[Apostle Wilford Woodruff Journal] ... Brother Rich & Presidet B Young Spoke of organizing a school of the prophets. We met for that purpose.... At the Close of the Meeting a list of Names was Called to form a Branch of the school of the prophets.
We met in the school House. The list of Names was red. Presidet Young then Spoke of organizing A Stake of Zion & a High Council & the school of the Prophets. C. C. Rich spoke a short time. President B Young Called a vote to know if the Elders wished this to be So. A united vote. ...
[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 - Jun 19, 1844
Joseph Smith reportedly appoints James Jesse Strang to be his successor. [Per a Yale University document.]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
170 years ago today - Jun 19, 1844
The NAUVOO NEIGHBOR prints Joseph's and Hyrum's testimony before the Nauvoo City Council explaining that Hyrum Smith "referred to the revelation, read to the High Council of the Church, which has caused so much talk about a multiplicity of wives; that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present time." The article quotes Joseph Smith as having said, "They make it a criminality for a man to have a wife on the earth while he has one in heaven." He added that "the order [was] in ancient days, having nothing to do with [t]he present times." This issue also carries Hyrum's statement accusing William Law of adultery. Both Joseph and Hyrum are secretly practicing polygamy at this time.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
170 years ago today - Jun 19, 1844
With a posse, David Bettisworth travels toward Nauvoo to arrest Joseph again. As he tries to pick up men on his way, they refuse to go with him, saying his orders are forgeries. Joseph orders General Dunham to put guards completely around the city and on all roads leading out of town. All powder and lead are readied for use by the legion. Joseph estimates that there are approximately 600 men surrounding Nauvoo at this time.
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Jun 19, 1834
[Heber C. Kimball diary - Zion's Camp] "This night we camped on an elevated piece of land between two branches of the Fishing River. Just as we halted and were making preparations for the night, five men rode into the camp and told us we should see h—I before morning, and such horrible oaths as came from their lips I never heard before. They told us that sixty men were coming from Richmond who had sworn to destroy us; also seventy more were coming from Clay County, to assist in our destruction. These men were black with passion and armed with guns, and the whole country was in a rage against us, and nothing but the power of God could save us. All this time the weather was fine and pleasant. Soon after these men left us we discovered a small black cloud rising in the west, and not more than twenty minutes passed away before it began to rain and hail, but we had very little of the hail in our camp; all around us the hail was heavy. The thunders rolled with awful majesty, and the red lightnings flashed through the horizon, making it so light that I could see to pick up a pin almost at any time through the night; the earth quaked and trembled, there being no cessation; it seemed as though the Almighty had issued forth his mandate of vengeance. The wind was terrible. Many trees were blown down, and others twisted and wrung like a withe. The mob came to the river two miles from us, but the river had risen to that height that they were obliged to stop without crossing over. The hail fell so heavy upon them that it beat holes in their hats, and in some instances even broke the stocks off their guns. Their horses fled, leaving their riders on the ground; their powder was wet, and it was evident the Almighty fought in our defense; This night the river raised forty feet. In the morning I went to the river, in company with Brothers Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and Brigham Young and others, as we had it in contemplation to proceed that morning to Liberty, Clay County; but we could not continue our journey as there was no way to cross the river, it was then overflowing its banks; previous to this rain falling it was no more than ankle deep; such a time was never experienced by us before. Still we felt calm all night and the Lord was with us. The water was ankle deep to us all night, even on that eminence, so we could not sleep. * * *
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
[Source: Whitney, Helen Mar, Jeni Broberg Holzapfel, and Richard Neitzel Holzapfel, A Woman's View: Helen Mar Whitney's Reminiscences of Early Church History, Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1997]
185 years ago today - 19 June?, 1829
Eight Witnesses, Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr., John Whitmer, Hiram Page, Joseph Smith, Sr., Hyrum Smith, and Samuel H. Smith, visit a grove near the Smith family home in Manchester (Anderson 2001, pp. 455-56) and have an experience described in a later "Testimony of Eight Witnesses" published as part of the 1830 Book of Mormon. The statement says, with regard to the golden plates, that they "did handle with our hands and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work and of curious workmanship." There are differing opinions on whether the witnesses believe they had seen the plates in vision, or with their natural eyes. Lucy Mack Smith says that the plates had been carried by this grove by "one of the ancient Nephites." The June 19 date is suggested because Lucy Mack Smith said the event occurred on a Thursday, and that the following Monday, the company went to visit E.B. Grandin to see if he will publish the Book of Mormon.
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
[Source: Wikipedia: Chronology of Mormonism, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_Mormonism]
55 years ago today - Thu Jun 18, 1959
[David O. McKay Office Journal] [At Temple Council meeting] Since Elder Marion G. Romney is leaving soon to tour the European Missions, he inquired regarding the counsel he should give to the Saints in Europe regarding their emigrating to this country so I gave the following instructions to him: There is no command regarding this matter, but we wish the people to build up the branches where they live so that those who never can get away from those countries over there will be built up spiritually, and receive their temple endowments and all blessings they could obtain if they were to come here. . . . The same condition exists in South Africa where an entire generation of men and women had never even seen a member of the Council of the Twelve. I think we should have a temple there some day. It is a long way for these people to go to a temple and the distances are great in that country and under present conditions they are obliged to live and die without having the blessings of the Temple and realize the significance of them.
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
[Source: McKay, David O., Office Journal]
100 years ago today - Jun 18, 1914; Thursday
President Lyman reported that on Monday the Twelve heard the case of Bro[ther]. Donald McGregor, who had entered into an unlawful and unauthorized marriage. As he answered every question without hesitation, and as they felt he had been sincerely misled, they did not feel like excommunicating him, but disfellowshipped him; also for the further reason that he had entered into this marriage before any who had done likewise had been dealt with on their standing in the Church. the Twelve also met on Wednesday to further consider the case of [Apostle] M[atthias]. F. Cowley, in view of recent reports about him. After due consideration the Council decided that no further action could be taken in his case.
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
[Source: First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve minutes]
130 years ago today - Jun 18, 1884
[John Nicholson to Lorenzo Snow, June 18, 1884] ... Applications are, as you are aware, being constantly made for the privilege of having women sealed to their husbands who have heretofore been sealed to other men who were not their husbands. Similar applications are being made in the cases of sealing children to parents who have heretofore been sealed to men who were not their natural fathers. I have been unofficially informed that when such cases are pla[i]n, and when the applications are in harmony with the teachings given at the last April Conference, the rule in the Temple should be to proceed without application to President [Wilford] Woodruff. If this be the decision of the First Presidency, I would be obliged if I could be so informed officially by the placing of a plain "yes" or "no" upon this sheet. [Written in pencil:] yes, W[ilford] Woodruff
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
[Source: Anderson, Devery; The Development of LDS Temple Worship, 1846-2000: A Documentary History, http://amzn.to/TempleWorship]
155 years ago today - Jun 18, 1859
"Prest. Young told Br. [Jacob] Hamblin that as soon as a court to Justice could be held, so that men could be heard without the influence of the military he should advise men accused to come forward and demand trial on the charges preferred against them for the Mountain Meadows massacre." Hamblin (who did not participate in massacre) refers to his conversation when he testifies at trial of John D. Lee in 1876.
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com, based on Michael Quinn's Mormon Hierarchy vols 1 & 2]
170 years ago today - Jun 18, 1844
Joseph Smith says the Holy Ghost is waiting to take a body like Jesus Christ and the Gods before him.
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
[Source: Tidd, N. R., "Mormon Chronology, Rev 01 Volume 01" http://bit.ly/tiddchron]
170 years ago today - Jun 18, 1844 (Tuesday Afternoon)
Joseph Smith to the Nauvoo Legion his Last adress in which he called for all philanthropic men from Main to the Rocky Mountains & from the East & the west & from the North & the south to the help of this people also he cursed the Mob.â€"with thunder & lightning & the sword plague Earthquakes & pestilence & devouring fire.
[Source: William Clayton Diary -Words of Joseph Smith, 383]
[Source: William Clayton Diary -Words of Joseph Smith, 383]
170 years ago today - Jun 18, 1844
Joseph proclaims martial law in the city of Nauvoo. The Legion and the police force are ordered out, and the 5,000 men of the Nauvoo Legion line up close to the Mansion House. Joseph stands on the top of the frame of the building in full uniform to address them, which he does for an hour and a half. This is his last public oration. He notes that the Saints are innocent of the charges that are being put against them. But he says that as American citizens, it is time to stand up for their rights. He draws his sword and raises it to heaven and says, "I call God and angels to witness that I have unsheathed my sword with a firm and unalterable determination that this people shall have their legal rights, and be protected from mob violence, or my blood shall be spilt upon the ground like water, and my body consigned to the silent tomb. . . . I do not regard my own life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice for this people; for what can our enemies do? Only kill the body, and theirpower is then at an end. Stand firm, my friends; never flinch. Do not seek to save our lives, for he that is afraid to die for the truth, will lose eternal life."
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
[Source: Conkling, Christopher J., Joseph Smith Chronology]
180 years ago today - Jun 18, 1834
Outside of Richmond, Missouri. On the Zion's Camp march, Joseph Smith was in poor health and had no provisions, but he managed to travel 17 miles before eating.
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
[Source: BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith, http://byustudies.byu.edu]
18890618
[Wilford Woodruff to Phineas W. Cook, June 18, 1889] 125 years ago - Jun 18, 1889
[Source: temp]
[Source: temp]
100 years ago today - Jun 17, 1914; Wednesday
M[atthias]. F. Cowley's case. He was not convicted of conniving at new plural marriages.
[Source: Rudger Clawson, Record of Meetings and Activities, Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
[Source: Rudger Clawson, Record of Meetings and Activities, Quinn Papers, original in LDS Archives]
100 years ago today - Jun 17, 1914; Wednesday
M[eetin]g B[isho]ps B[ui]ld[in]g--10 council Matthias F. Cowley--Geo[rge] J. Cannon--
Afternoon same--10 Council there--all spoke--
Decided take no action against Bro[ther]. [Matthias F.] Cowley.
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Diary]
Afternoon same--10 Council there--all spoke--
Decided take no action against Bro[ther]. [Matthias F.] Cowley.
[Source: Heber J. Grant, Diary]
100 years ago today - Jun 17, 1914; Wednesday
Sat with Council of the [Matthias F.] Cowley case. Nothing new proved. Evidence insufficient to convict.
I think he is as much sinned against as sinning.
[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]
I think he is as much sinned against as sinning.
[Source: David O. McKay, Diary]
100 years ago today - Jun 17, 1914
[Apostle George Albert Smith Journal] "Wednesday June 17/14 was in meeting all day with my quorum in M F [Apostle Matthew F.] Cowley case. Am glad nothing further was found to add to his guilt."
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
[Source: Journals of George Albert Smith]
100 years ago today - Jun 17, 1914; Wednesday
Prayer was offered by President [Francis M.] Lyman, who afterwards stated that he would like to clear Brother [Matthias F.] Cowley's case up so that he will not have to appear before us again. I desire to direct attention to the fact that since the administration of President [Wilford] Woodruff and President [Lorenzo] Snow that there has been no legitimate authority given to perform these [plural] marriages. That President Snow made it very clear, as Brothers [Heber J.] Grant and [Rudger] Clawson will remember that these things must stop. At the beginning of 1900 he laid it down to the Church and to the world that there was no member of this Church who had the right to enter into such marriages or perform such. Now it appears that Brother Cowley has been the prime mover during the administration of President Lorenzo Snow and very nearly all that he has done has been done since that time. Dr. James E. Talmage on request read the declaration of President Snow also that of President [Joseph F.] Smith who has been particularly moved in this desire to find out who is doing these things. Now, said President Lyman, I believe that we have discovered that Brother Cowley has been the prime mover in this thing and at the head of it all especially since President Snow's time. He has been the prime mover in getting prominent brethren presidents of [s]takes and officers in the Church into this condition. I think we have discovered that he has been right in it from 1898 until the declaration of President Smith in 1904. That he carried on the business as far as he could and when he came to the danger point of doing this himself, I believe that he arranged for some one else to do this thing in Canada and other places and his brother-in-law Woolf now stands in a very grave condition. Brother Woolf's son John came and plead with me to handle his father but not to publish it to the world. Brother Cowley set the trap for Brother [Judson] Tolman and then for Brother John W. Woolley and I think he got Brother John W. Taylor into his trouble. I want Brother Cowley to stand up here and tell us what he has done that we don't know, he has not been required to do these things. In the presence of John Henry Smith, A[nthony]. W. Ivins and myself, John W. Taylor advised us that you had offered him the privilege of entering this relationship and that he accepted although your senior. You seem to think you had the authority and took brother Thomas Chamberlain and others away from me after I had advised them that this thing could not be done. Brother Merrill of Pocatello [Idaho] also claimed that you encouraged him although he never got a wife.
Brother Cowley, in answer to President Lyman's charges said: I appear before you now, brethren humbly as I have each of the ten times I have been before you heretofore. I answered nearly all
Brother Lyman's accusations four years ago. I never started Brother Woolley out and I never started Brother Woolf and did not know he was doing this thing unauthorized. President [Charles O.] Card was appointed by President [George Q.] Cannon and when he became a little demented, I understand Brother Woolf was attending to it, but I had nothing to do with it. I did not start Brother Tolman out. I did not know about him until James A. Eldredge told me. I never encouraged [Donald] McGregor, in fact discouraged him the same with Woolfenden who I heard claimed Tolman had the authority, but I told him that Tolman did not have the authority. Bro[ther]. Cowley referred to Bishop Robinson's case (of Mexico) who tried to influence me to marry him and I refused, but he later got a woman so I understand, but I had nothing to do with it. The first one I married was Ben E. Rich in 1898. Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill kept a record of all these marriages in the Logan Temple under the direction of President Cannon. Brother [Douglas M.] Todd was the next, as I remember. I married Thomas Chamberlain after he had gone to President Cannon. I married Joseph Robinson. Brother Merrill married his son Ezra in the Logan Temple, if I am not mistaken. I had nothing whatever to do with the marriage of that man. I feel that it is an awful injustice to me to accuse me of being at the bottom of all of these cases. I knew of the declaration of President Snow, but at the same time President Woodruff made a declaration which was violated during his administration and he knew of it and did not sop it. I went direct to President Snow regarding Joseph Morrell and Louis Kelsch and Brother Snow told me that he could do nothing but would not interfere with the unfinished work of President Woodruff and President Cannon. I cannot prove this statement as there was no one present except President Snow and myself. I was married to Sister Harker by the Apostle who was the president of the Logan Temple [i.e., Marriner Wood Merrill]. President George Q. Cannon authorized me under the administration of President Woodruff in 1898. I was made an Apostle in 1897. President Cannon told me personally to attend to these matters. There was no laying on of hands, but he gave the authority personally. The commission at this time was to marry Brother Ritch [sic], but later I was told by him that I could attend to suitable cases. He never told me to stop and no one has told me to stop, except Brother Ivins claims he brought me the word from President Smith that unless a bigger man than he came there (Mexico) I was to quit. This was after President Smith's declaration and I never performed a ceremony after that and for some time before that time. When people came to me before this time and after I discouraged the parties, especially after John W. Taylor and I were dropped from the Quorum. I don't think the people who go into this are induced except by themselves, it seems to be in them. I have discouraged those who have come to me in private but have not the opportunity to publicly declare against it. Arthur Clark has come to me and I have told him that it could not be done but he says that he cannot be convinced that it is not right, that the principle is correct and that the Lord will provide a way for it to be practiced. I have heard from George Parkinson that Nathan Clark says he feels
alright about his present condition and hopes to get another wife within a short time. Brother Cowley referred to a prophecy which Arthur Clark says President Smith made about thirty years ago about plural marriages. I married John M. Cannon, George M. Cannon, Frank Y. Taylor, but not Edwin Bennion ... I have not told missionaries in the Temple that they could be taken care of after they came home. Have not stated in the Southern States or any other mission that any one who did not accept plural marriage as alright and right to practice it now would be entitled to his release. I do not remember being present when President Smith's declaration was considered in the Council, I was traveling in the mission at the time President Smith came in. I think the last ceremony I performed was in 1901 for President Udall. I did not go to him he came to me.
President Lyman: How many marriages did you perform between 1898 and 1901?
Cowley: I don't remember, I have no idea. I married [Abraham] Owen Woodruff, Brigham Young [Jr.] and others but did not marry Brother [George] Teasdale.
President Lyman: Brother Cowley married about fifty men.
Cowley: I married Bro[ther]. Parkinson to Miss Woolley in Colorado. Brother Parkinson told Brother Lyman Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill performed this marriage.
G[eorge]. A[lbert]. Smith: President Snow was very much put out when he heard of Kelsch's marriage. Brother Cowley explained the reason that he had let other people know about it. President [Arthur] Winder remarked that it was President Cannon's folly.
G[eorge]. F. Richards: What caused you to discontinue the marriages.
Cowley: I dont remember any personal interview but as these things were closing down and growing closer all the time, I suppose I felt they should stop. I never encouraged any one after 1901 or 1902. My last wife was married in 1905 in Canada by Brother Woolf. Brethren, I feel that I have been punished sufficiently in the past and should not be punished again. I am willing to do anything I can to stop these things if you will tell me what to do. I have been misrepresented, I have not done what has been claimed.
President Lyman: There is very little evidence of Brother Merrill doing that kind of marrying and Brother Taylor also, but Brother Cowley has been the man who has done it by the scores. It is quite possible that Brother Card was authorized to perform marriages and sealings, but not plural marriages.
Cowley: Brother Woolf got the authority I understand from President Cannon. He married Heber Allen and Brother Wood. Brother Merrill had a list of names of those he married.
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
Brother Cowley, in answer to President Lyman's charges said: I appear before you now, brethren humbly as I have each of the ten times I have been before you heretofore. I answered nearly all
Brother Lyman's accusations four years ago. I never started Brother Woolley out and I never started Brother Woolf and did not know he was doing this thing unauthorized. President [Charles O.] Card was appointed by President [George Q.] Cannon and when he became a little demented, I understand Brother Woolf was attending to it, but I had nothing to do with it. I did not start Brother Tolman out. I did not know about him until James A. Eldredge told me. I never encouraged [Donald] McGregor, in fact discouraged him the same with Woolfenden who I heard claimed Tolman had the authority, but I told him that Tolman did not have the authority. Bro[ther]. Cowley referred to Bishop Robinson's case (of Mexico) who tried to influence me to marry him and I refused, but he later got a woman so I understand, but I had nothing to do with it. The first one I married was Ben E. Rich in 1898. Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill kept a record of all these marriages in the Logan Temple under the direction of President Cannon. Brother [Douglas M.] Todd was the next, as I remember. I married Thomas Chamberlain after he had gone to President Cannon. I married Joseph Robinson. Brother Merrill married his son Ezra in the Logan Temple, if I am not mistaken. I had nothing whatever to do with the marriage of that man. I feel that it is an awful injustice to me to accuse me of being at the bottom of all of these cases. I knew of the declaration of President Snow, but at the same time President Woodruff made a declaration which was violated during his administration and he knew of it and did not sop it. I went direct to President Snow regarding Joseph Morrell and Louis Kelsch and Brother Snow told me that he could do nothing but would not interfere with the unfinished work of President Woodruff and President Cannon. I cannot prove this statement as there was no one present except President Snow and myself. I was married to Sister Harker by the Apostle who was the president of the Logan Temple [i.e., Marriner Wood Merrill]. President George Q. Cannon authorized me under the administration of President Woodruff in 1898. I was made an Apostle in 1897. President Cannon told me personally to attend to these matters. There was no laying on of hands, but he gave the authority personally. The commission at this time was to marry Brother Ritch [sic], but later I was told by him that I could attend to suitable cases. He never told me to stop and no one has told me to stop, except Brother Ivins claims he brought me the word from President Smith that unless a bigger man than he came there (Mexico) I was to quit. This was after President Smith's declaration and I never performed a ceremony after that and for some time before that time. When people came to me before this time and after I discouraged the parties, especially after John W. Taylor and I were dropped from the Quorum. I don't think the people who go into this are induced except by themselves, it seems to be in them. I have discouraged those who have come to me in private but have not the opportunity to publicly declare against it. Arthur Clark has come to me and I have told him that it could not be done but he says that he cannot be convinced that it is not right, that the principle is correct and that the Lord will provide a way for it to be practiced. I have heard from George Parkinson that Nathan Clark says he feels
alright about his present condition and hopes to get another wife within a short time. Brother Cowley referred to a prophecy which Arthur Clark says President Smith made about thirty years ago about plural marriages. I married John M. Cannon, George M. Cannon, Frank Y. Taylor, but not Edwin Bennion ... I have not told missionaries in the Temple that they could be taken care of after they came home. Have not stated in the Southern States or any other mission that any one who did not accept plural marriage as alright and right to practice it now would be entitled to his release. I do not remember being present when President Smith's declaration was considered in the Council, I was traveling in the mission at the time President Smith came in. I think the last ceremony I performed was in 1901 for President Udall. I did not go to him he came to me.
President Lyman: How many marriages did you perform between 1898 and 1901?
Cowley: I don't remember, I have no idea. I married [Abraham] Owen Woodruff, Brigham Young [Jr.] and others but did not marry Brother [George] Teasdale.
President Lyman: Brother Cowley married about fifty men.
Cowley: I married Bro[ther]. Parkinson to Miss Woolley in Colorado. Brother Parkinson told Brother Lyman Brother [Marriner Wood] Merrill performed this marriage.
G[eorge]. A[lbert]. Smith: President Snow was very much put out when he heard of Kelsch's marriage. Brother Cowley explained the reason that he had let other people know about it. President [Arthur] Winder remarked that it was President Cannon's folly.
G[eorge]. F. Richards: What caused you to discontinue the marriages.
Cowley: I dont remember any personal interview but as these things were closing down and growing closer all the time, I suppose I felt they should stop. I never encouraged any one after 1901 or 1902. My last wife was married in 1905 in Canada by Brother Woolf. Brethren, I feel that I have been punished sufficiently in the past and should not be punished again. I am willing to do anything I can to stop these things if you will tell me what to do. I have been misrepresented, I have not done what has been claimed.
President Lyman: There is very little evidence of Brother Merrill doing that kind of marrying and Brother Taylor also, but Brother Cowley has been the man who has done it by the scores. It is quite possible that Brother Card was authorized to perform marriages and sealings, but not plural marriages.
Cowley: Brother Woolf got the authority I understand from President Cannon. He married Heber Allen and Brother Wood. Brother Merrill had a list of names of those he married.
[Source: Excerpt from the Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles]
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