85 years ago today - Feb 15, 1941
Sunday School and Stake Conferences-- Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.
All Sunday School classes, with the exception of the adult Gospel Doctrine class should remain in session on stake quarterly conference days. {1941-February 15-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
All Sunday School classes, with the exception of the adult Gospel Doctrine class should remain in session on stake quarterly conference days. {1941-February 15-Original circular letter, L.D.S.}
[Clark, James R., Messages of the First Presidency (6 volumes)]
100 years ago today - Feb 15, 1926
Albert Choules Jr., later a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, is born in Driggs, Idaho.
115 years ago today - Wednesday, Feb 15, 1911
[Second Counselor John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
I paid To Willard T. Cannon the final payment on the Dover Hotel building for J[osephine] G. Smith $258.41.
[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 paid To Willard T. Cannon the final payment on the Dover Hotel building for J[osephine] G. Smith $258.41.
[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]
115 years ago today - Feb 15, 1911
Former Apostle John W. Taylor is summoned by the Quorum of Apostles: "By these presents you are summoned to appear before the Council of the Twelve Apostles in the Salt Lake Temple at 10 A.M. on Wednesday February 22, 1911, to vindicate yourself of the claim entertained by your brethren that you have married a plural wife within the last six years contrary to the discipline of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that you have aided and encouraged others to enter such a relationship. You will also be required to answer any and all questions that may be put to you by the Council upon these points, to tell us the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Do not fail to appear as we shall be in session there and then to receive you."
115 years ago today - Feb 15, 1911
Met with some of the Twelve in Temple. Had up method of reaching J[ohn]. W. Taylor. Decided to summon him to appear one week from date, [Anthony W.] Ivins to serve it also to postpone [Matthias F.] Cowley case for one week.
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Charles W. Penrose, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Feb 15, 1906; Thursday
The regular meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held in the temple this morning.
It was decided to reorganize the Wayne [Utah] Stake Presidency, and Gearson S. Bastian, first counselor to President [Willis E.] Robinson, was unanimously chosen as the new President, in the understanding that he enter upon the duties of his office at once, and be set apart later. President Robinson is to be advised of this action and requested to turn over the affairs of the stake in his custody to Brother Bastian. This was done on motion of President Francis M. Lyman.
A letter was read from Sister Martha H. Tingey, asking whether or not the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association should continue to retain membership in the National Council of Women's organizations and to send delegates occasionally to its conventions?
It was decided to advise Sister Tingey to continue the Association's membership in the National Council, and to send delegates as heretofore. ...
Brother [Charles W.] Penrose said on Friday evening he went to Richmond [Utah] with others to attend the funeral services of Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill at Richmond on Saturday. The Richmond tabernacle had been fitted up temporarily for this purpose. House crowded to the utmost capacity with quite a number of people outside, a large number having come from Logan [Utah] and other places by special train. Pres[iden]t. Anthon H. Lund was present. Good, timely remarks made by all the speakers.
President Lund said he was very much struck with the quiet, peaceful expression of Brother Merrill's face, he looked as though he had just dropped off to sleep.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
It was decided to reorganize the Wayne [Utah] Stake Presidency, and Gearson S. Bastian, first counselor to President [Willis E.] Robinson, was unanimously chosen as the new President, in the understanding that he enter upon the duties of his office at once, and be set apart later. President Robinson is to be advised of this action and requested to turn over the affairs of the stake in his custody to Brother Bastian. This was done on motion of President Francis M. Lyman.
A letter was read from Sister Martha H. Tingey, asking whether or not the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association should continue to retain membership in the National Council of Women's organizations and to send delegates occasionally to its conventions?
It was decided to advise Sister Tingey to continue the Association's membership in the National Council, and to send delegates as heretofore. ...
Brother [Charles W.] Penrose said on Friday evening he went to Richmond [Utah] with others to attend the funeral services of Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill at Richmond on Saturday. The Richmond tabernacle had been fitted up temporarily for this purpose. House crowded to the utmost capacity with quite a number of people outside, a large number having come from Logan [Utah] and other places by special train. Pres[iden]t. Anthon H. Lund was present. Good, timely remarks made by all the speakers.
President Lund said he was very much struck with the quiet, peaceful expression of Brother Merrill's face, he looked as though he had just dropped off to sleep.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
120 years ago today - Feb 15, 1906
The regular meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles was held in the temple this morning. It was decided to reorganize the Wayne [Utah] Stake Presidency, and Gearson S. Bastian, first counselor to President [Willis E.] Robinson, was unanimously chosen as the new President, in the understanding that he enter upon the duties of his office at once, and be set apart later. President Robinson is to be advised of this action and requested to turn over the affairs of the stake in his custody to Brother Bastian. This was done on motion of President Francis M. Lyman. A letter was read from Sister Martha H. Tingey, asking whether or not the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association should continue to retain membership in the National Council of Women's organizations and to send delegates occasionally to its conventions? It was decided to advise Sister Tingey to continue the Association's membership in the National Council, and to send delegates as heretofore. ... Brother [Charles W.]
Penrose said on Friday evening he went to Richmond [Utah] with others to
attend the funeral services of Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill at Richmond on Saturday. The Richmond tabernacle had been fitted up temporarily for this purpose. House crowded to the utmost capacity with quite a number of people outside, a large number having come from Logan [Utah] and other places by special train. Pres[iden]t. Anthon H. Lund was present. Good, timely remarks made by all the speakers. President Lund said he was very much struck with the quiet, peaceful expression of Brother Merrill's face, he looked as though he had just dropped off to sleep.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Penrose said on Friday evening he went to Richmond [Utah] with others to
attend the funeral services of Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill at Richmond on Saturday. The Richmond tabernacle had been fitted up temporarily for this purpose. House crowded to the utmost capacity with quite a number of people outside, a large number having come from Logan [Utah] and other places by special train. Pres[iden]t. Anthon H. Lund was present. Good, timely remarks made by all the speakers. President Lund said he was very much struck with the quiet, peaceful expression of Brother Merrill's face, he looked as though he had just dropped off to sleep.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
120 years ago today - Thursday, Feb 15, 1906
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
Washington, D.C.
I met Senators Tom Carter of Montana, [Jacob] Gallinger of New Hampshire, Teller of Colorado. With the later two I had nice free conversations on the position of Reed Smoot. They feel that he will keep his seat.
Reed Smoot, F. S. Richards and myself met A. S. Worthington and talked over the situation. Ed. Loose left for home.
[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]
Washington, D.C.
I met Senators Tom Carter of Montana, [Jacob] Gallinger of New Hampshire, Teller of Colorado. With the later two I had nice free conversations on the position of Reed Smoot. They feel that he will keep his seat.
Reed Smoot, F. S. Richards and myself met A. S. Worthington and talked over the situation. Ed. Loose left for home.
[Jean Bickmore White (editor), Church, State, and Politics: The Diaries of John Henry Smith, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1990, http://bit.ly/johnhenrysmith]
125 years ago today - Feb 15, 1901; Friday
It was fully two o'clock this morning before I went to sleep. In thinking over my call to Japan and the many things that might happen during my absence, it seemed that I could not possibly go to sleep. I looked at my watch just before two o'clock and just about that time I hoped sincerely that Karl G. Maeser would be alive when I returned from Japan. I met him yesterday afternoon in connection with my associates at a board meeting of the Sunday School Union meeting. He was looking and feeling well. As I walked down town this morning and passed the Deseret news office, I read a bulletin, announcing the death of Karl G. Maeser. He must have died within an hour or so from the very time that I was hoping he would live until my return from my mission. ...
Ten A.M. attended director's meeting of the Utah Idaho Sugar Co[mpany]. and a 35% stock dividend was unanimously declared. I thank the Lord with all my heart for this dividend as I feel sure that within a very few days the advance in stock will make me from 415,000 to $25,000 directly or indirectly.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
Ten A.M. attended director's meeting of the Utah Idaho Sugar Co[mpany]. and a 35% stock dividend was unanimously declared. I thank the Lord with all my heart for this dividend as I feel sure that within a very few days the advance in stock will make me from 415,000 to $25,000 directly or indirectly.
[Heber J. Grant, Diary]
125 years ago today - Friday, Feb 15, 1901
[Apostle Rudger Clawson]
Salt Lake City. Cloudy and cool. I spent the day in Brigham City, going in the morning and returning in the evening. I attended to some matters of business while there. Pres. Chas. Kelly is suffering with an attack of his kidneys and is quite sick.
Upon returning home I was shocked to hear of the sudden death of Brother Karl G. Maeser, who passed away during the morning with heart trouble. Brother Maeser has been a very active and faithful man in the church. Under the direction of President Brigham Young, he built up the Brigham Young Academy of Provo and has done a great work as general supt. of Church Schools, asst. supt. of Religion Classes, and general asst. supt. of the Sunday Schools throughout the church. He will be greatly missed.
[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]
Salt Lake City. Cloudy and cool. I spent the day in Brigham City, going in the morning and returning in the evening. I attended to some matters of business while there. Pres. Chas. Kelly is suffering with an attack of his kidneys and is quite sick.
Upon returning home I was shocked to hear of the sudden death of Brother Karl G. Maeser, who passed away during the morning with heart trouble. Brother Maeser has been a very active and faithful man in the church. Under the direction of President Brigham Young, he built up the Brigham Young Academy of Provo and has done a great work as general supt. of Church Schools, asst. supt. of Religion Classes, and general asst. supt. of the Sunday Schools throughout the church. He will be greatly missed.
[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]
130 years ago today - Feb 15, 1896
At the request of Elder Seymour B. Young, the sum of $15 per month was appropriated by the First Presidency towards the support of the widow and child of the late Elder Herriman of the Presidency of Seventies; $50 was appropriated to aid Elder Ira Hatch who had been on a mission to the Indians of Uintah.
[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]
130 years ago today - Feb 15, 1896
[Apostle Franklin D. Richards]
Apostle Moses Thatcher moved from Logan corner of the Temple Block a place bought of Aurelius Miner & formerly owned by Elder William Clayton now metamorphosed into a Palace.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Apostle Moses Thatcher moved from Logan corner of the Temple Block a place bought of Aurelius Miner & formerly owned by Elder William Clayton now metamorphosed into a Palace.
[Diary Excerpts of Franklin D. Richards, 1887-1897, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Feb 15, 1891
[President Wilford Woodruff]
15 Sunday I spent the day in the House reading.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 Sunday I spent the day in the House reading.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
135 years ago today - Sunday, Feb 15, 1891
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
Manassa
It is quite lonesome. No meetings of any kind, owing to the small pox scare.
[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]
Manassa
It is quite lonesome. No meetings of any kind, owing to the small pox scare.
[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]
140 years ago today - Feb 15, 1886 (Monday)
In the Third District Court, Samuel F. Ball, and James O. Poulson, charged with u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife], testified in their own cases, and were each adjudged guilty by the jury. Two other indictments against each of them were continued for the term. After trial, in which Eliza Shafer was forced to testify, the jury returned a verdict of guilty against John W. Snell. Robert Morris was sentenced by Judge Zane to six months' imprisonment and $150 fine, and taken to the Penitentiary. Martha T. Cannon, wife of Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon, was insulted in court.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Feb 15, 1886
Martha J. Cannon is brought into the third district court. The grand jury complains that she will not answer certain questions, including: "Are you not now a pregnant woman?" .... "Are you not now with child by your husband, [First Counselor] George Q. Cannon?" On still declining to answer the court adjudges her guilty of contempt, and pending sentence she is placed under bonds of $2,500, which are subsequently raised to $5,000.
140 years ago today - Feb 15, 1886
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
15 I wrote Letter to M. E. Teasdale & Mrs P A Christofferson.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 I wrote Letter to M. E. Teasdale & Mrs P A Christofferson.
[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 - Monday, Feb 15, 1886
[Apostle John Henry Smith]
Salt Lake City
Their is no question now but what Bro. G. Q. Cannon has been arrested. Marshall E. A. Ireland says he has fallen from the train and is badly hurt. A. E. Hyde telegraphed that Bro. Cannon was hurt but not seriously.
[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
Their is no question now but what Bro. G. Q. Cannon has been arrested. Marshall E. A. Ireland says he has fallen from the train and is badly hurt. A. E. Hyde telegraphed that Bro. Cannon was hurt but not seriously.
[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]
145 years ago today - Feb 15, 1881
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
15 I wrote 3 Letters to F Scott, Jesse Hobson & M Cowley.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 I wrote 3 Letters to F Scott, Jesse Hobson & M Cowley.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
150 years ago today - Feb 15, 1876
First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon publishes an editorial in the JUVENILE INSTRUCTOR criticizing waltzing as "not conducive to health" and "considered improper by the servants of God who are placed to teach us."
155 years ago today - Feb 15, 1871
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
15 I returned to the City. Brother Roberts had returned from the East & Brought 240 stands of Bees of the [-]. I spent most of the day at work among them.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 I returned to the City. Brother Roberts had returned from the East & Brought 240 stands of Bees of the [-]. I spent most of the day at work among them.
[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 - Feb 15, 1861
The President noticed that Pres. J. Buchanan had been in London and engaged himself to the British Government to do three things: to annex Cuba, take Mexico, and drive the Mormons. Prest. remarked it was the intention of the Soldiers at Camp Floyd to take and sell what they get from the Government property in camp Floyd. -- 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]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
165 years ago today - Feb 15, 1861
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
15 We left Ogden & returned home to Great Salt Lake City & spent the night at home. Whole Distance to Box Elder & Back again 130 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 We left Ogden & returned home to Great Salt Lake City & spent the night at home. Whole Distance to Box Elder & Back again 130 miles.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Feb 15, 1856
[Hosea Stout]
Friday 15 Feb 1856. Court met at ten a. m. Several motions were argued and some few cases continued over and court adjourned till Monday next to give place for Elections of Delegates to the state convention tomorrow
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Friday 15 Feb 1856. Court met at ten a. m. Several motions were argued and some few cases continued over and court adjourned till Monday next to give place for Elections of Delegates to the state convention tomorrow
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Feb 15, 1851
[Hosea Stout]
Saturday 15th February 1851. Last evening Charles Shumway and M. D. Hambleton came in from San-Pete[.] They bring news that M. D. Hambleton on last Sunday killed Dr. J. M. Vaughan for similar conduct with Mrs. H. as took place with Dr & Foots wife last summer.
Hamilton will have a trial on the case befor the Supreme Court soon I suppose, when more will be heard about the matter. I spent the day about the City and at home not however doing much business.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Saturday 15th February 1851. Last evening Charles Shumway and M. D. Hambleton came in from San-Pete[.] They bring news that M. D. Hambleton on last Sunday killed Dr. J. M. Vaughan for similar conduct with Mrs. H. as took place with Dr & Foots wife last summer.
Hamilton will have a trial on the case befor the Supreme Court soon I suppose, when more will be heard about the matter. I spent the day about the City and at home not however doing much business.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
175 years ago today - Feb 15, 1851
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
15th I spent the day at home. Sister Mary Nobles died to day.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15th I spent the day at home. Sister Mary Nobles died to day.
[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 - Feb 15, 1846, Sunday
[William Clayton Writings]
Sunday, 15th. Riding around to get teams and things together. Sent two teams over the river.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
Sunday, 15th. Riding around to get teams and things together. Sent two teams over the river.
[Fillerup, Robert C., compiler; William Clayton Nauvoo Diaries and Personal Writings, A chronological compilation of the personal writings of William Clayton while he was a resident of Nauvoo, Illinois. http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846. Sunday.
[William Clayton]
Riding around to get teams and things together. Sent two teams over [].
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
Riding around to get teams and things together. Sent two teams over [].
[George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle; The Journals of William Clayton, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1995, http://bit.ly/WilliamClayton]
180 years ago today - Sunday, Feb 15, 1846.
[Willard Richards]
[Brigham Young and other leaders cross the frozen Mississippi River, leading pioneers west.] Very fine morning. Snow 3 or 4 inches deep. ... At 12 noon, got in my carriage furnished by Daniel Parrot and driven by his son, Henry, with Amelia E. P. and Sarah L. Richards, Ellen, Heber John, and Rhoda A. Jennetta, with my buggy lashed behind and tent poles, and arrived across the river about 2 p.m., ... where [there] was President Young and about 50 loaded wagons and carriages, and B. [Brigham] Young would not go on till all who were going at that time were ready. We started about 4, okay. Traveling very bad; about 4 miles out, come to a bad hill and President Young would not go on till he had seen all the teams up, laboring with his own hands. Left the hill at dusk and arrived at Sugar Creek camp about 8. All in conference in camp. 9 miles.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
[Brigham Young and other leaders cross the frozen Mississippi River, leading pioneers west.] Very fine morning. Snow 3 or 4 inches deep. ... At 12 noon, got in my carriage furnished by Daniel Parrot and driven by his son, Henry, with Amelia E. P. and Sarah L. Richards, Ellen, Heber John, and Rhoda A. Jennetta, with my buggy lashed behind and tent poles, and arrived across the river about 2 p.m., ... where [there] was President Young and about 50 loaded wagons and carriages, and B. [Brigham] Young would not go on till all who were going at that time were ready. We started about 4, okay. Traveling very bad; about 4 miles out, come to a bad hill and President Young would not go on till he had seen all the teams up, laboring with his own hands. Left the hill at dusk and arrived at Sugar Creek camp about 8. All in conference in camp. 9 miles.
[Apostle Willard Richards Journal]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
[Thomas Bullock journal, Feb. 15, 1846] At home until 5 [p.m.] when I went up to the Temple to pray. We assembled in the Upper Room [attic] at 6 [p.m] [There were] 29 [people] assembled for prayer and Benjamin L. Clapp was leader.
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
Sunday Feb 15th 1846. After regulating the guard I went to Nauvoo as I had been informed that there could not be any waggons procured to carry the public muskets in & I thought that I could make a raise of one. When I landed on the other side of the river I met President Brigham Young just ready to go aboard of his boat to cross over from Nauvoo to the camp[.] He told me to send the rest of the guard over also as soon as possible[.] Accordingly I proceeded to the Temple and sent out orders to the different captains to proceed forthwith accross the river and from thence to Br Noah T Guymans to raise a team there belonging to Robert Johnson[.] After much ado and persuasion he agreed to go & I staid untill he was ready to start and came with him to the Temple and took in about one hundred muskets and while loading them Genl Rich came with a man and a team also for the muskets so I took my load and left him to bring on the rest and then started to the river[.] While going down the hill
west of the
Temple my horse being very unruly broke his bridle bits and I leaped off as soon as possible but not before he was near full speed which threw me heels over head down the hill in the watter & sand but not materially hurt otherwise. I proceeded to the river & crossed over and there found Br. Young just ready to start to the other camp who told me to come on with four or five companies[.] I then set all hands to preparing to move leaving Hunter in charge at the camp till morning. We started about four oclock and over took Brigham at the hill 2 miles from the river about dark[.] His teams could not get up the hill without doubling them[.] He was there at work in the mud assisting the teamsterswe also assisted them up and they went on and we were a long time getting up as all our teams had to be doubled also. It was now some time in the night and very cold and the women & children cold and disagreeable. After getting on the hill we proceeded to camp and found Brigham just
driving to his fire on the
East side of Sugar Creek which we called Kedronwe also encamped west of him also on the East of the brook.
It was about Eleven oclock when we was through and ready for rest[.] After posting our the guard we retired to rest untill morning.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
Sunday Feb 15th 1846. After regulating the guard I went to Nauvoo as I had been informed that there could not be any waggons procured to carry the public muskets in & I thought that I could make a raise of one. When I landed on the other side of the river I met President Brigham Young just ready to go aboard of his boat to cross over from Nauvoo to the camp[.] He told me to send the rest of the guard over also as soon as possible[.] Accordingly I proceeded to the Temple and sent out orders to the different captains to proceed forthwith accross the river and from thence to Br Noah T Guymans to raise a team there belonging to Robert Johnson[.] After much ado and persuasion he agreed to go & I staid untill he was ready to start and came with him to the Temple and took in about one hundred muskets and while loading them Genl Rich came with a man and a team also for the muskets so I took my load and left him to bring on the rest and then started to the river[.] While going down the hill
west of the
Temple my horse being very unruly broke his bridle bits and I leaped off as soon as possible but not before he was near full speed which threw me heels over head down the hill in the watter & sand but not materially hurt otherwise. I proceeded to the river & crossed over and there found Br. Young just ready to start to the other camp who told me to come on with four or five companies[.] I then set all hands to preparing to move leaving Hunter in charge at the camp till morning. We started about four oclock and over took Brigham at the hill 2 miles from the river about dark[.] His teams could not get up the hill without doubling them[.] He was there at work in the mud assisting the teamsterswe also assisted them up and they went on and we were a long time getting up as all our teams had to be doubled also. It was now some time in the night and very cold and the women & children cold and disagreeable. After getting on the hill we proceeded to camp and found Brigham just
driving to his fire on the
East side of Sugar Creek which we called Kedronwe also encamped west of him also on the East of the brook.
It was about Eleven oclock when we was through and ready for rest[.] After posting our the guard we retired to rest untill morning.
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
Brigham Young, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, leaves Nauvoo for the West, crossing the Mississippi River and traveling nine miles to the camp on Sugar Creek.
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
Young leaves Nauvoo with his family, reaching Sugar Creek, Iowa, in the evening.
[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]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
Brigham Young and other leaders cross the frozen Mississippi River, leading exodus west.
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
[Sherry Baker: Mormon Media History Timeline: 1827-2007, http://byustudies.byu.edu/showTitle.aspx?title=7984]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846 (Sunday)
Apostles Brigham Young and Willard Richards, with their families, and Apostle Geo. A. Smith crossed the Mississippi river for the West. They traveled nine miles, and camped on Sugar Creek, where Pres. Young spent the following day organizing the camps of the Saints.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
Brigham Young leaves Nauvoo with his family, reaching Sugar Creek, Iowa. in the evening.
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
Brigham Young: Left Nauvoo 15 February 1846.
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
[Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985, http://amzn.to/RevelationsofJosephSmith]
180 years ago today - Feb 15, 1846
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
15th Sunday The cold is increasing & getting into our cabins. I have now been with my feet wet boots daily soaked with water 23 days without deing near any fire And we are now dailly obliged to go to bed to warm our feet. This is the coldest day we have had. We had a still night And we got a good nights rest.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15th Sunday The cold is increasing & getting into our cabins. I have now been with my feet wet boots daily soaked with water 23 days without deing near any fire And we are now dailly obliged to go to bed to warm our feet. This is the coldest day we have had. We had a still night And we got a good nights rest.
[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 - Feb 15, 1841
[Heber C. Kimball]
15. I recieved a leter from my wife baring date December the 30 [1840]. All well but the prospect gloomary [gloomy]. I had much Sorrow before the Lord.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
15. I recieved a leter from my wife baring date December the 30 [1840]. All well but the prospect gloomary [gloomy]. I had much Sorrow before the Lord.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
185 years ago today - Feb 15, 1841
On a mission in England Heber C. Kimball receives a letter from his wife Vilate relaying a message from Joseph Smith "for the Twelve to come immediately home for our personal Safety, as great Judgments are nigh in this land even at the Door." Kimball, Wilford Woodruff and Lorenzo Snow are apostles on missionary assignments to England at this time.
185 years ago today - Feb 15, 1841
Joseph, as chairman of the committee on vending of spirituous liquors, suggests a bill that would prohibit selling whiskey in smaller quantities than a gallon. After a long debate it is passed. Joseph says, "I spoke at great length on the use of liquors, and showed that they were unnecessary, and operate as a poison in the stomach, and that roots and herbs can be found to effect all necessary purposes."
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
185 years ago today - Feb 15, 1841
[Apostle Wilford Woodruff]
Feb 15th Elder Kimball received a letter from his wife Dated Nauvoo Dec 30th. She informed us that + Joseph had written for the Twelve to come immediately home for our personal Safety, as great Judgments are nigh in this land even at the Door. ... We feel the forebodeings of the things that are at the door, & spedily await the World. Their is no doubt but what troubles will Soon arise between England & America but may the Lord prepare his Saints for the worst.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
Feb 15th Elder Kimball received a letter from his wife Dated Nauvoo Dec 30th. She informed us that + Joseph had written for the Twelve to come immediately home for our personal Safety, as great Judgments are nigh in this land even at the Door. ... We feel the forebodeings of the things that are at the door, & spedily await the World. Their is no doubt but what troubles will Soon arise between England & America but may the Lord prepare his Saints for the worst.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Feb 15, 1836
[Wilford Woodruff]
15 Spent the day at Sister Matlock's to attend the sale of her Property after the Death of Deacon Caswell Matlock Who died Dec 24, Aged 27 Yrs.
I Solicited Contributions through the day for the building of the house of the Lord at Kirtland Ohio & Procured $25.00 cts from the honourable men & Saints to be applyed to that purpose. Then rode to Br Crawleys. 10 miles. I also contributed $6 dollars myself for the house of the Lord.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
15 Spent the day at Sister Matlock's to attend the sale of her Property after the Death of Deacon Caswell Matlock Who died Dec 24, Aged 27 Yrs.
I Solicited Contributions through the day for the building of the house of the Lord at Kirtland Ohio & Procured $25.00 cts from the honourable men & Saints to be applyed to that purpose. Then rode to Br Crawleys. 10 miles. I also contributed $6 dollars myself for the house of the Lord.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
190 years ago today - Feb 15, 1836
[Joseph Smith]
15th Monday the 15th Attended the Hebrew School at the usual hour. Spent the afternoon in reading Hebrew and receiving and waiting upon visitors. On this day we commenced translating the Hebrew language under the instruction of Professor Seixas. He acknowledg[e]'s that we are the most forward of any class he ever taught the same length of time.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
15th Monday the 15th Attended the Hebrew School at the usual hour. Spent the afternoon in reading Hebrew and receiving and waiting upon visitors. On this day we commenced translating the Hebrew language under the instruction of Professor Seixas. He acknowledg[e]'s that we are the most forward of any class he ever taught the same length of time.
[Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1835-36, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]
190 years ago today - Feb 15, 1836
Joseph Smith writes in his diary: "attended the Hebrew School at the usual hour, - spent the afternoon in reading Hebrew, and in receiving and waiting upon visitors - on this day we commenced translating the Hebrew language, under the instruction of professor Seixas, and he acknowled[e]g's that we are the most forward of any class he ever taught, the same length of time."
190 years ago today - Feb 15, 1836
Hebrew school continues translating the Bible from Hebrew. Professor Seixas being absent in the afternoon, Joseph unites in prayer with the other brethren asking that, just as Seixas has been their teacher in Hebrew, they may become his teacher in the gospel, that he might believe the Book of Mormon and be baptized.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
195 years ago today - Feb 15, 1831
Eber D. Howe "A scene of the wildest enthusiasm was exhibited,. . . they would fall, as without strength, roll upon the floor, . . . they exhibited all the apish actions imaginable, making grimaces both horrid and ridiculous.... At other times they are taken with a fit of jabbering that they neither understand themselves nor any body else, and this they call speaking foreign languages by divine inspiration." [Painesville (Ohio) Telegraph, 15 February 1831, 3]
[Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
[Dan Vogel and Scott C. Dunn, '"The Tongue of Angels": Glossolalia among Mormonism's Founders,' Journal of Mormon History Vol. 19, No. 2, 1993]
195 years ago today - Feb 15, 1831
Lengthy letter from M. S. C. [Matthew S. Clapp] in the Painesville Telegraph reports early Lamanite missionary efforts in the fall of 1830. They arrived "about the last of October, 1830" from Manchester and Palmyra, New York, bringing a pretended revelation, entitled the "Book of Mormon." They came to the brethern of the reformation in Mentor, saluted them as brethern, and professed to rejoice at finding a people walking according to the scriptures of truth, and acknowledging no other guide. ...
--
[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]
195 years ago today - Feb 15, 1831
The Painesville, Ohio TELEGRAPH reports: "He [Sidney Rigdon] then spoke of the supernatural gifts with which he said [Jospeh] Smith was endowed; he said he could translate the scriptures from any language in which they were now extant, and could lay his finger on every interpolation in the sacred writings, adding, that he had proved him in all these things. But my friends knowing that Mr. Rigdon had no knowledge of any language but his own vernacular tongue, asked him how he knew these things, to which Mr. R[igdon] made no direct reply. Mr. Smith arrived at Kirtland the next day; and being examined concerning his supernatural gifts by a scholar, who was capable of testing his knowledge, he confessed he knew nothing of any language, save the king's English. Mr. R[igdon] asserted that our revelation came to us upon human testimony - this we denied, and gave him reasons which he himself formerly urged against DEISTS. He then said the OLD revelation was confirmed by miracles, but the
Book of Mormon would never be; it was not designed to be thus confirmed."
Book of Mormon would never be; it was not designed to be thus confirmed."
195 years ago today - Mid-Feb. 1831
A woman named Hubble and a man named Hawley have been receiving revelations causing confusion among the Saints. In relation to this Joseph receives D&C 43. He also receives D&C 44.
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
30 years ago today - Feb 14, 1996
The domain www.lds.org was activated with an “under construction†page. This was the first step in establishing an online presence for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
[History of Church Websites (updated 2016-11-01), Larry Richman]
[History of Church Websites (updated 2016-11-01), Larry Richman]
35 years ago today - Feb 14, 1991
Amy Baird is the president of Brigham Young University's "Student Service Association." In remarks on campus the next day, former U.S. president Ronald Reagan praises the students for electing the first female as the president of BYU's student body.
[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)]]
50 years ago today - February 14, 1976
[Michael Quinn]
When [my wife] Jan picked me up in the evening, she brought the new issue of BYU Studies with my 47 page [LDS presidential] succession article in it. I literally have prayed that article into print, and feel such relief in seeing it. October 13 [At the conclusion of Quinn¿s session at the Western History Association¿s annual meeting:]
I plead[ed] guilty to ¿overproving¿ (as he [Larry Foster] criticized), but said that I was reacting to the simplistic generalizations and support that have characterized Mormon historiography in the main. I also acknowledged that I spoke first to a Mormon audience[,] because I felt that it was important for Mormons to see their history as process rather than as a series of discrete ¿deus ex machina¿ experiences. But I said that I also felt an obligation and desire to speak to the audience of non-Mormon scholars about a movement that I feel has had profound social-historical influence.
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
When [my wife] Jan picked me up in the evening, she brought the new issue of BYU Studies with my 47 page [LDS presidential] succession article in it. I literally have prayed that article into print, and feel such relief in seeing it. October 13 [At the conclusion of Quinn¿s session at the Western History Association¿s annual meeting:]
I plead[ed] guilty to ¿overproving¿ (as he [Larry Foster] criticized), but said that I was reacting to the simplistic generalizations and support that have characterized Mormon historiography in the main. I also acknowledged that I spoke first to a Mormon audience[,] because I felt that it was important for Mormons to see their history as process rather than as a series of discrete ¿deus ex machina¿ experiences. But I said that I also felt an obligation and desire to speak to the audience of non-Mormon scholars about a movement that I feel has had profound social-historical influence.
[From the diaries and memoirs of D. Michael Quinn, in 'On Writing Mormon History, 1972-95,' edited by Joseph Geisner, Signature Books, 2020]
115 years ago today - Feb 14, 1911
To counter accusations that his teaching of evolution will destroy faith, embattled BYU professor William Chamberlin publishes "The Theory of Evolution as an Aid in Faith in God and Belief in the Resurrection" in the BYU campus paper WHITE AND BLUE. He is dismissed anyway
120 years ago today - Feb 14, 1906
Probable date of the first plural marriage performed without claiming authority from the current First Presidency. Second and third such marriages are on 13-14 June 1906. This is the early stage of what became the Mormon Fundamentalist movement.
[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 - Feb 14, 1901
[William H. Smart]
Apostle Woodruff invited me in to see Pres. Lorenzo Snow. He received me at his desk in the most cordial and brotherly and even friendly manner. ... Be careful in reccommending saints for their second washings and annointings. I alone am responsible for this and not the bishops. They should be men who are living their religion not too young not to have been placed in circumstances to try their faith; past lives should have been without unredeemable sin. As a rule should be men active in the Lords service or else aged men who have been but who are now retired. He ask if I had received mine and when I answered 'no' he instructed his sec'y Geo. Gibbs to make me a reccommend to the temple for the same. Said they are helps and safeguards to the worthy, and that after receiving mine I should better understand who to reccommend. Here is another grave responsibility for my wife and I to carry. I felt almost overcome with emotion as I contemplated the mercy of God as shown in this in His
forgiveness of sins.
[William H. Smart, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Apostle Woodruff invited me in to see Pres. Lorenzo Snow. He received me at his desk in the most cordial and brotherly and even friendly manner. ... Be careful in reccommending saints for their second washings and annointings. I alone am responsible for this and not the bishops. They should be men who are living their religion not too young not to have been placed in circumstances to try their faith; past lives should have been without unredeemable sin. As a rule should be men active in the Lords service or else aged men who have been but who are now retired. He ask if I had received mine and when I answered 'no' he instructed his sec'y Geo. Gibbs to make me a reccommend to the temple for the same. Said they are helps and safeguards to the worthy, and that after receiving mine I should better understand who to reccommend. Here is another grave responsibility for my wife and I to carry. I felt almost overcome with emotion as I contemplated the mercy of God as shown in this in His
forgiveness of sins.
[William H. Smart, 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 14, 1901
At a meeting of the Twelve in the Salt Lake Temple "Bro. H[eber} J. Grant talked against vac[c]ination." At 11 a.m. the first presidency joins them and Heber J Grant "was selected to go to Japan on a Mission."
130 years ago today - Feb 14, 1896
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
[In company of H. J. Grant] Our conversation during the entire day was of the most interesting character. He said I & [Francis M.] Lyman & Jno. H[enry] S[mith] have decided in our own minds that Jos[eph] F. S[mith] should be placed ahead of you in the Quorum. He thinks that, tho' a man may be ordained an apostle he takes rank when he comes into the Quorum. My answer was I am willing to be anything or stand anywhere, I never did think I was good enough to be an apostle. I brought my position--where he had place me--before father for I was sure some of the Twelve were dissatisfied about it. He said "It is just right as it is."
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[In company of H. J. Grant] Our conversation during the entire day was of the most interesting character. He said I & [Francis M.] Lyman & Jno. H[enry] S[mith] have decided in our own minds that Jos[eph] F. S[mith] should be placed ahead of you in the Quorum. He thinks that, tho' a man may be ordained an apostle he takes rank when he comes into the Quorum. My answer was I am willing to be anything or stand anywhere, I never did think I was good enough to be an apostle. I brought my position--where he had place me--before father for I was sure some of the Twelve were dissatisfied about it. He said "It is just right as it is."
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Feb 14, 1886
The Quorum of Twelve and First Presidency counselors meet "and we decided to get rid of the Church property." Church property was put into newly-formed corporations to avoid seizure by the federal government. First Counselor George Q. Cannon is arrested for polygamy in Nevada. He is injured when he tries to escape by jumping from the train transporting him back to Utah.
165 years ago today - Feb 14, 1861
[Wilford Woodruff]
14 We left Brother Snow & rode about 2 miles from Brigham City and met with some of the leaders of the welsh at the House of Brother Philips, who had been Cut off from the Church for apostacy & was drawing away some seventy five families from the faith more or less. Brother Philips was a Presiding Elder in wales & had great influence over that Body of people. After ariving in this Country He lost the spirit of the Lord found much fault with the authorities of the Church & for a long time had been in a Bad State of mind & was preparing to return to the States. They attended our meeting yesterday and got there minds stired up & wished to see us. We found six of the leaders of the welsh Saints Present.
Elder John Taylor ... exhorted them to go & be baptized for the remission of their sins & keep the Commandments of God. ...
We then went down to a pool of water & Elder Taylor Baptized seven persons 6 men & 1 woman....
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
14 We left Brother Snow & rode about 2 miles from Brigham City and met with some of the leaders of the welsh at the House of Brother Philips, who had been Cut off from the Church for apostacy & was drawing away some seventy five families from the faith more or less. Brother Philips was a Presiding Elder in wales & had great influence over that Body of people. After ariving in this Country He lost the spirit of the Lord found much fault with the authorities of the Church & for a long time had been in a Bad State of mind & was preparing to return to the States. They attended our meeting yesterday and got there minds stired up & wished to see us. We found six of the leaders of the welsh Saints Present.
Elder John Taylor ... exhorted them to go & be baptized for the remission of their sins & keep the Commandments of God. ...
We then went down to a pool of water & Elder Taylor Baptized seven persons 6 men & 1 woman....
[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 - Feb 14, 1831
[A "Painesville correspondent informs us" that the missionaries in Kirtland] proclaimed that there had been no religion in the world for 1500 years,--that no one had been authorized to preach and teach for that period,--that Joseph Smith had now received a commission from God for that purpose, and that all such as did not submit to his authority would speedily be destroyed. The world (except the New Jerusalem) would come to an end in two or three years. The state of New York would (probably) be sunk: Smith (they affirmed) had seen God frequently and personally--Cowdery and his friends had frequent interviews with angels. ... Smith was continually receiving new revelations, and it would probably take him 1000 years to complete them--commissions and papers were exhibited, said to be signed by Christ himself!!! ... The converts are forming "common stock" families, as most pleasing in the sight of God. They pretend to give the "Holy Spirit" and under its operations they fall upon the
floor --see visions, &c. Indians followed Cowdery daily, and finally saw him enter the promised land, where he placed a pole in the ground, with a light on its top, to designate the site of the New Jerusalem.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
floor --see visions, &c. Indians followed Cowdery daily, and finally saw him enter the promised land, where he placed a pole in the ground, with a light on its top, to designate the site of the New Jerusalem.
[Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]
195 years ago today - Feb 14, 1831 (Monday)
A woman, who pretended to receive commandments, laws and other "curious matters," visited Joseph Smith, jun., who inquired of the Lord and received a revelation in which God said that none but Joseph would be appointed to receive revelations and commandments, as long as he lived and remained faithful. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 43.)
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
40 years ago today - Feb 13, 1986
Conservative members of the Utah legislature in 1986 refused to allow the state to call this national holiday by Martin Luther King's name. The state of Utah uses the name "Human Rights Day" instead of Martin Luther King Day.
[For the difficult passage and renaming of Martin Luther King day in Utah, see Deseret News, 14 Oct. 1985, A-2,13 Feb. 1986, A-l; Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Feb. 1986, A-l, 28 Feb. 1986, A-5,18 Mar. 1986, B-l. For the Utah legislature's continued disrespect toward the national King holiday, see "Martin Luther King Holiday or Not, Utah Lawmakers Convene Today," Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Jan. 1993, B-l; also companion article "Utah's Mix of Church and State: Theocratic or Just Homogenized?" Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Jan. 1993, B-2. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
[For the difficult passage and renaming of Martin Luther King day in Utah, see Deseret News, 14 Oct. 1985, A-2,13 Feb. 1986, A-l; Salt Lake Tribune, 14 Feb. 1986, A-l, 28 Feb. 1986, A-5,18 Mar. 1986, B-l. For the Utah legislature's continued disrespect toward the national King holiday, see "Martin Luther King Holiday or Not, Utah Lawmakers Convene Today," Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Jan. 1993, B-l; also companion article "Utah's Mix of Church and State: Theocratic or Just Homogenized?" Salt Lake Tribune, 18 Jan. 1993, B-2. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
75 years ago today - Feb 13, 1951
At seven-thirty in meeting with the missionary committee. Because of the opposition raised by enemies and due to conditions which we cannot control we have agreed not to call missionaries of draft age. The leaders in Washington have gone into histerics and the army officials are in control. The war goes on in Korea and all young men under 26 and over 18 are subject to the draft, with threatening clouds indication that the boys 18 years of age will soon be called.
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Joseph Fielding Smith, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Feb 13, 1896
[J. Golden Kimball]
Bro[ther] Snow in a very kind manner explained the object of above meeting. said that Elder Roberts had made statements in public gatherings and had taken positions in political matters that the Apostles felt it their duty to investigate, that this was not to be considered a trial but a [illegible] of investigation. He said considerable in way of explanation, but manifested a very kind spirit. Apostle Brigham Young then read short synopsis from Herald of speeches delivered by B. H. Roberts during the political campaign of 1895 and commented upon them from his stand point. Also called attention to an interview with reporter of Herald, after the Priesthood meeting, held at October conference, and statements made by Elder Roberts. Also course taken at the convention regarding woman sufferage, &c. Bro[ther] Young spoke at some length. Apostle F[rancis]. M. Lyman, then spoke exceedingly plain, and I thought very severely, upon the influence used amongst the people against the Brethrern
of the Authorities in putting them to shame, and that Elder Roberts had done an almost irreparable injury. Called him to repentance. Elder Roberts then spoke upon each point brought against him and explaining why he said it, and the causes of his going into the political arena, and his fight in the convention and against woman suffrage. He was sorry that the bretheren took the view of his course that they did yet he had no regrets for what he had said and no apologies to make and if he continued he would justify his course. Each of the apostles and Seventies present spoke and each one present stated why they could not sustain Bro[ther] Roberts in the course persued and advised that he fall into line. Elder Roberts again spoke, but said he could not change his views, but would resign his place among the seventies if they desired, and fall back into the ranks. He thought he had climbed his little hill, and performed all there was for him to do in this direction. Apostle Lyman, Grant,
Seymour B. Young and others wept and cried like children, and begged and pled, but of no avail. Apostle Snow again spoke as I never heard him speak before. Apostle Lyman begged for more time to be given. It was so moved and voted for unanimously. The meeting was dismissed and Elder Roberts left at once. During the meeting he shed no tears, neither did he humble himself, but sat there like he was of stone. I have never witnessed, neither do I ever desire to again, the weighing of so great a man in the balances. For Roberts is a noble spirit, intel[l]igent, brave, vali[a]nt, and true, yet on this question he is in darkness. I pray God that his heart may be softened, and the time speedily come when he can see his mistake and continue his great work.
[J. Golden Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Bro[ther] Snow in a very kind manner explained the object of above meeting. said that Elder Roberts had made statements in public gatherings and had taken positions in political matters that the Apostles felt it their duty to investigate, that this was not to be considered a trial but a [illegible] of investigation. He said considerable in way of explanation, but manifested a very kind spirit. Apostle Brigham Young then read short synopsis from Herald of speeches delivered by B. H. Roberts during the political campaign of 1895 and commented upon them from his stand point. Also called attention to an interview with reporter of Herald, after the Priesthood meeting, held at October conference, and statements made by Elder Roberts. Also course taken at the convention regarding woman sufferage, &c. Bro[ther] Young spoke at some length. Apostle F[rancis]. M. Lyman, then spoke exceedingly plain, and I thought very severely, upon the influence used amongst the people against the Brethrern
of the Authorities in putting them to shame, and that Elder Roberts had done an almost irreparable injury. Called him to repentance. Elder Roberts then spoke upon each point brought against him and explaining why he said it, and the causes of his going into the political arena, and his fight in the convention and against woman suffrage. He was sorry that the bretheren took the view of his course that they did yet he had no regrets for what he had said and no apologies to make and if he continued he would justify his course. Each of the apostles and Seventies present spoke and each one present stated why they could not sustain Bro[ther] Roberts in the course persued and advised that he fall into line. Elder Roberts again spoke, but said he could not change his views, but would resign his place among the seventies if they desired, and fall back into the ranks. He thought he had climbed his little hill, and performed all there was for him to do in this direction. Apostle Lyman, Grant,
Seymour B. Young and others wept and cried like children, and begged and pled, but of no avail. Apostle Snow again spoke as I never heard him speak before. Apostle Lyman begged for more time to be given. It was so moved and voted for unanimously. The meeting was dismissed and Elder Roberts left at once. During the meeting he shed no tears, neither did he humble himself, but sat there like he was of stone. I have never witnessed, neither do I ever desire to again, the weighing of so great a man in the balances. For Roberts is a noble spirit, intel[l]igent, brave, vali[a]nt, and true, yet on this question he is in darkness. I pray God that his heart may be softened, and the time speedily come when he can see his mistake and continue his great work.
[J. Golden Kimball, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
130 years ago today - Feb 13, 1896
Apostle Heber J. Grant writes in his diary: "attended a meeting of the apostles in the Temple. . . . The object of the meeting of the apostles and the Presidents of The Seventies was to learn from Brother B.H. Roberts as to his position on a number of matters of importance, and to ask him with reference to some of his public remarks which were felt were not in keeping with what should be said by a leading Church official. Our meeting lasted until 7:45 and was the most painful meeting of my life as Brother Roberts refused to harmonize with his brethren and seemed willing sooner than to bow to the wishes of his brethren to have his position taken away from him I was unable to speak when I first got on my feet on account of the emotions which chocked me in thinking of the position that Brother Roberts was in. Apostles Lyman, Young and others of the brethren were moved to tears. Brother Roberts was firm in his position and none of us seemed to be able in the slightest degree to move
him. He felt that he had acted in all fairness and honesty and had nothing what ever to take back. . . . I have felt more like death in the meeting today than at any funeral I have ever attended. feel that unless brother Roberts shall see the error of his way that his soul is lost and this is eternal death, which in comparison to simply passing to our eternal reward by passing from this life to the next is nothing." Roberts had balked at a rule requiring all general authorities to get permission from the First Presidency before engaging in political activities. Roberts, a democrat, felt that this allowed the First Presidency to favor one party over another by allowing Republican general authorities to run for office while forbidding democrats.
him. He felt that he had acted in all fairness and honesty and had nothing what ever to take back. . . . I have felt more like death in the meeting today than at any funeral I have ever attended. feel that unless brother Roberts shall see the error of his way that his soul is lost and this is eternal death, which in comparison to simply passing to our eternal reward by passing from this life to the next is nothing." Roberts had balked at a rule requiring all general authorities to get permission from the First Presidency before engaging in political activities. Roberts, a democrat, felt that this allowed the First Presidency to favor one party over another by allowing Republican general authorities to run for office while forbidding democrats.
155 years ago today - Feb 13, 1871
Federal Justice James B. McKean writes to President Ulysses S. Grant: "For near twenty years the Mormon leaders packed the Grand and Petit juries of the United States Courts with their tools and instruments. But within a few months past we have decided against this system . . . to recognize only the U.S. Attorney and the U.S. Marshal as the proper officers of our courts. One of the consequences is that we have already indicted for capital offenses ten or twelve Mormons-some of them bishops and other influential men in the Mormon establishment."
165 years ago today - Feb 13, 1861
.... Among the Number was Isaac Laney who bore a strong testimony of the work of the Lord. He spoke of his being Shot at Hawns Mill with some 17 Ball Holes in his body many of them apparently the most deadly shots as History declares yet he was preserved. He had a dream the night before it took place as follows:
+ He dreamed that a shower of serpents was all around him in the air rattle snakes & that many of them bit him all over his body but he was told that if he would not fall down but keep running that they would not hurt him. After he was bit a man Came to him & said Brother Laney do not decieve yourself about living. No man ever bit as you are Can ever live. But he said I shall live & not die.
Brother Laney testified that when he was shot this dream was fulfilled. When. the Balls peareed his body through & through it did not hurt him more than the scrach of a pin allthough He bled at the mouth like an ox with his throat Cut yet he kept running untill he was out of the reach of the mob. A man Came to him & said Brother Laney do not decieve yourself about living. No man was Ever Shot as you are who ever lived. But He said I shall live & not die & he did live by the power of God & is now Harty & well & he said I had another Dream two years ago which will be fulfilled as Follows:
"I dreamed I was at Camp Floyd after the Armey of the US had Camped there & I saw a large frame building with all the Clapboards off & I saw a huge serpent stretched across the building about 100 feet long with his head to the East. He looked terrible viscious & dangerous. He soon rose in the air & flew towards the East. While in the air he appeared to be 500 feet long with 75 feet of rattles. Soon he fell all to peaces every Joint in his body separated from his head to his tail. The interpetation is the U.S. Government & Army will all break to peaces as they are now doing.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
+ He dreamed that a shower of serpents was all around him in the air rattle snakes & that many of them bit him all over his body but he was told that if he would not fall down but keep running that they would not hurt him. After he was bit a man Came to him & said Brother Laney do not decieve yourself about living. No man ever bit as you are Can ever live. But he said I shall live & not die.
Brother Laney testified that when he was shot this dream was fulfilled. When. the Balls peareed his body through & through it did not hurt him more than the scrach of a pin allthough He bled at the mouth like an ox with his throat Cut yet he kept running untill he was out of the reach of the mob. A man Came to him & said Brother Laney do not decieve yourself about living. No man was Ever Shot as you are who ever lived. But He said I shall live & not die & he did live by the power of God & is now Harty & well & he said I had another Dream two years ago which will be fulfilled as Follows:
"I dreamed I was at Camp Floyd after the Armey of the US had Camped there & I saw a large frame building with all the Clapboards off & I saw a huge serpent stretched across the building about 100 feet long with his head to the East. He looked terrible viscious & dangerous. He soon rose in the air & flew towards the East. While in the air he appeared to be 500 feet long with 75 feet of rattles. Soon he fell all to peaces every Joint in his body separated from his head to his tail. The interpetation is the U.S. Government & Army will all break to peaces as they are now doing.
[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 - Feb 12, 1981-Thursday
[Leonard Arrington]
Final examination of Ronald Esplin for the Ph.D. in History at BYU. [[Esplin's dissertation was "The Emergence of Brigham Young and the Twelve to Mormon Leadership, 1830-1841."]] ...
Mormon historical literature in the past has been one-sided, either expressing an ideal point of view-we were always right; or an anti-Mormon point of view-you Mormons caused all your own problems. Yours is a straightforward account, trying to discover historical truth, whatever the outcome. To me the pleasure of the dissertation by the fact that you reconciled the traditional pro and anti accounts, pointing out the facts on which earlier accounts were based and why they made the conclusions they did, and then giving the straight dope, which in many instances was neither pro nor anti but somewhere in-between. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
Final examination of Ronald Esplin for the Ph.D. in History at BYU. [[Esplin's dissertation was "The Emergence of Brigham Young and the Twelve to Mormon Leadership, 1830-1841."]] ...
Mormon historical literature in the past has been one-sided, either expressing an ideal point of view-we were always right; or an anti-Mormon point of view-you Mormons caused all your own problems. Yours is a straightforward account, trying to discover historical truth, whatever the outcome. To me the pleasure of the dissertation by the fact that you reconciled the traditional pro and anti accounts, pointing out the facts on which earlier accounts were based and why they made the conclusions they did, and then giving the straight dope, which in many instances was neither pro nor anti but somewhere in-between. ...
[Confessions of a Mormon historian : the diaries of Leonard J. Arrington, 1971-1997, Gary James Bergera, editor, Signature Books, 2018]
115 years ago today - Feb 12, 1911
BYU professor Ralph V. Chamberlin's "Darwin Centennial Speech" ignites controversy. General authorities (as the school's trustees) fire him and professor Henry Peterson. BYU students protest the dismissals with petitions and demonstrations.
[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)]]
120 years ago today - Feb 12, 1906
The SALT LAKE TRIBUNE expose of the endowment ceremony: "Mysteries of the Endowment House". It is later published and distributed as a pamphlet "Mysteries of the endowment house and oath of vengeance of the Mormon church."
120 years ago today - Feb 12, 1906
The policy of the Church from the beginning has been, and now is, opposed to waltzing, so far as it has had power to do so. That particular dance has been excluded from our social gatherings but so strong has been the desire of our young people to indulge in the waltz that it has been considered an act of discretion in some places to permit those in charge of dances to allow the young people a limited number of what is called round dances. . . . It has been considered better to allow a limited number of round dances in our social gatherings which we ourselves control rather than to furnish excuses for our young people to indulge in these dances elsewhere, and for this reason they have been allowed.
[First Presidency, Letter to Anthony W. Ivins, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[First Presidency, Letter to Anthony W. Ivins, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
160 years ago today - 1866. February 12
Second Counselor Daniel H. Wells: Elected mayor of Salt Lake City, serving ten turbulent years of increasing anti-Mormon hostility.
[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]
170 years ago today - Feb 12, 1856 (Tuesday)
The Seventies, now numbering 40 quorums, commenced a jubilee in G.S.L. City, which lasted five days. Their hall, which had undergone a thorough improvement, was again dedicated.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
175 years ago today - Feb 12, 1851
The provisional state of Deseret authorizes and requests President Brigham Young, as governor of the territory, to procure a block of marble to be used in building the Washington Monument, which is under construction at the nation's capital.
185 years ago today - Feb 12, 1841
[Wilford Woodruff]
{Omens} In the fall of 1840 the great chandelier in the representatives Hall in washington weighing about 6,000 lbs, fell with a tremendious crash & broke into a thousand atoms. About the same time the female figure godess of liberty on the east side of the capitol lost her hand that held the balances. It broke of itself just below the elbow & it fell. April 4th 1841 President Harrison Died in one month after taking the chair.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
{Omens} In the fall of 1840 the great chandelier in the representatives Hall in washington weighing about 6,000 lbs, fell with a tremendious crash & broke into a thousand atoms. About the same time the female figure godess of liberty on the east side of the capitol lost her hand that held the balances. It broke of itself just below the elbow & it fell. April 4th 1841 President Harrison Died in one month after taking the chair.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
30 years ago today - Feb 11, 1996
In an official editorial against allowing Utah's high schools to have clubs for gay and lesbian students, the Deseret News comments: "It is still appalling that more than half of the identified hate crimes in Utah are aimed at homosexuals." The editorial concludes by affirming the attitude on which such hate crimes are based: "homosexual activities and practices are an abomination, not just some 'alternative lifestyle' no better or worse than others." Within days Salt Lake City's school board prohibits all extracurricular clubs as the only way to stop students from forming homosexually oriented clubs and still comply with federal laws against discrimination in public schools. These events are reported by the major national newspapers and network television news programs.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
60 years ago today - Feb 11, 1966
Ezra Taft Benson spoke about the right-wing John Birch Society to a standing-room-only crowd at the Assembly Hall on Salt Lake Temple Square. He charged that "a minority bloc of American liberals [had] formed a propaganda coalition with the Communists . . . [and] drew the line of fire away from the Communist Conspiracy and to focus the heat of attack on the patriots." Benson added that this conspiracy of liberals and Communists "decided to level practically their entire arsenal on The John Birch Society."
Benson then told this February 1966 meeting on Temple Square that he had read the Birch Society's Blue Book, Robert Welch's The Politician, and recommended that the audience subscribe to the Birch Society's official magazine American Opinion. His talk even included the mailing address. Of his support for the Birch Society, the Deseret News added Benson's comment to the Mormons on Temple Square: "It has been very unpopular to defend this group," he said, "But I can remember when it was unpopular to defend my own church."
[Ezra Taft Benson, "Stand Up For Freedom," address to the Utah Forum for the American Idea, Assembly Hall, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, 11 Feb. 1966, typescript, 9, 11, Vertical File, Special Collections, Marriott Library; "Benson Hits Liberals' 'Conspiracy': Assails Plots, Propaganda," Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Feb. 1966,17. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
Benson then told this February 1966 meeting on Temple Square that he had read the Birch Society's Blue Book, Robert Welch's The Politician, and recommended that the audience subscribe to the Birch Society's official magazine American Opinion. His talk even included the mailing address. Of his support for the Birch Society, the Deseret News added Benson's comment to the Mormons on Temple Square: "It has been very unpopular to defend this group," he said, "But I can remember when it was unpopular to defend my own church."
[Ezra Taft Benson, "Stand Up For Freedom," address to the Utah Forum for the American Idea, Assembly Hall, Temple Square, Salt Lake City, 11 Feb. 1966, typescript, 9, 11, Vertical File, Special Collections, Marriott Library; "Benson Hits Liberals' 'Conspiracy': Assails Plots, Propaganda," Salt Lake Tribune, 12 Feb. 1966,17. From D. Michael Quinn, Ezra Taft Benson and Mormon Political Conflicts, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 26:2 (Summer 1992), also in Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power Salt Lake City (Signature Books, 1994), Chapter 3.]
105 years ago today - Feb 11, 1921
While touring the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, Elder David O. McKay is impressed by the Spirit to move those with him away from a ledge overlooking the volcano just before the ledge collapses into the volcano.
115 years ago today - Feb 11, 1911
[Heber J. Grant]
Attended the meeting of the Twelve ... and after discussing the status of Bros Peterson and Bro Chamberlin we were unanimous of the opinion that it was unsafe for them to continue teaching at the B.Y.U.
[The were teaching about evolution and modern biblical scholarship. A large percentage of the student body protested their firing.]
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
Attended the meeting of the Twelve ... and after discussing the status of Bros Peterson and Bro Chamberlin we were unanimous of the opinion that it was unsafe for them to continue teaching at the B.Y.U.
[The were teaching about evolution and modern biblical scholarship. A large percentage of the student body protested their firing.]
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Feb 11, 1911
The New York Times gives its first theater review of actress Hazel Dawn. With her debut on the London stage in 1910, she is the first nationally recognized star of the twentieth century who publicly acknowledges Mormonism (e.g. Who's Who entry).
[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 11, 1901
[Rudger Clawson]
.... Before going to meeting Bp. Thomas [of Idaho Falls] informed [me] that a peculiar and somewhat serious condition prevailed in the ward and he wanted counsel regarding it. He said that one of the sisters had been speaking in tongues at their fast meetings and he feared that it was not done by the Spirit of the Lord. A very unpleasant and unsatisfactory feeling prevailed in the meeting whenever she spoke or sang in tongues. And not only so but the interpretation was not given of the Spirit of God. As a further evidence that the tongue was not from the Lord, one of the sisters in the congregation immediately upon hearing the tongue was visibly affected and went into spasms.
Upon one occasion the bishopric administered to her and rebuked the spirit that was afflicting her, but the administration was without effect. The afflicted sister, contrary to the order of the church, called upon one of her sisters to rebuke the spirit, which was done and it left her. The bishop took occasion to point out to the saints the evil resulting from the exercise of this strange tongue and warned them against it. This greatly angered a young man, who was related to the sister who had spoken in tongues, and who had just returned from a mission to the world, and he arose in the meeting and cursed the bishop in the name of the Lord.
I was very much shocked at the bishop's statement and said that it now became his solemn duty to forbid the sister alluded to from further exercising the strange tongue; and that the young man who had so grievously offended, should be called to answer before the bishop's court, and that if he did not make ample and humble reparation for his fault, he should be disfellowshipped, and the case sent to the high council for further action.
[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]
.... Before going to meeting Bp. Thomas [of Idaho Falls] informed [me] that a peculiar and somewhat serious condition prevailed in the ward and he wanted counsel regarding it. He said that one of the sisters had been speaking in tongues at their fast meetings and he feared that it was not done by the Spirit of the Lord. A very unpleasant and unsatisfactory feeling prevailed in the meeting whenever she spoke or sang in tongues. And not only so but the interpretation was not given of the Spirit of God. As a further evidence that the tongue was not from the Lord, one of the sisters in the congregation immediately upon hearing the tongue was visibly affected and went into spasms.
Upon one occasion the bishopric administered to her and rebuked the spirit that was afflicting her, but the administration was without effect. The afflicted sister, contrary to the order of the church, called upon one of her sisters to rebuke the spirit, which was done and it left her. The bishop took occasion to point out to the saints the evil resulting from the exercise of this strange tongue and warned them against it. This greatly angered a young man, who was related to the sister who had spoken in tongues, and who had just returned from a mission to the world, and he arose in the meeting and cursed the bishop in the name of the Lord.
I was very much shocked at the bishop's statement and said that it now became his solemn duty to forbid the sister alluded to from further exercising the strange tongue; and that the young man who had so grievously offended, should be called to answer before the bishop's court, and that if he did not make ample and humble reparation for his fault, he should be disfellowshipped, and the case sent to the high council for further action.
[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]
155 years ago today - Saturday February 11, 1871
[Payson School of the Prophets]
President- -Fairbanks- wished the brethren to treasure up what had been said and be more punctual not only at the school but in all things. The man who has the character of punctuality has influence and power; while those who have not that character are nobodies.
[A Record of Sayings and Doings in the School of the Prophets, organized by President Brigham Young September 19, 1868, In Payson City, Utah County, U.T., typescript by Michael Nielsen]
President- -Fairbanks- wished the brethren to treasure up what had been said and be more punctual not only at the school but in all things. The man who has the character of punctuality has influence and power; while those who have not that character are nobodies.
[A Record of Sayings and Doings in the School of the Prophets, organized by President Brigham Young September 19, 1868, In Payson City, Utah County, U.T., typescript by Michael Nielsen]
155 years ago today - Feb. 11th 1871
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets]
Bishop Budge brought to the notice of the school the fact that a store is kept by an outsider named W. Chase at Montpelier. This store is more or less sustained by the brethren and sisters of several of our settlements. After some discussion of the matter on motion of Prest. Rich it was unanimously voted that we disfellowship all who persist in buying merchandise of W. Chase or any other Gentile merchant who may locate in our midst.
Teachings were then given relative to best method of conducting our co-operative mercantile businesses in which the practice and system of peddling merchandize by either brethren or outsiders was strongly condemned. This and other items of business connected with our mercantile businesses were by Prest. Rich submitted to the approval of the brethren who by unanimous vote sustained the policy indicated.
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
Bishop Budge brought to the notice of the school the fact that a store is kept by an outsider named W. Chase at Montpelier. This store is more or less sustained by the brethren and sisters of several of our settlements. After some discussion of the matter on motion of Prest. Rich it was unanimously voted that we disfellowship all who persist in buying merchandise of W. Chase or any other Gentile merchant who may locate in our midst.
Teachings were then given relative to best method of conducting our co-operative mercantile businesses in which the practice and system of peddling merchandize by either brethren or outsiders was strongly condemned. This and other items of business connected with our mercantile businesses were by Prest. Rich submitted to the approval of the brethren who by unanimous vote sustained the policy indicated.
[Paris ward - Bear Lake Stake - School of the Prophets minutes 1869-72, typescript by Michael Nielsen]
165 years ago today - Feb 11, 1861
[Wilford Woodruff]
The Bishop [of south Weber] was in apostacy & was leading away others. They had got a New Prophet to slide out of the Church upon. ...
I then called upon Bishop Richard Cook to speak and requested him to tell us his feelings if he believed in Joseph Morris as a Prophet to tell us so, & to tell us what his feelings were in relation to the Presidency of the Church. ... He then said yes I do Believe in Joseph Morris as a Prophet whom God has raised up to lead this Church & kingdom agreeable to the Revelation in the Doctrins & Covenants which says I will raise up unto you a Prophet like unto Moses &c. I do not Believe that Brigham Young is a prophet or has ever had any revelation or inspiration more than any sectarian Priest, & I believe this Church will ownly be known in name in 10 years unless God does raise up a Prophet." When he Closed some of his party got up & Bore the same testimony.
We then sent for there fals Prophet & Called upon him to speak. He spoke about half an hour. He said Brigham Young was not a prophet & Joseph Smith did not hold the Keys of the Priesthood & was ordained of man while He Joseph Morris was ordained of the Father, & Held six times more keys of the Priesthood than Joseph did. He Said he was the seventh Angel, & much other nonsens he Presented before the Assembly.
When He got through Elder Taylor spoke to the Assembly ... Brigham Young in saying that He did not profess to be a prophet seer & Revelator as Joseph Smith was, was speaking of men being born Natural Prophets & seers. Many have the gift of seeing through seer stones without the Priesthood at all. He had not this gift naturally yet He was an Apostle & the Presidet of the Church & kingdom of God on the Earth and all the Keys of the Holy Priesthood & of Revelation was sealed upon him & the spirit & power of Revelation was upon him daily.
When He Closed I spoke to the people & bore testimony to the truth of what Elder Taylor had said. Morris had been Cut off from the Church twice for Adultery in the Territory, And He had spent about one year with a woman whose husband was Crazy. I told Morris that He was not a Prophet of God Neither was He the Seventh Angels that when the 7th Angel Came to Earth He would not spend the first year of his Mission with a woman whose Husband was Crazy & Commit Adultery with Her. I showed the folly of Richard Cook & others following such a Man.
When I Closed my remarks Morris Denyed of Being with that woman. Bishop West arose & bore testimony that what I had said was true. We then took all the Names of the persons who professed to believe in Joseph Morris as the prophet of God raised up to lead the Church. ....
[ Morris founds his church on Apr 6, 1861 and builds a following of over a thousand former Mormons. On Jun 15, 1862 a territorial posse attacked the Morrisite compound. Morris, his first counselor John Banks and two women were killed. The remaining Morrisites were pacified after facing the posse's cannon.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
The Bishop [of south Weber] was in apostacy & was leading away others. They had got a New Prophet to slide out of the Church upon. ...
I then called upon Bishop Richard Cook to speak and requested him to tell us his feelings if he believed in Joseph Morris as a Prophet to tell us so, & to tell us what his feelings were in relation to the Presidency of the Church. ... He then said yes I do Believe in Joseph Morris as a Prophet whom God has raised up to lead this Church & kingdom agreeable to the Revelation in the Doctrins & Covenants which says I will raise up unto you a Prophet like unto Moses &c. I do not Believe that Brigham Young is a prophet or has ever had any revelation or inspiration more than any sectarian Priest, & I believe this Church will ownly be known in name in 10 years unless God does raise up a Prophet." When he Closed some of his party got up & Bore the same testimony.
We then sent for there fals Prophet & Called upon him to speak. He spoke about half an hour. He said Brigham Young was not a prophet & Joseph Smith did not hold the Keys of the Priesthood & was ordained of man while He Joseph Morris was ordained of the Father, & Held six times more keys of the Priesthood than Joseph did. He Said he was the seventh Angel, & much other nonsens he Presented before the Assembly.
When He got through Elder Taylor spoke to the Assembly ... Brigham Young in saying that He did not profess to be a prophet seer & Revelator as Joseph Smith was, was speaking of men being born Natural Prophets & seers. Many have the gift of seeing through seer stones without the Priesthood at all. He had not this gift naturally yet He was an Apostle & the Presidet of the Church & kingdom of God on the Earth and all the Keys of the Holy Priesthood & of Revelation was sealed upon him & the spirit & power of Revelation was upon him daily.
When He Closed I spoke to the people & bore testimony to the truth of what Elder Taylor had said. Morris had been Cut off from the Church twice for Adultery in the Territory, And He had spent about one year with a woman whose husband was Crazy. I told Morris that He was not a Prophet of God Neither was He the Seventh Angels that when the 7th Angel Came to Earth He would not spend the first year of his Mission with a woman whose Husband was Crazy & Commit Adultery with Her. I showed the folly of Richard Cook & others following such a Man.
When I Closed my remarks Morris Denyed of Being with that woman. Bishop West arose & bore testimony that what I had said was true. We then took all the Names of the persons who professed to believe in Joseph Morris as the prophet of God raised up to lead the Church. ....
[ Morris founds his church on Apr 6, 1861 and builds a following of over a thousand former Mormons. On Jun 15, 1862 a territorial posse attacked the Morrisite compound. Morris, his first counselor John Banks and two women were killed. The remaining Morrisites were pacified after facing the posse's cannon.]
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
170 years ago today - Feb 11, 1856
President Brigham Young has had his mind deeply exercised upon the getting up of the Deserett Alphabet & carrying it into the practical use. He has laboured hard from the begining upon this subject & we are now making Books under his direction to be published in this Alphabet. We have got to get the type made as the letters are entirely new from any others now in use. I am satisfyed that great good will grow out of the Deseret Alphabet. It is an entire change of the English orthography of our English language. It spells all words by sound.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
[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 - Feb 11, 1841
[Heber C. Kimball]
I dremp [dreamed] of hur Magesty and Prince Albert and conversed with them and proposed to give hur a Book of Mormon.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
I dremp [dreamed] of hur Magesty and Prince Albert and conversed with them and proposed to give hur a Book of Mormon.
[Kimball, Stanley B. ed, On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball]
85 years ago today - Feb 10, 1941
[George F. Richards]
His [i.e., Apostle Reed Smoot's] death was by me entirely unexpected. I knew he had been afflicted in his mind for some time and that as a result of a fall he had a lame shoulder, but I had no idea that his time of passing was so near.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
His [i.e., Apostle Reed Smoot's] death was by me entirely unexpected. I knew he had been afflicted in his mind for some time and that as a result of a fall he had a lame shoulder, but I had no idea that his time of passing was so near.
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
115 years ago today - Feb 10, 1911
A committee consisting of Francis M. Lyman, Hyrum M. Smith, Charles W. Penrose, Anthony W. Ivins, George H. Brimhall, Horace H. Cummings, Heber J. Grant, George F. Richards, and Joseph Keeler meets with three BYU professors, Henry and Joseph Peterson and Ralph Chamberlin. The session lasts nearly five hours, and the three are frank in explaining their belief in evolution and their reservations about some parts of the Bible. According to Heber J. Grant, they manifest "a very good spirit." The next day the committee formulates its report, which it presented to the Twelve. They agree unanimously to ask the three to leave BYU.
125 years ago today - Feb 10, 1901
[Brigham Young Jr.]
.... I followed talking about excitement of small pox. Promised the L.D.S. if they would live their religion God would furnish medicine plentifully to preserve them all from contagious diseases and calamities which are coming upon the earth ...
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
.... I followed talking about excitement of small pox. Promised the L.D.S. if they would live their religion God would furnish medicine plentifully to preserve them all from contagious diseases and calamities which are coming upon the earth ...
[Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Feb 10, 1886 (Wednesday)
Deputy marshals visited the old Church Farm, south of Salt Lake City, searching for Pres. Geo. Q. Cannon.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Feb 10, 1861
Said that when we could govern ourselves we could [govern] another, a family, a city, a nation, or millions of people. Touched on the treatment of once United States to this people under the administration of Pres James Buchanan. Said they would never be able to patch up the government, i. e., the people of the United States and it [it] was preserved at all it would be by the Elders of Israel. Said for us not to boast at the calamity of our enemies, for it would make our souls sick to witness the sorrow and distress which would eventually come upon them.
[Brigham Young's office journal records: "the President preached subject the disrupted State of the Union- The necessity of being subject here that we might learn how to govern in the world to come."]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 162, 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's office journal records: "the President preached subject the disrupted State of the Union- The necessity of being subject here that we might learn how to govern in the world to come."]
[Diary of Charles Lowell Walker. Andrew Karl Larson, ed. Logan: Utah State University Press, 1980. 162, 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 10, 1856
[George A. Smith]
"We breathe the free air, we have the best looking men and handsomest women, and if they (Non-Mormons) envy us our position, well they may, for they are a poor, narrow-minded, pinch-backed race of men, who chain themselves down to the law of monogamy, and live all their days under the dominion of one wife. They ought to be ashamed of such conduct, and the still fouler channel which flows from their practices; and it is not to be wondered at that they should envy those who so much better understand the social relations."
[George A Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, page 291]
"We breathe the free air, we have the best looking men and handsomest women, and if they (Non-Mormons) envy us our position, well they may, for they are a poor, narrow-minded, pinch-backed race of men, who chain themselves down to the law of monogamy, and live all their days under the dominion of one wife. They ought to be ashamed of such conduct, and the still fouler channel which flows from their practices; and it is not to be wondered at that they should envy those who so much better understand the social relations."
[George A Smith, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 3, page 291]
170 years ago today - Feb 10, 1856
[Orson Pratt] said that Allan Huntington [who] was appointed a missionary to the Indians had been guilty of swareing a great deal. He had herd him. It was then Moved & carried that He be cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was carried unanimously.
...Brother P. P. Pratt said to me that He thought the three Nephites could not vary well visit the Lamanites yet & tell them to believe what the Mormon Missionaries told them lest there might be occasionally a bad man among them who would sware as Huntington did or would take the advantage of them in some way so that it would cause the Lamanites to loose Confidence even in the Holy Messengers.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
...Brother P. P. Pratt said to me that He thought the three Nephites could not vary well visit the Lamanites yet & tell them to believe what the Mormon Missionaries told them lest there might be occasionally a bad man among them who would sware as Huntington did or would take the advantage of them in some way so that it would cause the Lamanites to loose Confidence even in the Holy Messengers.
[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 10, 1851
Lyman Wight: Began renewal of temple ordinances 10 Feb. 1851 at Zodiac, Texas, where endowments used robe "like the robe used in Utah…but the [under]garment was not like the garment in Utah at all," according to follower John Hawley
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers 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 6, Biographical Sketches of General Officers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
180 years ago today - Feb 10, 1846
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Jane Terry (1819-1847) (aged 26) widow of George W. Young (no relation) requested on deathbed to be sealed to Brigham Young; died four days after marriage
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
50 years ago today - Feb 9, 1976
Thomas Stuart Ferguson, former "Book of Mormon archaeology" organizer and defender of the faith writes to friends that individuals need to believe in something, for "otherwise we face the abyss of death and extinction.... Joseph Smith tried so hard he put himself out on a limb with the Book of Abraham, and also with the Book of Mormon. He can be refuted-but why bother when all religion is based on myth, and when man must have them, and his is one of the very best." He compares the refuting of religious myths to abolishing medical placebos then says: "Why not say the right things and keep your membership in the great fraternity, enjoying the good things you like and discarding the ones you can't swallow (and keeping your mouths shut)? Hypocritical? Maybe. But perhaps a realistic way of dealing with a very difficult problem. There is lots left in the Church to enjoy-and thousands of members have done, and are doing, what I suggest you consider doing"
60 years ago today - Feb 9, 1966
[David O. McKay] Met by appointment Elder Ezra Taft Benson who said that the editors of the American Opinion magazine would like to have my portrait on the cover of their April issue. He said this magazine is published in Belmont, Massachusetts, and is a high-class publication. He showed me several past issues with pictures of Senator Barry Goldwater, the Honorable J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the FBI, and other prominent Americans. Brother Benson said that they needed a colored photograph and some biographical material, and I asked him to get these from my secretary, Clare. After discussing the matter, I could see no reason why I should not grant permission for the editors to use my picture.
[Benson did not inform McKay that American Opinion was the monthly magazine of the right-wing John Birch Society].
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
[Benson did not inform McKay that American Opinion was the monthly magazine of the right-wing John Birch Society].
[David O. McKay diary as referenced in Gregory A. Prince and Wm. Robert Write, David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press (2005)]
85 years ago today - Feb 9, 1941
He moved back to Salt Lake City in 1933 and retired from active business and political pursuits to devote his full-time efforts to his apostolic calling until his death on 9 February 1941 in St Petersburg, Florida, while on a visit. At the time of his death, he was next in line to succeed the president of the Quorum of the Twelve and third in line to succeed the president of the Mormon Church. While serving as an apostle and Senator, Reed Smoot helped to improve the public image of both the state of Utah and the Mormon Church in the eyes of the rest of the nation.
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Reed Smoot, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
[Utah History Encyclopedia: Reed Smoot, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/]
85 years ago today - Feb 9, 1941
Apostle Reed Smoot dies, and another apostle comments: "I knew he had been afflicted in his mind for some time." President Grant noted this on 13 Nov. 1938.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
95 years ago today - Feb 9, 1931
Sterling Talmage, professor of geology at the New Mexico School of Mines writes to his father, Apostle James E. Talmage: "You ask 'how Price is held in the opinion of geologists in general.' As far as I can tell (and it seems to be the unanimous opinion of those who know his book, at least so far as I have talked with them), he is considered as a theological fanatic, who has gone off on a tangent that most geologists seem to find funny. I never heard his book discussed-without the element of comedy being dragged in. All of Price's arguments, in principle at least, were advanced and refuted from fifty to a hundred years ago. They are not 'new.' His ideas certainly are not 'Geology.' WITH THESE TWO CORRECTIONS, the title remains the best part of the book." In a discussion on evolution before the Quorum of Apostles, Joseph Fielding Smith had used George McCready Price's book THE NEW GEOLOGY and presented Price (professor of geology at a small parochial college in the Midwest and
author of early science-bashing, creationist books) as an authority on geology. Talmage, a supporter of evolution, wrote to his son for 'ammunition' to use in the debates with Joseph Fielding Smith.
author of early science-bashing, creationist books) as an authority on geology. Talmage, a supporter of evolution, wrote to his son for 'ammunition' to use in the debates with Joseph Fielding Smith.
95 years ago today - Feb 9, 1931
.... I have much more to present after hearing Elder Smith' reply to my own paper, which should be said before any decision is rendered. To me both the discourse on the points questioned, and the paper in defense of them is slighter (?) than a house of cards [no life before the fall. ]Yet it was on such pabulum as this that suspended the publication of my book ' now in manuscript ' 'The Truth, The Way, The Life.' This book [describing "pre-Adamites" before the fall] from my judgement of it is the most important work that I have yet contributed to the Church, the six-volumed Comprehensive History of the Church not omitted. Life at my years and with an incurable ailment is very precarious, and I should dislike very much to pass on without completing and publishing this work. I therefore ask that in any arrangement that may be made for a further hearing, I may be permitted to present my views on Elder Smith's paper in reply to mine, and if the position he has taken can be met
successfully, then I think the principal cause of suspending the publication of my work, 'The Truth, The Way, The Life' will be removed.
[Robert's book was not published until the 1990s]
[B. H. Roberts, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
successfully, then I think the principal cause of suspending the publication of my work, 'The Truth, The Way, The Life' will be removed.
[Robert's book was not published until the 1990s]
[B. H. Roberts, Letter to the First Presidency, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
105 years ago today - Feb 9, 1921
[Heber J. Grant]
[In Oakland, California] The entertainment between the speeches was furnished by the hotel, and one of the features was the Hawaiian dance, which was certainly very disgusting to me. I felt almost tempted to leave the banquet, but I believe the majority of the people were equally as much disgusted as myself and therefore I concluded to stop until the banquet closed.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
[In Oakland, California] The entertainment between the speeches was furnished by the hotel, and one of the features was the Hawaiian dance, which was certainly very disgusting to me. I felt almost tempted to leave the banquet, but I believe the majority of the people were equally as much disgusted as myself and therefore I concluded to stop until the banquet closed.
[The Diaries of Heber J. Grant, 1880-1945, Abridged, Digital Edition Salt Lake City, Utah, 2015]
115 years ago today - Feb 9, 1911
[George F. Richards]
.... appointment was cancelled that I might be in attendance at a meeting of a committee appointed to meet three of the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. proffessors who are charged with having systematically taught in the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. doctrines in conflict with the doctrines of the gospel &c [IE evolution].
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
.... appointment was cancelled that I might be in attendance at a meeting of a committee appointed to meet three of the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. proffessors who are charged with having systematically taught in the B[righam]. Y[oung]. U[niversity]. doctrines in conflict with the doctrines of the gospel &c [IE evolution].
[George F. Richards, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Feb 9, 1901
Elder Charles W. Penrose also called and presented some manuscript writing in relation to the Governor's veto of the anti-compulsory vaccination bill, that he desired to publish in the [Deseret] News as an editorial, but desired the approval of President Snow on the matter. He had not read very far before President Snow stated that he thought it wisdom not to say anything in way of criticism of the Governor's attitude.
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
140 years ago today - Feb 9, 1886
[Edward Stevenson]
.... Call[ed] on David Whitmer 8 years ago I visited him & now again[.] ... Father Whitmer Showed me the old manuscript in several dif[f]erent hand writeings also the 7 or 8 lines of charectors that Martin Harris took to Anthony [Charles Anthon] of N.Y. ... Now as 8 years ago he [David Whitmer] Says ["]as I live and Stand upon the earth so shure did I see the Angle who Stood before us. while we were sitting upon a log[,] that is Joseph & I <<& Oliver Cowdry>>[.] we were talking when a bright light began to Shine around us[.] it grew brighter & brighter untill an Angle Stood before us[.] a table [was] in front of him on which was the Plates and the other Plates[,] the Sword of Laben[,] Ball or Compass &c. the plates were shown [to] us [and the] leaves turned over[.] a portion of them were sealed. We also he[a]rd a voice commanding us to bear a testamony of these things to the World &c &c--["] He also relates to me that previous to Joseph Coming to him only a short time while he
was plowing in the field he he[a]rd a voice and saw a personage[.] the voice Said ["]Blessed is the name of the Lord & they who keep his commandments["] Soon after which Joseph came along & said ["]David you are chosen to be one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon.["] he left his team tied up to the fence & they went through a clearing & into the edge of the Woods & sat upon the log as spoken of above. He also relates a little very interesting Incident that occurred in June 1829, David, Oliver, & Joseph, were riding from Harmony[,] Pa.-- the 2 former in front & Joseph [in] back sitting in the bed on hay or straw[.] David had bin down with his team over 100 miles to fetch Joseph up to his mothers to translate the Book of Mormon about 2 1/2 days drive. while thus rideing an aged looking old man came walking along putting his hand on the wagon bed, he had on his back a knapsack & the Strap crossed on his breast[.] he took his handkerchief and wiped his face to remove the sweat as
it Seemed to them[.] David who was driveing his team said to the man ["]will you get up and ride[?"] ["]no["] said he ["]I am only going over to Comorah["] & Suddenly disappeared[.] they stop[p]ed the team amazed at the Sudden disap[p]earance of the fine looking stranger[.] he says that they all felt so strangely-- that they asked the Prophet to enquire of the Lord who this stranger was. Soon David said they turned around & Joseph looked pale almost transparent & said that [the man] was one of the Nephites, and [that] he had the Plates of the Book of Mormon in the knapsac[k]-- After their arival home the[y] felt the influence of this same personage around them for he said thare was a Heavenly feeling with this Nephite. Mother Whitmer Said and told them that She had see[n] this same man the Nephite & [that] he showed her the Plates and that a portion of them were Sealed together. This was a great privalige to her but She was good to Joseph the Prophet and here was her reward. David
delighted to relate meny of those incidents. But as to Peter[,] James & John Comeing to Joseph & Confering the Priesthood upon him he is ignorant of it[.] he Says that the Lord commanded and that is all. But here he is in the dark. ...
[Edward Stevenson, Journal, 24:30-37, entry of 9 February 1886, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.]
.... Call[ed] on David Whitmer 8 years ago I visited him & now again[.] ... Father Whitmer Showed me the old manuscript in several dif[f]erent hand writeings also the 7 or 8 lines of charectors that Martin Harris took to Anthony [Charles Anthon] of N.Y. ... Now as 8 years ago he [David Whitmer] Says ["]as I live and Stand upon the earth so shure did I see the Angle who Stood before us. while we were sitting upon a log[,] that is Joseph & I <<& Oliver Cowdry>>[.] we were talking when a bright light began to Shine around us[.] it grew brighter & brighter untill an Angle Stood before us[.] a table [was] in front of him on which was the Plates and the other Plates[,] the Sword of Laben[,] Ball or Compass &c. the plates were shown [to] us [and the] leaves turned over[.] a portion of them were sealed. We also he[a]rd a voice commanding us to bear a testamony of these things to the World &c &c--["] He also relates to me that previous to Joseph Coming to him only a short time while he
was plowing in the field he he[a]rd a voice and saw a personage[.] the voice Said ["]Blessed is the name of the Lord & they who keep his commandments["] Soon after which Joseph came along & said ["]David you are chosen to be one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon.["] he left his team tied up to the fence & they went through a clearing & into the edge of the Woods & sat upon the log as spoken of above. He also relates a little very interesting Incident that occurred in June 1829, David, Oliver, & Joseph, were riding from Harmony[,] Pa.-- the 2 former in front & Joseph [in] back sitting in the bed on hay or straw[.] David had bin down with his team over 100 miles to fetch Joseph up to his mothers to translate the Book of Mormon about 2 1/2 days drive. while thus rideing an aged looking old man came walking along putting his hand on the wagon bed, he had on his back a knapsack & the Strap crossed on his breast[.] he took his handkerchief and wiped his face to remove the sweat as
it Seemed to them[.] David who was driveing his team said to the man ["]will you get up and ride[?"] ["]no["] said he ["]I am only going over to Comorah["] & Suddenly disappeared[.] they stop[p]ed the team amazed at the Sudden disap[p]earance of the fine looking stranger[.] he says that they all felt so strangely-- that they asked the Prophet to enquire of the Lord who this stranger was. Soon David said they turned around & Joseph looked pale almost transparent & said that [the man] was one of the Nephites, and [that] he had the Plates of the Book of Mormon in the knapsac[k]-- After their arival home the[y] felt the influence of this same personage around them for he said thare was a Heavenly feeling with this Nephite. Mother Whitmer Said and told them that She had see[n] this same man the Nephite & [that] he showed her the Plates and that a portion of them were Sealed together. This was a great privalige to her but She was good to Joseph the Prophet and here was her reward. David
delighted to relate meny of those incidents. But as to Peter[,] James & John Comeing to Joseph & Confering the Priesthood upon him he is ignorant of it[.] he Says that the Lord commanded and that is all. But here he is in the dark. ...
[Edward Stevenson, Journal, 24:30-37, entry of 9 February 1886, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, Utah.]
180 years ago today - Feb 9, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
.... I went with my family to the river to cross over into Iowa. We waited awhile for a boat at length we went on board of an old small boat and started over. The wind being quite high & the river very ruff. While on the watter I beheld the most heart rending and dangerous scenes that I was ever called to witness[.] When about half across the river there was a man and two Boy in a Skiff coming from one of the the islands with a load of woodthe Skiff was loaded down allmost to the top and upon coming out in the open water began to fill by the waves running over the top[.] The man did not understand how to manage a watter craft & kept it with the side to the waves. He began to throw out the wood to the windward which hung on the edge of the Skiff and only made it fill faster[.] The Boys were fritened at every wave and would Scream at the Startling approach of death. At this time our boat was but a short distance below and opposite to them.
I endeavored to have him turn his Skiff towards our boat and come to us which would have made him perfectly Safe; but he heeded not any thing that was Said. In a few minutes after passing us & but a Short distance his Skiff Swamped and drifted on the water without sinking however
All on our Boat Stood petrified as it were at the passing scene while the Screemes of the boys for help thrilled through every heart. We expected them every moment to go to the bottom[.] A short distance behind us was another larger ferry boat coming over with two waggons, two yokes of oxen and about twenty people on board. This boat Saw the Situation of those in the Skiff and turned down Stream a little & took them in & Saved them from a watery grave[.] About the time that we thought them all safe on board the boat and felt relieved from our anxiety and was going on our way we were called to behold a tenfold more melancholy event transpire. We were alarmed by the Schrieks & cries of the men women & children on the boat[.] All seemed to screem and cry & becken to us to come to them in the hiest state of alarmin a moment we Saw that their boat was sinking in the middle of the river and were imploring us in the fear of instant death to come to their rescue. They made every
sign token cry scream gesture and manifestation of distress that I had ever saw in my life and would rise on the waggons & edge of the boat and continue these distressing tokins of their situation untill they were disheartened and their voice would pine away in the utter hopelessness of being Saved they gave themselves up to a watery grave and all was hushed and the boat went down. In a few minutes we saw them scattered on the surface of the water lik so many wild fowls in Silent & frightful anticipations of soon leaving this world of fears & disappointments[.] Some were on feather beads sticks of wood, lumber or any thing they could get holt of and were tossed & Sported on the water at the mercy of the cold and unrelenting waves which Seemed to vie with each other which should treat their frightened visitors with the most rude and deathly reception. Some climbed on the top of the waggon which did not go quite under and were more comfortable while the cows & oxen on board were seen
Swimming to the shore from whence they came
It was some time before any relief came to them[.] A Boat which was crossing over empty came to them and with Some Skiffs & Sail boats Succeeded in Saving them and not one of them were lost though Some were So near gone that they coul not speak
When the boat first began to Sink we attempted to turn our boat and go to their relief but on attempting to turn our boat come very near Sinking and we were obliged to desist and abandon the idea of rendering them any assistance[.] We were coming into a part of the river where the waves ran higher and instead of saving them we found that we were also near going to the bottom also whereupon we made for the shore on an adjacent island which we made just in time to Save ourselves[.] Had the shore have been much farther there is no doubt but we must have Sank in the deep Swift currant which swept to the very Shore[.] I succeeded in landing my family on the island to my great joy though in a very bleak and cold island amid mud and a thick under wood. My wife and oldest son both just able to walk. We stook there & and contemplated the sad spectacle of our brethren & sisters strugling in death & our own narrow escape from the same fate[.] Fatigued and worn out with my family sick
we proceeded down the shores of the island to the camp which at length we reached in a desolate situationthe brethren rendered us all the comfort in their power while those from the sunken boat also landed allmost chilled to death excited the liveliest sympathy in every breast
While beholding this melancholy Scene I remembered the revelation which Said the Lord had cursed the waters in the Last Days and Said in my heart it was verily true[.] This was not all the disasters which were in our midst for in the time of our difficulty in the watter the Temple took fire in the roof from the centre stove pipe and came very near burning down and the news was spread over the city that a boat had sunk with me and my family on it and that we were drownd and the Temple on Fire at the same time which created an unusual excitement[.] The people ran to the river & Temple in confusion. By great & uncommon exertions the fire was extinguished not however before the roof was burndd about 12 feet square[.] And after the people had learned that no one was drowned the excitement ceased and the city was again quiet.
It seemed that the destroyer brooded over the land and water at this time & was in a fair way to be triumphant....
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
.... I went with my family to the river to cross over into Iowa. We waited awhile for a boat at length we went on board of an old small boat and started over. The wind being quite high & the river very ruff. While on the watter I beheld the most heart rending and dangerous scenes that I was ever called to witness[.] When about half across the river there was a man and two Boy in a Skiff coming from one of the the islands with a load of woodthe Skiff was loaded down allmost to the top and upon coming out in the open water began to fill by the waves running over the top[.] The man did not understand how to manage a watter craft & kept it with the side to the waves. He began to throw out the wood to the windward which hung on the edge of the Skiff and only made it fill faster[.] The Boys were fritened at every wave and would Scream at the Startling approach of death. At this time our boat was but a short distance below and opposite to them.
I endeavored to have him turn his Skiff towards our boat and come to us which would have made him perfectly Safe; but he heeded not any thing that was Said. In a few minutes after passing us & but a Short distance his Skiff Swamped and drifted on the water without sinking however
All on our Boat Stood petrified as it were at the passing scene while the Screemes of the boys for help thrilled through every heart. We expected them every moment to go to the bottom[.] A short distance behind us was another larger ferry boat coming over with two waggons, two yokes of oxen and about twenty people on board. This boat Saw the Situation of those in the Skiff and turned down Stream a little & took them in & Saved them from a watery grave[.] About the time that we thought them all safe on board the boat and felt relieved from our anxiety and was going on our way we were called to behold a tenfold more melancholy event transpire. We were alarmed by the Schrieks & cries of the men women & children on the boat[.] All seemed to screem and cry & becken to us to come to them in the hiest state of alarmin a moment we Saw that their boat was sinking in the middle of the river and were imploring us in the fear of instant death to come to their rescue. They made every
sign token cry scream gesture and manifestation of distress that I had ever saw in my life and would rise on the waggons & edge of the boat and continue these distressing tokins of their situation untill they were disheartened and their voice would pine away in the utter hopelessness of being Saved they gave themselves up to a watery grave and all was hushed and the boat went down. In a few minutes we saw them scattered on the surface of the water lik so many wild fowls in Silent & frightful anticipations of soon leaving this world of fears & disappointments[.] Some were on feather beads sticks of wood, lumber or any thing they could get holt of and were tossed & Sported on the water at the mercy of the cold and unrelenting waves which Seemed to vie with each other which should treat their frightened visitors with the most rude and deathly reception. Some climbed on the top of the waggon which did not go quite under and were more comfortable while the cows & oxen on board were seen
Swimming to the shore from whence they came
It was some time before any relief came to them[.] A Boat which was crossing over empty came to them and with Some Skiffs & Sail boats Succeeded in Saving them and not one of them were lost though Some were So near gone that they coul not speak
When the boat first began to Sink we attempted to turn our boat and go to their relief but on attempting to turn our boat come very near Sinking and we were obliged to desist and abandon the idea of rendering them any assistance[.] We were coming into a part of the river where the waves ran higher and instead of saving them we found that we were also near going to the bottom also whereupon we made for the shore on an adjacent island which we made just in time to Save ourselves[.] Had the shore have been much farther there is no doubt but we must have Sank in the deep Swift currant which swept to the very Shore[.] I succeeded in landing my family on the island to my great joy though in a very bleak and cold island amid mud and a thick under wood. My wife and oldest son both just able to walk. We stook there & and contemplated the sad spectacle of our brethren & sisters strugling in death & our own narrow escape from the same fate[.] Fatigued and worn out with my family sick
we proceeded down the shores of the island to the camp which at length we reached in a desolate situationthe brethren rendered us all the comfort in their power while those from the sunken boat also landed allmost chilled to death excited the liveliest sympathy in every breast
While beholding this melancholy Scene I remembered the revelation which Said the Lord had cursed the waters in the Last Days and Said in my heart it was verily true[.] This was not all the disasters which were in our midst for in the time of our difficulty in the watter the Temple took fire in the roof from the centre stove pipe and came very near burning down and the news was spread over the city that a boat had sunk with me and my family on it and that we were drownd and the Temple on Fire at the same time which created an unusual excitement[.] The people ran to the river & Temple in confusion. By great & uncommon exertions the fire was extinguished not however before the roof was burndd about 12 feet square[.] And after the people had learned that no one was drowned the excitement ceased and the city was again quiet.
It seemed that the destroyer brooded over the land and water at this time & was in a fair way to be triumphant....
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Feb 9, 1846
The Twelve drop John E. Page for accepting the succession claim of James J. Strang.
While some Mormons are crossing the Mississippi River on flatboats (in preparation for the trek westward) a fire breaks out on the top floor of the Nauvoo temple. A bucket brigade is organized and takes about a half hour to put the fire out. It is discovered that the fire "was caused by [a] stovepipe being overheated." Brigham Young, upon seeing the flames from a distance says to himself: "if it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the Gentiles, Amen to it."
Meanwhile on one of the flatboats a wagon and team of oxen go off into the river after "a filthy wicked man squirted some tobacco juice into the eyes of one of the oxen." This unbalances the flatboat which takes on water and sinks.
Mormon Samuel W. Richards writes: "In the eve. met at the Temple with a select party for a Dance, several of the twelve being present, and all the Brass band. Commenced a little before Eight with preyer by Bro. Hyde, and continued the merriment with a plenty of wine untill 10 minutes to 3 morn. Continued work at the Temple as usual and on"
While some Mormons are crossing the Mississippi River on flatboats (in preparation for the trek westward) a fire breaks out on the top floor of the Nauvoo temple. A bucket brigade is organized and takes about a half hour to put the fire out. It is discovered that the fire "was caused by [a] stovepipe being overheated." Brigham Young, upon seeing the flames from a distance says to himself: "if it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the Gentiles, Amen to it."
Meanwhile on one of the flatboats a wagon and team of oxen go off into the river after "a filthy wicked man squirted some tobacco juice into the eyes of one of the oxen." This unbalances the flatboat which takes on water and sinks.
Mormon Samuel W. Richards writes: "In the eve. met at the Temple with a select party for a Dance, several of the twelve being present, and all the Brass band. Commenced a little before Eight with preyer by Bro. Hyde, and continued the merriment with a plenty of wine untill 10 minutes to 3 morn. Continued work at the Temple as usual and on"
180 years ago today - Feb 9, 1846
[Brigham Young]
[After a fire broke out in the temple]: "If it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the gentiles, amen to it." -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846- 1847. Elden J. Watson, ed. Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1971.:29, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[After a fire broke out in the temple]: "If it is the will of the Lord that the Temple be burned, instead of being defiled by the gentiles, amen to it." -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846- 1847. Elden J. Watson, ed. Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1971.:29, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
195 years ago today - Feb 09, 1831
Joseph Smith receives portions of Doctrine and Covenants 42, with additional portions revealed on February 23. Called by Joseph "the law of the Church," this revelation includes instructions concerning the implementation of the law of consecration.
The New Jerusalem. Only those ordained by recognized authorities may preach -from the Bible and Book of Mormon. Speak and prophecy as the Comforter directs. Cast out the unrepentant. Consecrate property to the Lord. The bishop returns what the family needs. Keep the rest in the Lord's storehouse for the poor and needy. Do not return consecrated property excommunicants. Do not mention Bible translation until complete. Do not go in debt to the world unless commanded [dropped in 1835].
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
The New Jerusalem. Only those ordained by recognized authorities may preach -from the Bible and Book of Mormon. Speak and prophecy as the Comforter directs. Cast out the unrepentant. Consecrate property to the Lord. The bishop returns what the family needs. Keep the rest in the Lord's storehouse for the poor and needy. Do not return consecrated property excommunicants. Do not mention Bible translation until complete. Do not go in debt to the world unless commanded [dropped in 1835].
[Kenney, Scott; Saints Without Halos, 'Doctrine and Covenants,' http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/s/_dc.phtml]
120 years ago today - Feb 8, 1906 (Thursday)
The Society Islands were visited by a terrific cyclone. "Mormon" Elders rendered efficient aid in saving the archives of the American consulate at Papeete, Tahiti, from destruction.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
140 years ago today - Feb 8, 1886
Glory Hallelalulah to God and the Lamb for his mercies Endureth forever. Let all the Earth Praise the Lord. The History of this day is one of the Most important Events of my life and is well worth a place in the Records of the History of the Church. ... Brother Franklin D Richards Came in and Anounced that Our Office was all surrounded by a body of Marshals.
I imediately locked up my Papers in a draw[er] Put on my Overshues hung up my overcoat and took a survey of our position. I saw we had some 20 Marshals surrounded the Gardo House & Our Office and there was No Escape. Brother Erastus Snow & myself were the ownly two Persons that they would be liable to arest. We went up into a small Bed Room & locked ourselves in & we were there an hour watching the Marshals guarding outside while others were searching the Gardo House. They searched that Building from top to Bottom also the Lion & Behive House & Presidets Offices and were searching the Tithing Office and after we had Been Shut up an hour in our little bed Room like two Rats in a trap we thought it was not wisdom for us to be caught in that.
Brother Milando Pratt thought they were about to search the office. Brother Snow & myself then went down into the Lower Room occupied by F D Richards. We saw the front of the Office occupied By the marshals. I saw we had got to take some desperate Chance and But Little time to do it in. The Marshals wer all around & many were gath[er]ing in the Streets. At first the Brethren seemed to think that one of the Brethren had better drive a Buggy up to the door and I Better try my hand at getting in to that and 2 Buggies were Driven up. I prayed in my heart for the Lord to direct me. At that instant Brother Jenson stept in to the Room with his glasses on. I put my Glasses on. I said to Brother Jenson I will walk with you across the street to the other Office.
We walked out of the door to the gate together. There was a Marshal [on] each side of the Gate & a Dozen more on each side of the side walk leading to the Gardo & Greenman Coming up on the west with the squad of Marshals who had been searching the Tithing Office and we walked right through betwen the two lines of Marshals to the Crossing from the Gardo House to the Presidts Office and then Crossed the Street into the office through all the Marshals perhaps 20 of them & many of the Brethren who had gathered in the Street.
And the Eyes of all the Marshals was Closed By the power of God and all they saw was Jenson quite a smart Danishman and me an other Old Codger of a Danishman. The saints knew me. The Marshals did not. ...
Now from this House [Hour] Let not Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow nor any other Saint Ever distrust the God of Israel or the Son of God from Protecting or Delivering any servant of God who should be delivered, and whenever it is otherwise it is because it is the will of God as in the Death of the Saviour & of Joseph & Hyrum Smith.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
I imediately locked up my Papers in a draw[er] Put on my Overshues hung up my overcoat and took a survey of our position. I saw we had some 20 Marshals surrounded the Gardo House & Our Office and there was No Escape. Brother Erastus Snow & myself were the ownly two Persons that they would be liable to arest. We went up into a small Bed Room & locked ourselves in & we were there an hour watching the Marshals guarding outside while others were searching the Gardo House. They searched that Building from top to Bottom also the Lion & Behive House & Presidets Offices and were searching the Tithing Office and after we had Been Shut up an hour in our little bed Room like two Rats in a trap we thought it was not wisdom for us to be caught in that.
Brother Milando Pratt thought they were about to search the office. Brother Snow & myself then went down into the Lower Room occupied by F D Richards. We saw the front of the Office occupied By the marshals. I saw we had got to take some desperate Chance and But Little time to do it in. The Marshals wer all around & many were gath[er]ing in the Streets. At first the Brethren seemed to think that one of the Brethren had better drive a Buggy up to the door and I Better try my hand at getting in to that and 2 Buggies were Driven up. I prayed in my heart for the Lord to direct me. At that instant Brother Jenson stept in to the Room with his glasses on. I put my Glasses on. I said to Brother Jenson I will walk with you across the street to the other Office.
We walked out of the door to the gate together. There was a Marshal [on] each side of the Gate & a Dozen more on each side of the side walk leading to the Gardo & Greenman Coming up on the west with the squad of Marshals who had been searching the Tithing Office and we walked right through betwen the two lines of Marshals to the Crossing from the Gardo House to the Presidts Office and then Crossed the Street into the office through all the Marshals perhaps 20 of them & many of the Brethren who had gathered in the Street.
And the Eyes of all the Marshals was Closed By the power of God and all they saw was Jenson quite a smart Danishman and me an other Old Codger of a Danishman. The saints knew me. The Marshals did not. ...
Now from this House [Hour] Let not Wilford Woodruff, Erastus Snow nor any other Saint Ever distrust the God of Israel or the Son of God from Protecting or Delivering any servant of God who should be delivered, and whenever it is otherwise it is because it is the will of God as in the Death of the Saviour & of Joseph & Hyrum Smith.
[Wilford Woodruff's Journal: 1833-1898 Typescript, Volumes 1-9, Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books 1993, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]
140 years ago today - Feb 8, 1886
U.S. marshal publishes $500 reward for arrest of first counselor George Q. Cannon. A week later Cannon is arrested in Nevada after unsuccessfully trying to bribe arresting officers and then jumping from moving train to escape. He denies attempted bribery and claims that he accidentally fell from train. Wilford Woodruff escapes through a crowd of federal marshalls by putting on his glasses and walking between them with another Mormon. The marshalls were mainly looking for John Taylor and George Q. Cannon but Woodruff was also wanted.
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1846
[Nauvoo Temple]
Last sealings of living spouses were administered. There were 2,420 couples sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Last sealings of living spouses were administered. There were 2,420 couples sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1846
[Hosea Stout]
There was a meeting at the Stand West of the Temple to day at which the Twelve delivered their last discourse before leaving for the West. ...
On our way to the river Br. Weeks told me that he had been sealed to Br John D. Lee and also had at the same time had Malissa Bennett sealed to him also [blank] Bennett to him
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
There was a meeting at the Stand West of the Temple to day at which the Twelve delivered their last discourse before leaving for the West. ...
On our way to the river Br. Weeks told me that he had been sealed to Br John D. Lee and also had at the same time had Malissa Bennett sealed to him also [blank] Bennett to him
[Diaries of Hosea Stout]
180 years ago today - Feb 8, 1846 (Morning)
President Brigham Young led in prayer according to the Holy Order, asking for the Holy Spirit to rest upon all those who had received their endowments. Gave thanks for the privileges which they had enjoyed in the temple, and asked for the privileges of returning and dedicating the other rooms of the temple in the Lords own due time, that the records of the temple might be preserved, that the temple might not be polluted, that the walls of the Nauvoo House might be preserved, and completed, and that the records of the Nauvoo House might be preserved, and many other excellent and needful things. That the whether might be favorable for the journey, that those who go might be able to find provisions, that teams and means may be provided for all the saints to go in due time and that the temple may be completed and dedicated to the name of the Lord. -- Nauvoo, Illinois
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
125 years ago today - Feb 7, 1901
Apostle Brigham Young Jr. writes that the proposal to provide Utah's school children with smallpox vaccinations is "Gentile doctors trying to force Babylon into the people and some of them are willing to disease the blood of our children if they can do so, and they think they are doing God's service." The Presiding Bishopric counselor had written on 9 Dec. 1900: "Small pox is spreading most all over the State," yet on 21 Feb. 1901 Utah's legislature overrides the governor's veto and passes a law ending compulsory vaccination of school children. In June 1904 Apostle Abraham Owen Woodruff and his first wife Helen die of smallpox, after declining the counsel of LDS president Joseph F. Smith to be vaccinated before the young couple goes to Mexico City.
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
[The Mormon Hierarchy - Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn, [New Mormon History database (http://bit.ly/NMHdatabase)]]
125 years ago today - Thursday, Feb 7, 1901
After some discussion it was shown to be the sense of the meeting that public funerals among our people be not held where death has resulted from diphtheria.
The question of getting out a cheap edition of the Book of Mormon was discussed. Apostle J. H. Smith reported that an edition of 10,000 copies could be contracted for in Kansas City at about 21 cents per copy. It would cost about 31 cents if published at home. Pres. Cannon favored having the work done at home, [even] if it were a little more expensive. Action was deferred until the manager of the Deseret News [was] consulted. [The RLDS church was selling the Book of Mormon for $.50 while the LDS church for $1.00]
"Doxology." Benediction by Apostle Geo. Teasdale.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
The question of getting out a cheap edition of the Book of Mormon was discussed. Apostle J. H. Smith reported that an edition of 10,000 copies could be contracted for in Kansas City at about 21 cents per copy. It would cost about 31 cents if published at home. Pres. Cannon favored having the work done at home, [even] if it were a little more expensive. Action was deferred until the manager of the Deseret News [was] consulted. [The RLDS church was selling the Book of Mormon for $.50 while the LDS church for $1.00]
"Doxology." Benediction by Apostle Geo. Teasdale.
[Stan Larson (editor), A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic diaries of Rudger Clawson, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1993, http://bit.ly/rudgerclawson]
180 years ago today - Feb 7, 1846
[Heber C. Kimball marriages]
wife #33. Abigail Buchanan, 1802-? .
wife #34. Elizabeth Hereford, 1789-?. Separated from HCK in 1852.
wife #35. Sarah Schuler (Buckwalter), 1801-1879.
wife #36. Rebecca Swain (Williams), 1798-1861.
wife #37. Ruth Wellington, 1809-?.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
wife #33. Abigail Buchanan, 1802-? .
wife #34. Elizabeth Hereford, 1789-?. Separated from HCK in 1852.
wife #35. Sarah Schuler (Buckwalter), 1801-1879.
wife #36. Rebecca Swain (Williams), 1798-1861.
wife #37. Ruth Wellington, 1809-?.
[Hatch, Charles M. and Compton, Todd M. editors, 'A Widow's Tale: 1884-1896 Diary of Helen Mar Kimball Whitney' p. 37]
180 years ago today - Feb 7, 1846
Last day of endowments given in the attic, as well as the last day that baptisms for the dead were administered. 5,083 persons received their endowments. By this date there had been 15,626 proxy baptisms performed in the temple.
Last day for sealings of deceased spouses to living spouses in marriage. There were 369 deceased spouses sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
Last day for sealings of deceased spouses to living spouses in marriage. There were 369 deceased spouses sealed.
[Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]
195 years ago today - Feb 7, 1831
The MILLENIAL HARBINGER publishes Alexander Campbell's critique of the Book of Mormon: "There never was a book more evidently written by one set of fingers, nor more certainly conceived in one cranium since the first book appeared in human language, than this same book." "It is as certainly Smith's fabrication as Satan is the father of lies. . . ." Campbell finds signs of Joseph's culture scattered through the book including Masonry and republican government, characteristic Yankee phrases, and opinions on many of the theological controversies of the time: "infant baptism, ordination, the trinity, regeneration, repentance, justification, the fall of man, the atonement, transubstantiation, fasting, penance, church government, religious experience, the call to the ministry, the general resurrection, eternal punishment. . . .every error and almost every truth discussed in N. York for the last ten years." Still more revealing to Campbell were the grammatical errors, which he called
"Smithisms."
"Smithisms."
75 years ago today - Feb 6, 1951
[David O. McKay]
Henry D. Moyle'called him and discussed the matter of missionaries now in the home, 137 of whom the draft boards have refused to clear. Among these are thirteen who have been set apart and stated that it is my opinion they are in a different status than the others who have not been set apart' that they now have the authority of the Priesthood. ... I then said that probably in order to lay the proper foundation for an appeal we should let the thirteen boys get own attorneys and ask them to accompany them to their draft boards, and present their minister's certificate and ask to be classified in 4-D in order that they might fulfill their missions. Brother Moyle said he thought the Church should not be known in it; that it would be better to come through the individuals and their own attorneys. Said if the missionaries do not have attorneys that he could probably suggest some of them.
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
Henry D. Moyle'called him and discussed the matter of missionaries now in the home, 137 of whom the draft boards have refused to clear. Among these are thirteen who have been set apart and stated that it is my opinion they are in a different status than the others who have not been set apart' that they now have the authority of the Priesthood. ... I then said that probably in order to lay the proper foundation for an appeal we should let the thirteen boys get own attorneys and ask them to accompany them to their draft boards, and present their minister's certificate and ask to be classified in 4-D in order that they might fulfill their missions. Brother Moyle said he thought the Church should not be known in it; that it would be better to come through the individuals and their own attorneys. Said if the missionaries do not have attorneys that he could probably suggest some of them.
[David O. McKay, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
125 years ago today - Feb 6, 1901; Wednesday
[Apostle Brigham Young Jr.]
Had quite a conversation with some of my relatives on vacination. I testify that God alone can avert the contagious diseases and calamities coming upon the people and we must make Him our friend and protector.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
Had quite a conversation with some of my relatives on vacination. I testify that God alone can avert the contagious diseases and calamities coming upon the people and we must make Him our friend and protector.
[Brigham Young Jr., Diary]
130 years ago today - Feb 6, 1896; Thursday
The subject of members of the Church who paid no tithing, seldom if ever attended meetings, and used tobacco and intoxicants and were yet continued in fellowship, was discussed. It was decided that while men in authority in the Church must lead exemplary lives, wisdom would suggest that care should be exercised and leniency shown in reference to such persons while there was a possibility of their reform; that it was better to bear with them, than to cut them off and risk the loss of their families who might go with them, and all become enemies instead of friends to the Church.
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
165 years ago today - Feb 6, 1861 (Wednesday)
By order of the commander the military post of Camp Floyd changed name to Fort Crittenden. Secretary of War John B. Floyd, after whom the camp originally was named, had allied himself with the South against the Union.
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
[Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]
165 years ago today - Feb 6, 1861
The President [Brigham Young] gave a short address, and wished the Bishops to close their parties before 12 P.M. and warned the brethren not to mingle their breath and affections with the Gentiles. -- SLC Social Hall
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
[Brigham Young Office Journals, in The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]
180 years ago today - Feb 6, 1846
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Naamah Carter (1821-1909) (aged 24) divorced from John S. Twiss
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Nancy Cressy (1780-1872) (aged 65) widow of Oliver Walker
[This ends a 31-day period during which Brigham Young marries nineteen women and has his sealings to all of his living wives reconfirmed in the Nauvoo Temple. Fourteen of his nineteen new wives had been married before.]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
Brigham Young (aged 44) marriage to Nancy Cressy (1780-1872) (aged 65) widow of Oliver Walker
[This ends a 31-day period during which Brigham Young marries nineteen women and has his sealings to all of his living wives reconfirmed in the Nauvoo Temple. Fourteen of his nineteen new wives had been married before.]
[Wikipedia, List of Brigham Young's Wives, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Brigham_Young%27s_wives]
185 years ago today - Feb 6, 1841
Joseph Smith tells the Nauvoo high council not to excommunicate Theodore Turley for "sleeping with two females," requiring him only to confess "that he had acted unwisely, unjustly, imprudently, and unbecoming."
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
[Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47, http://amzn.to/origins-power]
195 years ago today - 1831 Feb 6
Lucy writes from Waterloo to her brother, Solomon Mack, and his wife, explaining the Book of Mormon and the restoration
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]
[https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ttN3vOzf2UcVhruCrvDf9pF27T0o0PP0Xj1X98tKBc/edit?fbclid=IwAR3HXLgL-X-M_c5LT2W-_F7AYqsqqaQ0yIhfNuyeFsX85irSPuEO6_Q993A]