Counselor Gordon B. Hinckley is a speaker with RLDS president Wallace B. Smith at the RLDS Auditorium in Independence, Missouri, where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir also performs a concert "to the sell-out audience of 5200."
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]
35 years ago today - Jul 31, 1987
[Mark Hofmann]
County Attorney's office releases 600-page transcript of interviews its staff conducted with prisoner Hofmann. Hofmann confessed that all the documents listed on statement of probable cause were forged. Some dissatisfaction is expressed in scholarly circles and in the public with the incompleteness of Hofmann's confessions.
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
County Attorney's office releases 600-page transcript of interviews its staff conducted with prisoner Hofmann. Hofmann confessed that all the documents listed on statement of probable cause were forged. Some dissatisfaction is expressed in scholarly circles and in the public with the incompleteness of Hofmann's confessions.
[Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]
120 years ago today - Jul 31, 1902
[First Presidency letter]
We learn from your communication of 29 inst. that in your stake there are children who have been baptized before they were quite 8 years of age; the time varying from a few days to a month. You ask 'should such baptisms be considered valid, or shall they be set aside and the ordinance repeated?' In reply we will say that it has been decided by the General Authorities of the Church that such baptisms are valid; but we advise that all children should be baptized as near as possible when they are 8 years old. ... Some children are more advanced, both mentally and bodily, even at seven than others are at 8 years old, consequently, in our opinion a few days either before or after the 8th birthday makes but little, if any, difference. ...
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund, Letter to George C. Parkinson, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
We learn from your communication of 29 inst. that in your stake there are children who have been baptized before they were quite 8 years of age; the time varying from a few days to a month. You ask 'should such baptisms be considered valid, or shall they be set aside and the ordinance repeated?' In reply we will say that it has been decided by the General Authorities of the Church that such baptisms are valid; but we advise that all children should be baptized as near as possible when they are 8 years old. ... Some children are more advanced, both mentally and bodily, even at seven than others are at 8 years old, consequently, in our opinion a few days either before or after the 8th birthday makes but little, if any, difference. ...
[Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder, and Anthon H. Lund, Letter to George C. Parkinson, 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 31, 1892 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
In the afternoon, President Smith spoke spiritedly for about 85 minutes. Although the usual time was exhausted, I took the liberty of speaking for some five or ten minutes on the necessity of the saints refraining from controversies and from engendering ill-feelings and animosity over politics.
I felt impressed, as there were three Bishops present, to have them and their Counselors and a few other leading men, remain after the meeting while we spoke to them on the policy that the First Presidency was endeavoring to pursue, so far as they could use their influence, in political matters in the Territory. The brethren expressed the pleasure that they had at what we said to them. There seems to be a great deal of bigotry in the minds of many people concerning this question of politics, and we find it principally, if not altogether among the Democrats.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
In the afternoon, President Smith spoke spiritedly for about 85 minutes. Although the usual time was exhausted, I took the liberty of speaking for some five or ten minutes on the necessity of the saints refraining from controversies and from engendering ill-feelings and animosity over politics.
I felt impressed, as there were three Bishops present, to have them and their Counselors and a few other leading men, remain after the meeting while we spoke to them on the policy that the First Presidency was endeavoring to pursue, so far as they could use their influence, in political matters in the Territory. The brethren expressed the pleasure that they had at what we said to them. There seems to be a great deal of bigotry in the minds of many people concerning this question of politics, and we find it principally, if not altogether among the Democrats.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Jul 31, 1857
Nancy Marinda Hyde sealed to Joseph Smith for all eternity by her Husband Orson Hyde
[Genealogical Archives in Salt Lake City; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Genealogical Archives in Salt Lake City; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
165 years ago today - Jul 31, 1857
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
July 31 I Called upon Brother Kimball early this morning & had some Conversation with him. He told me a dream. He said He thought He had some Hogs caught with ropes & he was driving them up a mountain. He had one vary fat hog. He said we had better kill him. He would never be as good again to kill as now. He told some one to take Care of him for a while till he could attend to some others, and they let him get away from them & the hog ran up the mountain with all his might. When Brother Kimball saw him he took after him & told the brethren to help ketch him & kill him but they Could not ketch him so he got away.
He gave me what He thought to be [an] interpetation of the dream. The Hogs were our Enemies & one of them run away.
A few days since I Called upon Presidet Young & had some Conversation with him. I then went to the Endowment House & worked till 2 oclok. <President Young sealed Sarah Delight Stocking to me [the 3rd "Sara" Woodruff has married]. She was born in Canton, Hartford County> Ct July 28 1838.
I spent the Afternoon in the office. While in the Endowment House President Kimball said He wished me to write the account of the sayings of Joseph the prophet when He pledged himself that He would not speak upon a certain occasion untill all the 12 Had spoken so he had to sit 3/4 of a day & hear the 12 express their feelings & he could not say a word. He then said to the 12 you have caught me this once & I now want to give you some advise. Never get Caught as I have. Never go into a Cornor unless you Can see your way out in some manner. We gathered togeth[er] a Copy of all our works by request of Presidet Brigham Young to make a Deposit of them <in the corner of the temple.>
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
July 31 I Called upon Brother Kimball early this morning & had some Conversation with him. He told me a dream. He said He thought He had some Hogs caught with ropes & he was driving them up a mountain. He had one vary fat hog. He said we had better kill him. He would never be as good again to kill as now. He told some one to take Care of him for a while till he could attend to some others, and they let him get away from them & the hog ran up the mountain with all his might. When Brother Kimball saw him he took after him & told the brethren to help ketch him & kill him but they Could not ketch him so he got away.
He gave me what He thought to be [an] interpetation of the dream. The Hogs were our Enemies & one of them run away.
A few days since I Called upon Presidet Young & had some Conversation with him. I then went to the Endowment House & worked till 2 oclok. <President Young sealed Sarah Delight Stocking to me [the 3rd "Sara" Woodruff has married]. She was born in Canton, Hartford County> Ct July 28 1838.
I spent the Afternoon in the office. While in the Endowment House President Kimball said He wished me to write the account of the sayings of Joseph the prophet when He pledged himself that He would not speak upon a certain occasion untill all the 12 Had spoken so he had to sit 3/4 of a day & hear the 12 express their feelings & he could not say a word. He then said to the 12 you have caught me this once & I now want to give you some advise. Never get Caught as I have. Never go into a Cornor unless you Can see your way out in some manner. We gathered togeth[er] a Copy of all our works by request of Presidet Brigham Young to make a Deposit of them <in the corner of the temple.>
[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 31, 1852 (Saturday)
Elder Christoffer O. Folkman was brutally whipped and nearly killed by a mob at Tinstad, Bornholm, Denmark, where he labored as a missionary.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jul 31, 1847
Orson Pratt and Henry G. Sherwood began the first survey in Salt Lake City. It is completed three weeks later, and construction of a bowery is begun on the Temple lot.
190 years ago today - Jul 31, 1832
Joseph Smith writes to W. W. Phelps: "and now I conjure and exhort mine accusers and the hypocrite in Zion in the love of Christ yea in the name of Jesus of Nazareth"
190 years ago today - about Jul 31, 1832
Hiram, Ohio. Joseph Smith completed his work on the inspired translation of the New Testament and resumed translating the Old Testament at Genesis 24.
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
45 years ago today - Jul 30, 1977
CHURCH NEWS headlines: "Church Educational System Now In 55 Countries" and "Entire Andes Village Joins: They All Wanted Baptism." The latter article tells of the Bolivian village of Huacuyo where the people wrote a letter to the Mission President saying, Please send missionaries to us; our children have learned to read Spanish in school. At our village, they read the Book of Mormon to us. We know it is true, and we want to be baptized." Later research shows much of the story, including this quote, to be exaggerated and/or fabricated.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
110 years ago today - Jul 30, 1912; Tuesday
A telegram was received from Brother Anthony W. Ivins this morning, stating that four hundred of our people in Mexico had already crossed the border line [due to unrest in Mexico], and that five hundred more were expected tonight, that they were practically destitute.
Brother Francis M. Lyman, Brother Heber J. Grant and Bishop Charles W. Nibley were consulted in regard to this situation. It was decided to send Bishop Orrin P. Miller to El Paso [Texas] tonight to assist Brother Ivins.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
Brother Francis M. Lyman, Brother Heber J. Grant and Bishop Charles W. Nibley were consulted in regard to this situation. It was decided to send Bishop Orrin P. Miller to El Paso [Texas] tonight to assist Brother Ivins.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Jul 30, 1897; Friday
[After reviewing a case that the High Council refused to re-hear] The decision of the members of the First Presidency and Apostles present was, that no member of the Church should be punished by excommunication or suspension without due notice and trial before the constituted courts of the Church, and that brethren personally interested in a case should not act as judges or as adjudicators.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
125 years ago today - Jul 30, 1897
[Brigham Young Jr.]
Sent Moses Thatcher who is in Logan Canon [Utah] notice as follows
[']S[alt]. L[ake]. C[ity]. Utah July 30. [18]97. To the presidency & High Council of the S[alt]. L[ake]. Stake]. of Zion
Dear Brethren
We hereby prefer a charge against Bro[ther]. Moses Thatcher of apostasy and unchristian-like conduct; exhibited in public speeches, private conversations, in interviews through newspapers & in other ways, showing a departure from the spirit of the Gospel and the doctrine and discipline of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as to prohibit his right to fellowship and standing in the church.
Your Brethren
/ss/ Brigham Young [Jr.]
Francis M. Lyman
Heber J. Grant['] This was sent to Pres[ident] O[rson]. Smith Logan [Utah] who forwarded by special messengers to Bro[ther]. T[hatcher].
[Brigham Young 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]
Sent Moses Thatcher who is in Logan Canon [Utah] notice as follows
[']S[alt]. L[ake]. C[ity]. Utah July 30. [18]97. To the presidency & High Council of the S[alt]. L[ake]. Stake]. of Zion
Dear Brethren
We hereby prefer a charge against Bro[ther]. Moses Thatcher of apostasy and unchristian-like conduct; exhibited in public speeches, private conversations, in interviews through newspapers & in other ways, showing a departure from the spirit of the Gospel and the doctrine and discipline of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as to prohibit his right to fellowship and standing in the church.
Your Brethren
/ss/ Brigham Young [Jr.]
Francis M. Lyman
Heber J. Grant['] This was sent to Pres[ident] O[rson]. Smith Logan [Utah] who forwarded by special messengers to Bro[ther]. T[hatcher].
[Brigham Young 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]
130 years ago today - Jul 30, 1892
[Apostle Francis M. Lyman]
Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. Smith [counselor in the First Presidency] called bro[ther] [apostle] Moses Thatcher to task for some things he considered wrong in him. Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and I were asked to listen. We did for two hours or more. Some of the charges made by Pres[ident] Smith against Moses, he seemed to clean up all right. In fact his explanations were generally plausible. There was finally some feeling shown by bro[ther] M[oses] when he declared that Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. had been stuffed with lies about him for 14 years. Pres[ident] Smith told him that the day would come when he would regret the stand he had taken upon the question of church and state, which tends to prevent the Presidency from counseling the people in political matters. Moses said he never would. He was not afraid to stand by his position. We separated at 2 P.M. Bro[ther] Joseph sent a line by me to bro[ther] Moses on the train at 3:30 P.M. as we started for Logan demanding of him proof of his assertion that he had been stuffed with lies about him for 14 years. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. Smith [counselor in the First Presidency] called bro[ther] [apostle] Moses Thatcher to task for some things he considered wrong in him. Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and I were asked to listen. We did for two hours or more. Some of the charges made by Pres[ident] Smith against Moses, he seemed to clean up all right. In fact his explanations were generally plausible. There was finally some feeling shown by bro[ther] M[oses] when he declared that Pres[ident] Jos[eph] F. had been stuffed with lies about him for 14 years. Pres[ident] Smith told him that the day would come when he would regret the stand he had taken upon the question of church and state, which tends to prevent the Presidency from counseling the people in political matters. Moses said he never would. He was not afraid to stand by his position. We separated at 2 P.M. Bro[ther] Joseph sent a line by me to bro[ther] Moses on the train at 3:30 P.M. as we started for Logan demanding of him proof of his assertion that he had been stuffed with lies about him for 14 years. ...
[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jul 30, 1887
Church property confiscated
United States Attorney General files suit and confiscates the property of the church as well as that of the Perpetual Immigration Fund Corporation.
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
United States Attorney General files suit and confiscates the property of the church as well as that of the Perpetual Immigration Fund Corporation.
[Tungate, Mel, Mormon Polygamy, http://www.tungate.com/polygamy.htm]
175 years ago today - Jul 30, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
Dr Sanderson was spoken of who had been with the [Mormon] Battalion and it was believed he had tried to poison the Brethren to death & that He would be rewarded for his Crimes.
... [Brigham Young] informed the Brethren that there going into the Armey proved our temporal salvation at the time for the Governor of Mo had already recieved orders not to let our people pass the Mo river if we did not enlist.
The goverment intended to distroy us from off the face of the earth but through the Blessing of God we are here And I thank my Heavenly father for it. And [he?] knew we should prevail. Zion would arise the Judgments of God would be poured out the Blood of the Prophets would be av[enged] & their Cup would be filled double unto them. And if we were faithful we should yet have Brs Joseph & Hiram & many of the saints in there resurrected Bodies with us on earth & when we died should not sleep but a little time but should Come forth out of our graves with Bodies that no mob could kill. ...
The meeting opened with A shout of Hosannah to God & the Lamb repeated three times with its Amen. Br Young said the Ancient of days was not as far off as many supposed.
About noon A company of about 20 Utahs visited our camp. There seemed to be two parties of them. They came to trade with us & while traiding deerskins for powder & lead &c one Indian struck another one over his head with his gun & broke it. The old [Chief?] whiped them both, & during the Afternoon the one that had the gun broke over his head stole the other ones Horse & put out with it. Soon the Indians found it out & put after him. Followed him into a Canion & shot both him & his horse d[ead?] & returned to our camp with the Horse that the Indian [stole?].
The Utahs appear vary friendly to us as yet.
There was A [rumor/report?] out to day that the Indians intended to come & ask pay for their lands. Br Young has expressed his opinion that we Should not buy any land of the Indians but as the Lord made the land there was enough for both them & us, that we would teach them to labour & cultivate the earth. Br Pratts opinion was that we should not feed them at all untill they had done sumthing for it so as to begin right with them & teach them industry. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Dr Sanderson was spoken of who had been with the [Mormon] Battalion and it was believed he had tried to poison the Brethren to death & that He would be rewarded for his Crimes.
... [Brigham Young] informed the Brethren that there going into the Armey proved our temporal salvation at the time for the Governor of Mo had already recieved orders not to let our people pass the Mo river if we did not enlist.
The goverment intended to distroy us from off the face of the earth but through the Blessing of God we are here And I thank my Heavenly father for it. And [he?] knew we should prevail. Zion would arise the Judgments of God would be poured out the Blood of the Prophets would be av[enged] & their Cup would be filled double unto them. And if we were faithful we should yet have Brs Joseph & Hiram & many of the saints in there resurrected Bodies with us on earth & when we died should not sleep but a little time but should Come forth out of our graves with Bodies that no mob could kill. ...
The meeting opened with A shout of Hosannah to God & the Lamb repeated three times with its Amen. Br Young said the Ancient of days was not as far off as many supposed.
About noon A company of about 20 Utahs visited our camp. There seemed to be two parties of them. They came to trade with us & while traiding deerskins for powder & lead &c one Indian struck another one over his head with his gun & broke it. The old [Chief?] whiped them both, & during the Afternoon the one that had the gun broke over his head stole the other ones Horse & put out with it. Soon the Indians found it out & put after him. Followed him into a Canion & shot both him & his horse d[ead?] & returned to our camp with the Horse that the Indian [stole?].
The Utahs appear vary friendly to us as yet.
There was A [rumor/report?] out to day that the Indians intended to come & ask pay for their lands. Br Young has expressed his opinion that we Should not buy any land of the Indians but as the Lord made the land there was enough for both them & us, that we would teach them to labour & cultivate the earth. Br Pratts opinion was that we should not feed them at all untill they had done sumthing for it so as to begin right with them & teach them industry. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - July/August 1842
The Millennial Star (England) republishes the available text of the Book of Abraham, facsimiles included.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
185 years ago today - Jul 30, 1837
[Heber C. Kimball]
These was the furst [first converts] and the devil was mad. He tride to kill us. He perd [appeared] in pirson on Mondy night.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
These was the furst [first converts] and the devil was mad. He tride to kill us. He perd [appeared] in pirson on Mondy night.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
185 years ago today - Jul 30, 1837
Eleven days after Apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and Orson Hyde arrive at Liverpool, England, they baptize nine converts in the Ribble River near Preston. These are the first convert baptisms outside of North America. Heber C Kimball records: "about daybreak, Elder Isaac Russell (who had been appointed to preach on the obelisk in Preston Square, that day), who slept with Elder Richards in Wilfred Street, came up to the third story, where Elder Hyde and myself were sleeping, and called out, 'Brother Kimball, I want you should get up and pray for me that I may be delivered from the evil spirits that are tormenting me to such a degree that I feel I cannot live long, unless I obtain relief.' "I had been sleeping on the back of the bed. I immediately arose, slipped off at the foot of the bed, and passed around to where he was. Elder Hyde threw his feet out, and sat up in the bed, and we laid hands on him, I being mouth, and prayed that the Lord would have mercy on him, and rebuked the devil. "While thus engaged, I was struck with great force by some invisible power, and fell senseless on the floor. The first thing I recollected was being supported by Elders Hyde and Richards, who were praying for me; Elder Richards having followed Russell up to my room. Elder Hyde and Richards then assisted me to get on the bed, but my agony was so great I could not endure it, and I arose, bowed my knees and prayed. I then arose and sat up on the bed, when a vision was opened to our minds, and we could distinctly see the evil spirits, who foamed and gnashed their teeth at us. We gazed upon them about an hour and a half (by Willard's watch). We were not looking towards the window, but towards the wall. Space appeared before us, and we saw the devils coming in legions, with their leaders, who came within a few feet of us. They came towards us like armies rushing to battle. They appeared to be men of full stature, possessing every form and feature of men in the flesh, who were angry and desperate; and I shall never forget the vindictive malignity depicted on their countenances as they looked me in the eye; and any attempt to paint the scene which then presented itself, or portray their malice and enmity, would be vain. I perspired exceedingly, my clothes becoming as wet as if I had been taken out of the river. I felt excessive pain, and was in the greatest distress for some time."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Jul 30, 1837
... in Preston, England, Elders Russell, Hyde, and Kimball ... at the River Ribble they baptize nine members. George D. Watt runs a race with another for the honor of being the first to be baptized in England in this dispensation and wins; nine thousand spectators watch.
[Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball 129-32; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball 129-32; Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
75 years ago today - Jul 29, 1947
A Quorum of the Twelve letter to the general Relief Society presidency states that women should seek blessings of health from priesthood holders and not from other women. This officially ends more than a century of women's anointing and sealing blessings of health on other women and sometimes on men.
[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 )]]
90 years ago today - Jul 29, 1932
The death of George H. Brimhall from a self-inflicted gunshot. He served as BYU president from 1904 to 1921 and is the only BYU president to commit suicide.
[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 29, 1912
During civil unrest in Mexico, thousands of Latter-day Saints flee the LDS settlements in northern Mexico.
135 years ago today - Jul 29, 1887 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
... Bro. Jos. F. Smith and myself rode to the city. As it was asserted that they were watching the Temple Block very closely, we got out at a new place, beside Bro. Thatcher's house, and went back in the lot and got through a gate in the wall into the Tithing Office block, and by that means reached the office, where we found Brother Wilford Woodruff, who had arrived yesterday at 10 o'clock. [He comments on how various fellow general authorities have changed since he last saw them.] ... Bro. Bateman took Bro. Smith and myself down to my place, as we thought it was not safe for any of us to stop at the office. The deputy marshals are very vigilant and, thinking that they would find some of us around, they might make a search. Our meeting with the Twelve this evening was not attended by any clerk – no one outside of our Council. As the carpet of the room in which President Taylor was sick and died was spoilt by the packing of the body in ice and the using of carbolic acid upon it, I met our host this evening, having sent for him to come and arrange for his wife to select a new carpet in place of the other one. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... Bro. Jos. F. Smith and myself rode to the city. As it was asserted that they were watching the Temple Block very closely, we got out at a new place, beside Bro. Thatcher's house, and went back in the lot and got through a gate in the wall into the Tithing Office block, and by that means reached the office, where we found Brother Wilford Woodruff, who had arrived yesterday at 10 o'clock. [He comments on how various fellow general authorities have changed since he last saw them.] ... Bro. Bateman took Bro. Smith and myself down to my place, as we thought it was not safe for any of us to stop at the office. The deputy marshals are very vigilant and, thinking that they would find some of us around, they might make a search. Our meeting with the Twelve this evening was not attended by any clerk – no one outside of our Council. As the carpet of the room in which President Taylor was sick and died was spoilt by the packing of the body in ice and the using of carbolic acid upon it, I met our host this evening, having sent for him to come and arrange for his wife to select a new carpet in place of the other one. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 29, 1887
25,000 people pass by John Taylor's body as it lies in state in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. At the funeral a letter written a decade previously by Taylor is read: " "I have no desire for any particular formula, but I should wish my body to be washed clean, to be clothed in clean white linen garments and robes, with shoes, apron and cap, etc.; to be laid in a coffin sufficiently large to contain my body without pressure. Should I die here, let me be buried in my own lot in the grave yard. Let the coffin be neat and comely, but plain and strong, made of cedar or red wood, or of our own mountain pine; if of the latter, colored or stained, and placed in an outer strong box, with a light cotton or woolen mattress or bed and a convenient pillow for the head. . . . Should I die in Jackson County, Missouri, let the above directions be carried out as far as practicable." Taylor's former secretary, L. John Nuttall, describes the funeral procession: "There were 1 hurse, 7 bands of music and band carriages, 43 carriages, 31 buggies, 19 wagons and one cart. Total vehicles 101"
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Jul 29, 1887
Elder George Q. Cannon said: 'Brethren I desired to see you together so that I might explain to you our position. Brother Joseph F.[Smith] and I, have acted since President [John] Taylor's death in a manner to avoid confusion, and that no duty pertaining to his funeral might be neglected. But now that President Taylor is buried'laid away to rest'we desire to say that our functions, as his counselors, are ended. We therefore wish to know whether or not you desire us to carry on the current business of the Church requiring daily attention.' ... [Note: Franklin D. Richards moved that Cannon and Smith continue to function as a de facto First Presidency until a majority of the Twelve meet to take action. Moses Thatcher disagreed, saying that with Taylor's death the First Presidency was dissolved and that governance now rested with the Twelve Apostles. The meeting ended when a majority of those present agreed to allow Cannon and Smith to continue their activities until a majority of the quorum could meet....]
[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]
175 years ago today - Jul 29, 1847
152 members of the Mormon Battalion (discharged early due to illness) arrive in Salt Lake Valley accompanied by wives, children and 47 Mississippi Mormons. This swells the population to over 400. William Clayton notes: "The soldiers appearing in military order, many of them mounted. They have 29 wagons in the company and one carriage."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jul 29, 1842
SANGAMO JOURNAL editorializes: "We do not know what course will be pursued by Mr. [Orson] Pratt. If he sinks under the denunciations and schemes of Joe Smith- if he fails to defend the reputation of himself and of the woman he has vowed to protect before high heaven-he will fix a stain upon his character which he can never wash out, and carry to the grave the pangs caused by 'the gnawings of the worm that never dies.'" Pratt had recently refused to sign a statement attesting to the good character of Joseph Smith after finding that Joseph had proposed marriage to Pratt's wife while Pratt was on a mission.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Jul 29, 1837
[Heber C. Kimball]
A singular sercustance [circumstance] occured on Sartady night which I will mention. Elder Russel was much trubled by Evel spirits and come into the room [where] Elder Hide and my self ware sleeping and desired us to lay our hands on him and rebuke the Evil spirrits. I Rose upon flower [the floor] and Elder Hide sat on the bed and we laid our hands on him and I rebuked and praid for him but Just before [he] had finished his prairer and Rebuked [the spirits] his voice faltered and his mouth was shet [shut] and he began to trembel and Real to and fro and fell on the floor like an dead [man] and uttered a deap groan. I immedially s[e]ized him by the shoulder and lifted him up begin [being] satisfid that the devils ware excee[d]ingly angry becaus we attempted to cast them out of Brother Russel and they made a powerfull attempt uppon [me] as if to despatched [me] at once. They struck [me] sensless and [I] fell to the flower. Bro. Russel [and Brother Hyde] then Laid [their] hands upon [me] and rebuked the evil spirit in the name of Jesus Christ and immediatly [I] recoverd [my] strength in part so as to get up. The swet began to roll from [me] most profusly and [I] was almost as wet as if taking out of water. We could very sencibly hear the Evil Spirits rage and fome [foam] out their shame. [I] was qite weack for a day or two after it. It seames that the devels ar determined to distroy us and prevent the truth from being declared in England; this was on Sartady.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
A singular sercustance [circumstance] occured on Sartady night which I will mention. Elder Russel was much trubled by Evel spirits and come into the room [where] Elder Hide and my self ware sleeping and desired us to lay our hands on him and rebuke the Evil spirrits. I Rose upon flower [the floor] and Elder Hide sat on the bed and we laid our hands on him and I rebuked and praid for him but Just before [he] had finished his prairer and Rebuked [the spirits] his voice faltered and his mouth was shet [shut] and he began to trembel and Real to and fro and fell on the floor like an dead [man] and uttered a deap groan. I immedially s[e]ized him by the shoulder and lifted him up begin [being] satisfid that the devils ware excee[d]ingly angry becaus we attempted to cast them out of Brother Russel and they made a powerfull attempt uppon [me] as if to despatched [me] at once. They struck [me] sensless and [I] fell to the flower. Bro. Russel [and Brother Hyde] then Laid [their] hands upon [me] and rebuked the evil spirit in the name of Jesus Christ and immediatly [I] recoverd [my] strength in part so as to get up. The swet began to roll from [me] most profusly and [I] was almost as wet as if taking out of water. We could very sencibly hear the Evil Spirits rage and fome [foam] out their shame. [I] was qite weack for a day or two after it. It seames that the devels ar determined to distroy us and prevent the truth from being declared in England; this was on Sartady.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
50 years ago today - Jul 28, 1972
[Michael Quinn]
Dr. Arrington asked if I could give him a ride home, which I was glad to do. … Just as I stopped the car in front of his house, Dr. Arrington said an interesting thing. "The only way I could boost your salary appreciably [as a full-time employee] would be if you became an Assistant Church Historian." … This last bit of our conversation was really a surpri[s]e to me. It dumbfounded me that he even suggested the possibility of my becoming an Assistant Church Historian.
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
Dr. Arrington asked if I could give him a ride home, which I was glad to do. … Just as I stopped the car in front of his house, Dr. Arrington said an interesting thing. "The only way I could boost your salary appreciably [as a full-time employee] would be if you became an Assistant Church Historian." … This last bit of our conversation was really a surpri[s]e to me. It dumbfounded me that he even suggested the possibility of my becoming an Assistant Church Historian.
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
110 years ago today - Jul 28, 1912
Mormon families abandon their colonies in Chihuahua, northern Mexico, and "began to pour into El Paso penniless and with little except their clothing." As the chaos of the Mexican Revolution worsens, a Mormon writes that on 18 Aug. "a stampede was on for the border" by those in Sonora. Of several thousand Mormon colonists who leave, most never return to Mexico. Without the supportive polygamous environment of the colonies, many ex-colonists end previously stable polygamous marriages.
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - Jul 28, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
I having lost my Carriage whip the evening before 4 miles back, I started in the morning on Horsback to go back after it. As I got near the place I discoverd two objects appear on A ridge before me About 1/2 a mile distant. I at first took them to be bears but after approaching a little nearer I discoverd about 20 objects appearing over the Hill. I soon saw that they were Indians And as I was unarmed & over 3 mi from camp. I did not consider it prudent to go among them. I wheeled my Horse & started on my return in a slow trot.
As soon as I Started back they called to me & one mounted his horse & came After me with all speed. When He got within 20 rods of me I stoped & met him. The rest followed on. I found them to be Utahs & wanted to trade. ... He stoped in Camp awhile & wanted to smoke the pipe of peace but we soon started on & He waited for his company to come up....
We walked from the north camp to about the centre between the two creeks when Prest. Young waved his hands & said here is the forty Acres for the Temple (we had conversed upon the subject of the location for the Temple previous to this) & the city can be laid out perfectly square North & South, east & west. It was then moved & carried that the Temple lot contain 40 Acres on the ground whare we stood.
It was also moved & carried that the City be laid out into lots of 10 rods by 20 <[long?]> exclusive of the streets & into Blocks of 8 lots each, Being 10 acres in each block & one acre & a quarter in each lot.
It was also moved & carried that each street be laid out 8 rods wide & that there be a side walk on each side 20 feet wide & that each House be built in the centre of the lot 20 feet from the front line that there might be A uniformity through out the City & President Young remarked that He wished but one house built upon A lot & they being in the centre if they took fire they would not burn up their neighbors....
President Young in his address to the Saints remarked ... He spoke of the saints being driven from place to Place, And Said the ownly way Boggs, Clark, Lucas Benton & all the leaders of the mob could have been saved in the day of the Lord Jesus would have been to have come forward voluntarily & let their heads been cut off & let their blood run upon the ground & gone up as A smokeing incens before the heavens as an antonement but now they will be eternally damned. ...
If the Brethren had not gone they would have made war upon us & the Gov of Mo would have been ordered not to have let us Cross the Missouri & the raising of the Battalion was our temporal Salvation at the time & said Polk would be damned for this act & that He with many of the goverment men had a hand in the death of Joseph & Hyram & that they should be damned for these things & if they ever sent any men to interfere with us here they shall have there throats cut & sent to Hell. And with uplifted hand to Heaven swore by the Gods of Eternity that He would never cease His exhertion while He lived to make every preperation & avenge the blood of the Prophets & Saints. That He intended to have evry hole & corner from the Bay of Francisco to Hudson bay known to us And that our people would be connected with every tribe of Indians throughout America & that our people would yet take their squaws wash & dress them up teach them our language & learn them to labour & learn them the gospel of there forefathers & raise up children by them & teach the Children & not many generations Hence they will become A white & delightsome people & in no other way will it be done & that the time was nigh at hand when the gospel must go to that people to.
He Said Be long spoken of giving a lecture to the females & when Be got time He intended to do it. He spoke of the duty of man to his God that he should love him with all of his heart soul, mind, & Strength serve & obey him. And that the woman in like manner ought to obey her husband & not to have a woman every time A man steped out be A watching him as uneasy as A fish out of water & as soon as he returns O whare have been, & what have you been about, & why did you not get back before & many other things that was none of her business. Her business is to take care of her Children keep herself Clean & House & keep my Close clean. Instead of that the Husband asks whare is the Children? The wife will say dear I dont know. I was so Concerned about you I have not thought about the Children. They are probably to some of the neighbors...
He said that every spirit was pure when it first entered a body, but many persons have been ruined in consequence of the mother giving way to temptation & fretfulness while in the state of [-] And the Husband ought to be vary tender & kind to them when in that State. And the Mothers mind ought to be excercised [-] things during the whole time & be calm & composed that what temptation the mother should give way to would effect the Child [in la?]ter life. Many other principles was spoken of By President Young of interest.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I having lost my Carriage whip the evening before 4 miles back, I started in the morning on Horsback to go back after it. As I got near the place I discoverd two objects appear on A ridge before me About 1/2 a mile distant. I at first took them to be bears but after approaching a little nearer I discoverd about 20 objects appearing over the Hill. I soon saw that they were Indians And as I was unarmed & over 3 mi from camp. I did not consider it prudent to go among them. I wheeled my Horse & started on my return in a slow trot.
As soon as I Started back they called to me & one mounted his horse & came After me with all speed. When He got within 20 rods of me I stoped & met him. The rest followed on. I found them to be Utahs & wanted to trade. ... He stoped in Camp awhile & wanted to smoke the pipe of peace but we soon started on & He waited for his company to come up....
We walked from the north camp to about the centre between the two creeks when Prest. Young waved his hands & said here is the forty Acres for the Temple (we had conversed upon the subject of the location for the Temple previous to this) & the city can be laid out perfectly square North & South, east & west. It was then moved & carried that the Temple lot contain 40 Acres on the ground whare we stood.
It was also moved & carried that the City be laid out into lots of 10 rods by 20 <[long?]> exclusive of the streets & into Blocks of 8 lots each, Being 10 acres in each block & one acre & a quarter in each lot.
It was also moved & carried that each street be laid out 8 rods wide & that there be a side walk on each side 20 feet wide & that each House be built in the centre of the lot 20 feet from the front line that there might be A uniformity through out the City & President Young remarked that He wished but one house built upon A lot & they being in the centre if they took fire they would not burn up their neighbors....
President Young in his address to the Saints remarked ... He spoke of the saints being driven from place to Place, And Said the ownly way Boggs, Clark, Lucas Benton & all the leaders of the mob could have been saved in the day of the Lord Jesus would have been to have come forward voluntarily & let their heads been cut off & let their blood run upon the ground & gone up as A smokeing incens before the heavens as an antonement but now they will be eternally damned. ...
If the Brethren had not gone they would have made war upon us & the Gov of Mo would have been ordered not to have let us Cross the Missouri & the raising of the Battalion was our temporal Salvation at the time & said Polk would be damned for this act & that He with many of the goverment men had a hand in the death of Joseph & Hyram & that they should be damned for these things & if they ever sent any men to interfere with us here they shall have there throats cut & sent to Hell. And with uplifted hand to Heaven swore by the Gods of Eternity that He would never cease His exhertion while He lived to make every preperation & avenge the blood of the Prophets & Saints. That He intended to have evry hole & corner from the Bay of Francisco to Hudson bay known to us And that our people would be connected with every tribe of Indians throughout America & that our people would yet take their squaws wash & dress them up teach them our language & learn them to labour & learn them the gospel of there forefathers & raise up children by them & teach the Children & not many generations Hence they will become A white & delightsome people & in no other way will it be done & that the time was nigh at hand when the gospel must go to that people to.
He Said Be long spoken of giving a lecture to the females & when Be got time He intended to do it. He spoke of the duty of man to his God that he should love him with all of his heart soul, mind, & Strength serve & obey him. And that the woman in like manner ought to obey her husband & not to have a woman every time A man steped out be A watching him as uneasy as A fish out of water & as soon as he returns O whare have been, & what have you been about, & why did you not get back before & many other things that was none of her business. Her business is to take care of her Children keep herself Clean & House & keep my Close clean. Instead of that the Husband asks whare is the Children? The wife will say dear I dont know. I was so Concerned about you I have not thought about the Children. They are probably to some of the neighbors...
He said that every spirit was pure when it first entered a body, but many persons have been ruined in consequence of the mother giving way to temptation & fretfulness while in the state of [-] And the Husband ought to be vary tender & kind to them when in that State. And the Mothers mind ought to be excercised [-] things during the whole time & be calm & composed that what temptation the mother should give way to would effect the Child [in la?]ter life. Many other principles was spoken of By President Young of interest.
[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 28, 1847
Young selects the site of the Salt Lake temple by using Oliver Cowdery's divining rod. This same day Cowdery writes David Whitmer, also a Book of Mormon witness and previously ordained successor that "we have the authority, and DO HOLD THE KEYS. It is important, should we not be permitted to act in that authority, that we confer them upon some man or men, whom God may appoint..." A year later Cowdery would disavow his succession claim and accept baptism in the church Young was leading to Utah.
[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]
40 years ago today - Jul 27, 1982-Tuesday
[Leonard Arrington]
My principal regret in the new arrangement [no desk allowed for Arrington, nor his secretary at church headquarters] is that this is symbolic of the Church decision to "move out the historians" from the Historical Department and Church headquarters. It means lack of confidence in our loyal historians. It means no Church-approved research, writing, and publishing. From now on, the writing of Church history will have to be done by university professors, seminary and Institute teachers, and private persons, all under private auspices. And all as essentially a labor of love. It means our great experiment in church-sponsored history has proven to be, if not a failure, at least not an unqualified success. The Church, of course, will control to some extent the things that are written and published by refusing access to documents in the archives, of which there will probably be a good deal [of concern]. At worst, the Church Archives will cease to be a professional archive in the proper sense, and will become a private archive, to be used only by a small core of Church personnel.
One aspect that will be personally galling to me will be the jibes of my non-Mormon and anti-Mormon friends: "I told you so." Some scholars, Mormon and non-Mormons alike, have contended that skeptical and critical methods of historical research and writing are incompatible with the maintenance of a firm testimony of the Gospel. I have felt confident that they were wrong, and I have said so publicly many times-in professional papers, talks, books, and private conversations.
... We have derided the misguided attempts of those with less faith who have tried to cover up historical truth in "defending the Kingdom." Their sacrifice of scholarly integrity seems ridiculous. What did the Church gain by the order of one General Authority to the BYU Library to lock up and prevent the circulation of Robert Woodford's Ph.D. dissertation on changes in the Doctrine and Covenants? How was the faith of members preserved by the decision of Deseret Book Company, as influenced by the Quorum of Twelve [Apostles], not to publish a second and revised edition of Story of the Latter-day Saints? How did it affect testimonies adversely by presenting naturalistic explanations of some of the revelations and pronouncements of the guiding authorities? I have always been puzzled that as astute a person as Brigham Young thought he could successfully preserve historical truth by withdrawing and burning copies of Route from Liverpool and Lucy Mack Smith's Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith.
Mormonism has always identified truth with faith. All the Prophets, from Joseph Smith to Spencer Kimball, have taught that any interference with truth is contrary to Gospel principles. ... My staff of historians and I are committed to continue this search for Mormon historical truth. We expect under BYU auspices to carry out this task. We recognize that Elder [G. Homer] Durham believes that he is facilitating our work by transferring us to BYU. [[Davis Bitton disagreed that Durham had their best interests at heart. Durham had ad- vised them "to keep a low profile" and had criticized the division for being "a 'think tank' of the kind that the Church should not have. ... Without being able to prove it," Bitton continued, "I am confident that [Durham] initiated the plan to phase out the History Division. If he did not initiate it, he approved it and implemented it. He was not a defender; he was an adversary, although he did try to maintain a paternal (verging on condescending) posture through it all." Bitton, "Reflections After Ten Years," July 27, 1982, included in the diary at this date.]] On the face of it, the move to BYU seems stupid. Why move to BYU, where there are only limited materials on Church history, when we are already located on the Mother Lode? Actually, there are advantages of being placed under the BYU rubric. No Church official is under obligation to "approve" our projects and publications. We are under academic auspices, and these are far freer than the ecclesiastical auspices we have been under. And we all live in Salt Lake City and can continue to work "as visiting scholars" in the Church Archives. ... It may seem that I should regret our move because it takes me away from a frequent and friendly association with the General Authorities. Actually, that association, which was so meaningful and positive for me from 1972 to 1976 was essentially halted by Elder Durham. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
My principal regret in the new arrangement [no desk allowed for Arrington, nor his secretary at church headquarters] is that this is symbolic of the Church decision to "move out the historians" from the Historical Department and Church headquarters. It means lack of confidence in our loyal historians. It means no Church-approved research, writing, and publishing. From now on, the writing of Church history will have to be done by university professors, seminary and Institute teachers, and private persons, all under private auspices. And all as essentially a labor of love. It means our great experiment in church-sponsored history has proven to be, if not a failure, at least not an unqualified success. The Church, of course, will control to some extent the things that are written and published by refusing access to documents in the archives, of which there will probably be a good deal [of concern]. At worst, the Church Archives will cease to be a professional archive in the proper sense, and will become a private archive, to be used only by a small core of Church personnel.
One aspect that will be personally galling to me will be the jibes of my non-Mormon and anti-Mormon friends: "I told you so." Some scholars, Mormon and non-Mormons alike, have contended that skeptical and critical methods of historical research and writing are incompatible with the maintenance of a firm testimony of the Gospel. I have felt confident that they were wrong, and I have said so publicly many times-in professional papers, talks, books, and private conversations.
... We have derided the misguided attempts of those with less faith who have tried to cover up historical truth in "defending the Kingdom." Their sacrifice of scholarly integrity seems ridiculous. What did the Church gain by the order of one General Authority to the BYU Library to lock up and prevent the circulation of Robert Woodford's Ph.D. dissertation on changes in the Doctrine and Covenants? How was the faith of members preserved by the decision of Deseret Book Company, as influenced by the Quorum of Twelve [Apostles], not to publish a second and revised edition of Story of the Latter-day Saints? How did it affect testimonies adversely by presenting naturalistic explanations of some of the revelations and pronouncements of the guiding authorities? I have always been puzzled that as astute a person as Brigham Young thought he could successfully preserve historical truth by withdrawing and burning copies of Route from Liverpool and Lucy Mack Smith's Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith.
Mormonism has always identified truth with faith. All the Prophets, from Joseph Smith to Spencer Kimball, have taught that any interference with truth is contrary to Gospel principles. ... My staff of historians and I are committed to continue this search for Mormon historical truth. We expect under BYU auspices to carry out this task. We recognize that Elder [G. Homer] Durham believes that he is facilitating our work by transferring us to BYU. [[Davis Bitton disagreed that Durham had their best interests at heart. Durham had ad- vised them "to keep a low profile" and had criticized the division for being "a 'think tank' of the kind that the Church should not have. ... Without being able to prove it," Bitton continued, "I am confident that [Durham] initiated the plan to phase out the History Division. If he did not initiate it, he approved it and implemented it. He was not a defender; he was an adversary, although he did try to maintain a paternal (verging on condescending) posture through it all." Bitton, "Reflections After Ten Years," July 27, 1982, included in the diary at this date.]] On the face of it, the move to BYU seems stupid. Why move to BYU, where there are only limited materials on Church history, when we are already located on the Mother Lode? Actually, there are advantages of being placed under the BYU rubric. No Church official is under obligation to "approve" our projects and publications. We are under academic auspices, and these are far freer than the ecclesiastical auspices we have been under. And we all live in Salt Lake City and can continue to work "as visiting scholars" in the Church Archives. ... It may seem that I should regret our move because it takes me away from a frequent and friendly association with the General Authorities. Actually, that association, which was so meaningful and positive for me from 1972 to 1976 was essentially halted by Elder Durham. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
90 years ago today - Jul 27, 1932
Heber J. Grant writes: "It makes one's heart ache to see so many people who are willing to work and cannot find positions." The Great Depression hits Utah particularly hard because its agricultural economy has also experienced a local depression during the national "Roaring Twenties." In some urban stakes, 60 percent of previously employed Mormons are without jobs in 1932.
[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 27, 1902
Deseret News editorial, "Blood Atonement," affirms: "We take the ground that the only atonement a murderer can make for his guilt is the shedding of his blood according to the divine mandate... Under the new and everlasting covenant, as well as under the Mosaic law and the patriarchal law which preceded it, an adulterer who is under a sacred vow not to commit that crime is also worthy of death. But this is not sanctioned by modern civil law; therefore, the penalty cannot be executed. For the Church is commanded of God to obey the laws of the land."
[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 - Jul 27, 1887 • Wednesday
[George Q. Cannon]
It struck me that Brother Woodruff, who, I expect, would reach Nephi to-night [travelling to Salt Lake on news of John Taylor's death], might, if proper precautions be taken, be saved a long and tedious journey from there by team if he could be carried safely on the train. I sent Bro. James Jack to see Bro. John Sharp upon the subject, and he brought me word back that Bro. Sharp would arrange so that it could be done. ... Bro. Hyde consented, and a letter was written to the Presidency and Bishops of the Juab Stake, informing them that he had been assigned a special mission and asking them if they would render him the necessary aid in carrying it out. Bro. Hyde came himself and I explained to him what we needed. ... The brethren think that Brother Woodruff is really in no danger; but Brother Woodruff has an idea that he is, and, I understand, is quite nervous upon the subject. I had a telegram sent yesterday to Brother John W. Young, asking him if anything could be done towards securing Brother Woodruff's exemption from arrest in time for the funeral. There has been a proposition made, I believe, to exempt men over a certain age from the operations of the Edmunds law. Brother Woodruff has been mentioned in connection with this, also President Taylor. Now that President Taylor has passed away, killed by the cruelty of these people, it has seemed to me that it might lead to a favorable consideration in the case of Brother Woodruff and other cases of men of advanced years.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
It struck me that Brother Woodruff, who, I expect, would reach Nephi to-night [travelling to Salt Lake on news of John Taylor's death], might, if proper precautions be taken, be saved a long and tedious journey from there by team if he could be carried safely on the train. I sent Bro. James Jack to see Bro. John Sharp upon the subject, and he brought me word back that Bro. Sharp would arrange so that it could be done. ... Bro. Hyde consented, and a letter was written to the Presidency and Bishops of the Juab Stake, informing them that he had been assigned a special mission and asking them if they would render him the necessary aid in carrying it out. Bro. Hyde came himself and I explained to him what we needed. ... The brethren think that Brother Woodruff is really in no danger; but Brother Woodruff has an idea that he is, and, I understand, is quite nervous upon the subject. I had a telegram sent yesterday to Brother John W. Young, asking him if anything could be done towards securing Brother Woodruff's exemption from arrest in time for the funeral. There has been a proposition made, I believe, to exempt men over a certain age from the operations of the Edmunds law. Brother Woodruff has been mentioned in connection with this, also President Taylor. Now that President Taylor has passed away, killed by the cruelty of these people, it has seemed to me that it might lead to a favorable consideration in the case of Brother Woodruff and other cases of men of advanced years.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 27, 1887
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE responds in an editorial to the previous day's charge by George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith that John Taylor was "killed by the cruelty of those officials who have in this Territory misrepresented the government of the United States." The TRIBUNE states: "George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith seized upon the opportunity presented by the death of a worn-out old man to grossly slander some gentlemen whose only crime has been their efforts to perform their official duties under their oaths. There has not been one moment during the past two and a half years that John Taylor could not have shaken all fear of Federal officials by simply appearing before the District Court and promising to henceforth obey the laws."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
135 years ago today - Jul 27, 1887
A blessing given by John Smith, Patriarch upon the head of David Oman McKay ...
Brother David Oman McKay, thou art in thy youth and need instruction, therefore I say unto thee, be taught of thy parents the way of life and salvation, that at an early day you may be prepared for a responsible position, for the eye of the Lord is upon thee; He has a work for thee to do in which thou shalt see much of the world, assist in gathering scattered Israel and also to labor in the ministry. It shall be thy lot to sit in counsel with thy brethren and to fireside among the people and exhort the saints to faithfulness; ... and thou shalt go forth wheresoever thou art sent by the Priesthood, like a roaring lion in the forest, none to stay thee, for the power of God shall rest upon thee, and give thee strength, wisdom and understanding so long as thou art in the discharge of thy duty, and thou shalt confound the wisdom of the wicked and set at naught the counsels of the unjust. Study the laws of nature and follow the promptings of the still small voice of the comforter, and thou shalt be healthy and strong in body and mind, and thy days and years shall be many... Thou shalt also be mighty in healing the sick by the laying on of hands, for this shall be thy gift through prayer and faith, thou shalt also, if necessary, perform miracles in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; ... This blessing I seal upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ, forth in the morning of the first resurrection a savior to thy kindred. Even so Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
Brother David Oman McKay, thou art in thy youth and need instruction, therefore I say unto thee, be taught of thy parents the way of life and salvation, that at an early day you may be prepared for a responsible position, for the eye of the Lord is upon thee; He has a work for thee to do in which thou shalt see much of the world, assist in gathering scattered Israel and also to labor in the ministry. It shall be thy lot to sit in counsel with thy brethren and to fireside among the people and exhort the saints to faithfulness; ... and thou shalt go forth wheresoever thou art sent by the Priesthood, like a roaring lion in the forest, none to stay thee, for the power of God shall rest upon thee, and give thee strength, wisdom and understanding so long as thou art in the discharge of thy duty, and thou shalt confound the wisdom of the wicked and set at naught the counsels of the unjust. Study the laws of nature and follow the promptings of the still small voice of the comforter, and thou shalt be healthy and strong in body and mind, and thy days and years shall be many... Thou shalt also be mighty in healing the sick by the laying on of hands, for this shall be thy gift through prayer and faith, thou shalt also, if necessary, perform miracles in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; ... This blessing I seal upon thee in the name of Jesus Christ, forth in the morning of the first resurrection a savior to thy kindred. Even so Amen.
[Patriarchal Blessings]
165 years ago today - Jul 27, 1857
[Wilford Woodruff]
27, 28, 29, 30 I spent these 4 days in the Harvest field cutting wheat. I have never seen so great Crops of wheat & Corn among the latter Day Saints as this season & this is in accordance with the Prophesyings of the Presidency.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
27, 28, 29, 30 I spent these 4 days in the Harvest field cutting wheat. I have never seen so great Crops of wheat & Corn among the latter Day Saints as this season & this is in accordance with the Prophesyings of the Presidency.
[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 27, 1857
Alfred Cumming took his oath of office as Governor of Utah Territory, replacing Brigham Young, at St. Louis.
[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
[Hale, Van, Mormon Miscellaneous, Utah War Chronology, http://www.mormonmiscellaneous.com/utahwar/id2.html]
165 years ago today - Jul 27, 1857
Samuel L. Sprague, president of weekly prayer circle in Salt Lake City, instructs its members about "the holy anointing, that those who appreciated those sacred ordinances had in them the spirit and power to avenge the blood of the Prophets."
[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, 1852 (Tuesday)
The thermometer stood 127 degrees F. in the sun, in G.S.L. City.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jul 27, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
27th I took President Young in my Carriage & Started for an exploring expedition. ... We took our dinner at the fresh water pool & then rode 6 miles to a large rock ["Black Rock"] on the Shore of the Salt lake. We here made A Halt, And all went into the Salt water & we made up our minds at once that the great Salt lake ought to be added as the eighth wonder of the world. ... while standing to our waist in water we Could not get our knees to the bottom but would rise to the top like a cork. We found the most beautiful white Salt that I ever saw lying in bunches on the shore whare the water dryed away. The whole dody of the water will make at least 3 pints of the best quality of white salt to one gallon of water. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
27th I took President Young in my Carriage & Started for an exploring expedition. ... We took our dinner at the fresh water pool & then rode 6 miles to a large rock ["Black Rock"] on the Shore of the Salt lake. We here made A Halt, And all went into the Salt water & we made up our minds at once that the great Salt lake ought to be added as the eighth wonder of the world. ... while standing to our waist in water we Could not get our knees to the bottom but would rise to the top like a cork. We found the most beautiful white Salt that I ever saw lying in bunches on the shore whare the water dryed away. The whole dody of the water will make at least 3 pints of the best quality of white salt to one gallon of water. ...
[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 27, 1847
The Salt Lake Valley pioneers are visited by two Ute Indians. They give the Indians "a rifle and a musket" in exchange for two ponies. Later, in the afternoon, "two more Indians came in to trade. Some of the brethren are making unwise trades giving 20 charges of powder and balls for a buck skin, while the usual price is three charges."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
180 years ago today - Jul 27, 1842
Dissident Mormon Oliver H. Olney writes, "that when they do wrong they get rebaptized they then stand fair in the sight of God altho they have done ever so bad this is the theme amongst those that are a wallowing in the mire."
[Quinn, D. Michael, "The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo," BYU Studies (1978), 18:2:226]
[Quinn, D. Michael, "The Practice of Rebaptism at Nauvoo," BYU Studies (1978), 18:2:226]
180 years ago today - Jul 27, 1842
Joseph Smith receives a revelation giving the words of a polygamous marriage ceremony. The words were used by Newel K. Whitney to seal his 17-year-old daughter Sarah Ann to Joseph Smith the same day. Newell is promised that the marriage will bring eternal life to his household, including his posterity. Sarah is given to Joseph, but Joseph is not given to Sarah. The same practice occurs in sealing ceremonies in the temple today. The ceremony invokes ancient priesthood lines, which will "concentrate" through their posterity. The mention of posterity indicates the marriage was to produce children. The ceremony concludes sealing eternal life on Joseph and Sarah.
185 years ago today - Jul 27, 1837
At Painesville, Joseph is "detained all day by malicious and vexatious law suits." As they were about to return to Kirtland, the sherriff arrests Joseph on a writ by a salesman who had placed a stove in his home as part of a promotion, but Joseph refused to pay for it. After leaving his watch for surety, "we all returned home."
[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 26, 1937
The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE publishes an interview with LDS President Heber J. Grant: "We never believed polygamy was wrong and never will. . . . "one of the cardinal rules of the Church is to obey the law. So long as polygamy is illegal we ourselves will strictly enforce the law." Grant had violated his 1891 amnesty agreement with the government by attempting unsuccessfully to take Fanny Woolley as a post-Manifesto plural wife and was found guilty of "unlawful cohabitation" in 1899.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
110 years ago today - Jul 26, 1912
Church leaders in northern Mexico order the Saints to evacuate to El Paso, Texas, as a result of civil strife within Mexico, which displaces some forty-eight thousand Latter-day Saints from the Mexican colonies.
125 years ago today - Jul 26, 1897; Monday
Pres[iden]ts. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon and J[oseph]. F. Smith, at the Office this morning, received a visit from Stephen H. Goddard, from California, one of the Pioneers of 1847. He went there at an early day to better his financial condition, against the counsel of Pres[ident]. Brigham Young. In this he had not succeeded, but appeared to be a poor and broken down old man, barren in mind and feeble in body. However, he remembered many things spoken of by the Prophet Joseph [Smith], and having heard Pres[ident]. Joseph F. Smith in the Tabernacle on Sunday, he told Elder Geo[rge]. Goddard that he heard the Prophet Joseph give instructions concerning the removal of the Saints to the Rocky Mountains, and prophesy that they would eventually go there. He now told Pres[iden]ts. Cannon and Smith that on one occasion in his presence in the Masonic Hall in Nauvoo [Illinois], the Prophet Joseph mapped out on the floor with a piece of chalk a diagram of what he called the Great Salt Lake Basin or Valley, and said that the Latter Day Saints would go there. The course of travel was mapped out, which afterwards was the route taken by Pres[iden]t. Brigham Young and the Pioneers. He did not remember the exact date of this prophecy but as the Masonic Hall was not built until 1843, it must have been after that date...
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jul 26, 1887 • Tuesday
[George Q. Cannon]
The intelligence of President Taylor's death was concealed from the public until the Deseret News was issued. There had been so many rumors about his condition and reports that he was dead that people were, to some extent, prepared for the sad event.
Since his death I have felt that a change has taken place in myself in regard to exercising authority. I spoke with Brother Joseph F. Smith in relation to this subject. I have done all in my power to get the Twelve informed; ... so that someone may be prepared to take the responsibility of pending measures and the business of the Church. ... It is important, I feel, that I should do nothing at the present time that would not be fully sustained by the brethren, and I feel my position, therefore, to be quite a delicate one. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
The intelligence of President Taylor's death was concealed from the public until the Deseret News was issued. There had been so many rumors about his condition and reports that he was dead that people were, to some extent, prepared for the sad event.
Since his death I have felt that a change has taken place in myself in regard to exercising authority. I spoke with Brother Joseph F. Smith in relation to this subject. I have done all in my power to get the Twelve informed; ... so that someone may be prepared to take the responsibility of pending measures and the business of the Church. ... It is important, I feel, that I should do nothing at the present time that would not be fully sustained by the brethren, and I feel my position, therefore, to be quite a delicate one. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
150 years ago today - Jul 26, 1872
Br. Brigham Spoke on the folly of apostasy, and the lying Spirit that Apostates give way to after turning away from the truth. Said that while Joseph And Oliver were translating the Book of Mormon, they had a revelation that the order of Patriarchal Marriage and the Sealing was right. Oliver said unto Joseph, '"Br. Joseph, why don't we go into the Order of Polygamy, and practice it as the ancients did? We know it is true, then why delay?'" Joseph's reply was '"I know that we know it is true, and from God, but the time has not yet come.'" This did not seem to suit Oliver, who expressed a determination to go into the order of Plural Marriage anyhow, although he was ignorant of the order and pattern and the results. Joseph said, '"Oliver if you go into this thing it is not with my faith or consent.'" Disregarding the counsel of Joseph, Oliver Cowdery took to wife Miss Annie Lyman, cousin to Geo. A. Smith. From that time he went into darkness and lost the spirit. Annie Lyman is still alive, a witness to these things.
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 349, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 349, 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 26, 1857
Heber C. Kimball refers to 2,500 approaching troops and states that if somehow their wagons and cattle arrive in Utah without the troops, it would be "a mighty help to us" . Jokingly, he said he had "wives enough to whip out the United States"
[Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
[Wikipedia, Utah War, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_War#Timeline_of_events]
165 years ago today - Jul 26, 1857
Counselor Heber C. Kimball publicly prophecies: "And the President ofthe United States will bow to us and come to consult the authorities of this Church to know what he had best to do for his people." Latter occurs 31 Jan. 1964.
[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 )]]
175 years ago today - Jul 26, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff, 2nd day after arriving in Salt Lake valley]
Ten men including the Twelve were appointed to go on an exploring expedition. ...
Brs Mathews & Brown returned to camp. Had Crossed the valley in the Narrowest place opposite the camp to the mountain on the west. Found the valley about 15 miles across. Passed over A river [Jordan] 4 miles from camp about 8 rods wide from which we saw sulpher hot springs and ensign Peak. We also had A good view of the salt lake through our glass & many rivers & creek runing through the valley.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Ten men including the Twelve were appointed to go on an exploring expedition. ...
Brs Mathews & Brown returned to camp. Had Crossed the valley in the Narrowest place opposite the camp to the mountain on the west. Found the valley about 15 miles across. Passed over A river [Jordan] 4 miles from camp about 8 rods wide from which we saw sulpher hot springs and ensign Peak. We also had A good view of the salt lake through our glass & many rivers & creek runing through the valley.
[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 26, 1847
Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff and five others explore the hills at the north end of the valley. They climb what is now called "Ensign Peak" [the name comes from the biblical prophecy: "He will lift up an ensign unto the nations. . . . He lifteth up an ensign on the mountains." (Isa 5:26; 18:3)]. Heber C. Kimball declares, "someday an ensign will be flown here" and waves his yellow bandana tied to Willard Richards' walking stick as a crude flag. There was no American flag among the pioneers. Howard Egan writes in his diary of the beginning of Mormon agriculture in the Salt Lake Valley: "At 6 a.m. the bugle sounded for the brethren to collect their horses and cattle to recommence plowing and planting, the team to be relieved at intervals of every four hours during the day." The next day, he continued, "the bugle sounded as usual for the brethren to go to work plowing and planting."
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
185 years ago today - Jul 26, 1837
In England, the Rev. Fielding begins to fear he will lose his flock if the [newly arrived] elders continue to preach there. He does not allow them to preach any longer.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
110 years ago today - Jul 25, 1912; Thursday
... Brother Perry A. Bingham, and before introducing Brother Bingham, Dr. Hall was told that he was the father of nineteen children, eighteen of whom were living, and all good citizens with families, which information delighted him. And referring to Brother Bingham, Dr. Hall told the congregation that Brother Bingham's crowning glory was that he was the father of nineteen children. Dr. Hall also remarked that no other people afforded such a field for the study of eugenics as the Mormons, as they had drawn from and were composed of nearly all the civilized races, and besides, were maintaining a high standard of virtue.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
135 years ago today - Jul 25, 1887
[Wilford Woodruff]
July 25 1887 {President John Taylor DIED 5 Minutes to 8 oclok P.M. July 25, 1887 Aged 78 Years 8 Months, & 24 days}
Thus another President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has Passed away. President John Taylor is twice a Marter. At the Death of the Prophet Joseph & Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail. He was shot with four Balls & Mingled his Blood with the Martered Prophet. This was in 1844. Now in 1887 Now He is Driven into Exile By the United States officers for his religion untill through his Confinement and suffering He lays down his life and suffers Death. "Leave Judgment with me for it is mine. and I will repay" Saith the Lord God sec 82, verse 23 D.C.
President John Taylor Died to day at 5 Minuts to 8 oclk which Lays the responsibility of the Care of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints upon my shoulders as Presidet of the Church or Presidet of the Twelve Apostles which is the presiding authority of the Church in the Absens of the first Presidency. This places me in a vary Peculiar situation, A Position I have never looked for during my life. ... Bishop Edward Hunter in several instances said I should outlive President Taylor and be president of the Church. I clashed him on those occasions and asked him not to Prophesy to me upon that subjet. He said Nevertheless it was true. It Certainly has Come to Pass And I Can ownly say Marvelous are thy ways O Lord God Almighty, For thou has Certainly Chosen the weak thing of this world to perform thy work on the Earth. May thy servant Wilford be prepared for whatever awaits him on Earth and have power to perform whatever is required at his hands by the God of Heaven. I ask this Blessing of my Heavenly Father in the Name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
July 25 1887 {President John Taylor DIED 5 Minutes to 8 oclok P.M. July 25, 1887 Aged 78 Years 8 Months, & 24 days}
Thus another President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has Passed away. President John Taylor is twice a Marter. At the Death of the Prophet Joseph & Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail. He was shot with four Balls & Mingled his Blood with the Martered Prophet. This was in 1844. Now in 1887 Now He is Driven into Exile By the United States officers for his religion untill through his Confinement and suffering He lays down his life and suffers Death. "Leave Judgment with me for it is mine. and I will repay" Saith the Lord God sec 82, verse 23 D.C.
President John Taylor Died to day at 5 Minuts to 8 oclk which Lays the responsibility of the Care of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints upon my shoulders as Presidet of the Church or Presidet of the Twelve Apostles which is the presiding authority of the Church in the Absens of the first Presidency. This places me in a vary Peculiar situation, A Position I have never looked for during my life. ... Bishop Edward Hunter in several instances said I should outlive President Taylor and be president of the Church. I clashed him on those occasions and asked him not to Prophesy to me upon that subjet. He said Nevertheless it was true. It Certainly has Come to Pass And I Can ownly say Marvelous are thy ways O Lord God Almighty, For thou has Certainly Chosen the weak thing of this world to perform thy work on the Earth. May thy servant Wilford be prepared for whatever awaits him on Earth and have power to perform whatever is required at his hands by the God of Heaven. I ask this Blessing of my Heavenly Father in the Name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Jul 25, 1887
[Heber J. Grant]
I arrived in Saint George the evening of the 14th and about 830 I called at the place where Prest. Wilford Woodruff was stopping. ... We had a long talk regarding the sickness of Prest John Taylor and the changes that would of necessity take place in case of his death. He told me of a number of dreams that he had had since the middle of April that had impressed him with the idea that Prest Taylor was not going to live long.
I expressed my opinion of the way Prest Cannon had treated our quorum in plain terms and said that I had much more confidence in Prest Joseph F. Smith than in Prest. Cannon and that I never expected to see the day after the death of Prest Taylor that Joseph F. Smith would not be a greater man among the latter day saints than George Q. Cannon. Prest Woodruff seemed to share my opinion that Prest Cannon had not treated our quorum with as much respect and consideration as he should have done, and also seemed to fully endorse my good opinion of Prest. Smith. Prest Woodruff favored bringing Prests Cannon and Smith back into our quorum in case of the death of Prest Taylor. Prest. Woodruff said he would be willing to have Joseph F. Smith made the Prest of the Church provided the quorum of the Apostles should wish it but as near as I could judge he had no idea that such a thing would be done. Prest. Woodruff expressed himself as having no desire to become the President of the Church, and I am convinced that he is perfectly sincere in what he said. I know that some of the members of our quorum are of the opinion that in the case of the reorganization of the First Presidency after the death of Prest. Taylor and before the death of Prest. Woodruff that Bro Woodruff must be made the President. I have no such feeling. I feel that Prest. Joseph F. Smith will succeed Prest Taylor is the First Presidency is reorganized. ...
Prest. Woodruff felt that John Taylor had been the right man and in the right place but at the same time he could not endorse in his feelings Prest Taylor's mining schemes; felt that Church funds should not go into mines. Felt that Bro Joseph F Smith should come home. Did not endorse the manner in which A. M. Cannon had run things in the Salt Lake Stake. ...
Felt that the Gardo House was a great mistake and wanted it closed after the President's death. Felt that, as he know little or nothing regarding the way Church funds had been handles, that an Auditing Committee should be appointed to fully investigate matters. ... Stated that many years ago he had dreamed that he was present at the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, also dreamed the same thing in April last when dreaming of Prest Taylor's sickness, I never enjoyed anything more than I have my visit with Prest Woodruff. ...
Going from Silver Reef to Saint George and while in Saint George I had a number of talks with my Cousin Anthony W. Ivins regarding the movement which was being made to try and get Utah into the Union. He felt very much opposed to the sections in our Constitution proposing to punish polygamy and thought we were compromise on God-given principles for the sake of liberty. There is nothing under heaven that I know of that I am not willing to do sooner than compromise or relinquish any of the principles of the gospel. To agree to punish one's self instead of allowing our enemies to do it is not to relinquish or compromise anything in my opinion, and in as much as I have an assurance in my heart that I will not offend my Heavenly Father by supporting a constitution that punishes men for keeping His laws I am in favor of the Constitution which has been adopted and shall do all in my power to get the people to adopt it....
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
I arrived in Saint George the evening of the 14th and about 830 I called at the place where Prest. Wilford Woodruff was stopping. ... We had a long talk regarding the sickness of Prest John Taylor and the changes that would of necessity take place in case of his death. He told me of a number of dreams that he had had since the middle of April that had impressed him with the idea that Prest Taylor was not going to live long.
I expressed my opinion of the way Prest Cannon had treated our quorum in plain terms and said that I had much more confidence in Prest Joseph F. Smith than in Prest. Cannon and that I never expected to see the day after the death of Prest Taylor that Joseph F. Smith would not be a greater man among the latter day saints than George Q. Cannon. Prest Woodruff seemed to share my opinion that Prest Cannon had not treated our quorum with as much respect and consideration as he should have done, and also seemed to fully endorse my good opinion of Prest. Smith. Prest Woodruff favored bringing Prests Cannon and Smith back into our quorum in case of the death of Prest Taylor. Prest. Woodruff said he would be willing to have Joseph F. Smith made the Prest of the Church provided the quorum of the Apostles should wish it but as near as I could judge he had no idea that such a thing would be done. Prest. Woodruff expressed himself as having no desire to become the President of the Church, and I am convinced that he is perfectly sincere in what he said. I know that some of the members of our quorum are of the opinion that in the case of the reorganization of the First Presidency after the death of Prest. Taylor and before the death of Prest. Woodruff that Bro Woodruff must be made the President. I have no such feeling. I feel that Prest. Joseph F. Smith will succeed Prest Taylor is the First Presidency is reorganized. ...
Prest. Woodruff felt that John Taylor had been the right man and in the right place but at the same time he could not endorse in his feelings Prest Taylor's mining schemes; felt that Church funds should not go into mines. Felt that Bro Joseph F Smith should come home. Did not endorse the manner in which A. M. Cannon had run things in the Salt Lake Stake. ...
Felt that the Gardo House was a great mistake and wanted it closed after the President's death. Felt that, as he know little or nothing regarding the way Church funds had been handles, that an Auditing Committee should be appointed to fully investigate matters. ... Stated that many years ago he had dreamed that he was present at the dedication of the Salt Lake Temple, also dreamed the same thing in April last when dreaming of Prest Taylor's sickness, I never enjoyed anything more than I have my visit with Prest Woodruff. ...
Going from Silver Reef to Saint George and while in Saint George I had a number of talks with my Cousin Anthony W. Ivins regarding the movement which was being made to try and get Utah into the Union. He felt very much opposed to the sections in our Constitution proposing to punish polygamy and thought we were compromise on God-given principles for the sake of liberty. There is nothing under heaven that I know of that I am not willing to do sooner than compromise or relinquish any of the principles of the gospel. To agree to punish one's self instead of allowing our enemies to do it is not to relinquish or compromise anything in my opinion, and in as much as I have an assurance in my heart that I will not offend my Heavenly Father by supporting a constitution that punishes men for keeping His laws I am in favor of the Constitution which has been adopted and shall do all in my power to get the people to adopt it....
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
135 years ago today - Jul 25, 1887 • Monday
[George Q. Cannon]
... [Reflecting on the presidency of John Taylor] I have thought that age had an effect upon his mind. I look back now and see some things which gave me very serious reflections that I now attribute to the effect of age upon his mind and memory. ... It would have been an exceeding great pleasure to have seen him live and retain the full possession of his powers, both physical and mental; but it would not have been a pleasure to me to have seen him live with impaired mental faculties. I had known him in his vigorous manhood, when he stood among men as a great leader, to whom everyone looked and listened with attention and respect; and to to see him fail in these powers and become an object of pity, I knew would not be desirable to him and I could not take any pleasure in seeing him live in such a condition. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... [Reflecting on the presidency of John Taylor] I have thought that age had an effect upon his mind. I look back now and see some things which gave me very serious reflections that I now attribute to the effect of age upon his mind and memory. ... It would have been an exceeding great pleasure to have seen him live and retain the full possession of his powers, both physical and mental; but it would not have been a pleasure to me to have seen him live with impaired mental faculties. I had known him in his vigorous manhood, when he stood among men as a great leader, to whom everyone looked and listened with attention and respect; and to to see him fail in these powers and become an object of pity, I knew would not be desirable to him and I could not take any pleasure in seeing him live in such a condition. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 25, 1887
President John Taylor died while in "exile" at Kaysville, Utah, at age 78. The Quorum of Twelve Apostles assumed leadership of the Church until 1889.
[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]
160 years ago today - Jul 25, 1862 (Friday)
Donald McNichols, a member of Captain Lot Smith's expedition, was drowned in Lewis Fork, about ten miles below the Three Tetons, Oregon (now Idaho), while pursuing a band of thieving Indians.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Jul 25, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff, 2nd day in the Salt Lake Valley]
July 25 Sunday This is the first Sunday that the Latter Day Saints ever spent in the great /salt Lake valley bason. We Washed Shaved & Cleaned up & met in the Circle of the encampment. ... Evry man that spoke upon the subject said they were Joyfully disappointed that the whole appearance was Altogether better throughout the valley than they had Anticipated or even dreamed of.
At the Close of the meeting President Young though feble Addressed [us] for A few moments And Informed the brethren + they must not work on Sunday that they would loose five times as much as they would gain by it, & they must not hunt or fish on that day. And there should not any man dwell among us who would not observe these rules. They might go & dwell whare they pleased but should not dwell with us.
He said that no man should buy any land that come Here. That He had no land to sell neither should He buy any but evry man should [have?] his land measured of to him for City & farming purposes what He could till. He might till it as he pleased but He should be industrious & take care of it. He also warned the Saints against keeping any thing that did not belong to them. That if they followed this course it would leek out & they would Stink in the nostrils of Jehovah Angels & the Saints & though they might live with the Saints & die with them they would be damned at last & go to Hell for they were thieves & nothing but burning through Hell would Clens them...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
July 25 Sunday This is the first Sunday that the Latter Day Saints ever spent in the great /salt Lake valley bason. We Washed Shaved & Cleaned up & met in the Circle of the encampment. ... Evry man that spoke upon the subject said they were Joyfully disappointed that the whole appearance was Altogether better throughout the valley than they had Anticipated or even dreamed of.
At the Close of the meeting President Young though feble Addressed [us] for A few moments And Informed the brethren + they must not work on Sunday that they would loose five times as much as they would gain by it, & they must not hunt or fish on that day. And there should not any man dwell among us who would not observe these rules. They might go & dwell whare they pleased but should not dwell with us.
He said that no man should buy any land that come Here. That He had no land to sell neither should He buy any but evry man should [have?] his land measured of to him for City & farming purposes what He could till. He might till it as he pleased but He should be industrious & take care of it. He also warned the Saints against keeping any thing that did not belong to them. That if they followed this course it would leek out & they would Stink in the nostrils of Jehovah Angels & the Saints & though they might live with the Saints & die with them they would be damned at last & go to Hell for they were thieves & nothing but burning through Hell would Clens them...
[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 25, 1847
[Hosea Stout]
Heard letters read from Hyde containg covenants which he desired to have the people [of] Garden Grove enter into before they could be restored to fellowship. The Council objected to them as unreasonable.
Those covenants required them to swear under the most bitter curses and imprecations & Damnation to themselves to all eternity that they had not stolen or knew any one who had nor would not since they left the Mississippi river & that they would inform on all who they knew who had or did &c[.] Let this suffice that it was totally vetoed by the Council
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Heard letters read from Hyde containg covenants which he desired to have the people [of] Garden Grove enter into before they could be restored to fellowship. The Council objected to them as unreasonable.
Those covenants required them to swear under the most bitter curses and imprecations & Damnation to themselves to all eternity that they had not stolen or knew any one who had nor would not since they left the Mississippi river & that they would inform on all who they knew who had or did &c[.] Let this suffice that it was totally vetoed by the Council
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Jul 25, 1847
William Clayton writes: "At ten o'clock a meeting was held in the camp and the brethren addressed successively by Elder G[eorge] A. Smith, H[eber] C. Kimball and E[zra] T. Benson mostly expressing their feeling of gratification for the prospects of this country, each being highly satisfied with the soil &c. Elder Kimball referred especially to the manifold blessings we have been favored with during the journey. Not a man, woman, or child has died on the journey, nor even an horse, mule, ox, cow or chicken has died during the whole journey." This last part is slightly incorrect. One of Brigham Young's horses was accidentally shot during the journey.
185 years ago today - Jul 25, 1837
Brigham Young, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, David W. Patten, Sidney Rigdon and Thomas B. Marsh head out on missions. Going through Painsville, Joseph Smith is arrested several times for various debts; Anson Call bails him out [per Brigham Young].
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
[Mormon Chronology, N. R. Tidd, http://www.exmormon.org/mhistory.html]
25 years ago today - Jul 24, 1997
President Gordon B. Hinckley breaks ground for a twenty-one-thousand-seat assembly building just north of Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.
40 years ago today - Jul 24, 1982
Zion Lutheran Church of Salt Lake City enters a float in the "Days of '47 Parade," apparently the first participation of a non-LDS church in this celebration of Mormon Pioneers.
[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 )]]
75 years ago today - Jul 24, 1947
Centennial of arrival of Mormon pioneers to Utah which is celebrated in special ceremonies outside United States by Austrian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, German, and Japanese Mormons according to reports in CHURCH NEWS. In Salt Lake City the "THIS IS THE PLACE" monument is unveiled and dedicated. Sculptor Mahonri Young says he has been deprived of $11,000 in payment for the monument. This brings a severe rebuke from George Q. Morris, who instructs him never to write the President again about this matter. Young never recovered the $11,000 and is bitter about it to the end of his life.
135 years ago today - Jul 24, 1887 • Sunday
[George Q. Cannon]
... I suggested to Brother Smith that we talk to President Taylor's wives about their privilege to anoint his feet preparatory to his burial, according to the pattern set by Mary in anointing the feet of the Savior. We called his wives in and explained the ordinance to them. I read to them from the Scriptures upon the subject and told them that while we had no precious ointment, I had some perfume that they might use if they wished to do so.
... President Taylor lies breathing heavily, though I think I see a change since he was dedicated to the Lord; he is more quiet and moves his hands less than he did; yet his strength is visibly failing.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
... I suggested to Brother Smith that we talk to President Taylor's wives about their privilege to anoint his feet preparatory to his burial, according to the pattern set by Mary in anointing the feet of the Savior. We called his wives in and explained the ordinance to them. I read to them from the Scriptures upon the subject and told them that while we had no precious ointment, I had some perfume that they might use if they wished to do so.
... President Taylor lies breathing heavily, though I think I see a change since he was dedicated to the Lord; he is more quiet and moves his hands less than he did; yet his strength is visibly failing.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
165 years ago today - Jul 24, 1857
[Brigham Young]
I said if General Harney came here, I should then know the intention of the government; And it was carried unanimously that if Harney crossed the south pass the buzards should pick his bones. The feeling of mobocracy is rife in the States. The constant cry is kill the Mormons. Let them try it. -- Little Cottonwood Canyon [At the Pioneer day celebration. News had just arrived that General Harney with 2,000 infantry, and a proportionate number of artillery and cavalry were marching to Utah. Young already knew about this, but waited until the Pioneer celebration day to inform the saints.]
[BYS; Brigham Young Diaries, Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.), 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 said if General Harney came here, I should then know the intention of the government; And it was carried unanimously that if Harney crossed the south pass the buzards should pick his bones. The feeling of mobocracy is rife in the States. The constant cry is kill the Mormons. Let them try it. -- Little Cottonwood Canyon [At the Pioneer day celebration. News had just arrived that General Harney with 2,000 infantry, and a proportionate number of artillery and cavalry were marching to Utah. Young already knew about this, but waited until the Pioneer celebration day to inform the saints.]
[BYS; Brigham Young Diaries, Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.. (A reference reading LJA 12-55-5, 10, means LJA Series 12, Box 55, Folder 5, page 10.), 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 24, 1847. Saturday.
[William Clayton]
...At a quarter to 12 Presidents Young and Kimball arrived and the wagons also began to arrive at the same time. The president seems much better and the sick generally are getting better. ...Elder Kimball says that it is contemplated to send out an exploring party to start on Monday and proceed north to the Bear river and Cach vallies. They design taking several wagons with them and Presidents Young and Kimball accompanies the expedition. Another company is to start at the same time and go west to the Lake, then south to the Utah lake and return down this valley.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
...At a quarter to 12 Presidents Young and Kimball arrived and the wagons also began to arrive at the same time. The president seems much better and the sick generally are getting better. ...Elder Kimball says that it is contemplated to send out an exploring party to start on Monday and proceed north to the Bear river and Cach vallies. They design taking several wagons with them and Presidents Young and Kimball accompanies the expedition. Another company is to start at the same time and go west to the Lake, then south to the Utah lake and return down this valley.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Jul 24, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff]
{+} July 24th 1847 This is an important day in the History of my life and the History of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints. On this important day after trav[eling] from our encampment 6 miles through the deep ravene, valley, ending with the canion through the last creek we came in full view of the great valley or Bason [of] the Salt Lake and land of promise held in reserve by the hand of GOD for a resting place for the Saints upon which A portion of the Zion of GOD will be built.
We gazed with wonder and admiration upon the vast rich fertile valley ... Our hearts were surely made glad after A Hard Journey from winter Quarters of 1,200 miles ... to gaze upon A valley of such vast extent entirely Surrounded with a perfect chain of everlasting hills & mountains Coverd with eternal snow with there inumerable peaks like Pyramids towering towards Heaven presenting at one view the grandest & most sublime seenery Probably that could be obtained on the globe.
Thoughts of Pleasing meditations ran in rapid succession through our minds while we contemplated that not many years that the House of GOD would stand upon the top of the Mountains while the valleys would be converted into orchard, vineyard, gardings & fields by the inhabitants of zion & the Standard be unfurled for the nations to gather there to.
President Young expressed his full satisfaction in the Appearance of the valley as A resting place for the Saints & was Amply repayed for his Journey....
As soon As we were formed in the encampment before I took my dinner having 1/2 a bushel of potatoes I repaired to the ploughed field & planted my potatoes Hopeing with the blessings of God at least to save the Seed for another year. ...
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
{+} July 24th 1847 This is an important day in the History of my life and the History of the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints. On this important day after trav[eling] from our encampment 6 miles through the deep ravene, valley, ending with the canion through the last creek we came in full view of the great valley or Bason [of] the Salt Lake and land of promise held in reserve by the hand of GOD for a resting place for the Saints upon which A portion of the Zion of GOD will be built.
We gazed with wonder and admiration upon the vast rich fertile valley ... Our hearts were surely made glad after A Hard Journey from winter Quarters of 1,200 miles ... to gaze upon A valley of such vast extent entirely Surrounded with a perfect chain of everlasting hills & mountains Coverd with eternal snow with there inumerable peaks like Pyramids towering towards Heaven presenting at one view the grandest & most sublime seenery Probably that could be obtained on the globe.
Thoughts of Pleasing meditations ran in rapid succession through our minds while we contemplated that not many years that the House of GOD would stand upon the top of the Mountains while the valleys would be converted into orchard, vineyard, gardings & fields by the inhabitants of zion & the Standard be unfurled for the nations to gather there to.
President Young expressed his full satisfaction in the Appearance of the valley as A resting place for the Saints & was Amply repayed for his Journey....
As soon As we were formed in the encampment before I took my dinner having 1/2 a bushel of potatoes I repaired to the ploughed field & planted my potatoes Hopeing with the blessings of God at least to save the Seed for another year. ...
[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, 1847
The journey from Winter Quarters to Salt Lake valley took 111 days. No deaths occured on the journey. Brigham Young is one of the last members of the pioneer company to enter the valley due to ill health, arriving at 11:45 AM.
175 years ago today - Jul 24, 1847
Young enters Salt Lake Valley with the rest of the pioneer company, and officially decrees this as the new Mormon headquarters. Among these pioneers are three plural wives and three black slaves. Young's attitudes toward African-Americans differ from the founding prophet's, and Utah would become the only western territory where African-American slavery and slave-sales were protected by territorial statute.
[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 24, 1847
[Brigham Young]
He personally lead the first pioneer company to the Great Basin, and on 24 July 1847, upon seeing the Great Salt Lake Valley for the first time announced: "It is enough, this is the right place, drive on." Over the next thirty years, he continued to supervise the migration of thousands of emigrants to the Great Basin through the formation of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company, which brought them West by various means, including covered wagon, handcart, church teams and finally railroad. He also oversaw Mormon settlement in dozens of far-flung communities throughout Utah and also in Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, and California in the process becoming one of the foremost colonizers in American history.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Brigham Young, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
He personally lead the first pioneer company to the Great Basin, and on 24 July 1847, upon seeing the Great Salt Lake Valley for the first time announced: "It is enough, this is the right place, drive on." Over the next thirty years, he continued to supervise the migration of thousands of emigrants to the Great Basin through the formation of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company, which brought them West by various means, including covered wagon, handcart, church teams and finally railroad. He also oversaw Mormon settlement in dozens of far-flung communities throughout Utah and also in Nevada, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, and California in the process becoming one of the foremost colonizers in American history.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Brigham Young, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
200 years ago today - Jul 24, 1822
PALMYRA HERALD publishes an article titled MONEY DIGGERS: "We could name, if we pleased, at least five hundred respectable men, who do, in the simplicity and sincerity of their hearts, verily believe that immense treasures lie concealed upon our Green Mountains; many of whom have been for a number of years, most industriously and perserveringly engaged in digging it up." The same issue also includes "Poetical Description of the Mammoth, by a Shawnee Indian."
50 years ago today - Jul 23, 1972
TIME magazine quotes an associate of recently installed president Harold B. Lee as saying that he was a "genius for organization. The Church runs like a great beautiful computer, clicking away. Everything is in its place."
135 years ago today - Jul 23, 1887
L. John Nuttall writes of President John Taylors condition: "Prest. Taylor had a very bad night. Appeared to have some pain. His tongue is swelled & he has some canker in his mouth. . . . He is declining, merely sips a little brandy & water at intervals." Taylor's two counselors, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith send a telegram to leaders in Provo: "The precarious condition of President Taylor's health, suggests to us that elaborate festivities and rejoicings are not what the Saints should indulge in on the approaching 24th as they would be inappropriate under the circumstances."
140 years ago today - Jul 23, 1882
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
I Called the Bishop and Councillors & other Elders and we Administered to Sylvia by Anointing with Oil and laying on of hands and she was immediately releaved of her severe pain. But in the Evening Sarah fainted away.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I Called the Bishop and Councillors & other Elders and we Administered to Sylvia by Anointing with Oil and laying on of hands and she was immediately releaved of her severe pain. But in the Evening Sarah fainted away.
[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 23, 1877
Before three hundred spectators, the Salt Lake City baseball team, the Deserets, hosts the Cheyenne Red Stockings in the first game with an out-of-territory club; the Deserets win 3–2. The following year, Heber J. Grant begins playing second base for the Deserets.
165 years ago today - Jul 23, 1857
Officer in U.S. army heading for Utah writes that he met "a number of receding Mormons who found the severity of the Saints intolerable and who left Utah last Apr. They said secret assassinations had occurred during the last winter."
170 years ago today - Jul 23, 1852 • Friday
[George Q. Cannon]
We went up a Kanyon behind the house this mor to-day for the purpose of praying according to the order; [IE prayer circle] ... Bro. Keeler was placed on guard below and it made us [Cannon, Hawkins, and Hammond] feel safe from disturbance or intrusion. I was melted down, and enjoyed a powerful share of the spirit and had the spirit of prophecy. I felt to renew my determination to do right and to go forward with renewed strength with the assistance of my Father. It was a source of rejoicing, gratitude and thanksgiving to think I should be so privileged.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
We went up a Kanyon behind the house this mor to-day for the purpose of praying according to the order; [IE prayer circle] ... Bro. Keeler was placed on guard below and it made us [Cannon, Hawkins, and Hammond] feel safe from disturbance or intrusion. I was melted down, and enjoyed a powerful share of the spirit and had the spirit of prophecy. I felt to renew my determination to do right and to go forward with renewed strength with the assistance of my Father. It was a source of rejoicing, gratitude and thanksgiving to think I should be so privileged.
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
175 years ago today - Jul 23, 1847. Friday
[William Clayton, one day before entering Salt Lake valley]
The grass here appears even richer and thicker on the ground than where we left this morning. The soil looks indeed rich, black and a little sandy. The grass is about 4 feet high and very thick on the ground and well mixed with rushes. ... At the opening the brethren united in prayer and asked the Lord to send rain on the land &c. The brethren [of the advanced party] immediately rigged 3 plows and went to plowing a little North East of the Camp. Another party went with spades &c. to make a dam on one of the creeks so as to thro[w] the water at pleasure on the field, designing to irrigate the land in case rain should not come sufficient. ... The afternoon heavy clouds began to collect in the [S]outh West and at 5 o'clock we had a light shower with thunder. We had some rain for about 2 hours...their has been three plows going near all day. At night the camp were called together and a[dd]ressed by Elder Richards on a subject which seemed a little unwelcome to many from the way it was handled. It was a sermon of s[al]t from end to end, some felt a little insulted but all passed off well and jokingly. Some of the thinking brethren attributed it to the Dr's [Willard Richards] being inspired warmly or in other words pretty [] . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
The grass here appears even richer and thicker on the ground than where we left this morning. The soil looks indeed rich, black and a little sandy. The grass is about 4 feet high and very thick on the ground and well mixed with rushes. ... At the opening the brethren united in prayer and asked the Lord to send rain on the land &c. The brethren [of the advanced party] immediately rigged 3 plows and went to plowing a little North East of the Camp. Another party went with spades &c. to make a dam on one of the creeks so as to thro[w] the water at pleasure on the field, designing to irrigate the land in case rain should not come sufficient. ... The afternoon heavy clouds began to collect in the [S]outh West and at 5 o'clock we had a light shower with thunder. We had some rain for about 2 hours...their has been three plows going near all day. At night the camp were called together and a[dd]ressed by Elder Richards on a subject which seemed a little unwelcome to many from the way it was handled. It was a sermon of s[al]t from end to end, some felt a little insulted but all passed off well and jokingly. Some of the thinking brethren attributed it to the Dr's [Willard Richards] being inspired warmly or in other words pretty [] . . .
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
175 years ago today - Jul 23, 1847
[Wilford Woodruff, one day before the pioneer camp enters the valley]
We Left Ogdens fork /webber river East Canyon Creek/ & travled to the west 5 miles up Hill an exceding hard hill to clime. 5 miles brought us to the summit of the Hill. We then descended the Hill 6 miles through a thick timberd grove of Aspen & Spruce Balsom &c. The timber had been cut out of the road yet it was full of stumps & it kept evry teamster vary busy to dodge the stumps & not break his waggon. One man turned over his ox w[aggon] smashed the top all to a rock. There was two children in the waggon but they were not Hurt. The last 6 miles was as bad as any thing we had found.
Having travled 5 miles up hill & 6 down total 11 miles we nooned by A splendid spring in A small Birch grove. ...
At the spring whare [we] nooned we were met by Brothers Pack & Mathews from the forward camps. They brought A letter to us, & informed us it was ownly 10 miles to the valley of the Salt Lake or great basan & 14 to their Camp. They had explored the country as far as possible & had made Choice of a spot to put in seeds. They considered it the greatest greazing country in the world but was destitute of timber as far as they had been. Several fine streams of fresh water cutting through the valley.
After nooning we travled up another vary tedious Hill & down it into a valley & camped for the night, with Hills miles high on each side of us. I climbed to the top of one hill over 2 mil high. Was in a high state of perspiration when I reached the top of it. Whole distance of the day 15 mi.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
We Left Ogdens fork /webber river East Canyon Creek/ & travled to the west 5 miles up Hill an exceding hard hill to clime. 5 miles brought us to the summit of the Hill. We then descended the Hill 6 miles through a thick timberd grove of Aspen & Spruce Balsom &c. The timber had been cut out of the road yet it was full of stumps & it kept evry teamster vary busy to dodge the stumps & not break his waggon. One man turned over his ox w[aggon] smashed the top all to a rock. There was two children in the waggon but they were not Hurt. The last 6 miles was as bad as any thing we had found.
Having travled 5 miles up hill & 6 down total 11 miles we nooned by A splendid spring in A small Birch grove. ...
At the spring whare [we] nooned we were met by Brothers Pack & Mathews from the forward camps. They brought A letter to us, & informed us it was ownly 10 miles to the valley of the Salt Lake or great basan & 14 to their Camp. They had explored the country as far as possible & had made Choice of a spot to put in seeds. They considered it the greatest greazing country in the world but was destitute of timber as far as they had been. Several fine streams of fresh water cutting through the valley.
After nooning we travled up another vary tedious Hill & down it into a valley & camped for the night, with Hills miles high on each side of us. I climbed to the top of one hill over 2 mil high. Was in a high state of perspiration when I reached the top of it. Whole distance of the day 15 mi.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
180 years ago today - Jul 23, 1842
Letter from Stephen A. Goddard to Orson Pratt which claimed that while Sarah was staying with the Goddards in October 1840
"from the first night until the last, with the exception of one night, it being nearly a month, the Dr. was there as sure as the night came."
The letter described the alleged Bennett/Pratt relationship in lurid detail:
"One night they took their chairs out of doors and remained there as we supposed until 12 o'clock or after; at another time they went over to the house where you now live and came back after dark, or about that time. We went over several times late in the evening while she lived in the house of Dr. Foster, and were most sure to find Dr. Bennett and your wife together, as it were, man and wife."
Later, in Utah Sarah confronts the Goddards about this statement:
"She began to sob. 'It is not my fault,' she said. 'Hyrum Smith came to our house, with the affidavits all written out, and forced us to sign them. Joseph and the Church must be saved, said he. We saw that resistance was useless, they would have ruined us; so we signed the papers.
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
"from the first night until the last, with the exception of one night, it being nearly a month, the Dr. was there as sure as the night came."
The letter described the alleged Bennett/Pratt relationship in lurid detail:
"One night they took their chairs out of doors and remained there as we supposed until 12 o'clock or after; at another time they went over to the house where you now live and came back after dark, or about that time. We went over several times late in the evening while she lived in the house of Dr. Foster, and were most sure to find Dr. Bennett and your wife together, as it were, man and wife."
Later, in Utah Sarah confronts the Goddards about this statement:
"She began to sob. 'It is not my fault,' she said. 'Hyrum Smith came to our house, with the affidavits all written out, and forced us to sign them. Joseph and the Church must be saved, said he. We saw that resistance was useless, they would have ruined us; so we signed the papers.
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
185 years ago today - Jul 23, 1837
[Heber C. Kimball, first foreign mission sermon]
... I went forword with Elder Hide with me having peculier feelings [it] being a long Sinigog [synagog] and crow[d]ed full to hear the strang thing thare [their] minds being much excited. I rose up and began to declare that thare had an Angel viseted the lorer [lower] regons and commited the Everlasting gospel to man and [I] prevailled on them to repent and prepare for his seckent [second] coming, and laid down the way for them to Enter Ito [into] His Rest. After I got threw Elder Hide bore testamony. It seam to have a gr[e]at effect on the congr[eg]ation. They cride glory to God to think that the Lord, had sent His servent to them. ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
... I went forword with Elder Hide with me having peculier feelings [it] being a long Sinigog [synagog] and crow[d]ed full to hear the strang thing thare [their] minds being much excited. I rose up and began to declare that thare had an Angel viseted the lorer [lower] regons and commited the Everlasting gospel to man and [I] prevailled on them to repent and prepare for his seckent [second] coming, and laid down the way for them to Enter Ito [into] His Rest. After I got threw Elder Hide bore testamony. It seam to have a gr[e]at effect on the congr[eg]ation. They cride glory to God to think that the Lord, had sent His servent to them. ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
185 years ago today - (Sun) Jul 23, 1837
Smith's only revelation for 1837 was issued at Kirtland: Concerning the Twelve Apostles, including reprimanding instructions for Quorum President Thomas B. Marsh. Smith reasserts his authority in the Church by maintaining that Jesus Christ said to him: "the keys which I have given unto him, and also to you, shall not be taken from him till I come." (LDS D&C 112)
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
[Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]
30 years ago today - Jul 22, 1992.
During summer term various faculty members hear from friends or anonymous well-wishers that they are on a BYU Board of Trustees "hit list." From various reports the names on the hit list seem to be Cecilia Konchar Farr, Tomi-Ann Roberts, Martha Sonntag Bradley, David Knowlton, and Sam Rushforth. Provost Bruce Hafen denies that the administration received "a letter listing faculty members to be investigated" and explains that a complaint from the board is passed "down the chain of command and it's `responded to as appropriate.'"
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
[Anderson, Lavina Fielding, "The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology," Dialogue, Vol.26, No.1]
90 years ago today - Jul 22, 1932
[Heber J. Grant]
Judge Nephi Jensen called and complained bitterly because the Deseret News quite frequently fails to publish things that happen in his court where influential people are involved, and a poor Negro or a person of no importance whatever receives lots of publicity. He said there is a feeling that is growing that the moneyed interests control the Church organ. ... He said he thought the News was committing suicide by not coming out actively and strongly in favor of the interests of the common people as against the moneyed interests.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Judge Nephi Jensen called and complained bitterly because the Deseret News quite frequently fails to publish things that happen in his court where influential people are involved, and a poor Negro or a person of no importance whatever receives lots of publicity. He said there is a feeling that is growing that the moneyed interests control the Church organ. ... He said he thought the News was committing suicide by not coming out actively and strongly in favor of the interests of the common people as against the moneyed interests.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Jul 22, 1897
[John Henry Smith]
This is Children's day. More than ten thousand of them were in line and at the Tabernacle. Prest. Wilford Woodruff was crowned King by little Miss Whitaker.
[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]
This is Children's day. More than ten thousand of them were in line and at the Tabernacle. Prest. Wilford Woodruff was crowned King by little Miss Whitaker.
[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]
175 years ago today - Jul 22, 1847. Thursday.
[William Clayton, two days before the pioneer company arrives in Salt Lake valley]
Agreeable to President Young's instructions, Elder Pratt accompanied by George A. Smith, John Brown, Joseph Mathews, John Pack, O. P. Rockwell and J[esse] C. Little started on this morning on horses to seek out a suitable place to plant some potatoes, turnips &c. so as to preserve the seed at least.
While the brethren were cutting the road I followed the old one to the top of the hill and on arriving there was much cheered by a handsome view of the great Salt Lake laying as I should judge, from 25 to 30 miles to the west of us, and at 11 o'clock I sat down to contemplate and view the surrounding scenery. There is an extensive, beautiful, level looking valley from here to the Lake which I should judge from the numerous deep green patches must be fertile and rich. ...There is no prospect for building log houses without spending a vast amount of time and labor, but we can make Spanish brick...or we can build lodges as the Pawnee Indians do in their villages.
When I commune with my own heart and ask myself whether I would choose to dwell here in this wild looking country amongst the Saints surrounded by friends, though poor, enjoying the privileges and blessings of the ever lasting priesthood with God for our King and father, or, dwell amongst the gentiles with all their wealth and good things of the earth, to be eternally mobbed, harassed, hunted, our best men murdered and every good mans life continually in danger the soft whisper echos loud and reverberates back in tones of stern tho' quiet determination. Give me the quiet wilderness and my family to associate with, surrounded by the saints and adieu, adieu to the Gentile world till God says return and avenge you of your enemies. ... The ground seems literally alive with the very large black crickets crawling round, up grass and bushes. They look loathsome but are said to be excellent for fattening hogs which would feed on them voraciously. The bears evidently live mostly on them at this season of the year... We are now 5 1/4 miles from the mouth of this Kanion making the whole distance of rough mountain road from the Weber River to the mouth of the Kanion on this side a little less than 35 miles and decidedly the worst piece of road on the whole journey...
A while after we camped Elder Pratt and company returned and reported that they had been about 15 miles north from here and this region is as suitable a place to put in our seeds as they have seen . . .
A council was held at the Dr. [Willard Richards] Wagon and decided to move early tomorrow to the place designated, also, to send two men back to the president and company to report progress &c. then to commence forthwith and plow and plant about 10 with potatoes this week if possible, and thus continue till the seed is secured.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
Agreeable to President Young's instructions, Elder Pratt accompanied by George A. Smith, John Brown, Joseph Mathews, John Pack, O. P. Rockwell and J[esse] C. Little started on this morning on horses to seek out a suitable place to plant some potatoes, turnips &c. so as to preserve the seed at least.
While the brethren were cutting the road I followed the old one to the top of the hill and on arriving there was much cheered by a handsome view of the great Salt Lake laying as I should judge, from 25 to 30 miles to the west of us, and at 11 o'clock I sat down to contemplate and view the surrounding scenery. There is an extensive, beautiful, level looking valley from here to the Lake which I should judge from the numerous deep green patches must be fertile and rich. ...There is no prospect for building log houses without spending a vast amount of time and labor, but we can make Spanish brick...or we can build lodges as the Pawnee Indians do in their villages.
When I commune with my own heart and ask myself whether I would choose to dwell here in this wild looking country amongst the Saints surrounded by friends, though poor, enjoying the privileges and blessings of the ever lasting priesthood with God for our King and father, or, dwell amongst the gentiles with all their wealth and good things of the earth, to be eternally mobbed, harassed, hunted, our best men murdered and every good mans life continually in danger the soft whisper echos loud and reverberates back in tones of stern tho' quiet determination. Give me the quiet wilderness and my family to associate with, surrounded by the saints and adieu, adieu to the Gentile world till God says return and avenge you of your enemies. ... The ground seems literally alive with the very large black crickets crawling round, up grass and bushes. They look loathsome but are said to be excellent for fattening hogs which would feed on them voraciously. The bears evidently live mostly on them at this season of the year... We are now 5 1/4 miles from the mouth of this Kanion making the whole distance of rough mountain road from the Weber River to the mouth of the Kanion on this side a little less than 35 miles and decidedly the worst piece of road on the whole journey...
A while after we camped Elder Pratt and company returned and reported that they had been about 15 miles north from here and this region is as suitable a place to put in our seeds as they have seen . . .
A council was held at the Dr. [Willard Richards] Wagon and decided to move early tomorrow to the place designated, also, to send two men back to the president and company to report progress &c. then to commence forthwith and plow and plant about 10 with potatoes this week if possible, and thus continue till the seed is secured.
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Jul 22, 1842
[Martha Brotherton]
"Well," said he [Heber C. Kimball], "there are many things revealed in these last days that the world would laugh and scoff at; but unto us is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom. ...
A little later, Brigham Young proposed to her saying:
Brother Josaph [Joseph] has has [sic; had] a revelation from God that it is lawful and right for a man to have two wives; for as it was in the days of Abraham, so it shall be in these last days ... if you will accept of me, I will take you straight to the celestial kingdom; and if you will have me in this world, I will have you in that which is to come... "
Ten minutes later, Joseph came into the room and told her:
"Yes," said Joseph, "and I know that this is lawful and right before God, and if there is any sin in it I will answer for it before God, and I have the keys of the kingdom, and whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven; and if you will accept of Brigham, you shall be blessed... it would be the greatest blessing that was ever bestowed upon you...."
Brigham Young added:
and you will never have reason to repent it -- that is, if I do not turn from righteousness, and that i trust I never shall ...
As she concluded her account, she noted:
"The next day being Sunday, I sat down, instead of going to meeting, and wrote the conversation, and gave it to my sister ... "
[John C. Bennett's fourth letter (written Jul 15) to the Sangamo Journal containing the Martha Brotherton affidavit]
"Well," said he [Heber C. Kimball], "there are many things revealed in these last days that the world would laugh and scoff at; but unto us is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom. ...
A little later, Brigham Young proposed to her saying:
Brother Josaph [Joseph] has has [sic; had] a revelation from God that it is lawful and right for a man to have two wives; for as it was in the days of Abraham, so it shall be in these last days ... if you will accept of me, I will take you straight to the celestial kingdom; and if you will have me in this world, I will have you in that which is to come... "
Ten minutes later, Joseph came into the room and told her:
"Yes," said Joseph, "and I know that this is lawful and right before God, and if there is any sin in it I will answer for it before God, and I have the keys of the kingdom, and whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven; and if you will accept of Brigham, you shall be blessed... it would be the greatest blessing that was ever bestowed upon you...."
Brigham Young added:
and you will never have reason to repent it -- that is, if I do not turn from righteousness, and that i trust I never shall ...
As she concluded her account, she noted:
"The next day being Sunday, I sat down, instead of going to meeting, and wrote the conversation, and gave it to my sister ... "
[John C. Bennett's fourth letter (written Jul 15) to the Sangamo Journal containing the Martha Brotherton affidavit]
180 years ago today - Jul 22, 1842 - Friday
[Joseph Smith journal]
At the stand conflicting with O. P. [Orson Pratt] and correcting the public mind with regard to reports put in circulation by [John C.] Bennett & others.
[[The meeting was called "to obtain an expression of the public mind" with respect to the efforts of Bennett to defame JS's character. Wilson Law presented a resolution upholding JS's integrity and moral character. The vote by the citizens of Nauvoo, numbering "about a thousand men," was nearly unanimous, but Pratt arose and spoke at length to explain his negative vote, whereupon JS publicly asked Pratt, "Have you personally a knowledge of any immoral act in me toward the female sex, or in any other way?" Pratt replied, "Personally, toward the female sex, I have not."]]
In the P.M. a petition was prepared and singed [signed] by the citizens praying the Governor not to issue a writ for the Prest.
[[Rumors published as early as 21 May 1842 charged JS with complicity in the attempt to assassinate Lilburn W. Boggs, former governor of Missouri. Bennett made the same accusation in his 2 July letter, published in the 15 July Sangamo Journal. In St. Louis, the 14 July 1842 issue of the Bulletin published another letter and affidavit from Bennett connecting JS and Orrin Porter Rockwell with the attempted assassination. Soon after, on 20 July, Boggs made a sworn statement that JS "was accessary before the fact" in the assassination attempt and requested that JS be extradited to Missouri.]]
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
At the stand conflicting with O. P. [Orson Pratt] and correcting the public mind with regard to reports put in circulation by [John C.] Bennett & others.
[[The meeting was called "to obtain an expression of the public mind" with respect to the efforts of Bennett to defame JS's character. Wilson Law presented a resolution upholding JS's integrity and moral character. The vote by the citizens of Nauvoo, numbering "about a thousand men," was nearly unanimous, but Pratt arose and spoke at length to explain his negative vote, whereupon JS publicly asked Pratt, "Have you personally a knowledge of any immoral act in me toward the female sex, or in any other way?" Pratt replied, "Personally, toward the female sex, I have not."]]
In the P.M. a petition was prepared and singed [signed] by the citizens praying the Governor not to issue a writ for the Prest.
[[Rumors published as early as 21 May 1842 charged JS with complicity in the attempt to assassinate Lilburn W. Boggs, former governor of Missouri. Bennett made the same accusation in his 2 July letter, published in the 15 July Sangamo Journal. In St. Louis, the 14 July 1842 issue of the Bulletin published another letter and affidavit from Bennett connecting JS and Orrin Porter Rockwell with the attempted assassination. Soon after, on 20 July, Boggs made a sworn statement that JS "was accessary before the fact" in the assassination attempt and requested that JS be extradited to Missouri.]]
[Joseph Smith, Journal, Dec. 1841–Dec. 1842 in "The Book of the Law of the Lord," Record Book, 1841–1845]
180 years ago today - Jul 22, 1842
Orson Pratt votes against a public resolution in defense of Joseph Smith's virtuous conduct. George W. Robinson, a prominent Nauvoo citizen and brother-in-law of Nancy Rigdon, writes to James A. Bennett, a New York friend to the church, that "Smith sent for Miss Rigdon to come to the house of Mrs. [Orson] Hyde, who lived in the under rooms of the printing-office." According to Robinson, Nancy "inquired of the messenger . . . what was wanting, and the only reply was, that Smith wanted to see her." Robinson says that Smith took her into a room, "locked the door, and then stated to her that he had had an affection for her for several years, and wished that she should be his; that the Lord was well pleased with this matter, for he had got a revelation on the subject, and God had given him all the blessings of Jacob, &c., &c. and that there was no sin in it whatever." Robinson states that Nancy "repulsed him and was about to raise the neighbors if he did not unlock the door and let her out."
185 years ago today - Jul 22, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessing of Julie Ives Pack by Joseph Smith Sr.]
"Thou Shalt be able to stand on the Earth in the flesh and behold the winding up Scene of this Generation thy heart will mourn on the account of the Destruction of Innocent Children Erelong thou shalt See great Destruction in the Land thou must hold up by faith, Thou shalt have an Inheritance in Zion."
[The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"Thou Shalt be able to stand on the Earth in the flesh and behold the winding up Scene of this Generation thy heart will mourn on the account of the Destruction of Innocent Children Erelong thou shalt See great Destruction in the Land thou must hold up by faith, Thou shalt have an Inheritance in Zion."
[The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
185 years ago today - Jul 22, 1837
[Patriarchal Blessing of John Pack by Joseph Smith Sr.]
"Thou Shalt behold thy Savior Come in the Clouds of heaven with Pour [Power] and great glory… Thou Shalt Stand with the lamb thou Shalt belong to the one hundred and forty four thousand [sounds like the Jehovah Witness] that Shall Stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion Thou Shalt have Pour [Power] over Treasures hid in the Sand.
[Patriachal Blessings by Joseph Smith Sr., between 1834-184, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
"Thou Shalt behold thy Savior Come in the Clouds of heaven with Pour [Power] and great glory… Thou Shalt Stand with the lamb thou Shalt belong to the one hundred and forty four thousand [sounds like the Jehovah Witness] that Shall Stand with the Lamb on Mount Zion Thou Shalt have Pour [Power] over Treasures hid in the Sand.
[Patriachal Blessings by Joseph Smith Sr., between 1834-184, as quoted in The Last Days and December 1890 2nd Coming of Jesus Christ, y George D. Speer Sr., privately circulated]
30 years ago today - Jul 21, 1992
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services presents a plaque to the Relief Society general president Elaine Low Jack in honor of the Society's service for older women.
[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 )]]
75 years ago today - Jul 21, 1947
Time Magazine features President George Albert Smith on its cover.
[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 21, 1897
Wilford Woodruff writes: "Madam Mountford called at the house this evening and gave me a sample of her massage treatment." Woodruff had corresponded with "Madame Lydia Mamreoff Von Finkelstein Mountford," an international lecturer and world traveler, and was rumored to have taken her as a plural wife. During his last years she is constantly mentioned in his diary. She was sealed to him by proxy in 1920.
135 years ago today - Jul 21, 1887 • Thursday
[George Q. Cannon]
When President Taylor received the manifestations that prompted him and myself to take the course we did in purchasing a two-thirds share of the Bullion, Beck and Champion Mining Co., we were under the necessity of borrowing $25,000./ of the Trustee-in-Trust. This was done with the knowledge of the Twelve, it having been submitted to them by President Taylor. For this sum we gave our joint note, drawing eight per cent interest, and President Taylor drew a mortgage on his mill at Ogden to cover the note and also secured it by a portion of the Stock which we had consecrated. In view of the precarious condition of President Taylor's health, I was exceedingly anxious to have this note taken up. I wanted it settled, if possible, in some way before his death, that it might not be mixed with his private affairs and put in the hands of his executors. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
When President Taylor received the manifestations that prompted him and myself to take the course we did in purchasing a two-thirds share of the Bullion, Beck and Champion Mining Co., we were under the necessity of borrowing $25,000./ of the Trustee-in-Trust. This was done with the knowledge of the Twelve, it having been submitted to them by President Taylor. For this sum we gave our joint note, drawing eight per cent interest, and President Taylor drew a mortgage on his mill at Ogden to cover the note and also secured it by a portion of the Stock which we had consecrated. In view of the precarious condition of President Taylor's health, I was exceedingly anxious to have this note taken up. I wanted it settled, if possible, in some way before his death, that it might not be mixed with his private affairs and put in the hands of his executors. ...
[The Journal of George Q. Cannon, Church Historian's Press, https://churchhistorianspress.org/george-q-cannon]
135 years ago today - Jul 21, 1887
Apostle Franklin D. Richards: "God, the Father came down in his tabernacle of flesh and bone and had association with Mary, and made her pregnant with Jesus."
[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 21, 1867
[Wilford Woodruff]
Jesse N Smith Spoke in the Morning 30 Minuts & Henry W Lawrence 15 minuts. He had Just returned from the States. Visited Nauvoo & Emma Smith. Said there was not a vistage of the [Nauvoo] Temple left. The foundation of the temple had been taken up & the whole Block was Covered with a grape vine yard. He said the whole town looked like desolation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Jesse N Smith Spoke in the Morning 30 Minuts & Henry W Lawrence 15 minuts. He had Just returned from the States. Visited Nauvoo & Emma Smith. Said there was not a vistage of the [Nauvoo] Temple left. The foundation of the temple had been taken up & the whole Block was Covered with a grape vine yard. He said the whole town looked like desolation.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
155 years ago today - Jul 21, 1867
Apostle George Q. Cannon preaches: "But God, our Heavenly Father, reserved this-the land of promise-for the especial purpose of building up his kingdom in the latter days. As the 'Book of Mormon' informs us, it has been hid from the eyes of the generations of men for this purpose. If it had not been thus hidden the nations of the earth would have overrun the land until there would have been no foothold found for the establishment of the kingdom of God upon it. But the Lord concealed it, from the days of the flood, from the eyes of men, excepting those whom he led hither; as we are informed by the 'Book of Mormon' that no nation after the flood, knew anything about this land; although I believe it, is said in the Norwegian Antiquarian researches, that this land was visited by the Icelanders in the eleventh century. But there is nothing authentic in this. But be that as it may, this land was kept secret until Columbus was moved upon by the Spirit of God, to go forth and penetrate the western ocean."
175 years ago today - Jul 21, 1847
[Three days before the pioneer company enters Salt Lake Valley]
Erastus Snow was with the vanguard company of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. On 21 July 1847 Snow and Orson Pratt, alternately riding a single horse and walking, followed the Donner Party trail over Little Mountain and down Emigration Canyon, and they were the first of the Mormon pioneers to enter Salt Lake Valley.
[Snow writes in his journal: "From the view we had of the valley from the top of the mountain, we supposed it to be only an arm of prairie extending up from the Utah valley, but on ascending this butte we involuntarily, both at the same instant, uttered a shout of joy at finding it to be the very place of our destination, and beheld the broad bosom of the Salt Lake spreading itself before us."]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Erastus Snow, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
Erastus Snow was with the vanguard company of Mormon pioneers led by Brigham Young. On 21 July 1847 Snow and Orson Pratt, alternately riding a single horse and walking, followed the Donner Party trail over Little Mountain and down Emigration Canyon, and they were the first of the Mormon pioneers to enter Salt Lake Valley.
[Snow writes in his journal: "From the view we had of the valley from the top of the mountain, we supposed it to be only an arm of prairie extending up from the Utah valley, but on ascending this butte we involuntarily, both at the same instant, uttered a shout of joy at finding it to be the very place of our destination, and beheld the broad bosom of the Salt Lake spreading itself before us."]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Erastus Snow, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
180 years ago today - Jul 21, 1842
Wilford Woodruff writes: "There was a Counsel of the Twelve held for four days with Elder Orson Pratt to labour with him to get him to recall his sayings against Joseph & The Twelve but he persisted in his wicked course & would not recall any of his sayings which were made in public against Joseph & others sayings which were unjust & untrue. The Twelve then rejected him as a member of their quorum & he was cut off from the Church."
40 years ago today - Jul 20, 1982
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL publishes a letter to the editor by Apostle Bruce R. McConkie in response to an article about a National Nude Beach Days outing at Lake Mead which identified the organizer as a Mormon. "We cannot speak about the laws of your recreational areas, but we are in a position to inform members and nonmembers of our church that this type of nude conduct is not moral behavior and is not permissible if an individual is to remain a stalwart member of our faith and religious belief." McConkie then urged the LDS naturist "to immediately contact his local bishop regarding this immoral practice," or to contact Elder McConkie personally "for an immediate interview."
85 years ago today - 1937. July 20
[Butch Cassidy] Died of rectal cancer in Spokane at the age of seventy-one. He was cremated and his ashes scattered over the Little Spokane River.
[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]
125 years ago today - Jul 20, 1897
The Brigham Young statue in downtown Salt Lake City is unveiled as part of the Pioneer Jubilee celebrations. Wilford Woodruff unveils the statue: "In the name of God I unveil this statue." Catholic Bishop Lawrence L. Scanlan gives the Benediction.
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