Joseph Smith, who had recently filed for bankruptcy, replies to one of his creditors: "The influence this step may have upon our society is a matter we cannot stop to consult, as we had no alternative left."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - (Fri) Jun 30, 1837
Grandison Newell's letter commenting upon the outcome of his prosecution of Joseph Smith was published in the Painesville Telegraph. Newell argued that much incriminating evidence had been presented against Smith, but even he conceded that the hoped-for proof of his case rested only upon circumstantial evidence.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
120 years ago today - Jun 30, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 30 I spent the day in the Office. I met with Br Moses Thatcher & the Logan Band of young Musicians. I met with Brother Tanner. I went to the Theater in the Evening. I finished my Hay Stack at the farm to day.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jun 29, 1842
Joseph Smith marries Eliza R. Snow. Brigham Young performs the ceremony. Eliza's journal entry for this day does not mention the marriage directly but says, "This is a day of much interest to my feelings, . . ." In later years her stake president, Angus Cannon, reports that she responds to the conjecture that her marriage with Joseph Smith was not consummated by saying, "I thought you knew Joseph Smith better than that."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - June 29th 1882
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] "Frank met us at the Ogden station, when Father had a conversation with him, and gave him the advice to go to Logan and clear up, as far as possible, the disgrace which was still attached to his name. Frank promised to do this.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
175 years ago today - --29 [June, 1837].
--Went on board the ship Garrick, and hauled out of the dock.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
170 years ago today - Jun 28, 1842
The endowed quorum meet for prayer.
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
130 years ago today - Jun 28, 1882
"President Taylor offered another [revelation]," available copy of which is dated "end of Jun or very early Jul, 1882." This revelation, third sustained by the Fifty this month, concerns church leaders who comprise "the Kingdom" (Council of Fifty). Text available, but is never canonized or officially published.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
100 years ago today - Jun 28, 1912; Friday
Today an interesting negotiation was concluded by the Deseret Museum. This is the purchase of the old log cabin sometimes known as the Duell [i.e., Osmyn Deuel] house (in reference to its builder) and sometimes as the [Albert] Carrington house (in reference to one of its early owners). The cabin was one of the first to be erected in the Old Fort; in 1849 it was removed from the Old Fort to its present location, -- on the Jacobs property, corner of West Temple and First North streets. It has been purchased by the Church from its present owner, Brother Zebulon Jacobs, and is to be removed to the Vermont Building and set up in its original form.
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
[Source: James E. Talmage, Diary]
170 years ago today - Jun 27, 1842
John C. Bennett writes the first of six letters to be published in the Sangamo Journal. The last would be printed in the September 2nd edition. In his letters he accuses Joseph Smith of numerous sexual improprieties.
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
130 years ago today - Jun 27, 1882
Council of Fifty (which includes First Presidency and Twelve) votes to accept as "the word and will of God" yesterday's revelation on polygamy, as well as another revelation John Taylor dictates this day about the Kingdom of God and its Council of Fifty. Texts of both revelations are available, but never canonized or officially published.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
20 years ago today - Jun 27, 1992.
A Salt Lake Tribune article by Peggy Fletcher Stack reports "ongoing intimidation of Mormon intellectuals," including hate mail received by Martha Sonntag Bradley, BYU faculty member and new coeditor of Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. That night the Mormon Alliance, organized by Paul J. Toscano and Frederick W. Voros to document and in some cases take action on instances of "spiritual abuse," holds its first meeting. It defines spiritual abuse as "the persistent exercise of power by spiritual or ecclesiastical leaders that serves the interests of the leaders to the detriment of the members."
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
170 years ago today - Jun 26, 1842
The endowed quorum meet in the upper room of the Prophet's home and prayed.
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2011 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
130 years ago today - Jun 26, 1882
In morning John Taylor finished dictating revelation he began previous night concerning Celestial Law of plural marriage. The revelation states: "No person, or people, or nation, can enter into the principle of celestial marriage unless they come in by me, saith the Lord, and obey the law of my Gospel through the medium of him who is appointed unto this power . . . Thus saith the Lord God: obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; . . . Concerning the course taken by the United States, they have a right to reject this law themselves, as they have a right to reject the Gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it." The revelation is never canonized
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
5 years ago today - Jun 26, 2007
[Hinckley] Announced Church membership has surpassed 13-million
[Source: 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]
[Source: 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]
130 years ago today - 25-Jun 26, 1882
Revelation to John Taylor at Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, on 25-26 June 1882
Sunday and Monday June 25 and 26, 1882. Celestial Marriage
Question[:] Is the law of Celestial Marriage a law given to this nation or to the world?
Answer[:] No. In no other sense than as the Gospel is given, and in accordance with the laws thereof. So far as it is made known unto men, it is made known unto them as the Gospel is made known unto them and is a part of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and it is only those who receive the Gospel that are able to, or capable of, entering into this covenant. Have I not said through my servant Joseph [Smith] that "all kingdoms are governed by law," and if they receive not the law of my Gospel they cannot participate in the blessings of Celestial Marriage which pertains to mine elect.
No person, or people, or nation can enter into the principle of Celestial Marriage unless they come in by me, saith the Lord, and obey the law of my Gospel through the medium of him who is appointed unto this power as made known unto my people through my servant Joseph [Smith] in a Revelation on "The Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including Plurality of Wives."
I have therein stated that "all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same; for behold! I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory." [D&C 132:3-4] Furthermore, "And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fullness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fullness thereof, must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God." [D&C 132:6]
It is again written that "all kingdoms have a law given." [D&C 88:36] The Celestial Kingdom including the promise of eternal life pertains to "the Church of the First Born, even of God the Holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son" [D&C 88:5] Therefore such must be sanctified from all unrighteousness that they may be prepared for the Celestial Glory, "for he that is not able to abide The Law of a Celestial Kingdom, cannot abide a Celestial Glory; and he who cannot abide the law of a Terrestrial Kingdom cannot abide a Terrestrial Glory; and he who cannot abide the law of a Telestial Kingdom cannot abide a Telestial Glory: therefore he is not meet for a Kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a Kingdom which is not a Kingdom of Glory." [D&C 88:22-24] Each of the persons inhabiting these several Kingdoms shall be quickened by the same power that pertains to the Kingdom that they are destined to inherit, whether Celestial, Terrestrial or Telestial; and shall receive
of their respective glories.
And again it is written, "And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law, and perfected and sanctified by the same. ["]That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment." [D&C 88:34-35]
It is further written, speaking of Celestial Marriage, "And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: - All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made, and entered into, and sealed, by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power, (and I have appointed unto my servant, Joseph [Smith] to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time, on whom this power and the Keys of this Priesthood are conferred,) are of no efficacy, virtue, or force, in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end, have an end when men are dead." [D&C 132:7] This law is a Celestial law and pertains to a Celestial
Kingdom. It is a new and everlasting covenant and appertains to thrones, principalities, powers, dominions, and eternal increase in the Celestial Kingdom of God.
You are not now sent to proclaim this principle to the United States, nor to the World, nor to urge it upon them. It is not for them as a nation or nations, only as many as accept the law of my Gospel and are governed thereby. Behold, if you were to preach this principle unto them and they said, We accept it, Could you then administer it unto them? Verily, I say unto you Nay. Have I not said, Behold! mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name! Or, will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed? And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except it be by law, even as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the world was! "I am the Lord thy God, and I give unto you this commandment, that no man shall come unto the Father but by me, or by my word, which is my law saith the Lord; and everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of
men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God; for whatsoever things remain, are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed.
"Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me, nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world." [D&C 132:9-l5] You ask, what shall we do? Thus saith the Lord God, Obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; but seek in the way appointed to the Lord your God. Ye are my spokesmen, I am your God; and as I have before said, I now again say, Henceforeth do as I shall command you.
Concerning the course taken by the United States they have the liberty a right to reject this law themselves, as they have the liberty a right to reject the Gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it. Therefore abide in my law which I have revealed unto you, saith the Lord God, and contend for your rights by every legal and constitutional method and in accordance with the institutions, laws, and Constitution of the United States. Be humble, be faithful, be diligent, seek unto me and it shall be made known unto you from time to time what my will is pertaining to this matter. I am the Lord your God, hearken to me, and obey my law, and your enemies shall be confounded, and my Kingdom shall be victorious. Even so, Amen.
(Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy)
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
Sunday and Monday June 25 and 26, 1882. Celestial Marriage
Question[:] Is the law of Celestial Marriage a law given to this nation or to the world?
Answer[:] No. In no other sense than as the Gospel is given, and in accordance with the laws thereof. So far as it is made known unto men, it is made known unto them as the Gospel is made known unto them and is a part of the New and Everlasting Covenant, and it is only those who receive the Gospel that are able to, or capable of, entering into this covenant. Have I not said through my servant Joseph [Smith] that "all kingdoms are governed by law," and if they receive not the law of my Gospel they cannot participate in the blessings of Celestial Marriage which pertains to mine elect.
No person, or people, or nation can enter into the principle of Celestial Marriage unless they come in by me, saith the Lord, and obey the law of my Gospel through the medium of him who is appointed unto this power as made known unto my people through my servant Joseph [Smith] in a Revelation on "The Eternity of the Marriage Covenant, including Plurality of Wives."
I have therein stated that "all those who have this law revealed unto them must obey the same; for behold! I reveal unto you a new and an everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory." [D&C 132:3-4] Furthermore, "And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fullness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fullness thereof, must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God." [D&C 132:6]
It is again written that "all kingdoms have a law given." [D&C 88:36] The Celestial Kingdom including the promise of eternal life pertains to "the Church of the First Born, even of God the Holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son" [D&C 88:5] Therefore such must be sanctified from all unrighteousness that they may be prepared for the Celestial Glory, "for he that is not able to abide The Law of a Celestial Kingdom, cannot abide a Celestial Glory; and he who cannot abide the law of a Terrestrial Kingdom cannot abide a Terrestrial Glory; and he who cannot abide the law of a Telestial Kingdom cannot abide a Telestial Glory: therefore he is not meet for a Kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a Kingdom which is not a Kingdom of Glory." [D&C 88:22-24] Each of the persons inhabiting these several Kingdoms shall be quickened by the same power that pertains to the Kingdom that they are destined to inherit, whether Celestial, Terrestrial or Telestial; and shall receive
of their respective glories.
And again it is written, "And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law, and perfected and sanctified by the same. ["]That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment." [D&C 88:34-35]
It is further written, speaking of Celestial Marriage, "And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: - All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made, and entered into, and sealed, by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power, (and I have appointed unto my servant, Joseph [Smith] to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time, on whom this power and the Keys of this Priesthood are conferred,) are of no efficacy, virtue, or force, in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end, have an end when men are dead." [D&C 132:7] This law is a Celestial law and pertains to a Celestial
Kingdom. It is a new and everlasting covenant and appertains to thrones, principalities, powers, dominions, and eternal increase in the Celestial Kingdom of God.
You are not now sent to proclaim this principle to the United States, nor to the World, nor to urge it upon them. It is not for them as a nation or nations, only as many as accept the law of my Gospel and are governed thereby. Behold, if you were to preach this principle unto them and they said, We accept it, Could you then administer it unto them? Verily, I say unto you Nay. Have I not said, Behold! mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion. Will I accept of an offering, saith the Lord, that is not made in my name! Or, will I receive at your hands that which I have not appointed? And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except it be by law, even as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the world was! "I am the Lord thy God, and I give unto you this commandment, that no man shall come unto the Father but by me, or by my word, which is my law saith the Lord; and everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of
men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God; for whatsoever things remain, are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed.
"Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me, nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world." [D&C 132:9-l5] You ask, what shall we do? Thus saith the Lord God, Obey my law, and seek not to become a law unto yourselves, nor trust to outside influences; but seek in the way appointed to the Lord your God. Ye are my spokesmen, I am your God; and as I have before said, I now again say, Henceforeth do as I shall command you.
Concerning the course taken by the United States they have the liberty a right to reject this law themselves, as they have the liberty a right to reject the Gospel; but it is contrary to the provisions of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, for them to prohibit you from obeying it. Therefore abide in my law which I have revealed unto you, saith the Lord God, and contend for your rights by every legal and constitutional method and in accordance with the institutions, laws, and Constitution of the United States. Be humble, be faithful, be diligent, seek unto me and it shall be made known unto you from time to time what my will is pertaining to this matter. I am the Lord your God, hearken to me, and obey my law, and your enemies shall be confounded, and my Kingdom shall be victorious. Even so, Amen.
(Manuscript in John Taylor Papers, LDS archives, typed copy)
[Source: Marquardt, H. Michael, http://www.xmission.com/~research/central/revel2.htm]
170 years ago today - Jun 25, 1842
Joseph Smith writes: "Sat for a drawing of my profile to be placed on a lithograph of the map of the city of Nauvoo." What he understood would be a lithograph turns out two years later to be a zinc engraving measuring 27 inches by 22 inches.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
30 years ago today - Jun 25, 1982
Apostle Boyd K. Packer preaches at seminar for new mission presidents, "The spiritual part of us and the emotional part of us are so closely linked that is possible to mistake an emotional impulse for something spiritual. We occasionally find people who receive what they assume to be spiritual promptings from God, when those promptings are either centered in the emotions or are from the adversary."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
60 years ago today - Jun 24, 1952
Apostle Albert E. Bowen has debilitating stroke during Council of Twelve's temple meeting. He dies next year.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Jun 24, 1882
[Council of Fifty Members] Gibbs, George F. (1846-1924). Appointed reporter, but not member, on 5 April 1882. Admitted 24 June 1882.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, Council of Fifty Members, 1844-1945, BYU Studies 20, #2 (1980)]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, Council of Fifty Members, 1844-1945, BYU Studies 20, #2 (1980)]
5 years ago today - Jun 24, 2007
Church membership has reached 13 million members, President Hinckley announced to 118 mission presidents and their wives during the New Mission Presidents Seminar at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. He also announced that since the organization of the Church in 1830, an estimated one million missionaries have served throughout the world.
[Source: 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]
[Source: 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]
165 years ago today - Jun 23, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23d We travled in the forenoon 8 1/2 miles & nooned by the Sweet water with the mountains piled up near by us. Our road to day has been through A level, sandy, barren sage region for A mountain Country. We travled in the Afternoon 8 1/2 miles & camped on the bank of the Sweetwater whare the road leaves it for about [.]0 miles across the sandy sage plains without water or feed. We had excellent grass for our camp at night. We Are in plain view of the Rocky Mountains at the pass & beyound. We had A vary sandy draging road all day. Whole distance 17 miles.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 years ago today - Jun 23, 1982
Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley tells Mission Presidents Seminar, "I plead with you to train and motivate your missionaries to the point of view that it is converts that they are out to win rather than numbers of baptisms for the sake of a good statistical record."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jun 23, 1892
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
My son George Albert [Smith] left for his mission to the Southern States this morning. I went to Ogden with him.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
My son George Albert [Smith] left for his mission to the Southern States this morning. I went to Ogden with him.
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
More History?
Want more Mormon history? Check out LDS-Church-History, a topical approach to the history of the church. Topics from the past have included Tithing, the Word of Wisdom, Z.C.M.I. and Dreams in Latter-day Saint history. More info can be found here: http://bit.ly/ldshst
155 years ago today - Jun 22, 1857
[Brigham Young Letter] Bishop I.C. Haight -- I this morning received your letter ... also a letter from Richard Palmer, dated June 10th. Bro. Richard is at liberty to marry whenever he had an opportunity, provided his former wife was not Sealed to him; if She was he will have to wait until a "Bill" can be obtained from this office; Even, if you think proper, you may marry him previous to getting a "bill" from here, provided he makes immediate application for one. Bro. Hunt had better get a Bill from the Probate Court. The Girl is not at liberty to join the church again until you Shall become really convinced that her repentance is Sincere, which I think will not be for Some time to come. As to your question, "Shall I rebaptize those who have Sinned Since they were Catachised & rebaptized," no not until they bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
[Source: Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Letters of Brigham Young--Excerpts, 1856-1866, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Jun 22, 1897
First plural marriages performed in Mexico by (verified) written authority of First Presidency since 1892 and the first performed by stake president Anthony W. Ivins. He is the best-known officiator for post-Manifesto polygamous marriages in Mexico.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Jun 22, 1847
Be assured Brethren - that I am with you in Spirit - heart and hand & [illegible] willing to do every thing that lies in my power to help the Brethren of my Corum to build up the Church and kingdom of god and wherein I have offended to heal every wound god being my helper I hope Brother Brigham will forgive me for I have said many hard things . . . I know him to be a man of god he Shall never Complain of me hearafter [hereafter] ...
[Source: William Smith to Orson Hyde]
[Source: William Smith to Orson Hyde]
75 years ago today - Jun 21, 1937
[George F. Richards diary, June 21, 1937] Pres[ident] [David O.] McKay also said that he would formulate a letter to all Stake Presidents informing them that living baptisms in the Temples should be discontinued. I suggested that Temple Presidents be also notified.
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
165 years ago today - Jun 21, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 21st June 1847 {INDEPENDANCE ROCK) I arose early this morning took breakfast And in company with Br Brown we rode clear around Independance Rock. I should judge the distance to be about 3/4 of A mile. We exhamined the many names & lists of names of the trappers, traders, travellers, & eme-grants which are painted upon these rocks. Nearly all the names were put on with read, Black & yellow paint. Some had washed out & defaced. The greatest number was put on within A few Years. Some of them were quite plain of about 30 years standing. Nearly all the Companies pass by put some of their names on the rock.
After going around and exhamining it we staked our horses And mounted the rock. I went forward & gained the highest point of the South end of the Rock which contains the names. After exhamining it I then went to the North end which is the highest part of the rock. Here is An opening or cavern that would contain 30 or 40 persons And A rock stands on the highest peak of about 3 tons wait. We got upon this rock & offered up our prayers according to the order of the priesthood. We prayed earnestly for the blessings of God to r[est?] upon President Young & his brethren the Twelve & all of the Pioneer Camp & the whole Camp of Israel & House of Israel, our wives & children, & relatives the Mormon Battalion, all the Churches Abroad And that the Lord would hasten the time of the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, & Moroni And all the sayings of the Lord concerning the building up of Zions in the last days And Avenging the blood of the Prophets. And while offering up our prayers the spirit of the Lord desended upon us and we truly felt to rejoice.
And while we were attending to our prayers the Missourians was burying A woman A little distance from the rock by the name of Rachel Morgan 25 years of Age being the third one of the family buried on the road. They were supposed to be poisoned by cooking in new Copper vessels.
After surveying the rock what we wished we again desended to the ground. I was the first Latter Day Saint that ever went onto that Rock or offered up prayers according to the order of the Priesthood.
We had A view of our Camp from this rock And expected they would noon there. So we mounted our horses & concluded to examine the country in the regions round about. We rode to the North East about 5 miles. Went to the top of a high bluff And saw the camp in motion. We then rode to the foot of the Mountain to the N.W. & followed under the foot of the mountain All of the way to the Devils gate through which the sweet water runs.
While taking this circuitous rout we passed A salt lake Covering about 50 acres of Ground. We spent but few minutes at the Devils gate at this time & Hurried on back to the Rock as our camp had come up.
But before we could get to them they had camped half a mile east of the Rock. I met Br Young going up to the Rock. I related to him my travels since I left the camp. He asked me to go back with him to the rock, So I turned out my horse having rode all of 20 miles during the forenoon exhamining bare rugged rocks & barren grounds, & Salt ponds &c And I returned with President Young W Richards G. A Smith & others & we again ascended the rock together & spent about half an hour upon it & returned to Camp mounted our horses & rode to the Devils gate which is the name of the channel through the Mountain through which the sweet waters run.
It is [4/5?] miles from Indipendance Rock & while Approaching this place from the rock As is the case while approaching the foot of any mountain through this country A person is greatly decieved in the distance for while An object appears but a mile Ahead of you you will have to ride 5 or 6 before you can reach it.
We rode as far as we could into the gate hitched our horses & walked into about the centre of the cavern. This opening or Devils gate is 100 feet high. Perpendicular Rocks 120 feet wide & 50 rods long & the water rushes through it with A roar. The rocks are composed [of] coarse grey granite with A vein of Black trap rock runing through it. We spent about half an hour visiting this place then had to back out & ride around it on the south side. Some of the footman walked over the top of it.
We camped for the night on the bank of the sweet water About one mile west of the Devils gate the camp having travled during the day 15 1/4 miles And I 30 miles. Distance to guide board was put up at the gate saying it was 175 1/4 miles from the Fort Laramie, & 50 1/4 from the ford or ferry of the Platt River. /15 1/4 30 miles./
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
After going around and exhamining it we staked our horses And mounted the rock. I went forward & gained the highest point of the South end of the Rock which contains the names. After exhamining it I then went to the North end which is the highest part of the rock. Here is An opening or cavern that would contain 30 or 40 persons And A rock stands on the highest peak of about 3 tons wait. We got upon this rock & offered up our prayers according to the order of the priesthood. We prayed earnestly for the blessings of God to r[est?] upon President Young & his brethren the Twelve & all of the Pioneer Camp & the whole Camp of Israel & House of Israel, our wives & children, & relatives the Mormon Battalion, all the Churches Abroad And that the Lord would hasten the time of the fulfillment of his promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lehi, Nephi, Alma, & Moroni And all the sayings of the Lord concerning the building up of Zions in the last days And Avenging the blood of the Prophets. And while offering up our prayers the spirit of the Lord desended upon us and we truly felt to rejoice.
And while we were attending to our prayers the Missourians was burying A woman A little distance from the rock by the name of Rachel Morgan 25 years of Age being the third one of the family buried on the road. They were supposed to be poisoned by cooking in new Copper vessels.
After surveying the rock what we wished we again desended to the ground. I was the first Latter Day Saint that ever went onto that Rock or offered up prayers according to the order of the Priesthood.
We had A view of our Camp from this rock And expected they would noon there. So we mounted our horses & concluded to examine the country in the regions round about. We rode to the North East about 5 miles. Went to the top of a high bluff And saw the camp in motion. We then rode to the foot of the Mountain to the N.W. & followed under the foot of the mountain All of the way to the Devils gate through which the sweet water runs.
While taking this circuitous rout we passed A salt lake Covering about 50 acres of Ground. We spent but few minutes at the Devils gate at this time & Hurried on back to the Rock as our camp had come up.
But before we could get to them they had camped half a mile east of the Rock. I met Br Young going up to the Rock. I related to him my travels since I left the camp. He asked me to go back with him to the rock, So I turned out my horse having rode all of 20 miles during the forenoon exhamining bare rugged rocks & barren grounds, & Salt ponds &c And I returned with President Young W Richards G. A Smith & others & we again ascended the rock together & spent about half an hour upon it & returned to Camp mounted our horses & rode to the Devils gate which is the name of the channel through the Mountain through which the sweet waters run.
It is [4/5?] miles from Indipendance Rock & while Approaching this place from the rock As is the case while approaching the foot of any mountain through this country A person is greatly decieved in the distance for while An object appears but a mile Ahead of you you will have to ride 5 or 6 before you can reach it.
We rode as far as we could into the gate hitched our horses & walked into about the centre of the cavern. This opening or Devils gate is 100 feet high. Perpendicular Rocks 120 feet wide & 50 rods long & the water rushes through it with A roar. The rocks are composed [of] coarse grey granite with A vein of Black trap rock runing through it. We spent about half an hour visiting this place then had to back out & ride around it on the south side. Some of the footman walked over the top of it.
We camped for the night on the bank of the sweet water About one mile west of the Devils gate the camp having travled during the day 15 1/4 miles And I 30 miles. Distance to guide board was put up at the gate saying it was 175 1/4 miles from the Fort Laramie, & 50 1/4 from the ford or ferry of the Platt River. /15 1/4 30 miles./
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Jun 21, 1892
Sister Sarah M. Kimball, signs the following statement: "At a Relief Society Meeting held Apr 28, 1842, I heard the Prophet Joseph make this statement. While other leading men of the Church have been unrighteously aspiring, Heber C. Kimball has been true and is to me what John was to Jesus, my beloved disciple. Brother Kimball showed me a rod that the Lord through the Prophet Joseph had given to him. He said that when he wanted to find out anything that was his right to know, all he had to do was to kneel down with the rod in his hand, and that sometimes the Lord would answer his questions before he had time to ask them. My mother and my sister, Helen Mar, told me the same thing and added to it, that Pres. Young received a similar rod from the Lord at the same time. They claimed that these rods were given to them because they were the only ones of the original Twelve who had not lifted up their heels against the Prophet."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
20 years ago today - Jun 20, 1992
DESERET NEWS reports Pulitzer Prize historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich has received MacArthur fellowship, "the genius prize."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - --20 [June, 1837].
--We visited Uncle Leadbetter, Sisters Wealthy Richards and Nancy Pierson.
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
[Source: Willard Richards Journal]
30 years ago today - Jun 20, 1982
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings in Royal Albert Hall in London, England.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
120 years ago today - Jun 19, 1892
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Sunday. I attended Sunday School and at 12 noon met with a number of Brethren, including five of my sons, viz., Marriner, Hazen, Alma, Charley, and Willie, and organized two Prayer Circles; Bishop W. L. Skidmore President of No. 1, with William Merrill Clerk, and Counselor Hyer President of No. 2, with Charles E. Merrill Clerk. I was mouth in the Circle.
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jun 19, 1887
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] The event of the week is Penrose's return from Washington with amendments which if placed in a Constitution will enable men, statesmen to advocate our, Utah's admission as a state & which Pres[iden]t Cleveland can favor. These have been presented approved by brethren selected, then by the Presidency & central Ter. Committee have issued call for Mass Conventions for Sat. 25 in all the counties of Utah to elect Delegates to a constitutional Convention to get up a Constitution.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jun 19, 1862
The U.S. Congress passes "An Act to secure Freedom to all Persons within the Territories of the United States" which emancipates all slaves held in the U.S. Territories. This ends slavery in Utah Territory where it was legalized ten years earlier by the Utah Territorial Legislature. Years later two former Utah slaves recall, -the joyful expressions which were upon the faces of all the slaves, when they ascertained that they had acquired their freedom through the fortunes of war.-
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Jun 19, 1932
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] This evening I attended meeting and spoke nearly an hour in the Fourth Ward. I notified Brother Nicholas G. Smith after the afternoon meeting that he was to be sustained this evening as a patriarch for the Salt Lake Stake and that until the Presiding Patriarch is chosen we want him to bless any of the missionaries who desire a patriarchal blessing and people who come in from outside of the Stakes.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jun 18, 1842
[Brigham Young] --18-- A special meeting was held, at which several thousands of the citizens of Nauvoo assembled, near the temple. They were addressed by the Prophet on the subject of the impositions practiced upon our immigration by land speculators, who frequently sold them lands to which they had no title, and other subjects. I was appointed, in connection with Brothers H. [Heber] C. Kimball, Hyrum Smith and Geo. [George] A. Smith, as a committee to wait upon the immigrants, and give them counsel and aid in procuring them places on which to settle.
--26 (Sunday)-- I addressed the Saints on the principle of union in building up the city, and sustaining the poor by providing labor for them. Six p.m. I attended council at Brother Joseph's, to take into consideration the situation of the pine country and lumbering business, and other subjects of importance to the Church; after which we spent a season in prayer that the Lord would deliver us from the power of our enemies, and provide means for us to build houses as he had commanded his people.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
--26 (Sunday)-- I addressed the Saints on the principle of union in building up the city, and sustaining the poor by providing labor for them. Six p.m. I attended council at Brother Joseph's, to take into consideration the situation of the pine country and lumbering business, and other subjects of importance to the Church; after which we spent a season in prayer that the Lord would deliver us from the power of our enemies, and provide means for us to build houses as he had commanded his people.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
165 years ago today - Jun 18, 1847
Brigham Young "deliverd A short lecture which was interesting & instructive, And said that when He gave A man council He did not want him to reject that Council or to bring up many arguments to try to Alter it for when A man did it I will turn on my heal & leave him." William Clayton records, "The president preached a short sermon for the benefit of the young elders. He represented them as being continually grasping at things ahead of them which belong to others instead of seeking to bring up those which are behind them. He said the way for young elders to enlarge their dominion and power is to go to the world and preach and then they can get a train and bring it up to the house of the Lord with them &c." Eliza R. Snow writes: " I spoke to br. H[unter] in the gift of tongues, sis. S[essions] interpreted, after which br. H[unter], sis. S[essions] & I laid hands on sis. H[unter]'s head and rebuk'd her illness & blessed her. I then sang a song to them & sis. S[essions] sang the interpretation. Susanna present & arose & bless'd sis. H[unter]."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Jun 18, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 18 I was vary weak this Morning but began to feel some Better And Concluded to try to start home. My situation was vary Critical yet I got into the Carriage & started on my Journal [Journey]. This whole affair was vary trying on Emma my wife. I began to recover as soon as I Started & I rode all the way to Kanarrah without Stoping. I stoped with Brother Barres for the night. Brother Cannon went on to Parawan to Attend Conference. 30 M.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jun 17, 1842
Heber C. Kimball writes to Parley P. Pratt: "We have organized a Lodge here of Masons since we obtained a Charter. That was in Mar. Since that thare was near two hundred been made masons. Br. Joseph and Sidny [Ridgon] was the first that was Received into the Lodg. All of the twelve apostles have become members Except Orson Pratt. He hangs back. He will wake up soon, thare is a similarity of preas Hood [priesthood] in Masonry. Bro. Joseph Ses Masonry was taken from preasthood but has become degenerated. But menny things are perfect."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
10 years ago today - Jun 17, 2002
[U.S. Religious History] Decided: Watchtower Society v. Village of Stratton
Should people going door-to-door for solicitations, canvassing, etc. be required to get a permit first? The Jehovah's Witnesses don't think so, and challenged just such a law in the Village of Stratton, Ohio. The 6th Circuit Court decided against them, but the case will soon be decided by the Supreme Court.
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
Should people going door-to-door for solicitations, canvassing, etc. be required to get a permit first? The Jehovah's Witnesses don't think so, and challenged just such a law in the Village of Stratton, Ohio. The 6th Circuit Court decided against them, but the case will soon be decided by the Supreme Court.
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
180 years ago today - Jun 17, 1832
David Wyman Patten: Ordained elder 17 June 1832 by Elisha H. Groves.
[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
175 years ago today - (Sun) Jun 16, 1837
The Painesville Telegraph, an advocate of the prosecution of Smith, made a brief mention of the Mormon leader's acquittal.
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
50 years ago today - Jun 16, 1962
Wally Joyner, later a professional baseball player and the first rookie ever to be voted to start in the all-star game, is born in Atlanta, Georgia.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
170 years ago today - Jun 16, 1842
[Joseph Smith] The Masonic Lodge publishes a bulletin confirming that John C. Bennett is an expelled Mason.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Jun 15, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15 Wilford Woodruff had 36 of his Fathers Houshold Adopted to the Prophet Joseph Smith Begining with Aphek Woodruff & his two wives Bulah Thompson & Azubah Hart Grand Father Eldad Woodruff & his five Sons Eldad, Samuel Titus & Ozem & two Daughters Elizabeth & Hellen Also Grand Father Thompson & wife Anna Hart & Asahel Hart & 3 wives. I had 36 sealing Also at the Altar.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jun 15, 1862
The "Morrisite war" ends when the Mormon posse storms the Morrisite compound. While spectators watch from the hillside the posse enters the compound. Joseph Morris is killed when he resists arrest and two women are "accidentally" killed in the process. Robert T. Burton, leader of the posse, is indicted eight years later for murder of Morris and others but the indictment is quashed by the U.S. Supreme Court. In 1879 Burton is again indicted and brought to trial for the murder of one of the women. A "mixed" jury of Mormons and non-Mormons finds him not guilty.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Jun 15, 1862
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 15 Dr Dunyon Came in from South webber at 3 oclok. No particular News. Eli B Kelsey spoke in the morning followed by John Taylor. Presidet Young Preached the funeral Sermon of Jared Smith who was shot by the morrisites. He attended the meeting in the Tabernacle. G. D. Watt spoke followed by President Young. I met with my Quorum in the morning. R. L. Campbell Prayed. A Ivins was mouth. I met with G. A. Smith & John Taylor for prayer. John Taylor Prayed & G. A. Smith was mouth.
The Battle Commenced with the Morrisites Early in the morning. The 12 pounder was used with good Effect through the day. [ ] Miller Came down as a messenger. Left at 1 oclok with a dispatch. At about dark Morris sent a flag of truce and offered to surrender. Said they had stacked there Arms. Burton went down to take Charge of them with about 50 men. When they Came into the room whare Morris was, Morris made a speech & Col Burton told him to stop. He did not wish to hear him Preach. Then John Banks arose & said to his followers all who are willing to stand by The Prophet Joseph Morris signify it by raising the right hand. All his followers raised his right hand, & then rushed to sieze there arms. Two obtained their arms & shot Peter Wahlen abought 25 years of age 6 feet 2 inches High through the Head and He fell dead. Then Morris was shot dead through the Heart and John Banks was shot through the throat supposed mortally. They then surrendered as prisioners. They then surrendered themselves up prisioners 1 [ ] Men.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Battle Commenced with the Morrisites Early in the morning. The 12 pounder was used with good Effect through the day. [ ] Miller Came down as a messenger. Left at 1 oclok with a dispatch. At about dark Morris sent a flag of truce and offered to surrender. Said they had stacked there Arms. Burton went down to take Charge of them with about 50 men. When they Came into the room whare Morris was, Morris made a speech & Col Burton told him to stop. He did not wish to hear him Preach. Then John Banks arose & said to his followers all who are willing to stand by The Prophet Joseph Morris signify it by raising the right hand. All his followers raised his right hand, & then rushed to sieze there arms. Two obtained their arms & shot Peter Wahlen abought 25 years of age 6 feet 2 inches High through the Head and He fell dead. Then Morris was shot dead through the Heart and John Banks was shot through the throat supposed mortally. They then surrendered as prisioners. They then surrendered themselves up prisioners 1 [ ] Men.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Jun 14, 1887
Twenty-five of Heber C. Kimball's sixty-five children pose for a photograph on their late father's 86th birthday. Kimball had forty-three wives but had children by only seventeen of them.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
60 years ago today - Jun 14, 1952
Twenty-year-old David B. Bleak, unarmed LDS medic in Korean War, "while attempting to cross the first-swept area to attend the wounded, he came under hostile fire from a small group of the enemy concealed in a trench. Entering the trench he closed with the enemy, killed 2 with bare hands and a third with his trench knife. Moving from the emplacement, he saw a concussion grenade fall in front of a companion and, quickly shifting his position, shielded the man from the impact of the blast. Later, while ministering to the wounded, he was struck by a hostile bullet but, despite the wound, he undertook to evacuate a wounded comrade. As he moved down the hill with his heavy burden, he was attacked by 2 enemy soldiers with fixed bayonets. Closing with the agressors, he grabbed them and smashed their heads together, then carried his helpless comrade down the hill to safety." That is the explanation for the Congressional Medal of Honor which Bleak receives in 1953.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Jun 14, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 14, 1892 I spent the day in the Temple. W Woodruff had 130 Adoptions to him to day.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jun 14, 1862
A heavy rain keeps either side from doing much damage in the "Morrisite war" in Weber County, Utah. The Mormon posse is reinforced by an additional cannon. One member of the posse writes that cannon fire "made the mountains tremble and intimated to the yet deluded people that there was a little more thunder in store for them on the morrow."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Jun 14, 1842
Brigham Young, 1842-06-14, marries (aged 41); Lucy Ann Decker (1822-1890) (aged 20); abandoned by non-Mormon husband William Seeley (not divorced); 7 children. This is the first fully dated polygamous marriage performed by Joseph Smith, and Young is the 3rd man to polygamously marry.
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
55 years ago today - Thu Jun 13, 1957
[David O. McKay Office Journal] [At the conclusion of 6 pages of transcribed telephone conversations between McKay and several others (including Marion G. Romney and Lowell Bennion) about the general rumor that a Marshall family of Fillmore had Negro ancestry, McKay makes the following decision in a telephone call to the stake president:] I called President Roy D. Olpin of the Millar Stake at Fillmore, Utah, and he later reached me in the evening at my home, and I discussed with him the matter of a recommend for the young couple--Paul Anderson and Joyce Marshall. Since there is no absolute proof of Negro blood, I am going to give Miss Marshall the benefit of doubt. "All that you have (President Olpin), and that the others have is hearsay. So if they are otherwise worthy, you may inform the Bishop to issue a recommend to the young couple." President Olpin answered, "Oh, thank you, because they are worthy! We haven't any better people than the Marshall family in the ward."
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
105 years ago today - Jun 13, 1907
The Des Moines REGISTER AND LEADER reports an interview Julius Chambers had with Emma Smith Bidamon, widow of Joseph Smith, in the summer of 1872: "Mrs. Smith was a sincere believer in her husband's faith. . . . I asked if she ever had seen those plates, or the miraculous pair of spectacles, known in Mormon history as 'Urim and Thummim.' She had not; but they veritable existed"
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
150 years ago today - Jun 13, 1862
With authorization of Utah's acting governor Frank Fuller, a military-sized (between 200 and 1000 men) Mormon "posse" attacks schismatic community of Joseph Morris in Weber County, Utah. The "Morrisites" had imprisoned three apostate "spies." When negotiations stall the posse fires a cannon into the Morrisite congregation killing two women and leaving seventeen-year-old Mary Christofferson's chin dangling by a flap of skin. The Morrisites return fire and the "Morrisite war" begins.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - After Jun 13, 1837
Heber C. Kimball has visions of evil spirits in England.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
165 years ago today - Jun 12, 1847
[Nauvoo Temple] The Warsaw Signal reported that the Catholic Church had agreed to purchase the Temple for $75,000.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
110 years ago today - Jun 12, 1902; Thursday
Meeting of First Presidency and Apostles. ...
On motion of Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith, the duties of visiting and looking after the Papago Indians in Maricopa [Arizona] Stake were assigned to President William R. Hakes, and the sum of $1,000 a year was allowed him, as mission maintenance, instead of $1,200 allowed to the late Bro[ther]. Rogers. In his letter Bro[ther]. Hakes intimated that the Mission could now be sustained for less than the usual appropriation, hence the reduction. ...
Pres[iden]t. [Joseph F.] Smith brought to the attention of the Council that Sister Susa Y. Gates had been invited to become a delegate to the international Council of Women to beheld at Copenhagen [Denmark]. As Sister Gates had not the means to pay the expenses of such a trip it was a question with her whether she could accept the invitation or not, but intimated that if the Deseret News would furnish transportation to new York, for which she could supply the paper with correspondence; and if the Relief Society and Young Ladies Association each gave her $100., she thought she could make the trip. President Smith desired the mind of the brethren in regard to the matter.
It was the mind of the Council that the Presidency let the Societies named, also the Deseret News know that they had no objection to their aiding Sister Gates in the manner indicated.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
On motion of Bro[ther]. John Henry Smith, the duties of visiting and looking after the Papago Indians in Maricopa [Arizona] Stake were assigned to President William R. Hakes, and the sum of $1,000 a year was allowed him, as mission maintenance, instead of $1,200 allowed to the late Bro[ther]. Rogers. In his letter Bro[ther]. Hakes intimated that the Mission could now be sustained for less than the usual appropriation, hence the reduction. ...
Pres[iden]t. [Joseph F.] Smith brought to the attention of the Council that Sister Susa Y. Gates had been invited to become a delegate to the international Council of Women to beheld at Copenhagen [Denmark]. As Sister Gates had not the means to pay the expenses of such a trip it was a question with her whether she could accept the invitation or not, but intimated that if the Deseret News would furnish transportation to new York, for which she could supply the paper with correspondence; and if the Relief Society and Young Ladies Association each gave her $100., she thought she could make the trip. President Smith desired the mind of the brethren in regard to the matter.
It was the mind of the Council that the Presidency let the Societies named, also the Deseret News know that they had no objection to their aiding Sister Gates in the manner indicated.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
150 years ago today - Jun 12, 1862
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12 This morning a company of about 300 men left this City for South webber all armed for war Infantry Cavalry & artilery Called out by order of the acting Govornor of Utah Secretary Fuller on the demand of Judge Kinny who has issued warrants against Mr Morris the fals prophet & his Council John Banks & Richards Cook & they have resisted the officers and threatened the lives of all who should serve the writ.
I Wilford Woodruff sen was born on sunday March first 1807. I spent the day in the office Compiling History.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Wilford Woodruff sen was born on sunday March first 1807. I spent the day in the office Compiling History.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jun 12, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 12th I started in the morning to go forward in company with Br A. P. Rockwood who was riding President Young Stud when suddenly he sprung upon my horse but instead of striking my horse he took my knee into his Jaw & bruised me considerable. Sunk one tooth to the bone through three thicknesses of clothing & one of them buck skin.
G A Smith & myself then rode on to the ferrying ground & found our detachment ferrying over the Missouri Company. They Paid the Brethren $1.50 cts per each waggon & load, & Paid in flour at $2.50 per cwt. Generally flour is considerd worth at the fort[s?] through this country at least $10 per cwt.
It was difficult getting over the river. They carried the goods over in a boat & drew the waggons over by hand with ropes but when the curant struck them they would freequently rool several times over in the watter & smash their bows out. They also came near drowning their Horses And one man would have been lost if the brethren had not picked him out with the boat.
We saw also on the road whare the Company had a run away of their teams. A Horse came runing among them & frightened their oxen And they all started to run. Two run up onto A bank & turned both waggons over with women & Children in & bruised them much, smashed Jars crockery, dishes, boxes & sundrys to peaces. One team run into the river & would probably have drowned & lost all had not A little boy Jumped out beside the off ox which frightend him & He out run the other hawed off & run onto a sand bar. He However kicked the boy against the wheel & the wheel knocked [him] down into the water which hurt him. But the seene ended without any loss of life.
The Blacksmiths had been to work for the Missouri Company. Got flour money &c.
The company of 4 traiders had camped near the brethren. Our hunters had been busily engaged in getting game. They had killed 5 fat buffalo 4 Bear one old she bear & 3 cubs, & shot at 2 griselly bear but did not get them. Those killed were the black bear. Saw A plenty of Antilope deer Elk & Mountain Sheep. The mountains near us Abound with Bear & other game. I found some buffalo meet the Hunters were not agoing to save, So I Cut out of the hump of A Buffalo about 40 lbs of good fat stake & spread it to dry. Also tryed out about 8 lbs of good tallow.
I visited the traiders Camp. They also was drying fine fat Buffalo. One of the bears feet that was killed measured 7 1/2 inches long 5 inch wide 2 1/2 inch thick. Two toe nails 2 3/4 inch long 3/4 inch wide. Our Hunters brought into Camp 8 Anti-lope. The camp came up & camped within one mile of the ferry ground in good feed. Had travled 11 1/4 miles. 11 1/4 m.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G A Smith & myself then rode on to the ferrying ground & found our detachment ferrying over the Missouri Company. They Paid the Brethren $1.50 cts per each waggon & load, & Paid in flour at $2.50 per cwt. Generally flour is considerd worth at the fort[s?] through this country at least $10 per cwt.
It was difficult getting over the river. They carried the goods over in a boat & drew the waggons over by hand with ropes but when the curant struck them they would freequently rool several times over in the watter & smash their bows out. They also came near drowning their Horses And one man would have been lost if the brethren had not picked him out with the boat.
We saw also on the road whare the Company had a run away of their teams. A Horse came runing among them & frightened their oxen And they all started to run. Two run up onto A bank & turned both waggons over with women & Children in & bruised them much, smashed Jars crockery, dishes, boxes & sundrys to peaces. One team run into the river & would probably have drowned & lost all had not A little boy Jumped out beside the off ox which frightend him & He out run the other hawed off & run onto a sand bar. He However kicked the boy against the wheel & the wheel knocked [him] down into the water which hurt him. But the seene ended without any loss of life.
The Blacksmiths had been to work for the Missouri Company. Got flour money &c.
The company of 4 traiders had camped near the brethren. Our hunters had been busily engaged in getting game. They had killed 5 fat buffalo 4 Bear one old she bear & 3 cubs, & shot at 2 griselly bear but did not get them. Those killed were the black bear. Saw A plenty of Antilope deer Elk & Mountain Sheep. The mountains near us Abound with Bear & other game. I found some buffalo meet the Hunters were not agoing to save, So I Cut out of the hump of A Buffalo about 40 lbs of good fat stake & spread it to dry. Also tryed out about 8 lbs of good tallow.
I visited the traiders Camp. They also was drying fine fat Buffalo. One of the bears feet that was killed measured 7 1/2 inches long 5 inch wide 2 1/2 inch thick. Two toe nails 2 3/4 inch long 3/4 inch wide. Our Hunters brought into Camp 8 Anti-lope. The camp came up & camped within one mile of the ferry ground in good feed. Had travled 11 1/4 miles. 11 1/4 m.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
105 years ago today - Jun 11, 1907
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "At 5 P.M. Pliny T Sexton called for us with a nice carriage and drove us to his office to inspect the Printers (Sic) copy of the first edition of the B. of M. He treated us very well and on being informed that we had bought the Chapman farm said he was glad and further said the Hill Cumorah would likely come to us some day."
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
110 years ago today - Jun 11, 1902
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund to John D. T. McAllister, June 11, 1902] In answer to yours of the 29th ult, we would say that under the following ruling by the Council of First Presidency and Apostles you would be authorized to administer Second Anointings in behalf of deceased women, after receiving the usual Special temple recommends in their favor signed by the Stake President and endorsed by the President of the Church. * Ruling. * No person, Males or female, living or dead, can receive [the] highest blessings in the House of the Lord without [a] special recommend for this purpose signed by the President of the Stake and endorsed by the President of the Church. The recommend, for dead as well as living, should be based on competent evidence of faithfulness and, in cases of those who are not members of the Church at their death, on evidence of their chaste and moral conduct in life. Any woman who has been sealed, in life or by proxy, to a worthy man, whether she has lived with him or not, may have the privilege of being anointed to him, provided he has had his Second Anointings.
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
170 years ago today - Jun 11, 1842
[Nauvoo Temple] James Whitehead added as a clerk to the Temple Recorders staff. Later John P. McEwan was appointed assistant clerk. On this date William Player also set the first plinth, or moonstone, on the southeast corner. The moonstones were deeply carved relief of a crescent moon, facing downward, with a man's face in profile. Each stone was cut from solid stone. The first plinth was cut by William Jones.
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
170 years ago today - Jun 11, 1842
Joseph Smith publishes the "Mormon Creed" in THE WASP: "Mormon Creed - To mind their own business and let everyone else DO LIKEWISE."
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
[Source: Advent Adam website (defunct) - based on http://amzn.to/originsofpower]
15 years ago today - Jun 10, 1997
[Same-Sex Marriage] ITT Sheratons Hawaii Region announces that it is terminating its membership in the Hawaii Business Health Council because it (1) was unaware of the letter to the Governor of Hawaii or the organizations position regarding reciprocal benefits and the same-sex marriage legislation, (2) was not advised or consulted on the matter addressed in the letter, and (3) had not seen the letter.
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
[Source: Crapo, Richley, Chronology Of Mormon / LDS Involvement In Same-Sex Marriage Politics http://www.mormonsocialscience.org/?q=node/59]
30 years ago today - Jun 10, 1982
[Equal Rights Amemdment] Despite an extension of time until 10 June 1982, proponents of ERA could not achieve the necessary thirty-eight state ratifications. National polls consistently showed the majority of Americans in favor of the amendment. However, opponents -- who ranged from the John Birch Society and Phyllis Shafley's STOP ERA, to conservatives throughout the political spectrum of Protestant-Catholic-Mormon-Jews -- combined successfully to defeat the amendment.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Equal Rights Amemdment, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/e/EQUALRIGHTS.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Equal Rights Amemdment, http://www.media.utah.edu/UHE/e/EQUALRIGHTS.html]
130 years ago today - Jun 10, 1882
Levi Ward Hancock: Died in Washington, Washington County, Utah, 10 June 1882.
[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
10 years ago today - Jun 9, 2002
[General] The first branch of the Church in the Republic of Georgia was formed in Tbilisi.
[Source: 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]
[Source: 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]
170 years ago today - Jun 9, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph speaks to the Female Relief Society in the grove. He tells the sisters that they must be more particular in accepting new members and should accept no one unless they present a petition signed by at least two or three other members. Joseph tells the sisters that they need better fellowship, more mercy and compassion, and less self-righteousness (which is a principle of the devil), and that there must be no strife among them.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
80 years ago today - Jun 9, 1932
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Reached the office at nine o'clock, busy until ten o'clock when I attended the regular weekly meeting of the Presidency and Apostles in the temple. This meeting lasted until nearly 4:30. We were discussing principally the depression and the necessity of some special organization being effected and work done to take care of those who are out of employment and in financial distress needing help.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jun 8, 1837
[General] Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon resign their positions in the Kirtland Safety Society, sell their interests and walk away from the institution.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Jun 8, 1842
[Nauvoo Temple] Work commenced in late-Spring 1842 and progress was slow until the arrival during the month of William W. Player, a master stone mason from England, who came specifically to Nauvoo to work on the Temple. On this date he began supervision of the masonry work and under his leadership the work accelerated. His assistant was Edward Miller. These men worked from the first of three cranes erected during the temple's construction. The men who attended the first crane were Tarlton Lewis, Archibald Hill, John Hill, Hans C. Hanson and Charles W. Patten. Thomas Travis mixed the mortar, often with the assistance of the "tithing hands" (men who donated their time every tenth day).
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
105 years ago today - Jun 8, 1907
[General] Missionary, and future member of the First Presidency, Hugh B. Brown writes to his future wife: "Zina, are you still as undecided as when I left you in regard to our future and your feelings toward me? I feel that if I knew I would be more contented and being assured of "sunshine" in the future the clouds of the present would not seem so heavy; excuse me for pressing the question but suspense and indecision are not pleasant." Zina Y. Card replies, "I don't feel like I could decide so important a question now, Hugh. . . . You cannot blame me for wanting to stay perfectly free in that direction for a long time or until I feel sure that I am making no more mistakes." They are married on Jun 17, 1908 by President Joseph F. Smith.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
165 years ago today - Jun 8, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8th We travled 6 3/4 miles & nooned upon A small creek with little water & fair grass. We formed A company of men & went forward of the teams & cleaned the road of stone. We used pick Axes, bars, spades &c. It was A great help to our week waggons. The road was exceding Hilly & mountaineous.
In the Afternoon we travled 8 3/4 over the most mountaineous road we have had on the rout. We then desended into A valley & camped for the night on Labent Creek with an abundance of timber water & good grass. We saw nothing of the Mo companies.
Br John Higby went forward Hunting & saw them when they started out, & they had such strife one with another in trying to start first they did not stop to milk their cows, & in clearing up their breakfast they strewed their meal, salt, bacon, Short Cake, Jonney cake Beans & other things upon the ground through their encampment & when we came up 3 wolves were feeding upon the fragments. I picked up a pocket knife & Spoon left upon the ground.
When we came over the high Hills to day it was so Cold it pierced us like winter. When we reached the valley we found fires the companies in advance had built. We piled on the wood. Soon got warm. An Antelope lay before us the Hunters had brought in. We carved it up with our knives & stuck it on sticks & roasted it on the fire & it satisfyed our Appetites finely without Salt.
Some traiders Came into Camp from the mountain on their way to the fort. G A. Smith Sent A letter by them back to the fort. Distance 15 1/2 miles.
During the evening we visited the traiders & got some information from the salt lake country which was flattering or good account was given of it.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
In the Afternoon we travled 8 3/4 over the most mountaineous road we have had on the rout. We then desended into A valley & camped for the night on Labent Creek with an abundance of timber water & good grass. We saw nothing of the Mo companies.
Br John Higby went forward Hunting & saw them when they started out, & they had such strife one with another in trying to start first they did not stop to milk their cows, & in clearing up their breakfast they strewed their meal, salt, bacon, Short Cake, Jonney cake Beans & other things upon the ground through their encampment & when we came up 3 wolves were feeding upon the fragments. I picked up a pocket knife & Spoon left upon the ground.
When we came over the high Hills to day it was so Cold it pierced us like winter. When we reached the valley we found fires the companies in advance had built. We piled on the wood. Soon got warm. An Antelope lay before us the Hunters had brought in. We carved it up with our knives & stuck it on sticks & roasted it on the fire & it satisfyed our Appetites finely without Salt.
Some traiders Came into Camp from the mountain on their way to the fort. G A. Smith Sent A letter by them back to the fort. Distance 15 1/2 miles.
During the evening we visited the traiders & got some information from the salt lake country which was flattering or good account was given of it.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
5 years ago today - Jun 7, 2007
[Hinckley] Announced the Manaus Brazil Temple
[Source: 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]
[Source: 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]
120 years ago today - Jun 7, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 7 In Company with G Q Cannon Arthur Winter & Mrs Woodruff I took a private Car & rode to Milford. 225 Miles. I then took Carriage & rode to Minersville & spent the night with Bishop Solomon Walker.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Jun 7, 1897
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Called at the office, saw Presidency who are getting on well Pres[ident] W. seems to be sleepy most of the time but he rouses up to the situation and meets the requirements of the occasion.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - 1847. June 6
[General] (Sam Brannan) Arriving in Yerba Buena (San Francisco) on July 29, the Saints established a settlement called New Hope. Unaware of the decision of Brigham Young and the Twelve to settle in the Great Basin, the California settlers anticipated the arrival of the pioneer company in their new community.
Brannan published the first newspaper, preached the first English sermon, performed the first white marriage, and was defendant in one of the first jury trials of northern California, having been accused of misappropriating funds from the Brooklyn Saints' "common stock."
1847. June 6: Received his first communication from Brigham Young since the Brooklyn Saints left New York: "The camp will not go to the west coast or to your place at present; we have not the means. … Any among you who may choose to come over into the Great Basin or meet the camp, are at liberty to do so; and if they are doing well where they are, and choose to stay, it is quite right."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Brannan published the first newspaper, preached the first English sermon, performed the first white marriage, and was defendant in one of the first jury trials of northern California, having been accused of misappropriating funds from the Brooklyn Saints' "common stock."
1847. June 6: Received his first communication from Brigham Young since the Brooklyn Saints left New York: "The camp will not go to the west coast or to your place at present; we have not the means. … Any among you who may choose to come over into the Great Basin or meet the camp, are at liberty to do so; and if they are doing well where they are, and choose to stay, it is quite right."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - June 6 & 7, 1882
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Slept with Sarah; June 8th slept with Mina (at Uncle Angus' house)
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
130 years ago today - Jun 6, 1882
[General] James E. Talmage writes in his journal: "Experienced another accident in the course of experimenting. A small wooden powder mortar, to be fired by the passage of electricity called an "Electric Bomb," had recently been procured by the Academy; and as I was demonstrating before the Physics class in the small Laboratory the bomb burst with terrific force, demolishing the Leyden Jars placed alongside to accomplish the experiment, and shattering the whole instrument into splinters. Luckily I had opened the window & placed the whole on a board shelf on the outside. The force of course was directed right and left, and no one was hurt."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jun 6, 1832
[General] Joseph Smith (26) sends letter to Emma describing vision: says he "visited a grove and called upon God in prayer ... God forgave my sins."
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
120 years ago today - Jun 5, 1892
[General] At general conference Apostle Francis M. Lyman preaches: "It is not necessary to offer very long and tedious prayers, either at opening or closing; and it is not only not pleasing to the Lord for us to use excess of words, but it is not pleasing to the Latter-day Saints. . . . I have said many times that two minutes will open any kind of a meeting, and a half minute will close it; and then no one need become wearied."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - Jun 5, 1842
Joseph Smith's "thus saith the Lord" revelation on repentance is given to a Nauvoo congregation. The text is available but has not been officially acknowledged.
[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: 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, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Jun 5, 1837
[General] At Joseph Smith's trial for conspiracy to commit murder of Grandison Newell, Apostles Orson Hyde and Luke S. Johnson acknowledge that "Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him; he said destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c." Hyde and Johnson insist that Smith is "tender-hearted" and the court acquits him because the prophet's statements do not constitute consipiracy.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
15 years ago today - Jun 05, 1997
[General] The Children's Miracle Network (established in 1983 by Marie Osmond and John Schneider), hosts the world's largest annual television fundraiser to date, raising $152 million. The telethon fundraiser continues to be aired each year.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
165 years ago today - Jun 4, 1847
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 4th ... I conversed with A mountaineer who had wintered at the great Basin of the Salt & Eutau [Utah] lakes & he recommends the Country vary Highly for A healthy fertile Country the Lakes & streams Abounding with trout & other fish A good supply of shugar maple & other timber &c.
Before we left Br Clayton Erected A guide board on the north side of the river containing the following information which He took from his Journals on the distances which was correct as it was obtained from the wheelometer: 543 1/4 miles from Winter Quarters 227 1/2 miles from the Junction of the Platt 142 1/4 miles from Ash Hollow 70 1/4 miles from Chimney Rock And 50 1/2 from Scotts Bluff.
We left the Fort & started on our Journey. We took the right hand road up the platt & travled 8 1/4 miles & camped for the night. The travel now Appears to be attended with A good deal of interest as we begin to ascend the black Hills which are universally coverd with pine & ceder. We saw one vary High peak coverd the top with Snow. Br Robert Crow Joined us which Added to our company 9 men 5 women 3 Children 6 waggons 13 yoke of oxen cows 3 Bulls 10 young Cattle And Horses which makes in the whole Camp 148 men, 8 Women, 5 Children, 79 waggons 96 Horses 51 Mules 90 oxen, 43 cows 3 Bulls 9 calves 16 dogs And 16 Chickins. 8 1/2.
I was in great pain in the Afternoon & night with the nervous Head & teeth Ake.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Before we left Br Clayton Erected A guide board on the north side of the river containing the following information which He took from his Journals on the distances which was correct as it was obtained from the wheelometer: 543 1/4 miles from Winter Quarters 227 1/2 miles from the Junction of the Platt 142 1/4 miles from Ash Hollow 70 1/4 miles from Chimney Rock And 50 1/2 from Scotts Bluff.
We left the Fort & started on our Journey. We took the right hand road up the platt & travled 8 1/4 miles & camped for the night. The travel now Appears to be attended with A good deal of interest as we begin to ascend the black Hills which are universally coverd with pine & ceder. We saw one vary High peak coverd the top with Snow. Br Robert Crow Joined us which Added to our company 9 men 5 women 3 Children 6 waggons 13 yoke of oxen cows 3 Bulls 10 young Cattle And Horses which makes in the whole Camp 148 men, 8 Women, 5 Children, 79 waggons 96 Horses 51 Mules 90 oxen, 43 cows 3 Bulls 9 calves 16 dogs And 16 Chickins. 8 1/2.
I was in great pain in the Afternoon & night with the nervous Head & teeth Ake.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - June 4th 1827 to June 4th 1828
[masonry] Hyrum Smith was transferred into the Nauvoo Lodge from Mount Moriah, No. 112, New York. Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York, New York, NY, "Return of the Mount Moriah Lodge No. 112 held in the Town of Palmyra in the County of Wayne and State of New York from June 4th AL 5827 [1827] to June 4th AL 5828 [1828]," lists Hyrum Smith, but a record of his initiation has yet to be found
[Source: Robert Hullinger - Joseph Smith's Response to Skepticism]
[Source: Robert Hullinger - Joseph Smith's Response to Skepticism]
80 years ago today - Jun 4, 1932
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Bishop Sylvester Q. Cannon called on the Presidency and we expressed our absolute opposition to the Commercial Club or other institutions calling for special Fasts. So far as our people are concerned we do not favor any special fasts from which the funds are diverted from the Church. It is ridiculous for us to take care of our poor and then help the Community Chest, and then have them take up special donations none of which goes to the poor of our people.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Jun 4, 1892
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Seven weeks today since Franklin S. was compeled to stop his labor & take to his bed. Hemoroids removed.
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Jun 3, 1862
[General] The Morrill bill "to punish and prevent the practice of polygamy in the Territories of the United States, and for other purposes, and to disapprove certain acts of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah" passes the U.S. Senate by a vote of thirty-seven to two. It is signed into law the next month by President Lincoln.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
40 years ago today - Jun 3, 1972
[General] Public Affairs Department of the Church organized. Wendell J. Ashton is managing director of public communications. The department is organized into five divisions, including news and information, electronic media, visitors centers, hosting, and pageants. An office is established in New York and later offices in London, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, Frankfurt, Sydney, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo are added.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
170 years ago today - Jun 3, 1842
[Joseph Smith] Joseph sells one lot of property and goes on a horseback ride with Emma and others.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jun 2, 1837
[General] John F. Boynton calls Joseph Smith a fallen prophet.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
80 years ago today - Jun 2, 1932
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Eldred Smith called and handed me the keys to his father's office. He said he had finished indixing (sic) his father's work.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Jun 2, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2 I went to the office. Met with the Bank at 10 oclok. Met with the board of Education at 11 oclok. Met with the Twelve at 2 oclok for Prayers.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
115 years ago today - Jun 1, 1897; Tuesday
[General] Word was received from St. Mary's Hospital that Bro[ther]. Heber J. Grant was doing marvelously well. Many physicians who had commented on his case, gave him but so many hours to live, and his progress towards recovery is a surprise to them, eliciting many exclamations more vigorous than polite.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Jun 1, 1892
[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] June 1 I took Cars. Rode to Ogden with G Q Cannon to Attend the Assembly of the Children on the Celebration of the Birth day of President Brigham Young. The met in the Pavilion. We found it crowded to over flowing. There were gathered to gethered about 3,000 children. The Meeting opened by singing & Prayer. Then 6 little Girls Came on to the Stage and read an Address of Welcome to President Wilford Woodruff. Then there were several songs & speeches by the Children. Then Presidents Woodruff & Cannon Addressed the Children followed by F D Richards & Sister Felt who was President of all the primaries in the Territories.
At the Close of the Meeting we crossed the Street & took Dinner with Brother & Sister Nye. We Administered to Franklin S Richards who was much Afflicted. We then took Cars and returned home. Distance of the day 80 Miles.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At the Close of the Meeting we crossed the Street & took Dinner with Brother & Sister Nye. We Administered to Franklin S Richards who was much Afflicted. We then took Cars and returned home. Distance of the day 80 Miles.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 years ago today - Jun 1, 1997
[General] A letter from the First Presidency announced significant modifications to the curriculum and gospel study program for the Melchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society, providing a similar meeting and instruction schedule for both organizations.
[Source: 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]
[Source: 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]
180 years ago today - Jun 1, 1832
[General] The Evening and the Morning Star began publication at Independence, Missouri.
[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]
[Source: Hemidakaota, "Church Chronology from 1800-2000," http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550]
140 years ago today - Jun 1, 1872
[General] The Woman’s Exponent first published; Louisa Lula Greene, editor. A semi-monthly magazine published in Salt Lake City in the interest of Latter-day Saint women. Ceases publication in 1914.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]