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  2. Nauvoo City Officers, February–November 1841

Nauvoo City Officers, February–November 1841

The following chart identifies significant city offices in
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....

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, Illinois, and the names of the individuals who held those offices from 3 February 1841, when the Nauvoo city government was organized, through 30 November 1841. If a city officer took office after 3 February or left office before 30 November, that change is noted in parentheses. The city charter for Nauvoo, approved 16 December 1840, took effect on the first Monday of February 1841. It called for a city council consisting of a mayor, four aldermen, and nine councilors, who would be elected and serve for two years. The charter made provision for the city council to add to the number of aldermen and councilors if necessary. Other city officers were appointed or elected by the city council. The first city election was held 1 February 1841. In October 1841 four more aldermen and seven more councilors were added to the council. Councilors and aldermen are listed in the order in which they most commonly appeared in municipal records.
The mayor and aldermen served as justices of the peace within the
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
city limits. The charter prescribed that the mayor’s court “had exclusive jurisdiction in all cases arising under the ordinances of the corporation.” The mayor also served as chief justice of the municipal court, and the aldermen served as associate justices of that court. From the municipal court, appeal could be made to the Circuit Court of
Hancock County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

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.
When council seats became vacant because of death, resignation, or appointment to other office, the vacancies were filled by election or appointment by the city council. If members of the city council were to be absent for significant lengths of time, substitute or temporary councilors were elected and sworn in to fill the vacancy. These temporary councilors are not listed here.
3 February–30 November 1841
Mayor
John C. Bennett

3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...

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1

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


 
City Councilors
Joseph Smith Jr.
2

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Don Carlos Smith

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

View Full Bio
3

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


(served until death, 7 Aug. 1841
4

“Death of General Don Carlos Smith,” Times and Seasons, 16 Aug. 1841, 2:503–504.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

)
Hyrum Smith

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

View Full Bio
5

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


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...

View Full Bio
6

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


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...

View Full Bio
7

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


John Barnett

20 Oct. 1809–2 Sept. 1905. Farmer, community and civic leader. Born in Sullivan Co., Tennessee. Son of James Henry Barnett and Mary A. Tipton. Moved to Jefferson Co., Tennessee, by 1822. Moved to Springfield, Sangamon Co., Illinois, 1829. Boyhood friend of...

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8

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Vinson Knight

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

View Full Bio
9

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Wilson Law

26 Feb. 1806–15 Oct. 1876. Merchant, millwright, land speculator, farmer. Born in Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co....

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10

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


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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(took office 8 Feb. 1841;
11

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841; see also Sidney Rigdon, Oath, 8 Feb. 1841, Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL.


left office 1 Nov. 1841
12

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 1 Nov. 1841, 28; Sidney Rigdon, Letter of Resignation, 1 Nov. 1841, Nauvoo, IL, Records, 1841–1845, CHL.


)
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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(took office 4 Sept. 1841
13

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Sept. 1841, 21.


)
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
14

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
Orson Pratt

19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall...

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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
15

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
Hugh McFall

Ca. 1798–after 1860. Carpenter. Born in Pennsylvania. Married Elizabeth. Moved to Ohio, by 1834. Moved to Illinois, by 1839. Lived at Hancock Co., Illinois, 1840. Appointed adjutant general in Nauvoo Legion, 9 Mar. 1841, in Nauvoo, Hancock Co. Member of Nauvoo...

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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
16

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
Heber C. Kimball

14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...

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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
17

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
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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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
18

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26.


)
Willard Richards

24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...

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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
19

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26.


)
Wilford Woodruff

1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,...

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(took office 6 Nov. 1841
20

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct.; 6 Nov. 1841, 26, 28.


)
 
Aldermen
Daniel H. Wells

27 Oct. 1814–24 Mar. 1891. Farmer, teacher, ferry operator, lumber merchant, manager of nail factory, politician. Born in Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Daniel Wells and Catherine Chapin. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, ca. 1832. Moved to ...

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21

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


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
22

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Newel K. Whitney

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

View Full Bio
23

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Samuel Smith

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

View Full Bio
24

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Gustavus Hills

29 Jan. 1804–18 Oct. 1846. Music teacher, engraver, jeweler, newspaper editor, judge. Born in Chatham, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Lebbeus Hills and Mary Gibson. Married Elizabeth Mansfield, 25 Dec. 1827, in Middletown, Middlesex Co. Moved to Warren...

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(took office 23 Oct. 1841
25

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
Orson Spencer

14 Mar./13 May 1802–15 Oct. 1855. Teacher, minister, university professor and chancellor. Born in West Stockbridge, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Daniel Spencer and Chloe Wilson. Moved to Lenox, Berkshire Co., 1817; to Schenectady, Schenectady Co.,...

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(took office 23 Oct. 1841
26

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
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...

View Full Bio
(took office 30 Oct. 1841
27

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26; and Oaths of the Aldermen and Councilors added to the City Council, 1 Nov. 1841, Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL.


)
Hiram Kimball

31 May 1806–27 Apr. 1863. Merchant, iron foundry operator, mail carrier. Born in West Fairlee, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Phineas Kimball and Abigail. Moved to Commerce (later Nauvoo), Hancock Co., Illinois, 1833, and established several stores. Married ...

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(took office 30 Oct. 1841
28

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26.


)
 
Marshal
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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29

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


Dimick B. Huntington

26 May 1808–1 Feb. 1879. Farmer, blacksmith, shoemaker, constable, coroner, deputy sheriff, Indian interpreter. Born at Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of William Huntington and Zina Baker. Married Fannie Maria Allen, 28 Apr. 1830. Baptized into Church...

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(took office 23 Oct. 1841 to act in place of
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...

View Full Bio
30

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23 Oct. 1841, 25.


)
 
Treasurer
Robert B. Thompson

1 Oct. 1811–27 Aug. 1841. Clerk, editor. Born in Great Driffield, Yorkshire, England. Methodist. Immigrated to Upper Canada, 1834. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley P. Pratt, May 1836, in Upper Canada. Ordained an elder by...

View Full Bio
31

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


(served until death, 27 Aug. 1841
32

“Death of Col. Robert B. Thompson,” Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1841, 2:519–520.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

)
John S. Fullmer

21 July 1807–8 Oct. 1883. Farmer, newsman, postmaster, teacher, merchant. Born at Huntington, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfass. Moved to Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee, spring 1832. Married Mary Ann Price, 24 May 1837...

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(took office 4 Sept. 1841
33

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Sept. 1841, 22; 1 Jan. 1842, 38.


)
 
City Recorder and Clerk of the Municipal Court
James Sloan

28 Oct. 1792–24 Oct. 1886. City recorder, notary public, attorney, judge, farmer. Born in Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Son of Alexander Sloan and Anne. Married Mary Magill. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ordained an elder, ...

View Full Bio
34

Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.


 
Sexton
William D. Huntington

28 Feb. 1818–20 Mar. 1887. Constable, sexton, carpenter, farmer, postmaster. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of William Huntington and Zina Baker. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Luke Johnson, Aug. 1836. Moved ...

View Full Bio
(took office 4 Sept. 1841
35

Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Sept. 1841, 21; see also Woods, “Cemetery Record of William D. Huntington, Nauvoo Sexton,” 131–163, 158n5.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woods, Fred E. “The Cemetery Record of William D. Huntington, Nauvoo Sexton.” Mormon Historical Studies, 3, no. 1 (Spring 2002): 131–163.

)
  1. 1

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  2. 2

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  3. 3

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  4. 4

    “Death of General Don Carlos Smith,” Times and Seasons, 16 Aug. 1841, 2:503–504.

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

  5. 5

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  6. 6

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  7. 7

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  8. 8

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  9. 9

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  10. 10

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  11. 11

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841; see also Sidney Rigdon, Oath, 8 Feb. 1841, Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL.

  12. 12

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 1 Nov. 1841, 28; Sidney Rigdon, Letter of Resignation, 1 Nov. 1841, Nauvoo, IL, Records, 1841–1845, CHL.

  13. 13

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Sept. 1841, 21.

  14. 14

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.

  15. 15

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.

  16. 16

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.

  17. 17

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23, 30 Oct. 1841, 25.

  18. 18

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26.

  19. 19

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26.

  20. 20

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct.; 6 Nov. 1841, 26, 28.

  21. 21

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  22. 22

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  23. 23

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  24. 24

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  25. 25

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23 Oct. 1841, 25.

  26. 26

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23 Oct. 1841, 25.

  27. 27

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26; and Oaths of the Aldermen and Councilors added to the City Council, 1 Nov. 1841, Nauvoo, IL, Records, CHL.

  28. 28

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 30 Oct. 1841, 26.

  29. 29

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  30. 30

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 23 Oct. 1841, 25.

  31. 31

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  32. 32

    “Death of Col. Robert B. Thompson,” Times and Seasons, 1 Sept. 1841, 2:519–520.

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

  33. 33

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Sept. 1841, 22; 1 Jan. 1842, 38.

  34. 34

    Minutes, 3 Feb. 1841.

  35. 35

    Nauvoo City Council Minute Book, 4 Sept. 1841, 21; see also Woods, “Cemetery Record of William D. Huntington, Nauvoo Sexton,” 131–163, 158n5.

    Woods, Fred E. “The Cemetery Record of William D. Huntington, Nauvoo Sexton.” Mormon Historical Studies, 3, no. 1 (Spring 2002): 131–163.

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