MISSOURI

MORMON

FRONTIER

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation Number 39 Jackson County, Missouri June 2006 - Dec 2006 Richmond, Mo. - New Discovery

Since printing that booklet, information has Richmond, Missouri come to light giving the site the Ray County log courthouse. It is the same location given for the Some Historic Sites in Mormon History

and

Mormon Prisoners in Richmond, Missouri 1838

The 43 page booklet title above is included as a supplement to this issue. It combines and revises the information previously printed in this publication as explained below. The “vacant log house” where and the rest of Richmond, Missouri sites were the main subject the first six prisoners were held one stood in the center of the in the two previous issues numbered 36 and 37. above view. Bill is taking the picture from the north side of The articles included ’s home and the alley in the block north of the Square, with his back to Buchana Street. The present courthouse is visible above the livery stable and the three sites in which the buildings facing the north side of the square. It was the Mormon prisoners from Caldwell and Daviess temporary Ray county log courthouse and unused by counties were kept in 1838. Since then we have November 1838 when they were using the unfinished brick discovered more information, and photographs, courthouse. which I put together into a booklet for the marker dedications in Richmond in October. Rather than “vacant log house.” When the county business was try to publish just the new information and photos in moved to the still unfinished brick courthouse on the this publication, we will send the Richmond booklet Square, the temporary log courthouse was no longer to all members as a bonus to this ‘newsletter’ issue needed, vacant and available to house the six most number 39. Additional copies are available for $5 important Mormon prisoners in November of 1838. postpaid. Page 2 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Historical Association Conference

The John Whitmer Historical Association and her family reside in Illinois. Even if you (JWHA) 2006 Conference presentations were missed her in person, don’t miss the book. exceptional (September 28 - October 1). The Present were Paul Benyola and Paul Liberto conference was held in the recently renovated both Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ (with Harry S Truman Memorial Building in headquarters in Monongaheia, Pennsylvania). Independence, Missouri, using both floors of the Paul Savage, Apostle in the Church of Christ “The facility. The auditorium was used for the catered Church with the Elijah Message” was present. banquet, lunches and large lectures. Many of the The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day major schisms of the Mormon church were Saints was represented by Fred Larsen, covered well. Prophet/President and Lee Kilpack, Apostle. The James Strang was the subject of excellent Community of Christ was well represented as well presentations. God Made Us a Kingdom: James as several other smaller groups. Strang and the Midwest Mormons (376 pages) by MMFF participated in the display and sale of Vickie Cleverly Speek does not rehash previous books in the room devoted to a book store. We research but delves into family and church sold some of our publications and received good connections. It updates the record and corrects exposure. previous errors. Vickie Speek is the recipient of 4 Tours of the Church of Christ (Temple Lot); first place awards from the Illinois Press Community of Christ Archives; Remnant Church; Association and has received other awards. She and Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) were given.

The Church of Jesus Christ (Culterite) is on South Cottage, Independence, Missouri. Stanley Whiting, President.

It is notable that the “Cutlerite Church” maintains temple Bill Sheldon told the group about the Church of rites which are performed on the second floor. Christ (Temple Lot). He regularly gives talks to anyone who comes in and requests information. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 3 Whitmer Family Celebration 2006 200th Anniversary of ’s birth 175th Anniversary of the Whitmer Family’s travel to Missouri. Friday, October 6, 2006, 5:30 pm Whitmer Home Plaque Placement Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation

Historic Farris Theatre, 301 W. Main Street, Richmond, Missouri 6:30 - 8:00 pm Special Program and Commemoration

Saturday, 7 October 2006 Missouri National Guard Armory, Family Luncheon. (Saturday was devoted to family gatherings.)

The unveiling of a bronze marker which marks the site of David Whitmer’s home was on held on Friday. The bronze marker is illustrated here.

The building on the left is the Second Baptist Church. The taller one story building in the center stands on the David Whitmer house lot. The plaque is affixed above the left window. Here people gathered to mark the site of the David Whitmer home on East South Main in Richmond, Missouri on October 6, 2006. Participants: Ron Romig, Lawrence Oliphant, Annette That event was followed by a Curtis, Harold Barchers, Richmond Mayor Tom Morman, program in the Historic Farris Bill Curtis, Sean Foley, President of Richmond LDS Branch. Theatre in Richmond, Missouri. Photo by Alex Baugh The beautifully restored theater and musical numbers by The Celebration Choir from northwest Missouri were a bonus. (By the way, this is the place where the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang at the dedication of the monument in 1911.) Lorene Pollard represented descendants of John Whitmer. She shared some reminiscences concerning his family. Gloria Simpson was scheduled to speak but had been in a traffic accident. Her genealogical work is on Ancestry.com. Sean Foley spoke in her absence. Harold Barchers represented the descendants of Jacob Whitmer, the family with the most descendants. Bonnie Page Damon is a Whitmer descendant through Catherine Lorene Pollard speaking Whitmer Page, wife of . Bonnie’s father, Norman Page, was born at Richmond in on the Farris Theatre 1938 in an “old Negro school house.” Philander’s brother Peter Page was allergic to tobacco stage. Page 4 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION smoke. People put out pipes, cigars and cigarettes for Peter when they met on sidewalks. She described some keepsakes. By the back door there was a wash stand with a slab of marble on top, which she has. David Whitmer carved a butter paddle which was given to Julia and came down through the Page line. An oak chair that David Whitmer used in the livery stable appears to have been made by him. Norman used David’s cane when he needed one. It got lost while Norman used it so then he used his mother’s cane and lost it; but he never lost the cane he bought at WalMart. The keynote speaker, Larry Porter, had just returned from a mission (52 weeks) in the New Harold Barchers and Bonnie Page Damon York - Rochester Mission. In 1968 he participated in a project to find the exact site of the Whitmer home in New York. Frederick Schott lived on adjoining land in New York. He left an account and gave their route. Christian Whitmer, whose wife was Anna Schott, died of a leg infection in Clay County. She married Sylvester Hewlett/Hulet but left him and went back to her family in New York. Jacob Whitmer married Elizabeth Schott. David Whitmer married a daughter of Wm. Jolly at 6 am. Larry Porter spoke of the religious contributions of the Whitmer family in the Church of Christ. David Whitmer owned a livery business, was Councilman and Mayor of Richmand. He left us his 1887 “An Address to All Believers in Christ” as further testimony to his belief. Alex Baugh presented a portrait of Oliver Cowdery by Ken Corbett from the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation to be hung in the Ray County courthouse or the Ray County Museum. Sean Foley wrapped up the evening in a very fitting manner. Frank Outersky, Executive Director/House Manager, was the able Master of Ceremonies. For more about the Farris check out the web site at www.farristheatre.com. The Farris Theatre is owned by a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization founded in 1995 with an active Friends group. The members of the Planning Committee for the Whitmer Family Celebration were Harold Barchers, Marty Blackburn, Shelia Bridges, Sean Foley, Brenda Jensen, Len Lacy, Judy McIntosh, Lawrence Oliphant, Frank Outersky, Lorene Pollard, Gloria Simpson, and Derek Tangren.

Catherine Whitmer Page The question about where Catherine Whitmer Page, wife of Hiram Page, is buried remains. She died after the 1880 census at which time she was living with her son Peter Christian Page (1837-1924) who is buried in the Richmond City Cemetery. She was also living with Peter in 1870. In 1870 they were in Grape Grove township and in 1880 in Richmond township, Ray County, Missouri. Catherine (Whitmer) Page may be the “C. Page, no dates” buried in the old Richmond City Cemetery.

MEMORIAL DEDICATION Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery Maria Louise Cowdery Johnson Charles Johnson Southwest City, Missouri Cemetery Sunday, October 8, 2006

The travel time to Southwest City from families remained in that area through the Mormon Independence was not wasted by Ron Romig, Bill and Period in Missouri. They went about as far south as Annette Curtis as they observed the area through which Haley’s Bluff. some of the Saints fled in 1833 from Kaw Township. The occasion was a Memorial Dedication for Ron Romig’s research has found that about five (5) Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery, Maria Louise MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 5

Cowdery Johnson, and Dr. Charles Johnson in the investigated an original matching stone one space over Southwest City, Missouri, Cemetery on October 8, from the Cowdery-Johnson burials. It is for Harriet 2006. Please note that Elizabeth’s daughter’s name Downs who was the housekeeper for Charles and Maria may be variations of Marie and Louisa, depending on Johnson in both the 1880 and 1900 censuses. Harriet the source. Previous to the ceremony some of us Downs did not marry.

Original stone for Elizabeth Ann (Whitmer) Cowdery and Anderson Ward Choir her daughter Maria Louise (Cowdery) Johnson.

- On the Program - Welcome by Alexander L. Baugh Opening Prayer by Jerry Abram, Bishop, Anderson Missouri Ward The Anderson Ward Choir provided musical selections. Remarks by: Christopher T. Jones, Mormon Historic Sites Foundation Board Member Lorene E. Pollard, Whitmer Family (John Whitmer descendant) Ronald E. Romig, Archivist, Community of Christ; Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation William J. Curtis, Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation Larry C. Porter, Emeritus Professor, Church History and Doctrine, BYU Alexander L. Baugh, Associate Professor, Church History and Doctrine, BYU & Mormon Historic Sites Foundation Board Member Unveiling by Lorene E. Pollard, John Whitmer Descendant Dedicatory Prayer by David O. Stout, President, Rogers Arkansas Stake Closing Prayer by Shawn David Sederholm, 2nd Counselor, Rogers Arkansas Stake. Appreciation was given to Mormon Historic Sites Foundation; Premier Memorials, Anderson, Missouri; Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation; Southwest City, Missouri, Cemetery; Anderson, Missouri Ward, Rogers Arkansas Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Grove, Oklahoma Branch, Rogers Arkansas Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Becky Smith, Orem, Utah; Annette Curtis, Independence, Missouri; Richard Lloyd Anderson, Provo, Utah; and Lorene E. Pollard, Lathrop, Missouri. Christopher Jones of California came to these graves in 1957 with Pasadena Ward Boy Scouts. After 1966 he sold land in the Ozarks, Branson and Silver Dollar City. How much it has changed since then!

Lorene Pollard was able to be present and spoke. She noted that the Whitmers went over every inch of Caldwell County in its early settlement. Her brother also went over the county with his heavy equipment business and his bulldozer. She spoke of the samplers given to the LDS church in Salt Lake City that were made by Peter’s wife (1793) and by Elizabeth Ann Cowdery’s daughter Maria Louisa. Elizabeth Ann Whitmer was about 14 when she first met Oliver Cowdery who baptized her. They were married December 16th 1832 in Jackson County, Missouri. Oliver went Page 6 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION on a Mission shortly after their marriage. She spent most of her marriage separated from him. Only Maria Louisa of six children survived to adulthood. Lorene reminded us of the courage of these women so often separated from their husbands.

Susie Tobeck, a descendant of Catherine & Hiram Page, was among the family members present.

Ron Romig spoke about the Whitmer family. The full text (plus footnotes) follows. [Thank you, Ron.]

Peter and Mary Whitmer and their family moved brothers and sister Catharine, and also later by to New York around 1808. So Elizabeth Ann marriage. Whitmer’s family was well settled and relatively To the Whitmers, early Mormonism was a world prosperous by the time she joined the family on the full of angelic appearances and miracles. One such Whitmer Farm in Fayette Township, Seneca County, story involving angels was told and retold in the New York, on January 22, 1815.1 Her birth order Whitmer Family. It is shared here in the words of made her the darling baby of a large and active Helen Van Cleave Blankmeyer, David Whitmer’s extended family. There was no lack of love and great granddaughter. “When Peter [Whitmer Sr.] attention for this welcome addition to the Whitmer heard David planning to go off to meet Oliver household. [Cowdery and Joseph Smith in Harmony], and in Elizabeth’s early childhood must have seemed a mid-week too, he protested: “Na, na, - not till the safe and orderly world, well ordered around a rich south field is harrowed and the plaster spread! That religious tradition and filled with the wise love of is your job, as you know, and it will not take less older parents. Her older siblings and extended than two full days, maybe more. Duty first, duty family must have seemed like extra sets of parents. first.” David agreed, but he was sad, and the little Her older brothers Christian and Jacob married when Elizabeth. . . grieved for her brother’s she was around ten years old. Her brother Jacob and disappointment. She watched him through the next wife Elizabeth lived in the old Whitmer cabin in the day as he drove the harrow hard, his long body and yard next to her snug log home. It must have been broad shoulders contesting with the earth as with a comforting to be around her Aunts Anna and strong wrestler, but at evening the task was scarcely Elizabeth, who no doubt looked upon young half done. Rising early on the second day to prepare Elizabeth as if she could be their own. his breakfast, she stepped into the yard and glanced Elizabeth was about fourteen years old when toward the field. To her amazement it was all Joseph and moved to the Whitmer evenly harrowed, and the lime neatly spread, while Farm to work on the translation of the Book of two strange men, just visible through the morning Mormon. These teen years must have been a mist, were leaving the place at the far side. David constant wonder to her, as she was present during came out of the house, and stood entranced beside remarkable and extraordinary events. Imagine her. “Elizabeth?. . .Elizabeth!. . .It must be, it can Elizabeth approaching her young womanhood, but only be. . . .” “Yes,” she breathed, . . . “angels.”2 yet very much a child, exploring the hidden recesses After the church was organized, Elizabeth of her home where the young Smith family lived. became one of its earliest members. Following a She must have crept up the steps to peek into the meeting of the church in Fayette on the 18th of April, chamber many times wondering what strange 1830 Oliver baptized the youngest Whitmer business was going on there, while Joseph, Oliver, daughter, Elizabeth Ann Whitmer, who would Christian, John and others were translating, writing out revelations, or entertaining visitors. 2 So, it was not altogether by choice that Elizabeth Helen Van Cleave Blankmeyer, David Whitmer: Ann became part of the Mormon story, but it was in Witness for God, Written for His Descendants, self response to the experiences of her family, parents published, 1955, 7, copy at the Community of Christ Archives, Independence, Missouri.

1Whitmer Family Bible, Family Record, Community of Christ Archives, Independence, Missouri. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 7 become his future wife.3 in infancy or early childhood. The Whitmer family followed Smith and his new They were in Kirtland to share in the marvelous religion to Ohio and then moved on to the church’s events associated with the dedication of the Kirtland colony in western Missouri. It is little wonder that Temple. During this time Oliver assisted with Oliver Cowdery was attracted to Elizabeth and printing the Doctrine and Covenants, Emma’s sought her hand in marriage. David’s Whitmer’s hymnal, and a second edition of the Book of great granddaughter Helen Van Cleave Blankmeyer Mormon. described Elizabeth Ann Whitmer as, “a tiny bird- Oliver worked setting the type on the 1837 Book like creature, sympathetic, practical, resourceful, and of Mormon. The long hours he devoted to this a fountain of fun.”4 responsibility often kept him from family matters. So it was then, on the very western edge of the When the book was finally completed, Oliver had a United States, Oliver and Elizabeth Ann were copy especially bound in lovely red Moroccan married in the town of Independence, on December, leather binding with Elizabeth’s name embossed 18, 1832. Elizabeth left her parent’s family home in across the front in gold lettering. One can easily Kaw Township, to join her husband Oliver in imagine Oliver affectionately presenting this book to Independence on order to be near Oliver’s work in his wife Elizabeth as a kind of peace offering. The the Church Printing Office. precious symbol of his work shared with Elizabeth On July 20, 1833, Elizabeth stood safely to the in hopes she would understand and forgive his many side watching as a group of angry non-members long hours away from the family. Today, Elizabeth citizens of Jackson County tore down the print shop. Ann’s personal copy of the 1837 edition of the Book She must have only moments before urged Oliver of Mormon may be seen in the Community of Christ and others to discreetly step a little out for their own Museum in Independence Missouri. safety. Oliver rose in the ranks of the church becoming As a result of the disruption of the press, seven an Assistant president. Sometime following the laborers lost their jobs and "three families including dedication of the Kirtland Temple, a series of Oliver and Elizabeth [were] left destitute of the portraits of the church presidents who had means of subsistence."5 Because of this disaster, participated in the dedication and their wives, was Oliver immediately traveled to Ohio and Elizabeth envisioned as an embellishment to the Temple. Ann returned to stay with her folks in the Whitmer Extant portraits from this series appear to date Settlement. Oliver remained in Ohio for an around 1837. Documentary sources suggest the extended period were Elizabeth eventually rejoined portraits were completed and hung for a time in the him after the expulsion of the Saints from Jackson Temple. The Cowderys remained in Kirtland County. throughout mid 1837. As the family prepared to While in Kirtland, Oliver and Elizabeth had a move to Far West, Missouri Oliver and Elizabeth’s daughter born to them. Maria Louise Cowdery, who portraits were crated for shipment to Missouri. was born August 11, 1835 was their only child live The Cowdery Family moved to Upper Missouri to maturity. They had four other children who died sometime before early November. Oliver initially purchased land three miles south of Far West, but he and Elizabeth Ann joined the Whitmers in making 3th The following were baptized on the 18 of April by their home in the new city of Saints in Caldwell Oliver Cowdery: Peter Whitmer Senr., Mary Whitmer, County.6 Writing to his brother Warren in January William Jolly, Elizabeth Jolly, Vincent Jolly, Richard 1838, Oliver, indicated, “My family are about as B. [Ziba] Peterson, and Elizabeth Ann Whitmer. LDS usual. We [are] a part of bro. J[ohn] W[hitmer]'s History of the Church 1:81.

6 4Helen Blankmeyer, David Whitmer, 8. Cowdery entered 160 acres of land in Sections 26 and 36, Mirabile Township, in 1836, Clark Johnson, An Index to Early Caldwell County, Missouri Land 5 The Evening and the Morning Star (December 1833), Records, n.d., 30. 114. Page 8 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION house and expect to be till spring.”7 At Far West, shortly join them.11 Thereafter, they established Cowdery served as clerk of the High Council and homes in Richmond, Missouri. general Church Recorder. After a short period, Oliver and Elizabeth and Joseph Smith’s arrival in Far West in March their family moved back to Ohio. Elizabeth returned 1838 seemed to stir what had been largely to Kirtland for a time, where Oliver found administrative disagreements into open acts of employment as a lawyer. Then they were off to violence focused against the dissenters. In June their Tiffin, Ohio for several more years. During these families were ordered to leave the county within years, the Cowdery’s received word of the death of three days, or suffer the consequences.8 their former friend Joseph Smith, Jr. John Whitmer’s history explains, In 1849, Oliver traveled to the Omaha-Council They commenced suing at the law of the Bluffs area and rejoined the church that had shunned land by attachment for debts which they him. Oliver and Elizabeth rejoined the Whitmers in knew were paid. . . Against David Whitmer, Richmond where Oliver died in 1850. Elizabeth and L. E. Johnson, O. Cowdery, F. G. Williams her daughter Julia Ann remained in Richmond, W. W. Phelps and myself.” We “went to living in a room in the Peter and Mary Whitmer obtain legal counsel to prepare to overthrow home. these attachments which they had caused to The paintings of Oliver and Elizabeth mentioned be issued against us which we were earlier in this reminiscence passed into the hands of abundantly able to do by good and John Whitmer and remained in the family for many substantial witnesses... While we were years. They were still hanging in John Whitmer’s gone... their band of gadiantons kept up a farm house at Far West, Missouri throughout the guard and watched our houses and abused 1920s. Then they came to the RLDS Church [now our families and threatened . . . our lives if Community of Christ] in 1930 and survive to this they ever saw us in Far West. . . . But to our day. Elizabeth’s and Oliver’s portraits are often on great astonishment when we were on our display in the Community of Christ Museum, in the way home from Liberty Clay Co. we met the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, families of O. Cowdery and L. E. Johnson Missouri. whom they had drive from their homes and Many valuable historical papers of the early robed [sic] them of all their goods save church movement also passed into the care and clothing & bedding, &c.9 keeping of David Whitmer after Oliver’s death. Departing Far West in haste late one afternoon in David became the steward of the precious printer’s June, they headed for Richmond in search of copy of the manuscript that Oliver personal safety and to consider possible legal had retained and protected since the beginning of the remedies.10 Family members, left behind initially, work in the State of New York more than twenty years before. Also a copy of the “C[h]aracters” from the book of Book of Mormon plates, Book of 7 Cowdery, to Warren Cowdery, 21 January 1838, Commandment manuscript revelations, which Oliver Oliver Cowdery Letter Book, OCLB 80-83, Huntington had carried to Missouri in 1831 for publication by Library. the church’s Literary Firm, and manuscripts of Joseph Smith’s revision of the Bible in which Oliver 8Ebenezer Robinson, The Return 1 (October 1889). had assisted as a scribe. These artifacts of the early church were acquired by the RLDS Church in 1903 from David Whitmer’s grandson, George Schweich 9John Whitmer’s manuscript history of the church, passed to the RLDS Church [now Community of Christ] in 1903. Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Family and Church Historical Department, Archives. 10George W. Robinson, "The Scriptory of Joseph Smith Jr. President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day 11Robinson, The Return 1 (October 1889). Saints in all the World," George W. Robinson, July 1838, manuscript, edited for clarity, The Church of MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 9

. Elizabeth and her daughter Maria Louise lived in City, Missouri, where Charles continued to practice a room of the Peter and Mary Whitmer home in as a doctor. Richmond for several years. After Julia Ann’s Mother and daughter Maria Louise died within daughter Maria married Charles Johnson, a young days of each other and are yet together buried beside medical doctor, Elizabeth joined them in Colorado. each other in the Southwest City burial ground. A few years later the family moved to Southwest [Paper by Ronald E. Romig]

Bill Curtis noted that Elizabeth was said to be a fountain of fun. “Living a good life will do.” Oliver Cowdery worked for the glory of others.

Larry Porter, recently back from a mission in New York, told of his experiences there at the Whitmer homesites. He said that Joseph Smith said that the “place where a man is buried is sacred to me.” The fact that Oliver and Elizabeth Ann were so often apart leaves us with letters they wrote to each other which told of their feelings. Maria had a retiring disposition. In 1966 he with Clark Johnson, Bob Freeman and Ron Romig saw work done by Anderson Ward under Bishop Shelton when young men and young women and Scouts beautified this grave site. In 1848 “tired of eating husks” Oliver and Elizabeth Ann Cowdery journeyed across Iowa to Council Bluffs to rejoin the body of church members going west. “Let all things be forgotten.” Rebaptism was in Mosquito Creek. Then they went to Richmond, Missouri to say goodbye to family there. They were caught in a storm, Oliver became sick on the trip and died in Richmond. The new widow lived with her parents for a season. In a 1890 deposition for the Temple Lot Case, Charles Johnson said that he met his wife in April 1856 and took care of her and her daughter for 36 years. Charles Johnson said he let Maria believe as she wanted and he believed as he wanted. The time came when this family would not be separated.

Alex Baugh expressed appreciation to Lorene for reminding him that these lives needed to be commemorated here. He also thanked Becky Smith for her help.

The Marker Text:

Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery Born January 22, 1815 Fayette, New York Married Oliver Cowdery December 1832 Kaw Township, Jackson County, Missouri. Died January 6, 1892 Southwest City, Missouri

Maria Louise Cowdery Johnson Born August 21, 1835 Kirtland, Ohio Married Charles Johnson September 7, 1856 Richmond, Missouri Died January 9, 1892 Southwest City, Missouri Page 10 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION

Charles Johnson Born June 24, 1826 Richmond, Massachusetts. Died September 6, 1906 Southwest City, Missouri.

The other side of the marker reads: Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery, was born at Fayette, New York, January 22, 1915. She was baptized a member of the Church of Christ on April 11, 1830, five days after the organizational meeting. She married Oliver Cowdery in 1832, who testified he saw the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated and the who delivered the plates to Joseph Smith. A friend call Elizabeth “a beautiful woman” of “kind disposition.” Maria Louis Cowdery Johnson, the eldest and only surviving child of Oliver and Elizabeth, was born at Kirtland, Ohio, on August 21, 1835. She married Charles Johnson in 1856, whose grave is nearby. Her obituary called her “a genial friend and neighbor.” Mother and daughter were inseparable in life and death. Elizabeth and Maria died just days apart from each other. To the end, both believed in the divine revelation of the Book of Mormon. Erected by the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation, October 8, 2006.

Photo courtesy of Alex Baugh Christopher T. Jones, Mormon Historic Sites Foundation; Ron Romig, Community of Christ Archivist, Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation; Susan (Page) Tobeck, descendant of Hiram Page; Lorene (Burdick) Pollard, John Whitmer descendant; Alexander L. Baugh, BYU, Mormon Historic Sites Foundation; David O. Stout, President, LDS Rogers Arkansas Stake; Betty (Lewellen) Jones and Lisa Jones, John Whitmer descendants; William J. “Bill” Curtis, Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation; and Larry C. Porter, BYU-Emeritus. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 11 RAY COUNTY JAIL SITES MORMON PRISONERS HELD IN RICHMOND NOVEMBER 1838 Richmond Jails Marker 15 October 2006 at 3:30 pm

The Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith and other church leaders were held prisoners in Richmond, Missouri, while their people were preparing to leave the state of Missouri. The infamous Extermination Order stated that they could be shot on sight if they refused to leave. The Mormon leaders were imprisoned in three locations: in the unfinished courthouse on the square; in a log building in the middle of the block north of the square, which can be seen from Buchanan Street; and here in the Ray County jail. It was in the log building one night that Joseph Smith stood in full majesty of righteous indignation, bound by chains, and ordered the guards in the name of Jesus Christ to cease their vile obscenities. The terrified guards huddled in a corner the rest of the night. Later Joseph Smith and some of the others where transferred to Liberty Jail. Parley P. Pratt was transferred to this jail. Here he wrote about eighty pages of his memoirs. Parley was later sent to the jail in Columbia. The church leaders were imprisoned until the last of the Mormons had been driven from the state.

The names, as far as we now know them, of the prisoners held in each of the 1838 jail sites may be read on the reverse side of the marker and in more detail in the Richmond, Missouri booklet.

MMFF President, Alta Short poses with the front side of Back side of Marker the newly dedicated marker. The jail is illustrated at the top. Page 12 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION

Program

Emcee Hugh Barlow Salt Lake City, Utah & MMFF Board

Opening Prayer Ron Romig Archivist, Community of Christ Vice President, MMFF

Welcome William J. “Bill” Curtis Secretary, MMFF

Remarks Mayor Tom Morman Mayor of Richmond, Missouri

Lawrence Oliphant

Unveiling T. Lawrence & Carol C. Oliphant Richmond, Missouri, MMFF Board

Dedication Hugh Barlow in absence of President Sean Foley Richmond, Missouri LDS Branch

Announcements Hugh Barlow

Closing Prayer Alta Short Hugh Barlow President, MMFF

Dismissal Hugh Barlow

Richmond 1838 Prisons Sites Marker Dedication Lawrence Oliphant MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 13

Thank You

Thanks to contributors to the Richmond markers:

! Lawrence & Carol Oliphant of Richmond, Missouri, for spearheading the effort. ! The City of Richmond ! Eligius Bronze Kansas City, MO for excellent workmanship ! Monetary contributions: Lawrence Oliphant for raising funds Joann Mortenson, descendant of King Follett Max Parkin David McEwen Drew Henson ! Annette Curtis for programs and Richmond booklet preparation ! Hugh & Diane Barlow, family & friends and all who attended.

Thanks to contributors to the undesignated MMFF Marker Funds (March 2005-September 2006): Hugh Barlow Warren & Sonya Foskett Ida Mae Burkart Robert Hawley R. Keith Carter Drew Henson Larry Faria Mary Louise Rawlings Frank & Geraldine Fish Margene Thorpe

We invite you to be a donor for this and future projects. Donor names will be published in a future newsletter, or withheld if you prefer.

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation PO Box 3186 Independence MO 64055 mmff.net

Thanks also go to the Barlow tour group for substantial donations in October from: Kevin & Julie Anderson Larry & Carolyn Blake Gene & Gwen Kunz Gary & Nadine Riddle Marilyn H. Roberts Sonntag Michael & Barbara Soulier Don & Nola Swenson cash without names. Page 14 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Missouri Mormon Experience Jefferson City, Missouri 8-9 September 2006

An event not planned or sponsored by MMFF An Academic Conference was held on but attended by some of our members should not Saturday the 9th in the House Chamber of the be left unmentioned. It was called “Missouri Missouri State Capital. The keynote speaker was Mormon Experience: From Conflict to Jan Shipps. Themes were “The Context of Understanding.” Conflict,” “The Influence of the Missouri A special award was given to former U. S. Experience on Later Ideas and Planning,” Senator Kit Bond. He was honored for his action “Political and Legal Milieux,” and “Personality as governor when he rescinded Executive Order # and Place.” Prominent names were Kenneth 44 which was issued by his predecessor Lilburn Winn, Susan Easton Black and Alex Baugh. W. Boggs in 1838 and known as the Presenters were from Brigham Young University, Extermination Order. The award was presented to the Community of Christ, the University of Kit Bond on the Capitol Steps on the 8th of Missouri, and the Missouri State Archives. Our September, followed by a concert. A banquet in own Ron Romig and Mike Riggs were among the the evening was on the Lincoln University presenters, their topics were titled “An Analysis of campus. the Removal from Clay County.”

Researchers will appreciate the rapidly increasing volume of public records appearing on the Missouri State Archives website. The page that opens from www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/resources.asp will allow you to scroll down to “Online Resources” and chose from the options listed there. They are:

• Archives ‘ Online Catalog • Birth & Death Records Database, pre- 1910 [spotty, mainly 1880s] • Civil War Provost Marshal Index Database [Missouri only, not National Archives film numbers] • Coroner’s Inquest Database • County and Municipal Records on Microfilm This is the roll listing of filmed county records. Some, but far from all, of these county records are in the Family History Library collection. Films may be purchased or look for them in library collections. • Death Certificate Database, 1910-1955 [Excellent and improving.] • Digital Collections • Land Patents Database • Local Records Inventory Database • Missouri Supreme Court Historical Database • Naturalization Records Database • St. Louis Circuit Court Historical Records Project • St. Louis Probate Court Digitization Project • Soldiers Database: War of 1812 - World War I [This database includes the state troops for the 1838 Mormon War. Troops under Col. Hinkle are not included since they were not called out by the State.] • Virtually Missouri [Digital images from a variety of sources other than the Missouri State Archives.]

A word of caution: Not all of these databases are complete at this time. If you do not find what you expected, check to see if that county has been done or if the database has been completed. Also allow for transcription and indexing errors. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 Page 15

MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER Missouri Mormon FOUNDATION is a duly organized Frontier Foundation GENERAL NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION Annual Dinner Meeting under the Laws of Missouri Hosted by North West Chapter Diane Forsythe, chair The Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation is a Wednesday nonsectarian organization dedicated to collecting and 26 July, 2006 preserving information related to the Mormon at Red Rooster Inn, experience in western Missouri during the 1830's. Polo, Missouri.

The purposes of MMFF are stated in the By- Laws as follows: A delicious buffet was served and enjoyed by all 1. To promote the research, documentation, present. Musical entertainment was given by Mr. Jerry verification, renovation and restoration of events Blackwell. A presentation was made concerning a stone and sites associated with the Missouri Mormon said to be a tombstone removed from the Far West Frontier. Cemetery. Pictures were shown and information about 2. To preserve documents, photographs, artifacts, the provenance of the stone including maps showing the sites and other historical memorabilia associated landowners in the area in several years from 1876 to with that period. 1999 were presented. At some time “Brigham Young” 3. To facilitate the gathering and preservation of was roughly engraved on the stone which remains in a genealogical information from the affected private family. geographical area.

President — Alta Short Vice President — Ronald E. Romig Secretary — William J. Curtis Treasurer — Annette W . Curtis Historian — Mary Diane Forsythe Credits Board Members — Ida Mae Burkhardt, Nancy Harlacher, All photographs by Bill Curtis unless credited to Alex Larry Harlacher, Dave McEwen, Ron Putz, Baugh. All articles are by Annette Curtis unless Kenneth Short, Don Stacker, Lawrence Oliphant otherwise credited. Ex-Offico Board Members — James L. Hacking, Diane C. Hacking, William Johanson, Ila Johanson, Hugh Barlow, Diane Barlow, Dave Aamodt, Alex Baugh, Susan Easton Black, Clark V. Johnson, John Mark Lambertson, Roland Sarratt, Mark Scherer Meeting Place Change

All meetings, including Board meetings, are open. nd You are invited to come and bring other interested MMFF monthly board meetings are the 2 Tuesday people to any of our meetings. evening at 7:00 pm at the Farview Restoration Church on the NE corner of 24th & Vermont streets, NEWSLETTER Independence, Missouri. (1 block south of 23rd St & Please send news and articles for the newsletter to about 2 blocks east of Sterling, behind Trails West Annette Curtis at 714 North Main, Independence MO Branch of KC Pub Library). Members and visitors are 64050-2828 or mail to MMFF at P.O. Box 3186, 64055. welcome

Home e-mail address: [email protected] MMFF - NW Chapter meetings will be quarterly. For Publications editor: Annette W . Curtis dates and events contact Diane Forsythe. Page 16 Number 39 June 2006 - Dec 2006 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION

Membership INSIDE Richmond, Mo. - new discovery ...... 1 Keep the newsletter coming to you. Memberships JWHA Conference ...... 2 are for the calendar year. New memberships are Whitmer Family Celebration welcomed anytime. David Whitmer Home marker ...... 3 Southwest City, Missouri event ...... 4 Whitmer family / Ron Romig ...... 6 Ray County Jail sites ...... 11 Interested people are invited to attend MMFF Missouri Mormon Experience ...... 14 functions. Call Alta Short at (816) 257-5588 or Ron Annual Dinner ...... 15 Romig at (816) 229-7981 or (816) 833-1000 for more Order form ...... Insert information. Membership form ...... Insert

It is membership renewal season again. If the first line in your address label does not end in 07 or life, it is time to Renew your Membership.

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation P.O. Box 3186 Independence MO 64055

First Class MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 Jan - May 2006 Insert

THE MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION P.O. Box 3186, Independence MO 64055

A Short History of Caldwell County by Bertha Booth, 1936, reprinted with new index 1998. 65 pages, index, paperback, 5 ½ x 8 ½" ISBN: 0-9720011-0-7 Price $6.00, plus shipping.

Early Independence, Missouri “Mormon” Tour Guide by Ronald E. Romig, illustrated by Henry Inouye, revised 2003. 45 pages. Paperback, 8.5 x 11" ISBN 0-9720011-6-6 Price $7.00, plus shipping

An Index to Early Caldwell County, Missouri, Land Records edited by Clark V. Johnson and Ronald E. Romig, 2002. Revision of 1994 limited edition by Clark V. Johnson. xxiv, 242 pages, 12 township plats, maps of Far West, current road map. Spiral, 8.5 x 11" (2nd printing, revised) ISBN: 0-9720011-5-8 Price $25.00, plus shipping.

Jackson County, Missouri Mormon Historic Sites by William J. Curtis, 2002, 2004. Heavily illustrated with photographs, 65 pages including index, paperback, 5.5 x 8.5" ISBN 0- 9720011-8-2 Price $6.00, plus shipping. REVISED 2004

1836 Clay County, Missouri State Tax List: All Taxpayers and Land Owners Are Identified, Including Mormons, and the 1835 Tax Law. Transcribed, annotated and indexed by Annette W. Curtis, 2003. xx, 125 pages, spiral, soft cover, 8.5 x 11" ISBN 0-9720011- 7-4 Price $15.00, plus shipping.

Early Jackson County Missouri: The “Mormon” Settlement on the Big Blue River: A Guided Tour Through Time by Ronald E. Romig., illustrated by Henry K. Inouye, Jr. 1996. vii, 34 pages; spiral binding, 8.5x11" ISBN 0-9720011-2-2 4th Printing Price $9.00, plus shipping.

MMFF Newsletters 1-23, 1993-1999 with Index, a cumulation of the first 23 issues bound for handy reference, about 270 pages. Paperback, 8.5 x 11" ISBN 0-9720011-3-1 Price $20.00, plus shipping.

Richmond, Missouri: Some Historic Sites in Mormon History and Mormon Prisoners in Richmond, Missouri 1838. 2006. 43 pages. $5.00 postpaid. (first class mail)

To complete the run of our periodical publication, back issues of Missouri Mormon Frontier are available, Issues 24 through 34 (348 pages). $3 per issue or $30 for the complete set, unbound. The following are available as print-on-demand: Archaeological Reconnaissance of a Caldwell County, Missouri, Log House. (Rich Log House) 8.5 x 11" paperback, comb binding. $10.00 plus shipping. 2001 Dig Report on Cemetery South, Far West, Missouri by Paul DeBarthe, Tovia Cohen and Tehau DeBarthe, 2002. 34 pages, color ill.. 8.5x11" paperback, comb binding. $10.00 plus shipping. Publications may also be purchased online with PayPal at www.farwesthistory.com (currently not working properly). (Quantity purchases for re-sale are discounted and welcomed.) Please add a minimum of $5.00 postage and packaging. Total Amount enclosed: $

Name Date

Address

City State Zip MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 39 Jan - May 2006 Insert

THE MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION P.O. Box 3186, Independence MO 64055

Date

! I would like to join MMFF for the 2007 Calendar Year G New G Renewal

G Regular $15.00 G Family $20.00 G Sustaining $25.00 G Sponsor $100.00 G Student $8.00 (full time HS & college to age 25) G Patron $250.00 G Life $1000.00

! I would like to make an additional Contribution in the amount of:

G Un-designated $ G Marker Fund, un-designated $

Name

Address

City State Zip

Home & Bus. Phone Make checks payable to Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation and mail to: Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation P.O. Box 3186 Independence MO 64055 #

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation is a 501-c-3 not-for-profit organization chartered with the state of Missouri. Contributions are tax deductible.

Online store (still working out the bugs) and research information at www.FarWestHistory.com.

The MMFF webstie is www.mmff.net.

MEMBERSHIPS come due in January.

PERIODICAL: This periodical is issued irregularly, usually twice a year. EBSCO library subscriptions are accepted.

Do you have something you would like to share with others? Look what sharing did for the last issue! Mail your interest to our PO Box or directly to Annette Curtis, 714 N Main, Independence MO 64050-2828 or email it to me at [email protected].

MARKER FUNDS – Donations are needed to accomplish the next marker projects. Projected: David Whitmer livery stable. Burial site of Christian and Peter Whitmer, witnesses to the Book of Mormon.