Willard Richards Appointed Scribe and Recorder
Willard Richards Appointed Scribe and Recorder
1,461 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 4 of 8, covering 1841 to 1842. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1841
1842
A month and a half after the federal Bankruptcy Act becomes effective Joseph Smith
A month and a half after the federal Bankruptcy Act becomes effective Joseph Smith and his brothers Hyrum and Samuel declared themselves insolvent before the county commissioner's court on April 18, 1842, and filed petitions to be certified bankrupt by the United States District Court for Illinois. Joseph's listed debts totaled $73,066.38, with a U.S. government obligation of $4,866.38 for purchase of a steamboat which had run aground listed first. Concurrently other leading Mormons filed similar petitions, including President Sidney Rigdon, Bishop Vinson Knight, "Judge" Elias Higbee, Reynolds Cahoon, Henry G. Sherwood, John P. Green, Arthur Morrison, George Morey, Jared Carter, Amos Davis, Charles Warner, William P. Lyon, William Niswanger, and John Fullmer. They were joined by at least one prominent gentile businessman of Nauvoo, Hiram Kimball.67
A revelation received in Nauvoo, Ill.,
A revelation received in Nauvoo, Ill., on the "Eternity of the Marriage Covenant and Plural Marriage" (see D&C 132) was recorded, giving fuller meaning to the "new and everlasting covenant."
Amid accusations of diversion of temple
Amid accusations of diversion of temple materials to private use Joseph Smith, Trustee-in-trust, tells the Temple Committee: "Some reports had been circulated that the committee was not making a righteous disposition of property consecrated for the building of the Temple, and there appeared to be some dissatisfaction amongst the laborers. After carefully examining the accounts and inquiring into the manner of the proceedings of the committee, I expressed myself perfectly satisfied with them and their works. The books were balanced between the trustee and the committee, and the wages all agreed upon. I said…I was amenable to the state as trustee-in-trust, and that the Temple committee were accountable to me, and to no other authority; and they must not take notice of any complaints from any source, but let the complaints be made to me, if any were needed, and I would make things right."
An assassination attempt is made on Missouri's ex-governor Liburn W
An assassination attempt is made on Missouri's ex-governor Liburn W. Boggs, allegedly by former Danite and later member of the Council of Fifty Orrin Porter Rockwell.
Anti-Mormon Party's Convention
Anti-Mormon Party's Convention
Arrival of British Church Members
Arrival of British Church Members
As part of a parade before such dignitaries as Stephen
As part of a parade before such dignitaries as Stephen A. Douglas, Joseph Smith and John C. Bennett perform a "mock battle" with each man leading troops of the Nauvoo Legion. Joseph refuses to follow Bennett's staging instructions as he fears Bennett will use the opportunity to kill him and call it an accident.
At a British Mission conference in Manchester
At a British Mission conference in Manchester, Lorenzo Snow sings a hymn "beautifully in tongues."
At a Relief Society meeting Joseph
At a Relief Society meeting Joseph Smith says, "I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll round, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society--they shall come with their millions and shall contribute of their abundance for the relief of the poor." He also warns: "Do not indulge too much in the gift of tongues, or the devil will take advantage of the innocent." Then he tells the women that "the keys of the kingdom are about to be given to them that they may be able to detect everything false, as well as to the Elders. . . .I now turn the key to you in the name of God." In his diary Joseph writes that he met with "the members of the "Female Relief Society" and after presiding at the admission of many new members gave a lecture on the Priesthood shewing how the sisters would come in possession of the privileges, blessings, and gifts of the Priesthood, . . ."
Bennett's Excommunication Made Public
Bennett's Excommunication Made Public
Boggs Signed Affidavit Identifying JS as Accessory to Assassination Attempt
Boggs Signed Affidavit Identifying JS as Accessory to Assassination Attempt
Book of Mormon Reprinted in Nauvoo
Book of Mormon Reprinted in Nauvoo
Brigham Young writes to Parley P.
Brigham Young writes to Parley P. Pratt concerning his brother Orson Pratt: "Br Orson Pratt is in trubble in consequence of his wife, hir feelings are so rought up that he dos not know whether his wife is wrong, or whether Josephs testimony and others are wrong and due Ly and he decived for 12 years or not; he is all but crazy about matters, you may aske what the matter is concirning Sister P.--it is enoph, and doct, J.C. Bennett could tell all about himself & hir--enoph of that--we will not let Br. Orson goe away from us he is to good a man to have a woman destroy him."
Church leaders announce that John C.
Church leaders announce that John C. Bennett will be disfellowshipped. Orson Pratt refuses to sign the announcement. Pratt's wife Sarah had accused Joseph Smith of trying to seduce her. Joseph had accused John C. Bennett of being the one involved with Sarah Pratt.
D&C 127, an epistle on baptism for the dead, was written by Joseph Smith
D&C 127, an epistle on baptism for the dead, was written by Joseph Smith.
D&C 128, further directions on baptism for the dead, was written
D&C 128, further directions on baptism for the dead, was written.
Death of John Corrill
Death of John Corrill
Death of JS's Unnamed Son
Death of JS's Unnamed Son
Deed to Land for JS's Children
Deed to Land for JS's Children
Doctrine & Covenants Section 127 was given to Joseph Smith (letter) in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 127 was given to Joseph Smith (letter) in matters relating to Letter to church; baptism for the dead
Doctrine & Covenants Section 128 was given to Joseph Smith (letter) in matters relating
Doctrine & Covenants Section 128 was given to Joseph Smith (letter) in matters relating to Letter to church; baptism for the dead
Drafting of JS's Second Bankruptcy Notice
Drafting of JS's Second Bankruptcy Notice
Editorial in TIMES AND SEASONS, edited
Editorial in TIMES AND SEASONS, edited by Joseph Smith: "Central America, or Guatamala, is situated north of the Isthmus of Darien and once embraced several hundred miles of territory from north to south. The city of Zarahemla, burnt at the crucifixion of the Savior, and rebuilt afterwards, stood upon this land as will be seen from the following words in the book of Alma: -- 'And now it was only the distance of a day and half's journey for a Nephite, on the line Bountiful, and the land Desolation, from the east to the west sea; and thus the land of Nephi, and the land of Zarahemla was nearly surrounded by water: there being a small neck of land between the land northward and the land southward.' . . . It is certainly a good thing for the excellency and veracity, of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon, that the ruins of Zarahemla have been found where the Nephites left them: and that a large stone with engravings upon it as Mosiah ss has published, is also among the left remembrances of the, (to him,) (lost and unknown). We are not going to declare positively that the ruins of Quirigua are those of Zarahemla, but when the land and the stones, and the books tell the story so plain, we are of opinion, that it would require more proof than the Jews could bring to prove the disciples stole the body of Jesus from the tomb, to prove that the ruins of the city in question, are not one of those referred to in the Book of Mormon."
Editorial on Nauvoo Temple Published
Editorial on Nauvoo Temple Published
Eliza R. Snow Sealed to JS
Eliza R. Snow Sealed to JS
Emma Smith and Others Delivered Three Petitions
Emma Smith and Others Delivered Three Petitions
Emma Smith Warned JS His Location Was Discovered
Emma Smith Warned JS His Location Was Discovered
Emma Smith Wrote Second Letter to Thomas Carlin
Emma Smith Wrote Second Letter to Thomas Carlin
Emma Smith, Sarah Cleveland, and Elizabeth
Emma Smith, Sarah Cleveland, and Elizabeth Whitney administer to a Sister Durfee. The following week, she testifies that she has "been healed and thought the sisters had more faith than the brethren."
Emma Smith's Request to End JS's Extradition
Emma Smith's Request to End JS's Extradition
Endowment Ceremony in Red Brick Store
Endowment Ceremony in Red Brick Store
Extra Issue of the Wasp Published
Extra Issue of the Wasp Published
Facsimile 3 of Book of Abraham Published
Facsimile 3 of Book of Abraham Published
First Installment of Book of Abraham Published
First Installment of Book of Abraham Published
First Issue of Times and Seasons Published
First Issue of Times and Seasons Published
First Sabbath Meeting in Nauvoo Temple
First Sabbath Meeting in Nauvoo Temple
Former Missouri governor Lilburn W
Former Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs was shot and wounded.
George Miller and Erastus Derby's Departure to Meet with Thomas Carlin and Thomas Reynolds
George Miller and Erastus Derby's Departure to Meet with Thomas Carlin and Thomas Reynolds
George Miller's Return from Quincy, Illinois
George Miller's Return from Quincy, Illinois
George W. Robinson, a prominent Nauvoo
George W. Robinson, a prominent Nauvoo citizen and brother-in-law of Nancy Rigdon, writes to James A. Bennett, a New York friend to the church, that "Smith sent for Miss Rigdon to come to the house of Mrs. Orson Hyde, who lived in the under rooms of the printing-office." According to Robinson, Nancy "inquired of the messenger . . . what was wanting, and the only reply was, that Smith wanted to see her." Robinson says that Smith took her into a room, "locked the door, and then stated to her that he had had an affection for her for several years, and wished that she should be his; that the Lord was well pleased with this matter, for he had got a revelation on the subject, and God had given him all the blessings of Jacob, &c., &c. and that there was no sin in it whatever." Robinson states that Nancy "repulsed him and was about to raise the neighbors if he did not unlock the door and let her out."
Governor Carlin Petitioned on JS's Behalf
Governor Carlin Petitioned on JS's Behalf
Governor Carlin's Proclamation for JS's Arrest
Governor Carlin's Proclamation for JS's Arrest
Illinois governor Thomas Carlin
Illinois governor Thomas Carlin, signs an order for Joseph Smith's arrest and delivery to Missouri officials to answer charges in the case of the attempted assassination of Missouri Governor Boggs.
Illinois Supreme Court Justice, Thomas Ford,
Illinois Supreme Court Justice, Thomas Ford, a replacement candidate on the Democratic ticket for governor, gives a campaign speech at Mt. Carmel calling Joseph Smith an impostor and a scoundrel, and pledges himself to support the repeal or revision of the Nauvoo charters. In spite of this he carries Handcock County by 1,174 to 711.
In 1842 there were 45 missionaries
In 1842 there were 45 missionaries called to serve.
In Nauvoo Joseph and then Hyrum
In Nauvoo Joseph and then Hyrum Smith receive their anointing and endowment in the upper room of his store from the men who were anointed and endowed the day before.
In publishing the official version of the first vision
In publishing the official version of the first vision, the TIMES AND SEASONS gives Joseph Smith's description of himself between the ages of fourteen and sixteen: "I frequently fell into many foolish errors and displayed the weakness of youth and the corruption of human nature, which I am sorry to say led me into divers temptations, to the gratification of many appetites offensive in the sight of God. In consequence of these things I often felt condemned for my weakness, and imperfections." In a separate editorial, "Try the Spirits," Joseph Smith acknowledges that Mormonism is not the only contemporary church that claims to have apostles and visitation of angels: "The Irvingites have apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and angels."
Instruction on Baptism for Dead
Instruction on Baptism for Dead
Investigation on Unchaste and Unvirtuous Conduct
Investigation on Unchaste and Unvirtuous Conduct
Isaac Galland's Power of Attorney Revoked
Isaac Galland's Power of Attorney Revoked
John C. Bennett Excommunicated
John C. Bennett Excommunicated
John C. Bennett resigns as Mayor
John C. Bennett resigns as Mayor of Nauvoo. Joseph Smith writes to Church Recorder James Sloan, "You will be so good as to permit Bennett to withdraw his name from the Church record, if he desires to do so, and this with the best of feelings towards you and General Bennett" Two days later Joseph Smith is elected Mayor by the Nauvoo City Council. His first official act is to ask for the establishment of a "night watch etc." for "counteracting the designs of our enemies, . . . whereupon the council resolved that the mayor be authorized to establish a night watch, and control the same." At that time Joseph asks Bennett if he had anything against him. Bennett responds: "I know what I am about, and the heads of the Church know what they are about, I expect. I have no difficulty with the heads of the Church. I publicly avow that any one who has said that I have stated that General Smith has given me authority to hold illicit intercourse with women is a liar in the face of God"
John C. Bennett's Withdrawal from Church Membership
John C. Bennett's Withdrawal from Church Membership
John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff become editors of Times and Seasons
John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff become editors of Times and Seasons.
John Taylor History
Chosen to be a member of the Nauvoo City Council, regent of the University of Nauvoo, and Judge–Advocate in the Nauvoo Legion.
John Taylor Named Times and Seasons Editor
John Taylor Named Times and Seasons Editor
Joseph Smith becomes Nauvoo's mayor
Joseph Smith becomes Nauvoo's mayor. His Nauvoo "Lifeguards" are headed by former Danite Albert P. Rockwood and include Danites Hosea Stout and Orrin Porter Rockwell.
Joseph Smith begins publishing History of Joseph in each edition of Times and Seasons
Joseph Smith begins publishing History of Joseph in each edition of Times and Seasons.
Joseph Smith denounces John C. Bennett
Joseph Smith denounces John C. Bennett publicly for the first time. He calls the citizens to a special public meeting, and "spoke his mind in great plainness concerning the iniquity, hypocrisy, wickedness and corruption of General John Cook Bennett."
Joseph Smith editorializes in the TIMES
Joseph Smith editorializes in the TIMES AND SEASONS that "the public mind has been unjustly abused through the fallacy of Dr. Bennett's letters" and reminds readers that the church's rule for marriage was "that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband."
Joseph Smith engages Calvin Warren to commence "an investigation of the principles of general
Joseph Smith engages Calvin Warren to commence "an investigation of the principles of general insolvency in my behalf according to the statutes…"
Joseph Smith History
Goes into hiding after arrest warrants without any foundation are issued, falsely charging him with complicity in an attempt to assassinate Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs; the charges signal that the Church’s Missouri enemies will go to any length to capture the Prophet. (Similar trumped-up charges by Missouri enemies would dog the Prophet for the rest of his life.)
Joseph Smith is arrested as an accessory to the attempted murder of ex-Governor Liburn
Joseph Smith is arrested as an accessory to the attempted murder of ex-Governor Liburn Boggs. Nauvoo's municipal court claims jurisdiction over Smith and discharges him.
Joseph Smith marries Eliza R
Joseph Smith marries Eliza R. Snow. Brigham Young performs the ceremony. Eliza's journal entry for this day does not mention the marriage directly but says, "This is a day of much interest to my feelings, . . ." In later years her stake president, Angus Cannon, reports that she responds to the conjecture that her marriage with Joseph Smith was not consummated by saying, "I thought you knew Joseph Smith better than that."
Joseph Smith organized the Female Relief Society
Joseph Smith organized the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, with Emma Smith, Sarah M. Cleveland and Elizabeth Ann Whitney as its presidency, to look after the poor and sick.
Joseph Smith organizes the Female Relief
Joseph Smith organizes the Female Relief Society. It is organized in "the Lodge Room." Emma Smith is president and Elizabeth Ann Whitney and Sarah M. Cleveland are her counselors. Four months later Elizabeth Ann Whitney would be asked to keep Joseph Smith's marriage to her seventeen-year-old daughter Sarah Ann Whitney a secret from Emma.
Joseph Smith participated in organizing the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo
Joseph Smith participated in organizing the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo.
Joseph Smith preaches at the funeral
Joseph Smith preaches at the funeral of a child, "As concerning the resurrection I will merely say that all men will come from the grave as they lie down, whether old or young. There will not be added unto their stature one cubit neither taken from it. . . . Children will be enthroned in the presence of God & the Lamb with bodies of the same stature that were on earth." Afterwards Joseph Smith "baptized with his own hands about 80 persons" in the Mississippi river.
Joseph Smith presented the endowment ordinance in Nauvoo
Joseph Smith presented the endowment ordinance in Nauvoo.
Joseph Smith presented the endowment to Hyrum Smith and others
Joseph Smith presented the endowment to Hyrum Smith and others.
Joseph Smith prophesied that the Saints would
Joseph Smith prophesied that the Saints would be driven to the Rocky Mountains, but that he would not go with them.
Joseph Smith publicly admonishes the Twelve
Joseph Smith publicly admonishes the Twelve and others to "support the character of the Prophet, the Lord's anointed." He lashes out at "Orson Pratt and others of the same class who caused trouble by telling stories to people who would betray me, and they must believe these stories because his Wife told him so! And as to all that Orson Pratt, Sidney Rigdon, or George W. Robinson can do to prevent me, I can kick them off my heels, as many as you can name."
Joseph Smith publishes the "Mormon Creed"
Joseph Smith publishes the "Mormon Creed" in THE WASP: "Mormon Creed -- To mind their own business and let everyone else DO LIKEWISE."
Joseph Smith receives a revelation to establish a formal theocratic government
Joseph Smith receives a revelation to establish a formal theocratic government, "the Kingdom of God." later known as the "Council of Fifty." The text is available but has not been canonized or officially published.
Joseph Smith speaking of baptism for the dead says
Joseph Smith speaking of baptism for the dead says, after quoting from the Bible, "If there is one word of the Lord that supports the doctrine it is enough to make it a true doctrine. Afterwards he goes to the bank of the Mississippi River "& Baptized all that Came unto him . . ." These are rebaptisms--baptisms for remission of sins of people who have already been baptized into the church and include apostles John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff.
Joseph Smith writes to a creditor:
Joseph Smith writes to a creditor: "you will probably be apprised of the failure of myself and brethren to execute our designs in paying off our contracts, or in other words, that we have been compelled to pay our debts by the most popular method; that is by petitioning for the privilege of general bankruptcy, a principle so popular at the present…throughout the United States."
Joseph Smith writes: "Sat for a drawing of my profile to be placed
Joseph Smith writes: "Sat for a drawing of my profile to be placed on a lithograph of the map of the city of Nauvoo." What he understood would be a lithograph turns out two years later to be a zinc engraving measuring 27 inches by 22 inches.
Joseph Smith, who had recently filed
Joseph Smith, who had recently filed for bankruptcy, replies to one of his creditors: "The influence this step may have upon our society is a matter we cannot stop to consult, as we had no alternative left."
Joseph Smith's "thus saith the Lord"
Joseph Smith's "thus saith the Lord" revelation on repentance is given to a Nauvoo congregation. The text is available but has not been officially acknowledged.
Joseph Smith's account of Church history was published in Nauvoo's Times and Seasons
Joseph Smith's account of Church history was published in Nauvoo's Times and Seasons.
JS Arrested in Nauvoo
JS Arrested in Nauvoo
JS Attended Opening of Rising Sun Masonic Lodge
JS Attended Opening of Rising Sun Masonic Lodge
JS Elected Mayor
JS Elected Mayor
JS Encouraged Elders to Travel the Country
JS Encouraged Elders to Travel the Country
JS Hid in Upper Room of Mercantile Store
JS Hid in Upper Room of Mercantile Store
JS in Hiding to Avoid Arrest
JS in Hiding to Avoid Arrest
JS Likely Sealed to Delcena Johnson Sherman
JS Likely Sealed to Delcena Johnson Sherman
JS Mediated Dispute between Temple Committee and Stonecutters
JS Mediated Dispute between Temple Committee and Stonecutters
JS Named Editor of Times and Seasons
JS Named Editor of Times and Seasons
JS Presided over His First Three Trials in Mayor's Court
JS Presided over His First Three Trials in Mayor's Court
JS Returned Home
JS Returned Home
JS Sealed to Agnes Coolbrith Smith
JS Sealed to Agnes Coolbrith Smith
JS Sealed to Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde
JS Sealed to Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde
JS Sealed to Martha McBride Knight
JS Sealed to Martha McBride Knight
JS Sealed to Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner
JS Sealed to Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner
JS Sealed to Patty Bartlett Sessions
JS Sealed to Patty Bartlett Sessions
JS Sealed to Sylvia Sessions Lyon
JS Sealed to Sylvia Sessions Lyon
JS Wrote Letter to Church with Instructions on Performing Baptisms for the Dead
JS Wrote Letter to Church with Instructions on Performing Baptisms for the Dead
JS's Advancement to Master Mason
JS's Advancement to Master Mason
JS's Arrest for Boggs Shooting
JS's Arrest for Boggs Shooting
JS's Arrival in Springfield
JS's Arrival in Springfield
JS's Complaint against Clarissa Marvel
JS's Complaint against Clarissa Marvel
JS's Correspondence with Emma Smith and Wilson Law
JS's Correspondence with Emma Smith and Wilson Law
JS's Declaration of Bankruptcy
JS's Declaration of Bankruptcy
JS's Departure for La Harpe
JS's Departure for La Harpe
JS's Departure to James Taylor's Home
JS's Departure to James Taylor's Home
JS's Discourse on Baptism
JS's Discourse on Baptism
JS's Discourse on Baptism for Dead
JS's Discourse on Baptism for Dead
JS's Discourse on Deification
JS's Discourse on Deification
JS's Discourse on Duties of Relief Society
JS's Discourse on Duties of Relief Society
JS's Discourse on Gift of Healing
JS's Discourse on Gift of Healing
JS's Discourse on Keys of the Kingdom
JS's Discourse on Keys of the Kingdom
JS's Discourse on Repentance
JS's Discourse on Repentance
JS's Discourse on Righteousness and Wickedness
JS's Discourse on Righteousness and Wickedness
JS's Discourse to Female Relief Society
JS's Discourse to Female Relief Society
JS's Discussion of Extradition Efforts
JS's Discussion of Extradition Efforts
JS's Election as Vice Mayor of Nauvoo
JS's Election as Vice Mayor of Nauvoo
JS's Exposé of John C. Bennett Published
JS's Exposé of John C. Bennett Published
JS's First Bankruptcy Notice Drafted
JS's First Bankruptcy Notice Drafted
JS's Friends Visit Governor Ford
JS's Friends Visit Governor Ford
JS's Letter Denouncing Sexual Relations outside of Marriage
JS's Letter Denouncing Sexual Relations outside of Marriage
JS's Letter on Actions against John C. Bennett
JS's Letter on Actions against John C. Bennett
JS's Letter to Thomas Carlin for Protection
JS's Letter to Thomas Carlin for Protection
JS's Oath as Justice of Peace
JS's Oath as Justice of Peace
JS's Oath as Mayor
JS's Oath as Mayor
JS's Orders for Meeting to Elect New Major General
JS's Orders for Meeting to Elect New Major General
JS's Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
JS's Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus
JS's Request to Visit at Carlos Granger's Home
JS's Request to Visit at Carlos Granger's Home
JS's Return Home
JS's Return Home
JS's Return into Hiding
JS's Return into Hiding
JS's Return to Visit Emma Smith
JS's Return to Visit Emma Smith
JS's Second Departure for James Taylor's Home
JS's Second Departure for James Taylor's Home
JS's Second Return to Nauvoo from Henderson County
JS's Second Return to Nauvoo from Henderson County
JS's Selection as Registrar of Office of Register of Deeds
JS's Selection as Registrar of Office of Register of Deeds
JS's Sermon to Female Relief Society of Nauvoo
JS's Sermon to Female Relief Society of Nauvoo
JS's Statement on Voting
JS's Statement on Voting
JS's Third Return to Nauvoo from Hiding
JS's Third Return to Nauvoo from Hiding
JS's Translation of Portions of Book of Abraham
JS's Translation of Portions of Book of Abraham
June 21 — Illinois agents,
June 21 — Illinois agents, armed with a warrant from Gov. Thomas Ford, arrested Joseph Smith at Dixon, Lee County, Ill. He was released July 1, 1843.
Lilburn W. Boggs Shot
Lilburn W. Boggs Shot
Missionary (and later president) Lorenzo Snow
Missionary (and later president) Lorenzo Snow delivers two ornamentally bound copies of the BOOK OF MORMON to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert through Sir Henry Wheatly. Queen Victoria probably never read, and may never have handled this presentation copy, but it has since resided in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle.
Missouri governor Thomas Reynolds requested Joseph Smith's extradition
Missouri governor Thomas Reynolds requested Joseph Smith's extradition.
Missouri's governor Thomas Reynolds offers a $300 bounty for returning Joseph Smith to Missouri
Missouri's governor Thomas Reynolds offers a $300 bounty for returning Joseph Smith to Missouri, Illinois's governor adds a $200 bounty.
Nauvoo Legion's General Parade
Nauvoo Legion's General Parade
Nauvoo Masonic Lodge Formed
Nauvoo Masonic Lodge Formed
Nauvoo Printing Office Leased to John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff
Nauvoo Printing Office Leased to John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff
Negotiation of Oliver Granger Estate
Negotiation of Oliver Granger Estate
New US Bankruptcy Law in Effect
New US Bankruptcy Law in Effect
NILES NATIONAL REGISTER reportes that the Mormons have "six thousand votes under their immediate
NILES NATIONAL REGISTER reportes that the Mormons have "six thousand votes under their immediate control, sufficient to give them the balance of power between the parties in the state. It is alleged they have found out how to make profitable use of this power...."
Officers Arrived in Nauvoo to Arrest JS
Officers Arrived in Nauvoo to Arrest JS
Opening of JS's Mercantile Store
Opening of JS's Mercantile Store
Ordinance Passed Granting Nauvoo Citizens Access to Writ of Habeas Corpus
Ordinance Passed Granting Nauvoo Citizens Access to Writ of Habeas Corpus
Orson Pratt Goes Missing
Orson Pratt Goes Missing
Orson Pratt Orson writes in the Mormon newspaper THE WASP
Orson Pratt Orson writes in the Mormon newspaper THE WASP that, contrary to rumor, he had not "renounced 'Mormonism,' left Nauvoo, &c." He further explains how he is able to believe his wife's accusations against Joseph Smith while remaining in the Church: "The lustre of truth cannot be dimmed by the shadows of error and falsehood. Neither will the petty difficulties existing among its votaries weaken its influence or destroy its power. Its course is onward to accomplish the purposes of its great Author in relation to the happiness and salvation of the human family."
Orson Pratt votes against a public
Orson Pratt votes against a public resolution in defense of Joseph Smith's virtuous conduct.
Orson Pratt writes a 'suicide' note:
Orson Pratt writes a 'suicide' note: "I am a ruined man! My future prospects are blasted! The testimony upon both sides seems to be equal: The one in direct contradiction to the other . . . If the testimonies of my wife and others are true then I have been deceived for twelve years past--my hopes are blasted and gone as it were in a moment . . . If on the other hand the other testimonies are true then my family are ruined forever. . . .My sorrows are greater than I can bear! Where I am henceforth it matters not."
Plans Made to Sell Stock for Promoting Economic Activities
Plans Made to Sell Stock for Promoting Economic Activities
Quincy Whig's Rumors on Latter-day Saint Involvement in Boggs Assassination
Quincy Whig's Rumors on Latter-day Saint Involvement in Boggs Assassination
Relief Society organized
Founded to care for the poor and the sick, the Relief Society grows into one of the largest women’s organizations in the world.
Reports of Companies of Men Searching for JS
Reports of Companies of Men Searching for JS
Requisition to Extradite JS and Orrin Porter Rockwell
Requisition to Extradite JS and Orrin Porter Rockwell
Revelation on Editorial Responsibility for Times and Seasons
Revelation on Editorial Responsibility for Times and Seasons
Revelation on Performing Plural Marriage Sealing
Revelation on Performing Plural Marriage Sealing
Revelation to Hiram Kimball on Spreading Rumors
Revelation to Hiram Kimball on Spreading Rumors
Reward Issued for JS's Arrest
Reward Issued for JS's Arrest
SANGAMO JOURNAL editorializes: "We do not know what course will be pursued by Mr
SANGAMO JOURNAL editorializes: "We do not know what course will be pursued by Mr. Orson Pratt. If he sinks under the denunciations and schemes of Joe Smith-- if he fails to defend the reputation of himself and of the woman he has vowed to protect before high heaven--he will fix a stain upon his character which he can never wash out, and carry to the grave the pangs caused by 'the gnawings of the worm that never dies.'" Pratt had recently refused to sign a statement attesting to the good character of Joseph Smith after finding that Joseph had proposed marriage to Pratt's wife while Pratt was on a mission.
Sangamo Journal Published John C. Bennett's First Letter Attacking JS
Sangamo Journal Published John C. Bennett's First Letter Attacking JS
Sangamo Journal Published John C. Bennett's Fourth Letter Attacking JS
Sangamo Journal Published John C. Bennett's Fourth Letter Attacking JS
Sangamo Journal Published John C. Bennett's Second and Third Letters Attacking JS
Sangamo Journal Published John C. Bennett's Second and Third Letters Attacking JS
Sangamo Journal Published JS's Second Bankruptcy Notice
Sangamo Journal Published JS's Second Bankruptcy Notice
Second Installment of Book of Abraham Published
Second Installment of Book of Abraham Published
Several Church Members Charged with Unchaste Behavior
Several Church Members Charged with Unchaste Behavior
Signing of Nauvoo City Scrip
Signing of Nauvoo City Scrip
Special Conference of Church
Special Conference of Church
Suspension of State Bank of Illinois
Suspension of State Bank of Illinois
The 1842 Church Membership 23,564
1842 Church Membership 23,564
The Articles of Faith
Joseph Smith summarizes Church belief in a letter to newspaper editor John Wentworth; the thirteen statements are later canonized in the Pearl of Great Price.
The Articles of Faith were published
The Articles of Faith were published for the first time in the Times and Seasons in Nauvoo, Ill. Joseph Smith, in response to a request from John Wentworth, editor of the Chicago Democrat.
The earliest reference to the special
The earliest reference to the special undergarment worn by the Holy Order of the endowment reads for this date: "they have oil poured on them, and then a mark or hole cut in the breast of their shirts . . . to keep the Destroying Angel from them and their families." From the eighteenth century to the 1840's, "shirt" referred to an undergarment which was often worn with a separate, tight-fitting underpant reaching to the knees.
The Millennial Star (England) republishes the available text of the Book of Abraham
The Millennial Star (England) republishes the available text of the Book of Abraham.
The Nauvoo City Council passes an ordinance to license taverns and ordinaries
the Nauvoo City Council passes an ordinance to license taverns and ordinaries in the town to sell beer but not spirits.
The Nauvoo WASP reports that "a sham battle will be fought between the mounted
The Nauvoo WASP reports that "a sham battle will be fought between the mounted Rifle-men under the immediate command of Lieutenant General Joseph Smith, and the Invincibles under the immediate command of Major General John C. Bennett."
The QUINCY WHIG editorializes: "If Joseph
The QUINCY WHIG editorializes: "If Joseph Smith will listen to word from us, we would advise him to locate his new Jerusalem, away to the far West, in the Oregon country and there…govern the Saints in his own way…he would procure peace and quietness without molestation in the enjoyment of their peculiar notions in that distant country;—to the Government, the location of the Mormons would be an advantage, because it greatly needs settlers in that region; and doubtless, Government would do something right handsome for Joseph, in the grant of a gift of lands, etc., if he would guarantee the emigration of any number of settlers…"
The SANGAMO JOURNAL carries the following
The SANGAMO JOURNAL carries the following notice: "We, the undersigned, feeling ourselves aggrieved by the conduct of Joseph Smith, and others of the leaders of the Church of Latter Day Saints--and feeling that we have been most scandalously imposed upon in matters and things of a Divine character, wish publicly to withdraw from said Church, and no longer claim allegiance thereto." It is signed by ten people.
The SANGAMO JOURNAL publishes "JOE SMITH'S
The SANGAMO JOURNAL publishes "JOE SMITH'S MORALITY. What Joe's morality amounts to, can be learned from his letter to Miss Rigdon, which will be found in the 6th communication of Gen. Bennett, in this paper. Joe Smith, in the letter alluded to, undertakes to sustain by the Scriptures, by reason, argument, and GOD'S REVELATION TO HIMSELF, the lawfulness of his "spiritual wife doctrine." Joseph Smith's letter to Nancy Rigdon is given by John C. Bennett, former Assistant P resident of the Church, in his exposee of Mormonism: "Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it, . . . That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another. God said, thou shalt not kill, -- at another time he said, thou shalt utterly destroy. This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted -- by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed. Whatever God requires is right, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS, . . . " Mormon leaders deny that Joseph wrote the letter and claim it is made up by Bennett. However long after the Mormons have moved to Utah the same "essay" is published in the History of the Church and later in "Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith" as being by Joseph Smith.
The U.S. Government obtains a judgment
The U.S. Government obtains a judgment against Joseph Smith for $5,184.31 in the U.S. District Court for Illinois. The debt may have been for a steamship that Joseph bought but was behind in paying for.
THE WASP EXTRA, a Nauvoo newspaper,
THE WASP EXTRA, a Nauvoo newspaper, accuses John C. Bennett of "adultery, fornication, embryo infanticide and buggery, . . ."
The Wasp first published in Nauvoo, Illinois (William Smith and John Taylor, editors)
The Wasp first published in Nauvoo, Illinois (William Smith and John Taylor, editors).
The Wasp Published
The Wasp Published
Thomas Carlin Asked to Issue Orders for Nauvoo Legion to Be Held in Readiness
Thomas Carlin Asked to Issue Orders for Nauvoo Legion to Be Held in Readiness
Thomas Carlin Sent Letter to Emma Smith
Thomas Carlin Sent Letter to Emma Smith
Thomas Carlin's Letter Stating No Reason to Fear a Mob Attack
Thomas Carlin's Letter Stating No Reason to Fear a Mob Attack
Thomas Ford Won Gubernatorial Election
Thomas Ford Won Gubernatorial Election
Thousands of Nauvoo Mormons search for Orson Pratt after discovering a suicide note
Thousands of Nauvoo Mormons search for Orson Pratt after discovering a suicide note. They find him distraught because Joseph Smith (according to Pratt's wife.) or John C. Bennett (according to Joseph Smith) had tried to seduce Pratt's wife Sarah.
Times and Seasons and the Nauvoo printing office purchased by Joseph Smith
Times and Seasons and the Nauvoo printing office purchased by Joseph Smith and the Quorum of Twelve.
Times and Seasons Defended JS
Times and Seasons Defended JS
Times and Seasons prints the available text of the Book of Abraham (with facsimiles)
Times and Seasons prints the available text of the Book of Abraham (with facsimiles) and Joseph Smith publishes the Articles of Faith.
Transfer of Land in Nauvoo to JS
Transfer of Land in Nauvoo to JS
Wentworth Letter Published
Wentworth Letter Published