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  2. Local Church Officers, February 1838–August 1839

Local Church Officers

Within a few years after the church’s organization,
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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and
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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, Ohio, became the two approved places for church members to gather. In 1834 JS organized the presidencies and
high councils

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
in
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

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(the church in Missouri) and the Kirtland
stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
of Zion.
1

Minutes, 17 Feb. 1834; Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834.


In Kirtland, where the members of 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...

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resided, the First Presidency served as the presidency of the stake.
2

See, for example, Minute Book 1, 16 Mar. and 16 Sept. 1835; 16 June 1836; 11 May 1837.


By the end of 1837, the First Presidency was planning to move from Kirtland 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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. Before they moved, they appointed a presidency for the Kirtland stake
3

John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

and emphasized their own role as the presidency over the entire church.
4

Letter to John Corrill and the Church in Missouri, 4 Sept. 1837; 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.

Before the First Presidency arrived in Far West, the church there deposed the Zion presidency and appointed two of the resident apostles to serve as presidents pro tempore until the arrival of the First Presidency.
5

Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.


After arriving, the First Presidency retained the new Zion presidency and reiterated the First Presidency’s role of overseeing the entire church.
6

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838; Letter to John Whitmer, 9 Apr. 1838.


In the months after the First Presidency moved 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
, most of 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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Saints also made the journey, as directed in a revelation JS dictated in January 1838.
7

Revelation, 12 Jan. 1838–C.


Several hundred of the migrating Saints were directed to settle at
Adam-ondi-Ahman

Settlement located in northwest Missouri. 1835 revelation identified valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving Garden of Eden. While seeking new areas in Daviess Co. for settlement, JS and others surveyed site on which...

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, where JS established a stake.
8

See Tyler, Journal, 4 Oct. 1838; Backman, Heavens Resound, 352–367; JS, Journal, 18 May–1 June 1838; and Minutes, 28 June 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Tyler, Samuel D. Journal, July–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 1761.

Backman, Milton V., Jr. The Heavens Resound: A History of the Latter-day Saints in Ohio, 1830–1838. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983.

In 1839, after the Saints were forcibly expelled from
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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, they relocated to
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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, Illinois, and across the
Mississippi River

Principal U.S. river running southward from Itasca Lake, Minnesota, to Gulf of Mexico. Covered 3,160-mile course, 1839 (now about 2,350 miles). Drains about 1,100,000 square miles. Steamboat travel on Mississippi very important in 1830s and 1840s for shipping...

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in
Lee County

First permanent settlement established, 1820. Organized 1837. Population in 1838 about 2,800; in 1840 about 6,100; in 1844 about 9,800; and in 1846 about 13,000. Following expulsion from Missouri, 1838–1839, many Saints found refuge in eastern Iowa Territory...

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, Iowa Territory; these areas were organized into stakes by the end of the year.
9

Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Throughout the upheaval and displacement in 1838 and 1839, the church essentially maintained a pattern of two communities approved for Mormon settlement. Many of the same people served as the leaders in these gathering centers. For example, JS appointed
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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and
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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as members of 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...

More Info
presidency
10

John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

and later appointed Smith the president of
Adam-ondi-Ahman

Settlement located in northwest Missouri. 1835 revelation identified valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving Garden of Eden. While seeking new areas in Daviess Co. for settlement, JS and others surveyed site on which...

More Info
and directed Marks to preside over the church in
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...

More Info
.
11

Minutes, 28 June 1838; Revelation, 8 July 1838–E [D&C 117:10].


In May 1839, Marks was appointed president of the church in
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

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,
12

Minutes, 6 May 1839.


and later that year
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 church in
Lee County

First permanent settlement established, 1820. Organized 1837. Population in 1838 about 2,800; in 1840 about 6,100; in 1844 about 9,800; and in 1846 about 13,000. Following expulsion from Missouri, 1838–1839, many Saints found refuge in eastern Iowa Territory...

More Info
.
13

Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


 
Kirtland Stake
The church organization at
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, began disintegrating in late 1837, when several leaders dissented from the course that JS and other leaders pursued. The Kirtland
stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
further dissolved in 1838 after most loyal Latter-day Saints followed 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
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
. Although a few leaders stayed behind to oversee stake matters
14

See Kirtland Camp, Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838; JS, Journal, 7 May 1838; and John Smith, Journal, 16 and 17 June 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

Smith, John (1781-1854). Journal, 1833–1841. John Smith, Papers, 1833-1854. CHL. MS 1326, box 1.

and some of the other leaders were replaced, the last recorded action of the
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
occurred in April 1838. It appears that the Kirtland presidency dissolved after
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
left in October 1838.
15

Quorums of the Seventy, “Book of Records,” 51–52; Geauga Co., OH, Deed Record, 1795–1921, vol. 27, pp. 149–150, 1 Oct. 1838, microfilm 20,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

In May 1839, members at a general conference of the church voted that Kirtland be again considered “a stake of Zion,” 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. ...

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was appointed to preside.
16

Minutes, 4–5 May 1839.


Because of widespread emigration and the lack of records, the changing leadership of the stake can be tracked only in part.
On 3 September 1837, ten men were sustained as members of 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...

More Info
high council. The council continued to function through at least April 1838, but by that time nearly half of the council members had left 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
or had become members of the Kirtland presidency.
17

Quorums of the Seventy, “Book of Records,” 51–52.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.

As there are no extant minutes of council meetings in 1838, there is no evidence that additional counselors were called to replace those who left for Missouri.
Presidency
President Counselors
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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(appointed January 1838; departed
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
October 1838)
18

John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; Geauga Co., OH, Deed Record, 1795–1921, vol. 27, pp. 149–150, 1 Oct. 1838, microfilm 20,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

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
(appointed January 1838; departed
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
5 April 1838)
19

John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; John Smith, Journal, 5 Apr. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

Smith, John (1781-1854). Journal, 1833–1841. John Smith, Papers, 1833-1854. CHL. MS 1326, box 1.

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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(appointed 4 May 1839; certified 6 May 1839)
20

Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; Authorization for Oliver Granger, 6 May 1839.


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
(appointed January 1838; departed
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
circa March 1838)
21

John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; Cahoon, Autobiography, 42; JS, Journal, 7 May 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

Cahoon, William F. Autobiography, 1878. Microfilm. CHL. MS 8433.

[Hugh?] Cole
22

The 22 July 1838 entry in the Kirtland elders quorum record book mentions a “Counselor Cole . . . of the Presidency of the Church” but does not include his given name. This counselor may have been Hugh Cole, who was mentioned in the minutes of an 1841 conference held in Kirtland. (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 July 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.

(appointed by 22 July 1838)
23

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 July 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.

Hiram Kellogg (appointed by 22 July 1838)
24

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 July 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.

 
High Council
Counselors
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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(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 ...

More Info
by April 1838)
25

Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.


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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(in
Iowa

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
by October 1839)
26

Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


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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(departed
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
circa late April 1838)
27

Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 28 June 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

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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(departed
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
after August 1838)
28

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 26 Aug. 1838; Packard, “Life and Travels,” 4.


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.

“A Synopsis of the Life and Travels of Noah Packard Written by Himself,” between 1858 and 1860. Typescript. BYU.

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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(appointed president over
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
, 4 May 1839)
29

Minutes, 4–5 May 1839.


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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(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 ...

More Info
by December 1838)
30

Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838.


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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(departed
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
circa late April 1838)
31

Lyman Sherman, Promissory Notes, Apr. 1838, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Sherman, Lyman Royal. Promissory Notes, Apr. 1838. CHL.

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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(departed
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
Massachusetts

One of original thirteen colonies that formed U.S. Capital city, Boston. Colonized by English religious dissenters, 1620s. Population in 1830 about 610,000. Population in 1840 about 738,000. Joseph Smith Sr. born in Massachusetts. Samuel Smith and Orson Hyde...

More Info
16 November 1837)
32

Phineas Richards, Journal, [8].


Henry G. 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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(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 ...

More Info
by late summer 1838)
33

Citizens of De Witt, MO, Petition to Lilburn W. Boggs, Jefferson City, MO, 22 Sept. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

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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(departed
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
circa late April 1838)
34

Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838; JS Journal, 14 May 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

 
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...

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35

Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.


(departed
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
fall 1838)
36

[Elizabeth Ann Smith Whitney], “A Leaf from an Autobiography,” Woman’s Exponent, 15 Nov. 1878, 91.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

 
President of the High Priests Quorum
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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(appointed 15 January 1836; departed
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
between 12 January and 7 May 1838)
37

Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836; JS, Journal, 15 Jan. 1836; Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, bk. 15, p. [2]; Letter from Don Carlos Smith, ca. Late May 1838.


Hiram Kellogg (appointed by 10 June 1838)
38

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 10 June 1838; 8 Jan. 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.

 
Presidency of the Elders Quorum
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 ...

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(appointed between 22 January and 26 February 1838;
39

Hedlock was listed as president pro tempore in two January 1838 entries in the Kirtland elders quorum record book. On 26 February 1838, he appointed a new counselor, suggesting that the presidency had been formally reestablished by that date. No further entries mention pro tempore status. (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 and 29 Jan. 1838; 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.

released 17 June 1838)
40

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 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.

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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(appointed 10 June 1838)
41

Although Morton was appointed on 10 June, he was not ordained until 17 June. (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.

First Counselor
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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(appointed before 26 February 1838; appointed president 10 June 1838)
42

When the presidency was formed in 1836, Morton was second counselor. With the death of Alvah Beman in November 1837, first counselor Reuben Hedlock became acting president and Morton presumably acted as first counselor. Hedlock was appointed the official president sometime before 26 February 1838, at which time Morton presumably was officially appointed first counselor. (JS, Journal, 28 Jan. 1836; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 and 29 Jan. 1838; 26 Feb. 1838; 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.

Hezekiah Fisk (appointed 8 July 1838; departed
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
before summer 1839)
43

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 8 July 1838. It is unknown when the Fisk family left Kirtland; however, the family was apparently living in Commerce, Illinois, by July 1839, when Hezekiah Fisk’s granddaughter and son died. Fisk died at Commerce on 9 November 1839. (“Obituary,” Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:32.)


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.

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

Counselor (unknown whether first or second)
Martin H. Peck

View Full Bio

(appointed 26 February 1838; departed
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
5 July 1838)
44

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 26 Feb. 1838; Kirtland Camp Constitution, 13 Mar. 1838, CHL; Kirtland Camp, Journal, 5 July 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.

Kirtland Camp. Constitution, 13 Mar. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

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

Second Counselor
Lahasa Hollister (appointed 8 July 1838)
45

Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 8 July 1838; 8 Jan. 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.

 
Zion
In 1834,
David Whitmer

7 Jan. 1805–25 Jan. 1888. Farmer, livery keeper. Born near Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Raised Presbyterian. Moved to Ontario Co., New York, shortly after birth. Attended German Reformed Church. Arranged...

View Full Bio
was appointed president of the church in
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

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
), with
William W. Phelps

17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...

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and
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...

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as assistant presidents.
46

Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834.


In early February 1838, the presidency members were removed from office by a “general assembly” of the church, and resident apostles
Thomas B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

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and
David W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

View Full Bio
were appointed presidents pro tempore.
47

Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.


When Phelps and John Whitmer were assistants to David Whitmer, they were also called presidents. Similarly, the minutes of a 10 February 1838 council meeting designate both Marsh and Patten as “Presidents, pro. tempor,” but it was probably understood that Marsh, the president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was the preeminent president and Patten was his assistant. On 6 April, a few weeks after JS and apostle
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

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arrived in
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...

More Info
(the center of Zion in 1838), the church in Zion appointed Marsh “President pro tempore of the Church in Zion,” with Patten and Young as “his assistant presidents.”
48

Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838. Ebenezer Robinson’s minutes of the 6 April meeting list Young ahead of Patten. However, Patten was already serving with Marsh in the pro tempore Zion presidency, was older than Young, and was Young’s senior in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. George W. Robinson’s minutes in JS’s “Scriptory Book” list Patten and then Young. George W. Robinson’s minutes were apparently more accurate than Ebenezer Robinson’s minutes, as was the case with the former’s minutes of his own appointment as general church clerk and recorder. In addition, Patten was listed ahead of Young in the minutes of subsequent meetings. (Minute Book 2, 6–8 and 13 Apr. 1838; Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 29.)


Marsh, Patten, and Young were the three most senior apostles. On 8 July 1838, JS dictated a revelation that appointed
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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, who was then 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
, to preside over the Saints in Far West.
49

Revelation, 8 July 1838–E [D&C 117:10].


Marks, however, did not arrive in Missouri prior to the armed conflict with other Missourians that erupted in fall 1838 and was therefore never ordained to the position.
50

Revelation, 8 July 1838–E [D&C 117:10]; Geauga Co., OH, Deed Record, 1795–1921, vol. 27, pp. 149–150, 1 Oct. 1838, microfilm 20,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

In late October 1838, during the height of the conflict, Marsh defected and Patten was killed, leaving only Young in the presidency.
51

Rockwood, Journal, 21 Oct. 1838; Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde, Affidavit, Richmond, MO, 24 Oct. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA; Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde, Richmond, MO, to Lewis and Ann Marsh Abbott, Far West, MO, 25–30 Oct. 1838, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 18–19; Pratt, History of the Late Persecution, 36.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Rockwood, Albert Perry. Journal Entries, Oct. 1838–Jan. 1839. Photocopy. CHL. MS 2606.

Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

On 16 January 1839, Young met with the Zion
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
for the last time on record,
52

Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


presumably because on the same day, 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
wrote a letter directing the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to take charge of the church since “the gathering of necessity [had] stopt.” The Missouri Saints were emigrating from the state, and the organization of Zion was being dissolved.
53

Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 Jan. 1839. Young presumably received the letter a few days later.


Shortly thereafter, the high council was effectively replaced by a committee directing the evacuation effort, further indicating that the usual church leadership structure in Zion was being disbanded.
54

Far West Committee, Minutes, 26 Jan. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

The
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
high council consisted of twelve high counselors.
John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

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, as the oldest member of the council, was designated its president in 1836 and continued in this role until being released on 6 October 1838.
55

See JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836, 81; Murdock, Autobiography, 34, 36, 37; and Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2.

Murdock, John. Autobiography, ca. 1859–1867. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 4.

On 12 April 1838, the council clarified that the president was “to receive charges and give notice to the defendant, also, to call the Council together and organize them.”
56

Minutes, 12 Apr. 1838.


The president of the high council presided at council meetings except when a member of the Zion presidency or JS was present and presided.
57

See Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; and Minute Book 2, 31 Aug. 1838.


As counselors moved away from
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...

More Info
, they were released and other men were called in their stead. Clerk
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
was also replaced because of dissension, which ultimately led to his excommunication. Substitutes also served frequently in the place of permanent counselors who were unavailable. When Murdock was released because he had moved to
De Witt

Located on bluffs north of Missouri River, about six miles above mouth of Grand River. Permanently settled, by 1826. Laid out, 1836. First called Elderport; name changed to De Witt, 1837, when town acquired by speculators David Thomas and Henry Root, who ...

More Info
to help establish a new Mormon settlement there,
Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

View Full Bio
was appointed to the council and may have been designated president because he was the oldest high counselor.
58

Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.


After the Saints were driven from De Witt, Murdock rejoined the high council. The last recorded meeting of the Zion high council occurred on 16 January 1839.
59

Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


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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, who had been president of the quorum of
high priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. Christ and many ancient prophets, including Abraham, were described as being high priests. The Book of Mormon used the term high priest to denote one appointed to lead the church. However, the Book of Mormon also discussed...

View Glossary
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
, followed JS in migrating 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...

More Info
. In October 1839, he was sustained as president of the quorum in
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
at a general church conference in
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
, Illinois, suggesting that he replaced
Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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after arriving in Far West, possibly between 6 and 8 July 1838. Smith served a fund-raising mission from September to December 1838.
By 15 March 1838, Bishop
Edward Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

View Full Bio
received authorization from the high council to organize the Aaronic, or lesser, priesthood quorums in
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...

More Info
. As bishop, Partridge had authority to preside over the priests quorum. Additionally, as in 1836, a member of the quorum may have been appointed as a president of the quorum. Whereas extant records identify the president of the teachers quorum, extant sources do not name the president of the deacons quorum.
 
Presidency
7 July 1834–9 February 1838 10 February–6 April 1838 6 April–circa 20 October 1838 25 October 1838–16 January 1839
President Presidents pro Tempore President pro Tempore Acting President
David Whitmer

7 Jan. 1805–25 Jan. 1888. Farmer, livery keeper. Born near Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Raised Presbyterian. Moved to Ontario Co., New York, shortly after birth. Attended German Reformed Church. Arranged...

View Full Bio
Thomas B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
Thomas B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

View Full Bio
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
David W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

View Full Bio
(possible served as an assistant to Marsh)
Assistant Presidents Assistant Presidents
William W. Phelps

17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...

View Full Bio
David W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

View Full Bio
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
Brigham Young

1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...

View Full Bio
 
High Council
By 7 November 1837 6 April 1838 7 April 18386 October 183813 December 183816 January 1838
President President PresidentPresidentPresidentPresident
John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

View Full Bio
60

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 26 Jan. 1838; 5–6 Oct. 1838; 13 Dec. 1838; 16 Jan. 1839.


John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

View Full Bio
John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

View Full Bio
Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

View Full Bio
?
61

Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.


Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

View Full Bio
?
Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

View Full Bio
?
Counselors Counselors CounselorsCounselorsCounselorsCounselors
Solomon Hancock

15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia...

View Full Bio
62

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


Solomon Hancock

15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia...

View Full Bio
Solomon Hancock

15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia...

View Full Bio
Solomon Hancock

15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia...

View Full Bio
Solomon Hancock

15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia...

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Solomon Hancock

15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia...

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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 ...

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63

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; Letter from Elias Higbee, 16 Apr. 1839.


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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

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Calvin Beebe

1 July 1800–17 July 1861. Farmer, merchant, postmaster. Born in Paris, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Isaac Beebe and Olive Soule. Moved to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Married Submit Rockwell Starr, 19 Nov. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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64

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.


Calvin Beebe

1 July 1800–17 July 1861. Farmer, merchant, postmaster. Born in Paris, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Isaac Beebe and Olive Soule. Moved to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Married Submit Rockwell Starr, 19 Nov. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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George Morey

30 Nov. 1803–15 Dec. 1875. Farmer. Born at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., New York. Son of William Morey and Anda Martin. Moved to Collinsville, Butler Co., Ohio, 1814. Married Sylvia Butterfield, 29 Oct. 1825, at Butler Co. Moved to Vermillion Co., Illinois,...

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65

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; Lorenzo D. Young, Statement, ca. 1894, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Young, Lorenzo D. Statement, ca. 1894. CHL.

George Morey

30 Nov. 1803–15 Dec. 1875. Farmer. Born at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., New York. Son of William Morey and Anda Martin. Moved to Collinsville, Butler Co., Ohio, 1814. Married Sylvia Butterfield, 29 Oct. 1825, at Butler Co. Moved to Vermillion Co., Illinois,...

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George Morey

30 Nov. 1803–15 Dec. 1875. Farmer. Born at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., New York. Son of William Morey and Anda Martin. Moved to Collinsville, Butler Co., Ohio, 1814. Married Sylvia Butterfield, 29 Oct. 1825, at Butler Co. Moved to Vermillion Co., Illinois,...

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George Morey

30 Nov. 1803–15 Dec. 1875. Farmer. Born at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., New York. Son of William Morey and Anda Martin. Moved to Collinsville, Butler Co., Ohio, 1814. Married Sylvia Butterfield, 29 Oct. 1825, at Butler Co. Moved to Vermillion Co., Illinois,...

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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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66

Grover did not attend any meetings after 13 Dec. 1838, but he was not released by the final meeting on 16 January 1839. He was still in Far West on 29 January 1839, when he was placed on the committee to move Saints from Missouri. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; 16 Jan. 1839; Far West Committee, Minutes, 29 Jan. 1839.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

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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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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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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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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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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Simeon Carter

7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ...

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67

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


Simeon Carter

7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ...

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Simeon Carter

7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ...

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Simeon Carter

7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ...

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Simeon Carter

7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ...

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Simeon Carter

7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ...

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Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

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68

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.


Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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69

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838.


Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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George M. Hinkle

13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ...

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70

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.


George M. Hinkle

13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ...

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George M. Hinkle

13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ...

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George M. Hinkle

13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ...

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Levi Jackman

28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee...

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71

Although Jackman did not attend any meetings after 13 December 1838, he was not replaced by the final meeting on 16 January 1839. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)


Levi Jackman

28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee...

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Levi Jackman

28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee...

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Levi Jackman

28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee...

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Levi Jackman

28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee...

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Levi Jackman

28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee...

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Elisha H. Groves

5 Nov. 1797–29 Dec. 1867. Farmer. Born in Madison Co., Kentucky. Son of John Groves and Mary Hurd. Moved to Indiana, 1819. Married first Sarah Hogue, ca. 1825, in Indiana. Member of Presbyterian church. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

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72

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.


Elisha H. Groves

5 Nov. 1797–29 Dec. 1867. Farmer. Born in Madison Co., Kentucky. Son of John Groves and Mary Hurd. Moved to Indiana, 1819. Married first Sarah Hogue, ca. 1825, in Indiana. Member of Presbyterian church. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

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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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73

Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


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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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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74

Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; John P. Greene, Diary Entries, 1–16 Nov. 1838, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Greene, John P. Diary Entries. 1–16 Nov. 1848. CHL.

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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George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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75

Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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Isaac Higbee

23 Dec. 1797–16 Feb. 1874. Farmer, merchant, judge. Born in Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, ca. 1802. Married Keziah String, 11 Feb. 1819, in Clermont Co. Moved to Cincinnati, by 1830...

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76

Higbee did not attend any meetings following his 6 October 1838 appointment, but he was not replaced by the final meeting on 16 January 1839. (Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)


Isaac Higbee

23 Dec. 1797–16 Feb. 1874. Farmer, merchant, judge. Born in Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, ca. 1802. Married Keziah String, 11 Feb. 1819, in Clermont Co. Moved to Cincinnati, by 1830...

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Isaac Higbee

23 Dec. 1797–16 Feb. 1874. Farmer, merchant, judge. Born in Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, ca. 1802. Married Keziah String, 11 Feb. 1819, in Clermont Co. Moved to Cincinnati, by 1830...

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John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

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77

Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838.


John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

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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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78

Although Dort was not present at the final meeting on 16 January 1839, he apparently was still considered a council member. (Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)


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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John Badger

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79

Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.


John Badger

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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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80

Sherman’s appointment was evidently temporary, contingent upon the return of Newel Knight. Sherman evidently did not attend any other meetings of the high council prior to the final meeting on 16 January 1839, but he was not replaced and Knight did not return. (Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)


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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ClerkClerkClerkClerkClerkClerk
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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Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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Bishopric
Bishop
Edward Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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(appointed February 1831; sustained 7 November 1837)
81

Revelation, 4 Feb. 1831 [D&C 41:9]; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.


Counselors
Isaac Morley

11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married...

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(appointed 3 June 1831; sustained 7 November 1837)
82

Minute Book 2, 3 June 1831; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.


Titus Billings

24 Mar. 1793–6 Feb. 1866. Stonemason, carpenter, musician. Born in Greenfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Ebenezer Billings and Esther Joyce. Moved to Mentor, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1817. Married Diantha Morley, 16 Feb. 1817, in Geauga Co. Moved to...

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(appointed 1 August 1837; sustained 7 November 1837)
83

Minute Book 2, 1 and 5 Aug. 1837; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.


Keeper of the Lord’s Storehouse
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,...

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(appointed 22 May 1837; disaffected October 1838)
84

Minute Book 2, 22 May and 6–7 Dec. 1837; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.


 
Other Known Melchizedek Priesthood Leaders
Patriarch
Isaac Morley

11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married...

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(appointed 7 November 1837)
85

Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.


Presidency of High Priests Quorum
Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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, president (appointed by 20 August 1837)
86

Certificate for Charles C. Rich and Harvey Green, 20 Aug. 1837, in Minute Book 2, p. 80; Certificate for Charles C. Rich, no date, Charles C. Rich Collection, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Rich, Charles C. Collection, 1832–1908. CHL. MS 889.

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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?, president (possibly appointed between 6 and 8 July 1838)
87

Smith, who had been president of the quorum of high priests in Kirtland, followed JS in migrating to Far West. In Oct. 1839, he was sustained as president of the quorum in Zion at a general church conference in Commerce, Illinois, suggesting that he replaced Rich after arriving in Far West, possibly between 6 and 8 July 1838. Smith served a fund-raising mission from Sept. to Dec. 1838. (Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839; JS, Journal, 6 July 1838; Deed to Samuel F. Whitney, 8 July 1838.)


Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

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, counselor (date of appointment unknown; until 6 October 1838)
88

Certificate for Charles C. Rich, no date, Charles C. Rich Collection, CHL. Samuel Bent joined the high council on 6 October 1838. (Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Rich, Charles C. Collection, 1832–1908. CHL. MS 889.

President of Elders Quorum
Harvey Green (appointed between 20 August 1837–not after 6 October 1838)
89

Certificate for Charles C. Rich and Harvey Green, 20 Aug. 1837, in Minute Book 2, p. 80.


Stephen Chase

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(appointed 6 October 1838)
90

Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.


 
Other Known Aaronic Priesthood Leaders
President of Priests Quorum
Edward Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

View Full Bio
91

As bishop, Edward Partridge presided over the priests quorum. (Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107:87–88]; Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.

President of Teachers Quorum
Albert Petty

10 Aug. 1795–19 June 1869. Farmer, wheelwright, jailer, gunsmith, surveyor. Born at Bourbon Co., Kentucky. Son of Ralph Petty and Isabelle McClure. Moved to Barren Co., Kentucky, 1802. Moved to Paris, Henry Co., Tennessee, by Mar. 1824. Married first Catherine...

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(appointed 15 March 1838)
92

Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.

 
Licensing Officers
6 December 1837–10 February 1838
93

Minute Book 2, 6–7 Dec. 1837; Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.


10 February 1838–8 April 1838
94

Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.


Chairman Chairman
David Whitmer

7 Jan. 1805–25 Jan. 1888. Farmer, livery keeper. Born near Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Raised Presbyterian. Moved to Ontario Co., New York, shortly after birth. Attended German Reformed Church. Arranged...

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Thomas B. Marsh

1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ...

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(possibly)
Chairman pro Tempore
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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Clerk Clerk
William W. Phelps

17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...

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David W. Patten

14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated...

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(possibly)
Clerk pro Tempore
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...

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Recording Clerk
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
 
Other Officers
Clerk and Recorder
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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(appointed 6 April 1838)
95

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


Recorder of Patriarchal Blessings
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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(appointed 6 December 1837; excommunicated 12 April 1838)
96

Minute Book 2, 6–7 Dec. 1837; Minutes, 12 Apr. 1838.


Isaac Morley

11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married...

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(appointed spring 1838; appointment rescinded 16 January 1839)
97

Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.


 
Adam-ondi-Ahman Stake
As
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, filled with Latter-day Saints, immigration was steered northward to
Adam-ondi-Ahman

Settlement located in northwest Missouri. 1835 revelation identified valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving Garden of Eden. While seeking new areas in Daviess Co. for settlement, JS and others surveyed site on which...

More Info
, Daviess County, Missouri, where a
stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
was organized on 28 June 1838.
98

Minutes, 28 June 1838.


Because stake records are not extant, little is known regarding leadership changes before the stake was dissolved in mid-November 1838, when the
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
state militia forcibly evacuated the Latter-day Saints from the
county

Area in northwest Missouri settled by European Americans, 1830. Sparsely inhabited until 1838. Created from Ray Co., Dec. 1836, in attempt to resolve conflicts related to Latter-day Saint settlement in that region. County is transected diagonally from northwest...

More Info
.
99

Robert Wilson, Adam-ondi-Ahman, MO, to John B. Clark, Richmond, MO, 14 Nov. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA; Baugh, “Call to Arms,” 349–359.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

Baugh, Alexander L. “A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri.” PhD diss., Brigham Young University, 1996. Also available as A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri, Dissertations in Latter-day Saint History (Provo, UT: Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History; BYU Studies, 2000).

Presidency
100

Minutes, 28 June 1838.


President
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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First Counselor
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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Second Counselor
Lyman Wight

9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ...

View Full Bio
 
High Council
101

Minutes, 28 June 1838.


John Lemon (excommunicated 10 August 1838)
102

Swartzell, Mormonism Exposed, 31–32.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Swartzell, William. Mormonism Exposed, Being a Journal of a Residence in Missouri from the 28th of May to the 20th of August, 1838, Together with an Appendix, Containing the Revelation concerning the Golden Bible, with Numerous Extracts from the ‘Book of Covenants,’ &c., &c. Pekin, OH: By the author, 1840.

Daniel Stanton

28 May 1795–26 Oct. 1872. Farmer, carpenter. Born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., New York. Son of Amos Stanton and Elizabeth Wyman. Moved to Pompey, Onondaga Co., by 1800. Married Clarinda Graves, 16 Mar. 1816. Moved to Mayfield, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Moved...

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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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Daniel Carter

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Isaac Perry
Harrison Sagers

3 May 1814/1815–19 June 1886. Painter, farmer. Born in LeRoy, Genessee Co., New York. Son of John Sagers and Amy Sweet. Moved to Elk Creek Township, Erie Co., Pennsylvania, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 27 Jan. 1833. ...

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Alanson Brown

1795–1844. Farmer. Married Cynthia Dorcus Hurd, ca. 1816. Moved to Steuben Co., New York, by 1823. Moved to Choconut, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, by Feb. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by June 1838. Moved to Missouri, ...

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Thomas Gordon

8 Apr. 1805–10 Oct. 1889. Farmer, shoemaker, justice of the peace, store clerk, carpenter. Born in New York. Married Mary Holmes. Resided at Norton, Medina Co., Ohio, by 1830. Listed as having appeared in one of several visions Joseph Bosworth recounted in...

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Lorenzo Barnes

22 Mar. 1812–20 Dec. 1842. Teacher. Born in Tolland, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Phineas Barnes and Abigail Smith. Moved to eastern Ohio, 1815. Moved to Norton, Medina Co., Ohio, 1816. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June...

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George A. Smith

26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...

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Harvey Olmstead

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Ezra Thayer

14 Oct. 1791–6 Sept. 1862. Farmer, gardener, builder. Born in New York. Married Elizabeth Frank. Lived at Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, 1820. Lived at Farmington, Ontario Co., 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley ...

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Bishop pro Tempore
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...

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103

Minutes, 28 June 1838. Knight was received “into the Church in full Bishopric” at the May 1839 general conference of the church. (Minutes, 4–5 May 1839.)


 
De Witt Stake
On 23 June 1838,
George M. Hinkle

13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ...

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and
John Murdock

15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819....

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, two members of the
Zion

JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,...

More Info
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
, purchased half of the lots in the town plat of
De Witt

Located on bluffs north of Missouri River, about six miles above mouth of Grand River. Permanently settled, by 1826. Laid out, 1836. First called Elderport; name changed to De Witt, 1837, when town acquired by speculators David Thomas and Henry Root, who ...

More Info
, Carroll County, Missouri, under the direction of the high council and JS. Shortly afterward, Hinkle and Murdock relocated there with their families.
104

Murdock, Autobiography, 37.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Murdock, John. Autobiography, ca. 1859–1867. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 4.

Church member
Reed Peck

1814–23 Aug. 1894. Millwright, farmer. Born in Bainbridge Township, Chenango Co., New York. Son of Hezekiah Peck and Martha Long. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ca. 1830. Moved from New York to Ohio and then to Kaw Township, Jackson...

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later reported that 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
intended to make De Witt “the fourth ‘Stake of Zion,’” after
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
,
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...

More Info
, and
Adam-ondi-Ahman

Settlement located in northwest Missouri. 1835 revelation identified valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving Garden of Eden. While seeking new areas in Daviess Co. for settlement, JS and others surveyed site on which...

More Info
.
105

Reed Peck, Quincy, IL, to “Dear Friends,” 18 Sept. 1839, pp. 20–21, Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Peck, Reed. Letter, Quincy, IL, to “Dear Friends,” 18 Sept. 1839. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.

On 17 September, 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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wrote a letter stating that De Witt had been recently appointed a
stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
. Though designated as a stake, De Witt was apparently never formally organized with a presidency, high council, bishopric, or other stake officers.
106

Letter to Stephen Post, 17 Sept. 1838; see also Rockwood, Journal, 14 Oct. 1838.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Rockwood, Albert Perry. Journal Entries, Oct. 1838–Jan. 1839. Photocopy. CHL. MS 2606.

Charles H. Hales, a Latter-day Saint living in De Witt, later wrote that George M. Hinkle served as the “president of the
Branch

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

View Glossary
” at De Witt.
107

“The Biography of Charles H. Hales No 45,” in “Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 208.


Comprehensive Works Cited

“Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.

 
Removal and Settlement Committees
Of the several ad hoc committees established throughout the period covered in this volume, two were especially important: (1) the committee that supervised the evacuation of the Latter-day Saints from
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 (2) the committee that helped the Saints resettle 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
. These committees served as interim organizations for the church after the Saints were forced from their homes in Missouri and before they established new settlements in Illinois.
 
Removal Committee (29 January–14 April 1839)
108

Far West Committee, Minutes, 29 Jan–14 Apr. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

29 January 1839
109

Far West Committee, Minutes, 29 Jan. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

1 February 1839
110

Far West Committee, Minutes, 1 Feb. 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

William Huntington

28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown...

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William Huntington

28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown...

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Charles Bird

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Charles Bird

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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...

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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...

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Theodore Turley

10 Apr. 1801–12 Aug. 1871. Mechanic, gunsmith, brewer, farmer, blacksmith, gristmill operator. Born at Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. Son of William Turley and Elizabeth Yates. Associated with Methodism, by 1818. Married Frances Amelia Kimberley, 26 Nov...

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Theodore Turley

10 Apr. 1801–12 Aug. 1871. Mechanic, gunsmith, brewer, farmer, blacksmith, gristmill operator. Born at Birmingham, Warwickshire, England. Son of William Turley and Elizabeth Yates. Associated with Methodism, by 1818. Married Frances Amelia Kimberley, 26 Nov...

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Daniel Shearer

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Daniel Shearer

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Shadrach Roundy

1 Jan. 1789–4 July 1872. Merchant. Born at Rockingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Uriah Roundy and Lucretia Needham. Married Betsy Quimby, 22 June 1814, at Rockingham. Lived at Spafford, Onondaga Co., New York. Member of Freewill Baptist Church in Spafford...

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Shadrach Roundy

1 Jan. 1789–4 July 1872. Merchant. Born at Rockingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Uriah Roundy and Lucretia Needham. Married Betsy Quimby, 22 June 1814, at Rockingham. Lived at Spafford, Onondaga Co., New York. Member of Freewill Baptist Church in Spafford...

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Jonathan H. Hale

1 Feb. 1800–4 Sept. 1846. Butcher, school director, assessor. Born in Bradford, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Soloman Hale and Martha Harriman. Married Olive Boynton, 5 Sept. 1825, in Bradford. Moved to Dover, Strafford Co., New Hampshire, between June...

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Jonathan H. Hale

1 Feb. 1800–4 Sept. 1846. Butcher, school director, assessor. Born in Bradford, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Soloman Hale and Martha Harriman. Married Olive Boynton, 5 Sept. 1825, in Bradford. Moved to Dover, Strafford Co., New Hampshire, between June...

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Elias Smith

6 Sept. 1804–24 June 1888. Teacher, printer, postmaster, bookkeeper, probate judge, newspaper editor. Born in Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Asahel Smith and Elizabeth Schellenger. Moved to Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1809. Baptized into...

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Erastus Bingham

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Stephen Markham

9 Feb. 1800–10 Mar. 1878. Carpenter, farmer, stock raiser. Born at Rush (later Avon), Ontario Co., New York. Son of David Markham and Dinah Merry. Moved to Mentor, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1809. Moved to Unionville, Geauga Co., 1810. Married Hannah Hogaboom, before...

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James Newberry

29 May 1791–10 July 1880. Farmer. Born in Warwick, Orange Co., New York. Son of John Newberry and Jemima Benedict. Married first Mary Smith, 24 Aug. 1811. Moved to Brownhelm, Lorain Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

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Settlement Committee (circa January 1839–circa March 1839)
111

Rogers, Statement, [1], CHL; Far West Committee, Minutes, 17 Mar. 1839; Hyrum Smith, Liberty, MO, to Mary Fielding Smith, Quincy, IL, 19 Mar. 1839, Mary Fielding Smith Collection, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Rogers, David W. Statement, [not before 1846]. CHL.

Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

Smith, Mary Fielding. Collection, ca. 1832–1848. CHL. MS 2779.

David W. Rogers

4 Oct. 1787–21 Sept. 1881. Born in New Hampshire. Son of Samuel Rogers and Hannah Sinclair. Married Martha Collins, 5 Dec. 1811, in Montreal, Lower Canada. Moved to Pomfret, Chautauque Co., New York, by 1820. Moved to New York City, 1830. Baptized into Church...

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Israel Barlow

13 Sept. 1806–1 Nov. 1883. Farmer, nurseryman, stockraiser. Born in Granville, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Jonathan Barlow and Anniss Gillett. Moved to New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Brigham Young, 16 Mar. 1834...

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Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

View Full Bio
(became sick and never served)
112

Rogers, Statement, [1], CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Rogers, David W. Statement, [not before 1846]. CHL.

 
Commerce
Following the Saints’ expulsion from
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 spring 1839, they regrouped 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
. After JS escaped from state custody and arrived in Illinois in April 1839, he began to reorganize the Saints at
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
(later
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
), Illinois, and across the river in
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
. On 6 May 1839, members at a church conference appointed a president and bishop—the two essential positions of
stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

View Glossary
organization—for the church members in Commerce. Commerce was formally organized as a stake in October 1839.
113

Minutes, 6 May 1839.


President
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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114

Minutes, 6 May 1839.


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...

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115

Minutes, 6 May 1839. The minutes called for Whitney to “act in unison with the other Bishops of the Church,” suggesting Whitney was not appointed to be the bishop for the whole community but was to share his duties with the other bishops, Edward Partridge and Vinson Knight.


  1. 1

    Minutes, 17 Feb. 1834; Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834.

  2. 2

    See, for example, Minute Book 1, 16 Mar. and 16 Sept. 1835; 16 June 1836; 11 May 1837.

  3. 3

    John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.

    Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

  4. 4

    Letter to John Corrill and the Church in Missouri, 4 Sept. 1837; 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.

  5. 5

    Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.

  6. 6

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838; Letter to John Whitmer, 9 Apr. 1838.

  7. 7

    Revelation, 12 Jan. 1838–C.

  8. 8

    See Tyler, Journal, 4 Oct. 1838; Backman, Heavens Resound, 352–367; JS, Journal, 18 May–1 June 1838; and Minutes, 28 June 1838.

    Tyler, Samuel D. Journal, July–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 1761.

    Backman, Milton V., Jr. The Heavens Resound: A History of the Latter-day Saints in Ohio, 1830–1838. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1983.

  9. 9

    Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  10. 10

    John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.

    Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

  11. 11

    Minutes, 28 June 1838; Revelation, 8 July 1838–E [D&C 117:10].

  12. 12

    Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  13. 13

    Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  14. 14

    See Kirtland Camp, Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838; JS, Journal, 7 May 1838; and John Smith, Journal, 16 and 17 June 1838.

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

    Smith, John (1781-1854). Journal, 1833–1841. John Smith, Papers, 1833-1854. CHL. MS 1326, box 1.

  15. 15

    Quorums of the Seventy, “Book of Records,” 51–52; Geauga Co., OH, Deed Record, 1795–1921, vol. 27, pp. 149–150, 1 Oct. 1838, microfilm 20,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838.

    Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  16. 16

    Minutes, 4–5 May 1839.

  17. 17

    Quorums of the Seventy, “Book of Records,” 51–52.

    Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.

  18. 18

    John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; Geauga Co., OH, Deed Record, 1795–1921, vol. 27, pp. 149–150, 1 Oct. 1838, microfilm 20,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838.

    Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  19. 19

    John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; John Smith, Journal, 5 Apr. 1838.

    Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

    Smith, John (1781-1854). Journal, 1833–1841. John Smith, Papers, 1833-1854. CHL. MS 1326, box 1.

  20. 20

    Minutes, 4–5 May 1839; Authorization for Oliver Granger, 6 May 1839.

  21. 21

    John Smith and Clarissa Lyman Smith, Kirtland, OH, to George A. Smith, Shinnston, VA, 1 Jan. 1838, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; Cahoon, Autobiography, 42; JS, Journal, 7 May 1838.

    Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.

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

    Cahoon, William F. Autobiography, 1878. Microfilm. CHL. MS 8433.

  22. 22

    The 22 July 1838 entry in the Kirtland elders quorum record book mentions a “Counselor Cole . . . of the Presidency of the Church” but does not include his given name. This counselor may have been Hugh Cole, who was mentioned in the minutes of an 1841 conference held in Kirtland. (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 July 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.

  23. 23

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 July 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.

  24. 24

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 July 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.

  25. 25

    Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.

  26. 26

    Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  27. 27

    Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838; Minutes, 28 June 1838.

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

  28. 28

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 26 Aug. 1838; Packard, “Life and Travels,” 4.

    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.

    “A Synopsis of the Life and Travels of Noah Packard Written by Himself,” between 1858 and 1860. Typescript. BYU.

  29. 29

    Minutes, 4–5 May 1839.

  30. 30

    Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838.

  31. 31

    Lyman Sherman, Promissory Notes, Apr. 1838, CHL.

    Sherman, Lyman Royal. Promissory Notes, Apr. 1838. CHL.

  32. 32

    Phineas Richards, Journal, [8].

  33. 33

    Citizens of De Witt, MO, Petition to Lilburn W. Boggs, Jefferson City, MO, 22 Sept. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA.

    Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

  34. 34

    Kirtland Camp, Journal, 20 Mar. 1838; JS Journal, 14 May 1838.

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

  35. 35

    Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.

  36. 36

    [Elizabeth Ann Smith Whitney], “A Leaf from an Autobiography,” Woman’s Exponent, 15 Nov. 1878, 91.

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

  37. 37

    Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836; JS, Journal, 15 Jan. 1836; Lucy Mack Smith, History, 1844–1845, bk. 15, p. [2]; Letter from Don Carlos Smith, ca. Late May 1838.

  38. 38

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 10 June 1838; 8 Jan. 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.

  39. 39

    Hedlock was listed as president pro tempore in two January 1838 entries in the Kirtland elders quorum record book. On 26 February 1838, he appointed a new counselor, suggesting that the presidency had been formally reestablished by that date. No further entries mention pro tempore status. (Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 and 29 Jan. 1838; 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.

  40. 40

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 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.

  41. 41

    Although Morton was appointed on 10 June, he was not ordained until 17 June. (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.

  42. 42

    When the presidency was formed in 1836, Morton was second counselor. With the death of Alvah Beman in November 1837, first counselor Reuben Hedlock became acting president and Morton presumably acted as first counselor. Hedlock was appointed the official president sometime before 26 February 1838, at which time Morton presumably was officially appointed first counselor. (JS, Journal, 28 Jan. 1836; Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 22 and 29 Jan. 1838; 26 Feb. 1838; 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

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 8 July 1838. It is unknown when the Fisk family left Kirtland; however, the family was apparently living in Commerce, Illinois, by July 1839, when Hezekiah Fisk’s granddaughter and son died. Fisk died at Commerce on 9 November 1839. (“Obituary,” Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:32.)

    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.

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

  44. 44

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 26 Feb. 1838; Kirtland Camp Constitution, 13 Mar. 1838, CHL; Kirtland Camp, Journal, 5 July 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.

    Kirtland Camp. Constitution, 13 Mar. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.

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

  45. 45

    Kirtland Elders Quorum, “Record,” 8 July 1838; 8 Jan. 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.

  46. 46

    Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834.

  47. 47

    Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.

  48. 48

    Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838. Ebenezer Robinson’s minutes of the 6 April meeting list Young ahead of Patten. However, Patten was already serving with Marsh in the pro tempore Zion presidency, was older than Young, and was Young’s senior in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. George W. Robinson’s minutes in JS’s “Scriptory Book” list Patten and then Young. George W. Robinson’s minutes were apparently more accurate than Ebenezer Robinson’s minutes, as was the case with the former’s minutes of his own appointment as general church clerk and recorder. In addition, Patten was listed ahead of Young in the minutes of subsequent meetings. (Minute Book 2, 6–8 and 13 Apr. 1838; Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838, in JS, Journal, Mar.–Sept. 1838, 29.)

  49. 49

    Revelation, 8 July 1838–E [D&C 117:10].

  50. 50

    Revelation, 8 July 1838–E [D&C 117:10]; Geauga Co., OH, Deed Record, 1795–1921, vol. 27, pp. 149–150, 1 Oct. 1838, microfilm 20,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; Letter from William Perkins, 29 Oct. 1838.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  51. 51

    Rockwood, Journal, 21 Oct. 1838; Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde, Affidavit, Richmond, MO, 24 Oct. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA; Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde, Richmond, MO, to Lewis and Ann Marsh Abbott, Far West, MO, 25–30 Oct. 1838, in JS Letterbook 2, pp. 18–19; Pratt, History of the Late Persecution, 36.

    Rockwood, Albert Perry. Journal Entries, Oct. 1838–Jan. 1839. Photocopy. CHL. MS 2606.

    Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

  52. 52

    Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  53. 53

    Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 Jan. 1839. Young presumably received the letter a few days later.

  54. 54

    Far West Committee, Minutes, 26 Jan. 1839.

    Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

  55. 55

    See JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836, 81; Murdock, Autobiography, 34, 36, 37; and Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.

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

    Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2.

    Murdock, John. Autobiography, ca. 1859–1867. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 4.

  56. 56

    Minutes, 12 Apr. 1838.

  57. 57

    See Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838; Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838; and Minute Book 2, 31 Aug. 1838.

  58. 58

    Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.

  59. 59

    Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  60. 60

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 26 Jan. 1838; 5–6 Oct. 1838; 13 Dec. 1838; 16 Jan. 1839.

  61. 61

    Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.

  62. 62

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  63. 63

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; Letter from Elias Higbee, 16 Apr. 1839.

  64. 64

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.

  65. 65

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; Lorenzo D. Young, Statement, ca. 1894, CHL.

    Young, Lorenzo D. Statement, ca. 1894. CHL.

  66. 66

    Grover did not attend any meetings after 13 Dec. 1838, but he was not released by the final meeting on 16 January 1839. He was still in Far West on 29 January 1839, when he was placed on the committee to move Saints from Missouri. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; 16 Jan. 1839; Far West Committee, Minutes, 29 Jan. 1839.)

    Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

  67. 67

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  68. 68

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.

  69. 69

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838.

  70. 70

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.

  71. 71

    Although Jackman did not attend any meetings after 13 December 1838, he was not replaced by the final meeting on 16 January 1839. (Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)

  72. 72

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.

  73. 73

    Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  74. 74

    Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838; Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838; John P. Greene, Diary Entries, 1–16 Nov. 1838, CHL.

    Greene, John P. Diary Entries. 1–16 Nov. 1848. CHL.

  75. 75

    Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838; Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  76. 76

    Higbee did not attend any meetings following his 6 October 1838 appointment, but he was not replaced by the final meeting on 16 January 1839. (Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)

  77. 77

    Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838.

  78. 78

    Although Dort was not present at the final meeting on 16 January 1839, he apparently was still considered a council member. (Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)

  79. 79

    Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.

  80. 80

    Sherman’s appointment was evidently temporary, contingent upon the return of Newel Knight. Sherman evidently did not attend any other meetings of the high council prior to the final meeting on 16 January 1839, but he was not replaced and Knight did not return. (Minute Book 2, 13 Dec. 1838 and 16 Jan. 1839.)

  81. 81

    Revelation, 4 Feb. 1831 [D&C 41:9]; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.

  82. 82

    Minute Book 2, 3 June 1831; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.

  83. 83

    Minute Book 2, 1 and 5 Aug. 1837; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.

  84. 84

    Minute Book 2, 22 May and 6–7 Dec. 1837; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.

  85. 85

    Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837.

  86. 86

    Certificate for Charles C. Rich and Harvey Green, 20 Aug. 1837, in Minute Book 2, p. 80; Certificate for Charles C. Rich, no date, Charles C. Rich Collection, CHL.

    Rich, Charles C. Collection, 1832–1908. CHL. MS 889.

  87. 87

    Smith, who had been president of the quorum of high priests in Kirtland, followed JS in migrating to Far West. In Oct. 1839, he was sustained as president of the quorum in Zion at a general church conference in Commerce, Illinois, suggesting that he replaced Rich after arriving in Far West, possibly between 6 and 8 July 1838. Smith served a fund-raising mission from Sept. to Dec. 1838. (Minutes, 5–7 Oct. 1839; JS, Journal, 6 July 1838; Deed to Samuel F. Whitney, 8 July 1838.)

  88. 88

    Certificate for Charles C. Rich, no date, Charles C. Rich Collection, CHL. Samuel Bent joined the high council on 6 October 1838. (Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.)

    Rich, Charles C. Collection, 1832–1908. CHL. MS 889.

  89. 89

    Certificate for Charles C. Rich and Harvey Green, 20 Aug. 1837, in Minute Book 2, p. 80.

  90. 90

    Minute Book 2, 5–6 Oct. 1838.

  91. 91

    As bishop, Edward Partridge presided over the priests quorum. (Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107:87–88]; Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.)

    Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.

  92. 92

    Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.

    Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.

  93. 93

    Minute Book 2, 6–7 Dec. 1837; Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838.

  94. 94

    Letter from Thomas B. Marsh, 15 Feb. 1838; Minutes, 7–8 Apr. 1838.

  95. 95

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

  96. 96

    Minute Book 2, 6–7 Dec. 1837; Minutes, 12 Apr. 1838.

  97. 97

    Minute Book 2, 16 Jan. 1839.

  98. 98

    Minutes, 28 June 1838.

  99. 99

    Robert Wilson, Adam-ondi-Ahman, MO, to John B. Clark, Richmond, MO, 14 Nov. 1838, copy, Mormon War Papers, MSA; Baugh, “Call to Arms,” 349–359.

    Mormon War Papers, 1838–1841. MSA.

    Baugh, Alexander L. “A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri.” PhD diss., Brigham Young University, 1996. Also available as A Call to Arms: The 1838 Mormon Defense of Northern Missouri, Dissertations in Latter-day Saint History (Provo, UT: Joseph Fielding Smith Institute for Latter-day Saint History; BYU Studies, 2000).

  100. 100

    Minutes, 28 June 1838.

  101. 101

    Minutes, 28 June 1838.

  102. 102

    Swartzell, Mormonism Exposed, 31–32.

    Swartzell, William. Mormonism Exposed, Being a Journal of a Residence in Missouri from the 28th of May to the 20th of August, 1838, Together with an Appendix, Containing the Revelation concerning the Golden Bible, with Numerous Extracts from the ‘Book of Covenants,’ &c., &c. Pekin, OH: By the author, 1840.

  103. 103

    Minutes, 28 June 1838. Knight was received “into the Church in full Bishopric” at the May 1839 general conference of the church. (Minutes, 4–5 May 1839.)

  104. 104

    Murdock, Autobiography, 37.

    Murdock, John. Autobiography, ca. 1859–1867. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 4.

  105. 105

    Reed Peck, Quincy, IL, to “Dear Friends,” 18 Sept. 1839, pp. 20–21, Henry E. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.

    Peck, Reed. Letter, Quincy, IL, to “Dear Friends,” 18 Sept. 1839. Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.

  106. 106

    Letter to Stephen Post, 17 Sept. 1838; see also Rockwood, Journal, 14 Oct. 1838.

    Rockwood, Albert Perry. Journal Entries, Oct. 1838–Jan. 1839. Photocopy. CHL. MS 2606.

  107. 107

    “The Biography of Charles H. Hales No 45,” in “Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 208.

    “Biographies of the Seventies of the Second Quorum,” 1845–1855. In Seventies Quorum Records, 1844–1975. CHL. CR 499.

  108. 108

    Far West Committee, Minutes, 29 Jan–14 Apr. 1839.

    Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

  109. 109

    Far West Committee, Minutes, 29 Jan. 1839.

    Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

  110. 110

    Far West Committee, Minutes, 1 Feb. 1839.

    Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

  111. 111

    Rogers, Statement, [1], CHL; Far West Committee, Minutes, 17 Mar. 1839; Hyrum Smith, Liberty, MO, to Mary Fielding Smith, Quincy, IL, 19 Mar. 1839, Mary Fielding Smith Collection, CHL.

    Rogers, David W. Statement, [not before 1846]. CHL.

    Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.

    Smith, Mary Fielding. Collection, ca. 1832–1848. CHL. MS 2779.

  112. 112

    Rogers, Statement, [1], CHL.

    Rogers, David W. Statement, [not before 1846]. CHL.

  113. 113

    Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  114. 114

    Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  115. 115

    Minutes, 6 May 1839. The minutes called for Whitney to “act in unison with the other Bishops of the Church,” suggesting Whitney was not appointed to be the bishop for the whole community but was to share his duties with the other bishops, Edward Partridge and Vinson Knight.

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