MORMON

FRONTIER FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTER

Number 11 Jackson County, Missouri Summer 1996 Your Help is Needed! Shipps and John Welch, The Journals of William E. McLellin (Provo, UT: BYU Studies Mclellin Monument to Be Erected University, 1994). Information about McLellin can be found in Early The MMFF Board has approved a timely and Independence, Missouri "Mormon" History Tour Guide. exciting project. A suitable monument will be placed at On 18 July 1831 school teacher William E. the grave site of William E. McLellin in Woodlawn McLellin, heard testify "to having seen Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. The front will read: an Holy ." Intrigued, William E. McLellin followed "Mormon" missionaries to Jackson County, Missouri. He was baptized into the new movement in Kaw Township, (present day mid-town City, William Earl Mclellin Missouri)o n 20 August 1831, by Hyrum Smith, brother Born January 18, 1806 of the Prophet , Jr. Later, he served Smith County, Tennessee missions to the East with Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Died March 14, 1883 Smith, Parley P. Pratt and was ordained one of the Independence, Missouri original twelve Apostles in the Latter Day Saint Baptized by Hyrum Smith in 1831 movement in 1835. Separating from the church, he held Jackson County, Missouri firmto his testimony of the Book of Mormon. McLellin affiliated witha variety of Latter Day Saint factions and Served on missions with movements throughout the remainder of his life. Upon Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith his death, he was buriedin Woodlawn Cemetery on a lot and Parley P. Pratt which was purchased by his wife Ernaline. Ordained one of the original twelve Latter Day Saint apostles This marker project initiates part ofMMFF's master 1835 plan to place suitable historical markers at significant Erected by Missouri Mormon history sites around Independence, Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation Jackson County, and the state ofMissouri. 1996 We believe many people will appreciate the opportunity to be involved in this exciting beginning. Trusting that you will respond to this fund raising MMFF is a not-for-profit foundation recognized by the , the monument has been ordered. An historical State of Missouri and the Federal Government. MMFF marker dedication ceremony is planned for 2 p.m. memberships or donations to MMFF for the McLellin Sunday afternoon, 29 September 1996, immediately Monument project are tax deductible. Send donations following the John Whitmermeetings. This will enable to MMFF Marker Fund, c/o Drew Henson, MMFF JWHA attendees, as well as local MMFF members, to Treasurer, P.O. Box 3186, Independence, MO 64055. arrange their schedules so they can attend. Please be generous in your support of this important project. For more information about how you can be Interest inWilliam McLellin has recently increased involved, contact MMFF President, Ron Putz; or dramatically as a result of the identification and MMFF Secretary William Curtis. publication of McLellin's missionary journals by Jan MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 2

Tour Richmond, Missouri

A tour of historic Richmond, Missouri, led by a MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION descendant of Jacob Whitmer, is one of the exciting P.O. Box 3186 offerings at the upcoming meeting at Independence MO 64055 [ndependence, Missouri this September. Harold D. Barchers, past President of the Ray County Historical The Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation Society, will lead a detailed tourof Richmond. Harold, is a nonsectarian organization dedicated to a life long resident of Richmond, is a most interesting collecting and preserving information related to guide. RLDS Archivist, Ron Romig, and local historian, the Mormon experience in western Missouri William J. Curtis will also assist with the tour. during the 1830's. It is a general not for profit The tour will visit many significant locations, organization under the laws of Missouri. including the Richmond Jail site where Joseph Smith Donations are tax exempt. was incarcerated in 1839; the Alexander Doniphan statue; David Whitmer's homesite and grave; The The purposes of MMFF are stated in the By­ Witnesses monument and and Whitmer laws as follows: family grave sites in the Pioneer Cemetery. Less well 1. To promote the research, documentation, known sites will include the location of 1880s Whitmer verification. renovation and restoration of family Church of Christ meetings; local alternative events and sites associated with the Missouri ,Whitmer home and livery stable locations; grave Mormon Frontier. 2. To preserve documents, photographs, locations for other Whitmer descendants; and the home artifacts, sites and other historical of George Schweich - David's grandson who sold the memorabilia associated with that period. Book of Mormon Printer's Manuscript to the RLDS 3. To facilitate the gathering and preservation Qf Church in 1903. Richmond is a fortyminu te drive from genealogical information from the affected Independence. The tour will begin at 2:00 at the geographical area. Richmond Courthouse. Transportation to Richmond will be by private car - we will make an effort to assist with President - Ronald G. Putz car pooling and rides for those without transportation of Vice President - Ronald E. Romig their own. Box lunches will be available to registrants. Secretary -William J. Curtis Treasurer -Drew Henson Cars (fill the gas tankb efore lunch) will leave from the Board Members -Annette Curtis RLDS Temple parking lot after lunch. Hope you will Alta Short join this adventure into the past. Henry Inouye Registration $14, Banquet $10 and Lunch Boxes $6. Helen Inouye Contact person: Alma R. Blair, John Whitmer Historical Ex-Offico - Jesse E. Ehlers Association, Graceland College, 700 College Ave., Lamoni IA 50140. All meetings, including Board meetings, are open. You are invited to come and bring other interested people to any of our meetings.

NEWSLETTER

Please send news and articles for the newsletter to the attention of Annette Curtis at the address above. To give items to her in person, Annette can be found working at Mid-Continent Public Library, NorthIn dependence Branch, in the Genealogy and Local History Department almost any Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Newsletter editor: Annette W. Curtis MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 3 President's Message

by Ronald G. Putz MMFF President

This is an exciting time for the Missouri Mormon The members ofMMFF have long looked fonvard to Frontier Foundation. We achieved tax exempt status marking the Mormon historic sites in Independence and from the IRSover a year ago and now have also achieved other sites in Jackson County and elsewhere. Th.is will tax exempt status from the State of Missouri. Th.is be a major project which will cost thousands of dollars. means that people who donate to MMFF may deduct We hope to begin placing the firsthistoric site markers their donation on Federal income tax and that the next year. organization can purchase items and services without paying the Missouri sales tax. We are progressingsteadily. I want to thank all of you faithful members who piake this organization Our Visiting Historian series has been unusually possible. We appreciate your steady support. We successful. When Susan Easton Black was here a few welcome your suggestions and involvement. You are months ago, 175 people attended. One of the many welcome to attend any of our Board meetings. They are benefits of membership is that you are sure to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm at informed about upcoming speakers and events. the LDS Visitors' Center.

Our current project is providing a marker for I would like to see the day when every authentic site William E. McLellin'sgrave in Woodlawn cemetery. He is marked. I would like to see the day when historic has a tombstone, but we will be adding a marker to point property, such as the 's Camp site, and the Battfe of out his position as one of the original Apostles of this site, areproperly preserved. I would like dispensation as well as a few other accomplishments. to see the day when every person expelled from the Your donations toward this project would be most county in 1833 is remembered. I would like to see the welcome. day when the history of Jackson County, and all of western Missouri, is appreciated as much as that of The first pnntrng of our Walking Tour of Kirtland and Nauvoo is now. I would like to see the day Independence has sold out and we are now selling a when we can better understand the actions of the second printing of 1,000 copies. This publication was Missourians and that the rancor of the past, on all sides, written by MMFF's Vice President, Ronald Romig and can dissolve into today's kindly feelings. illustrated by board member, Henry Inouye. It provides excellent information not published elsewhere and Much progress has already been made, with the features the only published illustration of the Jackson Lord's guidance and your help, much more will yet be County Courthouse as it appeared in Joseph Smith's day. done. - Ronald Putz

Editor's Corner

Thank heavens the last issue of the MMFF Christmas. Meanwhile there are a million Newsletter was out before May 3rd! Due to a fire decisions to be made. on that day at our house, life has been utter confusion for us. Some things were packed out I sincerelyhope that I have not missed anyone for storage that should not have been and some in updating the membership mailing list. If you just are not where they should be after we moved know anyone who is a member of MMFF for 1996 out. and does not receive this newsletter, please let us know. Since then much of my time has been devoted - Annette Curtis to the house - we may be back in the house by MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 4

Caldwell County, Missouri Log House On Charles C. Rich Property Update

A visiting scholar presentation by Michael S. Riggs strangers treading, unannounced through their land. was reported in the last issue of the MMFF newsletter They arenow leasing this tractout forgrazing cattle and (No. 7.8. Summer/Fall 1995). The report stated that a were recently appalled to find one of these trespassers log house was discovered on property once owned by had left without even closing the gate. A concernover early Mormon leader Charles C. Rich. the 0"-'11ers liability and ability to continue to lease this Remembered primarily as a military leader for his income generating property could very well dash our involvement at the , Rich also hopes of studying perhaps the most significant structural became known as an ecclesiastical leader even in this find.fromthe 1836- 1839 period of Missouri - Mormon early period. Allen J. Stout's journal (typescript at history. MMFF, on behalf of the property owners, · USHS) made this point well: pleads with all of our members and friends to simply '·On the 5th of July 183 7, Father and I set out for STA Y AWA Y until furthernotice. Caldwell County. Missouri, in company with Anna and Jones· family, and what was called the "Rich" Branch of On Sundaythe 7th of July, Paul De Barthe noted for the Church. C. C. Richwas our leader." his outstandingarcheological work done in cooperation Stout further discussed the impact of the Battle of withthe University of Missouri at Columbia during the Crooked River on the group: l 970's and early 1980's on Nauvoo sites owned by the ''The Church in that settlement [C.C. Rich Branch] RLDS Church (along with hard working family all went intoFar West that day because SampsonAvard members), accompanied Ronald Romig and Michael told them that the mob would be upon them by night and Riggs to Caldwell Countyto performa prelim.inary;site kill them; but the mob fled as fast the other way ... " assessment. The goal was to determineif the log house Charles C. Rich's wife Sarah left a very good could be "ruled out", throughthe discovery of negative account (as printed in "Woman's Voices" p.98) of their evidence, as a vintage Mormon period structure. After first home as a married couple which was the center of several hours we were unableto findconcrete evidence the Branch. the building was of later construction. Paul felt the site "As Far West was a place [where] everybody lived would make an excellent choice for an expanded in log houses so my husbandhad built a nice hewed log controlled excavation around the exterior to be house and got it reddy to live in by the time we were performedby his students later thissummer. The intent married. It was 4 miles fromFarr West and we mooved would be to try to locate materials that could be to our coasey and happy home and we thoughtwe ware identifiedwith the earliestinhabitants of the house and the happyest couple in all the land. My husband had a see if theymatch knownartifact types previously found beautifullprospect fora nicefarm with plenty of timber at the FarWest townsite. This next fieldstudy will be a and watter and our plans were laid fora comfortable and jointeffort between the property owners, Paul DeBarthe, happy home in the near future o[u]r religion being first MMFF and the Caldwell County Historical Society. with us in all things.... Mr.Rich had a nicehorse and ri gg While Paul DeBarthe's excitement forwhat he saw so we attended meeting ever[y] Sundayat FarrWest." was very encouraging,the deteriorating condition of the building was wonisome to Romig and Riggs who had Given this rich (pardon the pun) documented found it only a year ago. "It was a veryhard winter on evidence, the excitement of the old place," Riggs finding physical remains to reportedto the MMFFJuly connect · it to has been Help in twoways - board meeting. The roof, incredible. send money but don't visit the site. having already collapsed Now the bad news, as a several yearsago, no longer result of this find being made provides any protection public, the current owners of the site report that fromthe harsh Missouri elements. DeBarthewas asked trespassers have been entering their land to see the what possible measures could be taken to slow the structure forthemselves. Although sympathetic to the advanceof destruction. After consideration, all feltthat study and preservation of this significant historical the cheapestand easiest remedy would be the erectionof treasure. they are understandably concerned about a tent or tarplike covering that could be rolled up when MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 5

investigations are in process. It was also observed that and fast, he laid down his sword in the heat of the battle some wood eating insects are continuing to ravage the and administered the ordinance of laying on hands to the logs especially on the north side of the building. The dying hero; after which he resumed the sword, assumed MMFF board was told that an exterminator should be command, and the battle of Crooked river was won by consulted to determine if anything could be done to at the Saints. Because of the prominent part he took in the least slow down their progress. In other words, it is Missouri troubles, he was forced to flee for his life literally "crunch time" on this project. In another year or through the wilderness into Illinois. He was ordained a t\vo and there might not be anything to study. member of the High Council in Nauvoo, and was also a member of the city council. He left Nauvoo Feb. 13, Given this report at the July MMFF board meeting, it 1846, and presided over Mount Pisgah branch the was resolved a shameless pitch should be made to the following winter; left Pisgah March 20, 1847. for Winter members and other interested parties ( e.g.. the Rich Quarters, starting for Great Salt Lake valley June 11. Family Association), for funds to be donated to obtain 1847, in charge of a company of moving Saints. He and erect a tent type covering over the log house and to arrived in Great Salt Lake valley Oct. 3, 1847 .... retain an exterminator and to help defray the logistical ... He was stricken with paralysis Oct. 24, 1880, and expenses to mobilize and de-mobilize a field site died at his home in Paris, Bear Lake county, Idaho, Nov. assessment team in the fall. So, if you feel that you 17, 1883 .... could make a contribution toward this important project Jenson, A., Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1901-36, you can help in two significant ways; send money (it is 4 volumes. tax deductible) but do not visit the site. - M. Riggs Hon. Charles C. Rich (From the History ofldaho.) More on C. C. Rich A pioneer of Utah, California and Idaho, Hon: Charles C. Rich, who died on November 17, 1~83, Below are parts of two biographies of Charles figured prominently in the early development of these C. Rich. Portions dealing primarily with his states, and took an active part in furthering the welfare · activities in Utah, California and Idaho have been and promoting the progress of the commonwealths. He omitted. In addition to the original works, the entire was also a most able exponent of the faith of the church articles may be found in the microfiche edition of of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and with a colony of American Biographical Archive (K. G. Saur). Notice believers he founded the beautiful and thriving little city that the biography from the 1904 Idaho source of Paris, the county seat of Bear lake county, Idaho, and completely leaves out C. C. Rich's time in Missouri, also all of the Mormon colonies of south-eastern Idaho. while Jensen's biography ignores his family. - AWC A native of Kentucky, Mr. Rich was born in Campbell in 1809, and was of English and Irish ancestry. RICH, Charles Coulson, a member of the Council of His parents moved to Indiana during his youth, and there Twelve Apostles from 1849 to 1883, was the son of he was solidly educated. In 1829 they went to Illinois, Joseph Rich and Nancy 0. Neal, and was born Aug. 21, becoming pioneer settlers of that state, and in April, 1809. in Campbell county, Kentucky. He was baptized 1832, Charles C. Rich embraced the faith and was by Ira M. Hinkley in Tazewell county, ill., April 1, 1832, baptized into the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day and ordained an Elder in Fountain county, Indiana, by Saints, becoming one of its most faithful and prominent Zebedee Coltrin, while en route to Kirtland to see the adherents. In 1830 [sic] he went to Nauvoo, Ill., where Prophet Joseph. He received his endowments in the he remained until 1846, and while there he was elected , and was ordained a High Priest under an adjutant general in the Mormon forces, then a part of the hands of Patriarch Hyrum Smi~ at Kirtland. He the Illinois . A little later, however, the regiment moved, with his father, to Far West, Mo., in 1836, and was disbanded by the governor of the state. At that time was maITied to Sarah D. Pea, Feb. 11, 1837, near Mr. Rich had been ordained a high priest of the church. Caldwell county, Missouri, by George M. Hinkle. Brother Rich took a prominent part with the Saints in all In the fall of 1846, in the general Mormon exodus, the persecutions in Missouri. While carrying a flag of he moved to Pisgah, Iowa, and was first counsellor to truce between the camp of the Saints, and mobocrats, at President Huntingdon, and on the death of the president, Far West, he was shot at, about ten yards distant, by he succeeded to the office thus left vacant. In March, , a Methodist preacher and a mob officer. 1847, he was one of a party that went to what is now At the battle of Crooked river, when David W. Patten fell Council Bluffs, Iowa, their winter quarters, where they mortally wounded, and while bullets were flying thick MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION · Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 6

made preparations for a journeyto the Rocky Mountains. are comfortably provided for. Mr. Rich was selected captain of a wagon train of one Twenty-two of the sons and ten of the daughters still hundred wagons and was also the president of the survive, namely: Mrs. Sarah Jane Miller; Joseph C., late emigrants. judge of the Fifth judicial district ofldaho; Hiram S., of St. Charles, Idaho; Mary, wife of Joseph Linford; For many years it was the belief and practice of the Franklin D., of Paris; Elizabeth, wife of Milando Pratt; male members of his church to marry a plurality of Mary A., wife of Dr. J. Pomeroy; Frances, wife of James wives, that they might raise large families for the Collins; Adelbert, of Canada; Caroline, wife of Bishop Kingdom of Saints in Heaven. Acting upon this faith, Humphries, of Paris; William L., of Paris; David P., of Mr. Rich was six times married. On February11, 1837, Rexburg; Nancy, widow of Vincent Pugmire; Minerva, SarahD. Pea became his wife; on January3, 1845, Eliza wife ofH. S. Wooley; Benjamin E., of Rexburg;Amasa A. Graves; on January 6, 1845, Mary A. Phelps; on M., of Paris; George Abel, of Paris; Landon J., of Rich, January 15, 1845, Sarah Peck; on February 7, 1846, Idaho; MarthaC., wife ofSamuel Parish;Fred C., of Salt Emeline Grover; in March,184 7, Harriet Sargeant. With Lake City; Samuel J. ofldaho Falls; Heber C., of Rich; him these wives and his father and mother, Joseph and Harley T.; Ezra C., of Ogden, Utah; Joel, of Paris; Nancy (O'Neal) Rich, crossed the plains, and these Wilford, of Paris; Morgan J.; Edward I.; Walter P., of wives were all his faithful helpmeets and conscientious Paris; George Q., of Logan, Utah; Alvin, of Paris; adherents of thechurch. Five of them bore him six sons Drusilla, wife of William Streeper, Esq. each, and twenty-two daughters were born to him, fifty­ two children in all. The family have retained the religion Progressive Men ofBannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Fremont and · of their faith. Three of the widows are now living and Oneida Counties, Idaho. 1904. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 7 in Caldwell County, Missouri

The following article is verbatim from A History of a _soldier of considerable bravery, who came to Missouri Northwest Missouri edited by Walter Williams, from Kentucky with Daniel Boone and had been greatly assisted by advisory and contributing editors, with admired by Hon. Alexander W. Doniphan, representative illustrations, in three volumes. The Lewis from Clay county. who introduced the bill for the Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1915. organi:zationof Caldwell and Daviess counties. Volume 1, Chapter XVI Caldwell County by W. H. The act organizing Caldwell County named Joseph Sheridan McGlumphy, Kingston, pages 372 -380. Baxter, of Clay County; Cornelius Gilliam,. of Clinton County, and Wm. W. Mangee, of Ray County. as a Mormon Occupation commission to select and locate a permanent seat of Two or three years previous to the organization of justice in the newly organized county. 1bis they did by Caldwell County the sect known as the Mormons had locatingthe county seat at Far West, the new townwhich been driven fromJackson County and had sought refuge in the previous fallhad beenlaid out by the Mo1mons as in Clay and Ray counties. They numbered several their headquartersin this new country. thousand and the Mormon question was one that was Far West engaging the minds of the foremost menof the state. Thehistory of the rise and fall of Far West rivals in Leaders of the Mormon Church, desiring to find interest that of any city ever established in the state or some place where they would not be molested, finally nation. Its rapid growthand flourishing prospects until · determined to occupy the prairies in the hope that, as it contained nearlythree thousand inhabitants within four these lands were not thought to be valuable at that time, years, the outlook for a city of the plain that would they would be permitted to dwell in peace. Certain men doubtless have been the largest in this section of the in authority considered this an easy and satisfactory country had fortune favored this sect here as it afte�ard solution of this grave problem, that a county should be did at . The proposed Grand Temple, its organized especiallyfor the Mormons, and that they be admirable location, the wide avenues and the stirring compelled to live within its bounds. 1bis arrangement scenes there enacted, then the dramatic climax in the seemed to suit the Mormons. They were well pleased expulsion of the sect from the state, the decay of the city with the country, and it was tacitly agreed that they until nothing now remains, reads like a romance of old. should have the exclusive right to occupy the new If Far West had continued to grow and flourish, as the countv. and that the few Gentiles would be induced to first few years gave promise, and the Mormon city had sell �ut and leave. The Mormons expressed a remained unto this day, the history of the entire state wi l Iingness to go into the new countyto be so set apart would have been vastly different. Nothing remains today for their use, or anywhere where they could live of theonce thriving city except the large excavation for peaceable. Every Gentile that could be induced to sell the Grand Temple anda few rocks scattered about the was bought out and his place taken by a Monnon. site. Pilgrims come from the ends of the earth Prior to this time, in the fall of 1833, some of the every year to visit this historicplace and chip a memento Mormon fugitivesfrom Jackson County settled near the from the comer-stone that"fell fromheaven." Inthe fall mouth of Log Creek, two miles southeast of Kingston. of 1913 Joseph Smith, the president of the Mormon They built a horse-mill, a blacksmith shop, and several Chw-chat Salt Lake City,1 with friends,visited the site of cabins. Theplace took on the formof a littlevillage, the old FarWest, where he was born seventy-five years ago. first townin Caldwell County, and it was called Salem. Far West was located by William W. Phelps and It was never anything but a small hamlet and was a John Whitmer, two influential elders, who entered the voting precinctin 1834, while this sectionwas yet a part landAugust 8, 1836, andlaid out the town upon a large of Ray County,and there were twentyvotes cast there at scale, being one mile square, with .wide avenues and the fall election of 1834. At one time forty acres ofland blocks regularlylaid out, surrounding the . were laid out in town lots, but as the Mormon exodus Among the leading authorities of the Mormon faith who took place about that time, the village was abandoned, came to Far West about this time were W. W. Phelps, and there is nothing now to mark the place. Bishop , , Philo Dibble, Organization John Whitmer,Oliver Cowdery,and many others. They Caldwell County was organized by act of the Legislature. approved December 29, 1836, and the county was namedin honor of Capt. Matthew Caldwell, 1 Joseph Fielding Smith, son of HyrumSmith. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 8

were soon followed by Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, were said to have settled in adjoining counties without Brigham Young, Lyman P. Wright', Parley P. Pratt, having gained the necessary permission. The Mormons George W. Hinkle and others, including John D. Lee, disputed this imputation; but it was, nevertheless, the who was later executed for the part he played in the source of much trouble. famous Mountain Meadows Massacre. The headquarters of the Mormon Church being now The organization of Caldwell County upon the plan located at the new City of Far West, it was the center of heretofore mentioned was a measure of great importance interest in everything pertaining to the growth and to the Mormons. A few Gentile settlers were bought out activity of this peculiar people, a sect which has had a and nothing could have been more equitable than the marvelous growth and a tenacious hold upon the affairs manner in which the Mormons acquired the new of government wherever they were established; whose territory. When the county seat was established at Far persecutions have only made them stronger, until their West an election was held, in which all county officers teaching and practice of polygamy has been a menace to were Mormons, and courts were held in the schoolhouse, the National Government. which was among the first buildings erected in that city. The Proposed Temple Justices of the peace were appointed in the different Far West was located in an ideal place for a city. townships, and all of the affairs of the county were The temple square was on a slightly raised elevation, absolutely in the hands of the Mormons. The militia of overlooking as fine prairie as one could wish to see and the county was organized from this point one had a view and mustered into service, for many miles in almost every and a regiment, composed direction. A mile to the north entirely of Mormons, As late as 1895 many of these houses were the wooded Valley of Shoal formed under the laws of scattered along the small streams in Mirable Creek lay and to the south a few the state and under the Township and elsewhere. A few frame buildings miles was to be found some leadership of Col. George were built and afterwards moved to Kingston timber land along Tub Creek, W. Hinkle. where one of them stood in 1915 at the NE Log Creek, and further down Settlements were corner of the square. was Crooked River. To the made up and down Shoal west one could see very far, Creek and thickly in the literally far west; hence, western part of the county, near Far West. Mills were perhaps, the name Far West. built, the first being near where Kingston is now located, The town was laid out in blocks 396 feet square and shops opened, stores established and the foundations of the streets were wide. The four principal avenues were a thriving and successful community were laid by this 132 feet in width, while the others were 82½ feet. These frugal people. Emigrants came in great numbers from diverged at right angles from the temple square in the the East and the population soon reached 5,000 center of the city. inhabitants. In 1836 the Mormons came into the county Nearly all the houses in Far West and the in great force, in obedience to what they considered surrounding country at this time were log cabins. As late divine authority, and it was during the summer of that as twenty years ago many of these houses were to be year that the settlement of the county began in earnest. seen scattered along the small streams in Mirabile It was yet a part of Ray County, but they had been Township and elsewhere. A few frame buildings were informed of the plans to make it a county especially for built and two or three of these were afterwards moved to their occupancy. While being set apart especially for the Kingston, the present county seat where one of them is purpose of furnishing a refuge for the saints, it was not yet standing at the northeast corner of the square. The forbidden to the Gentiles, but it was thought that few schoolhouse in Far West was used as a church, town would care to remain. In return for this privilege the hall, courthouse and for public gatherings. It first stood Mormons were not to settle in any other county, save by in the southwest part of town, but was moved nearer the express consent and permission, previously had and center. In the summer of 1838 the town had grown until obtained of at least two-thirds of the non-Mormon there were more than one hundred and fifty dwellings. residents of the township in the county wherein they There were four dry goods store, three groceries, two desired to locate. It was over this latter provision that hotels and a half-dozen blacksmith shops. A printing trouble later arose. because of the fact that the Mormons press and fixtures were brought to town and a effort made to resume the publication of the Morning and Evening Star, which had been the official paper of the Saints in Jackson County and had been destroyed, but 2 , not Wright. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 9 the project failed. drifting into the county and settling. There is also a The same years also saw the excavation for the Latter Day Saint Church in Kingston, supported by quite Grand Temple, in the temple square. The excavation a number of members. was about 120 feet by 80 feet in area, about 5 feet in But to go back to the beginning of the end of this depth. and was made in half a day. More than 500 men little city of the plain, the story is one of hatred, \vere employed, with only spades and mattocks and other prejudice, pillage, revenge and crime. small implement for digging, and the dirt was carried The Mormon War mvay by hand barrows. The comer-stone was laid July Whoever shall write the history of Mormonism in the 4. 1838. with imposing ceremonies and amid much future must needs deal to some extent with the trouble rejoicing. The Saints looked forward to the time when that arose in Caldwell County, for this was the center of they should complete a Mormon activity for a few structure that would be the eventful years. The hostility wonder of the West and a Far West is buried in the past as effectually as if of the people of Jackson monument to their industry as the earth had opened and engulfed the Mormon County, which resulted in well as a suitable place of city. the expulsion of the worship. But this was not to Mormons from that county, be accomplished. Little else was well known to tlie was ever done than dig the place for the foundation, lay settlers of the northern counties, and a widespread the comer-stone and haul a few stones, which may yet be dislike existed in Caldwell and adjoining counties among seen lying about the site. The Mormon War soon broke the Gentiles, which was fanned into open hostilities at out, resulting in this people being driven from the state, many times by certain lawless acts of both Mormons and and the flourishing City of Far West rapidly feel into Gentiles. While there were not more than twenty decay. families of Gentiles in the county, they shared in the When the Mormons left for Nauvoo, Illinois, in the common sentiment of detestation towards the sect.- and v.inter of 1839, Far West was almost entirely abandoned, condemned the arrangement which had permitted them the houses tom down and hauled away by the new to make their permanent homes in the county. settlers who followed. The town continued to be the Many stories were told of the conduct of the county seat, however, until 1843, when Kingston was Mormons during these times. Certain of their leaders laid out. At the present time the spot where Far West declared that they were privileged to do just as they was located contains nothing to indicate that there was pleased with the live stock and other property of the ever a town there, except the excavation for the temple, Gentiles, whom they regarded as intruders and which may be seen at almost its original depth, with a trespassers and whom they sought to dispossess at every large cottonwood tree growing near the center of it. The opportunity, peaceably if possible, but forcibly if cemetery west of town gradually fell into disuse, and the necessary. These stories were told and retold in greatly place where sleep many of the loved one of the exaggerated form and a bitter feud arose between the inl1abitants of this extinct city long since has been in factions. The Gentiles claimed that the Mormons had cultivation and pasture. The eighty acres which contains not abided by their agreement not to settle in other the temple site was purchased by Joseph F. Smith, counties without the consent of the inhabitants; that their president of the Mormon Church at Salt Lake City, in doctrine was obnoxious and their practices intolerable; 1909, from Jacob J. D. Whitmer, a descendant of John that they were horse-thieves and were insolent and Whitmer, paying $7,000 therefor, and the title is now in overbearing. While there were some rumors of the him. The house where his father lived in Far West was practice of polygamy at Far West, it was not publicly said to have been a one-and-a-half story log house with advocated by Brigham Young until about five years later a large chimney and stood until in the '80's, when it was at Nauvoo. The Mormons, on their part, claimed that the tom down. only cause for complaint against them was the fact that Far West is buried in the past as effectually as if the they had come into this new country and were opening earth had opened and engulfed the Mormon city. A few up fine farms that were coveted by the Gentiles; that the years ago a frame church was erected a little distance charges of theft and robbery were without foundation; south of the temple site, and the local Saints have that the Gentiles themselves were thieves and robbers; meetings there occasionally. The leaders have always that where the Mormons had taken any horses or cattle claimed that the time would come when this county it was simply in way of reprisal until certain property would again be occupied by the Mormons, and, in fact, belonging to them had been returned; that the Gentiles quite a large sprinkling of people of that faith have been were brutal and insulting, and that if they were left to MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 1O

themselves there would be no trouble. command of 2,000 men, and he arrived there the latter The first serious trouble happened at an election in part of October, 1838. General Doniphan had direct Gallatin. Daviess County, in August, 1838, and this was orders from Governor Boggs, and these orders stated that followed by a raid on the Mormons at Millport. Then the the Mormons "must all be driven from the state or inhabitants of the adjoining counties began to band exterminated." This army went into camp about a mile together for the extermination of the Mormons. Armed south of Far West and the city prepared for a siege. bands roamed over the country, both Mormons and John D. Lee, in his "Life and Confessions," Gentiles. doing all the damage they could whenever heretofore referred to, says: "The Mormons fortified the opportunity offered. Houses were burned, barns and town as well as they could and took special care to stacks of grain were set on fire and pillage and robbery fortify and build shields and breastworks to prevent were common occurrences. cavalry from charging into the town. The Gentile forces John D. Lee. in his ·'Life and Confessions," says that were camped on Log Creek, between the town and Joseph Smith said that this was civil war and by the rules Haun's Mill. Out scouts and picket guards were driven of war each party was justified in despoiling his enemy. in and forced to join the main ranks for safety. Each man "This opened the doors to the evil efforts to spoil and had a large supply of bullets, with the patching sewed on waste away the enemy of the church." The same writer the balls to facilitate loading of our guns, which were all says: "Men stole simply for the love of stealing. Such muzzle loaders. The Mormon force was about 800 inexcusable acts oflawlessness had the effect to arouse strong, poorly armed; some with single-barrel pistols and every Gentile in the three counties of Caldwell, Carroll a few had home-made swords. Our men were confident and Daviess, as well as to bring swarms of armed that God was going to deliver the enemy into our hands Gentiles from other localities." and we had no fears. I never had a doubt of being able to Lyman White3, with 300 men, was called to defend defeat the Gentile army." Far West, and John D. Lee was in his command. The That evening the town heard of the Haun's Mill Battle of Crooked river was fought about this time, in massacre. which David Patton, known to the Mormons as "Captain Haun's Mill Massacre Fear Not," one of the twelve apostles, was killed, but the Haun's Mill was built by Jacob Haun, who came Gentiles were put to flight. The Mormons took as from Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1832. It was situated on prisoner a man by the name of Tarwater, whom they the north bank of Shoal Creek, in Section 17, in what is started to take back to town. On the way Parley P. Pratt, now Fairview Township. There were at the time of the another of the apostles, deliberately shot him as he massacre, besides the mill, a blacksmith shop and walked in front of his captors. He was left for dead, but perhaps half a dozen houses. About twenty families aftenvards recovered and made his escape. This fight were living there, either in cabins or tents and wagons, spread fear and consternation in the ranks of the some having recently come into the country. Having Mormons, who firmly believed that no Saint could be heard that the state had ordered them to be driven out, a killed by Gentile hands. Lee himself says: "I was company organized with about thirty men, under the thunderstruck to hear Joseph Smith, the apostle, say at leadership of David Evans, to defend the place. It is said the funeral of Captain Patton that Mormons fell by the that Jacob Haun went to Far West to consult the prophet miss_iles of death the same as other men." Joseph Smith about the situation and he advised them to The Mormons continued to prepare for war. The move into Far West for protection, and after Haun had regiment of state militia in the county was taken charge left the prophet expressed the fear that they would all be of by Lyman Wright [sic]. A company of "," or killed if they did not do so. ·'Destroying ," was formed from the bravest and At sunset on October 30, 1838, the Mormons at best men, who took an oath to support the heads of the Haun's Mill were attacked, and, being taken by surprise, chmch in all things unto death. They were organized for fled in confusion to the blacksmith shop, some of them the purpose of burning and destroying property. After being shot down on the way as they ran. The survivors the Crooked River fight and some similar difficulties in returned the fire, but their aim was wild and ineffective, adjoining counties, Gov. , who shared the while that of the militia was accurate and deadly. Seeing general hatred and distrust of the Mormons, in response that they were greatly outnumbered, Captain Evans to a large petition, ordered that the Mormon regiment be ordered every man to look out for himself, the door was disarmed. He also sent General Doniphan to Far West in thrown open, and those who were able left the shop to seek refuge in the timber. Many were shot as they ran and but few escaped. According to the church records at Salt Lake City, seventeen men were killed and twelve 3 Lyman Wight, not White. MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 11 v,:ounded. The next morning the bodies of those slain To these propositions Colonel Hinkle agreed, as were thrown into a large unfinished well near the mill. compliance with those conditions would be the only The location of this well cannot now be determined, and thing that would save hundred of lives. He desired, there are few that can show the spot where the mill however, to postpone the matter until the next morning. stood. TI1e millstone several years ago was taken from Lucas required him to his hands Joseph Smith, Sidney the bed of the creek and placed in the city park at Rigdon, Lyman Wright [sic], Parley P. Pratt and George Breckenridge. where it is today, the only relic and a mute W. Robinson as hostages for the faithful compliance with witness to one of the most momentous tragedies of these terms. Missouri. Hinkle returned to Far West and sought out these So far as known there is but one survivor now living men and told them they were wanted to confer with of the Haun's Mill massacre. William Clyde of General Lucas in regard to arranging a compromise. He Springville. Utah, then a boy of nine years, arrived at did not disclose the true purpose for fear that they would Haun· s mill with his parents about two weeks before and refuse to go. He knew the militia, which had been saw the havoc made by the militia in the little settlement. receiving new recruits and reinforc.ements, now The news of the killing of their friends at Haun's numbered about three thousand men, and that a fight Mill struck terror to the hearts of the inhabitants of Far could terminate in only one way and would doubtless West and the leaders of the church began to see the true result in wholesale slaughter. For this deception Colonel proportions of the storm that was rapidly advancing. Hinkle was branded as a traitor, was ousted from the General Lucas was given full command of the forces church and spent his last days in Iowa. Joseph Smith and an-ayed against Far West and he moved to Goose Creek, the others readily agreed to accompany Hinkle to meet taking the old Richmond and Far West trail, which may General Lucas, and did so the following morning. When yet be seen. General Doniphan had command of the once in the hands of the militia, guards were placed over forces on the right of the line and followed some them and, yielding to the clamor of his men, that night fugitives to within 200 yards of the Mormon General Lucas ordered that they should be taken intocFar breastworks. Here he was met by the Mormon force and West at 9 o'clock the next morning and there, in the retired without making an attack, it being the intention to temple square, be shot. General Doniphan, to whom this move against them in full force the following morning. order was given, refused to execute it and sent a spirited The Mormon leaders, seeing the city surrounded and reply to his superior officer for which he was never besieged on every hand by an army far outnumbering called to account. Smith and his fellow prisoners sent their own and remembering the fate of their friends at word into Far West for their brethren to lay down their Haw.1 · s Mill, realized the futility of resistance. They arms and submit to the authority of the state. could see nothing but utter rout and annihilation unless Surrender of Far West terms were quickly made with the enemy. The next On the morning of November l st the Mormons morning Col. G. W. Hinkle, commanding the forces in marched out of Far West and grounded their arms. the town, sent a message to General Lucas, requesting an About 650 guns of all descriptions were turned over and interview, and the two leaders met that afternoon on an hauled away by the militia. They were all required to eminence near Far West. Hinkle wanted to learn if some sign the articles of surrender. After they were placed compromise could not be effected or some settlement under guard the militia then marched into the town, made of the difficulties other than to resort to arms. where occurred many disorderly scenes. The town was General Lucas replied by reading Hinkle the instructions plundered and many things done that brought fear and of Governor Boggs and gave him a copy of the same, shame to the women and children. The militia foraged which were as follows: liberally upon the flocks and herds of the Mormons and ''First, that the Mormons give up Joseph Smith, and destroyed much property. the other leaders of the church to be tried and punished; General Clark succeeded to command of the militia second, that they make an appropriation of all the and he told the Mormons that they must not think of property of those who had taken up arms for the payment remaining here another season, but must leave the state. of their debts, and to make indemnity for the damages Evacuation done or occasioned ( the latter clause was held to mean Whatever may be said truthfully about the justice of that the Mormons should pay all expenses of the war the handling of the Mormon problem by the state and against them); third, that they give up all arms of every however severely the Mormons deserved punishment, description; fourth, that all those not held for trial leave the manner in which they were compelled to leave, on the state and be protected out by militia, but be permitted foot, in the dead of winter, for their new home at to remain until further orders from the governor." Nauvoo, Illinois, was one of the most cruel, pathetic and MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 12 deplorable chapters yet written in their history. A few by the close of the next year, 1840, the county had about sold their land fora trifle, but most of them could not sell one thousand inhabitants. Far West continued to be the at any price and abandoned the land and such property county seat until 1843, when Kingston was laid out and that could not be taken. Some of them remained until designated as the county seat by a commission appointed spring. but within a few months Far West was almost for the purpose. deserted. The county then had a steady growth for several Smith and the other leaders were taken to Richmond years, and thenext most importantevent perhaps was the for trial. Various charges were filed against them and building of theHannibal & St. Joseph Railroad in 1858. Smith and Pratt made their escape. Gibbs was tried and This opened up the territory, furnishing means of access acquitted and the cases against the others were as nothing else could do. dismissed. Reconstruction Period With the exodus of the Mormons the countywas left with but few inhabitants, but there was quite an increase in population within thenext few years. Emigrants came in to take up the abandoned homes of the Mormons, and MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 13 Early Independence, Missouri "Mormon" History Tour Guide By Ronald E. Romig and illustrated by Henry K. Inouye. Independence, Missouri: Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation, 1994. 45 pages. Illustrations. Maps. Sources. 8½ x 11 inches. Paperback. Second printing with minor revisions.

The 16 sites described include the , Jones H. Flournoyh ouse, Gilbert and Whitney Store, Evening and Morning Star Printing Office, 1827 Log Courthouse and other sites in the Temple Lot and uptownIndependence area. Whiledesi gned as a walking tour, the book includes well documented historical information on the area, as well as on the sites.

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

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Make checks payable to Missouri Monnon Frontier Foundation and mail to: Missouri Monnon Frontier Foundation, P.O. Box 3186, Independence MO 64055 MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 11, Summer 1996 Page 14

1996 Membership Dues Keep the newsletter coming to you. Memberships IDSTORICAL MARKER DEDICATION are for the calendar year. New memberships are MeLellin Monument welcomed anytime. Sunday, 29 September 1996 ---··-� : �···--- 2p.m. Interested people are invited to attend MMFF Woodlawn Cemetery functions. Call Ron Putz or Ron Romig form ore Independence, Missouri information. ---···� : �-··--- Visiting Historian Lecture Series Richard �eitzel Holzapfel George Edward Anderson's Photographic_ Mission 1907-1908 26 September 1996 7:00 p.m. RLDS Temple Lecture Hall Visiting historian-author Richard Neitzel Holzapfelwill give a Missouri Morinon Frontier FoW1dation lecture at 7:00 p.m., Thursday evening, 26 September 1996. Richard, a BYU History professor, will share details of the Missouri portion of Anderson's photographic mission. All with an interest in early visual images of Missouri (:hurch History sites will enjoy this lecture. Richardis co-author of Church History in Black and White, which tells the fascinating story of Anderson's visit to the towns of Independence, Richmond, and coW1ties of Caldwell and Daviess in Missouri. The Holzapfellec ture will be held at the RLDS Temple Lecture Hall, Riverand Wamut · (enter Temple from the east parking lot area), Independence, Missouri. The lecture is free. For more information contact Ron Romig at the RLDS Archives. · Co-sponsored by Mrv!FFand Temple School.

Missouri Mormon Frontier FoW1dation P.O. Box 3186 Independence MO 64055