History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. C-1, created 24 Feb. 1845–3 July 1845; handwriting of
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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,
Franklin D. Richards
2 Apr. 1821–9 Dec. 1899. Carpenter, businessman, newspaper editor. Born at Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Phinehas Richards and Wealthy Dewey. Raised Congregationalist. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Phinehas ...
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, Jonathan Grimshaw, and
Leo Hawkins
19 July 1834–28 May 1859. Clerk, reporter. Born in London. Son of Samuel Harris Hawkins and Charlotte Savage. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by John Banks, 23 Oct. 1848. Immigrated to U.S. with his family; arrived in New Orleans...
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; 512 pages, plus 24 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the third volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This third volume covers the period from 2 Nov. 1838 to 31 July 1842; the remaining five volumes, labeled A-1, B-1, D-1, E-1 and F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction

This document, “History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842],” is the third of six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church” (in The Joseph Smith Papers the “Manuscript History” bears the editorial title “History, 1838–1856”). The completed six-volume collection covers the period from 23 December 1805 to 8 August 1844. The narrative in this volume commences on 2 November 1838 with JS and other church leaders being held prisoner by the “
Governor
14 Dec. 1796–14 Mar. 1860. Bookkeeper, bank cashier, merchant, Indian agent and trader, lawyer, doctor, postmaster, politician. Born at Lexington, Fayette Co., Kentucky. Son of John M. Boggs and Martha Oliver. Served in War of 1812. Moved to St. Louis, ca...
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’s forces” at
Far West
Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...
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, Missouri, and concludes with the death of Bishop
Vinson Knight
14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...
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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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, Illinois, on 31 July 1842. For a more complete discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to this history.

Volume C-1 was created beginning on or just after 24 February 1845 and its narrative was completed by 3 May 1845, although some additional work continued on the volume through 3 July of that year (Richards, Journal, 24 and 28 Feb. 1845; Historian’s Office, Journal, 3 May 1845; 3 and 4 July 1845). It is in the handwriting of
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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and contains 512 pages of primary text, plus 24 pages of addenda. Additional addenda for this volume were created at a later date as a supplementary document and appear in this collection as “History, 1838-1856, volume C-1 Addenda.” Compilers
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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and Thomas Bullock drew heavily from JS’s letters, discourses, and diary entries; meeting minutes; church and other periodicals and journals; and reminiscences, recollections, and letters of church members and other contacts. At JS’s behest, Richards maintained the first-person, chronological-narrative format established in previous volumes, as if JS were the author.
Brigham Young
1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...
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,
Heber C. Kimball
14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...
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,
George A. Smith
26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...
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, and others reviewed and modified the manuscript prior to its eventual publication in the Salt Lake City newspaper Deseret News.

The historical narrative recorded in volume C-1 continued the account of JS’s life as prophet and president of the church. Critical events occurring within the forty-five-month period covered by this text include 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 ...
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Mormon War; subsequent legal trials of church leaders; expulsion of the Saints from Missouri; missionary efforts in
England
Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons...
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by the
Twelve
Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...
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and others; attempts by JS to obtain federal redress for the Missouri depredations; publication of the LDS Millennial Star in England; the migration of English converts to
America
North American constitutional republic. Constitution ratified, 17 Sept. 1787. Population in 1805 about 6,000,000; in 1830 about 13,000,000; and in 1844 about 20,000,000. Louisiana Purchase, 1803, doubled size of U.S. Consisted of seventeen states at time ...
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; missionary efforts in other nations; the death of church patriarch
Joseph Smith Sr.
12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge...
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; the establishment of the
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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city charter; the commencement of construction of the Nauvoo
temple
Located in portion of Nauvoo known as the bluff. JS revelation dated Jan. 1841 commanded Saints to build temple and hotel (Nauvoo House). Cornerstone laid, 6 Apr. 1841. Saints volunteered labor, money, and other resources for temple construction. Construction...
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; the
Wisconsin “pinery”
Also known as the “pinery.” Collective term for regions in Wisconsin where lumbering operations were located, especially along Black, Chippewa, St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Wolf rivers. Latter-day Saints established lumber camps and mills on Black River to provide...
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expedition that facilitated temple construction; the introduction of the doctrine of proxy baptism for deceased persons; the dedicatory prayer by
Orson Hyde
8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ...
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on the Mount of Olives in Palestine; publication of the “Book of Abraham” in the Nauvoo Times and Seasons; publication of the JS history often referred to as the “Wentworth letter;” the organization of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo; and the inception of Nauvoo-era temple endowment ceremonies.

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<February 12 Applications for Assistance> Tuesday 12. The Committee sent a delegation to Sister Music, to ascertain her necessities Daniel Shearer and Erastus Bingham went, applications for assistance were made from Sister Morgan, L. Gardner, Jeremiah Mackley’s family, Brother Forbush, Echoed Cheney, T. D. Tyler, D. Mc Arthur &c

13 February 1839 • Wednesday

<13> Wednesday 13. “Voted that be appointed to superintend the management of the teams, provided for removing the poor, and see that they are fixed for the Journey”

14 February 1839 • Thursday

<14 & left > Thursday 14 The persecution was so bitter against Elder (on whom devolved the Presidency of the Twelve, by age, having apostatized) and his life was so diligently sought for, that he was compelled to flee, and he left on this day for — My Brother , had carried a petition to the Mob, to get assistance to help our ’s Family out of , I know not how much he obtained, but my and , started this day for with an Ox team.

The Committee discussed the propriety of paying the debts in — [HC 3:261] was requested to call on Lawyer Barnet who was in Town, and make arrangements concerning the matter— A Letter of Attorney was drawn up for the brethren who felt willing to dispose of their real Estate, to discharge their debts. to sign, appointing their Attorney for that purpose— This was not exactly according to the minds of the Committee, for they only directed to confer with the person above named, for the purpose of obtaining information without reference to his being appointed an attorney for that purpose, independent of any other person or persons.

15 February 1839 • Friday

<15 arrived opposite .> Friday 15. My family arrived at the opposite , after a Journey of almost insupportable hardships, and returned immediately to

18 February 1839 • Monday

<18 ’s order to restore arms> Monday 18.

“Executive Department, City of Feb. 18. 1839. To Col. Wiley C. Williams, aid to the . Sir:— you will take measures, as soon as practicable, to cause the arms, surrendered by the Mormons, to be delivered to the proper owners, upon their producing satisfactory evidence of their claims. If, in any case, you think an improper use would be made of them, you can retain such, using a sound discretion in the matter. You will call upon Captain Pollard or any other person who may have arms in possession, and take charge of them, and this will be your authority for so doing. I am respectfully, your obedient servant— .”

Little benefit could have resulted from this order, even if it had been promptly executed, as many of the brethren who owned the arms, had left the , and it would be very difficult to decide what would be “satisfactory evidence” of claims.

19 February 1839 • Tuesday

<19 Committee> Tuesday 19. The Committee appointed Charles Bird

” to visit the several parts of the [HC 3:262] , and the Town of , to ascertain the number of families, that would have to be assisted in removing, and solicit means from those who are able to do so, for the assistance of the needy, and make report as soon as possible”

21 February 1839 • Thursday

<21 arrived at > Thursday 21 arrived at , and in the evening the Committee were in Council, Elders [Erastus] Bingham, , and [Daniel] Shearer, were appointed to sell [p. 885]

12 February 1839 • Tuesday

February 12 Applications for Assistance Tuesday 12. The Committee sent a delegation to Sister Music, to ascertain her necessities Daniel Shearer and Erastus Bingham went, applications for assistance were made from Sister Morgan, L. Gardner, Jeremiah Mackley’s family, Brother Forbush, Echoed Cheney, T. D. Tyler, D. Mc Arthur &c

13 February 1839 • Wednesday

13 Wednesday 13. “Voted that be appointed to superintend the management of the teams, provided for removing the poor, and see that they are fixed for the Journey”

14 February 1839 • Thursday

14 & left Thursday 14 The persecution was so bitter against Elder (on whom devolved the Presidency of the Twelve, by age, having apostatized) and his life was so diligently sought for, that he was compelled to flee, and he left on this day for — My Brother , had carried a petition to the Mob, to get assistance to help our ’s Family out of , I know not how much he obtained, but my and , started this day for with an Ox team.

15 February 1839 • Friday

15 arrived opposite . Friday 15. My family arrived at the opposite , after a Journey of almost insupportable hardships, and returned immediately to

18 February 1839 • Monday

18 ’s order to restore arms Monday 18.

19 February 1839 • Tuesday

19 Committee Tuesday 19. The Committee appointed Charles Bird

21 February 1839 • Thursday

21 arrived at Thursday 21 arrived at , and in the evening the Committee were in Council, Elders Erastus Bingham, , and [Daniel] Shearer, were appointed to sell [p. 885]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842]
ID #
7513
Total Pages
562
Handwriting on This Page
- Thomas Bullock
Footnotes
1. 89
  See 12 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
2. 90
  Far West Committee, Minutes, 12–13 Feb. 1839.
  
  Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.
3. 91
  See 13 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
4. 92
  See 14 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
5. 93
  Far West Committee, Minutes, 14 Feb. 1839.
  
  Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.
6. 94
  See 15 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
7. 95
  See 18 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
8. 96
  Governor’s Order, Document Containing the Correspondence, 96.
  
  Document Containing the Correspondence, Orders, &c., in Relation to the Disturbances with the Mormons; and the Evidence Given before the Hon. Austin A. King, Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, at the Court-House in Richmond, in a Criminal Court of Inquiry, Begun November 12, 1838, on the Trial of Joseph Smith, Jr., and Others, for High Treason and Other Crimes against the State. Fayette, MO: Boon’s Lick Democrat, 1841.
9. 97
  See 19 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
10. 98
  Far West Committee, Minutes, 19 Feb. 1839.
  
  Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.
11. 99
  See 21 Feb. 1839 entry in History Draft.
12. 100
  Far West Committee, Minutes, 21 Feb. 1839.
  
  Far West Committee. Minutes, Jan.–Apr. 1839. CHL. MS 2564.