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  2. Church Officers in the Kirtland Stake, October 1835–January 1838

Church Officers in the Kirtland Stake, October 1835–January 1838

The following charts list local ecclesiastical leadership of the Church of the Latter Day Saints in the “stake of Zion” at Kirtland, Ohio, between October 1835 and January 1838. Many of the charts reflect important changes to these organizations during this period.
 
Presidency of the High Council
The
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

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high council, consisting of a three-person presidency and twelve counselors, was organized on 17 February 1834. The council was responsible for conducting disciplinary proceedings, making administrative decisions, and “settleing important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the Church, or the bishop’s council to the satisfaction of the parties.”
1

Minutes, 17 Feb. 1834; Revised Minutes, 18–19 Feb. 1834 [D&C 102:2].


The presidency of the high council, organized on the same date, was composed of the church’s general presidency, and its members did not change until late 1837. During a 7 November 1837 general assembly in
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

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,
Frederick G. Williams

28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system...

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was replaced by
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

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in the general church presidency; he presumably lost his place in the presidency of the high council at the same time.
2

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.


In mid-January 1838, JS and
Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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departed Kirtland and relocated to
Far West

Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...

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, Missouri.
3

Revelation, 12 Jan. 1838–C; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490.

Around this time,
William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

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,
John Smith

16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married...

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, and
Reynolds Cahoon

30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,...

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were appointed as the presidency of the high council in Kirtland.
17 February 1834 31 January 1838
Joseph Smith Jr.
William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

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Sidney Rigdon

19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe...

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John Smith

16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married...

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Frederick G. Williams

28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system...

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Reynolds Cahoon

30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,...

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High Council
After it was organized on 17 February 1834, the
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

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high council underwent two changes later that year: in August,
Orson Johnson

15 June 1803–21 Mar. 1883. Shoemaker, innkeeper, farmer. Born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Thomas Johnson and Elizabeth (Betsey) Smith. Married first Nancy Mason, 24 Oct. 1827, at Bath, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Baptized into Church...

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replaced
John S. Carter

Ca. 1792–25/26 June 1834. Married Elizabeth (Betsey) Kinyon, 28 Feb. 1813, at Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont. Lived in Benson, by 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ca. 1832. Served mission in Vermont with his brother Jared Carter...

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, who had died during the
Camp of Israel

A group of approximately 205 men and about 20 women and children led by JS to Missouri, May–July 1834, to redeem Zion by helping the Saints who had been driven from Jackson County, Missouri, regain their lands; later referred to as “Zion’s Camp.” A 24 February...

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expedition, and in September,
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

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replaced
Sylvester Smith

25 Mar. 1806–22 Feb. 1880. Farmer, carpenter, lawyer, realtor. Born at Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Chileab Smith and Nancy Marshall. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, ca. 1815. Married Elizabeth Frank, 27 Dec. 1827, likely in Chautauque...

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, who faced discipline for misconduct in the Camp of Israel.
4

Minutes, 28–29 Aug. 1834; Minutes, 24 Sept. 1834.


On 13 January 1836, several members of the council—including
Joseph Smith Sr.

12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...

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,
Oliver Cowdery

3 Oct. 1806–3 Mar. 1850. Clerk, teacher, justice of the peace, lawyer, newspaper editor. Born at Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of William Cowdery and Rebecca Fuller. Raised Congregationalist. Moved to western New York and clerked at a store, ca. 1825–1828...

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,
Orson Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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,
Luke Johnson

3 Nov. 1807–8 Dec. 1861. Farmer, teacher, doctor. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Lived at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, when baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, 10 May 1831. Ordained...

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, and Hyrum Smith—were “called to fill other offices” and thus replaced.
5

Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.


Sometime before 21 January 1836,
John Smith

16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married...

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was appointed president of the Kirtland high council.
6

Minutes, 17 Aug. 1835; “General Assembly,” in Doctrine and Covenants, 1835 ed., 256; JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.

Another major reorganization of the Kirtland high council occurred on 3 September 1837, when eight members were removed, some of whom had been associated with dissent.
7

Joseph Coe, John Johnson, and Martin Harris were likely among the dissenters in summer 1837; Orson Johnson had been excommunicated. Thomas Grover was replaced when he moved west, while Samuel James “could not attend to the duties of the office.” John Smith had previously been ordained to the church presidency. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


17 February 1834 13 January 1836 3 September 1837 31 January 1838
Joseph Smith Sr.

12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...

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8

Replaced by Samuel James on 13 January 1836 after being chosen as an assistant counselor in the church presidency on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


Samuel James

18 Jan. 1806–after 1880. Farmer, salesman, storekeeper. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of William James and Elizabeth Gallaher. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ordained a high priest and appointed to high council in Kirtland, Geauga ...

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9

Samuel James was proselytizing in Virginia in August 1837 and was likely removed from the high council because of this absence. (“Minutes of a Conference,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Sept. 1837, 3:574–575.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

Harlow Redfield

25 Sept. 1801–3 Aug. 1866. Farmer. Born at Chestnut Hill, Killingworth Township, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Levi Redfield and Weltha Stevens. Christened member of First Congregational Church, 21 Jan. 1821. Married first Caroline Foster, 1824. Moved...

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Harlow Redfield

25 Sept. 1801–3 Aug. 1866. Farmer. Born at Chestnut Hill, Killingworth Township, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Levi Redfield and Weltha Stevens. Christened member of First Congregational Church, 21 Jan. 1821. Married first Caroline Foster, 1824. Moved...

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10

Likely in Kirtland as he attended a meeting there on 20 March 1838. Arrived in Missouri on 14 May 1838. (Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838; JS, Journal, 14 May 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

John Smith

16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married...

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John Smith

16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married...

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11

Chosen as an assistant counselor in the church presidency on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


Phineas Richards

15 Nov. 1788–25 Nov. 1874. Cabinetmaker, joiner, carpenter, botanic physician. Born at Framingham, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Served as sergeant major during War of 1812. Married Wealthy Dewey, 24 Feb. 1818. Moved...

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12

It appears that Richards left for a mission in fall 1837, during which time Thomas Burdick sat on the council in his place. (Minute Book 1, 8 Oct. 1837; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.)


Phineas Richards

15 Nov. 1788–25 Nov. 1874. Cabinetmaker, joiner, carpenter, botanic physician. Born at Framingham, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Served as sergeant major during War of 1812. Married Wealthy Dewey, 24 Feb. 1818. Moved...

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Joseph Coe

12 Nov. 1784–17 Oct. 1854. Farmer, clerk. Born at Cayuga Co., New York. Son of Joel Coe and Huldah Horton. Lived at Scipio, Cayuga Co., by 1800. Married first Pallas Wales, 12 Jan. 1816. Married second Sophia Harwood, ca. 1824. Moved to Macedon, Wayne Co....

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Joseph Coe

12 Nov. 1784–17 Oct. 1854. Farmer, clerk. Born at Cayuga Co., New York. Son of Joel Coe and Huldah Horton. Lived at Scipio, Cayuga Co., by 1800. Married first Pallas Wales, 12 Jan. 1816. Married second Sophia Harwood, ca. 1824. Moved to Macedon, Wayne Co....

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13

Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


Henry Sherwood

20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824...

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Henry Sherwood

20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824...

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John Johnson

11 Apr. 1778–30 July 1843. Farmer, innkeeper. Born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Israel Johnson and Abigail Higgins. Married Alice (Elsa) Jacobs, 22 June 1800. Moved to Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont, ca. 1803. Settled at Hiram, Portage...

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John Johnson

11 Apr. 1778–30 July 1843. Farmer, innkeeper. Born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Israel Johnson and Abigail Higgins. Married Alice (Elsa) Jacobs, 22 June 1800. Moved to Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont, ca. 1803. Settled at Hiram, Portage...

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14

Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


Oliver Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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Oliver Granger

7 Feb. 1794–23/25 Aug. 1841. Sheriff, church agent. Born at Phelps, Ontario Co., New York. Son of Pierce Granger and Clarissa Trumble. Married Lydia Dibble, 8 Sept. 1813, at Phelps. Member of Methodist church and licensed exhorter. Sheriff of Ontario Co. ...

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15

A revelation directed Granger to move to Missouri in July 1838, but because the Latter-day Saints were expelled from Missouri, he remained in Kirtland. (Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 28 Mar. 1841.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

Martin Harris

18 May 1783–10 July 1875. Farmer. Born at Easton, Albany Co., New York. Son of Nathan Harris and Rhoda Lapham. Moved with parents to area of Swift’s landing (later in Palmyra), Ontario Co., New York, 1793. Married first his first cousin Lucy Harris, 27 Mar...

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Martin Harris

18 May 1783–10 July 1875. Farmer. Born at Easton, Albany Co., New York. Son of Nathan Harris and Rhoda Lapham. Moved with parents to area of Swift’s landing (later in Palmyra), Ontario Co., New York, 1793. Married first his first cousin Lucy Harris, 27 Mar...

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16

Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

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William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

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17

Still in Kirtlandby 8 July 1838. (Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838.)


John S. Carter

Ca. 1792–25/26 June 1834. Married Elizabeth (Betsey) Kinyon, 28 Feb. 1813, at Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont. Lived in Benson, by 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ca. 1832. Served mission in Vermont with his brother Jared Carter...

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18

Died during the 1834 Camp of Israel expedition and was replaced on the high council by Orson Johnson on 28 August 1834. (Minutes, 28–29 Aug. 1834.)


Orson Johnson

15 June 1803–21 Mar. 1883. Shoemaker, innkeeper, farmer. Born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Thomas Johnson and Elizabeth (Betsey) Smith. Married first Nancy Mason, 24 Oct. 1827, at Bath, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Baptized into Church...

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19

Excommunicated from the church sometime before 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


David Dort

6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac...

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David Dort

6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac...

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Jared Carter

14 June 1801–6 July 1849. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Ames, 20 Sept. 1823, at Benson. Moved to Chenango, Broome Co., New York, by Jan...

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Jared Carter

14 June 1801–6 July 1849. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Ames, 20 Sept. 1823, at Benson. Moved to Chenango, Broome Co., New York, by Jan...

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Jared Carter

14 June 1801–6 July 1849. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Ames, 20 Sept. 1823, at Benson. Moved to Chenango, Broome Co., New York, by Jan...

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20

Left Kirtland for Missouri by 2 October 1837. Replaced by Lyman Sherman. (Minute Book 1, 2 Oct. 1837.)


Lyman Sherman

22 May 1804–ca. 15 Feb. 1839. Born at Monkton, Addison Co., Vermont. Son of Elkanah Sherman and Asenath Hurlbut. Married Delcena Didamia Johnson, 16 Jan. 1829, at Pomfret, Chautauque Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

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Oliver Cowdery

3 Oct. 1806–3 Mar. 1850. Clerk, teacher, justice of the peace, lawyer, newspaper editor. Born at Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of William Cowdery and Rebecca Fuller. Raised Congregationalist. Moved to western New York and clerked at a store, ca. 1825–1828...

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21

Replaced by John P. Greene on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)


John P. Greene

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

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John P. Greene

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

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22

Objected to on 3 September 1837, but after confession on 10 September he was retained. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; Minute Book 1, 10 Sept. 1837.)


John P. Greene

3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville...

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Samuel Smith

13 Mar. 1808–30 July 1844. Farmer, logger, scribe, builder, tavern operator. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, by Mar. 1810; to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811...

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Samuel Smith

13 Mar. 1808–30 July 1844. Farmer, logger, scribe, builder, tavern operator. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, by Mar. 1810; to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811...

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Samuel Smith

13 Mar. 1808–30 July 1844. Farmer, logger, scribe, builder, tavern operator. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, by Mar. 1810; to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811...

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23

Likely not in Kirtland on 31 January 1838 as he probably left with or around the same time as JS. (JS, Journal, 13 Mar. 1838.)


Orson Hyde

8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...

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24

Replaced by Joseph Kingsbury on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)


Joseph Kingsbury

2 May 1812–15 Oct. 1898. Mining superintendent, store clerk, teacher, farmer, ferry operator, tithing storehouse supervisor, Temple Square guide. Born at Enfield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Solomon Kingsbury and Bathsheba Amanda Pease. Moved from Enfield...

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25

Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


Mayhew Hillman

4 Mar. 1793–2 Nov. 1839. Farmer. Born at Chilmark, Dukes Co., Massachusetts. Son of Samson Hillman and Damaris Look. Married Sarah King, ca. 1818. Moved to Cambridge, Washington Co., New York, by Aug. 1820. Member of Freewill Baptist Church. Moved to Spafford...

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Mayhew Hillman

4 Mar. 1793–2 Nov. 1839. Farmer. Born at Chilmark, Dukes Co., Massachusetts. Son of Samson Hillman and Damaris Look. Married Sarah King, ca. 1818. Moved to Cambridge, Washington Co., New York, by Aug. 1820. Member of Freewill Baptist Church. Moved to Spafford...

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26

Likely in Kirtland as he attended a meeting there on 20 March 1838. (Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

Sylvester Smith

25 Mar. 1806–22 Feb. 1880. Farmer, carpenter, lawyer, realtor. Born at Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Chileab Smith and Nancy Marshall. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, ca. 1815. Married Elizabeth Frank, 27 Dec. 1827, likely in Chautauque...

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27

Replaced by Hyrum Smith on 24 September 1834. (Minutes, 24 Sept. 1834.)


Noah Packard

7 May 1796–17 Feb. 1860. Farmer, surveyor, miner. Born at Plainfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Noah Packard and Molly Hamblin. Moved to Parkman, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1817. Married Sophia Bundy, 29 June 1820, at Parkman. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

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28

Replaced Hyrum Smith on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)


Noah Packard

7 May 1796–17 Feb. 1860. Farmer, surveyor, miner. Born at Plainfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Noah Packard and Molly Hamblin. Moved to Parkman, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1817. Married Sophia Bundy, 29 June 1820, at Parkman. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

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Noah Packard

7 May 1796–17 Feb. 1860. Farmer, surveyor, miner. Born at Plainfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Noah Packard and Molly Hamblin. Moved to Parkman, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1817. Married Sophia Bundy, 29 June 1820, at Parkman. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

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29

Likely in Kirtland as he signed the Kirtland camp constitution, 13 March 1838. (Kirtland Camp, Constitution, 13 Mar. 1838, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

Luke Johnson

3 Nov. 1807–8 Dec. 1861. Farmer, teacher, doctor. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Lived at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, when baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, 10 May 1831. Ordained...

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30

Replaced by Thomas Grover on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)


Thomas Grover

22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus...

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31

By 3 September 1837, Grover and his family had moved to Far West, Missouri, and he was replaced on the council on that date. (Minute Book 2, 1 Aug. 1837; Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)


Asahel Smith

21 May 1773–22 July 1848. Farmer. Born at Windham, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Moved to Dunbarton, Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 15 Apr. 1774; to Derryfield (later Manchester), Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 1778;...

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Asahel Smith

21 May 1773–22 July 1848. Farmer. Born at Windham, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Moved to Dunbarton, Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 15 Apr. 1774; to Derryfield (later Manchester), Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 1778;...

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Bishopric
A December 1831 revelation directed that
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

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be appointed and ordained bishop of the church in
Ohio

French explored and claimed area, 1669. British took possession following French and Indian War, 1763. Ceded to U.S., 1783. First permanent white settlement established, 1788. Northeastern portion maintained as part of Connecticut, 1786, and called Connecticut...

More Info
; two months later,
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

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and
Reynolds Cahoon

30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,...

View Full Bio
were ordained as his counselors.
32

Revelation, 4 Dec. 1831–A [D&C 72:1–8]; Hyrum Smith, Diary and Account Book, 10 Feb. 1832; Cahoon, Diary, 10 Feb. 1832.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, Hyrum. Diary and Account Book, Nov. 1831–Feb. 1835. Hyrum Smith, Papers, ca. 1832–1844. BYU.

Cahoon, Reynolds. Diaries, 1831–1832. CHL. MS 1115.

Even though Hyrum Smith was ordained as an assistant president in the church presidency in December 1834,
33

JS History, 1834–1836, 20.


it appears he continued in his capacity as a counselor in the bishopric until January 1836, when
Vinson Knight

14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...

View Full Bio
was appointed to replace him.
34

JS, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.


Reynolds Cahoon, and possibly Vinson Knight, left
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
to move to
Missouri

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ...

More Info
sometime in January 1838. Whitney continued to act as bishop in Kirtland until he left for Missouri in fall 1838.
35

Cahoon was in Missouri by early May 1838; Knight was there by at least late June 1838. Whitney left Kirtland during fall 1838 but did not reach northwestern Missouri before Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs ordered the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from the state in October. (JS, Journal, 7 and 8 May 1838; Vinson Knight, Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT; “Conference Minutes,” Elders' Journal, Aug. 1838, 61; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 10 June 1838; [Elizabeth Ann Smith Whitney], “A Leaf from an Autobiography,” Woman’s Exponent, 15 Nov. 1878, 91.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Knight, Vinson. Letter. Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839. International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT.

Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

By 10 February 1832 13 January 1836 31 January 1838
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
, bishop
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
, bishop
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

View Full Bio
, bishop
Hyrum Smith

9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...

View Full Bio
Reynolds Cahoon

30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,...

View Full Bio
Reynolds Cahoon

30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,...

View Full Bio
Vinson Knight

14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...

View Full Bio
 
Quorum of High Priests and Quorum of Elders
Though the offices of elder and high priest had existed in the church since the early 1830s, the quorum of the elders and the quorum of the high priests were not officially organized in
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
until January 1836.
36

Though the elders quorum had not yet been formally organized, John Gould was listed as “president of the Elders” during a 17 August 1835 meeting in which a general assembly of the church approved the Doctrine and Covenants. (Minutes, 17 Aug. 1835.)


During a 15 January 1836 grand council meeting in which church leaders “organized the authorities of the church,”
Don Carlos Smith

25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

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was selected and ordained as president of the Kirtland high priests quorum;
Alvah Beman

22 May 1775–15 Nov. 1837. Farmer. Born at New Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Reuben Beman and Mariam. Married Sarah (Sally) Burt, 18 Aug. 1796. Moved to what became Livonia, Ontario Co., New York, 1799. Moved to Avon, Livingston Co., New York...

View Full Bio
was subsequently chosen and ordained as president of the elders quorum.
37

Minutes, 15 Jan. 1836; JS, Journal, 15 Jan. 1836; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 15 Jan. 1836.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

Beman chose
Reuben Hedlock

1809–5 July 1869. Printer, carpenter, journeyman. Born in U.S. Married first Susan Wheeler, 1827. Married second Lydia Fox. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1836. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, and ordained an elder, by ...

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and
John Morton

31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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to be his first and second counselors during a meeting on 25 January 1836, after which he “organized the quorum according to age, and [took] their names.”
38

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 25 Jan. 1836.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

Don Carlos Smith’s counselors were selected around the same time, though extant records do not reveal their identities.
39

JS’s journal states that counselors were consecrated and anointed but does not name them. (JS, Journal, 28 Jan. 1836.)


On 27 November 1837,
Joseph Smith Sr.

12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...

View Full Bio
nominated Reuben Hedlock to preside over the elders quorum after Beman passed away.
40

Minute Book 1, 27 Nov. 1837.


Presumably
John Morton

31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

View Full Bio
then became Hedlock’s first counselor. Two days after Hedlock’s appointment,
Edmund Bosley

25 June 1776–15 Dec. 1846. Miller. Born at Northumberland, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of John P. Bosley and Hannah Bull. Married Ann Kelly of Northumberland Co. Lived at Livonia, Livingston Co., New York, 1792–1834. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co...

View Full Bio
was ordained as his second counselor.
41

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 29 Nov. 1837.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

Following the church presidency’s departure from
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
in mid-January 1838, the elders quorum, led by
Hedlock

1809–5 July 1869. Printer, carpenter, journeyman. Born in U.S. Married first Susan Wheeler, 1827. Married second Lydia Fox. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1836. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, and ordained an elder, by ...

View Full Bio
,
Morton

31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

View Full Bio
, and
Bosley

25 June 1776–15 Dec. 1846. Miller. Born at Northumberland, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of John P. Bosley and Hannah Bull. Married Ann Kelly of Northumberland Co. Lived at Livonia, Livingston Co., New York, 1792–1834. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co...

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, remained in Kirtland and continued to meet regularly until at least mid-September 1841.
Don Carlos Smith

25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

View Full Bio
also remained in Kirtland until early May 1838.
Presidency of Quorum of High Priests
By 28 January 1836 31 January 1838
Don Carlos Smith

25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

View Full Bio
, president
Don Carlos Smith

25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus...

View Full Bio
, president
Unidentified counselors Unidentified counselors
Presidency of Quorum of Elders
By 25 January 1836 31 January 1838
Alvah Beman

22 May 1775–15 Nov. 1837. Farmer. Born at New Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Reuben Beman and Mariam. Married Sarah (Sally) Burt, 18 Aug. 1796. Moved to what became Livonia, Ontario Co., New York, 1799. Moved to Avon, Livingston Co., New York...

View Full Bio
, president
Reuben Hedlock

1809–5 July 1869. Printer, carpenter, journeyman. Born in U.S. Married first Susan Wheeler, 1827. Married second Lydia Fox. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1836. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, and ordained an elder, by ...

View Full Bio
, president
42

Hedlock remained in Kirtland until at least 17 June 1838, when he was released and replaced as president by John Morton; the 10 June 1838 entry in the Elders Quorum record indicates that Hedlock was going to Zion (probably with the Kirtland camp). (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 10 and 17 June 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

Reuben Hedlock

1809–5 July 1869. Printer, carpenter, journeyman. Born in U.S. Married first Susan Wheeler, 1827. Married second Lydia Fox. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1836. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, and ordained an elder, by ...

View Full Bio
John Morton

31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

View Full Bio
John Morton

31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

View Full Bio
Edmund Bosley

25 June 1776–15 Dec. 1846. Miller. Born at Northumberland, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of John P. Bosley and Hannah Bull. Married Ann Kelly of Northumberland Co. Lived at Livonia, Livingston Co., New York, 1792–1834. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co...

View Full Bio
43

After Beman died, and two days after Hedlock became president, Bosley was ordained a counselor on 29 November 1837. On 26 February 1838, Hedlock ordained Martin Peck as a counselor. This may be because either Morton or Bosley moved to Missouri or was disciplined—though the record of the Kirtland elders quorum does not indicate either. (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 29 Nov. 1837 and 26 Feb. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

  1. 1

    Minutes, 17 Feb. 1834; Revised Minutes, 18–19 Feb. 1834 [D&C 102:2].

  2. 2

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.

  3. 3

    Revelation, 12 Jan. 1838–C; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.

    Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490.

  4. 4

    Minutes, 28–29 Aug. 1834; Minutes, 24 Sept. 1834.

  5. 5

    Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.

  6. 6

    Minutes, 17 Aug. 1835; “General Assembly,” in Doctrine and Covenants, 1835 ed., 256; JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836.

    Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.

  7. 7

    Joseph Coe, John Johnson, and Martin Harris were likely among the dissenters in summer 1837; Orson Johnson had been excommunicated. Thomas Grover was replaced when he moved west, while Samuel James “could not attend to the duties of the office.” John Smith had previously been ordained to the church presidency. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  8. 8

    Replaced by Samuel James on 13 January 1836 after being chosen as an assistant counselor in the church presidency on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  9. 9

    Samuel James was proselytizing in Virginia in August 1837 and was likely removed from the high council because of this absence. (“Minutes of a Conference,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Sept. 1837, 3:574–575.)

    Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

  10. 10

    Likely in Kirtland as he attended a meeting there on 20 March 1838. Arrived in Missouri on 14 May 1838. (Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838; JS, Journal, 14 May 1838.

    Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

  11. 11

    Chosen as an assistant counselor in the church presidency on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  12. 12

    It appears that Richards left for a mission in fall 1837, during which time Thomas Burdick sat on the council in his place. (Minute Book 1, 8 Oct. 1837; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.)

  13. 13

    Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  14. 14

    Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  15. 15

    A revelation directed Granger to move to Missouri in July 1838, but because the Latter-day Saints were expelled from Missouri, he remained in Kirtland. (Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 28 Mar. 1841.)

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

  16. 16

    Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  17. 17

    Still in Kirtlandby 8 July 1838. (Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838.)

  18. 18

    Died during the 1834 Camp of Israel expedition and was replaced on the high council by Orson Johnson on 28 August 1834. (Minutes, 28–29 Aug. 1834.)

  19. 19

    Excommunicated from the church sometime before 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  20. 20

    Left Kirtland for Missouri by 2 October 1837. Replaced by Lyman Sherman. (Minute Book 1, 2 Oct. 1837.)

  21. 21

    Replaced by John P. Greene on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)

  22. 22

    Objected to on 3 September 1837, but after confession on 10 September he was retained. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; Minute Book 1, 10 Sept. 1837.)

  23. 23

    Likely not in Kirtland on 31 January 1838 as he probably left with or around the same time as JS. (JS, Journal, 13 Mar. 1838.)

  24. 24

    Replaced by Joseph Kingsbury on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)

  25. 25

    Objected to and replaced on 3 September 1837. (Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  26. 26

    Likely in Kirtland as he attended a meeting there on 20 March 1838. (Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838.)

    Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

  27. 27

    Replaced by Hyrum Smith on 24 September 1834. (Minutes, 24 Sept. 1834.)

  28. 28

    Replaced Hyrum Smith on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)

  29. 29

    Likely in Kirtland as he signed the Kirtland camp constitution, 13 March 1838. (Kirtland Camp, Constitution, 13 Mar. 1838, CHL.)

    Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

  30. 30

    Replaced by Thomas Grover on 13 January 1836. (Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.)

  31. 31

    By 3 September 1837, Grover and his family had moved to Far West, Missouri, and he was replaced on the council on that date. (Minute Book 2, 1 Aug. 1837; Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.)

  32. 32

    Revelation, 4 Dec. 1831–A [D&C 72:1–8]; Hyrum Smith, Diary and Account Book, 10 Feb. 1832; Cahoon, Diary, 10 Feb. 1832.

    Smith, Hyrum. Diary and Account Book, Nov. 1831–Feb. 1835. Hyrum Smith, Papers, ca. 1832–1844. BYU.

    Cahoon, Reynolds. Diaries, 1831–1832. CHL. MS 1115.

  33. 33

    JS History, 1834–1836, 20.

  34. 34

    JS, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 13 Jan. 1836.

  35. 35

    Cahoon was in Missouri by early May 1838; Knight was there by at least late June 1838. Whitney left Kirtland during fall 1838 but did not reach northwestern Missouri before Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs ordered the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from the state in October. (JS, Journal, 7 and 8 May 1838; Vinson Knight, Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT; “Conference Minutes,” Elders' Journal, Aug. 1838, 61; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 10 June 1838; [Elizabeth Ann Smith Whitney], “A Leaf from an Autobiography,” Woman’s Exponent, 15 Nov. 1878, 91.)

    Knight, Vinson. Letter. Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839. International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT.

    Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

    Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

  36. 36

    Though the elders quorum had not yet been formally organized, John Gould was listed as “president of the Elders” during a 17 August 1835 meeting in which a general assembly of the church approved the Doctrine and Covenants. (Minutes, 17 Aug. 1835.)

  37. 37

    Minutes, 15 Jan. 1836; JS, Journal, 15 Jan. 1836; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 15 Jan. 1836.

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

  38. 38

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 25 Jan. 1836.

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

  39. 39

    JS’s journal states that counselors were consecrated and anointed but does not name them. (JS, Journal, 28 Jan. 1836.)

  40. 40

    Minute Book 1, 27 Nov. 1837.

  41. 41

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 29 Nov. 1837.

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

  42. 42

    Hedlock remained in Kirtland until at least 17 June 1838, when he was released and replaced as president by John Morton; the 10 June 1838 entry in the Elders Quorum record indicates that Hedlock was going to Zion (probably with the Kirtland camp). (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 10 and 17 June 1838.)

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

  43. 43

    After Beman died, and two days after Hedlock became president, Bosley was ordained a counselor on 29 November 1837. On 26 February 1838, Hedlock ordained Martin Peck as a counselor. This may be because either Morton or Bosley moved to Missouri or was disciplined—though the record of the Kirtland elders quorum does not indicate either. (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 29 Nov. 1837 and 26 Feb. 1838.)

    Kirtland Elders Quorum. “A Record of the First Quorurum of Elders Belonging to the Church of Christ: In Kirtland Geauga Co. Ohio,” 1836–1838, 1840–1841. CCLA.

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