In response to U.S. President Richard Nixon's request to conserve energy during the energy crisis, the Church announces that Christmas lights on Temple Square will not be turned on this year.
[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]
175 years ago today - Nov 30, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Joseph and the other prisoners begin their trip to the Liberty jail. During this time former apostle Wm. E. McLellin and others rob the homes of some of the Saints, including that of Sidney Rigdon. McLellin asks for the privilege of flogging Joseph, but the sheriff only agrees to a fair fight between the two, and McLellin backs down.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Nov 29, 1983
[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann calls Michael Marquardt and tells him he has just found a Martin Harris letter. He reads the letter to Marquardt.
[Source: Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
[Source: Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
120 years ago today - Nov 29,1893
[Utah] Presidents Wilford Woodruff and George Q Cannon meet with three apostles and James E Talmage: "That there will also be daughters of Perdition there is no doubt in the minds of the brethren."
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
120 years ago today - Nov 29, 1893
[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Met and talked with the First Presidency. Got my son Heber's mission changed from Samoa to Europe as he desired.
[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]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Nov 29, 1893
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Presidents W[ilford] Woodruff, G[eorge] Q. Cannon and Jos[oseph] F. Smith, L[orenzo] Snow, F[ranklin] D. Richards, H[eber] J. Grant, Abraham H. Cannon and I met at the Temple. ... We decided that the word Principles should be added in the fourth verse of the Articles of faith.
[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]
[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]
130 years ago today - Nov 29, 1883
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 29 + I went over Jordon rabbit hunting to Keep Thanksgiving and it was a vary exciting 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]
155 years ago today - Nov 29, 1858
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... I spent the evening with President Young & the Committee on the Deseret Alphabet.
[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 - 1843 29 Nov.
Joseph Smith tells a meeting: "The State rights doctrines are what feed mobs. They are a dead carcass--a stink, and they shall ascend up as a stink offering in the nose of the Almighty."
[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]
170 years ago today - Nov 29, 1843
Joseph Smith reads a letter to be sent to the Green Mountain Boys, with an appeal and detailing part of the Mormon's history. Parley P. Pratt apologizes for not killing all or being killed in the Missouri battle. Joseph Smith apologizes for preventing the brethren from fighting and would not do so again; says "...when the mobs come upon you, kill them." Brigham Young apologized for restraining Hosea Stout.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]
65 years ago today - Nov 28, 1948
Deseret News becomes daily paper. Begins 4-color weekly Sunday news rotogravure magazine supplement.
[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]
110 years ago today - Nov 28, 1903 (Saturday)
The magnificent building subsequently known as the Granite Stake tabernacle, located on the corner of State and 14th South streets, was opened to the public. The building cost about $60,000 and the main hall has a seating capacity of 2,500.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
115 years ago today - Nov 28, 1898
Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow, as President of Zion's Savings Bank, was served by a deputy- marshal with papers of garnishment, garnishing any moneys in the bank belonging or salaries due to Geo[rge]. M. Cannon, John M. Cannon and Angus M. Cannon their father.
Cashier Geo[rge]. M. Cannon of Zion's Saving Bank called at the President's Office to talk over a matter of business pertaining to the Sterling mine. The bank held a note for $86,500.00, signed by Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Jos[eph]. F. Smith and secured by 150 bonds of the Sterling company. The note upon its face was a personal note, and the question of the cashier was to what extent the Church was responsible for the indebtedness of that company. Pres[iden]t. Snow took it for granted that each stockholder was responsible for the amount of stock that each held, the company being incorporated and the stock issued in the regular way. This ended the conversation.
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Cashier Geo[rge]. M. Cannon of Zion's Saving Bank called at the President's Office to talk over a matter of business pertaining to the Sterling mine. The bank held a note for $86,500.00, signed by Wilford Woodruff, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and Jos[eph]. F. Smith and secured by 150 bonds of the Sterling company. The note upon its face was a personal note, and the question of the cashier was to what extent the Church was responsible for the indebtedness of that company. Pres[iden]t. Snow took it for granted that each stockholder was responsible for the amount of stock that each held, the company being incorporated and the stock issued in the regular way. This ended the conversation.
[Source: Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Nov 28, 1893
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] ... the organization last evening of a Pioneer light & power company to utilize Ogden River. Pres[iden]t G[eroge] Q Cannon & Pres[iden]t Fred Kiesel, Frank J. Cannon Manager, Mr. Bannister Secretary Tr[easurer], W[ilford]. oodruff, J[oseph] F Smith & Bannister Directors Frank & Bannister go East for funds ...
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 28, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae are ordered to the jail in Liberty, Clay County; Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer are retained in the Richmond jail. The remaining 19 are released or allowed release on bail.
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]
35 years ago today - Nov 27, 1978
U.S. President Jimmy Carter speaks in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.
[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]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
Young Men‘s Mutual Improvement Association (YMMIA) officially adopts the Boy Scout program.
[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]
120 years ago today - Nov 27, 1893 (Monday)
The Pioneer Electric Power Company was organized, with Geo. Q. Cannon as president.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Nov 27, 1843
[Brigham Young] I attended prayer meeting in the evening at President Joseph Smith's. Bishop N. [Newel] K. Whitney and wife were anointed.
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
90 years ago today - Nov 26,1923
[Utah] Corporation of the President is incorporated, becoming the successor of the Trustee-in-Trust as center of church financial operations.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
[Utah Higher Education] The Legislative Assembly chartered the Cedar City branch of the University of Utah Normal School, and then transferred the branch to the Utah Agricultural College in 1913. This institution eventually became Southern Utah University.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Utah Higher Education, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/e/EDUCATION%2CHIGH.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Utah Higher Education, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/e/EDUCATION%2CHIGH.html]
100 years ago today - Nov 26, 1913; Wednesday
...the Twelve Apostles held this morning at the Temple at 10:30 ... Bro[ther]s. Clawson and McKay entered the room late, and prayer in the circle was dispensed with, not enough present to form a circle.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
110 years ago today - Nov 25, 1903; Wednesday
By letter from the Presidents of the 55th Quorum of Seventy they ask the following question: "Brother James H. Linford, one of the Presidents of the 55th Quorum of Seventy, was ordained by one of the Apostles as a Patriarch. Inasmuch as he was not ordained a High Priest is he still a Seventy?" Brother [B. H.] Roberts moved that Brother [George] Reynolds be a committee of one to present this question to the President of the Church to be answered, with instructions to explain that two of the First Council of the Seventy were ordained Patriarchs and still retained their position as members of the First Council. Carried.
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the First Council of the Seventy]
140 years ago today - Nov 25, 1873 (Tuesday)
A grand celebration was held in Provo, on the event of the Utah Southern Railway being completed to that city.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Nov 25, 1848
President Brigham Young, Elder John Taylor, and John Kay create designs and inscriptions for coins to be minted in Utah from California gold. The designs include an all-seeing eye and the motto "Holiness to the Lord."
[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 - Nov 25, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ...President Joseph Smith made an address upon the subject which was highly interesting & its tendency was to do away with evry evil & practice virtue & Holiness before the Lord. That the Church had not received any license from him to commit adultery fornication or any such thing but to the contrary if any man Commit adultery He Could not receive the Ceslestial kingdom of God. Even if he was saved in any kingdom it could not be the Celestial kingdom.
He said he thought the many examples that had been manifest John C Bennet & others was sufficient to show the fallacy of such a course of conduct. He condemned the principle in toto & warned those present against going into those evils, for they would shurely bring a Curse upon their heads.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
He said he thought the many examples that had been manifest John C Bennet & others was sufficient to show the fallacy of such a course of conduct. He condemned the principle in toto & warned those present against going into those evils, for they would shurely bring a Curse upon their heads.
[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 - Nov. 25th 1843
[High Council Minutes] ... Joseph Smith against Harrison Sagars.
"Nauvoo City November 21st 1843.
Brother Marks
Dear Sir I hereby prefer the following charges against Elder Harrison Sagars, namely:
1st For trying to seduce a young girl, living at his house by the name of Phebe Madison.
2nd For using my name in a blasphemous manner, by saying that I tolerated such things in which thing he is guilty of lying &c. &c.
Joseph Smith"
The defendant plead not guilty. One were appointed to speak on a side, Viz: 7) Grover and 8) Johnson.
The charge was not sustained, but it appeared that he had taught false doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the defendant was continued in the church. Council adjd till Saturday the 9th of Dec. next at 2 O'clock P.M.
Hosea Stout Clerk
[Source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
"Nauvoo City November 21st 1843.
Brother Marks
Dear Sir I hereby prefer the following charges against Elder Harrison Sagars, namely:
1st For trying to seduce a young girl, living at his house by the name of Phebe Madison.
2nd For using my name in a blasphemous manner, by saying that I tolerated such things in which thing he is guilty of lying &c. &c.
Joseph Smith"
The defendant plead not guilty. One were appointed to speak on a side, Viz: 7) Grover and 8) Johnson.
The charge was not sustained, but it appeared that he had taught false doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the doctrine which was corrected by President Joseph Smith, and the defendant was continued in the church. Council adjd till Saturday the 9th of Dec. next at 2 O'clock P.M.
Hosea Stout Clerk
[Source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
180 years ago today - Nov 25, 1833
[Joseph Smith Diary] Brother[s] Orson Hyde and John Gould returned from Zion and brough[t] the melencholly intelegen[ce] of the riot in Zion with the inhabitants in pers[ec]uting the brethren.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
50 years ago today - Nov 24, 1963
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performs on the nationwide radio broadcast for the memorial service of President John F. Kennedy.
[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]
110 years ago today - Nov 24, 1903
Your letter of the 18th inst., announcing your conclusion to resign your position as president of the Brigham Young University to accept the position of manager of the Utah Mexican Rubber Company at Tobasco received attention at our regular Council meeting last Thursday. Your determination to leave the school was a great surprise, especially to the brethren the apostles who had received no intimation of it until hearing your letter read; and we may say that we ourselves would have fully shared the same feeling had it not been for the conversation you previously had with us on this subject; but notwithstanding this fact we were not fully prepared to reconcile ourselves to the belief that you could have seen your way ear to resign the honored position you had so long and faithfully filled for one entirely out of your line of experience and of an uncertain tenure besides. But we are pleased to inform you that the Council, while regretting your action, accepted of your resignation with sentiments of appreciation for your efficient labors as principal of the Brigham Young University, and with the best of feelings toward you personally, as well as the best of wishes for your success in your new field of labor, in which we ourselves heartily join.
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Benjamin Cluff Jr.]
[Source: First Presidency, Letter to Benjamin Cluff Jr.]
115 years ago today - Nov 24, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Called at MCune's office and had a chat with him and Fisher Harris. Met Ja[me]s H. Moyle and chatted with him and I feel sure he would like to see McCune elected Senator.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 23, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith suggested -"petitioning Congress for a grant to make a canal over the falls [around the Mississippi River rapids], or a dam to turn the water to the city, so that we might erect mills and other machinery.-",
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
10 years ago today - Nov 23, 2003
By Nick Paton Walsh in Moscow
The [UK] Observer. [Excerpts]
Russians fume as Mormons 'buy souls'
The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed its outrage at what it claims is a Mormon scheme to buy up the names of dead Russians in order to baptise 'dead souls' in their faith.
Professor Alexei Dvorkin, head of the Sectology Department of the Moscow St Tikhon Institute, said: 'The Mormon practice of proxy baptism or 'baptising the dead' is a well known ritual described in a lot of books. At the beginning of this practice they were looking for their ancestors with the aim of baptising them, but later they began to baptise everyone - Catholics, Muslims, Jewish, or Orthodox.
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
The [UK] Observer. [Excerpts]
Russians fume as Mormons 'buy souls'
The Russian Orthodox Church has expressed its outrage at what it claims is a Mormon scheme to buy up the names of dead Russians in order to baptise 'dead souls' in their faith.
Professor Alexei Dvorkin, head of the Sectology Department of the Moscow St Tikhon Institute, said: 'The Mormon practice of proxy baptism or 'baptising the dead' is a well known ritual described in a lot of books. At the beginning of this practice they were looking for their ancestors with the aim of baptising them, but later they began to baptise everyone - Catholics, Muslims, Jewish, or Orthodox.
[Source: A chronicle of the Mormon-Jewish controversy; The LDS Agreement: A JewishGen InfoFile, http://www.jewishgen.org/infofiles/ldsagree.html]
More History?
Want more LDS history? Check out Mormon-Church-History, a comprehensive chronology of church history. It is a tour through church history, covering a little bit each day through the the history of the church. About a dozen chronological entries are posted daily, gradually covering the entire history of the Mormon church over the next several years. More info can be found here: http://mormon-church-history.blogspot.com/2008/12/welcome-to-mormon-church-history.html
70 years ago today - Nov 22, 1943
[George Albert Smith] Stopped at [recently excommunicated apostle] R[ichard] R L[yman] home and talked to Amy and Richards. She is crushed. He seems in a dream.
[Source: George Albert Smith, Diary]
[Source: George Albert Smith, Diary]
95 years ago today - Nov 22, 1918
Heber J. Grant presides at the graveside services held for President Joseph F. Smith. Because of a nationwide influenza epidemic, no public funerals were allowed during this time.
[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]
95 years ago today - Nov 22, 1918
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] "At 10 A.M. today in a Special Meeting in the Temple of the Council of the Twelve and Presiding Patriarch the First Presidency was reorganized with Heber J. Grant President and Anthon H. Lund and Chas. W. Penrose as his Counselors. Anthon H Lund was set apart as President of the Twelve and Rudger Clawson as Acting Prest of the Twelve Apostles. This is perfectly satisfactory to me and I am quite sure that no matter how energetic and forceful Heber may have been in some of his political views and in his likes and dislikes the Lord will modify and mellow him down and prepare him for the great responsibilities he is called upon to assume."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
130 years ago today - Nov 22, 1883
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Answd. Miss Winters' letter--Hope some day to make her my wife, although we are comparative strangers today.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Nov 22, 1873
[Orson Pratt Sermon] Our first parents were not mortal when they were placed on this earth, but they were as immortal as those who are resurrected in the presence of God. Death came into the world by their transgression, they produced mortality; hence this will be a complete restoration, of which I am speaking.
[Source: J. D. 16:324- Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
[Source: J. D. 16:324- Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
170 years ago today - Nov 22, 1843
[Anointed Quorum] Prayer circle meeting at Joseph Smith's old house; second anointing for Brigham and Mary Ann Young. Later statements by Young, Heber C. Kimball, and George A. Smith in Statement of Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith, 4 Jan. 1857, added to JS-F entry of 14 Jan. 1844 and Elden Jay Watson, ed., Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844 [Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968]. claim Young's second anointing was on 14 Jan. 1844, which indicates that this ceremony was performed again on Young's behalf the day before the other apostles began receiving the second anointing .
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
15 years ago today - Nov 21, 1998
President Boyd K. Packer and Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Relief Society General President Mary Ellen Smoot make presentations at the Second World Conference on Families in Salt Lake City, Utah.
[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]
35 years ago today - Nov 21, 1978
Edwin and Janath Cannon and Rendell and Rachel Mabey, the first official representatives of the International Mission in West Africa, witness the fruits of their labors with the baptism of twenty-one Nigerians. Within the year, some seventeen hundred Nigerians and Ghanaians are baptized.
[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]
75 years ago today - Nov 21, 1938
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I told of John W. Taylor's prophesying on me when I was called to go to Japan. Told of the Miraculous blessings of the Lord that I should make $46,000. in four months.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Nov 21, 1913 (Friday)
Rafael Lopez, a Mexican desperado, killed J.W. Grant (chief of police at Bingham, Utah,) Otto Wittbeck and Nephi S. Jensen (both of Salt Lake City), who were endeavoring to capture the desperado, near Saratoga Springs, nine miles west of Lehi, Utah Co., Utah, for having murdered Juan Waldes, another Mexican (of Bingham) the same day.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - November 21, 1843. Tuesday.
[William Clayton Journal] I learned from H[yrum] that E[mma Smith] had power to prevent my being admitted to Joseph's Lodge for the present for which I feel somewhat sorry but yet believe that innocence will finally triumph.
[The Lodge may be the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, or possibly the Quorum of Anointed]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
[The Lodge may be the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, or possibly the Quorum of Anointed]
[Source: George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]
170 years ago today - Nov 21, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] Gave ... instructions to write a proclamation to the Kings /&c./ of the Earth.
... The Ohio River will be froze up in a few days (prophecy).
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
... The Ohio River will be froze up in a few days (prophecy).
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
5 years ago today - Nov 20, 2008
The California Supreme Court accepted three lawsuits seeking to nullify Proposition 8, but refused to allow couples to resume marrying until it ruled.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
150 years ago today - Nov 20, 1863 (Friday)
The first number of the Union Vidette, a bitter anti-Mormon newspaper, was issued at Camp Douglas, Utah.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
150 years ago today - Nov 20, 1863
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] At midnight I was Called up to go down to the farm & visit my daughter Susan who thought her youngest Child was dying. I took Mrs Woodruff down to see the Child. We laid hands upon & rebuked the desease & the Child began to amend.
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 20, 1838
[Wilford Woodruff Journal] while sitting by the fireside Sister Lydia Luce a faithful Saint & full of faith related a dream that she had on the night of the 19th. The dream was of consequence & full of meaning. It was as follows:
She saw the moon in the North of a silver Colour. She saw a small sun in the south & while looking at the strange appearance of the heavens there appeared a ring of Blood in the west & there soon appeared several other rings of Blood of a larger size all encircling each other being a ring in a ring & there soon appeared a ladder of fire in the heavens & it fell to the earth & broke in two pieces. One part of the ladder had an Iron plate fassened to the end of it with sumthing fassened to it & I Willford Woodruff went & picked it up & read it & behold it contained the XV Chapter of Isaiah. Read the chapter for yourselves & learn wisdom.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
She saw the moon in the North of a silver Colour. She saw a small sun in the south & while looking at the strange appearance of the heavens there appeared a ring of Blood in the west & there soon appeared several other rings of Blood of a larger size all encircling each other being a ring in a ring & there soon appeared a ladder of fire in the heavens & it fell to the earth & broke in two pieces. One part of the ladder had an Iron plate fassened to the end of it with sumthing fassened to it & I Willford Woodruff went & picked it up & read it & behold it contained the XV Chapter of Isaiah. Read the chapter for yourselves & learn wisdom.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Nov 20, 1823
The possible date of Alvin Smith's autopsy.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
95 years ago today - Nov 19, 1918
President Joseph F. Smith died six days after his 80th birthday. Because of an epidemic of influenza, no public funeral was held for the Church president.
[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]
95 years ago today - Nov 19, 1918
President [Heber J.] Grant came into the Beehive house yesterday afternoon to inquire as to father’s [i.e., Joseph F. Smith’s] condition and I suggested that he go in and speak to him, but he said he did not want to disturb him. I said, you had better wait and see him, as it may be your last chance to speak to him. Father being awake, I told him Bro[ther]. Grant was there, and he directed me to tell Bro[ther]. Grant he wanted to see him, and when Bro[ther]. Grant entered the room he took him by the hand and said, “The Lord bless you, my boy, the Lord bless you, you have got a great responsibility. Always remember this is the Lord’s work, and not man’s. The Lord is greater than any man. He knows who[m] He want to lead His Church, and never makes any mistakes. The Lord bless you.†This was the last message that President Smith delivered to anyone. BEQUEST of property made to the church this date by the Estate of President Joseph F. Smith:â€"Joseph Fielding Smith this day, March 10, 1921, delivered to President Heber J. Grant as Trustee in Trust of the church the properties described in following communication, which is self explanatory. (Copy) March Tenth Ninteen hundred Twenty-one President Heber J. Grant, Trustee-in-Trust of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dear President Grant: President Joseph F. Smith left an undistributed estate in the hands of five sons Executors, which estate was appraised by the State of Utah and District Court Appraisers at a little over $82,000.00. The Government Estate and State Inheritance taxes, costs of administration, etc., have cost in the neighborhood of $55,000.00, leaving a comparatively small balance in the Estate; but what there is, the Executors feel (and this feeling in concurred in by all members of the family) should be turned over to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, without reservation as to it use; but with thehope that it might be devoted to temple work or temple building. The residue of the Estate of President Smith is as follows: ...
[Source: David A. Smith, Typed Statement; Bequest, March 10, 1921]
[Source: David A. Smith, Typed Statement; Bequest, March 10, 1921]
110 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 19, 1903
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ... The question arose as to how far the tokens and signs of the priesthood should be explained in a prayer circle. It was the sense of the meeting that we should go no further than an explanation of the signs...
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
110 years ago today - Thursday, Nov 19, 1903
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] We talked over ... the reports of Plural Marriages. Prest. Jos. F. Smith spoke to us to say he did not endorse any sealing or marrying in plurality.
[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]
[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]
180 years ago today - Nov 19, 1833
[Joseph Smith Diary] From the 13th u[n]till this date nothing of note has transpired since the great sign in the heavins.... /Sidney/ [Rigdon] is a man whom I love but [he] is not capa[b]le of that pure and ste[a]dfast love for those who are his benefactors as should p/o/sess the breast of a man /a/ President of the Chu/r/ch of Christ. This with some other little things such as a selfish and indipendance of mind which to[o] often manifest distroys the confidence of those who would lay down their lives for him. But notwithstanding these things he is /a/ very great and good man. ...
Brother Frederick [G. Williams] is a man who /is one of those men/ in whom I place the greatest confidence and trust. For I have found him ever full of love and Brotherly kindness. He is not a man of many words, but is ever wining because of his constant mind. ... The Lord hath appointed him an inheritance upon the land of Zion...
And again, blessed be Brother Sidney, also notwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that coucheth beneath his burthen [burden], that learneth his master's /will/ by the stroke of the rod, Thus saith the Lord. Yet the Lord will have mercy on him and he shall bring forth much fruit. ... The Lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine because of him who putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up from /out of/ [a] deep mire, and pointeth him out the way, and guideth his feet when he stumbles and humbleth him in his pride. Blessed are his generations. Nevertheless, one shall hunt after them as a man hunteth after an ass that hath strayed in the wilderness, and straitway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Brother Frederick [G. Williams] is a man who /is one of those men/ in whom I place the greatest confidence and trust. For I have found him ever full of love and Brotherly kindness. He is not a man of many words, but is ever wining because of his constant mind. ... The Lord hath appointed him an inheritance upon the land of Zion...
And again, blessed be Brother Sidney, also notwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that coucheth beneath his burthen [burden], that learneth his master's /will/ by the stroke of the rod, Thus saith the Lord. Yet the Lord will have mercy on him and he shall bring forth much fruit. ... The Lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine because of him who putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up from /out of/ [a] deep mire, and pointeth him out the way, and guideth his feet when he stumbles and humbleth him in his pride. Blessed are his generations. Nevertheless, one shall hunt after them as a man hunteth after an ass that hath strayed in the wilderness, and straitway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. ...
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
190 years ago today - Nov 19, 1823
Alvin Smith: Died 19 November 1823 at Smith Farm in Manchester, New York, and buried in Palmyra, New York.
[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]
170 years ago today - Nov. 18th, 1843
[High Council Minutes]
[Original minutes dated November 17, 1843, reveal many details deleted] Council met according to adjt at Joseph Smith's Store up stairs. Prayer by Grover.
Marks and Rich Presiding. Present 1) Samuel Williams pro. tem. 2) James Allred 3) Daniel Carns pro. tem. 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Sherwood.
Mahala Overton against James Carroll.
Charge
For neglecting or refusing to do [a] certain portion of work on a house for her, for which she has paid you for some three years ago.
Two were appointed to apeak on the case Viz 11) Soby 12) Sherwood
[Source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
[Original minutes dated November 17, 1843, reveal many details deleted] Council met according to adjt at Joseph Smith's Store up stairs. Prayer by Grover.
Marks and Rich Presiding. Present 1) Samuel Williams pro. tem. 2) James Allred 3) Daniel Carns pro. tem. 4) Cutler 5) Fulmer 6) Harris 7) Grover 8) Johnson 9) Knight 10) Huntington 11) Soby 12) Sherwood.
Mahala Overton against James Carroll.
Charge
For neglecting or refusing to do [a] certain portion of work on a house for her, for which she has paid you for some three years ago.
Two were appointed to apeak on the case Viz 11) Soby 12) Sherwood
[Source: Minutes of the High Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Nauvoo Illinois: Nauvoo Hancock County Illinois, http://amzn.to/uXAcJh%20]
175 years ago today - Nov 18, 1838
Richmond, Missouri. All of the witnesses Joseph Smith and his brethren requested for their trial (between 40 and 50 persons) were arrested, thrown in prison, and prohibited from testifying.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
25 years ago today - Nov 18, 1988
U.S. President Ronald Reagan awards the Church a President's Historical Preservation Award for restoring the Newel K. Whitney Store in Kirtland, Ohio.
[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]
130 years ago today - Nov 17, 1883
[Charles C. Rich] He died on 17 November 1883 at the age of seventy-five, the father of fifty-one children and grandfather of eighty-five.
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Charles C. Rich, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/r/RICH%2CCHARLES.html]
[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: Charles C. Rich, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/r/RICH%2CCHARLES.html]
1813, 200 years ago this year.
The Smiths are afflicted with typhoid fever in Lebanon (NH) . Lucy says that the fever struck in 1813 for one year. During this time, Joseph Jr. underwent a grueling leg operation in which several pieces of tibia were removed without anesthetic. Soon after, he went to live with his uncle Jesse Smith in Boston. Richard L. Anderson has pointed out that Nathan Smith, the attending physician, moved from Dartmouth College to Yale University in the fall of 1813 and wrote in his 1831 memoirs that he and professor Perkins began treating cases of "typhus" in the fall of 1812. Anderson concludes that it is "highly probable" that Smith's operation took place in the winter of 1812-13.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
20 years ago today - Nov 16, 1993
Church leaders applaud the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, passed and signed into law by the U.S. Congress. The U.S. Supreme Court later declares the law unconstitutional.
[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]
75 years ago today - Nov 16, 1938
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] A Mr. Newton who is trying to organize an association for propaganda against war, called. I told him I certainly could not take any active part in a thing of the kind, but that if he could convert some of our leading men to do so I would not have the slightest objections. I felt that I must not even become associated with anything that requires any attention outside of the many duties that already devolve upon me.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Nov 16, 1853
Ruth May Fox, later the third general president of the Young Women's Improvement Association (a predecessor to the Young Women organization), is born in Wiltshire, 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]
20 years ago today - Nov 15, 1993
After ninety-six years, the statue of Brigham Young is moved from the intersection of South Temple and Main Streets in Salt Lake City, Utah, to a location eighty-two feet to the north.
[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 - Nov 15, 1893
On Wednesday Nov. 15th 1893 Presidents [Wilford] Woodruff and [George Q.] Cannon, at their office, in answer to the question put to them by Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow[,] made the following ruling. "In cases where the heads of families deceased have had the necessary ordinance work done for them and they have been adopted into a family whose relationship in the covenant connects with the Prophet Joseph [Smith], the children of such parents can be sealed to the latter. This decision includes children who are in the Church and parents were not."
[Source: Book of Temple Ordinances, Nov. 15, 1893; p. 16; copy in Buerger Papers as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Book of Temple Ordinances, Nov. 15, 1893; p. 16; copy in Buerger Papers as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
160 years ago today - Nov 15, 1853
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] [Deseret Alphabet] President Young has called upon the Regency to get up a New Alphabet & make a improvement in the English Language & they have sat severel evenings for this purpose.
[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 - Nov 15, 1843
[Anointed Quorum] Prayer circle at Joseph Smith's old house; second anointing for Alpheus and Lois Cutler. Afterwards, the men and women of "the quorum" approved his plan for a "Petition to Congress" and "a proclamation to the kings of the earth" .
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - 1833 15 Nov.
Joshua Stafford and later Willard Chase (11 Dec.) sign affidavits of personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith when he organized neighbors to search for buried treasure early in 1820. These affidavits would be published in Eber D. Howe's Mormonism Unvailed in 1834.
[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]
190 years ago today - Nov 15, 1823
Alvin gets sick and the doctors attending him administer a "heavy dose of Calomel," which results in his death four days later.
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Source: Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
1913, 100 years ago this year.
Short Creek (later called Colorado City, Arizona) is settled by a cattle rancher named Jacob Lauritzen. By 1930 polygamists are firmly settled in the desolate area.
[Source: Howick, E. Keith, Polygamy: The Mormon Enigma, http://www.polygamy-faq.com/chronology.php]
[Source: Howick, E. Keith, Polygamy: The Mormon Enigma, http://www.polygamy-faq.com/chronology.php]
100 years ago today - Nov 14, 1913 (Friday)
Elder Anson B. Call was seized by red flaggers at Colonia Dublan, Chihuahua, Mexico, and requested to pay $2,000 as a ransom for himself; he was kept a prisoner for several days and threatened with death; finally he bought his release for $200.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
105 years ago today - Nov 14, 1908
[First Presidency Letter] Games of chance-gambling-- These instructions state clearly the ruling of the Church on all forms of gambling including raffles, offering prizes to winners in guessing contests, etc. The instructions are given here that it would be better to let Relief Society quilts, for example, rot on the shelves rather than dispose of them by games of chance including raffling. The good intention or the good purpose or cause does not justify questionable means of raising Church revenue. Good ends do not justify questionable means.
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[Source: Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
75 years ago today - Nov 13, 1938
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I called on Dr. George W. Middleton at his office and had a chat with him regarding the lapse of memory on the part of [apostle] Brother Reed Smoot. He said 'There is nothing I can recommend.' and said that in his judgment nobody else could. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 13, 1843
[Joseph Smith] Joseph replies to a letter of James Arlington Bennett written on Oct. 24, 1843, which suggested a secret deal between them that might put Bennett in the governor's chair of Illinois. Bennett calls his recent baptism by Brigham Young "a glorious frolic in the clear blue ocean," and says, "I am capable of being the most undeviating friend, without being governed by the smallest religious influence . . . my mind is of so mathematical and philosophical a cast, that the divinity of Moses makes no impression on me, and you will not be offended when I say that I rate you higher as a legislator than I do Moses . . . go ahead: you have my good wishes. You know Mahomet had his 'right hand man. ' . . . In short, I expect to be yet, through your influence, governor of the State of Illinois." Joseph is not terribly impressed with Bennett's bravado, and answers him, "The boldness of my plans and measures can readily be tested by the touchstone of all schemes, . . . truth; for truth is a matterof fact; and the fact is, that by the power of God I translated the Book of Mormon from hieroglyphics, the knowledge of which was lost to the world, in which wonderful event I stood alone, an unlearned youth, to combat the worldly wisdom and multiplied ignorance of eighteen centuries, with a new revelation. . . . Your good wishes to go ahead, coupled with Mohamet and a right hand man, are rather more vain than virtuous. Why, sir, Caesar had his right hand Brutus, who was his left hand assassinâ€"not, however, applying the allusion to you. . . . I combat the errors of ages; I meet the violence of mobs; I cope with illegal proceedings from executive authority; I cut the gordian knot of powers, and I solve mathematical problems of universities, with truthâ€"diamond truth; and God is my 'right hand man. ' "In spite of this fascinating, if somewhat hostile, exchange of letters, Joseph suggests on Mar. 4, 1844, that James Arlington Bennett become his vice-presidential candidate. Bennett, however, having been born in Ireland, is ineligible.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - 1838. November 13
(Joseph F. Smith) : Born Joseph Fielding Smith at Far West, Missouri, to Hyrum Smith and Mary Fielding. He was a stepson of Heber C. Kimball, nephew of Joseph Smith, and half-brother of Church Patriarch John Smith.
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Nov 13, 1833
[Joseph Smith Diary] In the morning at 4 Oh clock I was awoke by Brother Davis knocking at /my/ door saying "Brother Joseph come git /up/ and see the signs in the heavens." I arrose and beheld to my great Joy the stars fall from heaven. Yea they fell like hail stones. A litteral fullfillment of the word of God as recorded in the holy scriptures and a sure sign that the coming of Christ is clost [close] at hand.
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1832-34, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
180 years ago today - Nov 13, 1833
The night the meteors fell in 1833, the Mormons sent men on horseback for miles about Kirtland to arouse the people. They got me up at three o'clock A.M., they claimed it was the fore-runner of some wonderful event, and it was said and believed. Prophet Jo said there would be no more stars seen in the heavens. ...
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
70 years ago today - Nov 12, 1943
Dreamed I was with R[ichard] R L[yman] in his car. ... Went to Temple at 2 10 of 12 Present Including R[ichard]. R. L[yman]. [Charles A.] Callis & [Ezra Taft] Benson absent. Charges admitted by Richard. A sad occasion He made no defense admitted more than known before. I am shocked and grieved. R[ichard]. R. seemed not to realize his wrong. All brethren in tears. Excommunicated R[ichard]. R. Decided to publish notice in [Deseret] News. Am feeling the effects of having 8 teeth extracted yesterday. I had a phone call from the office informing me of a special meeting of the Twelve, called for 3:00 P.M. in the Temple to-day. I answered that my gums are still bleeding and that I thought I better not attend. Later, Elder Jos. Fielding Smith phoned saying the meeting of the Twelve called to meet in the Temple was of great importance and it was desired that all the members be present, so I responded to the call. It was there that I learned that Richard R. Lyman was to be tried for his standing charged with immoral conduct. Evidence showed that he had been discovered in bed with a woman not his wife, this by officers of the law and certain brethren accompanying them. He confessed his guilt and stated that it had been carried on for ten years or more, and that he had similar associations with other women before he was made an Apostle. As senior apostle next to the President of the quorum I felt it my duty to make the motion for excommunication which I did between sobs of sorrow. The motion was as follows: I move that Richard R. Lyman be excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for Unchristian like and immoral conduct. The motion was seconded by Elder Jos. Fielding Smith and carried unanimously. Elders Callis & Benson not present. Elder Harold B. Lee and I presented to the First Presidency and President George Albert Smith of the Council of the Twelve, an accusation against Richard R. Lyman and asked that a trial be held. At three p.m. the council was called together and the charges against Richard R. Lyman were presented and sustained. He admiting [sic] the charge as being true which was in our complaint. The council took action and Richard R. Lyman was excommunicated by the Council, in the midst of sadness and heavy hearts. Two of the members of the Council, Elders Charles A. Callis and Ezra T. Benson were absent and excused. Brother Callis was returning from the East Central States mission and Elder Benson was on leave in Washington, D.C. It was a terrible experience that came to me today. I think I can never forget the scene. We were called to a special meeting of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. Earlier in the day when I asked Bro[ther]. Lee if it was a report meeting he solemnly told me that it was not and that I should get my feet firmly on the ground anticipating it. The next two hours were filled with wonder and fear. ... The slow, deliberate and saddened approach of some of the brethren as they came to the Temple presaged something ominous was ahead of us. As soon as we were all seated the meeting was called to order and announcement was made by Pres[ident]. George Albert Smith who was almost overcome, that there was a very serious charge against one of our brethren. He then directed that the charge be read. Our hearts stood still as we heard that Richard R. Lyman, for 26 years a member of the Council of the Twelve was accused of immorality. His written confession was read and he being present did not deny the accusation nor the confession. He told also of the situations. He had little to say. He was as pale as could be. He minimized his act and seemed to feel that it should be overlooked but showed no repentance and no expressed sorrow for his sin. He tried to link his sin with polygamy but the evidence gave no corroboration to the story. It was a terrible ordeal. To see great men such as the members of this quorum all in tears, some sobbing, all shocked, stunned by the impact was an unforgettable sight! No tears from him but plenty from the rest of us and what a heart- rending experience. After considerable discussion a motion was made, seconded and we voted unanimously to excommunicate him from the Church. When he retired he said goodbye and shook hands with each of us and left the Temple, his quorum, his Church. Still stunned almost beyond recovery, the members seemed to be yet unable to believe the terrible truth.
[Source: George Albert Smith, Diary; George F. Richards, Diary; Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary; Spencer W. Kimball, Diary]
[Source: George Albert Smith, Diary; George F. Richards, Diary; Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary; Spencer W. Kimball, Diary]
100 years ago today - Nov 12, 1913; Wednesday
Went downtown and met with Pres[iden]. [Francis M.] Lyman & Elders Geo[rge]. A[lbert]. Smith
and had before us B[isho]p. J. H. Robinson of Farmington [Utah] ward & Pres[ident]. Hyrum Grant of Davis [Utah] Stake and examined brother [John W.] Woolley of Centerville as to his having solemnized plural marriages as charged. He denied having done so.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
and had before us B[isho]p. J. H. Robinson of Farmington [Utah] ward & Pres[ident]. Hyrum Grant of Davis [Utah] Stake and examined brother [John W.] Woolley of Centerville as to his having solemnized plural marriages as charged. He denied having done so.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
175 years ago today - Nov 12, 1838
Joseph writes a touching letter to Emma, thanking her for her letter and praying that he might see his "lovely family" once again. He lists the prisoners he is chained to, stating "and thus we are bound together in chains as well as the cords of everlasting love." He also tells her that the lawyers Doniphan and Rees will defend them. (Donna Hill, Joseph Smith: The First Mormon 247.)
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
65 years ago today - Nov 11, 1948
Belle Smith Spafford, later the general president of the Relief Society, begins service as the vice president of the National Council of Women.
[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]
95 years ago today - Nov 11, 1918
World War I ended, as Germany signed an armistice with the Allies.
[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 - Nov 11, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] During the evening I walked over to Br Taylors & spent some time in conversing about the principle of the Celestial world or some of them. Br Hiram Smith was in with us & presented som ideas of much interest to me concerning Baptism for the dead, the resurrection redemption & exhaltation in the New & everlasting covenant that reacheth into the eternal world.
He sealed the marrige Covenant between me & my wife Phebe W. Carter for time & eternity & gave us the principle of it which was interesting to us. After spending the evening plesantly we returned home & spent the night.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
He sealed the marrige Covenant between me & my wife Phebe W. Carter for time & eternity & gave us the principle of it which was interesting to us. After spending the evening plesantly we returned home & spent the night.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Nov 11, 1838
Richmond, Missouri. After listening most of the night to the guards elaborate and boast about the atrocities they had committed against the Saints, Joseph Smith stood and rebuked them, in the name of Jesus Christ, to be still or die.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
70 years ago today - Nov 10, 1943
[George Albert Smith] [Apostle] R[ichard] R L[yman adultry] case on my mind. I hope and pray the charges are unfounded.
[Source: George Albert Smith, Diary]
[Source: George Albert Smith, Diary]
90 years ago today - Nov 10, 1923
Relief Societies across North America collect and repair clothes and shoes, to ease the distress the Latter-day Saints in Germany were facing, after World War 1.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, United Kingdom, "On This Day," https://www.lds.org.uk/show_oda.php]
115 years ago today - Nov 10, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Pres[ident] Lorenzo Snow said that the Presidency had decided on Bro[ther] Cha[rle]s W Penrose as Editor of the Deseret News. Bro[ther] John Henry Smith asked the question whether it would not be a wise thing to discontinue the publication of the a daily newspaper and the starting of a weekly wide awake religious paper. He would be pleased to try and take the paper and turn it into the Republican organ. ... Bro[ther] Lyman said if Bro[ther] Penrose was made editor it will be claimed that the paper was Democratic. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Nov 10, 1893
[Franklin D. Richards] Bro[ther]. John Rushton favored me with a view of the "Seer Stone" which he became possessed of in Nauvoo [Illinois] & related how & where he found it. Says it is part of one of the stones that Jared s brother "Mahonri Moriancumr" asked the Lord to touch that they might give light to those in the Barges while they should cross the Sea.
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
[Source: Franklin D. Richards, Diary]
160 years ago today - Nov 10, 1853
[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday 10 Nov 1853. To day we have the Big Desert to cross, fifty two miles, accordingly we started earley, and travelling some 8 or ten miles we met the advance of this falls emmagration. A large train scattered almost entirely across the desert, which consisted of waggons & teams, droves of cattle & horses[.] Some of the animals were giving out while men came straggling along carrying their bedding on their backs, trying to get their given out animals along[.] There were several thousand head of animals
We had hard drive arriving at Salt Springs near nine p. m but it was near Eleven before Green & Cook came into camp.
Here we had nothing but Salt grass & salt water for our animals which only increased their thirst and has a tendency to weaken them[.] Most of the animals were kept tied up all night to keep them from leaving[.] This is the hardest part of the road on animals
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
We had hard drive arriving at Salt Springs near nine p. m but it was near Eleven before Green & Cook came into camp.
Here we had nothing but Salt grass & salt water for our animals which only increased their thirst and has a tendency to weaken them[.] Most of the animals were kept tied up all night to keep them from leaving[.] This is the hardest part of the road on animals
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Nov 10, 1838
The other 56 prisoners are put in Richmond jail with Joseph and his fellow prisoners. Joseph learns that during the mobbings about 30 Saints were killed, many more were wounded, 100 are missing, and approximately 60 prisoners are waiting trial at Richmond for an unknown charge. In Adam-ondi-Ahman a three-day board of inquiry concludes, Adam Black having been judge, and all Saints are honorably acquitted. General Wilson orders every family out of Adam-ondi-Ahman within ten days. He gives them permission to go to Caldwell County until spring, but says they must leave the state by then or be exterminated.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
35 years ago today - Nov 09, 1978
Latter-day Saint missionaries enter the African republic of Nigeria for the first time.
[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]
70 years ago today - Nov 9, 1943
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "R R Lyman called to my attention. Shocked." [Regarding Apostle Richard R. Lyman's adulterous affair]
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
110 years ago today - Nov 9, 1903; Monday
B. H. Roberts called and read a letter to the Presidency from a gentleman who had given the Book of Mormon a close reading. He called Brother Roberts' attention to the fact that the passages quoted in the Book of Mormon from Isaiah are identically the same as the Bible text; and as no two persons could possibly translate in precisely the same language, this man asked for an explanation in regard to this matter. Brother Roberts had prepared an answer to the same, and now read it to the Presidency, who approved of Brother Roberts' views regarding this matter as perhaps the best reasons that could be given in the absence of a knowledge of the facts.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
115 years ago today - Nov 9, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] ... chatted with Hon. AW McCune and explained that tomorrow three notes of $500 each signed by Richard W. Young, Cha[rle]s W. Penrose and Benj. Hampton and endorsed by me, I told him I was not able to pay these notes and he gave me $1500 and told me to loan it to the above parties and if I ever collected it then to repay same to him and if I lost it then I need never repay it. I feel very thankful indeed for this assistance as I don't know how I could have maintained my credit had it not been for the assistance from Bro[ther] McCune. I chatted with him on the political situation and assured him of my best efforts in trying to make him the US Senator. Called and chatted with Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F. Smith and was much pleased to learn that he would prefer to see AW McCune the next Senator in preference to Frank J. Cannon. I chatted with Bro[ther] John R. Winder and he promised me to do all he could to aid me in getting AW McCune elected as US Senator. At the Theatre wrote Jos[eph] Howell and John R. Murdock asking them not to pledge their vote for US Senator.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Thurs., Nov 9, 1893
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon Journal] Pres. Woodruff told of himself and David Patten being in Tennessee on a mission. While there Bro. Patten had a journey of 40 miles to make one day, but when he went out to get the mule he had procured for this labor, he was on the ground nearly dead with the colic. Bro. Patten said: "See here, old fellow, this won't do! You have got to carry me 40 miles today, and with these words he stepped up to the animal, laid his hands on the animal, and blessed him. The mule immediately arose, and made the journey. Pres. Woodruff said that was the only time in his life when his faith had been tried, but he thought it strange for an Elder to administer to a mule, and thus do what seemed sacrilege in his mind at that time.
Bro. Joseph F. Smith told of his mother having one of her oxen become sick when she was coming to the valley with her family. The captain of the company said the animal would die, but she got out a bottle of consecrated oil, and got two of the brethren to administer to the ox, and it recovered. Father also had one of his cattle healed by the laying on of hands by himself. The animal accidentally got its leg badly hurt, and it looked as though it could no more travel, but Father slipped out after dark and administered to it, and it recovered and made the journey home.
Bro. J. F. Smith told about David Patten having seen and walked with Cain. Cain is described as being a very large man, his head being even with that of David Patten when the latter was seated on his animal. I always entertained the idea that Cain was dead, but my attention was called to the passage of scripture concerning the curse of God which should fall upon whoever should slay Cain. I supposed this meant whoever should kill his seed.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
Bro. Joseph F. Smith told of his mother having one of her oxen become sick when she was coming to the valley with her family. The captain of the company said the animal would die, but she got out a bottle of consecrated oil, and got two of the brethren to administer to the ox, and it recovered. Father also had one of his cattle healed by the laying on of hands by himself. The animal accidentally got its leg badly hurt, and it looked as though it could no more travel, but Father slipped out after dark and administered to it, and it recovered and made the journey home.
Bro. J. F. Smith told about David Patten having seen and walked with Cain. Cain is described as being a very large man, his head being even with that of David Patten when the latter was seated on his animal. I always entertained the idea that Cain was dead, but my attention was called to the passage of scripture concerning the curse of God which should fall upon whoever should slay Cain. I supposed this meant whoever should kill his seed.
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
20 years ago today - Nov 08, 1993
The First Presidency announces TempleReady, a software program designed to speed up the process of clearing names obtained from family history research for temple work.
[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]
75 years ago today - Nov 8, 1938
[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Today being Election Day I voted a straight Republican ticket with the exception of Sheriff Grant Young, who was on the Democratic ticket.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
75 years ago today - Nov 8, 1938
[George F. Richards] Last night I had a remarkable dream which left upon my mind a good and wonderful impression. I dreamed that I and a number of other men of non German extraction were gathered in a group for some unexplained purpose where were the German Keiser or Ruler, no name attached, and a number of uniformed German soldiers. They seemed to be engaged in sharpening their swords and otherwise preparing for war. ... I walked straight toward the Keiser ... I addressed him as follows. I am your brother. In the Spirit world you were a son of God. I also was His Son. We lived together in the same heavenly family. We loved each other as brothers. As I spoke feelingly and deliberately, I seemed to feel that his feelings were touched so that he believed my words, and that [he] believed and felt as I did a real brotherly love for one another. It became so intense that we embraced each other and kissed each other on the lips a brotherly kiss or kiss of affection. Then I saw these soldiers marching again, and the Keiser stepped out of line as he passed, and again kissed me on the lips. This ended the dream, and I was left with the thoughts, Why can we not feel thus toward all men for we are really and truly brothers. ...
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
115 years ago today - Nov 8, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] I am glad the war is over [election day].
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Nov 8, 1893
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] A vast & wonderful change has come over the whole political horizon of our land. This time it is the unprecedented manner in which Republicanism has rolled over the land in many States and in this Territory. In SL City the Citizen's ticket prevailed to the overthrew Liberalism. In Ogden and other places Provo Republicans have carried the day, much disappointment prevails with both parties.
[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]
170 years ago today - Nov 8, 1843
[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Story: "Who Shall be our Next President" -- Editorial -- An LDS perspective on who to vote for.
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]
180 years ago today - Nov 8, 1833
"The family of Smiths held Joseph Jr. in high estimation on account of some supernatural power, which he was supposed to possess. This power he pretended to have received through the medium of a stone of peculiar quality. The stone was placed in a hat, in such a manner as to exclude all light, except that which emanated from the stone itself. The light of the stone, he pretended, enabled him to see anything he wished. Accordingly he discovered ghosts, infernal spirits, mountains of gold and silver, and many other invaluable treasures deposited in the earth. He would often tell his neighbors of his wonderful discoveries, and urge them to embark on the money-digging business." - Joseph Capron, Manchester, Ontario County, New York, November 8, 1833
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.30]
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.30]
5 years ago today - 11/7/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Meridian Magazine publishes an article written by a Mormon Los Angeles police officer Paul Bishop detailing clashes stemming from the post-election protests at the Los Angeles temple. Several letters to the editor were published in response to the article, entitled, "In the Face of Hatred."
Protesters march peacefully around Salt Lakes Temple Square
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
Protesters march peacefully around Salt Lakes Temple Square
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
80 years ago today - Nov 7, 1933
[Word of Wisdom] In a special off-year election, by a 2-to-1 majority, the people of Utah vote to allow the sale of 3.2 percent ABW beer. Richard W. Young Jr., author of Utah's prohibition amendment, retrospectively declares it "a mistake."
[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
[Source: Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
80 years ago today - Nov 7, 1933
[Harold B. Lee] Elected to the Salt Lake City Commission; serves from 1933-37.
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah]
[Source: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee, Salt Lake City, Utah]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Nov 7, 1893
[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City
I returned home [from Provo] and for the first time since 1882
voted in Utah and I voted the Republican Ticket straight.
[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]
I returned home [from Provo] and for the first time since 1882
voted in Utah and I voted the Republican Ticket straight.
[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]
165 years ago today - Nov 7, 1848
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] This day decides who is Elected President of the United States for the next four years to come. I have not cast A vote for A President since this nation Shed the Blood of the Prophets Joseph And Hiram Smith Neither do I expect to.
[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 - Nov 7, 1843
According to the NAUVOO NEIGHBOR (Nov 8) August Cobb Young's child, Brigham Cobb, dies at age 5 months. This was five days after her plural marriage to Brigham Young on November 2, 1843. Augusta was still legally married to the father, non-Mormon Henry Cobb.
[Source: Nauvoo Neighbor (Nov 8)]
[Source: Nauvoo Neighbor (Nov 8)]
170 years ago today - Nov 7, 1843
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Was appointed a committee with J[ohn] Taylor P[arley] P. Pratt & B[righam] Young to raise $1,500 to Buy paper to print the Book of Covenants.
[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]
180 years ago today - Nov 7, 1833
[Joseph Smith] The Saints are driven from Jackson County to Clay County, Ray County, Van Buren County (and from Van Buren County to Lafayette County). On both sides of the Missouri River, 1200 homeless Saints gather, destitute, camping out in tents.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
5 years ago today - 11/6/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Protesters march up to and around the Los Angeles temple.
The Salt Lake Tribune reports: Now that California voters have outlawed same-sex marriage, an LDS Church leader called Wednesday for members to heal rifts caused by the emotional campaign by treating each other with "civility, with respect and with love." "We hope that everyone would treat [each other] that way no matter which side of this issue they were on," said Elder L. Whitney Clayton, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Presidency of the Seventy. In a statement, the LDS Church said it does not object to domestic partnership or civil union legislation "as long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches." Clayton said he had no firsthand knowledge of such hostility [chastisement by church leaders], and advised members hurt or confused by the church's involvement to seek counsel with their bishop to understand the doctrinal basis for the church's position. He also said any action regarding members who spoke out against the measure would be left to local church leaders' discretion.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
The Salt Lake Tribune reports: Now that California voters have outlawed same-sex marriage, an LDS Church leader called Wednesday for members to heal rifts caused by the emotional campaign by treating each other with "civility, with respect and with love." "We hope that everyone would treat [each other] that way no matter which side of this issue they were on," said Elder L. Whitney Clayton, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Presidency of the Seventy. In a statement, the LDS Church said it does not object to domestic partnership or civil union legislation "as long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches." Clayton said he had no firsthand knowledge of such hostility [chastisement by church leaders], and advised members hurt or confused by the church's involvement to seek counsel with their bishop to understand the doctrinal basis for the church's position. He also said any action regarding members who spoke out against the measure would be left to local church leaders' discretion.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
20 years ago today - Nov 06, 1993
Elder M. Russell Ballard, a descendant of Joseph Smith Sr., presides at a Latter-day Saint worship service held in the Kirtland Temple (owned by the RLDS Church) in connection with an area priesthood leadership training meeting and mission presidents' seminar. The meeting is believed to be the first Latter-day Saint service held in the temple in 140 years.
[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]
115 years ago today - Nov 6, 1898
[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] If I was glad last evening that I did not speak in the Theater this AM I feel to thank the Lord that I did not do so, BH Roberts' reply to Gov. Wells in this morning's Herald disgusts me almost if not quite as much as the Governor's speech did. Politics is a good thing to have nothing to do with.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Nov 6, 1838 (Tuesday)
John B. Clark delivered an insulting speech to the brethren at Far West, in which he advised the Saints to scatter abroad and never again organize with Bishops, presidents, etc. Of the leaders of the Church, who had been imprisoned, he said their fate was fixed, their die cast, and their doom sealed, and that they would never be seen by their friends again.
The brethren were compelled to sign deeds of trust for paying the expense of the mob. About sixty men were retained as prisoners, and the remainder of the Saints ordered to leave the State, according to the exterminating order of Gov. Boggs.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
The brethren were compelled to sign deeds of trust for paying the expense of the mob. About sixty men were retained as prisoners, and the remainder of the Saints ordered to leave the State, according to the exterminating order of Gov. Boggs.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
5 years ago today - 11/5/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Proposition 8 opponents file the first lawsuits questioning the legality of the proposition's passge.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
170 years ago today - Nov 5, 1843
[Joseph Smith Diary] [Joseph] Was taken suddenly sick at the dinner table. Went to the door and vomited /all [his] dinner/. [His] jaws [were] dislocated and raised fresh blood. Every symptom of poison. [several lines left blank]
Prayer Meeting eve at the Hall over the store. <Joseph did not dress [in robes of the priesthood, as customary], nor Emma>
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Prayer Meeting eve at the Hall over the store. <Joseph did not dress [in robes of the priesthood, as customary], nor Emma>
[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
170 years ago today - 1843 5 Nov.
Joseph Smith becomes violently ill at dinner and assumes that his wife Emma has poisoned him due to her opposition to polygamy. At the prayer circle meeting that evening Joseph Smith accuses her, and Brigham Young regards her shocked silence as proof of her guilt.
[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 - Nov 5, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Joseph and the other prisoners are kept under a small guard. Parley P. Pratt escapes; but fearing reprisals against Joseph and the others, he decides to return voluntarily. General Clark arrives in Far West to arrest 56 additional prisoners.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Nov 5, 1833
[Joseph Smith] Early in the morning A. S. Gilbert, Isaac Morley, and John Corrill are taken to prison and shot at on the way. Rumors spread that Lt. Gov. Boggs is behind the mob. Rumors also spread that the three prisoners will be shot, and 100 Saints gather to protect them. Before a full-scale war breaks out, however, the Saints decide to surrender their arms if the Missourians also promise to disarm. The Mormons later discover that the leaders of these harassers seem to be Lt. Gov. Boggs, the Rev. Isaac McCoy, Judge S. D. Lucas, and almost every other local government official. In the evening of November 5 and 6 about 150 women and children flee to the prairie with only six men to protect them.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
5 years ago today - Nov 4, 2008
California voters adopted the constitutional amendment outlawing same-sex marriage, overturning the state Supreme Court decision just months earlier giving gay couples the right to wed.
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
[Source: Prop 8 Timeline, NBC San Diego, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/politics/Proposition-8-Timeline-History-California--138796454.html]
105 years ago today - Nov 4, 1908; Wednesday
John Henry Smith representing the Republicans signified to me and the rest of the Republican Apostles that he expected of each of us $25.00 to help defray the expenses of the campaign. I gave him that am[oun]'t.
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
[Source: George F. Richards, Diary]
120 years ago today - Nov 4, 1893
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards Diary] Politics are all the rage at present The people with one terrible stroke are trying to break off the shackles and yoke which Liberalism has for the last four years fastened upon Ogden and Salt Lake City. In Ogden the Liberals have hauled down their colors & closed headquarters & now the struggle is with them and the citizens of SL City. The Territory is between Democrats and Republicans.
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 4, 1838
[Joseph Smith] General Clark arrives in Far West with 1600 men and 500 more on the way. (Six thousand men had thus visited Far West within a week, when it only had 500 men to defend it.) Clark forbids anyone to leave the city, and the starving Saints are forced to live on parched corn. Joseph and the other prisoners arrive in Independence. One lady asks which of the prisoners is the one the Saints worship as Lord and Savior. When Joseph replies that he is nothing but a man sent by Jesus Christ to preach the gospel, he is able to preach a sermon to the lady and the others, thus fulfilling his own prophecy of a few months previous that an elder would preach a sermon in Jackson County before the close of 1838.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - 1833 4 Nov.
[Joseph Smith] In compliance with the Aug revelation, Mormons engage in their first war-like confrontation in the so-called "Battle of Blue River," near Independence, Missouri. Led by Book of Mormon witness David Whitmer, the Mormons kill two mobbers. Of the one Mormon death during battle, the official History of the Church calls Andrew Barber "the first direct martyr to the cause," despite the previous murder of missionary Brackenbury.
[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]
1813, 200 years ago this year.
John C. Waller, husband of Joseph Smith Sen.'s sister Priscilla was the Senior Warden of the Federal Lodge in Randolph in 1804. A John Smith was Senior Warden in 1813, possibly Joseph Smith Senior's brother (although he may have moved by then).
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994.]
[Source: Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994.]
170 years ago today - Nov 3, 1843
Knowleton F. Hanks becomes the first Mormon missionary to be buried at sea.
[Source: Wikipedia, 19th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)]
[Source: Wikipedia, 19th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)]
175 years ago today - Nov 3, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Joseph prophesies to Parley P. Pratt: "The word of the Lord came to me last night that our lives should be given us, and that whatsoever we may suffer during this captivity, not one of our lives should be taken." (Parley Parker Pratt, Autobiography of Parley Parker Pratt 192.)
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
5 years ago today - 11/2/2008
[Same-Sex Marriage] Bishops across California close Sacrament Meetings with special prayers; many invoke their own priesthood authority in blessing voters and the upcoming election day activities.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
110 years ago today - Monday, Nov 2, 1903
[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Also held a meeting with Pres. [William H.] Smart and Counselor Jos. R. Murdock and Bp. Wm. Daybell and a number of the brethren from Charleston for the purpose of organizing a prayer circle for that ward. Present 15. I made brief remarks in reference to the purpose and character of a prayer circle and presented the name of Bp. Wm. Daybell as president and Ernest Bate as secretary. Sustained. The brethren then robed, and I explained the signs and tokens [of the temple endowment ceremony] and took them through, after which prayer was offered at the altar by Bp. Daybell.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
170 years ago today - Nov 2, 1843
Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith and some of the brethren agreed to write to five of the leading candidates for the presidency of the United States, to inquire -"what their course of action would be in relation to the cruelty and oppression that we have suffered from the State of Missouri, if they were elected.-",
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
170 years ago today - Nov 02, 1843
Brigham Young reported the marriage of his sister to Joseph Smith in the Journal of Discourse: "I recollect a sister conversing with Joseph Smith on this subject [of plural marriage]. Joseph said, 'Sister, you talk very foolishly, you do not know what you will want.' He then said to me [B.Y.]: 'Here, brother Brigham you seal this lady to me.' I sealed her to him. This was my own sister according to the flesh." (Journal of Discourses, vol. 16, pg. 166-167). Marriage - Joseph to Fanny Young Murray, age 56, already married . Fanny was already married to a living husband, Roswell Murray. SOURCE: FamilySearch.net record for Joseph Smith Jr.
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
[Source: Joseph Smith Polygamy Timeline, http://www.i4m.com/think/polygamy/JS_Polygamy_Timeline.htm]
170 years ago today - Nov 2, 1843
On September 23, 1843, Augusta Cobb left her husband Henry Cobb with child Brigham Cobb (born May 19, 1843) joining members of the Twelve on their way to Nauvoo. She marries Brigham Young on November 2, 1843 in Nauvoo, while she was still legally married to Henry Cobb, becoming the fourth of some 55 recognized wives of Young.
[Source: Marquardt Papers]
[Source: Marquardt Papers]
170 years ago today - Nov 2, 1843
Brigham Young (aged 42) marriage to Harriet Elizabeth Cook (1824-1898) (aged 19) first marriage 1 child
[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]
175 years ago today - Nov 2, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Sampson Avard is captured and begins to testify that Daniteism is an order from the Church. Joseph and the other prisoners are taken into town to bid a quick goodbye to their wives and children. The Saints are ordered to surrender all arms and sign away all possessions. Hyrum, who is very sick, is forced to march with the other prisoners. General S. D. Lucas writes the details of the conquest to Gov. Boggs. Prisoners are then put in covered wagons for a 60-mile journey to Independence, where they are to be sentenced.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Nov 2, 1833
Mob fires on Whitmer settlement. Mormons return fire, wounding one. The next day, November 2d, all the Independence Mormons, numbering about thirty families, left town and gathered together for protection. The same day people made another attack on the Big Blue settlement, when they unroofed another house. They also attacked another settlement about six miles from Independence.
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
95 years ago today - Nov 1, 1918
Thus saith the Lord, I am well pleased with the records which are kept of the receipts and disbursements of the tithing and fast and freewill offerings and properties of my church. And I say unto you, that the time is now in accord with my word given to my servant Joseph Smith, Jr., in 1838, when the tithing and other funds and the properties of my church shall be disposed of and appropriated for the work of the ministry, and the building up and beautifying and the lengthening and strengthening of the stakes of Zion. The presidency of my church, the council of the twelveâ€"and not at any time less than a majorityâ€"shall be a quorum and the presiding bishopric of my church shall be a council for this purpose. And they shall be agreed in their decisions, and shall hearken unto my voice in all things. And the duties of the presiding bishopric, shall be in accordance with the promptings of my Spirit, and subject to the presidency of the church. â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€"â€" This above statement, or revelation, in the handwriting of President Joseph F. Smith was found in his pocket at the time of his death. The original copy was placed in the hands of President Heber J. Grant by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith.
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, Revelation]
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, Revelation]
120 years ago today - Nov 1, 1893
[John M. Whitaker] The growing difference between President B. H. Roberts and the First Presidency represented by President F[rancis]. M. Lyman, as to which is greater the High Priest or the Seventy, Brother Roberts holding that the Seventy is an Apostle in authority, as held by Joseph Young First President of the Seventies when organized, is assuming a rather dangerous condition in their correspondence, Brother Lyman claiming opposite views, Brother Roberts says he will hold that his views are correct until the First Presidency settles the matter. Then there is another great question that has been brewing ever since statehood between Brother Roberts and Moses Thatcher, on the one hand and F[rancis]. M. Lyman and John Henry Smith on the other, on the question of Church and State, and the First Presidency having stated that all members of the Church have the perfect freedom to vote as they please on all political matters, and Brother Roberts and Thatcher are taking exceptions to what they call church influence, and some of the brethren interfering with the agency of members of the Church, while F[rancis]. M. Lyman, John Henry Smith and John Morgan are going around trying to get Democrats to become Republicians, or getting Democrats to vote for certain Republicans, and this has created a very bitter controversy increasing the differences already existing, and the Brethren are writing in the Press and saying many unkind things against the general Authorities interfering with members, and this is called church influence, and all this is boding no good for the church.
[Source: John M. Whitaker, Diary]
[Source: John M. Whitaker, Diary]
170 years ago today - Nov 1, 1843
[Joseph Smith] This is the last known occasion in which Emma Smith performs the washing and anointing for women receiving the endowment ceremony in the Anointed Quorum.
[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 - Nov 1, 1838
[Missouri War] Joseph Smith advises Mormon troops at Far West and Diahman to surrender. Mormon War ends.
[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]
[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]
175 years ago today - Nov 01, 1838
Near midnight, General Samuel Lucas holds a hastily organized court martial and orders General Alexander Doniphan to execute Joseph Smith and the other Mormon prisoners. Because Joseph Smith and the other Mormon leaders are not members of the state militia, Doniphan refuses and threatens to charge Lucas with murder if they are killed. Lucas reconsiders and then lifts the death sentence.
[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]
180 years ago today - Nov 1, 1833
[Joseph Smith] On this Friday night, a mob moves to attack the Colesville Branch, which is located on the prairie about 13 miles west of Independence. Two advance spies contact Parley P. Pratt and hit him on the head with their guns, drawing blood. The other Saints are aroused and capture these two, keeping them for the night. This causes the rest of the mob to postpone their attack. Violence breaks out against the Saints' homes in Independence. The home of A. S. Gilbert is destroyed. The Gilbert and Whitney store is destroyed; goods are thrown everywhere. Other houses are attacked and windows are broken, with Saints whipped and driven into the wilderness.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
190 years ago today - Nov 1, 1823
Alvin Smith, Joseph Smith's older brother, comes into the house in great pain. He is taken sick and dies 18 days later after an "emetic" administered by a local doctor substituting for the family doctor lodges in his digestive tract. This complicates things for Joseph as he claimed he had been instructed by an angel to bring Alvin to the Hill Cumorah to receive the plates.
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]
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