Benjamin C. Turman Company departs on their journey
Benjamin C. Turman Company departs on their journey.
1,289 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 3 of 7, covering 1854 to 1857. See the same material on the moving timeline.
1854
Benjamin Thomas Mitchell Company departs on their journey
Benjamin Thomas Mitchell Company departs on their journey.
Bishop publishes notice in DESERET NEWS
Bishop publishes notice in DESERET NEWS that Enoch M. King is disfellowshipped "for repeatedly refusing to conform to the rules of said Church, in the law of Tithing."
Brigham Young makes a gift of tobacco and beef cattle to Ute Indian Chief
Brigham Young makes a gift of tobacco and beef cattle to Ute Indian Chief Walker ("Wakara"). Walker didn't want to talk and lay down in the dirt "but President Young manifested great patience with him even after the patience of most men was exhausted. He went to him & lifted him out of the dirt & finally got him to talk some."
Brigham Young preaches that U.S. Constitution
Brigham Young preaches that U.S. Constitution is not complete, but "it is a progressive--a gradual work. . . . Will the Constitution be destroyed? No: it will be held inviolate by this people; and, as Joseph Smith said, 'The time will come when the destiny of the nation will hang upon a single thread. At that critical juncture, this people will step forth and save it from the threatened destruction.' It will be so."
Brigham Young preaches: "I will begin
Brigham Young preaches: "I will begin by asking the older portion of the assembly, if you do, not recollect that when you were two, three, or four years of age, many of your mothers, as soon as you were able to drink out of a glass, and they happened to have a little wine, would compel you to partake of it, contrary to your feeble remonstrances? Do you not recollect when your mother made a little sling to revive her when she was fatigued with labor or exertion of any kind, saying to you, 'Drink, my child?' Now, I wish to say to you girls, never be guilty of such practices when you become mothers. Never, when you sit down at the table to drink strong tea, perhaps as a stimulant when you are fatigued, give it to your child. I see this practice almost daily, or occasionally, at least, in this as well as other communities. Keep the tea, the coffee, and the spirits from the mouths of your children."
Cyrus Snell Company departs on their journey
Cyrus Snell Company departs on their journey.
Daniel Garn Company departs on their journey
Daniel Garn Company departs on their journey.
Darwin Richardson Company departs on their journey
Darwin Richardson Company departs on their journey.
Eastern States mission is created
Eastern States mission is created
European Administrative mission is created
European (Administrative) mission is created
First counselor Heber C. Kimball recommends
First counselor Heber C. Kimball recommends decapitation for adulterers and preaches from the pulpit concerning "unclean" women: "we wipe them out of existence."
Hans Peter Olsen Company departs on their journey
Hans Peter Olsen Company departs on their journey.
In 1854 there were 119 missionaries
In 1854 there were 119 missionaries called to serve.
It was reported that 32,627 members
It was reported that 32,627 members lived in countries comprising the European missions, of which 29,441 were in Great Britain.
James Brown Company departs on their journey
James Brown Company departs on their journey.
Job Smith Company departs on their journey
Job Smith Company departs on their journey.
John Taylor History
Served mission to Sandwich Islands (Hawaii).
Joseph F. Smith History
Appointed Church Historian.
Orson Pratt/Ezra T. Benson/Ira Eldredge Company
Orson Pratt/Ezra T. Benson/Ira Eldredge Company departs on their journey.
Perrigrine Sessions Company departs on their journey
Perrigrine Sessions Company departs on their journey.
Report of 32,627 European mission members
Report of 32,627 European mission members.
Robert L. Campbell Company departs on their journey
Robert L. Campbell Company departs on their journey.
Siam mission is created
Siam mission is created
Swiss And Italian mission is created
Swiss And Italian mission is created
The 1854 Church Membership 68,429
1854 Church Membership 68,429
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Chior is Stephen Goddard.
The official announcement adopting the Deseret
The official announcement adopting the Deseret Alphabet was made in the Deseret News.
The Saint Louis Luminary first published in St
The Saint Louis Luminary first published in St. Louis, Missouri (Erastus Snow, editor).
The Seer ceases publication (Washington, D.C.)
The Seer ceases publication (Washington, D.C.).
Thomas S. Williams Freight Train departs
Thomas S. Williams Freight Train departs on their journey.
Upon meeting non-Mormon friend, LDS convert
Upon meeting non-Mormon friend, LDS convert of less than two years writes: "he is one of my old Friends, one that I loved and in whose society I have spent many many hours, but now I have nothing to say." Such awkwardness around non-Mormons is common response of many Mormons, whether converted or born into LDS church.
Washington L. Jolley Company departs on their journey
Washington L. Jolley Company departs on their journey.
Willard Richards dies in Salt Lake
Willard Richards dies in Salt Lake City at age Wilford Woodruff writes, "He is the first man that has died a natural death in this Church & kingdom from the First Presidency or Twelve Apostles. All that have died before have been martyred. Richards was with Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail when Joseph and Hyrum were assassinated. He was the only one of four Mormons in the jail that were not wounded or killed.
William Empey Company departs on their journey
William Empey Company departs on their journey.
William Field Company departs on their journey
William Field Company departs on their journey.
1855
A general "reformation" took place throughout the Church
A general "reformation" took place throughout the Church.
Amasa M. Lyman Company departs on their journey
Amasa M. Lyman Company departs on their journey.
Bark Julia Ann wrecked near the Scilly Islands; five drowned
Bark Julia Ann wrecked near the Scilly Islands; five drowned.
Brigham Young attends a meeting
Brigham Young attends a meeting, in Salt Lake City, of the Universal Scientific Society and hears an address "by Dr. Richardson, upon the Subject of Concubinage as related to the Patriarchs of old etc." Young afterward expresses "his approbation and the joy and pleasure he felt at what he witnessed."
Brigham Young establishes Deseret Theological Institute
Brigham Young establishes Deseret Theological Institute which is open to women who comprise 37 percent of its membership. However, women do not lecture on same equality they experience in non-institutional Polysophical Society.
Brigham Young preaches that "the kingdom
Brigham Young preaches that "the kingdom of God . . . grows out of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but it is not the church; . . ."
Brigham Young preaches, "In my fullest
Brigham Young preaches, "In my fullest belief, it was the design of the Lord that Adam should partake of the forbidden fruit, and I believe that Adam knew all about it before he came to this earth."
Brigham Young preaches: "Again, if a pure Gentile firmly believes the Gospel of Jesus
Brigham Young preaches: "Again, if a pure Gentile firmly believes the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and yields obedience to it, in such a case I will give you the words of the Prophet Joseph—"When the Lord pours out the Holy Ghost upon that individual he will have spasms, and you would think that he was going into fits." Joseph said that the Gentile blood was actually cleansed out of their veins, and the blood of Jacob made to circulate in them; and the revolution and change in the system were so great that it caused the beholder to think they were going into fits.
Brigham Young tells apostles that after final judgment those consigned to terrestrial and telestial
Brigham Young tells apostles that after final judgment those consigned to terrestrial and telestial kingdoms will "eventually have the privilege of proveing sic themselves worthy & advancing to a celestial kingdom but it would be a slow progress."
Brigham Young's counselors, Hebver C. Kimball
Brigham Young's counselors, Hebver C. Kimball and Jedediah M. Grant are each sustained as "Prophet, Seer, and Revelator." Not since 1841 have Presidency counselors been publicly announced in this manner. He has had this public title since April 1851.
Charles A. Harper Company departs on their journey
Charles A. Harper Company departs on their journey.
Church Historian, George A. Smith, under
Church Historian, George A. Smith, under the direction of Brigham Young, while revising the History of the Church, alters Joseph Smiths statement at the founding of the Relief Society from "I now turn the key to you in the name of God and this Society shall rejoice and knowledge and intelligence shall flow down from this time." to read "I now turn the key in your behalf in the name of the Lord. . . ."
Dedication of Salt Lake Endowment House,
Dedication of Salt Lake Endowment House, and inauguration of first Thursday of each month as day of fasting and prayer, with "testimony meeting" during day.
Elder Ezra T. Benson exhibited part
Elder Ezra T. Benson exhibited part of an ancient sword which had been dug up about 10 ft. under ground while excavating for a well, which called forth a few remarks from him.
Endowment House
Endowment House was dedicated 5 May 1855 by Heber C. Kimball.
Endowment House dedicated in Salt Lake City
Endowment House dedicated in Salt Lake City.
First meeting of the Deseret Theological
First meeting of the Deseret Theological Society. Brigham Young is speaker. Young states "that the whole object of the Institution was comprehended in these words. To know the only wise God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, which is Life Eternal. Spoke of Adam being a God and head of the human family."
First Presidency proposed handcart crossings of the plains
First Presidency proposed handcart crossings of the plains.
Grasshopper plague and crop failure lead to the institution of fast offerings
Grasshopper plague and crop failure lead to the institution of fast offerings.
Hooper and Williams Freight Train departs
Hooper and Williams Freight Train departs on their journey.
Hosea Stout records in his diary
Hosea Stout records in his diary that he went to Davis County in order to persuade the people to withdraw the name of a popular bishop, Anson Call, for nomination for the impending election to the Legislature and place John D. Parker in his stead. The change was apparently made without much protest. But what Stout does not mention, and what the people of Davis County apparently did not know, was the reason the change was implemented--that Parker belonged to the Council of Fifty while Call did not.
In 1855 there were 65 missionaries
In 1855 there were 65 missionaries called to serve.
In a general epistle, the First
In a general epistle, the First Presidency proposed that Perpetual Emigrating Fund immigrants cross the plains by handcart.
Indian Territory Mission established to proselytize
Indian Territory Mission established to proselytize among Cherokees and Creeks in what is now Oklahoma. Directed almost exclusively toward Native Americans, mission closes in 1877, reopens in 1883 with increasing efforts toward Anglos.
Indian Territory mission is created
Indian Territory mission is created
Isaac Allred Freight Train departs on their journey
Isaac Allred Freight Train departs on their journey.
Jacob F. Secrist/Noah T. Guymon Company
Jacob F. Secrist/Noah T. Guymon Company departs on their journey.
John Hindley Company departs on their journey
John Hindley Company departs on their journey.
Judson L. Stoddard Company departs on their journey
Judson L. Stoddard Company departs on their journey.
Lieutenant in Colonel E. J. Steptoe's
Lieutenant in Colonel E. J. Steptoe's command in Salt Lake City writes to friend about his romance and near seduction of one of the wives of Brigham Young's son Joseph (who is on a mission): "Mary Ayers Young and I had to give up. Brigham sent me word that if I took her away he would have me killed before I could get out of the Territory. He is a man of his word and little matters of this sort are concluded, I had better not do it, although I went back to the city purposely to get her. We wrote each other affectionate notes."
Livingston and Kinkead Freight Train departs
Livingston and Kinkead Freight Train departs on their journey.
Milo Andrus Company departs on their journey
Milo Andrus Company departs on their journey.
Moses Thurston Company departs on their journey
Moses Thurston Company departs on their journey.
Oliver Peters Company departs on their journey
Oliver Peters Company departs on their journey.
Parley P. Pratt Company departs on their journey
Parley P. Pratt Company departs on their journey.
Parley P. Pratt follows Smith and preaches
Parley P. Pratt follows Smith and preaches: "Now, if we take Mohammedanism Islam during those dark ages, and the corruptions that are so universally prevalent over the earth, and the idolatrous systems of religion, falsely called Christianity, and weigh them in a balance; with all my education in favor of Christian nations and Christian powers, and Christian institutions, so called, with all my prejudices of early youth, and habits of thought and reading, my rational faculties would compel me to admit that the Mahometan history and Mahometan doctrine was a standard raised against the most corrupt and abominable idolatry that over perverted our earth, found in the creeds and worship of Christians, falsely so named."
Parley P. Pratt's Key to the Science of Theology published
Parley P. Pratt's Key to the Science of Theology published.
Richard Ballantyne Company departs on their journey
Richard Ballantyne Company departs on their journey.
Samuel Richards writes: "I attended the High Priests Quorum meeting at which Elder Curtis
Samuel Richards writes: "I attended the High Priests Quorum meeting at which Elder Curtis E. Bolton was tried for taking a woman and getting her pregnant which Bro. Brigham had allowed him to adopt into his family as a daughter. She had been heretofore his wife but during his late mission, she had been married to two other men, and had a child by one of the men who was a California Emigrant. . . . He was disfellowshipped from the Quorum, subject to the revision of Prest. Young when he returned from his southern expedition."
Samuel W. Richards takes notes on Brigham Young's sermon
Samuel W. Richards takes notes on Brigham Young's sermon: "Adam and Eve were made of the dust of the Earth from which they came -- they brought there bodies with them. They had lived and died and been resurrected before they came here and they came with immortal bodies, and had to partake of the fruit of this earth in order to bring forth mortal bodies, or natural bodies, that their seed might be of the dust of this Earth as they were of the dust of the earth from which they came"
Seth M. Blair/Edward Stevenson Company departs
Seth M. Blair/Edward Stevenson Company departs on their journey.
T. D. Pitt Company departs on their journey
T. D. Pitt Company departs on their journey.
The 1855 Church Membership 63,974
1855 Church Membership 63,974
The bark Julia Ann carrying 28
The bark Julia Ann carrying 28 emigrating Church members from Australia ran aground on shoals near the Scilly Islands. Five were drowned.
The foundation of the Salt Lake
The foundation of the Salt Lake Temple was finished.
The Hawaiian edition of the Book
This translation of The Book of Mormon was done for Utah Territory (defunct). Additional Information:currently out of print.. Reference information: Jenkins, John H., The Book of Mormon in the Deseret Alphabet,
The Mormon first published in New York City (John Taylor, editor)
The Mormon first published in New York City (John Taylor, editor).
The Saint Louis Luminary ceases publication (Erastus Snow, editor)
The Saint Louis Luminary ceases publication (Erastus Snow, editor).
The two-story adobe Endowment House in Salt Lake City was dedicated and remained
The two-story adobe Endowment House in Salt Lake City was dedicated and remained in use until 1889, when it was torn down.
Typical DESERET NEWS report of Reformation
Typical DESERET NEWS report of Reformation meetings. Jedediah M. Grant presides over three days of meetings at Farmington, Utah, where he speaks seven times, prays four times, and during which 450 are rebaptized.
Wilford Woodruff writes in his journal:
Wilford Woodruff writes in his journal: "I got an Indian boy of Brother James Bosnel. He was about a doz years of age. His name was Moroni Eliga Bosnel."
Wilford Woodruff writes: "Their is a strange spirit in provo
Wilford Woodruff writes: "Their is a strange spirit in provo. . . . The people seemed Cold & indifferent . . ."
William McBride Company departs on their journey
William McBride Company departs on their journey.
1856
1856 edition titled Manchester Hymnal
This edition was created in Liverpool, England and was compiled by John E Tullidge. There were 38 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was the only edition.
Abraham O. Smoot Company departs
Abraham O. Smoot Company departs on their journey.
Also on this day U.S. postmaster
Also on this day U.S. postmaster general James Campbell awards a Utah mail contract to Hiram Kimball, representing Brigham Young's newly formed BYX Company, for $23,000. The company name had been reduced to initials to conceal Young's involvement. Kimball and Young does not learn of their good fortune for some time because of a delay in the mail. This delay postpones the first BYX mail departure from the valley until 8 February 1857. Young chose Bill Hickman and O. Porter Rockwell to be his main mailmen ("pony express" riders). Hickman did not want to go but Young told him it was his duty. When Hickman returned to the Valley 4 months later he lamented that he was $1000 poorer than when he started. Brigham Young did not pay him for his part in the project.
Brigham Young begins a sermon: "I
Brigham Young begins a sermon: "I think it is now proven to a certainty that men, women, and children can cross the Plains, from the settlements on the Missouri river to this place on foot, and draw hand-carts, loaded with a good portion of the articles needed to sustain them on the way. . . . As for health, it is far healthier to walk than to ride, and better every way for the people" Less than two months later over 200 handcart pioneers died in Wyoming when caught in an early snow storm.
Brigham Young preaches: "I have proof
Brigham Young preaches: "I have proof ready to show that Bishops have taken in thousands of pounds of tithing which they have never reported to the general tithing office. We have documents to show that Bishops have taken in hundreds of bushels of wheat, and only a small portion of it has come into the general tithing office; they stole it to let their friends speculate upon. If anyone is doubtful about this, will you not call on me to produce my proof before a proper tribunal? I should take pleasure in doing so, but we pass over such things in mercy to the people."
Brigham Young preaches: "Suppose you found
Brigham Young preaches: "Suppose you found your brother in bed with your wife, and put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God. I would at once do so in such a case; and under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands. . . . There is not a man or woman, who violates the covenants made with their God, that will not be required to pay the debt. The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it; and the judgments of the Almighty will come, sooner or later, and every man and woman will have to atone for breaking their covenants."
Brigham Young publicly prophesies that by 1882 "Elders of this church will be
Brigham Young publicly prophesies that by 1882 "Elders of this church will be as much thought of as the kings on their thrones." He further preaches, "I have traveled and preached, and at the same time sustained my family by my labor and economy. If I borrowed one hundred dollars, or fifty, or if I had five dollars, it almost universally went into the hands of brother Joseph, to pay lawyers' fees and to liberate him from the power of his enemies, so far as it would go. Hundreds and hundreds of dollars that I have managed to get, to borrow and trade for, I have handed over to Joseph when I came home. That is the way I got help, and it was good for me; it learned me a great deal, though I had learned, before I heard of "Mormonism," to take care of number one"
Brigham Young reports to his personal
Brigham Young reports to his personal prayer circle that he has received a letter from Apostle Orson Hyde in Carson Valley and accuses the Hyde of writing things "day after day against God, our religion, and the people, for a few dimes." Young asserts that Hyde "ought to be cut off from the Quorum of the Twelve and the Church. He is no more fit to stand at the head of the Quorum of the Twelve than a dog. His soul is entirely occupied with a few dimes and it is much more in his eyes than God, heaven and eternal life. He is a stink in my nostrils."
Brigham Young's daughter Susa Young Gates
Brigham Young's daughter Susa Young (Gates) is born in the Lion House in Salt Lake City. When hearing the baby was a girl Susa's mother, Lucy Bigelow exclames "Shucks." Zina D. Huntington Jacobs Smith Young, (also a wife of Brigham) who is assisting replies, "No! It isn't all shucks, it's wheat, and full weight too !" Susa is Brigham Young's 41st child. She enters the University of Deseret at age thirteen but is soon banished to St. George by her father for helping her sister Dora elope. Later when she is president of the Relief Society and has an office in the Church Office Building (the only woman to have one at the time) she is jokingly referred to as the "thirteenth apostle."
Brigham Young's office journal records: "
Brigham Young's office journal records: ". . . Brother Brown lately arrived from Kanesville left a Bottle of Wine of his own make made from the juice of the grape as a present for President Young . . ."
Brigham Young's office journal records: "Brother
Brigham Young's office journal records: "Brother Dimmock Huntington also stated the Indians occasionally had what they called a whore dance, which was lewd and wrong. President said he should drive away the boys that congregated, round the Indians, and whip the Indians that they might desist from these dances and practices."
Brigham Young's representative "Wild" Bill Hickman
Brigham Young's representative "Wild" Bill Hickman and his Indian wife Margaret, both dressed in their beaded-buckskin suits, meet with forty lodges of Indians (numbering about three hundred). Gifts are distributed. The Indians believed Brigham Young had supplied the gifts, when they were in fact presents from the U.S. government.
Canute Peterson Company departs on their journey
Canute Peterson Company departs on their journey.
Cedar City's Relief Society members are
Cedar City's Relief Society members are exhorted by Elias Morris, Mormon businessman and confident of the Church leadership, to "mind your own business, and ask no Questions." The next year many of the husbands of the Cedar City's Relief Society participate in the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Daniel D. McArthur Company departs on their journey
Daniel D. McArthur Company departs on their journey.
Due to report that Stephen
Due to report that Stephen A. Douglas has called Utah's Mormons "an ulcer on the body politic," DESERET NEWS publishes Joseph Smith's 1843 prophecy: "Judge Douglas, you will aspire to the Presidency of the United States," with his warning of failure if he turns against Mormons. Douglas is defeated for presidency in 1860; dies next year.
During the year, a general
During the year, a general "reformation" took place throughout the Church, in which Church members were admonished strongly from the pulpit to reform their lives and rededicate themselves to the service of the Lord. As a symbol of renewed dedication, many members renewed their covenants by rebaptism. The reformation movement continued into 1857.
Edmund Ellsworth Company departs on their journey
Edmund Ellsworth Company departs on their journey.
Edward Bunker Company departs on their journey
Edward Bunker Company departs on their journey.
Edward Martin Company departs on their journey
Edward Martin Company departs on their journey.
Emma Smith Bidamon (widow of Joseph
Emma Smith Bidamon (widow of Joseph Smith) sells "four Egyptian Mummies with the records of them. These Mummies were obtained from the catacombs of Egypt sixty feet below the surface of the Earth, by the antiquarian society of Paris & forwarded to New York & purchased by the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith at the price of twenty four hundred dollars in the year Eighteen hundred thirty-five they were highly prized by Mr. Smith on account of the importance which attached to the records which were accidentally found enclosed in the breast of one of the Mummies." Emma waited until Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph's mother, died (eleven days previously) before selling the mummies and "records" to "Mr. A. Combs."
First Counselor Heber C. Kimball preaches:
First Counselor Heber C. Kimball preaches: "I never said that I ever saw an angel from God, though I have dreamed about them;" In the same sermon he states: "My feelings are for you to learn to follow our leader, our Prophet, our President Brigham Young. He will be our President in eternity, and Joseph is his President and will counsel him, and you need not trouble yourselves, but do as you are told and you will obtain salvation and go into the celestial glory."
First group of handcart Saints leaves the Iowa River for Salt Lake City
First group of handcart Saints leaves the Iowa River for Salt Lake City.
First handcart company arrives in Salt
First handcart company arrives in Salt Lake Valley. During the next five years ten handcart companies bring 3000 Mormons across the plains to Utah. 200 Mormons from the fifth and sixth companies, which left too late, die when trapped in earlyWyoming snow storms.
Heber J. Grant History
Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jedediah Morgan Grant and Rachel Ridgeway Ivins.
In 1856 there were 130 missionaries
In 1856 there were 130 missionaries called to serve.
In the midst of Utah Reformation's
In the midst of Utah Reformation's frenzy, Apostle Wilford Woodruff notes, "The spirit of God is like a flame among the Leaders of this people & they are throwing the arrows of the Almighty among the people."
Jacob Croft Company departs on their journey
Jacob Croft Company departs on their journey.
James G. Willie Company departs on their journey
James G. Willie Company departs on their journey.
John A. Hunt Company departs on their journey
John A. Hunt Company departs on their journey.
John Banks Company departs on their journey
John Banks Company departs on their journey.
John C. Naegle Company departs on their journey
John C. Naegle Company departs on their journey.
Members of the First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles are rebaptized
Members of the First Presidency and Council of Twelve Apostles are rebaptized.
Philemon C. Merrill Company departs on their journey
Philemon C. Merrill Company departs on their journey.
President Brigham Young preaches: "There are
President Brigham Young preaches: "There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive forgiveness in this world, or in that which is to come, and if they had their eyes open to see their true condition, they would be perfectly willing to have their blood split upon the ground, that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven as an offering for their sins; and the smoking incense would atone for their sins, whereas, if such is not the case, they will stick to them and remain upon them in the spirit world. I know, when you hear my brethren telling about cutting people off from the earth, that you consider it is strong doctrine; but it is to save them, not to destroy them. . . . I know that there are transgressors, who, if they knew themselves, and the only condition upon which they can obtain forgiveness, would beg of their brethren to shed their blood, that the smoke thereof might ascend to God as an offering to appease the wrath that is kindled against them, and that the law might have its course. . . . There are sins that can be atoned for by an offering upon an altar, as in ancient days; and there are sins that the blood of a lamb, of a calf, or of turtle doves, cannot remit, but they must be atoned for by the blood of the man."
Presiding Bishopric given permanent organization (first
Presiding Bishopric given permanent organization (first and second counselors).
Preston Thomas Company departs on their journey
Preston Thomas Company departs on their journey.
Recently-ordained Church Patriarch John Smith writes
Recently-ordained Church Patriarch John Smith writes of being scared "most to death" of public speaking. He said, "I have refused allmost every time Brother Brigham called on me to dismiss the conference."
Republican party platform declares polygamy and slavery the "twin relics of barbarism."
Republican party platform declares polygamy and slavery the "twin relics of barbarism."
Samuel W. Richards writes: "In the Endowment house from 10 till 2 P.M
Samuel W. Richards writes: "In the Endowment house from 10 till 2 P.M. took the part of Elom."
Second Counselor Jedediah M
Second Counselor Jedediah M. Grant, in a discourse in the Salt Lake Tabernacle, refers to Joseph Smith as a "great lover of women."
Second counselor Jedediah M. Grant declares
Second counselor Jedediah M. Grant declares that Polysophical Society is "a stink in his nostrils," Heber C. Kimball agrees. They regard its equality of female participation as "an adulterous spirit." The society does not survive this general conference.
Second counselor Jedediah M. Grant preaches:
Second counselor Jedediah M. Grant preaches: "I say, that there are men and women that I would advise to go to the President immediately, and ask him to appoint a committee to attend to their case; and then let a place be selected, and let that committee shed their blood. We have those amongst us that are full of all manner of abominations, those who need to have their blood shed, for water will not do, their sins are of too deep a dye. . . . I would ask how many covenant breakers there are in this city and in this kingdom. I believe that there are a great many; and if they are covenant breakers we need a place designated, where we can shed their blood. . . . Brethren and sisters, we want you to repent and forsake your sins. And you who have committed sins that cannot be forgiven through baptism, let your blood be shed, and let the smoke ascend, that the incense thereof may come up before God as an atonement for your sins, and that the sinners in Zion may be afraid."
Skandinavien Stjerne (Scandinavian Star) ceases publication
Skandinavien Stjerne (Scandinavian Star) ceases publication.
The 1856 Church Membership 63,881
1856 Church Membership 63,881
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Chior is James Smithies.
The first handcart company left Iowa
The first handcart company left Iowa City, Iowa. Later that year, two handcart companies, captained by James G. Willie and Edward Martin, suffered tragedy due to an early winter. More than 200 in the two companies died along the trail.
The handcart rescue
Two late handcart companies are trapped by early blizzards. Rescue teams sent from Salt Lake bring in the survivors; more than two hundred die on the trail.
The LATTER DAY SAINTS MILLENIAL STAR
The LATTER DAY SAINTS MILLENIAL STAR published in London, says Mormon missionaries in South Africa avoid contact with the Kaffir and Fingoe populations because they had "too much of the blood of Cain in them, for the Gospel to have much effect on their dark spirits."
The Western Standard first published in San Francisco, California (George Q
The Western Standard first published in San Francisco, California (George Q. Cannon, editor).
Thomas Bedford, a Beaver Island resident
Thomas Bedford, a Beaver Island resident who had been publicly whipped on James J. Strang's direction, fatally shoots the Strang. Strang had led a large portion of Mormons away from Brigham Young's rule after the death of Joseph Smith.
Wilford Woodruff describes problems with a scratch on his arm he sustained while skinning
Wilford Woodruff describes problems with a scratch on his arm he sustained while skinning a dead ox two days previously: "This morning the affected spot upon my wrist had grown about the size of a dime had risen above the arm & main - about half an inch & turned black as ink. My arm began to swell & pain me & I felt its workings through my system. I Called upon President Young & Showed him my Arm and asked his advice. He counciled me to go to immediately & clense my stomach & bowels & poultice my Arm with Onions, Earth, or any thing that would draw it from my system. He also advised me to show it to Dr Sprague. I did so & he in addition to what President Young had recommended dug me up sum dock Elecompane & Blazing Star roots & advised me to make a tea of it & drink it also to make a poultice of it & put it on my Arm. I went immediately home & began to put these things into execution for I saw that I had a strong warfare in order to save my life."
Wilford Woodruff writes: "I met with the Presidency & Twelve in the prayer Circle
Wilford Woodruff writes: "I met with the Presidency & Twelve in the prayer Circle. After prayers President Young asked those who were going away if they were satisfied with him & felt satisfied that He was keeping up with the spirit of the times. They all said they were. They asked if he was satisfied with them. He said he was. He Advised Elder G A. Smith not to indulge in Arguing any point question or principle which he did not believe for the sake of Argument or to draw something out of others as it was dangerous ground. Brother Smith thanked him for his Advise & promised to follow it. Brother G. A. Smith spoke in plainness of his feelings concerning some principles of Elder O. Pratt wherein he differed from President Young concerning the creation of Adam out of the Dust of the Earth & the final consummation of knowledge & many other things. I am afraid when he comes to write he will publish in opposition to President Youngs views but he promised he would not. Many remarks were made which Thomas Bullock took & it is filed in the Historians office."
Wilfred Woodruff History
Father, Jedediah M. Grant-second counselor to Brigham Young and first mayor of Salt Lake City–died.
William B. Hodgetts Company departs on their journey
William B. Hodgetts Company departs on their journey.
With the "Mormon Reformation" beginning to get underway Wilford Woodruff "went to a stream
With the "Mormon Reformation" beginning to get underway Wilford Woodruff "went to a stream of water & Baptized all my family that was over 8 years old. Three wives 3 children & a lamanite boy called Moroni. I returned to the house and confirmed them all."
Wyman's Saint Louis Museum advertises in the SAINT LOUIS MISSOURI DEMOCRAT that "two mummies
Wyman's Saint Louis Museum advertises in the SAINT LOUIS MISSOURI DEMOCRAT that "two mummies from the Catacombs of Egypt" are on display. These mummies formerly belonged to the LDS church. They stay in St. Louis for fifteen years before being moved to Chicago. Papyri found with the mummies are also displayed at the museum. Leipzig Egyptologist Gustavus Seyffarth was able to read the name of the person for whom Facsimile No. 3 was made. A contemporary account reports: ". . . according to Prof. Seyffarth, the papyrus roll is not a record, but an invocation to the Deity Osirus, in which occurs the name of the person, (Horus,) and a picture of the attendant spirits, introducing the dead to the Judge, Osirus." When the original of facsimile No. 1 resurfaces in 1967 the hieroglyphs in the margins give "Horus" as the person for whom the scroll was written.
1857
1857 edition titled Church Hymn Book
This edition was created in Liverpool, England and was compiled by George Q. Cannon. There were 331 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was edition number 12.
A large Mormon colony took possession
A large Mormon colony took possession of the valley of Deer Creek 100 miles west of Fort Laramie and drove away a band of Sioux whom I had settled there in April and whom I Indian agent Thomas S. Twiss had induced to plant corn. Twiss writes to the U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs, " I respectfully and earnestly call the attention of the department to the invasion and enter my protest against its occupation of Indian country in force and the forced ejection of the Indians from the place where I had settled them. I am powerless to control this matter for the Mormons obey no law enacted by Congress."
According to John D. Lee, Stake
According to John D. Lee, Stake President Isaac Haight tells him that the massacre of the emigrants "is the will of all in authority. The emigrants have no pass from any one to go through the country, and they are liable to be killed as common enemies, for the country is at war now. No man has a right to go through this country without a written pass."
Alonzo Colton Company departs on their journey
Alonzo Colton Company departs on their journey.
Also on the same day Brigham
Also on the same day Brigham Young preaches: "I would just as soon tell them as to tell you my mode of warfare. As the Lord God lives, we will waste our enemies by millions, if they send them here to destroy us, and not a man of us be hurt. That is the method I intend to pursue. Do you want to know what is going to be done with the enemies now on our borders? If they come here, I will tell you what will be done. As soon as they start to come hate our settlements, let sleep depart from their eyes and slumber from their eyelids until they sleep in death, for they have been warned and forewarned that we will not tamely submit to being destroyed. Men shall be secreted here and there and shall waste away our enemies, in the name of Israel's God. . . . I am going to observe the old maxim—'He that fights and runs away, Lives to fight another day.'"
Amasa M. Lyman/Charles C. Rich Company
Amasa M. Lyman/Charles C. Rich Company departs on their journey.
As Mormon troops leave to confront
As Mormon troops leave to confront U.S. regiment, first counselor Heber C. Kimball "promises them that if they would live the religion of Christ not one of them should fall by the hand of an enemy." There are no military deaths in Utah War.
At Jacob Hamblin's ranch, 4 miles
At Jacob Hamblin's ranch, 4 miles from the Mountain Meadows killing field, John D. Lee (sleeping on his saddle blanket with his saddle for a pillow) is awakened by an argument between Col. William Dame and Lt. Col. Isaac Haight. After breakfast they continue on to Mountain Meadows to secure property and supervise burial of the dead. Upon seeing the sight Dame and Haight argued over whether Dame ordered it or not. The bodies are stripped of any valuables but many bodies are either left unburied or buried so shallowly that animals dig them up and wild animals and buzzards eat flesh from their bones.
At Mountain Meadows the Santa Clara
At Mountain Meadows the Santa Clara band of Indians along with the Tonaquints mounted another unsuccessful attack on the wagon train. Many of the Tonaquints had had enough and were so enraged "that they left for home that day and drove off quite a lot of cattle with them." In the Morning John D. Lee climbed a ridge west of the wagon train to survey the situation. "As soon as they saw I was a white man they ran up a white flag in the middle of their corral." By noon Mormon militia reinforcements arrived at the meadows and some of the men passed the time shooting at the emigrant camp. It was clear now that the Emigrants knew that there were white men among the attackers.
At night the besieged emigrants devise
At night the besieged emigrants devise a plan to alert the outside world to their plight. They send William Aden on horseback through enemy lines to get help. Aden is shot down by Mormons after approaching their campsite.
At weekly prayer circle of Samuel
At weekly prayer circle of Samuel L. Sprague: "Br. Phineas Richards a member of Council of Fifty spoke of coming in contact with our enemies. We have covenanted to avenge the blood of the Prophets and Saints. Why, then, should we hesitate to go forth and slay them--shed their blood--when called upon. President Sprague spoke a few words in answer to the inquiry made by br. Richards; that the Lord had said 'vengeance is mine.' Nevertheless, we shall have blood to shed."
Brigham Young declared Utah to be under
Brigham Young declared Utah to be under martial law and forbade the approaching troops to enter the Salt Lake Valley. An armed militia was ordered to go to various points to harass the soldiers and prevent their entry. Brigham Young also called the elders home from foreign missions and advised the Saints in many outlying settlements in the West to return to places nearer the headquarters of the Church.
Brigham Young gives unsuccessful order to prevent massacre but becomes accessory after fact
Brigham Young gives unsuccessful order to prevent massacre but becomes accessory after fact. He later tells participants that he approves of the massacre and lets them know he expects them to exonerate each other in court of law. He publicly intimidates anyone who is inclinded to give evidence against Mormon participants. He refuses to give federal authorities information that would implicate nearly all adults of small Mormon community in massacre and division of victims' property. Then when total denial becomes impossible, Young scapegoats three men through excommunication and arranges for participants to testify against (and jurymen to convict) only John D. Lee, Brigham Young's adopted son and Council of Fifty member.
Brigham Young History
Returned to Utah. Elected Speaker of the House of the Utah Territorial Legislature
Brigham Young marries Sarah Delight Stocking,
Brigham Young marries Sarah Delight Stocking, who had turned nineteen three days earlier, to fifty-year old Wilford Woodruff. This is Woodruff's third wife named "Sarah." In addition to his marriage to Sarah Delight, Woodruff records a dream of Heber C. Kimball's "I Called upon Brother Kimball early this morning & had some Conversation with him. He told me a dream. He said He thought He had some Hogs caught with ropes & he was driving them up a mountain. He had one vary fat hog. He said we had better kill him. He would never be as good again to kill as now. He told some one to take Care of him for a while till he could attend to some others, and they let him get away from them & the hog ran up the mountain with all his might. When Brother Kimball saw him he took after him & told the brethren to help ketch him & kill him but they Could not ketch him so he got away. He gave me what He thought to be an interpetation of the dream. The Hogs were our Enemies & one of them run away."
Brigham Young meets with Captain Van
Brigham Young meets with Captain Van Vliet, representative of Johnson's Army. Young tells him, "I do not want to fight the United States but if they drive us to it we shall do the best we can & I will tell you as God lives that we shall Come off Conquerer for we trust in God. For God has set up his kingdom on the Earth & it will never fall but it will stand. We shall do all we can not to fight but if they drive us to it God will overthrow them." Van Vliet tells Young, "I do not think that it is the intention of the Government to take you but to instill a New Governor in this Territory." Young responds, "I Believe that you tell the truth that you believe this but you do not know their intention as well as I do."
Brigham Young preaches, "There are probably
Brigham Young preaches, "There are probably but few men in the world who care about the private society of women less than I do."
Brigham Young preaches: " If men
Brigham Young preaches: " If men come here and do not behave themselves, they will not only find the Danites, whom they talk so much about, biting the horses' heels, but the scoundrels will find something biting their heels. In my plain remarks, I merely call things by their right names."
Brigham Young preaches: " Joseph Smith
Brigham Young preaches: " Joseph Smith is not resurrected; and if you will visit the graves you will find the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum yet in their resting place. Do not be mistaken about that; they will be resurrected in due time."
Brigham Young preaches: "Giving endowments to a great many proves their overthrow through revealing
Brigham Young preaches: "Giving endowments to a great many proves their overthrow through revealing things to them which they cannot keep. They are not worthy to receive them. Brother Heber takes the lead in giving endowments, and you may ask, 'Why do you give such folks their endowments?' To qualify them to be devils, if they wish to be. The plan of salvation is calculated to make devils as well as Saints; for by and by we shall need some to serve as devils; and it takes almost as much knowledge to make a complete devil as it does to fit a man to go into the celestial kingdom of God, and become an heir to His kingdom. We want to complete the education of a number of such fellows; they are running to the States, to California, and elsewhere, and are trying to reveal this, that, and the other; but I defy any one of them to give any idea of what is taught them in their endowments, except a garbled mass of trash. God takes that knowledge from their minds."
Brigham Young preaches: "I can tell
Brigham Young preaches: "I can tell the people that once in my life I felt a want of confidence in brother Joseph Smith, soon after I became acquainted with him. It was not concerning religious matters--it was not about his revelations--but it was in relation to his financiering--to his managing the temporal affairs which he undertook. A feeling came ever me that Joseph was not right in his financial management, though I presume the feeling did not last sixty seconds, and perhaps not thirty. But that feeling came on me once and once only, from the time I first knew him to the day of his death. It gave me sorrow of heart, and I clearly saw and understood, by the spirit of revelation manifested to me, that if I was to harbor a thought in my heart that Joseph could be wrong in anything, I would begin to lose confidence in him, and that feeling would grow from step to step, and from one degree to another, until at last. I would have the same lack of confidence in his being the mouthpiece for the Almighty, and I would be left, as brother Hooper observed, upon the brink of the precipice, ready to plunge into what we may call the gulf of infidelity, ready to believe neither in God nor His servants, and to say that there is no God, or, if there is, we do not know anything about Him; . . ."
Brigham Young preaches: "I don't profess
Brigham Young preaches: "I don't profess to be such a Prophet as were Joseph Smith and Daniel; but I am a Yankee guesser;"
Brigham Young received news of the approaching army while celebrating pioneers
Brigham Young received news of the approaching army while celebrating pioneers.
Brigham Young restores sacrament, after witholding
Brigham Young restores sacrament, after witholding it from all church members for past six months of Reformation which ends with Utah War.
Brigham Young tells Apostle Wilford Woodruff
Brigham Young tells Apostle Wilford Woodruff that the church president believes astrology "is true." Young also has bloodstone amulet for his protection.
Brigham Young tells Captain Van Vliet,
Brigham Young tells Captain Van Vliet, "Again if they Commence the war I shall not hold the Indians still by the fist any longer . . . you may tell them they must stop all emigration across this Continent for they Cannot tread in safety. The Indians will kill all that attempt it." Young had been told three days previously of the stand-off at Mountain Meadows. His instructions were for the Mormons to leave the wagon train alone but added "The Indians we expect will do as they please."
Brigham Young walks with U.S. Army
Brigham Young walks with U.S. Army Captain Van Vliet through Albert Carrington's garden and orchard. Van Vliet asks Mrs. Carrington "if she was willing to Cut down her fine peach orchard for her faith & Religin. She said yes and would set up nights to do it if it became necessary."
Brigham Young writes to George Q.
Brigham Young writes to George Q. Cannon: "The Territory this season, has taken an emetic, and the way Lawyers, Loafers, Special pleaders, Apostates, Officials, and filth have been cast out, is a caution to all sinners, that here they would be in the wrong place."
Brigham Young's Journal records a visit
Brigham Young's Journal records a visit of Indian chief Kanosh and several of his band asserts that "a Spirit, seems to be taking posses(s)ion of the Indians to assist Israel. I can hardly restrain them from exterminating the Americans."
Chester Loveland Company departs on their journey
Chester Loveland Company departs on their journey.
Christian Christiansen Company departs on their journey
Christian Christiansen Company departs on their journey.
Colonel William Dame, commander of the Iron County Military District orders his officers
Colonel William Dame, commander of the Iron County Military District orders his officers to calm the Indians and to "assist in passing through the trains now upon the roads." Dame also said the Paiutes, "manifested many signs of hostility towards the whites and passers-by."
Courier James Holt Haslam (carrying a letter from Haight to Brigham Young asking
Courier James Holt Haslam (carrying a letter from Haight to Brigham Young asking for orders) reaches Nephi. He pauses for breakfast and will stop again at Payson, Provo and American Fork to change horses.
Daniel Wells, adjutant general of the militia and a counselor to Brigham Young
Daniel Wells, adjutant general of the militia and a counselor to Brigham Young, issues the following statement to Joseph Taylor: "On ascertaining the locality or route of the troops, proceed at once to annoy them in every possible way. Use every exertion to stampede their animals and set fire to their trains. Burn the whole country before them and on their flanks. Keep them from sleeping by night surprises . . . God bless you and give you success." A few days later, army soldier Eugene Banal reports, "On the east side of Green River we found ironworks of 25 burned wagons--chains, axles, and other wagon parts--covering the trail, on the west side of the Green River, the remains of fifty more wagons."
Decades later participants acknowledge various motivations
Decades later participants acknowledge various motivations for destroying this Missouri and Arkansas group which antagonized both Mormons and Indians of southern Utah: war hysteria that belligerent emigrants might incite California to send military force to combine with "invasion" from east by U.S. army; fear that Indians would attack isolated settlements if they didn't assist; "avenging the blood' of Missouri expulsion of 1838 and of Apostle Parley P. Pratt's recent murder; desire to plunder wagon train's property, which included 1,000 head of cattle, according to Church Historian's Office on Sept 28, 1857; and intimidation by some Mormon firebrands who threaten to "blood atone" LDS militiamen who didn't want to participate.
During tenth anniversary celebration of pioneer
During tenth anniversary celebration of pioneer arrival, Brigham Young announces the "invasion" of U.S. troops and instructs Mormons to resist militarily.
During Utah Pioneer Day, word arrives of impending invasion by the federal army
During Utah Pioneer Day, word arrives of impending invasion by the federal army.
Elder Parley P. Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve was assassinated while on a mission
Elder Parley P. Pratt of the Quorum of the Twelve was assassinated while on a mission in Arkansas.
Emigrant George Powers meets William H.
Emigrant George Powers meets William H. Dame (Colonel in Mormon militia) at Parowan and asks if he could not raise a company to relieve the besieged train at Mountain Meadows. Dame, the senior Mormon military officer in southern Utah replies, "that he could go out and take them away in safety, but he dared not; he dared not disobey counsel." Mormon militia Lt. Col. Isaac C. Haight dispatches troops from Cedar City to Mountain Meadows where most of the Paiutes have left.
Ephraim K. Hanks Mail Express departs
Ephraim K. Hanks Mail Express departs on their journey.
First counselor Heber C. Kimball prophesies
First counselor Heber C. Kimball prophesies that U.S. president James Buchanan "will die an untimely death." He dies at age 77 in 1868 same year Kimball dies at age 67.
First Counselor Heber C. Kimball publicly
First Counselor Heber C. Kimball publicly prophesies: "And the President of the United States will bow to us and come to consult the authorities of this Church to know what he had best to do for his people." Latter occurs on Jan. 31, 1964.
First of 2,500 federal troops leaves Fort Leavenworth, Kansas for Utah Territory
First of 2,500 federal troops leaves Fort Leavenworth, Kansas for Utah Territory.
First Presidency and Twelve Apostles take
First Presidency and Twelve Apostles take up "the Case of Bishop Hoagland & his wife Agnes. She brought a Complaint against him that He did not pay attention enough to her & provide will enough for her." Brigham Young gives the decision: "I do not wish to say much about this case but I think many things that I do not want to say. There is many women that care more about their Husband sleeping with them than they do about God or his kingdom & if a man was to submit to such women he would not be worth shucks in building the kingdom of God. I have got some such women & I visit them one a year or once in 3 years as I please & they may go to heaven or Hell just as they please. I shall not turn away form the work of God for any woman."
Freeman Tanner Company departs on their journey
Freeman Tanner Company departs on their journey.
Heber C. Kimball preaches
Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Some of you, ladies, that go abroad from house to house, blessing the sick, having your little circles of women come together, why are you troubling yourselves to bless and lay your hands on women, and prophesy on them, if you do not believe the principle? You make yourselves fools to say that that same power should not be on the man that has got the Priesthood, and with sisters that have not got any, only what they hold in connection will their husbands. We can tell what will come to pass; and one of you can talk in tongues and pour out your souls to God, and then one interpret; that is the course you take, and it is all right: go ahead, and God bless you and multiply blessings on you; but do not go round tattling about your husbands and talking against the Priesthood you are connected to. I do not say many of you do it; but you that do it are poor, miserable skunks."
Heber C. Kimball preaches: "How much
Heber C. Kimball preaches: "How much would you give for even a cane that Father Abraham had used? or a coat or ring that the Saviour had worn? The rough oak boxes in which the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum were brought from Carthage, were made into canes and other articles. I have a cane made from the plank of one of those boxes, so as brother Brigham and a great many others, and we prize them highly, and esteem them a great blessing. I want to carefully preserve my cane, and when I am done with it here, I shall hand it down to my heir, with instructions to him to do the same. And the day will come when there will be multitudes who will be healed and blessed through the instrumentality of those canes, and the devil cannot overcome those who have them, in consequence of their faith and confidence in the virtues connected with them."
Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Women were never placed to lead
Heber C. Kimball preaches: "Women were never placed to lead. Did you ever see a ship rigged for sailing to England, or to any other port in the world, without a helm, and rudder, and a man who knew the points of the compass and how to receive instructions for guiding that ship. And then you will sometimes see a number of boats lashed with cables to a large ships and they are all led by that ship, and that is guided by the power and intelligence on board of it; Women are made to be led, and counselled, and directed. If they are not led, and do not make their cables fast to the power and authority they are connected with, they will be damned. Instead of cutting those little fibres that pertain to those cables which connect them with the ship, they ought to be adding other strands to to the cables, that they may stand when the sea becomes boisterous. . . .Women are to be led. If I should undertake to drive a woman, I should have to drive her before me; and then she becomes my leader the moment I do that. I should lead her; and she should be led by me, if I am a good man; and if I am not a good man, I have no just right in this Church to a wife or wives, or to the power to propagate my species. What, then, should. be done with me? Make a eunuch of me, and stop my propagation."
Henry G. Boyle Company departs on their journey
Henry G. Boyle Company departs on their journey.
Hezekiah Thatcher Company departs on their journey
Hezekiah Thatcher Company departs on their journey.
Homer Duncan Company departs on their journey
Homer Duncan Company departs on their journey.
In 1857 there were 88 missionaries
In 1857 there were 88 missionaries called to serve.
In nearby Cedar City the Cedar
In nearby Cedar City the Cedar City Relief Society members are encouraged by Annabella Haight, wife of Cedar City Stake President Isaac C. Haight to "teach their sons and daughters the principles of righteousness, and to implant a desire on their hearts to avenge the blood of the Prophets."
In Salt Lake City Apostle George
In Salt Lake City Apostle George A. Smith preaches that there is "a spirit in the breasts of some at Parowan, southern Utah to wish that their enemies might come and give them a chance to fight and take vengeance for the cruelties that had been inflicted upon us in the States."