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Introduction to City of Nauvoo v. F. M. Higbee, F. M. Higbee v. JS–A, F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus, and F. M. Higbee v. JS–B Praecipe, 1 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Affidavit, 1 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Capias ad Respondendum, 1 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Capias ad Respondendum, 1 May 1844, Copy [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Docket Entry, Dismissal, 23 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Docket Entry, Fee Bill, between 16 August and circa 14 November 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Docket Entry, Fieri Facias, between 11 September and circa 9 December 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Docket Entry, between 23 May 1844 and circa 15 April 1845 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Certificate, 23 February 1846 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Certificate, 23 February 1846, as Recorded in Old Certificates of Purchase, Levy, and Redemption–A [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Certificate, 23 February 1846, as Recorded in Old Certificates of Purchase, Levy, and Redemption–B [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Certificate, 2 April 1846 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A] Petition to Nauvoo Municipal Court, 6 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Habeas Corpus, 6 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Habeas Corpus, 6 May 1844, Copy [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Notice, 6 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Summons, 6 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Minutes, 6–8 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Subpoena, 8 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Account of Hearing, 8 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Account of Hearing, 8 May 1844, Copy [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Docket Entry, 12 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Trial Report Draft, 12 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Trial Report, 12–15 May 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Trial Report, 12–15 May 1844, as Published in Times and Seasons [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus] Execution, 4 June 1844 [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus]

Trial Report, 12–15 May 1844, as Published in Times and Seasons [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus]

Source Note

Trial Report,
Nauvoo

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

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, Hancock Co., IL, [12–15] May 1844, F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus (Nauvoo, IL, Municipal Court 1844). Published [ca. 18 May 1844] in “Municipal Court,” Times and Seasons, 15 May 1844, 5:536–541.

Historical Introduction

See Introduction to City of Nauvoo v. F. M. Higbee, F. M. Higbee v. JS–A, F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus, and F. M. Higbee v. JS–B.
Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Docket Entry, Motion and Plea, 18 April 1839 [ JS v. McLellin ]

Page 537

nicipal court at
Nauvoo

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

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, this 6th day of May, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
WILLARD RICHARDS

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

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,
Clerk, M. C., C.
N.

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

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I hold the within named Joseph Smith, Senior, under arrest, by virtue of a
capias ad respondendum

Latin for “that you take until answer”; a writ commanding an officer to arrest a defendant to answer the plaintiff’s plea. A defendant arrested on this writ was committed to prison unless a bail bond was given. The amount of bail would be endorsed on the ...

View Glossary
.
Hancock

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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Circuit Court,
To May Term, A. D. 1844.
Francis M. Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

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,)
Vs.) In case.
Joseph Smith.)
The day of his caption, May 6th, 1844.
To damage, five thousand dollars.
WM. BACKENSTOS

29 Aug. 1813–11 July 1875. Sheriff, merchant, painter. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Baptized into Lutheran Reformed Church, 31 Oct. 1813, in Lower Paxton. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by...

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, S.
H. C.

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 ...

More Info
By
J. D. Parker

22 Nov. 1799–26 Feb. 1891. Farmer, wainwright. Born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York. Son of Abel Parker and Mary Davies. Served in War of 1812 as teamster in General John E. Wool’s company, 1813–1814. Married Harriet Sherwood. Moved to Galway, Saratoga...

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, D. S.
State of Illinois,) ss [scilicet]
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 ...

More Info
.
)
The People of the State 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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: To the
sheriff

29 Aug. 1813–11 July 1875. Sheriff, merchant, painter. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Baptized into Lutheran Reformed Church, 31 Oct. 1813, in Lower Paxton. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by...

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of said
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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: . . . GREETING
.
We command you that you take Joseph Smith, if to be found within your
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 ...

More Info
, and him safely keep, so that you have his body before the circuit court of said county of
Hancock

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 ...

More Info
, on the first day of the next term thereof, to be holden at the court house in
Carthage

Located eighteen miles southeast of Nauvoo. Settled 1831. Designated Hancock Co. seat, Mar. 1833. Incorporated as town, 27 Feb. 1837. Population in 1839 about 300. Population in 1844 about 400. Site of acute opposition to Latter-day Saints, early 1840s. Site...

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on the third Monday in the month of May, instant, to answer
Francis M. Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

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, of a plea of the case; damage, the sum of five thousand dollars as he says; and you have then there this writ, and make due return thereon, in what manner you execute the same.
Seal.]-
Witness,
J[acob] B. Backenstos

8 Oct. 1811–25 Sept. 1857. Merchant, sheriff, soldier, politician, land speculator. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Member of Lutheran Reformed Church. Married Sarah Lavina Lee, niece of Robert...

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, Clerk of said circuit court, at
Carthage

Located eighteen miles southeast of Nauvoo. Settled 1831. Designated Hancock Co. seat, Mar. 1833. Incorporated as town, 27 Feb. 1837. Population in 1839 about 300. Population in 1844 about 400. Site of acute opposition to Latter-day Saints, early 1840s. Site...

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this first day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty-four.
J. B. BACKENSTOS

8 Oct. 1811–25 Sept. 1857. Merchant, sheriff, soldier, politician, land speculator. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Member of Lutheran Reformed Church. Married Sarah Lavina Lee, niece of Robert...

View Full Bio
, Clerk,
By
D[avid] E. Head

27 Apr. 1818–1 May 1877. Clerk, merchant. Born in Washington Co., Kentucky. Moved to Macomb, McDonough Co., Illinois, ca. 1834. Deputy clerk of McDonough Co. Deputy clerk of Hancock Co., Illinois, circuit court, by 16 May 1843. Clerk of Hancock Co. Circuit...

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, Deputy.
The
sheriff

29 Aug. 1813–11 July 1875. Sheriff, merchant, painter. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Baptized into Lutheran Reformed Church, 31 Oct. 1813, in Lower Paxton. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by...

View Full Bio
is directed to hold the within named defendant to bail in the sum of five thousand dollars.
J. B. BA[C]KENSTOS

8 Oct. 1811–25 Sept. 1857. Merchant, sheriff, soldier, politician, land speculator. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Member of Lutheran Reformed Church. Married Sarah Lavina Lee, niece of Robert...

View Full Bio
, Clerk,
By
D. E. Head

27 Apr. 1818–1 May 1877. Clerk, merchant. Born in Washington Co., Kentucky. Moved to Macomb, McDonough Co., Illinois, ca. 1834. Deputy clerk of McDonough Co. Deputy clerk of Hancock Co., Illinois, circuit court, by 16 May 1843. Clerk of Hancock Co. Circuit...

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, Deputy.
This is a true copy of the original, now in the possession of
William B. Backenstos

29 Aug. 1813–11 July 1875. Sheriff, merchant, painter. Born at Lower Paxton, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Jacob Backenstos and Margaretha Theis. Baptized into Lutheran Reformed Church, 31 Oct. 1813, in Lower Paxton. Moved to Hancock Co., Illinois, by...

View Full Bio
, sheriff of
Hancock county

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

More Info
.
By
J[ohn] D. PARKER

22 Nov. 1799–26 Feb. 1891. Farmer, wainwright. Born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York. Son of Abel Parker and Mary Davies. Served in War of 1812 as teamster in General John E. Wool’s company, 1813–1814. Married Harriet Sherwood. Moved to Galway, Saratoga...

View Full Bio
, Deputy.
STATE OF ILLINOIS,)
Hancock County;) Sct. [scilicet]
City of
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
.)
To Mr.
Francis M. Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

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:—
Sir, You will please to take notice that Joseph Smith, Senior, has petitioned for a writ of habeas corpus, from the Municipal Court of said
city

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
, praying that he may be liberated from the custody of
John D. Parker

22 Nov. 1799–26 Feb. 1891. Farmer, wainwright. Born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York. Son of Abel Parker and Mary Davies. Served in War of 1812 as teamster in General John E. Wool’s company, 1813–1814. Married Harriet Sherwood. Moved to Galway, Saratoga...

View Full Bio
, Deputy sheriff of
Hancock county

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

More Info
, by whom he is held in custody on a
capias ad respondendum

Latin for “that you take until answer”; a writ commanding an officer to arrest a defendant to answer the plaintiff’s plea. A defendant arrested on this writ was committed to prison unless a bail bond was given. The amount of bail would be endorsed on the ...

View Glossary
, issued by the circuit court of
Hancock county

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

More Info
, on the first day of May, instant, to answer
Francis M. Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

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, on a plea of the case, &c.; which writ is granted, and you will have the opportunity to appear before the Municipal court, at 10 o’clock, A. M., on the 7th of May, instant, at the Mayor’s Council Chamber, in said
city

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
, and show cause why said Joseph Smith, Senior, should not be liberated on said habeas corpus.
-[Seal.]-
Witness my hand and seal of Court, this 6th day of May, 1844.
WILLARD RICHARDS

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

View Full Bio
, Clerk, M. C., C.
N.

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
The above trial is deferred until Wednesday, the 8th instant, 10 o’clock, A M.
W. RICHARDS

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

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, Clerk.
I have served the within, by reading to the within named
Francis M. Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

View Full Bio
.
JOHN D. PARKER

22 Nov. 1799–26 Feb. 1891. Farmer, wainwright. Born in Saratoga, Saratoga Co., New York. Son of Abel Parker and Mary Davies. Served in War of 1812 as teamster in General John E. Wool’s company, 1813–1814. Married Harriet Sherwood. Moved to Galway, Saratoga...

View Full Bio
, Constable.
Mr. [Francis M.] Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

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did not appear either by himself or counsel.
Mr.
J. P. Stiles

18 July 1816–Sept. 1885. Attorney, judge, politician. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of John Stiles and Persis Cole. Moved to Le Ray, Jefferson Co., by 1820. Moved to Pamela, Jefferson Co., by 1830. Married first Julian Mackemer, 7 Nov. 1841...

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then said that the petition and papers have been read in your hearing; it is a petition for an habeas corpus on the grounds— 1st; the insufficiency of the writ, and other causes assigned. The insufficiency of the writ is sufficient to discharge the prisoner, it is the privilege and option of this court, if the writ is invalid. It is the privilege of the prisoner to have all the matters investigated, in order to prove that the prosecutor is joined in with other persons in a conspiracy to take away Mr. Smith’s life. Although it is competent for the court to discharge on account of the insufficiency of the writ, yet we want an examination into the matters, in order that all may be understood. All warrants should disclose the crimes known to the court, so that the prisoner might know what answer to make; the prisoner might have had to lay in jail six months, because he knows nothing what he is charged with in the writ; it might be that he is charged with debt; that he had to pay to
Francis M. Higbee

1820–after 1850. Attorney, merchant. Born in Tate, Clermont Co., Ohio. Son of Elias Higbee and Sarah Elizabeth Ward. Moved to Fulton, Hamilton Co., Ohio, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to Jackson Co., Missouri...

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the sum of five thousand dollars, or any thing: there is no action specified; is it meant for trespass, for mal-treating, beating, or slander, or what other crime, so that the damage of five thousand dollars might be known for what it is. The writ is void for want of substance and form, all who are familiar with law; common sense, or justice, must know that it is indefinite; no charge defined. If we are not released here, we shall be released in the circuit court, on account of the insufficiency, but we are now willing to investigate the merits of the case. We know nothing but from information from other sources, and we want this court to determine whether we are [p. 537]
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Editorial Title
Trial Report, 12–15 May 1844, as Published in Times and Seasons [F. M. Higbee v. JS–A on Habeas Corpus]
ID #
8705
Total Pages
6
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