The Papers
Browse the PapersDocumentsJournalsAdministrative RecordsRevelations and TranslationsHistoriesLegal RecordsFinancial RecordsOther Contemporary Papers
Reference
PeoplePlacesEventsGlossaryLegal GlossaryFinancial GlossaryCalendar of DocumentsWorks CitedFeatured TopicsLesson PlansRelated Publications
Media
VideosPhotographsIllustrationsChartsMapsPodcasts
News
Current NewsArchiveNewsletterSubscribeJSP Conferences
About
About the ProjectJoseph Smith and His PapersFAQAwardsEndorsementsReviewsEditorial MethodNote on TranscriptionsNote on Images of People and PlacesReferencing the ProjectCiting This WebsiteProject TeamContact Us
Published Volumes
  1. Home > 
  2. General Church Officers, February 1838–August 1839

General Church Officers, February 1838–August 1839

From 1837 to 1839, church leadership underwent substantial changes. In late 1837 and early 1838, JS oversaw or approved the removal and replacement of several officers because of their disaffection from or dissent against JS and other leaders. Also, beginning in early 1838, several officers 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
, Ohio, followed JS in migrating 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
. The migration of leaders and the majority of other Latter-day Saints resulted in the need to fill positions in Kirtland and Missouri. The dynamics of leadership in the church’s ecclesiastical organization were further disrupted by the imprisonment of JS and other leaders, the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints from Missouri, and the resettlement effort in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
and
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
.
The following charts provide information regarding the church and other relevant organizations between 1837 and 1839, particularly during the period covered in this volume: February 1838–August 1839. The charts depict the organizations and offices of the general leadership of the church and identify the men known to hold those offices. The charts also identify several local ecclesiastical leaders 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
,
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
, and
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
, as well as traveling authorities and other significant offices within the church’s organization. Charts also identify offices in civic governments in
Caldwell County

Located in northwest Missouri. Settled by whites, by 1831. Described as being “one-third timber and two-thirds prairie” in 1836. Created specifically for Latter-day Saints by Missouri state legislature, 29 Dec. 1836, in attempt to solve “Mormon problem.” ...

More Info
, Missouri, which was widely recognized as a county set aside for Mormon settlement; the Caldwell County regiment of the state militia; the Society of the Daughter of Zion (also known as the Danite society); and the Mormon military.
This information has been compiled from minutes of meetings, other contemporaneous records, and later documents. In general, the charts present officers in the order they were listed in founding documents or as they were most commonly listed in documents from the period. Because not all organizational minutes and other administrative records are extant, in many cases the information in the charts has been pieced together from personal letters, journals, autobiographies, and other available documents.
 
Church Structure, 1838–1839
 
General Church Officers
 
First Presidency
JS, as “President of the High Priesthood,” and the men who served as
counselors

An assistant appointed next to the presiding authority in an organization in the church. Assistants, or counselors, were first appointed to assist the bishop. They were expected to “understand the laws of the kingdom” in order to assist “in all things pertaining...

View Glossary
to him in that office formed a
presidency of the high priesthood

Both the office of the president of the high priesthood and the body comprising the president and his counselors; the presiding body of the church. In November 1831, a revelation directed the appointment of a president of the high priesthood. The individual...

View Glossary
. This general church presidency, which was also called the
First Presidency

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

View Glossary
, oversaw all other administrative bodies in the church. Initially, the presidency was composed of JS as president and two other men as counselors.
1

Note, 8 Mar. 1832.


In 1834, the presidency was expanded to include additional members.
2

JS, Journal, 5 Dec. 1834; Account of Meetings, Revelation, and Blessing, 5–6 Dec. 1834.


On 3 September 1837, in a reorganization conference held 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
, Ohio, JS was sustained as president of the church with two counselors and four assistant counselors. A revelation JS dictated on 26 April 1838 referred to
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...

View Full Bio
,
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
, and other counselors, but extant minutes and other documents show no sign of men functioning as assistant counselors after JS moved from
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
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
in early 1838. The chart below tracks the membership of the First Presidency and their scribe from 3 September 1837 through August 1839.
3 September 1837 7 November 1837 6 April 1838 12 April 1838 28 June 1838
President President President President President
Joseph Smith Jr.
3

Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.


Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph Smith Jr.
First Counselor First Counselor First Counselor First Counselor First Counselor
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...

View Full Bio
4

Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.


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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
Second Counselor Second Counselor Second Counselor Second Counselor Second Counselor
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...

View Full Bio
5

Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.


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
6

Hyrum Smith replaced Frederick G. Williams after Williams was rejected. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.)


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
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
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
Assistant Counselors Assistant Counselors Assistant Counselors Assistant Counselors Assistant Counselor
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...

View Full Bio
7

Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.


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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
8

Oliver Cowdery was excommunicated. (Minutes, 12 Apr. 1838.)


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
9

Minutes, 3 Sept. 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
10

Minutes, 3 Sept. 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
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
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
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
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...

View Full Bio
11

Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; Minutes, 28 June 1838.


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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
12

John Smith was appointed president of the Adam-ondi-Ahman stake. (Minutes, 28 June 1838.)


Scribe Scribe Scribe
George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
13

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 29; see also Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
 
Other General Officers
Patriarch Clerk and Recorder Historians
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
14

Account of Meetings, Revelation, and Blessing, 5–6 Dec. 1834; Patriarchal Blessings, 1:9; see also JS, Journal, 18 Dec. 1833 and 21 Jan. 1836; and Patriarchal Blessings, vol. 1.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.

(appointed 6 December 1834)
15

Patriarchal Blessings, 1:8–9; Account of Meetings, Revelation, and Blessing, 5–6 Dec. 1834.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.

George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
16

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 29; see also Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


(appointed recorder 17 September 1837;
17

Minutes, 17 Sept. 1837–A.


appointed clerk and recorder 6 April 1838)
18

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


John Whitmer

27 Aug. 1802–11 July 1878. Farmer, stock raiser, newspaper editor. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Member of German Reformed Church, Fayette, Seneca Co., New York. Baptized by Oliver Cowdery, June 1829, most likely in Seneca...

View Full Bio
(appointed 9 April 1831;
19

Minute Book 2, 9 Apr. 1831.


excommunicated 10 March 1838
20

Minute Book 2, 10 Mar. 1838.


)
John Corrill

17 Sept. 1794–26 Sept. 1842. Surveyor, politician, author. Born at Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Married Margaret Lyndiff, ca. 1830. Lived at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10 Jan. 1831,...

View Full Bio
(appointed 6 April 1838;
21

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


disaffected November 1838;
22

Letter to Emma Smith, 4 Nov. 1838; Historical Introduction to John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1839.


excommunicated 17 March 1839
23

“Extracts of the Minutes of Conferences,” Times and Seasons, Nov. 1839, 1:15.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

)
Elias Higbee

23 Oct. 1795–8 June 1843. Clerk, judge, surveyor. Born at Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, 1803. Married Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 10 Sept. 1818, in Tate Township, Clermont Co. Lived at ...

View Full Bio
(appointed 6 April 1838)
24

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.


 
Agents and Scribe for JS and the Church
As president of the church, JS appointed several men to act as scribes and agents. Scribes kept JS’s journals, copied his correspondence, worked on his history, and produced and copied other papers. Agents acted on JS’s behalf to purchase land and pay debts. After 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...

View Full Bio
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
for
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
in January 1838, church agents
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...

View Full Bio
and
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. ...

View Full Bio
worked to resolve JS’s and Rigdon’s debts in Kirtland and to oversee church property there.
25

See Pay Order to Edward Partridge for William Smith, 21 Feb. 1838; Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838; and Letter of Introduction from John Howden, 27 Oct. 1838.


As Latter-day Saints gathered in
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
and
Iowa Territory

Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in...

More Info
, agents purchased land for Mormon settlement, under the direction of church leaders.
By February 1838 Circa April 1839 Circa June 1839
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...

View Full Bio
26

See Pay Order to Edward Partridge for William Smith, 21 Feb. 1838; and Historical Introduction to Mortgage to Mead, Stafford & Co., 11 July 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...

View Full Bio
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...

View Full Bio
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. ...

View Full Bio
27

See Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838; Letter of Introduction from John Howden, 27 Oct. 1838; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838; and Authorization for Oliver Granger, 13 May 1839.


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. ...

View Full Bio
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. ...

View Full Bio
Alanson Ripley

8 Jan. 1798–before 1860. Surveyor, lawyer. Born at New York. Son of Asa Ripley and Polly Deforest. Married Sarah Finkle. Resided in Massachusetts, 1827. Member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition...

View Full Bio
28

See Hancock Co., IL, Deed Record, 1817–1917, vol. 12 G, pp. 247–248, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,195, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

Alanson Ripley

8 Jan. 1798–before 1860. Surveyor, lawyer. Born at New York. Son of Asa Ripley and Polly Deforest. Married Sarah Finkle. Resided in Massachusetts, 1827. Member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition...

View Full Bio
George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

View Full Bio
29

See Hancock Co., IL, Bonds and Mortgages, 1840–1904, vol. 1, pp. 31–32, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm, 954,776, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; and Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

George W. Robinson

14 May 1814–10 Feb. 1878. Clerk, postmaster, merchant, clothier, banker. Born at Pawlet, Rutland Co., Vermont. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1836. Clerk and recorder for Kirtland high...

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
30

See Lee Co., IA, Land Records, 1836–1961, vol. 2, pp. 3–6, 13–16, 26 June 1839, microfilm 959,239, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

 
Scribe
James Mulholland

1804–3 Nov. 1839. Born in Ireland. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Married Sarah Scott, 8 Feb. 1838/1839, at Far West, Caldwell Co., Missouri. Engaged in clerical work for JS, 1838, at Far West. Ordained a seventy, 28 Dec. 1838....

View Full Bio
31

JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 72–74; Mulholland, Journal, 22 Apr. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Mulholland, James. Journal, Apr.–Oct. 1839. In Joseph Smith, Journal, Sept.–Oct. 1838. Joseph Smith Collection. CHL. MS 155, box 1, fd. 4.

(circa 4 September–circa 5 October 1838; 22 April–3 November 1839)
32

Historical Introduction to JS, Journal, Sept.–Oct. 1838; Obituary for James Mulholland, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:32; Letter from Emma Smith, 6 Dec. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  1. 1

    Note, 8 Mar. 1832.

  2. 2

    JS, Journal, 5 Dec. 1834; Account of Meetings, Revelation, and Blessing, 5–6 Dec. 1834.

  3. 3

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  4. 4

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  5. 5

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  6. 6

    Hyrum Smith replaced Frederick G. Williams after Williams was rejected. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.)

  7. 7

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  8. 8

    Oliver Cowdery was excommunicated. (Minutes, 12 Apr. 1838.)

  9. 9

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  10. 10

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  11. 11

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; Minutes, 28 June 1838.

  12. 12

    John Smith was appointed president of the Adam-ondi-Ahman stake. (Minutes, 28 June 1838.)

  13. 13

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 29; see also Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  14. 14

    Account of Meetings, Revelation, and Blessing, 5–6 Dec. 1834; Patriarchal Blessings, 1:9; see also JS, Journal, 18 Dec. 1833 and 21 Jan. 1836; and Patriarchal Blessings, vol. 1.

    Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.

  15. 15

    Patriarchal Blessings, 1:8–9; Account of Meetings, Revelation, and Blessing, 5–6 Dec. 1834.

    Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.

  16. 16

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 29; see also Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  17. 17

    Minutes, 17 Sept. 1837–A.

  18. 18

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  19. 19

    Minute Book 2, 9 Apr. 1831.

  20. 20

    Minute Book 2, 10 Mar. 1838.

  21. 21

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  22. 22

    Letter to Emma Smith, 4 Nov. 1838; Historical Introduction to John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1839.

  23. 23

    “Extracts of the Minutes of Conferences,” Times and Seasons, Nov. 1839, 1:15.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

  24. 24

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.

  25. 25

    See Pay Order to Edward Partridge for William Smith, 21 Feb. 1838; Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838; and Letter of Introduction from John Howden, 27 Oct. 1838.

  26. 26

    See Pay Order to Edward Partridge for William Smith, 21 Feb. 1838; and Historical Introduction to Mortgage to Mead, Stafford & Co., 11 July 1837.

  27. 27

    See Letter to William Marks and Newel K. Whitney, 8 July 1838; Letter of Introduction from John Howden, 27 Oct. 1838; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838; and Authorization for Oliver Granger, 13 May 1839.

  28. 28

    See Hancock Co., IL, Deed Record, 1817–1917, vol. 12 G, pp. 247–248, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm 954,195, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  29. 29

    See Hancock Co., IL, Bonds and Mortgages, 1840–1904, vol. 1, pp. 31–32, 30 Apr. 1839, microfilm, 954,776, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; and Agreement with George W. Robinson, 30 Apr. 1839.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  30. 30

    See Lee Co., IA, Land Records, 1836–1961, vol. 2, pp. 3–6, 13–16, 26 June 1839, microfilm 959,239, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  31. 31

    JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 72–74; Mulholland, Journal, 22 Apr. 1839.

    Mulholland, James. Journal, Apr.–Oct. 1839. In Joseph Smith, Journal, Sept.–Oct. 1838. Joseph Smith Collection. CHL. MS 155, box 1, fd. 4.

  32. 32

    Historical Introduction to JS, Journal, Sept.–Oct. 1838; Obituary for James Mulholland, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:32; Letter from Emma Smith, 6 Dec. 1839.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Contact UsFAQFollow Us on Facebook

Request for Documents

Do you know of any Joseph Smith documents that we might not have heard about? Tell us

The Church Historian’s Press is an imprint of the Church History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah, and a trademark of Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

© 2024 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.Terms of UseUpdated 2021-04-13Privacy NoticeUpdated 2021-04-06