175 years ago today - --24 [September, 1838].

[Willard Richards Journal] I married Jennetta Richards, daughter of the Reverend John Richards, Independent minister at Walker Fold, Chaidgley, Lancashire. Most truly do I praise my Heavenly Father for his great kindness in providing me a partner according to his promise. I receive her from the Lord, and hold her at his disposal. I pray that he may bless us forever. Amen.

[Source: Willard Richards Journal]

55 years ago today - Sep 23, 1958

[David O. McKay Office Journal] At 4 p.m. I had a consultation with Gordon Hinckley, Assistant to the Twelve, who had been appointed by me while in London to go to France and infestigate conditions at Mission Headquarters. He said that he had spent hours going through mission files and correspondence, and that he could find nothing that would lead to a suspicion of what was going on--that Elder Tucker and his followers were sworn to secrecy. Brother Hinckley said that he had gone to the dock to see the nine missionaries who had been excommunicated while in London who were living [sic] on a Greek liner for New York. He told them he did not come to preach to them; that they had had better men than he to talk to them (Elders Joseph Fielding Smith, Henry D. Moyle, Richard L. Evans, Hugh B. Brown, Bishop Thorpe B. Isaacson) but that he had come in the interest of their parents to see that they had enough money to get home safely; that he also wished to bear his testimony to them and to say to them that they would live to regret what they were doing on that day--leaving the mission field, probably for Mexico to practice their mistaken ideas [polygamy]. Brother Hinckley said all the missionaries, excepting Elder Tucker and one of the girls, seemed morose and down-cast.

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

35 years ago today - Sep 23, 1978

Mary Sturlaugson is first African-American lady missionary.

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

115 years ago today - Friday, Sep 23, 1898

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] In company with Prest. J. F. Smith, I called upon P[atrick]. H. Lannan [owner of the Salt Lake Tribune] and talked over the course being taken by the Tribune in its asaults on B. H. Roberts. Mr. Lannan made lots of talk and said nothing, really.

Prest. J. F. Smith presented him a paper setting forth that no marrying was going of the plural kind. He said that will not do.

[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]

190 years ago today - Sep 23, 1823

Joseph Jr. gives his family a detailed description of the angel/spirit and golden plates in the family's evening conversations.

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

60 years ago today - Wed Sep 23, 1953

[David O. McKay Office Journal] Dr. Edward R. McKay called regarding contraceptives and the Church's stand toward their use. I told him that the Church cannot countenance contreceptives--marriage is for the purpose of having children and rearing a family. If a couple make modifications of this, the responsibility is theirs--they do not have the Church's sanction in the use of contraceptives, and the delaying of having children.

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

5 years ago today - September 23

[Same-Sex Marriage] LDS Church Prop 8 campaign strategy "update" memo surfaces at WikiLeaks.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 23, 1893

[President Wilford Woodruff Journal] 23 I spent the day at home. I was visited By Mrs Pendleton and Mr B H Maples from Connecticut my Native Place. We spent several hours together. He wanted to investigate Mormonism. Wanted to Read the Book of Mormon. I told him to Call at my office & I would give him some of our Books and Show him what attention I Could.

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

More History?

Want more Mormon history? Check out LDS-Church-History, a topical approach to the history of the church. Topics from the past have included: - The Life of Lorenzo Snow - Speaking in Tongues - Rebaptism, - Word of Wisdom - Dreams in LDS history - The life of George Albert Smith - The history of Z.C.M.I. - Tithing More info can be found here: http://bit.ly/ldshst mh

190 years ago today - After Sep 22, 1823

Alvin Smith was the most excited about retrieving the plates [per Lucy Mack Smith].

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

Sep 22, 1823

When Smith attempts to touch the box [containing the plates] ... he receives a shock and is thrown to the ground.

[Source: Whitney, Helen, Timeline: The Early History of the Mormons, A Frontline and American Experience Co-Production,

www.pbs.org/mormons/timeline/]

190 years ago today - Sep 22, 1823 (Monday)

Joseph Smith, jun., was again visited by the angel Moroni and received further instructions. He related what he had seen and heard to his father, who believed his words, and advised him to do as he had been instructed. He then went to the hill (Cumorah) that he had seen in his vision the previous night, and soon found the spot where the plates containing the ancient records were buried in a stone box. He lifted the lid of the box and beheld "the plates, the Urim and Thummim and breastplate, as stated by the angel."

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

Sep 22, 1823

[Joseph Smith] Smith tells his father about his visions of the angel, and visits the hill Cumorah where the angel said the plates were buried. He returns empty-handed, claiming that he had failed to strictly follow the angel's commandments. He says the angel required him to return in exactly one year with his brother Alvin.

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

5 years ago today - 9/20/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] Wall St Journal reports: The Yes on 8 campaign has received "more proportionally from the Latter-day Saints Church than from any other faith," said Mr. Schubert, 35% to 40% of the total. The Mormon Church encouraged its members to send their donations to a separate post-office box set up by a church member, said Messrs. Schubert and L. Whitney Clayton, a senior Mormon Church official involved in the campaign. Mr. Clayton said the church didn't keep track of how much individual Mormons donated, just the cumulative total. He said members bundled the donations and forwarded them to the campaign.

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

130 years ago today - Sep 20, 1883

[J.D.T. McAllister Diary] Brigham Young Jr. prophecies concerning growth of Church

.... Apostle B. Young addressed us. ... progress of the Saints fullfilment of Prophecy, increase of the Saints from 143 pioneers. to one hundred and forty three thousand. and prophecied in 30 years our increase would be one hundred and forty three million.

[Source: Diary Excerpts of J.D.T. McAllister, http://amzn.to/newmormonstudies]

160 years ago today - Sep 20, 1853

"Uncle John" Smith, Presiding Patriarch, confers upon his son, apostle George A. Smith, "all the keys of the Patriarchal Priesthood that ever was sealed upon any man on the earth." He also says in the blessing, "all the inhabitants of the earth shall know that the Lord did choose the Smith family to build up Zion & did by them lay the foundation of this Church which shall never be overthrown neither shall the name of the Smith family be blotted out under Heaven." Despite Presiding Patriarch's dying request in 1854 that his son be his successor, Brigham Young instead chooses oldest son of Martyred Hyrum Smith.

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

170 years ago today - Sep 20, 1843

Joseph Smith is sealed in a plural marriage to Melissa Lott, reportedly with Emma Smith's permission.

[Source: Hales, Brian C., Joseph Smith's Polygamy: History and Theology, 3 vols., Salt Lake City: Greg Kofford Books, 2013 (www.JosephSmithsPolygamy.com)]

170 years ago today - Sep 20, 1843

[Nauvoo Neighbor] ...- Ordinances: "An Ordinance Concerning Marriages." -- John C. Bennett, Mayor -- Passed Feb 17, 1842, James Sloan is listed as the recorder. Age of consent is set at 17 for boys and 14 for girls.

[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]

170 years ago today - Sep 20, 1843

[Brigham Young] At the request and expense of Elder L. R. Foster, I visited Mr. O. S. Fowler, the phrenologist, at Marlborough Chapel, with Elders Kimball, Woodruff and Geo. [George] A. Smith. He examined our heads and gave us charts. After giving me a very good chart for $1, I will give him a chart gratis. My opinion of him is, that he is just as nigh being an idiot as a man can be, and have any sense left to pass through the world decently; and it appeared to me that the cause of his success was the amount of impudence and self-importance he possessed, and the high opinion he entertained of his own abilities.

[Source: Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).]

20 years ago today - Sep 19, 1993

Paul Toscano's disciplinary council meets.. At 6:00 A.M. over 100 individuals gathered in the parking lot of the Cottonwood Stake Center keep vigil by singing hymns and sharing comments. At the trial's start, Toscano makes four requests: the proceedings be public; his witnesses be present throughout the hearing; his wife be present throughout; and an independent party take notes. All requests are denied. At 12:30 P.M. Toscano emerges from his six-and-a-half hour trial and speaks to the crowd. He says the discussion centered on his recent Sunstone symposium speech, "All is Not Well in Zion: False Teachings of the True Church," of which the council had made a transcription from a purchased cassette. They focused and disagreed on the interpretation of supposedly derogatory comments he had made about general authorities. He said the interchange was genuine and that the high councilors asked hard but fair-minded questions. He felt that they loved him and he expressed his love for them. After hours of deliberation, at 3:00 P.M. Stake President Kerry Heinz tells Toscano that his decision to excommunicate him for apostasy was sustained unanimously by the high council.

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

50 years ago today - Sep 19, 1963

First Presidency and apostles decide to prevent performance of BYU professor Clinton F. Larson's play THE REDEEMER because of its portrayal of Mary Magdalene as wife of Jesus. "President McKay [is] very much concerned about it, he having said there was no authoritative basis for such a conclusion-that we just didn't know." Performance occurs because it is sponsored by Provo Recreation Department rather than BYU.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 19, 1893

Zina Diantha Huntington Jacob Smith Young leads a prayer circle for Mary Ann Burnham Freeze in the Salt Lake Temple, who is then baptized for her health, confirmed, and administered to by male temple healers in the garden room.

[Source: Stapley, Jonathan and Wright, Kristine, '"They Shall Be Made Whole": A History of Baptism for Health,' Journal of Mormon History, Fall 2008]

120 years ago today - Sep 19, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] [Minersville-Milford] On the train we found the following brethren on their way to the penitentiary to serve sentences for living with their wives ... [Dalley, Jones, Barton] each for adultery with their own wives ... Judge Fudd was also on the train. I plead with him to use his influence with Marshall Brigham not to have the brethren shaved, He promised me he would do his best.

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

50 years ago today - Sep 18, 1963

Elder Henry D. Moyle dies.

[Source: Wikipedia, 20th Century (Mormonism), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century_(Mormonism)]

80 years ago today - Sep 18, 1933

Robert F. Bennett, later a successful businessman and, like his father, Wallace F. Bennett, a Utah member of the U.S. Senate (1992â€"), is born in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 18, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] Two brethren[-]an Armstrong and a Jones from "Enoch" [Utah?][-]came to me and offered their entire earthly possessions of the benefit of the Church. I blessed them and thanked them and told them it was all right but we would not take their estate from them at this time but to hold it always in readiness.

[Source: Francis M. Lyman, Diary]

140 years ago today - Sep 18, 1873

[Minutes, Quorum of Twelve] ... Pres[iden]t Young thought that she should have a fair /and equal/ proportion of Bishop Raleigh s property secured to her for her support and that of her family.

... He Pres[iden]t. Young explained /thought/ that Bp Raleigh ought to be asked what how much property he is worth, and when this is determined let him be instructed to make an equal distribution /thereof/ for the support of his /wife Julia and her three/ children, where so [so] they can have a comfortable home and the necessities of life. ...

[Source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]

170 years ago today - Sep 18, 1843. Monday.

[William Clayton Journal] A.M. at President Joseph's ...Joseph and I rode out to borrow money, drank wine at Sister Lyons [Sylvia Sessions Lyons, plural wife of Joseph Smith] . ...

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

25 years ago today - Sep 17, 1988

The Church joins VISN, an interfaith cable television network sponsored by eighteen religious organizations.

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

35 years ago today - Sep 17, 1978

The first episode of the TV series Battlestar Gallactica, created, written, and produced by Church member Glen A. Larson, airs on ABC. The story line of the series incorporates many LDS beliefs and doctrines.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 17, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] Also referred to the strength of democracy in our brethren that made them operate against the policy of the Presidency of the church. They would listen to me but preferred to follow their political leaders. It is a singular thing when the Elders on this church become afraid of church influence. Outsiders and liberals may cry down with church influence but saints never. I also bore down very heavy on the Word of Wisdom. Declared that the filthy stinking tobacco smokers and chewers should not be permitted to enter the presence of the Savior at his coming.

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

125 years ago today - Sep 17, 1888

[Wilford Woodruff] George Q. Cannon begins 175-day prison term for unlawful cohabitation

[Source: Kenney, Scott (editor), Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898, Chronology Signature Books, Midvale, Utah, http://bit.ly/wwjournal]

125 years ago today - Sep 17, 1888

[George Q. Cannon] The carriage ... (one of the finest barouches of Grant Bro[ther] s. & Co[mpany].) ... was accepted by Marshal Dyer to carry me to the Penitentiary. ... The conversation on the way out was quite free and unrestrained and I enjoyed the ride. ...

The Marshal showed me through the main building which contains the cells and explained the method of opening and closing them. He spoke about my having my bed in the corridor, which is open and roomy, but thought I had better have a cell in which to keep my things.

He assigned me No. 120 on the end of the row on south and close to the lavatory. I told him and the other officials (including the Warden whom I saw upon his return) that I did not wish them to grant me favors that would embarrass by calling forth attacks from our enemies. I preferred sleeping in my cell, wearing the prison clothing and conforming in other respects to the rules of the prison. I would like the privilege of sending out and receiving manuscript. This the marshal said I could do.

The brethren and the Marshal then left me. ... Bro[ther]. Wilcken brought an iron bedstead and a wire and woolen mattress; but they filled up the cell. By putting the wire mattress on the floor and making the bed on the floor, I did very well. We had supper at 5 p.m.  ...

At 6:30 p.m. all the prisoners, except those engaged in special duties, were required to come in the building. There are three tiers of cells, one above another. Those who are in the two lower tiers are soon locked in their cells; but the upper tier where I am is occupied by "trusties" and our cells are not closed till about 8.45 p.m. The Warden gave me the privilege of keeping my cell door open if I so wished, a privilege which I accepted. Lights are permitted in the cells-candles-as long as the occupants choose I suppose. There is a large lamp burning all night; it throws light in the cells. At nine o clock p.m., at three taps of the bell, all conversation and noise must cease. I forgot to mention that, before the cells are closed of a night, a guard passes in front of all the cells and counts the prisoners, who stand at the door of their cells. There are two occupants to a cell as a rule, and as there are 120 cells, 240 prisoners can be accommodated. The cells are iron, 5 feet by 7 feet, and the front, including the door, is iron latticework. The prisoners sleep on strips of canvass, stretched lengthwise in the cells, one above another and fastened at each end by leather straps. After being slept in, they assume a trough-like form, and are not comfortable the brethren say. A mattress helps the sleeping very much, as it has a tendency to level up the hammock. Brothers A. N. Hill and his son Samuel and Bro[ther]. W. J. Parkin were sentenced to-day and came out to the penitentiary. The first had 50 days and a fine of fifty dollars; the second had 60 days and a fine of [blank] and the third had fifty days and fifty dollars. Quite a contrast between these sentences and those inflicted by Judge [Charles S.]

Zane. When these brethren arrived there were loud yells of "fresh fish" heard all over the yard; this being the mode of salutation with which all new arrivals at the penitentiary are received.

I escaped this reception, a fact that was commented upon by the brethren. My arrival created a sensation among the prisoners, especially among the brethren. they gathered around me and were desirous to know all that had occurred. I made full explanations, and while regret was universally expressed at my being in prison, all felt that I had done right and they believed good results would follow. This is my own desire and hope.

It is two years and six months to the day, since the time I should have appeared in Jude Zane s court and two years and seven months to the day since I was put under $45,000.00 bonds.

[Source: George Q. Cannon, Diary]

125 years ago today - Sep 17, 1888

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Sept 17, 1888 This is an important day in our History President George Q. Cannon was indicted on saturday again for Cohabitation and this Morning He went into Court and Delivered himself up to the Court & Plead guilty to the Indictment and the Court sentenced him on the first Count 75 days imprisionment & $200 dollars fine and the second Count 100 days & $250 dollars fine total 175 days imprisionment & $450 dollars fine. He was taken in to the Penetentiary by Marshal Dyer who was accompanied by C. W. Wilkin H. B. Clawson & James Jack. The Marshal told the Warden to treat him Kindly. He will have all the Privileges the rules Can afford. We Parted in good spirits. This leaves me in a Measure alone for 5 Months but I will do the best I Can.

[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 17, 1843. Sunday.

[William Clayton Journal] I had some talk with Lydia. She seems to receive it [Joseph Smith's proposal] kindly but says she has promised her mother not to marry while her mother lives and she thinks she won't. [Clayton orginally wanted to marry Lydia, but Joseph Smith had a revelation that a man should not marry more than two sisters. Clayton agreed to let Smith marry her instead, but here, Lydia turns down the proposal]

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

170 years ago today - Sep 17, 1843

[Joseph Smith Sermon] ... continued his discours about 1 1/2 hours speaking of the practice of Medicine --& of Medicine of Quacks & qualified Doctors--of the use of Med & of the abuse of Med.--also spoke decidedly agains Dr Brinks practice--spoke in favor of Doc. Bernhisel --declared that he (J Smith) never lost a patient where he had been the first & only one employed & challenged the congregation to bring instance--they brough none spoke of Lobelia when the patient was too weak to bear it--as being destructive & & said calomel would corrode the stomach when it was empty--said it was a poison--still said it was a med. & useful if used skilfully

[Calomel was blamed for the death of Joseph Smith's brother Alvin]

[Source: The Words of Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook]

170 years ago today - Sep 17, 1843

Joseph Smith instructs the Sunday congregation that it is wrong to have "men among women, and women among men," and segregates the congregation by gender.

[Source: 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]

20 years ago today - Sep 16, 1993

The government of the central African nation of Ethiopia recognizes the Church.

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

35 years ago today - Sept 16, 1978

First conference for LDS females over age eleven, broadcast over closed-circuit radio to meeting houses. Although not part of general conference, as is male equivalent, this is first step in giving LDS females a meeting similar to that which Mormon males experienced since 1830. In Sept 1993 this is divided into Relief Society's and Young Women's "general meeting."

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

65 years ago today - Sep 16, 1948

[Frank Evans] President Clark came to my desk and when I drew aside with him he said, “Did you notice that my signature to the Fairbanks letter (letter dated November 10, 1936), later accepted by the First Presidency, thereby constituting a contract) was stamped on and that I did not actually sign it?” My reply was “Yes, I noticed that.”

[Source: Frank Evans, Diary]

80 years ago today - Sept 16, 1933

CHURCH SECTION full-page article, "The Problem of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon" by Sidney B. Sperry and H. Grant Vest. This is example of LDS leadership's delayed acceptance of B. H. Robert's recommendation decade earlier to openly confront textual problems in Mormon scriptures. Roberts dies eleven days after this article. On Sept 30, CHURCH SECTION prints "The Synoptic Problem in Its Relation To Modern Revelation" and "The Johannine Problem In Its Relation To Modern Revelation" on Oct 7.

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

105 years ago today - Sep 16, 1908

The following is a report of the meeting held by the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles at 10 o’clock this morning at the Temple. ... Bro[ther]. [Rudger] Clawson remarked that there was a slight difference existing among the Apostles in their language in ordaining or setting apart a President of Seventy, some use the word “ordain” others the words “set apart”, and the First Council of Seventy held that Presidents of Seventies, general and local, should be “ordained” to this presiding office and not “set apart”. It was also remarked that the First Council of Seventy hold, and so instruct, that where a local President of Seventy moves into another Stake, he should be given preference over other Seventies to fill a vacancy in the Presidency of a quorum in that Stake; in other words, once a President of Seventy, always a President of Seventy. ... Hyrum M. Smith inquired why make the Seventies an exception from the High Priests and Elders? President Smith answered that the calling of the Seventy differed from that of the High Priest and Elder, the Seventy being aids to the Apostles, subject to their call, and their field of labor was abroad, while the calling of the High Priests and elders was at home in the Stakes, but of course they were being called to perform special missions.... The question of necessity for ordaining Presidents of Seventies considered and decided that it is not necessary to ordain a President of Seventy. It is sufficient to set them apart.

[Source: Journal History; Minutes; George F. Richards, Diary]

130 years ago today - Sep 16, 1883

[Patriarchal Blessings] [Patriarchal Blessing of William Wadley given by Zebedee Coltrin on September 16, 1883]

.... For thou shalt have power over the elements and the winds and waves shall obey thy voice. ... And thou shalt enter the courts of the kings and many of the nobles of the earth shall have and reverence that gospel thou shalt preach unto them. And thy fame shall spread amidst the nations of the earth, because of the mighty faith of the works thou shalt do. For thy voice shall be as the voice of a trumpet in their midst in proclaiming the gospel of the Son of God unto the nations of the earth. For thy voice shall be as the roaring of a lion in a forest. ... And thou shalt become a mighty prophet in the midst of the Zion of the Lord. And thou shalt be wrapped in the visions of the heavens and shall be clothed with salvation as with a garment. And the Angels of the Lord shall administer unto thee, and converse with thee face to face, and shall make known unto thee the high laws of heaven... And thy sons shalt become mighty men before their Lord, and shall be filled with the wisdom of the heavens, and many of them shall become Prophets, and Apostles, Seers and revelators before the Lord, . ...

[Source: Patriarchal Blessings]

145 years ago today - Sep 16, 1868

[Brigham Young Sermon] President B Young spoke 15 Minutes & told the People not to trade another Cent with any man who does not Pay his tithing help gather the poor & Pray in his Family & I request all men who have bought goods of our Enemies of late to leave the school of the Prophets & not Come to the Communion Table no more for we do not fellowship you.

[Source: The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young, Ed. Richard S. Van Wagoner, Smith-Pettit Foundation, Salt Lake City (2009), http://bit.ly/BY-discourses]

155 years ago today - Sep 16, 1858

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] One of my sows had a litter of pigs 9 in number and doing well.

[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 16, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] Saturday, September 16th 1843 General parade [of the] Nauvoo Legion near Gen[eral] Smith's farm. Went in co[mpany] with his staff to parade met by escort and arrived before the legion about 12 [o'clock]. [Joseph] Was received and saluted in military style. About 1 P.M. Legion was dismissed for 2 hours and I rode home to dinner. Returned about 20 minutes after 3 [P.M.]. Attend[ed] the review and inspection of the Legion with my staff. Gen[eral] Derby acting inspector. After which I took my part and gave orders. After which made a speech to the legion. Highly satisfied with officers and Soldiers and I felt extremely well myself.

About sundown the Legion was dismissed and [I] rode home with some of my staff. Highly delighted with the day's performance and well paid for my services. The return will appear hereafter.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

25 years ago today - Sep 15, 1988

[Mark Hofmann] Hofmann attempts suicide by way of a drug overdose. He is rushed to the University of Utah Health Sciences Center.

[Source: Whittaker, David J., The Hofmann Maze, A Book Review Essay with a Chronology and Bibliography of the Hofmann Case, BYU Studies Vol. 29, No. 1, pg.80,]

50 years ago today - Sep 15, 1963

President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles dedicates the new Liberty Jail Visitors' Center on the site where his grandfather, Hyrum Smith, and great-uncle, Joseph Smith, were incarcerated with others during the winter of 1838â€"39.

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

115 years ago today - Sep 15, 1898; Thursday

Attended meeting at Temple. It did look grand to see Presidency intact and well. all feel thankful to have Pres[idents]. [George Q.] Cannon & [Joseph F.] Smith in their old places. It seems to me that Pres[ident] Cannon does not have confidence in me as he used to have. He may have reason for it. I know that I do not follow his suggestions without question as I used to do. I know that God loves him and I know that we all love him and we pray for his health and long life.

[Source: Brigham Young Jr., Diary]

125 years ago today - Sep 15, 1888 (Saturday)

The steamship Wisconsin sailed from Liverpool, England, with 145 Saints, in charge of William G. Phillips. The company arrived at New York Sept. 25th, where twenty of the emigrants were arbitrarily detained by the officers, on the pretence that they were paupers. The rest of the company arrived in Salt Lake City Oct. 2nd.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

125 years ago today - Sep 15, 1888

[Apostle Heber J. Grant Diary] Bro[ther] George Q Cannon informed me a few days ago that it was his intention to surrender himself to the court and go to the penitentiary for "unlawful cohabitation" He said he had had assurances that he should not be sentenced for more than six months. I certainly think it is wisdom for him to purchase his liberty at this price. [Sentenced for 175 days; fined $450.]

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

170 years ago today - September 15, 1843. Friday.

[William Clayton Journal] President Joseph told me he had lately had a new item of law revealed to him in relation to myself. He said the Lord had revealed to him that a man could only take 2 of a family except by express revelation and as I had said I intended to take Lydia [Moon, youngest sister of two of Clayton's wives] he made this known for my benefit. To have more than two in a family was apt to cause wrangles and trouble. He finally asked if I would not give L[ydia] to him. I said I would so far as I had anything to do in it. He requested me to talk to her.

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

170 years ago today - Sep 15, 1843

[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph announces that the Mansion House will operate as a hotel.

[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 15, 1843

[Joseph Smith Diary] Friday, September 15th 1843 Mr. Finch left Nauvoo. Mailed letter to Clyde Williams and Co[mpany], Publishers, Harrisburgh, giving a history of the faith of the Church for their Book of Denominations Also power of attorney to Oliver Granger to Reuben McBride, Kirtland cirtified by the city Recorder. Joseph raised a sign [at the] Nauvoo Mansion. Resolutions of the Carthage Mob meeting arrived in town. Officer drill.

15 to 3 P.M. Rhoda Ann daughter of Willard and Jenneta Richards born.

[Source: Faulring, Scott (ed.), An American Prophet's Record: The Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith: Joseph Smith Diary, 1843-44, http://amzn.to/jsdiaries]

170 years ago today - Sep 15, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Joseph puts up a sign in front of the Nauvoo Mansion stating that because of "cruel and untiring persecution," he is no longer able to provide free room and board to so many visitors, as he has been doing in the mansion. "I have been reduced to the necessity of opening 'The Mansion' as a hotel. I have provided the best table accommodations in the city; and the Mansion, being large and convenient, renders travelers more comfortable than any other place on the Upper Mississippi." The mansion also has a 75-horse stable.

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

170 years ago today - Sept 15, 1843

William Clayton writes in his journal: "President Joseph told me he had lately had a new item of law revealed to him in relation to myself. He said the Lord had revealed to him that a man could only take 2 of a family except by express revelation and as I had said I intended to take Lydia he made this known for my benefit. To have more than two in a family was apt to cause wrangles and trouble. He finally asked if I would not give L[ydia] to him. I said I would so far as I had anything to do in it. He requested me to talk to her." Lydia Moon, who had just turned 17, was the younger sister of two of Clayton's wives: legal wife Ruth Moon and his first plural wife Margaret Moon. Clayton had been courting Lydia to become his plural wife until Joseph Smith told him of the recently-revealed "new item of law." Clayton talked to Lydia Moon about becoming Joseph's plural wife but she never would agree to it. She later apostatized from the Church.

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

175 years ago today - Sep 15, 1838

[Joseph Smith] Alexander Doniphan writes to Major General Atchison stating that he and his 200 men marched to Far West, received the confiscated weapons and the three prisoners from the Saints, and, to keep the peace, camped between the Saints' forces led by Lyman Wight and the mob forces led by a Dr. Austin of Carroll County.

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

180 years ago today - mid Sep 1833

At this time D. P. Hurlbut was "employed to look up testimony" by the self-constituted committee of anti-Mormons which met at Mentor. According to the Jan. 31, 1834 "To the Public" notice in the Painesville Telegraph, "the Committee employed D. P. Hurlbut to ascertain the real origin of the Book of Mormon, and to examine the validity of Joseph Smith's claims to the character of a Prophet." According to the Dec. 20, 1833 "Mormon mystery developed" article published in the Wayne Sentinel, Hurlbut gathered evidence in "in different parts" of New York state "on behalf of his fellow-townsmen, in the pursuit "of facts and information concerning the origin and design of the Book of Mormon..." D. P.'s widow supplied this account: "He was employed by leading citizens of Mentor and Geauga Co. to investigate the character of the Mormon Smith Family and the origin of the Book of Mormon. He went to Palmyra, N.Y. by stage..." Thus it seems that while Hurlbut's primary mission was to bring back evidence of "the real origin of the Book of Mormon," he was also employed to "examine the validity" of Mormon claims that Joseph Smith and his family were persons of good character.

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

10 years ago today - Sep 14, 2003

[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]

10 years ago today - 2003 14-Sep

[Hinckley]

[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]

20 years ago today - Sep 14, 1993

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

50 years ago today - Sep 14, 1963

President David O. McKay dedicates a monument in Kansas City, Missouri, commemorating the establishment of the city's first school, which was erected by the Colesville Saints in 1831.

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

80 years ago today - Sep 14, 1933

Elders Albert J. Southwick and Richard L. Evans came to the office today for the purpose of being ordained seventies but upon consulting with them, Pres. Roberts stated that they were loathe to accept the responsibility of the office of seventy and in discussing their cases it was learned that their KSL broadcasting and Tabernacle choir work would prevent them from attending their quorum meetings. Their ordination will be left to the one who will ordain those who were not present on September 3, 1933, to be ordained in the 18th ward.

[Source: Minutes, Quorum of Twelve]

125 years ago today - Friday, Sep 14, 1888

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Thatcher

Bp. R. T. Burton and I had an interview with Bp. John Taylor and J. H. Martineau about his, Bro. Martineau's, immoral conduct.

We held three meetings today, one being that of the High Council. It was unanimously agreed that Bro. J. H. Martineau should make a public confession of his wrong doing and if forgiven by the people to renew his covenants by Baptism. He said he would do so.

[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]

175 years ago today - Sep 14, 1838

[Joseph Smith] William Dryden tells Governor Boggs that he, with ten men as guards, has tried to serve a writ against certain Saints for the incident of Aug. 8 with Adam Black, but the "Mormons" are so well armed that it is impossible to enforce any laws in Caldwell or Daviess counties.

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

20 years ago today - Sep 13, 1993

The Council of Religious Affairs of the Council of Ministers in The Soviet Union approves the registration of the Leningrad Branch of the Church. The approval marks formal Soviet Union recognition of the Church for the first time.

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

35 years ago today - Sept 13, 1978

In a BYU oral-history interview Russel B. Swensen recalls a seminar given in 1927 by apostle John A. Widsoe: "Brother John A. Widtsoe had courses, trying to provide these seminary men with a rational perspective on the relation of science and religion. . . . [Widtsoe] converted me to the biological theory of evolution. . . . I thought . . . that the theory of evolution was cut and dried. But Brother Widtsoe in his very tentative and very cautious way didn't openly advocate it, but presented the theory so basically and so logically that, in part, it led to my accepting [it]."

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

50 years ago today - Sep 13, 1963

[Richard L. Evans to the First Presidency, Sept. 13, 1963; typed excerpt in Buerger Papers] * (1) You have given us an assignment to improve the temple ceremony as it is presented in the one-room temples, and in Los Angeles, on film and sound track for the various language groups. (2) You have given us permission to do this at Brigham Young University at a time when we could dedicate the studio and set it apart for this purpose. (3) Doing this in the Salt Lake Temple or other temple would [again] require virtually making a motion picture studio of some part of the temple, including special lighting, cameras, stage facilities, etc. (4) Brigham Young University's motion picture facilities are crowded so they [BYU President Ernest L. Wilkinson and Wetzel O. Whitaker of the BYU Motion Picture Studio] propose to add a new sound stage at a cost of $91,000 which could be dedicated, locked up, and set apart for this purpose during the periods when these films are not being made. They have made approximately 50 Church films, and are in the process of making more, and need the additional sound stage anyway.

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

115 years ago today - Sept 13, 1898

Quorum of Twelve Apostles sustains Lorenzo Snow as church president with two counselors. Snow then tells them "that he had heard rumors of people thinking that plural marriages could be contracted. He wanted it understood that this can not be done." Concerning post-manifesto plural marriages authorized by his predecessor Snow adds, "As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them."

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

115 years ago today - Sep 13, 1898 (Tuesday)

At a special meeting of the Apostles held in Salt Lake City, at which Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, Geo. Q. Cannon, Joseph F. Smith, Brigham Young, Francis M. Lyman, John H. Smith, Geo. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Marriner W. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O. Woodruff were present, Lorenzo Snow was nominated and sustained as President of the Church. President Snow then selected, with the approval of the council, Geo. Q. Cannon as his first and Joseph F. Smith as his second Counselor. Pres. Snow was also sustained as Trustee-in-Trust for the Church, and Franklin D. Richards as President of the Twelve Apostles. All the proceedings were unanimous.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

115 years ago today - Sep 13, 1898

At 10 o’clock this morning the Council of the Apostles met at the President’s office, according to appointment. There were present: Pres[iden]t. Lorenzo Snow; Elders Franklin D. Richards, Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon, Jos[eph]. F. Smith, Brigham Young [Jr.], Francis M. Lyman, John Henry Smith, Geo[rge]. Teasdale, Heber J. Grant, John W. Taylor, Mar[r]iner W[ood]. Merrill, Anthon H. Lund, Matthias F. Cowley and Abraham O[wen]. Woodruff.

On motion of Elder F[ranklin]. D. Richards, Elder Geo[rge]. F. Gibbs was appointed secretary and stenographer of the Council, on the same terms as made by the late First Presidency. ... The question now arose as to what was necessary to be done by the Council to satisfy the moneyed parties, in view of the changed conditions consequent upon the death of President Woodruff. The original document forming the basis of these negotiations had been given by the Trustee-in-trust, and it was evident to the Council that nothing could be done legally by way of continuing the negotiations without a new Trustee-in-trust.

Elder Lyman, speaking to this question, said he was reminded of the time when the Council was together after the death of President [John] Taylor, and the feeling of President Woodruff at that time; he was also reminded of President Woodruff’s feelings, as expressed on different occasions during his administration, to the effect that whenever he died, the First Presidency of the Church should be organized without delay. “And if the Lord should manifest to you, President Snow, that it was the proper thing to do now, I am prepared to not only vote for a Trustee-in-trust, but for the President of the Church”. Bro[ther]. Lyman added that he saw no reason why this action should not be taken at the present meeting, giving the President time, if he desired it, to choose his counselors. He remarked that after the death of Joseph Smith, three years lapsed before the First Presidency was organized; after the death of President [Brigham] Young, it also took three years to organize the First Presidency; after the death of Pres[ident]. Taylor, eighteen months elapsed, and the speaker believed that if the Council had been in harmony, no such interval would have occurred, but the Presidency would have been reorganized earlier. He believed the right thing to do now was to organize the First Presidency, and this act would tend to create confidence at home and abroad.

Bro[ther]. Grant remarked that the present time was just as opportune as any other, and that he could sustain Pres[ident]. Snow with all his heart as President of the Church.

Bro[ther]. Young remarked that Bro[ther]. Grant had expressed his feelings exactly. He felt that this was the way out.

Bro[ther]. Teasdale said that he was in perfect harmony and accord with the feelings of the brethren.

Jos[eph]. F. Smith: “I move that that be the sense of this meeting”.

The motion was seconded by Bro[ther]. Cowley.

President Snow asked if there were any further remarks. Several of the brethren called for the question, whereupon Pres[ident]. Snow asked Elder Jos[eph]. F. Smith to put the motion. This being done, it was carried unanimously, and Lorenzo Snow was thus sustained by the Council of the Apostles, as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Pres[ident]. Snow then arose and said: There was no use in his making excuses as to inability, etc., to assume the vast responsibilities involved in the position to which he had been elected. He felt that it was for him to do the very best he could and depend upon the Lord. He knew the action taken by the Council was according to the mind and will of the Lord, who had shown and revealed to him several days ago that the First Presidency should be organized before the next conference. He had been feeling a little gloomy, and perhaps a little discouraged at the prospect, and the vast responsibility that would naturally fall upon him as President of the Twelve Apostles, and with this feeling he went before the Lord, offered up the signs of the Holy Priesthood and called upon Him to let light come to his mind. His prayer was answered, the Lord manifesting unto him clearly what he should do; also in regard to the counselors he should select when he became President of the Church, “And[,]” said he, “In accordance with the light given me, I now present to you the name of Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon as my first counselor, and of Joseph F. Smith as my second counselor”.

Several of the brethren, speaking at the same time, seconded the choice of counselors, and the brethren named had expressed themselves upon the subjectâ€"Bro[ther]. Cannon to the effect that he was willing to act in this capacity, or any other, if he could have the love and confidence of his brethren, and Bro[ther]. Smith to the effect that since the Lord had manifested his will in this matter, he had nothing to say, except that he was perfectly willing to act in this or any other position, and would do all he could to sustain the hands of the President in righteousness before the Lord.

Pres[ident]. Snow, before calling for the vote, said, “I have not mentioned this matter to any person, either man or woman. I, wanted to see what the feelings of the brethren were. I wanted to see if the same spirit which the Lord manifested to me was in you. I had confidence in you that the Lord would indicate to you that this was proper and according to his mind and will. I do not feel that I should be over-anxious in regard to anything pertaining to the work of the Lord. I had one revelation or manifestation in my early career which became my star, so to speak, and which I have always had before my mind. I put the meaning of it into couplet form, as follows:

“As man is, God once was;

“As God is, man may be”. That was revealed to me with power; the Holy Ghost was upon me for a long time, and I knew it was my privilege to be like Him whom I afterwards knew was my Father and God. As John the Apostle says, “We are now the sons of God; when He shall appear we shall be like Him”, etc. We must act as far as we possibly can like God while we are in the flesh, and I know we can reach that degree of perfection. Now brethren, I shall do the best I can, as God shall give me wisdom and power. I sense keenly my own weakness and inability, but I appreciate the fact that God can make strong. If I know my own heart, the administration about to be ushered in shall not be known as Lorenzo Snow’s, but as God’s in Lorenzo Snow. As to things which have happened in the past, I do not want to talk about them; it will become us as servants of the Lord to go to work and meet the difficulties before us, as the Lord shall aid and assist us. I feel to say in my heart, God bless you, and I invoke the blessing of the Lord upon myself in the discharge of the obligations resting upon me.”

The vote was then taken approving unanimously the President’s choice of counselors.

M[atthias]. F. Cowley now moved, and the motion was carried, that Lorenzo Snow be sustained as Trustee-in-trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Pres[ident]. Geo[rge]. Q. Cannon suggested that the President of the Twelve Apostles be appointed, and on motion of F[ranklin]. M. Lyman, Franklin D. Richards was unanimously sustained to act in that position.

Pres[ident]. Cannon then suggested that Frank J. Cannon be at liberty to continue negotiations with the Eastern parties on the loan question; that he be informed of the organization that had just taken place, and be directed to inquire of said parties what, if anything, should be done further to satisfy them. Senator Cannon, who was in the adjoining room, was sent for, and this information was imparted to him.

On motion of Bro[ther]. Grant, it was decided to make public in this evening’s paper, the action of the Council in organizing the First Presidency and appointing the Trustee-in-trust and the President of the Twelve Apostles.

The Council then adjourned.

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

115 years ago today - Tuesday, Sep 13, 1898

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] ... We went to Savage's Art Galery and were taken in a group.

[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 13, 1893 (Wednesday)

The Tabernacle choir returned to Salt Lake City from their visit to Chicago, Ill.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

120 years ago today - Wednesday, Sep 13, 1893

[Apostle John Henry Smith Diary] Salt Lake City

Lewis Harvey of Pleasant Grove called to see me. He said he had recently had a very severe sick spell and his spirit had a chance to visit the other side. He saw father and Prest. Young and many other of the brethren and sisters and they were all just as happy and as busy as they could be. They blessed him and told him he must return for there was still work on this side to do.

[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]

170 years ago today - Sep 13, 1843

[Nauvoo Neighbor] - Reprinted Story: "Nauvoo and Joe Smith" -- The New Haven Herald -- "there is not a more industrious, moral, and well ordered town in the country," says a non-member who spent time in Nauvoo.

[Source: http://boap.org/LDS/Nauvoo-Neighbor]

170 years ago today - Sept. 13-14, 1843

[Joseph Smith] Joseph attends two lectures in the grove by Mr. John Finch, a socialist from England. After Finch's speeches, Joseph makes a few remarks in which he recalls the actual inequality that existed in the supposed equal communitarian societies once set up by Alexander Campbell and Sidney Rigdon and reveals, concerning socialism, "I said I did not believe the doctrine."

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

175 years ago today - Sep 13, 1838

[Missouri War] Carroll vigilantes postpone assault on DeWitt and march to Daviess to assist settlers against the Mormons.

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

85 years ago today - Sep 12, 1928

[President Heber J. Grant Diary] Sister Minerva Young called and I promised upon my return from California to have a visit with Joseph William Taylor regarding the status of his mother's marriage to Joseph E. Taylor. Sister Young thought that their sealing had been cancelled and said that Sister Taylor would be very grateful if she could be sealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. I told her I could not consent to anything of that kind without consulting the Smith family.

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

155 years ago today - Sept 12, 1858

Church historian's office notes discovery this morning of severed head of Provo woman who has been at U.S. military camp for a week. Six weeks earlier another woman's head is discovered. These are earliest verified examples of someone taking literally the repeated teachings of Mormon leaders that apostates and adulterers should have their heads "cut off" as "blood atonement" for their sins.

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

170 years ago today - Sep 12, 1843

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] Sept 12th I left Boston at 5 oclock in the express train of cars for Portland ... the engine was thrown from the track in consequence of a rail being raised 8 inches by some designing miscrant. The force was such that It drove the engine about 5 rods ahead and smashed it to peaces with the Baggage cars piled [on] top of it & the first passengers cars followed in its train & mounted the pile and instantly killed /about 8 feet high throwing the passen[gers?] [--]/.

One Lady was brused but not dangerous, another was slightly injured. The lives of many were in danger, & it seemed a mystery that so little injury comparatively was done. Four cars were filled with passengers & had not the force been broaken by the baggage cars many lives would have been lost. The Baggage car soon was on fire which was with difficulty extinguished. The fireman was thrown about 3 rods & escaped with a slight injury. But the engineer Mr Adams from Portland was buried beneath the pile & instantly Killed. The ruins had to be removed before the body of the enigneer could be obtained. He has left a wife & one child to mourn his loss. No blame Could possibly be attached to him as the rail was raised in such a manner that no warning was given untill the engine & Baggage car was a pile of ruins.

Mr Thomas Hall opened his house for the reception of the passengers & much praise is due to the whol household for the attention that was paid them. I spent most of the night here in the woods & got chilled through. They sent to Portland for another engine, which arived in time to take us to portland in the morning.

[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 12, 1838

[Joseph Smith] The gunrunners are tried in Far West. Governor Boggs receives a communication from Daviess County charging the "Mormons" with every crime imaginable. Sixty or more mobbers enter the town of De Witt (Carroll County) and warn the Saints to leave at once.

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

5 years ago today - September 11

[Same-Sex Marriage] Mormon leadership issues letter to be read in all congregations in the U.S. stating the church "affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues."

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

5 years ago today - 9/11/2008

[Same-Sex Marriage] Andrew Callahan asked to resign due to his involvement in sending letters to various local leaders regarding SSM. His disciplinary action was later postponed after he made media aware he was being disciplined as a result of his work on Prop 8.

[Source: Mormons for Marriage: A Prop 8 Timeline, http://mormonsformarriage.com/?page_id=68]

100 years ago today - Sep 11, 1913; Thursday

...

The question had arisen as to the origin of Baptism for health by Bro[ther]. Hyrum M. Smith, seeking information on this subject.

President Smith remarked that it had been customary to baptize for health from the early rise of the Church, and he related specific incidents showing the good effects resulting therefrom.

Pres[iden]t. Lund also related incidents of a like character which had taken place in the Manti temple, and remarked that there evidently exists some connection between forgiveness of sin and healing, and that this understanding obtained in the days of the Savior and the Apostles afterwards. And while he felt that we should not encourage the idea of baptism for health, he felt that we should not discourage it when the desire was prompted by those asking permission to be baptized for their health. ...

[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]

110 years ago today - Sept 11, 1903

First Polygamous marriage performed in Canada by authorization of President Foseph F. Smith. Patriarch John A. Woold performs this plural marriage and several others until end of 1905.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 11, 1893 (Monday)

The World's Parliament of Religions, at which the Latter-day Saints were denied representation, commenced at Chicago, Ill.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

125 years ago today - Sep 11, 1888 (Tuesday)

An excursion party of Dakota editors visited Salt Lake City.

[Source: Jenson, Andrew, Church Chronology]

160 years ago today - Sept 11, 1853

Brigham Young says there will be temple in Scotland. Joseph Smith once made similar promise to Apostle Parley P. Pratt.

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

160 years ago today - Sep 11, 1853

[Brigham Young Sermon] ... I will venture to say, that brother Parley P. Pratt has got a job on hand infinitely more extensive than the walling in of the whole territory of Utah. His work was given to him sixteen years ago, by the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the Kirtland Temple. Parley P. Pratt has yet to build temples in old Scotland. The Scotch brethren might say, '"What is the use then of our coming to these distant vallies, so far from our native country?'" Had you not better write to your brethren who are still in Scotland to stay where they are, think you? He has to build temples there of greater magnitude than we have yet contemplated. When he will do it I do not know; it is certain he will do it if he is faithful; but whether he will do it after the earth is glorified, or before that time, I do not know.

[Source: 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 - Sep 11, 1843

Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith appointed William W. Phelps, Henry Miller, and Hosea Stout to wait on Thomas Ford, governor of Illinois, to obtain public firearms for the Nauvoo Legion.

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

170 years ago today - Sep 11, 1843

[Anointed Quorum] "in my private room" at the Mansion House a special prayer circle "of the quorum" for William Law's daughter and Emma Smith. Circle participants were Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, William Law, Newel K. Whitney, and Willard Richards .

[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]

180 years ago today - Sep 11, 1833

High council in Zion: Bishop Edward Partridge head of the church in Zion, permanent moderator. Presidents of ten branches appointed. W. W. Phelps sings in tongues. In Kirtland the United Firm decides to establish a new company, F. G. Williams & Co., to publish The Latter-day Saints Messenger and Advocate and, until it can resume operations in Independence, The Evening and the Morning Star, edited by Oliver Cowdery. Within a few days, Oliver leaves for Buffalo, where he purchases a new press, returning at the end of October.

[Source: Kenney, Scott, Saints Without Halos, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://web.archive.org/web/20120805163534/saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml]

185 years ago today - Circa Sep 11, 1828

This is the probable date for Lucy's and Joseph Sr.'s return to Manchester. Lucy says that upon their return, they found Samuel and Sophronia "very sick" . If Joseph Sr.'s purchase of medicine for Samuel relates to Lucy's account, then their return to Manchester pre-dates 11 September 1828 . Lucy reports that soon after their return, Oliver Cowdery came to live with them.

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

25 years ago today - Sep 10, 1988

The bishopric of the Boise, Idaho 20th ward mails a letter on Church stationary to ward members. "In meetings with the area presidency, our stake presidency committed to raise funds for Consider [Consider is a political group opposing an Idaho State Lottery]. The assignment to our ward is to, among its members, raise $2,000 by Sep 15th. The urgency of this request does not allow for individual, person-to-person contact. Please, consider your resources, decide what would be an appropriate response to this request, and make a contribution to Consider. Checks need to be made out directly to Consider and collected on a ward basis. They can be turned in to a member of the bishopric or mailed in the enclosed envelope." The letter is signed by Bishop Gordon J. Stevens.

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

55 years ago today - Sept 10, 1958

Under instructions by First Presidency, Apostle Henry D. Moyle conducts mass excommunication, in London, England, of nine American missionaries from the French Mission. Led by counselor to mission president, these missionaries converted themselves, in France, to necessity of continuing polygamy. Immediately after, most affiliate with Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times, headquarted in Mexico and led by Ervil LeBaron.

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

80 years ago today - Sep 10, 1933

Sponsored by funds provided by industrialist Henry Ford, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir arrives at the "Century of Progress" fair in Chicago. The choir sang in the Ford Symphony Gardens during a week of open-air concerts, two of which were broadcast nationally by CBS.

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

120 years ago today - Sep 10, 1893

[Francis M. Lyman] [St. George] I then spoke of the financial condition of the Church and asked the Saints to come to the rescue with their tithes and offerings. At close of meeting I instructed the Bishops to hunt up men in their wards who have money and borrow it for the church

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

155 years ago today - Sep 10, 1858

[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] 10th I learned this morning that there was another Row on East Temple street last evening. Two Gamblers shot each other. One was shot dead. The other had a Ball in his head & one in his thigh. Another man was found dead in a woodpile. He was a Draggoon who was unmercifully beat a few days ago by a Lieut.

Thus we have the fruits of Christianity & Civilization as manifest in the world introduced into our Territory. Untill the armey and its attendants arived here we had no such scenes manifest in our midst. The priests and people & the whole Government of the United States have tried hard to introduce those evils in our midst which are so common in almost evry City throughout the Gentile world & they have now accomplished it for a season & their is hardly a day passes but their is drunken[ess?] Gambling, swearing fighting & murder in the midst of the Gentiles in our streets.

[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 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]