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Historian’s Office, Martyrdom Account, Draft

Source Note

Historian’s Office, martyrdom account, draft; handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw,
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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, and
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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; 57 pages plus several inserted pages; CHL.
For more information on the History Drafts, see Introduction to History Drafts, 1844–1856.

Historical Introduction

The “Historian’s Office, Martyrdom Account, Draft,” and the “Historian’s Office, Martyrdom Account” are the two complete, extant iterations of efforts by later church historians to record the murder of JS and
Hyrum Smith

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

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, including the events leading up to their deaths and the immediate aftermath. As stated at the beginning of both accounts, the information was compiled from a number of different sources, including other journals, letters, and various other documents. It was put into a cohesive narrative during the 1850s by Church Historian’s Office clerks
Leo Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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, Jonathan Grimshaw, and
Thomas Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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, presumably under the direction of the church historian,
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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.
Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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was the initial scribe for approximately the first half of “Historian’s Office, Martyrdom Account, Draft,” and Grimshaw was the primary scribe for the remainder. Sometimes slips of paper were attached to pages of the draft with additional or alternative text to be included with a specific page. Page 12 of the draft has a notation by Grimshaw indicating that previously drafted text was to be added to the draft; instead of copying the text, he simply inserted a whole leaf into the draft. This leaf, in
Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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’s handwriting, contains various numbered vignettes. It appears to be part of a larger collection of vignettes, as it is paginated “5” and “6,” and is likely the surviving portion of an earlier iteration of the martyrdom account by Thomas Bullock. The remainder of Bullock’s effort is not extant.
“Historian’s Office, Martyrdom Account,” which is a more final copy written primarily by Grimshaw in the mid-1850s, similarly has slips of papers attached. It also includes several leaves that were physically removed from “Martyrdom Account, Draft”; these leaves were renumbered to match the pagination of the copy: pages 7–10 in the draft became pages 11–14 in the more final copy; pages 13–14 became 19–20; most extensively, pages 19–52 became 27–60; and finally, page 57, the last page of the draft, became page 73 in the new version. Although these leaves are cataloged with the more final copy, this website presents the pages both in the draft, as originally paginated, and in the more final copy, with the new pagination. Two additional items were added at the end of the more final copy. A bifolium paginated as “75” and “2” and written on the back of a printed Utah Territory legal form gives an account of the arrival of the bodies of JS and Hyrum Smith in Nauvoo as well as the funeral and burial. It was written by Grimshaw and edited by
Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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from information given by
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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. On the final leaf, which is torn and is paginated “76,” Bullock drafted an introduction to a passage from
Thomas Ford

5 Dec. 1800–3 Nov. 1850. Schoolteacher, newspaperman, lawyer, politician, judge, author. Born in Uniontown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Robert Ford and Elizabeth Logue Forquer. Moved to St. Louis, 1804; to New Design (later American Bottom), Randolph...

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’s History of Illinois, with instructions to include the passage from Ford’s history in the martyrdom account.
Both the draft and the more final copy were edited by
Hawkins

19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...

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, Grimshaw, and
Bullock

23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...

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. It is not clear when the edits were made. The more final copy of the account appears to be what was used in 1856 when the final version was copied into the last volume of the Joseph Smith’s multivolume manuscript history (JS History, vol. F-1, 147, 151–204).

Page 14

P. Harmon

11 Aug. 1795–24 Dec. 1877. Policeman, alderman, farmer. Born in Rupert, Bennington Co., Vermont. Son of Martin Harmon and Triphina Pool. Moved to Lewis, Essex Co., Vermont, ca. 1801. Served in War of 1812. Moved to Castleton, Rutland Co., Vermont, June 1813...

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,
John Lytle

18 Aug. 1803–12 Oct. 1892. Blacksmith, policeman, farmer. Born in Turbot Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Andrew Lytle and Sarah Davidson. Moved to West Buffalo, Northumberland Co., by 1810. Moved to Ohio, ca. 1820. Married Christina Diana...

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,
Joseph W. Coolidge

31 May 1814–13 Jan. 1871. Carpenter, miller, merchant. Born in Bangor, Hancock Co., Maine. Son of John Kittridge Coolidge and Rebecca Stone Wellington. Moved to Cincinnati, by 1817. Moved to area of Mackinaw, Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1834. Married Elizabeth...

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,
David Harvey Redfield

31 Aug. 1807–27 Dec. 1878. Teamster, farmer, merchant, coroner. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Samuel Russell Redfield and Sarah Gould. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1831. Ordained a priest by Sidney Rigdon...

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, <​Orin​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


O. P. [Orrin Porter] Rockwell

June 1814–9 June 1878. Ferry operator, herdsman, farmer. Born in Belchertown, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Orin Rockwell and Sarah Witt. Moved to Farmington (later in Manchester), Ontario Co., New York, 1817. Neighbor to JS. Baptized into Church of...

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and
Levi Richards

14 Apr. 1799–18 June 1876. Teacher, mechanic, inventor, physician. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 31 Dec. 1836, in Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio...

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, gave bonds with
John S. Fullmer

Ca. 1800–1886. Lawyer. Born near Boston, in Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Nehemiah Woods and Mary. Moved to Lincoln, Grafton Co., Massachusetts, by Feb. 1802. Moved to Virginia, 1824. Admitted to bar, 1827, in Lewisburg, Greenbrier Co., Virginia (later...

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, <​
Edward Hunter

22 June 1793–16 Oct. 1883. Farmer, currier, surveyor, merchant. Born at Newtown Township, Delaware Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Edward Hunter and Hannah Maris. Volunteer cavalryman in Delaware Co. militia, 1822–1829. Served as Delaware Co. commissioner. Moved...

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​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


,
Dan Jones

4 Aug. 1811–6 Jan. 1862. Steamboat owner and captain, farmer, mayor. Born in Flintshire, Wales. Son of Thomas Jones and Ruth. Married Jane Melling, 3 Jan. 1837, in Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales. Immigrated to U.S., ca. 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois...

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,
John Benbow

1 Apr. 1800–12 May 1874. Farmer. Born in Grendon Warren, Herefordshire, England. Son of Thomas Benbow and Anne Jones. Married Jane Holmes, 16 Oct. 1826, in Worcester, Worcestershire, England. Christened Anglican. Later joined United Brethren. Baptized into...

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, and other unexceptionable sureties, <​for their appearance at the next term of the Circuit Court <​for
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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​>​> in the sum of $500 <​for​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


each <​of the defendants, Total $7,500​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


which was 2½ times the amount of the extreme penalty required by the Statutes of
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...

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: in such cases of conviction
. <​and more than four times the entire cost of the Expositor Press and fixtures.​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


It was evident that the Magistrate intended to overreach the pile <​wealth​>

Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


of the <​the defendants​>

Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


brethren <​and their friends​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


, so as to imprison those on trial <​them​>

Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


for want of bail; but it happened that there was strength to cover the demand. <​for​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


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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,
Dan Jones

4 Aug. 1811–6 Jan. 1862. Steamboat owner and captain, farmer, mayor. Born in Flintshire, Wales. Son of Thomas Jones and Ruth. Married Jane Melling, 3 Jan. 1837, in Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales. Immigrated to U.S., ca. 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois...

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and others
<​some of the brethren​>

Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


went <​security​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


to the full extent of their worth <​property​>

Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


. and Justice [Robert F.] Smith adjourned his Court over, and left <​the Court House​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


, without calling on Joseph and
Hyrum

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

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to answer to the charge of treason, or even intimating to the <​those​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


prisoners, or their Council, that they were expected to enter into an examination this <​that​> night.
<​
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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​>

Insertion written vertically over the preceding paragraph in the center of the page, apparently indicating that this information came from John S. Fullmer; handwriting of Leo Hawkins.


<​Capt. Smith, the only Magistrate who could grant subpoenas for witnesses, disappeared until a late hour, as if purposely to prevent the appearing of the defendants’ witnesses, and in keeping with the conviction expressed by them <​Joseph’s enemies​> the previous day “that the law cannot touch him <​them​>, but that powder and ball will”.​>

Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.


June 25. About 6½ P. M.
Dan Jones

4 Aug. 1811–6 Jan. 1862. Steamboat owner and captain, farmer, mayor. Born in Flintshire, Wales. Son of Thomas Jones and Ruth. Married Jane Melling, 3 Jan. 1837, in Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales. Immigrated to U.S., ca. 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois...

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heard
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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, while endeavoring to get a <​another​>

Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.


warrant against Joseph Smith for Treason, declare, that while he was once preaching from Daniel 1 ch. 44 v. Mr Smith said that the kingdom referred to, was already set up; and that he was the King over it. He also heard
Joseph H.

?–? Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, by fall 1842. Moved to Carthage, Hancock Co., winter 1842–1843. Returned to Nauvoo, spring 1843. Hired to sell land for JS, 20 May 1843. Appointed aide-de-camp to lieutenant general in Nauvoo Legion, by 5 Jan. 1844...

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<​
D. Jones

4 Aug. 1811–6 Jan. 1862. Steamboat owner and captain, farmer, mayor. Born in Flintshire, Wales. Son of Thomas Jones and Ruth. Married Jane Melling, 3 Jan. 1837, in Denbigh, Denbighshire, Wales. Immigrated to U.S., ca. 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois...

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​>

Insertion written vertically over the preceding paragraph in the center of the page, apparently indicating that this information came from Dan Jones; handwriting of Leo Hawkins.


[p. 14]
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Source Note

Document Transcript

Page 14

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Historian’s Office, Martyrdom Account, Draft
ID #
8641
Total Pages
72
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
  • Leo Hawkins
  • Thomas Bullock
  • Jonathan Grimshaw

Footnotes

  1. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  2. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  3. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  4. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  5. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  6. new scribe logo

    Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  7. new scribe logo

    Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  8. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  9. new scribe logo

    Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  10. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  11. new scribe logo

    Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  12. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  13. new scribe logo

    Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  14. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  15. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  16. new scribe logo

    Insertion written vertically over the preceding paragraph in the center of the page, apparently indicating that this information came from John S. Fullmer; handwriting of Leo Hawkins.

  17. new scribe logo

    Insertion in the handwriting of Jonathan Grimshaw.

  18. new scribe logo

    Cancellation and insertion in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.

  19. new scribe logo

    Insertion written vertically over the preceding paragraph in the center of the page, apparently indicating that this information came from Dan Jones; handwriting of Leo Hawkins.

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