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)]]
Today In Mormon History-fb
Several curious tidbits that happened on this day in Mormon History
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.
165 years ago today - Feb 2, 1861
[Brigham Young]
He further observed this Government would spend $100,000 to cheat him out of $5.00. The Government had pursued a course like that, and the Government might suffer his line of wire to be cut down and grant him no redress or they might buy it of him. He could not depend upon them; He had been Governor here for some time, and the course the Government had pursued, had compelled him to come to this conclusion. He knew the reason why this Government was in trouble, they had killed Joseph Smith and then they would have to pay for it as the Jews did in killing Jesus. The President said the Freemasons had sanctioned the Killing of Joseph. He told them he could save the nation, but they ought did not believe it. Joseph Smith knew more about the Government than all the Presidents put together that Ever sat in chair of State. Jackson County was the place where the Garden of Eden was. The President further remarked, There is no union in the North or in the South. The nation must crumble to
nothing. They charged us with being rebels and rebels they will have in their Government. South Carolina has committed treason and if Prest. Buchanan had been a Smart man he would have hung up the first man who rebelled in South Carolina. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
He further observed this Government would spend $100,000 to cheat him out of $5.00. The Government had pursued a course like that, and the Government might suffer his line of wire to be cut down and grant him no redress or they might buy it of him. He could not depend upon them; He had been Governor here for some time, and the course the Government had pursued, had compelled him to come to this conclusion. He knew the reason why this Government was in trouble, they had killed Joseph Smith and then they would have to pay for it as the Jews did in killing Jesus. The President said the Freemasons had sanctioned the Killing of Joseph. He told them he could save the nation, but they ought did not believe it. Joseph Smith knew more about the Government than all the Presidents put together that Ever sat in chair of State. Jackson County was the place where the Garden of Eden was. The President further remarked, There is no union in the North or in the South. The nation must crumble to
nothing. They charged us with being rebels and rebels they will have in their Government. South Carolina has committed treason and if Prest. Buchanan had been a Smart man he would have hung up the first man who rebelled in South Carolina. -- Salt Lake City
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
170 years ago today - Feb 2, 1856
G[eorge]. A. S[mith].[:] The Mormon Cotton is exciting considerable notice & is equal to Georgia upland Cotton'-[They] report the Mormons favorable to Slavery' B. Y.[:] The Missionaries have gone over into Kansas, & voted in all the officers favorable for Slavery'-[N]ow they have to call on the voters to go up & fight.
[Minutes, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
[Minutes, 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]
175 years ago today - Feb 2, 1851 (Sunday)
The ship Ellen Maria sailed from Liverpool, England, with 378 Saints on board, under George D. Watt's direction. Apostle Orson Pratt and family also returned with that company. The ship arrived at New Orleans April 6th.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Feb 2, 1851
At the Bowery in Salt Lake City Brigham Young preaches: "I want to speak a little upon natural philosophy. We sow the grain. It dies, rots in the ground, and then it brings forth a hundred fold. The elements which surrounded us produce these effects. If we had a correct knowledge of the elements and knew how to control and separate them we could make bread as well out of the elements as Jesus did when he fed the multitude. The day will come when we can go on a journey without taking any food with them. [They] would have power to make it as they went along." Amasa Lyman follows him and preaches: "if a man was wise in eating and drinking and they would begin to learn wisdom in work and walking [they] would walk and not be weary, run and not faint for they would have wisdom enough to stop before they got weary." After the meeting the First Presidency and Twelve feasted on the first turkey killed in the Salt Lake Valley.
180 years ago today - Feb 2, 1846
Augusta Cobb (legal wife of Henry Cobb) is sealed to Brigham Young in the Nauvoo Temple. Brigham and Augusta had polygamously married in November, 1843.
[Marquardt Papers]
[Marquardt Papers]
180 years ago today - Feb 2, 1846
Zina Diantha Huntington Jacobs Smith, pregnant with the second son of Henry Jacobs, is resealed by proxy to the murdered Joseph Smith and in the same session is "sealed for time" to Brigham Young. Her legal husband, Henry B. Jacobs, stands by as an official witness to both ceremonies. After the ceremony she and her children live with Young and Zina bears him a daughter. Jacobs, years later, writes to her of his sadness over losing his wife and children.
180 years ago today - Feb 2nd [Feb 1846]
[Brigham Young]
we suspended the work in the Sealing department for the purpose of bringing up the record which were yet in the rear--The washings & anointings were continued with all Possible Speed in the other departments- at 10- o clock A. M. I met in council in Room No 1 with the 12 & the Trustees & some few others- the Topiac of our council- was to ascertain the feelings of the Brethren that were expecting to set out Westward .. that when a Family is called to go- that all things may be in the waggon within 4 hours ... They are calculating to intercept our way & whenever we start but we want to be 500 miles from here before they are aware of our move-& in order to have this circulated privately & effectually- ... before leaving I gave instructions to my Clerks not to stop until the record of the endowments are brought up so that= nothing may escape the Notice as for the want recording in a legible & intelegable- Then to let the work of sealings & anointings & if any one wants to be sealed
& we have the time to attend to it- let them make out the records themselves- & that will be their way---
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
we suspended the work in the Sealing department for the purpose of bringing up the record which were yet in the rear--The washings & anointings were continued with all Possible Speed in the other departments- at 10- o clock A. M. I met in council in Room No 1 with the 12 & the Trustees & some few others- the Topiac of our council- was to ascertain the feelings of the Brethren that were expecting to set out Westward .. that when a Family is called to go- that all things may be in the waggon within 4 hours ... They are calculating to intercept our way & whenever we start but we want to be 500 miles from here before they are aware of our move-& in order to have this circulated privately & effectually- ... before leaving I gave instructions to my Clerks not to stop until the record of the endowments are brought up so that= nothing may escape the Notice as for the want recording in a legible & intelegable- Then to let the work of sealings & anointings & if any one wants to be sealed
& we have the time to attend to it- let them make out the records themselves- & that will be their way---
[Brigham Young Journal # 4 in the handwriting of: William Clayton, Evan Greene, John D. Lee, Willard Richards. First person account kept by others. 'Lieut. Genl Brigham Young's Journal 1844']
185 years ago today - Feb 2, 1841
[Heber C. Kimball]
.... we went to the Stationary Hall in order to secure the Coppy Right to the Book Mormon. He said he should require 5 Coppies, and it would cost 3 Shillings.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
.... we went to the Stationary Hall in order to secure the Coppy Right to the Book Mormon. He said he should require 5 Coppies, and it would cost 3 Shillings.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
190 years ago today - Feb 2, 1836
After returning from the Democratic Party convention, Oliver Cowdery writes against abolitionists.
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
[Mark Lyman Staker, Hearken, O Ye People: The Historical Setting of Joseph Smith's Ohio Revelations: A Selective Chronology of Significant Events in Ohio's LDS History]
50 years ago today - Feb 1, 1976
While speaking to a twelve-stake fireside at BYU about Mormonism and the arts, Apostle Boyd K. Packer says that some LDS musicians are "more temper than mental."
[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)]]
85 years ago today - Feb 1, 1941
There seems to be some misunderstanding of the instructions given concerning the issuance of temple recommends to wives of nonmembers of the Church. In the latest handbook, page 132, is found the following paragraph pertaining to this subject: Under no circumstances is a recommend to the temple to be issued to a wife whose husband is not a member of the Church. Experience has shown that the results of giving endowments to women whose husbands are not members of the Church have led to regrettable and unfortunate conditions. The question has arisen as to whether this restriction applies to women who are married to non-members but who have taken out their endowments before this rule was given. It should be understood that the rule applies specifically to those who are seeking their own endowments. Women who have previously been in the temple and who are worthy, though their husbands may be non-members, may still be granted the privilege to go through the temple.
[Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay, circular letter, Feb. 1, 1941, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Heber J. Grant, J. Reuben Clark Jr., and David O. McKay, circular letter, Feb. 1, 1941, in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
120 years ago today - Feb 1, 1906
The regular meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles was held this morning. President [Joseph F.] Smith informed the Council that the Church had advanced the money to print two pamphlets by his son, Joseph F[ielding]. Smith Jr., entitled (1) The Reorganized Church; (2) Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage, and inquiry had been made as to whether or not the Church would purchase sufficient to furnish a copy free to each Stake President and counselors, each Bishop and counselors, and to every High Councilor and Alternate. It was decided to do this. ...
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Feb 1, 1901
The First Presidency decides to suspend their ten-year policy of allowing the sale of alcohol at the church's Saltair amusement park and resort.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
135 years ago today - Feb 1, 1891
First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon preaches: "As you know, it is not our practice to prepare anything beforehand to say to the people. I never did it in my life. I have pondered in my heart the principles of the Gospel and of righteousness and have trusted to the Spirit of the Lord to suggest the things to be said. I know it is the proper way, . . ."
180 years ago today - Feb 1, 1846
President Brigham Young receives a revelation dealing with succession in the Church Presidency. Although never canonized, the revelation is one of a number of inspired written documents Brigham Young receives as the senior Apostle of the Church during the period between Joseph Smith's death and the beginning of his own tenure as President of the Church.
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
[LDS Daily, www.ldsdaily.com]
185 years ago today - Feb 1, 1841
The Nauvoo charter, which was passed the previous December, goes into effect. The first election for mayor and members of the city council takes place. John C. Bennett is elected mayor, with Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and several other leading Church officials elected to the city council. It is said that Joseph received less than $25 total pay for two years service as city councilman.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
195 years ago today - Feb 1, 1831
We are not able to determine whether the elder Smith [Joseph Smith Sr.] was ever concerned in money digging transactions previous to his emigration from Vermont, or not, but it is a well authenticated fact that soon after his arrival here he evinced a firm belief in the existence of hidden treasures, and that this section of country abounded in them. --He also revived, or in other words propagated the vulgar, yet popular belief that these treasures were held in charge by some evil spirit, which was supposed to be either the DEVIL himself, or some one of his most trusty favorites. This opinion however, did not originate by any means with Smith, for we find that the vulgar and ignorant from time immemorial, both in Europe and America, have entertained the same preposterous opinion.
It may not be amiss in this place to mention that the mania of money digging soon began rapidly to diffuse itself through many parts of this country; men and women without distinction of age or sex became marvellous wise in the occult sciences, many dreamed, and others saw visions disclosing to them, deep in the bowels of the earth, rich and shining treasures, and to facilitate those mighty mining operations, (money was usually if not always sought after in the night time,) divers devices and implements were invented, and although the spirit was always able to retain his precious charge, these discomfited as well as deluded beings, would on a succeeding night return to their toil, not in the least doubting that success would eventually attend their labors.
Mineral rods and [crystal?] balls, (as they were called by the impostor who made use of them,) were supposed to be infallible guides to these sources of wealth--"peep stones" or pebbles, taken promiscuously from the brook or field, were placed in a hat or other situation excluded from the light, when some wizzard or witch (for these performances were not confined to either sex) applied their eyes, and nearly starting [staring?] their [eye] balls from their sockets, declared they saw all the wonders of nature, including of course, ample stores of silver and gold.
[Abner Cole, "Gold Bible, No. 3," Reflector, (Palmyra, NY), 1 February 1831, as quoted in A Topical Guide of Treasure-Seeking Rituals From the American Northeast during the 18th and 19th Centuries, Compiled by Joseph T. Antley (2010)]
It may not be amiss in this place to mention that the mania of money digging soon began rapidly to diffuse itself through many parts of this country; men and women without distinction of age or sex became marvellous wise in the occult sciences, many dreamed, and others saw visions disclosing to them, deep in the bowels of the earth, rich and shining treasures, and to facilitate those mighty mining operations, (money was usually if not always sought after in the night time,) divers devices and implements were invented, and although the spirit was always able to retain his precious charge, these discomfited as well as deluded beings, would on a succeeding night return to their toil, not in the least doubting that success would eventually attend their labors.
Mineral rods and [crystal?] balls, (as they were called by the impostor who made use of them,) were supposed to be infallible guides to these sources of wealth--"peep stones" or pebbles, taken promiscuously from the brook or field, were placed in a hat or other situation excluded from the light, when some wizzard or witch (for these performances were not confined to either sex) applied their eyes, and nearly starting [staring?] their [eye] balls from their sockets, declared they saw all the wonders of nature, including of course, ample stores of silver and gold.
[Abner Cole, "Gold Bible, No. 3," Reflector, (Palmyra, NY), 1 February 1831, as quoted in A Topical Guide of Treasure-Seeking Rituals From the American Northeast during the 18th and 19th Centuries, Compiled by Joseph T. Antley (2010)]
195 years ago today - 1831 February [1]
Joseph and Emma arrive in Kirtland, stay at the home of Newel K. Whitney for several weeks.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
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