45 years ago today - Jan 22, 1980-Tuesday

[Leonard Arrington]

George [Tanner] said he was always running into people who had problems with the Church of one type or another, and this was worse in Salt Lake City than other places, probably because they expected to find a paradise when they came here and were disillusioned to find it was not paradisiacal. His [ward] high priests group leader, George said, had a son in Canada who came to Salt Lake City and heard that the rate of pregnancy among teenage LDS girls was the highest in the country. This was disturbing, but when he explained that it meant that our young people were not using contraceptives and because they didn't practice abortion, obviously the rate would be higher even if the initial conception rate was not.

George said he wanted to express appreciation for the work we have done and are doing, and said he thought we were going as far as he [we] could in relation to telling the truth and writing quality history.

[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]

105 years ago today - Jan. 22, Sat. [1920]

[James E. Talmage]

The Book of Mormon committee sat during both forenoon and afternoon. Elder Joel Ricks occupied part of the morning session, and the rest of that meeting, together with the whole of the afternoon session was given over to Elder Willard Young, who claims that most of the Book of Mormon scenes were laid in Guatemala, and Honduras.

[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]

125 years ago today - Jan 22, 1900

[Post-Manifesto plural marriage]

Nolan Decature Kartchner, born at Beaver, Utah, May 24, 1863

Ellen Bodella Mortensen, born at Moancoppy, Arizona, April 29, 1877

Married at Colonia Diaz, January 22, 1900

Henry Eyring and W. Derby Johnson, Jr., witnesses

[Stanley Ivins typewritten copy of Anthony Ivins "Record Book of Marriages" [Plural] performed in Mexican colonies, Anderson, Elizabeth Oberdick, editor, Cowboy Apostle: The Diaries of Anthony W. Ivins: 1875-1932, Signature Books, Salt Lake City in association with the Smith-Pettit Foundation (2013), Appendix A]

125 years ago today - Jan 22, 1900; Monday

Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office. The question arose today whether or not the temples should be opened to perform marriages on behalf of couples who had previously had their endowments. It was thought once since the closing of the Temples that this might be done, but the Presidency decided today that it would be best not to make this exception, but to close them for all purposes until the danger of the smallpox contagion is passed.

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

140 years ago today - Jan 22, 1885

18 persons dead were adopted to W. Woodruff & 1 to Aphek Woodruff. Thomas Draper & Nathan Wanslee & family 18 person adopted to Wilford Woodruff. Esther Lyman Woodruff Adopted [to] Aphek Woodruff. Wilford Woodruff was sealed for 45 of his dead Relatives. Emma Co[ll/tt?]on Thompson acted for the female portion of the family.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

145 years ago today - Thursday, Jan. 22nd 1880

[T]he paper published in Mannheim has a piece saying, that the 'Mormons' are going to leave Utah and emigrate to Mexico, and that they have sent Moses Thatcher there to buy land for them; and this to escape the persecution we are receiving in the United States. Bro. Thatcher is in Mexico, but it is only for the purpose of preaching the Gospel.

[Abraham H. Cannon Mission Journal]

165 years ago today - Jan 22, 1860

President Young said while we are in the flesh, we have to Contend against evil spirits and Devils in a way which will be hid from us in the Spirit World.

... What is spoken in a prayer Circle should never be Named out of the Circle not [to] a wife or any body Els. If there is any thing to be said I will say it. I Could preach all about the Endowments in Public and the world know Nothing about it. I Could preach all about Masonry & None but a mason know any thing about it. And the mane part of Masonry is to keep a secret. ...

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - January 22, 1845. Wednesday.

[William Clayton]

....Bought two rings and gave one to S[ara] A[nn] Whitney for painting [temple?] aprons.

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

195 years ago today - Jan 22, 1830

Before the publication of the Book of Mormon, Abner Cole's weekly Palmyra Reflector, prints an extract from the Book of Alma, chapter 20.

[Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]

40 years ago today - Jan 20, 1985

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints becomes the fifth-largest denomination in the United States.

110 years ago today - Jan 20, 1915

Office of The First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Prest. Serge F. Ballif, Logan

Dear Brother:

We are greatly in need of lady missionaries in the United States Missions, and would be pleased to receive from you the names of sisters who are physically and financially able to perform missions, and whom you can recommend.

Care should be exercised in selecting lady missionaries. They should be good, steady, representative women, not too young, with a good education and knowledge of the Gospel, and who have had experience in the auxiliary organizations of the Church.

We are especially in need of a few stenographers, and hope you will also be able to suggest sisters qualified for this labor. Your brethren, JOSEPH F. SMITH, ANTHON H. LUND, CHARLES W. PENROSE, First Presidency.

[1915-January 20-Original letter. Church Historian's Library, as quoted in Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

135 years ago today - Jan 20, 1890

Utah Supreme Court rules that polygamous children cannot inherit from their father, even though the Utah law since 1852 guaranteed: "Illegitimate children and their mothers inherit in like manner from the father, whether acknowledged by him or not."

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

165 years ago today - Jan 20, 1860

I went to the office in the morning. I there learned that Joseph Rhodes was killed by Jason Luce last evening in Butchers House whare William Hickman lay. [Hickman was recovering from wounds from an earlier gunfight.] Rhodes Came to the House and said he wanted to see Hickman. Luce said he could not. Rhodes swore he would or die on the spot and drew two pistols one Cocked in Each hand and presented them at Luce. Luce drew his knife and sprung at Rhodes and struck him in the Right Breast & the knife went through his body. Ormas Bates sprung at the same time and Caught hold of Each pistol and turned the muzzles up. Luce Continued to thrust the knife into Rhodes and he soon fell and as he began to Fall He snaped the both pistols but the hammer struck Bates Hand and did not go off. Luce Continued to stab him untill he had Eleven gashes through his body.

I went down to see the Corps. It had been washed and laid on a Board Naked. I never saw a Body so Cut up. The poliece took the body From Hickman to the City Hall whare I saw the Body. Luce gave himself up to the Poliece.

I spent the day in the office. Luce had his trial in the evening and was acquited upon the plea of self Defense.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

165 years ago today - Jan 20, 1860

[Brigham Young]

Brother Pyper called upon the President in relation to a family affliction. His first wife was a sufferer from a disease of the heart which was attended with such distressing feeling that she committed suicide. The President remarked to him she had done wrong but by no means had committed the unpardonable sin and in course of time a proxy could be appointed who could be baptized for her. -- Salt Lake City

[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

185 years ago today - Jan 20, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff]

.... I was called upon with my Brethren to visit a child possessed of the Devil that endeavored to destroy the child. It was the child of the Woman that was possessed with the Devil upon whom we lade hands Saturday evening. We lade hands upon the child that was reathing under the power of the Deavil & commanded the Devil to Depart in the name of Jesus Christ & it was instantly done & the child fell asleep.

+ Among the signs that are appearing in the heavens & earth in fulfillment of the word of God & that the Saints are noticing & prophesying off the following one is worthy of Notice. KANTURK Dec 26 1839. Second and most extraordinary Removal of a Bog Near Kanturk. The account given under the above head states that 300 acres of Colonel Longford's bog land rose up from its mighty bed & travled with the rapidity of a steam engine for the distance of 4 miles carrying destruction in its progress rising in angry surges like the ungovernable sea leaving 10 feet of earth upon the earth or land in many places as it passed over. 1,200 acres was coverd 10 feet & 12 acres 30 feet. *

I lade hands upon 8 sick persons & prayed with them ...

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

185 years ago today - Jan 19, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff]

I also met a large congregation at the same place in the Evening & preached the gospel unto them. I had the spirit of God & they gave good attention. One Sister said she saw by vision or Revelation Jesus pleading with the Father to spare England one year more that the reapers might gather the grain for the harvest was fully ripe. 2 offered themselves for baptism. We confirmed one & lade hands upon 20 persons that were Sick or afflicted & they were most universally healed.

The Saints in England have great Confidence in God & his Servents & their is so many apply for the laying on of hands that we need as much faith as St. Paul had that at the touch of our garments or hankerchefs that they might be healed.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

110 years ago today - Jan 19, 1915

[Francis M. Lyman to Franklin S. Bramwell]

.... I regret very deeply your feelings in regard to your release from the Presidency of Union [Oregon] Stake. ... We made no charges against you nor were any made before as excuse for the change of Presidency. ... I am sorry that numbers of the people are leaving Union Stake because of the injustice I did you there. What I did was what I was sent by the Council to do by their unanimous vote. If I did any work in a cruel manner, then I am censurable and will gladly make any amends I can. ... You may feel perfectly safe so far as I am concerned for I never thought wrong of you, much less to do you any wrong. If injury has been done you in your removal it is by the Council and not by Brother Lyman. ...

[Francis M. Lyman, Letter to Franklin S. Bramwell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

115 years ago today - Jan 19, 1910

[Anthony W. Ivins]

I met Bro[ther]. Romney (Junius) and later Miles A. Romney. At 2 P.M. I met with the High Council. After preliminary exercises I presented the case of Miles A. Romney who on the _______ of ____ 1909 had gone to the Manti Temple, where he was married to Emily Burrell, he already having a large family in Mexico. The High Council was well represented, there being present a full representation besides the bishopricks of Dublan & Juarez. The case of Bro[ther]. Romney was considered, he being present. He admitted that he had been to Manti [Utah], had gone to the Temple, and had married Emily Burrell as charged. He plead in extenuation that he had been married 3 years ago & had been advised to live separate from the woman until the matter blew over & then to go to thee temple. After discussion the presidency of the Stake & I retired and after consideration recommended that Bro[ther]. Romney be disfellowshipped. The council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation.

[Anthony W. Ivins Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

130 years ago today - Jan 19, 1895

[Francis M. Lyman]

Showed to Bro[ther]s Jos[eph] F. Smith and [apostle] John Henry Smith an editorial in the Millard County Blade taking bro[ther] John Henry to task for calling Herald man a liar through the Tribune.

[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Jan 19, 1895

[Benjamin Tolman]

I am satisfied that there is or was a feeling to down me as the apostles were told by some one presumeably officers high in the stake that I had worked against them & on one ocassion took a party (one of the boys that was cut from the Church) to administer to the sick. all the foundation there was for this report was that we went to administer to Sussannah [Hunsaker] and Peter [Hunsaker] was liveing in the same house but not in the same room and was present when we first knelt down and prayed, and he Peter asked god to heal his sister with out anyone asking him to commence or stop. I wish to say now that I have all along tried to serve God and keep his commandments, and wish all the time to honor gods servants but I have been made to feel my cut and it has been almost to[o] much at times ...

[Benjamin Tolman Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

135 years ago today - Jan 19, 1890

[Heber J. Grant]

On my way home met H B Clawson. He said that he had learned that there was an effort being made to trap some of the leading brethren [unlawful cohabitation with a plural wife]. Said that Mulloy and Paul had had men on my tracks and that they claimed that they could put me in the "Pen" as soon as they got some one besides Parsons for Marshall.

[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

165 years ago today - Jan 19, 1860

Thursday Jan 19 1860. To night Jos Rodes was killed by Jacen Luce. He was attempting to force himself into a house where Hickman was confined of his wound as above stated, and his enterance being disputed he turned on Luce and stabbed eleven times and died instantly.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

185 years ago today - Jan 19, 1840. Sunday.

[William Clayton]

Brother Turley spoke this A.M. I spoke a little after. The wicked spirit seemed to disturb David Crooks. ... Elizabeth Mills manifested a bad spirit. I talked to her and she appears better. Brother Woodruff preached at night. Full house. He spoke plain. Good effect []. Distributed timely warnings and prayed [with] many sick. ... There has been several dreams in the church concerning my wife during the last 10 days. First I dreamt I was in the middle of a garden full of ripe fruit and after bringing some home was going out again and my wife run up a hill before me and vanished out of my sight. Another night I dreamed that I was at Hodsons, Penwortham, amongst ripe gooseberrys as above. I felt like a single or unmarried person. Sister Dewsnup dreamed that she saw me at Hardmans with one child in great trouble and the child was crying for bread. I asked her to get it something to eat. While I went somewhere Sarah Crooks dreamed that one of the American brethren was talking and joking
me about having a second wife and Sarah joked &c. She thought I had then a second wife. [Crooks would later reject a proposal from Clayton] Sister C. [] says today she dreamed that I was [stopped] in the greatest trouble. My wife was either dead or near to dying and I had one child with me. Sister Jones dreamed same as Sister Dewsnup.

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

195 years ago today - Jan 19, 1830

Lemuel Durfee, Jr., enters a plea before Justice Nathan Pierce for judgement against Joseph Smith, Sr., and Abraham Fish for $39.92, both of whom sign a consent for the judge to enter judgement against them.

[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]

110 years ago today - Jan 19, 1915

[Francis M. Lyman to Franklin S. Bramwell]

.... I regret very deeply your feelings in regard to your release from the Presidency of Union [Oregon] Stake. ... We made no charges against you nor were any made before as excuse for the change of Presidency. ... I am sorry that numbers of the people are leaving Union Stake because of the injustice I did you there. What I did was what I was sent by the Council to do by their unanimous vote. If I did any work in a cruel manner, then I am censurable and will gladly make any amends I can. ... You may feel perfectly safe so far as I am concerned for I never thought wrong of you, much less to do you any wrong. If injury has been done you in your removal it is by the Council and not by Brother Lyman. ...

[Francis M. Lyman, Letter to Franklin S. Bramwell, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]

115 years ago today - Jan 19, 1910

[Anthony W. Ivins]

I met Bro[ther]. Romney (Junius) and later Miles A. Romney. At 2 P.M. I met with the High Council. After preliminary exercises I presented the case of Miles A. Romney who on the _______ of ____ 1909 had gone to the Manti Temple, where he was married to Emily Burrell, he already having a large family in Mexico. The High Council was well represented, there being present a full representation besides the bishopricks of Dublan & Juarez. The case of Bro[ther]. Romney was considered, he being present. He admitted that he had been to Manti [Utah], had gone to the Temple, and had married Emily Burrell as charged. He plead in extenuation that he had been married 3 years ago & had been advised to live separate from the woman until the matter blew over & then to go to thee temple. After discussion the presidency of the Stake & I retired and after consideration recommended that Bro[ther]. Romney be disfellowshipped. The council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation.

[Anthony W. Ivins Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

130 years ago today - Jan 19, 1895

[Francis M. Lyman]

Showed to Bro[ther]s Jos[eph] F. Smith and [apostle] John Henry Smith an editorial in the Millard County Blade taking bro[ther] John Henry to task for calling Herald man a liar through the Tribune.

[Excerpts of Apostle Francis M. Lyman Diaries, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

130 years ago today - Jan 19, 1895

[Benjamin Tolman]

I am satisfied that there is or was a feeling to down me as the apostles were told by some one presumeably officers high in the stake that I had worked against them & on one ocassion took a party (one of the boys that was cut from the Church) to administer to the sick. all the foundation there was for this report was that we went to administer to Sussannah [Hunsaker] and Peter [Hunsaker] was liveing in the same house but not in the same room and was present when we first knelt down and prayed, and he Peter asked god to heal his sister with out anyone asking him to commence or stop. I wish to say now that I have all along tried to serve God and keep his commandments, and wish all the time to honor gods servants but I have been made to feel my cut and it has been almost to[o] much at times ...

[Benjamin Tolman Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

135 years ago today - Jan 19, 1890

[Heber J. Grant]

On my way home met H B Clawson. He said that he had learned that there was an effort being made to trap some of the leading brethren [unlawful cohabitation with a plural wife]. Said that Mulloy and Paul had had men on my tracks and that they claimed that they could put me in the "Pen" as soon as they got some one besides Parsons for Marshall.

[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

165 years ago today - Jan 19, 1860

Thursday Jan 19 1860. To night Jos Rodes was killed by Jacen Luce. He was attempting to force himself into a house where Hickman was confined of his wound as above stated, and his enterance being disputed he turned on Luce and stabbed eleven times and died instantly.

[Diaries of Hosea Stout]

185 years ago today - Jan 19, 1840. Sunday.

[William Clayton]

Brother Turley spoke this A.M. I spoke a little after. The wicked spirit seemed to disturb David Crooks. ... Elizabeth Mills manifested a bad spirit. I talked to her and she appears better. Brother Woodruff preached at night. Full house. He spoke plain. Good effect []. Distributed timely warnings and prayed [with] many sick. ... There has been several dreams in the church concerning my wife during the last 10 days. First I dreamt I was in the middle of a garden full of ripe fruit and after bringing some home was going out again and my wife run up a hill before me and vanished out of my sight. Another night I dreamed that I was at Hodsons, Penwortham, amongst ripe gooseberrys as above. I felt like a single or unmarried person. Sister Dewsnup dreamed that she saw me at Hardmans with one child in great trouble and the child was crying for bread. I asked her to get it something to eat. While I went somewhere Sarah Crooks dreamed that one of the American brethren was talking and joking
me about having a second wife and Sarah joked &c. She thought I had then a second wife. [Crooks would later reject a proposal from Clayton] Sister C. [] says today she dreamed that I was [stopped] in the greatest trouble. My wife was either dead or near to dying and I had one child with me. Sister Jones dreamed same as Sister Dewsnup.

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

185 years ago today - Jan 19, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff]

I also met a large congregation at the same place in the Evening & preached the gospel unto them. I had the spirit of God & they gave good attention. One Sister said she saw by vision or Revelation Jesus pleading with the Father to spare England one year more that the reapers might gather the grain for the harvest was fully ripe. 2 offered themselves for baptism. We confirmed one & lade hands upon 20 persons that were Sick or afflicted & they were most universally healed.

The Saints in England have great Confidence in God & his Servents & their is so many apply for the laying on of hands that we need as much faith as St. Paul had that at the touch of our garments or hankerchefs that they might be healed.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

195 years ago today - Jan 19, 1830

Lemuel Durfee, Jr., enters a plea before Justice Nathan Pierce for judgement against Joseph Smith, Sr., and Abraham Fish for $39.92, both of whom sign a consent for the judge to enter judgement against them.

[Vogel, Dan, Early Mormon Documents, Appendix B: Chronology, 1771-1831, http://amzn.to/T5nY8w]

55 years ago today - Jan 18, 1970

David O. McKay's dies at age 96, the oldest age to which any LDS president has lived, but not the oldest general authority. His is the longest service as a general authority, sixty-three years and nine months. Heber J. Grant and Joseph Fielding Smith have the next longest tenures of sixty-two years and a few months as general authorities.

[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database ( http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase )]]

55 years ago today - Jan 18, 1970

David O. McKay's death at age 96 years 4 months and 10 days, oldest age to which any LDS president has lived, but not oldest general authority. His is longest service as general authority, sixty-three years and nine months. Heber J. Grant and Joseph Fielding Smith have next longest tenures of sixty-two years and a few months as general authorities.

60 years ago today - Jan 18, 1965

Mormon Tabernacle choir sings at inauguration of U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson, first of several such inaugural invitations by U.S. presidents.

90 years ago today - Jan 18, 1935

[Heber J. Grant]

.... The rites and ceremonies performed in the temples are sacred, not secret, and are not open to the public[,] no more than are those which are performed in the Masonic temples. There is no place in the temple that a faithful, worthy Latter-day Saint cannot go, nor is any ordinance administered therein that a worthy Latter-day Saint cannot receive.

[Heber J. Grant to Dorothy C. Alexander, Jan. 18, 1935 as quoted in Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

90 years ago today - Jan 18, 1935

Quorum of Twelve Members Released from Auxiliary Organization Positions

[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]

125 years ago today - Thursday, Jan 18, 1900

Meeting of the brethren at the temple. ... A motion to close the temples and discontinue stake conferences for the present on account of smallpox was carried. It was also decided to discontinue prayer circles in the temple. Benediction by Apostle F. M. Lyman.

[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]

160 years ago today - Jan 18, 1865

Orson Pratt and William W. Ritter arrived in Austria. They were soon banished.

[Church News: Historical Chronology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://www.ldschurchnewsarchive.com/articles/58765/Historical-chronology-of-The-Church-of-Jesus-Christ-of-Latter-day-Saints.html]

180 years ago today - Jan 18, 1845

[Brigham Young]

Men were rolling and hollering and bawling and thumping, but [they] had no effect on me. I wanted to know the truth that I might not be fooled. -- Nauvoo, Illinois

[Brigham Young Collection, Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

185 years ago today - Jan 18, 1840. Saturday.

[William Clayton]

Went to see Sister Lea and found her quite insensible. Brother Woodruff prayed and rebuked the fowl spirits. We anointed her head and gave her some oil inwardly. I then prayed and rebuked the pain. After washing her forehead with rum she appeared better and we left her.

[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://amzn.to/william-clayton]

185 years ago today - Jan 18, 1840

[Wilford Woodruff]

We found the Sister possessed of the Devel & a burning fever on the brain. She was rageing & trying to tare herself although in the hands of three or four men. We lade hands upon her & commanded the devil to Depart, & the fever to Stand rebuked in the name of Jesus Christ & it was done though not without a great Struggle & we left her ca[lm?] in her mind & principly delivered of her pain.

[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

45 years ago today - Jan 17, 1980-Thursday

[Leonard Arrington]

Yesterday during my day home I listened to the morning rebroadcast of the Donahue show which had been done originally on December 23 [1979]. Following that one-hour show, with Sonia Johnson as the sole guest, was the Church's half-hour response in which Beverly Campbell of Virginia LDS Citizens Against ERA responded to questions put by a reporter.

There were several false impressions conveyed by Sonia Johnson and Donahue in the show; first of all, Donahue said that they had invited the Church to make a response-and the Church had refused to do so. This was wrong on two counts; actually they invited [Relief Society president] Barbara Smith to be on the program and Barbara Smith already had appointments which she could not break, and she was not able to appear, and so she asked that Beverly Campbell represent her. But Sonia absolutely refused to appear on the program with Beverly Campbell. So it proved to be a one-woman show with no Church response. The local [Salt Lake City] Channel 4 station, however, offered the Church "in accordance with the fairness doctrine" to present a response, and that is how the Beverly Campbell interview came to be made.

Sonia herself also made a big point of the judge in Idaho who will rule on the validity of extending the ERA deadline. She said that he was a Regional Representative"equivalent of an archbishop"-being prejudiced on this matter against ERA because of his Church commitments. Actually, the judge was released from his Regional Representative position the previous October and so was not that "very high Church official" which Sonia insisted he was. Of course Sonia might have had no way of knowing this, but she might have done her homework and checked with the judge himself on it.

I was not favorably impressed with Sonia and her presentation. Her statements critical of the Church were pretty strong, and she seemed to be playing to the audience, most of whom were obviously militant feminists, and applauded her frequently. Sonia seemed to be enjoying holding the Church and its officials up to ridicule. ...

Beverly Campbell talked very fast and said a great deal in the half hour she had. What she said seemed to be both reasonable and accurate, and also honest and forthright. ..

[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]

85 years ago today - Jan 17, 1940

[President Heber J. Grant]

Brother Olsen, who is connected with the Segolite Company, called and I went to lunch with him. He called again later in the afternoon and said that Parker Robison had quit patronizing him, also Z.C.M.I. and the Utah Hotel, and that all of his Gentile friends stay with him and say that he has the finest product. He also says that the L.D.S. Hospital is discontinuing (sic) its use, but several other people also testify that they have never found anything so good. He is very much disappointed.

[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Jan 17, 1845 (Friday)

The ship Palmyra sailed from Liverpool, England, with a company of Saints, under the direction of Amos Fielding, bound for Nauvoo.

[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

200 years ago today - January 17, 1825

[Windsor Journal]

Money digging.-- We are sorry to observe even in this enlightened age, so prevalent a disposition to credit the accounts of the Marvellous. Even the frightful stories of money being hid under the surface of the earth, and enchanted by the Devil or Robert Kidd, are received by many of our respectable fellow citizens as truths. We had hoped that such a shameful undertaking would never have been acted over our country, till the following event occurred, not not long ago in out vicinity.

A respectable gentleman in Tunbridge, was informed by means of a dream, that a chest of money was buried on a small island in Ayer's brook, at Randolph. No sooner was he in possession of this valuable information, than he started off to enrich himself with the treasure. After having been directed by the mineral rod where to search for the money, he excavated the earth about 15 feet square to the depth of 7 or 8; and all the while it was necessary to keep his pumps working to keep out the water. Presently he and his laborers came



Pat upon a chest of gold,

And heard it chink with pleasure,

Then all prepared, just taking hold,

To raise the shining treasure.



One of the company drove an old [file] through the rotten lid of the chest, and perceiving it to be nearly empty, exclaimed with an oath, "There's not ten dollars a piece." No sooner were the words out of his mouth, than the chest moved off through the mud, and has not been seen or heard of since.

Such is the story as related by himself. -- Whether he actually saw the chest, or whether it was the vision of a disturbed brain, we shall leave the public to determine.

[Windsor, Vermont, Friday, January 17, 1825]

25 years ago today - Jan 16, 2000

President Gordon B. Hinckley releases a statement that is read in every Latter-Day Saint congregation in California that urges members to "redouble their efforts" to pass Prop. 22 a law stating "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California." Prop 22 passed.

[Timeline of Mormon Thinking About Homosexuality, http://rationalfaiths.com/timeline-of-mormon-thinking-about-homosexuality/]

105 years ago today - Jan 16, 1920

The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution goes into effect, prohibiting the manufacture, production, and sale of alcohol. President Heber J. Grant, a fervent supporter of the amendment, believes it is divinely mandated because it outlaws items forbidden by the Word of Wisdom.

125 years ago today - Jan 16, 1900; Tuesday

Presidents [Lorenzo] Snow, [George Q.] Cannon and [Joseph F.] Smith were at the office as usual.

Elder John Henry Smith and Bishop Hiram B. Clawson were in the office and stated that they would leave for Washington [D.C.] tomorrow (Wednesday, 17th) for the purpose of imparting to some of the leading men of the nation, chiefly of the Republican party, information in regard to conditions in Utah with a view of preventing any move being made looking to a constitutional amendment on the subject of polygamy. Also to endeavor to influence Congress to create a new circuit court, the circuit to consist of the intermountain states. ...

[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

130 years ago today - Jan 16, 1895

[Heber J. Grant]

Spent the evening at Emily's. I will be a happy man when the time comes that I can live with her as a husband and not have to simply call and spend a few hours, and never stop over night at her home.

[Diary of Heber J. Grant, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

180 years ago today - Jan 16, 1845

Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Mary Pierce (1821-1847) (aged 25) first marriage

[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

180 years ago today - Jan 16, 1845

Brigham Young (aged 43) marriage to Margaret Pierce (1823-1907) (aged 22) widow of Morris Whitesides sealed to Morris Whitesides for eternity and Young for time; 1 child

[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]

195 years ago today - Jan 16, 1830

[Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon]

I hereby agree that Martin Harris shall have an equal privilege with me & my friends of selling the Book of Mormon of the Edition now printing by Egbert B Grandin until enough of them shall be sold to pay for the printing of the same or until such times as the said Grandin shall be paid for the printing the aforesaid Books or copies[.]

{...The wording of the agreement indicates that as of 16 January 1830 Harris anticipated that the sale of the books would fully pay off his $3,000 mortgage to Grandin, and that the surplus would go to Joseph Sr. and friends. However, the lack of sales would eventually force Harris to sell about 151 acres of land to Thomas Lakey.}

[Joseph Smith, Sr., and Martin Harris, Agreement Regarding Sale of Book of Mormon, 16 January 1830, Simon Gratz Collection, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: Joseph Smith, Sr., And Martin Harris Agreement]

65 years ago today - Thu Jan 14, 1960

[David O. McKay]

Was engaged in the meeting of the First Presidency. Among matters discussed at this meeting were the following: Elder Mark E. Petersen's proposed editorial on books by General Authorities. A draft of a proposed editorial for the Improvement Era, prepared by Elder Mark E. Petersen, on the subject of selecting good books, and upon the approval of the publication of books by the First Presidency, was read. After consideration it was decided that the general statement, without the reference to "Mormon Doctrine" and "Ancient America and the Book of Mormon," which should be handled separately, would be a suitable editorial on the subject of selecting good books. Further action on the matter of publishing a statement relating to the approval of books by the First Presidency was deferred awaiting consideration of the subject by me with President Joseph Fielding Smith.

[McKay, David O., Office Journal]

80 years ago today - Jan 14, 1945

[Spencer W. Kimball]

[Int St. George, Utah:] Coming home we heard some interesting stories as also going down. Bro. Kirkham of his being called by his good old friend Emmeline B. Wells to her room where she lived at the Hotel Utah. 'Oscar, go get Heber to come to administer to me.' Pres. Grant was occupied and could not come but sent J. Golden Kimball back with Oscar to take care of the ordinance. As they entered the room she said: 'Well, is that the best you could do?' with some disgust. J. Golden walked up to the bed and some what showing in his voice that he was irate. 'Do you want a blessing from the Lord?' 'Yes. Of course I do!' she said. 'Well, shut up,' he said 'or I won't give it to you.'

[Spencer W. Kimball Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]

105 years ago today - Jan. 14, Fri. [1920]

[James E. Talmage]

In addition to other committee work I attended an afternoon session of the Book of Mormon committee, at which preliminary arrangements were made for hearing some of the proponents of different views on Book of Mormon geography. Many varied and conflicting views concerning the location of Book of Mormon lands have been advocated amongst our people; and not a few maps have been put out. With all precautions taken to make plain the fact that these maps have been intended as suggestive presentations only, we find some people accepting one map and others another as authoritative. The matter was brought before the council through the receipt of a communication from Elder Joel Ricks of Logan, who several years ago published a map, of which over 6000 have been disposed of. Brother Ricks and several other good brethren have voiced a sort of complaint that they have had no opportunity to present their views, with the fullness they desire, before the Church authorities. The entire matter was
referred to the Book of Mormon committee; and today appointments were made for the beginning of the series of hearings.

[James E. Talmage Journal, Transcription reproduced by Trevor Antley, Special Collections, Harold B. Lee Library, Brigham Young University]

125 years ago today - Sunday, Jan 14, 1900

[Joseph F. Smith]

"The judgments of God upon the nations. The hand of the Lord as seen in the Spanish-American war and the English-Boer war."

[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]

140 years ago today - Jan 14, 1885

[Wilford Woodruff]

We are living in Perilous times. No man who obeys the Patriarchal Law of Marriage is safe. I am informed that officers are after me. I spent the day in the 17 ward. ... I Called at my house in the Evening with G Teasdale & got some things and spent the night in the 17 ward.

[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 - Jan 14, 1885

[Interview of David Whitmer]

1 [Q]--Do you know that the plates seen with the Angel (on the table) were real metal, did you touch them? Ans We did not touch nor handle the plates. 2 Q--Was the table literal wood? or was the whole a vision such as often occurs in dreams &c? Ans--The table had the appearence of literal wood as shown in the vision, in the glory of God. 3 Q--Did you see the Urim and Thummim, what was it? Ans--I saw the "Interpreters" in the holy [vision] [.] They looked like whitish stones p[ut in the] rim of a bow, looked like spectacles only much larger. ... [p. 1] ... 9. Q. Who was the Angel that showed the plates to you and Cowdery, and have these plates been seen since? Ans--I do not know as no name was given. I have never seen the plates since. ... [p. 1, back] ... 13. Q.--Were you present when Joseph Smith received the revelation commanding him and Oliver Cowdery to ordain each other to the Melchisedek Priesthood, if so, where was it and how? Ans--No I was not--neither did I ever hear
of such a thing as an angel ordaining them until I got into Ohio about the year 1834--or later. 14. Q. Can you tell why that Joseph and Oliver were ordained to the lesser Priesthood by the hand of an Angel but in receiving the Higher they ordained each other? Ans--I moved Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to my fathers house in Fayette[,] Seneca County[,] New York, from Harmony, Penn. in the year 1829, on our way I conversed freely with them [p. 2] upon this great work they were bringing about, and Oliver stated to me in Josephs presence that they had baptized each other seeking by that to fulfill the command--And after our arrival at fathers sometime in June 1829. Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the Church of Christ. <<and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church of Christ.>> Also, during this year the translation of the Book of Mormon was finished, And we preached preached,
baptized and ordained some as Elders, And upon the Sixth day of April 1830, six Elders together with some fifty or sixty (as near as I recollect) of the members met together to effect an organization. I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834[,] 5. or 6--in Ohio. my information from Joseph and Oliver upon this matter being as I have stated, and that they were commanded so to do by revealment through Joseph. I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some. I regard that as an error, a misconception. [p. 2, back] ... 19. [Q] Were the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated in Joseph Smiths possession while translating and seen and handled by several different persons, if not, where were they? Ans--I do not know. 20. Q. Did Joseph use his "peep stone" to finish up the translation? if so why? Ans--He used a stone called a "Seers stone," the "Interpreters"
having been taken away from him because of transgression. 21. Q. Had you seen the plates at anytime before the Angel showed them to you? Ans--No. [p. 3, back] ... 25. Q. Were you present during any of the time of translation, if so, state how it was done. Ans--The "Interpreters" were taken from Joseph after he allowed Martin Harris to carry away the 116 pages of Ms [manuscript]--of the Book of Mormon as a punishment, but he was allowed to go on and translate by the use of a "Seers stone" which he had, and which he placed in a hat into which he buried his face, stating to me and others that the original Character[s] appeared upon parchment and under it the translation in english, which [enabled him] to read it readily. While Brother Whitmer was too feeble to write much, being unable to write the answers to the foregoing 25 questions in person--Yet it was with his consent and in his presence that I wrote them and corrected them, as they appear here. Jan. 21--1885.



[s] Z H. Gurley

["Copy--Questions asked of David Whitmer at his home in Richmond[,] Ray County[,] Mo--Jan 14--1885. relating to Book of Mormon, and the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S. by Elder Z[enas] H. Gurley," Zenas Gurley Collection, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah., as cited in Dan Vogel, Early Mormon Documents: David Whitmer Interview With Zenas H. Gurley]

165 years ago today - Jan 14, 1860

[Brigham Young]

The Pres. said no doubt they have applied to Joseph Smith, son of the Prophet, to take his place as his right and Joseph will answer them as he did on a further occasion to a like request that if the Lord wanted him no doubt he would reveal himself as he did to [his] father (the Prophet). -- Salt Lake City

[Brigham Young Office Journals, Special Collections, Merrill-Cazier Library, Utah State University, Logan.; Archives, Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.; New Mormon Studies CD-ROM as quoted in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

180 years ago today - Jan 14, 1845

[Patriarchal Blessing of Jesse N. Smith]

.... I pray my Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus to preserve thy life and health, even unto the coming of the Saviour ... Angels shall be thy constant companions and thou shalt often converse with them; they shall defend thee from all dangers, heal thy sickness and beat back the power of the destroyer. ... And if thou wilt seek after knowledge, and be sober-minded, thou shalt be like Mormon of old, and shalt be a mighty man in the ministry and a mighty warrior. Thou shalt handle the sword of Laban with such power as to put ten thousand of thine enemies to flight with the help of thy brother. Thy name shall be terrible among thine enemies. ... Thou shalt live to see Israel gathered from the four corners of the earth, to see all the enemies of the Lord swept from off the face of the earth, and cleansed from wickedness, and the Saviour stand upon it; and thou shalt stand in His presence. ...

[Typescript, Michael Marquardt papers]