[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]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
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]
115 years ago today - Wednesday, Nov 23, 1910
[Second Counselor John Henry Smith]
I also spoke upon the question of Morality advocating the same standard for men as women.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
I also spoke upon the question of Morality advocating the same standard for men as women.
[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]
125 years ago today - Nov 23, 1900
Editorial in the Democratic Salt Lake Herald: "It is not likely that the active participation of church apostles in campaigns will ever be abandoned until the church realizes that such participation is injurious to church interests, as their best friends and a host of their own people believe."
[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 - Nov 23, 1870
.... I will say concerning the plates, I do say that the angel did show to me the plates containing the Book of Mormon. Further, the translation that I carried to Prof. Anthon was copied from these same plates; also, that the Professor did testify to it being a correct translation. ...
[Martin Harris to H. B. Emerson, 23 November 1870, Saints' Herald 22 (15 October 1875): 630. Reprinted in Millennial Star 39 (1 January 1877): 5., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Martin Harris To H. B. Emerson]
[Martin Harris to H. B. Emerson, 23 November 1870, Saints' Herald 22 (15 October 1875): 630. Reprinted in Millennial Star 39 (1 January 1877): 5., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Martin Harris To H. B. Emerson]
170 years ago today - Nov 23, 1855
[Hosea Stout]
Court met. Grand Jury presented Indictment against James Hart, John and Thomas Hildreth, Andrew Tippetts & Robert Lazenby for murder of Too-ebe an Indian on Meadow Creek[.] This is the same Indian which Levi Abrams was indicted and tried for killing
The court adjourned and I wrote an Indictment against Naw-oo-guich et al. Indians for the murder of Capt Gunnison and party on the 26th Oct 1853
Snowing this evening at dark[.] Robison and King gave an Oyster Supper and party to their boarders and friends this evening at which we eat oysters and danced and danced and eat oyster untill one a. m.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Court met. Grand Jury presented Indictment against James Hart, John and Thomas Hildreth, Andrew Tippetts & Robert Lazenby for murder of Too-ebe an Indian on Meadow Creek[.] This is the same Indian which Levi Abrams was indicted and tried for killing
The court adjourned and I wrote an Indictment against Naw-oo-guich et al. Indians for the murder of Capt Gunnison and party on the 26th Oct 1853
Snowing this evening at dark[.] Robison and King gave an Oyster Supper and party to their boarders and friends this evening at which we eat oysters and danced and danced and eat oyster untill one a. m.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
195 years ago today - Circa Nov 23, 1830
About a couple of weeks since, three men, calling themselves Oliver Cowdry, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, appeared in our village, laden with a new revelation, which they claim to be a codicil to the New Testament. . . .
The account which they give is substantially as follows:--at a recent period an angel appeared to a poor ignorant man residing in or near Palmyra in Ontario County in the State of New York, directed him to open the earth at a place designated, where he would find the new revelation engraved on plates of metal. In obedience to the celestial messenger, Smith repaired to the spot, and on opening the ground discovered an oblong stone box tightly closed with cement. He opened the sacred depository and found enclosed a bundle of plates resembling gold, carefully united at one edge with three silver wires so that they opened like a book. The plates were about 7 inches long and 6 broad, and the whole pile was about 6 inches deep, each plate about the thickness of tin. They were engraved in a character unintelligible to the learned men of the United States, to many of whom it is said they have been presented. The angel afterwards appeared to the three individuals, and showed them
the plates. To Smith was given to translate the character[s] which he was enabled to do by looking through two semi-transparent stones, but as he was ignorant of the art of writing, Cowdry and the others wrote as Smith interpreted. They say that part of the plates escaped from them in a supernatural manner and are to be again revealed when the events of the time shall require them. . . .
["Delusion," Geauga (OH) Gazette, circa 23 November 1830, as reprinted in Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer, 7 December 1830., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Geauga (Oh) Gazette]
The account which they give is substantially as follows:--at a recent period an angel appeared to a poor ignorant man residing in or near Palmyra in Ontario County in the State of New York, directed him to open the earth at a place designated, where he would find the new revelation engraved on plates of metal. In obedience to the celestial messenger, Smith repaired to the spot, and on opening the ground discovered an oblong stone box tightly closed with cement. He opened the sacred depository and found enclosed a bundle of plates resembling gold, carefully united at one edge with three silver wires so that they opened like a book. The plates were about 7 inches long and 6 broad, and the whole pile was about 6 inches deep, each plate about the thickness of tin. They were engraved in a character unintelligible to the learned men of the United States, to many of whom it is said they have been presented. The angel afterwards appeared to the three individuals, and showed them
the plates. To Smith was given to translate the character[s] which he was enabled to do by looking through two semi-transparent stones, but as he was ignorant of the art of writing, Cowdry and the others wrote as Smith interpreted. They say that part of the plates escaped from them in a supernatural manner and are to be again revealed when the events of the time shall require them. . . .
["Delusion," Geauga (OH) Gazette, circa 23 November 1830, as reprinted in Morning Courier and New-York Enquirer, 7 December 1830., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Geauga (Oh) Gazette]
80 years ago today - Nov 22, 1945
[George Albert Smith]
.... We talked about the equality of the Negro and association of races. The Lord has the last decision and if we will be fair to all he will bless us.
[George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
.... We talked about the equality of the Negro and association of races. The Lord has the last decision and if we will be fair to all he will bless us.
[George Albert Smith Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
125 years ago today - Nov 22, 1900; Thursday
.... After the opening exercises a letter from Professor Joshua H. Paul asking that the L.D.S. College be opened was read and on motion granted. The college was closed on account of the smallpox....
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
150 years ago today - Nov 22, 1875
[Patriarchal Blessing of Mary Ann Dowdle by Charles W. Hyde]
... I seal upon you health, from the crown of your head to the sole of your feet, that you may begin to amend from this very moment for the father has given his angels charge over thee, that you may live long upon earth, live until the winding up scene of this generation to accomplish every desire of thine heart in righteousness. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
... I seal upon you health, from the crown of your head to the sole of your feet, that you may begin to amend from this very moment for the father has given his angels charge over thee, that you may live long upon earth, live until the winding up scene of this generation to accomplish every desire of thine heart in righteousness. ...
[Patriarchal Blessings]
170 years ago today - Nov 22, 1855
Brigham Young secretly ordains his eleven-year-old son John W. an apostìe in connection with receiving the endowment. He also ordains his eighteen-year-old son Brigham Jr. as apostle, either this day or (more likely) at his namesake's endowment a few days earlier. The Twelve doesn't learn of these ordinations for almost nine years. In later years he secretly ordains two other sons as apostles.
[Wilford Woodruff related, "President Young said, 'I am going to tell you something that I have never before mentioned to any other person. I have ordained my sons, Joseph A., Brigham & John W., Apostles and My Counsellors. Have you any objections?' J. Taylor and G. A. Smith said they had not, that it was his own affair & they considered it under his own direction. He further stated, 'In ordaining my sons I have done no more than I am perfectly willing that you should do with yours. And I am determined to put my sons into active service in the Spiritual Affairs of the Kingdom and keep them there just as long as possible. You have the same privilege.'"]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[Wilford Woodruff related, "President Young said, 'I am going to tell you something that I have never before mentioned to any other person. I have ordained my sons, Joseph A., Brigham & John W., Apostles and My Counsellors. Have you any objections?' J. Taylor and G. A. Smith said they had not, that it was his own affair & they considered it under his own direction. He further stated, 'In ordaining my sons I have done no more than I am perfectly willing that you should do with yours. And I am determined to put my sons into active service in the Spiritual Affairs of the Kingdom and keep them there just as long as possible. You have the same privilege.'"]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Nov 21, 1900; Wednesday
Governor [Frank] Steunenberg of Idaho called and paid his respects to President Snow and Cannon. He stated that there was a friendly feeling towards our people in his state and that the recent charge of the Church interfering in politics in that state were known by the people to have been unfounded.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Nov 21, 1895
Attended council at Temple as usual ... After closing prayer by J[oseph]. F. Smith, Some Secret operations were disclosed by Pres[iden]t. Smith-- concerning parties at work for Co[lonel]. [Isaac] Trumbo among members elect to the Legislature to get him elected as one Senator from Utah to Congress he being in the interest of Spreckles & the Southern Pacific Rail-Road. It is understood his Bail is open. J[ohn] W Taylor is to see Pres[iden]t Geo[rge] Parkinson of Oneida Stake & regulate his ideas.
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Franklin D. Richards Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
140 years ago today - Nov 21, 1885
A deputy U.S. marshal is the first anti-Mormon to be arrested for the complaint of "lewd and lascivious conduct" signed by Brigham Y. Hampton, a Salt Lake City policeman. Hampton pays a professional madam to operate a brothel so that Mormon policemen can obtain evidence against those prominent in the anti-polygamy crusade. Hampton conducts his brothel espionage with the knowledge of the Salt Lake Presidency. A Deseret News editorial on 14 Dec 1885 argues in support of the brothel espionage: "It was the only way by which their guilt could be proven beyond question. It was disgusting business, no doubt. But which was the most disgusting, the detestation of their bestiality, or the acts which were witnessed?" Federal judge Charles S. Zane infuriates Mormons by quashing all those indictments with the argument: "A private act is not defined by the common law as a crime. When both parties go together out of the sight of everyone under the Connecticut law it is not an offense." Hampton is
then tried and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary for conspiracy and for operating a brothel. The First Presidency later compensates him financially.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
then tried and sentenced to one year in the penitentiary for conspiracy and for operating a brothel. The First Presidency later compensates him financially.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
140 years ago today - Nov 21, 1885 (Saturday)
Lorenzo Snow plead not guilty [to cohabitation] in the First District Court, in Ogden, and was admitted to bail.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
145 years ago today - Nov 21, 1880
Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner wrote in a letter to Emmeline B. Wells
"He [Joseph Smith Jr.] was commanded to take me for a wife," and ""I could tell you why I stayed with Mr. Lightner. Things the leaders of the Church does not know anything about. I did just as Joseph told me to do, as he knew what troubles I would have to contend with.""
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
"He [Joseph Smith Jr.] was commanded to take me for a wife," and ""I could tell you why I stayed with Mr. Lightner. Things the leaders of the Church does not know anything about. I did just as Joseph told me to do, as he knew what troubles I would have to contend with.""
[Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
150 years ago today - Nov 21, 1875
Local bishop reports that first counselor "George A. Smith preached in Salina, Sevier County last year and said that THE SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST will be here on Earth in 1891" (emphasis in original)
[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)]]
185 years ago today - Nov 21, 1840. Saturday.
Elder Turley and some others camped in the wood. He spake much to them and [called] upon those who had had quarrels to forgive each and manifest it. Many acknowledged their faults and asked forgiveness. Some spake in tongues and Wm. Poole interpreted. It was a time of rejoicing.
[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]
190 years ago today - Nov 21, 1835
Joseph Smith begins to study on his own the Hebrew lexicon and Hebrew books he received from New York City the previous day. He decides to pay for the services of a qualified Jewish teacher.
[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 - Nov 20, 1985
Mark Hofmann's attorney announces that Hofmann passed the polygraph test and thus did not kill Sheets and Christensen.
[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,]
[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,]
50 years ago today - Nov 20, 1975-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
After the meeting of executives I met with Elder Robert D. Hales for a period of 30 or 40 minutes. Here are random memories of the conversation. He said he is attempting to bring a little imagination, courage, and spontaneity into the church magazines. He feels that Doyle Green's regime [1970-72] has been autocratic, that he had been peremptory in what he would permit and not permit, and the result is loss of spontaneity. We end up with bland, milk-toast articles that are not creative and stimulating. Having been criticized and beaten down repeatedly, they quit fighting and publish[ed] lots of pretty pictures. ... "Why did you put in so many pictures in the New Era?" "Because it is simpler to put pictures than some text that they will get after us for!" Anyway, he encourages us to submit once more some teenager stories from Church History and thinks they will be a little more permissive of historical truth than they may have been in the past. The same goes true of the Ensign. Says
they are planning a special women's issue of the Ensign for March. This will feature an article by Claudia Bushman, poetry by Carol Lynn Pearson, and other things. ... he thinks they have got to be less paranoid in what they will accept for publication. There was a poem of Carol Lynn Pearson which they had accepted, ran it through Correlation, and Correlation came back with objection to a line which talked of people with spears. They didn't like that line "because she really means women libbers.["] He said he told them to get out of the office-that was ridiculous. They also suggested she change a line which said she had learned that her Heavenly Father was as smart as ... And she will [have to] change it to "smarter than ..." He said it is slow to change an institution-to get it moved where it needs to be, must be [aggressive]. ... Said he sympathized with our problems. Certain things are history-our history-but need they be said? Like the BY [Brigham Young] letters to his sons.
Did we need to mention that one of Brigham Young's sons had trouble with drugs, with the bottle? It's history, but need it be mentioned? He said he had given up the goal of getting unanimous feeling among the brethren. Among the 15 [First Presidency and Twelve Apostles] there are some who feel strongly on this, some on that, and he now feels that one can't be pushed by one person alone to do or not to do something. Must consider what the majority are willing to support.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
After the meeting of executives I met with Elder Robert D. Hales for a period of 30 or 40 minutes. Here are random memories of the conversation. He said he is attempting to bring a little imagination, courage, and spontaneity into the church magazines. He feels that Doyle Green's regime [1970-72] has been autocratic, that he had been peremptory in what he would permit and not permit, and the result is loss of spontaneity. We end up with bland, milk-toast articles that are not creative and stimulating. Having been criticized and beaten down repeatedly, they quit fighting and publish[ed] lots of pretty pictures. ... "Why did you put in so many pictures in the New Era?" "Because it is simpler to put pictures than some text that they will get after us for!" Anyway, he encourages us to submit once more some teenager stories from Church History and thinks they will be a little more permissive of historical truth than they may have been in the past. The same goes true of the Ensign. Says
they are planning a special women's issue of the Ensign for March. This will feature an article by Claudia Bushman, poetry by Carol Lynn Pearson, and other things. ... he thinks they have got to be less paranoid in what they will accept for publication. There was a poem of Carol Lynn Pearson which they had accepted, ran it through Correlation, and Correlation came back with objection to a line which talked of people with spears. They didn't like that line "because she really means women libbers.["] He said he told them to get out of the office-that was ridiculous. They also suggested she change a line which said she had learned that her Heavenly Father was as smart as ... And she will [have to] change it to "smarter than ..." He said it is slow to change an institution-to get it moved where it needs to be, must be [aggressive]. ... Said he sympathized with our problems. Certain things are history-our history-but need they be said? Like the BY [Brigham Young] letters to his sons.
Did we need to mention that one of Brigham Young's sons had trouble with drugs, with the bottle? It's history, but need it be mentioned? He said he had given up the goal of getting unanimous feeling among the brethren. Among the 15 [First Presidency and Twelve Apostles] there are some who feel strongly on this, some on that, and he now feels that one can't be pushed by one person alone to do or not to do something. Must consider what the majority are willing to support.
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
140 years ago today - Nov 20, 1885
[Wilford Woodruff]
"I was Just informed that Lorenzo Snow was arested at Brigham City." [He was returning from a mission among Indian tribes in the Northwest, when arrested for unlawful cohabitation. After a trial and unsuccessful appeals, he was taken to the Utah Territorial Penitentiary on March 12, 1886.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
"I was Just informed that Lorenzo Snow was arested at Brigham City." [He was returning from a mission among Indian tribes in the Northwest, when arrested for unlawful cohabitation. After a trial and unsuccessful appeals, he was taken to the Utah Territorial Penitentiary on March 12, 1886.]
[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 20, 1835
[Joseph Smith]
We spent the day in translating [from Egyptian papyri] and made rapid progress.
At evening, President [Oliver] Cowdery returned from New York bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books for the benefit of the school. He presented me with a Hebrew Bible, lexicon and grammar, also a Greek Lexicon and Webster's English Lexicon.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
We spent the day in translating [from Egyptian papyri] and made rapid progress.
At evening, President [Oliver] Cowdery returned from New York bringing with him a quantity of Hebrew books for the benefit of the school. He presented me with a Hebrew Bible, lexicon and grammar, also a Greek Lexicon and Webster's English Lexicon.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
195 years ago today - Nov 20, 1830
Letter to the Editor: "You have probably heard of the Gold Bible taken from the earth by Joseph, the money-digger. This he has translated from the Egyptian reformed language to English, by a pair of stone spectacles (provided by an angel) and a dark hat before his eyes. The books have been printed, and J.S. [Josiah Stowell?] and Mr. N--s [Joseph Knight(s), Sr.?] are engaged in peddling the same. The society are increasing. Eighteen have been baptized in a day. ... The leaders pretend to cast out devils and work miracles, heal the sick, &c. We have seen none of their miracles here, except N.N. [Newel Knight] I heard say in meeting, that he had the devil cast out." I just add, that I have been almost in contact with these peddlers in different parts of this county, having my information from them only through most credible second hand informers, who state that they said, they know the book, and the manner in which it is said to have been found, was true; or that they did not
believe it, but know it. They are said to be respectable men. The wife of one of them, though immersed formerly by an Elder in this county, has been immersed or baptized again into this new system. I only state facts, and leave the judicious and pious to their own reflections.
CLERICUS.
[Letter to editor, Brattleboro' (VT) Messenger, 20 November 1830., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Brattleboro' (Vt) Messenger]
believe it, but know it. They are said to be respectable men. The wife of one of them, though immersed formerly by an Elder in this county, has been immersed or baptized again into this new system. I only state facts, and leave the judicious and pious to their own reflections.
CLERICUS.
[Letter to editor, Brattleboro' (VT) Messenger, 20 November 1830., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Brattleboro' (Vt) Messenger]
60 years ago today - Nov 19, 1965
David O. McKay met privately with Ezra Taft Benson, who "gave a report on the serious inroads the Communists have made in this country…. I am convinced that our country is already on the road to Socialism, and that the Communists are making gains here." Benson then suggested that McKay's new counselor, Thorpe Isaacson, be sent to a two-day John Birch Society seminar in December to learn about "Communism and conditions in our country." McKay agreed. Isaacson later elected not to go to the seminar.
[David O. McKay diary 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)]
[David O. McKay diary 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)]
105 years ago today - Nov 19, 1920; Friday
[Apostle Anthony Ivins]
Should children who are not in the church be permitted to partake of the sacrement.[?]
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
Should children who are not in the church be permitted to partake of the sacrement.[?]
[Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013) - http://bit.ly/AnthonyIvins]
110 years ago today - Nov 19, 1915
Joe Hill was executed on 19 November 1915 after appeals for clemency from Helen Keller, President Woodrow Wilson, and the Swedish ambassador were ignored, although there were many who believed Joe Hill was innocent.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Capital Punishment, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Capital Punishment, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
135 years ago today - Nov 19, 1890
[President Wilford Woodruff]
I had an interview with Joseph L Lee a hunter and preacher of the Josephite [RLDS] Order. He wanted me to let him have our tabernacles to preach in & warn the people to go back to Jackson County & those who did not go would be Destroyed. I told him we did not believe in him or his mission.
A Colored woman Called upon me & wanted us to make a Donation to help them to build a Methodist Meeting House
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I had an interview with Joseph L Lee a hunter and preacher of the Josephite [RLDS] Order. He wanted me to let him have our tabernacles to preach in & warn the people to go back to Jackson County & those who did not go would be Destroyed. I told him we did not believe in him or his mission.
A Colored woman Called upon me & wanted us to make a Donation to help them to build a Methodist Meeting House
[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 - Nov. 19th 1870
Prest. Kimball made some energetic remarks on the first adoption of the principle of Co-operation in this valley. Gentile merchants took it for granted that the people would obey counsel and were glad to sell out but when Prest. Rich gave permission to some of the brethren to trade with the Gentiles on account of the circumstances surrounding them advantage was taken of it and Gentile trading was increased until now it was nearly as prevalent as ever. He called upon the brethren to repent of these things and take the gospel entire and not merely believe and practice a part of it. Prest. Rich said Co-operation was intended ultimately to do away with the importation of goods. Through the command of greater capital Gentiles were enabled to sell their goods a little cheaper than we can but if we had the faith in Prest. Young that we should have we would not think of attributing these little differences to dishonest workings.
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
170 years ago today - Nov 19, 1855
The grand jury presented ... indictments against John F. Coffman & Joseph Holman for trading with the Indians.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
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