Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
55 years ago today - Dec 01, 1970
The last issues of five Church magazines, the Children's Friend (published by the Primary), the Relief Society Magazine, the Instructor (published by the Sunday School), the Improvement Era (originally published by the MIA but later a general Church magazine), and Impact (published by the seminaries and institutes) are released.
110 years ago today - Dec 1, 1915
About noon I received a call, as per prior arrangements, from James E. Homans. We lunched together and spent some time in the discussion of the [pro-Mormon] work on which Mr. Homans has been for some time engaged, the preparation of articles and books on subjects relating to Mormonism. Mr. Homans delivered to me today a copy of a 157 page work entitled 'The Case Against Mormonism' by himself. Instead of his own name he uses on the title page the pen-name, Robert C. Webb, under which he has written in this particular field of literature. The book is a reply to a little work which appeared somewhat over a year ago, entitled, 'A Fourfold Test of Mormonism' by Prof. Henry C. Sheldon, of Boston University. The Webb's reply is published by L. L. Walton of the Sturgis and Walton Company. In company with Mr. Homans I visited the offices of Sturgis and Walton, and ordered five hundred copies of 'The Case Against Mormonism' to be shipped at once to the office of the Deseret News, Salt Lake
City.
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
City.
[James E. Talmage, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Thursday, Dec 1, 1910
[Counselor John Henry Smith]
At 3 p.m. I made a Call upon Joseph Smith, President of the Reorganized Church. He is nearly blind and also very Deaf. He is in good health and weighs 206 pounds.
[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]
At 3 p.m. I made a Call upon Joseph Smith, President of the Reorganized Church. He is nearly blind and also very Deaf. He is in good health and weighs 206 pounds.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
135 years ago today - Monday, Dec. 1st, 1890
[Abraham H. Cannon]
[U.S.] Pres. Harrison's message to Congress today expresses pleasure at the increase of the Gentiles in Utah, and at Pres. Woodruff's manifesto. He says, however, that the doctrine of polygamy is not abolished by this announcement, and while not wishing to see legislation against a mere belief he suggests that the Mormons be given no power whereby they may make this practice lawful.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
[U.S.] Pres. Harrison's message to Congress today expresses pleasure at the increase of the Gentiles in Utah, and at Pres. Woodruff's manifesto. He says, however, that the doctrine of polygamy is not abolished by this announcement, and while not wishing to see legislation against a mere belief he suggests that the Mormons be given no power whereby they may make this practice lawful.
[Abraham H. Cannon Journal Excerpts, http://www.amazon.com/Apostles-Record-Journals-Abraham-1889-1896/dp/B000MFD1K4]
140 years ago today - Dec 1, 1885 (Tuesday)
Lorenzo and Seth Wright were killed by Indians, near Layton, Graham Co., Arizona, in their attempt to rescue stolen horses.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
170 years ago today - Dec 1, 1855
[Hosea Stout]
Saturday 1 Decr 1855. Court met at nine a. m...
The time having drawn nigh when the court would close, we all like officers of hope, concluded to have a fashionable adjournment, so we ordered a good oyster supper. Brandy and cherry brandy to the tune of some ten or twelve bottles. All pitched in court, officers and bystanders and all got gloriously drunk, and went it till mid night.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Saturday 1 Decr 1855. Court met at nine a. m...
The time having drawn nigh when the court would close, we all like officers of hope, concluded to have a fashionable adjournment, so we ordered a good oyster supper. Brandy and cherry brandy to the tune of some ten or twelve bottles. All pitched in court, officers and bystanders and all got gloriously drunk, and went it till mid night.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
195 years ago today - Dec 1, 1830
Joseph Smith continues to revise Genesis (Moses 6:19-7:2) written by Emma Smith.
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]
195 years ago today - Dec 1, 1830
"Black Pete" joins the church in Kirtland,
[http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
[http://www.xtimeline.com/timeline/Chronology-Pertaining-to-Blacks-and-the-LDS-Church]
35 years ago today - Nov 30, 1990
The government of Ghana gives the Church permission to resume public activities in that country. In June 1989, the government had expelled the Church's missionaries and confined worship services to private homes.
165 years ago today - Nov 30, 1860
The President [Brigham Young] observed is it not remarkable that the Government should follow us with a mob still; it is damnable of them. They came here but could not harm us. They grumbled at us burning up their wagons. What the Devil was their wagons here for. Perhaps they did not think of it, but we could have whipped all before us even in Missouri if our retreat had been as good as it was here. The President Continued his remarks, and gave an account of the mobbings and drivings this people had received from the United States. He then quoted the prophecy of Joseph Smith against the United States and remarked his prophecies are now in part being fulfilled. He then Spoke of the downfall of Senator Steven A. Douglass. ... The Pres[ident] remarked we shall have a western Empire formed. When the Conversation closed the Judge respectfully left the Office after he left the Pres[ident] remarked the poor fool, ought to have known better than to have Called upon me. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Nov 30, 1845. Sunday.
[William Clayton on Nauvoo temple attic dedication]
We then offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and repeated them to get them more perfect. I was requested to keep minutes. President offered up prayers and dedicated the Attic story, the male room and ourselves to God, and prayed that God would sustain and deliver from the hands of our enemies, his servants untill they have accomplished his will in this house. Elder Taylor then sang "A poor wayfaring man of grief &c." after which we again offered up the signs and Elder Kimball prayed that the Lord would hear and answer the prayers of his servant Brigham, break off the yoke of our enemies and inasmuch as they lay traps for the feet of his servants, that they may fall into them themselves and be destroyed, that God would bless his servant Joseph Young, heal his wife and bless his family, that God would bless and heal Elder Kimballs family and put the same blessings on all our families which he had asked for Joseph Young and himself.
Hans C. Hanson the door keeper reported that there were two officers waiting at the foot of the stairs for President Young. The President concluded that he could bear to tarry up in the warm as long as they could stay in the cold waiting for him. Brother Amasa Lyman requested hands to be laid on him that he may be healed. Five of the brethren laid hands on him.
We again offered up the signs and Joseph Young prayed that our enemies may have no power over our leaders. He prayed for our brethren in England, on the Islands, Brothers Babbit, Turley and Reddins, also that the Trustees may have means to liquidate all the debts.
At 3 o'clock we undressed.
The side rooms are occupied as follows. The 1 st on the south side by President B. Young. The 2nd by H. C. Kimball. 3rd and 4th others of the Twelve. 5th Joseph Young and presidency of 70's. 6 is a preparation room. On the north side 1st Bishops and Lesser Priesthood. 2nd, President of the Stake and High Council. 3 and 4, High Priests quorum. 5, Elders Quorum. 6 Preparation room.
Hans C. and Peter O. Hanson are appointed to see to the fires, keep watch and guard the doors &c.
[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]
We then offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and repeated them to get them more perfect. I was requested to keep minutes. President offered up prayers and dedicated the Attic story, the male room and ourselves to God, and prayed that God would sustain and deliver from the hands of our enemies, his servants untill they have accomplished his will in this house. Elder Taylor then sang "A poor wayfaring man of grief &c." after which we again offered up the signs and Elder Kimball prayed that the Lord would hear and answer the prayers of his servant Brigham, break off the yoke of our enemies and inasmuch as they lay traps for the feet of his servants, that they may fall into them themselves and be destroyed, that God would bless his servant Joseph Young, heal his wife and bless his family, that God would bless and heal Elder Kimballs family and put the same blessings on all our families which he had asked for Joseph Young and himself.
Hans C. Hanson the door keeper reported that there were two officers waiting at the foot of the stairs for President Young. The President concluded that he could bear to tarry up in the warm as long as they could stay in the cold waiting for him. Brother Amasa Lyman requested hands to be laid on him that he may be healed. Five of the brethren laid hands on him.
We again offered up the signs and Joseph Young prayed that our enemies may have no power over our leaders. He prayed for our brethren in England, on the Islands, Brothers Babbit, Turley and Reddins, also that the Trustees may have means to liquidate all the debts.
At 3 o'clock we undressed.
The side rooms are occupied as follows. The 1 st on the south side by President B. Young. The 2nd by H. C. Kimball. 3rd and 4th others of the Twelve. 5th Joseph Young and presidency of 70's. 6 is a preparation room. On the north side 1st Bishops and Lesser Priesthood. 2nd, President of the Stake and High Council. 3 and 4, High Priests quorum. 5, Elders Quorum. 6 Preparation room.
Hans C. and Peter O. Hanson are appointed to see to the fires, keep watch and guard the doors &c.
[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 - Nov 30, 1845
[Heber C. Kimball on dedication of Nauvoo temple attic]
Went to the Temple at 10 in the Morning. ... At about 12 Oclock we clothed our selves for prair and council. Levi Richards come in at About Half past one in the after noon. We offered up the Signs of the Holy Presthood. Joseph Kingsbury, B. Young being Mouth offered up the dedacation of the Hall and small rooms. Set a chort time then H. C. Kimball was mouth, then praid once more [and] Joseph Young was mouth. We then clothed our selvs. The Twelve war called to gether By the President in his room. P. P. Pratt had maters to lay before the Twelve. Doctor Richards and A. Limon quite sick. They ware praid for and ware beter. We onclothed [unclothed] our selves. ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
Went to the Temple at 10 in the Morning. ... At about 12 Oclock we clothed our selves for prair and council. Levi Richards come in at About Half past one in the after noon. We offered up the Signs of the Holy Presthood. Joseph Kingsbury, B. Young being Mouth offered up the dedacation of the Hall and small rooms. Set a chort time then H. C. Kimball was mouth, then praid once more [and] Joseph Young was mouth. We then clothed our selvs. The Twelve war called to gether By the President in his room. P. P. Pratt had maters to lay before the Twelve. Doctor Richards and A. Limon quite sick. They ware praid for and ware beter. We onclothed [unclothed] our selves. ...
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
195 years ago today - Nov 30, 1830
George Washington Harris: A renouncing mason, married Lucinda Pendleton Morgan, widow of Masonic martyr William Morgan, 30 November 1830.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
195 years ago today - Nov 30, 1830
Bible Translation of Manuscript: OT 1, 10-11
Text: Gen. 4:25-5:11 (Moses 5:52-6:18); Gen. 5:38-6:16 (JST)
Scribe: John Whitmer
[Marquardt, H. Michael, The Four Gospels According to Joseph Smith, Xulon Press (2007), Chronology: Joseph Smith's Bible Revision, 1830-1835]
Text: Gen. 4:25-5:11 (Moses 5:52-6:18); Gen. 5:38-6:16 (JST)
Scribe: John Whitmer
[Marquardt, H. Michael, The Four Gospels According to Joseph Smith, Xulon Press (2007), Chronology: Joseph Smith's Bible Revision, 1830-1835]
65 years ago today - Nov 29, 1960
Immediately after his official trip with [a] Birch council member in [November] 1960, Ezra Taft Benson proposed to Brigham Young University's president that his son Reed Benson be used for "espionage" on the church school campus. To Apostle Harold B. Lee, Reed explained that as a BYU faculty member, "he could soon find out who the orthodox teachers were and report to his father." After resisting Apostle Benson's proposal for Reed's employment, Ernest Wilkinson countered that "neither Brother Lee nor I want espionage of that character."
Apostle Benson's call in November 1960 for "espionage" at Brigham Young University reflected two dimensions of the national leadership of the John Birch Society. First, their long-time preoccupation with university professors as Communist- sympathizers ("Comsymps"). Second, the Birch program for covert "infiltration" of various groups. Apostle Benson's encouragement for espionage at BYU would be implemented periodically during the 1960s and 1970s by members and advocates of the John Birch Society.
Wilkinson's diary indicated that Ezra Taft Benson first made the proposal which Reed later outlined to Harold B. Lee.
[Wilkinson diary, 29 Nov. 1960. Gary James Bergera and Ronald Priddis, Brigham Young University: A House of Faith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1985), 203, mention Reed Benson's offer but not his father's support of the "espionage" proposal. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
Apostle Benson's call in November 1960 for "espionage" at Brigham Young University reflected two dimensions of the national leadership of the John Birch Society. First, their long-time preoccupation with university professors as Communist- sympathizers ("Comsymps"). Second, the Birch program for covert "infiltration" of various groups. Apostle Benson's encouragement for espionage at BYU would be implemented periodically during the 1960s and 1970s by members and advocates of the John Birch Society.
Wilkinson's diary indicated that Ezra Taft Benson first made the proposal which Reed later outlined to Harold B. Lee.
[Wilkinson diary, 29 Nov. 1960. Gary James Bergera and Ronald Priddis, Brigham Young University: A House of Faith (Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1985), 203, mention Reed Benson's offer but not his father's support of the "espionage" proposal. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
75 years ago today - Nov 29, 1950
[J. Reuben Clark]
Brother Petersen told about the teachings of Bro. Jakeman at the BYU about the geography of the Book of Mormon, two Hills Cumorah, entire Book of Mormon took place in Guatemala, neither the Jaredites or Nephites got up into New York, and the Hill was placed there for the convenience of the Prophet. Pres. Clark suggested that he drop a letter to Bro. Jakeman. They agreed that nobody knows anything definite about the geography of the Book of Mormon. Pres. Clark said that furthermore, there was a great disturbance at the time of the Crucifixion, so there is nothing definite about the geography in terms of modern times. He also mentioned the city at the bottom of the lake, in Mexico.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
Brother Petersen told about the teachings of Bro. Jakeman at the BYU about the geography of the Book of Mormon, two Hills Cumorah, entire Book of Mormon took place in Guatemala, neither the Jaredites or Nephites got up into New York, and the Hill was placed there for the convenience of the Prophet. Pres. Clark suggested that he drop a letter to Bro. Jakeman. They agreed that nobody knows anything definite about the geography of the Book of Mormon. Pres. Clark said that furthermore, there was a great disturbance at the time of the Crucifixion, so there is nothing definite about the geography in terms of modern times. He also mentioned the city at the bottom of the lake, in Mexico.
[The Diaries of J. Reuben Clark, 1933-1961, Abridged, Digital Edition, Salt Lake City, Utah 2015]
80 years ago today - Nov 29, 1945
First counselor J. Reuben Clark instructs a stake president that the First Presidency has no objection to church funerals for suicides, who can also be buried in temple clothing. Clark explains, "[W]e permitted it usually in suicide cases on the theory that no person in his right mind would commit suicide and as he was not in his right mind there was no crime involved." He adds, "I told him that the idea was to be as comforting to the family as possible, in cases of suicide the family had double grief."
[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)]]
145 years ago today - Nov 29, 1880
[Joseph F. Smith]
Minutes of meetings read and corrected concerning the election of the First Presidency. Present: the First Presidency and W[ilford]. Woodruff and O[rson]. Pratt. It was unanimouslyagreed that members of the council of the Twelve should rank according to their ordination into the council and not by age nor previous ordination.
[Joseph F. Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
Minutes of meetings read and corrected concerning the election of the First Presidency. Present: the First Presidency and W[ilford]. Woodruff and O[rson]. Pratt. It was unanimouslyagreed that members of the council of the Twelve should rank according to their ordination into the council and not by age nor previous ordination.
[Joseph F. Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
180 years ago today - Nov 29, 1845. Saturday.
....Evening at President Youngs with The Band. President Young, H. C. Kimball, Joseph Young and Levi W. Hancock danced a french four together. The two former are the only two of the first twelve apostles who have never wavered since their appointment and the two latter are the only two of the first presidents of seventies who have never faltered. During the day the Twelve, Bishops Whitney and Miller and some others met in the Temple and laid the carpet on the main floor of the attic story, and also on several of the small rooms ready for the first quorum to meet in.
[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]
[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]
80 years ago today - Nov 27, 1945
Presiding Bishop LeGrand Richards coordinates the continued surveillance of the church-owned Belvedere Hotel and Temple Square Hotel to discover and stop the "evil practices" of tenants. For financial reasons this does not extend to the church's Hotel Utah.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Tuesday, Nov 27, 1900
A letter, addressed to Apostle F. M. Lyman by Elder Platte D. Lyman, president of the European Mission, was read. He spoke in reference to some deaf mutes in England, who professing belief in the gospel desired baptism. He was in doubt as to whether they should be given the privilege, as he feared they might possibly be disappointed in reference to some expectations they might have regarding the gift of healing. In such case the church would be injured. It was decided that if the mutes believe and have faith, they should not be denied baptism, and if they have sufficient faith to be healed, they could be healed.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
125 years ago today - Nov 27, 1900
[African American]
Enoch Abel, son of Elijah Abel, ordained an Elder.
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood]
Enoch Abel, son of Elijah Abel, ordained an Elder.
[Crapo, Richley, Chronology Pertaining to Blacks and the LDS Priesthood]
185 years ago today - Nov 27, 1840
[Wilford Woodruff]
.... "The floods & inundations of France of late has been dreadful & loss of property immense. I was informed one River was turned entirely out of its course & a stone found in the bed of the River bearing the following inscription: (He that findeth me shall weep.)"
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... "The floods & inundations of France of late has been dreadful & loss of property immense. I was informed one River was turned entirely out of its course & a stone found in the bed of the River bearing the following inscription: (He that findeth me shall weep.)"
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Nov 27, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
Much afflicted with my cold, yet able to be about. I am determined to overcom[e] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Spent the day in reading Hebrew at home.
The weather continues cold and unpleasant. Br[other] Parrish my scribe being afflicted with a cold asked me to lay my hands on him. In the name of the Lord I did so and in return I asked him to lay his hands on me. We were both relieved.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Much afflicted with my cold, yet able to be about. I am determined to overcom[e] in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Spent the day in reading Hebrew at home.
The weather continues cold and unpleasant. Br[other] Parrish my scribe being afflicted with a cold asked me to lay my hands on him. In the name of the Lord I did so and in return I asked him to lay his hands on me. We were both relieved.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
95 years ago today - Nov 26, 1930
[The Great Depression]
Transients were more and more in evidence. On 26 November 1930, according to the Deseret News, "More than 500 men who came to Salt lake City looking for work from other sections of the country have been picked up during the last three days by members of the police department and sent on their way". Unable to pay rent or meet mortgage payments, many families were dispossessed from their homes.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: The Great Depression, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
Transients were more and more in evidence. On 26 November 1930, according to the Deseret News, "More than 500 men who came to Salt lake City looking for work from other sections of the country have been picked up during the last three days by members of the police department and sent on their way". Unable to pay rent or meet mortgage payments, many families were dispossessed from their homes.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: The Great Depression, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
145 years ago today - Nov 26, 1880
Rev. Thomas DeWitt Talmage, a nationally known Protestant minister, preaches in Brooklyn, New York: "I tell you that Mormonism will never be destroyed until it is destroyed by the guns of the United States government. It would not be war. I hate war. It would be national police duty, executing the law against polygamy."
[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)]]
165 years ago today - Nov 26, 1860
[Wilford Woodruff]
The New York Herrald of Nov 1 1860 Howls Bitterly at the prospet of the desolution of the American Union which is nigh [at] the door as the signs of the times indicate. South Carolina is the first to cecede according to the Revelation of the Lord through Joseph Smith given December 25 1835. Four other States have already signifyed their intention to follow. The papers are full of the speeches of Southern Statesmen Calling upon the South to arm themselves against the North & to secede from the Northern States. The times are quite warlike.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The New York Herrald of Nov 1 1860 Howls Bitterly at the prospet of the desolution of the American Union which is nigh [at] the door as the signs of the times indicate. South Carolina is the first to cecede according to the Revelation of the Lord through Joseph Smith given December 25 1835. Four other States have already signifyed their intention to follow. The papers are full of the speeches of Southern Statesmen Calling upon the South to arm themselves against the North & to secede from the Northern States. The times are quite warlike.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 26, 1855
[Hosea Stout]
Court met at ten a. m. I commenced suit against Baker the prisoner and in favor of the perpetual Emmigrating Fund in the sum of $155.20. Mr Bair atty for defence who confessed judgement for the amount of the demand & execution issued.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Court met at ten a. m. I commenced suit against Baker the prisoner and in favor of the perpetual Emmigrating Fund in the sum of $155.20. Mr Bair atty for defence who confessed judgement for the amount of the demand & execution issued.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
145 years ago today - Nov 25, 1880
[Wilford Woodruff]
Thanksgiving day .... I heard a letter Read from James Blackburn a Missionary at Michigan ... He had received T a letter from B Palmer of Cleveland Ohio saying that the water Reservoy of the City had become so foul they Could not drink it. They drained the water off and they found in the bottom of it 700 dead infants all Probably begotten out of wedlock. How they Can as a Nation Stand with such Corruption in one Christian City Not ownly Evidence of 700 cases of whoredom in One City but of 700 Murders in one City and the inhabitants Drinking the water from their bodies.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Thanksgiving day .... I heard a letter Read from James Blackburn a Missionary at Michigan ... He had received T a letter from B Palmer of Cleveland Ohio saying that the water Reservoy of the City had become so foul they Could not drink it. They drained the water off and they found in the bottom of it 700 dead infants all Probably begotten out of wedlock. How they Can as a Nation Stand with such Corruption in one Christian City Not ownly Evidence of 700 cases of whoredom in One City but of 700 Murders in one City and the inhabitants Drinking the water from their bodies.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Nov 25, 1855 (Council Meeting)
[Brigham Young]
I want you [Orson Pratt] to let mysteries alone you made a gross mistake in printing Mother [Lucy Mack] Smith's history, there were too many thumping lies in it. Another was in publishing the marriage ceremony, and another was in diving into the mysteries of the Gods - Joseph said infants will remain in size and be filled, that is a great way this side of you - I expect to see an eternity variety... I cannot vouch for the truth of that book [Mother Smith's]- it mortifies me to see a bundle of lies printed no one of the Twelve ought to assume that authority or responsibility - I would not presume to do it myself there will be another addition - we shall leave out lots of things in it and many thing right to the reverse - I would rather every one was burnt up... You will find the Lord will put his hand over that [marriage ceremony] and hide it from the gentiles - if we hold our tongues about it.... suppose the Holy Ghost rested on you when you begat a child - it would rule the
fallen nature in the seed - Asked Orson Pratt if he did not believe that Jesus was begotten by the Holy Ghost? (No)... If we are faithful we shall know and we shall become Adams and hand down from generation to generation that we were formed of the dust of the earth - our father and our children can say it of us with all propriety - our bodies are actually organized here - We shall get our bodies from this earth and be exalted - I believe that the rib made Eve as much as I can make a baby out of that dais (pointing to one). -- Salt Lake City
[Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan 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 want you [Orson Pratt] to let mysteries alone you made a gross mistake in printing Mother [Lucy Mack] Smith's history, there were too many thumping lies in it. Another was in publishing the marriage ceremony, and another was in diving into the mysteries of the Gods - Joseph said infants will remain in size and be filled, that is a great way this side of you - I expect to see an eternity variety... I cannot vouch for the truth of that book [Mother Smith's]- it mortifies me to see a bundle of lies printed no one of the Twelve ought to assume that authority or responsibility - I would not presume to do it myself there will be another addition - we shall leave out lots of things in it and many thing right to the reverse - I would rather every one was burnt up... You will find the Lord will put his hand over that [marriage ceremony] and hide it from the gentiles - if we hold our tongues about it.... suppose the Holy Ghost rested on you when you begat a child - it would rule the
fallen nature in the seed - Asked Orson Pratt if he did not believe that Jesus was begotten by the Holy Ghost? (No)... If we are faithful we shall know and we shall become Adams and hand down from generation to generation that we were formed of the dust of the earth - our father and our children can say it of us with all propriety - our bodies are actually organized here - We shall get our bodies from this earth and be exalted - I believe that the rib made Eve as much as I can make a baby out of that dais (pointing to one). -- Salt Lake City
[Leonard J. Arrington Papers, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
185 years ago today - Nov 25, 1840, Wednesday
[William Clayton]
.... The saints frequently told us that the devil was over the river ...
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
.... The saints frequently told us that the devil was over the river ...
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
190 years ago today - Nov 25, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
Spent the day in Translating [Egyptian records]. To day Harvey Redfield and Jesse Hitchcock ar[r]ived here from Missourie. The latter says that he has no doubt but that a dose of poison was administered to him in a boll [bowl] of milk, but God deli/vered him/.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
Spent the day in Translating [Egyptian records]. To day Harvey Redfield and Jesse Hitchcock ar[r]ived here from Missourie. The latter says that he has no doubt but that a dose of poison was administered to him in a boll [bowl] of milk, but God deli/vered him/.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
40 years ago today - Nov 24, 1985
The second LDS fast day for African famine-relief ($4 million more donations).
[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)]]
60 years ago today - Nov 24, 1965
[Clare Middlemiss, McKay's secretary note] "President [Hugh B.] Brown said, 'Why cannot we have harmony?'
Clare answered, 'Yes, why?'
[Brown:] 'You got off the wrong track with me over the John Birch Society and Brother Benson.'
[Middlemiss:] 'I have only wanted to fight Communism, and have answered letters on the John Birch Society the way President McKay has told me to.'
President Brown said, 'I have wanted to fight Communism also, but not the way Benson or the John Birch Society are doing it —everybody is against them.'"
[Clare Middlemiss, "Notes" as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
Clare answered, 'Yes, why?'
[Brown:] 'You got off the wrong track with me over the John Birch Society and Brother Benson.'
[Middlemiss:] 'I have only wanted to fight Communism, and have answered letters on the John Birch Society the way President McKay has told me to.'
President Brown said, 'I have wanted to fight Communism also, but not the way Benson or the John Birch Society are doing it —everybody is against them.'"
[Clare Middlemiss, "Notes" as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
190 years ago today - Nov 24, 1835
Joseph Smith (specifically prohibited from performing the ceremony by the local county court) married Newell Knight (recently widowed) to Lydia G. Bailey. A state licensed Mormon Elder was available to do the marriage. Lydia was not divorced from her non-Mormon husband at the time. Newell wrote in his journal that Joseph Smith said "I have done it by the authority of the holy priesthood and the Gentile law has no power to call me to account for it. It is my religious privilege, and even the Congress of the United States has no power to make a law that would abridge the rights of my religion."
Lydia remembered Joseph saying, "Our Elders have been wronged and prosecuted for marrying without a license. The Lord God of Israel has given me authority to unite the people in the holy bonds of matrimony."
Joseph would perform five more illegal marriages over the next two months, calling one the "ancient order of marriage."
[Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.212]
Lydia remembered Joseph saying, "Our Elders have been wronged and prosecuted for marrying without a license. The Lord God of Israel has given me authority to unite the people in the holy bonds of matrimony."
Joseph would perform five more illegal marriages over the next two months, calling one the "ancient order of marriage."
[Brooke, John L. The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology, 1644-1844. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1994. p.212]
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