasing.
May 27, 1831		Several families, numbering about fifty souls, took up their line of march from this town last week for the "promised land," among whom is Martin Harris, one of the original believers in the "Book of Mormon." Mr. Harris was among the early settlers of this town, and has ever borne the character of an honorable and upright man, and an obliging and benevolent neighbor. He had secured to himself by honest industry a respectable fortune—and he has left a large circle of acquaintances and friends to pity his delusion.	"Mormon Emigration," Wayne Sentinel, May 27, 1831. Source last week: The Sentinel publishes on Fridays, the Telegraph on Tuesdays. If the Palmyra/Manchester company left on the Erie Canal on Saturday, May 21, they might have reached Painesville in time to be counted in a May 24 Telegraph estimate.
Early June		Newspapers report earthquake in Peking. Symonds Ryder is baptized.	¶ Symonds Ryder
June [4]		Conference (Kirtland): Ordained to the High Priesthod by Joseph Smith. Has a vision of the Father and the Son, prophesies that the Second Coming will occur in this generation, some will be martyred. Ordains Joseph Jr., Joseph Sr., Sidney Rigdon, and fourteen others to the High Priesthood.	Minutes of June [4], 1831 Lyman Wight's Vision and the Man of Sin
June 6		D&C 52: Missionary assignments made. Brethren to travel in pairs to Missouri, preaching as they go and taking different routes. Transfer blessing of Heman Basset (in transgression) to Symonds Ryder. Oliver to give to give Joseph, Sidney, and Edward recommends to take with them to Zion.
June [6]		D&C 53 (Kirtland): Algernon Sidney Gilbert to be the bishop's agent.
		D&C 54: Colesville church to move from Leman Copley's land in Kirtland to Missouri under Newel Knight. According to Joseph Knight Sr, Copley was cut off for refusing to consecrate his property. The Colesville branch left Copley's property some time in June and moved about 90 miles southeast to Wellsville on the Ohio River.	Knight recollection, 39.
Early June		Leman Copley evicts the Colesville church from his farm in Thompson.	Colesville branch, 282–283.
June 12		John Whitmer begins his history of the church.	J. Whitmer, 3.
June 14		Lucy Mack Smith, Almira Mack (daughter of Lucy's deceased brother Stephen), Hyrum Smith, John Murdock, John Corrill, and Lyman Wight board the steamer William Penn at Fairport, traveling to Detroit.	¶ John Murdock
June 14		After all the good followers of Jo. Smith from York state had got fairly settled down in this vicinity, which Rigdon had declared to be their "eternal inheritance," Jo must needs invent another 'command from God.' At a meeting of the tribe on the 3d inst. the fact was made known to them that 28 elders must be selected and ordained, to start immediately, for Missouri. … The ceremony of endowing them with miraculous gifts, or supernatural power, was then performed, and they were commanded to take up a line of march; preaching their gospel, (Jo's Bible) raising the dead, healing the sick, casting out devils, &c. … The flock are to be left to shirk for themselves the best way they can. It is said they are about to commence an establishment some 500 miles up the Missouri where they contemplate building the New Jerusalem, and they have expressed doubts whether few if any of them will ever return to this "land of promise"; but in due time a command will be sent for the remainder of their deluded and infatuated followers to move—we opine however, that very few will obey the summons. The chosen few are to be off during the present week, going by pairs in different routes, all on foot, except Jo., Rigdon, and Harris, the contrivers and commanders of the expedition.	"Mormonism on the Wing," PT, June 14, 1831. Source ¶ Ezra Booth Letters (4–6) emphasizes the expectation of the party to witness and perform miracles on their way. ¶ Ezra Booth Letters (4–6) also refers to the high hopes and expectations of the elders en route to Independence.
June [15]		D&C 55 to W. W. Phelps: called to be baptized, ordained, assist Oliver in printing, select and write school books, go to Missouri with Joseph, Sidney, and others.	"While we were preparing for our Journey to Missouri, about the middle of June, W. W. Phelps and his family arrived among us, and <as> he said, 'to do the will of <the> Lord.' I inquired and received the following … MH-A, 124.
June 15		D&C 56 (Kirtland): Ezra Thayer refuses to leave on his mission with Thomas B. Marsh until he has made arrangements to sell his property or get his payments refunded. If he does not fulfill the mission, he will be repaid, but he will also be excommunicated. Thomas is reassigned to Selah J. Griffin, whose companion, Newel Knight, will take charge of the Colesville families on their trek to Missouri. Rich must give to the poor. Poor must have broken hearts and contrite spirits.
June 15		Lucy's party arrives in Detroit at 11 p.m. and stay the night at a tavern because Almira's sister, Mrs. Cooper, has a nervous condition.	¶ John Murdock
June 15		Isaac Morley and Ezra Booth leave Kirtland for Independence.	¶ Ezra Booth Letter 5
June 16		W. W. Phelps is baptized and presumably ordained an elder.	¶ W. W. Phelps Letter 6
June 19		(Sunday) Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, Sidney and Elizabeth Gilbert, and Joseph Coe leave Kirtland for Jackson County (900 miles).	MH-A, 126.
Early summer		Lucy proceeds to Pontiac, where she predicts within three years a Presbyterian minister will lose 1/3 of his congregation to the Mormons, which takes places when Jared Carter visits Pontiac in 1833. Remaining in Pontiac four weeks, Lucy converts David Dort and wife.	Lucy, 544; ¶ D&C 52:7–8.
June 23		John Smith (not the prophet's uncle) baptizes Micah Baldwin Welton in Northampton, Portage county, Ohio.	Revelations, 157.
June 30		William E. McLellin leaves Paris, Illinois for Independence.	McLellin journals, 29–30.
Late June early July		Joseph and party meet Campbellite Evangelist Walter Scott in Cincinnati. He is not interested.	HC 1:188.
July 3		Colesville church boards a steamer at Wellsville, Ohio.	Knight recollection, 39.
July 14		(Thursday) Joseph, Edward Partridge , Martin Harris, W. W. Phelps, and Joseph Coe reach Independence .	Knight recollection, 39.
July 16		They say that a miracle was worked in their behalf, by clearing a passage through the ice at Buffalo—some of them affect a power even to raise the dead, and perchance, (such is the weakness of human nature), really believe that they can do it! The chiefs of those people appear to exempt themselves from labor, and herein is, probably, the grand object for which they have established this new religion.	"Mormonism," Niles Weekly Register (Baltimore), July 16, 1831. Source
July 17		Joseph, Oliver, Martin, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, Ziba Peterson, and Joshua Lewis cross the border into Indian Territory, where W. W. Phelps preaches to the Indians and Joseph receives a revelation.
July 17		Revelation (west of Independence) for Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and Ziba Peterson as they were about to commence a mission to Native Americans in Missouri, as recalled by W. W. Phelps in 1861: "For it is my will, that in time, ye should take unto you wives of the Lamanites and Nephites, that their posterity may become white, delightsome and Just, for even now their females are more virtuous than the gentiles." Since three of the four were already married, and the fourth—Ziba Peterson—would marry Rebecca Hooper within a month—this passage is sometimes used as an argument that plural marriage was envisioned as early as 1831.	Selected collections 1:19 // JS revelations, 374–376; Mormons and Native Americans, 35; Mormon polygamy, 12–13. Phelps recorded the revelation, apparently from memory, Ezra Booth refers to this revelation in 1831. ¶ Ezra Booth Letters (8–9)
July 20		D&C 57 (Independence): Promised land and city of Zion is in and around Independence; Sidney Gilbert to establish a store; W. W. Phelps to be the church printer, Oliver "to copy, and to correct, and select" the documents to print.
July 25		About sixty members of the Colesville branch under Newel Knight arrive in Independence.	J. Whitmer, 86.
July 26		we [Colesville branch] landed in uper Misouria the 26th of the same Month [July]. We found our selves among strangers But the people seamed to Be frindley with us. … And in a few Day[s] Joseph and Sidney and a number of Brotherin came and they looked out and Enterd a Considrible of Land, for the People to Settle on.	Knight recollection, 39.
August		Peter Whitmer Jr. leaves Independence for Ohio (exact date not specified).	Peter Whitmer Jr. report, Journal History
August 1		D&C 58 (Independence): obey civil law, do good without being commanded, some not ready to gather. Ziba Peterson stripped of "that which has been bestowed upon [him]."
		¶ D&C 58 Sidney to "write a discription of the Land of Zion & a statement of the will of God as it shall be made known by the spirit unto him
August 2		Sidney leads the brethren in pledging to receive the land in Missouri as an inheritance, to keep the laws of God, and see that those who follow also keep the laws of God. He then consecrates and dedicates the land.	J. Whitmer, 86
August 3		Joseph, Sidney, Frederick, Oliver, Martin, W. W. Phelps, Peter Whitmer Jr., and Joseph Coe gather in Independence. Sidney dedicates the city site, Joseph lays a stone at the northeast corner of the temple site. "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, 86–87.
August 4		Conference in Jackson county. Obedience urged. Ziba Peterson confesses, is forgiven.	Minutes of August 4, 1831
August 7		D&C 59 Keep the Sabbath, acknowledge the hand of the Lord in all things.
		James Gordon Bennett diary entry, Geneva, New York (sixteen miles southeast of the Smith farm near Palmyra): Joseph Smith Sr. a healer and "grand story teller—very glib" and his son a "carless, idle, indolent fellow—brought up to live by his wits." The Hill Cumorah. Mormons moved to Ohio "because the people here would not pay any attention to them."	Bennett diary, in 1831 Bennett report, 355.
		Joseph attends the funeral of Polly Knight, wife of Joseph Knight Sr.
August 8		D&C 60 (Jackson county): Joseph, Sidney, Oliver to go to Cincinnati, their sins are forgiven; other elders to St. Louis; missionaries to wash feet against those who reject them.
		Edward Partridge buys lot 76 in Independence for the print shop, paying $50.	Independence printing, 54, citing Jackson County Land Records, Book A, 114.
August 9		Joseph, Sidney, Oliver, Samuel H. Smith, Reynolds Cahoon, W. W. Phelps, Ezra Booth, Peter Gilbert, Frederick G. Williams, Peter Whitmer Jr, and Joseph Coe leave Independence for Kirtland.	Papers, 1:361 ftn. by Dean Jessee.
August 11		At McIlwaine's Bend on the Missouri river (40 miles above Chariton), W. W. Phelps has a daytime vision of "the Destroyer" riding on the waters.	MS history in Papers 1:362.
August 12		D&C 61 the Lord cursed the waters in the last days; no flesh safe on them; Joseph, Sidney, Oliver not to travel on them, except by canal; Cincinnati ripe for destruction.
August 12		Lyman Wight and John Corrill arrive in Jackson county.	J. Whitmer, 72.
August 13		D&C 62 (Chariton, Missouri) to John Murdock, Hyrum, Harvey Whitlock, and David Whitmer: Missions are not finished, but they may go to Zion, before returning to their labors. Joseph, Sidney, and Oliver continue overland journey to St. Louis, where they meet W. W. Phelps and Sidney Gilbert. Joseph, Sidney, and Oliver take the stage to Kirtland, while William and Sidney Gilbert took the steamboat down the Mississippi to the Ohio, then east on the Ohio to Wellsville, 90 miles southeast of Kirtland.	TS 5:464–467.
August 18		William E. McLellin arrives in Independence.	McLellin journals, 33.
August 20		Hyrum Smith baptizes and confirms William E. McLellin.	McLellin journals, 34.
August 24		Conference (Kaw township): Second coming, gathering, sacrifice; William E. McLellin ordained.	Minutes of August 24, 1831
August 25		Hyrum and William E. McLellin begin journey to Kirtland.	1831 Journey of Hyrum and William E. McLellin
August 27		Joseph, Sidney, and Oliver arrive in Kirtland by stage.	TS 5:464–467.
August 28		Sidney ordains Oliver to the High Priesthood.	FWR, 10; John Whitmer's history in J. Whitmer, 59 has Aug. 29,
August 30–31		D&C 63 (Kirtland): Sign-seekers condemned; adulterers and those who deny the faith not in first resurrection; purchase land, do not shed blood; wicked destroyed by fire; Joseph decides who moves to Zion; Newel K. Whitney church agent; millennium: children will be resurrected and grow, elderly will be changed in twinkling of an eye; Sidney's writing unacceptable—repent and rewrite.
August 31–September 1		James Gordon Bennett's articles on Mormonism appears in the New York Morning Courier and Enquirer. Mormonism is "religious fanatacism" and a "church and state party." Sidney the probable author of the Book of Mormon.	1831 Bennett report, 356–364. Source
September 1		Kirtland conference. Oliver ordains Newel K. Whitney church agent. Two elders are silenced, a priest returns his license.	Minutes of September 1, 1831
September 5		Peter Whitmer Jr. returns to Kirtland from mission to the Lamanites begun in October 1830.	Peter Whitmer Jr. statement of Dec. 13, 1831 qtd. in Journal History, Jan. 29, 1831.
September 6		Nelson conference. Ezra Booth is silenced.	Minutes of September 6, 1831
September 11		D&C 64 (Kirtland): Joseph has the keys, unjustly accused. Maintain Kirtland five years. Time of tithing. Church to judge the nations.
September 12		Conference (Kirtland): 3 men in northern Ohio settlements are "silenced from ministering in their respective offices."	Minutes of September 12, 1831
		Joseph and Emma, and Sidney, move to the home of John Johnson in Hiram, Portage County, Ohio, 30 miles southeast of Kirtland.	TS 4:481.
		Ezra Booth writes the first of nine letters to Rev. Ira Eddy, published in mid-October, the first Mormon "exposé."	Ezra Booth Letters
September 29		Amherst, Ohio conference silences Elder Chauncy Odle, Oliver Cowdery presiding.	Minutes of September 29, 1831
October 2		Sidney baptizes Orson Hyde, Joseph confirms him, and both ordain him an elder.	¶ Orson Hyde (h)
October 10		Conference (Hiram): Joseph Smith Sr. and Ezra Thayer reproved for their management of Frederick G. Williams' property in Kirtland.	Minutes of October 10, 1831
October 11		Conference continues: Committee of six is authorized to raise funds in the branches so Joseph and Sidney can continue work on the Bible. David Whitmer and Reynolds Cahoon are appointed; Simeon Carter, Orson Hyde, Hyrum Smith, and Emer Harris called later.
October 13		First of nine letters Ezra Booth letters to Rev. Eddy, this one dated September 12, is published in the Ohio Star. Booth, who had gone to Missouri with Joseph, had become disillusioned, he writes that Mormonism was nothing more than "a deeply laid plan of craft and deception."	Ezra Booth Letters (1–3) Booth had been a Methodist circuit rider. Ira Eddy was an early and prominent Methodist leader in the Western Reserve.
October [15]		Evangelist Nancy Towle arrives in Kirtland and stays with Elizabeth Godkin Marsh for a few days while she investigates Mormonism. She interviews W. W. Phelps, Martin Harris, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith.	Nancy Towle, Vicissitudes, 1832, 150–158 // Source
October 18		Hyrum and William E. McLellin, returning from Independence, reach Father Smith's in Kirtland.	McLellin journals, 44.
October 20		Ezra Both letter #2 published: Mormon claims of restoration. City of Zion in Missouri for second coming. Mormons to inherit treasures of enemies. Baptism, High Priesthood. Miracles postponed to Missouri. Revelations as commandments. Bible inferior. Emma wanted Joseph to quit. Martin Harris conspicuous.	¶ Ezra Booth Letters (1–3)
October 21		Conference (Hiram): William Cahoon and Peter Devolve accused of abusing a child of Newel K. Whitney. Joseph and Sidney to present the case in Kirtland.	Minutes of October 21, 1831
		Conference (Newel Knight's house in Zion): Emily Coburn and Elizabeth Gilbert complain about the "teaching & Spirit which had actuated br Newel Knight for a length of time past." Both parties are reproved, Newel is prohibited from officiating as an elder "until he could see with the other Elders & be able to discover that he had a bad spirit."	Minutes of October 21, 1831 (Zion) child: Sarah Ann was six, Mary Elizabeth three. Coburn: Emily was Newel's sister-in-law. In 1882, as Emily M. Austin, Emily authored Mormonism; or, Life Among the Mormons.
October 25		Conference (Orange, Ohio): Ordinations to the High Priesthood. Brethren pledge their all to the Lord; Hyrum asks Joseph to tell the conference about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon but Joseph declines: "it was not expedient for him to relate these things &c." Church to provide for missionaries' families.	Minutes of October 25–26, 1831
October 26		Conference continues: Sidney rebukes those who received ordinations with indifference.
		Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer are instructed on selecting the Twelve "that they would be ordained & sent forth from the Land of Zion."	¶ Minutes of October 25–26, 1831
October 27		Ezra Booth, letter #3 published: Gift of tongues, Indian connection discarded. Visions once popular, now only for Joseph. Three Witnesses told what to say. Hidden treasures to benefit church.	¶ Ezra Booth Letters (1–3)
October 29		D&C 66 (Hiram) to William E. McLellin: blessed for receiving the gospel, take a mission east with Samuel H. Smith, lay hands on the sick; has been tempted with adultery; descendant of Joseph "through the loins of Ephraim his Son."	McLellin journals, 45–46; JS revelations, 163–164.
October 30		Church meeting at John Johnson's. William E. McLellin to preach. "Here was Brothers John, Sidney, Oliver and Joseph and it did not seem to me as if I could instruct them or even entertain the Congregation; but with confidence alone in Enoch's God I arose and addressed them about one hour and a half. And it was not I but the spirit and power of God which was in me and it did seem to me before I finished as though it was not I or that I had got into another region where all was light & glory."	McLellin journals, 46–47.
October 30		D&C 65 (Hiram): keys of the kingdom committed to men; gospel to roll forth as the stone cut out of the mountain without hands; Son of Man to return in glory; kingdom of God goes forth that the kingdom of heaven may come.
November 1		Conference (Hiram): Vote to print the Book of Commandments, brethren bear witness of the book, D&C 1 (Preface to the book), D&C 67 (challenge to manufacture a revelation), and another Revelation of November 1, 1831 (testimony of the witnesses to the Book of Commandments).	Minutes of November 1–2, 1831 All in Favor?
November 1		D&C 68 (Hiram): inspired statements of missionaries are scripture, sealing power. First-born descendants of Aaron and bishops. Bishops and high priests tried only by the First Presidency. Parents' responsibility to teach and baptize children at 8.
November 2		Conference continues: Sidney Rigdon ordains Lyman Johnson to the High Priesthood; Oliver Cowdery reads a new revelation; brethren bear witness to the truthfulness of the revelations.
November 3		D&C 133 (Hiram): "The Appendix" to the Book of Commandments: Missionaries to all nations, 144,000, cataclysms; angel flying through the midst of heaven, day of vengeance, resurrection.
		Ezra Booth letter #4 published: High expectations for June [4], 1831 conference. Joseph promised some would see the Savior. Joseph ordains Lyman Wight and others to the High Priesthood, then Lyman declares he has seen the Lord and Joseph delegates him to ordain the others. The "man of sin" is made manifest and Joseph casts him out.	Ezra Booth Letters (4–6)
November 8		Conference (Hiram): Sidney refers to "errors or mistakes which are in commandments and revelations, made either by the ~~scribe~~ translation in consequence of the slow way of the scribe at the time of receiving or by the scribes themselves." Joseph will correct the "errors or mistakes which he may discover," and Oliver " Oliver Cowdery shall <copy, correct, and select> all the writings which go forth to the world ~~which go~~ through the Printing press (except) the revelations and commandments, by the Spirit of the Lord and this according to the commandment given in Missouri, July 20, 1831."	¶ Minutes of November 8, 1831 (except): may be a later addition. D&C 57
November 9		Conference resumes: Sylvester Hulett and John Noah to be ordained "according to the voice of the Church in which they live."	Minutes of November 9, 1831
November 10		Ezra Booth letter: Joseph, Sidney, and Martin travel in comfort, by boat, and the others overland on foot. Disappointed by Independence—little civilization, unfulfilled promises of miracles and spiritual gifts. Joseph tells the Saints they must purchase the land, which they believed would be given to them. His vision of a large congregation proves false.	¶ Ezra Booth Letters (4–6)
November 11		Conference (Hiram): Reynolds Cahoon not to go to Zion next spring. Go on fund-raising mission.	Minutes of November 11, 1831
		D&C 107:59–100 (Hiram): Offices and organization of the priesthood, especially relationship of the President of the High Priesthood to the office of Bishop, and church courts.	Date implied in Minutes of July 3, 1832.
November 12		Smith and Rigdon families move to John Johnson property in Hiram, 30 miles southeast of Kirtland.
		D&C 69 (Hiram): Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer to carry revelations and funds to Zion.	Minutes of November 12–13, 1831
		D&C 70: Those in charge of printing the commandments are worthy of their hire; members are to be temporally equal.	TS 5, no. 9 (May 1, 1844): 516.
November 12–13		Conference (Hiram): Preparations for printing the Book of Commandments, reimbursement for Smith and Whitmer families, Hiram Page.	Minutes of November 12–13, 1831
November 14		Sidney writes to Bishop Partridge's counselors, John Corrill and Isaac Morley, that the bishop has "insulted the Lord's prophet in particular & assumed authority over him in open violation of the Laws of God."	Sidney Rigdon, 123.
November 15		On a fund-raising mission with Reynolds Cahoon, David Whitmer seals the Shalersville branch "up unto Eternial life."	Cahoon, 21–22.
November 16		William E. McLellin and Samuel H. Smith leave Joseph's home on their mission.	1831 Journey of Hyrum and William McLellin
November 17		Ezra Booth letter: Independence was selected for proximity to Indians, who are to be converted. But they are not interested. Laying of the temple cornerstone is a disappointment. An expensive trip of little value. Joseph announces great work to do in Kirtland, so gathering to Missouri no longer a high priority.	¶ Ezra Booth Letters (4–6)
November 24		Ezra Booth letter: Edward Partridge is an honest man, but he serves at Joseph's pleasure and cannot last long. Implores Edward to leave the church. Recounts their trip to Missouri—Joseph's false prophecy of a large church built up there by Oliver Cowdery, his hot temper, overbearance, use of revelations to silence critics, Sidney's exaggerations.	Ezra Booth Letters (7)
December 1		D&C 71 (Hiram): time to [stop work on Bible revisions and] proclaim the gospel, expound the mysteries, "confound your enemies [Ezra Booth]."	MS 14, no. 8 (Apr. 15, 1852): 114.
December 3		Joseph and Sidney arrive in Kirtland.	MS 14, no. 8 (Apr. 15, 1852): 114.
December 4		Kirtland. D&C 72 (Kirtland): Newel K. Whitney is called as Kirtland's bishop: keep the Lord's storehouse; record all transactions for bishop in Zion; provide for literary stewards. Those going to Zion must take certificate of worthiness.
December [5–16]		Joseph and Sidney start on a preaching tour to Shalersville, Ravenna, and other places "… by which means we did much towards allaying the excited feelings which were growing out of the scandalous letters then being published in the 'Ohio Star,' at Ravenna by the before-mentioned Apostate, Ezra Booth." They return about "the 8th or 10th of January."	MH-A, 179 // MS 14, no. 8 (Apr. 15, 1852): 115.
December 8		Ezra Booth letters #8 and #9 are published: (8) Book of Mormon claims Indians part of House of Israel and New Jerusalem to be built among them. Oliver to preach to them. Text of D&C 28. Joseph's exclusive prerogatives to give written commandments, name successor. Oliver's aspirations, may declare oral revelations, assigned to put down Hiram Page. Kirtland prophetess popular with some, including Sydney; put down by Joseph. (9) Lamanite missionaries visit Sidney, who gets vision confirming Mormonism. He claims many visions, most ignore them. Oliver's reputation tarnished by proposing marriage to two women at the same time. Indians at Sandusky not interested. Went to Missouri but lacked commitment to get and use required documentation. Instead plan is to use storehouse license to visit Indians, also to marry Indian women.	Ezra Booth Letters (8–9)
December 15		Sidney Rigdon issues a notice to the public that he will discuss Ezra Booth's letters at a school in Ravenna on December 25. He invites Ezra to be present and challenges Symonds Ryder to debate the Book of Mormon in Hiram.	Original: Simonds Rider "To the Public," Ohio Star, Dec. 15, 1831. Source
December 19		Edward Partridge purchases 63 acres near Independence, including the area where the temple is to be built, for the church.
December 25		Sidney Rigdon's lecture.
December 27		Joseph, Hyrum, Reynolds Cahoon, and Lyman Johnson visit William McLellin.	McLellin journals, 67.
December 28		Joseph blesses McLellin: "I was healed so that I got up and eat breakfast and attended an ap. made for them." In the evening McLellin baptizes Celia Burwell, goes to another meeting with Hyrum and speaks an hour and a half. In the evening Joseph confirms Celia and she "expressed great joy in the reception of the Holy spirit."	McLellin journals, 67–68.
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