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Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835

Source Note

Letters, JS,
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
,
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
, 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...

View Full Bio
,
Kirtland Township

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
, Geauga Co., OH, to
John Burk

4 Feb. 1793–8 June 1853. Innkeeper, farmer. Born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Charles Burke and Esther Robinson Bohannon. Married first Abigail Fellows, 13 Mar. 1821, in Fairfield. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1823. Baptized into...

View Full Bio
,
Liberty

Located in western Missouri, thirteen miles north of Independence. Settled 1820. Clay Co. seat, 1822. Incorporated as town, May 1829. Following expulsion from Jackson Co., 1833, many Latter-day Saints found refuge in Clay Co., with church leaders and other...

More Info
, Clay Co., MO, 1 June 1835;
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
,
Kirtland Township

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
, Geauga Co., OH, to
Sally Waterman Phelps

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

View Full Bio
,
Liberty

Located in western Missouri, thirteen miles north of Independence. Settled 1820. Clay Co. seat, 1822. Incorporated as town, May 1829. Following expulsion from Jackson Co., 1833, many Latter-day Saints found refuge in Clay Co., with church leaders and other...

More Info
, Clay Co., MO, 2 June 1835; JS,
Kirtland Township

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
, Geauga Co., OH, to
Almira Mack Scobey

28 Apr. 1805–10 Mar. 1886. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Daughter of Stephen Mack and Temperance Bond. Moved to Detroit, 1822. Moved to Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan Territory, 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by ...

View Full Bio
,
Clay Co.

Settled ca. 1800. Organized from Ray Co., 1822. Original size diminished when land was taken to create several surrounding counties. Liberty designated county seat, 1822. Population in 1830 about 5,000; in 1836 about 8,500; and in 1840 about 8,300. Refuge...

More Info
, MO, ca. 2 June 1835; handwriting of
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 JS; signatures of JS,
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
,
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
, 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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; four pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes docket.
These letters were inscribed on a large single sheet folded in half, creating two leaves measuring 16¾ × 10½ inches (42 × 27 cm). The top, bottom, and outside edges of the leaves were irregularly cut. The document was tri-folded twice in letter style for mailing. Three of the center panels on the verso of the second leaf have residue from an adhesive wafer; one of the panels contains a largely complete adhesive wafer with the letters “WWP”, for
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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, still visible. Opening of the seal resulted in some minor loss to the text of the recto of the second leaf. Soiling is heaviest on the address panel and the other exterior panel, suggesting that it was kept folded in letter style for some time. All the folds are weak, and many folds and corners have loss of text because of wear. Some folds have been mended with Japanese paper. A docket in the handwriting of Andrew Jenson is inscribed vertically in graphite on the address panel and reads: “June 2 1, 1835”. Asterisks (redactions) inscribed in graphite in the margins throughout the manuscript suggest the letter may have been copied at some point.
The custodial history is uncertain. The address label specifies the letter was sent to “Mr
John M. Burk

4 Feb. 1793–8 June 1853. Innkeeper, farmer. Born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Charles Burke and Esther Robinson Bohannon. Married first Abigail Fellows, 13 Mar. 1821, in Fairfield. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1823. Baptized into...

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or
Sally Phelps

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

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” in
Liberty

Located in western Missouri, thirteen miles north of Independence. Settled 1820. Clay Co. seat, 1822. Incorporated as town, May 1829. Following expulsion from Jackson Co., 1833, many Latter-day Saints found refuge in Clay Co., with church leaders and other...

More Info
, Clay County, Missouri, but the absence of any postmark indicates it was hand carried, even though a statement in the letter speaks of postage. Manuscript materials relating to
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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were donated to the Historian’s Office incrementally starting in the 1860s. Sometime between 1906 and 1913, Assistant Church Historian Andrew Jenson copied the letters into the Journal History of the Church, stating that they were “on file” at the Church Historian’s Office.
1

Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 1–2 June 1835; Bergera, “Commencement of Great Things,” 23, 30.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

Bergera, Gary James. “The Commencement of Great Things: The Origins, Scope, and Achievement of the Journal History of the Church.” Mormon Historical Studies 4, no. 1 (Spring 2003): 23–39.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 1–2 June 1835; Bergera, “Commencement of Great Things,” 23, 30.

    Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

    Bergera, Gary James. “The Commencement of Great Things: The Origins, Scope, and Achievement of the Journal History of the Church.” Mormon Historical Studies 4, no. 1 (Spring 2003): 23–39.

Historical Introduction

On 1 June 1835, JS,
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
,
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
, 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...

View Full Bio
wrote a letter to
John Burk

4 Feb. 1793–8 June 1853. Innkeeper, farmer. Born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Charles Burke and Esther Robinson Bohannon. Married first Abigail Fellows, 13 Mar. 1821, in Fairfield. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1823. Baptized into...

View Full Bio
, president of the
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
in
Liberty

Located in western Missouri, thirteen miles north of Independence. Settled 1820. Clay Co. seat, 1822. Incorporated as town, May 1829. Following expulsion from Jackson Co., 1833, many Latter-day Saints found refuge in Clay Co., with church leaders and other...

More Info
, Clay County, Missouri, explaining that elders did not have the authority to conduct disciplinary councils 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
. They also provided more general information on the duties of elders,
priests

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. In the Book of Mormon, priests were described as those who baptized, administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church,” and taught “the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” A June 1829 revelation directed...

View Glossary
,
teachers

Generally, one who instructs, but also an ecclesiastical and priesthood office. The Book of Mormon explained that teachers were to be ordained “to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end...

View Glossary
, and
deacons

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. The “Articles and Covenants” directed deacons to assist teachers in their duties. Deacons were also to “warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ.” Although deacons did not have the authority...

View Glossary
. Phelps and Whitmer had left their homes in
Clay County

Settled ca. 1800. Organized from Ray Co., 1822. Original size diminished when land was taken to create several surrounding counties. Liberty designated county seat, 1822. Population in 1830 about 5,000; in 1836 about 8,500; and in 1840 about 8,300. Refuge...

More Info
where they served as two of the presidents of the Missouri high council, on 28 April 1835,
1

Whitmer, History, 70–71.


and they arrived in
Kirtland

Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and...

More Info
, Ohio, on 17 May 1835. On 20 May, they participated in a meeting that determined that a Missouri disciplinary council held for
George Burket

18 Oct. 1788–15 Mar. 1871. Store owner/keeper, carpenter. Born in Bedford, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. Son of George Burket Sr. and Catharine Swovelin. Married first Sarah Smith, 1810. Purchased home in Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, 1821; extended house...

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, an elder in Missouri, was not authorized. Phelps then served as the scribe for this letter—signed by himself, JS, Cowdery, and Whitmer—informing Burk of that decision.
2

In a later letter to his wife, Sally Waterman Phelps, William W. Phelps referred to a letter that “checked the Elders in their crusade for exaltation.” He called the letter “my letter,” indicating that he likely drafted the letter on behalf of the other three. (William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 20 July 1835, in Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 20 July 1835.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

The letter suggests that there was some confusion regarding the responsibilities of elders, especially in terms of church discipline. In the past, conferences of elders had filled a disciplinary role.
3

See Minutes, 1 Sept. 1831; Minutes, 6 Sept. 1831; Minutes, 12 Sept. 1831; and Letter to Church Leaders in Eugene, IN, 2 July 1833.


In 1834, 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

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
and 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
high council were formed and given the responsibility of disciplining members accused of transgressions 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
, or Missouri, and Kirtland, 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
of Zion, although
bishops

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
maintained a role in this as well.
4

Revised Minutes, 18–19 Feb. 1834 [D&C 102]; Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834. A November 1831 revelation had designated the bishop as “a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion.” (Revelation, 11 Nov. 1831–B [D&C 107:74].)


Yet in
branches

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
of the church outside of Kirtland and Missouri, conferences of elders continued to serve as disciplinary bodies.
5

See, for example, Minutes and Discourse, 21 Apr. 1834.


Further complicating matters in Missouri was the fact that, as of 1 June 1835, the presidency of the Missouri high council—
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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,
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
, 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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—and at least ten of the twelve counselors had gone to Kirtland or were serving on missions elsewhere.
6

David Whitmer, William W. Phelps, John Whitmer, Newel Knight, Calvin Beebe, William E. McLellin, Solomon Hancock, Thomas B. Marsh, Simeon Carter, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Murdock, and Levi Jackman had all left Missouri by this time, leaving Christian Whitmer and Lyman Wight as the only remaining high council members. (Oliver Cowdery, Editorial, LDS Messenger and Advocate, Oct. 1834, 1:3; Whitmer, History, 70–71; Knight, History, 791; Partridge, Diary, 27 Jan.–29 Apr. 1835; Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 14–15 Feb. 1835; McLellin, Journal, 9 July 1834; Solomon Hancock, Kirtland, OH, 12 Dec. 1835, Letter to the Editor, LDS Messenger and Advocate, Feb. 1836, 2:272; Simeon Carter, Report, 4 May 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL; Minutes and Blessings, 21 Feb. 1835; Pratt, Diary, 26 Apr. 1835; Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 1 Mar. 1835; Levi Jackman and C. Baldwin, Clear Creek, IL, 7 July 1835, Letter to the Editor, LDS Messenger and Advocate, Sept. 1835, 1:185–186.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

Knight, Newel. History. Private possession. Copy in CHL. MS 19156.

Partridge, Edward. Diaries, 1818 and 1835–1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fds. 1–2.

McLellin, William E. Journal, July 1834–Apr. 1835. William E. McLellin, Papers, 1831–1836, 1877–1878. CHL. MS 13538, box 1, fd. 4. Also available as Jan Shipps and John W. Welch, eds., The Journals of William E. McLellin, 1831–1836 (Provo, UT: BYU Studies; Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1994).

Missionary Reports, 1831–1900. CHL. MS 6104.

Pratt, Orson. Journal, 1833–1837. Orson Pratt, Autobiography and Journals, 1833–1847. CHL. MS 587, fds. 2–4.

With only two counselors in Missouri, the high council could not function.
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
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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and his 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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and
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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, had also gone to Kirtland,
7

Edward Partridge, Report, 31 Oct. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL; John Corrill to Margaret Corrill, 20 July 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Missionary Reports, 1831–1900. CHL. MS 6104.

Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

leaving the Saints in Missouri essentially leaderless and without the ability to conduct disciplinary proceedings. Burk may have supposed that, given this situation, the elders had to take charge of disciplinary matters. This letter corrected Burk, explaining that the elders did not have the authority to discipline in areas where a high council was organized. Instead, the Missouri high council, its presidency, and the Missouri
bishopric

Initially referred to a bishop’s ecclesiastical jurisdiction, but eventually described the ecclesiastical body comprising the bishop and his assistants, or counselors. John Corrill and Isaac Morley were called as assistants to Bishop Edward Partridge in 1831...

View Glossary
would regulate the Missouri church from Kirtland for the time being. An August 1835 letter reiterated that the Saints in Missouri “should let the high counsel which is appointed of God and
ordained

The conferral of power and authority; to appoint, decree, or set apart. Church members, primarily adults, were ordained to ecclesiastical offices and other responsibilities by the laying on of hands by those with the proper authority. Ordinations to priesthood...

View Glossary
for that purpose, make and regulate all the affairs of Zion.” Those priesthood officers who remained in Missouri were to “confine themselves to teaching the first principles of the Gospel: not endeavoring to institute regulations or laws for Zion.”
8

Letter to Church Officers in Missouri, 31 Aug. 1835; see also William W. Phelps to Sally Waterman Phelps, 20 July 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU. Perhaps foreseeing the lack of leadership in Missouri, a November 1834 council decided “that there be no more stated meetings” there, although the elders could “administer the sacrament if they see a convenient opportunity.” (Minute Book 2, 5 Nov. 1834.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

The letter also clarifies the role of different officers in the church, a common topic of church leaders’ meetings and writings around this time because of the recent designation of some men as
apostles

A title indicating one sent forth to preach; later designated as a specific ecclesiastical and priesthood office. By 1830, JS and Oliver Cowdery were designated as apostles. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church explained that an “apostle is an elder...

View Glossary
or members of the
Seventy

A priesthood office with the responsibility to travel and preach and assist the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, similar to the seventy in the New Testament. In February and March 1835, the first members of the Seventy were selected and ordained. All of those...

View Glossary
.
9

See, for example, Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107]; Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835; and Minutes and Discourses, 27 Feb. 1835.


The letter reiterates the duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons and emphasizes the importance of mercy in dealing with wayward members. In addition, the letter explains the need for elders to preach and call people to repentance.
10

A resolution accepted at a 2 May 1835 meeting of church officers stated that “all the Elders of the Church are bound to travel in the World to preach the gospel with all their might mind & Strength.” (Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835.)


According to notations
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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made on the letter, these general instructions were meant for all members of the church and for “each grade of officers.” Accordingly, they were published, with several additions and modifications by Phelps, in the June 1835 issue of the Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate under the title “To the Saints Scattered Abroad.”
11

Letter to the Saints Scattered Abroad, June 1835.


Not published in the Messenger and Advocate were portions of the letter explaining the specific decision in
Burket

18 Oct. 1788–15 Mar. 1871. Store owner/keeper, carpenter. Born in Bedford, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. Son of George Burket Sr. and Catharine Swovelin. Married first Sarah Smith, 1810. Purchased home in Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, 1821; extended house...

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’s case, expressing hope that an “Elder Fosdick” would “improve his talent,” and chastising
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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for not traveling to
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
as he had been instructed in June 1834.
12

Minutes, 23 June 1834.


Included in the transmission of this letter to Burk was a separate letter from
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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to his wife,
Sally Waterman Phelps

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

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, and their six children who remained in
Clay County

Settled ca. 1800. Organized from Ray Co., 1822. Original size diminished when land was taken to create several surrounding counties. Liberty designated county seat, 1822. Population in 1830 about 5,000; in 1836 about 8,500; and in 1840 about 8,300. Refuge...

More Info
.
13

Whitmer, History, 70–71; JS History, vol. B-1, 592.


Comprehensive Works Cited

JS History / Smith, Joseph, et al. History, 1838–1856. Vols. A-1–F-1 (original), A-2–E-2 (fair copy). Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1839–ca. 1882. CHL. CR 100 102, boxes 1–7. The history for the period after 5 Aug. 1838 was composed after the death of Joseph Smith.

In addition, the letter includes a short postscript from JS to his cousin
Almira Mack Scobey

28 Apr. 1805–10 Mar. 1886. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Daughter of Stephen Mack and Temperance Bond. Moved to Detroit, 1822. Moved to Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan Territory, 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by ...

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, who was also living in Clay County. Phelps’s letter provides counsel to Sally about raising their children in his absence and conveys information about the church 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
, especially the preaching of elders sent from there. On the letter to his wife, Phelps drew part of what appears to be the original plat of the
City of Zion

Also referred to as New Jerusalem. JS revelation, dated Sept. 1830, prophesied that “city of Zion” would be built among Lamanites (American Indians). JS directed Oliver Cowdery and other missionaries preaching among American Indians in Missouri to find location...

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, which was created in June 1833.
14

Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early June–25 June 1833. Church leaders also developed a plat for Kirtland around this same time. They created a revised plat of the City of Zion likely in August 1833, but Phelps’s drawing appears to depict the original plat of Zion. It includes two squares in the middle, designated “for the Houses of God,” which seem to correspond to the two squares in the center of the city of Zion plat where twenty-four houses of the Lord were to be built. The square directly to the right of those squares contains horizontal lines, also conforming to the original plat. (Plat of Kirtland, OH, not before 2 Aug. 1833; Revised Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early Aug. 1833.)


Phelps gives no reasons for providing this to Sally, saying only that she should keep the drawing confidential. The plans for the city of Zion had been sent to church leaders in
Jackson County

Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced...

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, Missouri, in summer 1833, not long before the Saints were expelled from the county in November 1833.
15

Historical Introduction to Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early June–25 June 1833; see also Historical Introduction to Revised Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early Aug. 1833.


However, redeeming Zion by reclaiming their lands in Jackson County was still an item of concern to JS and other leaders.
Just a month before this letter was written, JS made “some very appropriate remarks, relative to the deliverance of Zion” to a gathering of church officers. Those present at the meeting then unanimously voted “that we never give up the struggle for Zion, even until Death. or until Zion is Redeemed.”
16

Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835.


JS had also told others that church members needed to be ready to move back to Jackson County by 11 September 1836, which he called “the appointed time for the redemption of Zion.” In 1835, he was already making plans for this return, including, as
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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recorded in an earlier letter to Sally, “the order of receiving inheritances in Zion when it is redeemed.”
17

Letter to Lyman Wight et al., 16 Aug. 1834; JS, Journal, 24 Sept. 1835; William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 26 May 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

Church leaders 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
were thus regularly addressing the topic of returning to Zion (including a brief mention in the letter to
Burk

4 Feb. 1793–8 June 1853. Innkeeper, farmer. Born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Charles Burke and Esther Robinson Bohannon. Married first Abigail Fellows, 13 Mar. 1821, in Fairfield. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1823. Baptized into...

View Full Bio
), which may have prompted Phelps to provide the drawing in the letter. The theme of Zion’s redemption also appears in JS’s short note to
Scobey

28 Apr. 1805–10 Mar. 1886. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Daughter of Stephen Mack and Temperance Bond. Moved to Detroit, 1822. Moved to Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan Territory, 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by ...

View Full Bio
.
Although statements in the letter to
Burk

4 Feb. 1793–8 June 1853. Innkeeper, farmer. Born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Charles Burke and Esther Robinson Bohannon. Married first Abigail Fellows, 13 Mar. 1821, in Fairfield. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1823. Baptized into...

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refer to the cost of postage for the letter, there are no postage markings on it. It appears to have been received 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 ...

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, however, because a later letter from
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
states that
William Tippets

26 June 1812–29 Mar. 1877. Farmer. Born at Groton, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Tippets and Abigail Pierce (Pearce). Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1834. Lived at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1834–1835. Participated...

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informed him in July 1835 that the letter “had checked the Elders in their crusade for exaltation.”
18

William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 20 July 1835, in Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 20 July 1835.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

In addition,
George Burket

18 Oct. 1788–15 Mar. 1871. Store owner/keeper, carpenter. Born in Bedford, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. Son of George Burket Sr. and Catharine Swovelin. Married first Sarah Smith, 1810. Purchased home in Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, 1821; extended house...

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was laboring as a missionary by 1836, indicating that he was in good standing with the church, and
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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arrived 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
in November 1835, presumably as a result of the chastisement he received in the letter to Burk.
19

“Extract of G. Burket’s Letter,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Jan. 1836, 2:256; JS, Journal, 2 Nov. 1835.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Whitmer, History, 70–71.

  2. [2]

    In a later letter to his wife, Sally Waterman Phelps, William W. Phelps referred to a letter that “checked the Elders in their crusade for exaltation.” He called the letter “my letter,” indicating that he likely drafted the letter on behalf of the other three. (William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 20 July 1835, in Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 20 July 1835.)

    Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

  3. [3]

    See Minutes, 1 Sept. 1831; Minutes, 6 Sept. 1831; Minutes, 12 Sept. 1831; and Letter to Church Leaders in Eugene, IN, 2 July 1833.

  4. [4]

    Revised Minutes, 18–19 Feb. 1834 [D&C 102]; Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834. A November 1831 revelation had designated the bishop as “a common judge among the inhabitants of Zion.” (Revelation, 11 Nov. 1831–B [D&C 107:74].)

  5. [5]

    See, for example, Minutes and Discourse, 21 Apr. 1834.

  6. [6]

    David Whitmer, William W. Phelps, John Whitmer, Newel Knight, Calvin Beebe, William E. McLellin, Solomon Hancock, Thomas B. Marsh, Simeon Carter, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, John Murdock, and Levi Jackman had all left Missouri by this time, leaving Christian Whitmer and Lyman Wight as the only remaining high council members. (Oliver Cowdery, Editorial, LDS Messenger and Advocate, Oct. 1834, 1:3; Whitmer, History, 70–71; Knight, History, 791; Partridge, Diary, 27 Jan.–29 Apr. 1835; Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 14–15 Feb. 1835; McLellin, Journal, 9 July 1834; Solomon Hancock, Kirtland, OH, 12 Dec. 1835, Letter to the Editor, LDS Messenger and Advocate, Feb. 1836, 2:272; Simeon Carter, Report, 4 May 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL; Minutes and Blessings, 21 Feb. 1835; Pratt, Diary, 26 Apr. 1835; Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 1 Mar. 1835; Levi Jackman and C. Baldwin, Clear Creek, IL, 7 July 1835, Letter to the Editor, LDS Messenger and Advocate, Sept. 1835, 1:185–186.)

    Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

    Knight, Newel. History. Private possession. Copy in CHL. MS 19156.

    Partridge, Edward. Diaries, 1818 and 1835–1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fds. 1–2.

    McLellin, William E. Journal, July 1834–Apr. 1835. William E. McLellin, Papers, 1831–1836, 1877–1878. CHL. MS 13538, box 1, fd. 4. Also available as Jan Shipps and John W. Welch, eds., The Journals of William E. McLellin, 1831–1836 (Provo, UT: BYU Studies; Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1994).

    Missionary Reports, 1831–1900. CHL. MS 6104.

    Pratt, Orson. Journal, 1833–1837. Orson Pratt, Autobiography and Journals, 1833–1847. CHL. MS 587, fds. 2–4.

  7. [7]

    Edward Partridge, Report, 31 Oct. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL; John Corrill to Margaret Corrill, 20 July 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU.

    Missionary Reports, 1831–1900. CHL. MS 6104.

    Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

  8. [8]

    Letter to Church Officers in Missouri, 31 Aug. 1835; see also William W. Phelps to Sally Waterman Phelps, 20 July 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU. Perhaps foreseeing the lack of leadership in Missouri, a November 1834 council decided “that there be no more stated meetings” there, although the elders could “administer the sacrament if they see a convenient opportunity.” (Minute Book 2, 5 Nov. 1834.)

    Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

  9. [9]

    See, for example, Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107]; Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835; and Minutes and Discourses, 27 Feb. 1835.

  10. [10]

    A resolution accepted at a 2 May 1835 meeting of church officers stated that “all the Elders of the Church are bound to travel in the World to preach the gospel with all their might mind & Strength.” (Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835.)

  11. [11]

    Letter to the Saints Scattered Abroad, June 1835.

  12. [12]

    Minutes, 23 June 1834.

  13. [13]

    Whitmer, History, 70–71; JS History, vol. B-1, 592.

    JS History / Smith, Joseph, et al. History, 1838–1856. Vols. A-1–F-1 (original), A-2–E-2 (fair copy). Historian’s Office, History of the Church, 1839–ca. 1882. CHL. CR 100 102, boxes 1–7. The history for the period after 5 Aug. 1838 was composed after the death of Joseph Smith.

  14. [14]

    Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early June–25 June 1833. Church leaders also developed a plat for Kirtland around this same time. They created a revised plat of the City of Zion likely in August 1833, but Phelps’s drawing appears to depict the original plat of Zion. It includes two squares in the middle, designated “for the Houses of God,” which seem to correspond to the two squares in the center of the city of Zion plat where twenty-four houses of the Lord were to be built. The square directly to the right of those squares contains horizontal lines, also conforming to the original plat. (Plat of Kirtland, OH, not before 2 Aug. 1833; Revised Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early Aug. 1833.)

  15. [15]

    Historical Introduction to Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early June–25 June 1833; see also Historical Introduction to Revised Plat of the City of Zion, ca. Early Aug. 1833.

  16. [16]

    Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835.

  17. [17]

    Letter to Lyman Wight et al., 16 Aug. 1834; JS, Journal, 24 Sept. 1835; William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 26 May 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU.

    Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

  18. [18]

    William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 20 July 1835, in Historical Department, Journal History of the Church, 20 July 1835.

    Historical Department. Journal History of the Church, 1896–. CHL. CR 100 137.

  19. [19]

    “Extract of G. Burket’s Letter,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Jan. 1836, 2:256; JS, Journal, 2 Nov. 1835.

    Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835 Appendix 2: Letter to the Saints Scattered Abroad, June 1835

Page [3]

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
(O.) June 2d 1835
Dear
wife

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

View Full Bio
and children:—
33

At this time, Phelps had seven children, six of whom were in Missouri. His son Waterman had accompanied him to Kirtland. His children in Missouri were Sabrina (eighteen years old), Mehitable (sixteen years old), Sarah (ten years old), Henry (six years old), James (two years old), and Lydia (three months old). (Van Orden, “Writing to Zion,” 584n59.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Van Orden, Bruce A. “Writing to Zion: The William W. Phelps Kirtland Letters (1835–1836).” BYU Studies 33, no. 3 (1993): 542–593.

Having to send the decision in
Elder Burket

18 Oct. 1788–15 Mar. 1871. Store owner/keeper, carpenter. Born in Bedford, Bedford Co., Pennsylvania. Son of George Burket Sr. and Catharine Swovelin. Married first Sarah Smith, 1810. Purchased home in Winchester, Randolph Co., Indiana, 1821; extended house...

View Full Bio
s case, I embrace the opportunity to fulfil the promise I made you in my first and second lettr, (the second sent by
Elder

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
Beebe) to give you and the saints some advice.
34

Phelps wrote letters to Sally on 18 and 26 May 1835. “Elder Beebe” is likely Calvin Beebe, a member of the Missouri high council. On 10 September 1834, Beebe was appointed by the council “to go forth to the land of Kirtland and preach by the way.” Beebe left Missouri with Isaac Morley on 17 February 1835, arriving in Kirtland on 29 April 1835. He apparently returned to Missouri not long after Phelps arrived in Kirtland. (William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 26 May 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU; Minute Book 2, 10 Sept. 1834; Isaac Morley and Calvin Beebe, Report, ca. Apr. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

Missionary Reports, 1831–1900. CHL. MS 6104.

Language has not the power to convey my mind to you; nor can those who are not separated for months and years, feel for those who are:— How sweet will be the meeting of those Elders, and
High prests

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
, who, to fulfil their prom[i]ses and commissions, and help save souls, after months’ and years’ absence, from their beloved wives and families, return to enjoy their smiles and company!— O how well, we who have left our wives and children will know how to prize their delightful society! How often will our wives reflect on the happy moments they passed by their fire-sides, with their husbands and children! How many times will they long for such happy times again! Now is the time for our affections to feast on the perfections and virtues of each other: to be sure, we may have had some little differences about some things when we were together, but they are all buried now: And if any persons under heaven ought to enjoy the blessings prepared for the saints when
Zion

A specific location in Missouri; also a literal or figurative gathering of believers in Jesus Christ, characterized by adherence to ideals of harmony, equality, and purity. In JS’s earliest revelations “the cause of Zion” was used to broadly describe the ...

View Glossary
is redeemed— it is those husbands and wives that freely, and faithfully bear separation for the sake of the Kingdom; for the sake of religion; and for the sake of souls! What though, my dear
Sally

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

View Full Bio
, can not hear her children— exclaim, as when I was there, “There comes father!” “father said so,” and “I will ask father.” &c What though my flute is not heared morning and evening— and what though my voice is not heard in reading and praying— I have confidence in you, and know that you will do right and teach the children to do so too. Live humble; pray much, for I pray for you once a day in secret, and I am confident, <​if​> you and the children “do likewise”,
35

There are several places in the Bible where the phrase “do likewise” is used. (See, for example, Judges 7:17; and Luke 3:11; 10:37.)


that our prayers will be answered:— for the Lord says what ever thi[n]g ye ask which is expedient, being united, it shall be granted.
36

See Revelation, Sept. 1830–A [D&C 29:6].


Seek diligently to preserve the faith <​which​> has been delivered unto [us] in these last days: Forgive all that trespass against you: pray for your brethren and friends— and revile not against your enemies—
37

See Revelation, 6 Aug. 1833 [D&C 98:25].


Inasmuch as you have strength and <​are​> prospered in your labors or undertaking, clothe your selves decently; for this <​is​> comely in the sight of God, and honorable before your brethren and the world. I shall do all I can for you, though the brethren here are considerably in debt, and are poor. The children! the children!
Sally

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

View Full Bio
, teach them diligently the holy precepts which you have had taught you from the book of Mormon, the bible, the revelations, &c. Let them take turns in praying. I know if you and the children are as anxious to live right, as I am to have to have <​you​> do right; so that we may all return to Zion with songs of everlasting Joy—
38

See Revelation, 16–17 Dec. 1833 [D&C 101:18].


you will not, one of you, do an evil deed, or go out of the way while I am absent from you.
Sally

24 July 1797–2 Jan. 1874. Schoolteacher. Born in Franklin, Delaware Co., New York. Daughter of David Bassett Waterman and Jerusha Case. Married William Wines Phelps, 28 Apr. 1815, in Smyrna, Chenango Co., New York. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York; ...

View Full Bio
will not, I believe, for since we were married, I have never known her do wrong knowingly, therefore [p. [3]]
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Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letters to John Burk, Sally Waterman Phelps, and Almira Mack Scobey, 1–2 June 1835
ID #
253
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D4:326–339
Handwriting on This Page
  • William W. Phelps

Footnotes

  1. [33]

    At this time, Phelps had seven children, six of whom were in Missouri. His son Waterman had accompanied him to Kirtland. His children in Missouri were Sabrina (eighteen years old), Mehitable (sixteen years old), Sarah (ten years old), Henry (six years old), James (two years old), and Lydia (three months old). (Van Orden, “Writing to Zion,” 584n59.)

    Van Orden, Bruce A. “Writing to Zion: The William W. Phelps Kirtland Letters (1835–1836).” BYU Studies 33, no. 3 (1993): 542–593.

  2. [34]

    Phelps wrote letters to Sally on 18 and 26 May 1835. “Elder Beebe” is likely Calvin Beebe, a member of the Missouri high council. On 10 September 1834, Beebe was appointed by the council “to go forth to the land of Kirtland and preach by the way.” Beebe left Missouri with Isaac Morley on 17 February 1835, arriving in Kirtland on 29 April 1835. He apparently returned to Missouri not long after Phelps arrived in Kirtland. (William W. Phelps, Kirtland, OH, to Sally Waterman Phelps, Liberty, MO, 26 May 1835, William W. Phelps, Papers, BYU; Minute Book 2, 10 Sept. 1834; Isaac Morley and Calvin Beebe, Report, ca. Apr. 1835, Missionary Reports, 1831–1900, CHL.)

    Phelps, William W. Papers, 1835–1865. BYU.

    Missionary Reports, 1831–1900. CHL. MS 6104.

  3. [35]

    There are several places in the Bible where the phrase “do likewise” is used. (See, for example, Judges 7:17; and Luke 3:11; 10:37.)

  4. [36]

    See Revelation, Sept. 1830–A [D&C 29:6].

  5. [37]

    See Revelation, 6 Aug. 1833 [D&C 98:25].

  6. [38]

    See Revelation, 16–17 Dec. 1833 [D&C 101:18].

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