10 years ago today - Jul 31, 2004

[Quorum of the Twelve] David B. Haight dies.

[Source: Wikipedia, Chronology of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)]

60 years ago today - Jul 31, 1954

CHURCH NEWS publishes Counselor J. Reuben Clark's talk to all LDS seminary and institute teachers in which he declares that "even the President of the Church has not always spoken under the direction of the Holy Ghost."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

150 years ago today - Jul 31, 1864

[Brigham Young Sermon] The stranger who is ignorant of our history inquires:'"'"Have you the gift of tongues in your Church?'" Yes, and were I to permit it now, hundreds of the Elders and the sisters would rise up in this congregation and speak in new tongues, and interpret as well as the learned of the age; but I do not permit it. Does the gift of prophesy exist with us? This fact is so evident and plain that it appears to us almost a loss of time to talk about it. The present state of affairs and the present unhappy state of our once happy country, I have preached and prophesied of for the last thirty years; and so have thousands of others prophesied before the people of this land that the Almighty would come out in his wrath and vex the nation for persecuting the Priesthood of the Son of God; the fulfilment is too evident to attempt to prove.

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

180 years ago today - Jul 31, 1834

Samuel Brown's license is withdrawn for encouraging brethern to speak in tongues.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]

20 years ago today - Jul 30, 1994

Hundreds celebrate the naming of Melissa Coray Peak in eastern California. The peak is named after a Mormon Battalion soldier's wife who had accompanied the battalion on its two-thousand-mile trek.

100 years ago today - Jul 30, 1914; Thursday

Letter read from Mr. P[urley]. A. Baker, president of the Anti-Saloon League of America, to Bro[ther]. Grant, suggesting that Bro[ther]. Grant take charge of the work of the League in Utah. Bro[ther]. Grant said he submitted this letter to the council for consideration of this question.

It was the sense of the Council that it would be an unwise thing for Bro[ther]. Grant to head the temperance cause locally, that it would be better for him to suggest some other person to do this in Utah, and he himself be free to co-operate with such a representative.

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

120 years ago today - Jul 30, 1894

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Mrs Anie May Abbott & Husband Called upon us and Exhibited her Peculiar strength & Power in lifting several Men while she [was] a small woman weighing 90 lbs. The gift Came upon her in Childhood.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Jul 30, 1889

L. John Nuttall writes in his diary: "We have information that the U.S. Dist. Arty., Marshall, and Courts purpose arresting the Presidency, Twelve, Presidents of Stakes, Bishops, and leading men generally, and if they do not acknowledge to having put away their plural wives, they will be considered as living in unlawful cohabitation and be punished accordingly."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

170 years ago today - Jul 30, 1844

[Patriarchal Blessing of Elizabeth Stout by John Smith] ... to have faith to preserve the lives of thy children, until they are old. Thy name shall be had in honorable remembrance to the end of time. Thou shalt have a numerous offspring; the weakest of thy sons shall be like David, yea, to chase a thousand, and two of them shall put ten thousand to flight. ... thou shalt be able to spread a table, to feed thousands; shall have Men servants, and Maid servants to wait on thy Table. Thou shalt live to see the winding up scene of this generation, if thou desire it, shal see the accomplishment of all that the Prophets spoke concerning the latter-day glory, and be fully satisfied ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

170 years ago today - Jul 30, 1844

[Patriarchal Blessing of Allen Stout by John Smith ] ... Thou shalt live to see the destruction of this ungodly generation. ... Thou shalt have an inheritance in the land of Zion, and shall be able to gather thy thousands and bring them home with thee; and shall be able to feed multitudes of them at thy table. Thou shalt have the privilege of redeeming thy dead and bring them up in the resurrection and reign over them with thy companion and children to all eternity; do all things which you desire and see the winding up scene....

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

170 years ago today - Jul 30, 1844

Samuel H. Smith dies from what is reported as "bilious fever," but which his daughter and brother later described as poisoning by Hosea Stout, ordered by Willard Richards. Stout had given "white powder" medicine to Samuel daily until his death. Later Council of Fifty member and physician John M. Bernhisel tells William Smith that anti-Mormons had somehow poisoned his brother. On news of his death, bishop George Miller and Alexander Badlam try to persuade Willard Richards, John Taylor, and George A. Smith to allow the Council of Fifty to organize a First Presidency. Before his death Joseph Smith had named his brother Samuel as his successor in case Joseph and Hyrum were suddenly taken. Apostle William Smith is now the only survivor of Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith's five sons.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

55 years ago today - Wed Jul 29, 1959

[David O. McKay Office Journal] President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., called to report that he is better. He says that he is able to walk around a little. State that he is taking "pills, pills, pills," then added: "Do you remember what Sister Richards said about President Stephen L Richards? That he is one of the pill-ers of the Church? (laughter) Well," concluded President Clark, "I am two pill-ers!" (Laughter).

[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]

85 years ago today - Jul 29, 1929

[Joseph Fielding Smith] Wrote to Elder Guy C. Wilson correcting false doctrine taught to Seminary teaches, in relation to the atonement.

[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, 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]

165 years ago today - Jul 29, 1849

[Brigham Young Sermon] In a public meeting President Young reproved those persons who were lounging around and wasting their time in trading and speculation while their families were in wretchedness, and their corn and wheat were dropping onto the ground, and requested them to go to work. [Salt Lake City - Brigham Young, the man and his work 135-136]

[Source: Elden J. Watson, ed. Brigham Young Addresses, 1801-1877: A Chronological Compilation of Known Addresses of the Prophet Brigham Young, 6 vols. (Salt Lake City: Privately published, 1971)]

20 years ago today - Jul 28, 1994

The First Presidency announces the sending of a relief package worth $760,000 to Rwanda, including emergency supplies and funds to deliver the supplies.

40 years ago today - Jul 28, 1974

NEW YORK TIMES reports lawsuit by NAACP against LDS church. Since church's Boy Scout program gives troop and post leadership to only boy-leaders in LDS Aaronic Priesthood, this discriminates against African-American Boy Scouts, who are denied preisthood ordination by LDS policy. LDS Scout policy changes within months, and lingering discrimination question becomes moot in four years. This evening Judiciary Committee of U.S. House of Representatives votes to approve first of three articles of impeachment against President Richard M. Nixon. Only Mormon on committee, Democrat Wayne Owens of Utah, votes for all three. As final act of Watergate break-in scandal, Nixon resigns within days rather than wait for certain impeachment by entire house and conviction-expulsion by Senate. Mormon D. Todd Christofferson is clerk for Watergate trial judge John J. Sirica throughout Watergate proceedings, and becomes general authority in 1993.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

140 years ago today - Jul 28, 1874

[Patriarchal Blessing of Jacob Hamblin given by David Tyler on July 28, 1874] ... Satan has laid many plans to destroy thee, but thy guardian Angiles [Angels] have delivered thee out of his power; they will continue to deliver thee until the fullness of thy work is accomplished upon the earth and if thou dost desire it, with all thy heart thou shalt live to behold thy redeemer in the flesh.

...Thou shalt lead thy thousands in the redemption of Zion and behold her waste places built up never more to be thrown down. Thy influence with the Lamanites shall increase until thy word shall be unto them as the word of God. Those Nephites who have remained upon the earth shall minister unto thee.

... Thou shalt be one of the hundred and forty-four thousand who ascends to the God head. ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

170 years ago today - Jul 28, 1844

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Elder B. Young expressed his feelings to me upon a variety of subjects. Among others wished me to keep an account of things as he should look to me for his Journal some day. ...

[Lyman Wight] informed me that Joseph told him while they were in Joal [Jail] that he should not live to see forty years but told him not to reveal it untill he was dead.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

105 years ago today - 105 years (in 1 days) - Jul 27, 1909; Tuesday

I have read an article in the [Salt Lake] Tribune today stating that Elder Alpha J. Higgs has left the country with a plural wife whom he has taken lately. It goes on to state that there are others in the church who have taken wives lately, and that there is being an investigation of the matter by the First Presidency with the view to finding out the facts in the case and then there will be some of them excommunicated from the church.

I have heard from reliable sources that there is really an investigation going on, to find out who has been taking plural wives contrary to the "manifesto" and the rulings of the church. The quorum of the Apostles are at work on the matter and there seems to be very strong sentiment expressed among them that they intend to take the office from every man who has done so. And there is a statement afloat that they will be cut off the church.

Now, there is something in that course of procedure that I cannot understand clearly. Though I do not sit in judgment on the Authorities of the church for what they are doing in the matter, but I cannot understand why such drastic measures should be employed by them in dealing with the case. If the principle was ever true, it is still true, and there are many who are placed in jeopardy by the investigation, because they have been in that order of marriage for years without infrinting on the "Manifesto" further than to continue living with their plural wives. It looks to me that it is as great a sin to continue living with those wives as it is to take others later, where it has been done with a desire to serve the Lord. Still, I shall not sit in judgment on my leaders, but will wait the results of their labors.

[Source: James D. Cummings, Diary]

115 years ago today - 115 years (in 1 days) - Jul 27, 1899; Thursday

The President [Snow] now directed the attention of the Council to the position the Church should take in the prosecutions against polygamists that were now going on and were likely to continue. The subject was considered at great length, and it was the general sense of the meeting that each case must stand on its own merits

and be regarded as a personal matter. Such was the substance of the testimony of the First Presidency and those Apostles who appeared before the Master in Chauncery, in August 1891. It was decided, however, in order to show that polygamy was not on the increase, to get the Presidents of Stakes to collect statistics, giving the number of polygamists when the Manifesto was issued, and the number existing now.

A communication was read, signed by John Henry Smith and Matthias F. Cowley, a committee appointed some time ago to ascertain how cheaply the Book of Mormon and other Church works could be printed. On motion, the communication was received, to be acted upon hereafter. ...

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

115 years ago today - 115 years (in 1 days) - Thursday, Jul 27, 1899

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] In view of the charge of adultery brought by our enemies against Apostle H. J. Grant, and the possibility of the Presidency and Twelve being called in as witnesses, there was some discussion as to what attitude it would be best for the brethren to assume. It was finally decided that the matter be left to each one to answer according to the whisperings of the Spirit of the time.

[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]

115 years ago today - 115 years (in 1 days) - Jul 27, 1899

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] and 28.--Thursday and Friday. Richmond. I am looking after the haying; have three mowers running; got done hauling hay at the mill yesterday; had only 20 loads there this year. I go to South Farm this evening and to Logan tomorrow. Got done cutting on Hobson Twenty today and on Fox Twenty yesterday and on Lewis Twenty today. All the machines are cutting in the Big Field this afternoon.

[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 - 120 years (in 1 days) - Jul 27, 1894

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 27 Spent the day in the office. Had an interview with Mrs Abbot & her Husband. She had a gift from Childhood of a power like Electricity. She weighed about 90 lbs. She Could lift several Men at the same time. She Could place a Child on the floor & no man was strong Enough to lift it up. She Exhibited her Strength at Saltair for one week.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - 120 years (in 1 days) - Friday, Jul 27, 1894

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Ogden

Sarah and I went to Ogden. Lorin Farr is 74 years old. Some 91 persons met at his residence and chatted and feasted. We had a very nice time.

[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 - 130 years (in 1 days) - Sunday, Jul 27, 1884

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Steamer Wyoming and Cork, Ireland

Weather fine. I bid goodbye for the present to my wife and son and friends and I went ashore. I at once took train for Cork and upon arrival I stopped at the Imperial Hotel. I hired a jaunting car and drove to Blarney Castle and put my hand on the celebrated Blarney stone but did not kiss it as travelers usually do.

[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 - 165 years (in 1 days) - Jul 27, 1849

[Hosea Stout Diary] Frid & Sat 27 & 28th. At home & trading for coffee &c of the emegrants.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

10 years ago today - Jul 26, 2004

Associated Press article about DNA research into the origins of Native Americans. Conclusion that Native Americans migrated from Mongolia/Siberia and not from Jerusalem leads apologetic Mormon scholars to contradict long-standing teaching and even scriptural references that Lamanites are the "principal ancestors" of Native American peoples and suggest that entire Book of Mormon concerns only a small, localized population that eventually died out. Former LDS bishop and geneticist Simon Southerton is featured in article. He says, "given the state of DNA research and increasing lay awareness of it, church leaders ought just to own up to the problems that continued literal teachings about the Book of Mormon present for American Indians and Polynesians. . . They should come out and say, 'There's no evidence to support your Israelite ancestry;' I don't have any problem with anyone believing what's in the Book of Mormon. Just don't make it look like science is backing it all up." The article is printed in many newspapers across the United States and around the world.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

75 years ago today - Jul 26, 1939

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Sister Bennion, wife of Major Howard Bennion, called and had a lot of questions to ask about Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, Brigham Young, and other things. I had a pleasant visit with her and told her all I knew was that the Prophet or Brigham Young never did anything but what was right so far as marrying people was concerned. Told of my own mother's experience, etc., etc. I told her that when people started to finding fault, they were on the wrong track.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Jul 26, 1864

First foundation stones laid for the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

180 years ago today - Jul 26, 1834

[Helen Mar Kimball] It was Sunday when the news came to Kirtland of the death of the brethren [of Zion's Camp] from cholera, and the Saints were quietly dispersing from afternoon meeting. ... . The scene that followed no pen can describe; the shrieks and cries of the bereaved were heartrending, and made a vivid and lasting impression upon my mind. ...

At this time the brethren were laboring night and day building the house of the Lord. Elder Rigdon, when addressing the brethren upon the importance of building this house, spake to the effect that we should use every effort to accomplish this building by the time appointed; if we did, the Lord would accept it at our hands, and on it depends the salvation of the Church, and also of the world.

[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]

75 years ago today - Jul 25, 1939

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] I went directly to the hospital having been told by my son-in-law, who met us at the depot, that Brother McKay had just telephoned to him that Brother Melvin J. Ballard was in a dying condition and he doubted that he would be alive when I reached the hospital. I went directly to the hospital. President Clark was there and we called in Brother Ballard's room. His wife and children were there and they asked us to dedicate Brother Ballard to the Lord feeling that he ought to be relived (sic) of his pain. I do not think he recognized us. His eyes glared, and I felt that I just could not utter a prayer dedicating him to the Lord. He is the first man that I nominated to be an apostle, and I asked Brother Clark to comply with the request of his family. I was impressed by his putting a good, strong if in his prayer, if his time had come that he might go quickly, otherwise that he might be healed. I remained there about three-quarters for an hour expecting him to pass away. Then I excused myself and went hom (sic) for breakfast.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

80 years ago today - Jul 25, 1934

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Glen Smith, a son of the late Apostle John Henry Smith, called, and I had a long talk with him telling of the reasons that led to the dropping of John W. Taylor and Matthias Cowley from the Quorum of the Apostles and entered into detail regarding my interviews with Cowley. When he left he expressed pleasure at my explanation of things and said he felt first-class about the status of things, for which I was grateful.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years ago today - Tuesday, Jul 25, 1899

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] One Owens has made an accusation against Heber J. Grant for Adultry for living with his Wife Emily Wells.

[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]

115 years ago today - Jul 25, 1899

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At St Chas saw paper that chg of adultery made against me. At Bloomington teleg Dougall-to me & to Budge--Keep from appearing in public.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Jul 25, 1844

Illinois Governor Thomas Ford writes to the people of Hancock county: "Try your 'Mormon' neighbors again, and if you cannot dwell together in amity, you may at least refrain from injuring each other. . . . Besides, if you are the aggressors, I am determined that all the power of the state shall be used to prevent your success. I can never agree that a set of infatuated and infuriated men shall barbarously attack a peaceful people who have submitted to all the demands of the law, and when they had full power to do so, refrained from inflicting vengeance upon their enemies. You may count on my most determined opposition-upon the opposition of the law, and upon that of every peaceful, law-abiding citizen of the country. . . . I have been informed that the 'Mormons' about Lima and Macedonia have been warned to leave the settlements. They have a right to remain and enjoy their property. As long as they are good citizens they shall not be molested, and the sooner those misguided persons withdraw their warning and retrace their steps, the better it will be for them."

Since it is an election year, feeling is that Ford is only trying to win Mormon votes for the Democratic party.

175 years ago today - Jul 25, 1839

Trial of Thomas B. Marsh's wife for withholding cream strippings from her partner.

[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

30 years ago today - Jul 24, 1984

Two Mormon Fundamentalists, brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, ritualistically murder their sister-in-law Brenda and her fifteen-month-old daughter Erica in response to a "Thus saith the Lord" revelation: "It is my will and commandment that ye remove the following individuals in order that my work might go forward. For they have truly become obstacles in my path and I will not allow my work to be stopped. First thy brother's wife Brenda and her baby, . . ."

[In 2003 Jon Krakauer authored "Under the Banner of Heaven," an account of the murder and the Mormon background of the Laffertys.]

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

115 years ago today - Jul 24, 1899; Monday

[Anthony Ivins Journal] Apostle [Brigham] Young [Jr.] made interesting remini[s]cent remarks. Said in vision a messenger took him into the air and showed him the entire continent. He saw the country North & East desolate & devoid of all inhabitants, while the country South was populous & prosperous. The Presidency called the people together and said--Brethren we want volu pioneers to go out and build up the waste places there are none to oppose us.

[Source: Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]

120 years ago today - Jul 24, 1894

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] July 24, 1894 47 years ago this day I brought Prest Brigham Young into this valley in my Carriage. Nearly all of that Company to day are in the spirit world. I spent this day at home vary quiet.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

140 years ago today - Jul 24, 1874

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] This is the Anniversary of the Entrance of the Pioneers into this vally on the 24 day of July 1847, Being 27 years ago. The Inhabitants of this City have been laboring for several weeks to adorn the great Tabernacle to prepare a Great Jubilee of the Sabbath school Children of 4 Counties Salt Lake, Utah, & Davis & Webber. From 8,000 to 10,000 Children Assembled in the Tabernacle & the rest of the room was occupied by adults. It was judged that there were 14,000 people in the Tabernacle. Most of the time was occupied with songs & Music. Short speeches were made By President B Young G A Smith & G Q. Cannon. The whole Tabernacle was decorated with Evergreens & taking it altogether it was the grandest view & scene of my life. A day long to be remembered.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Jul 24, 1864

[Brigham Young Sermon] I have know where gold is'-if gold discovered here we would be ruined. God would have given this people riches, but would have ruined us'

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

185 years ago today - Jul 24, 1829

The WAYNE SENTINEL opines that the "gap in the history of the world, as far as it relates to [the Indians], . . . can never be closed up." The same newspaper quotes Thomas Jefferson as saying that the Indian's origin and ancient history was "consigned to the receptacle of things forever lost upon earth."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

20 years ago today - Jul 23, 1994

CHURCH NEWS story "Members Help Defeat Lottery Initiative" tells how two general authorities coordinate political campaign in Oklahoma where Mormons "make up less than 1 percent of the state's population." LDS Public Affairs officials and their Protestant allies achieve overwhelming defeat of proposal even though "public opinion polls show 75 percent for the initiative" before this Mormon-directed campaign.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

75 years ago today - Jul 23, 1939

Ben E. Roberts, the son of B. H. Roberts, acknowledges the existence of "A Parallel" in a letter to Mormon attorney and author Ariel L. Crowley. "A Parallel," which was originally eighteen typed pages, presents similarities between Ethan Smith's VIEW OF THE HEBREWS and the Book of Mormon and is arranged in parallel columns. It was presented to Apostle Richard R. Lyman in 1927 and had circulated in the Mormon underground. Copies of the document are passed out in 1946 at the Timpanogos Club of Salt Lake City on in 1946. It is subsequently published in the Rocky Mountain Mason in 1956. VIEW OF THE HEBREWS was published in New York shortly before the Book of Mormon.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

80 years ago today - Jul 23, 1934

President Ivins reported that Sister Nancy A.C. Williams ... is the wife of ... a grandson of Frederick G. Williams, one of the First Presidency of the Church at the time the Kirtland Temple was erected. She states to President Ivins that they have the papers and have been advised by an attorney that they could recover title to the Kirtland Temple in view of the fact that Frederick G. Williams had deeded the property to the Church for the temple site with the provision that if it were not used for temple purposes they could recover the property at any time. The Presidency requested that the Presiding Bishopric inquire into this situation.

[Source: First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, 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]

90 years ago today - Jul 23, 1924

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Met Mr. G.A. Marr, attorney in my office this morning shortly after 7 o'clock, and talked with him until after 9. He wrote me a letter some time ago saying he could not understand how in the world I could sustain Guy C. Wilson as president of the L.D.S. Shcool [sic] of Music and L.D.S. High School and Business College, when I knew that he was living in violation of the law, having two families in Salt Lake City. I explained to him that Guy Wilson went to Mexico in good faith to live there, married two wives there, expecting to spend his time in Mexico, that when the rebellion came and he was driven out, that my predecessor saw fit to employ him as president of the L.D.S. University and that I did not feel like discharging him, as he had spent his life preparing himself to teach. I felt that men who had entered into plural marriage in Mexico, by and with the consent of President Diaz and prior to the dropping of John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley as members of the Council of the Twelve, so far as the Church was concerned, ought not to be condemned. He stated that he could not agree with me, but he saw my standpoint, and seemed to feel better than prior to writing his letter.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

105 years ago today - Jul 23, 1909

[Anthony W. Ivins] [A]t 10 A.M., met with my quorum and continued investigating ... question of plural marriages. Ja[me]s. G. Duffin, Hyrum Grant, Patriarch [Judson] Tolman. [July 21-23, 1909] Investigation new case of plural marriage.

[Source: Anthony W. Ivins Diary, 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]

125 years ago today - Jul 23, 1889

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] At the Nephi conference nearly all of the remarks of Bro[ther] Morgan and myself were on the necessity of the Saints being united in all things whether political or spiritual.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

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

75 years ago today - Jul 22, 1939

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Bishop D.G. Hunt of the Catholic Church called and apologized for some unfavorable things published in the Catholic paper regarding our people. He said he would be willing to publish a refutation of them. I told him I thought perhaps it would be best to just let them alone.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years ago today - Jul 22, 1899; Saturday

[Anthony Ivins Journal] ... stood on the Temple lot at Independence Missouri. Referred to the law suit bet[ween] the Josephites & Hedrikites for its possession. Said the time would come when the judgments of God would sweep every incumbrance from that land & when we go back to build a city & temple there will be none that will oppose them.

[Source: Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]

125 years ago today - Jul 22, 1889

[Patriarchal Blessing of Elisabeth Ruth Dowdle by O. N. Liljenquist on July 22, 1889] I say ... that you may live even until the coming of the Son of Man. ... For you shall see great changes, you shall see te plagues go forth upon the earth, and the great destruction of a great portion of the human race, pass off from this existence due to these plagues, but if you will listen to the still small voice, it shall not hurt thee, you shall have power to rebuke the destroyer. He shall pass your door by, you will have power to sanctify your house and habitation, and exercise a sanctifying influence in many habitations. ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

130 years ago today - Jul 22, 1884

In Tullahoma, Tennessee, Missionary J. Golden Kimball asks a couple named Sharp for lodging and finds himself in the middle of a marital storm. Mr. Sharp seems to have been running around with a girl of nineteen, and after J. Golden's arrival Mrs. Sharp ventures the opinion that Mormonism would suit Mr. Sharp just fine.

140 years ago today - Jul 22, 1874

[Brigham Young Sermon] It is my last will and testimony to my brethren that in choosing [leaders] for the Legislative Assembly, never choose a lawyer, and to preserve purity and good government, let the jury laws be so made that the persons be from among good honest farmers and machinists, men who labor for a living, to judge the cases; then you will have a good government. -- Salt Lake City

[Source: Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.) 9-13-2 as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

170 years ago today - Jul 22, 1844

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I lade my hands upon my Father Aphek head (And according to the authority of the Priesthood and Apostleship confered upon me by the Revelations of Jesus Christ under the hands of the Twelve Apostles, President B. Young being mouth upon the cornor stone of the house of the Lord in far west in the land of Zion,) I ordained My father Aphek Woodruff unto the office of an high Priest and Patriarch after the order of Melchezedeck. I sealed him up unto eternal life. I placed upon his head the seals of the covenant. [One and a half lines crossed out and illegible.]

[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 - Jul 22, 1839

Joseph records that "the sick were administered unto with great success, but many remain sick, and new cases are occurring daily." On this day he walks through the sick, healing almost everyone he touches. Wilford Woodruff borrows a silk bandana from Joseph and wipes it on the faces of sick twins, who are immediately healed.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

10 years ago today - Jul 21, 2004

Elder Neal A. Maxwell dies.

[Source: Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]

60 years ago today - Jul 21, 1954

The First Presidency announced the establishment of the Church College of Hawaii. The college commenced operation Sept. 26, 1955.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

70 years ago today - Jul 21, 1944

U.S. Armed forces begin invasion of Guam. Paul H. Dunn later tells of his experience in the landing: "We jump in the water, the water's chest high. You gotta hold your rifle over your head. If the muzzle drops in the water-that's salt water-it would blow up when you fire. Did you ever try to run in water up to your chest, loaded down? You don't move very fast. And the enemy starts to pick you up. You're pushing with the butt of your rifle the dead bodies and wounded bodies of your friends and associates you've been training with. The coral is so sharp it cuts the boots off your feet and your feet are starting to bleed like mincemeat, and you're trying to get ashore. I was one of the first ashore that morning. And I dug my first foxhole with my fingernails and I crawled in it. And just as I crawled into that mucky hole an ambu gun opens up that shoots about 700 rounds a minute and it went down my right arm and took off my identification bracelet. And I rolled over and started to talk to Heavenly Father. And he answered me. And I have never been the same since." The division history says of the landing, "Fortunately little fire was received, as the enemy was occupied by the Marines now half a mile inland." Two soldiers who were on Dunn's landing craft affirm it was caught on a coral reef during the landing and did not land until the next day. One of them recalls a casualty that happened in connection with the landing: "One died shortly after we landed at Guam. It was an accident. He had laid his gun down on a jeep; it fell off [and discharged]."

75 years ago today - Jul 21, 1939

First Presidency agrees to send no more missionaries to Germany due to danger of "having them thrown into concentration camps, with all the horrors that that entails."

110 years ago today - Jul 21, 1904; Thursday

It was the sense of the meeting, at the suggestion of President [Joseph F.] Smith, that Brother [Charles W.] Penrose's picture be hung on the walls of the temple, and that Brother John Hafen be employed to paint it. ....

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

125 years ago today - Jul 21, 1889

First Counselor in the First Presidency George Q. Cannon preaches: " We are commanded to be subject to the direction of the Holy Spirit when we arise to speak; for if we speak as we should do, it is not we who speak, but it is the Spirit of God which speaks through us. On this account, the Elders of the Church do not, at least as a rule, prepare themselves before hand with either written or memorized sermons, for if they were to do so, they would depart from the order of heaven, and would prove utter failures."

165 years ago today - Jul 21, 1849

Addison Pratt, departing missionary, receives endowment given on Ensign Peak, "the place being consecrated for the purpose."

170 years ago today - Jul 21, 1844 (Sunday)

Addison Pratt baptized four white men and four natives on the island of Tubuai. These natives, whose names were Nabota and his wife Telii, Pauma and Hamoe, were the first of the Polynesian race to embrace the fulness of the gospel.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

105 years ago today - Jul 20, 1909

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Had a talk with B.H. Roberts and Ida Dusenbury regarding plural marriages that are being performed at the present time and I learned that Brother Cowley was supposed to be quoted as saying that these marriages could be performed today as well as they ever could, and that it was all right to perform them. These reports had come to Brother Roberts and Sister Dusenbury, and I am hoping that they are not true, because if Brother Cowley is saying anything of this kind, it is an outrage, and I would naturally think that after having been dropped from the Quorum of the Twelve, that he would not pressure to make any such remarks. I understand he is a very sick man or I would investigate the case at once.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

110 years ago today - Jul 20, 1904

DESERET NEWS reports that a young man being sent home early from his mission has attempted suicide by taking carbolic acid and slitting his throat and wrists with a razor.

170 years ago today - Jul 20, 1844

Nearly a month after the assisination of Joseph Smith, dissident 1st counselor William Law writes in a letter: "While the wicked slay the wicked I believe I can see the hand of a blasphemed God stretched out in judgment, the cries of innocence and virtue have ascended up before the throne of God, and he has taken sudden vengeance."

50 years ago today - Jul 19, 1964

Norman Vincent Peale writes in the PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER: "I will defy anyone, however callous, to come unmoved out of the Mormon exhibit. They show a marvelous motion picture done by top-flight actors that depicts the journey of the human soul from birth to immortality. So glorious is it that the viewer comes out with tears in his eyes, but walking on air." He is speaking of the Church's exhibit at the 1964 New York World's Fair.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

120 years ago today - Jul 19, 1894

[Francis M. Lyman] It was unanimously decided that we should all use all our influence to have all our people work to secure statehood ...

After meeting Pres[ident] [George Q.] Cannon laid before Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. Smith, John Henry [Smith] and me the condition of Cannon, Grant & Co[mpany]. Every dollar we invested is swept away and we are left pennyless. Bro[ther] Jos[eph] F. and I put in $25,000 each Pres[ident] Cannon $100,000; bro[ther] [Heber J.] Grant $95,000; John Henry $25,000. It may require even more than our capital to square our obligations. That puts every member of Cannon, Grant & Co[mpany]. flat on their backs financially.

[Source: Francis M. Lyman Diary, 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]

125 years ago today - Friday Jul 19, 1889

[John Nuttle Diary] Elders John Morgan & Wm Spry called and represented the condition of affairs on the Southern States. There is considerable ill feeling manifest against our Elders in some of the States, notably Mississippi. Pres' Woodruff gave positive instructions to these brethren that where there are such feelings shown the Elders should be permitted and directed to withdraw themselves and wash their feet against the people. It is not necessary and the Lord does not require our Elders to jeopardize their lives in such places. Where Elders are withdrawn they can be sent to more favorable sections, and as some 30 or 35 Elders will be released this coming fall it will not be necessary to fill up their places with new Elders. The labors of the Elders will be taken from the Gentiles and given to the House of Israel.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of L. John Nuttall, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

125 years ago today - Jul 19, 1889

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Mother called this morning and we had a long talk. I learned that it was the opinion of a great many of the latterday saints that I was filled with pride and that there was nothing in this lie that I cared about so much as I did about making money. It was the opinion of some that the Lord should remove me out of my place as I was so worldly minded and so full of pride. I had no respect for the poor among the people. I regret that any of the saints should have any such an opinion of my as I do not have the feelings that are charged to my account. I have made many thousands of dollars since I was married but I have invested largely in businesses that have not paid, and the reason for the investments was that I desired to aid in establishing enterprises that I considered would be in the interests of the people

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Jul 19, 1884

Joseph Fielding Smith is baptized in City Creek in Salt Lake City, the fourth of four future Presidents to be baptized in this location. (He is eight years old.)

140 years ago today - Jul 19, 1874

[Brigham Young Sermon] When the earth was framed and brought into existence and man was placed upon it, it was near the throne of our Father in heaven. And when man fell'"though that was designed in the economy, there was nothing about it mysterious or unknown to the Gods, they understood it all, it was all planned'"but when man fell, the earth fell into space, and took up its abode in this planetary system, and the sun became our light. When the Lord said'"'"Let there be light,'" there was light, for the earth was brought near the sun that it might reflect upon it so as to give us light by day, and the moon to give us light by night. This is the glory the earth came from, and when it is glorified it will return again unto the presence of the Father, and it will dwell there...

We shall go on from one step to another, reaching forth into the eternities until we become like the Gods, and shall be able to frame for ourselves, by the behest and command of the Almighty. All those who are counted worthy to be exalted and to become Gods, even the sons of God, will go forth and have earths and worlds like those who framed this and millions on millions of others...

When the spirit leaves them they are lifeless; and when the mother feels life come to her infant it is the spirit entering the body preparatory to the immortal existence. But suppose an accident occurs and the spirit has to leave this body prematurely, what then? All that the physician says is'"'"It is a still birth,'" and that is all they know about it: but whether the spirit remains in the body a minute, an hour, a day, a year, or lives there until the body has reached a good old age, it is certain that the time will come when they will be separated, and the body will return to mother earth, there to sleep upon that mother's bosom.

[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 17:139-145; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra, Salt Lake City as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

40 years ago today - Jul 18, 1974

AFRICA TODAY reports that BYU singing group "Brigham Young University Sounds" toured South Africa. The usual name of the group, "Sounds of Freedom" was changed for this trip. The white apartheid government of South Africa thought the word "freedom" might be too politically charged, since it is normally associated with the struggle for black majority rule. The group performed with the South African Defense Forces Band and proceeds from the concerts benefitted the South African Border Relief Fund and the Rhodesian Terrorist Victims' Relief Fund. According to AFRICA NEWS, "Both funds were set up by whites to support military efforts against African [black] guerrilla movements seeking majority rule."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

65 years ago today - Jul 18, 1949

[Joseph Fielding Smith] I was in session with Elders Harold B. Lee, Marion G. Romney and Bishop Legrand Richards. The first two brethren and I are the members of the publication committee. Bishop Richards has written a book on Gospel principles which he desires to have published for the benefit of missionaries. Each member of the committee went over the manuscript separately and then made a report on the findings. This report contained many suggestions and corrections in the doctrine of this treatise. It took us four hours to consider these matters with the Bishop, some of our conclusions not pleasing him, some of which he felt were vital to his story. In most instances, after considerable discussion we convince[d] him, but in others he was not convinced, but in our united judgment he was in error.

[Source: Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, 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 - Jul 18, 1894

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] We had a visitation by Cyrus H Wheelock who was Approaching Death by a Cancer on the Tongue & in the mouth. He was the Last Man that left Joseph & Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail before their Martrdom. We laid hands upon him & Blessed him.

[Wheelock had smuggled guns to Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail]

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

165 years ago today - Jul 18, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I Attended A Prysbeterian meeting. The priest sprinkled A Child & Called it baptism. It was an abomination in the sight of God.

[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 - Jul 18, 1844

[Orson Hyde sermon] ... A word about Br Joseph being killed. Some have thought he could not be killed. But the Lord never said so neither did Joseph say so. ... But as I am in the midst of the Prophetic Editors like Saul I ketch some of the spirit of Prophecy, & so I will prophecy that instead of the work dying it will be like the mustard stock that was ripe that a man undertook to throw out of his garding and scattered seed all over it and next year it was nothing but mustard. It will be so by shedding the blood of the prophets. It will make 10 saints whare their is one now.

... The prophet Joseph may appear in this day to his brethren.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

80 years ago today - Jul 17, 1934

We all recognize or should recognize at this time that the principle or law of evolution cannot be gainsaid. Whether in the operation of that law the body of man is a product of the same line of ancestry which lies back of other animal forms is of course quite another question. If it be accepted that the body of man came up through the evolutionary process, it still does not follow that al life upon the earth developed from a single germ, which so many rather careless thinkers have insisted upon as being the case, and thereby confuse the issue at stake. If in some other manner, the body of man was brought about the Almighty, I shall still be content. After considerable reading and study and thought, I have come to the conclusion that for one I must hold my judgment with respect to the origin of man in suspense. I am doing this not because of any fear of being in opposition to Church doctrine but candidly because existing facts do not satisfy my mind upon the subject.

[Source: John A. Widtsoe, Letter to Sterling B. Talmage, 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 - Jul 17, 1894

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 17 July 1894 President Cleveland Signed the Bill this day which gave Utah admission into the Union as a State Government. This has been a hard Struggle for years as it had Seemed as though all Earth & Hell had been Combined against the Latter Day Saints Having a State Government. And now we have to Give God the Glory for our admission into the Union.

[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 - Jul 17, 1844

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I have never shed a tear since I heard of the death of the prophets untill this morning but my whole soul has felt nerved up like steel.

/Elder B. Young arived in Boston this morning. I walked with him to 57 Temple st and called upon sister Voice. Br Young took the bed and I the big Chair, and I here veiled my face and for the first time gave vent to my grief and mourning for the Prophet and Patriarch of the Church Joseph and Hiram Smith who were murdered by a gentile mob. After being bathed by a flood of tears I felt composed.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

200 years ago today - Jul 17, 1814

William Clayton, hymn composer of "Come, Come, Ye Saints" and secretary to Joseph Smith is born in Penwortham, England.

115 years ago today - Sunday, Jul 16, 1899

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Pres. Snow said that he was over 85 years of age and that the little children before him, if they would do right, could live to be 85, 95, 100 years and longer. ... Also spoke of the law of consecration and said that sooner or laterâ€"not today or tomorrowâ€"we would have to observe that law. If it had been observed by the people of Jackson County from that day to this, we would now have power over the nations and would be the richest community on earth. There would not be a poor man or woman in the Church. The Church will never get out of debt, the Lord will not allow us to get out of debt, unless we pay a proper tithing. I say to you in the name of the Lord God of Israel that He will not let us pass along in relation to that law as we have done without bringing trouble upon us.

[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]

120 years ago today - Jul 16, 1894

Apostle John Henry Smith meets with Apostle Moses Thatcher and remarks that "Bro. Moses Thatcher been very poorly. He had up to ten p.m. last night not taken any Morphine for over one hundred and twenty hours." Thatcher, chronically ill, is trying to overcome morphine addiction.

Apostle Marriner W. Merrill performs the ceremony in the Logan Temple which marries his daughter Hattie L. Merrill as a plural wife to John William. Barnett. The authorization for this is signed by First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon on behalf of Church President Wilford Woodruff. This is the first post-Manifesto plural marriage performed in the United States by (verified) written authorization of First Presidency. Marriage occurs in Logan temple.

130 years ago today - Jul 16, 1884

Death by self-inflicted morphine overdose of Lavina Triplett Careless, famous Utah singer and wife of Professor George Careless, director of Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

150 years ago today - Jul 16, 1864

Brigham Young writes to Daniel H. Wells who is in Liverpool: "A few days ago Bishop Sharp rented the store opposite the South Gate of the Temple Block to Capt. Stover, for the use of the Commissary Department, and on Sunday the 10th inst., while I was in Provo, a skeleton company of cavalry occupied it as Provost Guard. This move being entirely contrary to the purpose for which the building was rented and altogether uncalled for, caused a little excitement, which, however, allayed soon after my return." Young returned to Salt Lake City accompanied by a guard of over 1000 Mormons. Three days later Army leaders wired instructions to General Connor in Salt Lake City to remove the provost guard citing "much dissatisfaction [that] may result" due to its presence.

165 years ago today - Jul 16, 1849

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 16th I left Mr Eldridge & shouldered my travelling bag & walked and walked 7 miles to M C Cor-rells & waited 3 Hours for the Stage to go to St Johns. When it came along it was loaded down & Could not take me.

Here I was 42 miles from St Johns on foot & no Conveyance with A Heavy travelling bag with A vast burning forest to go through. I did not stop to meditate or complain of my situation but swung my carpet bag over my shoulder again & started on my journey on foot in good spirits. Most of the road was through dens forest rocky & poor soil. Many parts of the forest was inhabited by bears & wolves.

After travelling a few miles I overtook an Irishman on foot. We walked together several miles. A man Came in a waggon & took my bag & Carried it 4 miles for me to Mr McGowins which was great relief to me. On my Arival at McGowens I found my bag safe & got a Chance to send [it] on 15 miles further to Mr Tiltons, & was glad to get rid of the load if I had to walk myself. I took dinner here the Irishman left. I saw no more of him. I had now walked about 20 miles at 1 oclok besides waiting 3 hours for The stage. I had 15 m more to walk before I Could stop for the night.

I found the whole forest as I came along laid waste by the late fires which swept fences, dwellings, barns, Mills, lumber yard & evry thing els in its march & but few dwellings remaining. Although I began to be vary weary & lame yet I entered the dark forest before me And I found my last 15 miles A sore dreary road indeed. And it seemed as though I could not get through.

And when I did arive at Mr Tiltons I was so lame I could scearcely walk at all & was under the Necessity of going to bed without my supper. I washed myself in Cold water from Head to foot to take the soreness out of my cords & limbs & went to bed but was to weary to sleep much. I had walked this day 35 m A thing I had not done before in 10 years.

[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 - Jul 16, 1844

[Brigham Young Manuscript History - constructed later from other sources] --16-- While at Brother Bement's house in Peterboro', I heard a letter read which Brother Livingston had received from Mr. Joseph Powers, of Nauvoo, giving particulars of the murder of Joseph and Hyrum. The first thing which I thought of was, whether Joseph had taken the keys of the kingdom with him from the earth; Brother Orson Pratt sat on my left; we were both leaning back on our chairs. Bringing my hand down on my knee, I said the keys of the kingdom are right here with the Church.

Received a letter from Brother Woodruff confirming the news of the death of the Prophets. I started for Boston; stayed at Lowell all night.

His journal entry from that day reads: "tusday 16 started for Boston having heard of Bro J & H. Smiths deth-- came to Lowel stad all night --"

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

170 years ago today - Jul 16, 1844

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... Mrs Woodruff wrote a few lines in it to me the first intelligence I had from her since I left home. She related the following dream that Joseph Smith had a few days before he sealed + his testimony with his blood, about Wm. & Wilson Law:

He thought they bound him and cast him into prision a pit or well as Joseph was anciently. He struggled hard & got up so he could look out & he saw the Laws a little distance off one of them in the hands /grasp/ of a tiger & the other a snake. They called to him to come & help them. He told them they had bound him & they could not. He thought a brother soon came along & took him out of the pit. +

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

15 years ago today - Jul 15, 1999

The American Society of Landscape Architects awards the Church a "once-in-a-century" medallion for its landscaping and gardens at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah.

65 years ago today - Jul 15, 1949

[David O. McKay] 8:30 a.m.'William W. Seegmiller called by appointment at his request'discussed the liquor problem, and the question of reducing the price of liquor here in the State. Bro. Seegmiller reported that Chairman of the Liquor Commission said to him: 'The Governor won't do anything about it'I understand the Governor isn't going to commit himself until he consults McKay.' Bro. Seegmiller said he answered him: 'Do you mean President McKay?' The Chairman said 'Yes.' Bro. Seegmiller said he said: 'If that is the case, I am going to call President McKay right now and ask him when he has the appointment.'

Brother Seegmiller and I both look with disfavor upon the reducing of the cost of liquor: first, because it will increase consumption, and (2) it will in all likelihood decrease the revenue to the State.

I told Brother Seegmiller, I did not thing it would be wise for me to call the Governor on this matter, but if he (the Governor) calls me I should be pleased to discuss the question with him. ...



[Source: David O. McKay Diary, 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]

85 years ago today - Jul 15, 1929

The Tabernacle Choir started a weekly network radio broadcast on NBC. Richard L. Evans joined the program with his sermonettes in June 1930. "Music and the Spoken Word" eventually switched to KSL Radio on the CBS network, and has since become the longest continuing network radio broadcast in history.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

120 years ago today - Jul 15, 1894

Mormon outlaw Robert LeRoy Parker, also known as Butch Cassidy, is sentenced to two years hard labor in Wyoming penitentiary for horse theft. This charge is different than the one for which he was arrested two years previously. This is the only jail sentence Parker/Cassidy ever serves.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

150 years ago today - Jul 15, 1864

Assistant Adjutant General Richard C. Drum, staff officer of the Army of the Pacific, wires General Patrick Edward Connor, commander at Ft. Douglas: "The major-general commanding the department approves of your determination to avoid a conflict with the Mormons. Do so by all means. Is there not some other cause than the mere presence of the guard in the city? Examine closely. Remove the guards and troops rather than their presence should cause a war."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

45 years ago today - Jul 14, 1969

President N. Eldon Tanner of the first Presidency dedicates the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah.

65 years ago today - Jul 14, 1949

[Frank Evans] Bishop LeGrand Richards phoned me re request of Willard's to put cigarette vending machine in bus station at Temple Square Hotel. No objection so long as hotel premises are free from 'contamination.'

[Source: Frank Evans Diary, 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]

110 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 14, 1904

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] The clerk read a letter from Elder Nephi Pratt, pres. N.W. States Mission. ... The people in the N.W. States Mission, he said, were dead to the gospel. Baptisms for last year would scarcely average one to the elder. ...

Pres. [William A.] Hyde of the Pocatello Stake requested that the apostle attending the Blackfoot Stake in the near future be instructed to stop over at Pocatello and organize a prayer circle. Request granted...

[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]

115 years ago today - Jul 14, 1899; Friday

The sum of $600 was appropriated for Brother Andrew Kimball, as compensation for his services as Stake President.

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

120 years ago today - Jul 14, 1894

President Grover Cleveland signed an act that provided for statehood for Utah. This culminated 47 years of effort on the part of Mormons in Utah to achieve this status.

[Source: Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

165 years ago today - Jul 14, 1849

Following the discovery of gold in California, Latter-day Saints at the site send gold dust to Salt Lake City as tithing.

170 years ago today - Jul 14, 1844, Sunday

[William Clayton Writings] About the middle of July, the sisters of the branches of LaHarpe and Macedonia sent word to the temple committee and stated their anxiety to see this building progress still more rapidly.

They proposed if the committee would build another crane, they would furnish the means to build it with, and seemed wishful to go ahead with it immediately. The committed and recorder councilled on the subject and it was decided to comply with the wishes of the sisters.

Sister Clark, wife of Raymond Clark, was authorized to collect the contributions. She immediately started, and returned on the 29th with money and other property, amounting in the whole to $194, which was more than sufficient to build a new crane.

[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]

Special Request -- Today, July13, 2014

-- If you enjoy this service, please consider helping my daughter, who is selling a very nice gift basket donated by NuSkin Enterprises. The proceeds will go to the charity Zion's Children of Haiti, where she is headed in a couple of weeks for humanitarian service.

Please consider putting in a bid -- help drive up the price. Its for a good cause -- and the products are awesome!

Thanks

[Source: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=201128021218]

115 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 13, 1899

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] ... The sacrament was then partaken of. Pres. Jos. F. Smith was mouth in blessing the bread and wine, which was supplied in sufficient abundance to satisfy all present. A very enjoyable time was passed at the table, after which an adjournment was taken, Pres. F. D. Richards offering the benediction.

[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]

150 years ago today - Jul 13, 1864

General Patrick Edward Connor, commander at Fort Douglas, telegraphs his superiors: "Encouraged by the unfavorable news from the East, the Mormons are assuming a very hostile attitude. They have about 1,000 men under arms and are still assembling, and threaten to drive my provost guard from the city; alleged excuse for armed demonstration, the presence of the provost guard in the city. My command is much scattered, having only 300 men at this camp. If conflict takes place, which I will endeavor to avoid, can hold my position until re-enforced from neighboring Territories."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

155 years ago today - Jul 13, 1859

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] July 13th I went over Jordon & staked out my grass ground & went to the office at 1 oclok. I found President Young & D H Wells in the office. President Young invited me to meet at his House at 2 oclok as He was going to have an interview with Horace Greely.

I met agreeable to invitation. I Found Mr Greely A Singular looking man. He was midling well dressed white but bald Headed. His head vary dirty. Looked as though He had not washed his Head since He Came off the plains. He had quite a feminine soft green appearance. He asked many Question.

Questions Asked By Horace Greely & Answered

By Brigham Young

At 2 oclock P.M. The following Persons met at President Youngs upper Room Lion House in the Mansion: B Young H. C. Kimball D H. Wells J. M. Bernhisel W Woodruff S M Blair H Stout A Carrington J. Ferguson Elias Smith, & Horace Greely Editor of the Tribune when the following Conversation took place after the Company was introduced to Mr Greely by the Hon J. M. Bernhisel. Also Joseph & Brigham Young jr. was introduced But they soon left.

Mr Greely asked Presidet Young what is the difference between your religion & Church from the Christian world?

B.Y. The difference between us is that we believe that No Church is the Church of God, who has not the Holy Priesthood. We have the Priesthood & the sects of the day have not got it. The Lord has delivered the Priesthood unto us & without the priesthood no man has authority to administer in the ordinances of the gospel.

G. Do you believe in faith & what is it?

B.Y. We do. Paul said it was the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.

G. What do you Believe about slavery?

BY. We believe what the Bible sayes about it. There was a Curse put upon Cain & his seed & that Curse will remain untill it is taken off. They were to be servants.

G. Is this a slave territory or are there slaves here?

Y. There is slaves here or have been from time to time.

G. Then this would become a slave state would it not if it was admitted?

Y. No the Climate & situation would not admit of it. Slavery is a thing I do not want any thing to do with it. I Consider it more of a Course to a man to have slaves than a Blessing.

G. So I think. Do you tithe the people if so what for?

Y. Yes one tenth to Build Temples, & to Feed the poor and I want you to understand one thing & I want you to write it just as I tell you & that is I do not have so much as one Cabbage or ear of Corn of the tithing ownly what I pay for.

G. Do you have a salary?

Y. No sir not one cent.

G. Then how do you get your living?

Y. I would think myself a poor financeer if I Could not work for Nothing & keep myself. There is No man from the Highest to the lowest in the Church that Has a salary. The Presidency, Twelve Seventies & all the Elders who labour for the interest of the Church do it without a salary. The Elders travel the world over as it were & go without purse or scrip or money & all preach without a salary.

While building a Temple in Kirtland we had a Committee of three who spent there whole time. They were allowed $1 per day each man. We had a Committee of three in building the Nauvoo Temple. They had $2 per day each. I do not know of any other who have a salary. Joseph Smith one gave H. C. Kimball Credit of $2 on Book for some labour. Brother Kimball had it taken off. Said he would not have a Credit for it.

We have appointed a Committee of one Mr D. H. Wells to superintend the building of a Temple here. He has No salary. I prefer a Committee of one instead of any more to transact any kind of business if I want to do it with dispatch. Then he does not have others to Council but Can act upon his own judgment.

We hire men /& clerks/ to work in the Church who spend all there time as day labourers. We pay them wages.

G. Do not the Bishops have salarys?

Y. No Sir.

[G.] Are all the Mormons under obligation to gather together and upon what principle are they required to gather?

Y. Yes we Consider ourselves under obligation to gather together By the Commandments of God. The Bible teaches the subjet of the Gathering in the last days.

G. We have understood that the Bible teaches the Jews to gather to old Jerrusalem.

Y. Yes & it also teaches the Saints to gather to Zion.

G. Do you think there Can be any Collision between the Mormons & the United States?

Y. Not if they let us alone & do not persecute us more than we are able to bear, but they Can Croud us to a point which would make a Collission.

[G.] What was the Cause of so much oposition to Joseph Smith? They accused him of stealing Horses & Cattle & doing much Evil. Now the Methodist used to be much opposed & were vary unpopular. But I do not recollet of hearing them accused of such Crimes as the Mormons are. I am vary unpopular in my religion. I am a whole souled Universalist yet we are not accused of such crimes & I do not recollet that the Saints were in the days of Christ.

B.Y. I think sin. If you will look carefully at the History of Christ & the Apostles you will find that all manner of Evil was spoken against them falsly. As to Joseph Smth he was a good man & he was persecuted even unto death because he did do good. He passed through over 30 law suits got up by his enemies & it was shown in evry instance that He was innocent & it was got up through persecution.

G. What are the Danites and what information Can you give me Concerning them?

Y. I Cannot give you any information Conserning them. You will have to [be] enquiring of our Enemies & they can tell you all about it. We know nothing about any Danites. We have no such society or Company among us.

G. You are accused of many Crimes.

Y. And so were the saints in the days of Christ & the Apostles. Evry exertion has been made from the begining to Bring some accusation against us. While trying Joseph in Missouri before Judge A King He asked Joseph if he believed in the se[tling?] of the kingdom in the last days that the prophet Daniel spoke of. Joseph said he believed what the Bible said about it. The Judge said Clerk put that down. That is treason. Col Donaphen who was Josephs Lawyier said you had better make the bible treason & [be] don with it. In the days of Christ the Jews said if we let him alone he will Come & take away our state & Nation. That is what our enemies are afraid of now that we shall esstablish the kingdom of God.

G. Do you believe in infant sprinkling?

Y. No we baptize Believers By emersion.

G. Do you believe in any New doctrin?

Y. No none ownly what the Bible & Book of mormon teaches. Have you not read the Book of Mormon?

G. But vary little of it. How extensive are miracle in the Church & are they Confined to the leaders of the Church?

Y. They are as extensive as it is the will of God to give. They are not Confined to the Head But all Elders lay hands upon the sick when Called upon and the sick are often healed.

G. Yes but some die I suppose.

Y. Yes the saints & sinners have died in every age. Death has passed upon all mankind & they Cannot escape it.

G. Your doctrin of Polygamy is not that against the Bible? Paul said A Bishop should have one wife.

Y. That is Correct Doctrin. You should not take a single man for a Bishop. He should at least have one wife. But Paul did not say that he should not have but one. There is nothing in Pauls words against his having a dozen.

[G.] How many wives has any one man had in the Church?

BY. I suppose I have as many as any one man. I have some 15. I have some aged women sealed to me upon the principle of sealing which I no more think of making a wife of than I would my Grand Mother.

G. Has it been long that Poligamy has been practiced in the Church?

Y. It has been practiced for some 16 years. Have you not read the revelation given upon that subject?

G. I have not. I think it has not been published till late. Did Joseph Smith have more than one wife?

Y. The revelation was published in Aug 1852. Joseph Smith had more than one wife.

G. How do the women receive the Doctrin?

Y. Quite as well as the men. I do not think there is a woman in the Church that opposed it more than I did in my feelings. How many wives have you Mr Greely?

G. Ownly one.

H.C.K. How many Misses do you keep?

G. Not any.

BY. I do not think their is a member of the Church in this room that has had any Connexion with a woman except his wife. If Mr Greely Can say as much, then I think you are virtuous. (He did not answer it.)

G. I would like to visit your Schools while here. Do you have free schools? Do the Church pay for the schooling of all the Children?

Y. No all pay their own schooling at present.

G. I hear that the church is rich.

Y. The Church have some buildings here.

G. While Journeying here it was reported that the animals of the emigrating trains belonged to the Church.

Y. They are not Church animals. They belong to members of the Church probably.

G. Were not the leaders of the Church poor? You say you have no salary. You seem to be wealthy. I do not see how you get your property.

B.Y. I gathered some property in kirtland. I earned it with my hands except half of a pig which weighed 90 lbs which Joseph Gave me. We had to leave kirtland through persecution. I Came to Nauvoo with nothing. I there got a property through my labor & the Blessings of God.

We were driven from our property there & I had to Borrow to get here & now my Property I suppose is worth some three hundred thousand dollars. And you may ask any man in heaven Earth or Hell, if I have wronged him out of a dollar and if you Can find such a man I will make it right. I have wronged No man. I have paid for what I have had as I have said I do not have as much as an Ear of Corn out of the tithing office ownly what I pay for. I Borrowed money to help the poor when I Came here and I want you to write my statement as I give it for it is true as the son.

I financeer my affairs according to the wisdom God has given me & I trust to him & he alone gives me my increase. There are fears here that there will not any potatoes grow. I shall look for potatoes when it is time to dig them. I do so with all my business. The Lord kan make me rich or poor Just as he pleases. I Care not a groat for all the gold & silver in the world and Jesus Christ did not.

G. The leaders of the Church must have some advantage. The City lots here sold for some price. Did it not go to the leaders of the Church?

Y. No all the setlers paid for their City lots was $1.50. $1 to the Surveyor Mr Sherwood & 50 cts to Thomas Bullock the recorder.

G. How do you get farmes here?

Y. The land belongs to the United States and all the Claim setlers have is possession and improvements. When men take up unsurveyed lands they pay the surveyors fees & when they buy improvements they pay for them according to there value, & what they produce all men like to speculate more or less & men are apt to get what they Can.

G. I Calculate that I am about the ownly man who speculates who has not bought some land in the western Country, or a City lot. Many who have speculated in land have become poor. You have had two or three split off. How do you Consider them?

Y. The same as all apostates.

G. Do the Bishops make Bishops or how is itdone?

Y. The people meet in Conference and if they want a man to preside over them as a Bishop they vote for him and he is ordained a Bishop to preside over them.

G. Can the people reduce a Bishop to the laity?

Y. The people Can remove a Bishop from presiding over them by a vote & chuse the one they wish.

G. Who is the President of the Church?

Y. You know that I am the Presidet of the Church. I have my two Councellors. Mr Kimball & Wells here are my Councellors. Then we have Twelve Apostles & Seventies & various Quorums in our organization.

G. My neighbors religion does not trouble me any how & I see no particular harm in your religion and I am glad to learn so much from you about the rule management, & organization of your Church. I now know much more about your Church than I ever have before. How many Clergy men of other sects have Joined your Church?

Y. Not a great many & they are not often worth much when they do Join. For the Clergy men Doctors & Lawyiers make about as poor Saints as any Class of men we have for they do not like to work much & the mormons work for a living and I believe I am about the ownly man who does not work.

G. I think there is not many Editors Come among you by the looks of the papers published here.

Y. No and if they should we should be careful not to Employ them to publish for us.

G. I think it would be a good plan to sow the Canida thistle all over the sage plains & deserts. It would renevate the soil & make food for Cattle.

Y. If that is your opinion pray dont tell the people of it for you Could not introduce a worse plague. If the people was to introduce Canida Thistles it would Come Nearer to driving out the mormons from the Country than any thing els. They would ruin any Country.

G. O I think they would be a great Benefit & if they got into your grass & farming land you Can eisily kill them by mowing & salting them.

Y. I think not.

G. I think the Army was sent here esspecially for your Benefit & the Benefit of Wardle & Russel. You are getting rich through the army.

Y. The people are making money from that source. They introduce money, Cattle, waggons Horses & Mules. The people buy the waggons for the Irons for $15 or $20 of the largest Class, Containing some 6 or 800 lbs which is quite a help to the Country whare Irons is scearce.

G. The whole Country is lined with Iron. There is many miles of Chains & if I lived in the Country I would pick it up & Cash it.

Y. The Government would claim it.

G. I would give them so many days Notice then to take it out of the way & if they did not do it I would take it myself. There is more good timber in one of those large freight waggons than grows in this whole Territory. I dont believe in your having a Famine or that there is going to be any Famine.

Y. What do you refer to?

G. I see it published in the Deseret News.

Y. Yes you refer to Orson Hydes Famine sermon.

G. We had 2 frost in the states & it was reported that evry thing was killed on the 11 June in the North But I do not think that the frosted district was vary extensive.

[Y.] We are improving evry year in agricultural pursuits & when we get all the [Dr?] & Lawyiers to work we shall raise all you want. I dont think we shall have any Famine.

I have travelled through many parts of Europe. They are Capable of raising much food. I think Lombardy with its irrigation is the richest part of Europe.

[G.] Mr Young I shall have to state in my report that I Consider your system of poligamy is reducing the female Here to the oriental state. I see no Chance for the female here for her to develop herself. I see no Female signs out in this City. I see no Chance for a woman ownly to be a first or fifteenth wife.

Y. A woman here has all the Chance or liberty here to develop her talent or Capabilities of doing good & filling her sphere that she has in any Country But I do not want any woman to Council & dictate me in the direction of my affairs. If I did I should think I ought to have been made a woman.

G. I dont Care whether a person is man or woman. I think they should have the privilege of Developing their Talent. It is well enough for a woman to bear Children But I think they ought to rule when they are Capable of it. Queen Elizabeth was the grea[test?] Ruler England Had And Catherine was one of the greatest Soyreigns of Russia But Poligamy I think has a tendency to bury up the talent of women.

H.C.K. Is it worse to be a mans second wife than to be a whore?

G. I dont know that it is.

Here Mr Greely Closed his interigations, Took his hat Bowed to the Company & retired.

After Mr Greely left Conversation turned upon the opposition of our enemies. Presidet Young said the Lord has said he would fight our Battles & give us the victory & he has done it thus Far. Should the Lord say now draw the sword & fight many would Cut their way through an Enemy & turn around & fight over the spoil. This would gratify two many evil hearts and that would not do.

President Kimball said God holds Gov Cummings to do his will for us. If he was to let go of him he would be our bitter Enemy.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

160 years ago today - Jul 13, 1854 (Thursday)

The Jordan river bridge, west of G.S.L. City, was crossed by teams and herds for the first time.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

90 years ago today - Jul 12, 1924

Apostle and Salt Lake City Temple president George F. Richards writes: "The Temple Committee have gone over the ceremonies of the Endowments with a view to more perfectly put them in proper form and we are still working on them and I am in hope that in due time these will be considered by the Presidency and as far as is right the suggestions will be approved and the ceremonies be re-written having all the written ceremonies appear in their most perfected form and regular order in the Presidents' Books and in the past books. I am delighted with what has been done thus far and am hopeful that the future will see the other changes made which are very much needed."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

115 years ago today - Wednesday, Jul 12, 1899

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Apostle Lyman made some remarks on the Manifesto suspending plural marriage, showing that it was given by inspiration and that to his mind made it equivalent to a revelation.

[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]

115 years ago today - Jul 12, 1899

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] I attended meeting with my Quorum and First Presidency at the President's office at 10 a. m. Church attorneys also present. It was decided that President Angus M. Cannon better plead guilty to unlawful cohabitation and thereby save his wife and Brethren from going to court. Our Quorum after adjournment met at our room in the Temple at 11 a. m. [Cannon later served time]

[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 - Jul 12, 1894

[Apostle Marriner W. Merrill Diary] Met at Temple with First Presidency at 2 p. m. I was instructed not to pay Temple employees for vacation but only for the time they work.

[Source: Notes from the Miscellaneous Record Book, 1886-1906: Selected diary notes from the journal books of Marriner Wood Merrill, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

150 years ago today - Jul 12, 1864

General Patrick Edward Connor, commander at Fort Douglas, reports to his superiors: "The people of this Territory, under the implicit guidance of Brigham Young, are steeped in disloyalty and omit no opportunity of making display of it and injuring the Government by every means in their power."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

170 years ago today - Jul 12, 1844. Friday.

[William Clayton Journal] Joseph has said that if he and Hyrum were taken away Samuel H. Smith would be his successor.

[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 - Jul 12, 1844

[Heber C. Kimball] Elder White and my self went in to our closet and offered up the Singhn [signs] and praied that we might get some definite news pertaining the death of the Prophets. Toords [Towards] night one of the Brethren went to the office and got one leter from my wife up the [to] the 24 which day he gave Him Self up in company with Hiyrum, [Willard] Richards, and J. Tailor three days before they ware killed. This leter satisfide us that the Brethren ware dead. O Lord what feelings we had.

[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]

175 years ago today - Jul 12, 1839

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Assisted in looking over the proof sheet of the first number of the Times & seasons. ...

Joseph Called upon the Twelve to call & visit father Smith /is 68 years of age this day/ & lay hands upon him that he might be healed for he was sick & nigh unto death. We lade hands upon him & he received /[6 sick?]/ a blessing. The thought struck me that the Lord would add unto his life fifteen years, & to Close the scenes of this day, we received the glorious intelligence of the happy deliverence of PARLEY P. PRATT from Prision whare he had been Confined seven months for the cause of God. Brother Morris Phelps was also delivered with Parley. They delivered themselves on the fourth day of July above the setting of the Sun by running over the Jailor & esscaping out of thir hands by mounting some horses that were prepared for that purpose by Orson Pratt, Sister Phelps & others. They were closely persued by the mob & narrowly escaped by leaving behind them their horses Saddles bridles & hats & arived in Quincy on the 10th of July making six days on the road.

They are now all liberated but two persons viz King Follet & Luman Gibbs. King Follet got out of Prision with Parley but was retaken. May the remainder soon be deliverd I Pray. But Blessed be the Lord God for his mercy in delivering the Saints from prision. <Distance of the day> 8.

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years ago today - Tuesday, Jul 11, 1899

[Apostle Rudger Clawson Diary] Apostle H. J. Grant spoke of the prejudice that is being worked up by the Salt Lake Tribune against the Church. Didn't look upon it as being very serious. Said that Pres. Richard[s]'s prediction with reference to his getting out of debt is being rapidly fulfilled. Thought he would be out of debt in about 18 months, whereas it looked sometime ago as if it would take at least 10 years...

Apostle Merrill ... Predicted that the time would never be in this Church when children from plural marriages will not be born. Said he believed that the First Presidency had a right to counsel him in all things, both spiritual and temporal....

Apostle Cowley ... said he felt in his heart that the day is not far distant when the Lord will clean out Jackson County and open up the way for the redemption of Zion.

[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]

120 years ago today - Jul 11, 1894

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Pres[iden]t Snow remarked that were growing every day and that Statehood would give us power.

[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

155 years ago today - Jul 11, 1859

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] If he [David MCKinzie] is guity [of bribery] he ought to be Cuffed for I have employed him for 2 years & paid him & helped his family & for such a man to ingaged in such a business I feel like spanking him...

[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

50 years ago today - Jul 10, 1964

Apostle Spencer W. Kimball delivers a speech to a conference of the LDS church's seminary and Institute teachers assembled at Brigham Young University. His topic is homosexuality and he states, "we know such a disease is curable," and "We are told that as far back as Henry the VIII, this vice was referred to as `THE ABOMINABLE AND DETESTABLE CRIME AGAINST NATURE,' and some of our own statues [sic] have followed that wording."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

65 years ago today - Jul 10, 1949

The Chinese Mission is organized; it is discontinued in 1953.

75 years ago today - Jul 10, 1939

First counselor J. Reuben Clark "admonished President Grant that people were prone to say to him what people thought he wanted to hear."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

115 years ago today - Jul 10, 1899; Monday

Presidents Lorenzo Snow, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were at the office. ...

Bishop William B. Preston called and submitted a new form of tithing receipt, to take the place of the old form which omitted the word "tithing", left out by advice of the Church attorneys during the operations under the Edmunds law. The new form, with the word "tithing" added, received the sanction of the First Presidency.

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

170 years ago today - Jul 10, 1844, Wednesday

[William Clayton Writings] The day was saved by a self-appointed committee of nine women, including Mary Fielding Smith, wife of the martyred Hyrum Smith, and Leonara Taylor, wife of the wounded John Taylor. On the tenth they paid an unexpected visit to Foster, told him they would bear his insults no longer, and threatened that if he did not leave the city forthwith he would be visited by a stronger force the next day. ``The Dr was much frightened,'' recorded Clayton in a somewhat roguish tone, `` and looked every way for fear some one would be upon him. He is gone away and there are hopes that he will never return.''

[Source: Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]

170 years ago today - Jul 10, 1844

Samuel Williams, commanding officer of the Carthage Greys, writes a letter describing the happenings at Carthage jail. Williams says that when Joseph first arrived in Carthage and met with such an ugly reception, he "actually fainted." THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH denies a rumor that he had "fainted three times." but this may be consistent with him fainting once.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]

100 years ago today - Jul 9, 1914Bro[ther]. McKay said that on the 21st of June last he left for Chicago [Illinois], to attend the International Sunday School Convention, and was present at seventeen of the one hundred and fifty meetings of the convention. The Deseret Sunday School Union, he said, is not a part of the International Sunday School Convention, and he did not know that we want to be. He found that they are far behind us in Sunday School work, but he was satisfied that the Sunday school work is the best the sectarian churches can engage in, as it helps the churches, and is something all of them can unite on. ...

[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]

110 years ago today - Jul 9, 1904

We [i.e., the apostles] laid down the rule that no Apostle can be sustained in uttering sentiments among the Saints counter to the public pledges of the President and the Church before the Saints and the world. No man can be allowed to enter into or perform a plural marriage but by direct sanction of the only one man who holds the keys of that sacred order. Every member of our council must sustain the stand taken by President [Joseph F.] Smith and must not talk nor act at cross purposes with the Prophet. What has already been done is shaking the confidence of the Latter-day Saints. We are considered as two-faced and insincere. We must not stand in that light before the Saints or the world ... It is of great importance that as Apostles we shall each have the approval of our Council, of the First Presidency and of the Lord and the Saints. Without the support of these factors we are nothing. It has come to this juncture, that the Presidency hold me responsible to see to it that the members of our Council be thoroughly advised that we will not be tolerated in anything out of harmony with the stand taken by President Joseph F. Smith before the Senate Committee on the subject of Plural marriage. We must uphold his hands and vindicate the Church. The Lord requires all this of us. If any one of us go contrary to this it will be at his peril before the Church and the nation. Neither the Presidency nor the Church will carry the responsibility.

[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Letter to George Teasdale, 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]