Today in Mormon History - Jun 30

Today in Mormon History ...

First Presidency decides to prohibit plural marriages "even in Mexico unless the contracting parties, or at least the female, has resolved to remain in that country." (1)
-- 120 years ago - Jun 30, 1890

Samuel H. Smith left on a mission to neighboring villages, including Mendon, N.Y., where the Young and Kimball families resided. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 30, 1830

[Plains] D. J. McCann Freight Train begins crossing plains (3)
-- 145 years ago - late June 1865


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
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 - Jun 29

Today in Mormon History ...

[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http:
www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html] Utah War 154 years ago - Jun 29, 1856-30 The platform of the new Republican Party maintained that Congress had the right and duty to prohibit polygamy and slavery in the territories
-- 23

William W. Phelps, who had been excommunicated, writes to Joseph Smith: "BROTHER JOSEPH:-I am alive, and with the help of God I mean to live still. I am as the prodigal son, though I never doubt or disbelieve the fulness of the Gospel. . . . I have seen the folly of my way, and I tremble at the gulf I have passed. So it is, and why I know not. I prayed and God answered, but what could I do? Says I, 'I will repent and live, and ask my old brethren to forgive me, and though they chasten me to death, yet I will die with them, for their God is my God. The least place with them is enough for me, yea, it is bigger and better than all Babylon.'" Joseph restores Phelps to full fellowship and even makes him a charter member of the Council of Fifty four years later. He is excommunicated again in 1847 for "adultery" (taking three unauthorized plural wives). He is rebaptized in 1848. Phelps serves as a Nauvoo city councilman, assists in drafting the constitution of the "State of Deseret"
in 1849, and works in the Utah legislature as Speaker of the House. In 1851. But he was perhaps most noted in Utah for his convincing portrayal of Satan in the endowment ceremony in the Salt Lake Endowment House on Temple Square. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jun 29, 1840

Joseph is acquitted of disorderly conduct charge in Colesville, but is forced back to Harmony. (3)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 29, 1830


1 - years ago - Jun 29, 1856-30 The platform of the new Republican Party maintained that Congress had the right and duty to prohibit polygamy and slavery in the territories 18560629
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Jun 28

Today in Mormon History ...

Priesthood meeting in LDS community of Cardston, Canada holds a discussion on "whether or not a man can obtain eternal increase with one wife." Everyone who speaks agrees that polygamy is an essential doctrine of the Church and H. L. Hinman who brought his second wife to Cardston in the late 1880s or early 1890s, adds that he "thought a man must live with more than one woman at the same time to fulfill the law." Charles Card points out that they should "not publish these things to the world," but "they should obey all commandments of God." (1)
-- 120 years ago - Jun 28, 1890

[Wilford Woodruff] Ordained elder in Mormon church in Benton County, Tennessee, by Warren Parrish (2)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 28, 1835

Emma baptized at Colesville, New York. (3)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 28, 1830


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 - Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.com

Today in Mormon History - Jun 27

Today in Mormon History ...

William Clayton writes in his diary: "At night Brother Green spake in tongues. The power of Satan was powerfully manifested upon some of the Sisters. Sarah [Crooks of whom the married Clayton was attracted towards] gave me a pint of porter." (1)
-- 170 years ago - Jun 27, 1840

[Joseph Smith] Many want to be baptized in Colesville. Joseph visits them and they attempt baptisms, but a mob stops them. They try again the next day and are successful in baptizing thirteen people. (2)
-- 180 years ago - June 27-28, 1830

[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann visits Dorothy Dean in Carthage, Illinois. He tells her he is trying to establish the source of the 1688 Bible. (3)
-- 30 years ago - Jun 27, 1980


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - More Good Foundation, Timeline, http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
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 - Jun 26

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "In the Evening Br T. Ellerbeck came into the Office and had some conversation about grape raising, Br[other] Carrington joined in and conversed about making grape wine." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 26, 1860

[U.S. Religious History] Under the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, Congress officially declared Christmas to be a national holiday. (2)
-- 140 years ago - Jun 26, 1870

At Joseph's request, the Painesville Telegraph publishes court testimony. Brother-in-law says Joseph has apologized for striking him on the forehead with the flat of his hand. The apology has been accepted and Joseph is acquitted .
-- (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 26, 1835


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Jun 25

Today in Mormon History ...

Joseph arrives in Colesville. (1)
-- 180 years ago - 1830 June [25]

Snow, Lorenzo: Arrived inGenoa, Italy, 25 June 1850. (2)
-- 160 years ago - Jun 25, 1850

[Anointed Quorum] Richards's office, prayer circle, nine present (HCK). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jun 25, 1845


1 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
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, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45

Today in Mormon History - Jun 24

Today in Mormon History ...

Isaac Morley dies. (1)
-- 145 years ago - Jun 24, 1865

[Council of Fifty Members] Gibbs, George F. (1846-1924). Appointed reporter, but not member, on 5 April 1882. Admitted 24 June 1882. (2)
-- 128 years ago - Jun 24, 1882

[Heber C. Kimball] Funeral in Salt Lake Tabernacle. Buried in family graveyard on today's Gordon Place in Salt Lake City. (3)
-- 142 years ago - Jun 24, 1868


1 - Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"
2 - Quinn, D. Michael, Council of Fifty Members, 1844-1945, BYU Studies 20, #2 (1980)
3 - Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987

Today in Mormon History - Jun 23

Today in Mormon History ...

Gordon B. Hinckley born in Salt Lake City. (2)
-- 100 years ago - Jun 23, 1910
[Hinckley] Celebrated 90th birthday at Conference Center with 21,000 guests and many prominent Latter-day Saint musicians, including Gladys Knight (3)
-- 10 years ago - Jun 23, 2000

1 - years ago - 6/23/2008 20080623
2 - Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
3 - 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

Today in Mormon History - Jun 22

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] John Smith Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 22, 1860

[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Accompanies Lydia on old folks' train excursion to Brigham City, leaving from Oregon Short Line depot at 8:00 a.m. with 1,148 people. (2)
-- 105 years ago - Jun 22, 1905

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday evening prayer circle of the "Holy Order" at Willard Richards's office, "Sister Jennetta Richards being very sick was administered to" and "13 present" (HC, HCK, JT). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jun 22, 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 - 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
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 - Jun 21

Today in Mormon History ...

Church announced that Ricks College would become a four-year institution and be renamed Brigham Young University-Idaho. (1)
-- 10 years ago - Jun 21, 2000

Joseph preaches in Kirtland on the Evangelical Order. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 21, 1835

First Presidency and Apostles decide to write to Southern States Mission president Ben E. Rich asking him to explain "certain requirements of missionaries, such as, [requiring each elder to make] a deposit of $50.00 in the mission office to meet the expense of sickness and for other emergencies, and also requiring each elder to purchase and dispose of one Book of Mormon monthly." (3)
-- 110 years ago - Jun 21, 1900


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 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "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 - Jun 20

Today in Mormon History ...

Joseph is acquitted on the charge of assaulting his brother-in-law, Calvin Stoddard, in the Court of Common Pleas.
-- (1)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 20, 1835

Joseph Smith's wife Emma is baptized by Oliver Cowdery. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 20, 1830

[Plains] Stephen Markham Company begins crossing plains (3)
-- 160 years ago - 20-Jun 27, 1850


1 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
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 - Jun 19

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Jesse Murphy Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 19, 1860

SALT LAKE TRIBUNE reposts that Utah state task force is trying to understand why suicide is second leading cause of death for Utah's teenage males and young men, and why Utah's suicide rate is sixth highest in nation. Article down plays alleged role of LDS church's "too high expectations on young people," by pointing out that five states (all surrounding Utah) with higher suicide rates have lower percentages of Mormons. However, this is statistical error ("ecological fallacy") because states have not identified religious affiliation of suicides who might actually be disproportionately Mormon. TRIBUNE refers to U.S. Health Department's 1989 estimate that homosexual orientation is factor in 30 percent of teenage suicides. DESERET NEWS excluded that estimate from its analysis of federal report on Aug 12, 1989 and has said little about this current Utah task force. (2)
-- 15 years ago - Jun 19, 1995

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday evening prayer circle of "the Twelve" at Willard Richards's office (HC, HCK, JT). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jun 19, 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 - 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 - Jun 18

Today in Mormon History ...

Merida Mexico Temple; Location: Merida, Yucatan, Mexico; Announcement: 25 September 1998; Dedication: 18 June 2000 by Thomas S. Monson; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (1)
-- 10 years ago - Jun 18, 2000

First counselor George A. Smith tells Salt Lake School of the Prophets about "the evil of Masturbation" among Utah Mormons. Apostle Lorenzo Snow says that "Plural Marriage would tend to diminish this evil self-pollution," and he believes that "indulgence on the part of men was less in Plural marriage than in Monogomy." Elder George Reynolds (Secretary to Brigham Young) also tells the School that "where Monogomy was the Law, it compelled a more frequent (sexual) cohabitation than is right and proper." Medical books of the time advise sexual intercourse only once a month. (2)
-- 140 years ago - Jun 18, 1870

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the Nauvoo high council, petitioning for a release from attending to temporal concerns. (3)
-- 170 years ago - Jun 18, 1840


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

Today in Mormon History - Jun 17

Today in Mormon History ...

[Hinckley] Held meetings with members in Alaska, the first time a president of the Church has done so (1)
-- 15 years ago - 1995 17-23 June

[Plains] Warren Foote Company begins crossing plains (2)
-- 160 years ago - Jun 17, 1850

[Lucy Mack Smith] John Taylor visits Lucy and reads part of her finished manuscript. (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jun 17, 1845


1 - 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
2 - 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
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

Today in Mormon History - Jun 16

Today in Mormon History ...

Melbourne Australia Temple; Location: Knox, Victoria, Australia; Announcement: 30 October 1998; Dedication: 16 June 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (1)
-- 10 years ago - Jun 16, 2000

The International Olympic Committee announced that the site for the 2002 Winter Olympics would be in Salt Lake City. (2)
-- 15 years ago - Jun 16, 1995

Geauga county court acquits Joseph of charges brought by brother-in-law Calvin Stoddard that Joseph had deprived him of water rights. During trial Calvin calls Joseph a "damned false prophet," and Joseph knocks him down. Stoddard sues for assault. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 16, 1835


1 - 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
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
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Jun 15

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "Albert Carrington read a letter from Sydney Rigdon to the President. The President remarked Sydney is crazy. . . ." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 15, 1860

Adelaide Australia Temple; Location: Norwood Payneham St Peters, South Australia; Announcement: 17 March 1999; Dedication: 15 June 2000 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Classic modern, single-spire design (2)
-- 10 years ago - Jun 15, 2000

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the brethren in Independence, Missouri. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 15, 1835


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 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith

Today in Mormon History - Jun 14

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] James D. Ross Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - 14-Jun 17, 1860

Wilford Woodruff dreams "that Queen Victoria had received the gospel and Been Baptized. She appeared vary humble, none of which is likely to happen in this world. I also thought of Prince Albert. Is Richard or Robert Connected with his Name? I dreamed that Queen Victoria was sealed to me and she bid me an emotional thanks. This is not likely to happen." (2)
-- 130 years ago - Jun 14, 1880

The high council sends Oliver to find Mr. Hewitt in Fairport. The next day, Oliver writes that Hewitt is not there but Mrs. Hewitt reassures him of her husband's interest in Mormonism. The Hewitts are not heard from again. (3)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 14, 1835


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 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Jun 13

Today in Mormon History ...

Apostle Orson Pratt preaches: "There are some, however, so foolish in their ideas that they suppose that it does not require time for the Almighty to go from world to world, or for any celestial messenger to do so. But this is a grand mistake. Time is included in all motion. Time is included between the event of a heavenly being leaving the celestial abode, where he dwells, and going to some other abode at a distance." (1)
-- 130 years ago - Jun 13, 1880

[Emma] Son Don Carlos is born. (2)
-- 170 years ago - Jun 13, 1840

Los Angles Times cites "insider" (anonymous interview with Mark Hofmann) that LDS church presidency is hiding a Cowdery history. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Jun 13, 1985


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Emma Smith, Woman of Faith, http://emmasmithmormon.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,

Today in Mormon History - Jun 12

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young dreams: "that I was in a room with Phineas Young and I saw a smooth faced young man setting beside him. I asked Phineas who it was. He replyed this is the saviour. (I did not believe it.) I smiled and said I wonder if he is the saviour. Phineas said he was. I then asked the person if he was the Savior. He said he was. I asked him if [so] how long have you been here? He said 14 days. I said have you a wife? He said yes this is my wife pointing to a woman dressed in black with a thick dark veil over her face. Said this is my wife. I thought it a funny idea. I felt that I wanted to prove him. Soon the woman vanished and he turned into a woman himself. Then I awoke and the thought Came to me that it was a representation of young Joseph [III] & Emma Smith who had undertook to Esstablish a Church but it was upon fals ground & principles in opposition to the true Church of Christ. I was satisfied he was not the saviour." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 12, 1860

1. And it came to pass in the latter days, that wickedness did much abound, and the "Idle and slothful said one to another, let us send for Walters the Magician, who has strange books, and deals with familiar spirits; peradventure he will inform us where the Nephites, hid their treasure, so be it, that we and our vagabond van, do not perish for lack of sustenance.
-- (2)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 12, 1830

[Anointed Quorum] Thursday afternoon prayer circle of "several of the Twelve" (HC). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jun 12, 1845


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
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 - Jun 11

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Kimball and Lawrence Freight Train begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 11, 1860

[Hinckley] Dedicated Fukuoka Japan Temple (June 11), Adelaide Australia Temple (June 15), Melbourne Australia Temple (June 16) and Suva Fiji Temple (June 18), the first time in Church history a president has ever dedicated four overseas temples in one trip (2)
-- 10 years ago - 2000 11-18 June

[U.S. Religious History] Karen Ann Quinlan, comatose since 1976, died at the age of 31 after a court permitted the removal of her respirator. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Jun 11, 1985


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 - 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 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://am-rel-hist.gu.ma

Today in Mormon History - Jun 10

Today in Mormon History ...

[Polygamy] Brigham Young Jr. marries 6th wife
Brigham Young Jr. marries 6th wife, Helen E. Armstrong. In August of 1901 he marries his 7th wife, whose name has been made unavailable. Note that 6th wife was married less then four months before the Manifesto, in which Woodruff makes the ( false ) claim that no new marriages were being allowed by the church. Brigham Young Jr. was President of the Quorum of the 12 for 3 years and in line to become the next president when he died in 1903. Note that Brigham Young Jr. would have become LDS church president in 1901 if he had not been demoted on 5 April 1900 ( he was demoted for, among other things, his continual preaching of polygamy and taking of new wives). (1)
-- 120 years ago - Jun 10, 1890

Joseph Smith is tried for assault and battery on his brother-in-law, Calvin W. Stoddard. The trouble likely stemmed from Stoddard calling Joseph "a d-d false prophet". Witnesses testified that Stoddard had been the first aggressor. The court dismissed the case, stating that "there could be no cause for further prosecution; that the assault might perhaps be justified on the principle of self-defense." (2)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 10, 1835

[U.S. Religious History] Alcoholic's Anonymous was founded in Akron, Ohio. (3)
-- 75 years ago - Jun 10, 1935


1 - Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm
2 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
3 - Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline, http://am-rel-hist.gu.ma

Today in Mormon History - Jun 09

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Franklin Brown Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 9, 1860

First Conference of the Church held in Whitmer log home, Fayette, NY. (2)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 9, 1830

Bishoprics in Idaho, Utah, and Arizona receive telephoned instructions from church headquarters early Sunday morning not to invite Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery, co-authors of a biography on Emma Smith, to speak on historical topics in church meetings. Neither Linda nor Val is officially informed of this decision.
At their own request Linda and Jack meet with Elders Neal A. Maxwell and Dallin H. Oaks, who tell her that "some aspects of the portrayal of Joseph Smith" are the problem. The month before, the book has won the best book award from the Mormon History Association and the John Whitmer Historical Association. It later co-wins the prestigious $10,000 Evans Biography Award, sharing the honor with Richard L. Bushman. BYU president and future general authority Jeffrey R. Holland presents the award.
Linda feels particularly hurt by this decision because of what appear to be misrepresentations of cause. (Because the instructions are transmitted verbally, reports that reach her of what is said in various bishopric meetings vary widely.) One of the frequently repeated charges is that she "is going around peddling the book at sacrament meetings." In fact Linda has spoken at only one sacrament meeting (in the first week the book came out) and then decided it was crucial to speak only in settings where people could ask questions. As a matter of policy, she does not have copies of her book available for sale at the firesides she gives and asks those who introduce her not to refer to her as the book's coauthor. These instructions are not always followed.
The ban, which lasts for ten months, promptly triples sales. The book is reprinted seven times by Doubleday. In 1992 the University of Illinois Press buys the copyright for $4,000, reportedly the highest price Illinois ever paid for reprint rights. (3)
-- 25 years ago - Jun 9, 1985.


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 - Ludlow, Daniel H. editor, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Macmillan Publishing, Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1

Today in Mormon History - Jun 08

Today in Mormon History ...

The CINCINNATI ADVERTISER AND OHIO PHOENIX reports: "A fellow by the name of Joseph Smith, who resides in the upper part of Susquehanna county, has been, for the last two years we are told, employed in dedicating [dictating] as he says, by inspiration, a new bible. He pretended that he had been entrusted by God with a golden bible which had been always hidden from the world. Smith would put his face into a hat in which he had a white stone, and pretend to read from it, while his coadjutor transcribed. The book purports to give an account of the "Ten Tribes" and strange as it may seem, there are some who have full faith in his Divine commission. The book it seems is now published." (1)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 8, 1830

[Plains] Aaron Johnson Company begins crossing plains (2)
-- 160 years ago - about Jun 8, 1850

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer circle meeting at 4 p.m. of "the Holy Order" at Willard Richards's office, with Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Willard Richards, Orson Hyde, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, George A. Smith, Amasa M. Lyman, Newel K. Whitney, George Miller, Levi Richards, Joseph C. Kingsbury, and Willard Richards: "We decided that Elder Orson Hyde go to the east and buy canvas for a Tabernacle (tent), and type to print the History of Joseph Smith" (HC, HCK, JT, WC-S). (3)
-- 165 years ago - Jun 8, 1845


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - 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
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 - Jun 07

Today in Mormon History ...

Ten couples accompanied by Apostle Brigham Young, Jr., and his intended polygamous wife arrive in Mexico. Young started from Logan on a train bound for Mexico and "sent word through the grapevine that if there was any couples up in this area, these stakes, that contemplated marrying into polygamy that they were to catch this train. They went down to Cache Junction. They caught the train there and went to Salt Lake. There was others that went with them. They went down there [to Mexico] and Brigham Young Jr. married another polygamous wife and he had several wives." The day they arrive Alexander F. Macdonald performs the polygamous marriages for all eleven couples. (1)
-- 120 years ago - Jun 7, 1890

[Plains] John Hindley Company begins crossing plains (2)
-- 155 years ago - Jun 7, 1855

[Martha H. Cannon] Angus died 7 June 1915 in Salt Lake City. (3)
-- 95 years ago - Jun 7, 1915


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - 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
3 - Utah History Encyclopedia: Martha H. Cannon, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/c/CANNON%2CMARTHA.html

Today in Mormon History - Jun 06

Today in Mormon History ...

[Plains] Daniel Robison Company begins crossing plains (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 6, 1860

[David O McKay] Received a courtesy call from United States Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona. He was accompanied by Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson. He impressed me as a good man, and one who is favorable to the Mormons. Senator Goldwater thought it would be a wise thing to have Brother Benson come home as he fears he is going to be embarrassed by both the Republicans and the Democrats. I told the Senator that some time ago the Church had a good place for Brother Benson if he felt to come home at that time. This information was conveyed to President Eisenhower so that he might have an excuse to release Brother Benson if he desired to do so, but President Eisenhower felt that he needed Brother Benson's services, and did not feel to release him at the time. (2)
-- 50 years ago - Jun 6, 1960

Federal grand jury in Idaho indicts 153 ex-Mormons for voting in recent election. (3)
-- 120 years ago - Jun 6, 1890


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 - McKay, David O., Office Journal
3 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com

Today in Mormon History - Jun 05

Today in Mormon History ...

First counselor J. Reuben Clark writes, "Sec'y [Ezra Taft] Benson's policies have about extinguished the small farmer and small cattleman." Benson has been Secretary of Agriculture in the Eisenhower administration. (1)
-- 50 years ago - Jun 5, 1960

George A. Smith and his second cousin, Lyman Smith, leave Kirtland on a mission to Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and New York, returning November 2. They hold about 80 meetings and baptize eight.
-- (2)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 5, 1835

[Newspaper Accounts of Gold Plates] Palmyra (NY) Reflector, 3rd ser., 5, 12 June 1830, 36-37
-1. And it came to pass in the latter days, that wickedness did much abound in the land, and the "Idle and slothful said one to another, let us send for Walters the Magician, who has strange books, and deals with familiar spirits; peradventure he will inform us where the Nephites, hid their treasure, so be it, that we and out vagabond van, do not perish for lack of sustenance.
-2. Now Walters, the Magician, was a man unseemly to look upon, and to profound ignorance added the most consummate impudence,-he obeyed the summons of the idle and slothful, and produced an old book in an unknown tongue, (Cicero's Orations in latin,) from whence he read in the presence of the Idle and Slothful strange stories of hidden treasures and of the spirit who had the custody thereof.
-3. And the Idle and Slothful paid tribute unto the Magician, and besought him saying, Oh! thou who art wise above all men, and can interpret the book that no man understandeth, and can discover hidden things by the power of thy enchantments, lead us, we pray thee to the place where the Nephites buried their treasure, and give us power over "the spirit," and we will be thy servants forever.
-4. And the Magician led the rabble into a dark grove, in a place called Manchester, where after drawing a Magic circle, with a rusty sword, and collecting his motley crew of latter-demallions, within the centre, he sacrificed a Cock (a bird sacred to Minerva) for the purpose of propiciating the prince of spirits.
-5. All things being ready, the Idle and Slothful fell to work with a zeal deserving a better cause, and many a live long night was spent in digging for "the root of all evil."
-6. Howbeit, owing to the wickedness and hardness of their hearts, these credulous and ignorant knaves, were always disappointed, till finally, their hopes, although frequently on the eve of consummation-like that of [t]he hypocrite perished, and their hearts became faint within them.
-7. And it came to pass, that when the Idle and Slothful became weary of their nightly labors, they said one to another, lo! this imp of the Devil, hath deceived us, let us no more of him, or peradventure, ourselves, our wives, and our little ones, will become chargeable on the town.
-8. Now when Walters the Magician heard these things, he was sorely grieved, and said unto himself, lo! mine occupation is gone, even these ignorant vagabonds, the idle and slothful detect mine impostures. I will away and hide myself, lest the strong arm of the law should bring me to justice.
-9. And he took his book, and his rusty sword, and his magic stone, and his stuffed Toad, and all his implements of witchcraft and retired to the mountains near Great Sodus Bay, where he holds communion with the Devil, even unto this day.
10. Now the rest of the acts of the magician, how his mantle fell upon the prophet Jo. Smith Jun. and how Jo. made a league with the spirit, who afterwards turned out to be an angel, and how he obtained the "Gold Bible," Spectacles, and breast plate-will they not be faithfully recorded in the book of Pukei? (3)
-- 180 years ago - 5, Jun 12, 1830


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Larry E. Morris, I Should Have an Eye Single to the Glory of God: Joseph Smith's Account of the Angel and the Plates

Today in Mormon History - Jun 04

Today in Mormon History ...

[Hinckley] Dedicated Montreal Quebec Temple (1)
-- 10 years ago - 2000 4-Jun

[Wilford Woodruff] Visits northern settlements with Brigham Young party (2)
-- 140 years ago - Jun 4, 1870-24

[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy Smith (daughter) marries Arthur Millikin. (3)
-- 170 years ago - Jun 4, 1840


1 - 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
2 - Kenny, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books

Today in Mormon History - Jun 03

Today in Mormon History ...

First Presidency sets apart John Hafen, Lorus Pratt, and John B. Fairbanks as "art missionaries" to study in France in order to paint murals in interior of Salt Lake temple. They reach Paris on Jul 24. They are joined by Edwin Evans and Herman H. Haag. Enrolled in Julian Acadamy, the art missionaries return to Salt Lake City in 1892 and complete the temple murals. They are not first formally trained Mormon artists, because C. C. A. Christensen (b. 1831) and Danquart A. Weggeland (b. 1827) borh trained at Royal Academy of Art in Copenhagen. Contemporary with these art missionaries are three Julian Academy sculptors of Mormon background. Brigham Young's grandson Mahonri M. Young wins silver medal at Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, creates statue of Brigham Young in U. S. Capitol, and sculpts Salt Lake Temple Square monuments to Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and Miracle of the Seagulls. Cyrus E. Dallin wins gold medal at Panama Exposition and sculpts Angel Moroni s
tatue atop Salt Lake temple and also creates pioneer monument. Least identified with his Mormon parentage of the three, Gutzon Borglum designs and sculpts Mt. Rushmore National Memorial. (1)
-- 120 years ago - Jun 3, 1890

[Plains] Milo Andrus Company begins crossing plains (2)
-- 160 years ago - Jun 3, 1850

Deseret Evening News goes back to original name, The Deseret News. (3)
-- 90 years ago - Jun 3, 1920


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

Today in Mormon History - Jun 02

Today in Mormon History ...

Brigham Young's office journal records: "In the evening Pres[ident] Joseph Young came in and had some conversation with the President upon the Science of music. The President [said] a great deal of the music now played by the world have been composed to play at whore houses, and as the virtues of Nations declined the music sinks with it. he also remarked the music compositors [sic] of the present day introduce [sic] as much discord as possible into their compositions, without actually destroying the rules of music." (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 2, 1860

Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Almira Mack Scobey, daughter of his maternal uncle, Stephen Mack. (2)
-- 175 years ago - Jun 2, 1835

New Bible--A fellow by the name of Joseph Smith, who resides in the upper part of Susquehanna county, has been, for the last two years we are told, employed in dictating, as he says, by inspiration, a new Bible. He pretended that he had been entrusted by God with a golden bible which had been always hidden from the world. Smith would put his face into a hat in which he had a white stone, and pretend to read from it, while his coadjutor transcribed. The book purports to give an account of the "ten tribes" and strange as it may seem, there are some who have full faith in his divine commission. The book, it seems is now published.
-- (3)
-- 180 years ago - Jun 2, 1830


1 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Kenny, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml

Today in Mormon History - Jun 01

Today in Mormon History ...

[Black History] 1860 Census lists 29 slaves in Utah, (1)
-- 150 years ago - Jun 1, 1860

D&C 20: Joseph is the seer called of God and ordained an apostle, an elder of the church; and Oliver, is an apostle, an elder of the church. Joseph's sins were forgiven but he became "entangled again in the vanities of the world." When he repented an angel gave him commandments and power to translate the Book of Mormon. All must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ. Duties of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members. Bless children, baptize at age of accountability. Baptismal prayer, procedure. Church to meet to partake of bread and wine in remembrance of Jesus Christ. Membership records.
The Simsbury mines were worked by prisoners. (2)
-- 180 years ago - 1830 June [1-9]

Speaking at a fourteen-stake fireside at Brigham Young University, Elder Bruce R. McConkie identifies "Seven Deadly Heresies," including: "God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths," "Revealed religion and organic evolution can be harmonized." "There is progression from one kingdom to another in the eternal worlds or, if not that, lower kingdoms eventually progress to where higher kingdoms once were." (3)
-- 30 years ago - Jun 1, 1980.


1 - http://www.xtimeline.com/events.aspx?q=Bif200802111550260291166
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1