35 years ago today - Jul 31, 1986
Gary Sheets and relatives install a memorial bench on the birthday of his wife Kathy (who was killed by one of Mark Hofmann's bombs), on the grassy corner of the nearby wardhouse lawn overlooked the woods and stream beside their driveway. Sheets Had previously asked the bishop for permission to install the memorial bench and was told, "No, I can't give you permission. Sheets "decoded" the message, to mean "It's easier to repent than get permission" to which the bishop smiled.
50 years ago today - Jul 31, 1971
The Church News reports that registered nurses Marilyn Lyons and Dr. Blair L. Bybee, the church's first medical missionaries, are departing for assignments in Tonga and Samoa by direction of the Welfare Services Missionary Program. A First Presidency letter of 22 Jan. 1973 solicits missionaries from the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and Latin America. Redefined as "welfare missionaries," 768 Mormons without medical degrees are giving humanitarian aid and instruction throughout the world by 1980. A decade later more than 350 "health missionaries" with medical or health degrees are also serving in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, Pacific islands, and Eastern Europe.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Jul 31, 1896
Apostle Franklin D. Richards writes in his Journal: "Sisters Z[ina] D[iana] H[untington] Young, Jane S. Richards, Bathsheba W. Smith & M[artha] I Horne & Emily T. Richards being together-The 3 Presidents & I & later John H. Smith we listened to the views of the Presidency to the sisters as to the course they should pursue in their political relations & labors as suffragists & as Democrats, very clear pointed & energetic instructions as to political principles and to practice."
135 years ago today - Jul 31, 1886
Philo Dibble tells a meeting of high priests that "Joseph Smith had been to Prest John Taylor and conversed with him in his body about this crusade against us, and that he felt grieved at the course his son Joseph [III] was taking." Joseph Smith III preaches in Utah (17 June-21 Dec. 1885). This vision occurs during one of the nights Taylor stays at John Carlisle's house: 14 July, 28 Sept.-1 Oct. 1885, or 10-19 Jan. 1886.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
140 years ago today - Jul 31, 1881
[Wilford Woodruff]
G. Q. Cannon read the 76 sec of the D & C, the vision. "These are they into whose hands God has given all things and they dwell with God in heaven forever." Read the 4 Chap of Rev. President Taylor then spoke 70 Minutes G Q Cannon 26 M.
The following reflection were in my mind while listening to these discourses: Jesus Christ Descended Below all things. Therefore he was worthy to open the Book & loose the seals thereof and those who are ordained Kings and Priests unto God will receive all things Either in time or Eternity and will become Councillors to the Savior & dwell and labor with him throughout all Eternity. And we are the noble Spirits who were appointed to come and dwell on the Earth in the last Dispensation and to labor with him in the building up [of] his Kingdom and prepare it for his Coming and to prepare the world for the Judgmets of God.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
G. Q. Cannon read the 76 sec of the D & C, the vision. "These are they into whose hands God has given all things and they dwell with God in heaven forever." Read the 4 Chap of Rev. President Taylor then spoke 70 Minutes G Q Cannon 26 M.
The following reflection were in my mind while listening to these discourses: Jesus Christ Descended Below all things. Therefore he was worthy to open the Book & loose the seals thereof and those who are ordained Kings and Priests unto God will receive all things Either in time or Eternity and will become Councillors to the Savior & dwell and labor with him throughout all Eternity. And we are the noble Spirits who were appointed to come and dwell on the Earth in the last Dispensation and to labor with him in the building up [of] his Kingdom and prepare it for his Coming and to prepare the world for the Judgmets of God.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - Jul 31, 1876 (Monday)
In the Third District Court, Salt Lake City, Judge Michael Schaeffer rendered a decision in the case of Brigham Young vs. Ann Eliza Young, in which the alimony was reduced from $500 to $100 a month.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
160 years ago today - Jul 31, 1861
Major James H. Carleton writes to Army Headquarters: "Nearly all Mormons are foreigners. Among these are Welsh, English, Norwegians, Swedes, some Germans, and a few French. They are evidently of the lowest and most ignorant grade of the people in the several countries from whence they have come. Mixed in with these are a few low, unprincipled Americans. The most intelligent and crafty of these, commencing with Brigham Young, are the directors and rulers of the whole mess. . . their government is solely a hierarchy, and notwithstanding, in theory, they are assumed to be a population obedient to the laws of our common country, practically they score and deride, and set at defiance all laws that interfere with their safety or interest, save those promulgated by the great council of the church." Brigham Young's office journal records: " Br[other] W[illia]m Clayton read the Pony dispatch to the members of the Club. The first Presidency were present. This dispatch noticed considerable loss of life [in the Civil War], and confusion[.] [T]he Company took comfort in the reflection that their old enemies were getting fewer in number."
175 years ago today - Jul 31, 1846
The ship Brooklyn, with over two hundred Latter-day Saints aboard, arrives at Yerba Buena (San Francisco), California. These are the first Saints to set foot in California.
180 years ago today - Jul 31, 1841
[Brigham Young]
Met in council with the Twelve, when the following resolutions, among others, were unanimously passed:--
"That we sustain Joseph Smith as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, and advise him to have all lands belonging to the Church deeded in his name as Trustee.
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
Met in council with the Twelve, when the following resolutions, among others, were unanimously passed:--
"That we sustain Joseph Smith as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, and advise him to have all lands belonging to the Church deeded in his name as Trustee.
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]
75 years ago today - Jul 30, 1946
[J. Reuben Clark]
Mark Petersen'Lunc'Told me of conversation yesterday with Pres. Smith in re News'etc. I asked Bro Petersen to get names of Communist group from in this area, if he could. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Mark Petersen'Lunc'Told me of conversation yesterday with Pres. Smith in re News'etc. I asked Bro Petersen to get names of Communist group from in this area, if he could. ...
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
125 years ago today - Jul 30, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.]
[M]et in Council in T[emple]. Question sprung by Pres[iden]t. [Wilford] Woodruff about Alonzo Hyde & John W. Young obtaining more money from Mrs Everend under false pretenses as her letter states. I felt that all men who go out from Zion do do business on their own account it must be understood, hereafter, that the church is not, nor the authorities are backing them. Pres[iden]t [George Q.] Cannon said Apostles have no right to enter into speculation to make money especially off the saints nor anywhere, but use their talent as directed for the good of Zion, not for personal agrandisement. ...
Met Bro[ther]. B[enjamin]. Cluff Jr., discussed employing gentile proffesor in B[righam]. Y[oung]. A[cademy]. Provo [Utah]. I opposed it; Presidency voted unanimously to employ him as Geology & civ[il] Eng[ineering]. were two most important studies, and we have no Latter day saint who can fill the position. I quoted from Deed of trust all beneficiaries of this reading must be children of L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. and shall we employe gentiles to teach them. No matter. Bro[ther]. Jos[eph]. F. [Smith] said in consequence of Pres[iden]t. W[oodruff's]. Remarks I move that we employ this man, I did not vote. Bro[ther]. Jos[eph]. Moved to make the vote unanimous. I said I refrain from voting in principle, nothing against the man. Agreed with Bro[ther]. Cluff Jr. in his other recommendation and he went away satisfied. It is the first time I have failed to go with my leaders, I went my way sorrowfully. There is a growing disposition with the teachers to introduce into our 'Brigham Young Academy' the spirit of the world, the refined touches and whisperings of the 'Holy Spirit' are becoming less frequent and in my spirit I fear we are drifting further from God in that institution.
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
[M]et in Council in T[emple]. Question sprung by Pres[iden]t. [Wilford] Woodruff about Alonzo Hyde & John W. Young obtaining more money from Mrs Everend under false pretenses as her letter states. I felt that all men who go out from Zion do do business on their own account it must be understood, hereafter, that the church is not, nor the authorities are backing them. Pres[iden]t [George Q.] Cannon said Apostles have no right to enter into speculation to make money especially off the saints nor anywhere, but use their talent as directed for the good of Zion, not for personal agrandisement. ...
Met Bro[ther]. B[enjamin]. Cluff Jr., discussed employing gentile proffesor in B[righam]. Y[oung]. A[cademy]. Provo [Utah]. I opposed it; Presidency voted unanimously to employ him as Geology & civ[il] Eng[ineering]. were two most important studies, and we have no Latter day saint who can fill the position. I quoted from Deed of trust all beneficiaries of this reading must be children of L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints]. and shall we employe gentiles to teach them. No matter. Bro[ther]. Jos[eph]. F. [Smith] said in consequence of Pres[iden]t. W[oodruff's]. Remarks I move that we employ this man, I did not vote. Bro[ther]. Jos[eph]. Moved to make the vote unanimous. I said I refrain from voting in principle, nothing against the man. Agreed with Bro[ther]. Cluff Jr. in his other recommendation and he went away satisfied. It is the first time I have failed to go with my leaders, I went my way sorrowfully. There is a growing disposition with the teachers to introduce into our 'Brigham Young Academy' the spirit of the world, the refined touches and whisperings of the 'Holy Spirit' are becoming less frequent and in my spirit I fear we are drifting further from God in that institution.
[Brigham Young Jr. 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]
135 years ago today - Jul 30, 1886 (Friday)
The rock work on the Manti Temple was completed.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
75 years ago today - Jul 29, 1946
Joseph Fielding Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve writes to Belle S. Spafford, the Relief Society General President, and her counselors: "While the authorities of the Church have ruled that it is permissible, under certain conditions and with the approval of the priesthood, for sisters to wash and anoint other sisters, yet they feel that it is far better for us to follow the plan the Lord has given us and send for the Elders of the Church to come and administer to the sick and afflicted." This ends the practice of "washings and anointings" for women (usually preparatory to childbirth). A previous Relief Society President wrote of this ordinance, "this beautiful ordinance has always been with the Relief Society, and it is our earnest hope that we may continue to have that privilege, and up to the present time the Presidents of the Church have always allowed it to us.'
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
105 years ago today - Jul 29, 1916; Saturday
[Apostle Anthony Ivins]
Conference Yellowstone Stake. St. Anthony. Arrived 10-45. First speaker after arrival repeatedly refered to the Church as Mormondom. Two lady missionaries spoke. Viola Davis & Viola Howard. These girls made good remarks. Solo. I made brief remarks & Bro. [J. Golden] Kimball followed. Bro. & Sister Thomas & Sister [Elizabeth] Wilcox were there for R[elief] S[ociety].76 1111 1111 1111 111177 2. P.M. Second Counselor [Charles] Lloyd, Bro. Thomas, H. C. Larson. I talked on Mexico. Prest. Pond. Wed. p.m. holiday. Outside merchants close stores. 296-476 present. Crops poor. Worm on beet root. Relief S[ocie]ty.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Conference Yellowstone Stake. St. Anthony. Arrived 10-45. First speaker after arrival repeatedly refered to the Church as Mormondom. Two lady missionaries spoke. Viola Davis & Viola Howard. These girls made good remarks. Solo. I made brief remarks & Bro. [J. Golden] Kimball followed. Bro. & Sister Thomas & Sister [Elizabeth] Wilcox were there for R[elief] S[ociety].76 1111 1111 1111 111177 2. P.M. Second Counselor [Charles] Lloyd, Bro. Thomas, H. C. Larson. I talked on Mexico. Prest. Pond. Wed. p.m. holiday. Outside merchants close stores. 296-476 present. Crops poor. Worm on beet root. Relief S[ocie]ty.
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
125 years ago today - Jul 29, 1896
The First Presidency today appropriated $300 for the Northern States Mission; $200 of which is to be expended in printing the Voice of Warning in cloth binding, 1600 copies, the stereo plates to be the property of the mission, and orders thereafter to be filled at five cents a copy, the balance of the appropriation,'$100 to be used by Elder Spencer for expenses in visiting the various Conferences.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
50 years ago today - Jul 28, 1971
Wesley Walters and Fred Poffarl find Justice Neely's bill for trying the case of "Joseph Smith The Glass Looker Mar 20. 1826" in Bainbridge, New York 1826. It is among dead-storage documents in the basement of the county jail in Norwich, New York. Mormons had claimed the trial never took place. This find established that it had.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
85 years ago today - Jul 28, 1936
A letter was read from President Kelly of the Swiss-German Mission under date of July 9, calling attention to the fact that Dr. Max Haenle, who is a very good friend of the Church, is preparing a pamphlet entitled 'Accomplishments of the Mormon People' and stating that Dr. Haenle in a recent interview suggested that if we wish to have our church and missionaries remain in Germany, he would urgently advise that men of prominence and authority in our church write articles commendatory of the German people. This subject could be dealt with in any of our public meetings or addresses and then be published in the local papers and copies of the entire newspapers sent to the German Reich. He feels that if we show a loyal and friendly attitude toward the people, and incidentally make some constructive comments, it will turn the tables in our favor. Bishop Cannon inquired of President McKay as to what steps were desired in this matter and proposed that the matter be presented to President Welker of the German-Austrian Mission to suggest how he thought this matter should be handled. This was approved by President McKay.
[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[First Presidency, Meeting with Presiding Bishopric, Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Jul 28, 1901
[Joseph F. Smith speaking:] He said it [i.e., plural marriage] was taken away from the people' like the law of consecration'because the saints rejected it, and neither would be restored until there is a people prepared to live them. Anyone should beware that casts slurs upon the birth of those born under this covenant. Also that man who will not appreciate their wives and children and provide for them will lose them.
[William H. Smart, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[William H. Smart, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
150 years ago today - Jul 28, 1871
First Presidency's written appointment of Elijah F. Sheets "to act as a Traveling Bishop." Sheets counsels local members and ward bishops and ordains local officers until his release as traveling bishop in 1878. Better-known A. Milton Musser is often described as traveling bishop from 1858 to 1876. However, Musser's service actually begins in 1860 as a traveling "agent" of the General Tithing Office.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
155 years ago today - Jul 28, 1866
[Brigham Young]
I spoke a harsh word here yesterday with regard to a man who professes to be a Latter-day Saint who has been guilty of killing an innocent Indian. I say to-day that he is just as much a murderer through killing that Indian, as he would have been had he shot down a white man. ... When we came here, they could catch fish in great abundance in the lake in the season thereof, and live upon them pretty much through the summer. But now their game has gone, and they are left to starve. It is our duty to feed them.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:263-266, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
I spoke a harsh word here yesterday with regard to a man who professes to be a Latter-day Saint who has been guilty of killing an innocent Indian. I say to-day that he is just as much a murderer through killing that Indian, as he would have been had he shot down a white man. ... When we came here, they could catch fish in great abundance in the lake in the season thereof, and live upon them pretty much through the summer. But now their game has gone, and they are left to starve. It is our duty to feed them.
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 11:263-266, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Jul 28, 1861
President Young Preached one of the most interesting discourses ever Delivered to the people. It was a sermon of sermons. Contained much interesting doctrin, Revelation & principle. He said the Lord would not permit him nor any other man to lead this people astray. If the leaders were to do wrong the Lord would take them away. If an Apostle did not magnify his Calling the Lord would remove him & not permit him to lead the people astray. But I shall not apostatize. You need not any of you look for that for I had the promise long ago that I should not do that. Neither shall I go to hell.
He also said the Lord was about to Empty the Earth th[at?] men would be destroyed & He should live to see the day when thousands of women would Come to the men of this Church for salvation. One man would have to take thousands to save them. Many things were said of interest.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
He also said the Lord was about to Empty the Earth th[at?] men would be destroyed & He should live to see the day when thousands of women would Come to the men of this Church for salvation. One man would have to take thousands to save them. Many things were said of interest.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Jul 28, 1861 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
When will the Saviour make his appearance in the midst of his people? When will the vail be taken away, that we may behold the glory of God? Can any of you answer these questions? Yes, readily, when I tell you. The redemption of Zion is the first step preparatory to the two last-named events. Just as soon as the Latter-day Saints are ready and prepared to return to Independence, Jackson County, in the State of Missouri, North America, just so soon will the voice of the Lord be heard, '"Arise now, Israel, and make your way to the centre Stake of Zion.'"... If we are not very careful, the earth will be cleansed from wickedness before we are prepared to take possession of it. ... When Joseph first revealed the land where the Saints should gather, a woman in Canada asked if we thought that Jackson County would be large enough to gather all the people that would want to go to Zion. I will answer the question really as it is. Zion will extend, eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. ... Millions will come and live in Zion when the laws of Zion reign predominant over creation; ... Will there be Methodists there? Yes; and they will have the privilege to worship a God without body, parts, and passions, just as they do now, if they choose to. ... ... the fight [of the Civil War] will continue until the earth is empty. Will it be over in six months or in three years? No; it will take years and years, and will never cease until the work is accomplished. There may be seasons that the fire will appear to be extinguished, and the first you know it will break out in another portion, and all is on fire again, and it will spread and continue until the land is emptied. Will they all be killed? No. I shall see the day when thousands will seek succour at the hands of this people. If you say, '"Husband, I shall leave you, if you take another wife,'" you had better leave now when you may stand a chance of getting another husband. ... Young men, prepare yourselves; for a greater responsibility will come upon you than you have ever dreamed of. Millions [of women] will seek to you for salvation. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 9:137-144, 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 will the Saviour make his appearance in the midst of his people? When will the vail be taken away, that we may behold the glory of God? Can any of you answer these questions? Yes, readily, when I tell you. The redemption of Zion is the first step preparatory to the two last-named events. Just as soon as the Latter-day Saints are ready and prepared to return to Independence, Jackson County, in the State of Missouri, North America, just so soon will the voice of the Lord be heard, '"Arise now, Israel, and make your way to the centre Stake of Zion.'"... If we are not very careful, the earth will be cleansed from wickedness before we are prepared to take possession of it. ... When Joseph first revealed the land where the Saints should gather, a woman in Canada asked if we thought that Jackson County would be large enough to gather all the people that would want to go to Zion. I will answer the question really as it is. Zion will extend, eventually, all over this earth. There will be no nook or corner upon the earth but what will be in Zion. ... Millions will come and live in Zion when the laws of Zion reign predominant over creation; ... Will there be Methodists there? Yes; and they will have the privilege to worship a God without body, parts, and passions, just as they do now, if they choose to. ... ... the fight [of the Civil War] will continue until the earth is empty. Will it be over in six months or in three years? No; it will take years and years, and will never cease until the work is accomplished. There may be seasons that the fire will appear to be extinguished, and the first you know it will break out in another portion, and all is on fire again, and it will spread and continue until the land is emptied. Will they all be killed? No. I shall see the day when thousands will seek succour at the hands of this people. If you say, '"Husband, I shall leave you, if you take another wife,'" you had better leave now when you may stand a chance of getting another husband. ... Young men, prepare yourselves; for a greater responsibility will come upon you than you have ever dreamed of. Millions [of women] will seek to you for salvation. ...
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 9:137-144, 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 - Tuesday, Jul 28, 1846.
Omaha Nation. About 9, the chief and some of the warriors of the Otoes came to the spring to see the Mormon chief. Wanted a beef. President Young shook hands with them and directed a beef to be given them and tears started in the Chief's eyes....
President Young asked Brother Martindale the cause of putting away his wife and taking another woman. Martindale said his trouble commenced from the time he began to investigate Mormonism. His wife began to oppose. She was not a believer and continued her opposition, etc., and spoke more than half an hour. President Young said however wrong Sister Martindale has been, it would not justify any man in taking another woman under color of the priesthood, and in opposition of the order the priesthood.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
President Young asked Brother Martindale the cause of putting away his wife and taking another woman. Martindale said his trouble commenced from the time he began to investigate Mormonism. His wife began to oppose. She was not a believer and continued her opposition, etc., and spoke more than half an hour. President Young said however wrong Sister Martindale has been, it would not justify any man in taking another woman under color of the priesthood, and in opposition of the order the priesthood.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
110 years ago today - Jul 27, 1911; Thursday
[Heber J. Grant]
I am going to try and get up to date with the several months I am behind and make an effort to stay up. There is nothing I dislike more than writing a record for my Journal. I like to work but do not like to sit down and write a record of what I have been doing no matter how brief it is.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
I am going to try and get up to date with the several months I am behind and make an effort to stay up. There is nothing I dislike more than writing a record for my Journal. I like to work but do not like to sit down and write a record of what I have been doing no matter how brief it is.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
150 years ago today - Jul 27, 1871
Brigham Young: "The Garden of Eden was where Jackson Co. is now in Mo. & when Adam was driven out, he crossed the river into what is now Daviess Co. The City of Enoch stood where the Gulf of Mexico is now, but these things are not written."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
170 years ago today - Jul 27, 1851
Brother [Heber C.] Kimball addressed the meeting a part of the day. Among other remarks He said Jesus Christ was the first Born of the Father & He was the candidate & Elected to redeem the world. Lucipher set up as a candidate to run against Jesus Christ But He was overcome & thrust down to Hell with all that followed him. And we will have no more division Henceforth & forever in Israel. We will have but one candidate for office but No opposition. All will be Elected & proven. If a person is qualifyed to fill a greater station than He holds He will have a chance. The Presidency & Twelve will fill in Eternity those stations Appointed them. So with all men. But I expect to remain on this Earth untill I am able to create a world of my own & people it. The lord Has given us rich portions of the Earth to inherit. We have been driven from time to time from th[ere?]. We now inherit a goodly land the best land on the Earth for vegitation & it will be good for fruit & the people of the Earth will yet Come to us for fruit.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
75 years ago today - Jul 25, 1946
First counselor J. Reuben Clark speaks concerning embezzelment by a local bishop: "The Church could not use its funds for such a means as proposed to save any embarassment to the Church, and it could not and should not require the [local] brethren there to sacrifice unless their friendship for the [bishop's] family prompted them to do so on their own accord, and that he didn't worry about the resultant effect upon the Church if we did not attempt to cover up, but insisted upon justice."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
110 years ago today - Jul 25, 1911
SECRET ORDERS
... "Dear Brethren:
... "Sometime before the death of President Wilford Woodruff, he announced to the priesthood meeting, consisting of the general, stake and ward authorities and others, that members of the Church who would join secret societies debarred themselves from the Temple, and ever since that time this policy has been maintained.
"Should, however, there be any member or members of your stake who have joined secret societies without knowing that the policy of the Church forbid their doing so, special consideration might be given to their cases, but in that event even, they should be advised to withdraw from such organizations...."
"ANTHON H. LUND, "On Behalf of the First Presidency."
[1911-July 25-Original circular. Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
... "Dear Brethren:
... "Sometime before the death of President Wilford Woodruff, he announced to the priesthood meeting, consisting of the general, stake and ward authorities and others, that members of the Church who would join secret societies debarred themselves from the Temple, and ever since that time this policy has been maintained.
"Should, however, there be any member or members of your stake who have joined secret societies without knowing that the policy of the Church forbid their doing so, special consideration might be given to their cases, but in that event even, they should be advised to withdraw from such organizations...."
"ANTHON H. LUND, "On Behalf of the First Presidency."
[1911-July 25-Original circular. Church Historian's Library, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
130 years ago today - Jul 25, 1891
[Abraham H. Cannon]
SLC A Sister Parkinson asked why her new born babe died when A.H. Cannon blessed it and promised it should live to manhood and several weeks later it got pneumonia and the Elders promised it continued life? "I could not account for the failure of our promises that it should live except that sympathy instead of the Spirit of God prompted the utterance."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
SLC A Sister Parkinson asked why her new born babe died when A.H. Cannon blessed it and promised it should live to manhood and several weeks later it got pneumonia and the Elders promised it continued life? "I could not account for the failure of our promises that it should live except that sympathy instead of the Spirit of God prompted the utterance."
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
140 years ago today - Jul 25, 1881
[Heber J. Grant]
In the Evening ... [we] attended a dance in the City Hall. Had quite a pleasant time. I wanted to waltz very badly but knowing it was contrary to the wishes of the Genl. Church authorities I refrained from doing so.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
In the Evening ... [we] attended a dance in the City Hall. Had quite a pleasant time. I wanted to waltz very badly but knowing it was contrary to the wishes of the Genl. Church authorities I refrained from doing so.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
150 years ago today - Jul 25, 1871
Brigham Young writes to his son Willard who is a cadet at West Point: "We would like to learn in detail the routine of your daily life; what your duties and exercises consist of; what the regulations are about visitors, whether ladies have access to the cadets & under what restrictions, if any. This last is a matter I am quite concerned to know about, as I understand you cadets are exceedingly popular with the fair sex & some of them are very, very dangerous when so dis posed, just for the sake of having a laugh at their victims; shun such as you would the very gates of hell! They are the enemy's strongest tools, & should be resisted as strongly. Beware of them! . . . With regard to your attending Protestant Episcopal service, I have no objections whatever. On the contrary, I would like to have you attend, and see what they can teach you about God and Godliness more than you have already been taught."
160 years ago today - Jul 25, 1861
Pres[ident] Young had some conversation with his Br. Joseph about the form and principles of a Republican Government. The President remarked in a republican government the people have a right to interfere when the Officers of the Government are taking a wrong course
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jul 25, 1841 (Sunday)
Wm. Yokum lost his leg by amputation, as the result of a wound received in the massacre at Haun's Mill.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
185 years ago today - (Mon) Jul 25, 1836
Joseph Smith and several leading Mormons (Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Oliver Cowdery, etc.) leave Kirtland to seek buried treasure in Salem, MA
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
20 years ago today - Jul 24, 2001
On Pioneer Day, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rules Utah's ban on alcohol advertisements "irrational," saying it might be causing irreparable harm to local liquor, brewing and publishing companies.
[Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
[Harward, Randy; Utah Brewing Timeline, Salt Lake City Weekly, Aug 24, 2011]
40 years ago today - Jul 24, 1981
Representatives of the National Organization of Women march in Salt Lake City's Pioneer Day parade as part of their "mission" to Utah in support of the Equal Rights Amendment. the Los Angeles Times reports that "some spectators heckled, threrw fruit and spat on ERA missionaries."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
135 years ago today - Saturday, Jul 24, 1886
[John Henry Smith]
Minersville and Beaver
Bedbugs fearfully active.
[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]
Minersville and Beaver
Bedbugs fearfully active.
[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]
150 years ago today - Jul 24, 1871
[Eliza R. Snow gives] an address carefully distinguished between the efforts of Latter-day Saint women to build the kingdom of God and the actions of national women's rights reformers. She likely was responding, at least in part, to the words of Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton when they visited a month earlier. They came at the invitation of the anti-authoritarian Godbeite reformers, a group of intellectual dissenters from the Latter-day Saint community, but also met with Mormon women and spoke in the Salt Lake tabernacle. Anthony and Stanton praised the women for receiving the right to vote, but Stanton "did not skim the surface" in one address, voicing her opposition to early marriage and her support for family planning. From Salt Lake City, Stanton wrote a letter criticizing patriarchal religious leaders from Moses to Brigham Young and advocated that women establish "their own constitutions, creeds, and codes, and customs," without priestly male intermediaries, saying that women would not be in their current state of dependence and degradation except "by man's free and fraudulent use of the authoritative 'Thus saith the Lord.'" The continued subjection of Mormon women within a patriarchal religion, Stanton warned, would be their own fault if they did not vote to abolish the practice of plural marriage. In one Utah speech, Anthony remarked that "she had as good a right to receive revelations, direct from God" as did Joseph Smith or Brigham Young, and that "revelations which came exclusively to men would never satisfy her."
Though alarmed by the hostility toward religion of some women's rights reformers and suspicious of portions of the agenda of national women's rights activists, Snow approved of woman suffrage and of the political involvement of Mormon women...
[Eliza R. Snow, Discourse, July 24, 1871, in "Celebration of the Twenty-Fourth at Ogden," Deseret News [weekly] (Salt Lake City, UT), July 26, 1871, vol. 20, no. 25, pp. 287–288, Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
Though alarmed by the hostility toward religion of some women's rights reformers and suspicious of portions of the agenda of national women's rights activists, Snow approved of woman suffrage and of the political involvement of Mormon women...
[Eliza R. Snow, Discourse, July 24, 1871, in "Celebration of the Twenty-Fourth at Ogden," Deseret News [weekly] (Salt Lake City, UT), July 26, 1871, vol. 20, no. 25, pp. 287–288, Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah, Salt Lake City as quoted in Matthew J. Grow, Jill Derr, Carol Madsen, and Kate Holbrook, editors, The First Fifty Years of Relief Society: Key Documents in Latter-day Saint Women's History, The Church Historian's Press, 2016, https://churchhistorianspress.org/the-first-fifty-years-of-relief-society/]
160 years ago today - Jul 24, 1861
Pres[ident] Young mentioned about one John Karl a man who had written a book against the Church, and Joseph Smith (Prophet) had cursed him for it, this man died a very miserable death wasting away, and nothing but the curse could be assigned as the cause of his sickness. This man confessed on his dying bed to his former Sectarian friends, that he had no confidence in their religion, and if any religion was true it was the religion of the Mormons. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Jul 24, 1851
Wilford Woodruff describes Pioneer-day festivities: "The order of the day was kept up by the fireing of cannon 110 times. The organization & parading of Streets by an escort consisting of the Nauvoo Brass band the Military Band the Pioneers of 47 the Regency, the aged Fathers young lads, followed By the Mothers in Israel young girls, young men & young women the Presidency with the officers of State formed the escorted party. In their rear were 24 Bishops forming a Phalanx of the combined wisdom & strength of the Kingdom of God in the last days. The numerous flags & Banners the various Emblems of art agriculture & industry & the music accompanying the procession from the presidents residence to the Bowery could ownly be surpassed in the Armies of heaven."
175 years ago today - Jul 24, 1846
[Wilford Woodruff]
Met in council with the Twelve in a tent on a High prairie ridge. Eleven of the quorum of the Twelve were present. We put on our robes And offered up our prayers to God. Conversed upon principle. Decided in council that no man has a right to Attend to the ordinance of sealing except the President of the Church or those who are directed by him so to do And that the ordinance should be confined to Zion or her stakes. This was the last Council we were expecting to hold Altogether before O. Hyde, P. P. Pratt & J Taylor took there departure for England.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Met in council with the Twelve in a tent on a High prairie ridge. Eleven of the quorum of the Twelve were present. We put on our robes And offered up our prayers to God. Conversed upon principle. Decided in council that no man has a right to Attend to the ordinance of sealing except the President of the Church or those who are directed by him so to do And that the ordinance should be confined to Zion or her stakes. This was the last Council we were expecting to hold Altogether before O. Hyde, P. P. Pratt & J Taylor took there departure for England.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
175 years ago today - Jul 24, 1846
Oliver Cowdery writes to his sister referring to polygamy as a "folly and "abomination.
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
[Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]
40 years ago today - Jul 23, 1981-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve announced this morning that Elder Gordon B. Hinckley has been made a member of the First Presidency [3rd counselor] and that Elder Neal Maxwell has been added to the Quorum of the Twelve in his place. Presumably Elder Hinckley will handle many of the assignments which President [N. Eldon] Tanner has been handling. Apparently they want to retain President Tanner's name as a member of the Presidency. [Hinckly would be referred to as the "acting president of the church" in the press.]
This move will surely be beneficial to our Historical endeavors, particularly because Elder Hinckley is familiar with what we are doing, and because he is positive. He has a positive, favorable view on what we are doing.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve announced this morning that Elder Gordon B. Hinckley has been made a member of the First Presidency [3rd counselor] and that Elder Neal Maxwell has been added to the Quorum of the Twelve in his place. Presumably Elder Hinckley will handle many of the assignments which President [N. Eldon] Tanner has been handling. Apparently they want to retain President Tanner's name as a member of the Presidency. [Hinckly would be referred to as the "acting president of the church" in the press.]
This move will surely be beneficial to our Historical endeavors, particularly because Elder Hinckley is familiar with what we are doing, and because he is positive. He has a positive, favorable view on what we are doing.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
120 years ago today - Jul 23, 1901
The question of a wife being sealed to a man who had committed suicide was discussed by the Presidency and other brethren. President Joseph F. Smith said that in his opinion people who commit suicide should be given the full benefit of doubt as to their sanity before the doors of the Temple should be closed against them. Those who take their own life wilfully of course are barred.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Jul 23, 1896
Apostle John Henry Smith writes: "Presidency & Twelve met in Temple. I was opposed to writing to brethren of southern stake to support Mr. M. A. Smith for Congress. True, he has been our friend, but I said a few written lines from our leaders to political aspirants set the political parties on fire."
150 years ago today - Jul 23, 1871
"While brother George A. Smith was referring to the circumstance of William Miller going to Carthage, it brought to my mind reflections of the past. Perhaps to relate the circumstance as it occurred would be interesting. I do not profess to be much of a joker, but I do think this to be one of the best jokes ever perpetrated. By the time we were at work in the Nauvoo Temple, officiating in the ordinances, the mob had learned that '"Mormonism'" was not dead, as they had supposed. We had completed the walls of the Temple, and the attic story from about half way up of the first windows, in about fifteen months. It went up like magic, and we commenced officiating in the ordinances. Then the mob commenced to hunt for other victims; they had already killed the Prophets Joseph and Hyrum in Carthage jail, while under the pledge of the State for their safety, and now they wanted Brigham, the President of the Twelve Apostles, who were then acting as the Presidency of the Church. I was in my room in the Temple; it was in the south-east corner of the upper story. I learned that a posse was lurking around the Temple, and that the United States Marshal was waiting for me to come down, whereupon I knelt down and asked my Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus, to guide and protect me that I might live to prove advantageous to the Saints. Just as I arose from my knees and sat down in my chair, there came a rap at my door. I said, '"Come in,'" and brother George D. Grant, who was then engaged driving my carriage and doing chores for me, entered the room. Said he, '"Brother Young, do you know that a posse and the United States Marshal are here?'" I told him I had heard so. On entering the room brother Grant left the door open. Nothing came into my mind what to do, until looking directly across the hall I saw brother William Miller leaning against the wall. As I stepped towards the door I beckoned to him; he came. Said I to him, '"Brother William, the Marshal is here for me; will you go and do just as I tell you? If you will, I will serve them a trick.'" I knew that brother Miller was an excellent man, perfectly reliable and capable of carrying out my project. Said I, '"Here, take my cloak;'" but it happened to be brother Heber C. Kimball's; our cloaks were alike in color, fashion and size. I threw it around his shoulders, and told him to wear my hat and accompany brother George D. Grant. He did so. I said to brother Grant, '"George, you step into the carriage and look towards brother Miller, and say to him, as though you were addressing me, 'Are you ready to ride?' You can do this, and they will suppose brother Miller to be me, and proceed accordingly,'" which they did. Just as brother Miller was entering the carriage, the Marshal stepped up to him, and, placing his hand upon his shoulder, said, '"You are my prisoner.'" Brother William entered the carriage and said to the Marshal, '"I am going to the Mansion House, won't you ride with me?'" They both went to the Mansion House. There were my sons Joseph A., Brigham, jun., and brother Heber C. Kimball's boys, and others who were looking on, and all seemed at once to understand and partake of the joke. They followed the carriage to the Mansion House and gathered around brother Miller, with tears in their eyes, saying, '"Father, or President Young, where are you going?'" Brother Miller looked at them kindly, but made no reply; and the Marshal really thought he had got '"Brother Brigham.'" Lawyer Edmonds, who was then staying at the Mansion House, appreciating the joke, volunteered to brother Miller to go to Carthage with him and see him safe through. When they arrived within two or three miles of Carthage, the Marshal with his posse stopped. They arose in their carriages, buggies and waggons, and, like a tribe of Indians going into battle, or as if they were a pack of demons, yelling and shouting, they exclaimed, '"We've got him! we've got him! we've got him!'" When they reached Carthage the Marshal took the supposed Brigham into an upper room of the hotel, and placed a guard over him, at the same time telling those around that he had got him. Brother Miller remained in the room until they bid him come to supper. While there, parties came in, one after the other, and asked for Brigham. Brother Miller was pointed out to them. So it continued, until an apostate Mormon, by the name of Thatcher, who had lived in Nauvoo, came in, sat down and asked the landlord where Brigham Young was. The landlord, pointing across the table to brother Miller, said, '"That is Mr. Young.'" Thatcher replied, '"Where? I can't see any one that looks like Brigham.'" The landlord told him it was that fat, fleshy man eating. '"Oh, hell!'" exclaimed Thatcher, '"that's not Brigham; that is William Miller, one of my old neighbors.'" Upon hearing this the landlord went, and, tapping the Sheriff on the shoulder, took him a few steps to one side, and said, '"You have made a mistake, that is not Brigham Young; it is William Miller, of Nauvoo.'" The Marshal, very much astonished, exclaimed, '"Good heavens! and he passed for Brigham.'" He then took brother Miller into a room, and, turning to him, said, '"What in hell is the reason you did not tell me your name?'" Brother Miller replied, '"You have not asked me my name.'" '"Well,'" said the Sheriff, with another oath, '"What is your name?'" '"My name,'" he replied, '"is William Miller.'" Said the Marshal, '"I thought your name was Brigham Young. Do you say this for a fact?'" '"Certainly I do,'" said brother Miller. '"Then,'" said the Marshal, '"why did you not tell me this before?'" '"I was under no obligations to tell you,'" replied brother Miller, '"as you did not ask me.'" Then the Marshal, in a rage, walked out of the room, followed by brother Miller, who walked off in company with Lawyer Edmonds, Sheriff Backenstos, and others, who took him across lots to a place of safety; and this is the real pith of the story of '"Bogus'" Brigham, as far as I can recollect. [Reported by Julia Young] -- Logan, Utah
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 14:218-219; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra. Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 20:311, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Journal of Discourses. Liverpool, England, 1853-86. 14:218-219; Deseret News. Also Deseret Evening News, Deseret News Weekly, Deseret News Semi- Weekly, and Deseret News Extra. Salt Lake City; 1850-current. 20:311, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Jul 23, 1851 (Council Meeting)
[Brigham Young]
"There is not a man in the Senate or House who is perfect - to be told that I must do this or that I will just as soon cut their throat - to say we have got all over the mountains again - I wont bear it and wont bear the insults of any two penny man - I will do my duty and no one shall put his nose in my dish - I would rather stand up and cut throats than suffer law suits and technicalities so help me the Gods - I will take my sword and cut them down... Bigger men than you have been abused - I am for right and righteousness - I am of the righteousness of heaven ... If you [Almon Babbitt] interfere with any of my dictation in the elections it will be the last - now I don't want to hear you say this is not right and that is not right, you are nothing but a stinking politician ... - you acknowledge to say that Mormonism is my controller - any man who interferes with nasty smearing will be daub himself ... - Now Brother Babbitt don't go off with bad feelings... I am sorry for that - I wish you had kept it to pay for your grog - You put yourself in a position to make us bow to you. I ask you what you have to do with our elections? You say it is illegal. I say damn it - that is your foolery - ... if your law questions is correct our election must be overturned - I just wont have the election postponed two weeks ... Why could not you say that it was not any of your business to dictate about the elections - you are shitting in my dish and I will kick (you) out and you all [-]." -- Salt Lake City
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"There is not a man in the Senate or House who is perfect - to be told that I must do this or that I will just as soon cut their throat - to say we have got all over the mountains again - I wont bear it and wont bear the insults of any two penny man - I will do my duty and no one shall put his nose in my dish - I would rather stand up and cut throats than suffer law suits and technicalities so help me the Gods - I will take my sword and cut them down... Bigger men than you have been abused - I am for right and righteousness - I am of the righteousness of heaven ... If you [Almon Babbitt] interfere with any of my dictation in the elections it will be the last - now I don't want to hear you say this is not right and that is not right, you are nothing but a stinking politician ... - you acknowledge to say that Mormonism is my controller - any man who interferes with nasty smearing will be daub himself ... - Now Brother Babbitt don't go off with bad feelings... I am sorry for that - I wish you had kept it to pay for your grog - You put yourself in a position to make us bow to you. I ask you what you have to do with our elections? You say it is illegal. I say damn it - that is your foolery - ... if your law questions is correct our election must be overturned - I just wont have the election postponed two weeks ... Why could not you say that it was not any of your business to dictate about the elections - you are shitting in my dish and I will kick (you) out and you all [-]." -- Salt Lake City
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
190 years ago today - Jul 23, 1831
W.W. Phelps writes a description of Missouri: "The inhabitants are emigrants from Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, and the Carolinas, etc., with customs, manners, modes of living and a climate entirely different from the northerners, and they hate yankees worse than snakes, because they have cheated them or speculated on their credulity, with so many Connecticut wooden clocks, and New England notions. The people are proverbially idle or lazy, and mostly ignorant; reckoning nobody equal to themselves in many respects, and as it is a slave holding state, Japheth will make Canaan serve him, while he dwells in the tents of Shem"
85 years ago today - Jul 22, 1936
First counselor J. Reuben Clark recommends that the Communist candidate for U.S. president be denied use of the Salt Lake Tabernacle for a speech. He also recommends to "confidentially" advise Utah's governor to have Mormon members of the American Legion armed with "picks and ax-handles" to attend the Communist Party's rally in Liberty Park.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Jul 22, 1896
Presidents George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith (President [Wilford Woodruff] being at home unwell) had an interview with Elder Marriner W[ood]. Merrill, President of the Logan Temple. Some complaint had been made in regard to the salaries of some of the Temple hands, who had been paid only half their salary during the two months vacation. It was shown that the hands did not work at all on Saturdays, but they were provided with dinner at the Temple, and that the work on Mondays was very light. Taking all things into consideration, the salaries were ample for services rendered. President Cannon said that if the brethren employed in the Recorder's office could obtain more remunerative labor they should be at liberty to make the change, and he believed that lady scribes could be obtained at an much less salary than that now paid. The conclusion was that the brethren had no good grounds of complaint.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
95 years ago today - Jul 21, 1926
[Heber J. Grant]
[Concerning the request of Abraham H. Cannon's two widows, Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Young, for compensation as widows of an apostle:] I told them of the work I had done in paying a note of Abram Cannon's with interest to the Utah Loan & Trust Co., with the assistance of some friends, thus saving his honor. I did not care to tell them that the church had paid $15,000. to save the bank from failure, Abram being president of this bank at the time of his death. I explained to them that Abram had not borrowed the $45,000. from the bank originally but had assumed the note of other people. Told them I spent nearly three years of my time in raising funds to save this institution.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[Concerning the request of Abraham H. Cannon's two widows, Mrs. Ellis and Mrs. Young, for compensation as widows of an apostle:] I told them of the work I had done in paying a note of Abram Cannon's with interest to the Utah Loan & Trust Co., with the assistance of some friends, thus saving his honor. I did not care to tell them that the church had paid $15,000. to save the bank from failure, Abram being president of this bank at the time of his death. I explained to them that Abram had not borrowed the $45,000. from the bank originally but had assumed the note of other people. Told them I spent nearly three years of my time in raising funds to save this institution.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
105 years ago today - Jul 21, 1916
The propriety of permitting 'helps' (so named) to be bound with the Book of Mormon was duly considered by the council of First Presidency and Twelve at our meeting yesterday, resulting in an action that this should not be done for the reason that 'helps' contains in the main your personal views, and to permit it to be inserted in and bound with the Book of Mormon would be construed to mean that it had received the official sanction of Church authority, which, as you know, is not the case ... our Book of Mormon students do not agree among themselves nor with you on some of the important points referred to in 'helps.' It was therefore the mind of the council, unanimously expressed, that sales be suspended and immediate steps taken to call in the copies disposed of; that the insert be taken out and the books rebound and sold, the Church to share whatever loss may arise from this venture.
[First Presidency, Letter to Joel Ricks, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[First Presidency, Letter to Joel Ricks, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
110 years ago today - Jul 21, 1911; Friday
[Charles W. Penrose]
Prof[essor] O[sborne]. J[ohn]. P[eter] Widtsoe came ... Had Talk with him on Man's Origin.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
Prof[essor] O[sborne]. J[ohn]. P[eter] Widtsoe came ... Had Talk with him on Man's Origin.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
180 years ago today - Jul 21, 1841
The WARSAW SIGNAL in Warsaw, Illinois: "How MILITARY these people are becoming! Every thing they say or do seems to breathe the spirit of military tactics. Their PROPHET appears, on all great occasions, in his splendid regimental dress, signs his name Lieut. General, and more titles are to be found in the Nauvoo Legion, than any one book on military tactics can produce; and now comes a public journal, the name of which is composed of two military words. Truly FIGHTING must, be a part of the creed of these Saints!"
220 years ago today - Jul 21, 1801
Mary Fielding (Smith), later the wife of Hyrum Smith and mother of Joseph F. Smith, is born in Bedfordshire, England.
70 years ago today - Jul 20, 1951
Because the Korean War reduced the number of young elders being called as missionaries, the First Presidency issued a call for seventies to help fill the need. Many married men subsequently served full-time missions.
[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]
[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]
85 years ago today - Jul 20, 1936
Chief of Salt Lake City's detectives begins sending to the First Presidency reports of surveillance and infiltration of the Communist Party in Utah.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
110 years ago today - Jul 20, 1911
[Charles W. Penrose]
"Bro[ther] [David O.] McKay home with a broken leg. Bro[ther] [George F.] Gibbs read his a/c [account] of matters connected with plural marriage of Abra[ha]m H Cannon [who had just died] and Miss Hamlin which was not ordered published but to be filed and preserved."
[Charles W. Penrose 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]
"Bro[ther] [David O.] McKay home with a broken leg. Bro[ther] [George F.] Gibbs read his a/c [account] of matters connected with plural marriage of Abra[ha]m H Cannon [who had just died] and Miss Hamlin which was not ordered published but to be filed and preserved."
[Charles W. Penrose 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]
170 years ago today - Jul 20, 1851
[Brigham Young]
"A certain prophecy says when the Book of Mormon shall come unto the gentile the Jews shall be gathered at Jerusalem."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:48-49, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"A certain prophecy says when the Book of Mormon shall come unto the gentile the Jews shall be gathered at Jerusalem."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:48-49, 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 - Jul 20, 1846
Patriarchal Blessing of John Borrowman ... Thou shalt be able to escape the edge of the sword although thousands may fall on thy right hand and on thy left, thou shalt not be hurt...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
[Patriarchal Blessings]
190 years ago today - Jul 20, 1831
Joseph Smith receives Doctrine and Covenants 57, indicating that Jackson County "is the land of promise, and the place for the city of Zion" (v.2). The revelation also specifies a location for a temple to be built.
5 years ago today - 2016 July 19
A day before the Russian government passes anti-terror laws restricting most religious proselyting, the LDS Church promises to comply with these laws and designates missionaries serving in Russia as "volunteers".
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
[Wikipedia, 21st Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/21st_century_(Mormonism)]
125 years ago today - 1896. July 19
Abraham H. Cannon: Died of meningitis at the age of thirty-seven after contracting a post-surgical inflammation subsequent to a chronic mastoid infection. He was buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery.
At his funeral Church authorities discouraged the custom of viewing the body: "It is needless to say to intelligent Latter-day Saints that all this is repugnant to that spirit and decorum which ought to characterize the laying away of the earthly tabernacles of those whom we have loved or respected; and the general authorities of the Church have felt called upon to exert an influence to check this evil, and have advised the Saints not to expose their dead to public view."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
At his funeral Church authorities discouraged the custom of viewing the body: "It is needless to say to intelligent Latter-day Saints that all this is repugnant to that spirit and decorum which ought to characterize the laying away of the earthly tabernacles of those whom we have loved or respected; and the general authorities of the Church have felt called upon to exert an influence to check this evil, and have advised the Saints not to expose their dead to public view."
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
145 years ago today - 1876. July 19
Joseph Fielding Smith: Born Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr., in Salt Lake City to Julina Lambson and future Church President Joseph F. Smith. He was the grand-nephew of Joseph Smith, grandson of Church Patriarch Hyrum Smith, nephew of Church Patriarch John Smith, brother of Apostle Hyrum Mack Smith, and father-in-law of Apostle Bruce R. McConkie.
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
185 years ago today - Jul 19, 1836
A warrant for the arrest David W. Patten, Warren Parrish, and Wilford Woodruff is issued in Tennessee on the grounds that they have been "prophesying falsely, by saying that four persons who were baptized should receive the Holy Ghost in twenty-four hours, and that Christ should come the second time before this generation passed away." Charges dropped against Wilford since he wasn't present at the time. The other two are acquitted the next day.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
85 years ago today - Jul 18, 1936
A Deseret News Church Section photograph of an LDS youth conference in Germany with Apostle Joseph F. Merrill in front of the Swastika banner of the Nazi Party. This is an intentional association of visual symbols, since the 7 Aug. 1937 issue also prints a photograph of church president Heber J. Grant seated in front of a Swastika banner at an LDS meeting in Frankfurt.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 18, 1901
Remarks, Pres. Lorenzo Snow. ... We were born in the other life, were born children to the Lord there. In the contemplation of what we shall be in the spirit world, we should be very happy. We should be careful to do right that our consciences may not trouble us. He felt to say "God bless you all."
[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]
[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]
175 years ago today - Saturday, Jul 18, 1846.
President Young said the captains [of the Mormon Battalion] must be fathers to their companies, and in their companies manage the whole affair by the power of the priesthood, and you will have power to preserve your lives and the lives of their companies and escape many difficulties. [He] would not be afraid to pledge his right hand that every man will return alive if they will go in the name of the Lord and pray every morning and evening in every tent. ... All the officers but three had been in the temple. Let no man be without his undergarment, and always wear a coat or vest. Keep neat and clean, teach them gentility, civility, no swearing. It must not be admitted. Insult no man. Have no conversation with the Missourians, Mexicans, or any class of people. Preach only where people want it, and then by wise men.
Impose not your principles on any people. Take your Bibles, Books of Mormon. Burn up cards. Let the officers regulate all the dances. If you come home and say the captains have managed all dancing and it will all be right to dance, etc. Card playing cannot be admitted. ... Don't lay out your money for bacon and provision on credit for your families. Elder Kimball ... God will lead you in paths and before the people, that you will get as great a name as any people since the days of Moses. Hold your tongues and mind your own business. If you are sick, you have the privilege of calling the elders and rebuking all manner of disease.
... President Young spoke ... You will have no fighting to do. Go about your business. We shall go in the Great Basin where [it] is the place to build temples. ...
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
Impose not your principles on any people. Take your Bibles, Books of Mormon. Burn up cards. Let the officers regulate all the dances. If you come home and say the captains have managed all dancing and it will all be right to dance, etc. Card playing cannot be admitted. ... Don't lay out your money for bacon and provision on credit for your families. Elder Kimball ... God will lead you in paths and before the people, that you will get as great a name as any people since the days of Moses. Hold your tongues and mind your own business. If you are sick, you have the privilege of calling the elders and rebuking all manner of disease.
... President Young spoke ... You will have no fighting to do. Go about your business. We shall go in the Great Basin where [it] is the place to build temples. ...
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
185 years ago today - Jul 18, 1836
Gov. Dunklin sends a letter to the Missouri Saints saying that although he sympathizes with them, the public considers them obnoxious and has determined to expel them; and it is therefore useless for him to go against the overwhelming public sentiment. He tells them that if they cannot convince their fellow inhabitants that they are totally innocent, they had better leave the county, because "all I can say to you is that in this Republic the vox populi is the vox Dei" (the voice of the people is the voice of God).
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:461-62.]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 2:461-62.]
185 years ago today - Jul 18, 1836
Gov. Dunklin sends a letter to the Missouri Saints saying that although he sympathizes with them, the public considers them obnoxious and has determined to expel them; and it is therefore useless for him to go against the overwhelming public sentiment. He tells them that if they cannot convince their fellow inhabitants that they are totally innocent, they had better leave the county, because "all I can say to you is that in this Republic the vox populi is the vox Dei" (the voice of the people is the voice of God).
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
200 years ago today - Jul 18, 1821
the WESTERN FARMER, published in Palmyra, N.Y. reports: "A CURIOSITY. - Among the additions just made to Dr. Mitchell's collection is a letter from the Chippewa tribe of Indians, to the Sioux, with the answer of the Sioux to the Chippewas, done during the summer of 1820. Both are executed with the point of a knife or some other hard body upon the bark of the birch tree. They are examples of PICTURE WRITING, bordering upon the symbolic or hieroglyphic, and show the manner in which the aborigines of North America communicate their ideas at the present day."
200 years ago today - Jul 18, 1821
Lucy, the last child of Joseph, Sr., and Lucy Mack Smith, is born at Palmyra, N. Y.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
50 years ago today - Jul 17, 1971
The announcement that Relief Society dues would be discontinued and all assets turned over to the appropriate Priesthood officers. Relief Society assets were turned over to the Church (estimated value at over two million dollars, equal to more then seven million 2012 dollars).
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
95 years ago today - Jul 17, 1926
[Heber J. Grant]
I told [an associate] I had refrained religiously from making any suggestions directly or indirectly politically, although at times I was tempted to do so when I saw so many unworthy people securing offices.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
I told [an associate] I had refrained religiously from making any suggestions directly or indirectly politically, although at times I was tempted to do so when I saw so many unworthy people securing offices.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
175 years ago today - Jul 17, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
There was a meeting at Taylors camp today at which there was a number of Bishops appointed to look to the families of the [Mormon Battalion] soldiers
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
There was a meeting at Taylors camp today at which there was a number of Bishops appointed to look to the families of the [Mormon Battalion] soldiers
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
190 years ago today - Jul 17, 1831
Revelation (west of Independence) for Oliver Cowdery, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, and Ziba Peterson as they were about to commence a mission to Native Americans in Missouri, as recalled by W. W. Phelps in 1861: "For it is my will, that in time, ye should take unto you wives of the Lamanites and Nephites, that their posterity may become white, delightsome and Just, for even now their females are more virtuous than the gentiles." Since three of the four were already married, and the fourth--Ziba Peterson--would marry Rebecca Hooper within a month--this passage is sometimes used as an argument that plural marriage was envisioned as early as 1831.
Phelps recorded the revelation, apparently from memory,
Ezra Booth refers to this revelation in 1831. P Ezra Booth Letters (8-9)
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
Phelps recorded the revelation, apparently from memory,
Ezra Booth refers to this revelation in 1831. P Ezra Booth Letters (8-9)
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
70 years ago today - Jul 16, 1951
Bp. Wirthlin 'Pres. Wilkinson had asked for tithing record of BYU people [to verify their worthiness]' Pres. [J. Reuben] Clark did not think it would be sent down there but suggested he speak to Pres. McKay about it.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
75 years ago today - Jul 16, 1946
Mr Heiman came in to see Pres. [J. Reuben] Clark to see if there was any way in which they could get food stuffs into Russian-occupied Germany. Pres. Clark called Bro. Eardley, and he said they could get materials only as far as Berlin and that the Branch President there would put it in his car and get it into the Branch President there would put it in his car and get it into the Russian-occupied zone if he could. Bro. Eardley said the Post Office was only accepting packages in the Western part of Germany. Pres. Clark cautioned about getting things into Russian-occupied zone unauthorized or it might jeopardize the whole matter.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
175 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 16, 1846.
By O. Hyde, all present voted that E. T. Benson be ordained an apostle. At 5, the Quorum kneeled before the Lord in prayer, led by President Young, then arose and laid their hands on Ezra T. Benson, and ordained him an apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with all the keys and power and blessings pertaining to the apostleship in the Church and kingdom of God in these last days, and take the crown of him who has fallen from the Quorum of the Twelve (J. E. Page)...
Before council adjourned, papers were received from Captain Allen and the chiefs and braves of the Pottawattamie [Pottawatamie] nation, giving permission for the Mormons to stop on Indian lands.
[Willard Richards Journal]
Before council adjourned, papers were received from Captain Allen and the chiefs and braves of the Pottawattamie [Pottawatamie] nation, giving permission for the Mormons to stop on Indian lands.
[Willard Richards Journal]
175 years ago today - 16 July 1846
[Brigham Young]
Mormon Battalion Speech: "Now, brethern you are going as soldiers at your country's call. You will travel in a foreign land, in an enemy's country; and if you will live your religion, [etc...] if you obey this counsel, attending to your prayers to the Lord, I promise you in the name of the Lord God of Israel that not one should of you shall fall by the hands of the enemy. You will pass over battlefields; battles will be fought in your front and in your rear, on your right hand and on your left, and your enemies shall flee before you. Your names shall be held in honorable remembrance to the latest generation."
[Discourses of Brigham Young]
Mormon Battalion Speech: "Now, brethern you are going as soldiers at your country's call. You will travel in a foreign land, in an enemy's country; and if you will live your religion, [etc...] if you obey this counsel, attending to your prayers to the Lord, I promise you in the name of the Lord God of Israel that not one should of you shall fall by the hands of the enemy. You will pass over battlefields; battles will be fought in your front and in your rear, on your right hand and on your left, and your enemies shall flee before you. Your names shall be held in honorable remembrance to the latest generation."
[Discourses of Brigham Young]
175 years ago today - Jul 16, 1846
On 16 July 1846 some 543 men enlisted in the Mormon Battalion. From among these men Brigham Young selected the commissioned officers... Also accompanying the battalion were approximately thirty-three women, twenty of whom served as laundresses, and fifty-one children.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Mormon Battalion, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Mormon Battalion, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
75 years ago today - Jul 15, 1946
The First Presidency wrote to Ezra Taft Benson: "Europe brewed her own mess of bitter pottage; America did not brew it. This does not mean that we should not have full sympathy for the sufferings endured by the people in Europe, nor that we should not do our utmost to alleviate them, but it does mean, as it seems to us, that we should not approach this problem from the point of view that it is our responsibility, except beyond the broad lines of human and Church brotherhood."
[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1946 Mission to Europe" Journal of Mormon History 34:2 (Spring 2008)]
[Gary James Bergera, "Ezra Taft Benson's 1946 Mission to Europe" Journal of Mormon History 34:2 (Spring 2008)]
135 years ago today - Thursday, July 15th, 1886
[Abraham H. Cannon]
Bro. [Lorenzo] Snow said I would live to see the time when brothers and sisters would marry each other in this church. All our horror at such a union was due entirely to prejudice, and the offspring of such unions would be as healthy and pure as any other. These were the decided views of Pres. Young when alive, for Bro. S[now]. talked to him freely on this matter. Bro. S[now]. believes that Jesus will appear as a man among this people and dwell with them a time before he comes in His glory. The Gentiles will hear of it and they will reject him, as the Jews did anciently, but they will have no power over him at all.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
Bro. [Lorenzo] Snow said I would live to see the time when brothers and sisters would marry each other in this church. All our horror at such a union was due entirely to prejudice, and the offspring of such unions would be as healthy and pure as any other. These were the decided views of Pres. Young when alive, for Bro. S[now]. talked to him freely on this matter. Bro. S[now]. believes that Jesus will appear as a man among this people and dwell with them a time before he comes in His glory. The Gentiles will hear of it and they will reject him, as the Jews did anciently, but they will have no power over him at all.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
150 years ago today - July 15th 1871
Prest. G. A. Smith ... Advised the brethren to become naturalized and assist to govern the country. Measures should be taken to secure the land. Every wife except the first may Homestead or Preempt a quarter section. All should vote men and women. You may be in Idaho when the line is drawn. Take an interest in the politics of that Territory get her laws and make yourselves acquainted with them. ...
Br. George W. Sirrine asked Can a man with one wife obtain as full a salvation as if he had more.
Br. Jacobs inquired if it is necessary for man to be adopted to man if so when.
Prest. Young answered The doctrine of Adoption is correct in order to bring up the chain of Priesthood from Adam but it cannot be done but in a Temple.
A man can obtain as full a salvation with one wife as with more but it will not be so great his work will be slow ...
Br. W. M. Allred asked will I lose anything by letting my younger brother attend to the ordinances for the dead. Prest. Young answered It is the privilege of the eldest son to attend to his fathers family. You for your father your eldest sister for her mother let the eldest son be baptized for his father and let the eldest son as heir for the family attend to the sealings for his father.
The brethren were instructed to make wills especially those who had more than one wife to prevent litigation. Cautioned against being careless with fire in the mountains. ...
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
Br. George W. Sirrine asked Can a man with one wife obtain as full a salvation as if he had more.
Br. Jacobs inquired if it is necessary for man to be adopted to man if so when.
Prest. Young answered The doctrine of Adoption is correct in order to bring up the chain of Priesthood from Adam but it cannot be done but in a Temple.
A man can obtain as full a salvation with one wife as with more but it will not be so great his work will be slow ...
Br. W. M. Allred asked will I lose anything by letting my younger brother attend to the ordinances for the dead. Prest. Young answered It is the privilege of the eldest son to attend to his fathers family. You for your father your eldest sister for her mother let the eldest son be baptized for his father and let the eldest son as heir for the family attend to the sealings for his father.
The brethren were instructed to make wills especially those who had more than one wife to prevent litigation. Cautioned against being careless with fire in the mountains. ...
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
155 years ago today - Jul 15, 1866
[Brigham Young]
The English language has been the choice of heaven through which God has revealed himself. It should be studied and its orthography reformed as we have done in the Deseret alphabet, which renders the orthography simple and easy.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
The English language has been the choice of heaven through which God has revealed himself. It should be studied and its orthography reformed as we have done in the Deseret alphabet, which renders the orthography simple and easy.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
160 years ago today - Jul 15, 1861
Brigham Young's office journal records: "A Mr. Benjamins representing himself an Ethnological Tourist, and a jew by birth, called upon the President he stated he was in search of the lost tribes, he sated that Br. [Alexander] Neibaur had represented the Mormon people to him, as being of the tribe of Joseph, particularly through his son Ephraim. The President said he would have written down some particulars respecting this people and hand it to him to aid him in his researches."
165 years ago today - Jul 15, 1856
James G. Willie Company begins crossing plains
[Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html]
[Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html]
175 years ago today - Wednesday, Jul 15, 1846.
[Brigham Young said] the remainder of the 12 to get the soldiers together and instruct them how to behave, etc., on their expedition, wear their temple garments, and prove themselves the best soldiers, and instruct the other brethren con [?] in carrying out the decisions of the council of yesterday. Lots were cast between O. Hyde, P. P. Pratt and J. Taylor, which two should go to England, and the lot fell on Brothers Hyde and Taylor to go. "Soldiers can tarry and go to work when they are disbanded, and the next temple should be built in the Rocky Mountains," and he wanted the Twelve and the old brethren to live in the mountains where the temple is to be, and where the brethren will have to come to get their endowments.
President Young said he would prophecy that the time would come when some one of the Twelve, or a high priest, would come up and say can't we have a temple at Vancouver Island, or at California, etc., etc., but it is wisdom to unite all our forces to build one house in the mountains.
[Willard Richards Journal]
President Young said he would prophecy that the time would come when some one of the Twelve, or a high priest, would come up and say can't we have a temple at Vancouver Island, or at California, etc., etc., but it is wisdom to unite all our forces to build one house in the mountains.
[Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Jul 15, 1841
TIMES and SEASONS prints a "Dialogue on Mormonism" which presents LDS doctrine and claims in dialogue form. Speaking of the Book of Mormon peoples: "Mr. M. You will observe by this account Mr. R. that this people who landed here were Jews, this you know agrees with the idea, which many learned men have had, that the Indians are descendants of the Jews. Mr. R. I am aware that this idea is generally entertained among the learned."
190 years ago today - Mid-July 1831
Joseph's party arrives in Independence, Mo. There is a glorious reunion with missionaries there. Jackson County population at this time is less than 3,000, and land costs $1.25 per acre. Joseph records that the people are nearly a century behind the times; Parley Pratt notes that they are still living in skins and very primitive conditions. Because of the primitive land, Joseph wonders how Zion can ever be built in her glory in such a place, and receives D&C 57. The first Sunday after their arrival, W. W. Phelps preaches at the western boundary of the United States to a congregation made up of all races and peoples. Two are baptized.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 1:188-89.]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology; History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 1:188-89.]
145 years ago today - Jul 14, 1876
Sidney Rigdon dies; now believed to have had Bipolar Affective Disorder, or Manic-Depressive Illness.
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
160 years ago today - Jul 14, 1861 (Afternoon)
[Brigham Young]
These [preexistent] intelligent beings that I now see, that I behold as we say with the natural eye, Br. Kimball would call it the natural eye, the eye of the spirit, very well, the eye that God has given me and the power of sight: How long is it since they were in chaos? all that pertains to man independent of the intelligence that dwells within his body, independent of that spirit of life, light and intelligence? I see the faces of these, my brethren and sisters. ...
Jesus Christ came here because his Father came here and he was begotten of the Father, and he was born of the virgin Mary as my mother bore me and as my father begot me and as you begot your children. What, is it possible that the Father of Heights, the Father of our spirits, could reduce himself and come forth like a man [Adam?]? Yes, he was once a man like you and I are and was once on an earth like this, passed through the ordeal you and I pass through. He had his father and his mother and he has been exalted through his faithfulness, and he is become Lord of all. He is the God pertaining to this earth. He is our father. He begot our spirits in the spirit world. ...
We will go and build up temples. We started a temple here. Shall we finish it? I don't know whether we shall or not before we go back to Jackson County, but it will be finished by and bye, and we will enter into this temple and receive the ordinances for the just.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
These [preexistent] intelligent beings that I now see, that I behold as we say with the natural eye, Br. Kimball would call it the natural eye, the eye of the spirit, very well, the eye that God has given me and the power of sight: How long is it since they were in chaos? all that pertains to man independent of the intelligence that dwells within his body, independent of that spirit of life, light and intelligence? I see the faces of these, my brethren and sisters. ...
Jesus Christ came here because his Father came here and he was begotten of the Father, and he was born of the virgin Mary as my mother bore me and as my father begot me and as you begot your children. What, is it possible that the Father of Heights, the Father of our spirits, could reduce himself and come forth like a man [Adam?]? Yes, he was once a man like you and I are and was once on an earth like this, passed through the ordeal you and I pass through. He had his father and his mother and he has been exalted through his faithfulness, and he is become Lord of all. He is the God pertaining to this earth. He is our father. He begot our spirits in the spirit world. ...
We will go and build up temples. We started a temple here. Shall we finish it? I don't know whether we shall or not before we go back to Jackson County, but it will be finished by and bye, and we will enter into this temple and receive the ordinances for the just.
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
200 years ago today - Jul 14, 1821-5 February 1822
The second payment on the Smiths' Farmington (Manchester) farm come due . Lucy says there were three payments, that the first was broken up into several installments and that her family had "made nearly all of the first payment" in one year but that "the second payment was now coming due and no means as yet of meeting it." She further states that Alvin left home to find work and raise "the second payment and the remainder of the first" and returned with "the necessary amount of money for all except the last payment".
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
105 years ago today - Jul 13, 1916
The formation of the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a corporatiom sole, which was formed to have equal control of certain property owned by the Church. From 1890 until this date most Church property was held by the local leaders, which was subsequently transferred to the Presiding Bishop.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
115 years ago today - Jul 13, 1906
$400. was paid to Brother Lee Greene Richards for one painting of the Prophet Joseph Smith; also a painting of Hyrum Smith, and a painting of Lucy Smith. These pictures are to be hung over the mantel of the cottage at the Joseph Smith monument.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
165 years ago today - Jul 13, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff]
[Brigham Young said] The scene of this Earth would not be wound up untill the last spirit had come & taken a body on the Earth & inasmuch as the Gentiles do not wish Child[ren] but use evry exhertion to stop having progeny I pray God they may be prospered in their desires untill their seed is dryed up & that those spirits who have not taken bodies may come through the linage of the Saints.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Brigham Young said] The scene of this Earth would not be wound up untill the last spirit had come & taken a body on the Earth & inasmuch as the Gentiles do not wish Child[ren] but use evry exhertion to stop having progeny I pray God they may be prospered in their desires untill their seed is dryed up & that those spirits who have not taken bodies may come through the linage of the Saints.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
165 years ago today - Jul 13, 1856
Council Sunday /Evening/ July 13. 1856 Pres[iden]t. B[righam]. Young related a dream which he had in England:' 'I was travelling and came to an old Apple orchard, I found but few apples, but they were large and fine. I travelled through it, and all round it, but I found very few apples but there were but few and they were very large and fine. I continued travelling until it appeared to be a very great forest having all kinds of timber in it; and as I continued walking I came to a very large mountain, and as I walked to the foot of it, it appeared as though there was a very plain road beat nearly all round it. I went round and discovered a number of men trying to turn it over: they had dug under it a great ditch on one side, to undermine it, and had commenced on the other side. It appeared as though they were brethren, and I said. brethren stop a minute; they all stopped when I told them to: each cut out a square hole as though he was cutting out a block of ice, and when they had all done it, I told them to get a pry and put into each hole. I had a very strong lever, and I told them, `Now wait until I count one, two three, and when I say the word all of you heave at once, and it will be turned over.' When I gave the word signal we all heaved at once, and over it went. It then appeared as though we had opened a very large cave, in which was a great quantity of potatoes, beets, turnips and other good things which had been stored there by the ancient Nephites against a day of famine. I looked up and saw many people coming from every direction, but more especially from the North; when I commenced distributing the potatoes and turnips to all of them as fast as they came. Some persons said you will not have enough to go round; but although I saw the people coming from every direction, thicker and faster. I said there will be enough, and continued dealing them out as hard as I could for it appeared as though I could not decrease the bulk any although every person carried away as many as they could.' (reported by Tho[ma]s Bullock)
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
170 years ago today - Jul 13, 1851
[Brigham Young]
"[W]hy should we not know our own talents and abilities as well as others? If we do not their is something lacking. Concerning singing their are some men who know sound and others do not and those who do not know sound ought not to sing. We should act upon what we do know and let the rest go."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:47, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"[W]hy should we not know our own talents and abilities as well as others? If we do not their is something lacking. Concerning singing their are some men who know sound and others do not and those who do not know sound ought not to sing. We should act upon what we do know and let the rest go."
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal. 9 Vols. Scott G. Kenney, ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1983-85. 4:47, 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 - Jul 13, 1846
Seventies president Levi W. Hancock enlists as the first actively serving general authority to participate in a U.S. war. Young promises the battalion on 18 Jul that "you will have no fighting to do," which proves true. A sick detachment would siphon off nearly 275 Mormons to Pueblo, Colorado, where they would be discharged and arrive in Salt Lake Valley on 29 Jul 1847. The rest would march along the Mexican border to San Diego where most would be discharged in Los Angeles on 16 Jul 1847.
[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]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
175 years ago today - Jul 13, 1846
This evening Elder O. Hyde who had moved over the river to the main camp there, came here to his camp and called a meeting and spoke at length to them on the law of adoption. The first sermon I ever heard publickly. He desired all who felt willing to do so to give him a pledge to come into his kingdom when the ordinance could be attended to but wished all to select the man whom they chose &c
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jul 13, 1846
[Brigham Young]
"The business to be laid before you today is, the call upon us from the War department to furnish five hundred volunteers for the army of the West to march to California [Mormon Battalion]."
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846- 1847. Elden J. Watson, ed. Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1971.:234-238, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
"The business to be laid before you today is, the call upon us from the War department to furnish five hundred volunteers for the army of the West to march to California [Mormon Battalion]."
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846- 1847. Elden J. Watson, ed. Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1971.:234-238, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
250 years ago today - Jul 12, 1771
Joseph Smith, Sr., is born at Topsfield, Mass.July 8, 1775Lucy Mack Smith is born at Gilsum, N. H.Jan. 24, 1796. Lucy Mack and Joseph Smith, Sr., are married.About 1797. The first son of Lucy and Joseph Smith, Sr., is born and dies shortly there after.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
120 years ago today - Jul 11, 1901
At meeting of First presidency and Twelve "[John Henry Smith] Had devoted considerable thought during the night to the question of selling beer at Saltair and wondered if we were not inclined to take rather an extreme view of the case-whether, if we cut off the privilege entirely, we were not to some extent invading the rights of the Latter-day Saints. The revelation on the Word of Wisdom speaks of barley for mild drinks [D&C 89:17]. It is a question that demands serious thought. Have we taken an extreme view of the word of God? Where can we strike the limit, where can we reach the spirit of the Word of Wisdom? (Apostle Heber J. Grant asked Apostle Smith if beer that is intoxicating is to be considered a mild drink. The revelation, he said, forbids the use of strong drink.) Apostle Smith continued and said that the German beer was very light and mild and would not intoxicate, though he conceded that the beer of the United States is of a very different character and will cause drunkenness. Apostle Brigham Young [Jr Spoke]. Topics treated[:] Said that he believed the temperance movement among our people a proper movement. If we give an inch, the people and the world will take advantage of it-and drunkenness is the crying evil of the age. The Word of Wisdom! "Who can cut it off and patch it on for me?" Each must be judge for himself. Many times water, he said, would distress him, while a little Danish beer would bring a feeling of comfort and ease. However, he believed in the Word of Wisdom as we teach it. As to the matter of selling liquor, said that he was simply disgusted with what he saw at Saltair on the occasion of the "old folks" excursion. He came across a lot of old men-members of the church-smoking old pipes and guzzling beer." First Presidency and apostles agree that Danish beer is not harmful or in violation of Word of Wisdom and release an official statement to the same affect. President Lorenzo Snow tells the Quorum of Apostles, "Some of the brethren are worrying about the matter, and feel that they ought to have other wives. Brethren do not worry; you will lose nothing.... Brethren, don't worry about these things, and if you don-t happen to secure the means you would like, don-t feel disappointed." In these remarks, President Snow referrs specifically to Heber J. Grant who concluds that these instructions to the entire Quorum repealed the private authorization to take a plural wife the Church president had given him in May; he "dropped the matter" and left within a few days for Japan."
160 years ago today - Jul 11, 1861
The President [Brigham Young] observed it would not do for the northern and Southern party to fight too much at once [IE civil war]. The Lord used wisdom to bring about his purposes, and they were frequently he waits until the wrath of man is ready, England is to have a hand in the struggle with the north and South, and England will be slow in her movements. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Jul 11, 1856
[Wilford Woodruff]
I called upon President Young. Read a peace of History on Book E-1 page 1681-2 concerning Hyram leading this Church & tracing the aaronic Priesthood. It was in detached sentences. President Young thought it was not essential to be inserted in the History & had better be omitted. He spoke of the peace of History published in the News Vol VI No 18 Concerning Josephs words [prophecy] upon South Carolinia. He wished it not published.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I called upon President Young. Read a peace of History on Book E-1 page 1681-2 concerning Hyram leading this Church & tracing the aaronic Priesthood. It was in detached sentences. President Young thought it was not essential to be inserted in the History & had better be omitted. He spoke of the peace of History published in the News Vol VI No 18 Concerning Josephs words [prophecy] upon South Carolinia. He wished it not published.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Jul 11, 1851 (Friday)
Apostle Orson Hyde and traveling companions, en route for G.S.L. Valley, were attacked by about three hundred Pawnee Indians, near Loupe Fork, and robbed of several thousand dollars' worth of property.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Jul 11, 1851
Franklin D. Richards compiles and publishes the PEARL OF GREAT PRICE in London, England.
185 years ago today - Jul 11, 1836
The Specie Act is issued By Andrew Jackson, leading to the panic of 1837. This negatively affects the Kirtland Safety Society banking venture by the church.
[Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
[Exploring Mormonism: Kirtland Safety Society Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/kirltand-safety-society-timeline-note-this-was-built-back-in-january-2013/]
60 years ago today - Jul 10, 1961
Dr. Romney presented to the Education Committee its revised recommendations. It was proposed to adopt a system of correlation that would permit the reorganization of Church curriculum based on age group levels, which would coordinate not only the curriculum, but activities and other programs of the several age groups. To accomplish the goal, it was recommended that "a general All-Church Coordinating Council (ACCC) should be formed," under whose direction three age group committees (children, youth, and adults) would coordinate the activities of the groups through the existing priesthood and Auxiliary organizations. This recommendation was approved. Elder Lee, subsequently, was appointed the chairman of the new All-Church Coordinating Council.
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
[Correlation Timeline, Compiled by Lisle Brown]
75 years ago today - Jul 10, 1946
President George Albert Smith writes in his diary: "Met in office with Council of Presidency & Twelve .... Jos Patriarch case considered. Bad situation. Am heartsick." President Smith is referring to Presiding Patriarch Joseph Fielding Smith [Not the Apostle of the same name] and to the recent discovery of his homosexual activities. Forty-seven-year-old Patriarch Smith is "released due to ill health" the following Oct.
80 years ago today - Jul 10, 1941
Regarding military service in WWII, the First Presidency says "The Church is and must be against war . . . but the Church membership are citizens or subjects of sovereignties over which the Church has no control.
[1941-July 10-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
[1941-July 10-Original circular letter, L.D.S. Church Archives, in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
120 years ago today - Wednesday, Jul 10, 1901
[Rudger Clawson]
Continuation of the quarterly conference of the Twelve. ...
Apostle Reed Smoot was the first speaker. Topics treated. Reported that the reorganization of the Summit Stake was now complete with the exception of two wards. Conditions in that stake have been very bad. Almost a total disregard of the word of wisdom. There is a tendency among the young people of that stake, also the Utah Stake, and perhaps with other stakes, to commit themselves before marriage, and this is a matter, he felt, that should have the special attention of the Twelve....
One of the greatest evils prevailing in Cardston today is whiskey drinking, and Apostle Jno. W. Taylor is making an effort to get prohibition laws for that district of country. Recommended that the elders be withdrawn from Butte and Anaconda, Montana, as there is a total lack of interest in the gospel and no spirit of investigation on the part of the people in those places.
Apostle Anthon H. Lund. ... Spoke of the evil of marriage outside of the temple, in cases where the parties had been previously sealed over the altar. In referring to certain conditions that exist among us said that at times it seems that a wave of immorality sweeps over Zion. In a certain ward in San Pete Stake sometime ago, the bishop informed him that out of 12 marriages during a period of six months 7 were forced. ...
Apostle Heber J. Grant. Topics treated. ... Spoke strongly against the selling of liquor at Saltair, and so long as it is done, felt, he said, that we were responsible in a great measure for the wave of immorality sweeping over Zion. ...
Apostle Geo. Teasdale. Topics treated. Felt aggrieved in his mind that we have to talk sometimes as we do. Pres. Snow is our file leader, and we do not always know the ins and outs of every question, or the motives that prompt him, but this we do know that as a quorum we were opposed to the selling of liquor at Saltair; but there is an evil practiced at Saltair almost if not as great as liquor, and that is the indiscriminate association of the sexes in bathing....
[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]
Continuation of the quarterly conference of the Twelve. ...
Apostle Reed Smoot was the first speaker. Topics treated. Reported that the reorganization of the Summit Stake was now complete with the exception of two wards. Conditions in that stake have been very bad. Almost a total disregard of the word of wisdom. There is a tendency among the young people of that stake, also the Utah Stake, and perhaps with other stakes, to commit themselves before marriage, and this is a matter, he felt, that should have the special attention of the Twelve....
One of the greatest evils prevailing in Cardston today is whiskey drinking, and Apostle Jno. W. Taylor is making an effort to get prohibition laws for that district of country. Recommended that the elders be withdrawn from Butte and Anaconda, Montana, as there is a total lack of interest in the gospel and no spirit of investigation on the part of the people in those places.
Apostle Anthon H. Lund. ... Spoke of the evil of marriage outside of the temple, in cases where the parties had been previously sealed over the altar. In referring to certain conditions that exist among us said that at times it seems that a wave of immorality sweeps over Zion. In a certain ward in San Pete Stake sometime ago, the bishop informed him that out of 12 marriages during a period of six months 7 were forced. ...
Apostle Heber J. Grant. Topics treated. ... Spoke strongly against the selling of liquor at Saltair, and so long as it is done, felt, he said, that we were responsible in a great measure for the wave of immorality sweeping over Zion. ...
Apostle Geo. Teasdale. Topics treated. Felt aggrieved in his mind that we have to talk sometimes as we do. Pres. Snow is our file leader, and we do not always know the ins and outs of every question, or the motives that prompt him, but this we do know that as a quorum we were opposed to the selling of liquor at Saltair; but there is an evil practiced at Saltair almost if not as great as liquor, and that is the indiscriminate association of the sexes in bathing....
[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]
125 years ago today - Jul 10, 1896
[Brigham Young Jr.]
President Woodruff told me I had hurt his feelings in some remarks I had made but when I explained that I was not the one only present when a newspaper article was referred to as publishing about his converting women in an early day. I was perfectly innocent and he felt all right about the matter.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
President Woodruff told me I had hurt his feelings in some remarks I had made but when I explained that I was not the one only present when a newspaper article was referred to as publishing about his converting women in an early day. I was perfectly innocent and he felt all right about the matter.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
160 years ago today - Jul 10, 1861
To day the first teligraph pole was errected in this city, connecting the East and the pacific states
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
70 years ago today - Jul 9, 1951
[J. Reuben Clark]
Asked Bro. Wonnacott if the LDS Hospital had its own blood bank; he said that they did ... they screen the donors very thoroughly; they use no colored blood; Dr. Madsen is no longer with them; the girl who had been with the Hospital for 25 years is directing the Bank; Pres. Clark referred to his conversation with Dr. Madsen. Mr. Wonnacott confirmed Pres. Clark's understanding of what he thought he got from Dr. Madsen, that there were ways of tracing family relationships through blood; he did not remember that the question of negro blood was discussed. Bro. Wonnnacott reiterated that they never give negro blood to a white patient; that now they claim it does not make a bit of difference from whom the blood comes; the blood changes over a certain period of time.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Asked Bro. Wonnacott if the LDS Hospital had its own blood bank; he said that they did ... they screen the donors very thoroughly; they use no colored blood; Dr. Madsen is no longer with them; the girl who had been with the Hospital for 25 years is directing the Bank; Pres. Clark referred to his conversation with Dr. Madsen. Mr. Wonnacott confirmed Pres. Clark's understanding of what he thought he got from Dr. Madsen, that there were ways of tracing family relationships through blood; he did not remember that the question of negro blood was discussed. Bro. Wonnnacott reiterated that they never give negro blood to a white patient; that now they claim it does not make a bit of difference from whom the blood comes; the blood changes over a certain period of time.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
75 years ago today - Jul 9, 1946
[Joseph Fielding Smith]
From 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. I was in session with President McKay and his committee assigning missionaries to the various missions. We had a very long list of them. We are reaching the point where we will have to restrict the sending of young women into the field because there are too many who desire to go, more than really needful.
[Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
From 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. I was in session with President McKay and his committee assigning missionaries to the various missions. We had a very long list of them. We are reaching the point where we will have to restrict the sending of young women into the field because there are too many who desire to go, more than really needful.
[Joseph Fielding Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
120 years ago today - Tuesday, Jul 9, 1901
Some discussion was indulged in regarding [church-owned] Saltair, with reference particularly to the selling of beer at that resort. It was moved and carried that it be the sense of the meeting that the brethren of the Twelve are opposed to the selling of beer at Saltair..
[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]
[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]
125 years ago today - Jul 09, 1896
William Jennings Bryan delivered his famous Cross of Gold speech.
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
[Cline, Austin, History of American Religion: Timeline]
125 years ago today - Jul 9, 1896
The Apostles appoint Franklin D. Richards and Brigham Young Jr. as a committee of two to visit fellow apostle Moses Thatcher "and ascertain from him what he had made his mind up to do." Later that day Richards and Young report that "they found him [Thatcher] dressed to go out to the Lake. He received them kindly but said he had undergone no change of sentiment as to the address. Both brethren were impressed with his cold, cunning spirit." Thatcher is unable to accept the recent "political manifesto" which requires all church leaders to get permission from the "proper authorities" before seeking political office. Thatcher felt that this was a means for the "proper authorities" to favor the Republican party over the Democrats. The Apostles "finally agreed to say to Bro. Moses he could meet us on the 22nd to answer to the charge of apostacy."
125 years ago today - Jul 9, 1896
The following letter was addressed to Elder Abram Hatch, President of the Wasatch [Utah] Stake, which explains itself: 'You ask the question, Are members of the A.O.U.W. [i.e., The Ancient Order of United Workmen], who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints entitled to recommends to the Temple for marriages and Temple work'? [']In reply, we would say that we are not in favor of our Brethren joining organizations of any kind outside of our Church. But we are more especially impressed with the wrongfulness of their joining organizations which interfere with the rights of their fellow citizens in regard to labor. ... It would not do, however, to refuse a young man who wanted to be married in the Temple a recommend because of his being a member of that organization. ... (Signed by Presidents Woodruff, Cannon and Smith).
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Jul 9, 1891
John W. Taylor suggested that the church finances could be increased, by paying Church agents a percentage on all tithings remitted to the head office, instead of all received. Thus there would be an incentive to diligent effort in order to cash the products received at the different offices.
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
[Abraham H. Cannon (Author), Edward Leo Lyman (Editor), Candid Insights of a Mormon Apostle: The Diaries of Abraham H. Cannon, 1889-1895, Signature Books]
160 years ago today - Jul 9, 1861
The Prest [Brigham Young] joined and said he and Carrington were Vermonters, and that they were both for the Constitution, but each earnestly prayed for the success of both North & South. At the request of the President Br[other] Carrington read the extract from a newspaper Pres[ident] Young remarked to H.C. Kimball who had come in that Old Abe the President of the U.S. has it in his mind to pitch in to us when he had got through with the South. President Kimball observed that men that he had met with whether they had little or much of the Spirit of God were in favor of the South. Pres[ident] Young, as of [the] opinion the sympathy of the people for the South was in case they should be whipped, and the Northern party remain in power he thought they wanted the War to go that both parties might be used up...Br[other] H.C. Kimball told the vision that he saw on the night Joseph Smith obtained the plates. He described the Soldiers in the sky with their accoutrements on. He said Father Young was with him and he clapped his hands and rejoiced saying that it was a sign that the Coming of the Son of Man was nigh. Br[other] Heber said the whole world would be involved in this war. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Jul 9, 1841
Joseph Smith receives a revelation (later section 126 of D&C) at Brigham Young's house: "Dear and well-beloved brother Brigham Young, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Brigham, it is no more required at your hand to leave your family as in times past, for your offering is acceptable to me; I have seen your labour and toil in journeyings for my name. I therefore command you to send my word abroad, and take special care of your family from this time, henceforth, and forever. Amen." However, Young is called to leave his family and go on a mission three years later.
125 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896; Wednesday
[Heber J. Grant]
At 10 am attended a meeting of the Apostles in the Temple. Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow offered the opening prayer, and he very earnestly supplicated the Lord in behalf of Apostle Moses Thatcher. John Henry Smith said that he did not look on him the same as a man who had become addicted to the use of liquor to the extent that he was not responsible for his actions. Bro[ther] Moses had been addicted to the use of morphine.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
At 10 am attended a meeting of the Apostles in the Temple. Pres[iden]t Lorenzo Snow offered the opening prayer, and he very earnestly supplicated the Lord in behalf of Apostle Moses Thatcher. John Henry Smith said that he did not look on him the same as a man who had become addicted to the use of liquor to the extent that he was not responsible for his actions. Bro[ther] Moses had been addicted to the use of morphine.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
245 years ago today - 1776. July 8
Lucy Mack Smith: Born in Gilsum, New Hampshire. In 1796 she married Joseph Smith; they had eleven children: Alvin (1798-1823), Hyrum (1800-1844), Sophronia (1803-?), Joseph (1805-1844), Samuel Harrison (1808-1844), Ephraim (1810-1810), William (1811-1894), Catherine (1812-1900), Don Carlos (1816-1841), and Lucy (1824-1882). Their first child, an unnamed daughter, died shortly after birth in 1797.
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
25 years ago today - Jul 7, 1996
The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges recertifies BYU's accreditation for ten years, despite the committee's acknowledgement of faculty complaints that academic freedom is severely limited on this LDS campus.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
80 years ago today - Jul 7, 1941
[Heber J. Grant]
Owen Woodruff was also married while living at our home. His life has been a failure, because of his listening to some of the people that insist that after the manifesto plural marriage was right and ought to be practiced. Unless I am mistaken he has been associating with a woman as a plural wife, but I have not the evidence perfect enough to excommunicate them both from the Church.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Owen Woodruff was also married while living at our home. His life has been a failure, because of his listening to some of the people that insist that after the manifesto plural marriage was right and ought to be practiced. Unless I am mistaken he has been associating with a woman as a plural wife, but I have not the evidence perfect enough to excommunicate them both from the Church.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Jul 7, 1906
Ex-Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii is baptized. Although she is the first monarch to convert to Mormonism, she also joins other churches in her last years.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
120 years ago today - Jul 7, 1901
Lorenzo Snow presides at the Salt Lake temple's monthly fast meeting, "and Sister Lillie T. Freeze sang in tongues."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
120 years ago today - Jul 7, 1901
[In Lewiston, Utah:] Apostle M[arriner]. W[ood]. Merrill was not present tho[ugh], he knew I would be there. He failed to come nor send word why he did not come. This is just as he has treated me ever since I rendered a decision in political case wherein he was in a clash with others of his brethren in the days of President [Wilford] Woodruff.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Jul 7, 1896; Tuesday
Brigham Young [Jr.] ... spoke of the Gardo House incident, when Moses Thatcher accused George Q. Cannon with dishonesty, and threatened a lawsuit. He referred to the fact that Moses had never been called to account for thus wrongfully accusing one of his brethren, and wondered if we had not done wrong in this and other similar cases, in not demanding from Bro[ther] Moses, that he make restitution. He thought it was mistaken sympathy to allow men to do wrong, and not taking prompt action to require them to make proper restitution.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
125 years ago today - Jul 7, 1896
[John W. Taylor speaking:] There is a report of Brother Abraham H. Cannon having taken another wife, which none of us believe.
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Jul 7, 1891
PRESIDENT LORENZO SNOW expressed his pleasure in seeing all of the brethren present who were in the country. ... Had been pleased with the prayer of brother Thatcher supplicating the Lord that we should become united. He had desired the union of his brethren more than any other thing. Said that we should be greatly blessed of the Lord and that great power would be given us prior to the time that the Lord and Master should come in His power and in great glory.
The political condition at the present time was to his mind a very important and a very serious matter and he felt that we should get the spirit of the Lord to aid in directing matters aright at this state of affairs so that we will not fall into the hands of our enemies....
There were some who were finding a great amount of fault with brother Jno. Hy. [John Henry] Smith on account of the part he is at the present time taken in political matters. He had not felt well pleased at first at the action of brother Smith in going in to the field to talk politics, but after reflecting on the subject he had arrived at the conclusion that it was done with the approval of the Presidency and so he felt all right about it....
FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS, said ... He had never had nay [many] manifestations form the Lord that Statehood was coming to us at an early date. ...
HEBER J. GRANT said that he ... Did not wish to make any political speeches but he was placed in an awkward position when he refused to do so as he had been on hand to work for the People's Party and his Democratic friends could not understand what was the reason he did not come out and work for them. Bros. Thatcher and Grant at this junction had a little argument on the tariff question and Prest. Snow called us to order and said that [he] felt it was not profitable for the brethren to argue in our meetings. ...
JNO. W. TAYLOR said ... when he called at the houses of the saints they asked him if he would take tea or coffee and he said neither, but told them he wanted milk. ... Spoke of the circumstance in the history of the Prophet Joseph where he had promised to vote for a certain man, and just before the election his brother Hyrum had got up and told the people that the Lord had revealed to him that the saints should vote for the candidates on the other ticket. The Prophet got up and said that he had never heard his brother Hyrum say the Lord had revealed anything to him unless He had and that while He (Joseph) should vote for the man he had promised to, that he supposed the saints would follow the counsel of the Lord to them through Bro. Hyrum. Bro. Jno. W. felt that this very circumstance had hastened the death of the Prophet. ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
The political condition at the present time was to his mind a very important and a very serious matter and he felt that we should get the spirit of the Lord to aid in directing matters aright at this state of affairs so that we will not fall into the hands of our enemies....
There were some who were finding a great amount of fault with brother Jno. Hy. [John Henry] Smith on account of the part he is at the present time taken in political matters. He had not felt well pleased at first at the action of brother Smith in going in to the field to talk politics, but after reflecting on the subject he had arrived at the conclusion that it was done with the approval of the Presidency and so he felt all right about it....
FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS, said ... He had never had nay [many] manifestations form the Lord that Statehood was coming to us at an early date. ...
HEBER J. GRANT said that he ... Did not wish to make any political speeches but he was placed in an awkward position when he refused to do so as he had been on hand to work for the People's Party and his Democratic friends could not understand what was the reason he did not come out and work for them. Bros. Thatcher and Grant at this junction had a little argument on the tariff question and Prest. Snow called us to order and said that [he] felt it was not profitable for the brethren to argue in our meetings. ...
JNO. W. TAYLOR said ... when he called at the houses of the saints they asked him if he would take tea or coffee and he said neither, but told them he wanted milk. ... Spoke of the circumstance in the history of the Prophet Joseph where he had promised to vote for a certain man, and just before the election his brother Hyrum had got up and told the people that the Lord had revealed to him that the saints should vote for the candidates on the other ticket. The Prophet got up and said that he had never heard his brother Hyrum say the Lord had revealed anything to him unless He had and that while He (Joseph) should vote for the man he had promised to, that he supposed the saints would follow the counsel of the Lord to them through Bro. Hyrum. Bro. Jno. W. felt that this very circumstance had hastened the death of the Prophet. ...
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
160 years ago today - Jul 7, 1861
Heber C. Kimball, in a sermon recalling past persecutions of the Saints, preaches: "After all these hardships and trials we started for this country, and what did the Government then require of us? Five hundred men were called to go and take part in the Mexican war, and that too at a time when we were all living in our waggons: many were sick, and some were dying;" This perpetuates the myth that the Mormon Battalion was a favor that the Church did for the government when in reality it was a favor that the government did for the Mormons at Church leaders' request.
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