1837 Chronology

Mormon History 1830-1844

1837 Chronology


January 1		Oliver Cowdery returns from Philadelphia with plates to print bank notes.
		Orson Hyde returns with news that the Ohio legislature would not grant a charter for the Kirtland Safety Society bank.
		Reynolds Cahoon confirms Willard Richards (h). Lyman Sherman sings in tongues and Willard understands.
		Eliza R. Snow resumes teaching school for young ladies and boards with the Smith family.	Eliza's writings, 10–11.
January 2		One hundred eighty-seven "subscribers" to the Kirtland Safety Society annul the November 2, 1836 "constitution," change the company name to the Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company, and adopt a revised "Articles of Agreement."	Kirtland Safety Society Articles
January 4		[Wilford Woodruff:] I met in Company with the high School of Kirtland in the house of the Lord for the purpose of a public examination It being the last day of the first quarter. The examination lasted about three hours. Then after an intermission of one hour we again repaired to the house &P herd an interesting lecture deliverd on Education By Professor Haws. We have now a vacation of four weeks & the next term [120] will then commence.	WWJ 1:119–120.
January 6		The Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company begins issuing stock certificates as bank notes.
	¶	[Wilford Woodruff:]I visited the office of the Kirtland Safety Society & saw the first money that was issued by the Treasurer or Society. It was given to Brother Bump (in exchange for other notes) who was the first to Circulate it.	WWJ 1:120.
	¶	I also herd President Joseph Smith jr. declare in the presence of F Williams, D. Whitmer, S. Smith, W. Parrish, & others in the Deposit Office that he had received that morning the Word of the Lord upon the Subject of the Kirtland Safety Society. He was alone in a room by himself & he had not ownly the voice of the Spirit upon the Subject but even an audable voice. He did not tell us at that time what the LORD said upon the subject but remarked that if we would give heed to the Commandments the Lord had given this morning all would be well.
January [10]		Grandison Newell, according to one of his employees, began to "drive about the country and buy up all the Mormon money possible, and the next morning go to the bank and obtain the specie," creating a run on the bank which cultimated in the institution's collapse.	Hearken, 484, citing a statement of James Thompson.
January 12		[Cleveland Herald and Gazette:] … we look upon the whole [Safety Society scheme] as a most reprehensible fraud on the public, and cannot conceal our surprise that they should circulate at all. …We do not object to private or company banking, as a system, provided it is done upon a system made safe, but we consider this whole affair a deception, that there is still in force a section of the statute affixing a penalty of $1,000 to the issuing or passing unauthorized Bank paper like the present. It is a kind of radicalism that would flourish better in Michigan than Ohio.	Source
January 19		[Painesville Republican:] A company has been formed in Kirtland, … by the Mormons, or "latter day saints," as they call themselves, with a capital stock of no less than four millions of dollars. The company style themselves the "Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company." — Under this title they have issued their notes which, for a week or two past, have circulated among us as money or bills of exchange, but they do not, as yet obtain a general currency. Not being received at the Bank in this place, those who are doing business with the bank, will not of course, take them. — Besides, a law of this state passed February 22, 1816, "to prohibit the issuing and circulating of unauthorized Bank Paper," published in the Telegraph last week, if now in force, might subject persons who give these bills a circulation, to some trouble. It is doubted however, by good judges, whether the law to which we have alluded, is now in force, or if in force, whether it is not unconstitutional, and therefore not binding upon the people.	Source
January 24		[Wilford Woodruff:] 24th I Met at Candle light in the house of the Lord with the quorum of the Seventies. We had an interesting interview. Their was several ordained under the handsof President Sylvester Smith to the third Seventy. Then we herd two lengthy discourses on efro Elder J. E. Page and the other from Elder P. P. Prtt which was interesting in the first degree. The meeting Closed but little before midnight.	WWJ 1:123.
	¶	We had been threatened by a mob from Panesville to visit us that night & demolish our Bank & take our property but they did not appeare. But the wrath of our enemies appears to be kindled against us. This in part is the scourge that hath awated us. But may the Lord show us mercy & deliver us from the hand of our enemies for Christ Sake.
January 24		William E. McLellin writes the Twelve expressing surprize and gratitude for their invitation to return to the quorum.	William E. McLellin to the Twelve (1837)
January 25	¶	[Wilford Woodruff:] At early Candlelight the heavens began to show forth the signs in fulfillment of the Prophecy of JOEL …The clouds of fire & blood began to arise in the N. E & reached unto the N. W which principly covered the horizon. The reflection of the Clouds upon the earth which was covered with Snow presented a very read appearance. It commenced at 6 oclock & continued untill 10 or past [shorthand text:] when the heavens were covered with pure red.	WWJ 1:123. "I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke." Joel 2:30
January 31	¶	[Wilford Woodruff:] Met in the house of the Lord at 10 oclock AM & herd an address from President's J. Smith jr & S Rigdon on the temporal business of the Church and Petitioned for a Charter to the Assembly of the State for the Kirtland Safety Society & the presidency of the Church bought the Monroe Charter & we all lent a hand in esstablishing it that it might be benificial to us in forwarding the building of the temporal Kingdom.	WWJ 1:124 Safety Society charter Monroe, Michigan bank purchased
February		Shortly after the Monroe bank opens, Samuel D. Rounds charges Joseph and Sidney violated Ohio's 1816 banking laws which prohibited banking except by authorized corporations.
February 1		Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney, and Oliver are in Monroe, Michigan to purchase the Monroe bank. Since Oliver will move to Monroe as bank vice-president, the O. Cowdery and Company is dissolved and the assets are transferred to Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon. Warren A. Cowdery becomes their agent and editor of the Messenger and Advocate.	RLDS history 2:99.
		School of the Prophet resumes. Wilford Woodruff studies Latin.	WWJ 1:124
February 7		Ohio Senate refuses to grant a bank charter for the Kirtland Safety Society.
February 10		Orson Hyde again applies for bank charter.
		Oliver is elected a director and vice-president of the Monroe, Michigan bank	Monroe Times, Feb. 16, 1837. Source
February 11		Joseph and Sidney pay owners of the Monroe bank $3,000 worth of Bank of Cleveland notes and $95 in gold coin. In return, they receive $20,026 in Bank of Monroe notes.
February 14		In Monroe, Sidney Rigdon pays the Kirtland Safety Society $200 in Monroe bank notes for 1,000 shares of stock.	Hearken, 495.
February 18		In Monroe, Oliver Cowdery gives the Kirtland Safety Society $5,600 in Monroe bank notes, not for stock.	Hearken, 495.
February [18]		[Brigham Young:] While Joseph was in Monroe, Wilbur Denton threatened to kill him, so he and Willliam Smith rode out in a buggy to meet the stage in which the prophet's party was returning. Joseph traded places with William, and all returned to Kirtland without incident.	Hearken, 495 citing Manuscript of Brigham Young, 1801–1844* edited by Elden Jay Watson.*
February 19 (Sunday)	¶	[Wilford Woodruff:] I repaired to the house of the Lord & [125] stood in the midst of the Congregation of the Saints whare I beheld President JOSEPH SMITH Jr. arise in the stand & for several hours addressed the Saints in the power of God. Joseph had been absent from Kirtland on business for the Church, though not half as long as Moses was in the mount, & many were stir’d up in their hearts & some were against him as the Israelites were against Moses. But when he arose in the power of God in their midst, as Moses did anciently, they were put to silence for the complainers saw that he stood in the power of a Prophet. O how weak is man.	WWJ 1:124–125
February 26 (Sunday)		Joseph addresses the Saints "in the power and spirit of God."	WWJ 1:125
[February or March]		Joseph allegedly instructs Marvel Davis and S. Wilbur Denton to assassinate Grandison Newell, but at the last moment the two back out.	Did Joseph Smith Plot to Murder Grandison Newell?
March 23		At a meeting of the Saints in the House of the Lord, Woodruff writes, "The power of GOD rested upon the people. The gifts were poured out upon us. Some had the administering of angels & the image of GOD sat upon the countenances of the Saints."	WWJ 1:126
March 24		At a preliminary hearing on charges the Monroe, Michigan bank charter had been obtained illegally, a court date is set for the fall session.
April 3		Missouri high council lays out nine charges against Presidents W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer.	Minutes of April 3, 1837
April 5–6		Presidents W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer meet with the high council, bishop's council, and apostles Thomas B. Marsh (h) and David W. Patten (h). They demand a private meeting but Thomas B. Marsh threatens them with a common council. Investigation begins. David characterizes their conduct as "iniquitous & fradulent in the extreme."	Minutes of April 5–6, 1837
April 6		On short notice a solemn assembly is called "for the purpose of washing, anointing, washing of feet, receiving instruction and the further organization of the ministry."	MA 3, no. 31 (Apr. 1837): 486.
		[Joseph:] Large contracts have been entered into for lands on all sides, where our enemies have signed away their rights. We are indebted to them, but our brethren from abroad have only come with their money, take these contracts [mortgages], relieve their brethren from the pecuniary ebarrassments under which they now labor, and procure for themselves a peaceable place among us. This place must and will be built up, and every brother that will take hold and help secure and discharge those contracts that have been made, shall be rich.
April [7]		Soon after conference Joseph and Sidney go into hiding, visiting Martin Harris at his home in Palmyra.
April 7		Far West high council adopts city plat, appoints five "wise men" to price and sell town lots, names construction committee for the House of the Lord with presidents of the stake to superintend and receive revelations for the building. Jacob Whitmer to serve as counselor until the return of President David Whitmer.	Minutes of April 7, 1837
April 24		David W. Patten charges Lyman Wight with teaching the "erroneous" doctrine that the church is under a telestial law. Lyman is directed to recant.	Minutes of April 24, 1837
April 25		Emma replies to a letter from Joseph.	Emma to Joseph Smith (April 25, 1837)
May		Priesthood bearers who do not observe the literal interpretation of the Word of Wisdom are not to be fellowshipped. John Whitmer, W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, Isaac Morley, and John Corrill are authorized to sell Far West lots for the church.	Minutes of May 1837
May 10		Thomas B. Marsh, having heard that Parley has returned to Toronto and intends to go to England, writes from Far West, urging him not to go but to attend a meeting of the Twelve in Kirtland on July 24.	Thomas B. Marsh to Parley P. Pratt (1837)
May 25		Oliver Cowdery is elected a Justice of the Peace in Kirtland without opposition.	Painesville Republican, May 25, 1837. Source
May 26		John Corrill is named "an agent of the Church and Keeper of the Lord's Store House."	Minutes of May 22, 1837
May 26		The Painesville Telegraph publishes Grandison Newell's letter to the editor charging that Joseph Smith had sent two men to murder him.	Did Joseph Plot to Kill Grandison Newell?
May 28		At Sunday services in Kirtland, Wilford Woodruff finds "the same spirits of murmering, complaining, & of mutiny," that he witnessed on February 19.	WWJ 1:147.
		They have been brewing in the family Circle in the secret Chamber & in the streets untill many & some in high places had risen up against Joseph the servnt whom God had raised up to lead Israel. And they were striving to overthrow his influence & cast him down untill Joseph was grieved in spirit to stand in such perils among fals brethren.
	¶	Nevertheless, Joseph rises and speaks to the people "in the name of the Lord in his own defence. The Lord was with him by his power & spirit to the Convinceing of the honest that he would stand & his enemies fall.
	¶	[Sidney and others follow] maintaining Joseph in his integrity. But; Alas, one [Warren Parrish] arose, once a friend, (not now) in the blackness of his face & corruption of his heart stretched out his puny arm and proclamined against Joseph. Joseph acted wisely while all saw the spirit of his foe.	WWJ 1:148.
May 29		Kirtland high council meets to try President Frederick G. Williams, President David Whitmer, Apostles Parley P. Pratt (h) and Lyman E. Johnson, and Warren Parrish, a seventy. Cannot decide if the council has jurisdiction. Lyman and Orson accuse Joseph of misrepresentation and extortion. Dissidents meet in the temple, declare Joseph fallen; want to David to lead.	Minutes of May 29, 1837 WWJ 1:148; Lucy, 190.
May 30		Joseph and entourage travel to Painesville for trial, but prosecution is not ready, so date is moved to the following Saturday.
"Summer"		He [David Whitmer] arrived in Kirtland during the summer of 1837 . . . David . . . was not altogether satisfied with all things and in one instance while conversing with Joseph, David, while this spirit was upon him, insulted Joseph and he slaped David in the face and kicked him out of the yard and it had a good effect and brought David to his senses.
June 2		Conference designates Heber C. Kimball to lead mission to England.	¶ Heber C. Kimball (h3)
June 3		Preliminary hearing held at the Methodist chapel in Painesville. Joseph charged with plotting the murder of Grandison Newell. Orson Hyde testifies in behalf of the prosecution.	Did Joseph Plot to Murder Grandison Newell?
		Church court in the temple. Parrish testifies.
June 4		Orson Hyde pleads for forgiveness and is set apart with Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding for first mission to England.	¶ Heber C. Kimball (h3)
June 9		… no testimony appeared [in the murder conspiracy trial], on which, any reliance could be placed, that went in the least degree to crimination … and resulted in the entire acquittal of Joseph smith, Jr. of the charges alleged against him. This is said to be the thirteenth prosecution which has been instituted against Joseph Smith, Jr. for prejudice against him, he has never in a single instance been convicted, on a final trial.	Painesville Republican: in Zion in court, 56.
June 11		High council in Zion endorses commercial enterprises. All are free to engage in business. No preferential treatment. No partnering with non-Mormons or using non-Mormon suppliers. Give David Patten and Thomas B. Marsh town lots.	Minutes of June 11, 1833
		Willard Richards arrives in Kirtland after 3-month mission to New York and Massachusetts.
June 12		Heber C. Kimball urges Willard to come to England. After consulting with Hyrum, Joseph, Sidney, and Brigham, Willard agrees and is set apart.	¶ Heber C. Kimball (h3)
June 13		Heber, Willard, and Orson leave Kirtland, take steamboat at Fairport.	¶ Heber C. Kimball (h3)
July 8		Mary Fielding Smith writes her sister of June–July events in Kirtland.	Mary Fielding to Mercy R. Fielding Thompson (July 8, 1837)
July 24		The Twelve meet in Kirtland.	Thomas B. Marsh to Parley P. Pratt (1837)
July 26		In Preston, England Orson Hyde and Willard Richards preach in the chapel of Joseph Fielding's brother, Rev. James Fielding. Many believe and Fielding refuses them the use of his pulpit thereafter.	MH-B, 767.
July 27		Joseph, Sidney, and Thomas B. Marsh leave Kirtland for Upper Canada, accompanied by Albert P. Rockwood returning to his home in Massachusetts, and Brigham Young on 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."
July 28		At night Joseph and his party leave Kirtland in S. B. Stoddard's wagon. Bypassing Painesville, they travel thirty miles to Ashtabula. They arrive on the morning of the 29th and enjoy the beach before boarding a steamship to Buffalo.	MH-B, addendum 6nS .
July 29		David Whitmer attends high council meeting in Far West for the first time since leaving Kirtland.	Minutes of July 29, 1833
July 30		In Preston, England, Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde baptize George D. Watt (1812–1881), the first person baptized in England. He was a member of Rev. James Fielding's church. After several members of his congregation are baptized, James becomes a bitter opponent of Mormonism.	MH-B, 768. Watt would serve missions to England and Scotland, became a clerk for Brigham Young, and published the Journal of Discourses.
August 1		Far West high council: presidents of high priests and elders must be ordained by a higher authority. Quorum presidents may ordain their counselors. Bishop takes charge of the Lesser Priesthood. Quorums to choose their presidents.	Minutes of August 1, 1837
August 2		In Bedford, England, John Goodson and Willard Richards are cordially received by Joseph Fielding's brother-in-law, Rev. Timothy R. Matthews, and preach in his pulpit.	MH-B, 768.
August 5		At a meeting of Church presidents in Missouri, high council, bishopric, and elders it is resolved to build "a house unto the name of the Lord … moderately … as we have means;" also, in a departure from the Kirtland model, it is resolved "that the building Committee of the house of the Lord have no store connected with the building the house But that every firm or individual that embarks in that business—have, own and claim such property as their own private individual property and stewardship."	Minutes of August 5, 1837
August 20		This certifies that Charles C. Rich was duly elected a president of the Highpriesthood in Zion and was ordained to that office under the hand of John Whitmer and William W. Phelps presidents. Also Harvey Green to the presidency of Elders in Caldwell Co. Mo. at the same time. [John Whitmer, recorder]	FWR, 119. (No minutes are recorded.)
August	¶	[Joseph Smith:] CAUTION / To the brethren and friends of the church of Latter day Saints, I am disposed to say a word relative to the bills of the Kirtland Safety Society Bank. I hereby warn them to beware of speculators, renegadoes and gamblers, who are duping the unsuspecting and the unwary, by palming upon them, those bills, which are of no worth, here. I discountenance and disapprove of any and all such practices. I know them to be detrimental to the best interests of so, as well as to the principles of religion.	MA 3, no. 11 (August 1837): 560. Church publications were routinely issued late in the month, often not until the month after the publication date.
August [30]		The Manuscript History provides no details on Joseph's mission to Canada and only reports he "returned to Kirtland about the last of August." But Mary Fielding writes her sister that as he and Sidney neared Kirtland, they were seized by a mob and taken back to Painsvill[e] "where they intended to hold a mock trial." Aided by a sympathizer, the two escaped into the woods with their would-be captors in hot persuit. Joseph and Sidney reached Kirtland about 3 a.m.	MH-B, 770. ¶ Mary Fielding to Mercy R. Fielding (1837)
September 3 (Sunday)		Kirtland conference sustains Joseph as president of the whole church, with Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams as counselors, and Oliver Cowdery, Joseph Smith Sr., "Uncle John" Smth, and Hyrum Smith as assistant counselors. The Kirtland bishopric is also sustained. Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and John F. Boynton are excommunicated or rejected as apostles (the technical aspects are unclear). Nine high council members are replaced.	Minutes of September 3, 1837
September 4		John Whitmer and W. W. Phelps "… have done things which are not pleasing in my sight Therefore if they repent not they shall be removed."	Revelation of September 4, 1837
September 9		Kirtland High Council reorganized.	Minutes of September 9, 1837
September 10 (Sunday)		An "assembly of Saints" in Kirtland approves "the "rules & regulations governing the House of the Lord."
September 10 (Sunday)		Luke Johnson, Lyman Johnson, John F. Boynton confess and are received back into fellowship as apostles.	Minutes of September 10, 1837
		President John Smith and Sidney Rigdon deny rumors that they had conspired to remove the apostles from their positions last Sunday.
September 17		William Marks is elected bishop's agent in Kirtland; George W. Robinson, Church Clerk and Recorder in place of Oliver Cowdery (gone to Missouri). At evening conference of elders, Joseph and Sidney are to identify locations for new stakes where the poor to gather. Over a hundred missionaries are given assignments.	Minutes of September 17, 1837
		General conference of elders in Kirtland appoints Joseph and Sidney to visit Far West and locate gathering places "for a refuge and safety, in the day of the wrath of God which is soon to burst upon the head of this generation, according to the testimony of the prophets; who speak expressly concerning the last days."	Elders' Journal 1, no. 2 (Nov. 1837): 27. (Neither this appointment nor the wrath of God are mentioned in the minutes or MH-B, 773–774.)
September 18		Kirtland Bishop Newel K. Whitney and counselors Reynolds Cahoon and Vinson Knight are write to the Saints scattered abroad pleading for donations.	MA 3, no. 12 (Sept. 1837): 361–364.
September 27		Joseph and William Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Vincent Knight start for Far West to meet with the Saints and "discover situations suitable for the locations of the Saints who are gathering."	Elders' Journal 1, no. 2 (Nov. 1837): 27. Original: vinson Knights
October		A jury finds Joseph and Sidney guilty of violating state banking statutes in abstentia. Each is fined $1,000 plus court costs. They appeal.
October 7		[Mary Fielding:] Brother Joseph came to see us a few days since for the last time previous to his going on a journey to Messouri … he Brother Rigdon, Bro. Hyrum S W S & others are all gone on very important business and are not expected back for some months	Mary Fielding to Mercy Rachel Fielding Thompson, Oct. 7, 1837, Mary Fielding.
	¶	Some important things were shown to Bro. Josth [Joseph] in vision previous to his going off relitive to the enlargment of our Borders which has indeed become indesably [indispensably] necessary for the Inhabitants of zion both here and in the West are crying the Citys are too strait for us give place that we may dwell the people are crouding in from all parts
		and as President Rigdon said in his last discourse here, they will gather and Earth and hell combined cannot hinder them for gather they will. Hence the necessaty of planting new stakes which they received a command to do before they left
		and it is expected that after they have set in order the Church in the West they will fix upon 11 new Stakes before they return
		but this is not spoaken of in publick for reasons you will be aware of. If this were generally known it would probably make their way much more difficult.
October 18		Kirtland high council and quorum presidents, "after lengthy discussion concerning existing Evils, agreed that it was time to commence the work of reform" and agree to meet in a week to "commence pruning the vine of God in Kirtland. and thus continue the work evening after evening. until it shall be wisdom to stay the hands."	Minutes of October 18, 1837
November 7		Far West "general assembly" elects Joseph president of the whole church and Sidney as a counselor. Counselor Frederick G. Williams is rejected and Hyrum is voted in. Opposition to David Whitmer, W. W. Phelps, and John Whitmer, but ultimately they are elected. A high council is elected, as are members of the Quorum of the Twelve (including the Johnsons and John F. Boynton who had been rejected in Kirtland), bishopric, patriarch, keeper of the Lord's storehouse, presidents of seventies.	Minutes of November 7, 1837
November 10		Far West priesthood members vote to double the size of the city. Those who lay out the city plat are to be compensated in land. The rest of the land to be consecrated to the public good.	Minutes of November 10, 1837
December		Many excommunications. On January 1, 1838, Adam-ondi-Ahman stake president John Smith writes his son, George A.:
		I called the High Council together last week and laid before them the case of dissenters, 28 persons were, upon mature discussion cut off from the Church. … We have cut off between 40 and 50 from the Church since you left. Thus you will see the Church has taken a mighty pruning and we think she will rise in the greatness of her strength, and I rejoice, for the Lord is good and He will cut his work short in righteousness. … I will rejoice for the Lord will purify His Church.	Qtd. in Lost Legacy, 112.
December 6		Far West high council and bishop's council vote to pay themselves and recorders for services and reimburse Bishop Partridge expenses he incurred defending the church during the Jackson County episode.	Minutes of December 6, 1837
December 7		Bishop Edward Partridge and his counselors submit to the high council a plan to raise funds for the church based on an annual contribution of 2% of a man's net worth.	Minutes of December 7, 1837
December 10		Joseph reaches Kirtland.	¶ Thomas B. Marsh (h)
December 24		Joseph marries Hyrum and Mary Fielding.
December [24–31]		[Assistant President John Smith:] I called the [Kirtland] High Council together last week and laid before them the case of dissenters, 28 persons were, upon mature discussion cut off from the Church. … We have cut off between 40 and 50 from the Church since you left. Thus you will see the Church has taken a mighty pruning and we think she will rise in the greatness of her strength, and I rejoice, for the Lord is good and He will cut his work short in righteousness. … I will rejoice for the Lord will purify His Church.	John Smith to his son, George A., Jan. 1, 1838, Lost Legacy, 112.
December 27		Brigham flees Kirtland. Dissenters "had threatened to destroy him because he would proclaim publicly and privately that he knew by the power of the Holy Ghost that I was a Prophet of the Most High God, that I had not transgressed and fallen as the apostates declared."	HC 2:529.
December 31		Joseph marries Hyrum and Mary Fielding.
			1838 1836 Chronologies Home