Two decades of federal pressure. Anti-polygamy laws seize Church property and send men to prison, and in 1890 Wilford Woodruff issues the Manifesto ending the practice of plural marriage. Utah becomes a state in 1896, and the Salt Lake Temple, begun forty years earlier, is dedicated in 1893.
682 entries in this era, shown 200 to a page. This is page 2 of 4, covering 1884 to 1891. See the same material on the moving timeline.
The day after he took 3 "doses" 5 grains each of Hashish (Cannibas Indica) James E. Talmage writes in his journal: "Sunday. Spent quietly. Have had no result to be noted of my physiological experiment yesterday. I do not feel inclined to try again till the end of next week--as the realization of the effects of the drug are not desirable on working days."
The Logan Temple, the second temple constructed after the Saints came west, was dedicated by President John Taylor.
The Logan Utah Temple was dedicated by John Taylor.
Thomas L. Kane, a Church friend, died in Philadelphia.
Turkish mission is created
William W. Cluff resigns as stake president rather than marry polygamously. He retains membership in Council of Fifty.
A delegation, appointed by a mass meeting held in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on May 2, met with U.S. President Grover Cleveland in the White House in Washington, D.C. They presented to the president a "Statement of Grievances and Protest" concerning injustices brought about because of the Edmunds law.
A special meeting at is held at President John Taylor's office "where a society was organized which could hold the Social Hall and prevent outsiders from seizing and confiscating it as Church property." "I Abraham H. Cannon attended another meeting at which the county and city Bishops were present to prepare for holding Church property." "Our enemies are now preparing to attack our property with a view to robbing us of our goods as well as our liberty."
An Idaho law was approved by the governor that prohibited all Mormons from voting through the device of a "test oath." The Idaho "test oath" was upheld five years later by the U.S. Supreme Court on Feb. 3, 1890.
Caroline Rockwell Smith says in a signed statement: "I heard Martin Harris say that the first part of the 'Book of Mormon' was stolen and that he thought his wife took it . . . Catherine Smith, sister of the prophet, showed me in their house a chest with lock where the plates were kept, but they feared they would be stolen, and she took up four bricks in the hearth and said they had been buried there. . . . I hope sometime it will be known whether Mormonism is true or not. My brother, Orrin Porter Rockwell, made me a visit in 1844 or '45. When ten years old he broke his leg and a young doctor in Palmyra set it so one leg was shorter than the other and it always troubled him so he could not work at farming."
Christopher Stafford, a neighbor of Joseph Smith in Manchester, NY, and brother-in-law of Orrin Porter Rockwell writes in a signed statement, "Joseph Smith was the laziest one of the family, and a dull scholar as were all the Smiths except Harrison and Catherine. . . . Joe claimed he could tell where money was buried, with a witch hazel consisting of a forked stick of hazel. He held it one fork in each hand and claimed the upper end was attracted by the money. . . . My mother-in-law Mrs. Sarah Witt Rockwell, said that the Prophet Jo Smith told her there was money buried in the ground and she spent considerable tie digging in various places for it. . . . Jo Smith told me there was a peep-stone for me and many others if we could only find them."
Delegation met with President Grover Cleveland.
Deseret News editor Charles W. Penrose incarcerated in the Utah Penitentiary for polygamy.
Extensive prosecution under the Edmunds Law continued in both Utah and Idaho. Many who practiced polygamy were imprisoned, while others fled into exile, some to Mexico in 1885 and to Canada in 1887. Many Church leaders involved in plural marriage went into hiding, which was referred to as the "underground." Similar conditions continued for the next few years. These years are sometimes called the years of the "Crusade."
Five daily newspapers operating in Salt Lake City.
Idaho law approved prohibiting Mormons from voting via a "test oath."
In 1885 there were 235 missionaries called to serve.
In a meeting of apostles "Bros. Brigham Young Jr. and Moses Thatcher reported their trip to Mexico. They had been well treated by all they had met. The Secretaries of state and the interior were very kind and desired our people to move into their country."
John Taylor delivered his last public sermon before going "underground."
Served short-term mission to Native Americans in northwestern United States.
John Taylor tells Abraham H. Cannon, "It seems that some so-called Saints in various parts of the country are beginning to weaken and talk of compromise. Some of the leading men in Idaho are even in this frame of mind. Such talk is an evidence to me of utter lack of faith in God and His promises." Five years later WIlford Woodruff issues the Manifesto.
Went into self-imposed exile, with headquarters in St. George, Utah.
Mormon colonists in Mexico are ordered by the chief magistrate of Casas Grandes to leave the country by this date. Church leaders appeal to Mexican President Porfirio Diaz who has already decided to let the Mormons stay and has fired the official who issued the expulsion order.
President John Taylor delivered his last public sermon in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. It was also his last appearance in public before he went to the "underground."
Sylvia Walker, former neighbor of Joseph Smith in Manchester, states in a signed statement, "I have been at their the Smiths house. They were the lowest family I ever knew. They worked very little and had the reputation of stealing everything they could lay their hands on. Old Joe Joseph Smith Sr. was very intemperate."
1885 Church Membership 164,130
The U.S. Supreme Court annulled the "test oath" formulated by the Utah Commission, thus restoring the right to vote to Saints in the territory.
Wilford Woodruff records "I dreamed last night I was arested by 2 Marshal for Cohabitation with my wives. This is the 2d time I have dreamed this."
After receiving word during a visit to California that federal officials had ordered his arrest for practicing polygamy, returned to Salt Lake City.
A mass meeting of 2,000 LDS women assembled in the Salt Lake Theater to protest the abuse heaped upon them by the federal courts and to protest the loss of their vote.
A month after church leaders in Mexico City finalized the purchase of about 20,000 acres of Northern Mexico from the Ignacio G. del Campo Company. The jefe Politico, the judges, and a Catholic priest from Casas Grandes, the county seat twelve miles away, join the Mormons in their celebration of the birthday of the Mexican patriot, Benito Juarez. On which occasion they named their town "Colonia Juarez."
Brigadier General Patrick Edward Connor tells Wilhelm Wylon that Orrin Porter Rockwell used to tell him "many of the horrible deeds he had committed for the church. Among other things he told me once that HE HAD SHOT BOGGS. 'I shot through the window; said he,'and thought I had killed him, but I had only wounded him; I was damned sorry that I had not killed the son of a b—!'"
By appointment of First Presidency, Charles O. Card begins mission to North-West Territories (now Alberta Province), Canada, to find refuge for polygamous Mormons to escape arrest. This is origin of Mormon settlements in Cardston Alberta, Canada, where settlers arrive on June 1, 1887.
Court sentences Frank J. Cannon to three months' imprisonment and $150 fine for instructing his 16-year-old brother Hugh J. Cannon to physically attack Prosecuting Attorney Dickson following arrest of their father, George Q. Cannon. Frank becomes U.S. Senator from Utah (1896-98). Fined $35 in 1886, Hugh grows up to become general board member (1896-1931), mission president (1901-1904), and stake president (1904-25).
David Whitmer in an interview, which appeared in the CHICAGO INTER-OCEAN states: "The first 116 pages when completed were by permission of the prophet intrusted to the hands of Martin Harris, who carried them home to his incredulous relatives in triumph, hoping by the exhibition to convert his family and kinfolk from their uncompromising hostility to the religious premises he had adopted. Upon retiring at night he locked up the precious pages in a bureau drawer, along with his money and other valuables. In the morning he was shocked to find that they had been stolen, while his money had been left untouched. They were never found and were never replaced, so that the Book of Mormon is today minus just 116 pages of the original matter, which would increase the volume fully one-fourth of its present size. This unpardonable carelessness evoked the stormiest kind of chastisement from the Lord, who took from the prophet the Urim and Thummim and otherwise expressed his condemnation. By fervent prayer and by otherwise humbling himself, the prophet, however, again found favor, and was presented with a strange, oval-shaped, chocolate-colored stone, about the size of an egg, only more flat, which, it was promised, should serve the same purpose as the missing Urim and Thummim (the latter was a pair of transparent stones set in a bow-shaped frame and very much resembled a pair of spectacles). With this stone all of the present Book of Mormon was translated."
DESERET NEWS editorial in support of George Q. Cannon's forfeiting bond to become fugitive from justice: "No one believes he would have had a fair trial." Editorial adds: "And our slandering enemies need not talk about Church funds being used for this purpose, either. It is none of their business anyhow."
First Counselor George Q. Cannon does not appear in court and forfeits a $45,000 bond. He and Church president John Taylor become wanted fugitives.
First Seventy President Abraham H. Cannon writes: "There have been two windows left out of west end of the Salt Lake Temple through an error of the architect which will most likely necessitate the taking down of the wall for 20 ft. Order was given yesterday to stop laying stone now until a decision was reached about this matter. It is a most egregious error. "
In 1886 there were 209 missionaries called to serve.
Isaac C. Haight dies in Arizona, fully reinstated in church sixteen years after his excommunication for ordering Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Journal of Discourses ceases publication in Liverpool, England.
Led Church as President of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Mass meeting of two thousand LDS women protested in the Salt Lake Theater.
Philo Dibble tells meeting of high priests that "Joseph Smith had been to Prest John Taylor and conversed with him in his body about the crusade against us, and that he felt grieved at the course his son Joseph III was taking." Joseph Smith III preaches in Utah (June 17 Dec. 21, 1885). This vision occurs during one of the nights Taylor stays at John Carlisle house: July 14, Sept. 28 Oct. 1, 1885, or Jan. 10-19, 1886.
Statue of Liberty dedicated in New York Harbor.
1886 Church Membership 166,653
The first Church meeting was held in the first meetinghouse built in Mexico on the Piedras Verdes River in the settlement of Colonia Juarez in northern Mexico.
This translation of Ko Te Pukapuka a Moromona was done for New Zealand. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from the French people symbolizing the friendship between the United States and France, was dedicated in New York Harbor.
U.S. officials at Staten Island, New York, send immigrants back to England because they are Mormons. They board next ship, conceal their religion and destination, pass through American customs, and arrive in Salt Lake City on Oct. 27. For next several years, European immigrants conceal their LDS religion and Utah destination.
Wilford Woodruff writes: "I was taken with a vary strange turn. I turned almost Blind & speechless & lost my Memory. It Came on & went off gradually. It lasted about 30 Minutes. I dont know whether it was paralises or not."
After conversation with senior apostle Wilford Woodruff, apostle Heber J. Grant while still unaware of President Taylor's death writes: "Prest. Woodruff said he would be willing to have junior apostle Joseph F. Smith made Prest of the Church provided the quorum of the apostles should wish it but as near as I could judge he had no idea that such a thing would be done. . . .I know that some of the members of our quorum are of the opinion that in case of the reorganization of the First Presidency after the death of President Teylor and before the death of President Woodruff that Brother Woodruff must be made the President. I have no such a feeling. I feel that President Joseph F. Smith will succeed President Taylor if the First Presidency is reorganized."
Beginning of series of meetings in which nearly half of Twelve qaccuse George Q. Cannon of abusing his authority a counselor.
Charles O. Card led a contingent to southern Alberta, Canada.
Charles O. Card, leading a contingent of eight families, pitched camp on Lee's Creek in southern Alberta, marking the beginning of the Mormon settlements in Canada. Under instructions from President John Taylor, a gathering place for Latter-day Saints in Canada was selected, and on June 17 a site was chosen for what later became Cardston.
Church property confiscated under the Edmunds-Tucker Act.
David Whitmer finishes his booklet AN ADDRESS TO ALL BELIEVERS IN CHIRST.
Edmunds-Tucker Act becomes law, disincorporating the Church and abolishing women's suffrage in Utah.
First Counselor George Q. Cannon calls a meeting of a committee of apostles. "President Cannon stated that President Taylor's health was in such a precarious condition that he was utterly incapable of attending to business natters; and stated that it was necessary for us, as leading officials in the Church, to take such actions regarding financial and other matters as we considered for the best interest of the people, without consulting President Taylor. President Cannon referred to Brother John W. Taylor as to the condition of his father, Brother Taylor having recently paid him a visit, and he (Brother Taylor) endorsed the statement of President Cannon to the effect that President Taylor was utterly incapable of attending to business matters." Cannon asks for and receives $2000 from the Church to help the ailing OGDEN HERALD. Later, Moses Thatcher comments to Apostle Heber J. Grant that Cannon's transactions might need to be investigated later since, he claimed to have learned, they were not all "as straight as they might have been"
First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall records: "Deputy Marshals were at Farmington this afternoon. . . . A very remarkable instance of Prest. Taylor's will and nerve was manifest this evening. On his learning that we had been informed of these Deputies, whilst he could not stand up alone, he asked respecting them and on being further informed, he said, "Stand them off, boys, stand them off; we have our rights and will maintain them, go for them from the beginning."
Former Palmyra, N. Y. resident Mrs. S. F. Anderick swears in a affidavit: "Uncle Earl's farm was four miles south of Palmyra village, and his house was nearly opposite old Jo Smith's, father of the Mormon prophet. Old Jo was dissipated. He and his son Hyrum worked some at coopering. Hyrum was the only son sufficiently educated to teach school. I attended when he taught in the log schoolhouse east of uncle's.. . . . They cleared the timber from only a small part of their farm, and never paid for the land. They tried to live without work. I have often heard the neighbors say they did not know how the Smiths lived, they earned so little money. The farmers who lived near the Smiths had many sheep and much poultry stolen. They often sent officers to search the premises of the Smiths for stolen property, who usually found the house locked. It was said the creek near the house of the Smiths was lined with the feet and heads of sheep. Uncle's children were all sons, and they played with Smith's younger children, I associated much with Sophronia Smith, the oldest daughter, as she was the only girl near my age who lived in our vicinity. I often accompanied her, Hyrum, and young Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, to apple parings and parties. Jo was pompous, pretentious and active at parties. He claimed, when a young man, he could tell where lost or hidden things and treasures were buried or located with a forked witch hazel. He deceived many farmers, and induced them to dig nights for chests of gold, when the pick struck the chest, someone usually spoke, and Jo would say the enchantment was broken, and the chest would leave. Williard Chase, a Methodist who lived about two miles from uncle's, while digging a well, found a gray smooth stone about the size and shape of an egg. Sallie, Williard's sister, also a Methodist, told me several times that young Jo Smith, who became the Mormon prophet, often came to inquire of her where to dig for treasures. She told me she would place the stone in a hat and hold it to her face, and claimed things would be brought to her view. Sallie let me have it several times, but I never could see anything in or through it. I heard that Jo obtained it and called it a peep-stone, which he used in the place of the witch hazel. Uncle refused to let Jo dig on his farm. I have seen many holes where he dug on other farms."
General conference sustains Quorum of Twelve Apostles as "prophets, seers & revelators," title "omitted by mistake for several conferences past."
In 1887 there were 282 missionaries called to serve.
In San Francisco Apostle John Henry Smith "In returning to the hotel . . . came down Dupont Street, the heart of the Demimond of the City and was astonished at the brazen effrontery of the girls."
John Taylor dies on "the Underground." Because of his wounds in Carthage Jail and his death in exile, counselors George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith write: "To-day he occupies the place of a double martyr. PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR has been killed by the cruelty of officials who have, in this Territory, misrepresented the government of the United States . . . who, with insensate hate, have offered rewards for his arrest and hounded him to the grave."
Manti Utah Temple dedicated in private services.
John Taylor writes to Eliza Platt, "If you will send us a recommend for yourself, properly signed, I will endorse it for your deceased husband, yourself and his deceased wife to receive your second anointings. I hear that your son is a worthy young man, but he ought to have more experience and had more opportunities that age brings before receiving this important and sacred ordinance. You will, therefore, have to select some person who has already had his second anointings to act as proxy for your husband."
John Taylor, third president of the Church, dies.
Justus Morse swears in an affidavit that he had listened to Smith authorize a Danite meeting in Missouri to "suck the milk of the gentiles." Morse, who remained loyal to the prophet throughout his life, added that Smith explained "that we had been injured by the mob in Missouri, and to take from the gentiles was no sin." Morse also recalls that he and others were directed to assist each other when in difficulty by lying, "and to do it with such positiveness and assurance that no one would question our testimony."
L. John Nuttall writes of President John Taylors condition: "Prest. Taylor had a very bad night. Appeared to have some pain. His tongue is swelled & he has some canker in his mouth. . . . He is declining, merely sips a little brandy & water at intervals." Taylor's two counselors, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith send a telegram to leaders in Provo: "The precarious condition of President Taylor's health, suggests to us that elaborate festivities and rejoicings are not what the Saints should indulge in on the approaching 24th as they would be inappropriate under the circumstances."
L. John Nuttall writes: " President. Taylor spent a poor night. He does not seem much different this morning, only weaker. Dr. Anderson spoke last evening of administering hyperdermic injections of Digitalis, which he said would only give him temporary relief in the action of the heart. The Sisters Taylor and President. Cannon did not favor this, as the President had so opposed anything of the kind being done for him while he was able to speak for himself. The doctor this morning after examining the President, said he might live a week or ten days or he might drop off today or at any time."
L. John Nuttall, President John Taylor's secretary, records: " Pres. Taylor arose early this morning, and dressed and sat with his clothes on most of the day. He said he was some better and felt quite hopeful. He, however, don't eat anything Sister Pricilla Jennings sent a letter accompanied by two bottles of homemade wine to the President. He tasted the wine and seemed to enjoy it."
L. John Nuttall, secretary to President John Taylor writes in his diary: "Pres. Taylor's wives spent most of the day with him, but he was not able to converse with them and only occasionally recognized them. About 7 o'clock he seemed to have a sinking spell, but rallied again. He has no pain but gradually growing weaker, as he takes no food.'
L. John Nuttall, Secretary to the President John Taylor, writes in his journal: "Pres. Taylor is much weaker this morning; he refused to take his usual bath. He does not partake of any nourishment, excepting a little wine and a glass of beer occasionally."
More than 85,000 Mormon immigrants had come to Utah by this date.
Part of First Presidency and Twelve meet for "eleven hours and tried every way to cut and contrive a way to keep our property. It was decided to fight the law by proving that there was no Church Incorporation and for fear of a decision against us, it was decided to loose all of the property."
President John Taylor died at age seventy-eight.
President John Taylor died while in "exile" at Kaysville, Utah, at age 78. The Quorum of Twelve Apostles assumed leadership of the Church until 1889.
SALT LAKE TRIBUNE responds in an editorial to the previous day's charge by George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith that John Taylor was "killed by the cruelty of those officials who have in this Territory misrepresented the government of the United States." The TRIBUNE states: "George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith seized upon the opportunity presented by the death of a worn-out old man to grossly slander some gentlemen whose only crime has been their efforts to perform their official duties under their oaths. There has not been one moment during the past two and a half years that John Taylor could not have shaken all fear of Federal officials by simply appearing before the District Court and promising to henceforth obey the laws."
Secretary to President Taylor John Nuttall records: "Prests. Cannon and Smith went into the President's room and were with him and they alone. When President Cannon told President Taylor of Brother Joseph F's arrival and presence, and that now the First Presidency are again together for the first time since December 1884. President Taylor said, though scarcely conscious, 'I feel to thank the Lord.' He appeared to recognize Prest. Smith."
St. George temple president and president of Twelve Apostles Wilford Woodruff "conversed with Br J. D. T. McAllister concerning being sealed for the dead. He thought the courts would require us to record in the Probate Courts office all sealings for the dad as well as for the living so I let the matter rest until we heard the opinion of President Taylor."
1887 Church Membership 173,029
The Apostles meet: "The Committee on Wages reported and the report was read and received. Presiding Bishop William B. Preston made a recommend that the Twelve be put on the same footing as to pay. After consideration, the allowance for the Twelve and Bishopric was fixed at $3,000.00 each."
The Edmunds-Tucker Act passed Congress, and it became law without the signature of U.S. President Grover Cleveland. Among other stringent provisions, the law disincorporated the Church, dissolved the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company and escheated its property to the government, abolished female suffrage, and provided for the confiscation of practically all the property of the Church.
Twelve authorizes First Presidency to complete its arrangements for pro-Mormon coverage from "the leading papers in New York, & other cities" by paying various newspaper editors $75,000 cash in advance, plus added $70,000 after Utah gains statehood.
Twenty-five of Heber C. Kimball's sixty-five children pose for a photograph on their late father's 86th birthday. Kimball had forty-three wives but had children by only seventeen of them.
Under provisions of the Edmunds-Tucker Act, suits were filed against the Church and the Perpetual Emigrating Fund Company, and Church property was confiscated. A receiver for the property was appointed in November 1887, but the government allowed the Church to rent and occupy certain offices and the temple block.
Wilford Woodruff and Quorum of Twelve vote to accept George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith into their original ranking following their release as counselors to John Taylor. First time this is necessary at death of church president.
Wilford Woodruff and Twelve formally establish fixed salaries for themselves. Previous to this apostles negotiated individually with Trustee-in-Trust for allotments according to their needs. At this meeting Joseph F. Smith prefers old system and comments that "it was repugnant to the people to have the 12 draw a salary." Not long after this meeting, apostles set the "annuity" of Presiding Patriarch at rate exactly one-third of annual allotment for each apostle. Church members also give patriarch $2 for each patriarchal blessing.
Wilford Woodruff notes the cost for the yet uncompleted Manti Temple: "Total up to date $890,662.95. Almost one half of this Expense was in Moving a Mountain to get a place to build a Temple on." Brigham Young had said that the site had been chosen by Moroni.
Wilford Woodruff writes: "I have a large stout man who goes with me every where night and day carries 2 pistols & a double barrel shot gun and sayes sic he will shoot the marshals if they come to take me (Don't tell anybody this) so I am well garded sic . . ."
Wilford Woodruff, President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles writes to Apostle Heber J. Grant "in answer to his question 'do you know of any reason in Case of the death of the President of the Church why the Twelve Apostles should not Choose some other Person besides the President of the Twelve to be the President of the Church?'" Woodruff "answered him that I have several vary strong reasons why they should not." Four months later the church president, John Taylor, dies. It takes almost two years after Taylor's death for a new first presidency to be formed. In 1918 Heber J. Grant cites this same letter to assure his own uninterrupted ascendancy to the Presidency of the Church which had been challenged by Church Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith.
Died in the Thomas Rouech home in Kaysville, Utah.
After the temple dedication the Twelve meet and "conversed in regard to adultery and what course to pursue when men confess their wrong doing and no other persons but the guilty parties know in regard to it. It was agreed the parties should be protected and told to report and renew their Covenants."
Church instructed stakes to establish academies.
Electric lights come into general use in Salt Lake City.
First Presidency and Twelve apostles meet and "voted not to form any more Quorums of seventies and not to ordain any more seventies at the present."
First Presidency and Twelve meet and "spent the whole day in Council the same as the other 2 days hearing Accusation against Apostle George Q Cannon. The same Accusation over & over again."
First Presidency secretary L. John Nuttall writes: "I spoke to Prest. Woodruff respecting Peter W. Cownover of Provo obtaining his Second anointings. He told me to write to him informing him that he can have those blessings upon submitting his recommend properly signed."
First Presidency Secretary L.John Nuttall writes: "After our meeting the brethren met to consider the meetings of the Womens suffrage association &c commencing next Sunday and see if arrangements cannot be made to keep them from speaking against Utah and her people. Bro. Caine was requested to see Miss Susan B. Anthony on this subject tomorrow."
In 1888 there were 242 missionaries called to serve.
In absence of a First Presidency Wilford Woodruff answers some doctrinal questions in a letter to Bishop S. A. Woolley: "You ask whether a person who has once been married in the Endowment House or Temple, and is left a widow or a widower, com mit adultery by marrying again when the ceremony is performed by a justice of the peace or civil officer. There is a manifest impropriety, which every Latter-day Saint who has had his or her endowments should perceive, in such a person going to a civil officer to have a ceremony of marriage performed. The fact that such a person does so is an evidence that he or she is falling away, because if in good standing a recommendation could be obtained for the Temple, where the ceremony could be performed according to the order which God has instituted. But a person marrying under such circumstances does not commit adultery. You ask some other questions concerning how many living wives a man must have to fulfil the law. When a man, according to the revelation, marries a wife under the holy order which God has revealed and then marries another in the same way, he enters into the new and everlasting covenant, and so far as he has gone he has obeyed the law. I know of no requirement which makes it necessary for a man to have three living wives at a time."
In Quorum of Twelve meeting, Apostle Erastus Snow says that apostles Wilford Woodruff and George Q. Cannon are "men worshippers and sycophants." Woodruff replies, "While Brother Cannon is charged with Nepotism, you go to St. George and the offices in that region are nearly all filled by his Erastus Snow's boys." Woodruff writes in his diary: "I never saw as much bitterness manifest against one good man by 5 Apostles since the days of the Apostate Twelve against the Prophet Joseph in Kirtland . . ."
James E. Talmage writes: "In the evening according to previous appointment, I went to Springville to lecture there under the auspices of the Improvement Associations, on the subject of "Nature and Nature's God." I have been requested by the Springville people, since before the time of the accident to my eye, that I should speak in that place on "Evolution" as a partial offset to the tendency of certain atheistical doctrine there through the teachings of a certain Dr. York. The subject was treated tonight according to my poor ability under the title first above named. I trust it did some good…" Talmage was sympathetic to evolutionary theory but held that it did not lead to atheism.
L. John Nuttall records: "It was a very warm day today. I have felt warm all through me and heavily oppressed. I was forced to take off my garments--they being woollen were too warm. I did not feel able to work. . . . I walked out this evening. Mrs. Caine let me have a pair of Bro. Caines light garments which I put on."
Letter of Wilford Woodruff and apostles establish annual salaries for stake presidents and end President John Taylor's provisions for local bishops to receive fixed percentage (8 percent) and stake presidents (2 percent) of collected tithing as salary. Until 1896 stake committee apportions this 10 percent of tithing between stake tithing clerk and bishops. On same day apostles approve salary for First Council of Seventy, to which one of its members responds: "I would prefer to receive no salary."
Built over eleven years by local labor on a limestone hill visible for miles, with twin towers and hand-painted murals.
Manti Utah Temple was dedicated 17 May 1888 by Wilford Woodruff.
Nevada Supreme Court declares unconstitutional Nevada's law which denies vote to anyone "who is a member of or belings to the 'Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,' commonly called the 'Mormon Church'. . ."
Samoan mission is created
1888 Church Membership 180,294
The Church General Board of Education sent a letter instructing each stake to establish an academy for secondary education. From 1888 to 1909, 35 academies were established in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Arizona, Mexico and Canada. The academy in Rexburg, Idaho, later became Ricks College and then BYU-Idaho.
The Deseret Weekly replaces the weekly Deseret News.
The first celluloid film, Roundhay Garden Scene, made by Louis Le Prince in Great Britain.
The Manti Temple was dedicated in a private service by President Wilford Woodruff of the Quorum of the Twelve; a public service was held May 21.
The Manti Utah Temple was dedicated by Lorenzo Snow.
Twelve Apostles meet and "we continued our talk over our little troubles with Bro. George Q. Cannon and finally came to an understanding and forgave each other."
While in temple, Woodruff "Consecrated upon the Altar the brown seers Stone that Joseph Smith found by Revelation some 30 feet under the earth."
Wilford Woodruff and apostles approve sending $20,000 to bribe Democratic members of Congress to help Utah Mormon cause.
Wilford Woodruff officially proposes organizing First Presidency. He writes in his journal: "I am sorry to have to record in my Journal that there is quite a Division in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles." After three days of meetings in which apostles oppose proposal and "most of the younger Brethren are Bringing Accusations against George Q Cannon" in particular, Woodruff formally withdraws motion on Mar. 23. At this time the Church has been without a first presidency for eight months.
Wilford Woodruff records in his journal: "I went to the Theater in the Evening & saw Uncle Toms Cabbin. Did not like it."
Wilford Woodruff writes to "President Daniel H. Wells:... You mentioned the name of Brother Lewis Anderson, assistant Recorder. I infer that he is a young man: I have felt impressed not to grant permission for this ordinance (2nd Anointing) to be administered to any but aged and faithful men, and if you can get along without administering this ordinance to him, it would be better.
Sustained as second counselor to President Wilford Woodruff.
With no First Presidency formed yet the Quorum of Apostles meets and "vote to restore to George Q. Cannon and Brigham Young Jr. $6,666.66 which they paid in the Settlement of the Suit against the Church" in regards to Brigham Young's estate. It is decided that no accrued interest should be paid Cannon and Young.
This edition was created in Liverpool, England and was compiled by George Teasdale. There were 356 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was edition number 20.
This edition was created in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and was compiled by Careless, Beesley, Daynes, Stephens, Griggs. There were 330 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was edition number 1.
At Parowan stake priesthood meeting " The name of Wm. Marsden was submitted to the Priesthood for Stake Patriarch and 51 voted in his favor and 65 against him. James Dalley was submitted to the people for Patriarch and unanimously received by vote."
At priesthood leadership meeting, President Wilford Woodruff prophesies, "In the name of Israel's God there shall be no peace in the nation. There is no need to look for prosperity and peace because it will not come."
Church pruchases ranch in Skull Valley, Tooele county, Utah for Hawaiian Mormon immigrants. They name the community Iosepa (Joseph). Colony continues until 1917.
Conference sustains Wilford Woodruff as church president with George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as counselors. They are not set apart or ordained.
DESERET NEWS describes as "Organized Tyranny" a labor strike at construction site of Zion's Savings Bank. "We feel ashamed to know that many of these men who have combined in this improper manner are 'Mormons,'" NEWS observes. "On general principles we are opposed to 'strikes,' because they usually result in much more harm than good to all parties affected and are often started on incorrect principles."
First Counselor in the First Presidency George Q. Cannon preaches: " We are commanded to be subject to the direction of the Holy Spirit when we arise to speak; for if we speak as we should do, it is not we who speak, but it is the Spirit of God which speaks through us. On this account, the Elders of the Church do not, at least as a rule, prepare themselves before hand with either written or memorized sermons, for if they were to do so, they would depart from the order of heaven, and would prove utter failures."
First Presidency Secretary L. John Nuttall records in his journal: "Prest. Joseph F. Smith had some very plain talk with Bro. Angus M. Cannon in regard to his persistent claim to the land known as the Barn Lot, west of the Lion House, which Bro. Cannon claims he purchased, bonafide. While Pres. Smith claims (it) was only in trust for its safety to the church. Pres. M. Thatcher and Bp. Wm. B. Preston held the same views as Bro. Smith and repudiated Bro. Cannon's claim. No decision was arrived at."
General Authority Abraham H. Cannon writes of his father's First Counselor in First Presidency George Q. Cannon gospel teachings to him (1) "That all men, even the sons of perdition, will be resurrected." (2) "That Jesus Christ is Jehovah". (3) "That Adam is His Father and our God". (4) That under certain unknown conditions the benefits of the Savior's atonement extend to our solar system."
Hubert Bancroft, Author of HISTORY OF UTAH meets with First Presidency and others. Apostle Franklin D. Richards writes that Bancroft "expressed himself quite willing & desirous to make any corrections or alterations that we might desire all was soon done. It was also decided to purchase 1000 copies for distribution by the Church."
Ida Wright testifies her husband John rose from dead after priesthood administration by elders. He spoke to family four hours and then lay back and died.
In 1889 there were 249 missionaries called to serve.
John M. Whitaker writes: "Today also I received a long telegram from brother Carl G. Maeser, Provo, stating that serious charges had been preferred against one of Brother Young's sons, Brigham Young Jr. and to come down at once. . . . We went at once to Brother Maeser's home where I was introduced to his charming daughter, and after supper, he took us to Dr. Hamberg's home, the man from whom Brigham had stolen, and here he told us how it all happened: That when Brigham came from the canyon, to his home where he boarded, Brigham secured a key to the cellar, took wine and treated his two young friends, until they were all drunk, and then he entered Mr. Smart's little store, took $20.00, some cigars, perfume and other things; that later he was arrested by the sheriff, and tried to put the blame on others, but was placed under bonds for trial."
Sustained as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Laroy Harris of Glendale, son of Silas Harris, called and represented that he had received manifestations calling to go to Tonto Basin, Arizona, and there obtain the Plates of Nephi which have not been translated. That he was directed to come to the Presidency of the Church to be ordained and set apart for this work. After conversing with him by Pres. Woodruff and Cannon, Prest. Woodruff told him that he had not received any manifestations of this kind and he did not (think) those that Bro. Harris had received were from the right source. It was not necessary for him to be ordained to get those plates. Bro. Harris insisted that he was not mistaken, but no further action was taken.
Sustained as President of the Church.
Northern States mission is created
President Wilford Woodruff "went with Bros. Geo Q Cannon F D Richards & H J Grant to the uncompleted Salt Lake Temple to decide in regard to the steps at the main entrances East & west. I went up onto the roof of the Temple and examined it. Decided on the Steps. Also examined the opening for an Elevator."
President Wilford Woodruff and counselor George Q. Cannon visits the Utah Territorial Penitentiary, "There were over 100 of the Saints there including a Dozon Bishops. They all looked Clean & Comfortable for a Prision."
President Wilford Woodruff was sustained as fourth president of the Church, with Presidents George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as counselors.
Secretary to the First Presidency L. John Nuttall records: "Bro. Fred W. Taylor called and expressed his desires to go to New York for the purpose of entering some college there to study and graduate in Medicine and Surgery, and wished the counsel and sanction of the Presidency. The brethren consented to his going for the propose desired, and hoped he would be firm to the principles of his religion, and not allow his studies or associations to weaken his faith in the Gospel. I suggested to him if he found there was any possibility of his losing his faith, that he come home right away."
1889 Church Membership 183,144
The Endowment House in Salt Lake City was torn down.
The first Relief Society general conference was held in the Assembly Hall in Salt Lake City. Twenty stakes were represented.
The Latter Day Saints' Psalmody published — first hymnal to include words and music.
This translation of Het Boek van Mormon was done for Netherlands, Flanders. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The Young Woman's Journal first published (Susa Young Gates, editor).
The Young Woman's Journal, official organ of the Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association, began publication. It was merged with the Improvement Era in 1929.
Wilford Woodruff was sustained as the fourth Church president.
Wilford Woodruff writes in his journal: "I was suffering from a deadly faintness. Brother Cannon laid his hands upon my head and administered in prayer. I received much benifit therefrom, as well as a cup of tea which I drank. . . . While the team stopped to water at one place there was an old couple who had what appeared to be a favorite dog. Just as the Coach was starting from the water trough Mr Badlam Said to the old gentleman 'look out for your dog!' At the same time Mr Swan made cries such as a dog would utter if he were run over. It was very laughable to see the faces of the old people. They thought their dog was being killed under the wheels of the coach."
Wilford Woodruff writes to George Terry (Shoshone chief and Mormon Elder): "We fully expect that the Lamanites . . . will receive many manifestations in the last days . . . It is probable that they will receive the ministrations of perhaps the three Nephites.... But the description which you give to the narration of these Indians who have seen these supernatural things, does not inspire us with much confidence. Great care has to be taken not to allow a wrong spirit to prevail among those people for their tendency, as we understand, is to accept alleged supernatural manifestations with a great deal of credulity." Terry had written Woodruff that "the Lord is working amongst them and has sent heavenly messengers, and that great events are about to take place."
Issued the Manifesto.
Young Woman's Journal began publication.
"Manifesto" is issued regarding plural marriage.
This edition was created in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and was compiled by an unknown person. There were 369 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was edition number 20.
A meeting of the Twelve Apostles is called by Lorenzo Snow with the agenda of achieving greater unity among themselves. Moses Thatcher says, "The hope of our becoming one has given me more joy than anything I can think of. If we can become as one it will be a glorious thing. The First Presidency are one and if we can become one and then become one with the First Presidency it will be the beginning of the establishment of the Kingdom of God, preparatory for the coming of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ . . ." Thatcher is dropped from the Quorum in 1896.
An apostle asks "how the Son of God was begotten," and Lorenzo Snow tells apostles, "that he was begotten just the same as you and I were or as our sons are."
Both U.S. Senate and House propose bills to disfranchise all Mormons. With delaying tactics by Mormon allies in Congress, these two bills make slow progress into summer, but Supreme Court decision in Feb. 1890 assures eventual enactment.
Canada's Dominion Parliament passes the Thompson Bill defining polygamy as a crime.
DESERET WEEKLY NEWS reports that Jesus Christ appeared recently to Indian delegations gathered near Walker Lake and "showed scars on his hands and feet where he said the people had driven spikes, nailing him to the cross. He also had a bad wound in his side, where he said a spear had pierced his flesh."
Federal grand jury in Idaho indicts 153 ex-Mormons for voting in recent election.
Federal officials indicate that they intend to confiscate LDS temples. Presidents Woodruff and Cannon soon leave for San Francisco to avoid subpoena to testify.
First Presidency and apostles agree to loan $5,000 to Church of Christ, Temple Lot, as mortgage on part of their property in Independence, Missouri. Elder Hall of this "Hedrickite" group originally offers seven lots for $20,000 mortgage.
First Presidency publicly establishes Religion Classes. America's first experiment in separate weekday religious training for public school students. This elementary level program merges with LDS Primary program in May 1929. Seminaries for LDS high school students are spin-off which lasts longer than the innovative Religion Classes.
First Presidency sets apart John Hafen, Lorus Pratt, and John B. Fairbanks as "art missionaries" to study in France in order to paint murals in interior of Salt Lake temple. They reach Paris on July 24. They are joined by Edwin Evans and Herman H. Haag. Enrolled in Julian Acadamy, the art missionaries return to Salt Lake City in 1892 and complete the temple murals. They are not first formally trained Mormon artists, because C. C. A. Christensen (b. 1831) and Danquart A. Weggeland (b. 1827) borh trained at Royal Academy of Art in Copenhagen. Contemporary with these art missionaries are three Julian Academy sculptors of Mormon background. Brigham Young's grandson Mahonri M. Young wins silver medal at Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, creates statue of Brigham Young in U. S. Capitol, and sculpts Salt Lake Temple Square monuments to Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and Miracle of the Seagulls. Cyrus E. Dallin wins gold medal at Panama Exposition and sculpts Angel Moroni statue atop Salt Lake temple and also creates pioneer monument. Least identified with his Mormon parentage of the three, Gutzon Borglum designs and sculpts Mt. Rushmore National Memorial.
George Reynolds is sustained as first convicted felon to become general authority.
In 1890 there were 283 missionaries called to serve.
In a meeting of Apostles who discuss the recently released Manifesto of Wilford Woodruff Heber J. Grant says, "I approve of the Manifesto and feel that it is merely a public announcement of the course which we had already in our private councils decided to adopt and this being the case I do not know why we should not receive any possible benefits which may arise from a public declaration. Yet I believe greater trouble will follow the prominent Elders in the Church through the adoption of this policy. If this plan had been accepted in the beginning of this crusade the nation would not have been tried as it has been and would not be worthy of condemnation such as it now merits, hence I feel this has come at a proper time." Apostle Franklin D. Richards notes, "how the Lord had suspended the operations of His laws in various occasions & held the enemies of his Church responsible for the same."
In Thatcher, Arizona, a church court presided over by two apostles considers charges against Stake President Christopher Layton: "charged Bro. Layton with using ardent spirits and using profane language and of associating with bad men at Tucson." The first two charges are "fairly well proven" and "fairly well sustained" respectively but the third charge "fell to the ground. Bro. C. Layton confessed wrongdoing and asked forgiveness, which was granted." He is not removed from his position as stake president.
LDS political newspaper SALT LAKE HERALD condemns "the scheme of the conspirators to consummate the political debauchery of making Utah a Republican state."
More than 6,000 missionaries leave the Intermountain West to proselyte worldwide.
Under federal prosecution and the seizure of Church property, President Wilford Woodruff announces an end to new plural marriages. Utah is admitted as a state in 1896.
Official Declaration 1, discontinuing plural marriage, was announced.
Official Declaration OD—1 was given to Wilford Woodruff (declaration) in matters relating to thecessation of plural marriage
Official Declaration—1 issued by Wilford Woodruff, officially ending the practice of polygamy.
President Wilford Woodruff issued the "Manifesto," now included in the Doctrine and Covenants as Official Declaration — 1, that declared that no new plural marriages had been entered into with Church approval in the past year, denied that plural marriage had been taught during that time, declared the intent of the president of the Church to submit to the constitutional law of the land, and advised members of the Church to refrain from contracting any marriage forbidden by law.
President Wilford Woodruff's Manifesto ending plural marriage accepted at General Conference.
The "Manifesto" was unanimously accepted by vote in general conference. This marked the beginning of reconciliation between the Church and the United States, which effectively paved the way to statehood for Utah a little more than five years later.
1890 Church Membership 188,263
The Conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Chior is Evan Stephens. Directed the choir for its first recording, and was the first employed full-time.
The DESERET WEEKLY NEWS states, concerning the recently issued Manifesto, "There is nothing in President Woodruff's declaration in regard to faith, or doctrine, or tenets, but it contains a volume in a few words as to practice."
This translation of O le Tusi a Mamona was done for Samoa. Reference information: Anderson, Kai A. (June 1997), "In His Own Language", Liahona: 29,
The First Presidency sent a letter to stake presidents and bishops directing that a week-day religious education program be established in every ward where there was not a Church school. It was recommended that classes be taught, under the direction of the Church's General Board of Education, after school hours or on Saturdays .
U.S. Senate bill to deny all Mormons any right to homestead public lands.
U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Edmunds-Tucker Act and confiscation of LDS properties ruling that the LDS church had engaged in illegal activities; committee of U.S. Senate recommends disfranchisement bill. President Wilford Woodruff writes "The Supreme Court of the United States Decided to day Against the Church . . . .This is turning the Last key that will seal the Condemnation of this Nation."
Utah population about 211,000; 70 percent of white residents have foreign-born parents.
Weekday religious education program letter sent to stake leaders.
Served mission to southern Utah for Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association.
With another Welsh Latter-day Saint, Evan Stephens, at the helm, the Mormon Tabernacle Choirs grows dramatically in size and begins to tour both nationally and internationally. Also during Stephens's tenure, the choir loft is installed at the west end of the Tabernacle.
This edition was created in Salt Lake City, UT, USA and was compiled by an unknown person. There were 370 Hymns in this edition. At the time it was edition number 21.
At a meeting of the First Presidency and Twelve President Wilford Woodruff says, concerning the necessity of the Manifesto "The Lord God will hold this Nation responsible for the persecutions of the saints have had to pass through."
At the first triennial meeting of the National Council of Women of the United States, the Relief Society attended and became a charter member of that council.
Concerning young man who has been endowed and "sealed to his wife wihout having been ordained to any Priesthood," First Presidency decides to have him ordained as elder, but not to require him to be re-endowed or re-sealed.
Dissolution of church-controlled People's Party which instructs its members to join one of the two national parties, Democratic or Republican.
First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles consider this question: "Shall the Priesthood nominate and the people accept, or shall the people nominate?" The decision of the meeting: "It is quite proper for the brethren before making appointments to consult with local authorities and be sure to select men for position whom the people will gladly sustain" to offices of bishop, stake president, and patriarch.