Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
50 years ago today - Feb 9, 1976
Thomas Stuart Ferguson, former "Book of Mormon archaeology" organizer and defender of the faith writes to friends that individuals need to believe in something, for "otherwise we face the abyss of death and extinction.... Joseph Smith tried so hard he put himself out on a limb with the Book of Abraham, and also with the Book of Mormon. He can be refuted-but why bother when all religion is based on myth, and when man must have them, and his is one of the very best." He compares the refuting of religious myths to abolishing medical placebos then says: "Why not say the right things and keep your membership in the great fraternity, enjoying the good things you like and discarding the ones you can't swallow (and keeping your mouths shut)? Hypocritical? Maybe. But perhaps a realistic way of dealing with a very difficult problem. There is lots left in the Church to enjoy-and thousands of members have done, and are doing, what I suggest you consider doing"
60 years ago today - Feb 9, 1966
[David O. McKay] Met by appointment Elder Ezra Taft Benson who said that the editors of the American Opinion magazine would like to have my portrait on the cover of their April issue. He said this magazine is published in Belmont, Massachusetts, and is a high-class publication. He showed me several past issues with pictures of Senator Barry Goldwater, the Honorable J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI, and other prominent Americans. Brother Benson said that they needed a colored photograph and some biographical material, and I asked him to get these from my secretary, Clare. After discussing the matter, I could see no reason why I should not grant permission for the editors to use my picture.
[Benson did not inform McKay that American Opinion was the monthly magazine of the right-wing John Birch Society].
[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)]
[Benson did not inform McKay that American Opinion was the monthly magazine of the right-wing John Birch Society].
[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)]
85 years ago today - Feb 9, 1941
He moved back to Salt Lake City in 1933 and retired from active business and political pursuits to devote his full-time efforts to his apostolic calling until his death on 9 February 1941 in St Petersburg, Florida, while on a visit. At the time of his death, he was next in line to succeed the president of the Quorum of the Twelve and third in line to succeed the president of the Mormon Church. While serving as an apostle and Senator, Reed Smoot helped to improve the public image of both the state of Utah and the Mormon Church in the eyes of the rest of the nation.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Reed Smoot, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Reed Smoot, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
85 years ago today - Feb 9, 1941
Apostle Reed Smoot dies, and another apostle comments: "I knew he had been afflicted in his mind for some time." President Grant noted this on 13 Nov. 1938.
[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)]]
95 years ago today - Feb 9, 1931
Sterling Talmage, professor of geology at the New Mexico School of Mines writes to his father, Apostle James E. Talmage: "You ask 'how Price is held in the opinion of geologists in general.' As far as I can tell (and it seems to be the unanimous opinion of those who know his book, at least so far as I have talked with them), he is considered as a theological fanatic, who has gone off on a tangent that most geologists seem to find funny. I never heard his book discussed-without the element of comedy being dragged in. All of Price's arguments, in principle at least, were advanced and refuted from fifty to a hundred years ago. They are not 'new.' His ideas certainly are not 'Geology.' WITH THESE TWO CORRECTIONS, the title remains the best part of the book." In a discussion on evolution before the Quorum of Apostles, Joseph Fielding Smith had used George McCready Price's book THE NEW GEOLOGY and presented Price (professor of geology at a small parochial college in the Midwest and
author of early science-bashing, creationist books) as an authority on geology. Talmage, a supporter of evolution, wrote to his son for 'ammunition' to use in the debates with Joseph Fielding Smith.
author of early science-bashing, creationist books) as an authority on geology. Talmage, a supporter of evolution, wrote to his son for 'ammunition' to use in the debates with Joseph Fielding Smith.
95 years ago today - Feb 9, 1931
.... I have much more to present after hearing Elder Smith' reply to my own paper, which should be said before any decision is rendered. To me both the discourse on the points questioned, and the paper in defense of them is slighter (?) than a house of cards [no life before the fall. ]Yet it was on such pabulum as this that suspended the publication of my book ' now in manuscript ' 'The Truth, The Way, The Life.' This book [describing "pre-Adamites" before the fall] from my judgement of it is the most important work that I have yet contributed to the Church, the six-volumed Comprehensive History of the Church not omitted. Life at my years and with an incurable ailment is very precarious, and I should dislike very much to pass on without completing and publishing this work. I therefore ask that in any arrangement that may be made for a further hearing, I may be permitted to present my views on Elder Smith's paper in reply to mine, and if the position he has taken can be met
successfully, then I think the principal cause of suspending the publication of my work, 'The Truth, The Way, The Life' will be removed.
[Robert's book was not published until the 1990s]
[B. H. Roberts, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
successfully, then I think the principal cause of suspending the publication of my work, 'The Truth, The Way, The Life' will be removed.
[Robert's book was not published until the 1990s]
[B. H. Roberts, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
105 years ago today - Feb 9, 1921
[Heber J. Grant]
[In Oakland, California] The entertainment between the speeches was furnished by the hotel, and one of the features was the Hawaiian dance, which was certainly very disgusting to me. I felt almost tempted to leave the banquet, but I believe the majority of the people were equally as much disgusted as myself and therefore I concluded to stop until the banquet closed.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[In Oakland, California] The entertainment between the speeches was furnished by the hotel, and one of the features was the Hawaiian dance, which was certainly very disgusting to me. I felt almost tempted to leave the banquet, but I believe the majority of the people were equally as much disgusted as myself and therefore I concluded to stop until the banquet closed.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Feb 9, 1911
[George F. Richards]
.... appointment was cancelled that I might be in attendance at a meeting of a committee appointed to meet three of the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. proffessors who are charged with having systematically taught in the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. doctrines in conflict with the doctrines of the gospel &c [IE evolution].
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
.... appointment was cancelled that I might be in attendance at a meeting of a committee appointed to meet three of the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. proffessors who are charged with having systematically taught in the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. doctrines in conflict with the doctrines of the gospel &c [IE evolution].
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Feb 9, 1901
Elder Charles W. Penrose also called and presented some manuscript writing in relation to the Governor's veto of the anti-compulsory vaccination bill, that he desired to publish in the [Deseret] News as an editorial, but desired the approval of President Snow on the matter. He had not read very far before President Snow stated that he thought it wisdom not to say anything in way of criticism of the Governor's attitude.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Feb 9, 1886
[Edward Stevenson]
.... Call[ed] on David Whitmer 8 years ago I visited him & now again[.] ... Father Whitmer Showed me the old manuscript in several dif[f]erent hand writeings also the 7 or 8 lines of charectors that Martin Harris took to Anthony [Charles Anthon] of N.Y. ... Now as 8 years ago he [David Whitmer] Says ["]as I live and Stand upon the earth so shure did I see the Angle who Stood before us. while we were sitting upon a log[,] that is Joseph & I <<& Oliver Cowdry>>[.] we were talking when a bright light began to Shine around us[.] it grew brighter & brighter untill an Angle Stood before us[.] a table [was] in front of him on which was the Plates and the other Plates[,] the Sword of Laben[,] Ball or Compass &c. the plates were shown [to] us [and the] leaves turned over[.] a portion of them were sealed. We also he[a]rd a voice commanding us to bear a testamony of these things to the World &c &c--["] He also relates to me that previous to Joseph Coming to him only a short time while he
was plowing in the field he he[a]rd a voice and saw a personage[.] the voice Said ["]Blessed is the name of the Lord & they who keep his commandments["] Soon after which Joseph came along & said ["]David you are chosen to be one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon.["] he left his team tied up to the fence & they went through a clearing & into the edge of the Woods & sat upon the log as spoken of above. He also relates a little very interesting Incident that occurred in June 1829, David, Oliver, & Joseph, were riding from Harmony[,] Pa.-- the 2 former in front & Joseph [in] back sitting in the bed on hay or straw[.] David had bin down with his team over 100 miles to fetch Joseph up to his mothers to translate the Book of Mormon about 2 1/2 days drive. while thus rideing an aged looking old man came walking along putting his hand on the wagon bed, he had on his back a knapsack & the Strap crossed on his breast[.] he took his handkerchief and wiped his face to remove the sweat as
it Seemed to them[.] David who was driveing his team said to the man ["]will you get up and ride[?"] ["]no["] said he ["]I am only going over to Comorah["] & Suddenly disappeared[.] they stop[p]ed the team amazed at the Sudden disap[p]earance of the fine looking stranger[.] he says that they all felt so strangely-- that they asked the Prophet to enquire of the Lord who this stranger was. Soon David said they turned around & Joseph looked pale almost transparent & said that [the man] was one of the Nephites, and [that] he had the Plates of the Book of Mormon in the knapsac[k]-- After their arival home the[y] felt the influence of this same personage around them for he said thare was a Heavenly feeling with this Nephite. Mother Whitmer Said and told them that She had see[n] this same man the Nephite & [that] he showed her the Plates and that a portion of them were Sealed together. This was a great privalige to her but She was good to Joseph the Prophet and here was her reward. David
delighted to relate meny of those incidents. But as to Peter[,] James & John Comeing to Joseph & Confering the Priesthood upon him he is ignorant of it[.] he Says that the Lord commanded and that is all. But here he is in the dark. ...
[Edward Stevenson, Journal, 24:30-37, entry of 9 February 1886, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.]
.... Call[ed] on David Whitmer 8 years ago I visited him & now again[.] ... Father Whitmer Showed me the old manuscript in several dif[f]erent hand writeings also the 7 or 8 lines of charectors that Martin Harris took to Anthony [Charles Anthon] of N.Y. ... Now as 8 years ago he [David Whitmer] Says ["]as I live and Stand upon the earth so shure did I see the Angle who Stood before us. while we were sitting upon a log[,] that is Joseph & I <<& Oliver Cowdry>>[.] we were talking when a bright light began to Shine around us[.] it grew brighter & brighter untill an Angle Stood before us[.] a table [was] in front of him on which was the Plates and the other Plates[,] the Sword of Laben[,] Ball or Compass &c. the plates were shown [to] us [and the] leaves turned over[.] a portion of them were sealed. We also he[a]rd a voice commanding us to bear a testamony of these things to the World &c &c--["] He also relates to me that previous to Joseph Coming to him only a short time while he
was plowing in the field he he[a]rd a voice and saw a personage[.] the voice Said ["]Blessed is the name of the Lord & they who keep his commandments["] Soon after which Joseph came along & said ["]David you are chosen to be one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon.["] he left his team tied up to the fence & they went through a clearing & into the edge of the Woods & sat upon the log as spoken of above. He also relates a little very interesting Incident that occurred in June 1829, David, Oliver, & Joseph, were riding from Harmony[,] Pa.-- the 2 former in front & Joseph [in] back sitting in the bed on hay or straw[.] David had bin down with his team over 100 miles to fetch Joseph up to his mothers to translate the Book of Mormon about 2 1/2 days drive. while thus rideing an aged looking old man came walking along putting his hand on the wagon bed, he had on his back a knapsack & the Strap crossed on his breast[.] he took his handkerchief and wiped his face to remove the sweat as
it Seemed to them[.] David who was driveing his team said to the man ["]will you get up and ride[?"] ["]no["] said he ["]I am only going over to Comorah["] & Suddenly disappeared[.] they stop[p]ed the team amazed at the Sudden disap[p]earance of the fine looking stranger[.] he says that they all felt so strangely-- that they asked the Prophet to enquire of the Lord who this stranger was. Soon David said they turned around & Joseph looked pale almost transparent & said that [the man] was one of the Nephites, and [that] he had the Plates of the Book of Mormon in the knapsac[k]-- After their arival home the[y] felt the influence of this same personage around them for he said thare was a Heavenly feeling with this Nephite. Mother Whitmer Said and told them that She had see[n] this same man the Nephite & [that] he showed her the Plates and that a portion of them were Sealed together. This was a great privalige to her but She was good to Joseph the Prophet and here was her reward. David
delighted to relate meny of those incidents. But as to Peter[,] James & John Comeing to Joseph & Confering the Priesthood upon him he is ignorant of it[.] he Says that the Lord commanded and that is all. But here he is in the dark. ...
[Edward Stevenson, Journal, 24:30-37, entry of 9 February 1886, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.]
180 years ago today - Feb 9, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
.... I went with my family to the river to cross over into Iowa. We waited awhile for a boat at length we went on board of an old small boat and started over. The wind being quite high & the river very ruff. While on the watter I beheld the most heart rending and dangerous scenes that I was ever called to witness[.] When about half across the river there was a man and two Boy in a Skiff coming from one of the the islands with a load of woodthe Skiff was loaded down allmost to the top and upon coming out in the open water began to fill by the waves running over the top[.] The man did not understand how to manage a watter craft & kept it with the side to the waves. He began to throw out the wood to the windward which hung on the edge of the Skiff and only made it fill faster[.] The Boys were fritened at every wave and would Scream at the Startling approach of death. At this time our boat was but a short distance below and opposite to them.
I endeavored to have him turn his Skiff towards our boat and come to us which would have made him perfectly Safe; but he heeded not any thing that was Said. In a few minutes after passing us & but a Short distance his Skiff Swamped and drifted on the water without sinking however
All on our Boat Stood petrified as it were at the passing scene while the Screemes of the boys for help thrilled through every heart. We expected them every moment to go to the bottom[.] A short distance behind us was another larger ferry boat coming over with two waggons, two yokes of oxen and about twenty people on board. This boat Saw the Situation of those in the Skiff and turned down Stream a little & took them in & Saved them from a watery grave[.] About the time that we thought them all safe on board the boat and felt relieved from our anxiety and was going on our way we were called to behold a tenfold more melancholy event transpire. We were alarmed by the Schrieks & cries of the men women & children on the boat[.] All seemed to screem and cry & becken to us to come to them in the hiest state of alarmin a moment we Saw that their boat was sinking in the middle of the river and were imploring us in the fear of instant death to come to their rescue. They made every
sign token cry scream gesture and manifestation of distress that I had ever saw in my life and would rise on the waggons & edge of the boat and continue these distressing tokins of their situation untill they were disheartened and their voice would pine away in the utter hopelessness of being Saved they gave themselves up to a watery grave and all was hushed and the boat went down. In a few minutes we saw them scattered on the surface of the water lik so many wild fowls in Silent & frightful anticipations of soon leaving this world of fears & disappointments[.] Some were on feather beads sticks of wood, lumber or any thing they could get holt of and were tossed & Sported on the water at the mercy of the cold and unrelenting waves which Seemed to vie with each other which should treat their frightened visitors with the most rude and deathly reception. Some climbed on the top of the waggon which did not go quite under and were more comfortable while the cows & oxen on board were seen
Swimming to the shore from whence they came
It was some time before any relief came to them[.] A Boat which was crossing over empty came to them and with Some Skiffs & Sail boats Succeeded in Saving them and not one of them were lost though Some were So near gone that they coul not speak
When the boat first began to Sink we attempted to turn our boat and go to their relief but on attempting to turn our boat come very near Sinking and we were obliged to desist and abandon the idea of rendering them any assistance[.] We were coming into a part of the river where the waves ran higher and instead of saving them we found that we were also near going to the bottom also whereupon we made for the shore on an adjacent island which we made just in time to Save ourselves[.] Had the shore have been much farther there is no doubt but we must have Sank in the deep Swift currant which swept to the very Shore[.] I succeeded in landing my family on the island to my great joy though in a very bleak and cold island amid mud and a thick under wood. My wife and oldest son both just able to walk. We stook there & and contemplated the sad spectacle of our brethren & sisters strugling in death & our own narrow escape from the same fate[.] Fatigued and worn out with my family sick
we proceeded down the shores of the island to the camp which at length we reached in a desolate situationthe brethren rendered us all the comfort in their power while those from the sunken boat also landed allmost chilled to death excited the liveliest sympathy in every breast
While beholding this melancholy Scene I remembered the revelation which Said the Lord had cursed the waters in the Last Days and Said in my heart it was verily true[.] This was not all the disasters which were in our midst for in the time of our difficulty in the watter the Temple took fire in the roof from the centre stove pipe and came very near burning down and the news was spread over the city that a boat had sunk with me and my family on it and that we were drownd and the Temple on Fire at the same time which created an unusual excitement[.] The people ran to the river & Temple in confusion. By great & uncommon exertions the fire was extinguished not however before the roof was burndd about 12 feet square[.] And after the people had learned that no one was drowned the excitement ceased and the city was again quiet.
It seemed that the destroyer brooded over the land and water at this time & was in a fair way to be triumphant....
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
.... I went with my family to the river to cross over into Iowa. We waited awhile for a boat at length we went on board of an old small boat and started over. The wind being quite high & the river very ruff. While on the watter I beheld the most heart rending and dangerous scenes that I was ever called to witness[.] When about half across the river there was a man and two Boy in a Skiff coming from one of the the islands with a load of woodthe Skiff was loaded down allmost to the top and upon coming out in the open water began to fill by the waves running over the top[.] The man did not understand how to manage a watter craft & kept it with the side to the waves. He began to throw out the wood to the windward which hung on the edge of the Skiff and only made it fill faster[.] The Boys were fritened at every wave and would Scream at the Startling approach of death. At this time our boat was but a short distance below and opposite to them.
I endeavored to have him turn his Skiff towards our boat and come to us which would have made him perfectly Safe; but he heeded not any thing that was Said. In a few minutes after passing us & but a Short distance his Skiff Swamped and drifted on the water without sinking however
All on our Boat Stood petrified as it were at the passing scene while the Screemes of the boys for help thrilled through every heart. We expected them every moment to go to the bottom[.] A short distance behind us was another larger ferry boat coming over with two waggons, two yokes of oxen and about twenty people on board. This boat Saw the Situation of those in the Skiff and turned down Stream a little & took them in & Saved them from a watery grave[.] About the time that we thought them all safe on board the boat and felt relieved from our anxiety and was going on our way we were called to behold a tenfold more melancholy event transpire. We were alarmed by the Schrieks & cries of the men women & children on the boat[.] All seemed to screem and cry & becken to us to come to them in the hiest state of alarmin a moment we Saw that their boat was sinking in the middle of the river and were imploring us in the fear of instant death to come to their rescue. They made every
sign token cry scream gesture and manifestation of distress that I had ever saw in my life and would rise on the waggons & edge of the boat and continue these distressing tokins of their situation untill they were disheartened and their voice would pine away in the utter hopelessness of being Saved they gave themselves up to a watery grave and all was hushed and the boat went down. In a few minutes we saw them scattered on the surface of the water lik so many wild fowls in Silent & frightful anticipations of soon leaving this world of fears & disappointments[.] Some were on feather beads sticks of wood, lumber or any thing they could get holt of and were tossed & Sported on the water at the mercy of the cold and unrelenting waves which Seemed to vie with each other which should treat their frightened visitors with the most rude and deathly reception. Some climbed on the top of the waggon which did not go quite under and were more comfortable while the cows & oxen on board were seen
Swimming to the shore from whence they came
It was some time before any relief came to them[.] A Boat which was crossing over empty came to them and with Some Skiffs & Sail boats Succeeded in Saving them and not one of them were lost though Some were So near gone that they coul not speak
When the boat first began to Sink we attempted to turn our boat and go to their relief but on attempting to turn our boat come very near Sinking and we were obliged to desist and abandon the idea of rendering them any assistance[.] We were coming into a part of the river where the waves ran higher and instead of saving them we found that we were also near going to the bottom also whereupon we made for the shore on an adjacent island which we made just in time to Save ourselves[.] Had the shore have been much farther there is no doubt but we must have Sank in the deep Swift currant which swept to the very Shore[.] I succeeded in landing my family on the island to my great joy though in a very bleak and cold island amid mud and a thick under wood. My wife and oldest son both just able to walk. We stook there & and contemplated the sad spectacle of our brethren & sisters strugling in death & our own narrow escape from the same fate[.] Fatigued and worn out with my family sick
we proceeded down the shores of the island to the camp which at length we reached in a desolate situationthe brethren rendered us all the comfort in their power while those from the sunken boat also landed allmost chilled to death excited the liveliest sympathy in every breast
While beholding this melancholy Scene I remembered the revelation which Said the Lord had cursed the waters in the Last Days and Said in my heart it was verily true[.] This was not all the disasters which were in our midst for in the time of our difficulty in the watter the Temple took fire in the roof from the centre stove pipe and came very near burning down and the news was spread over the city that a boat had sunk with me and my family on it and that we were drownd and the Temple on Fire at the same time which created an unusual excitement[.] The people ran to the river & Temple in confusion. By great & uncommon exertions the fire was extinguished not however before the roof was burndd about 12 feet square[.] And after the people had learned that no one was drowned the excitement ceased and the city was again quiet.
It seemed that the destroyer brooded over the land and water at this time & was in a fair way to be triumphant....
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Feb 9, 1846
The Twelve drop John E. Page for accepting the succession claim of James J. Strang.
While some Mormons are crossing the Mississippi River on flatboats (in preparation for the trek westward) a fire breaks out on the top floor of the Nauvoo temple. A bucket brigade is organized and takes about a half hour to put the fire out. It is discovered that the fire "was caused by [a] stovepipe being overheated." Brigham Young, upon seeing the flames from a distance says to himself: "if it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the Gentiles, Amen to it."
Meanwhile on one of the flatboats a wagon and team of oxen go off into the river after "a filthy wicked man squirted some tobacco juice into the eyes of one of the oxen." This unbalances the flatboat which takes on water and sinks.
Mormon Samuel W. Richards writes: "In the eve. met at the Temple with a select party for a Dance, several of the twelve being present, and all the Brass band. Commenced a little before Eight with preyer by Bro. Hyde, and continued the merriment with a plenty of wine untill 10 minutes to 3 morn. Continued work at the Temple as usual and on"
While some Mormons are crossing the Mississippi River on flatboats (in preparation for the trek westward) a fire breaks out on the top floor of the Nauvoo temple. A bucket brigade is organized and takes about a half hour to put the fire out. It is discovered that the fire "was caused by [a] stovepipe being overheated." Brigham Young, upon seeing the flames from a distance says to himself: "if it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the Gentiles, Amen to it."
Meanwhile on one of the flatboats a wagon and team of oxen go off into the river after "a filthy wicked man squirted some tobacco juice into the eyes of one of the oxen." This unbalances the flatboat which takes on water and sinks.
Mormon Samuel W. Richards writes: "In the eve. met at the Temple with a select party for a Dance, several of the twelve being present, and all the Brass band. Commenced a little before Eight with preyer by Bro. Hyde, and continued the merriment with a plenty of wine untill 10 minutes to 3 morn. Continued work at the Temple as usual and on"
180 years ago today - Feb 9, 1846
[Brigham Young]
[After a fire broke out in the temple]: "If it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the gentiles, amen to it." -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846- 1847. Elden J. Watson, ed. Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1971.:29, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[After a fire broke out in the temple]: "If it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the gentiles, amen to it." -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846- 1847. Elden J. Watson, ed. Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1971.:29, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
195 years ago today - Feb 09, 1831
Joseph Smith receives portions of Doctrine and Covenants 42, with additional portions revealed on February 23. Called by Joseph "the law of the Church," this revelation includes instructions concerning the implementation of the law of consecration.
The New Jerusalem. Only those ordained by recognized authorities may preach -from the Bible and Book of Mormon. Speak and prophecy as the Comforter directs. Cast out the unrepentant. Consecrate property to the Lord. The bishop returns what the family needs. Keep the rest in the Lord's storehouse for the poor and needy. Do not return consecrated property excommunicants. Do not mention Bible translation until complete. Do not go in debt to the world unless commanded [dropped in 1835].
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
The New Jerusalem. Only those ordained by recognized authorities may preach -from the Bible and Book of Mormon. Speak and prophecy as the Comforter directs. Cast out the unrepentant. Consecrate property to the Lord. The bishop returns what the family needs. Keep the rest in the Lord's storehouse for the poor and needy. Do not return consecrated property excommunicants. Do not mention Bible translation until complete. Do not go in debt to the world unless commanded [dropped in 1835].
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
120 years ago today - Feb 8, 1906 (Thursday)
The Society Islands were visited by a terrific cyclone. "Mormon" Elders rendered efficient aid in saving the archives of the American consulate at Papeete, Tahiti, from destruction.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Feb 8, 1886
Glory Hallelalulah to God and the Lamb for his mercies Endureth forever. Let all the Earth Praise the Lord. The History of this day is one of the Most important Events of my life and is well worth a place in the Records of the History of the Church. ... Brother Franklin D Richards Came in and Anounced that Our Office was all surrounded by a body of Marshals.
I imediately locked up my Papers in a draw[er] Put on my Overshues hung up my overcoat and took a survey of our position. I saw we had some 20 Marshals surrounded the Gardo House & Our Office and there was No Escape. Brother Erastus Snow & myself were the ownly two Persons that they would be liable to arest. We went up into a small Bed Room & locked ourselves in & we were there an hour watching the Marshals guarding outside while others were searching the Gardo House. They searched that Building from top to Bottom also the Lion & Behive House & Presidets Offices and were searching the Tithing Office and after we had Been Shut up an hour in our little bed Room like two Rats in a trap we thought it was not wisdom for us to be caught in that.
Brother Milando Pratt thought they were about to search the office. Brother Snow & myself then went down into the Lower Room occupied by F D Richards. We saw the front of the Office occupied By the marshals. I saw we had got to take some desperate Chance and But Little time to do it in. The Marshals wer all around & many were gath[er]ing in the Streets. At first the Brethren seemed to think that one of the Brethren had better drive a Buggy up to the door and I Better try my hand at getting in to that and 2 Buggies were Driven up. I prayed in my heart for the Lord to direct me. At that instant Brother Jenson stept in to the Room with his glasses on. I put my Glasses on. I said to Brother Jenson I will walk with you across the street to the other Office.
We walked out of the door to the gate together. There was a Marshal [on] each side of the Gate & a Dozen more on each side of the side walk leading to the Gardo & Greenman Coming up on the west with the squad of Marshals who had been searching the Tithing Office and we walked right through betwen the two lines of Marshals to the Crossing from the Gardo House to the Presidts Office and then Crossed the Street into the office through all the Marshals perhaps 20 of them & many of the Brethren who had gathered in the Street.
And the Eyes of all the Marshals was Closed By the power of God and all they saw was Jenson quite a smart Danishman and me an other Old Codger of a Danishman. The saints knew me. The Marshals did not. ...
Now from this House [Hour] Let not Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow nor any other Saint Ever distrust the God of Israel or the Son of God from Protecting or Delivering any servant of God who should be delivered, and whenever it is otherwise it is because it is the will of God as in the Death of the Saviour & of Joseph & Hyrum Smith.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I imediately locked up my Papers in a draw[er] Put on my Overshues hung up my overcoat and took a survey of our position. I saw we had some 20 Marshals surrounded the Gardo House & Our Office and there was No Escape. Brother Erastus Snow & myself were the ownly two Persons that they would be liable to arest. We went up into a small Bed Room & locked ourselves in & we were there an hour watching the Marshals guarding outside while others were searching the Gardo House. They searched that Building from top to Bottom also the Lion & Behive House & Presidets Offices and were searching the Tithing Office and after we had Been Shut up an hour in our little bed Room like two Rats in a trap we thought it was not wisdom for us to be caught in that.
Brother Milando Pratt thought they were about to search the office. Brother Snow & myself then went down into the Lower Room occupied by F D Richards. We saw the front of the Office occupied By the marshals. I saw we had got to take some desperate Chance and But Little time to do it in. The Marshals wer all around & many were gath[er]ing in the Streets. At first the Brethren seemed to think that one of the Brethren had better drive a Buggy up to the door and I Better try my hand at getting in to that and 2 Buggies were Driven up. I prayed in my heart for the Lord to direct me. At that instant Brother Jenson stept in to the Room with his glasses on. I put my Glasses on. I said to Brother Jenson I will walk with you across the street to the other Office.
We walked out of the door to the gate together. There was a Marshal [on] each side of the Gate & a Dozen more on each side of the side walk leading to the Gardo & Greenman Coming up on the west with the squad of Marshals who had been searching the Tithing Office and we walked right through betwen the two lines of Marshals to the Crossing from the Gardo House to the Presidts Office and then Crossed the Street into the office through all the Marshals perhaps 20 of them & many of the Brethren who had gathered in the Street.
And the Eyes of all the Marshals was Closed By the power of God and all they saw was Jenson quite a smart Danishman and me an other Old Codger of a Danishman. The saints knew me. The Marshals did not. ...
Now from this House [Hour] Let not Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow nor any other Saint Ever distrust the God of Israel or the Son of God from Protecting or Delivering any servant of God who should be delivered, and whenever it is otherwise it is because it is the will of God as in the Death of the Saviour & of Joseph & Hyrum Smith.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Feb 8, 1886
U.S. marshal publishes $500 reward for arrest of first counselor George Q. Cannon. A week later Cannon is arrested in Nevada after unsuccessfully trying to bribe arresting officers and then jumping from moving train to escape. He denies attempted bribery and claims that he accidentally fell from train. Wilford Woodruff escapes through a crowd of federal marshalls by putting on his glasses and walking between them with another Mormon. The marshalls were mainly looking for John Taylor and George Q. Cannon but Woodruff was also wanted.
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple]
Last sealings of living spouses were administered. There were 2,420 couples sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Last sealings of living spouses were administered. There were 2,420 couples sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
There was a meeting at the Stand West of the Temple to day at which the Twelve delivered their last discourse before leaving for the West. ...
On our way to the river Br. Weeks told me that he had been sealed to Br John D. Lee and also had at the same time had Malissa Bennett sealed to him also [blank] Bennett to him
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
There was a meeting at the Stand West of the Temple to day at which the Twelve delivered their last discourse before leaving for the West. ...
On our way to the river Br. Weeks told me that he had been sealed to Br John D. Lee and also had at the same time had Malissa Bennett sealed to him also [blank] Bennett to him
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1846 (Morning)
President Brigham Young led in prayer according to the Holy Order, asking for the Holy Spirit to rest upon all those who had received their endowments. Gave thanks for the privileges which they had enjoyed in the temple, and asked for the privileges of returning and dedicating the other rooms of the temple in the Lords own due time, that the records of the temple might be preserved, that the temple might not be polluted, that the walls of the Nauvoo House might be preserved, and completed, and that the records of the Nauvoo House might be preserved, and many other excellent and needful things. That the whether might be favorable for the journey, that those who go might be able to find provisions, that teams and means may be provided for all the saints to go in due time and that the temple may be completed and dedicated to the name of the Lord. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
125 years ago today - Feb 7, 1901
Apostle Brigham Young Jr. writes that the proposal to provide Utah's school children with smallpox vaccinations is "Gentile doctors trying to force Babylon into the people and some of them are willing to disease the blood of our children if they can do so, and they think they are doing God's service." The Presiding Bishopric counselor had written on 9 Dec. 1900: "Small pox is spreading most all over the State," yet on 21 Feb. 1901 Utah's legislature overrides the governor's veto and passes a law ending compulsory vaccination of school children. In June 1904 Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff and his first wife Helen die of smallpox, after declining the counsel of LDS president Joseph F. Smith to be vaccinated before the young couple goes to Mexico City.
[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 - Thursday, Feb 7, 1901
After some discussion it was shown to be the sense of the meeting that public funerals among our people be not held where death has resulted from diphtheria.
The question of getting out a cheap edition of the Book of Mormon was discussed. Apostle J. H. Smith reported that an edition of 10,000 copies could be contracted for in Kansas City at about 21 cents per copy. It would cost about 31 cents if published at home. Pres. Cannon favored having the work done at home, [even] if it were a little more expensive. Action was deferred until the manager of the Deseret News [was] consulted. [The RLDS church was selling the Book of Mormon for $.50 while the LDS church for $1.00]
"Doxology." Benediction by Apostle Geo. Teasdale.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
The question of getting out a cheap edition of the Book of Mormon was discussed. Apostle J. H. Smith reported that an edition of 10,000 copies could be contracted for in Kansas City at about 21 cents per copy. It would cost about 31 cents if published at home. Pres. Cannon favored having the work done at home, [even] if it were a little more expensive. Action was deferred until the manager of the Deseret News [was] consulted. [The RLDS church was selling the Book of Mormon for $.50 while the LDS church for $1.00]
"Doxology." Benediction by Apostle Geo. Teasdale.
[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]
180 years ago today - Feb 7, 1846
[Heber C. Kimball marriages]
wife #33. Abigail Buchanan, 1802-? .
wife #34. Elizabeth Hereford, 1789-?. Separated from HCK in 1852.
wife #35. Sarah Schuler (Buckwalter), 1801-1879.
wife #36. Rebecca Swain (Williams), 1798-1861.
wife #37. Ruth Wellington, 1809-?.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #33. Abigail Buchanan, 1802-? .
wife #34. Elizabeth Hereford, 1789-?. Separated from HCK in 1852.
wife #35. Sarah Schuler (Buckwalter), 1801-1879.
wife #36. Rebecca Swain (Williams), 1798-1861.
wife #37. Ruth Wellington, 1809-?.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
180 years ago today - Feb 7, 1846
Last day of endowments given in the attic, as well as the last day that baptisms for the dead were administered. 5,083 persons received their endowments. By this date there had been 15,626 proxy baptisms performed in the temple.
Last day for sealings of deceased spouses to living spouses in marriage. There were 369 deceased spouses sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Last day for sealings of deceased spouses to living spouses in marriage. There were 369 deceased spouses sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
195 years ago today - Feb 7, 1831
The MILLENIAL HARBINGER publishes Alexander Campbell's critique of the Book of Mormon: "There never was a book more evidently written by one set of fingers, nor more certainly conceived in one cranium since the first book appeared in human language, than this same book." "It is as certainly Smith's fabrication as Satan is the father of lies. . . ." Campbell finds signs of Joseph's culture scattered through the book including Masonry and republican government, characteristic Yankee phrases, and opinions on many of the theological controversies of the time: "infant baptism, ordination, the trinity, regeneration, repentance, justification, the fall of man, the atonement, transubstantiation, fasting, penance, church government, religious experience, the call to the ministry, the general resurrection, eternal punishment. . . .every error and almost every truth discussed in N. York for the last ten years." Still more revealing to Campbell were the grammatical errors, which he called
"Smithisms."
"Smithisms."
75 years ago today - Feb 6, 1951
[David O. McKay]
Henry D. Moyle'called him and discussed the matter of missionaries now in the home, 137 of whom the draft boards have refused to clear. Among these are thirteen who have been set apart and stated that it is my opinion they are in a different status than the others who have not been set apart' that they now have the authority of the Priesthood. ... I then said that probably in order to lay the proper foundation for an appeal we should let the thirteen boys get own attorneys and ask them to accompany them to their draft boards, and present their minister's certificate and ask to be classified in 4-D in order that they might fulfill their missions. Brother Moyle said he thought the Church should not be known in it; that it would be better to come through the individuals and their own attorneys. Said if the missionaries do not have attorneys that he could probably suggest some of them.
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Henry D. Moyle'called him and discussed the matter of missionaries now in the home, 137 of whom the draft boards have refused to clear. Among these are thirteen who have been set apart and stated that it is my opinion they are in a different status than the others who have not been set apart' that they now have the authority of the Priesthood. ... I then said that probably in order to lay the proper foundation for an appeal we should let the thirteen boys get own attorneys and ask them to accompany them to their draft boards, and present their minister's certificate and ask to be classified in 4-D in order that they might fulfill their missions. Brother Moyle said he thought the Church should not be known in it; that it would be better to come through the individuals and their own attorneys. Said if the missionaries do not have attorneys that he could probably suggest some of them.
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Feb 6, 1901; Wednesday
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Had quite a conversation with some of my relatives on vacination. I testify that God alone can avert the contagious diseases and calamities coming upon the people and we must make Him our friend and protector.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
Had quite a conversation with some of my relatives on vacination. I testify that God alone can avert the contagious diseases and calamities coming upon the people and we must make Him our friend and protector.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
130 years ago today - Feb 6, 1896; Thursday
The subject of members of the Church who paid no tithing, seldom if ever attended meetings, and used tobacco and intoxicants and were yet continued in fellowship, was discussed. It was decided that while men in authority in the Church must lead exemplary lives, wisdom would suggest that care should be exercised and leniency shown in reference to such persons while there was a possibility of their reform; that it was better to bear with them, than to cut them off and risk the loss of their families who might go with them, and all become enemies instead of friends to the Church.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
165 years ago today - Feb 6, 1861 (Wednesday)
By order of the commander the military post of Camp Floyd changed name to Fort Crittenden. Secretary of War John B. Floyd, after whom the camp originally was named, had allied himself with the South against the Union.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Feb 6, 1861
The President [Brigham Young] gave a short address, and wished the Bishops to close their parties before 12 P.M. and warned the brethren not to mingle their breath and affections with the Gentiles. -- SLC Social Hall
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Feb 6, 1846
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Naamah Carter (1821-1909) (aged 24) divorced from John S. Twiss
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Nancy Cressy (1780-1872) (aged 65) widow of Oliver Walker
[This ends a 31-day period during which Brigham Young marries nineteen women and has his sealings to all of his living wives reconfirmed in the Nauvoo Temple. Fourteen of his nineteen new wives had been married before.]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Nancy Cressy (1780-1872) (aged 65) widow of Oliver Walker
[This ends a 31-day period during which Brigham Young marries nineteen women and has his sealings to all of his living wives reconfirmed in the Nauvoo Temple. Fourteen of his nineteen new wives had been married before.]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
185 years ago today - Feb 6, 1841
Joseph Smith tells the Nauvoo high council not to excommunicate Theodore Turley for "sleeping with two females," requiring him only to confess "that he had acted unwisely, unjustly, imprudently, and unbecoming."
[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]
195 years ago today - 1831 Feb 6
Lucy writes from Waterloo to her brother, Solomon Mack, and his wife, explaining the Book of Mormon and the restoration
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
55 years ago today - Feb 5, 1971
Alvin R. Dyer, a Counselor in the First Presidency, writes to LDS sociologist Harold T. Christensen concerning a news story quoting Christensen: "Christensen said the percentages of college women who had premarital coitus increased from 10 percent in 1958 to 32 percent in 1968 at a western university "which represents the highly restrictive Mormon culture." Dyer says, "It would be helpful to us to have further information of this alarming condition; . . . How and by whom was the survey made which produced these percentages?"
Christensen responds: ". . . much as I would like to comply with your present request, I am unable to do so because of my responsibility as a researcher to protect the anonymity of the individuals and institutions studied; and indeed my commitment to do so in the case of the Intermountain sample. To do otherwise would violate my sense of integrity, and so I must ask that you respect my commitment and responsibility as a scientist. One would not ask the physician to betray the confidences of his patients nor the marriage counselor, to give another example, to reveal the secrets of his clients. The researcher has a similar responsibility to his subject-"
Christensen responds: ". . . much as I would like to comply with your present request, I am unable to do so because of my responsibility as a researcher to protect the anonymity of the individuals and institutions studied; and indeed my commitment to do so in the case of the Intermountain sample. To do otherwise would violate my sense of integrity, and so I must ask that you respect my commitment and responsibility as a scientist. One would not ask the physician to betray the confidences of his patients nor the marriage counselor, to give another example, to reveal the secrets of his clients. The researcher has a similar responsibility to his subject-"
125 years ago today - Feb 5, 1901
Today the Presidency considered a request of Sister Jane S. Richards and concluded to grant it, namely, to appropriate to her the sum of $5,000. to enable her to meet Brother Franklin D. Richards' indebtedness for which her home was security. Brother Richards, a few years before his death, spoke to the late First Presidency in regard to this matter of rendering him assistance, and he afterwards made the request in writing, but nothing was done about it at the time, the reason being that the Church was also in straitened circumstances and the matter went over without action. Later Brother Richards, evidently disappointed, requested Brother George F. Gibbs, Secretary to the Presidency, to return his written application, which was done. In an interview with President Snow some time ago, Sister Jane S. Richards could not satisfy him as to the nature of the indebtedness, but asked that her son Franklin S. be allowed to explain it. This he did at the time to Presidents Snow and [Joseph
F.] Smith, his information showing that President Franklin D. Richards, together with his sons Franklin S. and Charles C., borrowed money for the purpose of starting the Ogden Loan and Trust Company, which ended in failure; but before it failed, and when the bank was considered in good condition; but Abraham H. Cannon desired to control it in connection with a railroad scheme, and President Richards and his sons sold to Brother Cannon. They were invited to either buy out other stockholders or to sell, and not being able to buy they sold, realizing but sixty cents on the dollar, or a loss of some three thousand dollars on his investment, and this balance had been carried by him and his sons. During his lifetime he spoke to President Snow about this matter, feeling quite disappointed that the late First Presidency could not see their way clear to help him as it was the first time he had ever asked the Church for financial aid. President [George Q.] Cannon now informed President Snow
that when Brother Richards made the application he was sorry it could not be granted, but that it was purely on account of the financial pressure at the time, but that he certainly favored it then and does now. Presidents Snow and Smith were of the same mind so the appropriation was made.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
F.] Smith, his information showing that President Franklin D. Richards, together with his sons Franklin S. and Charles C., borrowed money for the purpose of starting the Ogden Loan and Trust Company, which ended in failure; but before it failed, and when the bank was considered in good condition; but Abraham H. Cannon desired to control it in connection with a railroad scheme, and President Richards and his sons sold to Brother Cannon. They were invited to either buy out other stockholders or to sell, and not being able to buy they sold, realizing but sixty cents on the dollar, or a loss of some three thousand dollars on his investment, and this balance had been carried by him and his sons. During his lifetime he spoke to President Snow about this matter, feeling quite disappointed that the late First Presidency could not see their way clear to help him as it was the first time he had ever asked the Church for financial aid. President [George Q.] Cannon now informed President Snow
that when Brother Richards made the application he was sorry it could not be granted, but that it was purely on account of the financial pressure at the time, but that he certainly favored it then and does now. Presidents Snow and Smith were of the same mind so the appropriation was made.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Feb. 5th, 1901
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Visited with Presidency; was much surprised to learn that some of the Apostles were in favor of forced vacination in schools. All other public gatherings are unnoticed by force mongers.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Visited with Presidency; was much surprised to learn that some of the Apostles were in favor of forced vacination in schools. All other public gatherings are unnoticed by force mongers.
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
195 years ago today - Feb 5, 1831
The EVANGELICAL MAGAZINE AND GOSPEL ADVOCATE publishes a letter from "A. W. B" [Abraham W. Benton] titled "Mormonites" which states in part: I saw a notice of a sect of people called Mormonites; and thinking that a fuller history of their founder, Joseph Smith, jr., might be interesting . . . For several years preceding the appearance of his book, he was about the country in the character of a glass-looker: pretending, by means of a certain stone, or glass, which he put in a hat, to be able to discover lost goods, hidden treasures, mines of gold and silver, &c. Although he constantly failed in his pretensions, still he had his dupes who put implicit confidence in all his words. In this town, a wealthy farmer, named Josiah Stowell, together with others, spent large sums of money in digging for hidden money, which this Smith pretended he could see, and told them where to dig; but they never found their treasure. At length the public . . . had him arrested as a disorderly person,
tried and condemned before a court of Justice. But considering his youth, (he being then a minor,) and thinking he might reform his conduct, he was designedly allowed to escape. This was four or five years ago." This is the earliest mention, in public print, of Joseph Smiths 1826 Bainbridge trial.
tried and condemned before a court of Justice. But considering his youth, (he being then a minor,) and thinking he might reform his conduct, he was designedly allowed to escape. This was four or five years ago." This is the earliest mention, in public print, of Joseph Smiths 1826 Bainbridge trial.
65 years ago today - Feb 4, 1961
The Church News headlines, "First Presidency Urges Sunday Home Evenings." Like previously unsuccessful efforts, this announcement limits its encouragement to monthly "Home Evening" on Fast Sunday.
[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 - Monday, Feb 4, 1901
[John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
I had a long talk with Prest. L. Snow, George Q. Cannon, and Franklin S. Richards on passing a law that in the future Wives must be the complainants in cases of adultry. Bro. Richards was instructed to draw up such a law.
[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]
Salt Lake City
I had a long talk with Prest. L. Snow, George Q. Cannon, and Franklin S. Richards on passing a law that in the future Wives must be the complainants in cases of adultry. Bro. Richards was instructed to draw up such a law.
[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]
130 years ago today - Feb 4, 1896; Tuesday
[Charles W. Penrose]
.... I was blessed and set apart by Presidents W[ilford]. Woodruff Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and Apostle Brigham Young [Jr.] as an Assistant Historian for the Church, Bro[ther] Cannon being mouth. The spirit of revelation and prophecy, with discrimination and judgment, power to avoid bias and to select and write to the acceptance of God and the Church authorities etc etc were sealed by the authority of the Holy Priesthood in the name of Jesus Christ.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
.... I was blessed and set apart by Presidents W[ilford]. Woodruff Geo[rge] Q. Cannon and Apostle Brigham Young [Jr.] as an Assistant Historian for the Church, Bro[ther] Cannon being mouth. The spirit of revelation and prophecy, with discrimination and judgment, power to avoid bias and to select and write to the acceptance of God and the Church authorities etc etc were sealed by the authority of the Holy Priesthood in the name of Jesus Christ.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary]
175 years ago today - Feb 4, 1851
Incorporation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young declares before the Territorial Legislature, "I have more wives than one. I have many and I am not ashamed to have it known. Some Deny in the States that we have more wives than one. I never Deny it. I am perfectly willing that the people at Washington Should know that I have more than one wife & they are pure before the Lord and are approved of in his sight. I have been commanded of God to persue this Course. . . ." This is more than a year before the Church officially admitted to practicing polygamy.
175 years ago today - Feb 4, 1851
The government of the provisional state of Deseret passes an ordinance that incorporates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
180 years ago today - Feb 4, 1846
[Heber C. Kimball]
wife #31. Presendia Huntington (Buell Smith Kimball), 1810-1892; 2 children, including Joseph Smith, 1851-1936, time only.
wife #32. Mary Ann Shefflin (Kimball Walton), 1815-1869; 1 child. Separated from HCK in 1850, time only.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #31. Presendia Huntington (Buell Smith Kimball), 1810-1892; 2 children, including Joseph Smith, 1851-1936, time only.
wife #32. Mary Ann Shefflin (Kimball Walton), 1815-1869; 1 child. Separated from HCK in 1850, time only.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
180 years ago today - Feb 04, 1846
Those following Brigham exit Nauvoo for Winter Quarters, and in 1847 the Salt Lake Valley. By the time the Grand encampment is founded, 153 men had entered into polygamy, marrying 587 wives. Brigham accounts for 5-6% of plural marriages at this point.
[Dayne, More Wives Than One, p 35; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
[Dayne, More Wives Than One, p 35; Exploring Mormonism: Polygamy Timeline, http://www.exploringmormonism.com/polygamy-timeline/]
180 years ago today - 1846. February 4
(Sam Brannan) : Encouraged by Brigham Young, Brannan loaded 238 Saints, mostly farmers and mechanics, and the Messenger press on board the Brooklyn. Sailing from New York around Cape Horn, the Brooklyn weathered two severe storms. Ten passengers died but two babies were born-one named "Atlantic," the other "Pacific."
[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]
180 years ago today - Feb 4, 1846
The first companies of Mormons leave Nauvoo and cross the Mississippi River. Thomas L. Kane recalls, "The people of Iowa have told me that from morning to night they passed westward like an endless procession. They did not seem greatly out of heart, they said; but at the top of every hill, before they disappeared they were to be seen looking back, like banished Moors, on their abandoned homes and far-seen temple and its glittering spires." The first companies had to ford the river until Feb 24 when it froze and they were able to cross over the ice. Brigham Young remains in Nauvoo until Feb 15.
185 years ago today - Feb 4, 1841
The Nauvoo Legion is organized by authorization of the city charter and city council ordinance of 3 Feb. The governor appoints Joseph Smith lieutenant-general of the Legion on 5 Feb. Under Smith's leadership, the Nauvoo Legion becomes the largest militia in the U.S.
[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]
195 years ago today - Feb 4, 1831
Edward Partridge is ordained to the office of bishop without high priest ordination. Although he is traditionally regarded as presiding bishop over the entire church, LDS president John Taylor and church historian Orson Pratt explained that Partridge was the "General Bishop" over Missouri, while Newel K. Whitney (ordained in Dec 1831) was General Bishop over Ohio.
[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]
70 years ago today - Fri Feb 3, 1956
[David O. McKay Office Journal]
First Presidency meeting: Plural Marriage: In this connection I explained that it was my understanding regarding plural marriage that the having of more than one wife is not a principle but a practice. The principle of the eternity of the marriage covenant revealed to the Prophet and all the blessings pertaining to that may be obtained by a man with one wife.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
First Presidency meeting: Plural Marriage: In this connection I explained that it was my understanding regarding plural marriage that the having of more than one wife is not a principle but a practice. The principle of the eternity of the marriage covenant revealed to the Prophet and all the blessings pertaining to that may be obtained by a man with one wife.
[McKay, David O., Office Journal]
100 years ago today - Feb 03, 1926
During two important meetings (on February 3 and 8), the Church Board of Education decides to continue expanding seminary programs throughout the Church and to turn its junior colleges over to state governments. Schools later converted to state colleges are Snow college (Ephraim), Weber College (Ogden), Dixie College (St. George), and Gila College (Thatcher, Arizona). When the state of Idaho chooses not to take Ricks College in Rexburg, the Church decides to keep it open.
110 years ago today - Feb 3, 1916
[First Presidency to Peter C. Larsen]
In answer yours 21th ult., namely, Is a lodge member allowed to go through the temple if he lives up to the requirements of the Church?
Church members who knowingly ally themselves with secret organizations against the advice and counsel of the Church should not be recommended to the temple, and we may add that such brethren also render themselves ineligible to hold presiding offices in the priesthood...
[First Presidency, Letter to Peter C. Larsen, 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]
In answer yours 21th ult., namely, Is a lodge member allowed to go through the temple if he lives up to the requirements of the Church?
Church members who knowingly ally themselves with secret organizations against the advice and counsel of the Church should not be recommended to the temple, and we may add that such brethren also render themselves ineligible to hold presiding offices in the priesthood...
[First Presidency, Letter to Peter C. Larsen, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
115 years ago today - Feb 3, 1911
In Salt Lake City Apostle John Henry Smith writes "The school board met and heard some reports from Supt. H. H. Cummings. Some wild ideas [regarding organic evolution and higher biblical criticism] are getting into Brigham Young University at Provo. Three of the Professors are belittling the Bible." At the General Church Board of Education meeting to discuss Cummings's reports, Cummings finds students themselves quite comfortable with the "new light" which the teachers had imparted. Nevertheless, board members are disturbed and appointed a committee to meet with the three professors to see if they would stop teaching these ideas-namely organic evolution and higher criticism.
135 years ago today - Feb 3, 1891
Rank-and-file Mormon writes: "Some say and have written that great things are to happen this year... Some even declare that Christ will come and the Millennial Reign be inaugerated. I think some of these things will not happen as stated, but God holds all these things in his hands and at the close of 91 we shall tell more than now."
[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 - February 3rd, 1861
[John D. Lee]
Eving (sp. Evening) I attendd (sp. attended) Prayer meeting & instruct the Saints on the points of Doctrine refered (sp. referred) to by the true Latter-day Saints Herald & their Bombarding Pres. B. Young for saying that Adam is all the God that we have to do with & those that know no better, it is quite a stumbling Block & all Enimies (sp. Enemies) to the cause,
[A Mormon Chronicle--The Diaries of John D. Lee, Vol. I:293; Sunday, February 3rd, 1861, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
Eving (sp. Evening) I attendd (sp. attended) Prayer meeting & instruct the Saints on the points of Doctrine refered (sp. referred) to by the true Latter-day Saints Herald & their Bombarding Pres. B. Young for saying that Adam is all the God that we have to do with & those that know no better, it is quite a stumbling Block & all Enimies (sp. Enemies) to the cause,
[A Mormon Chronicle--The Diaries of John D. Lee, Vol. I:293; Sunday, February 3rd, 1861, in Quotations Dealing with the Relationship of Our First Earthly Parents to Our Heavenly Parents (1830-1978)]
170 years ago today - Feb 3, 1856
[Heber C. Kimball]
I believe men in their resurrected bodies eat or they would die. I believe they eat as well as men in their mortal bodies.
You have got to be subject to the priesthood & learn to obey your head or you will be damned. We have the Apostles here to lead us and if we are passive in ther hands we shall be saved. You should be vary careful of the Apostles while you have them with you. Speak well of them & treat them kindly & do them good or you will suffer. You expect to be saved But you have got to do right.
A Man asked me if I had not got women sealed to me that were rebellious to you. I told them it was none of their Business. He asked if that would take away any of my glory. I said No it will not. If your wives are rebellious against you let them go away if they want to. It will not take away my glory for my wives to leave me. If I do my Duty & do not have women that will obey me I will go to heaven & the Lord will give me all that I want. I would like to raise up a good Posterity on Earth if I could but I dont want to fight in order to do it. Many other remarks was made which I have not written.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I believe men in their resurrected bodies eat or they would die. I believe they eat as well as men in their mortal bodies.
You have got to be subject to the priesthood & learn to obey your head or you will be damned. We have the Apostles here to lead us and if we are passive in ther hands we shall be saved. You should be vary careful of the Apostles while you have them with you. Speak well of them & treat them kindly & do them good or you will suffer. You expect to be saved But you have got to do right.
A Man asked me if I had not got women sealed to me that were rebellious to you. I told them it was none of their Business. He asked if that would take away any of my glory. I said No it will not. If your wives are rebellious against you let them go away if they want to. It will not take away my glory for my wives to leave me. If I do my Duty & do not have women that will obey me I will go to heaven & the Lord will give me all that I want. I would like to raise up a good Posterity on Earth if I could but I dont want to fight in order to do it. Many other remarks was made which I have not written.
[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 - Feb 03, 1851
President Brigham Young takes the oath of office as governor of the territory of Utah.
180 years ago today - Feb 3, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple]
Last sealings of children to parents were administered. There were 71 children sealed to their parents, and 130 persons were adopted.
Individuals who had lent furniture, carpet, pictures and other furnishing to decorate the attic floor of the temple began to remove their belongings.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Last sealings of children to parents were administered. There were 71 children sealed to their parents, and 130 persons were adopted.
Individuals who had lent furniture, carpet, pictures and other furnishing to decorate the attic floor of the temple began to remove their belongings.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
180 years ago today - Feb 3, 1846
[Heber C. Kimball marriage]
wife #21. Mary Houston, 1818-1896.
wife #22. Hulda Barnes, 1806-1898.
wife #23. Christeen Golden, 1822-1896; 4 children: Cornelia Christeen, Jonathan Golden, Elias Smith, Mary Margaret (Moffat) .
wife #24. Sophronia Melinda Harmon, 1824-1847.
wife #25. Theresa Arathusa Morley, 1826-1855. Separated from HCK Mar. 1852.
wife #26. Ruth L. Pierce (Cazier), 1818-after 1861?. Separated from HCK soon after marriage.
wife #27. Laura Pitkin, 1790-1866.
wife #28. Ruth Amelia Reese, 1817-1902; 3 children, none lived to maturity.
wife #29. Sarah Scott (Smith? Kimball), 1817-1878, time only.
wife #30. Sarah Stiles (Kimball Barney), 1793-1899.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #21. Mary Houston, 1818-1896.
wife #22. Hulda Barnes, 1806-1898.
wife #23. Christeen Golden, 1822-1896; 4 children: Cornelia Christeen, Jonathan Golden, Elias Smith, Mary Margaret (Moffat) .
wife #24. Sophronia Melinda Harmon, 1824-1847.
wife #25. Theresa Arathusa Morley, 1826-1855. Separated from HCK Mar. 1852.
wife #26. Ruth L. Pierce (Cazier), 1818-after 1861?. Separated from HCK soon after marriage.
wife #27. Laura Pitkin, 1790-1866.
wife #28. Ruth Amelia Reese, 1817-1902; 3 children, none lived to maturity.
wife #29. Sarah Scott (Smith? Kimball), 1817-1878, time only.
wife #30. Sarah Stiles (Kimball Barney), 1793-1899.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
180 years ago today - Feb 3, 1846
Notwithstanding that Brigham Young had announced that "we would not attend to the administration of the ordinances," the Nauvoo temple is surrounded by a crowd of Mormons wanting to receive endowments. Young relents and "two hundred and ninety-five persons received ordinances." This includes sixty-two-year-old Alpheus Cutler, Council-of-Fifty member, who takes five new wives increasing his total to seven.
180 years ago today - Feb 3, 1846
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Abigail Harback (1790-1849) (aged 55) previously married to John Calvin Hall (unknown if she was widowed, divorced, or separated)
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Amy Cecilia Cooper (1804-1852) (aged 41) married to (non-Mormon?) Joseph Aldrich; separated later and he remarried
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Julia Foster (1811-1891) (aged 36) widow of Mormon Jonathan Hampton, who died in Nauvoo in 1844. Stayed in Illinois when Brigham Young emigrated to Utah in 1847. Young sent for her in 1855, and she came with her children and managed the Lion House.
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Mary Ann Turley (1827-1904) (aged 18) first marriage divorced 1851
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Mary Ellen de la Montaigne (1803-1894) (aged 42) divorced from James Boyd Woodward divorced 1846-12-13 and re-married Woodward; both Woodward and de la Montaigne were adopted to Brigham Young at Nauvoo
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Amy Cecilia Cooper (1804-1852) (aged 41) married to (non-Mormon?) Joseph Aldrich; separated later and he remarried
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Julia Foster (1811-1891) (aged 36) widow of Mormon Jonathan Hampton, who died in Nauvoo in 1844. Stayed in Illinois when Brigham Young emigrated to Utah in 1847. Young sent for her in 1855, and she came with her children and managed the Lion House.
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Mary Ann Turley (1827-1904) (aged 18) first marriage divorced 1851
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Mary Ellen de la Montaigne (1803-1894) (aged 42) divorced from James Boyd Woodward divorced 1846-12-13 and re-married Woodward; both Woodward and de la Montaigne were adopted to Brigham Young at Nauvoo
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
185 years ago today - Feb 3, 1841
The Nauvoo City Council passes "An ordinance organizing the Nauvoo Legion." The next day Joseph Smith is duly elected lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion, and John C. Bennett, major-general. The Nauvoo Legion soon becomes the largest standing army in the United States.
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