Shelley Beatty

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Liberty Jail, Clay County, Missouri

September 10, 2017 by shelley

Liberty Jail, Clay County, Missouri

Even though some of the grandchildren had started to leave, B.J., Jenn and family stayed a few days longer allowing for some fun activities with just their family.

We live a stone’s throw from major L.D.S. church history sights in Missouri…

One we visited with B.J., Jenn and family was Liberty Jail, Clay County, Missouri where Joseph Smith was imprisoned  the winter of 1838-39… (for more history)

Liberty Jail, Clay Co Missouri

Pictures from Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail, Clay Co Missouri

Picture of Original Liberty Jail

Original Key Liberty Jail, Clay County Missouri

Original door of Liberty Jail, (owned by Community of Christ)

Liberty Jail, Clay Co Missouri

Liberty Jail, Clay Co Missouri

Liberty Jail, Clay Co Missouri

Liberty Jail, Clay Co Missouri

Picture of Original Extermination Order of the Mormons by Governor Lilburn W. Boggs 1838

Extermination order of the Mormons by Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs 1838

Extermination order of the Mormons by Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs 1838

It would take until the bicentennial of our country 1776 for Governor Kit Bond to rescind this extermination order!

Rescission of Extermination Order by Missouri Governor Kit Bond 1976

Rescission of Extermination Order by Missouri Governor Kit Bond 1976

And in 1998 Governor Mel Carnahan issued a commendation of the Mormons…

Commendation from the State of Missouri signed by Governor Mel Carnahan 1998

Filed Under: Church, Family, Missouri Church History Tagged With: Clay County, Extermination Order, Liberty Jail, Missouri Mormon history, rescinding extermination order

Longs come for a visit!

July 14, 2016 by shelley

Longs come for a visit;

Jennifer, Adam, Becca, Henry, Caroline and Emily!

Fun way to start the summer…

a stop at the ROYALS!!

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

AND what is a baseball game without cotton candy!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

And of course dipping dots ice cream in a Royals Hat dish…

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Royals Baseball

Tuckered Out

Tuckered out

Tuckered out

ANTIOCH PARK

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Antioch Park

Liberty Jail

Royals Baseball!

Royals Baseball!

Kansas City Missouri LDS Temple

Kansas City Missouri LDS Temple

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

FAMILY HOME EVENING!

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Family Home Evening and the Good Samaritan

Tad Pole Hunting

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Hunting for tadpoles

Swimming at Matt Ross Recreation Center

 

Matt Ross Community Center

Matt Ross Community Center

Making Jewelry

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Making Jewelry.

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Fair

Henry, Caroline and Becca

Henry, Caroline and Becca

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline's Art Show

Becca, Henry and Caroline’s Art Show

Chasing Fireflies!

Fireflies

Fireflies

Prairie Village Art Fair

Prairie Village Art Show

Prairie Village Art Show

Prairie Village Art Show

Prairie Village Art Show

Prairie Village Art Show

Prairie Village Art Show

New Nightgowns

New nightgowns

New nightgowns

Family Home Evening Making Choices

Family Home Evening on the Brain and Making Choices

Family Home Evening on the Brain and Making Choices

Family Home Evening on the Brain and Making Choices

Family Home Evening on the Brain and Making Choices

Family Home Evening on the Brain and Making Choices

Family Home Evening on the Brain and Making Choices

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Legoland

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Getting Yogurt

Swimming, swimming, swim meets and Adam’s swim Birthday Party

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming

Swim Team

Swim Team

Swimming

Swimming

Thank You's

Thank You’s

Thank You's

Thank You’s

Braided Hair, quiet time and an early morning visitor…

Braided Hair

Braided Hair

Adam and Emily.

Adam and Emily.

Deer in the yard.

Deer in the yard.

Filed Under: Family, Kansas City Tagged With: Antioch Park, Art Fair, Family Home Evening, Kansas City Royals, Lego Land, Liberty Jail, Making Jewelry, Prairie Village art fair, swimming, Tadpoles

Liberty Jail…Young Women’s Activity

July 13, 2014 by shelley

Liberty Jail…Young Women’s Activity

For our Mutual Activity we went to Liberty Jail, where Joseph Smith was imprisoned over the winter of 1838-39.

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

Liberty Jail

In 1833 a small jail was constructed in Liberty, the seat of Clay County, Missouri. In 1856 the building was abandoned. After a short tenure as an ice house, it fell into disrepair and was finally demolished near the turn of the century. Today, thousands of Latter-day Saints and other tourists visit the partially reconstructed jail and view it as what the LDS historian B. H. Roberts called a “prison temple” because of a notable prisoner it housed: the Prophet Joseph Smith languished within its four-foot-thick walls from December 1, 1838 until April 6, 1839. Sharing this incarceration were his brother Hyrum (see Smith, Hyrum), who served as his second counselor in the presidency of the Church; Sidney Rigdon, his first counselor; and three other brethren-Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae, and Caleb Baldwin.

They were held on a variety of unsubstantiated charges stemming from the “Mormon War” (see Missouri Conflict), which had culminated in their betrayal and the fall of the LDS settlement of Far West, Missouri, a few weeks earlier. As they awaited trial, they suffered severe privation. Confined to the lower level or dungeon portion of the building, they slept on the straw-strewn stone floor with little light and scant protection from the Missouri winter. Alexander McRae described the food they were served as “very coarse, and so filthy that we could not eat it until we were driven to it by hunger” (CHC 1:521). He also recorded that several attempts were made to poison them.

Notwithstanding these trying physical conditions, Joseph Smith’s greater suffering seemed to come from his anguish for the thousands of Latter-day Saints, including his own family, who were being driven from the state under the executive order of Governor Lilburn W. Boggs calling for the extermination of the Mormons (see Extermination Order). In a very long, two-part letter to the Church, written between March 20 and March 25, Joseph cried out, “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place? How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries? Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions?” (D&C 121:1-3).

In answer, he was told to be of good cheer: “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes” (D&C 121:7-8). Some of Joseph Smith’s most sublime writings are found in this letter. The counsel of the Lord concerning the proper exercise of priesthood authority (D&C 121:33-46) is among the most quoted latter-day scripture. Excerpts from the letter make up sections 121, 122, and 123 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

In early April 1839, the prisoners were moved to Daviess County for trial; and then while being taken to Columbia, Boone County, on yet another change of venue, they learned from their captors that, for a variety of reasons, it would be agreeable to the officials if they would escape. With the aid of their guards, the prisoners hastened to join the exiled Latter-day Saints who were gathering in western Illinois.

KANSAS CITY FIRST WARD YOUNG WOMEN

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Kansas City First Ward Young Women

Filed Under: Church, Missouri Church History Tagged With: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Clay County, Joseph Smith, Liberty Jail, Missouri Church History

BYU Women’s Conference and LDS Church History Museum

May 9, 2014 by shelley

BYU Women’s Conference

and

LDS Church History Museum

Ellen Riley flew in to meet me to attend Brigham Young University Women’s Conference.  Our first stop was to eat lunch in the Nauvoo Cafe, and then a visit to  Temple Square and the Church History Museum.

The Nauvoo Cafe is located on the corner of South Temple and Main Street in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, in Downtown Salt Lake City.

Nauvoo Cafe In Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Nauvoo Cafe In Joseph Smith Memorial Building

goodies at the Nauvoo Cafe

goodies at the Nauvoo Cafe

Visiting Temple Square and the flowers of Temple Square

Salt Lake City Temple

Salt Lake City Temple

Reflecting pool in front of Salt Lake City Temple.

Assembly Hall at Temple Square, Salt Lake City

Assembly Hall at Temple Square, Salt Lake City

The Salt Lake Assembly Hall is one of the buildings owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the southwest corner of Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has seating capacity for an audience of approximately 1,400 people.

The Salt Lake Assembly Hall is a Victorian Gothic congregation hall. Rough granite walls are laid out in cruciform style making the hall’s exterior look like a small gothic cathedral.

Flowers Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Flowers Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Our timing was just a little late to see all the tulips in their prime, but Temple Square was still gorgeous!

Flowers Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Flowers Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Flowers Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

Flowers Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah

The L.D.S. Church History Museum

L.D.S. Church History Museum

L.D.S. Church History Museum

The museum is located west of Temple Square and north of the Family History Library.

I was excited to see a set this set of coins in the museum.

Old Set of Mormon Coins

Old Set of Mormon Coins

I had heard about a set like this one in the news recently.  ABC had a story about them, as did KSL in Salt Lake City and LDS Living.

They were the rarest of a seven-piece collection of Mormon coins made in 1849 that brought in nearly $2 million at an auction staged by Dallas-based Heritage Auctions.

A $10 Mormon gold coin fetched $705,000, and a $20 Mormon gold coin sold for $558,000 at auction this week.

The territorial coins, put up for sale by a collector, went to an undisclosed buyer. Bidding ended Thursday night.

Tyson Emery, a coin expert at All About Coins in Salt Lake City, said coins and currency were scare when Mormon pioneers arrived in Utah in 1847, and the settlers began making their own coins primarily to buy goods from the East.

“The gold that they used to make these Mormon gold coins came from the original California gold strike, probably right from the American River at Sutter’s Mill,” he told the Deseret News (http://bit.ly/1h1t3cv ).

Only 46 of the $10 gold coins were made, and just a few are still around.

I was also excited to see the “originals” of Missouri Church history.  This picture by C. C. A. Christensen showing the persecution of the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri is the “one” always used showing the Saints being expelled from Jackson County Missouri.

Painting of Persecution of the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri

Painting of Persecution of the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri

Another “original” is Joseph Smith’s letter written in Liberty Jail to the people in Quincy, Illinois after being expelled from Missouri.  Parts of this letter would latter become scripture D&C sections 121-123:

Joseph Smith letter written in Liberty Jail

Joseph Smith letter written in Liberty Jail

Displayed with the letter were original bars from Liberty Jail.

And lastly, the original cast iron face wheel from Haun’s Mill on display at the Church History Museum. (Article about Haun’s Mill)

Cast Iron Face Wheel from Hauns Mill

Cast Iron Face Wheel from Hauns Mill

Then we were off to Women’s Conference 2014 at Brigham Young University.

BYU's beautiful campus!

BYU’s beautiful campus!

The Theme this year is found in Psalm, 84:11 which reads, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” In this verse we are reminded of the blessing and power of divine grace.

Women's Conference 2014

Women’s Conference 2014

Marriott Center Brigham Young University

Marriott Center Brigham Young University

Thursday Morning Opening Session was a real treat!

Thursday Morning Opening Session was Sheri Dew.

Sheri Dew

Sheri Dew

Her theme was: “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield: the Lord will give Grace and Glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
—Psalm 84:11

Thursday Afternoon General Session was Elder Bruce C. Hafen and his wife, Marie.

Elder Bruce C. Hafen and Marie K. Hafen

They spoke on the Redeeming and Strengthening Powers of the Atonement.

Friday Morning General Session

Linda K. Burton, Bonnie L. Oscarson, Rosemary M. Wixom

Linda K. Burton, Bonnie L. Oscarson, Rosemary M. Wixom

Linda K. Burton, Bonnie L. Oscarson, Rosemary M. Wixom

Linda K. Burton, Bonnie L. Oscarson, Rosemary M. Wixom spoke on the Atonement Heals, Comforts, Consoles, and Enables Us to Show Mercy and Grace Unto Ourselves

 

Friday Afternoon Closing Session was Elder Quentin L. Cook and his wife Mary.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve and Mary G. Cook

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve and Mary G. Cook spoke on

The Rewards of Righteousness

We stayed for the evening performance which included; Mercy River, Hilary Weeks, Hudson Lights, Sandra Turley (broadway star), and Jenny Oaks Baker (Emmy nominated).  All incredible, but the climax of the evening was a video “Evil Did Not Win” about one of the victims of the Sandy Hook Massacre Emilie Parker and a talk by her mother Alissa.  I noticed as we left many red, rimmed eyes.

Sandra Turley

Sandra Turley

(I had to take this picture of Sandra Turley and send it to Becca. Becca is good friends with Sandra’s sister and brother-in-law [also a Duke graduate with Carl].  We sat by Sandra’s mother at graduation.)

Side note:  May 1st was the first day of BYU’s new President Kevin Worthen.  Kevin grew up in Price and was one of the best friends of my brother Craig.  Really exciting to see a kid from Price do so well.  The Deseret News and BYU today called Craig to interview him to find out what Kevin was like as a kid.  Craig told a couple of “Kevin Stories”.

“Craig Smith became Worthen’s friend in the third grade, the same year Smith remembers running into Worthen one day in the library in Price. Worthen lived in Dragerton, a small town owned by a coal mine several miles away.

Smith was working his way through the Hardy Boys books. Worthen was carrying a stack of novels that included “Advise and Consent,” the 1959 Pulitzer Prize-winning political novel by Allen Drury.

“He was reading as an adult already in those days,” Smith said.”

AND

“Kevin is a very smart guy, but he’s also a very humble guy,” Smith said. “He’s usually the smartest guy in the room, but he doesn’t advertise that and doesn’t care if people know that or don’t know that. Lawyers usually want to let you know.”

His fellow BYU law students figured it out, Smith said. Their nickname for Worthen, who would graduate first in their class, was Zeus.

“Of course,” Smith said, “Zeus was the smartest and strongest of all.”

Congratulations to Kevin…13th President of Brigham Young University.

Filed Under: Art, Church, Missouri Church History, Salt Lake Temple, Travel Tagged With: Brigham Young University, C.C.A. Christensen painting Jackson County, Church History Museum, Haun's Mill, Kevin Worthen, Liberty Jail, Nauvoo Cafe, Salt Lake City temple, Temple Square, Women's Conference

Missouri Mormon History Vignettes.

May 7, 2012 by shelley

The early history of the LDS church in Missouri is a harsh chapter.  But as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day  living in the Kansas City area it is a heritage that one can be proud of the strength and courage of these early saints.  It is also a treat to live  so close to the early historical sites; Independence, Liberty, Far West, Gallatin, Richmond and Adam-ondi-ahman just to name a few.

A couple of years ago as part of my calling in the Stake Young Women’s Presidency we had a youth conference which focused on these historical areas and the history of the early saints in the area.  I was charged with the assignment of presenting some short vignettes to the youth recreating some key moments in the early church history in Missouri.  Interestingly enough we were forced to move the Youth Conference back to the Stake Center in Olathe as a fierce thunder, hail storm with tornado warnings had the authorities telling us to leave the area immediately.  (The storm that stopped the Missourians from attacking Zion’s Camp must have been similar.)

Since that Youth Conference other stakes have requested the vignettes so they might use them as they visited the Missouri Church history sites.  Their purpose, of course, was to familiarize the audience with key events in Missouri Church history.

Please let me know if you use these vignettes!

The events portrayed in these vignettes occurred during the early history of the church in Missouri.  The setting is the 1830’s.  The characters in each vignette are real people, except for the fictional characters “Rath” and “Vern” (Missourians) and the Narrator, Elijah Andrews (an Eastern reporter).  These characters are created and used in telling the story of the early saints in Missouri.  All the remaining characters are actual people portrayed in their correct historical setting. Actual names are used, with actual quotes by these people are in boldface type.  There are six vignettes.

Vignette One

Historical Synopsis:  Sisters, Mary Elizabeth (15 years old) and Caroline Rollins (13 years old) live in Independence, Missouri in 1833.  These young women are witnesses as an angry mob destroys the home and printing press of William W. Phelps.  W. W. Phelps is working on publishing the Book of Commandments for the Saints when the attack occurs.  The mobs are determined to destroy the home of W.W. Phelps and everything in it including the valuable printing press.  The mobs also want to destroy the printed pages of the Book of Commandments.  The newly printed pages of the Book of Commandments are saved by the heroic actions of Mary Elizabeth and Caroline Rollins in the face of formidable danger to themselves.  Copy of vignette one (pdf).   Copy of vignette one (doc).  (It will appear in your download folder.)

 

Vignette Two

Historical Synopsis:  In 1836, two counties are created for the Mormons in Missouri, Clay and Caldwell counties.  By 1838, Far West in Caldwell County has become the headquarters of the church.  The Prophet Joseph Smith has left Kirtland, Ohio and has settled in Far West.  More Mormons are arriving daily.  At the 1838 Fourth of July Celebration Sidney Rigdon, as a spokesman for the First Presidency, gives an oration.   Many historians have felt Rigdon’s speech may have contributed to the growing difficulties between the Saints and the Missourians.  Copy of Vignette Two (pdf). Copy of Vignette Two (doc). (It will appear in your download folder.)

Sidney Rigdon

Vignette Three

Historical Synopsis:  The Gallatin Election Day Battle was a skirmish between Mormon and non-Mormon settlers.  Two major candidates for office, Colonel William Peniston and Judge Josiah Morin visited Adam-ondi-Ahman to court the Mormon vote.  Afterward, Peniston decided that the Mormons planned to vote as a bloc for his opponent and conspired to prevent them from voting, by force if necessary.  When Election Day arrived, Peniston made a speech in Gallatin to stir up the crowd against allowing the Mormons to vote.  When about 30 Latter Day Saints approached the polling place approximately 200 non-Mormons forcibly attempted to prevent the Mormons from voting and a brawl ensued. Although vastly outnumbered, the Mormons held their own and drove away their attackers. Copy of vignette three (pdf).  Copy of vignette three (doc). (It will appear in your download folder.)

Vignette Four

Historical Synopsis:  Tension between the Mormons and Missourians increases to the point Governor Boggs of Missouri calls out militias to patrol the Mormons. Rumors reach Far West that Mormon prisoners have been taken by a mob of vigilantes from Ray County.  An armed party quickly assembles to rescue these prisoners.  When the Mormons arrive on the scene, the state militia unit is camped along Crooked River.  The Mormons divide into three columns led by David W. Patten (an apostle), Charles C. Rich and James Durphee.  The Missourians have the advantage of position and fire, but the Mormons continue to advance.  This causes the state militia to break ranks and flee across the river.  Although Mormons win the battle, they take heavier casualties than the Missourians.  The Mormons lose one during the battle and nine are wounded, one mortally.  Apostle, David W. Patten is wounded and soon after the battle dies from his wounds.   Tensions continue to increase between the Mormons and Missourians resulting in an executive order being issued on October 27, 1838 by Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs.  The order is in response to what Boggs terms “open and avowed defiance of the laws”.  This order is an order of extermination.  The order remains on the law books of Missouri until formally rescinded in 1976. Copy of Vignette Four (pdf).  Copy of Vignette Four (doc).  (It will appear in your download folder.)

The Extermination Order of Governor Boggs.

 

Vignette Five

Historical Synopsis:  On October 30, 1838, the bloodiest event in the 1838 Mormon War in Missouri occurs.  It happens on the banks of Shoal Creek in Caldwell County, Missouri, near a mill that was established by the Haun family.  Approximately 30 Mormon families live in the immediate vicinity of Haun’s Mill and the blacksmith shop.  About 4:00 p.m. on this infamous day a militia of 240 men ride into the settlement of Haun’s Mill.  David Evans, a leader in the community, runs towards the militia, waving his hat and calling for peace.  Alerted to the militia’s approach, most of the Latter-day Saint women and children flee into the woods to the south, while most of the men head into the blacksmith shop.  Unfortunately, the building is a particularly vulnerable structure as the widely spaced logs make it easy for the attackers to fire inside.  The shop becomes a deathtrap, since the militia gives no quarter, firing about one hundred rifle and musket shots into the building. After the initial attack, several of those who are wounded or have surrendered are shot dead. Members of the militia enter the blacksmith shop and find ten-year-old Sardius Smith hiding under the blacksmith’s bellows. William Reynolds puts his musket against the boy’s skull and blows off the top of his head. Reynolds later explains, “Nits will make lice, and if he had lived he would have become a Mormon.”  Seventy-eight year old Thomas McBride surrenders his musket to militiaman Jacob Rogers, who then shoots McBride and hacks his body apart with a corn knife. Several other bodies are mutilated and clothing stolen, while many women are assaulted. Houses are robbed, wagons, tents and clothing are stolen, and horses and livestock are driven off, leaving the surviving women and children destitute.  By the end of the skirmish seventeen Mormons are dead: Hiram Abbott, Elias Benner, John Byers, Alexander Campbell, Simon Cox, Josiah Fuller, Austin Hammer, John Lee, Benjamin Lewis, Thomas McBride (78), Charley Merrick (9), Levi Merrick, William Napier, George S. Richards, Sardius Smith (10), Warren Smith, and John York. Thirteen more have been injured, including a woman and nine-year-old child. A non-Mormon sympathizer is also killed. Three of the 250 militiamen are wounded, but none fatally. After the massacre, the dead are placed in an unfinished well and are covered with dirt and straw. The survivors and their wounded gather at Far West for protection.  Although participants in the massacre boast of their acts for years, none of the Missouri attackers are ever brought to trial.  Copy of Vignette Five (pdf).  Copy of Vignette Five (doc).  (It will appear in your download folder.)

Haun's Mill Massacre 1838.

Vignette Six

 

Historical Synopsis:  Far West becomes the focal point as anti-Mormon militias gather around Far West to prepare for an attack.  The Saints in Far West are out-numbered five to one.  They barricade the city with wagons and timber around the perimeter in an attempt to protect themselves. Neither side is eager to begin the battle.  On October 31, 1838 General Lucas for the Missourians sends out a flag of truce, which is met by the leading officer for the Saints, Colonel Hinkle.  Colonel Hinkle secretly and subversively agrees to all of the demands made by General Lucas including surrendering the city and turning over Joseph Smith and other Mormon leaders for trial and punishment.  Hinkle also agrees that Mormon property is to be confiscated by the militia to pay for damages and the Saints are to surrender their arms and leave the state.  Joseph Smith and the other leaders are told by Hinkle that General Lucas would like to talk to them in a peace conference.  They are shocked when Hinkle turns them over to Lucas as prisoners.  A secret and illegal court-martial is held during the night.  The prisoners receive a sentence to be executed the next morning on the public square in Far West.  General Alexander Doniphan receives the order and heroically refuses to comply calling it ”cold blooded murder.”  Lucas seems to lose some of his nerve, and takes the prisoners to jail in Richmond, Missouri.  Joseph Smith and the other leaders are held in chains in the Richmond jail. For two horrible weeks the prisoners receive much abuse from the guards.  One night after hours of obscene jests, bragging, blasphemies and filthy language from the guards, the majesty of the Prophet Joseph Smith is witnessed, as he stands in chains and rebukes the guards.  The quailing guards drop their weapons, fall to their knees, and crouch at the feet of Joseph Smith and beg for his pardon.   All the evidence is stacked against the church leaders in a 13-day sham trial.  When the prisoners submit a list of defense witnesses, the witnesses are either jailed or driven from the county.  Alexander Doniphan acts as counsel for the saints and reports that, “if a cohort of angels were to come down, and declare [the prisoners] were innocent, it would all be the same for he (the Judge) had determined from the beginning to cast [them] into prison.” After the trial ends Joseph Smith and others are placed in Liberty Jail.

 

Meanwhile in Far West, General John B. Clark, the designated commanding officer arrives in Far West.  He says he will not force the Saints out of Missouri in winter but forces them to live on parched corn.  The Mormon militia expects compensation from the Saints. Saints are forced to sign over their lands to the Missourians.  The troops at Far West plunder everything they can lay their hands upon, taking anything of value.  With no help from the government and conditions growing desperate thousands of Saints are forced to leave Missouri in the dead of winter seeking shelter anywhere they can seek refuge.  Most settle across the Missouri border near the Illinois town of Quincy.  It would be spring before Joseph Smith and others would find their way to join the Saints in Illinois.  Thus ends a tragic chapter in Missouri church history. Copy of Vignette Six (pdf).  Copy of Vignette Six (doc). (It will appear in your download folder.)

Liberty Jail, early days.

Filed Under: Church, Missouri Church History Tagged With: Adam-ondi-ahman, Book of Commandments, Caldwell, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Clay, David W. Patten, Daviess, Doniphan, Election Day Battle, Extermination Order, Far West, Gallatin, Governor Boggs, Haun's Mill Massacre, Independence Missouri, Jackson County Missouri, Joseph Smith, LDS, Liberty Jail, Mary Elizabeth Rollins, militia, Missouri, Mormon, Mormon Missouri Church history, Sidney Rigdon, vignettes, Young Women, Youth Conference

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