Gov. Reynolds of Missouri shoots himself through the head, having written that although he has tried to carry out his duties, he has not been able to escape "the slanders and abuse of my enemies, which has rendered my life a burden to me." Many assume that Reynolds is referring to criticisms of him because he had not been able to return Joseph Smith to Missouri for trial.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
BYU Studies Journal, Spring 1971, p.292.
ReplyDelete"I have heard the Prophet Joseph pray when the power of God rested down upon him, and all who heard him felt it; and I have seen his prayers answered in a marvelous manner almost immediately. Governor Reynolds on one occasion employed men to try and kidnap Joseph, and they almost accomplished their designs, but Joseph had some Gentile friends as well as his brethren, through whom he was rescued, and was taken to Nauvoo and released under a writ of habeas corpus. But the Governor continued to harass him with writs, and was determined to destroy Joseph. Joseph and the Twelve went before God in prayer, Joseph kneeling before the Lord, offered up prayer, and asked God to deliver him from the power of that man. Among other things he told the Lord that he was innocent before Him, and that his heart was heavy under the persecutions he endured. In about forty-eight hours from that time word reached Joseph that Reynolds had blown his brains out. Before perpetrating the deed he left a note on his desk stating, that as his services were not appreciated by the people of the State, he took that course to end his days." (JOD 24:55; Discourse by Wilford Woodruff on Jan.27,1883).
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