170 years ago today - Sep 10, 1843

At a conference in Boston at which seven of the Quorum of the Twelve were present, Elder Wilford Woodruff affirms that the Book of Mormon "contains an account of the ancient inhabitants of this continent who over spread this land with cities from sea to sea," a restatement of the contemporary understanding that the people of Nephi "did cover the whole face of the land, both on the northward and on the southward, from the sea west to the sea east" (Helaman 11:20)

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

175 years ago today - Sep 10, 1838

[Missouri War] Judge King orders General Atchison to raise four hundred troops and disperse the Mormons and non-Mormon vigilantes.

[Source: LeSueur, Stephen C., The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839]

10 years ago today - 2003 9-Sep

[Hinckley] Installed Cecil O. Samuelson as the 12th president of Brigham Young University

[Source: LDS Newsroom, Time line of Significant Events as President, http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/time-line-of-significant-events-as-president]

35 years ago today - Sep 9, 1978

A new missionary training program was announced: Missionaries to English-speaking missions would receive four weeks training while those learning other languages would continue to receive eight weeks training at the new Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, which replaced the Language Training Mission and the Mission Home in Salt Lake City.

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

115 years ago today - Sep 9, 1898; Friday

Twelve met in Temple at 10 a.m. 14 Apostles present. Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. received back into the Quorum. Pres[ident] Geo[rge] Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. to give Council statement of present resources and liabilities. God be thanked that Frank Cannon has returned from east where he was sent by presidency to borrow 1.500000 dollars One million five hundred thousand dollars. The present Presidency are not altogether certain that they want him to be the agent of the church. After dismissing talk began by Bro[ther]. H[eber]. J. Grant about my preceeding Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. in the Quorum. He thought it wrong and was surprised to see us take our seats, with me between Geo[rge]. Q. C[annon]. & Jos[eph] F. S[mith]. I said, I am willing to take any place in the quorum, never felt I was fit to be an apostle; ready to follow Bro[ther]. Joseph will do just as the Lord wants: Said that, I submitted this matter to father one day and he said, rather severely: "It is just right the way it is, and you let it alone." I never had courage to tackle the question again; still, I am of the opinion that when a man is ordained an apostle and seeks to magnify that office no new man can rank him in being set apart to fill a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve. I am anxious for God through my brethren to decide this question and I y[ie]ld my views to theirs with all my heart.

[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]

115 years ago today - Friday, Sep 9, 1898

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

At 10 a.m. all of the Apostles met in their room. Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lurid, Mattbias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff, President Lorenzo Snow presiding. Singing. Prayer by Francis M. Lyman. Singing. Prest. Lorenzo Snow made a short talk and asked Elders Geo. Q. Cannon and J. F. Smith to make a brief statement of the financial condition of the Church, which they did.

On motion of Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow was sustained as President of the Twelve. On motion of John Henry Smith, Geo. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were returned to their places in the Council of the Apostles, according to ordination.

[On] motion of John Henry Smith The Council of Apostles were declaired the presiding Quorum of the church.

President W. Woodruffs desk was given to his son. Geo. Q. Cannon and Jos. F. Smith retain theirs. The Desk in the Apostles room was given to Prest. Lorenzo Snow. Fifty dollars a month was [given] to each of Bro. Wilford Woodruff's Widows on my motion.

We adjourned to meet at the President's office at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Joseph F. Smith gave the Benediction.

[Source: 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 - Sep 9, 1898

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] God be thanked that Frank Cannon has returned from east where he was sent by presidency to borrow 1,500,000 dollars One million five hundred thousand dollars. The present Presidency are not altogether certain that they want him to be the agent of the church. [At Temple meeting of the 12, including the 2 former members of the 1st Presidency.] talk began by Bro[ther] H. J. Grant about my preceding Jos[eph] F. S. in the Quorum. He thought wrong and was surprised to see us take our seats, with me between Geo[rge] Q. C. Pres[ident] F. S. I said, I am willing to take any place in the quorum, never felt I was fit to be an ap. ... Said that, I submitted this matter to father one day and he said, rather severely "It is just right the way it is, and you let it alone." I never had courage to tackle question again; still, I am of the opinion that when a man is ordained an apostle and to magnify that office no new man can rank him in being set apart to fill a vacancy in Quorum of the Twelve. I am anxious for God through my brethren to decide this question and I yield my views to them with all my heart.

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

135 years ago today - Sep 9, 1878 (Monday)

Apostles Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith visited Far West, Mo., after previously visiting David Whitmer at Richmond. They afterwards visited Kirtland, O., and the hill Cumorah, N.Y.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

155 years ago today - Sep 9, 1858

[Hosea Stout Diary] Thursday 9 Sept 1858. This evening two men Rucker and Beal got into a fuss as is said about gambling affairs[.] Beal shot Rucker through the body and recieved a shot in the face each recieved another wound. Rucker died immediately, the fate of Beal is not known but his wound is dangerous.

Some two Companies of U. S. troops passed this week through the city en route for the Humbolt River to protect the mail from indians, who are troublesome.

[Source: Diaries of Hosea Stout]

155 years ago today - Sep 09, 1858

The Bank of Deseret issues the first engraved Deseret Currency Association notes. The notes are printed and issued in Salt Lake City in denominations of $1, $2, and $3 and are backed by livestock.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

160 years ago today - Sep 9, 1853 (Friday)

Daniel A. Miller's ox-train of emigrants, consisting of the last Saints from Pottawattamie County, Iowa, arrived in G.S.L. city. The company consisted of 282 souls, 70 wagons, 27 horses, 470 head of cattle and 153 sheep, and had left camp at Winter Quarters June 9th, 1853.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Sep 9, 1843

Leonora Cannon Taylor wrote a brief "diary"-memoir concerning the death of her daughter Agnes in 1843: Â"1st of May [--] cut my finger with Glass [--] it got very bad [--] my dear Child took sick, my sweet baby died on the 9th of Sep [1843,] buried on the 10th and [on] the 14th I had the middle finger of my left hand taken of[f, i.e., amputated], and buried with my Baby, [--] I had many tryals about this time but I am yet alive.Â"

[Source: "Evidence For The Sexual Side of Joseph Smith's Polygamy," Comments by D. Michael Quinn on Session #2A "Reconsidering Joseph Smith's Marital Practices," Mormon History Association's Annual Conference, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 29 June 2012 (unabbreviated version, revised during July)]

175 years ago today - Sep 9, 1838

[Wilford Woodruff Journal] There is great excitement through the Country on the subject of the Election. The people are electionereing through the streets notwithstanding it is Sunday. I had an interview with my Brother in Law Ezra Carter. Satan is stired up to try to hinder myself and wife from going to Zion. May the Lord rebuke him.

[Source: 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 - Sep 9, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Captain William Allred and ten men learn of a wagon full of guns and ammunition that were going to the mob that was planning an attack on Adam-ondi-Ahman. Allred finds the wagon broken down, arrests three illegal gun carriers, and distributes the guns to the Saints for their protection. The three prisoners are taken to Far West for trial. At this time, the mob has also been taking prisoners from time to time and sending out rumors of torture, in order to "make us commit the first act of violence."

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

15 years ago today - Sep 8, 1998

[Media] President Hinckley appears on Larry King Live to discuss the LDS faith.

[Source: The Mormon Channel: The Broadcast and Media History of the LDS Church Timeline, http://radio.lds.org/eng/about/media-timeline]

90 years ago today - Sep 8, 1923

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] At the hotel we met Brother John M. Baxter, President of the Woodruff Stake of Zion. He explained a case of some people who were in transgression, and I told him my feeling was to say to these people "Go thy way and sin no more." He said that his own feelings were in exact harmony with mine.

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

115 years ago today - Sep 8, 1898

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Thursday Sept 8th The remains having been put into as good a condition as possible were viewed by a great many of the family and friends and the authorities of the Church. The Casket was borne to the hearse and the cortege left the Woodruff villa at 9.20 am. Thousands thronged the streets on the way from 5th East to 6th South, then to State, north to South Temple thence west to East Temple North round the Temple Block to north Temple gate at 10.05 am. The casket was carried by six pall bearers into the Tabernacle, viz Dr L. W Snow, Dr M. W. Snow, Wilford S. Woodruff, James Woodruff Jr, George Scholes, & Wilford Woodruff Beattie. The family followed and immediately after them the general authorities of the church & others. The assembled thousands arose en masse which [when] the casket entered and was placed upon a dais in front of the stand. /The plate on the casket bore these words. Wilford Woodruff Died Sept 2, 1898 Aged 91 years.

/The funeral ceremonies commenced at 10.35 a.m. .

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

115 years ago today - Sep 8, 1898

Wilford Woodruff's funeral is held in the Tabernacle after which "All of the Apostles went to Johnson's Art Galery and sat for a group picture."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

115 years ago today - Sep 8, 1898

Wilford Woodruff's funeral is held in the Tabernacle after which "All of the Apostles went to Johnson's Art Galery and sat for a group picture."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

120 years ago today - Sept 8, 1893

First national recognition of Mormon Tabernacle Choir which receives second prize of $1,000 at Chicago World's Fair. Wilford Woodruff writes: "I think without Doubt that our Quire [Choir] was the Best & should have had the first Prize But the Quire that took the first Prize was Welsh and the Welsh furnished the Money And it Could hardly be Expected that they would give it to a Mormon Quire."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

125 years ago today - Sep 8, 1888

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 8 I spent the day Making Cider & was weary.

[Source: 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 - Sept 8, 1878

First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall writes: "Prest. Snow said our Stake report was similar to the other stakes, a spirit of improvement was in the whole church, advised our Young Men and women to marry, and mothers to not talk against Polygamy. . . . Sister Rice, as Midwife and nurse for the Orderville Ward, was blessed to this appointment by Prest. Snow.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

140 years ago today - 1873. September 8

(David O. McKay) : Born David Oman McKay in Huntsville, Utah. In 1901 he married Emma Ray Riggs; they had seven children.

[Source: Van Wagoner, Richard and Walker, Steven C., A Book of Mormons, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

170 years ago today - Sept 8, 1843

Mormon Nauvoo resident Charlotte Haven writes to relatives: "We hear that [Hyrum Smith] has already had some wonderful revelations not yet made public, but that a few of the elders put their heads together and whisper what they dare not speak aloud." She says of Elder George J. Adams had returned from a two-year mission in England with a new wife and child, though he already had a wife and family in Nauvoo. "I am told that his first wife is reconciled to this at first unwelcome guest in her home, for her husband and some others have reasoned with her that plurality of wives is taught in the Bible, that Abraham, Jacob, Solomon, David and indeed all the old prophets and good men, had several wives, and if right for them, it is right for the Latter Day Saints. Furthermore, the first wife will always be first in her husband's affection and the head of the household, where she will have a larger influence. Poor, weak woman! . . . I cannot believe that Joseph will ever sanction such a doctrine-"

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

175 years ago today - Sep 8, 1838

A Missourian writes: "There is still a good deal of excitement with the people of Carrol & Davis Counties, and the Mormons of Caldwell City. there are strong aprehensions also of hostilities by the Indians from the cherokees having built a large council house and inviting all the other tribes, and holding secret consultations, it is generally thought that we shall have war with the Mormons & Indians both, meetings have been held in adopting measures upon the Mormon subject."

[Source: http://www.advent-adam.com/jakestand.html (cached, based on http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies)]

180 years ago today - Sept 8, 1833

Orson Pratt records in his journal: "O[rson] P[ratt] and L[yman] J[ohnson] sealed the members of the church at Bath, New Hampshire, Conn., to eternal life."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

5 years ago today - September 7

[Same-Sex Marriage] Continued reports of much Prop 8 activity in Mormon churches. ... Someone comments on the blog, "It is mentioned in every meeting, donation sheets are passed around in RS and there are pleas for donations and volunteers in the announcements as well as impromptu testimonies during classes. It is EVERYWHERE!!!!"

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]

50 years ago today - Sept 7, 1963

DESERET NEWS insert titled PRESIDENT McKAY BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE, with headline on page 2: "Portrait of a Prophet at 90," and caption on page 7: "Hunstville is the Prophet's birthplace." This is not quite two years after the death of Counselor J. Reuben Clark who had opposed using "the Prophet" as reverential title for the living LDS president. However, CHURCH NEWS itself continues referring to McKay only as "President McKay" until 1965 after which there are increasing headline references to him as "the Prophet" or "the Beloved Prophet."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

55 years ago today - Sep 7, 1958

London England Temple; Location: Lingfield, Surrey, United Kingdom; Announcement: 17 February 1955; Dedication: 7 September 1958 by David O. McKay; Rededication: 18 October 1992 by Gordon B. Hinckley; Style: Modern contemporary, single spire

[Source: Wikipedia, List of Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_temples_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints#List_of_temples]

115 years ago today - Sep 7, 1898; Wednesday

Had conversation with brethren on present situation: All who express themselves, some of the best men among us cannot entertain the idea to have a continuation of our present financial policy. God help us to arrange all in the fear of the Lord. Suggested to Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow that the apostles resume circle prayer at once and get ourselves in harmony with the spirit of God. I fear that there is division in our sentiments. Father give us unity in this one day of trial is my prayer.

[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]

120 years ago today - Sep 7, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7 We went to an Oyster House for Breakfast. We visited Mr Pulman who gave us the use of the Pulman Car. Mr Pulman informed us that his Grand Mother was a Mormon. It is reported that Mr Pulman had made $55,00,000 Dollars out of the Pulman Car. He treated us vary kindly.

At 3 oclock PM we visited Buffalo Bills wild west Show and Enjoyed it vary much. Mr Alexander Majors was Here & at the Close of the show He took us to Mr Codys tent, who had a plesant interview with us and our Company was introduced to him. He admitted our party free. There was the finest shooting by Cody & a woman I Ever Saw. He had a whole [herd] of Buffalo on the ground to shoot at.

[Source: 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 - Sep 7, 1873

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 7 I received a letter from Sarah and spent[ ]. Reuben Freeman got his foot Crushed in a threshing Machine and had his Foot Amputated.

[Source: 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 - Sep 7, 1863 (Monday)

Pres. Brigham Young's woolen factory, on Canyon creek, commenced running.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

165 years ago today - Sep 7, 1848 (Thursday)

The ship Erin's Queen sailed from Liverpool, England, with 232 Saints, under the direction of Simeon Carter, bound for St. Louis, where the emigrants arrived Nov. 6th. Most of them remained there during the winter.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

175 years ago today - September 7 [1838].

[Willard Richards Journal] --I was very sick, and called on the elders, who administered to me, and I obtained relief, but grew worse than ever towards night, when the elders were called again; and after each had prayed several times, one of the elders prophesied that I should be relieved in one hour, and it was so. Truly it was a day of trial; I passed through all the bitterness of death.

[Source: Willard Richards Journal]

175 years ago today - Sep 7, 1838

John Raglin home, Daviess County, Missouri. In a hearing, Adam Black claimed his life had been threatened by Church members, and Joseph Smith was required to post a $500 security bond despite the lack of evidence against him.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

185 years ago today - Sep 7, 1828

[Joseph Smith] Anti-Masons hold a fifth convention in Le Roy, New York. They nominate Solomon Southwick as their candidate for Governor of New York.

[Source: Wikipedia, Joseph Smith Chronology, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Joseph_Smith,_Jr.]

75 years ago today - Sept 6, 1938

First Presidency appointes coordinator of church's first anti-polygamy surveillance team which obtains information on Mormon Fundamentalists and turns it over to excommunication courts and to law enforcement agencies. Surveillance coordinator reports to first counselor J. Reuben Clark.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

115 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 6, 1898

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] I was sent for by President Lorenzo Snow to go to his room in the Temple.

He said he wanted me to run for U.S. Senator.

He also told me he would not take hold of affairs until after the funeral of Prest. Wilford Woodruff. He said he thought the church owed three millions of dollars. He also said he did not agree with Prest. Geo. Q. Cannon's business methods. He said the load seemed more than he could carry.

[Source: 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]

120 years ago today - Sep 6, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 6 We visited the Auditorium Hotel in Chicago the grandest Hotel in the City. We visited the Masonic Art Building 21 Stories high. We went up near the top in an Elevator said to be about the Highest Building in the world.

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

125 years ago today - Sep 6, 1888 (Thursday)

Elders Andrew Jenson, Edward Stevenson and Joseph S. Black left Salt Lake City for the East, to visit the "waste places of Zion," in the interest of Church history.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

150 years ago today - Sep 6, 1863

[R.L.D.S Church] The first RLDS missionaries to Utah were zealous in finding forums for their message, and, as a result, they had several scrapes with Latter-day Saint authorities. Over a period of several months, the missionaries built a respectable following in Utah. A high point came on 6 September 1863 when Briggs conducted the first Reorganized Church baptismal service in Salt Lake City.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: R.L.D.S Church, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/r/REORGANIZEDCHURCH.html]

155 years ago today - Sep 6, 1858

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] A Company of 150 Draggoon under Capt Haws camped for the night south west of the City. They are on the way to the Goose Creek Mountains to try to Chastize the Indians for robing the mail.

[Source: 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 - Sep 6, 1848

[Nauvoo Temple] Lightning struck the weather vane on the cupola with little damage, but left a large scar on the building.

[Source: Brown, Lisle (compiler), Chronology of the Construction, Destruction and Reconstruction of the Nauvoo Temple]

170 years ago today - Sep 6, 1843

Joseph Smith called a modern Caligula at an anti-Mormon meeting.

[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology"]

175 years ago today - Sep 6, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] Pres[iden]t Smith thought it not wisdom to make his appearance before the public in consequence of the many threats made against him and the high state of ex[c]itement in that place. The trial could not go on in consequence of the absence of the Plaintiff and lack of testimony. Consequently the court adjourned till tomorrow at 10 o'clock at a Mr.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

30 years ago today - Sept 5, 1983

PEOPLE magazine story on Howard Hughes widow Terry Moore says that Moore wed Hughes in 1949. "Though the two were never properly divorced," reports PEOPLE, Moore subsequently remarried four times. Once was to L.A. Rams football star, Glenn Davis, "in a quiet Mormon ceremony." The magazine also reports her inheritance (10 to 20 million dollars) will be channeled into charity funds, personal gifts, a new limo, a suburban mansion, and "ten percent will go to the Mormon church to which she tithes."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

40 years ago today - Sep 05, 1973

Leonard Myles-Mills, later a BYU track star, the NCAA 100-meter dash champion (1998 and 1999), and African National Champion (1999), is born in Accra, Ghana.

[Source: The Woodland Institute 'On This Day Historical Database,' http://www.woodlandinstitute.com]

55 years ago today - Fri Sep 5, 1958

[David O. McKay Office Journal] [Meeting of General Authorities at Grosvenor House, London, during which the apostasy of the French missionaries is discussed, noted here in part:] [Part of Hugh B. Brown's comments:] "Well, while in Basel, President Milton L. Christensen of the French Mission called me on the phone and said that there was very serious trouble, and asked me if I could come over. I was just leaving for Rome, but I flew to Paris and he told me the nature of the trouble when I arrived. He said that there was a group of missionaries who were preaching polygamy and a lot of other things, denouncing the Manifesto and circulating literature sent to them by the Fundamentalists.

* * * * *

I sat down and talked to Tucker for three hours. I talked with him and used every method I could think of, persuasion and prayer. I wept with him. He sat there looking me in the eye. He did not take his eye off me while I talked with him. I said, "Do you accept the Manifesto?" He said, "I do not." "Do you believe that polygamy should be practiced now?" He said, "I know that there are righteous men who are practicing it with the knowledge of the General Authorities." "Do you believe that President McKay is two-faced and is talking out of both sides of his mouth and not telling the truth?" "I believe just that. But I do not and I would not know until the Lord reveals it to me." I said, "I am here representing the General Authorities looking into this matter, and I am telling you that you are wrong." He said, "I do not accept you as an Apostle. I take my direction from the Lord and only from him."

* * * * *

There were two other men who had talked the same way. One was stony- faced. I asked when they got their first impressions and they refused to answer. They said they would not implicate anybody . . . . There were two other ladies in the French Mission--American missionaries-- who I think will have to go home. I think someone must see them individually and decide each individual case on its merits. They are saying there are two Priesthoods, and John the Revelator is the man who presides over you and he has given them instructions through this man Tucker that he does not need to ask for instructions from you or me or anyone else. I have never in my life run into anything quite like it. I had all those cases in Granite Stake under Dr. Talmage. We handled cases of those polygamists, including John Burt. Tucker is a missionary from home. He is a brilliant young man, too brilliant for his own good. He is the most defiant, self-opinionated person I have ever met."

[Part of remarks of Henry D. Moyle:] "When I got to Stuttgart, I felt the very devil himself was there. There was not anything I could pinpoint, but I think a feeling that there might be some relationship between the feeling I had at Stuttgart and in the French Mission. "I am sure that is the French situation. The first thing after I talked with the Elders, instantly they started to ask me about the Manifesto and Brother Taylor and Cowley. I cut them off pretty short. I told them that they were not in their missions to discuss that question. I am afraid it has affected some others. It is pretty hard to keep in confined. They correspond with one another."

[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]

115 years ago today - Sept 5, 1898

Three days after Wilford Woodruff's death the "Twelve and Counselors . . . decided to hold the funeral services for President Woodruff on Thursday, Sep 8th, at 10:30 a. m. in the Tabernacle." The body was being kept in ice at Woodruff's home where the next three days "were occupied in endeavoring to make the face so it could be looked upon, yet without satisfactory results."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

115 years ago today - Sep 5, 1898

...Six of President [Wilford] Woodruff’s sons, two of his grandsons and three of his sons-in-law, were also present at this meeting. It was agreed to hold the funeral services of the deceased President on Thursday next, September 8th, at 10;30 A.M., in the Tabernacle, and a committee consisting of Brigham Young [Jr.], Heber J. Grant and A[braham]. O. Woodruff, was appointed, to make arrangements for the obsequies. Wilford Woodruff, Jun[ior]. then repeated the request, made last Saturday, that the remains of his father be buried beside those of his mother, Phebe Woodruff. This matter was referred to Bro[ther]. John Jaques, the custodian of Pres[ident]. Woodruff’s private papers, and through him it was learned that the late President had left instructions as to the exact place of his burial. This information satisfied President Woodruff’s sons, who were not aware before that their father had left any such instructions.

[Source: Journal History]

120 years ago today - Sep 5, 1893 (Tuesday)

The Sanpete Valley railway was completed to Ephraim, Sanpete Co.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

140 years ago today - Sep 5, 1873

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I dreamed last night the 4 That the United States Flag passed from North to South in the sky all tattered & torn. Then the Constitution of the United States followed it but was all tied up with ropes to keep it from falling to Peaces. Then followed an imens Eagle with his tallons fast in the hair of the Head of President Grant Carrying him off. When this passed I awoke.

[Source: 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 - Sep 5, 1843 (Tuesday)

The ship Mitoka sailed from Liverpool with 280 Saints, bound for Nauvoo.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

175 years ago today - Sep 5, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Joseph swears out an affidavit relating his side of the incident with Adam Black, claiming that he never threatened the man's life.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

180 years ago today - prob. early Sep 1833

In the days just prior to Hurlbut's return to the Kirtland area. a self-constituted committee of citizens of Willoughby, Mentor, and Painesville began meeting at the home of Warren Corning, in Mentor, to investigate the origin and design of Mormonism. At least two members of the group were also currently Kirtland township officers: Justice of the Peace Josiah Jones and Town Clerk Oliver A. Crary. D. P. Hurlbut got himself invited to the semi-public meetings of this group.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]

5 years ago today - September 4

[Same-Sex Marriage] Fundraising calls by top church officials to high profile Mormons were already underway, according to the former president of Clorox in a Wall Street Journal story. He was invited to participate in a conference call of 40 to 60 potential donors, led by a high church official, known as a member of the Quorum of Seventy, where he was asked to make a $25,000 donation.

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]

45 years ago today - Sep 4, 1968

In answer to your note of August 22nd which we discussed Wednesday, August 29, 1968: 1. The Brethren questioned whether it is wise for Patriarch [Eldred G.] Smith to take a prolonged vacation in the middle of the summer when so many tourists come from long distances to have their patriarchal blessings and often find that he is not available. Re: Vacation Time In the first place I do not give blessings to tourists in general; only to good member[s] of the Church who, in nearly all cases, come to Salt Lake to go to the Temple. When the temple closes, I get very few calls for patriarchal blessings. This summer, the girls told me there were only one or two requests during my absence. I think I'm entitled to a vacation as well as others and have been given permission by you to take it during the time the temple is closed when very few requests come for blessings. I cannot understand how my vacation time has so suddenly become so critical when my predecessor went to Canada for all three months of the summer every summer. 2. Those who have appointments for blessings often have to wait in the hall for long periods of time before they can see the Patriarch. Some have children who run up and down the halls, or fret and cry because they are tired and cross. Re: People waiting in the halls When this building was built, a room with a waiting room was designed for the Patriarch. Since I was moved from this room, it has been thought that I didn’t need a waiting room any more than the others in the building. As I have said, the people who come to me come from the missionfield of the Church with their whole family to be sealed in the Temple, then come tome for blessings. They have no place to leave their children so they must bring them with them. The only place for them to wait is in the hall. It is impossible for me to do my job and run people in and out like I do when I set apart missionaries; therefore, some people must wait awhile in the hall as there is no place else for them. Naturally the children are tired and cross, having been in the Temple since early in the morning. I can't see how I can do anything about this situation. 3. When the Patriarch is going to be absent and he or his secretary ask a substitute to come to the office an give a blessing, neither his room or his equipment can be used and another office in the building has to be found for the patriarch who is substituting. Re: Substitute Patriarch There is no such thing as substitute patriarchs in the Church. I have never asked nor authorized another patriarch to come in this building to give blessings. Years ago when Sister [Mary] Timmins was my secretary, she started this practice contrary to my instruction and was a cause of a great deal of trouble. Since she left, Nola has authorized other patriarchs to come against my instructions. The general handbook on page 23 says: “The Patriarch is not to leave his own stake for such purposes.” A stake patriarch coming to the Church Offices is violating this rule. The handbook also adds: (page 24), “Any requests for exceptions other than those listed above should be directed to the First Presidency.” I don’t think there is ever a need for another patriarch to come into this building to give Patriarchal Blessings. I think all these items are just a matter of an understanding. I would be glad to cooperate in any way.

[Source: Eldred G. Smith, Letter to Joseph Fielding Smith]

115 years ago today - Sep 4, 1898

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Sunday Sept 4th Prest Jos. F Smith and members of the Twelve now in the city, viz. Lorenzo Snow, F D Richards, B. Young Geo Teasdale, H. J. Grant, A. H Lund, & M. F Cowley, some twenty five members of Pres Woodruff's family, L John Nuttall, and several other prominent members of the Church left the City on the Rio Grande Western train at 5.30 am. and arrived at Ogden in 45 minuts, where they awaited the arrival of the Southern Pacific train at 6.45 am. The special car containing the remains the "El Discanso" was attached to the R.G.W. train, and many of the Saints of Ogden passed through the car, after which the train started and arrived at Salt Lake City at 8.40 a.m.

Thousands of people were at the depot. Elder Joseph E. Taylor of the Salt Lake Stake Presidency and undertaker took charge of the body and the procession being formed passed along 2d South Street to [5th?] East Street then south to late residence.

Here Elders L. John Nuttall, Samuel W. Bateman, Andrew Smith & Chas H Wilcken, (Elders Nuttall & Smith having been closely associated with Pres Woodruff during the past years of his sickness, & Elders Batman & Wilcken as occasion required) arranged to take charge of the remains and assist in preparing them for the funeral, and remain with them until that time. The body was in a condition that notwithstanding all was done to make the face presentable it could not be viewed by the people. The family however took a look thereon.

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

115 years ago today - Sep 4, 1898 (Monday)

The train bearing the remains of Pres. Wilford Woodruff arrived in Salt Lake City, over the Rio Grande Western Ry.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

120 years ago today - Sep 4, 1893 (Monday)

The Chamber of Commerce special train left Salt Lake City for the World's Fair.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

125 years ago today - Sep 4, 1888 (Tuesday)

Apostle Moses Thatcher was arrested at Logan. On the 7th, after examination, he was discharged for lack of evidence.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

140 years ago today - Sept 4, 1873

Brigham Young preaches: "We also have the privilege of sealing women to men, without a Temple. This we can do in the Endowment House; but when we come to other sealing ordinances, ordinances pertaining to the holy Priesthood, to connect the chain of the Priesthood from father Adam until now, by sealing children to their parents, being sealed for our forefathers, etc., they cannot be done without a Temple. But we can seal women to men, but not men to men, without a Temple."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

170 years ago today - Sep 4, 1843

The New York Sun carries a description of Joseph Smith. "This Joe Smith must be set down as an extraordinary character, a prophet-hero, as Carlyle might call him. He is one of the great men of this age, and in future history will rank with those who, in one way or another, have stamped their impress strongly on society." The article ends by stating, "That his followers are deceived, we all believe. . . . A great military despotism is growing up in the fertile West, increasing faster in proportion, than the surrounding population, spreading its influence around, and marshalling multitudes under its banners, causing serious alarm to every patriot."

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

175 years ago today - Sep 4, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] September 4th Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jr., Given in Kirtland, Geauga Co[unty], Ohio, September 4th 1837 Making known the transgression of John Whitmer [and] W[illiam] W. Phelps.

Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my Servant Joseph. My servants John Whitmer and William W. Phelps have done those things which are not pleasing in my Sight. Therefore if they repent not they Shall be removed out of their places. Amen.

J[oseph] Smith, Jr.



[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

175 years ago today - Sep 4, 1838

Far West, Missouri. Joseph Smith engaged Generals David R. Atchison and Alexander W. Doniphan as his lawyers.

[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]

175 years ago today - Sep 4, 1838

John N. Sapp swears in an affidavit that "I was a member of said body of Danites," and that Danites numbered "betwixt eight and ten hundred men, well armed and equipped . . ." Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon began to study law under the tutelage of local militia general David R. Atchison and Alexander Doniphan Doniphan with assurances of being admitted to the bar after a year's "diligent application."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

180 years ago today - Sep 4, 1833

[Joseph Smith] Joseph writes to Vienna Jaques in Independence, thanking her for her pecuniary offerings and also stating in reference to the Missouri persecutions, "I am not at all astonished at what has happened to you, neither to what has happened to Zion, and I could tell all the whys and wherefores of all these calamities. But alas, it is in vain to warn and give precepts, for all men are naturally disposed to walk in their own paths."

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

125 years ago today - Sep 3, 1888

[John D. T. McAllister, in Temple Minute Book, St. George, Sept. 3, 1888] Gave instruction to give nothing but the proper wording when washing, anointing, etc. Pres[ident] [Brigham] Young once said that Free Masonary is the corruption of the keys and powers of the Holy Priesthood. So would these Endowments be changed if we were not particular about the proper wording of these ceremonies. Instructed the recorders to be careful, for a great responsibility rested upon them.

[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]

125 years ago today - Sep 3, 1888 (Monday)

Bishop Archibald McKinnon, of Randolph, Rich Co., was arrested for u.c. [Unlawful Cohabitation, I.E. living with a polygamous wife]

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

170 years ago today - Sep 3, 1843

[Anointed Quorum] Sunday prayer circle at 6 p.m. in Mansion House with Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, and William Law, with "much instruction from the Presidents [sic] on future things" (changes order of names).

[Source: Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Signature Books, 1994, Appendex: Meetings and Initiations of the Anointed Quorum, 1842-45, http://amzn.to/origins-power]

75 years ago today - Sep 2, 1938

J. Golden Kimball died on 2 September 1938 at the age of seventy-five when he was thrown from the back seat of a car in which he was riding when it went out of control and crashed into an embankment in the Nevada desert fifty miles east of Reno.

[Source: Utah History Encyclopedia: J. Golden Kimball, http://www.uen.org/utah_history_encyclopedia/k/KIMBALL%2CJGOLDEN.html]

105 years ago today - Sept 2, 1908

First Presidency and apostles meet in Salt Lake Temple and agree "that the Rule made in the past and adhered to by all of the former Councils of the church [is] that the Negro Race might be baptised but could not have the Priesthood."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

105 years ago today - Sep 2, 1908

The following is a copy of the minutes of the meeting of the First Presidency and Apostles ... On the question of negro blood, the secretary presented extracts from council minutes, dated August 22, 1895, March 11, 1900, and extracts from Discourses by President [Brigham] Young, dated October 9, 1859, March 8, 1863, August 19, 1866, as follows: President Brigham Young, October 9, 1859 [“]You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, ....

[Source: Journal History; Minutes]

105 years ago today - Wednesday, Sep 2, 1908

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

The First Presidency and Myself, Rudger Clawson, Hyrum M. Smith, Geo. A. Smith, Geo. F. Richards and O. F. Whitney of the Twelve and Secretary Geo. F. Gibbs met at 10 a.m. in the Temple. Prayer by Orson F. Whitney. Mouth at the Altar A. H. Lund.

It was agred that the Rule made in the past and adhered to by all of the former Councils of the church [is] that the Negro Race might be baptised but could not have the Priesthood.

[Source: 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 - Sep 2, 1898

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Friday Sept 2nd The following telegram was received at the President's office:

San Francisco, Sept 2 10.05 a.m.

President Woodruff is dead. He left us at 6.40 this morning. Break the news to his family. He slept peacefully all night and passed away without movement.

Geo. Q. Cannon

To Prest. Jos. F. Smith.

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

115 years ago today - Sept 2, 1898

Death of Wilford Woodruff, only Utah church president to die outside Utah (in San Francisco, California, at the home of non-Mormon Isaac Trumbo); buried in Salt Lake City. Lorenzo Snow has a vision in the Salt Lake Temple where Jesus Christ instructs him to organize a First Presidency. A new First Presidency is organized eleven days later. Each of the previous three times a church president had died it had taken from twenty months to over three years to organize a new First Presidency. Apostle Brigham Young Jr. writes I his journal: "Pres Woodruff has passed away far from home and in the house of one I cannot believe to be an honest man."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

115 years ago today - Sep 2, 1898

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] Pres[ident] Woodruff has passed away far from home and in the house of one I cannot believe to be an honest man. [Trumbo] God knows best, but I fear that man has bro[ugh]t. this about and He suffered it for a wise purpose in Him. I acknowledge His hand in it, tho[ugh] it has troubled my spirit much. If I deaf not know that God is at the helm I shall be in despair for the financial Condition of the church. But he knows and will bring his people out and through all their difficulties in spite of religious bigots and other enemies of Satan. Bro[ther] Geo[rge] Q. C. has a terrible ordeal to pass through. God help him to gain vigorous health and usefulness in Zion.

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

115 years ago today - Sep 2, 1898

[Apostle Anthon H. Lund Diary] "In the afternoon I received a telegram from Pres[iden]t Jos[eph] F. Smith. There was also one from Pres[iden]t Peterson when I saw this I feared that it contained bad news and said so to Lanie. When I opened it I found that it was true. It read: "Pres[iden]t Woodruff died this morning in San Francisco. ave written you." It came so unexpected as I had heard such good reports from him. Everybody felt the loss of that good man. I went and saw Pres[iden]t Peterson. He felt sad to think the good president was gone and said:" I hope you brethren may be united and no split occur among you."

[Source: Diary of Apostle Anthon H. Lund, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Sep 2, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 2 We reached St Louis a little before 10 oclok am. All were Pleased with the scenery in Missouri. The track ran near the river a good Deal of the time. Presidents Cannon & Smith visited the City & Bridges. I did not feel able.

Mr Dudgridge & Townsend RR Superintendents visit us. The Consort was held at the Exposition Building which seats 3,500 and the seats mostly ocupied.

Sunday 3 We reached Chicago half past 8 And the Choir had to be taken to the various Hotels. The Labor was vary great Esspecially [for] the femals as they were faint for the want of food.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 2, 1893 (Saturday)

The Tabernacle choir gave a concert in the Music Hall of the Exposition Buildings, at St. Louis, Mo.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

120 years ago today - Saturday, Sep 2, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary]

[Source: 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]

120 years ago today - Sep 2, 1893

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] [Excerpt from letter to Heber M. Wells from New York, or on Erie train as returned from Chicago.] In the letter I tell of meeting the First Presidency and other friends from Salt Lake, and state that the First Presidency fully approve of my having secured the loan of $250,000 even at the high rate which I paid, and that they felt that my getting the money had saved our banks, and that there was no price too high to pay to prevent the banks temporarily suspending ...

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

135 years ago today - Sep 2, 1878

[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] An informal meeting of the council was held after Elders Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith had been set apart for their mission to the United States. Present-Pres[ident]. John Taylor and Elders Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, George Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith and A[lbert]. Carrington.

Brother Orson Pratt spoke of the desirability of obtaining the mss. of the Books of Abraham and of Joseph now in Woods Museum, Chicago.

Brother Taylor considered it to be well to do so though he thought it would be well not to appear too anxious, or advantage might be taken if such a feeling were manifested. He felt that anything that would throw light on the subject, embraced in the mission of Bro[ther]s. Pratt and Smith should be encouraged.

[Source: First Presidency Office Journal]

170 years ago today - early Sept. 1843

[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy becomes very ill. After five days of nonstop nursing, Emma collapses and remains more or less unwell nearly the entire fall. Joseph takes over nursing Lucy.

[Source: Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books, http://bit.ly/lucys-book]

170 years ago today - Sep 2, 1843

[Joseph Smith] A "Notice of Expulsion" appears in the Lee County Democrat at Ford Madison, Wis., announcing a meeting that was held in Hancock County in which the citizens "declared the Mormons shall either peaceably leave the state or they will forcibly be driven away. It is said that the notices to that effect have been posted in public places in the county." (PHistory of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (7 volumes) 316.)

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

5 years ago today - September 1

[Same-Sex Marriage] Sometime in September, Sonja Eddings Brown, a Mormon, is hired by ProtectMarriage and becomes the chief spokesperson for the campaign. According to a bio provided on her husbands website, "Sonja has served as a news media specialist for the Church in Southern California, but is now on leave from that assignment."

[Source: Latter-Day Army: Details of Mormons and Prop 8, http://www.stopthemormons.com/?p=486]

35 years ago today - Sept 1, 1978

DENVER POST article "LDS Urges Anti-ERA Letters to Senators."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

115 years ago today - Sep 1, 1898

A telegram announcing the serious illness of President Wilford Woodruff was received by President Joseph F. Smith to-day. It was from President George Q. Cannon, and was dated at San Francisco [California] at 8:02 o’clock this morning. The telegram read as follows: “President Woodruff’s condition very serious. It is the opinion of experts that this may terminate his mission. He is not sensible at this time. Attack was very sudden.. ...

[Source: Journal History; Brigham Young Jr., Diary]

115 years ago today - Sep 1, 1898

[Apostle Brigham Young Jr. Diary] [[Rumors are afloat of W. W.'s illness in California. "We are all worried. Found that many felt as I did hoped that nothing would happen in Col. Trumbo's house to the presidency who were staying there."]]

[Source: Diary of Apostle Brigham Young Jr., http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

120 years ago today - Sep 1, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] Sept 1 We were Met by a Committee from Jackson County Missouri. We Met the Mayor & Committee on the Temple Block and the Quire Sang there but it was so Crouded we went into the Tabernacle near by the Temple Block & we sang there. The Mayor had lost one Arm in the Armey. But the one arm left he kindly gave to me while I was with Him [ ].

One vary Stricking incident was worthy of record. I went through Jackson County with Harry Brown in 1834 on a Mission to the Southern States. At that time we had to keep secreted so the people would not know that we were in the County as our lives would be sacrafized if they knew that two Mormon Missionaries were in the County. Now the Mayor of the City of Independance Comes & greets us with the warmest reception. How Great the Contrast. We give God the praise.

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

145 years ago today - Sep 1, 1868

[Plains] John G. Holman Company begins crossing plains

[Source: Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html]

145 years ago today - Sep 1, 1868

[Plains] Edward T. Mumford Company begins crossing plains

[Source: Church History Library, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel, 1847-1868, Chronological Company List, http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneercompanylist-chronological/0,15765,3968-1,00.html]

155 years ago today - Sept 1, 1858

Brigham Young writes Thomas L. Kane "that the time is not far distant when Utah shall be able to assume her rights and place among the family of nations."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

155 years ago today - Sep 1, 1858

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] I met with my Quorum in the prayer Circle. There were 10 present. I spoke a short time by way of exertation to the brethren. I told them as we were surrounded by the wicked Gentiles who were filled with wickedness and sought our destruction that we were much exposed & should be upon our guard & magnify our Calling and maintain our Dignity before all men as Saints of God & Elders in Israel & not mingle or drink with the wicked. If we have business with them let us do it & go our way. I feel ashamed before the Lord that any man that holds a station like Br George D Grant should stoop so low as to create a fight with Thomas Williams as he did and to mingle and drink with the wicked.

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

160 years ago today - Sept 1, 1853

Brigham Young writes to Apostle Orson Pratt that certain points of doctrine treated in the pages of the SEER "are not SOUND DOCTRINE, and will not be so received by the Saints." [Emphasis in original.]

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

175 years ago today - Sep 1, 1838

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, September 1st 1838 The First Presidency [with] Judge Higbee (as surveyor) Started this morning for the halfway house (as it is called) kept [by] Br[other] Littlefield, some 14 or 15 miles from Far West directly north, For the purpose of appointing a City of Zion for the gathering of the Saints in that place for safety and from the Storm which will soon come upon this genneration. That the bretheren may be together in the hour of the coming of the Son of Man and that they may receive instructions to prepare them for that great day which will come upon this generation as a thief in the knight.

There is great ex[c]itement at present among the Mis[s]ourians seeking, if possible, an occasion against us. They are continually chafing us, and provoking us to anger if possible, one sine [sign] of threatening after another but we do not fear them For the Lord God the Eternal Father is our God and Jesus the mediator is our Saviour, and in the great I Am is our strength and confidence.

We have been driven time after time and that without cause and smitten again and again, and that without provocation untill we have pre[a]ched the [word?] with kindness, and the world proved us that we have no designs against any man or set of men, That we injure no man, That we are peasible [peaceable] with all men, minding our own buisness and our buisness only.

We have Suffered our rights and our liberties to be taken from us. We have not avenged ourselves of those wrongs. We have appealed to magistrates, to Sheriffs, to Judges, to Govonours, and to the President of the United States, all in vain. Yet we have yealded peacibly to all these things. We have not complained at the Great God, we murmured not, but peacibly left all and retired into the back Country, in the broad and wild prairie, in the barren and desolate plains, and there commenced anew. We made the desolate places to bud and blos[s]om as the rose, and now the fiend-like rose [and] are disposed to give us no rest.

Their Father (the Devil) is hourly calling upon them to be up and doing, and they like willing and obedient Children need not the second admonition. But in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God we will endure it no longer, if the Great God will arm us with courage, with strength and with power, to resist them in their persecutions. We will not act on the offensive but always on the defensive.

Our rights and our liberties shall not be taken from us, and we peacibly submit to it as we have done heretofore, but we will avenge ourselves of our enemies, inasmuch as they will not let us alone.

But to return again to our subject. We found the place for the city and the bretheren were instructed to gather immediately into it and soon they should be organised according to the Laws of God.* ...

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1838, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

175 years ago today - Sep 1, 1838

[Joseph Smith] The First Presidency, with the help of a surveyor, establish the city of Zion, 15 miles from Far West, as a place of safety to which the Saints can flee. Joseph records that the Saints have been very peaceable in spite of the rising storm about them.

[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]

175 years ago today - Sept 1, 1838

Entry in the "Scriptory Book of Joseph Smith:" "[I]n the name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God we will endure [persecution] no longer. . . . Our rights and our liberties shall not be taken from us, and we peacably submit to it as we have done heretofore, but we will avenge ourselves of our enemies, inasmuch as they will not let us alone."

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]

175 years ago today - 1-Sep 4, 1838

Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon began studying the law.

[Source: Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm]