Meridian Magazine ("LDS Magazine") publishes an online article, "Are You a Liberal Mormon?" by Joni Hilton. Due to a large number of complaints, the article was pulled from Meridan's website. An official from Meridan Magazine called the artcle "extremely offensive" noting that "James E. Faust was a liberal Mormon too." Of liberal Mormons, Hilton said:
They decided which aspects of our faith to accept or reject, from honoring the Sabbath to wearing less than modest clothing. Basically, it described people who were members of convenience. When they didn’t like something the Prophet said, they felt perfectly fine skirting around that one, and writing their own rules.
... Jack Mormons are obvious about it, tooâ€"you see them staggering out of a bar, or heading into the shopping mall on Sundays.
Liberal Mormons are more slippery. They often attend church, but they’re the ones who dodge Gospel Doctrine class because the teacher is “so by-the-book.†... why should I attend a class taught by someone so narrow-minded?...
They disagree with several points in the Proclamation to the World (sic), say no to callings that insult their intelligence, and create their own spin on how God will ultimately judge us (very leniently, usually). ...
Invariably liberal Mormons do not read their scriptures every day. They do not attend the temple, they do not show up to help someone move, and they do not Home Teach or Visit Teach with regularity. They view those who do as quaint minions who never question authority and who follow the rules like mindless sheep. ...
Former Young Women President, Elaine Cannon, once said, “When the Prophet speaks, the debate is over.†This is because the prophet is speaking for God and telling us what He would have us hear. He is not just the president of a corporation, giving us his personal views. ...
[Source: Meridian Magazine, "Are You a Liberal Mormon"]
85 years ago today - Oct 31, 1929
[President Heber J. Grant] Dr. Fred Clawson called and asked permission to give a recommend to John A. Groesbeck and his wife to witness the marriage of their daughter. I told him I would give him an answer later in the day. John is a full-tithe-pager and has been for years, but on account of the use of tobacco has never had a recommend to the temple. I think he is a man of absolute honesty and integrity, and personally I have no objection to his witnessing the marriage of his daughter in the temple. [Note: later he, David O. McKay, George F. Richards, and Stephen L. Richards approve the action.]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Oct 31, 1844
Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Susanne Snively (1815-1892) (aged 29) first marriage
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Source: Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
170 years ago today - 31st [Oct 1844]
[Letter from Govr. Thos. Ford to Lieut Genl Brigham Young State of Illinois] ... To Lieutenant- General Brigham Young of the Nauvoo Legion
Sir
It may be probable that there may be further disturbances in Hancock County by those apposed to the prosecutions against the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. They may combine together in arms to subvert justice and prevent those prosecutions from going on. They may also attack or resist the civil authorities of the State in that county and they may attack some of the settlements or people there with violence.
The sherriff of the county may want a military force to guard the court and protect it or its officers or the jurors thereof or the witnesses attending court from the violence of a mob.
In all these cases you are hereby ordered and directed to hold in readiness a sufficient force under your command of the Nauvoo Legion to act under the direction of the said sherriff for the purposes aforesaid; and also to suppress mobs which may be collected in said county to injure the persons or property of any of the citizens.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of state the day and year first herein above written. Thos Ford, Governor & Commander-in-Chief.
[Source: Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
Sir
It may be probable that there may be further disturbances in Hancock County by those apposed to the prosecutions against the murderers of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. They may combine together in arms to subvert justice and prevent those prosecutions from going on. They may also attack or resist the civil authorities of the State in that county and they may attack some of the settlements or people there with violence.
The sherriff of the county may want a military force to guard the court and protect it or its officers or the jurors thereof or the witnesses attending court from the violence of a mob.
In all these cases you are hereby ordered and directed to hold in readiness a sufficient force under your command of the Nauvoo Legion to act under the direction of the said sherriff for the purposes aforesaid; and also to suppress mobs which may be collected in said county to injure the persons or property of any of the citizens.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of state the day and year first herein above written. Thos Ford, Governor & Commander-in-Chief.
[Source: Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
125 years ago today - Oct 30, 1889 (Wednesday)
In the Third District Court, Salt Lake City, William C. Dunbar was refused citizenship because he believed in polygamy. Elder Dunbar had lost his citizen's papers, which he obtained many years before.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
110 years ago today - Oct 30, 1904
[Thomas A. Clawson Diary] "Came home with Bro Hamilton G. Park and he told me a little incident in his life when he was with Heber C Kimball which gave the key to Henry Lawrence's apostasy. It began by his taking advantage of the people and charging them outrageojs prices for goods making as high a [as] 15 hundred per cent. Heber C Kimball told him what he was doing and that if he did not repent in sack cloth and ashes that he would lose the spirit--apostatize and go to hell. All of which came true."
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary Excerpts of Thomas A. Clawson, Signature Books Library, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Oct 30, 1864
[Brigham Young Sermon] Some may think the brethren and sisters are backsliding and growing cold, when they do not attend meeting. It may sometimes be just as good and profitable to stay at home as to come to meeting. ... And many who do not attend to the worship of God here may be just as fervent, and humble in their spirits, and trying to live as uprightly before God at home as those who attend religious meetings. I do not think the people are forgetful of God and of their obligations to him because they tarry at home. ... I do not believe that those who stay at home are, in many instances, any worse than those who come to meetings, nor that those who come to meeting are particularly better than those who stay at home...
When any man lifts himself up in his philosophy, and wonders why we do not talk about this, and that, and the other thing that we do not wish to talk about, what does he know of the results that would follow from communicating principles to this people which they are not prepared to receive? I do not know that it would not be as Joseph once remarked:'" Said he, '"If I were to tell the people what I knew of the kingdom of God, there is not a man nor woman that would stay with me.'" Said I, '"Do not reveal anything to me then, I do not wish to apostatize.'" If the Lord were to reveal many things to this people now, which will be made known in the future, they could not abide them,'"they have not capacity at the present to receive them....
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:349-352; 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]
When any man lifts himself up in his philosophy, and wonders why we do not talk about this, and that, and the other thing that we do not wish to talk about, what does he know of the results that would follow from communicating principles to this people which they are not prepared to receive? I do not know that it would not be as Joseph once remarked:'" Said he, '"If I were to tell the people what I knew of the kingdom of God, there is not a man nor woman that would stay with me.'" Said I, '"Do not reveal anything to me then, I do not wish to apostatize.'" If the Lord were to reveal many things to this people now, which will be made known in the future, they could not abide them,'"they have not capacity at the present to receive them....
[Source: Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 10:349-352; 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]
35 years ago today - Oct 29, 1979
The first two converts of eastern Africa were baptized in Kenya.
[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]
[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]
50 years ago today - Oct 29, 1964
U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson speaks in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
85 years ago today - Oct 29, 1929
The New York Stock Market collapsed in frantic trading, a dramatic beginning of the Great Depression.
[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]
[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]
90 years ago today - Oct 29, 1924
[George F. Richards] M. D. Wells went through the Temple to-day with his son. Bro. Jos. F. Smith Jr. & I spoke to him and told him we thought he better not come any more without first speaking to us and let us speak to the President to learn his attitude. He is one who took a plural wife contrary to direct instructions given him by Pres. Jos. F. Smith and by a Patriarch who had no authority and who was later excommunicated.
[Source: George F. Richards 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]
[Source: George F. Richards 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 - Oct 29, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] Our people came here and opened up the country and I hope and pray that they will always lead in every thing. I shall work to this end to the best of my ability.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Oct 29, 1864
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I attended a trial of Elijah Steers for Lying in the House of the Lord. He was mostly excused through ignorance.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
40 years ago today - Oct 28, 1974
Missionary companions Gary S. Darley and Mark F. Fischer are murdered in Texas by LDS convert who had returned to Pentecostal church. In its most sensational coverage ever, CHURCH NEWS reports that "body parts" of the missionaries are discovered on Nov. 13 and that murderer is sentenced to death in 1975 for killing the missionaries and "cutting up their bodies with a saw." In 1977, murderer successfully appeals his conviction due to illegal search, but remains in prison on other charges until his parole in 1988.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
1914, 100 years ago this year.
Relief Society General Board begins providing uniform lessons for weekly Relief Society classes.
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Source: Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
155 years ago today - Oct 28, 1859
[Hosea Stout on the first execution in Utah] To day the melancholly duty to hang Thos H. Furguson for the murder of A. Carpenter. He was taken to the gallows about eleven a. m and about one p. m. hanged. There was not many spectators present. He had no confession[.] But he reflected very hard on Judge Sinclair for not giving him a fair trial.but said he had been treated well by every one else in Utah only blaming the Gov for not commuting his sentence to imprisonment for life.
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
5 years ago today - 10/27/2009
An article in the New York Times says that BYU students as well as at least one Mormon volunteer who heard at church about the campaign are working to repeal marriage equality measures in Maine. Schubert Flint was hired to run the Maine campaign in June, 2009 and many of the ads they are using in Maine are the same ones that were used in California.
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]
110 years ago today - Oct 27, 1904; Thursday
[First Presidency & Quorum of Twelve] A letter was read from Elder B. H. Roberts, stating in effect that a young man named Richardson, of Manchester, England, had written, wondering if it were possible for him, while in England, to receive a patriarchal blessing by furnishing the Patriarch here the necessary genealogical data respecting himself. Taking it for granted that this could not consistently be done, Brother Roberts suggested the advisability of Patriarchs being sent abroad for the purpose of giving blessings. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Oct 27, 1889
Woodruff's attitude toward the law prohibiting polygamy, printed in the Salt Lake Herald, "We mean to obey it. We have not thought of evading or ignoring it. We recognize the laws as binding upon us." He repeated that he had not sanctioned any marriages since becoming president.
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
[Source: Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
145 years ago today - Oct 27, 1869
Brigham Young preaches at Lehi, Utah that "by marriage Lot's two daughters were sealed to him, and will be his to all eternity." Young adds that it might one day become necessary to seals a man's daughter to him as a wife, "but it is not likely ever again to occur." There are verified instances of LDS leaders performing polygamous marriages between men and their foster-daughters or step-daughters, but not actual daughters.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
155 years ago today - Oct 27, 1859
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] ... My family Came around me to see me die. I gave each of them a word of Council and instruction But could say but little. I sent for Wilford who was in the field. He Came. I said a few words to him. Among other things I exhorted him strongly to always treat all dumb animals in his Charge kindly. He said he would try to.
John L Smith was with me in the morning. I gave him a word of Council Concerning my History & Journals in case I should die. I also Conversed with J C. Little the sexton and A. O. Smoot the mayor, Concerning the place of my burial, and my family burial ground....
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
John L Smith was with me in the morning. I gave him a word of Council Concerning my History & Journals in case I should die. I also Conversed with J C. Little the sexton and A. O. Smoot the mayor, Concerning the place of my burial, and my family burial ground....
[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 - Oct 27, 1844. Sunday.
[William Clayton] Brother Parker has been prying into the secret designs of the mob. He has professed to be an apostate and by that means got into their secret councils. He was told by the mob that all their plans to overthrow the church has completely failed, but they had one plan in view which they felt satisfied would accomplish the purpose and that plan was to obtain our sacred records and destroy them and also obtain testimony from them to our overthrow. They gave him to understand that this was to be accomplished by the means of a man in our midst who had free access to the records and who had agreed to put them in possession of them. They finally told Brother Parker that the man who was to do this was W. W. Phelps and Parker was told by several that Phelps was the man on whom they depended to get the records. I went over to Dr. Richards and found that all the records were safe in his hands. There was also considerable fears entertained that Brother [Reynolds] Cahoon is not true to us. A[lmon] Babbitt is suspected from good evidence of being treacherous and of conspiring with the mob to overthrow us.
[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]
[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]
175 years ago today - Oct 27, 1839
Commerce, Illinois. The high council voted that Joseph Smith's wife, Emma Smith, select and publish an updated hymnbook for the Saints.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
110 years ago today - Oct 26, 1904
Apostle George Albert Smith instructs Salt Lake stake prayer circle: "Among some women the practice of removing the garments from the neck and arms and tying them behind the back was common. These were serious faults, and might result in the offenders being disfellowshipped."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 26, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Apostle J. H. Smith reported that he had been to Ogden to visit Pres. F. D. Richards and said that he was very seriously ill, being afflicted with nervous prostration. His mind also, he said, seemed to be failing. Apostle A. O. Woodruff made a similar report.
The clerk read a report showing the status of polygamy in Utah, as follows, to wit:
The number of polygamists in 1890â€"
2450
[2451]
The number of deaths since thenâ€"
750
The number removed from the U.S.
63
The number divorced
95
908
Leaving a balance of
1542
[1543]
37%â€"died, left, or divorced.
Apostle H. J. Grant said that he thought he could get managing control of the Salt Lake Herald, if it were thought advisable. As it is now, the paper is run on anti-Mormon principles, but might be used to favor the church. I moved that Apostle Grant be authorized to do what he could in the matter of securing control. Carried by unanimous vote.
The question of a presidency for the Cache Stake was introduced by Pres. Snow, and he asked the brethren how they felt about it. Apostle Lyman suggested the name of Chas. W. Nibley. ... Apostle A. H. Lund was in favor of a man who would have some influence with the Moses Thatcher faction. He did not think C. W. Nibley would be altogether the most suitable, he being a Republican in politics. Pres. Snow proposed the name of Apostle M. W. Merrill. Seconded and carried by unanimous vote....
[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]
The clerk read a report showing the status of polygamy in Utah, as follows, to wit:
The number of polygamists in 1890â€"
2450
[2451]
The number of deaths since thenâ€"
750
The number removed from the U.S.
63
The number divorced
95
908
Leaving a balance of
1542
[1543]
37%â€"died, left, or divorced.
Apostle H. J. Grant said that he thought he could get managing control of the Salt Lake Herald, if it were thought advisable. As it is now, the paper is run on anti-Mormon principles, but might be used to favor the church. I moved that Apostle Grant be authorized to do what he could in the matter of securing control. Carried by unanimous vote.
The question of a presidency for the Cache Stake was introduced by Pres. Snow, and he asked the brethren how they felt about it. Apostle Lyman suggested the name of Chas. W. Nibley. ... Apostle A. H. Lund was in favor of a man who would have some influence with the Moses Thatcher faction. He did not think C. W. Nibley would be altogether the most suitable, he being a Republican in politics. Pres. Snow proposed the name of Apostle M. W. Merrill. Seconded and carried by unanimous vote....
[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]
145 years ago today - Oct 26, 1869
[Godbeits] Our attention has been called of late to several articles which have appeared in the Utah Magazine, a weekly periodical, published in this city. An examination of them has convinced us that they are erroneous, opposed to the spirit of the Gospel, and calculated to do injury. According to the practice in the Church, teachers were sent to labour with the editor and publishers, to point out to them the evil results which would follow a persistence in the course they were pursuing. This did not have the desired effect, and they have since been tried before the High Council, and after a thorough and patient investigation of the case, it was found they had imbibed the spirit of apostacy to that degree that they could not any longer be fellowshipped, and they were cut off from the Church.
The Utah Magazine is a periodical that, in its spirit and teachings, is directly opposed to the work of God. Instead of building up Zion, and uniting the people, its teachings, if carried out, would destroy Zion, divide the people asunder, and drive the Holy Priesthood from the earth. Therefore we say to our brethren and sisters in every place, the Utah Magazine is not a periodical suitable for circulation among or perusal by them, and should not be sustained by Latter-day Saints.
We hope this will be sufficient, without ever having to refer to it again. Your Brethren, BRIGHAM YOUNG, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE A. SMITH, GEORGE Q. CANNON, DANIEL H. WELLS, JOSEPH F. SMITH. ORSON PRATT
[Source: To President Charles C. Rich and David P. Kimball,To all Bishops; Deseret News, Oct. 26, 1869; MS 31:770 (November 24, 1869) as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
The Utah Magazine is a periodical that, in its spirit and teachings, is directly opposed to the work of God. Instead of building up Zion, and uniting the people, its teachings, if carried out, would destroy Zion, divide the people asunder, and drive the Holy Priesthood from the earth. Therefore we say to our brethren and sisters in every place, the Utah Magazine is not a periodical suitable for circulation among or perusal by them, and should not be sustained by Latter-day Saints.
We hope this will be sufficient, without ever having to refer to it again. Your Brethren, BRIGHAM YOUNG, WILFORD WOODRUFF, GEORGE A. SMITH, GEORGE Q. CANNON, DANIEL H. WELLS, JOSEPH F. SMITH. ORSON PRATT
[Source: To President Charles C. Rich and David P. Kimball,To all Bishops; Deseret News, Oct. 26, 1869; MS 31:770 (November 24, 1869) as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
145 years ago today - Oct 26, 1869
Brigham Young writes to Thomas L. Kane in that the constitution of the State of Deseret had been amended so that "all male citizens of the United States over 21 years of age having residence of 6 months in this state (State of Deseret) shall be entitled to vote; the words 'free, white male,' having been struck out. The number of votes polled on this amendment was 14,000 for, and 30 against."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
160 years ago today - Oct 26, 1854
Bishop publishes notice in DESERET NEWS that Enoch M. King is disfellowshipped "for repeatedly refusing to conform to the rules of said Church, in the law of Tithing."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
40 years ago today - Oct 25, 1974
[Elder Packer to First Presidency]
The First Presidency
On several occasions I have expressed in our council meetings my concern for some projects being undertaken by the Church Historian's Office and some of those who have been engaged to work on the projects. May I state with emphasis, as I have in our meetings, that my concern does not deny in any way that these brethren are active members of the Church. It is a matter of orientation toward scholarly work - historianÂ's work in particular ...
I have come to believe that it is the tendency for most members of the Church who spend a great deal of time in academic research to begin to judge the Church, its doctrine, organization, and history, by the principles of their own profession. Ofttimes this is done unwittingly, and some of it perhaps is wholesome. However, it is an easy thing for a man with extensive academic training to consider the Church with the principles he has been taught in his professional training as his measuring standard.
In my mind it ought to be the other way around. A member of the Church ought always, particularly if he is pursuing extended academic studies, to judge the professions of men against the revealed word of the Lord. ...
We have evidently authorized a series of publications in order to make available to all members of the Church much information that is in the Archives and in the Historical Department. ... these publications will be of interest to other historians and perhaps serve them well, but at once may have a negative affect upon many. ... I have seen how such published information has disturbed young students in the Church.
[Several examples are presented from a recent publication, including a lawsuit by the descendants of Brigham Young against the church, Brigham Young encouraging his son to restrict tobacco use, and the morphine addiction of Phineas Howe Young] ...
And again the question, why should the Church publish that?
I agree with President Stephen L.[sic] Richards who once stated.
Â"If a man of history has secured over the years a high place in the esteem of his countrymen and fellow men and has become imbedded in their affections, it has seemingly become a pleasing pastime for researchers and scholars to delve into the past of such a man, discover, if may be, some of his weaknesses, and then write a book exposing hitherto unpublished alleged factual findings, all of which tends to rob the historic character of the idealistic esteem and veneration in which he may have been held through the years.
Â"This Â'debunking,Â' we are told, is in the interest of realism, that the facts should be known. If an historic character has made a great contribution to country and society, and if his name and his deeds have been used over the generations to foster high ideals of character and service, what good is to be accomplished by digging out of the past and exploiting weaknesses, which perhaps a generous contemporary public forgave and subdued?Â"
[References to a divorce of Brigham Young's, referring to Brigham Young simply as "Brigham", and as an "idler"]
... However, if I know scholars at all, it would be my opinion that this first book is something of a test. And if I am not mistaken and I think that I am not, if the things I have mentioned go unnoticed, it will be an invitation to put in print many other things from the HistorianÂ's Office. Such information will do precious little good and may do a great disservice to individuals both past and present.
I mentioned that I have raised this subject before. Each time the Historical Office has been discussed in our meetings, I have expressed my concern. ...
I have lived in academic circles, have observed the tendencies of highly Â"schooledÂ" Church members; have seen how perversely such information as this is often used, and wonder if these projects ought to be carefully reviewed before they continue. ...
[Source: Letter: Elder Packer to First Presidency]
The First Presidency
On several occasions I have expressed in our council meetings my concern for some projects being undertaken by the Church Historian's Office and some of those who have been engaged to work on the projects. May I state with emphasis, as I have in our meetings, that my concern does not deny in any way that these brethren are active members of the Church. It is a matter of orientation toward scholarly work - historianÂ's work in particular ...
I have come to believe that it is the tendency for most members of the Church who spend a great deal of time in academic research to begin to judge the Church, its doctrine, organization, and history, by the principles of their own profession. Ofttimes this is done unwittingly, and some of it perhaps is wholesome. However, it is an easy thing for a man with extensive academic training to consider the Church with the principles he has been taught in his professional training as his measuring standard.
In my mind it ought to be the other way around. A member of the Church ought always, particularly if he is pursuing extended academic studies, to judge the professions of men against the revealed word of the Lord. ...
We have evidently authorized a series of publications in order to make available to all members of the Church much information that is in the Archives and in the Historical Department. ... these publications will be of interest to other historians and perhaps serve them well, but at once may have a negative affect upon many. ... I have seen how such published information has disturbed young students in the Church.
[Several examples are presented from a recent publication, including a lawsuit by the descendants of Brigham Young against the church, Brigham Young encouraging his son to restrict tobacco use, and the morphine addiction of Phineas Howe Young] ...
And again the question, why should the Church publish that?
I agree with President Stephen L.[sic] Richards who once stated.
Â"If a man of history has secured over the years a high place in the esteem of his countrymen and fellow men and has become imbedded in their affections, it has seemingly become a pleasing pastime for researchers and scholars to delve into the past of such a man, discover, if may be, some of his weaknesses, and then write a book exposing hitherto unpublished alleged factual findings, all of which tends to rob the historic character of the idealistic esteem and veneration in which he may have been held through the years.
Â"This Â'debunking,Â' we are told, is in the interest of realism, that the facts should be known. If an historic character has made a great contribution to country and society, and if his name and his deeds have been used over the generations to foster high ideals of character and service, what good is to be accomplished by digging out of the past and exploiting weaknesses, which perhaps a generous contemporary public forgave and subdued?Â"
[References to a divorce of Brigham Young's, referring to Brigham Young simply as "Brigham", and as an "idler"]
... However, if I know scholars at all, it would be my opinion that this first book is something of a test. And if I am not mistaken and I think that I am not, if the things I have mentioned go unnoticed, it will be an invitation to put in print many other things from the HistorianÂ's Office. Such information will do precious little good and may do a great disservice to individuals both past and present.
I mentioned that I have raised this subject before. Each time the Historical Office has been discussed in our meetings, I have expressed my concern. ...
I have lived in academic circles, have observed the tendencies of highly Â"schooledÂ" Church members; have seen how perversely such information as this is often used, and wonder if these projects ought to be carefully reviewed before they continue. ...
[Source: Letter: Elder Packer to First Presidency]
120 years ago today - Oct 25, 1894
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] Political matters were talked over to some remarks of Bro[ther]s Jos[eph] F's. Brigham [Young Jr.] took exception. It developed that the Presidency desire that Utah shall enter the Union as a Republican state. There seemed among the brethren a strong democratic tendency or of indifference. Bro[ther] Brigham's idea was that nothing should be said upon politics in the Temple. Heber [J. Grant] wanted to go into the field for [Joseph L.] Rawlins against [Frank J.] Cannon.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Oct 25, 1889 (Friday)
At Blackfoot, Idaho, Thomas E. Ricks [founder of Ricks College] was convicted of u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Oct 25, 1869
[Godbeits] William S. Godbe, E. L. T. Harrison, and Eli B. Kelsey excommunicated for political and economic dissent and for spiritualism
[Source: Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
[Source: Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]
15 years ago today - Oct 24, 1999
President Gordon B. Hinckley breaks ground for the reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple.
25 years ago today - Oct 24, 1989
Tonga's princess 'Elisiva Fusipala Vaha'i is baptized.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
50 years ago today - Oct 24, 1964
Australian judge comments that "it seems a particularly extraordinary way of bringing religion to the notice of the housewife," as he imposes criminal fines on two LDS missionaries for impersonating government inspectors in order to enter the home of potential investigators. From mid-1950's to 1980's there are published complaints in various parts of Australia that LDS missionaries force their way through partly opened doors and refuse to leave until householder listens to message about LDS church.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
120 years ago today - Oct 24, 1894
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] ... we listed to a political speech by B. H. Roberts of a hour and fifty minutes. I have never in my life heard a better talk than Roberts gave this evening. I think he is without any exception the best political speaker that I have ever listened to.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
120 years ago today - Wed., Oct 24, 1894
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon] The Presidents Woodruff and Smith both say they were willing for such a ceremony (sealing David to a wife) to occur, if done in Mexico, and Pres. Woodruff promised the Lord's blessing to follow such an act. Father said Uncle Angus could sound Annie on the matter, and I was willing to leave it in that way. [In all, ten general authorities marry post-Manifesto plural wives by permission of church president or his counselors during next ten years.]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4; Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4; Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996]
130 years ago today - Oct 24, 1884 (Friday)
Lydia Spencer, [Apostle] Rudger Clawson's alleged second wife, having been arrested, a new trial was commenced, and Lydia Spencer, who refused to testify, was sent to the Penitentiary.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
155 years ago today - Oct 24, 1859
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I was still in great distress. Presidents H C. Kimball D. H. Wells & F. D. Richards & Samuel Richards Called and administered to me. H. C. Kimball was mouth. He promised me that I should live. In the afternoon President Brigham Young & Lorenzo Young Called to see me. President Young spoke about my hard labor, doing to much. Did not think I would ever Stop hard work unless I was shut up. I was vary sick and in great distress. President Young laid hands upon me and again promised me that I should be delivered and live, but it would be through Suffering.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Oct 24, 1844
[Hosea Stout] ... in relation to affairs at Carthage, the brethren who had gone there as before related having came home the evening before, heard a letter read from the Governor authorizing the Lieutenant General of the Legion to call out the Legion to protect the Court at Carthage and suppress all mobs which might rise in Hancock County, if necessary.
At the time the mob was gathering at Carthage very fast with the express purpose of depriving the brethren from having the benefits of a fair trial and also to deprive the grand jury from hearing those who had assassinated Brothers Joseph and Hyrum Smith; for they had sworn that they would murder any one who dared to appear against them ...
It was decided by the Council that the Legion be put in immediate readiness for actual service and I was ordered to call out my Regiment forthwith which I did and at 4 oclock P. M. ....
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
At the time the mob was gathering at Carthage very fast with the express purpose of depriving the brethren from having the benefits of a fair trial and also to deprive the grand jury from hearing those who had assassinated Brothers Joseph and Hyrum Smith; for they had sworn that they would murder any one who dared to appear against them ...
It was decided by the Council that the Legion be put in immediate readiness for actual service and I was ordered to call out my Regiment forthwith which I did and at 4 oclock P. M. ....
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
45 years ago today - Oct 23, 1969
President [N. Eldon] Tanner mentioned proposed changes in the dialogue in the temple rituals, some of which he said had been implemented and some will be implemented on the tape and film that are being prepared. He said that some of these are intended to save repetition and others to clarify the statements made. He said the changes proposed were minor, and mentioned one or two changes as an illustration of what it is proposed to do.
President Tanner said that a few of these suggested changes had been presented to President McKay some time ago by Elder ElRay L. Christiansen and had received his approval.
Elder [Harold B.] Lee said that we must assume that all that has been done is under the inspiration of the Almighty to the Presidency and the Twelve, which is the legislative body of the Church. He said, "If you will tell us that you have that inspiration and you now bring that for our approval, I will have no question, but when you sit down to make changes in some things that we have had for a whole century, I have some reservations."
The brethren discussed at some length the various parts of the ceremony and proposed changes, but there was some opposition expressed to the proposal to make changes at this time, especially without reading carefully and discussing the proposed changes.
Elder [Marion G.] Romney said he had confidence in the President, and that everything he says he would sustain. He also had great confidence in President Tanner and the other brethren, and was willing to rest on their judgment, but he did not want to pass on anything without knowing what it is. He said he was willing to leave it to the committee if it is thought that is what should be done, but if they wanted his opinion on it he had to know what it is, and wouldn't want to vote to pass this as long as there was one person in the Council who questioned it.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Oct. 23, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
President Tanner said that a few of these suggested changes had been presented to President McKay some time ago by Elder ElRay L. Christiansen and had received his approval.
Elder [Harold B.] Lee said that we must assume that all that has been done is under the inspiration of the Almighty to the Presidency and the Twelve, which is the legislative body of the Church. He said, "If you will tell us that you have that inspiration and you now bring that for our approval, I will have no question, but when you sit down to make changes in some things that we have had for a whole century, I have some reservations."
The brethren discussed at some length the various parts of the ceremony and proposed changes, but there was some opposition expressed to the proposal to make changes at this time, especially without reading carefully and discussing the proposed changes.
Elder [Marion G.] Romney said he had confidence in the President, and that everything he says he would sustain. He also had great confidence in President Tanner and the other brethren, and was willing to rest on their judgment, but he did not want to pass on anything without knowing what it is. He said he was willing to leave it to the committee if it is thought that is what should be done, but if they wanted his opinion on it he had to know what it is, and wouldn't want to vote to pass this as long as there was one person in the Council who questioned it.
[Source: David O. McKay diary, Oct. 23, 1969 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
65 years ago today - Oct 23, 1949
President of the Brazilian Mission, Rulon S. Howells, meets with the elders. He announced that the only way the Church would grow in a certain city would be to separate the two blacks and whites, with a white branch using the chapel and the blacks meeting in a home of one of the members. They could be brought back together when the white branch was stronger and the idea of integrated meetings was more acceptable.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 23, 1884
[Apostle John Henry Smith] Liverpool
Tonight Miss A. came to see me. She confessed that her Father had been guilty of incest with her when she was only twelve years old. She feels very bad. What is the world coming to, it seems to be one vast charnel house of sin and wickedness.
[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]
Tonight Miss A. came to see me. She confessed that her Father had been guilty of incest with her when she was only twelve years old. She feels very bad. What is the world coming to, it seems to be one vast charnel house of sin and wickedness.
[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]
135 years ago today - Oct 23, 1879
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] 23 We drove our waggon and Camped at the well of the Oribes. We were soon Surrounded By about 20 Oribes Children from 3 to 18 years of age. All the unmarried girls from 10 years upwards had their hair done up on the side of the head like a pair of horns or large pair of Ears which gives them a strange appearance. This is a sign to the young men that they are ready to marry. ..
There was about to be a marriage in the village and all the men were gathered into the work Shops to spin Cotton warp for a pair of Blankets for the marriage Couple. They spun on spindles they held in their hands and rolled the spindle on their legs. They raised the Cotton themselves and when the Blanket is used the pair sleep under it the first night then laid it away as a sacred garment & never used again until the man dies. Then he is buried in it....
I saw one white Indian Called Albinos man vary white. There are some of this Clan in nearly all of the villages. They are milk white much whiter than Americans. Whether they are Blood of the Anicient Nephites or a freek of Nature I cannot say. They are not vary popular among the Indians. ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
There was about to be a marriage in the village and all the men were gathered into the work Shops to spin Cotton warp for a pair of Blankets for the marriage Couple. They spun on spindles they held in their hands and rolled the spindle on their legs. They raised the Cotton themselves and when the Blanket is used the pair sleep under it the first night then laid it away as a sacred garment & never used again until the man dies. Then he is buried in it....
I saw one white Indian Called Albinos man vary white. There are some of this Clan in nearly all of the villages. They are milk white much whiter than Americans. Whether they are Blood of the Anicient Nephites or a freek of Nature I cannot say. They are not vary popular among the Indians. ...
[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 - Oct 23, 1864
George Q. Cannon - A temple shall be reared in the Center Stake of Zion in the generation in which the the revelation was given. (cf. D&C 84 prediction of temple to be built in Zion, Missouri.)
[Source: Journal of Discourses, vol. 10, p. 344 as referenced at the Instutite for Religious Research]
[Source: Journal of Discourses, vol. 10, p. 344 as referenced at the Instutite for Religious Research]
155 years ago today - Oct 23, 1859
Brigham Young said, Brethren, this Council has been called for the purpose of selecting a man to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve, and the vacancy in the first presidency of the Seventies. ... The brethren can write their names The brethren can suggest names and the Clerk will write them and read them to us, or they can write their suggestions on paper and hand them to the Clerk. ... There are but few of the Twelve here whom I saw when receiving their charge at the time the Quorum was first organized in Kirtland. Jared Carter, at that time, objected to bro. Brigham said he was like an apple one half of which was sweet, the other half sour.' ...
O. Pratt[:] 'If office in the Priesthood is hereditary as we have instances of anciently, we might select Parley Jun to fill his fathers place.' E. Snow. 'The question arises /are offices/ in the Priesthood hereditary like the Patriarchal office....
Pres[iden]t. Y.[: ']Brethren, if you feel it would be just as right as not for me to nominate, I'll do so. Unanimous vote. I nominate Geo. Q. Cannon to fill the place vacancyin for one of the Twelve and Jacob Gates for one of the Presidency of Seventies.' Amen, responded by several. If you all feel that it is right for Jacob Gates George Q. Cannon to fill the vacancy in the Twelve /signify it by uplifted hand./ [U]nanimous vote. 'If you all feel that it is right for Jacob Gates to fill the vacancy in the Seventies, signify it by the same sign.['] Unanimous vote....
[Source: 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]
O. Pratt[:] 'If office in the Priesthood is hereditary as we have instances of anciently, we might select Parley Jun to fill his fathers place.' E. Snow. 'The question arises /are offices/ in the Priesthood hereditary like the Patriarchal office....
Pres[iden]t. Y.[: ']Brethren, if you feel it would be just as right as not for me to nominate, I'll do so. Unanimous vote. I nominate Geo. Q. Cannon to fill the place vacancyin for one of the Twelve and Jacob Gates for one of the Presidency of Seventies.' Amen, responded by several. If you all feel that it is right for Jacob Gates George Q. Cannon to fill the vacancy in the Twelve /signify it by uplifted hand./ [U]nanimous vote. 'If you all feel that it is right for Jacob Gates to fill the vacancy in the Seventies, signify it by the same sign.['] Unanimous vote....
[Source: 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]
45 years ago today - Oct 22, 1969
The First Presidency has assigned to the Relief Society the exclusive distribution of authorized pattern garments.
[Source: David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, and N. Eldon Tanner to General Authorities and Regional Representatives of the Twelve as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: David O. McKay, Hugh B. Brown, and N. Eldon Tanner to General Authorities and Regional Representatives of the Twelve as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
110 years ago today - Oct 22, 1904
[First Presidency letter to John W. Taylor] As you are aware, until within a few years ago, the custom prevailed in Canada, Arizona and Mexico for our young people residing in those countries to marry for time only on account of the inconvenience and expense attending a journey to a temple, and that in order to save this great expense, and to encourage marriages among our young people, President [Wilford] Woodruff and President [Lorenzo] Snow, each in his time, authorized some of the Apostles, and perhaps others, to perform sealings for time and eternity in behalf of young couples of those places, and that this authority has been exercised quite freely to the present time. The Council of First Presidency and Apostles have now deemed it expedient and wise to withdraw this authority form those brethren, leaving it solely in the hands of him who holds the keys thereof, and a resolution to this effect has been unanimously passed by the Council. We write you, in connection with all the other members of the Council not present when this action was taken, that you may be informed of the same, and with the request that you will, on receipt of this letter, strictly govern yourself accordingly. We may say also in this connection that there is no objection whatever to your performing the common marriage ceremony in behalf of any who may desire you to serve them in this respect; but in doing so all such couples should be given to understand that their marriage is simply a legal marriage for time only, performed under the laws of the land, and they should be urged to look forward to the time when the way shall be opened for them to come to a temple to be properly sealed and to have their children also sealed to them. [Note: A copy of this letter was sent also to George Teasdale on October 26, 1904.]
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund, Letter to John W. Taylor, 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]
[Source: Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund, Letter to John W. Taylor, 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 - Oct 22, 1894
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon records in his journal: "In the forenoon Prince Galatzin of the Russian Imperial Council of State, and Lieutenant General of the Russian army came into the News Office to purchase some books. I was asked in German, which language he speaks fluently, as well as French, where he could see Pres. Woodruff. He desired me to show him the office, which I did, and introduced him to the President and Father, with whom he had some conversation. He was accompanied by a local Catholic priest. To my astonishment he was given permission by Pres. Woodruff to visit the [dedicated Salt Lake] temple under my guidance, and both these gentlemen passed through the holy place, Bishop Winder going with us. They were much struck with the elegance of the place..."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Oct 22, 1879 (Wednesday)
The murderers of Elder Joseph Standing were acquitted by the Circuit Court of Whitfield County, Georgia, after a short trial.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
135 years ago today - Oct 22, 1879
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] ... When I arived at the well I found an + Ass or Donkey had walked down to the stone steps looking down into the water and Braying for some one to Come & water him. His Call was louder than any animal but an ass Could make. I took my bucket and Carried him several Buckets of water which he drank greedily and when He was Satisfied, He bowed his head as much as to say thank you sir and went off happy. We watered our team returned to the waggon & Camped. 25 M.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Oct 22, 1874 (Thursday)
The first number of the Utah Scandinav, an anti-Mormon weekly newspaper, was issued in Salt Lake City, in the Danish-Norwegian language. After about three years' run it ceased publication.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Oct 22, 1844
The "Great Disappointment" occurred when the return of Christ, predicted by William Miller, failed to happen once again. At least 100,000 disillusioned followers returned to their former churches or abandoned Christianity completely - but many went on establish what would become known as the Adventist Churches.
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Source: Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
175 years ago today - Oct 22, 1839
[Brigham Young] ... The wind rose about one o'clock in the morning. I went upon deck and felt impressed in spirit to pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus, for a forgiveness of my sins, and then I felt to command the winds to cease, and let us go safe on our journey. The winds abated, and I felt to give the glory and honor and praise to that God who rules all things. ...
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
185 years ago today - Oct 22, 1829
[Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery] Oliver Cowdery writes Joseph Smith about their "Gold Book business" and Josiah Stowell's plans to purchase $500 or $600 of their inventory. "[T]here begins to be a great call for our books in this country the minds of the people are very much excited when they find that there is a copy right obtained and that there is really [a] book, about to be printed[.]"
[Source: Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, 22 October 1829, Joseph Smith Letterbook, 1:9, Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith To Oliver Cowdery]
[Source: Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, 22 October 1829, Joseph Smith Letterbook, 1:9, Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith To Oliver Cowdery]
35 years ago today - 35 years ago - Oct 21, 1979
Elizapan and Ebisiba Osaka and their children, the first African converts in Kenya, are baptized.
125 years ago today - 125 years ago - Oct 21, 1889
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon] About 5 p.m. Bro. Jorgason of Sevier Co[unty] desired my counsel as to what course he should take. He was arrested two weeks since on a bench warrant on a charge of polygamy. His first wife died 18 months ago and he has since married his plural wife before a justice of the peace. I advised him to keep his wife out of the way until after his trial, and when his case came up, he should prove the death of his first wife and subsequent marriage to his second. The date of his union with the latter, however, in the house of the Lord, he should not reveal, as it has occurred within three years.
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Abraham H. Cannon, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
130 years ago today - 130 years ago - Oct 21, 1884 (Tuesday)
The jury, which could not agree on a verdict in Rudger Clawson's case, was discharged, and preparations were made for a new trial.
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
135 years ago today - 135 years ago - Oct 21, 1879
Thomas Edison tested an electric incandescent light bulb in Menlo Park, N.J., that burned for 13 1/2 hours, marking the beginning of a new era of electric lighting.
[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]
[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]
140 years ago today - 140 years ago - Oct 21, 1874
[Assistant First Presidency counselor] G[eorge] Q. Cannon was arested to day on a warrant for Lacivious Cohabitation. This was got up by the miserable wicked ring of Judges & Marshals who profess to be Executing the Law. It is done to keep him from Going to Congress.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - 140 years ago - Oct 21, 1874
Polygamist George Reynolds is approached by First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon and told he has been selected to be a test case on the legality of polygamy. Reynolds is arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. On appeal his conviction is set aside on a technicality, Reynolds's case is re-tried. He is convicted in the re-trial and is sentenced to two years in prison.. His case goes to the U.S. Supreme Court where his conviction, and the legality of the anti-polygamy laws are upheld but the hard labor part of his sentence is overturned as being excessive. With time off for good conduct he serves one year and seven months in prison. In 1890, he is sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - Oct 21, 1844
Apostle Orson Hyde, then husband of three wives, writes: "I will now venture a prediction, that since Nauvoo has thrown off so much bile from its stomach [i.e., Sidney Rigdon] it will be more healthy, and less complaints about spiritual wives, adultery, bogus making, &c. &c." The letter is published two months later in a Mormon newspaper.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
170 years ago today - 170 years ago - After Oct 21, 1844
Alice Felt Tyler describes William Miller's failed prediction of the end of the world:
' ... Preparations for the end were made by countless hundreds of joyous or desperate souls. White cloth was purchased and made into ascension robes. Nearly all secular business was neglected ... Voting was light ... Tents were put up outside cities ... and hundreds of people assembled on the night of October 21 [1844] to keep their vigil together. No provision was made for food ... the tension was intolerable ... There were several suicides, and as the dawn of October 23 served notice that "time continued" regardless of prophecy, some heart-broken Millennialists were led away insane. '
[Joseph Smith had denounced Miller's prophecies]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
' ... Preparations for the end were made by countless hundreds of joyous or desperate souls. White cloth was purchased and made into ascension robes. Nearly all secular business was neglected ... Voting was light ... Tents were put up outside cities ... and hundreds of people assembled on the night of October 21 [1844] to keep their vigil together. No provision was made for food ... the tension was intolerable ... There were several suicides, and as the dawn of October 23 served notice that "time continued" regardless of prophecy, some heart-broken Millennialists were led away insane. '
[Joseph Smith had denounced Miller's prophecies]
[Source: Grunder, Rick, Mormon Parallels: A Bibliographic Source]
45 years ago today - Oct 20, 1969
While BYU's basketball team is playing University of Wyoming in Laramie, fourteen African-Americans are disqualified from Wyoming's team for wearing black armbands in protest of LDS church's priesthood restriction. Game continues despite objects thrown by spectators at playing floor and audience shouting accusations of racism against BYU's athletes. Wyoming defeats BYU by 33 points.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Oct 20, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant] Joseph M. [?] Cannon called and said that a couple of editorials had been handed to him by the direction of the First Presidency.
I said, 'We have not sent any editorials over for you, Joseph.'
He said, 'I was told you did.'
I said, 'Who wrote them?'
He said, 'Joseph Fielding Smith wrote one of them.' Broyher (sic) Joseph Fielding Smith happened to come into the office at the time and he said Brother Bennion requested a couple of editorials from Brother Widtsoe and himself and that he wrote them.
Joseph Cannon doubted the wisdom of having Church editorials, as we rely on Gentile patronage, etc., and thought that everything of a Church nature should be in the Church Section.
We told him we did not think it would hurt our subscriptions if we had some good Church editorials.
He said of course anything we wanted he wanted. He stayed quite awhile.
I could not help feeling that perhaps he had heard we had decided to release him, but we did not tell him so. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I said, 'We have not sent any editorials over for you, Joseph.'
He said, 'I was told you did.'
I said, 'Who wrote them?'
He said, 'Joseph Fielding Smith wrote one of them.' Broyher (sic) Joseph Fielding Smith happened to come into the office at the time and he said Brother Bennion requested a couple of editorials from Brother Widtsoe and himself and that he wrote them.
Joseph Cannon doubted the wisdom of having Church editorials, as we rely on Gentile patronage, etc., and thought that everything of a Church nature should be in the Church Section.
We told him we did not think it would hurt our subscriptions if we had some good Church editorials.
He said of course anything we wanted he wanted. He stayed quite awhile.
I could not help feeling that perhaps he had heard we had decided to release him, but we did not tell him so. ...
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
100 years ago today - Oct 20, 1914
Spencer Woolley Kimball: Mission to central states 20 October 1914-14 December1916.
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Source: Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
125 years ago today - Oct 20, 1889
President Woodruff says church not performing plural marriage.
The Salt Lake Tribune quoted President Woodruff as saying, "I have refused to give any recommendations for the performance of plural marriages since I have been President ... and have instructed that they should not be solemnized." Woodruff had only been sustained President for 6 months before making this statement. President Woodruff authorized the destruction of the Endowment House because the new temples could perform marriages and he needed those doing the demolition to become Mormon voters to vote against the anti-Mormon party in the upcoming city elections.
[Source: "Mormon Polygamy a History", Richard S. Van Wagoner, 1986, p. 138. as quoted in Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
The Salt Lake Tribune quoted President Woodruff as saying, "I have refused to give any recommendations for the performance of plural marriages since I have been President ... and have instructed that they should not be solemnized." Woodruff had only been sustained President for 6 months before making this statement. President Woodruff authorized the destruction of the Endowment House because the new temples could perform marriages and he needed those doing the demolition to become Mormon voters to vote against the anti-Mormon party in the upcoming city elections.
[Source: "Mormon Polygamy a History", Richard S. Van Wagoner, 1986, p. 138. as quoted in Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
160 years ago today - Oct 20, 1854
... Twitch had taken possession of 4 of the horses selling two of them to Levi Abram a mean & contempible Jew who had put them in his stable & refused to deliver them up to Burton on demand Burton called on W[illiam] A. Hickman to assist to recover the horses which had to be done by force. A considerable altercation ensued. The Jew posted to the probate Judge complained that Hickman had drawn a knife also a club on him with intent as he said to take his life. ...
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]
165 years ago today - Oct 20, 1849
[Brigham Young Sermon] ... feel like going to bed more than going to meeting. .... I mean to monopolize the labor here. The Council House walls finished. I have monopolized all the good things of the earth for those who will work for us. I have the right to monopolize.
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002) 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]
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; General Church Minutes. Selected Collections from the Archives of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DVD 1 (2002) 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]
175 years ago today - Oct 20, 1839
The Nauvoo High Council makes Joseph Smith treasurer of the Church, empowered to set prices and to sell real-estate lots in Nauvoo as well as to discharge other business functions.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
190 years ago today - Oct 20, 1824
The First Baptist Church in Palmyra welcomes 8 new converts. This is the first of many for the Baptist Church during the revival of 1824-25. For the one year period from Oct 1824 to the end of Sep 1825 there were a total of 94 persons baptized, by the Baptists and an increase of 87 members. Membership increased from 132 to 219 (65 percent). By comparison in the whole year of 1820 there were only eight new members baptized into the church.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspotcom]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspotcom]
15 years ago today - Oct 19, 1999
BYU and the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) sign an affiliation agreement, officially joining the organizations together.
115 years ago today - Oct 19, 1899; Thursday
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes] Referring to the inexperience of many, President Smith suggested that some kind of missionary course be provided for the young men, so that they could devote from three to sis months to religious study previous to going, such time to be regarded as part of their missions. He thought that young men prepared in this way would do more good than twice as many without such preparation.
Brother John Henry Smith endorsed President Smith's suggestion, which he considered one of great moment. He added, however, that he thought the young men should receive a year's notice with a view to preparing themselves.
...This matter was dropped without any action being taken.
...President Snow added that the Bishops should not be hard upon the members of their Wards if they did not have faith enough to pay tithing; also that they should use wisdom in refusing recommends to the Temple in case of those who were not tithepayers. ...
Brother Grant also brought up the subject of missionary blessings, stating that our missionaries, as a rule, when being set apart, had their blessings reported, and that it cost them fifty cents each for this service. He proposed that Brother Martin Lindsay, the stenographer, be paid a regular salary by the Church, and that a part of his labor consist of reporting these blessings free. This also was approved by the Council. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Brother John Henry Smith endorsed President Smith's suggestion, which he considered one of great moment. He added, however, that he thought the young men should receive a year's notice with a view to preparing themselves.
...This matter was dropped without any action being taken.
...President Snow added that the Bishops should not be hard upon the members of their Wards if they did not have faith enough to pay tithing; also that they should use wisdom in refusing recommends to the Temple in case of those who were not tithepayers. ...
Brother Grant also brought up the subject of missionary blessings, stating that our missionaries, as a rule, when being set apart, had their blessings reported, and that it cost them fifty cents each for this service. He proposed that Brother Martin Lindsay, the stenographer, be paid a regular salary by the Church, and that a part of his labor consist of reporting these blessings free. This also was approved by the Council. ...
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Oct 19, 1899
[Apostle Rudger Clawson] Pres. J. F. Smith stated that brethren going on missions who were over sixty years of age were instructed that, as the church did not require elders beyond that age to take missions, if they were released on account of sickness or physical disability, they would be obliged to bear their expenses home.
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
120 years ago today - Oct 19, 1894
Apostle Abraham H. Cannon records that his father, First Counselor in the First Presidency George Q. Cannon: "spoke to me about taking some good girl and raising up seed by her for my brother David." Within days, he has the hearty approval of the two other members of the First Presidency. This polygamous marriage occurs two years later after a long courtship.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Oct 19, 1884
President John Taylor, speaking in Ogden two days after testifying in an anti-polygamy case, says he doesn't want to know anything that he might be asked to divulge on the stand someday: "Therefore I tell them to keep their own secrets, and remember what is called the Mormon creed: 'Mind your own business.' . . . I have studiously avoided knowing any more than I could possibly help about such matters."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
80 years ago today - Oct 18, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant] Council meeting was held at 10:00. At the regular meeting of the Presidency and Apostles this morning after reading a couple of editorials in last night's News, it was voted to release Brother Joseph J. Cannon as the editor of the Deseret News. There was a general discussion about his attempting to discuss financial and other questions that he knows nothing about in the paper. The general feeling was that while he was a good worker and a very intelligent, fine man, that he had not filled the bill. Brother Stephen L. Richards said it was our own fault that he have been talking about Joseph's editorials not being satisfactory, and he said he was ready to make a promotion to release him. And finally, after some discussion, it was decided to do so and to appoint him President of the British Mission I was very glad for this suggestion; it will be a very nice way to promote him.'
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
80 years ago today - Oct 18, 1934
Oliver Cowdery: Proxy endowment 18 Oct. 1934
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
100 years ago today - Oct 18, 1914
Joseph F. Smith and Apostle Francis M. Lyman publicly state that undergarments worn by endowed persons outside temple must "come high up on the neck and down to the wrists and ankles, for that was the pattern revealed from heaven."
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
110 years ago today - Oct 18, 1904; Tuesday
I took Nichol Hood to the Presidents Office and as I entered the north door in to the private office of President [Joseph F.] Smith, there was the president, brother [Charles W.] Penrose and John R. Winder, his counselors and ten of the apostles. And by the way, Nichol Hood loved Brother Penrose and held him as a perfect democrat, and brother Penrose had done many things for Nichol Hood, I said, "President Smith, this is Nichol Hood, the man who has made the charge against you that you gave your consent for his brother John Hood, to take a plural wife." What a surprize to most of the brethren and what a spirit it at once aroused. President Smith was calm and very gracious to Nichol Hood and said, "Brother Hood, bring your chair close to me and let me talk with you. Who and where is your brother John Hood, and tell me just what he said." Nichol Hood said, "My brother John Hood told me that you personally told him you had no objection for him to take a plural wife." And then President Smith said, "Nichol I don't know your brother, I never remember of ever having seen him and if he said
such a thing to you, he is a liar and the truth is not in him. The man is not living, or the man is not dead that could say I ever gave my consent for any one to take a plural wife since the Manifesto." He then spent over an hour going over the history of cases in the church and then said: "We learned from reliable sources that John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley and others were writing and making appointments and were performing polygamous marriages in secret places and intercepted two letters written by John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley and I had them come here to my office and asked: "John W. Taylor, did you write this letter," (handing it to him, in which people were instructed to meet him in a certain secret place and he would marry them in polygamy). He said, "yes President Smith, that is my letter." the president then said, "if you wrote that letter, then sit down right here and write out your resignation as an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right now." And John W. Taylor said, "I have the right to perform such marriages and I will not do anything of the kind." "All right then we will try you, and we tried him for overstepping his authority after the church said such things could not be done and we disfellowshipped him from the church." Then continuing to speak to Nichol Hood, President Smith said, "Brother Matthias F. Cowley did you write this letter," handing it to him, and he said, "Yes President Smith, that is my letter. (in it also were arrangements for certain people to meet him in a certain secret place and he would marry such people in polygamy.) "Then Brother Cowley, sit right down here and write your resignation as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Brother Cowley was tried and DISFELLOWSHIPPED from the church, and that is what we are doing to all who take the law in their own hands."
[Source: John M. Whitaker, Diary]
such a thing to you, he is a liar and the truth is not in him. The man is not living, or the man is not dead that could say I ever gave my consent for any one to take a plural wife since the Manifesto." He then spent over an hour going over the history of cases in the church and then said: "We learned from reliable sources that John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley and others were writing and making appointments and were performing polygamous marriages in secret places and intercepted two letters written by John W. Taylor and Matthias F. Cowley and I had them come here to my office and asked: "John W. Taylor, did you write this letter," (handing it to him, in which people were instructed to meet him in a certain secret place and he would marry them in polygamy). He said, "yes President Smith, that is my letter." the president then said, "if you wrote that letter, then sit down right here and write out your resignation as an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right now." And John W. Taylor said, "I have the right to perform such marriages and I will not do anything of the kind." "All right then we will try you, and we tried him for overstepping his authority after the church said such things could not be done and we disfellowshipped him from the church." Then continuing to speak to Nichol Hood, President Smith said, "Brother Matthias F. Cowley did you write this letter," handing it to him, and he said, "Yes President Smith, that is my letter. (in it also were arrangements for certain people to meet him in a certain secret place and he would marry such people in polygamy.) "Then Brother Cowley, sit right down here and write your resignation as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, and Brother Cowley was tried and DISFELLOWSHIPPED from the church, and that is what we are doing to all who take the law in their own hands."
[Source: John M. Whitaker, Diary]
115 years ago today - Oct 18, 1899; Wednesday
Presidents Lorenzo Snow and Joseph F. Smith were at the office.
...The sum of $41.25 was appropriated to pay the travelling expenses to Utah of Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, whose services in behalf of this community, as a newspaper correspondent and a prominent political leader, our friend judge [George C.] Bartch has been interesting himself to secure. The design is to have her write up the present situation in Utah as an offset to the misrepresentations and lying communications sent to Eastern papers and published throughout the country respecting the polygamous relations of the Mormon people; also to use her influence with prominent Republicans against the proposed constitutional amendment. The lady having signified her willingness to come, the amount named was appropriated to pay her expenses.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
...The sum of $41.25 was appropriated to pay the travelling expenses to Utah of Mrs. J. Ellen Foster, whose services in behalf of this community, as a newspaper correspondent and a prominent political leader, our friend judge [George C.] Bartch has been interesting himself to secure. The design is to have her write up the present situation in Utah as an offset to the misrepresentations and lying communications sent to Eastern papers and published throughout the country respecting the polygamous relations of the Mormon people; also to use her influence with prominent Republicans against the proposed constitutional amendment. The lady having signified her willingness to come, the amount named was appropriated to pay her expenses.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Oct 18, 1894
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman] I talked with Pres[ident] Snow upon the Word of Wisdom. He does not seem to look upon it so seriously as some of us do.
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - 18 October 1844, Friday
[William Clayton] Saturday 19th. ... Last night I dreamed I was in a nice building in a very pleasant place. I thought I was married to brother Cutlers youngest daughter & she seemed as happy as an angel and I felt full of joy and peace. I thought I had received Miss Cutler in addition to those I had already got. When I awoke I felt disappointed and felt to pray in my heart O God if it be thy will give me that women for a companion and my soul shall praise thee but they will be done and not mine ... Sister Booth tells me that Sara Ann is very unhappy and wants to see me she says Jane Charnock is perfectly unhappy and if there is any way she can be loosed she wants me to take her. Mary Aspen is ready to unite to me as her savior and sister Booth says she shall not risk her salvation in Roberts hands & wants me to interfere We had considerable conversation on many subjects and felt pretty well.
[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]
[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]
15 years ago today - Oct 17, 1999
Jerold Ottley, conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for twenty-five years, conducts his last broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word.
125 years ago today - Thurs. Oct. 17th, 1889
[Apostle Abraham H. Cannon] "Pres. W., Father, H.J. Grant, John W. Taylor and myself dressed in our robes, and President Woodruff prayed to open and Father in the circle. This is my first meeting with a prayer circle, and I felt the solemnity of the occasion."
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[Source: Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
155 years ago today - Oct 17, 1859
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I received a letter from G.A.S [George A. Smith] in Deseret Alphabet. Informed me there would be a Council with the Presidency Twelve, & the presidency of the Seventies in order to fill up those Quorums.
A man was shot through the head on saturday night. He was found dead in the morning.
I met with the Twelve in the evening at the upper room of the Historians office. The evening was spent in speaking upon the subjects of the Twelve keeping Gentiles Boarders of Having them associateing with our families. Elders E. T. Benson & F. D. Richards Both were keeping Boarders. They both expressed there willingness to dismiss there Boarders as soon as they Could without temperal loss to themselves.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
A man was shot through the head on saturday night. He was found dead in the morning.
I met with the Twelve in the evening at the upper room of the Historians office. The evening was spent in speaking upon the subjects of the Twelve keeping Gentiles Boarders of Having them associateing with our families. Elders E. T. Benson & F. D. Richards Both were keeping Boarders. They both expressed there willingness to dismiss there Boarders as soon as they Could without temperal loss to themselves.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Oct 17, 1834
En route to Michigan. While on board the steamer Monroe, a man called Ellmer claimed to know about -"Joe Smith-" and insisted, even in the Prophet's presence, that Joseph Smith was a liar and that he was dead.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
65 years ago today - Oct 16, 1949
[George Albert Smith] [In a meeting with Lord Otani of Japan, head of a branch of the Buddhist Church in Japan with 60 million members:] I then presented to Lord and Lady Otani some tracts, a copy of The Book of Mormon, my own book, Sharing the Gospel with Others and a book What of the Mormons. They seemed very happy to receive these and made several favorable comments. They said we know that during and since the war there was and has been a great anti-Japanese feeling throughout the United States and other parts of the world, but in Utah this feeling has not existed, but there has been one of tolerance and charity and respect, and they are confident that this fine feeling and expression of brotherly love in Utah is a direct result of the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints upon the people of that state.
[Source: George Albert 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]
[Source: George Albert 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 - Oct 16, 1894
[President Wilford Woodruff] We had Meeting with several individuals among the rest Black Jane wanted to know if I would not let her have her Endowments in the Temple. This I Could not do as it was against the Law of God. As Cain killed Abel All the seed of Cain would have to wait for Redemption untill all the seed that Abel would have had that may Come through other men Can be redeemed.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Oct 16, 1879
[Rudger Clawson] Attends trial in Georgia of the three men accused of Standing's [a Mormon missionary] murder, resulting in verdict of not guilty.
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Source: Larsen, Stan (editor), A Ministry of Meetings:The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger Clawson, Significant Mormon Diaries Series No. 6, A Rudger Clawson Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
145 years ago today - 1869. October 16
(William S. Godbe) : Disfellowshipped for "irregular attendance" at the School of the Prophets. Godbe and Harrison continued to argue for "the right of, respectfully but freely, discussing all measures upon which we are called to act. And, if we are cut off from this Church for asserting this right, while our standing is dear to us, we will suffer it to be taken from us sooner than resign the liberties of thought and speech to which the gospel entitles us." They were excommunicated within the week for "apostasy."
President George Q. Cannon editorialized in the Deseret News, "We could conceive of a man honestly differing in opinion from the authorities of the church and yet not be apostate; but we could not conceive of a man publishing those differences of opinion, and seeking by arguments, sophistry and special pleading to enforce them upon the people to produce division and strife, and to place the acts and counsels of the church, if possible, in a wrong light, and not be apostate; for such conduct was apostasy as we understood the term."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President George Q. Cannon editorialized in the Deseret News, "We could conceive of a man honestly differing in opinion from the authorities of the church and yet not be apostate; but we could not conceive of a man publishing those differences of opinion, and seeking by arguments, sophistry and special pleading to enforce them upon the people to produce division and strife, and to place the acts and counsels of the church, if possible, in a wrong light, and not be apostate; for such conduct was apostasy as we understood the term."
[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Oct 16, 1844
[Letter: William Smith to Brigham Young] [Regarding George J. Adams:] the mantle of the Prophet is upon him in his Place Joseph told me last Spring that Adams was ap[p]ointed in the place of Paul as one of the two witnesses raised up to do a great work in Jerusalem not however as one of the 12 but as the 13 apostle
[Source: Letter: William Smith to Brigham Young]
[Source: Letter: William Smith to Brigham Young]
30 years ago today - Oct 15, 1984
Steven F. Christensen is killed by Mark Hofmann.
[Source: Palmyra Magic Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/palmyra-magic-timeline/]
[Source: Palmyra Magic Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/palmyra-magic-timeline/]
55 years ago today - Oct 15, 1959
Howard W. Hunter is ordained an Apostle, replacing Henry D. Moyle, who had been called to the First Presidency.
170 years ago today - Oct 15, 1844
[Wilford Woodruff] “I visited Lowel and held a meeting with the Lowell branch, It was rather a squally time dificulties appear to be rising in this quarter - some dissatisfaction, after I closed I was followed by Elder Wm Smith†(... it was on this day that all the men in the branch resigned from their priesthood offices, with the exception of [African-American] Elder Walker Lewis.)’
[Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal as quoted in LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal as quoted in LDS (or related) Documents on Walker Lewis, the Lowell, Mass. Branch of the Mormon Church and its missionaries and members, and the Priesthood Ban against Blacks, Compiled by Connell O'Donovan, http://people.ucsc.edu/~odonovan/Mormon_Chronology.html]
170 years ago today - Oct 15, 1844
Signey Rigdon returns to Pittsburgh, PA; 500 secessionists follow him.
[Source: Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
[Source: Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
175 years ago today - Mid-Oct. 1839
King Follett, the last prisoner in Missouri, is finally freed.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
175 years ago today - Oct 15, 1839
Joseph heads a hundred men from Far West to defend Saints at Di-Ahman
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
65 years ago today - Oct 14, 1949
[Spencer W. Kimball] Had interviews with Pres. Clark and Pres. Smith on various important matters. Pres. Clark said he had read my doctor's certificate and he urged me to take an hour off every day to rest and some days off every once in a while to keep caught up with my health conditions. He was very kind but quite insistent. Later on he told Camilla as he passed her in the hall, how important they felt it was that I should take care of myself and not have recurrences of my heart affection.
[Source: Spencer W. Kimball 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]
[Source: Spencer W. Kimball 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]
115 years ago today - Oct 14, 1899
Salt Lake County attorney declines to issue warrant for President Lorenzo Snow due to insufficient evidence of unlawful cohabitation.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
130 years ago today - Tuesday, Oct 14, 1884
[Law of Adoption - Apostle John Henry Smith] Liverpool
I received a letter from Clarence Merrill yesterday asking me to permit his Father to be adopted into my Fathers family. I wrote to him, yes!
[Source: Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
I received a letter from Clarence Merrill yesterday asking me to permit his Father to be adopted into my Fathers family. I wrote to him, yes!
[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 - Oct 14, 1849 (Evening)
[Brigham Young] When 8 or 12 went into England we took same course [as preceding missionaries] - we were there one year and sixteen days - we baptized about 8000 persons - it spread from one end to other of England ...
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; 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.) 9-12-5, 57-59 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]
[Source: Thomas Bullock Minutes, LJA; Thomas Bullock—LDS Church Reporter, 1844-56.C, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; GCM, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah..; 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.) 9-12-5, 57-59 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 - Oct 14. [1844]
[Brigham Young] Went away in company with Elders H. C. Kimball and P. P. Pratt the distance of two hundred miles and located another place of gathering for the saints of God in a short time, but Nauvoo will be the head stake for the Saints to come to and receive their endowment, their anointings, washings &c &c in the house of the Lord which he has commanded to be built unto his holy name; there will also be many more stakes or places of gathering for the Saints of God.
[Source: Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
[Source: Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
170 years ago today - Oct 14, 1844
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] I spent the night at Br Phelps, And dreamed of being in the midst of rattle snakes. I had power to kill them. A few nights previous I saw a monster of a serpent. Tried to kill me but had no power.
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - 1834 14 Oct.
Joseph Smith is defeated in his first attempt for elective office, coroner of Kirtland.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
55 years ago today - Oct 13, 1959
Marie Osmond, later an entertainer, musician, and member of the famous Osmond family performing group, is born in Ogden, Utah.
135 years ago today - Oct 13, 1879
--In the Saints' Herald of April 15th, 1879, I notice an article from the pen of Elder T. W. Smith ... in which article the writer makes mention of the testimony of David Whitmer, as published in the Chicago Times, in 1875, and further says: "I personally heard him state, in January, 1877 [1876], in his own house in Richmond, Ray county, Mo., in most positive language, that he did truly see, in broad day-light, a bright and most beautiful being, an `angel from heaven,' who did hold in his hands the golden plates, which he turned over leaf by leaf, explaining the contents here and there." I have heard the same from the mouth of Father Whitmer, more than once; and every time I ever heard him tell the particulars of that glorious scene, he always told it just the same; and as far as I have ever heard, from reliable witnesses, he has always told the same story--"straight as a nail." Had Elder Smith stopped at the end of the above quoted sentence, I would have had no ground for bringing his name into this article; but he did not. He further adds: "He also described the size and general appearance of the plates, and he further said that he saw Joseph translate, by the aid of Urim and Thummim, time and again, and he then produced a large pile of foolscap paper closely written in a very fair hand, which he declared was the manuscript written mainly by Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, as the translation was being read by the aid of the Urim and Thummim of the characters on the plates by Joseph Smith, which work of translation and transcription he frequently saw." I, too, have seen the "manuscripts" and examined them. I, too, have heard Father Whitmer say that he was present many times while Joseph was translating; but I never heard him say that the translation was made by aid of Urim and Thummim; but in every case, and his testimony is always the same, he declared that Joseph first offered prayer, then took a dark colored, opaque stone, called a "seer-stone," and placed it in the crown of his hat, then put his face into the hat, and read the translation as it appeared before him. This was the daily method of procedure, as I have often heard Father Whitmer declare; and, as it is generally agreed to by parties who know the facts, that a considerable portion of the work of translation was performed in a room of his father's house, where he then resided, there can be no doubt but what Father David Whitmer is a competent witness of the manner of translating. I am aware of the fact that the "Urim and Thummim" story has long been foisted upon the world as the true account of the origin of the Book of Mormon; but the times demand, and, the interest of truth demands, that the truth should be told. We need not be afraid of truth; and I greatly doubt if anybody will be ultimately benefitted by the perpetuation of a falsehood, which was invented for the purpose of gaining prestige, in the minds of the people, for ambitious leaders. The proofs are clear and positive that the story of Urim and Thummim Translation does not date back, for its origin, further than 1833, or, between that date and 1835; for it is not found in any printed document of the Church of Christ up to the latter part of the year 1833, or the year 1834. The "Book of Commandments" to the Church of Christ, published in Independence, Mo., in 1833, does not contain any allusion to Urim and Thummim; though the term was inserted in some of the revelations in their reprint in the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants" in 1835. Who originated the Urim and Thummim story, I do not know; but this I do know, that it is not found in the first printed book of revelations to the Church of Christ, and there is other testimony to show that it is not true. It is proper to notice what it is claimed the Urim and Thummim was. P[arley]. P. and O[rson]. Pratt both say it was an instrument composed of two clear or transparent stones set in the two rims of a bow. It is also confounded with the "Interpreters," which were shaped something like a pair of ordinary spectacles, though larger. .... The mode of procedure consisted in Joseph's placing the Seer Stone in the crown of a hat, then putting his face into the hat, so as to entirely cover his face, resting his elbows upon his knees, and then dictating, word after word, while the scribe--Emma, John Whitmer, O. Cowdery, or some other, wrote it down." ...
J. L. TRAUGHBER, JR., MANDEVILLE, Mo., Oct. 13, 1879.
[Source: J. L. Traughber to Editor, 13 October 1879, Saints' Herald 26 (15 November 1879): 341., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: J. L. Traughber To Saints' Herald]
J. L. TRAUGHBER, JR., MANDEVILLE, Mo., Oct. 13, 1879.
[Source: J. L. Traughber to Editor, 13 October 1879, Saints' Herald 26 (15 November 1879): 341., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: J. L. Traughber To Saints' Herald]
165 years ago today - Oct 13, 1849
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff] ... I sent A Copy of the New York Herraid Weekly of Oct 13 to Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, Allexander Badlam, & Joseph Russell. This Paper Contained An account of the Saints organizing themselves into An Independent Sovreign State called the state of Deseret And appointing their Govornor & other officers. Brigham Young was Elected Governor. This is certainly an important erie in the History of the Church & kingdom of God.
... they now find us organized into a State Government holding in our hands the Key of the North American Continant And that we will not die but live & rise up in the midst of all our oppressions ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
... they now find us organized into a State Government holding in our hands the Key of the North American Continant And that we will not die but live & rise up in the midst of all our oppressions ...
[Source: Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 years ago today - Oct 12,1989
Deseret News reports that representative of Eli Lilly pharmaceutical company confirms that Utah has highest per-capita use in nation of anti-depressant Prozac.
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Appendix 5, Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1848-1996, http://amzn.to/extensions-power]
60 years ago today - Oct 12, 1954
George W. Romney is named president of Ameican Motors in Detroit, Michigan. A Few of the other large national corporations (outside intermountain area) and international corporations which have Mormons as president, vice-president, CEO, chair of board, or general manager at various times are Aetna Life and casualty (D. Lee Tobler), American Airlines (Melvin E. Olsen), American Broadcasting Co. (Robert H. Hinckley), Anaconda Copper ((Howeard L. Edwards, Charles Jay Parkinson), Atari Games (Nolan Busnell), Bank of America (Blair R. Egli, Richard V. Harris), Black & Decker (Nolan D Archibald), Citibank (Dan C. Jorgensen), Clorox (Robert A. Bolingbroke), Columbia Broadcasting System (Ralph W. Hardy), Columbia Records (James B. Conkling), Conoco (Max G. Pitcher), Consolidated Freightways (Ronald E. Poelman), Digital Equipment (Ralph N. Christensen), Dow Chemical (Wayne Hancock), Eastman Kodak (Kay R. Whitmore), General Mills (Delbert F. Wright, Mark H. Willes, Richard C. Edgley), B. F. Goodrich (D. Lee Tobler), Gucci Stores (Harmon J. Tobler), Hewlett-Packard (Richard W. Anderson), Kaiser Steel (Albert P. Heiner), M. W. Kellogg (Alex G. Oblad), Kentucky Fried Chicken (Leon W. Harman), Litton Industries (Rudolph E. Lang, Jr.), Los Angeles Times-Mirror (Mark H. Willes), Lufthansa Airlines (Dieter F. Uchtdorf), Madison Square Garden (David W. Checketts), Marriott Hotels (J. Willard Marriott, Sr. and Jr., Ridhard E. Marriott, Milton A Barlow, W.Donn Ladd, Francis W. Cash, Thomas Hart), McGraw-Hill Publications (David P. Forsyth), Mars Candy (Merrill J. Bateman), Metropolitan Life Insurance (Stanley Benfell), Nabisco (Lee > Bickmore), Newsweek (Llewellyn L. Calaway), Olumpic Stain (C. Roger Victor), J. C. Penney (Oakley S. Evans), Phillips Petroleum (Robern N. Sears), Prudential Insurance (James B. Jacobson), Ryder Rental Trucks (M. Anthony Burns), Safeway Stores (O. Leslie Stone), Sperry Univac (Gerald G. Probst), Trans-Canada Pipeline (N. Eldon Tanner), Union Carbide (Isaac Stewart), Warner Bros. Records (James B Conkling), Western Airlines (Larry Lee), Winchell's/Denny's Restaurants (John D. Hatch), Woolworth Stores (Robert Kirkwood). Intermountain-based companies of national stature (not owned or controlled by LDS church) which have Mormon executives from their inception or at various times are Albertson's Supermarkets, Associated Foods, Evans and Sutherland Computer Corp., First Security Bank/Wells Fargo, Franklin Quest, Geneva Steel, Huntsman Chemicals, Jusky Oil, J.B.'s Big Boy Restaurants, Little America Hotels, Micron Technology, Morton-Thiokol, Nevell, J. R. Simplot Corp., Sinclair Oil, Smith's Food King Stores, Swire Coca-Cola USA, O. C. Tanner Jewelry, Wildon Food Products, WordPerfect.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
65 years ago today - Oct 12, 1949
[David O. McKay] Mark Petersen called'Said Junius Jackson could tell me about Bishop Hunt's talk (I believe in Chicago) during which Bishop Hunt made the statement that the Catholics here are having such a time with the Mormons because we are 'running everything', and that missionary work is extremely difficult and that it is the reason they are appealing for funds. Bro. Petersen said he would call Brother Jackson and have him come in and give me the facts. Said that Bro. Benson on two or three occasions has had incidents regarding Bishop Hunt called to his attention. ...
Report on visit with Bishop Duane G. Hunt of the Catholic church October 12, 1949:
President McKay reported that yesterday he accepted an invitation from Bishop Hunt of the Catholic Church to meet him at the Holy Cross Hospital this morning at 10 o'clock. President McKay said that Bishop Hunt greeted him courteously and invited him into his private office at the hospital. President McKay summarized the conference as follows:
Bishop Hunt said, 'I am very much perturbed over this pamphlet, for the publication of which I will take the blame. I did not prepare it, but in a thoughtless moment I did approve it.' 'I was caught off guard and I am to blame,''he repeated that. ... Bishop Hunt continued, 'when we found out that our own people objected to it, and that your people especially had objected to it, we discontinued the distribution of the pamphlet.' ...
Now, said Bishop Hunt. 'I would explain that Mission means something different from the meaning you give to it. The term mission, explained Bishop Hunt, 'is used by Catholics in two senses: one for propaganda in non-Christian countries; another in the sense of a mission in a parish, in which the Priest has insufficient funds to carry on his work. We have such a mission in Richfield; we have such a mission in Davis County. When, for example, the Priest down in Richfield is unable to support himself.' (I interrupted and said, 'You mean from the Catholic membership in that Parish, and Bishop Hunt said, Yes) 'Then,' he continued, 'he must call on me for additional funds. It is in this latter sense that we use this term mission in the pamphlet.'
President McKay said: 'I rather think, Bishop, that the people of the United States would not have that distinction in mind, because it says on the pamphlet, 'A Foreign Mission Close to Home.''
Bishop Hunt replied 'I realize that it would be hard for me to make you believe otherwise.' ...
President McKay said, 'Well, now to us that meant that you are doing missionary work here.'
'I can understand that,' said Bishop Hunt, 'but believe me, we are not carrying on missionary work in the sense of propaganda here in these Western States.'
President McKay told Bishop Hunt that he would so report to his associates in the Presidency. ...
'Furthermore,' said Bishop Hunt, 'I have been attacked recently by our Priests because the report has gone out that the Mormons are attacking the Catholics in Utah, and that I, as the Bishop, am doing nothing in retaliation, and,' said Bishop Hunt, 'I am not doing anything, and I do not propose to do anything. Whenever an article was about to appear, I have telephoned them to stop it, if I have known about it.' Bishop Hunt gave me special instances. He said 'Our paper out in Denver will probably print something; I am not sure whether I can stop that or not. There is a feeling throughout the United States (this is from our side now) that the Latter-day Saints are persecuting the Catholics and are going to drive them out of the city, and they blame me for doing nothing about it.'
Bishop Hunt said, 'We are not circulating any of these pamphlets.'
President McKay said, 'We are; we are putting a copy of it in the hands of every one of our Priesthood throughout the Church.'
Bishop Hunt made no comment.
President McKay said''Have you seen our answer to it?'
Bishop Hunt said 'No.'
President McKay said, 'I will send you one. We cannot stop that, because it has already been distributed.'
Bishop Hunt said, 'I am truly sorry; undoubtedly that will fall into hands of the Catholics.' ...
In corroboration of what Bishop Hunt said about his efforts to keep peace between the two churches, he cited some accusations that had been made by members of our Church, including one apostate'
1. The answer of the Deseret News to an attack made by the 'Catholic Register' was very caustic, and the Catholics insisted that Bishop Hunt 'come back at us' but Bishop Hunt said: 'No, we started this thing, and we will stop it.'
2. Remark made by Joseph F. Smith when he was Patriarch to the effect that if the Catholic religion were combed with a fine tooth comb, you would be unable to find one of them who believes in the resurrection of the body from the grave. Bishop Hunt said: 'Members of our Church insisted that we publicize this as a most erroneous statement, but I said: 'No, we shall pay no attention to it.'' Bishop Hunt then said: 'That remark is just as ridiculous as I should say that you could comb the Mormon Church with a fine tooth comb and not find one of them who believes in baptism.'
[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]
Report on visit with Bishop Duane G. Hunt of the Catholic church October 12, 1949:
President McKay reported that yesterday he accepted an invitation from Bishop Hunt of the Catholic Church to meet him at the Holy Cross Hospital this morning at 10 o'clock. President McKay said that Bishop Hunt greeted him courteously and invited him into his private office at the hospital. President McKay summarized the conference as follows:
Bishop Hunt said, 'I am very much perturbed over this pamphlet, for the publication of which I will take the blame. I did not prepare it, but in a thoughtless moment I did approve it.' 'I was caught off guard and I am to blame,''he repeated that. ... Bishop Hunt continued, 'when we found out that our own people objected to it, and that your people especially had objected to it, we discontinued the distribution of the pamphlet.' ...
Now, said Bishop Hunt. 'I would explain that Mission means something different from the meaning you give to it. The term mission, explained Bishop Hunt, 'is used by Catholics in two senses: one for propaganda in non-Christian countries; another in the sense of a mission in a parish, in which the Priest has insufficient funds to carry on his work. We have such a mission in Richfield; we have such a mission in Davis County. When, for example, the Priest down in Richfield is unable to support himself.' (I interrupted and said, 'You mean from the Catholic membership in that Parish, and Bishop Hunt said, Yes) 'Then,' he continued, 'he must call on me for additional funds. It is in this latter sense that we use this term mission in the pamphlet.'
President McKay said: 'I rather think, Bishop, that the people of the United States would not have that distinction in mind, because it says on the pamphlet, 'A Foreign Mission Close to Home.''
Bishop Hunt replied 'I realize that it would be hard for me to make you believe otherwise.' ...
President McKay said, 'Well, now to us that meant that you are doing missionary work here.'
'I can understand that,' said Bishop Hunt, 'but believe me, we are not carrying on missionary work in the sense of propaganda here in these Western States.'
President McKay told Bishop Hunt that he would so report to his associates in the Presidency. ...
'Furthermore,' said Bishop Hunt, 'I have been attacked recently by our Priests because the report has gone out that the Mormons are attacking the Catholics in Utah, and that I, as the Bishop, am doing nothing in retaliation, and,' said Bishop Hunt, 'I am not doing anything, and I do not propose to do anything. Whenever an article was about to appear, I have telephoned them to stop it, if I have known about it.' Bishop Hunt gave me special instances. He said 'Our paper out in Denver will probably print something; I am not sure whether I can stop that or not. There is a feeling throughout the United States (this is from our side now) that the Latter-day Saints are persecuting the Catholics and are going to drive them out of the city, and they blame me for doing nothing about it.'
Bishop Hunt said, 'We are not circulating any of these pamphlets.'
President McKay said, 'We are; we are putting a copy of it in the hands of every one of our Priesthood throughout the Church.'
Bishop Hunt made no comment.
President McKay said''Have you seen our answer to it?'
Bishop Hunt said 'No.'
President McKay said, 'I will send you one. We cannot stop that, because it has already been distributed.'
Bishop Hunt said, 'I am truly sorry; undoubtedly that will fall into hands of the Catholics.' ...
In corroboration of what Bishop Hunt said about his efforts to keep peace between the two churches, he cited some accusations that had been made by members of our Church, including one apostate'
1. The answer of the Deseret News to an attack made by the 'Catholic Register' was very caustic, and the Catholics insisted that Bishop Hunt 'come back at us' but Bishop Hunt said: 'No, we started this thing, and we will stop it.'
2. Remark made by Joseph F. Smith when he was Patriarch to the effect that if the Catholic religion were combed with a fine tooth comb, you would be unable to find one of them who believes in the resurrection of the body from the grave. Bishop Hunt said: 'Members of our Church insisted that we publicize this as a most erroneous statement, but I said: 'No, we shall pay no attention to it.'' Bishop Hunt then said: 'That remark is just as ridiculous as I should say that you could comb the Mormon Church with a fine tooth comb and not find one of them who believes in baptism.'
[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]
110 years ago today - Oct 12, 1904
Josephine Lyons tells Angus M. Cannon that her mother Sylvia Sessions Lyon on her deathbed in 1882 told her that Joseph Smith was actually her father, not Windsor P. Lyon to whom Sylvia had been legally married. Angus M. Cannon told Joseph Smith III that Brigham Young had referred to her in 1877: Â"That girl, I believe, is living today in Bountiful, north of this city. I heard Prest. Young, a short time before his death [in August 1877], refer to the report and remark that he had never seen the girl, but he would like to see her for himself, that he might determine if she bore any likeness to your father.Â"
[Source: Angus Munn Cannon, `Statement of an interview with Joseph Smith, III, 1905,' regarding conversation on October 12, 1904, MS 3166, LDS Church Archives" as quoted in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
[Source: Angus Munn Cannon, `Statement of an interview with Joseph Smith, III, 1905,' regarding conversation on October 12, 1904, MS 3166, LDS Church Archives" as quoted in "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]
125 years ago today - Oct 12, 1889
[Apostle Heber J. Grant] At ten there was a meeting of the Apostles in the Gardo House. Prayer by A.H. Cannon. Prest. Woodruff said that there had been an effort since the death of Prest. Taylor on the part of the Apostles to transfer all the financial affairs of the church to the Presiding Bishop and his counselors. Said that the proper place for the funds of the Church was to have them under the control of the Presidency and the Apostles. He made a number of remarks that would reflect on the action of the Salary Committee that had acted before the formation of the Presidency. He felt that we had now got the Cart before the horse and it was therefore hard shoving. He called on all that were present to express their feelings in the premises. Prest. Cannon said that in as much as he had not agreed with the brethren in their actions in financial matters at the death of Prest. Taylor that he would for the present be pleased to be excused from saying anything.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
125 years ago today - Oct 12, 1889
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.] Pres[iden]t W. expressed great concern about me fearful that I should fall into the hands of my enemies. Drove home after dark, saw no spotters ...
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Oct 12, 1854
Prayer by Elder G. A. Smith. Elder O. Pratt read the 68th Psalm, which the choir chanted. ... While the emblems were being passed, President Brigham young delivered a highly interesting discourse which held the vast audience as it were spellbound. On motion of Elder Hyde, it was unanimously voted that all members of this church who go out on the roads to trade, or who go to California, or any other place outside of this Territory, without being sent, or counseled to do so, be cut off from the church.
[Source: Deseret News, Oct as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
[Source: Deseret News, Oct as quoted in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthy Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
165 years ago today - Oct 12, 1849
[Finances] The First Presidency announces the creation of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company and Perpetual Emigrating Fund to assist impoverished Latter-day Saints living abroad with the expense of traveling to Utah. The company begins its operations in early 1850 with $5,000, successfully leading a wagon train from Kanesville, Iowa, to Salt Lake City. By the fall of 1850, the fund has grown to $20,000.
PEF loans to Latter-day Saints to assist them in traveling to Utah eventually create an immense amount of debt owed to the church. At the time of Brigham Young's death in 1877, more than $1 million is owed to the fund by emigrants.
[Source: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
PEF loans to Latter-day Saints to assist them in traveling to Utah eventually create an immense amount of debt owed to the church. At the time of Brigham Young's death in 1877, more than $1 million is owed to the fund by emigrants.
[Source: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/282148/]
170 years ago today - Oct 12, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball marriages] wife #10. Sarah Lawrence (Smith Kimball Mount, former plural wife of Joseph Smith), 1826-1872. Divorced HCK in 1851, time only.
wife #11. Martha McBride (Knight Smith Kimball, former plural wife of Joseph Smith), 1805-1891. Separated from HCK, time only.
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #11. Martha McBride (Knight Smith Kimball, former plural wife of Joseph Smith), 1805-1891. Separated from HCK, time only.
[Source: Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
170 years ago today - Oct 12, 1844
[Heber C. Kimball] Got a barel of flower [flour] of B. Young. I was complained of [to state authorities for helping to build an arsenal and for treason].
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
[Source: Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
170 years ago today - Oct 12, 1844
Sidney Rigdon: Sustained "first president of the church" by supporters 12 Oct. 1844
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
80 years ago today - Oct 11, 1934
[President Heber J. Grant] At ten o'clock attended the regular weekly Council meeting of the Presidency and Twelve. I blessed Brother Clark and ordained him an Apostle and set him apart as one of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. I then blessed Brother McKay and set him apart to be my second counselor, and ordained Alonzo A. Hinckley an Apostle and set him apart as a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. I first gave an extended talk to Brother Hinckley as to his duties in coming into the Council of the Presidency and the Twelve. He replied, accepting all of the obligations.
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Source: Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Oct 11, 1849
Henry Bigler writes in his diary, "It fills me with sorrow to think of leaving, for I am attached to this place and this people, for they are my brothers and sisters and my friends, and it was with considerable struggle with my feelings that I consented to go." Bigler has been called by Brigham Young to fulfill a mission to California and mine for gold.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
175 years ago today - Oct 11, 1839
[Brigham Young] We travelled eight miles, and put up with Father Draper for the night. When we went into the house, Brother George A. Smith dropped on to the hearth a bottle containing some tonic bitters, which the brethren had prepared for us because of our sickness. At this Father Draper was very much astonished, and said "You are a pretty set of Apostles, to be carrying a bottle of whiskey with you." We explained to him what it was; this appeased his righteous soul, so that he consented to have us stay over the night.
...In the course of the evening Brother Kimball became very ill. The doctor said he could give him something that would help him, but the old man was so drunk he did not know what he did do, and he gave Brother Kimball a tablespoonful of morphine. His wife saw him pour it out, but dare not say a word, but believed it would kill Brother Kimball. A few minutes after he took it, he straightened up in his chair, and said he felt very strange, and thought he would lie down; and on his making a motion to go to bed, he fell his length upon the floor. I sprang to him, rolled him over on his back, and put a pillow under his head, and began to inquire what the doctor had given him. I learned he had given him morphine. Brother Kimball soon came to, and spoke faintly and said, "Don't be scared, for I shan't die." We got him on the bed, and I nursed him through the night. I changed his underclothing five times, and washed him previous to changing his clothes. I found him covered with sweat, at first like thin honey. This gradually wore out towards morning, and he sweat naturally. He was scarcely able to speak, so as to be understood, through the night. ...
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
...In the course of the evening Brother Kimball became very ill. The doctor said he could give him something that would help him, but the old man was so drunk he did not know what he did do, and he gave Brother Kimball a tablespoonful of morphine. His wife saw him pour it out, but dare not say a word, but believed it would kill Brother Kimball. A few minutes after he took it, he straightened up in his chair, and said he felt very strange, and thought he would lie down; and on his making a motion to go to bed, he fell his length upon the floor. I sprang to him, rolled him over on his back, and put a pillow under his head, and began to inquire what the doctor had given him. I learned he had given him morphine. Brother Kimball soon came to, and spoke faintly and said, "Don't be scared, for I shan't die." We got him on the bed, and I nursed him through the night. I changed his underclothing five times, and washed him previous to changing his clothes. I found him covered with sweat, at first like thin honey. This gradually wore out towards morning, and he sweat naturally. He was scarcely able to speak, so as to be understood, through the night. ...
[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
40 years ago today - Oct 11, 1974
CHRISTIANITY TODAY article: "Why Your Neighbor Joined the Mormon Church." Although the article denounces Mormonism as a "concept Christians must reject," it does concede that the Church's tremendous growth resulted from "people seeing in it the very points of appeal that the Word of God says a church should have!"
80 years ago today - Oct 11, 1934 - 14 May 1945
[1st Presidency Changes] Heber J. Grant J. Reuben Clark, Jr. David O. McKay J. Reuben Clark, Jr. called as First Counselor; David O. McKay called as Second Counselor
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
[Source: Wikipedia, First Presidency (LDS Church), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency]
110 years ago today - Oct 11, 1904
[Charles Mostyn Owen letter to William Paden] I have to report the results of my trip through Idaho and a portion of Wyoming during the past month. I find a number of cases of new marriage since the manifesto scattered throughout these states. The most notable of these is the case of the late Apostle A[braham]. O[wen]. Woodruff who, as we suspected, took to himself a plural wife about two years ago. She appears to have been a resident of Star Valley, Wyoming, in the settlement of Afton and her name is Avery Clark. She is a daughter of H. D. Clark of Afton and a nice of the late Ezra Clark of Farmington, Utah. The latter, as you know, was a very extensive polygamist. It appears that up to two years ago she was engaged to be married to another man. She broke off this engagement and the attentions of Apostle Woodruff became notorious. ....
Apostle Marriner W[ood]. Merrill, who was described by his son Cha[rle]s. as being the husband of six wives and a very busy man, appears to have taken a new wife, in addition to the six, in the person of Miss Hulda Olson... The marriage is understood to have taken place in the Logan Temple in the year 1901, her age at that time being 27 years. .... He now has as his second wife one Florence Porter, a sister of his first wife....
Harry Bramwell ... is understood to have a wife at Preston, Idaho, and No. 3 is said to live at LeGrande, Oregon. E. V. Harrison, aged 42, residence Pocatello [Idaho], has for his plural wife by reputation, one Emma Olive
... J. B. Hawkley, also of Pocatello, is said to have a new wife, but I could locate nothing definite in this case.
Hyrum Hanson of Preston [Idaho], is said to have taken a second wife about 1898 or 1899, but the wife has disappeared from sight and nothing seems to be sufficiently well established to say anything about.
John Bagley of Montpelier [Idaho], the present Attorney General of the State of Idaho, whose first wife is Nina V. Bagley and whose second wife Lydia Austin, whom it is understood he married in 1892, is now understood to have married in 1903 one Tillie Peterson, who is now residing in Portland, Oregon, under the name of Mrs. Perkins. She was confined early this year... I also understand that he obtained passes for Miss Maude Austin at the same time...
The case of J. U. Stucki, who is State Tything Clerk at Rexburg [Idaho], and who has three wives, Margaret No. 1, Jane No. 2 and Clara Spori is No. 3. I understand from my informants, who are very intimate with the family, that Mr. stucki was on a mission absent from the State of Idaho in the year 1890 at the time of the issuance of the [Woodruff] Manifesto, although at that time he had his first two wives. Clara at that time was residing at Paris [Idaho], was a single woman and was engaged to be married to a young man at Rexburg, Idaho. This was subsequently broken off and it is understood generally that they were married in the Logan or Salt Lake Temples in September, 1892....
[Source: Charles Mostyn Owen, Letter to William Paden, 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]
Apostle Marriner W[ood]. Merrill, who was described by his son Cha[rle]s. as being the husband of six wives and a very busy man, appears to have taken a new wife, in addition to the six, in the person of Miss Hulda Olson... The marriage is understood to have taken place in the Logan Temple in the year 1901, her age at that time being 27 years. .... He now has as his second wife one Florence Porter, a sister of his first wife....
Harry Bramwell ... is understood to have a wife at Preston, Idaho, and No. 3 is said to live at LeGrande, Oregon. E. V. Harrison, aged 42, residence Pocatello [Idaho], has for his plural wife by reputation, one Emma Olive
... J. B. Hawkley, also of Pocatello, is said to have a new wife, but I could locate nothing definite in this case.
Hyrum Hanson of Preston [Idaho], is said to have taken a second wife about 1898 or 1899, but the wife has disappeared from sight and nothing seems to be sufficiently well established to say anything about.
John Bagley of Montpelier [Idaho], the present Attorney General of the State of Idaho, whose first wife is Nina V. Bagley and whose second wife Lydia Austin, whom it is understood he married in 1892, is now understood to have married in 1903 one Tillie Peterson, who is now residing in Portland, Oregon, under the name of Mrs. Perkins. She was confined early this year... I also understand that he obtained passes for Miss Maude Austin at the same time...
The case of J. U. Stucki, who is State Tything Clerk at Rexburg [Idaho], and who has three wives, Margaret No. 1, Jane No. 2 and Clara Spori is No. 3. I understand from my informants, who are very intimate with the family, that Mr. stucki was on a mission absent from the State of Idaho in the year 1890 at the time of the issuance of the [Woodruff] Manifesto, although at that time he had his first two wives. Clara at that time was residing at Paris [Idaho], was a single woman and was engaged to be married to a young man at Rexburg, Idaho. This was subsequently broken off and it is understood generally that they were married in the Logan or Salt Lake Temples in September, 1892....
[Source: Charles Mostyn Owen, Letter to William Paden, 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]
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