Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 September 1842

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Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 September 1842
Source Note

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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and
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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, Letter,
Morley Settlement
Also called Yelrome and Morley Town. Area in southwest corner of county, on the Hancock-Adams county line. Settled by refugee Saints from Missouri, spring 1839. Formally laid out by county surveyor on forty-nine acres, 26–28 Mar. 1844. At least seventy Latter...
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, Hancock Co., IL, to the editor of Times and Seasons (JS), [Nauvoo, Hancock Co., IL], 12 Sept. 1842. Featured version published in Times and Seasons, 15 Sept. 1842, vol. 3, no. 22, 926. For more complete source information, see the source note for Letter to Isaac Galland, 22 Mar. 1839.

Historical Introduction
On 12 September 1842,
apostles
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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Brigham Young
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and
Heber C. Kimball
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wrote a letter from
Morley Settlement
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, Illinois, to JS as the editor of the Times and Seasons in
Nauvoo
Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....
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, Illinois, updating him and the
church
The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ...
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on their preaching schedule during their mission in central
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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. Two days earlier, Young and Kimball had departed from Nauvoo with fellow apostles
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
Amasa Lyman
30 Mar. 1813–4 Feb. 1877. Boatman, gunsmith, farmer. Born at Lyman, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Roswell Lyman and Martha Mason. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Lyman E. Johnson, 27 Apr. 1832. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co....
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.
1
Lyman, Journal, 10 Sept. 1842.
Comprehensive Works Cited
Lyman, Amasa. Journals, 1832–1877. Amasa Lyman Collection, 1832–1877. CHL. MS 829, boxes 1–3.
At a
conference
A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...
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of the church in August, they were assigned along with about four hundred other men to serve missions throughout the country. The missionaries’ purpose was to counter the claims
John C. Bennett
3 Aug. 1804–5 Aug. 1867. Physician, minister, poultry breeder. Born at Fairhaven, Bristol Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Bennett and Abigail Cook. Moved to Marietta, Washington Co., Ohio, 1808; to Massachusetts, 1812; and back to Marietta, 1822. Married ...
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was making about JS and the church on his lecture tour and in his publications and to simultaneously preach the gospel.
2
See Historical Introduction to Discourse, 29 Aug. 1842.
By 12 September, the apostles reached the Latter-day Saints at Morley Settlement—situated approximately twenty-five miles south of Nauvoo and twenty-five miles north of
Quincy
Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...
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, Illinois—and held a meeting at the home of church member
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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. In this letter, Young and Kimball mentioned the meeting and described plans to hold similar conferences in five other locations.

The original letter is not extant, so it is unclear how
Young
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and
Kimball
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sent it to JS. The letter was received by JS, or perhaps by one of his editorial assistants in 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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printing office
Located at four different sites from 1839–1846: cellar of warehouse on bank of Mississippi River, June–Aug. 1839; frame building on northeast corner of Water and Bain streets, Nov. 1839–Nov. 1841; newly built printing establishment on northwest corner of ...
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, in time to appear in the 15 September 1842 issue of the Times and Seasons.
3
JS’s primary editorial assistants in the printing office were John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff. From 10 August to 19 September, Woodruff was sick and confined to his home. Taylor was also sick for much of this time. In early September, other men were apparently working in the printing office as well, resulting in controversy over the delivery of JS’s mail. Emma Smith wrote a letter to postmaster Sidney Rigdon complaining that the post office was giving JS’s mail to anyone who claimed to be assisting JS in the printing office. (Woodruff, Journal, 10 Aug.–19 Sept. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842; Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, to Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842, Emma Smith, Correspondence, CHL.)
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
Smith, Emma. Correspondence, 1842 and 1844. CHL.
The version printed in that issue is featured here.
Footnotes
[1]
Lyman, Journal, 10 Sept. 1842.
[2]
See Historical Introduction to Discourse, 29 Aug. 1842.
[3]
JS’s primary editorial assistants in the printing office were John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff. From 10 August to 19 September, Woodruff was sick and confined to his home. Taylor was also sick for much of this time. In early September, other men were apparently working in the printing office as well, resulting in controversy over the delivery of JS’s mail. Emma Smith wrote a letter to postmaster Sidney Rigdon complaining that the post office was giving JS’s mail to anyone who claimed to be assisting JS in the printing office. (Woodruff, Journal, 10 Aug.–19 Sept. 1842; Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, to Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842; Sidney Rigdon, Nauvoo, IL, to Emma Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 12 Sept. 1842, Emma Smith, Correspondence, CHL.)
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
Smith, Emma. Correspondence, 1842 and 1844. CHL.
Asterisk (*) denotes a "featured" version, which includes an introduction and annotation. *Letter from Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, 12 September 1842 Times and Seasons, 15 September 1842 History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843] “History of Joseph Smith”
Page 926
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To the Editor of the Times and Seasons.

Dear Brother:—Having commenced our mission to the east, yesterday we held our first
conference
A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...
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at Br.
I[saac] 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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’s; we had a good time—the brethren here are in good spirits. We ordained 19
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...
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and
baptized
An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...
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12.
1
Amasa Lyman recorded in his journal that the missionaries had “found fifty labourers for the ministry baptized” at the meeting. (Lyman, Journal, 11 Sept. 1842.)
We expect next Saturday and Sunday to hold a two days meeting in
Quincy
Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...
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, being the 17, 18th inst.,
2
On 18 September 1842, George A. Smith wrote to his wife, Bathsheba Bigler Smith, updating her on preaching efforts in Quincy, stating, “We have Preachd in the Court house seven times to vary attentive Congregations and Preach again in the Even[in]g.” (George A. Smith, Quincy, IL, to Bathsheba Bigler Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 18 Sept. 1842, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL.)
Smith, George Albert. Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322.
on the 24, 25th at Payson,
3
Lyman recorded in his journal that they baptized three individuals in Payson, Illinois. (Lyman, Journal, 15 Sept. 1842.)
the 1, 2d of Oct. at
Pleasant Vale
Settled by 1823. Post office established, 26 Apr. 1827. Population of area later bolstered by Latter-day Saint immigration. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in area, by Mar. 1841. Stake discontinued by letter from JS, 24 May ...
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.
4
On 3 October, George A. Smith wrote to his wife and reported that the missionaries “had Good Meetings at Payson & Pleasant Vale [Illinois].” Lyman recorded in his journal that he “preached to the brethren [and] had an interesting time” in Pleasant Vale, Illinois. (George A. Smith, Rockport, IL, to Bathsheba Bigler Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 3 Oct. 1842, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Lyman, Journal, 15 Sept. 1842.)
the 8, 9th of Oct. at Pittsfield,
5
On 9 October, George A. Smith wrote to his wife that “Br Young Preached Last Evening and I this morning Br A Lyman will this afternoo[n].” (George A. Smith, Pittsfield, IL, to Bathsheba Bigler Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 9 Oct. 1842, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL.)
the 15, 16th Oct. at Apple Creek in Green co.
6
On 16 October 1842, Heber C. Kimball wrote to his wife Vilate Murray Kimball from the vicinity of Apple Creek, Greene County, Illinois, but did not mention the meeting held there on 15 and 16 October. (Heber C. Kimball, “Apple Creek,” IL, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Nauvoo, IL, 16 Oct. 1842, typescript, Heber C. Kimball Family Organization, Compilation of Heber C. Kimball Correspondence, 1983, CHL.)
Heber C. Kimball Family Organization. Compilation of Heber C. Kimball Correspondence, 1983. Unpublished typescript. CHL.
From thence we shall proceed to
Jacksonville
Town located in west-central Illinois. Founded 1825. Established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1850 about 2,800. Camp of Israel expedition camped near town, 31 May–1 June 1834. Kirtland Camp passed through town en route to Missouri, 17 Sept. 1838.
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, and
Springfield
Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became capital of Illinois, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued...
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.
7
On 22 October, Kimball wrote a letter to his wife Vilate Murray Kimball informing her that he and Brigham Young were in Glasgow, Scott County, Illinois; that they had held all their scheduled conferences; and that on the following day they would travel to Jacksonville, Illinois, and then to Springfield, Illinois. He wrote that as a result of the conferences, “the prejdis [prejudice] is laid some conciderable some added.” (Heber C. Kimball, Glasgow, IL, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Nauvoo, IL, 22–23 Oct. 1842, Heber C. Kimball, Collection, CHL.)
Kimball, Heber C. Collection, 1837–1898. CHL. MS 12476.

If you please notice the above in your paper for the benefit of those friends scattered abroad.

Yours in the
everlasting covenent
Generally referred to the “fulness of the gospel”—the sum total of the church’s message, geared toward establishing God’s covenant people on the earth; also used to describe individual elements of the gospel, including marriage. According to JS, the everlasting...
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BRIGHAM YOUNG
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,

H[eber] C. KIMBALL
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.

Morley Settlement
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, Sept. 12, 1842. [p. 926]
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Source Note
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Page 926
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Footnotes
[1]
Amasa Lyman recorded in his journal that the missionaries had “found fifty labourers for the ministry baptized” at the meeting. (Lyman, Journal, 11 Sept. 1842.)
[2]
On 18 September 1842, George A. Smith wrote to his wife, Bathsheba Bigler Smith, updating her on preaching efforts in Quincy, stating, “We have Preachd in the Court house seven times to vary attentive Congregations and Preach again in the Even[in]g.” (George A. Smith, Quincy, IL, to Bathsheba Bigler Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 18 Sept. 1842, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL.)
[3]
Lyman recorded in his journal that they baptized three individuals in Payson, Illinois. (Lyman, Journal, 15 Sept. 1842.)
[4]
On 3 October, George A. Smith wrote to his wife and reported that the missionaries “had Good Meetings at Payson & Pleasant Vale [Illinois].” Lyman recorded in his journal that he “preached to the brethren [and] had an interesting time” in Pleasant Vale, Illinois. (George A. Smith, Rockport, IL, to Bathsheba Bigler Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 3 Oct. 1842, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL; Lyman, Journal, 15 Sept. 1842.)
[5]
On 9 October, George A. Smith wrote to his wife that “Br Young Preached Last Evening and I this morning Br A Lyman will this afternoo[n].” (George A. Smith, Pittsfield, IL, to Bathsheba Bigler Smith, Nauvoo, IL, 9 Oct. 1842, George Albert Smith, Papers, CHL.)
[6]
On 16 October 1842, Heber C. Kimball wrote to his wife Vilate Murray Kimball from the vicinity of Apple Creek, Greene County, Illinois, but did not mention the meeting held there on 15 and 16 October. (Heber C. Kimball, “Apple Creek,” IL, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Nauvoo, IL, 16 Oct. 1842, typescript, Heber C. Kimball Family Organization, Compilation of Heber C. Kimball Correspondence, 1983, CHL.)
Heber C. Kimball Family Organization. Compilation of Heber C. Kimball Correspondence, 1983. Unpublished typescript. CHL.
[7]
On 22 October, Kimball wrote a letter to his wife Vilate Murray Kimball informing her that he and Brigham Young were in Glasgow, Scott County, Illinois; that they had held all their scheduled conferences; and that on the following day they would travel to Jacksonville, Illinois, and then to Springfield, Illinois. He wrote that as a result of the conferences, “the prejdis [prejudice] is laid some conciderable some added.” (Heber C. Kimball, Glasgow, IL, to Vilate Murray Kimball, Nauvoo, IL, 22–23 Oct. 1842, Heber C. Kimball, Collection, CHL.)
Kimball, Heber C. Collection, 1837–1898. CHL. MS 12476.