N E W   L I F E   I N   C H R I S T

"A Ministry helping lead LDS to Christ"                 luv1another.com

 

HOME
Resources
About Us
LDS Christian?
The Cross
Onlinebooks
Scripture
LDS Quotes
Terminology
Testimonials
Recovery
Resignation
Past Features
Articles
Mtn Meadows
Chronology
News
Contact Us
Mail
Dialogue
Links

 

   B I B L E

 

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.

 

Back to Top

 


 

 

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.

Back to Top


 

Cross at Table Rock, Boise Idaho

Chronologies

LDS history

Mountain Meadows

Haun's Mill

Hit Counter

site created by administrator for "New Life in Christ" ©

   webhost www.precisionweb.net