| |
|
|
| January 7 |
|
[Joseph blesses Edward Partridge:] Thus saith the Lord, my servant Edward and his house shall be numbered with the blessed, and Abraham their father, and his name shall be had in sacred rememberance. And again, thus saith the Lord, let my people beware of dissentions among them, lest the enemy have power over them; Awake my shepherds and warn my people! for behold the wolf cometh to destroy them,—receive him not. |
|
Revelation of January 7, 1838
The Bishop and the Lord |
| January
12 |
|
Joseph and Sidney Rigdon flee Kirtland "to escape mob violence which was about to burst upon us under the color of Legal process." Their families join them three days later at Norton, Ohio. Joseph and his family arrive in Far West on
March 14. |
|
MH-B
Manuscript History of the Church (Sept. 1, 1834-Nov. 2, 1838), pages 496-849 (book labeled B-1), written Aug. 30, 1834-Apr. 4, 1845 and Jan. 15, 1846-July 1, 1854. At the time of Joseph's death (1844), the history was complete to August 5, 1838. Selected Collections 1:1, Volume 2. Original, Church Archives, CR 100 102, Volume 2.
, 780. ¶
Luke S. Johnson (h)
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
, 2:213n1 |
| January 13–March 3 |
|
LaRoy Sunderland (1802–1885), Methodist minister and editor of Zion's
Watchman, publishes Mormonism Exposed and Refuted in New York.
In April Parley P. Pratt responds with Zion's Watchman Unmasked, and
its Editor, Mr. L. R. Sunderland, Exposed: Truth Vindicated: the Devil
Mad, and Priestcraft in Danger! |
|
Crawley bibiography
Descriptive Bibliography of the Mormon Church, Volume One 1830-1847. Peter Crawley. Provo: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997.
, 76–79. |
| January
15 |
|
The Church printing office in Kirtland is attached and sold
at public auction to pay a debt to Grandison Newell. |
|
| January
16 |
|
The church printing office burns. Dissenters claim the
church burned it rather than let anyone else have it. Members claim dissenter Lyman
Sherman burned it to keep the church from getting it back. |
B. F. Johnson life
My Life's Review: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Johnson, edited by the Johnson Family Organization (Provo: Grandin Book Company, 1997). Written 1884-1896 (p. 280, 356).
, 22. |
| January
20 |
|
Apostles Thomas B. Marsh (h)
and David W. Patten (h) discuss the
actions of the Missouri presidents, appoint a committee to call on them,
also decide to revise the city plot. |
|
Minutes of January 20, 1838 |
| January
21 |
|
Oliver
Cowdery: "A dirty, nasty,
filthy affair of his and Fanny Alger's was talked over in which I strictly
declared that I had never deviated from the truth." |
|
Oiver to Warren Cowdery,
Oliver's letterbook
Oliver Cowdery letterbook. Holograph. Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
in
Sacred Loneliness
In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith, Todd Compton (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1998).
, 28. See
Minutes of April 12, 1838. |
| January
26 |
|
In Far West, apostles Thomas
B. Marsh and David W. Patten,
and the high council depose David Whitmer, W.
W. Phelps, and John Whitmer as presidents
of the Church in Zion and arrange for neighborhood meetings on the case. |
|
Minutes of January 26, 1838 |
| February
5–9 |
|
Led by the high council, branches in Zion reject the leadership of Presidents
Whitmer, Phelps, and Whitmer. |
|
Minutes of February 5–9, 1838 |
| February 15 |
|
Painesville Republican publishes Warren
Parrish's
February 5 letter to the editor, asserting that Joseph said "that
the audible voice of God instructed him to establish a Banking-Anti-Banking
Institution, which, like Aaron's rod, should swallow up all other banks … and
grow and flourish and spread from the rivers to the ends of the earth,
and survive when all others should be laid in ruins." |
|
Source
¶ 1837 |
| February
24 |
|
Far West high council directs two wagons and funds
be sent to meet Joseph and Sidney. |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
, 2:213n1 |
| March 3 |
|
Far West high council votes to provide Joseph, Sidney, and
Hyrum with lots in Far West without charge. |
|
Minutes of March
3, 1838 |
| March 10 |
|
Far West high council excommunicates John Whitmer and W.
W. Phelps for "persisting in unchristian-like conduct." |
|
¶ Minutes of March
10, 1838 |
| March
13 |
|
Joseph and family put up for the night at a "brother Barnereds'" about 8 miles from Far West. |
|
Scriptory
Book,
Journals, Volume 1
The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Volume 1: 1832-1839, edited by Dean C. Jessee, Mark Ashurst-McGee, Richard L. Jensen (Salt Lake City: The Church Historian's Press, 2008).
, 237. |
| March
14 |
|
Joseph arrives at Far West and approves
of the course the apostles and high council have taken. |
|
Scriptory
Book,
Journals, Volume 1
The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Volume 1: 1832-1839, edited by Dean C. Jessee, Mark Ashurst-McGee, Richard L. Jensen (Salt Lake City: The Church Historian's Press, 2008).
, 237 // Thomas B. Marsh ¶
(h) |
| March 15 |
|
Meeting of the high council and bishopric in Zion: Joseph
gives "a history of the ordination of David
Whitmer, which took place in July 1834, to be a leader or a prophet
to this church, which was on condition that he did not live to God himself." |
|
Minutes of March
15, 1838 |
| March
[16] |
|
Samuel H. Smith arrives in
Far West. |
|
Scriptory
Book, in
PWJS
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002).
, 394. |
| March
[16–18] |
|
Joseph and others sign "The
Motto of the Church of Latter-day Saints." |
|
Scriptory
Book, in
PWJS
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002).
, 393–394. |
| March 22 |
|
The Ohio Repository reprints Warren Parrish's
letter about Joseph's declaration that he had heard the voice of the Lord instructing him to establish
the "Banking-Anti-Banking Institution." |
|
|
| March [25] |
|
[Stephen Burnett:] my
heart is sickened within me when I reflect upon the manner in which we
with many of this Church have been led & the losses which we have
sustained all by means of two men in whom we place implicit confidence,
that Joseph Smith & Sidney Rigdon are notorious liars I do not hesitate
to affirm, & can prove by a cloud of witnesses & this is not
all, Joseph has prophecied in a public congregation lies in the name
of the Lord & by undue religious influence he has filched the monies
of the Church from their pockets and brought them nigh unto destruction,
leaving helpless innocence destitute of a comfortable support while he
has squandered the hard earnings of those to whom it justly belonged. … three weeks since in the Stone Chapel [House of the Lord] gave a full history
of the church since I became acquainted with it, the false preaching & prophecying
etc of Joseph … and renounced the Book of Mormon with the whole scene
of lying and deception practiced by J. S & S. R in this church, believing
as I verily do, that it is all a wicked deception palmed upon us unawares I was followed by W. Parrish Luke
Johnson & John Boynton (h)
all of who Concurred with me |
|
¶ Stephen Burnett to Lyman E. Johnson |
| March 28 |
|
George W. Robinson arrives in Far West and almost immediately begins writing in the
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
. |
|
|
| March 29 |
|
Joseph writes the presidency of the church in Kirtland, "The saints at this time are in
union & peace & love prevails throughout, in a word Heaven smiles
upon the saints in Caldwell." |
|
PWJS
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, rev. ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002).
, 356. |
| March
31 |
|
Henry Root and David Thomas,
owners of land in DeWitt, Carroll County write Joseph, proposing a Mormon
settlement on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Grand Missouri
rivers. It would be a convenient location for a port. The first Mormons
arrived in July. Several hundred Canadian Saints under John
E. Page arrived in September,
but all were expelled in October. |
|
JS personal
Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 1st ed., compiled and edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1984).
, 225n1.
Seige of DeWitt |
| Early spring |
¶ |
In the early spring of 1838 an effort was made by the local
authorities [in Kirtland] to draw the line of fellowship on practices which
then seemed tending to demoralize, among which was dancing and late night
associates, to which little heed was paid, [23] and soon a long list of
names was left with the High Council to be dealt with, and notice was given
to each by its clerk. |
|
B. F. Johnson life
My Life's Review: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Johnson, edited by the Johnson Family Organization (Provo: Grandin Book Company, 1997). Written 1884-1896 (p. 280, 356).
, 22–23. |
| [April
1–3] |
|
As Sidney nears Far West,
he meets Henry Root by chance on Turkey Creek, Carroll county. Root offers
Sidney "a liberal share" of the profits from the sale of land
in DeWitt to Mormons. A few weeks later, Root and Thomas come to Far
West and a deal is struck. A few families move to the new site in July,
and by October seventy families had gathered, living in tents and wagons
as they worked on permanent houses. |
|
Sidney's
affidavit submitted to the municipal court of Nauvoo, July 1, 1843,
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:450–451. |
| April
4 |
|
Sidney arrives in Far West. |
|
Sidney's
affidavit,
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:449. |
| April
6 |
|
Thomas B. Marsh is sustained as president pro tempore of the Church in Zion, with Brigham Young and David W. Patten assistant presidents. John Corrill and Elias Higbee are named Church Historians; and George W. Robinson, General Church Recorder and clerk
to the First Presidency. |
|
Minutes
of April 6, 1838 |
| April
7 |
|
Seymour Brunson submits a list of nine charges against Oliver
Cowdery. |
|
Minutes
of April 12, 1838 |
| April
9 |
|
Joseph and Sidney write John
Whitmer asking him to return the Church documents still in his care, noting his "incompetency as a historion." |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
2:226–227. |
| April
12 |
|
High council and bishopric of Zion meet jointly as a "common
council" and excommunicate Oliver
Cowdery. |
|
Minutes
of April 12, 1838 |
| April
13 |
|
David Whitmer and Lyman
E. Johnson are excommunicated. |
|
Minutes
of April 13, 1838 |
| April
15 |
|
Stephen Burnett: Joseph and Sidney are liars. Stole from innocents. Book of Mormon witnesses only saw plates in vision. Kirtland property worthless. |
|
Stephen Burnett to Lyman E. Johnson (1838) |
| April 26 |
|
D&C 115: name of the
church changed to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. |
|
¶
D&C 115 |
| April
27 |
¶ |
[George W. Robinson:] This day was chiefly spent in writing a history of this Church from the earliest period of its existance up to this date, By Presidents Joseph Smith Jr & Sidney Rigdon, myself also … |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 34.
This is Robinson's first daily entry. It marks the beginning of what is now known as Joseph Smith—History in the Pearl of Great Price. |
| April 30 |
¶ |
This day was spent by the first Presidency in writing the history of the Church; and in resitation of grammer lessions, which ressitations is attended to, in the <each> morning previous to writing. |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 37.
The grammar lessions fit writing the new history. Joseph was a terrible grammarian. |
| May 1 |
¶ |
This day was also spent in writing Church History, by the first Presidency … |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 37. |
| May 2 |
¶ |
This day was also spent in writing history, and <receiving>. lectures on grammer. by President Rigdon. |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 37. |
| May 3 |
¶ |
This day was also spent in Writing … |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 38. |
| May
4 |
¶ |
This day was also spent in studying, & writing history, by the presidency. … |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 38. |
| May 5 |
¶ |
This day was spent, by the Presidency, in writing for the Elders Journal. |
|
Scriptory
The Scriptory Book—of Joseph Smith Jr—President of the Church of Jesus Christ, of Latterday Saints In all the World. (Kept by Geo. W. Robinson, Church Recorder.) Titled "Journal, March-September, 1838" in The Joseph Smith Papers.
, 38. |
| |
|
Also receiveded intelligence from Cannada, by one br Bailey. who called upon Pres. Smith, and stated that two hundred Wagons, with families; would probably be here in three weeks. |
|
|
| May 7 |
|
Reynolds Cahoon arrives in
Far West from Kirtland, Parley P. Pratt (h)
arrives from New York. |
|
J. Whitmer
From Historian to Dissident: The Book of John Whitmer, edited by Bruce N. Westergren (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1995 ).
, 73. |
| |
|
Joseph Smith Sr., William, Don Carlos, Jenkins
Salisbury, William McClary, and Lewis Robbins, and families, and Sister
Singly start for Missouri from Norton, Ohio. |
|
Don Carlos Smith to Joseph Smith, received July 6, 1838,
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:43. |
| May 11 |
|
William E. McLellin is excommunicated. |
|
¶ William E. McLellin |
| May
12 |
|
High council grants Joseph and Sidney each 80
acres, annual salary of $1100 (quickly rescinded). |
|
Minutes
of May 12, 1838
Joseph's Finances: 1838 |
| May
18 |
|
Joseph, Sidney, Thomas B. Marsh, and others visit Oliver Cowdery, Lyman
E. Johnson and others in Daviess
county who are also exploring northward on Grand River. |
|
|
| June
|
|
Daughters of Zion are organized in Far West. |
|
Origins
Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1994).
, 93, citing
William Schwartzell journal, July 14, 1838. |
| June 1 |
|
William Marks sells eight Kirtland properties for the Church and continues to dispose of property until July 11, when he transfers ownership of the House of the Lord (also known as the "Stone Temple," and "Chapel House") to Mead, Stafford & Company of Buffalo for goods purchased in 1836. |
|
Hearken
Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations, Mark Lyman Staker (Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books), 2009.
, 528 citing Geauga County, Deeds Records. |
| June
4 |
|
Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum, and others travel to Daviess County and
survey land for a new settlement, and build houses “day after
day ..." |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
2:248. |
| June
4 |
|
Joseph and Emma, and Joseph Sr. and Lucy turn their Safety Society stock over to Ralph Granger and |
|
|
| June
11 |
|
After digging a well on Lyman Wight's property in Daviess
county, Missouri, with Joseph and Martin Harris, William Swartzell suggests
Joseph name the place. He calls it Adam-ondi-Ahman because, "there
was no place by that name under heaven." |
|
Mormonism Exposed
Mormonism Exposed: Being a Journal of a Residence in Missouri from the 28th of May to the 20th of August, 1838, William Swartzell. (Pittsburgh: author, 1840).
|
| June
17 |
|
Sidney Rigdon's "salt sermon" inflames
feelings on both sides. |
|
|
| June
18 |
|
Hyrum and Uncle
John Smith, Sampson Avard, and
83 other Mormons sign an ultimatum directed at Oliver
Cowdery, David
and John Whitmer, Lyman
E. Johnson, and W. W. Phelps,
warning them to leave the county immediately lest a "fatal calamity
shall befall you." They begin to leave the next day. |
|
Origins
Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1994).
, 94, quoting
Document
Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons and the Evidence Given Before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith Jr., and Others for High Treason and Other Crimes Against the State (Fayette, Missouri: by order of the General Assembly at the office of Boon's Lick Democrat, 1841).
. |
| June
28 |
|
Adam-ondi-Ahman stake organized in the grove
near Lyman Wight's ferry, Joseph Smith Jr. presiding. Uncle John Smith
is named president of the stake, with Reynolds
Cahoon and Lyman Wight counselors. Vinson Knight acting bishop. President John
Smith then organizes
the High Council: John Lemon, Daniel Stanton, Mayhew Hillman, Daniel Carter,
Isaac Perry, Harrison Sagers, Alanson Brown, Thomas Gordon, Lorenzo Barnes,
George A. Smith, Harvey Olmstead, Ezra Thayer.
Lorenzo Barnes, clerk. Sing
"the well-known hymn Adam-ondi-Ahman." Benediction by Joseph
Smith, Jr. |
|
Elders' Journal
Elders' Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland: October-November 1837; Far West: July-August 1838. Joseph Smith editor (actually edited by Don Carlos Smith) and Thomas B. Marsh publisher. Replaces Messenger and Advocate edited by Warren A. Cowdery. Name changed to Elders' Journal of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Sidney is assistant editor. See Peter Crawley's Descriptive Bibliography, item 39.
1,
no. 4 (Aug. 1838): 61.
"Adam-ondi-Ahman" Lyrics |
| July
4 |
|
(Wednesday) Corner stones are laid for the Far
West temple.
|
|
¶
Order of the Day, July 4, 1838 |
|
|
Sidney Rigdon declares a "war of extermination" on persecutors
of the Saints, First Presidency reviews the troops. |
|
Sidney's Independence Day Oration |
| July
6–7 |
|
Second quarterly conference
in Far West, mostly ordinations. |
|
Minutes
of July 6, 1838
Minutes of July 7, 1838 |
| July
6 |
|
The Kirtland Camp of 515 members under the direction
of the Seventy, leaves Kirtland for Far West, arriving October 2. |
|
Lucy
Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Smith's Family Memoir, edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson (Salt Lake City: Signature Books), 2001.
, 193. |
| July 8 |
|
Revelations of July 8, 1838 are received in Far West: |
|
|
|
|
Frederick
G. Williams and W. W. Phelps have
lost their standing but may be ordained elders and serve missions
abroad. |
|
Revelation
of July 8, 1838 |
| |
|
N. K. Whitney and William Marks to leave Kirtland before the snow files, leaving their properties to pay Church debts.
Marks to preside over Far West. Whitney's secret abominations, littleness of soul |
|
D&C 117 |
| |
|
John Taylor, John E.
Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards are called to fill vacancies in
the Quorum of the Twelve. The Twelve are to leave Far West on April 26,
1839 to preach the gospel "over the great waters." |
|
D&C 118 |
| |
|
Tithing: Give the bishop all current surplus, then 10%
interest annually. |
|
D&C 119 |
| |
|
A council of the First Presidency, bishop's
council, and high council is to determine how tithing is to be used. |
|
D&C 120 |
| July
9 |
|
The Twelve meet in Far West (Thomas B. Marsh
(h)
president) and resolve to fill vacancies with Wilford
Woodruff, Orson Pratt,
Willard Richards (h). Sidney counsels
concerning provisions for the Twelve. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:47. |
| July
[10] |
|
The First Presidency and clerk George W. Robinson visit Adam-ondi-Ahman. |
|
MH-B
Manuscript History of the Church (Sept. 1, 1834-Nov. 2, 1838), pages 496-849 (book labeled B-1), written Aug. 30, 1834-Apr. 4, 1845 and Jan. 15, 1846-July 1, 1854. At the time of Joseph's death (1844), the history was complete to August 5, 1838. Selected Collections 1:1, Volume 2. Original, Church Archives, CR 100 102, Volume 2.
, 804. |
| July 11 |
|
William Marks sells the House of the Lord (also known as the "Stone Temple," and "Chapel House") to Mead, Stafford & Company of Buffalo for goods purchased in 1836. |
|
Hearken
Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations, Mark Lyman Staker (Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books), 2009.
, 528 citing Geauga County, Deeds Records. |
| July
26 |
|
First presidency, high council, bishop's council
set First Presidency prerogatives: can sell their properties at a profit
and consecrate the rest, direct bishop in expenditures. Stop sale of liquor,
petition to move county seat to Far West. |
|
Minutes
of July 26, 1838 |
| August
6 |
|
Mormons battle non-Mormons at the Gallatin election
near Adam-ondi-Ahman. |
|
|
| August
7 |
|
Joseph leads 150 men to Adam-ondi-Ahman to protect
the Saints. |
|
|
| August
8 |
|
Joseph, Hyrum, and a large company of armed men
call on Judge Adam Black in Daviess county. He produces a statement pledging
to support the Constitution. |
|
|
| August
11 |
|
Joseph leaves Far West for
DeWitt to welcome Canadian Saints. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| August
11 |
|
Warren Parrish replies to questions asked by Ohio member member E. Homes. The letter is picked up and published by the Evangelist (Carthage, Ohio) on October 1. |
|
Source |
| |
¶ |
1st. Whether I believe in the book of Mormon as being of divine origin? I answer, I do not; … Martin Harris, one of the subscribing witnesses; has come out at last, and says he never saw the plates, from which the book purports to have been translated, except in vision; and he further says that any man who says he has seen them in any other way is a liar, Joseph not excepted; —see new edition, Book of Covenants, page 170, which agrees with Harris's testimony. |
|
|
| |
¶ |
2d. … Smith says he has got as good an inquisition around him in Missouri, as the pope ever had, and he says that Mahomet was a true prophet, and he propagated his religion by the sword, and so will he; this he intends to do to my certain knowledge, if his own assertions can be believed. … |
|
|
| |
¶ |
4th. William McLellen, Oliver Cowdery, David and John Whitmers and many others have withdrawn from them. Lyman Johnson, one of the 12 apostles, withdrew from them, and they tried to kill him, they fired thirteen guns at him while he was leaving. |
|
|
| |
|
|
| August 17 |
|
It is stated in the Canton, Ohio, Repository,
that this people to the number of about 200, with 57 waggons filled with
furniture, cattle, &c. have left Geauga [County, Ohio], on their way
to the "promised
land" in Missouri. They pitch their tent in the open field at night
after the manner of the ancient Israelites. |
|
"The Mormons," Wayne Sentinel (Palmyra,
New York), Aug. 17, 1838. Source (search
for 200) |
| August
20 |
|
100–150 armed men ride into DeWitt and give
the Mormons to October 1 to leave the county. |
|
Siege of DeWitt |
| August
30 |
|
Governor Boggs orders Major General David R.
Atchison to call out the state militia. About the same time, Neil Gillum,
a militia captain, begins plundering Saints at Hunters Mills. |
|
|
| September
3 |
|
James Mulholland begins writing for Joseph (begins the 1839
history, which includes text written in 1838). |
|
|
| September
4 |
|
Self-confessed Danite John N. Sapp swears out
an affidavit estimating the number of
Danites to be between eight hundred and one thousand men "well-armed
and equipped." |
|
Document
Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons and the Evidence Given Before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith Jr., and Others for High Treason and Other Crimes Against the State (Fayette, Missouri: by order of the General Assembly at the office of Boon's Lick Democrat, 1841).
, 17.
¶ Siege of DeWitt
D. Michael Quinn lists 233 Danites by name in
Origins
Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, D. Michael Quinn (Salt Lake City: Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, 1994).
, 480–485,
including some who became Danites after Sapp's statement. |
| September
24 |
|
Joseph and Lyman Wight are arrested and freed on bail
pending grand jury results. |
|
| September
25 |
|
Don Carlos Smith and George A. Smith leave on
a mission to Kentucky and Tennessee to raise funds for Missouri Saints. |
|
| October
[1–7] |
|
John E. Page and his company of Canadian converts
arrive in DeWitt. |
|
¶
John E. Page (h) |
| October
2 |
|
Kirtland Company arrives at
Far West after a journey of 860 miles. The First Presidency and others
escort them into town. The company continues to Adam-ondi-Ahman, arriving
October 4. |
|
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
2:307n1 |
| October
5 |
|
While checking sites for a town in Caldwell county, Joseph
learns that DeWitt is under siege. |
|
Siege
of DeWitt;
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2: Journal, 1832-1842, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1992).
2:307n2;
Papers
Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 1: Autobiographical and Historical Writings, edited by Dean C. Jessee (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1989).
1:213; ¶ Joseph
Smith's Far West. |
| October
11 |
|
DeWitt falls to 400 vigilantes from
Carroll and five other counties. Mormons flee to Far West. |
|
| October 23 |
|
[Rev. Samuel Bogart to Major General David R. Atchison:] The Mormons
have burnt Gallatin and Mill Port, and have ravaged Daviess county … and
they have threatened to burn Buncombe and Elk Horn and have been seen near
and on the line between Ray and Caldwell." Bogart will patrol the
line between Ray and Caldwell counties. |
|
Document
Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons and the Evidence Given Before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith Jr., and Others for High Treason and Other Crimes Against the State (Fayette, Missouri: by order of the General Assembly at the office of Boon's Lick Democrat, 1841).
, 48, in
Militias
"Battle Between Mormon and Missouri Militia," Alex L. Baugh in Arnold Garr and Clark Johnson, eds., BYU Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History, Missouri (Provo: Department of Church History and Doctrine, BYU, 1994), 85-103.
, 86. |
| |
|
[Atchison immediately replies:] You are hereby ordered to range the line
between Caldwell and Ray counties with your company of volunteers, and
prevent, if possible, any invasion of Ray county by persons in arms whatever … [and]
inquire into the state of things in Daviess county … |
|
Document
Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons and the Evidence Given Before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith Jr., and Others for High Treason and Other Crimes Against the State (Fayette, Missouri: by order of the General Assembly at the office of Boon's Lick Democrat, 1841).
, 108, in
Militias
"Battle Between Mormon and Missouri Militia," Alex L. Baugh in Arnold Garr and Clark Johnson, eds., BYU Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History, Missouri (Provo: Department of Church History and Doctrine, BYU, 1994), 85-103.
, 86. |
| October 24 |
|
Bogart's militia "patrol" along Log and Long Creeks in southern
Caldwell county, intimidating Mormons and allegedly stealing and destroying
property under the pretense of searching for weapons to confiscate. |
|
Militias
"Battle Between Mormon and Missouri Militia," Alex L. Baugh in Arnold Garr and Clark Johnson, eds., BYU Regional Studies in Latter-day Saint Church History, Missouri (Provo: Department of Church History and Doctrine, BYU, 1994), 85-103.
, 86.
¶ Hyrum Smith's
Far West |
| October 24 |
|
Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Quorum of the Twelve,
having fled the violence in Daviess and Caldwell counties, testifies
in Richmond, Ray county, that a company of Mormons under
Apostle David Patten had burned Gallatin, that Danites planned to burn
Buncombe and perhaps Liberty and Richmond; that Joseph believes his prophecies
are superior to the laws of the land, and so forth. Orson Hyde states
he knows most of Marsh's statements to be true and believes the rest. |
|
Thomas B. Marsh
and Orson Hyde Affidavits |
| |
|
William Seeley: Went to Bunkham's Strip on business; was captured by
about 15 armed men, strip searched, thrown out of doors, dragged over a
panel of fence, and kicked when he said he was a Mormon. Marched to Samuel
Bogart's company of about 75, where volunteers who had joined the company,
chanted "Put him to death." |
|
|
| October
25 |
|
Battle of Crooked River: David W. Patten killed. Rev. Bogart's
men fire on friends who came to rescue Seeley; Seeley placed in front of
Bogart's men; order to fire was given, Seeley shot in shoulder by Bogart
man; friends took him to his family; 4 months confinement to recover. (Mormon
Redress, xxxii) |
|
¶
David W. Patten (h) |
| |
|
Rumors circulate in Richmond that the town will be "sacked and burned
by the Mormon banditti tonight."
|
|
|
| October
27 |
|
Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issues the extermination order. |
|
Extermination
Order |
| October
30 |
|
Haun's Mill massacre. Two hundred militia from Livingston
county kill 18 men, women, children. General Lucas marches militia to
Goose Creek, one mile south of Far West. |
|
Haun's Mill Massacre |
| October
30 |
|
Militia approaches Far West. "They came up near to the town, and then drew back about a mile, and encamped for the night. We were informed that they were militia, ordered out by the governor for the purpose of stopping our proceedings, it having been represented ... that we were the aggressors, and had committed outrages in Daviess county. They had not yet got the governor's order of [188] extermination, which I believe did not arrive till the next day." |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:187–188 |
| October
31 |
|
George M. Hinkle agrees to Lucas's terms to surrender Joseph
Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt (h),
and George W. Robinson, all church property, including arms, and all
Mormons to leave the state. The five leaders were taken prisoner on October 31 or November 1 (depending on source). |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:196–198. |
| November 1 |
|
Hyrum Smith and Amasa Lyman (h) are brought
into militia camp as prisoners. Court martial sentences prisoners to be
shot, but General Doniphan refuses to carry out the order. Caldwell county
militia (Mormon) surrenders arms to General Lucas. State militia plunders
Far West. "About
eighty" men
taken prisoner. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:190–192, 198–199. |
| November 2 |
|
Sampson Avard is captured. Prisoners say good-bye to their families
in Far West, then leave for Independence, camping overnight at Crooked river. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:192–195. |
| November 3 |
|
Joseph predicts none of the prisoners will lose their lives during captivity.
Camp reaches Missouri river. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:200. |
| November 4 |
|
Camp reaches Independence, Missouri. General Clark takes fifty-six men
prisoner at Far West. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:200, 202. |
| November 6 |
|
General Clark addresses citizens of Far West, giving terms and conditions
of their treatment. Far West prisoners start for Richmond. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:202–204. |
| November 8 |
|
General Wilson surrounds Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam Black convenes a court
of inquiry. Joseph and other prisoners in Independence start for Richmond
with three guards who get drunk. Prisoners take their arms and horses but
apparently do not attempt to escape. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:200, 202. |
| November 9 |
|
Mob threatens Joseph and others until Colonel Price arrives with guard
of 74 men, who conduct them to Richmond, where they meet General Clark. Prisoners
are chained together. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:205–206. |
| November 10 |
|
Adam-ondi-Ahman court of inquiry concludes. All acquitted, but
all families are ordered out with permission to go to Caldwell county until
spring. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:207. |
| November 11 |
|
General Clark, who had hoped for a military tribunal, turns fifty-three
prisoners over to civil authorities accused of high treason,
murder, burglary, arson, robbery, and larceny. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:208–209 //
Document
Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons and the Evidence Given Before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith Jr., and Others for High Treason and Other Crimes Against the State (Fayette, Missouri: by order of the General Assembly at the office of Boon's Lick Democrat, 1841).
, 97. |
| November 12 |
|
Judge Austin A. King sends armed men to obtain witnesses. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:205–206. |
| November 13 |
|
Preliminary hearing begins in Richmond with Thomas C. Burch, prosecuting
attorney, Alexander W. Doniphan and Amos Rees, defense attorneys. "Witnesses
were called and sworn at the point of the bayonet." Sampson
Avard (not included in list of the accused) testifies the First Presidency
directed Danite activities. Other prosecution witnesses include John
Corrill, Reed Peck, W. W. Phelps, George
M. Hinkle, Burr Riggs, and John
Whitmer. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:209–210, 212 //
Document
Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons and the Evidence Given Before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith Jr., and Others for High Treason and Other Crimes Against the State (Fayette, Missouri: by order of the General Assembly at the office of Boon's Lick Democrat, 1841).
,
97–108,
110
–113, 116–120, 120–125, 125–129, 134–136, 138–139. |
| November 25 |
|
Hearing continues with numerous violations of judicial process until
November 25, when Judge King releases 23 of the 53 defendants for lack
of evidence and binds the remaining 30 over for trial. During the twelve-day
hearing, William E. McLellin (h), Burr
Riggs, and others rob the homes of Sidney Rigdon, George Morey, Phebe
Ann Patten, and others. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:211–206, 215. |
| November 28 |
|
Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight,
Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae are ordered to the jail in Liberty,
Clay county; Parley P. Pratt (h), Morris
Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer are retained in the
Richmond jail. The remaining 19 are released or admitted to bail. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:212. |
| November 30 |
|
Joseph and his fellow prisoners are taken to Liberty jail. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:215. |
| December 5 |
|
Governor Boggs presents report on Mormon difficulties to the Missouri
House of Representatives. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:217. |
| December 10 |
|
Committee of Edward Partridge, Heber
C. Kimball, John Taylor, Theodore Turley, Brigham Young, Isaac
Morley, George W. Harris, John Murdock,
and John M. Burke draft a petition to the state legislature detailing the
Mormon side of the conflict. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:217–224. |
| December 13 |
|
Brigham Young presides over high council meeting. Brethren share testimonies,
express confidence in the faith. Four vacancies filled. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:224–226. |
| December 16 |
|
Joseph writes letter of encouragement to the church, condemning apostates
and turncoats, denying charges leveled against him, and admonishing the
Saints to remain steadfast and faithful. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:226–233. |
| December 17 |
|
In Jefferson City, David H. Redfield presents petition to General Atchison
and others, meets with Governor Boggs, urges legislation to right the
wrongs inflicted on the Mormons. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:234–235. |
| December
19 |
|
High council meets in Far West and votes to ordain John
E. Page and John Taylor apostles. Brigham Young and Heber
C. Kimball ordain them. In Jefferson City, Representative John
Corrill presents the Mormon petition to the House of Representatives.
Heated debate ensues. |
|
Minutes of December
19, 1838
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:238–240. |
| December
25 |
|
Joseph's brother, Don Carlos, and cousin George
A. Smith return from missions in Kentucky and Tennessee. "When nearly home
they were known and pursued by the mob, which compelled them to travel
one hundred miles in two days and nights. The ground at the time was slippery,
and a severe northwest wind was blowing in their faces; they had but little
to eat, and narrowly escaped freezing both nights." |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:241. |
| December 26 |
|
David H. Redfield returns to Far West and reports to the
high council. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:242. |
| December 27 |
|
House of Representatives votes to table Mormon petition for an investigation
of recent events until July 4. Anson Call is captured by a mob in Ray county
and beaten before escaping and returning to Far West. |
|
HC
History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, edited by B. H. Roberts, 7 vols. (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1902-1912, 1932).
3:242. |
| |
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1839
1837
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