CHRONOLOGY
This will be a timeline of events for the foundation
of the LDS church
Here is a good LDS Chronology found at
exmormon.org
Here is one from Michael Quinn's book "The
Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power"
Here is a chronology from
OliverCowdery.com
Here is chronology from
scriptures.lds.org
Here is a chronology from
CARM
Mountain Meadows
Chronology
Below is an interesting Chronology of events relating
to Mountain Meadows.
CHRONOLOGY OF ACTIONS RELATED TO
THE MASSACRE AT MOUNTAIN MEADOWS
Breakdown of the Federal government and civil war
appeared certain in national events which followed the
Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854. Brigham Young's actions, listed below,
may have been based on his conviction that the Mormon Kingdom of
God would soon achieve the recognition foreseen in the 1845
Proclamation of the Twelve Apostles, and in Joseph Smith's
Prophecy on War. For more complete background information and
documentation, see The Unsolicited Chronicler, Chapters
28-31.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
September 21, 1856. Brigham Young endorses
Blood Atonement: "We need a reformation in the midst of this
people....There are sins that men commit for which they cannot
receive forgiveness and if they had their eyes open to see their
true condition they would be perfectly willing to have their blood
spilt upon the ground that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven
as an offering for their sins..."
October Conference, 1856.
Mormons become
aware of the impending disaster of the handcart emigration and
hasten to rescue those who are trapped by the onset of early winter
weather.
February 8, 1857.
Blood Atonement
recommended. Brigham Young tells his congregation how to love your
neighbor: "Jesus Christ never meant that we should love a wicked man
in his wickedness. This is loving our neighbour as ourselves; if he
wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth
in order that he may be saved, spill it. That is the way to love
mankind."
February 17.
Blood Atonement practiced. A
party of "gentile Scurf," including Sgt. John Tobin and Surveyor
J.C. Peltro, while leaving the Territory, are attacked by "Indians"
on the Santa Clara and left for dead.
March 15. More Blood Atonement: the
Parrish-Potter murders are committed "by persons unknown," at
Springville.
April 2. In New Orleans, Judge W.W. Drummond,
who deserted his Utah post and spent most of the previous year in
California, writing and publishing anti-Mormon articles, announces
he has resigned his Utah appointment. He declares Utah to be in
rebellion against Federal authority and the Mormons responsible for
much violence and many deaths, including the massacre of Captain
Gunnison and his party.
April 15. In Utah, at the height of the
Reformation movement, "nearly all the gentile and apostate Scurf"
have left Utah Territory. Federal Judges and other Officers report
their grievances to their respective administrative departments in
Washington, D.C.
May 13. Parley Pratt is murdered near Van
Buren, Arkansas, by Hector McLean, estranged husband of Pratt's
plural wife, Elenore.
May 29. President James Buchanan orders an
army sent to Utah as a posse comitatus in support of a new
governor and Federal officers.
June 23. Brigham Young, recently returned
from his northern tour, learns that an army has been ordered to
Utah. Young also learns of the murder of Apostle Parley Pratt.
July 5. Young tells his congregation he will
not resist the U.S. Army. "it is an Ignorant excitement...They are
not sending troops to fight us...The American Continent will be
Zion..."
July 24. In Big Cottonwood Canyon, while
celebrating this Mormon holiday with 2,500 guests, Young learns that
the mail contract has been canceled, that General "Squaw killer"
Harney will head the army enroute to Utah and may govern under
military authority. Young decides to resist the army. He declares
that "if General Harney crosses South Pass, the buzzards will pick
his bones."
July 26. In Salt Lake City, Heber Kimball
expresses his fear that when the troops come here, "the first dab
will be to take brother Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, and
others, and they will slay us!"
A Prayer meeting is held by Young and his Apostles.
A gruesome account of the murder of Parley Pratt, written by his
widow, Elenore McLean Pratt and published in The Mormon, is
read to the assembled authorities. Strong reactions are recorded.
Brigham Young's diary states: "We prayed for our enemies." A
memorial issue of The Deseret News is published. Public
reaction joins Arkansas with Missouri and Illinois as states which
have shed innocent blood. Avenging the blood of the Prophets
becomes a motive for the massacre of Arkansas emigrants at Mountain
Meadows.
PREPARATIONS TO RESIST THE UNITED STATES ARMY
(Note: for information on Young's strategic
planning, see Gunnison's analysis of military logistics and public
attitudes in his book: The Mormons, or Latter-day Saints,
Chapter VIII. This book was well known among the Mormon leadership.)
August 1. Orders are issued by General Daniel
Wells to muster, drill and equip Utah's militia, the Nauvoo Legion.
The order declares: "In such times when anarchy takes the place of
orderly Government, and mobocratic tyranny usurps the power to rule,
the people are left to their inalienable right to defend
themselves."
Apostle Wilford Woodruff meets with Parley Pratt's
widow, Elenore. It is later reported that she identifies one or more
persons in the Fancher party who were present when Pratt was
murdered.
August 3. The Fancher Party of Arkansas
emigrants are reported to be in Salt Lake City on or about this
date.
Apostle George A. Smith, who is also a general in
the Nauvoo Legion, begins his southern journey to deliver General
Wells' orders to the military commanders of the southern
settlements.
August 4. In a letter carried south by George
A. Smith, Brigham Young informs Jacob Hamblin of the coming army.
Hamblin is advised to teach the Indians that: "they must learn
that they have either got to help us or the United States will kill
us both".
August 5. A Governor's Proclamation, bearing
this date declares the coming army to be a mob, justifies the need
for opposition; declares martial law; requires all persons entering
or leaving the territory to have official passes. George A. Smith
informs all military commanders of these orders during his southern
tour.
August 6. In supplemental orders, military
commanders are notified to enlist Indian support to resist U.S.
Army.
August 8. George A. Smith reaches Parowan and
tours the southern settlements with a party of leaders which
includes John D. Lee.
August 10. Indian alliance is offered to
"Little Soldier" chief of Shoshone tribes north of Salt Lake City by
Dimick Huntington. They are given "all the cattle gon to Cal on the
north rout."
Apostle Smith and party in Southern Utah arrive at
Santa Clara. Jacob Hamblin receives Brigham Young's letter. Hamblin
gathers several local Indian chiefs and accompanies Apostle Smith's
party on their return to Salt Lake City.
August 12. In Cedar City, Major Higbee tells
Apostle Smith that if an enemy approaches, they will assume a
defensive posture and send for instructions.
August 13. In Salt Lake City, Colonel Robert
T. Burton receives orders for surveillance of the approaching army.
Young invokes his diplomatic strategy: Samuel
Richards to go east to enlist help of Thomas L. Kane; to close
missions and instruct missionaries to return; converts to come to
Zion; newspapers in New York, St. Louis and San Francisco to be
closed. Carson valley and San Bernardino settlements to be
liquidated.
Colonel W.B. Pace, of Provo, ordered to seek Indian
alliances, conserve grain, and look for places of refuge in the
mountains.
August 23. Colonel Dame submits the Iron
District Readiness Report.
COUNT DOWN TO A MASSACRE
August 26. Apostle George A. Smith camps with
the Fancher Party at Corn Creek, south of Fillmore; Fancher advised
to recruit cattle at Mountain Meadows. NO PASS GIVEN. Jacob
Hamblin present with Indian chiefs enroute to visit Brigham Young.
It is later claimed that the Fancher party poisons springs and a
dead ox. This allegedly infuriates the Indians who retaliate at
Mountain Meadows.
August 27. Smith's party leaves for Salt
Lake; Silas Smith and other escorts return to their homes, preceding
the Fancher party.
September 1. Brigham Young offers Pahvant and
Piede Indian Chiefs brought to Salt Lake City by Jacob Hamblin "all
the cattle gon to Cal on the south rout."
September 4. Friday The Fancher train passes
through Cedar City.
September 6. Sunday. Cedar City, council of
high priests meets to decide the fate of the Fancher emigrants. John
D. Lee summoned to meet with Isaac Haight; they spend the night in
"the old Iron Works." Lee later reports his understanding that
Indians have already gathered to attack the Fancher train. Lee is
instructed to take charge of the Indians and assure their success.
September 7. Monday. Another Council meeting;
Lee evidently present, then returns to New Harmony. Council decides
to send a messenger to Brigham Young. Lee claims no knowledge of
this decision. James Haslam selected as messenger; given 100 hours
for 600 mile round trip; leaves at 4 p.m. Klingensmith and Joel
White go to Pinto to assure safe passage of the emigrant train.
Klingensmith meets Lee, acting on opposite orders; Lee does not
record this meeting with Klingensmith.
September 8. Tuesday. Haslam rides all night;
changes horses at Parowan and at Beaver; delayed at Fillmore until
Bishop Brunson returns from a hunting trip; delayed again at Cedar
Springs when horse gives out; waits for another to be brought from
Fillmore.
At New Harmony, an Indian arrives from Mountain
Meadows; notifies Lee that Indians attacked the emigrants earlier
that morning.
In Salt Lake, Quartermaster Captain Stewart Van
Vliet arrives to consult with Young about supplies for the
approaching army.
September 9. Wednesday. Haslam resumes his
ride from Cedar Springs at 3 a.m; arrives at Nephi at 7 a.m. eats
breakfast, continues to Payson, changes horses here and again at
Provo and American Fork; continues his ride toward Salt Lake City
through the night.
John D. Lee, having ridden south for reinforcements,
returns to the Meadows, accompanied by settlers; reports 300 Indians
present in frenzied excitement; messenger sent to Isaac Haight at 2
p.m. Toward evening the Indians again attacked the emigrants.
September 10. Thursday. Indian Farm, Spanish
Fork. Dr. Garland Hurt learns of Haslam's mission from George W.
Hancock, of Payson, who reports Indian attack on emigrant party.
Haslam arrives at the Lion House "just after
daybreak;" saw Brigham Young within fifteen minutes of his arrival;
only a clerk present; Young reads letter but later claims it cannot
be found; Haslam told to be ready for return ride by 1 p.m.
Piede Chiefs who were present with Brigham Young in
Salt Lake on September 1, return "from the Santa Clara." Young
"ordained Tutsegubbeds an elder." Hamblin and "half a dozen others"
present. At 1 p.m., Haslam begins his return ride with Young's
message.
THE
COVERUP
September 10, Thursday. Young's response to
Isaac Haight's letter should be read in view of the September 1,
council meeting with the Indian chiefs: "The Indians we expect will
do as they please but you should try and preserve good feelings with
them."
Young response concerning the emigrants makes it
appear that no prior authorization had been given by Apostle Smith
pursuant to the Governor's Proclamation of August 5: His message
reads: "In regard to the emigration trains passing through our
settlements, we must not interfere with them until they are first
notified to keep away. You must not meddle with them...."
At the Meadows, John D. Lee reports: "The Indians
made a determined attack on the train on Thursday morning about
daylight. ...the Clara Indians had one buck killed and three
wounded. This so enraged them that they left for home, driving a
number of cattle with them...about noon, several Danites joined us
from Cedar City." That evening, Higbee and Klingensmith, arrive
"with three wagons and a number of Danites all well armed." Higbee
reports orders: "to put the emigrants to death; none who is old
enough to talk is to be spared." Talk and prayer continues through
the night.
September 11. Friday. Lee reports: "The
Council broke up a little after daylight on Friday morning. Lee then
describes in detail all events from the flag of truce and his
conference with the emigrants through the slaughter, stripping, and
burying of the bodies.
September 12. Saturday. Salt Lake City. Young
wrote a letter to James W. Denver, Commissioner of Indian Affairs.
He says nothing of the Indian attack on the Fancher emigrants, but
warns that if troops are not kept away, Indian depredations will
increase.
September 13. Sunday. Haslam arrives in Cedar
City with Young's message.
In Salt Lake, Brigham Young makes two "righteously
angry" speeches. He tells his audience and Captain Van Vliet that he
will not "hold the Indians still by the wrist any longer for white
men to shoot at them, but I shall let them go ahead and do as they
please...they must stop all emigration across this continent, for
they cannot travel in safety. The Indians will kill all that attempt
it."
Apostle Smith reports every settlement at the south
prepared to burn their villages and take to the hills. Apostle
Taylor "tried" the Salt Lake audience; they shouted their agreement.
September 14. Monday. Salt lake City. Captain
Van Vliet leaves for the east, He is not told of Young's
Proclamation of August 5. An Identical Proclamation is issued,
dated September 15. This document is included with a military order
to William H Dame, dated September 14, indicating no military action
is planned for this season. These documents are submitted during
Lee's second trial as evidence that no orders issued by Young were
related to the Massacre at Mountain Meadows. None of the documents
noted above were known to exist at the time of the Lee trials,
eighteen years later.
REPORT OF A MASSACRE
September 14. Monday. Garland Hurt at Spanish
Fork, learns more of the Massacre.
September 16. Wednesday. At Fort Harmony,
Isaac Haight tells Lee of Brigham Young's message; orders him to
make a personal report.
September 17. Thursday. Indian Farm, Spanish
Fork. Garland Hurt sends an Indian to learn more of the reported
massacre:
September 20. Sunday. Fort Harmony. Rachel
Lee records John D. Lee's departure for Salt Lake City.
Arapene, brother of Chief Walker, visits Brigham
Young; massacre reported and approved. Huntington reports: "Brigham
told him now was the time to help himself to what he wanted;"
Arapene says "he would go off and sit still and see how the Battle
went;" Huntington tells Arapene: "he must do the work that God & the
prophet had said they must do. Josephs blood had got to be avenged &
they had got to help to do it."
Brigham Young declares to Tabernacle audience: "The
thread is cut that has hitherto connected us; and now we have to act
for ourselves and build up the kingdom of God on the earth, which we
will do, by the help of the Lord; for he has decreed that his
kingdom shall take the ascendancy over all other kingdoms under
heaven."
September 23. Wednesday. Indian Farm, Spanish
Fork. Indian "Pete" Reports to Garland Hurt what he learned from
Ammon's village at Beaver: John D. Lee implicated.
September 27. Sunday. Indian Farm, Spanish
Fork: Garland Hurt leaves Utah Territory via the Uintah mountains.
September 29. Tuesday. Lee Reports to Brigham
Young. Wilford Woodruff records "an awful tale of blood."
October 1. Generals Wells and Smith, near
Fort Bridger, deliver Young's message to Colonel E.B. Alexander,
commander of U.S. forces presently in Utah Territory.
October 3.
Lot Smith ordered by General Wells
to destroy U.S.Army supplies, but "shed no blood."
October 4, Sunday. Salt Lake City. Bishop
Phillip Klingensmith asserts that he and Charlie Hopkins reported
the massacre to Brigham Young, while attending the October
Conference. This is denied by Young in a later affidavit.
November 20. Friday. Fort Harmony. Date of
Lee's Official Report to Brigham Young. This document was submitted
in evidence during the second Lee trial.
December 8. President Buchanan tells Congress
Utah is in a state of rebellion: "...there no longer remains any
government in Utah but the despotism of Brigham Young."
December 15. Tuesday. Salt Lake City. More
coverup. In the Governor's Report to the Legislature. Young
declares: "If we do not turn out and safely and without charge
escort to their destination those passers-through who have cheated,
and then poisoned and wantonly slain un-tutored savages, lying and
corrupt presses throughout the union will send forth against us a
united and prolonged howl of base slander and false accusations,
charging upon us all the murders and massacres occurring between the
Missouri river and the Sierra Nevada mountains, with the sole intent
to excite to frenzy a spirit for our extermination."
1858, February 25. Colonel Thomas L. Kane,
summoned at Young's request by Samuel Richards, arrives in Salt
Lake.
March 8, Salt Lake City. Colonel Kane travels
to Camp Scott, near Bridger's burned out fort, to confer with newly
appointed Governor Alfred E. Cumming.
March 18. Salt Lake City. Young decides to
leave Utah; announces the "Move South." No destination is given.
April 6. Washington, D.C. President Buchanan
offers pardon for seditions and treasons committed during the
"rebellion." A "Peace Commission" is sent to Utah to assure
arrangements.
April 8. Salt Lake City. Young announces his
approval for the imminent arrival of a new governor.
April 25. Salt Lake City. The new Governor is
formally introduced by Young at the Tabernacle. The Move South
continues.
June 7. Salt Lake City. The "Peace
Commissioners" arrive in Salt Lake City.
June 12. Salt Lake City. A public
announcement is made of Peace and Pardon.
June 14. Salt Lake City. Governor Cumming
Pardons the Mormons:
"all persons who submit themselves to the laws, and
to the authority of the Federal Government, are, by him, freely
and fully pardoned for all treasons and seditions heretofore
committed. All criminal offenses associated with, or growing
out of the overt acts of sedition and treason are merged with
them, and are embraced in the "Free and Full Pardon" of the
President."
June 26. Salt Lake Valley. Johnston's Army
passes through the deserted city of Great Salt Lake. They camped for
the night beyond the Jordan river, then continued next day to Cedar
Valley, where their permanent camp was to be established.
June 30. Provo. Brigham Young announces that
all who wish to return to their homes in the northern settlements
may now do so.
August 18. George A. Smith reports to Brigham
Young his own investigation of Mormon involvement in the Mountain
Meadows Massacre. John D. Lee implicated. Smith, who was also the
Church Historian, may have collected all potentially incriminating
documents previously distributed to military commanders.
1859, March. Jacob Forney, with the
assistance of the U.S. Army, gathers up the orphaned children and
writes his report implicating the Mormons in the Massacre at
Mountain Meadows. Similar reports are issued near this date by Agent
Wm. Rogers and Major Carleton.
August 8.
Judge Cradlebaugh convenes a Grand
Jury and begins his investigation of crimes in Utah.
Back to Top
CHRONOLOGY OF CHURCH HISTORY
1805, December 23
Joseph Smith, Jr. (December 23, 1805 – June 27, 1844)
Joseph Smith Jr. (1805-44) born to Joseph Smith Sr.
and Lucy Mack Smith, Sharon, Vermont (see JS-H 1:3).
1812-1813, winter
Smith's leg became seriously infected. Some doctors
advised amputation, but Smith's family refused. Smith later
recovered, though he used crutches for several years and was
bothered with a limp for the rest of his life.
1820, Early Spring
The Prophet Joseph Smith received First Vision in a
grove of trees in Palmyra and Manchester Townships, New York, near
his home (see JS-H 1:15-17).
1823, September 21-22
Joseph Smith claimed that he was visited by angel,
Moroni, three times during the evening and night of September 21,
1823, and once more in the morning of September 22.and told of the
Book of Mormon record. Moroni told Smith about gold plates or
tablets hidden in the ground near his home, on a hill called Cumorah.
LDS claim that Joseph viewed the gold plates buried in a nearby hill
(Cumorah) (see JS-H 1:27-54).
1823, September 22
Smith went to the hill to recover the plates, but
was forbidden to do so during a fifth visitation by Moroni, who said
Smith was not yet ready to receive them.
1824, September 22
Smith returned to the hill Cumorah, as directed by
Moroni, on September 22, 1824, 1825, and 1826, and claimed Moroni
returned each night, counseling and teaching him.
1825, September 22
Smith returned to the hill Cumorah, as directed by
Moroni, on September 22, 1824, 1825, and 1826, and claimed Moroni
returned each night, counseling and teaching him.
1826, March 20
Court records show Smith was examined regarding
charges of "disorderly conduct" for money-digging activities using
supposedly supernatural stones to dig for treasure. At the
examination (it was not a trial) seven witnesses were called and
most of them affirmed that Joseph Smith had some sort of spiritual
gift and the legal examination resulted in no action against Smith.
"treasure digging" was a common form of folk magic.
1826, September 22
Smith returned to the hill Cumorah, as directed by
Moroni, on September 22, 1824, 1825, and 1826, and claimed Moroni
returned each night, counseling and teaching him.
1827, January 18
Smith married Emma Hale. Some sources report the
couple eloped due to the Hale family's disapproval of Smith.
Officiated by Squire Tarbuck.
1827, September 22
Joseph Smith obtained the gold plates from Moroni at
the Hill Cumorah (see JS-H 1:59). According to his own account,
Smith was allowed to take the plates, as well as the Urim and
Thummim and a breastplate to be used in the translation process.
1829, May 15
John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in Harmony, Pennsylvania (see D&C
13; JS-H 1:71-72).
1829, May
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the
Melchizedek Priesthood from Peter, James, and John near the
Susquehanna River between Harmony, Pennsylvania, and Colesville, New
York (see D&C 128:20).
1829, June
Translation of the Book of Mormon completed. The
Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses shown the gold plates (see 2
Ne. 11:3; 27:12-13; D&C 17).
1830, March 26
First printed copies of the Book of Mormon available,
Palmyra, New York.
1830, April 6
The Church organized in Fayette Township, New York.
1830, September-October
First missionaries called to preach to the Lamanites
(Native Americans) (see D&C 28, 30, 32).
1830, December-January 1831
The Saints were commanded to gather to Ohio (see D&C
37; 38:31-32).
1831, July 20
Site for the city of Zion (the New Jerusalem) in
Independence, Missouri, revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see
D&C 57; A of F 1:10).
1833, March 18
Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams set apart as
Counselors in Presidency of the Church (see D&C 81 heading) and
given the keys of this last kingdom (see D&C 90 heading; verse 6).
1833, November 7
Saints began fleeing from mobs in Jackson County,
Missouri across the Missouri River and into Clay County.
1834, May 5
President Joseph Smith left Kirtland, Ohio, for
Missouri as leader of Zion’s Camp to bring relief to Saints expelled
from Jackson County.
1835,
Joseph Smith Married Fanny Alger, officated by Oliver
Cowdery? LDS Historian Andrew Jensen believed her to the
first plural wife of Smith.
Comments: Alger, Fanny (Female)Fanny was Joseph
Smith's first plural wife.
[Far West Record. Cannon, Donald. 1983 Page: 167, 171]
1835, February 14
The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles organized,
Kirtland, Ohio (see D&C 107:23-24).
1835, February 28
The organization of the First Quorum of the Seventy
commenced, Kirtland, Ohio (see HC 2:201-2).
1835, August 17
The Doctrine and Covenants accepted as a standard
work of the Church, Kirtland, Ohio.
1836, March 27
The Kirtland Temple dedicated (see D&C 109).
1836, April 3
Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver
Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple. Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared
and conveyed priesthood keys (see D&C 110).
1837, July 19
Heber C. Kimball and six others arrived in Liverpool,
England, on first overseas mission.
1838, April 26
Name of the Church specified by revelation (see D&C
115:4).
1838,
Joseph’s last written account (1838) of the First
Vision he stated that he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ
sometime in the spring of 1820, when he was fourteen years old.
1838,
Joseph Married 3rd wife Lucinda Pendleton
Morgan Harris
Comments: Pendleton, Lucinda (Female)Lucinda was
sealed to Joseph Smith Jr. She was the widow of Masonic Martyr;
William Morgan.[Revelations of Joseph Smith. Cook, Lyndon. 1981
Page: 120]
1838, December 1
The Prophet Joseph Smith and others imprisoned in
Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri (see D&C 121-23).
1840, August 15
Baptism for the dead publicly announced by the
Prophet Joseph Smith.
1841, April 5
Joseph Smith Married 4th wife Louisa
Beaman, Officiated by Joseph B. Noble,
Marriage Information: Beman, Louisa (Female) Spouse:
Smith, Joseph Jr. Date: April 5, 1841
[LDS Biographical Encyclopedia. Jenson, Andrew. 1951 Temple Index
Bureau (TIB)]
1841, October 24
Elder Orson Hyde dedicated Palestine for return of
the children of Abraham (see D&C 68:1-3; 124:128-29).
1841, Oct 27
Joseph Smith Married his 5th plural Zina
Diantha Huntington Jacobs, Officiated by Dimick B. Huntington
Huntington, Zina Diantha (Female)Zina was sealed to
Joseph Smith October 27, 1841.
1841, December 11
Joseph married 6th wife Prescinda Lathrop
Huntington Buell Dec 11 1841 officiated by Dimick B. Huntington
1842, March 17
Female Relief Society organized, Nauvoo, Illinois.
1842, May 4
First full temple endowments given.
1843, May 28
Joseph and Emma Smith sealed for time and eternity.
1844, Joseph ran for
President of the United States on an anti-slavery platform
1844, June 27
Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith martyred in Carthage
Jail (see D&C 135).
1846,
Brigham Young Married Louisa Beaman: Marriage Number
2 Beman, Louisa (Female) Spouse: Young, Brigham Date: 1846. Note:
she was one of the wives of Joseph Smith.
[Revelations of Joseph Smith. Cook, Lyndon. 1981]
1846, February 4
Nauvoo Saints began crossing Mississippi River to
move west. Some eastern Saints sailed from New York City for
California on ship Brooklyn.
1846, July 16
Mormon Battalion mustered into U.S. service in Iowa.
1847, April
President Brigham Young’s pioneer company left Winter
Quarters on the journey west (see D&C 136).
1847, July 24
President Brigham Young entered Salt Lake Valley.
1847, December 27
Church conference sustained President Brigham Young,
Elder Heber C. Kimball, and Elder Willard Richards as First
Presidency.
1848, May-June
Crickets in the Salt Lake Valley devastated the
crops. The fields were saved from complete destruction as flocks of
seagulls consumed the crickets.
1849, December 9
Sunday School organized by Richard Ballantyne.
1850, June 15
Deseret News began publication in Salt Lake City.
1852, Jan 23
Brigham
Young instructs Utah Legislature to legalize slavery because "we
must believe in slavery."
1852, Feb 5
Brigham Young
announces policy of denying priesthood to all those black African
ancestry, even "if there never was a prophet, or apostle of Jesus
Christ spoke it before" because "negroes are the children of old
Cain....any man having one drop of the seed of Cain in him cannot
hold the priesthood." Contrary to Joseph Smith's example in
authorizing the ordination of Elijah Abel, this is LDS policy for
the next 126 years.
1856, October
Willie and Martin handcart companies detained by
early snowstorms. Found by rescue party from Salt Lake Valley.
1856, September 11th
140+ travelers (innocent men, women, and children)
were brutally murdered by LDS priesthood wielding men "doing their
duty" at Mountain Meadows. This incident was tucked under the
rug and never properly brought to justice, the bodies of the victims
were left on the ground to rot, and did not receive a proper burial
until US soldiers cleaned up the area and made a stone memorial with
a cross inscribled, "Vengence is mine sayeth the Lord". Later
Brigham Young visited the site, and instructed his fellows to destroy
the cross and the monument, scattering the stones. Brigham
said, "Vengence is mine mine and I have taken a little." Only one
man became the LDS scapegoat, John D. Lee was publicly riddled with bullets for the
affair. The cover-up and the deception serve as a grim reminder to the
reality of the foundation upon which the LDS religion is built.
1862,
Polygamy Current U.S.: In 1862, Abraham Lincoln
signed the Morrill anti-bigamy law. In 1879 the Supreme Court ruled
in Reynolds that this law was, indeed, constitutional.
1867, December 8
Relief Society reorganized under the direction of
President Brigham Young.
1869, November 28
Young Ladies’ Retrenchment Association organized,
forerunner of Young Women program.
1875, June 10
Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Association organized,
forerunner of Young Men program.
1877, April 6
St. George Temple dedicated. President Brigham Young
received revelation to set in order the priesthood organization and
stakes of Zion.
1878, August 25
Aurelia Spencer Rogers held the first Primary meeting
in Farmington, Utah.
1880, October 10
John Taylor sustained as President of the Church. The
Pearl of Great Price accepted as a standard work.
1883, April 14
Revelation to President John Taylor on the
organization of the Seventies.
1889, April 7
Wilford Woodruff sustained as President of the
Church.
1890, October 6
”Manifesto” sustained in general conference, ending
the practice of plural marriage (see OD-1).
1893, April 6
President Wilford Woodruff dedicated Salt Lake
Temple, 40 years in construction.
1898, September 13
Lorenzo Snow became President of the Church.
1899, May 17
President Lorenzo Snow received revelation in St.
George prompting him to emphasize tithing (see D&C 119).
1901, October 17
Joseph F. Smith became President of the Church.
1918, October 3
President Joseph F. Smith received the vision of the
redemption of the dead (see D&C 138).
1918, November 23
Heber J. Grant became President of the Church.
1936, April
Church Security Program instituted to assist poor
during Great Depression; became Church welfare program. This program
grew out of a revelation received previously by President Heber J.
Grant.
1941, April 6
Assistants to the Twelve first called.
1945, May 21
George Albert Smith became President of the Church.
1951, April 9
David O. McKay sustained as President of the Church.
1961, September 30
Elder Harold B. Lee, under the direction of the First
Presidency, announced that all Church programs were to be correlated
through the priesthood to strengthen the family and the individual.
1964, October
Observance of family home evening reemphasized.
1967, July
Church-wide Priesthood Bulletin
prohibits women from praying in sacrament meeting. Ban stays in
effect until late 1978.
1967, Nov 27
New York Metropolitan Museum of Art
gives to LDS church the original Egyptian papyri upon which Joseph
Smith based "Book of Abraham" in Pearl of Great Price. Scholars and
church officials authenticate papyri as the same used by Smith.
Apostle N. Eldon Tanner states the discovery of the papyri will
finally prove Joseph Smith could translate ancient documents.
Unfortunately, Egyptologists, LDS and non-LDS, verify that these
papyri are typical "Book of Breathings" in form and content. Church
officials begin repressing the story that the original papyri have
been discovered and are in their possession.
1967, June 33
BYU's president receives "confidential
draft" by Terry Warner, professor of philosophy and religion, that
"freedom of speech as it is known today is a secular concept and has
no place of any kind at the BYU."
1967, Nov 19
BYU's administration discuss
possibility of taking legal action to close down off campus student
newspaper.
1967, Dec 19
BYU's Daily Universe publishes article
in favor of recruiting African American athletes. BYU's president
writes: "This argues all the more in favor of our making the student
newspaper an agency of our Communications Department rather than a
student publication." Universe ceases to be independent student
paper on 18 Apr 1969, but "nothing would be announced about this new
policy."
1970, January 23
Joseph Fielding Smith became President of the Church.
1971, January
New Church magazines—Ensign, New Era, and
Friend—commenced publication.
1972, July 7
Harold B. Lee became President of the Church.
1973, December 30
Spencer W. Kimball became President of the Church.
1975, October 3
President Spencer W. Kimball announced reorganization
of First Quorum of the Seventy.
1976, April 3
Two revelations added to Pearl of Great Price. In
1981, they were moved to become D&C 137 and 138.
1978, September 30
Revelation granting the priesthood to every worthy
male member without regard to race or color sustained by Church (see
OD-2).
1979, August
LDS edition of King James Bible with study aids
published.
1981, September
New editions of Book of Mormon, Doctrine and
Covenants, Pearl of Great Price published.
1984, June
Area Presidencies inaugurated, with members called
from the Seventies.
1985, November 10
Ezra Taft Benson became President of the Church.
1989, April 1
Second Quorum of the Seventy reorganized.
1994, June 5
Howard W. Hunter became President of the Church.
1995, March 12
Gordon B. Hinckley became President of the Church.
1995, April 1
Position of regional representative discontinued.
Announcement of a new leadership position to be known as an Area
Authority.
1995, September 23
”The Family: A Proclamation to the World” from the
First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles was published.
1997, April 5
Area Authorities to be ordained Seventies. Third,
Fourth, and Fifth Quorums of the Seventy announced.
1997, October 4
President Hinckley announced the building of smaller
temples.
1997, November
Church membership reached 10 million (to clarify,
this means number baptized into the LDS church and does not reflect
active members. Even those who have left the church and have not
formally resigned and the inactive are counted)
1998, April
President Hinckley announced goal of having 100
temples in service by the year 2000.
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Events
leading to Hauns's Mill
One will often hear LDS speak about persecution and
they will refer the an incident at Hahn's mill which is an
unfortunate event in LDS history, but one may want to understand the
facts, the events that led to this moment. LDS today cry
persecution when concerned citizens merely question LDS doctrine or
disagree and talk about it. I believe that it is important
that we keep an open mind and remain teachable in order not to
become deceived in our ignorance.
The following are events that occurred prior to
Hahn's Mill and the LDS movement to Salt Lake.
1838
14 March Joseph Smith arrives in Far West.
June Danites organize in Far West.
17 June Sidney Rigdon delivers "Salt Sermon" condemning Mormon
dissenters.
19 June After receiving warning, dissenters flee from Caldwell
County.
28 June Mormons lay out town and organize a Stake of Zion at Adam-ondi-Ahman
in Daviess County.
July Mormons open settlements at DeWitt and throughout northwestern
Missouri.
4 July Fourth of July celebration at Far West. Rigdon declares
Mormons will wage a "war of extermination" against mobs.
14 July Carroll citizens meet to oppose Mormon settlement at DeWitt.
Meetings and threats against Mormons at DeWitt continue throughout
the summer.
6 August Gallatin election battle. Daviess settlers talk of
organizing against the Mormons.
7 August Joseph Smith leads one hundred fifty Danites to Diahman to
protect the Saints. Mormons threaten judge Adam Black and others
suspected of anti-Mormon activities. Reports of Mormon "invasion"
spread through upper counties.
13 August Daviess County judges issue writs for the arrest of Joseph
Smith and Lyman Wight.
13 August Committee of Carroll citizens orders the Saints to leave
the county.
20 August One hundred armed men ride into DeWitt and threaten
Mormons. 20-30 August Citizen groups and vigilantes meet in upper
counties and resolve to assist Daviess and Carroll counties in
bringing alleged Mormon criminals to justice.
30 August Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, responding to reports of civil
and Indian disturbances in western counties, orders twenty-eight
hundred state troops to stand ready to march.
3 September David R. Atchison and Alexander W. Doniphan are hired as
lawyers for Smith and Wight.
7 September Smith and Wight are tried at a preliminary hearing in
Daviess County. Judge Austin A. King orders the defendants to post
bail and appear at the next hearing of the grand jury in Daviess.
9 September Excitement in upper counties continues as Mormons
capture three men attempting to transport guns to vigilantes in
Daviess County. Mormons and Missourians petition Judge King to quell
the disturbances.
10 September Judge King orders General Atchison to raise four
hundred troops and disperse the Mormons and non-Mormon vigilantes.
13 September Carroll vigilantes postpone assault on DeWitt and march
to Daviess to assist settlers against the Mormons.
18 September After receiving reports of disturbances, Governor Boggs
orders out two thousand troops and prepares to lead march to western
Missouri.
20 September Atchison disperses vigilantes in Daviess County and
leaves one hundred troops under General Parks to maintain peace.
21 September Carroll County vigilantes, returning from Daviess,
resolve to expel the Saints from DeWitt.
24 September Governor Boggs receives letter from Atchison stating
that vigilantes in Daviess have dispersed. Boggs dismisses troops
and returns to Jefferson City.
1 October Vigilantes attack DeWitt, burn the home and stables of
Smith Humphrey. During the next several days Mormons appeal to
Governor Boggs and other civil authorities for protection.
6 October General Parks arrives in DeWitt with one hundred troops to
quell disturbances. Anti-Mormon spirit among troops forces Parks to
return to Ray County a few days later. 9 October Messenger reports
to Mormons that the governor said they must rely on local
authorities for protection. He will not intervene.
11 October Mormons at DeWitt surrender and move to Caldwell and
Daviess counties. Carroll vigilantes resolve to help settlers expel
Mormons from Daviess.
14-15 October Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon call upon Mormon troops
to ride to Diahman to protect the Saints, threatening those who will
not join the Mormon army. Four hundred soldiers march to Daviess
County.
16-17 October Generals Doniphan and Parks prepare to march with
troops to Daviess, but inclement weather and anti-Mormon sentiment
in militia causes generals to abandon expedition. Parks continues to
Daviess alone.
18 October Mormon soldiers attack Gallatin, Millport, and other
settlements in Daviess, driving non-Mormon settlers from their
homes, plundering, and burning. Missourians retaliate.
18 October General Parks visits Mormons and Missourians in Daviess.
Parks discovers that civil war has broken out and declares that
Mormons are now the aggressors.
22 October Mormon troops return to Far West after driving nearly all
non-Mormons from Daviess.
24 October Apostles Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde sign affidavits
in Ray County describing Mormon activities. Ray committee returns
from Daviess with similar reports of depredations. Capt. Samuel
Bogart calls out Ray troops to prevent invasion by Mormons.
24 October Bogart and his troops harass Mormon settlers in Ray and
Caldwell counties. They capture two Mormon spies and threaten to
execute them.
25 October Capt. David W. Patten leads Mormon troops to rescue
spies. Troops clash at Crooked River, with three Mormons and one
Missourian killed. Exaggerated reports of Crooked River battle
spread throughout the state. Fearing the Mormons intend to continue
attacks, Generals Atchison, Doniphan, and Parks call out state
militia to quell alleged Mormon rebellion.
27 October Governor Boggs, responding to reports of Mormon
depredations in Daviess County and their attack on state troops at
Crooked River, orders that the Mormons must be "exterminated or
driven from the state."
30 October Missouri troops, under command of Gen. Samuel D. Lucas of
Jackson County, arrive outside Far West. Mormon leaders send
messengers to learn intentions of troops.
30 October Two hundred soldiers from Livingston and nearby counties
overrun Mormon village of Haun's Mill, killing eighteen and wounding
fifteen.
31 October Col. George Hinkle, John Corrill, and other Mormon
representatives attempt to negotiate with General Lucas, but receive
demands for surrender. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, and
other Mormon leaders give themselves up as hostages. About
seventy-five Mormon soldiers, advised of the surrender plans, flee
from Far West during the night.
1 November Joseph Smith advises Mormon troops at Far West and
Diahman to surrender. Mormon War ends.
1 November General Lucas holds a court-martial of seven Mormon
leaders. Opposition of General Doniphan and others prevents the
execution of Mormon prisoners.
2 November Mormons forced to deed over their property to pay
expenses for the war. This part of the surrender agreement is later
declared illegal.
4 November General Clark arrives with troops and announces his
intention to carry out the surrender terms exacted by General Lucas.
12-29 November Judge Austin A. King presides at Court of Inquiry
held in Richmond, Ray County. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and a
number of other Mormons are committed to prison on the basis of
testimony against them.
December-February 1839 Missouri legislature debates whether to
investigate the disturbances and allow the Mormons to remain.
Legislation to investigate is tabled until July, after the Mormons
have already left the state. February Mormons pool resources and
organize to leave Missouri.
11 April Joseph Smith and four other Mormons are indicted for crimes
in Daviess County, and are granted a change of venue to Boone
County.
16 April Smith and other prisoners escape from their guards and
return to Saints, who are gathering at Quincy, Illinois.
May Nearly all the Saints have left Missouri.
More information regarding Haun's
Mill including this chronology can be found on the Mormon Curtain
website.
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