MISSOURI MORMON

FRONTIER FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTER

Number 6 Jackson County, Missouri Spring 1995 ON A COLD WINTER'S EVE mother of witnesses David, Christian, Jacob, Peter Jr. and . by Scott H. Faulring At this point of the "show and tell," Richard and I, along with the audience, were totally captivated. At the invitation of our friend Ron Romig, By far, the most exciting item for me, my reward for Richard L. Anderson and I addressed, as visiting being there that evening, was the second sampler. historians, a warm gathering of the MMFF on a cold There, before my eyes, accompanying a simple cross- winter's eve in early January 1995. Richard spoke stitched pattern, was stitched "Maria Louis about and 's Cowdre." Maria is significant because she was the religious and nonreligious activities in Missouri. I oldest and only child of Oliver and Elizabeth presented an overview, illustrated with several Cowdery to grow to maturity. I found it interesting primary document examples, of the Oliver Cowdery that the sttmame was spelled "Cowdre" rather than Papers project that Richard and I aze collaborating the traditional "Cowdery." This spelling presents a on d trope to have published in the next year or so. an possible clue for dating it. There was a specific Our lectures were well received and after a little period when Oliver used the variant surname spelling more than an hour and a half of speaking, we sat — while they lived in Tiffin, Ohio, from 1840 to down expecting the evening's events concluded. 1847. I think Elizabeth made the sampler sometime Then, as a sort of benediction, Ron introduced two before her daughter's marriage in 1856. special impromptu guest speakers, two ladies, both After these two ladies concluded describing these Whitmer descendants, who had traveled from more "real life" items of history, they allowed the audience a few miles north of Independence to be there than to come forward and examine the heirlooms. we realize the on that wintery January eve. Little did [The Whitmer descendants present were Lorene significance of their visit and the historical treasures Pollazd and Vicky Widemier.] they brought with them. After a short introduction by Ron, they showed a variety of family heirlooms, including several family photographs, mostly of the generation after David Visiting Historian Series, XII Held and John Whitmer, but historically interesting Saturday morning, 20 May 1995, MMFF and the nonetheless. In addition, they displayed and -Waggoner Society cosponsored described at least a half dozen Whitmer family letters Bingham Historical an illustrated lecture about George Caleb Bingham of correspondence. From my perspective, the most and Art intriguing memorabilia, the ones that piqued my His by Missouri State Archivist, Kenneth H. Winn the Bingham-Waggoner Estate carriage curiosity the most were two antique stitched at samplers. The first, a floral decorative, had the name house. George Caleb Bingham came from swell-to-do "Mary Musselman" embroidered across it in an Old family. The untimely deaths of an uncle and World/Germanic-looking script. Mary Musselman, Virginia later of his father caused financial hazdships as he birth name of Mary Whitmer, was the imperturbable MISSOURI MORMON

FRONTIER FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTER

Number 6 Jackson County, Missouri Spring 1995

ON A COLD WINTER'S EVE mother of David, Christian, Jacob, Peter Jr. and John Whitmer. by Scott H. Faulting At this point of the "show and tell," Richard and I, along with the audience, were totally captivated. At the invitation of our friend Ron Romig, By faz, the most exciting item for me, my reward for Richard L. Anderson and I addressed, as visiting being there that evening, was the second sampler. historians, a warm gathering of the MMFF on a cold There, before my eyes, accompanying a simple cross- winter's eve in early January 1995. Richazd spoke stitched pattern, was stitched "Maria Louis about David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery's Cowdeey." Maria is significant because she was the religious and nonreligious activities in Missouri. I oldest and only child of Oliver and Elizabeth presented an overview, illustrated with several Cowdery to grow to maturity. I found it interesting primary document examples, of the Oliver Cowdery that the surname was spelled "Cowdrey" rather than Papers project that Richazd and I are collaborating the traditional "Cowdery." This spelling presents a on and hope to have published in the next yeaz or so. possible clue for dating it. There was a specific Our lectures were well received and after a little period when OGver used the variant surname spelling more than an hour and a half of speaking, we sat — while they lived in Tiffin, Ohio, from 1840 to expecting the evening's events concluded. down 1847. I think Elizabeth made the sampler sometime Then, as a sort of benediction, Ron introduced two before her daughter's marriage in 1856. special impromptu guest speakers, two ladies, both After these two ladies concluded describing these Whitmer descendants, who had traveled from more "real life" items of history, they allowed the audience than a few miles north of Independence to be there to come forward and examine the heirlooms. did we realize the on that wintery January eve. Little [The Whitmer descendants present were Lorene significance of their visit and the historical treasures Pollard and Vicky Widemier.] they brought with them. After a short introduction by Ron, they showed ~~ a variety of family heirlooms, including several family generation after David photographs, mostly of the Visiting Historian Series, XII Held and John Whitmer, but historically interesting Saturday morning, 20 May 1995, MMFF and the nonetheless. In addition, they displayed and Bingham-Waggoner Historical Society cosponsored described at least a half dozen Whitmer family letters an illustrated lecture about George Caleb Bingham of correspondence. From my perspective, the most and His Art by Missouri State Archivist, Kenneth H. intriguing memorabilia, the ones that piqued my Winn at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate carriage curiosity the most were two antique stitched house. samplers. The first, a floral decorative, had the name George Caleb Bingham came from swell-to-do "Mary Musselman" embroidered across it in an Old Virginia family. The untimely deaths of an uncle and World/Germanic-looking script. Mary Musselman, later of his father caused financial hardships as he birth name of Mary Whitmer, was the imperturbable MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 3 MEET YOUR BOARD

MMFF board members have diverse backgrounds that motivate his/her interest in Missouri Mormon history. Some do not belong to any Book of Mormon based denomination while others are devout members of one of the several modem descendants of the church founded. Some have a family heritage that goes back to the 1830's with the church and some do not. You have met Henry Inouye, Ron Romig, Annette and Bill Curtis in previous issues. Now meet Ron Putz and Alta Short.

Ronald Putz

Ronald Putz is from a small Orman community - degree. Accordingly in 1992, along with a number of Fountain City, Wisconsin. As an adult he moved to others, they formed the Missouri Mormon Frontier Winona, Minnesota where, in 1961, he joined the Foundation. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That yeaz Ron says, "The Lord, through his prophet Joseph he started his genealogical research in the Fountain Ciry Smith, stated that those who lived in Jackson County public cemetery where virtually all his immigrant should he honored for `laying the foundation of Zion.' relatives are buried. Later he moved to Rochester, Our task is to find out what they did, preserve Minnesota; Springfield, Missouri; Joplin, Missouri; and remaining artifacts and sites, and make others aware of finally, in 1985 to Blue Springs, Missouri. their vision and sacrifice. After all, Jackson County has in 1990 Ron became interested in Missouri history historic sites in Church history with future significance. and began a project of finding the names of all the As Zion it was continually on Joseph Smith's mind and Mormons who lived in Jackson County during the long after the expulsion. was still central to his concept "Mormon" period, 1831-1833. As a result of that of the gathering of the Saints prior to the Second project he met Ron Romig, Bill Curtis, Jesse Ehlers, Coming of Christ." "I hope" he says, "that we can unite and others who had done extensive research on people, hundreds of interested persons of all faiths to promote places and events during that period. They shared a the history of this area and honor those who common notion that Jackson County had been passed participated." over by Mormon historians when compared to the work Ron's vocation in life has been in sales and nursing done on Kirtland, Ohio and Nauvoo, Illinois. They felt home operation. Currently he works in technical that though the situation was different, Western support for computer giant, Gateway 2000. He has Missouri in general and Jackson County in particulaz, been active in church and currently serves as High needed an association or foundation to preserve, Priests Group Leader in the Blue Springs 2nd Ward of compile and promote its history to a much greater T'he Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Alta Short

Alta Mane Davis Short was raised in a R.L.D.S. attending Central Missouri State University in 1970. family. Her father Henry F. Davis was an Elder and the She graduated with a B. S. in Education in 1974. pastor of their congregation m Kansas Ciry, Missouri at In October 1979 she received her Masters in the time of her birth. Her mother BetYha J. Henry Davis Education from Webster University. Since then she has was active in church work. September 10, 1954 Alta continued to study and has 49 graduate hours in many married Kenneth E. Short also of Kansas City. They different areas of interest. Part of these hours of study have four children and six grandchildren. involves studying in Japan and England. She has Alta always loved history of any kind. In 1967 she always had a great interest in the archaeology of the became involved with the group that conducted the pre- Book of Mormon lands. Because of this interest she conference tours for the R.L.D.S. church. She and Kenneth have visited Mexico two times. conducted tours for many years for the church. Alta is a board member of Missouri Mormon After getting all of her children in school she began Frontier Foundation and currently the acting Historian. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 4 Another Landmark to Be Lost? By Ron Romig, Vice President MMFF

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drawing by Henry Inouye Jr, 1995

Though an important location to both Mormons new sect's Bishop, Edward Partridge, purchased the and non-members alike in the 1830s, today it is a northwest quarter of Section 13, Township 49, site simply bypassed by time. For centuries past, Range 32, in late 1831. The Rockwell family was in Indians as well as early pioneers negotiated this the advance company of church members who natural crossing of the Blue River. Traders, settled this choice spot. As a boy growing up in opportunists, surveyors, settlers, and religious New York, young Orrin Porter Rockwell, had enthusiasts regularly passed this way when traveling known the Prophet of the new church, Joseph through early Jackson County. It was the main Smith, Jr. The heavy western trade that traversed route between Independence and the east and the this route had the potential to generate an important Indian agencies in present day Kansas and points source of income for the family and the church. As west. the spring of 1832 commenced, the Rockwells Mormon arrivals claimed this vital locality as began to fashion a new home in the Missouri their home in the early 1830s. A large church wilderness. As other church members looked for settlement along the Big Blue River began when the homes in the county, the settlement grew. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 5

Rockwell's became an important church gather- the historical importance of the site in view of their ing place. One such occasion was the wedding of plans to straighten the waterway. The proposed young Orrin Porter Rockwell to Isaac and Olive straightening would alleviate longstanding flooding Beebe's eighteen year old daughter, Luana. County in low lying azeas along the Blue when rains swell marriage records dated their marriage on 2 February the stream. 1832 ["Aron" Porter Rockwell of Kaw Township Surveying a variety of sources, Sondra gathered and Luana Beebe of Blue Township, performed by considerable information about the site. The US Oliver Cowdery, filed 16 February 1832, Jackson Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City District, County Marriage Record Book, #1, page 14]. published her research in a booklet entitled Blue Theirs was the first church marriage in Jackson River Channel Project, Kansas City, Missouri: County. The members also met at Rockwell's on 6 Independence-Westport Road Crossing And Other April 1833 to celebrate the third birthday of the OregoniSanta Fe Traid Alternatives, National young church. Register Assessment (Contract No DACW41-93- The extent of the settlement is recalled by a 0189, 1994). In this publication Sondra documents resident, Charles Brent Hancock: the various uses of the location during Mormon and The names of our neighbors as far as I later periods. She builds a good case that the remember, was Solomon Hancock, Horrace crossing is of historical significance. S. Rawson David Petigrew [Pettigrew], Apparently her research is not enough for the Malin Johnson and father, O.P. Rockwell, Corps to impede plans to straighten the stream. In and Father, David Dutton, David Bennett, - a recent phone conversation with Sondra McCoy, [George] Burkett, [Jr.], Abraham Tanners she shared her belief that the project would go on. [Towner], [David] Frampton, John Carson The schedule for beginning this work is not clear. Gates, Abel Sergeant, Isaac Sampson, John It appears that work will begin sometime this Brush, Isaac Higbee. All ofwhom had land summer and an important site from early church and improvements. [Charles Brent Hancock, history be radically changed. Ms 5285, LDS Archives] What can be done? Valuable property is at risk In less than two years, the settlement expanded along the Blue. There may not be enough several miles south along the Blue. Perhaps several justification to warrant discontinuation of the plan. hundred disciples ultimately gathered there before Local historians, and those with ties to the Latter- the 1833 expulsion from the county. Day Saints churches of the Independence, Missouri, Time has obscured much of the Mormon azea, should be awaze of the likelihood of the loss of experience in Jackson County, Missouri. It seems this notable place. We believe that before such an that adherents of the movement, as well as local important site is destroyed, professionals should find citizens, have intentionally looked the other way out what of value may yet remain of this site. The while seeking to ignore the fragile traces of those author, Larry Porter, and Mike Riggs, recently turbulent events. Through the yeazs some have visited the crossing. Considerable filling and appreciated the historic sites and locations that dot dumping have occurred along the east bank of the the area. Probably few visitors have ever seen the Blue. But, three interesting stone bridge abutments site of the Big Blue crossing. Trails enthusiasts may still exist. Hopefully they can somehow be be interested that probably more than 1000 yards of preserved. preserved original wagon road remains up the west In the coming months MMFF will try to keep its side of the crossing. members informed. Perhaps, if there is interest, we In May 1994 professional researcher Sondra can schedule a speaker and/or plan a group visit to McCoy visited the RLDS Archives to investigate the site. Let us know your interests. early church activity along the Big Blue. She was doing an Army Corps of Engineers research assignment to investigate the significance of the crossing on the Blue. The Corps wished to evaluate MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Springy 1995 Page 6 MANUSCRIPT TYPESCRIPT Taken from the original document as written Produced by the RLDS Library-Archives Date: 10 April 1995 Document and Reference: Mazk H. Forscutt, The True LATTER DAY SAINTS HERALD, Plano, Illinois, 18 (15 November 1871), Pages 679-681, RLDS Library-Archives.

Diary Reminiscences -- No. 2 in religious controversy, and at night accompanied August, 18th. --Left Fort Scott for Kansas City, him to the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and where I arrived on the 19th, and on the evening of heard the minister descant against depending on the same day, went to Independence, the former ordinances, and advocate trusting to the grace of home of saints, and the central spot pointed out by God in the heart only. I must confess that my faith the finger of God as that whence shall radiate the in the doctrine of Christ and the apostles, who enjoin glory of revealed truth. Here I had strange feelings; the gospel ordinances so rigidly as to assure us that and aT night, having put up temporazily at the Noland a man cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without House, as I took a stroll through the streets to make them, was not materially shaken; and to your pages, observations, I had an experience of a peculiar kind, dear Herald, I will entrust the secret that his effort in which the Evil One was signally defeated in his only made me firmer in that he declared against. The purpose. He may cope with man; but he cannot cope doctor agreed with me that his theory was poor successfully with Him in whom I was enabled to put compared with the gospel. During the controversy my trust, and to him be praise for the deliverance of the day, the doctor was firm in the advocacy of wrought out for me from the cruel and wicked the Divinity of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and purpose of the adversary of the righteous. the Book of Commandments -- so far as he thought 20th. -- This being Sunday, the solemnities of the the revelations in the latter book to have been day seemed to be observed, and I started out in correctly printed -- but the Book of Doctrine and search of those who had named the name of Christ. Covenants, which comprises the revelations found in I soon obtained the directions that guided me to the the Book of Commandments, and some additions residence Dr. Wm. E. McLellan. I made myself and changes, he condemned on account of those known to him, and was welcomed to the additions and changes. entertainments of his home. I had scarcely, however, Noon, August, 21st. -- The doctor having entered into conversation with him, before he made learned that I wished to visit Br. Joseph S. Lee, me aware of his hostility to Joseph, and his feeling of whom I had the pleasure of baptizing into the church ridicule for us because we called him "The Martyr." while in Utah, and who resides some five or six miles Learning that he had formerly united with Mr. from Independence, obtained two horses, saddles Hedrick's body, I enquired concerning them, and was and equipments, at his own expense, generously not long left in the dark in relation to his antipathy to accompanied me, and acted as a very efficient guide. [page 680] them also. I suggested the Our first stopping place was at Brother Campbell's, Reorganization, and learned that his opposition formerly connected with us in church fellowship, but extended to that. I desired to attend the meeting of now with Mr. Hedrick. He and his excellent wife those who accept Mr. Hedrick's claims, and he treated us as well as though they were still members accompanied me. We entered the chapel; but as the with us, and with the parents of Sister Campbell, worshipers were using the German tongue, which Father and Mother Bailey, were very much interested neither of us understood, we left. He then informed in a disputation between the doctor and myself on me that the Germans had the chapel once a month, the name of the church. The doctor thinks the name and this, unfortunately for my wishes, happened to of "Jesus" ought not to be prefixed, nor that of be their day. The doctor went around with me, and "Latter Day Saints" appended. After an excellent we learned that their meetings for that day were out dinner, prepazed and served by Sister Campbell in of town. I spent the rest of the day with the doctor the neat and generous style those knowing her will MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 7

anticipate, we again mounted and rode to Br. fine; the scenery is magnificent; the fiuits aze luscious Etzenhouser's, where Br. Lee was engaged in and abundant. Would to God that it were still the building a house. He is proud of the title given him home of the saints. Kansas City has drawn away its around Jackson Co., where he is known as the business, and property is cheap. Excellent farming "Mormon Preacher." He seems to be as zealous as lands with timber can be bought for from $15 per ever and holds the work of God as of primary and acre, contiguous, and Kansas City, with a railroad paramount importance to all things. I found his running in there from Independence, furnishes a family but poorly provided for; and he is under the good market. Improved farms have to be paid for necessity of abandoning the active ministry for a time according to the value of improvements. The to obtain the needfuls For them in consequence. His brethren of our own organization, and those who are earnest anxieties for the work will not allow him to members of Mr. Hedrick's organization, agree in be idle even now, however. affirming that they have May his zeal be tempered more freedom and less with the wisdom requisite From all that I learned from outsiders of restraint in preaching the to ensure permanent the members of Mr. Hedricics people, gospel there, than in any place where they have success, and his influence their conduct and practices are doing for good never wane. The before lived, and much to remove the reproach from off the doctor returned to encounter as little actual "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Dav Independence, and I to Br. prejudice. The in Campbell's, where I spent a Saints," a name they bear common manifestations of God's profitable evening learning with ourselves. displeasure during the late of the movements of the war were almost adherents of Mr. Hedrick, miraculous. The homes and informing them concerning the Reorganized built on the soil from which the saints were expelled Church. I am satisfied that they aze earnest truth- were razed to the ground, or terribly mutilated, while seekers. Two of our brethren in faith were there. homes contiguous were unharmed. The temple-lot August 22nd. -- Br. Campbell rode in to is still unoccupied; but Mr. Hedrick's associates have Independence with me, and accompanied [page 681 ] purchased a portion of it to build a house of worship me to Br. Adna C Haldeman's, one of the "Twelve," on. In the interchange of views with Br. Haldeman, and spent a very profitable time. I had better state I discovered a liberality of view, and an absence of that I returned to the doctor the borrowed horse, dogmatism that both pleased and gratified me. From however, lest somebody should be tempted to speak all that I learned from outsiders of the members of evil. I staid at night at Br. C. Frisby's, a member of Mr. Hedrick's people, their conduct and practices are Mr. Hedrick's church, who with his orderly and doing much to remove the reproach from off the excellent wife, treated me like a brother indeed. "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," a 23rd. -- Br. Haldeman famished two horses and name they bear in common with ourselves. The equipments, and accompanied me on a ride to the world does not distinguish between them and us, not river, pointed out to me places of interest to all care about the doctrinal differences that exist -- what Latter Day Saints, and convinced me by his urbanity, good therefore is wrought by their uprightness and gentlemanly courtesy and true Christian sympathy, consistency of walk[,] will and does reflect upon us that he is worthy the high esteem in which he is held likewise. Disagreeing with them in some points of by those who know him best, and know him most. faith and church government, I yet feel that they His family tree is a fruitful one, and the branches that deserve our cordial sympathy in their efforts to I saw are no disgrace to the parent trunk. I have impart a higher moral tone what the world recognize visited many parts of this continent; but no spot to as Latter Day Saintism, than some other bodies me is so desirable as this, the place of God's choice. bearing the same name, who are more factional and, Springs of pure and living water are abundant; the I fear, less honest. Returned at night to my family at soil is rich and deep; the productions are varied and Kansas City. ■ MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 8 Jackson County Before 1837

The following article published in 1837 is contemporary to the interests of the Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation. While it is obviously anti-Mormon, it gives some good insights into the thinking of the time. After you have read it (and perhaps calmed your furor), you may want to re- read it, replacing the exaggerated verbosity with simpler, less colorful language. The blurb for Clay County makes no mention of Mormons. Caldwell and Daviess counties are not included at all. This means the text was prepared before Caldwell and Daviess counties were created from non-county areas on December 29, 1836. I have bolded the most pertinent parts. The italics are in the original. My comments appear in footnotes througthout. Annette Curtis.

Gazetteer of the State of Missouri with a Map of the State, from the office of the surveyor-general, iruluding the latest additions and surveys to which is added an appendix, containingfrontier sketches, and illustrations of Indian character with a frontispiece, engraved on steel compiled by Alphonso Wetmore, of Missouri. Published St. Louis: by C. Keemle, Harper &Brothers, printers, N.Y., 1837.

[page 92] vast amount of acres was thus appazently thrown JacxsoN COUNTY. The boundaries, as traced out ofthe mazket; but the state subsequently offered out in the Revised Statutes, are described as the land for sale; and the settlers were generally the "beginning in the Missouri river at the place where purchasers, at the state minimum of two dollars per the western line of the state crosses it; thence south acre. The quality of the lands in Jackson has not to the line between townships forty-six and forty- been overrated, as the close observer will discover, seven; thence east with said township line to the since thrifty cultivation has turned up to view the middle of range twenty-nine; thence north to the fatness of the soil. The county of Jackson is Missouri river; thence up the same to the happily situated, with a market close at hand for beginning." a large amount of its farming products. This This county, then, is bounded on the west by the market is made by the location of half-civilized state line, and on the north by the Missouri river. emigrant Indians close on their borders, and by The impression is deeply fixed in the minds of the wants of the half starved tribe of Kansas connoisseurs in soil, that the lands in Missouri Indians, who reside farther out, in the territory increase in fertility as we travel westwazd from St. of the United States, west of Missouri. The Charles, until the boundary of the state is reached. military post of Fort Leavenworth, on the same When the settlement in Jackson were at first side of Missouri river, and half a day's ride commenced, it is remembered that a rage for that above, likewise swallows up a considerable quarter pervaded the whole emigrating world; and amount of produce, particularly since the for several years, when movers with the most sub- location of the dragoons at that place. With these [page 93] stantial equipment were questioned on the local advantages, it is not strange, therefore, that the road as to their destination, they uniformly fanatic tribe of Mormons fixed their mock revelation answered, "Up to the Blues." This tract of country, city of "New Jerusalem" in this county. In a poor watered with Big and Little Blue rivers, was then country, "the storehouse of the Lord," which the unsold, and had never been in the market; neither priests and elders of their church require their had it been erected into a county, but was a part of people to fill (for their use), would have been in the Lafayette. In making selections of seminary lands, condition of the Irishman's crib, "brimful of which were allowed the state by the federal emptiness." The disgusting folly and the goverrunent, the commissioners annoyed the early outrageous villanies of the Mormons, who had settlers not a little with their locations in Jackson; a swarmed into the county of Jackson, induced the MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 9

old settlers to rise in arms and expel them. The characters with a pen, so as to be able to write his measure, although a strong and a violent one, name; but he insisted that the usual orthography of was fully justified, and indispensable, in the name was wrong. He therefore corrected the consequence of the impertinent and mischievous errors of the early lexicographers, and subscribed it interference of the Mormons with the slaves of thus— "Go-Smith." This innovation marked his the county. Their threatened association with chazacter, and he subsequently became a reformer in the neighbouring tribes of Indians was a serious religion as well as in grammar, and with like subject of alarm; and no longer considered [page advantages in both instances. In orthography he is 94] doubtful in point of fact, when the Mormon a "real horse," ful► match for one of the lieutenant- population were found with arms pointed governors of the great valley, who wrote Congress against their neighbours. The operation of fanatic in the following unique style— "Kongris." As it has zeal upon the human mind will account for the been observed that Joe was too lary to obtain his seeming improbability and the audacity of the bread by honest labour, it naturally followed that he outrages contemplated, and those actually must rely upon his wits, however obtuse these might perpetrated by this people. This tribe of locust, that (page 95] appear. His want of learning and sense still threatens to scorch and wither the herbage probably helped out the delusion he has practiced so of a fair and goodly portion of Missouri by the extensively, and aided him in making the impression swarm of emigrants from their pestilent hive in that he was inspired. He has convinced his Ohio and in New-York, must here by allowed followers that he can converse in "unknown the envin6le distinction of having their follies tongues." As he made horrible butchery of the and mad achievements recorded. It may serve English, it was fair to suppose he could speak some the same valuable purpose, when viewed by the language; and the opinion that beasts and birds reader, that was designed by the Spartans, who converse, has gained currency to some extent. In made their slaves drunk, to show the children of the prosecution of his scheme of reform, to enable Lacedamonia the folly of inebriety. Without him to "remove the deposites" from the pockets of descending to the minutiae of the origin of the his dupes to his own, in conjunction with two or Mormon creed, which would be as fatiguing as three confederates, he professed to have found in the detailed events of a wolf-hunt (including a the earth a book with golden leaves. This book, leaf biography of all the dogs), some of the most by leaf, Joe Smith, by aid of inspiration, read to a important particulars will suffice.' Somewhere in friend, "who held the pen of a ready writer," and it the western part of New-York, a few years ago, was written out m dull, drawling, oriental style. The there existed a vagabond, whose name was Joe reader could only translate and read these golden Smith. He was akin to some of the other Smiths, tablets with the aid of a pair of marble spectacles, probably the black-Smiths. The only peculiarities of strapped to his head with thongs of leather; and this his eazly life are comprised in these important facts: part of the solemn farce was performed in a closet, he was too lazy to work; he was not sensible of the from which much of the light of heaven was propriety of having the holes in his clothes patched; excluded. Mystery is always imposing; and that and he could perceive no necessity of washing his which is incomprehensible commands the homage of face; "for," said Joe, "it won't stay washed." There all those who dehght in the marvellous. The novelty was another peculiarity in the character of Joe. He of miracles sometimes induces us to help the had, by some unaccountable effort, learned to trace impostor in his efforts to cheat us into a belief in impossibilities. The same corrupt taste assembles `The author of this article in 1837 then spends a lot of crowds around a calf with two heads, and leads to ink giving his sarcastic version. It is in the colorful the foot of the gallows, on great "hanging festivals," language of the time and probably based on hearsay and thousands who might be more profitably employed fabrication. "Jce Smith" is used in place of Joseph at home. As Joe Smith had not quite mind enough Smith's full name as a form of disrespect, as was usual in to be amused with any thing he saw or heard in this contemporary anti-Mormon accounts. world, it was easy for him to look grave; gravity, MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 10

being an illegitimate half-brother of wisdom, enabled Abigail, "The Lord deliver us from whiskers of this prophet of Mormon to pass for a sage or a seer, every cut and fashion!" when he was only an impostor and a nincumpoop. A large proportion of Jackson is a timbered Joe had heard, or he had dreamed, that the world country, in which the usual varieties of forest-trees was governed by women, sometimes directly, but, aze found, with the exception of blue ash and white where the Salique-law was in force, by indirect walnut. The county is likewise well watered, having means. He therefore began the explanation of his many springs and small branches; but the Big and solemn mysteries to the fair daughters of Eve, who Little Blue rivers are streams of great value. These look with peculiar pleasure on golden pages. It have many mill-sites, and the little branches, should be here remarked, that this book, which is a tributaries of the Blues, are happily distributed translation, if we may believe Joe, is the most throughout the county for the use of stock-raisers. ridiculous farrago of nonsense that, in the press, About eight miles eastwazdly from the seat ofjustice ever disheartened a printer's devil [page 96] in the of Jackson,' at the ford of Little Blue, the Messrs. senseless expenditure of ink. There is not a John, James, and Robert Aulls have erected a saw- sentence in it that has point or meaning, or can be mill and merchant flour-mill of [page 97]superior made to reach the understanding of any human workmanship, and at great cost. The investment is being, except the reader may have the advantage of likely to yield a fair remuneration to the proprietors, being a knave or a fool. The expounders of this and the country around will derive singular Mormon bible have, by much preaching, persuaded advantages from this liberal expenditure in a a large amount of folly and ignorance to believe, hazardous enterprise, which few would have that some city of Zion was to be erected ventured to undertake. Major Cummings has also somewhere, and the leaders have determined that in completed a valuable merchant-mill on Big Blue Jackson county a spot is indicated to them by river. Besides these, there are three common water- supernatural agency. To this county, then, this mass mills in Jackson. of human corruption was moving to an alarming INDEPENDENCE is the seat of justice' for extent, when, in self-defence, the good citizens of Jackson county, and is a flourishing village. The Jackson put in execution the good old law, and regular and healthy growth of this place presents scattered them abroad into the neighbouring strong evidence of the great value of the country counties. But as good and wise communities rise around it, as well as its suitable location, with a out of the ashes of martyrdom, so the Mormons view to the trade of the farming population. It was have added to their numbers and increased their here that the Mormons had determined to build their consequence by the persecutions that they claim Zion, and wall it in. "The store house of the Lord" to have suffered; and they are supposed to be was actually erected in Independence, and the returning to the charge with the added strength devotees were beginning to go the whole hog, in of many recruits, guns, trumpets, &c. Z Looking order to fill it with critter comforts in the form of calmly on the practices of folly and villany, and the joints, and middlings,s and sacks of corn, &c. But success that uniformly attends the most extravagant the Lord waxed wroth with the Mormons, for they pretensions, we should not feel any surprise to find had communed with the men-servants and the maid- a leader numerously followed, the prominent tenets servantsb of the people in whose land they were of whose sect commanded the members to eat raw flesh and walk on "all fours." As an instance of 'That is, from Independence, the county seat of human delusion, reference may be made to the Jackson County, Missouri. impostor Matthias, whose long beard success of the 'The county seat. and white wand led astray rich, well-educated people. We might exclaim with my maiden aunt '"Joints'are cuts of meat and "middlings" are either pork or coarsely ground wheat mixed with bran. TThere was a real expectation by Missourians that the fiThe slaves. Mormon troubles would return and be greater that before. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Sprin~1995 Page 11 sojourning, seducing them from the obedience and town of Sibley is so rich and valuable, that it must the duty they owed to those who gave them food contribute to the natural advantages of the high and and raiment;' and the Jacksonites, and the Old beautiful site, and make it a place of business. It has Dominionites, and the Tennesseeites, and already been made a point of landing for Santa Fe Kentuckites, lifted up their hands and their voices goods, and it will probably share largely in the with one accord, and exclaimed, "Depart, ye cursed, increasing advantages of that trade. The landing to the uttermost parts of the earth, or we'll row you and harbour of Sibley are excellent, made so by the up Salt river! Independence has become the point eddy-water at the base of the bluff of departure for the Santa Fe traders, and at this Limestone in great masses is found in various place much material for the outfit of the caravans is places in Jackson; and the lost stone abounds there obtained. Here, likewise, the return trading- likewise. The timber of the county is black walnut, companies obtain supplies, when coming into port hickory, sugar-tree,10 coffee-bean, hackberry, from a sea of prairie. The traders and their hands cottonwood, elm, &c. generally reach Independence destitute of every Farming products aze wheat, corn, oats, grass, thing in the list of food and clothing. The and, in some instances, the farmers are cultivating necessities of these people bring to this frontier hemp and tobacco, to which the soil of Jackson is town singular advantages, in a wide range of cash well adapted. Mules, cattle, horses, and hogs are transactions. raised in this county, and many of the farmers have FORT OSAGE, formerly a frontier military post, the advantage of a few sheep, which are the was dismantled many years ago. The United States beginning of much greater flocks, that they will find factory was located here. It was a point where the it their interest hereafter to raise. Osages and Kanzas resorted to trade, when the United States bartered powder, traps, and scalping- [page 98] knives for furs and peltries with her red children. The site is now the property of Mr. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER Archibald Cmmble, who had laid off a town, to OR WHATEVER which he has given the name of SISLSY.e The gentleman whose name is given to this town-site It still feels like spring still jacket weather. was the United States factor for Indian trade there, Mazch temperatures and April rains have extended and whose hospitable mansion and amiable family, into mid-May in Jackson County. Missouri this year. at an early period, robbed the wilderness of its As newsletter editor, I hope the reader finds this late tenors and crude aspect, and imposed agreeable spring newsletter was worth the wait. surprise on the weary and necessitous traveller. The early settlers around this post must bear in grateful WHO? remembrance the charitable aid afforded by the fair hand of Mrs. Sibley, when the chilling sensation of In this newsletter the use of "Latter-Dav Saints' an autumnal disease there preyed upon the ill-tuned is a deliberate compromise between Latter-day organs of the human system.9 The settlement and Saints and Latter Day Saints as an identifying term, cultivation of the country have everywhere signifying all factions but especially the eazly church improved the health of the inhabitants; and the well- before any splits. AWC peopled region of country round about the new

'The slave owners. BSibley is actually a little south of the site of Fort Osage and on slightly higher ground. 9Mrs. Sibley took caze of people who got sick from such illnesses as smallpox and cholera. 1°Probably maple. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 6, Spring 1995 Page 12 ~ COMING ~ 1995 Membership Dues EVENTS Keep the newsletter coming to you. Renewal memberships for the 1995 calendar year are due MARK YOUR CALENDAR and new memberships are welcomed.

Camping Trip Interested people are invited to attend and Mormon Sites Tours MMFF functions including board meetings. Wallace State Park Call Ron Putz at (816) 228-3512 or Ron Romig at and vicinity (816) 833-1000 ex 2449 for more information. June 9-10-11, 1995 Alta Short (Mrs. Kenneth) is in charge of planning. Several people will assist with tours of historic Mormon sites neazby: Adam-ondi-ahman, Hauns Mill (if it isn't flooded), Faz West. Contact Watch for an announcement of another Visiting Alta at 1200 Atherton Rd, Independence, MO Historian Series event at the end of July. 64057, (816) 257-5588 for more details. Stay overnight or come for a day.

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation 2904 Bedford Court Blue Springs MO 64015