Today in Mormon History - May 31

Today in Mormon History ...

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith spoke for three hours on the subject: This is My Beloved Son, Hear Him. (1)
-- 175 years ago - May 31, 1835

Dr. George W. Middleton and Heber Sears ask 'the opinion of the Church regarding sterilization of criminals, incompetents, etc." Heber J. Grant replies that "the Church had taken no stand whatever on this matter up to date." (2)
-- 75 years ago - May 31, 1935

At the request of President John Taylor Zebedee Coltrin relates: "On our return home we got in conversation about the Negro having a right to the Priesthood - and I took the side he had no right - Bro Green argued that he had. . . . when we got home to Kirtland we both went into Bro Joseph's office together to make our returns and Bro. Green was as good as his word and reported to Bro Joseph that I had said that the Negro could not hold the Priesthood - Bro Joseph Kind of dropt [sic] his head and rested it on his hand for a minute. and then said Bro Zebedee is right, for the Spirit of the Lord saith the Negro has no right nor cannot hold the Priesthood. He made no reference to scripture at all - but such was his decision - I don't recollect ever having any conversation with him afterwards, but I have heard him say in public, that no person having the least particle of Negro blood can hold the Priesthood . . .Bro [Elijah] Abel was ordained a Seventy. because he had labored on
the Temple. (it must have been into the 2nd Quorum) and when the Prophet Joseph learned of his lineage, he was dropped from the quorum and another was put in his place - . . . In the washing and anointing of Bro. Abel at Kirtland I anointed him. and while I had my hands upon his head. I never had such unpleasant feelings in my life - and I said I never would again anoint another person who had Negro blood in him. unless I was commanded by the Prophet to do so." (3)
-- 131 years ago - May 31, 1879


1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - This Day in Mormon History, http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html

Today in Mormon History - May 30

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Warren Walling Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 30, 1860

Smith, George Albert: Appointed to serve mission to East 30 May 1835. (2)
-- 175 years ago - May 30, 1835

[Joseph Smith] The Carthage court acquits Thomas C. Sharp and others accused of murdering Joseph and Hyrum Smith. (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 30, 1845


1 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"

Today in Mormon History - May 29

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young teaches: "The aborigines of this country are the descendants of this very people whom Jesus visited, to whom he delivered his Gospel, and among whom he organized his Church. They were obedient for over three hundred years, and served God with an undivided heart, after which they began to apostatize." (1)
-- 140 years ago - May 29, 1870

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday evening prayer circle meeting "of the holly order" at Willard Richards's office with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Amasa M. Lyman, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, Joseph Young, and Levi Richards: "Prayed that the Lord would overrule the movements of [Patriarch to the Church] Win. Smith who is endeavoring to ride the Twelve down; also that the Lord would overrule the proceedings of the mob so that we may dwell in peace until the Temple is finished" (HC, HCK). (2)
-- 165 years ago - May 29, 1845

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Attends address by U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt at Salt Lake tabernacle. (3)
-- 107 years ago - May 29, 1903


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45
3 - Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993

Today in Mormon History - May 28

Today in Mormon History ...

Oliver Cowdery resigned his editorship of the Church's newspaper, the Messenger and Advocate. He was replaced in that office for a few months by John Whitmer. [RLDS "History of the Church, Vol. I, p. 570.] (1)
-- 175 years ago - late May 1835

David Whitmer baptizes Newel Knight (first of his family). (2)
-- 180 years ago - 1830 May [last week]

Final testimony in the trial of five men accused in the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 28, 1845


1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - May 27

Today in Mormon History ...

Millennial Star, first LDS periodical produced outside North America began publication in Manchester, England, with Parley P. Pratt as editor. (1)
-- 170 years ago - May 27, 1840

Missionary Gale Stanley Critchfield, age twenty, is stabbed to death in Dublin by eighteen-year-old Irishman who follows missionaries to their apartment for sole purpose of attack. "We wonder why, when a young man is called to serve the Lord, he isn't watched over so closely [that] his life is protected," says First Presidency counselor Gordon B. Hinckley at funeral. "We don't know why some things happen." (2)
-- 20 years ago - May 27, 1990

[Blacks] Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency: Interesting letter read from President H.L. Steed of the South African Mission ... In some cities, he says, the natives have become interested in the gospel, and elders have held meetings with them. This however he had not encouraged, as the elders could not meet the demands made upon them by the white population, and he asked to be instructed on the question of laboring among the natives, by whom he evidently meant negroes.
The question of preaching the gospel to the native negro population was now considered, President [Joseph F.] Smith remarking that all we could do for that class of people was to preach the gospel of repentence a to them, as they would be entitled to Church membership, and where they receive the gospel they should be encouraged to form branches composed of their own class of people.
(Adam S. Bennion Papers) (3)
-- 102 years ago - May 27, 1908


1 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Marquardt, H. Michael, Mormon Central: Excerpts From Minutes of the Council of the Twelve and of the First Presidency, 1879-1947 http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/chorg2.htm

Today in Mormon History - May 26

Today in Mormon History ...

W. W. Phelps sends his wife, Sally, the first six printed forms of the Doctrines and Covenants and writes that when Zion is redeemed, Martin Harris will receive the first inheritance, Joseph the second, and W. W. the 16th. Joseph preached a 3 1/2-hour sermon, "and unfolded more mysteries than I can write at this time." [I]f you and I continue faithful to the end, we are certain to be one in the Lord throughout eternity." (1)
-- 175 years ago - May 26, 1835

[Same-sex Marriage] California Supreme Court issues decision on Strauss v. Horton, about whether Proposition 8 amended or revised the state constitution. It held that the proposition was a legally enacted amendment and that the 18,000 marriages performed during the period when SSM were legal in California remained legal marriages in the eyes of the law. (2)
-- 1 year ago - 5/26/2009

[Utah War] Gen. Winfield Scott advised John B. Floyd against the expedition at that time for several reasons, including the lateness of the start. (3)
-- 153 years ago - May 26, 1857


1 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68
3 - Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html

Today in Mormon History - May 25

Today in Mormon History ...

[Mark Hofmann] Ronald Vern Jackson displays forgery of Neeley court docket to support claim that Harris letter is a fake. (1)
-- 25 years ago - May 25, 1985

CHURCH SECTION prints Mrs. Horace Eaton's 1881 account that the prophet's mother Lucy Mack Smith performed various forms of divination, including palmistry. Apostle David O. McKay writes to N. B. Lundwall: "Regarding your proposed new book on "Temples of the Most High", I suggest that you confine your statistics to those which have already been approved by the General Authorities for publicity. Even some already published by the Arizona Temple, by Brother Frank T. Pomeroy, are now withheld from the general public. No statistics should be given out by any of the Temples until the items are first submitted to the First Presidency." (2)
-- 70 years ago - May 25, 1940

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle at Willard Richards's office until 11:30 p.m. (or "12 Oclock," according to HCK) with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, John E. Page, Orson Pratt, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, Levi Richards, John Smith, Joseph Young, and William Clayton (HC, HCK, WC-S). (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 25, 1845


1 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

A brief history of 'Mormon Doctrine'



examiner logo
  One of the most influential Latter-day Saint books of the past fifty years has been discontinued.  The popular Mormon Doctrine by late apostle Bruce R. McConkie will not go through another printing.  ...

In June, 1958, Bruce R. McConkie surprised church leaders by publishing 'Mormon Doctrine: A Compendium of the Gospel.'  Elder McConkie not been assigned to write the book, nor sought permission from church leaders. ...

He saw it as "the first major attempt to digest, explain, and analyze all of the important doctrines of the kingdom."  Church leaders liked the concept of such a work, but were concerned ...


 ... Read more »

Today in Mormon History - May 24

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] John Taylor Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 24, 1860

[Change in Presiding Church Patriarch Office] William Smith Oldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Sr. (2)
-- 165 years ago - May 24, 1845 - 19 October 1845

The FamilySearch Internet Genealogy Service, which promised to be the greatest boon to family research since the invention of the microfilm, was officially launched by President Hinckley. (3)
-- 11 year ago - May 24, 1999


1 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html
2 - Wikipedia, Chronology of the Presiding Patriarchs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Patriarch#Chronology_of_the_Presiding_Patriarchs_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html

Today in Mormon History - May 23

Today in Mormon History ...

DESERET NEWS editorial: "Murder after murder has been committed with impunity within the precincts of Great Sale Lake City, till such occurrences no not seemingly attract much attention, particularly when the murdered have had the reputation of being thieves and murderers or of associating with such characters from day to day . . ." (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 23, 1860

LDS Family History Library Catalog becomes available on CD-ROM allowing users to view the Family History Library's extensive collection to select searchable resources before traveling to a local Family History Center. (2)
-- 10 years ago - May 23, 2000

.Samuel Richards writes: "I attended the High Priests Quorum meeting at which Elder Curtis E. Bolton was tried for taking a woman and getting her pregnant which Bro. Brigham had allowed him to adopt into his family as a daughter. She had been heretofore his wife but during his late mission, she had been married to two other men, and had a child by one of the men who was a California Emigrant. . . . He was disfellowshipped from the Quorum, subject to the revision of Prest. Young when he returned from his southern expedition." (1)
-- 155 years ago - May 23, 1855


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984

Today in Mormon History - May 22

Today in Mormon History ...

[Sidney Rigdon] William Rigdon died, leaving Sidney 100 acres of land -- at about this time Sidney evidently began occasional training as an apprentice tanner (such an apprenticeship would have been required before he was accepted as a "journeyman tanner" in 1824) (1)
-- 200 years ago - May 22, 1810

President Hinckley dedicates the Church's 120th temple in San Antonio, Texas (2)
-- 5 years ago - 2005 22-May

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday evening prayer circle at Willard Richards's office, with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John E. Page, George A. Smith, George Miller, Levi Richards, and Joseph Young (HC; HCK describes this meeting in his entry of 23 May). (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 22, 1845


1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm
2 - LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - May 21

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal comments on a letter sent by the Church to President Buchanan: "This was an interesting letter, it commented upon the prostitution which had always attended monogamy, both in the days of the Romans and in all modern nations; also remarking that the Nations who practiced polygamy were to a far greater extent free from Harlots." (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 21, 1860

Nashville Tennessee Temple; Location: Franklin, Tennessee, USA; Announcement: 9 November 1994; Dedication: 21 May 2000 by James E. Faust; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (2)
-- 10 years ago - May 21, 2000

The U.S. Supreme Court handed down a unanimous decision that money given directly to missionaries was not a deductible donation under federal tax law. The Church encouraged members to follow established procedures of contributing through their wards. (3)
-- 20 years ago - May 21, 1990


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples
3 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html

Today in Mormon History - May 20

Today in Mormon History ...

Three temples were dedicated in two days, the first time in the history of the Church that had occurred. They were the Tampico Mexico Temple on May 20, and the Villahermosa Mexico and the Nashville Tennessee temples, both on May 21. (1)
-- 10 years ago - May 20, 2000-21

[Mark Hofmann] Time magazine publishes "Challenging Mormonism's Roots" about the documents controversy. Kenneth Rendell verifies, based on his examination and tests, and based on ink and paper tests done by others, "that there is no indication that this [Harris] letter is a forgery." (2)
-- 25 years ago - May 20, 1985

"Elder E[zra] T. Benson exhibited part of an ancient sword which had been dug up about 10 ft. under ground while excavating for a well, which called forth a few remarks from him." (3)
-- 155 years ago - May 20, 1855


1 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html
2 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - May 19

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young remarks "while talking over the untimely deaths of Brewer & Johnson, [two men found shot to death two days previously in Salt Lake City] that he was much gratified that the time had come when mormons could not be insulted mobbed and destroyed as they once were." Wilford Woodruff referred to Brewer and Johnson as "both Desperate wicked men." (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 19, 1860

[Sidney Rigdon] Adamson Bentley became Minister of Concord Baptist Church at Warren, OH (2)
-- 200 years ago - May 19, 1810

[Plaines] Iver N. Iversen Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 152 years ago - May 19, 1858


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Broadhurst, Dale R., History and Genealogy of Sidney Rigdon: The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints, http://sidneyrigdon.com/Rigdchrn.htm
3 - Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html

Today in Mormon History - May 18

Today in Mormon History ...

Whitmer, John: Appointed editor of Messenger and Advocate in Kirtland 18 May 1835, contrary to his wishes. (1)
-- 175 years ago - May 18, 1835

First Presidency letter to make 30 percent increase in living allowances for general authorities. (2)
-- 60 years ago - May 18, 1950

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle of the "Holy Order" at Willard Richards's office, with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, George A. Smith, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, and Joseph Young; "adjourned at 2 a.m." (HCK; HCsays apostles only). (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 18, 1845


1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - May 17

Today in Mormon History ...

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Leaves for Liverpool, England, arriving on 4 June 1910. (1)
-- 100 years ago - May 17, 1910

LDS political newspaper SALT LAKE HERALD condemns "the scheme of the conspirators to consummate the political debauchery of making Utah a Republican state." (2)
-- 120 years ago - May 17, 1890

W. W. Phelps, his son Waterman, and John Whitmer and his family arrive in Kirtland. William and son move into Joseph's home and help compile the D&C. (3)
-- 175 years ago - May 17, 1835


1 - Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - May 16

Today in Mormon History ...

New Canadian law prohibiting polygamy goes into effect. This law closes an existing loophole: previously it had been illegal only to take an additional wife while already married. However a Mormon had publicly pointed out that marrying two wives simultaneously was therefore legal under the existing law. (1)
-- 120 years ago - May 16, 1890

Phelps, William Wines: Arrived in Kirtland 16 May 1835. (2)
-- 175 years ago - May 16, 1835

[1st Presidency Changes] Heber J. Grant Anthony W. Ivins Death of Charles W. Penrose (3)
-- 85 years ago - May 16, 1925 - 28 May 1925


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
3 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency

Today in Mormon History - May 15

Today in Mormon History ...

At about this time, Kirtland gunsmith Marvel C. Davis reportedly enlisted the help of Solomon W. Denton (a boarder at the Smith home in Kirtland) to join with him in a secret conspiracy to murder Grandison Newell , an outspoken anti-Mormon living two miles away in Mentor. (1)
-- 175 years ago - mid May 1835

[Newspaper Accounts of Gold Plates] Rochester (NY) Gem, 15 May 1830
Some months ago a noise was made among the credulous of the earth, respecting a wonderful production said to have been found as follows. An ignoramous near Palmyra, Wayne county, pretended he had found some "Gold Plates," as he is pleased to call them, upon which is said to be engraved characters of marvelous and misunderstandable import, which he, nor no other mortal could divine. These characters he has translated into the English language, and lo! they appear to be no other than the mysticisms of an unrevealed Bible! A person more credulous or more cunning, than him who found the plates, ordered the translation thereof, mortgaged his farm, sold all he had, and appropriated it to the printing and binding of several thousand copies of this pearl, which is emphatically of GREAT PRICE! The book comes before the public under the general title of the "Book of Mormon," arranged under different heads, something as follows. The book of Mormon-containing the books of Nephi, Nimshi,
Pukei, and Buckeye-and contains some four or five hundred pages. It comes out under the "testimony of three witnesses," and of "six witnesses," who say they "have seen and hefted the plates," that "they have the appearance of gold," and that divers and strange characters are "imprinted on them." The author, who has the "copy-right secured according to law," says, "that he was commanded of the Lord in a dream," to go and find, and that he went and found. At one time it was said that he was commanded of the Lord not to show the plates, on pain of instant death-but it seems he has shown them to the said witnesses, and yet is alive! At another time it is said that none could see them but he who was commanded;-that though they should lie in the middle of the street beneath the broad glare of the meridian sun, in the presence of hundreds, yet no eye but his could see them! The translator if we take his word for it, has been directed by an angel in this business, for the salvation
and
the edification of the world! It partakes largely of Salem Witchcraft-ism, and Jemima Wilkinson-ism, and is in point of blasphemy and imposition, the very summit. But it is before the public, and can be had for money, at various places.

This story brings to mind one of a similar nature once played off upon the inhabitants of Rochester and its vicinity, near the close of the last war. During the war, we were subject to many inconveniences at this place, and were in constant danger of attack from the enemy. Those who lived here at that time, can well remember the frequent attempts made by the enemy to land at the mouth of the Genesee, at which point our army had deposited heavy stores. Our village was then young, and the abodes of men were 'few and far between.' If we remember aright, it was in the year 1815, that a family of Smiths moved into these parts, and took up their abode in a miserable hut on the east bank of the river, now near the late David K. Carter's tavern. They had a wonderful son, of about 18 years of age, who, on a certain day, as they said, while in the road, discovered a round stone of the size of a man's fist, the which when he first saw it, presented to him on the one side, all the dazzl
ing
splendor of the sun in full blaze-and on the other, the clearness of the moon. He fell down insensible at the sight, and while in the trance produced by the sudden and awful discovery, it was communicated to him that he was to become an oracle-and the keys of mystery were put into his hands, and he saw the unsealing of the book of fate. He told his tale for MONEY. Numbers flocked to him to test his skill, and the first question among a certain class was, if there was any of Kidd's money hid in these parts of the earth. The oracle, after adjusting the stone in his hat, and looking in upon it sometime, pronounced that there was. The question of where, being decided upon, there forthwith emerged a set, armed with "pick-axe, hoe and spade," out into the mountains, to dislodge the treasure. We shall mention but one man of the money-diggers. His name was Northrop. He was a man so unlike anything of refined human kind, that he might well be called a demi-devil sent forth upon the w
orld
to baffle the elements of despair, and wrestle with fate. As you will suppose, he was an enemy to all fear. Northrop and his men sallied out upon the hills east of the river, and commenced digging-the night was chosen for operation-already had two nights been spent in digging, and the third commenced upon, when Northrop with his pick-axe struck the chest! The effect was powerful, and contrary to an explicit rule laid down by himself he exclaimed, "d-m me, I've found it!"

The charm was broken!-the scream of demons,-the chattering of spirits-and hissing of serpents, rent the air, and the treasure moved! The oracle was again consulted, who said that it had removed to the Deep Hollow. There, a similar accident happened-and again it was removed to a hill near the village of Penfield, where, it was pretended the undertakers obtained the treasure.

About this time the enemy's fleet appeared off the mouth of the Genesee, and an attack at that point was expected-this produced a general alarm.-There are in all communities, a certain class, who do not take the trouble, or are not capable of thinking for themselves, and who, in cases of alarm, are ready to construe every thing mysterious or uncommon into omens of awful purport. This class flocked to the oracle. He predicted that the enemy would make an attack; and that blood must flow.-The story flew, and seemed to carry with it a desolating influence-some moved away into other parts, and others were trembling under a full belief of the prediction. At this time a justice of the peace of the place visited the oracle, and warned him to leave the country. He gravely told the magistrate that any one who opposed him would receive judgments upon his head, and that he who should take away the inspired stone from him, would suffer immediate death! The magistrate, indignant at the
fellow's impudence, demanded the stone, and ground it to powder on a rock near by-he then departed promising the family further notice.

The result was the Smiths were missing-the enemy did not land-the money diggers joined in the general execration, and declared that they had had their labor for their pains-and all turned out to be a hoax! Now in reference to the two stories, "put that to that, and they are a noble pair of brothers." (2)
-- 180 years ago - May 15, 1830

[Mark Hofmann] Walter McCrowe Associates find the Harris letter's paper "consistent" with period of date. (3)
-- 25 years ago - May 15, 1985


1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
2 - Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates
3 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,

Today in Mormon History - May 14

Today in Mormon History ...

[Mark Hofmann] Spokesman denies Church has hidden Oliver Cowdery history. (1)
-- 25 years ago - May 14, 1985

"after urging," Elizabeth Ann Whitney spoke in tongues with fluid ease for some five minutes. Eliza R. Snow affirmed that it was the "pure tongue of Adam." (2)
-- 135 years ago - May 14, 1875

[Joseph Smith] The Twelve appoint the next Thursday (third week of the month) "as a day of public fasting and prayer to Almighty God." In Aug, it was the second Thursday, and Thursday remained fast-day for Utah Mormons until the 1890s. (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 14, 1845


1 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"

Today in Mormon History - May 13

Today in Mormon History ...

Gordon B. Hinckley presides at "ground-breaking" ceremony for temple to be constructed by remodeling nearly ninety-year-old Uintah Stake Tabernacle in Vernal, Utah. This is first time new temple is to be created from pre-existing building which had other uses. (1)
-- 15 years ago - May 13, 1995

A delegation, appointed by a mass meeting held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on May 2, met with U.S. President Grover Cleveland in the White House in Washington, D.C. They presented to the president a "Statement of Grievances and Protest" concerning injustices brought about because of the Edmunds law. (2)
-- 125 years ago - May 13, 1885

First Presidency approves the posthumous rebaptism and restoration of blessings for former apostle John W. Taylor who was excommunicated in 1911. His son Samuel Taylor had requested this two days previously. (1)
-- 45 years ago - May 13, 1965


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html

Today in Mormon History - May 12

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "B[isho]p Allen Taylor related an immoral affair to the President and requested counsel of him, he replied I would cut him off the Church. The President observed in many cases women are much to blame; but the man must always realize he is the Lord of the woman; and in the end is responsible for his actions and not the woman." (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 12, 1860

Lyman had eight wives: Maria Louisa Tanner, Caroline Ely Partridge, Cornelia Eliza Leavitt, Dionita Walker, Eliza Maria Partridge, Paulina Eliza Phelps, Priscilla Turley, and Lydia Partridge. On 6 October 1867 Amasa M. Lyman was deprived of his apostleship for ambiguous preachings about the atonement of Jesus Christ; and he was excommunicated from the LDS Church on 12 May 1870. (2)
-- 140 years ago - May 12, 1870

[Wilford Woodruff] With Charles C. Rich, organizes United Orders in northern Utah settlements (3)
-- 136 years ago - May 12, 1874


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Utah Historical Encyclopedia: Amasa M. Lyman, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/l/LYMAN%2CAMASA.html
3 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah

Today in Mormon History - May 11

Today in Mormon History ...

Representatives of LDS church in Denver to withdraw their application for institutional "observer status" in Colorado Council of Churches, first step to membership in World Council of Churches. Announcement of application caused firestorm of complaints and letters demanding rejection due to Mormon theology of sexually cohabiting Heavenly Father who progresses by allowing mortals to become gods. The application is withdrawn to avoid bruising confirmation process. (1)
-- 15 years ago - May 11, 1995

[Mark Hofmann] Newspapers nationwide feature headlines claiming that the Smith-Stowell 1825 letter links Mormon church founder to the occult. (2)
-- 25 years ago - May 11, 1985

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle meeting of Brigham Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, George A. Smith, John E. Page, Newel K. Whitney, Levi Richards, and William Clayton at Willard Richards's office (HC, WC-S). (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 11, 1845


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - May 10

Today in Mormon History ...

[Emma] Son David Hyrum marries Clara C. Hartshorn. (1)
-- 140 years ago - May 10, 1870

The Twelve hold conference in Westfield, New York (2)
-- 175 years ago - May 10, 1835-11

Effective date of Utah legislation granting university police statewide jurisdiction. BYU also claims this right, even though it is a private institution and its security police take no state oath of office. (3)
-- 30 years ago - May 10, 1980


1 - Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.com
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - May 09

Today in Mormon History ...

The First Presidency releases the "money-digging letter." This letter, supposedly written by Joseph Smith to Josiah Stowell in 1825, was secretly purchased by First Presidency Second Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley for a reported $25,000 two years previously and hidden without comment in the First Presidency's vault. However rumors of its existence and typewritten copies of it have been in circulation among the "Mormon underground. Previously Church spokesman Jerry Cahill had denied the letter's existence. The letter later turns out to be a forgery by Mark Hofmann." (1)
-- 25 years ago - May 9, 1985

[Wilford Woodruff] Accompanies Brigham Young to southern Utah (2)
-- 155 years ago - May 9, 1855-27

[1st Presidency Changes] Brigham Young George A. Smith Daniel H. Wells Joseph F. Smith (Counselor) John Willard Young (Assistant Counselor) George Q. Cannon (Assistant Counselor) Brigham Young, Jr. (Assistant Counselor) Lorenzo Snow (Assistant Counselor) Albert Carrington (Assistant Counselor)) Titles of all additional counselors (except Joseph F. Smith) changed from Counselor to Assistant Counselor (3)
-- 136 years ago - May 9, 1874 - 1 September 1875


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
3 - Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency

Today in Mormon History - May 08

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young, aged 68, marries Lydia Farnsworth (1808-1897) (aged 61); married to Elijah Mayhew; Sealed to Brigham Young for eternity but remained living with husband Mayhew (1)
-- 140 years ago - May 8, 1870

[Lucy Mack Smith] Brigham Young speaks at Wellsville, Cache County, ordering members to send him their copies of Biographical Sketches, which he terms "a tissue of lies," so they can be destroyed. (2)
-- 145 years ago - May 8, 1865

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday evening prayer circle of "Holy Order" with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Taylor, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, Newel K. Whitney, Levi Richards, Joseph Young, and William Clayton at Willard Richards's office (HC, HCK, WC-S). (3)
-- 165 years ago - May 8, 1845


1 - Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives
2 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - May 07

Today in Mormon History ...

Ron Lafferty is found guilty of murdering his sister-in-law and her baby and is sentenced to death. He awaits execution for the two murders, while his brother Dan, who was sentenced to life, serves his time with the main population at Utah State Prison. The murders were in response to a "revelation" that Ron received. Two members of Dan's jury later claimed Dan had manipulated them by "psycho-sexual seduction." (1)
-- 25 years ago - May 7, 1985

[Thomas S. Monson] Sustained as bishop of the 6th-7th Ward. (2)
-- 60 years ago - May 7, 1950

William Smith: Personally petitioned Brigham Young 8 Aug. 1854 and 7 May 1855 for reinstatement (3)
-- 155 years ago - May 7, 1855


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Deseret News, Timeline: Thomas S. Monson, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695250351,00.html
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47

Today in Mormon History - May 06

Today in Mormon History ...

[U.S. Religious History] The Mormon Church officially renounced polygamy. (1)
-- 120 years ago - May 06, 1890

[Abraham O. Smoot] In Utah he married two other wives--Diana Tanner Eldredge, born 28 March 1837, on 6 May 1855; and Anna Kristine Morrison, born 19 December 1833, in February 1856. Smoot had twenty-seven children, including three adopted children. (2)
-- 155 years ago - May 6, 1855

[Same-sex Marriage] Maine's governor signs legislation legalizing same-sex marriages in that state, making Maine the 5th state to provide for marriage equality. (3)
-- 1 year ago - 5/6/2009


1 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://am-rel-hist.gu.ma
2 - Utah Historical Encyclopedia: Abraham O. Smoot, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/s/SMOOT%2CABRAHAM.html
3 - Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68

Today in Mormon History - May 05

Today in Mormon History ...

Salt Lake Tabernacle fast and testimony meeting: "Prest. Young spoke 12 minutes, requesting mothers to leave their children at home if possible so as not to disturb the meeting. also that Gentlemen will desist besmearing the floors with tobacco spittle &c." Tabernacle installs dozens of tobacco spittoons. (1)
-- 140 years ago - May 5, 1870

The Twelve leave Kirtland for the East. (2)
-- 175 years ago - May 5, 1835

[Mark Hofmann] Church spokesman retracts his denial of Church having the 1825 letter, saying he was informed by President Hinckley that the letter was in First Presidency vault and perhaps would be subject of critical study as Harris letter had been. (3)
-- 25 years ago - May 5, 1985


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,

Today in Mormon History - May 04

Today in Mormon History ...

Members of the Quroum of the Twelve left Kirtland for the eastern states on their first mission as apostles. (1)
-- 175 years ago - May 4, 1835

John C Bennett: Baptized by proxy into LDS church 23 Apr. 1985, and his priesthood was restored before proxy endowment 14 May 1985. (2)
-- 25 years ago - May 4, 1985

Sidney Rigdon writes the preface for Alexander Campbells pamphlet giving details of Campbell's debate with Reverend W. L. McCalla, former attorney and Presbyterian minister of Auga, Kentucky. Campbell argued against infant baptism and that baptism was for the forgiveness of personal sin rather than for the absolution of "original sin." (3)
-- 185 years ago - May 4, 1825


1 - Church News: Historical chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - May 03

Today in Mormon History ...

[U.S. Religious History] Cardinal John O'Connor died in New York City. (1)
-- 10 years ago - May 03, 2000

At apostles meeting, "The question of over running salaries was brought up. Several of the brethren had overdrawn their allowance." They vote to forgive overdrafts, to increase their annual allowance, and to give allowance to Presiding Patriarch. (2)
-- 130 years ago - May 3, 1880

[Utah] Agreement between LDS church and American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors "over the issue of posthumous baptisms of Jewish Holocaust victims." First Presidency agrees to "remove from next issue of International Genealogical Index [public-access record only] names of all known posthumously baptized Jewish holocaust victims, "and "to discontinue any further baptisms of deceased Jews, including all lists of Jewish Holocaust victims who are know Jews, except if they were direct ancestors of living members of the Church." (3)
-- 15 years ago - May 3,1995


1 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://am-rel-hist.gu.ma
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996

Today in Mormon History - May 02

Today in Mormon History ...

Amasa M Lyman: Excommunicated 12 May 1870 (1)
-- 140 years ago - May 2, 1870

"The High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Nauvoo Illinois" meets and decides: "In as much as Henry G. Sherwood Charles C. Rich and Dimic B. Huntington have been appointed a committee, by a public meeting of the Church, to contract for the building of houses for some of the wives of the Twelve it was voted that the same committee shall also contract for the fencing and ploughing of the lots on which the houses are to be built and that the labor be paid in town lots according to the proposals instructions of the said committee for the building of the houses in the first place." (2)
-- 170 years ago - May 2, 1840

The First Presidency, Twelve, some seventies, and some elders meet. The Twelve are seated by age, to regulate affairs abroad but not in Zion or any of her stakes. Ordinations require vote of the church membership. The Twelve call seven presidents of the Seventy (Joseph Young, Sylvester Smith, Lyman Sherman, Leonard Rich, Hazen Aldrich, Zebedee Coltrin, and Levi Hancock) on missions. Seven presidents call and ordain new seventies. (3)
-- 175 years ago - May 2, 1835


1 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - May 01

Today in Mormon History ...

Lyman, Amasa Mason: Left Salt Lake City 1 May 1860. (1)
-- 150 years ago - May 1, 1860

The DESERET NEWS publishes the content of a revelation found in Ron Lafferty's pocket the day he was arrested: "Thus sayeth the Lord unto my servants the prophets. It is my will and commandment that ye remove the following individuals in order that my work might go forward, for they have truly become obstacles in my path and I will not allow my work to be stopped. First thy brother's wife Brenda and her baby, then Chloe Low, and then Richard Stowe. And it is my will that they be removed in rapid succession and that an example be made of them in order that others might see the fate of those who fight against the true saints of God" Ron Lafferty, with his brother Dan, murdered Brenda Lafferty and her baby but were arrested before they could fulfil the remaining parts of the revelation. (2)
-- 25 years ago - May 1, 1985

[Mark Hofmann] Mormon History Association annual meetings held in Canandaigua, New York. One session is devoted to the "Anthon Transcript." (3)
-- 30 years ago - 1980 1-4 May


1 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,