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Letter from Eliza Lowry Nicholson, 23 April 1843

Source Note

Eliza Lowry Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
, Letter,
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
, Philadelphia Co., PA, to JS and Nauvoo high council,
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
, Hancock Co., IL, 23 Apr. 1843; handwriting and signature of
Eliza Lowry Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

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; three pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes address and docket.
Bifolium measuring 12–12¼ × 7¾–7⅞ inches (30–31 × 20 cm). Both leaves of the bifolium were cut irregularly at the bottom after the letter was inscribed. The letter was trifolded twice in letter style for mailing, addressed, and sealed with a red adhesive wafer. A hole was torn in the second leaf when the letter was opened, which caused the loss of some text. The letter was later refolded for filing.
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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, who served as scribe to JS from 1842 to 1844 and as
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
temple recorder from 1842 to 1846, docketed the document.
1

JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718; Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 18, 30–31.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

By 1973 the document had been included in the JS Collection at the Church Historical Department (now CHL).
2

See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.


The document’s early docket and its later inclusion in the JS Collection suggest continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718; Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 18, 30–31.

    Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

    Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

  2. [2]

    See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.

Historical Introduction

On 23 April 1843,
church

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
member
Eliza Lowry Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
wrote a letter from
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
to JS and 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
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....

More Info
, Illinois, to complain about the conduct of
Benjamin Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

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. In 1839, Winchester preached in the Philadelphia area and
baptized

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
forty-five individuals, leading to the formation of a
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
there in December of that year.
1

Orson Pratt to Sarah Marinda Bates Pratt, 6 Jan. 1840, in Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, 1:61; Benjamin Winchester, Philadelphia, PA, 10 Feb. 1840, Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, May 1840, 1:104; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 2.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

Winchester was appointed
presiding elder

A leader over a local ecclesiastical unit of the church; also a title indicating the leading officers of the church. When the church was organized, JS and Oliver Cowdery were ordained as first and second elders, respectively, distinguishing them as the church...

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over the branch in April 1841.
2

Winchester was ordained to “preside over the spiritual affairs” of the Philadelphia branch, with Edson Whipple and William Wharton as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 16–17.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

However, later that year he clashed with
apostle

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
John E. Page

25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm...

View Full Bio
when Page visited Philadelphia, and a rift in the branch developed in early 1842. A faction led by Winchester began meeting at a location separate from the rest of the branch.
3

Letter from John E. Page, 1 Sept. 1841; Letter from Benjamin Winchester, 18 Sept. 1841; “Progress of Mormonism,” Hartford (CT) Daily Courant, 4 Jan. 1842, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Hartford Daily Courant. Hartford, CT. 1840–1887.

The rift deepened in April 1842 when a
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
of the Philadelphia branch met to consider a petition regarding difficulties between Winchester and other branch members. The conference cleared Winchester of all charges against him, including an accusation that he was “trying to injure the reputation of sister [Eliza] Nicholson,” who was the mother of
James B. Nicholson

28 Jan. 1820–4 Mar. 1901. Bookbinder. Born in St. Louis. Son of John Nicholson and Eliza Lowry. Moved to Pittsburgh, ca. 1821. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed...

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, a counselor to
Jacob Syfritt

26 May 1803–before 1860. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Frederick Syfritt and Euphaninah. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15 June 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed to serve mission, 18 Oct. 1840. Ordained a bishop, 6 Apr. 1841, in ...

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,
bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
of the Philadelphia branch.
4

Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6, 12, and 14 Apr. 1842, 24–29. During the same April 1841 meeting in which Benjamin Winchester was ordained as presiding elder of the Philadelphia branch, Syfritt was chosen and ordained to “take charge of the financial affairs” of the branch as bishop, with Jesse Price and Nicholson as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 17.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

The conference also “exonerated” Eliza Nicholson “from the blame imputed to her in consequence of many existing reports concerning her,” although two days later it withdrew fellowship from her for unstated reasons.
5

Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 12 and 14 Apr. 1842, 28, 30.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

Toward the end of April 1842,
James B. Nicholson

28 Jan. 1820–4 Mar. 1901. Bookbinder. Born in St. Louis. Son of John Nicholson and Eliza Lowry. Moved to Pittsburgh, ca. 1821. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed...

View Full Bio
prepared a petition to church leaders 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....

More Info
asking them to authorize him and other
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
members to continue to meet as a branch separate from
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
and his supporters.
6

Petition from James B. Nicholson and Others, 22 Apr. 1842.


The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles granted this request, and Nicholson and others met separately until October 1842, when
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
members
Hyrum Smith

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

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and
William Law

8 Sept. 1809–12/19 Jan. 1892. Merchant, millwright, physician. Born in Co. Tyrone, 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...

View Full Bio
visited the branch and counseled members to “reorganize and begin anew” under the leadership of
Peter Hess

5 Feb. 1800–14 Dec. 1877. Cigar manufacturer. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Peter Hess and Fanny. Married Maria Leidy, 21 Dec. 1823, in Philadelphia. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Aug. 1842. Ordained an elder and appointed to...

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, who was appointed presiding elder at a September 1842 meeting.
7

Notice, 14 May 1842, in Times and Seasons, 16 May 1842, 3:798; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 14 Sept. 1842, 31; 15 and 31 Oct. 1842, 32–34.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

However, in February 1843, Hess wrote a letter to Hyrum Smith and JS stating that Winchester was continuing to cause problems. Winchester had told Hess and
George J. Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

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, a prominent missionary in the church, that they needed to excommunicate members of the branch who had not followed his breakoff group, even though Hyrum Smith had told church members in Philadelphia “that all former difficulties should never be brought up” again.
Eliza Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
was one of those members who had not aligned with Winchester. After Hess and Adams met with her, however, they declared that “she had a good spirit and was willing to do all that was required.”
8

Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843.


Two months later, on 21 and 22 April, the
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
branch’s
priesthood

Power or authority of God. The priesthood was conferred through the laying on of hands upon adult male members of the church in good standing; no specialized training was required. Priesthood officers held responsibility for administering the sacrament of...

View Glossary
officers held a council in which
James B. Nicholson

28 Jan. 1820–4 Mar. 1901. Bookbinder. Born in St. Louis. Son of John Nicholson and Eliza Lowry. Moved to Pittsburgh, ca. 1821. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed...

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stated that “remarks made by
Elder Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
derogatory to his mothers character had this day reached his ears. and he wished to present the evidence thereof.” Several individuals then testified that Winchester had at various times stated that
Eliza Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
“was a bad Character.” Because Winchester had also reportedly disparaged the character of branch member
Sybella McMinn Armstrong

ca. 1818–25 May 1888. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of Robert McMinn and Mary Dull. Married first a Mr. Armstrong, by ca. 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Excommunicated, 16 Apr. 1854, in Philadelphia...

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, Adams declared that “he had heard more backbiting and bickering from Elder Winchester than from all the other Members of the Church in Philadelphia put together.” The minutes of the meeting do not clearly state what the outcome of the discussion was, but after the council concluded, Eliza Nicholson wrote the 23 April letter featured here to JS.
9

Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

In the letter,
Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
explained the difficulties she and others in the
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
branch had experienced with
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
and his supporters, and she complained especially of Winchester’s recent defamation of her character. She asked that JS take action against Winchester so that his influence in Philadelphia would be destroyed. In addition, Nicholson commented on
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
’s proselytizing success in the area.
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
, who had been summoned to return to
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
, apparently brought
Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
’s letter with him. JS received the letter on 22 May.
10

JS, Journal, 22 May 1843; JS History, vol. D-1, 1557.


Nicholson’s letter, together with the one from
Hess

5 Feb. 1800–14 Dec. 1877. Cigar manufacturer. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Peter Hess and Fanny. Married Maria Leidy, 21 Dec. 1823, in Philadelphia. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Aug. 1842. Ordained an elder and appointed to...

View Full Bio
and another from
Armstrong

ca. 1818–25 May 1888. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of Robert McMinn and Mary Dull. Married first a Mr. Armstrong, by ca. 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Excommunicated, 16 Apr. 1854, in Philadelphia...

View Full Bio
, was considered in a 27 May 1843 meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during which
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
—who was also present—was told to “give up his licince, and move to Nauvoo with his family as soon as he can.”
11

Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843; see also Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843; and Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong, 1 May 1843.


Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Orson Pratt to Sarah Marinda Bates Pratt, 6 Jan. 1840, in Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, 1:61; Benjamin Winchester, Philadelphia, PA, 10 Feb. 1840, Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, May 1840, 1:104; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 2.

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

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  2. [2]

    Winchester was ordained to “preside over the spiritual affairs” of the Philadelphia branch, with Edson Whipple and William Wharton as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 16–17.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  3. [3]

    Letter from John E. Page, 1 Sept. 1841; Letter from Benjamin Winchester, 18 Sept. 1841; “Progress of Mormonism,” Hartford (CT) Daily Courant, 4 Jan. 1842, [2].

    Hartford Daily Courant. Hartford, CT. 1840–1887.

  4. [4]

    Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6, 12, and 14 Apr. 1842, 24–29. During the same April 1841 meeting in which Benjamin Winchester was ordained as presiding elder of the Philadelphia branch, Syfritt was chosen and ordained to “take charge of the financial affairs” of the branch as bishop, with Jesse Price and Nicholson as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 17.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  5. [5]

    Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 12 and 14 Apr. 1842, 28, 30.

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  6. [6]

    Petition from James B. Nicholson and Others, 22 Apr. 1842.

  7. [7]

    Notice, 14 May 1842, in Times and Seasons, 16 May 1842, 3:798; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 14 Sept. 1842, 31; 15 and 31 Oct. 1842, 32–34.

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  8. [8]

    Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843.

  9. [9]

    Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.

    General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

  10. [10]

    JS, Journal, 22 May 1843; JS History, vol. D-1, 1557.

  11. [11]

    Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843; see also Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843; and Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong, 1 May 1843.

Page [1]

Phia.

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
April 23, 1843
President Smith and
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
At length I submit my Name to your <​care​> beleiveing you to be honerable Men and I feel assured this is the
Church of Christ

The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...

View Glossary
therefore being a member of the same I have made a covenant to stand firm and hold on through thick and thin th[r]ough hot and cold and am Willing to bear all for Christ[’s] sake but not for the Devil—— therefore in honesty I shal endeaver to commit some of my grievencies to you that your wisdom may destroy his power, and <​not​> permit him to have influence over all the
Phila

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
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
and eventually Crush the Church and leave the virtuous and good to bear the disgrace.—
1

According to Peter Hess, Benjamin Winchester had created “stumbling blocks and impediments in the way which hinders those from entering who otherwise would and weakens the faith of many of the saints.” (Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843.)


in, writing I shal endeaver to turn my back on Friend and Foe and dedicate myself to <​the​> will and Power of the Almighty God that my pen may be directed by truth and inteligence and convey the light and substance on this occasion to you that my weak mind: alone is incapable of (I do not wish you to think I am troubling you with a affairs that have been Canciled,
2

In October 1842, Hyrum Smith told the Philadelphia branch that they should forget “all former dificulties,” and the branch later voted that “all former difficulties be burried never more to have a ressurection.” (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 15 Oct. and 21 Dec. 1842, 32, 35–36.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

those things I am about to relate never reached my ears until 21st of this month— but I will not write at present any thing respecting the general difficulties thare will be several, to relate them: I know but little about them, and wish I knew less of
Elder [Benjamin] Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
or that <​I​> had never seen him— in my opinion he is under the influense of the evil one for nothing but his power would cause him to conduct himself as he does,— and his immediate Friends that Constantly surround him; what <​shal​> I say of them— to say the least I do not think them any <​a​>, Benefit to and any person I will tel their Names and refer you to the traveli[n]g
Elders

A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...

View Glossary
that is now in our
City

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
on their way to
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
,
3

On 1 May 1843, the Philadelphia branch listed twelve men as traveling elders: William Wharton, Jacob Syfritt, James B. Nicholson, J. H. Newton, Albert Lutz, Henry Lehman, William Moore, Jacob Hoffheins, John Strong, Joseph Landis, Daniel Davis, and Samuel Reeve. However, Eliza Lowry Nicholson may have been referring to individuals who had left from Nauvoo to preach in the eastern United States and who were now returning to Nauvoo. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 1 May 1843, 42.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

respecting their Cond[u]ct Mr Leeman [Henry Lehman]
4

Philadelphia Branch Membership Record, 24–25.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch Membership Record. Verso of Philadelphia, PA, Minutes and Records, 1840–1854. CCLA.

is one;
Elder [Orson] Hyde

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

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and Elder
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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will recalle him he lived in fifth below Vine Insulted
Borther <​Hyde​>

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

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and was Cut off for Unrightious Conduct <​has now returned​> Isacc W Statham [Isaac Stathem] is another
5

In February 1843, Peter Hess informed JS that Stathem had “for some time been Keeping a Kind of tave[r]n and oyster house in this city for prostitutes and their associates to resort.” Hess also accused Stathem and his wife of prostituting “a young girl from the country” who had joined the church and then come to Philadelphia to live with them. At a 14 February 1843 council in Philadelphia, Stathem’s wife was charged with “Defamation of character” and “Profane language” by “Sister Miller,” who was evidently the young lady who had been prostituted. The council “exonerated” Stathem’s wife “from all charges.” On 22 April, a council of official members of the Philadelphia branch considered a charge by Hess that Stathem had kept “a house of assignation” but postponed a full consideration of the accusation until a later date. On 24 April, the Philadelphia branch disfellowshipped Stathem and his wife for “keeping a house of ill-fame.” (Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843; Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 14 Feb. and 24 Apr. 1843, 38–39.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

and A young Man by the Name of [Nicholas B.] Helverson who now has withdrawn from the Branch—
6

The same day that Nicholson wrote this letter, the Philadelphia branch “sanctioned” the “former withdrawal of N. B. Helverson from this Branch” and declared him “no longer a member of the church.” (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 23 Apr. 1843, 39.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

these Men stood by
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

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and opposed own our
Presiding Elder

5 Feb. 1800–14 Dec. 1877. Cigar manufacturer. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Peter Hess and Fanny. Married Maria Leidy, 21 Dec. 1823, in Philadelphia. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Aug. 1842. Ordained an elder and appointed to...

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, in the Council Meeting of the 21[st]. and 22 of the Month
7

At this council of official members of the Philadelphia branch, Winchester “set forth the difficulties that existed between Elder Hess and himself and proclaimed his evidences upon the subject.” After some discussion, the council resolved “that the matter be dropt.” (Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

—— it now time to talk about Myself. My last Wound was this and I shure [assure] <​you,​> it came very severe as I now know no bounds to the lies and Slander
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

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has dealt abroad respecting me and my Charactor, I now do not [p. [1]]
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Document Transcript

Page [1]

Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from Eliza Lowry Nicholson, 23 April 1843
ID #
1053
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D12:228–234
Handwriting on This Page
  • Eliza Lowry Nicholson

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    According to Peter Hess, Benjamin Winchester had created “stumbling blocks and impediments in the way which hinders those from entering who otherwise would and weakens the faith of many of the saints.” (Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843.)

  2. [2]

    In October 1842, Hyrum Smith told the Philadelphia branch that they should forget “all former dificulties,” and the branch later voted that “all former difficulties be burried never more to have a ressurection.” (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 15 Oct. and 21 Dec. 1842, 32, 35–36.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  3. [3]

    On 1 May 1843, the Philadelphia branch listed twelve men as traveling elders: William Wharton, Jacob Syfritt, James B. Nicholson, J. H. Newton, Albert Lutz, Henry Lehman, William Moore, Jacob Hoffheins, John Strong, Joseph Landis, Daniel Davis, and Samuel Reeve. However, Eliza Lowry Nicholson may have been referring to individuals who had left from Nauvoo to preach in the eastern United States and who were now returning to Nauvoo. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 1 May 1843, 42.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  4. [4]

    Philadelphia Branch Membership Record, 24–25.

    Philadelphia Branch Membership Record. Verso of Philadelphia, PA, Minutes and Records, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  5. [5]

    In February 1843, Peter Hess informed JS that Stathem had “for some time been Keeping a Kind of tave[r]n and oyster house in this city for prostitutes and their associates to resort.” Hess also accused Stathem and his wife of prostituting “a young girl from the country” who had joined the church and then come to Philadelphia to live with them. At a 14 February 1843 council in Philadelphia, Stathem’s wife was charged with “Defamation of character” and “Profane language” by “Sister Miller,” who was evidently the young lady who had been prostituted. The council “exonerated” Stathem’s wife “from all charges.” On 22 April, a council of official members of the Philadelphia branch considered a charge by Hess that Stathem had kept “a house of assignation” but postponed a full consideration of the accusation until a later date. On 24 April, the Philadelphia branch disfellowshipped Stathem and his wife for “keeping a house of ill-fame.” (Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843; Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 14 Feb. and 24 Apr. 1843, 38–39.)

    General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  6. [6]

    The same day that Nicholson wrote this letter, the Philadelphia branch “sanctioned” the “former withdrawal of N. B. Helverson from this Branch” and declared him “no longer a member of the church.” (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 23 Apr. 1843, 39.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  7. [7]

    At this council of official members of the Philadelphia branch, Winchester “set forth the difficulties that existed between Elder Hess and himself and proclaimed his evidences upon the subject.” After some discussion, the council resolved “that the matter be dropt.” (Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.)

    General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

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