Apostles' Histories from Millenial Star
History of Orson Hyde.

Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864):742-44, 760-61, 774-76, 790-92.

"I, Orson Hyde, son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe, was born in Oxford, New Haven County and state of Connecticut, January 8, 1805. At the age of seven
years, my mother, a pious and godly woman, according to the light that then was, and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, died soon after being delivered of a
son, named Ami. Having given birth to eight sons and three daughters in the following order, according to my best recollection: Abijah, Harry, Laura, Nathan, Sally,
Asahel, Horatio, Maria, Charles, Orson and Ami.

My father, a boot and shoemaker by trade, was a very talented man; quick, athletic, and naturally witty and cheerful. He was kind and affectionate, except when under
the influence of strong drink (a habit to which he was somewhat addicted). After the death of my mother, my father enlisted into the army of the United States, and was
in the campaign in Canada, under General Brown,-was in most of the battles fought there, several times slightly wounded,-was on the frontier along the line, and etc., in
the war with Britain in 1812 and 1813. Some four or five years after, in attempting to swim a river in Derby, Connecticut, he was taken with the cramp and drowned.

After the death of my mother, the family was scattered abroad, and took their chances in life under no special protector or guide, save that of a kind Providence who
ever watches, with care, over the lonely orphan and hears the plaintive cry of the young sparrows, bereft of their parent mother.

At this early age, I was placed in the care of a gentleman by the name of Nathan Wheeler, or rather, fell into his hands, residing in Derby in the same county. This was a
very good family, but quite penurious. With Mr. Wheeler I continued until I was eighteen years of age, and would have continued longer; but from the consideration that
suitable encouragement was not offered to me for education, and etc., I concluded that my services from seven to eighteen years of age, would abundantly repay Mr.
Wheeler for his care and expense in rearing me up to that time.

In the meantime Mr. Wheeler removed and came to the Western Reserve in Ohio, having failed in business in Derby. He first visited the Western Reserve by himself,
purchased a farm in Kirtland, and sent for me and his nephew, Nathan Wooster, to come out the next spring. Accordingly, Mr. Wooster and myself started early the
next season (I then being fourteen years of age). This was a hard trip for a youngster to perform on foot, with knapsack upon the back, containing clothes, bread,
cheese, and dried beef for the journey, and obliged to keep up with a strong man, travelling from 30 to 38 miles per day, until we had performed the entire distance of
600 miles.

Mr. W. [Wheeler] then sent to the east for the balance of his family, who came on the next season in the care of Captain Isaac Morley, a resident of Kirtland, where
they arrived in safety. The farm being a new one, and heavily timbered, it was the hardest kind of labor to prepare it for cultivation. This being done, and Mr. Wheeler
being again in easy circumstances, I concluded to strike out for myself, having had comparatively no chance for mental or literary improvement, and no very flattering
prospects held out to me that I should be able to enjoy such opportunity at any future time, should I continue longer with Mr. W. [Wheeler], consequently, at the age of
18 years, in the face of the remonstrances of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, I made my first debut into the world with the following outfit: one suit of homemade woollen
clothes (butternut colored,) two red flannel shirts, also homemade, two pairs of socks, one pair of coarse shoes on the feet, one old hat and six and a quarter cents in
clean cash.

With this outfit and capital stock in trade, on the 8th day of January, 1823, I went forth from my old home to carve out my fortune and destiny under my own guidance,
for ought I then knew. My first strike was to hire out for six months to Grandison Newel, at 6 dollars per month, to work in a small iron foundry. There I learned to
mold clock bells, and irons, sleigh shoes and various other articles. My wages for this term of service, were carefully saved, together with some perquisites, and
compensation for extra labor, which in the aggregate, amounted to enough to buy me a good suit of clothes, boots, hat, and etc. This being accomplished, I began to
straighten up a little. I then hired for six months more to Mr. Orrin Holmes of Chagrin (now Willoughby) to card wool, and being a raw hand at the business, I could not
get very high wages. The machines were in Kirtland.

I next went into the store of Gilbert and Whitney in Kirtland to serve as clerk, where I continued for a year or two, then hired two carding machines to run for one year,
the same where I was engaged a year or two before. The proprietors being well acquainted with me took my own obligation for the rent without security. The carding
season came on, and the machines (two in number under the same roof) being put in good running order, operations began. A new machine having been placed on the
same stream, a few miles above, I feared that my business would be cut short. But unfortunately for the proprietors of the new mill, their dam broke way in a freshet,
and they were unable to repair it during the carding season, which gave to me almost the entire carding of the country. During this season I paid my hired help, and also
my rent, and cleared about 600 dollars in cash. This I thought was doing very well for a boy. When winter came on, I went into Gilbert and Whitney's store again,
under moderate wages, and continued there until the spring. Then in 1827, business being rather slack in the store, I went to work for the same parties, making pot and
pearl ashes. This season there was a Methodist camp meeting about six miles distant from Kirtland, which I attended, and became a convert to that faith. I enjoyed
myself as well as the light and knowledge I then had would allow me. I believe that God had mercy and compassion upon me, and that if I had died at that time, I
should have received all the happiness and glory that I could appreciate or enjoy. The revival that began at that camp meeting spread much in Kirtland. A class was
formed there, and I was appointed class leader.

About this time some vague reports came in the newspapers that a "golden bible" had been dug out of a rock in the state of New York. It was treated, however, as a
hoax. But on reading the report, I remarked as follows-"Who knows but that this `golden bible' may break up all our religion, and change its whole features and
bearing?" Nothing more was heard of it for a long time in that section.

Not long after this, the Campbellite doctrine began to be preached in Mentor and in Kirtland. Elder S. [Sidney] Rigdon was its chief advocate there. Being forcibly
struck with the doctrine of immersion or baptism for the remission of sins, and many other important items of doctrine which were advocated by this new sect, and
which were passed over by the Methodists as not essential, I left the Methodists and became a convert to this new faith.

Feeling that one day I might be called to advocate it, and feeling my great deficiency in learning, I resolved to go to school. Accordingly, I took up my abode in Mentor,
in the house of Elder Sidney Rigdon, and began the study of English grammar under his tuition. Elder Rigdon took unwearied pains and care to instruct me in this
elementary science."

"After spending several months in this way, studying day and night, I went two quarters to the Burton Academy and placed myself under the tuition of the preceptor,
Reuben Hitchcock, Esq. (since judge of the court). Here I reviewed grammar, geography, arithmetic and rhetoric; then returned to Mentor and spent one season with a
young man by the name of Matthew J. Clapp, at his father's house, where the public library was kept. Here I read history and various other works, scientific and
literary; and in the fall of the year was ordained an elder in this new church, and went on a mission with Elder Rigdon to Elyria, Loraine County, and also to Florence in
Huron County. There we baptized a great number of people into the new faith, organized several branches of the Church, and returned again to Mentor. This I think
 Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                            Page 1 / 49
was in the fall of 1829.

Early in the spring of 1830, I returned to Elyria and Florence, and became the pastor of the churches raised up the fall previous. During the fall and winter of 1830, I
Reuben Hitchcock, Esq. (since judge of the court). Here I reviewed grammar, geography, arithmetic and rhetoric; then returned to Mentor and spent one season with a
young man by the name of Matthew J. Clapp, at his father's house, where the public library was kept. Here I read history and various other works, scientific and
literary; and in the fall of the year was ordained an elder in this new church, and went on a mission with Elder Rigdon to Elyria, Loraine County, and also to Florence in
Huron County. There we baptized a great number of people into the new faith, organized several branches of the Church, and returned again to Mentor. This I think
was in the fall of 1829.

Early in the spring of 1830, I returned to Elyria and Florence, and became the pastor of the churches raised up the fall previous. During the fall and winter of 1830, I
also taught school in Florence. During this fall, Samuel H. Smith, Zibar [Ziba?] Peterson, F. [Frederick] G. Williams and Peter Whitmer came along through that
section, preaching the `golden bible' or `Mormonism,' I encountered them; but perceiving that they were mostly illiterate men, and at the same time observing some
examples of superior wisdom and truth in their teaching, I resolved to read the famed `golden bible,' as it was called.

Accordingly, I procured the book and read a portion of it, but came to the conclusion that it was all a fiction. I preached several times against the `Mormon' doctrine or
rather against the `Mormon' bible. On one occasion, the people of Ridgeville, near Elyria, sent for me to preach against the `Mormon' bible. I complied with the
request, and preached against it. The people congratulated me much, thinking that `Mormonism' was completely floored. But I, for the first time, thought that the
`Mormon' bible might be the truth of heaven; and fully resolved before leaving the house, that I would never preach against it anymore until I knew more about it, being
pretty strongly convicted in my own mind that I was doing wrong. I closed up my school and my preaching in that section, and resolved to go to Kirtland on a visit to
my old friends. Elder S. [Sidney] Rigdon, Gilbert and Whitney, and many others of my former friends had embraced the `Mormon' faith. I ventured to tell a few of my
confidential friends in Florence my real object in visiting Kirtland. The Prophet, Joseph Smith, Jun., had removed to that place. My object was to get away from the
prejudices of the people, and to place myself in a position where I could examine the subject without embarrassment.

Accordingly, in the summer of 1831, I went to Kirtland, and under cover of clerkship in the old store of Whitney and Gilbert, I examined `Mormonism.' Read the
`Mormon' bible carefully through, attended meetings of the `Mormons' and others, heard the arguments pro and con., but was careful to say nothing. I prayed much
unto the Lord for light and knowledge, for wisdom and spirit to guide me in my examinations and investigations. Often heard the Prophet talk in public and in private
upon the subject of the new religion; also heard what the opposition had to say. Listened also to many foolish tales about the Prophet-too foolish to have a place in this
narrative. I marked carefully the spirit that attended the opposition, and also the spirit that attended the `Mormons' and their friends; and after about three months of
careful and prayerful investigation, reflection and meditation, I came to the conclusion that the `Mormons' had more light and a better spirit than their opponents. I
concluded that I could not be the loser by joining the `Mormons,' and as an honest man, conscientiously bound to walk in the best and clearest light I saw, I resolved to
be baptized into the new religion. Hence, I attended the Saints' meeting in Kirtland, Sunday, October 30, 1831, and offered myself a candidate for baptism, which was
administered to me by the hands of Elder Sidney Rigdon; was confirmed and ordained an elder in the Church on the same day under the hands of Joseph Smith, the
Prophet, and Sidney Rigdon. Not until about three days after did I receive any internal evidence of the special approbation of Heaven of the course I had taken. When
one evening behind the counter, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me in so powerful a manner, that I felt like waiting upon no one, and withdrew in private to enjoy the
feast alone. This, to me, was a precious season, long to be remembered. I felt that all my old friends (not of the `Mormons') would believe me, and with a warm and
affectionate heart, I soon went out among them, and began to talk and testify to them what the Lord had done for me; but the cold indifference with which they received
me, and the pity they expressed for my delusion, soon convinced me that it was not wise to give that which is holy unto dogs, neither to cast pearls before swine."

"A few days after this, I attended a conference in the town of Orange, at which I was ordained a high priest under the hands of Joseph Smith, and appointed on a
mission to Elyria and Florence in connection with Brother Hyrum Smith. In these places we were the means of converting and baptizing many of my old Campbellite
friends, raised up and organized two or three branches of the Church, laid hands on several sick persons and healed them by prayer and faith. After confirming the
Churches and bearing a faithful testimony to them and to all people, in the midst of much opposition, we returned again to Kirtland. I found Brother Hyrum a pleasant
and an agreeable companion, a wise counsellor, a father and a guide.

Soon after our return to Kirtland, I was sent on another mission, in company with Brother Samuel H. Smith, a younger brother of the Prophet, who was a man slow of
speech and unlearned, yet a man of good faith and extreme integrity. We journeyed early in the spring of 1832, eastward together, without `purse or scrip,' going from
house to house, teaching and preaching in families, and also in the public congregations of the people. Wherever we were received and entertained, we left our blessing;
and wherever we were rejected, we washed our feet in private against those who rejected us, and bore testimony of it unto our Father in Heaven, and went on our way
rejoicing, according to the commandment.

When in Westfield, New York, we preached to a crowded audience. I was speaker. After the discourse, a gentleman rose up and requested that a brief history of
Joseph Smith be given to the people previous to his finding the plates. I remarked that I was not acquainted with the early history of Joseph Smith, and consequently
was unable to comply with the request, but observed that his younger brother was present who might, if he felt disposed, favor them with an account of the early life of
his brother.

Samuel arose and said, that as it was the early history of his own brother that they required, it might be thought that, in consequence of his near kin, his statements might
not be free from partiality, and respectfully declined the task.

The gentleman who first made the request then stated that he had been acquainted with Joseph Smith from his boyhood. It was then observed that he was a suitable
person to give his history. Accordingly he began to do so. He soon came to where he said Joseph did some mean act and ran away. Another gentleman in the
congregation, knowing that the speaker had recently run away from his former place of abode for his mean acts and come there, here interrupted the speaker by asking
him how long it was after Joseph ran away till he started? This question so discomfited the speaker that he sat down amid the hisses and uproar of the multitude. So,
but little of the history of Joseph Smith was given at that meeting.

From this place we hastened on to Spafford where there was a small branch of the Church; and by our ministry added 14 members. We then hastened on to Boston,
Massachusetts, preaching and teaching by the way and baptizing some. We raised up a branch in Boston of some 25 or 30 members. Preached also in Lynn and
baptized a few, who were attached to the Boston Branch. Also raised up a branch of some thirty in Bradford, Massachusetts.

Then proceeded on to Saco, in Maine, where we preached several times. From thence proceeded to Farmington where we raised up a branch of about 20 in number.
Returned by way of Bradford and Lowel; called on my sister, Mrs. North. Although separated from her for 25 years she received me very coolly on account of my
religion. I told her that the Lord had had particular respect for her-had not sent her this message by a stranger-a man whom she knew not, and consequently one in
whom, she had no confidence; but has taken your own mother's son-dandled upon the same knee, nursed at the same breast and like Joseph in Egypt, separated from
his kinsfolk and compelled to make friends among strangers. This brother comes to you with this message in the name of the Lord. She replied: `If the Lord had sent
you I should think he would have prepared my heart to receive your message, which he has not done.'

This answer filled my heart with sorrow for her unbelief. Indeed, I could hardly restrain my feelings on the occasion; still I did, and replied to my sister by the following
interrogatives:

`Laura, do you think that God sent his Son with a message to the Jews?' `Yes;' was the reply.

`Did he, or did
 Copyright      he not, prepare
            (c) 2005-2009,        their hearts
                               Infobase   Mediato receive
                                                  Corp. it?' She was silent; and with a heart ready to burst with grief, I turned away from my sister, being confident
                                                                                                                                                             Page 2that/ 49
her heart was fully set to reject my message, and bade her adieu, resolving to be slow to call upon anymore of my relatives that I might be exempted from the duty of
washing my feet against my own kindred in case of being rejected, leaving them to be warned and dealt with by strangers.
interrogatives:

`Laura, do you think that God sent his Son with a message to the Jews?' `Yes;' was the reply.

`Did he, or did he not, prepare their hearts to receive it?' She was silent; and with a heart ready to burst with grief, I turned away from my sister, being confident that
her heart was fully set to reject my message, and bade her adieu, resolving to be slow to call upon anymore of my relatives that I might be exempted from the duty of
washing my feet against my own kindred in case of being rejected, leaving them to be warned and dealt with by strangers.

Mr. North, her husband, a very good man in the estimation of his acquaintances, loving popular religion and money also, gave me to understand that I was welcome at
his house on account of relationship, but that he did not care to entertain my colleague, Brother Samuel H. Smith. Oh, thought I, that you were worthy before God to
entertain him! I cared not for his invitation, as I thought more of Samuel than of anyone in his house, and stayed only long enough to discharge my duty, and never again
voluntarily returned.

From Lowel we returned to Boston; and from thence we went to Providence, Rhode Island, and there baptized some ten or fifteen persons amid most violent
opposition. We had to flee in the night, sleep under the fence and under an apple tree. Went back to Boston and then started for home, where we arrived late in
December.

This was one of the most arduous and toilsome missions ever performed in the Church. To travel two thousand miles on foot, teaching from house to house, and from
city to city, without purse or scrip, often sleeping in schoolhouses after preaching-in barns, in sheds, by the wayside, under trees, and etc., was something of a task.
When one would be teaching in private families, the other would frequently be nodding in his chair, weary with toil, fatigue and want of sleep. We were often rejected in
the afterpart of the day, compelling us to travel in the evening, and sometimes till people were gone to bed, leaving us to lodge where we could. We would sometimes
travel until midnight or until nearly daylight before we could find a barn or shed in which we dare to lie down; must be away before discovered least suspicion rest upon
us. Would often lie down under trees and sleep in daytime to make up loss.

In the spring of 1833, I, in company with Hyrum Smith, went on a mission to Elk Creek township, Erie County, Pennsylvania, where we labored several weeks, and
baptized a number of persons into a branch of the Church, previously raised up there by the ministry of John F. Boynton and others. We also preached considerably in
North East Township, Ohio, and in other places while passing to and fro, baptizing some few by the way. Returned to Kirtland in the summer."

"During this same summer I was appointed to go up to Jackson County, Missouri, in company with Elder John Gould, with special instructions to the Saints there from
the Prophet Joseph in Kirtland. We started on foot with our valises on our backs, a distance of about one thousand miles. We travelled about forty miles per day
through a sickly fever and ague country, swimming rivers, and pushing our clothes over on a log or raft before us. We arrived in Jackson County about the beginning of
the Saints' troubles there. We delivered our letters and documents, and were sometimes surrounded by the mob, who threatened to wring our heads off from our
shoulders. Several little skirmishes took place while there, and some few were killed and wounded.

Times began to be warm, and expulsion seemed inevitable. The Saints began to flee over the river to Clay County, and we, having done all we could, took a steamer
for St. Louis on our return home. We arrived home in Kirtland in the month of November 1833.

In the winter and spring of 1834, I took another mission to Pennsylvania, Elk Creek, in company with Elder Orson Pratt, to preach the gospel and to call a company to
go up that summer to Missouri. We went as far east as Genesee, New York.

In the month of May, the company started from Kirtland for Missouri. I went round by Florence to collect some money due me there, for the benefit of the camp. I
obtained between one and two hundred dollars, met the camp near Dayton, and turned in myself and my money to strengthen the camp.

On our way up on the north side of the Missouri River, when nearly opposite Jefferson City, the place of residence of Governor Daniel Dunklin, governor of the state,
I, with Brother Parley P. Pratt, was deputed to go and see him, and ascertain if he could not do something towards reinstating our people upon their lands and take
some steps to punish our persecutors. But he referred us to the courts of the respective counties in which our aggrievances [grievances] originated, and said that he
entertained no doubt but that these courts, that had full jurisdiction, would do us ample justice in the case. He knew better. He knew that both magistrates, constables,
judges and sheriffs were engaged in the mob, and were sworn to destroy us. He well knew that to refer us to these courts for justice, was like referring us to a band of
thieves to sue for the recovery of stolen property. The courts would do nothing-the governor would not if he could, and the President of the United States, at the head
of all political power, could not correct one error in any branch below him, neither redress us in any way. Heaven blot out such a government from the records and
family of nations. We were compelled to return with the same knowledge and comfort that we had before-God with us, and everybody else against us.

Returned from Missouri the same summer.

On the 4th day of September following, I was married, in Kirtland, to Miss Marinda N. Johnson, daughter of John and Elsa Johnson, by Elder Sidney Rigdon.

This winter the Twelve Apostles were chosen, and I, being one of that number, was appointed, with the entire quorum, to take a mission through the states, and hold
conferences in all the churches. In the spring of 1835, the Twelve started, and went through to the states of Vermont and New Hampshire, preaching and baptizing,
holding conferences and strengthening the churches, regulating and putting them in order. Returned to Kirtland in September of the same year.

In the spring of 1836, I took a mission to the state of New York, in company with several others of the Apostles. I labored in the vicinity of Rochester. Fell in with
Joseph and Hyrum at Buffalo, on their way to Canada, and took dinner with them at a hotel. I next proceeded to Canada to join Elder Parley P. Pratt, who had
previously gone there, and had called for help. Elder Pratt and myself labored in company for a season.

At one meeting a learned Presbyterian priest came in just at the close, and bade us a challenge for debate. We, at first, declined, saying that we had all the labor we
could attend to without debate. But nothing would answer the priest but debate. We then said, debate it should be. Accordingly, time and place were agreed upon, and
also the terms and conditions. Before the debate came off, Elder Pratt was called home as a witness in a case at law, and left me to meet the champion alone. The time
arrived, and about one acre of people assembled in a grove, wagons arranged for pulpits opposite each other, and presently the priest came with some less than a
mule-load of books, pamphlets and newspapers, containing all the slang of an unbelieving world. The meeting was duly opened by prayer. All things being ready, the
battle began by a volley of grape and canister from my battery, which was returned with vigor and determined zeal. Alternate cannonading, half hour each, continued
until dinner was announced. An armistice was proclaimed, and the parties enjoyed a good dinner with their respective friends.

After two hours, the forces were again drawn up in battle array. The enemy's fire soon became less and less spirited, until, at length, under a well directed and
murderous fire from the long `eighteens' with which Zion's fortress is ever mounted-to wit: the Spirit of God-the enemy raised his hand to heaven and exclaimed, with
affected contempt, `Abominable! I have heard enough of such stuff.' I immediately rejoined, `Gentlemen and ladies, I should consider it highly dishonorable to continue
to beat my antagonist after he has cried enough,' so I waived the subject. The priest did not appear to think half so much of his scurrilous books, pamphlets and
newspapers, when he was gathering them up to take away, as when he brought them upon the stand. Their virtue fled like chaff before the wind. About forty persons
were  baptized
 Copyright  (c)into the Church
                2005-2009,      in that place
                             Infobase   Media (Scarborough)
                                                Corp.       immediately after the debate. Jenkins was the name of the priest. It is highly probably that hePage
                                                                                                                                                            has never
                                                                                                                                                                   3 /since
                                                                                                                                                                       49
challenged a `Mormon' preacher for debate.

When Elder Pratt returned to Canada, my wife came with him, and joined me in that country. We continued to labor in Markham, Scarborough and Toronto during the
murderous fire from the long `eighteens' with which Zion's fortress is ever mounted-to wit: the Spirit of God-the enemy raised his hand to heaven and exclaimed, with
affected contempt, `Abominable! I have heard enough of such stuff.' I immediately rejoined, `Gentlemen and ladies, I should consider it highly dishonorable to continue
to beat my antagonist after he has cried enough,' so I waived the subject. The priest did not appear to think half so much of his scurrilous books, pamphlets and
newspapers, when he was gathering them up to take away, as when he brought them upon the stand. Their virtue fled like chaff before the wind. About forty persons
were baptized into the Church in that place (Scarborough) immediately after the debate. Jenkins was the name of the priest. It is highly probably that he has never since
challenged a `Mormon' preacher for debate.

When Elder Pratt returned to Canada, my wife came with him, and joined me in that country. We continued to labor in Markham, Scarborough and Toronto during the
season, and returned to Kirtland in the fall, after raising up several branches of the Church. Engaged this winter in reading Hebrew.

Spring of 1837, went on a mission to England, in company with Elders Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, John Goodson, Isaac Russel, John Snider and Joseph
Fielding. Labored in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and baptized about fifteen hundred souls by our united labors, and returned again to Kirtland, May 21, 1838. This
summer I removed with my family to Far West, in Missouri, where I was taken sick, soon after my arrival, with bilious fever, and did not fully recover until the spring of
1839.

Few men pass through life without leaving some traces which they would gladly obliterate. Happy is he whose life is free from stain and blemish.

In the month of October, 1838, with me it was a day of affliction and darkness. I sinned against God and my brethren; I acted foolishly. I will not allude to any causes
for so doing save one, which was, that I did not possess the light of the Holy Ghost. I lost not my standing in the Church, however; yet, not because I was worthy to
retain it, but because God and his servants were merciful. Everlasting thanks to God, and may his servants ever find mercy. Brothers Hyrum Smith and H. [Heber] C.
Kimball, men of noted kindness of heart, spake to me words of encouragement and comfort in the hour of my greatest sorrow. But Hyrum is gone! Peace to his ashes
and blessings upon his posterity. Heber lives, and may he and his posterity live to tread upon the necks of the enemies of God. I seek pardon of all whom I have
offended, and also of my God, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

I located with the Saints in Commerce, since Nauvoo. Here I took the ague, which lasted me for months, and which came well nigh killing me and also my family. At
the April conference in 1840, reduced to a mere skeleton, I was appointed, in company with Elder John E. Page, to go on a mission to Jerusalem, and started-gone
nearly three years. Performed the mission, but Elder Page did not. Returned to Nauvoo latter part of December, 1842, the particulars of which, and my subsequent
history, are contained in the general records of the Church."

History of Luke Johnson.

[by himself.]

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864):834-36; 27 (1865):5-7.

My grandfather, Israel Johnson, lived in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and was much respected by his neighbors for his honesty, integrity and industry.

My father, John Johnson, was born in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, April 11, 1779. He followed the occupation of farming on a large scale, and was noted for paying
his debts and living independently. He moved from Pomfret, Vermont, to Hiram, Portage County, Ohio. He was connected with the Methodist Church for about four
or five years previous to receiving the gospel.

Soon after Joseph Smith moved from the state of New York, my father, mother and Ezra Booth, a Methodist Minister, went to Kirtland to investigate `Mormonism.'
My mother had been laboring under an attack of chronic rheumatism in the shoulder, so that she could not raise her hand to her head for about two years; the prophet
laid hands upon her, and she was healed immediately.

My father was satisfied in regard to the truth of `Mormonism,' and was baptized by Joseph Smith, Jr., in the winter of 1830-1, and furnished him and his family a home,
while he translated a portion of the Bible.

In the fall of 1831, while Joseph was yet at my father's, a mob of forty or fifty came to his house, a few entered his room in the middle of the night, and Carnot Mason
dragged Joseph out of bed by the hair of his head; he was then seized by as many as could get hold of him, and taken about forty rods from the house, stretched on a
board, and tantalized in the most insulting and brutal manner; they tore off the few night clothes that he had on, for the purpose of emasculating him, and had Dr.
Dennison there to perform the operation; but when the Dr. saw the Prophet stripped and stretched on the plank, his heart failed him, and he refused to operate. The
mob then scratched his body all over, saying, `Damn you, this is the way the Holy Ghost falls upon you.' And in attempting to force open his jaws, they broke one of his
front teeth to pour a vial of some obnoxious drug into his mouth.

The mob became divided, and did not succeed, but poured tar over him, and then stuck feathers in it and left him, and went to an old brickyard to wash themselves and
bury their filthy clothes. At this place a vial was dropped, the contents of which ran out and killed the grass. About the same time part of the mob went to the house that
Sidney Rigdon occupied, and dragged him out, and besmeared him with tar and feathers. My father, hearing the outcry of the family, went to the door, but finding it
held by someone on the outside, he called for his gun, when those who held the door left; he pursued, and was knocked down; his collarbone was broken; he was
taken back to the house, and hands laid upon him by David Whitmer and immediately healed. A few minutes after this accident, we heard the voice of Joseph calling
for a blanket; some person handed him one, and he came in, the tar trickling down his face; his wife was very much alarmed, supposing it to be blood, until he came
near enough to see that it was tar. My mother got some lard, and rubbed it upon him to get the tar off, which they succeeded in removing.

Waste, who was the strongest man on the Western Reserve, had boasted that he could take Joseph out alone. At the time they were taking him out of the house,
Waste had hold of one foot, Joseph drew up his leg and gave him a kick, which sent him sprawling in the street. He afterwards said the prophet was the most powerful
man he ever had hold of in his life.

Soon after this persecution, Mason had an attack of the spinal affection. Fullars, one of the mobocrats, died of the cholera in Cleveland. Dr. Dennison was sent to the
penitentiary for ten years, and died before the term expired.

My father moved to Kirtland, and was ordained to the office of high priest, and was a member of the first high council organized in the Church. He died in Kirtland in
1843.

I was born in Pomfret, Windsor County, Vermont, November 3, 1807. In early life I assisted my father in farming, and remained with him until I received the gospel,
and was baptized by Joseph Smith, May 10, 1831. Soon thereafter I was ordained a priest by Christian Whitmer, and performed a mission to the southern part of
Ohio, in company with Robert Rathburn, where we baptized several and organized a branch in Chippewa.

 Copyright
In company(c)with2005-2009,   Infobase
                   Sidney Rigdon       Media
                                   I went      Corp. to New Portage, where we baptized about fifty or sixty, and organized a branch; from thence we journeyed
                                          on a mission                                                                                                  Page 4 to  / 49
Pittsburgh, (in the vicinity where Sidney was born and raised) where we preached the gospel to his relatives, and I baptized his mother and his oldest brother, also
several others in that neighborhood, and we organized a branch.
I was born in Pomfret, Windsor County, Vermont, November 3, 1807. In early life I assisted my father in farming, and remained with him until I received the gospel,
and was baptized by Joseph Smith, May 10, 1831. Soon thereafter I was ordained a priest by Christian Whitmer, and performed a mission to the southern part of
Ohio, in company with Robert Rathburn, where we baptized several and organized a branch in Chippewa.

In company with Sidney Rigdon I went on a mission to New Portage, where we baptized about fifty or sixty, and organized a branch; from thence we journeyed to
Pittsburgh, (in the vicinity where Sidney was born and raised) where we preached the gospel to his relatives, and I baptized his mother and his oldest brother, also
several others in that neighborhood, and we organized a branch.

At a conference in Orange, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, I was ordained a high priest by Joseph Smith. At this conference the eleven witnesses to the Book of Mormon,
with uplifted hands, bore their solemn testimony to the truth of that book, as did also the Prophet Joseph.

In January 1832, I was appointed by revelation, in company with W. [William] E. McLellin, to go on a mission south. We preached several times, and, arriving at
Middlebury, Portage County, Brother McLellin got a situation behind a counter to sell tapes, and etc., and I, preferring not to proceed alone, returned to the town of
Hiram, and the prophet appointed Seymour Brunson in his stead, with whom I travelled through Ohio, Virginia and Kentucky. We baptized over one hundred persons,
and organized a branch in Lawrence County, Ohio, and another in Cabal County, Virginia, and returned to Hiram.

December 28, 1832, in company with Hazen Aldrich I started and resumed my mission to the south country. On the 31st, at Worcester, we baptized two.

January 19, 1833, preached in Charleston, Jackson County, where I baptized several of the Stoker family. On the 27th, met brother Zerubabbel Snow, and baptized
one. We visited the branches, preached and set the churches in order as we journeyed along. February 24, returned to Hiram, and assisted my father on his farm during
the summer.

In the fall of 1833, I visited the branches raised up in Lawrence County, Ohio, and preached and baptized in that vicinity.

November 1st, I married Susan Harminda Poteet, in Cabal County Virginia.

February 17, 1834, at the organization of the first high council, which was in Kirtland, I was chosen a member.

In May I started with Zion's Camp for Missouri, on which journey I acted as pioneer, and went before the camp-marked the signs of the times and the situation of our
enemies. Having made a declaration before I started that I would go into Jackson County, or die in the attempt, in company with my brother Lyman and others I
procured a boat, and rowed over the Missouri River and landed in Jackson County, where we discharged three rounds of our small arms, and immediately got into the
boat, and with all our energies rowed back. Meanwhile the mob in Jackson County lined the shore, and commenced firing upon us, their balls skimming the waters near
us. After landing I returned fire and shot across the Missouri River.

"I returned to Kirtland, in Captain Heber C. Kimball's company, and received my blessing in common with the members of Zion's Camp.

February the 14, 1835, I was chosen, and on the 15th, ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, at the organization of that quorum; and with them traveled during the
summer, through the eastern states, holding conferences, preaching the gospel and regulating the churches, returning to Kirtland in September.

I attended Hebrew school during the winter, and received my blessings in the House of the Lord in the spring of 1836; after which I started on a mission to Canada,
preaching through the state of New York on the way. I baptized many, and organized a branch in Canada, and returned to Kirtland in the fall.

A Baptist Clergyman from the state of New York, who had been acquainted with the Prophet Joseph in his early life, called upon him and staid [stayed] all night.
Joseph made the minister welcome, and treated him hospitably and respectfully; but, when breakfast was over next morning, he called Joseph a hypocrite, a liar, an
imposter and a false prophet, and called upon him to repent. Joseph boxed his ears with both hands, and, turning his face towards the door, kicked him into the street.
He immediately went before a magistrate, and swore out a writ against Joseph for assault and battery. I saw the operation, and followed the minister into the squire's
office, and demanded a writ for his apprehension, for provoking an assault; the clerk filling up the writ I called for first-the minister, fearing trouble, paid for his writ and
withdrew without it, and made his way post haste for Cuyahoga County; I followed him on horseback, making him travel pretty lively until he got a few rods over the
line when I overtook him and said, `Sir, you are lucky to have got over the line, and out of my jurisdiction, or I should have arrested you.'

January 12th, 1838, I learned that Sheriff Kimball was about to arrest Joseph Smith, on a charge of illegal banking, and knowing that it would cost him an expensive
lawsuit, and perhaps end in imprisonment, I went to the French farm, where he then resided, and arrested him on an execution for his person, in the absence of
property to pay a judgment of $50, which I had in my possession at the time, which prevented Kimball from arresting him. Joseph settled the execution, and thanked
me for my interference, and started that evening for Missouri: this was the last time I ever saw the Prophet.

Soon after I was in Kirtland, and hearing that a vexatious writ had been sworn out by John C. White against Joseph Smith, Sen., it being supposed he was liable to a
prosecution in consequence of his manner of solemnizing marriages, I begged the privilege of serving the writ, and arrested the old gentleman, and took him to the
magistrate's office. The court not being ready to attend to the case, I put him in a small room adjoining the entrance from the office. I also allowed his son Hyrum to
accompany him. I took a nail out from over the window sash, left the room and locked the door, and commenced telling stories in the courtroom, to raise a laugh, for I
was afraid they would hear Father Smith getting out of the window; when the court called for the prisoner, I stepped into the room in the dark and slipped the nail into
its place in the window, and went back and told the court that the prisoner had made his escape. White and others rushed into the room, and examined the fastenings
and found them all secure, which created much surprise how the prisoner had got out. I had previously told John F. Boynton, to go and assist Father Smith out of the
window. Hyrum got out first, then he and Boynton assisted the old man out, he thereby escaped bonds or imprisonment, and an expensive and vexatious lawsuit.

Having partaken of the spirit of speculation, which at that time was possessed by many of the Saints and elders, my mind became darkened, and I was left to pursue
my own course. I lost the Spirit of God, and neglected my duty; the consequence was, that at a conference held in Kirtland, September 3rd, 1837, in company with my
brother Lyman and John F. Boynton, I was cut off from the Church, privileged with confessing and making satisfaction.

In the spring of 1838, Dr. Frederick G. Williams was arrested at Willoughby, as he was on his way to Missouri, on a frivolous and vexatious process; he sent to
Kirtland for me to help him. On receipt of his message, I repaired forthwith to Willoughby, and learned that he was in the hands of an officer named Granston, and that
he was to have his trial before Esquire Bates at early candlelight. I immediately removed his horse and buggy out of the county, and went to him; he asked me if I could
render him any assistance, as this was a vexatious suit. I told I could, and that I had sent his horse and buggy out of the county, and I would furnish him a horse which
should be held in the street opposite the office, by Bradford W. Elliot, at the lighting of the candles. I sat at the door of the courtroom, the key being on the outside;
Cranston and Dr. Williams were walking the room, and Cranston was observing that a prisoner never made his escape from him. Just as the candles were lighting, I
opened the door, the Dr. walked out, unobserved by Cranston; I immediately followed him, and, locking the door, tossed the key a few rods from the office; the court
hearing the door locked, jumped up, upsetting the table and candles, and mixed up in great confusion; the cry was, `Open the door, open the door;' a shoemaker at
work, being the only person within hearing, replied several times, `Open the door yourself.' At length Cranston succeeded in getting out by a hatchway through a
hatter's shop(c)
 Copyright     below, and overtaking
                  2005-2009,   InfobasemeMedia
                                          (as I was quietly walking down the street towards Kirtland) slapped me on the shoulder, asking where Dr. Williams
                                                Corp.                                                                                                        Page  had5gone
                                                                                                                                                                        / 49
to. I replied, `I am not his keeper;' whereupon he gave me the second and third slap on the shoulder, and in a loud tone, demanded of me to inform him: I had been
shooting squirrels that day, and had my powder flask in my pocket, which I took out and told him, I would let him know where the Dr. was, and snapping the spring of
my flask at him several times, he ran off, and looking over his shoulder, he fell down, but kept running several rods upon his hands and feet: when he got back to court,
Cranston and Dr. Williams were walking the room, and Cranston was observing that a prisoner never made his escape from him. Just as the candles were lighting, I
opened the door, the Dr. walked out, unobserved by Cranston; I immediately followed him, and, locking the door, tossed the key a few rods from the office; the court
hearing the door locked, jumped up, upsetting the table and candles, and mixed up in great confusion; the cry was, `Open the door, open the door;' a shoemaker at
work, being the only person within hearing, replied several times, `Open the door yourself.' At length Cranston succeeded in getting out by a hatchway through a
hatter's shop below, and overtaking me (as I was quietly walking down the street towards Kirtland) slapped me on the shoulder, asking where Dr. Williams had gone
to. I replied, `I am not his keeper;' whereupon he gave me the second and third slap on the shoulder, and in a loud tone, demanded of me to inform him: I had been
shooting squirrels that day, and had my powder flask in my pocket, which I took out and told him, I would let him know where the Dr. was, and snapping the spring of
my flask at him several times, he ran off, and looking over his shoulder, he fell down, but kept running several rods upon his hands and feet: when he got back to court,
he reported that he had narrowly escaped with his life.

From this time up to the death of Joseph Smith, I spent my time in teaching school in Cabal County, Virginia, for about a year, devoting my leisure time in reading
works on medicine. I returned to Kirtland and continued the study of medicine, and attended a course of lectures in the botanical college at Cincinnati, receiving a
certificate from Professor Curtis; afterwards practiced in Kirtland, and engaged in various occupations to enable me to obtain a living; but did not officiate in any
religious duties.

Synopsis of the History of Heber Chase Kimball.

Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864).

Concerning my ancestors I can say but little. My grandfather and his brother came from England; and both assisted in gaining the independence of the United States.

Father Joseph Smith and his brother, John Smith, were acquainted with the Kimballs: the families were connected by marriage.

My father, Solomon Farnham Kimball, was born in the state of Massachusetts, in the year 1770; he was raised from his boyhood with Judge Chase of Massachusetts,
who was a blacksmith.

My father remained with him until he was married, when the Judge assisted him in establishing himself in the business of blacksmithing, in the town of Sheldon, Franklin
County, Vermont.

My father married Anna Spaulding, who was born in New Hampshire, in the town of Plainfield on the banks of the Connecticut River. She was the daughter of Daniel
and Speedy Spaulding.

My father rehearsed to me some of the scenes of the Revolutionary War. He engaged in clearing land, burning the wood into coal and ashes; he had also a forge in the
manufacture of wrought iron.

He was bald headed, had dark brown hair, blue eyes, sandy whiskers and sandy complexion, five feet eleven inches high, weighed 200 pounds and upwards-was
captain of a company of militia in Sheldon, and wore a cocked up hat, of the old English style, and a strait bodied coat and short breeches with a knee buckle, long
stockings and Hessian boots with a pair of tassels.

About the time of the embargo, before the last war with England, my father lost his property, as it was invested in salts, potash and pearlash; the embargo having shut
down the gate of commerce between the United States and England, left his property in his hands without much value.

He saddled his horse, put on his big portmanteau, which contained a change of raiment, and started for the West; arriving at the town of Scipio, Cayuga County, New
York, he fell in company with Judge Towsley who employed him as a foreman in a blacksmith's shop, where he labored six months; after which Judge Towsley and my
father travelled still further westward, to within fourteen miles of the Genesee River, to West Bloomfield, Ontario County, where Judge Towsley assisted him in
establishing the blacksmith's business.

My father took up several hundred acres of timbered land, in, this new country, and after remaining six months, he returned to Sheldon to his family, having been absent
a year.

In February 1811, he took my mother and six children in a sleigh with one span of horses, and what clothing we had upon us and a change; and a few blankets. We
travelled on the ice, on Lake Champlain up to Whitehall, a distance of 110 miles, where spring being open, he traded his sleigh for a wagons and proceeded to West
Bloomfield, where he continued his business of blacksmithing and farming, and commenced building.

He built an academy in West Bloomfield, also two tavern stands and several private dwellings. He made edge tools, such as scythes, augers, axes, knives, &c., also
ploughshares and agricultural implements for the country around to a distance of fifty miles; and sometimes he had eight forges going at once, with a foreman and
apprentice at each fire. He generally worked with his men and occupied one fire, and took the oversight of his work.

West Bloomfield was in the thoroughfare between Albany and Buffalo, on which the soldiery passed during the war of 1812-15. It was flourishing times there being
plenty of business and money, and most men in business became involved, so that when the war closed bankruptcy became common, as every merchant, tavern
keeper, and grog shop had banking establishment, and issued shin-plasters from a cent up to $5.

My father lost the greater portion of his property, which broke him up in that place, when he moved two and a half miles east, half way between East and West
Bloomfield, where he bought a farm of Mr. Stewart, near a small lake, on this farm there was a little improvement. Here he established blacksmithing, built a tavern
stand, barns and other outhouses, and set out an orchard of various kinds of fruit; this was in the year 1816, what was called the cold season, and the following spring
we had but little to live on. For some three weeks we gathered milk weeds, boiled and ate them, not having salt to put on them. It was with difficulty that bread could
be procured. My father paid 3 per bushel for potatoes. . . .

My parents had seven children, of whom I was the fourth, viz.; Charles Spaulding, Eliza, Abigail, Heber Chase, Melvina, Solomon and Daniel Spaulding, who were all
born in the town of Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont. Daniel Spaulding died when about seven months old. The record of my father's family fell into the hands of my
oldest sister, Eliza, to whom I have written for an account of the ages of my parents, brothers and sisters, but little not been able to obtain it: hence I have to omit the
dates of their births. My father was a man of good moral character, and though he did not profess any religion, he taught his children good morals, and never would
suffer them to swear, or play upon the Sabbath day without correcting them, but would have them remain at home and read good books or attend the church.

My mother was a Presbyterian, and agreeably to the strictest sense of their religion, she lived a virtuous life, and according to the best of her knowledge taught her
children the ways of righteousness.

 Copyright
February   (c) 2005-2009,
         1824.            Infobase
               My mother died      Media Corp.
                              of consumption in the town of West Bloomfield.                                                                               Page 6 / 49

In the spring of 1826 my father came to Mendon and lived with me. He soon took sick and died of consumption, about a year after my mother's death.
My mother was a Presbyterian, and agreeably to the strictest sense of their religion, she lived a virtuous life, and according to the best of her knowledge taught her
children the ways of righteousness.

February 1824. My mother died of consumption in the town of West Bloomfield.

In the spring of 1826 my father came to Mendon and lived with me. He soon took sick and died of consumption, about a year after my mother's death.

My oldest brother, Charles S., and his wife, whose maiden name was Judith Marvin, died in the year 1826 or 7, and were buried in Mendon by the side of my father.

I was born June 14th, 1801, in the town of Sheldon, Franklin County, Vermont.

Judge Chase, with whom my father was brought up, called to see my parents soon after I was born, and he proposed to call me Heber Chase.

About the time of the great eclipse in 1806, I commenced going to school, and continued some of the time until about the age of fourteen. I recollect the eclipse well, as
my father was about to start on a journey, but was obliged to wait on account of the darkness.

When fourteen years of age my father took me into his shop and taught me blacksmithing. When nineteen, my father having lost his property, and not taking the care for
my welfare which he formerly did, I was left to seek a place of refuge or home of my own. At this time I saw some days of sorrow; my heart was troubled, and I
suffered much in consequence of fear, bashfulness and timidity. I found myself cast abroad upon the world, without a friend to console my grief. In these heartaching
hours I suffered much for the want of food and the comforts of life and many times went two or three days without food to eat, being bashful, and not daring to ask for
it.

After I had spent several weeks in the manner before stated, my oldest brother, Charles, hearing of my condition, offered to teach me the potter's trade. I immediately
accepted the offer, and continued with him until I was twenty-one. I was enrolled with my brother Charles in an independent horse company of the New York militia,
under Captain Sawyer of East Bloomfield, with him and his successor I trained for fourteen years, and I never was found delinquent in my duty.

While living with my brother he moved into the town of Mendon, Munroe County, where he again established a pottery. After I had finished learning my trade I worked
for my brother six months for wages.

On Nov. 7, 1822, I married Vilate Murray, daughter of Roswell and Susanna Murray, born in Florida, Montgomery County, New York, June 1, 1806. She lived with
her parents in Victor, Ontario County.

Immediately after I was married I purchased the situation of my brother Charles and went into business for myself at the Potter's trade, which I carried on in the
summer season, and worked at blacksmithing in the winter; I also chopped cord wood and cleared land occasionally. I continued in the pottery business upwards of
ten years, and in the meantime I made a purchase of five and a half acres of land, built a fine house, a wood house, barn, and other outhouses, and planted fruit trees,
and had situated myself so as to live comfortably.

In 1823, I received the three first degrees of masonry in the lodge at Victor Flats, Ontario County.

In 1824, myself and five others sent a petition to the Chapter at Canandaigua, the county seat of Ontario, to receive the degrees up to the Royal Arch Masons: our
petition was accepted but just previous to the time we were to receive those degrees, the Anti-Masons burnt the Chapter buildings in Canandaigua.

No man was admitted into a lodge in those days except he bore a good moral character, and was a man of steady habits and a member would be suspended for
immoral conduct. I wish that all men were masons and would live up to their profession, then the world would be in a much better state than it is now.

My first daughter, Judith Marvin, was born in Mendon, Munroe County, N. Y., July 29th, 1823, and died May 20, 1824.

My son, William Henry, was born in Mendon, April 10, 1825.

Sept. 22, 1827, while living in the town of Mendon, I having retired to bed, John P. Greene, a travelling reformed Methodist preacher, waked me up calling upon me to
behold the scenery in the heavens. I called my wife and sister Fanny Young (sister of Brigham Young) who was living with me; it was so clear that you could see to
pick up a pin, we looked to the eastern horizon and beheld a white smoke arise towards the heavens, and as it ascended it formed itself into a belt and made a noise
like the rustling of a mighty wind, and continued southwest, forming a regular bow dipping in the western horizon. After the bow had formed it began to widen out and
grow clear and transparent of a bluish cast, it grew wide enough to contain twelve men abreast. In this bow an army moved, commencing from the east and marching to
the west. They moved in platoons, and walked so close, the rear ranks trod in the steps of their file leaders, until the whole bow was literally crowded with soldiers. We
could see distinctly the muskets, bayonets, and knapsacks of the men, who wore caps and feathers like those used by the American soldiers in the last war with Britain;
also their officers with their swords and equipage, and heard the clashing and jingling of their instruments of war and could discover the form and features of the men.
The most profound order existed throughout the entire army, when the foremost man stepped, every man stepped at the same time: I could hear the step. When the
front rank reached the Western horizon a battle ensued, as we could distinctly hear the report of the arms and the rush.

No man could judge of my feelings when I beheld that army of men, as plainly as I ever saw armies of men in the flesh it seemed as though every hair of my head was
alive. This scenery was gazed upon for hours, until it began to disappear.

[ubsequent[y I learned this took place the same evening that Joseph Smith received the records of the Book of Mormon from the Angel Moroni. John Young, Sen.,
and John P. Green's wife, Rhoda, were also witnesses of this scenery. My wife, Vilate, being frightened at what she saw, said, "Father Young, what does all this
mean?" He replied in a lively, pleased manner, "Why, its one of the signs of the coming of the Son of Man." The next night similar scenery was beheld in the west, by
the neighbors, representing armies of men who were engaged in battle.

My daughter, Hellen Mar, was born Mendon, August 22, 1828.

My son Roswell Heber, was born in Mendon, January 10, 1831; and died June 15.

I mostly attended the meetings of the Baptist church, and was often invited to unite myself with them. I received many pressing invitations to unite with different sects,
but did not see fit to comply with their desires until a revival took place in our neighborhood. I had passed through several of their protracted meetings, and had been
many times upon the anxious bench to seek relief from the bonds of "Sin and Death,' but no relief could I find until the meetings were passed by.

At this time(c)
 Copyright    I concluded
                 2005-2009, to put myself Media
                                Infobase  under the watch care of the Baptist church and unite myself to them; as soon as I had concluded to do this, the Lord
                                                 Corp.                                                                                                     Pageadministered
                                                                                                                                                                  7 / 49
peace to my mind, and accordingly the next day I went with my wife and we were baptized by Elder Elijah Weaver, and we partook of the sacrament on that day for
the first and also last time with them.
I mostly attended the meetings of the Baptist church, and was often invited to unite myself with them. I received many pressing invitations to unite with different sects,
but did not see fit to comply with their desires until a revival took place in our neighborhood. I had passed through several of their protracted meetings, and had been
many times upon the anxious bench to seek relief from the bonds of "Sin and Death,' but no relief could I find until the meetings were passed by.

At this time I concluded to put myself under the watch care of the Baptist church and unite myself to them; as soon as I had concluded to do this, the Lord administered
peace to my mind, and accordingly the next day I went with my wife and we were baptized by Elder Elijah Weaver, and we partook of the sacrament on that day for
the first and also last time with them.

Although they believed in principles which I did not, I placed myself under their watch-care, to be a guard upon me, and to keep me from running into evils.

From the time I was twelve years old, I had many serious thoughts and strong desires to obtain a knowledge of salvation, but not finding any one who could teach me
the things of God, I did not embrace any principles of doctrine, but endeavored to lead a moral life. The priests would tell me to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, but
never would tell me what to do to be saved, and thus left me almost in despair.

About three weeks after I joined the Baptist church, five elders of the Church of Jesus Christ came from Pennsylvania to the house of Phinehas H. Young in Victor.
Their names were Eleazer Miller, Elial Strong, Alpheus Gifford, Enos Curtis, and Daniel Bowen. Hearing of these men, curiosity prompted me to go and see them,
when for the first time, I heard the fullness of the everlasting gospel. They declared that an holy angel had been commissioned from the heavens, who had committed the
Everlasting Gospel and restored the Holy Priesthood unto Joseph Smith as at the beginning; and that all men were now called upon every where to repent and be
baptized for the remission of sins, and receive the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost; and these signs should follow those that believe, viz., they should
cast out devils in the name of Jesus, they should speak with new tongues, &c., and the reason why the Lord had restored these things, was because the people had
transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, and broken the Everlasting Covenant.

As soon as I heard them I was convinced that they taught the truth, and that I had only received a part of the ordinances under the Baptist Church. I also saw and
heard the gifts of the spirit manifested by the elders, for they spoke in tongues and interpreted, which tended to strengthen my faith. Brigham Young and myself were
constrained, by the Spirit, to bear testimony of the truth, and when we did this, the power of God rested upon us.

On a certain occasion, while going to hear the elders, I passed the house of my brother, Solomon, and enquired of him if he had seen them, he answered he had, and
had heard them pray, and prayed with them. I asked what he thought of them, he replied, "They are full of the Holy Ghost religion." I told him I was going to see them,
he said, "Go."

Brother Brigham Young afterwards prophesied that my brother Solomon would yet believe the work and embrace it, and would lay hold of me, and wonder why I had
come into possession of such great knowledge.

The family of John Young, Sen., of five sons, five daughters, and two sons-in-law, John P. Greene and Joel Sanford, had moved into Mendon a few years previously.
They had the same principles in their breasts which I had in mine; truth was what we wanted and would have, and truth we did receive; for the Lord granted us
testimony upon testimony of the truth of gospel.

Upon one occasion Father John Young, Brigham Young, Joseph Young and myself gathered together to get some wood for Phinehas H. Young. We were pondering
upon those things which had been told us by the elders, and upon the Saints gathering to Zion, and the glory of God shone upon us, and we saw the gathering of the
Saints to Zion, and the glory that would rest with them and many more things connected with that great event, such as the sufferings and persecutions which would
come upon the people of God, and the calamities and judgments which would come upon the world.

These things caused such great joy to spring up in our bosoms, that we were hardly able to contain ourselves; and we did shout aloud, Hosannah to God and the
Lamb.

These things increased our desires to hear. I took my horses and sleigh and started for Pennsylvania; Brigham and Phinehas Young and their wives went along with me.
We stayed with the Church there about six days, attended their meetings, heard them speak in tongues, interpret and prophecy, which truly caused us to rejoice and
praise the Lord. We returned confirmed in the truth, and bore testimony of that which we seen and heard, to our friends and neighbors.

April 14th, 1832, Brigham Young went forward and was baptized by Eleazer Miller, and the next day, or the day following, Alpheus Gifford came into my shop while I
was forming a vessel upon the wheel, and while conversing with me upon the subject of this work, I said, "Brother Alpheus, I am ready to go forward and be baptized."
I jumped up, pulled off my apron, washed my hands and started with him with my sleeves rolled up to my shoulders, and went the distance of one mile where he
baptized me in a small stream in the woods. After I was baptized I kneeled down and he laid his hands upon my head and confirmed me a member of the Church of
Jesus Christ, and said unto me, "In the name of Jesus Christ and by the authority of the holy priesthood receive ye the Holy Ghost," and before I got up off my knees,
he wanted to ordain me an elder bet I plead with him not to do it, as I felt myself unworthy of such a calling, and such an office.

In about two weeks, my wife, Vilate, was baptized by brother, Joseph Young, with several others in a small stream close to my house, and we numbered about thirty in
that Branch, viz.:-

John Young, Sen., and Mary his wife.

Brigham Young and Miriam his wife.

Phinihas H. Young and Clarrissa his wife.

Joseph Young.

Lorenzo D. Young and Persis his wife.

John P. Greene and Rhoda his wife, and their children.

Joel Sanford and Louiza his wife.

William Stilson and Susan his wife.

Fanny Young

Isaac Flummerfeli
 Copyright        and his wife
           (c) 2005-2009,      with their
                            Infobase      children.
                                       Media   Corp.                                                                                                       Page 8 / 49
Ira Bond and his wife Charlotte.
William Stilson and Susan his wife.

Fanny Young

Isaac Flummerfeli and his wife with their children.

Ira Bond and his wife Charlotte.

Heber C. Kimball and Vilate his wife.

Rufus Parks.

John Morton and Betsey his wife.

Nathan Tomlinson and his wife.

Israel Barlow, with his mother, brother and sisters.

Under the ordinances of baptism and laying on of hands, I received the Holy Ghost, as the disciples did in ancient days, which was like a consuming fire, and I was
clothed in my right mind, although the people called me crazy. I continued in this way for many months, and it seemed as though my flesh would consume away. At the
same time the scriptures were unfolded to my mind in such a wonderful manner it appeared to me, at times, as if I had formerly been familiar with them.

This alarmed the professing world around us and raised the devil to great rage, still our minds were calm and filled with peace, while the wrath of our enemies was
raised to such a degree that they persecuted us. During one week some of those who had professed to be my greatest friends in the Baptist church and others,
persecuted me to such a degree that five or six executions were taken out against me, and I turned out property to secure the same, but, to their great disappointment,
God opened my way so that I obtained money to pay all my debts and liberate myself from them, and none of my property was sold at auction; and in the meantime,
during my greatest trouble, not one of them were willing to step forward to assist me, excepting my brethren in the church, and my brother, Solomon.

I was ordained an elder by Joseph Young, and in company with himself and his brother, Brigham, I labored in Genesee, Avon and Lyonstown, where we baptized
many and built up churches.

Brother Ezra Landan preached in Avon and Genesee, baptized eighteen or twenty, and being afraid to confirm them and promise the Holy Ghost, he requested me to
confirm, them, which I did according to the best of my knowledge, pronouncing but a few words on the head of each one, and invariably saying, 'receive ye the Holy
Ghost in the name of Jesus Christ.' Immediately the Holy Ghost fell upon them and several commenced speaking in tongues before they arose from their knees, and we
had a joyful time; some ten or twelve spoke in tongues, neither of whom had ever heard any person speak in tongues, they being the first baptized in that place.

From the time Father Bosley located near Avon he found and ploughed up axes and irons, and had sufficient to make his mill irons, and had always abundance of iron
on hand without purchasing.

In the towns of Bloomfield, Victor, Manchester and in the regions round about, there were hills upon the tops of which were entrenchments and fortifications, and in
them were human bones, axes, tomahawks, points of arrows, beads and pipes, which were frequently found, and it was a common occurrence in the country to plough
up axes, which I have done many times myself. I have visited the fortifications on the tops of those hills frequently, and the one near Bloomfield I have crossed hundreds
of times, which is on the bluff of Honeyoy River, at the outlet of Honeyoy Lake.

In that region there are many small, deep lakes, in some the bottom has never been found; fish abound in them.

The Hill Cumorah is a high hill for that country, and had the appearance of a fortification or entrenchment around it. In the state of New York, probably, there are
hundreds of those fortifications which are now visible and I have seen them in many other parts of the United States. We received the gift of tongues and interpretation
a few days after we were baptized. The brethren who brought the Gospel to us belonged to the first Branch of the Church that received the gift of tongues, and the
Branch at Mendon was the next. Brothers Brigham and Joseph Young and myself went of Kirtland, with my horses and wagon, to visit the Prophet, a distance of three
hundred miles. We saw Brother Joseph Smith and had a glorious time; during which Brother Brigham spoke in tongues before Brother Joseph, it being the first time he
had heard any one speak in tongues; he testified that the gift was from God, and spoke in tongues himself. Soon the gift of tongues became general in the Church in
Kirtland. We had a precious season and returned with a blessing in our souls.

I continued rejoicing in the Lord and bearing testimony that God had spoken from the heavens, and of the things I had received until I sold my possessions and settled
up my affairs. In the fall of 1833, I took my horses and wagon and started for Kirtland, Ohio; but to my great surprise some of my neighbors issued attachments against
my goods, although I was not indebted to any one of them to the value of five cents, for I had been so particular in such matters, that I was well aware I was not
indebted in any sum, to any person, unless two cents to one man, in a case where change could not be procured. Although there were some hundred dollars due to me,
which I was obliged to leave uncollected: I settled their unjust claims. Elder Brigham Young and his two children went with me; we arrived at Kirtland about the last of
October or first of November. I went into a house belonging to Mr. Elijah Smith and resided there until the next April. In the meantime I built myself a small frame
house, which was put up by brother Brigham Young, who was a carpenter and joiner.

Soon after our arrival in Kirtland there was a contribution called for to finish the school-house and printing office; I contributed the glass for the house, and I gave
brother Hyrum Smith $200 for the building of the [Kirtland] temple.

The brethren were engaged in building the House of the Lord [Kirtland Temple]. The commandment to build the House, and also the pattern of it was given in a
revelation to Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams, and was to be erected by a stated time. The Church was in a state of poverty and distress,
in consequence of which it appeared almost impossible that the commandment could be fulfilled, at the same time our enemies were raging and threatening destruction
upon us, and we had to guard night after night, and for weeks were not permitted to take off our clothes, and were obliged to lay with our firelocks in our arms to
preserve brother Joseph's life.

Joseph was sued before a magistrate's court in Painesville on a vexatious suit. I carried him from Kirtland to Painesville, with four or five others, in my wagon every
morning for five days, and brought them back in the evening. We were often waylaid, but managed to elude our enemies by rapid driving and taking different roads.
Esq. Bissell defended the Prophet.

Mobs were organized around Kirtland, who were enraged against us, ready to destroy us.

Brother  Joseph
 Copyright       received a revelation
             (c) 2005-2009,   Infobaseconcerning the redemption of Zion. He gathered together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, to go up
                                       Media Corp.                                                                                                       to Missouri
                                                                                                                                                      Page   9 / 49
to the assistance of our persecuted brethren, according to the words of the Lord.

May 5th, I left Kirtland in company with brother Joseph and about a hundred others and arrived in New Portage on the 7th, where Zion's camp was organized. I had a
Esq. Bissell defended the Prophet.

Mobs were organized around Kirtland, who were enraged against us, ready to destroy us.

Brother Joseph received a revelation concerning the redemption of Zion. He gathered together as many of the brethren as he conveniently could, to go up to Missouri
to the assistance of our persecuted brethren, according to the words of the Lord.

May 5th, I left Kirtland in company with brother Joseph and about a hundred others and arrived in New Portage on the 7th, where Zion's camp was organized. I had a
span of good horses and wagon which I took along and I gave in to the general fund all the money I had. I was appointed Captain of the third company, which
numbered thirteen. I drove and took care of my own team, and took charge of my company. I walked the most of the journey, letting the lame and footsore ride in my
stead. I frequently invited the Prophet to ride, seeing him lame and footsore, on such occasions he would bless my team and myself with a hearty good will: my team
performed the journey very well.

May 21st, We passed through Indianapolis the capital of Indiana.

At the re-organization of the camp at Salt River, Missouri, I was selected as one of President Joseph Smith's life guard.

June 19th, We camped on an elevated piece of land between two branches of Fishing River, where we encountered a severe storm of rain and hail accompanied by
thunder and lightning; the hail fell all round the camp, and within a mile many of the trees were stripped of their branches; the streams which were fordable in the evening
rose to the depth of thirty feet; and this interposition of divine providence preserved us from fighting our enemies who had gathered on all sides to attack us.

During our journey there was murmuring and complaining, and in some instances there was rebellion in the camp against the counsels of President Smith who
prophesied that the Lord had prepared a scourge for the camp, and that the destroyer should be in our midst, and many should die like sheep with the rot; he further
said, "Repentance may modify the calamity, but not altogether avert it; the members of the camp will be scourged for their wickedness."

While on Fishing River, brothers Joseph Hancock, Ezra Thayer and Thomas Hayes were attacked with cholera."

"24th.-The camp removed to Rush Creek, and encamped in brother Burgett's field, some two-and-a-half miles from Liberty.

The destroyer came upon us, as we had been warned by the servant of God. About twelve o'clock at night we began to hear the cries of those who were seized.
Those on guard fell with their guns in their hands to the ground, and we had to exert ourselves considerably to attend to the sick, for they were stricken down on every
hand. Thus it continued till morning, when the camp was dispersed among the brethren. I was left with Joseph B. Noble, John D. Parket, Luke Johnson, and Warren
Ingalls in care of those who were sick. We stayed with, and prayed for them, hoping they would recover, but all hope was lost, for about six o'clock p.m., John S.
Carter expired.

When the cholera first broke out, he laid his hands on his brethren to rebuke it, but he was violently attacked and was the first who died. In about thirty minutes, Seth
Hitchcock died, and it appeared as though we must all sink under the power of the destroyer.

We were not able to obtain lumber to make them coffins, but were under the necessity of rolling them up in their blankets, and burying them in that manner. We placed
them on a sled, which was drawn about half a mile, and buried them by the side of a small branch of Rush Creek. This was accomplished by dark.

Our hopes were that no more would die, but while we were uniting in prayer with uplifted hands to God, our beloved brother Eber Wilcox died. At this scene my
feelings were beyond expression. Those only who witnessed it can realize any thing of the extent of our sufferings, and I felt to weep and pray to the Lord, that he
would spare my life that I might behold my dear family again. I felt to covenant with my God and my brethren, never to commit another sin while I lived.

We wept over our brethren, and so great was our sorrow that we could have washed them with our tears. To realize that they had travelled a thousand miles through
so much fatigue to lay down their lives for their brethren increased our love to them.

Brothers Brigham and Joseph Young came from Liberty and assisted us to bury brother Wilcox; their presence gave us much consolation.

About twelve o'clock at night we drew brother Wilcox on a small sled to the place of interment, with one hand hold of the rope, and in the other we bore our firelocks
for our defense. While two were digging the grave, the others stood with their arms to defend them.

While brother Luke Johnson was digging, the cholera attacked him with cramping and blindness; brother Brigham laid hold of him and pulled him out of the grave, and
shook him about, talked to, and prayed for him, and exhorted him to jump about and exercise himself, when it would leave him for a few moments, then it would attack
him again; and thus we had the greatest difficulty to keep the destroyer from laying us low.

This was our situation-the enemies around us and the destroyer in our midst. Soon after we returned, another brother was taken away from our little band; thus it
continued until five out of ten were taken away.

The fear of the destroyer kept our enemies from us.

As I went into the woods to pray I was taken with cholera. I was instantly struck blind, and saw no way whereby I could free myself from the disease, only to exert
myself by jumping and thrashing myself about, until my sight returned to me, and my blood began to circulate in my veins. I started and ran some distance, and by this
means, through the help of God, I was enabled to extricate myself from the grasp of death.

On the 26th, Algernon Sydney Gilbert, keeper of the Lord's Store House, signed a letter to the Governor, in connection with others, which was his last public act; for
he had been called to preach, and he said he would rather die than go forth and preach the Gospel to the wicked. The Lord took him at his word; he was attacked with
the cholera, and died about the 29th.

Brothers Erastus Rudd and Jesse Johnson Smith, a cousin of the Prophet, died at brother Gilbert's about the same time.

I went to Liberty, to the house of brother Peter Whitmer, which place I reached with difficulty, being much afflicted. I received great kindness from them, and also from
sister Vienna Jacques, who administered to my wants and also to my brethren. May the Lord reward them for their kindness.

The destroyer ceased, having afflicted us about four days. Sixty-eight were taken with the disease, of which number fourteen of the members of Zion's camp died-
eighteen died in all. Many of the brethren were cured by immersing them in cold water, or pouring it on them, repeating the application frequently.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                           Page 10 / 49
On the 22d, Brother Joseph received a revelation, saying that the Lord had accepted our offering even as he accepted that of Abraham, therefore he had a great
blessing laid up in store for us, and an endowment for all, and those who had families might return home, and those who had no families should tarry until the Lord said
they should go.
sister Vienna Jacques, who administered to my wants and also to my brethren. May the Lord reward them for their kindness.

The destroyer ceased, having afflicted us about four days. Sixty-eight were taken with the disease, of which number fourteen of the members of Zion's camp died-
eighteen died in all. Many of the brethren were cured by immersing them in cold water, or pouring it on them, repeating the application frequently.

On the 22d, Brother Joseph received a revelation, saying that the Lord had accepted our offering even as he accepted that of Abraham, therefore he had a great
blessing laid up in store for us, and an endowment for all, and those who had families might return home, and those who had no families should tarry until the Lord said
they should go.

I received an honorable discharge in writing from the hand of our General, Lyman Wight. Before we separated, the money which had been put into the hands of our
paymaster, and had not been used, was equally divided amongst the company, making one dollar and sixteen cents each.

June 30, 1834.-I started for home, in company with Lyman Sherman, Sylvester Smith, Alexander Badlam, Harrison Brugess, Luke Johnson, Zera Cole, with brother
Sylvester Smith's team, as I had disposed of mine to Peter Whitmer.

After proceeding about three miles, we made arrangements for travelling. They chose me to be their captain, and all put their money into my hands, which amounted to
forty dollars. From thence we proceeded until we came to brother Thomas B. Marsh's house.

We crossed a branch of the Fishing River in a scow. Here an enemy came and swore he would shoot us. We continued on to brother Ball's, where we stayed all night-
some slept on the floor and some in the corn-crib.

The next morning we pursued our journey, and, after travelling about eight miles, we came to the Missouri River, which we crossed in a scow, the current was so rapid
that it carried us down one mile, and landed us at Lexington, where we were threatened, but the Lord protected us.

We proceeded on our journey daily, the Lord blessing us with health and strength. The weather was very hot, still we travelled from thirty-five to forty miles a day, until
about the 26th of July, when we arrived in Kirtland.

During the journey, with the exception of four nights, I slept on the ground. We did not travel on the Sabbath during our journey back, but attended to breaking of
bread, &c.

I found my family well, enjoying the blessings and comforts of life, and I felt to rejoice in the Lord that he had preserved my life, through many dangers, seen and
unseen, and brought me to behold my family in peace and prosperity.

After being at home two weeks, and resting myself, I concluded I had finished my mission to which the Lord had called me, and I established my pottery according to
Joseph's counsel, and continued about three months, until cold weather, when I was under the necessity of stopping for the time being, calculating on the opening of
spring, to commence business on a larger scale.

At this time the brethren were laboring night and day building the House of the Lord. Our women were engaged in spinning and knitting, in order to clothe those who
were laboring at the building; and the Lord only knows the scenes of poverty, tribulation, and distress which we passed through in order to accomplish it. My wife had
toiled all summer in lending her aid towards its accomplishment. She took one hundred pounds of wool to spin on shares, which, with the assistance of a girl, she spun
in order to furnish clothing for those engaged in the building of the [Kirtland] Temple, and although she had the privilege of keeping half the quantity of wool for herself,
as a recompense for her labor, she did not reserve even so much as would make a pair of stockings, but gave it for those who were laboring at the House of the Lord.

She spun, and wove, and got the cloth dressed, and cut, and made up into garments, and gave them to those men who labored on the temple-almost all the sisters in
Kirtland labored in knitting, sewing, spinning, &c., for the same purpose.

In the winter of 1834-5, I attended the Theological School established in Kirtland, in which the lectures on faith, contained in the book of Doctrines and Covenants,
originated.

A certain number were appointed to speak at each meeting. On one occasion I was called upon to speak on the principle of faith. Several brethren spoke before me,
and quoted every passage mentioned in the Scriptures on the subject. I referred to an original circumstance which took place in my family. My daughter had broke a
saucer; her mother promised her a whipping, when she returned from a visit on which she was just starting; she went out under an apple tree and prayed that her
mother's heart might be softened, and when she returned she might not whip her; although her mother was very punctual when she made a promise to her children to
fulfil it, yet when she returned she had no disposition to chastise her child. Afterwards the child told her mother that she had prayed to God that she might not whip her.

Joseph wept like a child on hearing this simple narrative and its application.

Dec. 22.-I commenced going to a grammar school, taught by Sidney Rigdon and Wm. E. McLellin; many elders and some of the sisters attended. I continued six
weeks.

Feb. 14th, 1835.-I was chosen and ordained one of the Twelve Apostles.

May 4th, 1835.-I started in company with the Twelve on a mission to the Eastern churches.

I attended Conferences with the Quorum at Westfield, Chataque County, New York, at Freedom, Cattaragus County, at Lyonstown, Wayne County, and also at
Pillow Point, Jefferson County; from thence I went to Plattsburg, where brother Orson Pratt and I separated from our brethren, and proceeded by steamboat to St.
Albans. I visited Sheldon, where I was born, and on the Sabbath had an appointment to preach alone, brother Pratt having gone on. I preached to my friends and
relatives several times. I passed over the Green mountains on foot and alone, ten miles between houses, through deep gorges. Attended a Conference in St. Johnsbury
with the Twelve. I visited my connections at Plainfield, N.H., and preached to them amid much opposition, and attended Conference with the Quorum at Bradford,
Massachusetts., also at Saco and Farmington, Maine.

My son, Heber P, was born in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, June 1, 1835.

August 31.-We started for home; I passed through Concord, N.H., and at Plainfield I received seven dollars, a bequest left me by my aunt, which enabled me to
proceed home. I went by stage, railroad, and canal, visiting my sister by the way, at Byron, and arrived at Buffalo, where I met the Quorum of the Twelve.

We went on board the steamer United States, and proceeded as far as Dunkirk, where she ran aground and sprung a leak; she made her way for Erie, where she
arrived with(c)
 Copyright   difficulty, but we
                2005-2009,      were under
                              Infobase     the Corp.
                                       Media   necessity of running upon a sand bar, to save the boat from sinking, we re-shipped and arrived at Fairport;
                                                                                                                                                      Page we reached
                                                                                                                                                               11 / 49
Kirtland the same evening, Sept. 27.

A considerable portion of this mission was performed on foot, and I suffered severely from fatigue and blistered feet, which were sometimes so sore I could not wear
proceed home. I went by stage, railroad, and canal, visiting my sister by the way, at Byron, and arrived at Buffalo, where I met the Quorum of the Twelve.

We went on board the steamer United States, and proceeded as far as Dunkirk, where she ran aground and sprung a leak; she made her way for Erie, where she
arrived with difficulty, but we were under the necessity of running upon a sand bar, to save the boat from sinking, we re-shipped and arrived at Fairport; we reached
Kirtland the same evening, Sept. 27.

A considerable portion of this mission was performed on foot, and I suffered severely from fatigue and blistered feet, which were sometimes so sore I could not wear
my boots nor proceed without. I was frequently threatened and reviled by unbelievers, and had great difficulty in finding places to sleep and procuring food to eat.

I attended grammar school, taught by Elder Rigdon, about five weeks, and then commenced studying Hebrew under Professor J. Seixas, at which I continued during
the winter.

March 27, 1836.-I attended the dedication of the House of the Lord, and received my washings and anointings with the Twelve Apostles; and received the washing of
feet on the day of the solemn assembly. I received many manifestations of the power of God, and participated in all the blessings and ordinances of endowment which
were then administered.

May, 1836.-I inquired of the Prophet Joseph if I should go on a mission to preach, or go to school, he replied, I might do either, for the Lord would bless me in the
course I should pursue. Accordingly, on the 10th, I left Kirtland and proceeded to Fairport, where I took steamboat at 11 o'clock a.m., and next morning I arrived in
Buffalo. From that place I passed on to the northeast, preaching where doors were open, and baptizing for the remission of sins such as believed.

June 13.-At Sackett's harbor, I had the pleasure of meeting Luke Johnson and Orson Pratt, who were laboring with their might for the cause of God in that region.

I took the steamer United States to Ogdensburg, St. Lawrence County. About three miles from the village I was stopped by a shower of rain, and making known my
calling, the people desired a meeting, and called in their neighbors, and I preached to them for an hour. Many stayed until midnight; and before I was up in the morning
they called upon me, and requested that I should preach again that day in a school-house, which I did, and at night I was again thronged with those who were eager to
hear. The second morning they likewise called on me, and would not let me go until they knew the truth of my testimony; and on the fourth morning I baptized three. I
remained seven days, and continued preaching, and baptized and confirmed seven; and the promise was fulfilled, for those who believed spoke with tongues, and the
sick were healed.

From thence I journeyed to Plattsburg, where I stayed all night with Mr. Mansfield, who was very friendly. I took steamer to St. Albans, Vermont, and visited my
friends in Bakersfield; I was absent from Ogdensburg about five weeks, travelling through various parts of Vermont; and in my tour I visited Wright's settlement on the
top of the Green Mountains, where some were believing.

On my return to Ogdensburg, I met Elder Solon Foster at Potsdam. I preached there once, and eight or nine bore testimony to the truth of the Gospel which I
declared. From there I went to Ogdensburg, and met the brethren whom I had baptized, and they rejoiced at my return. I tarried several days in those regions
preaching and baptizing.

On the 25th of August while we were assembled for a meeting, our hearts were filled with joy by the arrival of Joseph Smith, Sen., the Patriarch, and his brother John
Smith, who were on a mission to bless the churches.

On the 27th the Church came together and received patriarchal blessings under the hands of President Joseph Smith, sen. I wrote for him.

On Sunday, 28th, Father John Smith preached at 10 a.m. and four of us bore testimony to the Book of Mormon. In the afternoon we administered the sacrament,
confirmed three, and blessed the little children of the branch.

Monday 29th. We ordained Alvin Simons an elder and Levi Chapins a Teacher to watch over the church; fathers Joseph and John Smith left us. I went to Black Lake,
preached and baptized one; and I preached at Potsdam and baptized another. I returned to the township of Oswegatchie, called the Church together at Ogdensburg,
which numbered twenty-eight, and bid them farewell. I left the church rejoicing in the Lord, and many around them believing the testimony.

From thence I pursued my journey to the town of Victor, Ontario County, where I met Vilate, my wife, visiting her friends: I tarried a few days with them. From thence
we pursued our journey to Buffalo. Here a magistrate came forward and paid our passages, $5, to Fairport. We took deck passage; our company consisted of Swiss
emigrants. After sitting and hearing them some time, the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and I was enabled to preach to them in their own tongue they seemed much
pleased and treated us kindly. We arrived in Kirtland on the 21st of October [1836].

I was gone nearly five months, visited many of my friends, preached much and baptized thirty; the Lord was with me and blessed me and confirmed the word with signs
following.

On or about the first day of June 1837, the Prophet Joseph came to me, while I was seated in the front stand, above the sacrament table on the Melchizedek side of
the temple, in Kirtland, and whispering to me, said brother Heber, the Spirit of the Lord has whispered to me, "Let my servant Heber go to England and proclaim my
gospel and open the door of salvation to that nation."

The idea of being appointed to such an important mission was almost more than I could bear up under; I truly felt my weakness and unworthiness yet the moment I
understood the will of my Heavenly Father, I felt a determination to go at all hazards, believing that he would support me by his almighty power. And although my family
were dear to me, and I should have to leave them almost destitute, yet I felt that the cause of truth, the Gospel of Christ, outweighed every other consideration.

I met the Presidency at Elder Rigdon's after meeting, and when they were about to lay hands on me, Elder O. Hyde stepped in and partaking of the Spirit of God, while
hearing what was going on, he said, "Brethren I acknowledge that I have sinned before my God and you, and I beg of you to forgive me.' The Presidency rejoiced and
praised the Lord at this manifestation of repentance by brother Hyde, who said if they found him worthy, he desired to accompany me on my mission to England, or go
on any other mission. The Presidency then laid hands on me, and set me apart to that mission and conferred great blessings upon my head; said that God would make
me mighty in that nation in winning souls unto him, and angels should accompany me and bear me up, that my feet should never slip, that I should be mightily blessed
and prove a source of salvation to thousands, not only in England but in America; after which Elder Hyde was set apart receiving similar blessings, and also Joseph
Fielding who was a priest.

After being called on this mission I daily went into the attic story of the [Kirtland] Temple and poured out my soul unto the Lord, asking his protection and power to
fulfill honorably the mission appointed me by his servants, that the God of Joseph, and all the holy Prophets and Apostles that were before him, would be with me by
the administrations of his holy angels, and that I might have power so to live that all the blessings which had been conferred upon me in that house might be fulfilled.
 Copyright
Feeling my (c)
           own2005-2009,
               weakness toInfobase  Media
                            go on such     Corp. I asked the Prophet if brother Brigham might go with me. He replied that he wanted brother Brigham
                                       a mission,                                                                                                Page    12with
                                                                                                                                                    to stay / 49
him.
After being called on this mission I daily went into the attic story of the [Kirtland] Temple and poured out my soul unto the Lord, asking his protection and power to
fulfill honorably the mission appointed me by his servants, that the God of Joseph, and all the holy Prophets and Apostles that were before him, would be with me by
the administrations of his holy angels, and that I might have power so to live that all the blessings which had been conferred upon me in that house might be fulfilled.

Feeling my own weakness to go on such a mission, I asked the Prophet if brother Brigham might go with me. He replied that he wanted brother Brigham to stay with
him.

At this time many had faltered in their faith, even some of Twelve were in rebellion against the Prophet of God. John F. Boynton said to me, if I was such a damned fool
as to go at the call of the fallen Prophet, Joseph Smith, he would not help me a dime and if I was cast on Van Dieman's Land he would not make an effort to help me.
Lyman E. Johnson said he did not want me to go on my mission; but if was determined to go he would help me all he could; he took his cloak off his back and put it on
to mine, this was the first cloak I ever had in my life.

Brother Sidney Rigdon, father Joseph Smith, brothers Brigham Young, Newel K. Whitney and others, said, "Go, and do as the Prophet has told you and you shall
prosper and be blessed with power to do a glorious work." Hyrum, seeing the condition of the Church, when he would talk about my mission, wept like a little child.
He was continually blessing and encouraging me, and pouring out his soul in prophecies upon my head. He said to me, "Go, and you shall prosper as not many have
prospered."

June 12th. Elder Willard Richards arrived from his mission yesterday. I met him on the street today and told him I was now ready to fulfil my engagement with him. I
told him I started for England tomorrow, and wanted him to go with me. Considering himself involved in business with brother Brigham, he did not believe he could go
but upon consulting Presidents Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon, and brother Brigham agreeing to take charge of his business responsibilities, he was set apart at 6
p.m., by brothers Hyrum and Sydney to accompany the mission to England.

I received the following letter of recommendation from the First Presidency.

At a conference of the elders of the Church of Latter-day Saints held in Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, on the second day of June in the year of our Lord one
thousand, eight hundred and thirty-seven, Elder Heber C. Kimball the hearer of this was unanimously appointed, set apart and ordained to go at the head of this mission
to England, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of that nation, as it is believed and practiced by us-From the long acquaintance which we have had
with this our worthy brother, his integrity and zeal in the cause of truth, we do most cheerfully and confidently recommend him to all candid and upright people as a
servant of God and faithful minister of Jesus Christ. We do furthermore beseech all people who have an opportunity of hearing this our brother declare the doctrine
believed by us, to listen with attention to the words of his mouth.

JOSEPH SMITH. SIDNEY RIGDON. HYRUM SMITH.

Presiding Elders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I laid my hands upon my family and blessed them and dedicated them to God.

June 13th 1837, I bade my family and friends in Kirtland farewell, and in company with elders Hyde, Richards, and Priest Fielding started on my mission arrived at
Fairport, on Lake Erie, that afternoon, a distance of twelve miles; and about an hour after our arrival, took passage in a steamboat. Sister Mary Fielding gave me five
dollars, with which I paid my passage and brother Hyde's to Buffalo; after a pleasant voyage we reached Buffalo the next day.

There was means furnished by the Canadian brethren to help the mission but I never got a farthing of it.

I journeyed in company with Elder Richards to Richmond, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, where we spent one day visiting his father and mother, and were
successful in obtaining $40 to enable us to prosecute our journey.

We arrived at New York on the 22nd day of June, where we met with brothers Goodson, Russell and Snider (they came by the way of Canada) all in good health.

Being scant of means we were obliged to rent a store house from Elijah Fordham's father, on the floor of which we lay. He had as many as twelve beds which were
empty.

While we remained in New York, we distributed O. Hyde's Timely Warnings to the ministers of the different denominations, and taught the people the principles of the
Gospel.

Elijah Fordham was the only Saint in New York, he gave me $10.

July 1st. We took passage on board the Garrick, and on the 20th landed in Liverpool. The mission consisted of elders Orson Hyde, Willard Richards, John Goodson
and Isaac Russell and myself, also John Snider and Joseph Fielding who were priests.

While crossing the sea I dreamed that the Prophet Joseph came to me while I was standing upon the forecastle of the ship, and said, "Brother Heber, here is a rod
(putting it into my hands) with which you are to guide the ship; while you hold this rod, you shall prosper and there shall be no obstacles thrown before you, but what
you shall have power to over come,and the hand of God shall be with you; after this I discovered every kind of obstruction would be placed before the trip to stop its
progress, but the bow being sharp, the obstacles were compelled to move out one side like a bulrush, and when the she would come to a mountain, it would plow its
course right through, as though it was in water. This rod which Joseph gave me was about three and a half feet in length. His appearance was just as natural as I ever
beheld him in the flesh he blessed me and disappeared.

Our passage was very agreeable, and the winds for the most part very favorable.

The last Sunday we were on the water, brother Hyde preached to the captain crew and passengers they gave good attention.

I was destitute of money. On the 22nd, we went by coach to Preston, thirty-one miles.

It being a public day, the streets presented a very busy scene indeed. I never witnessed any thing like it. Music playing, bags flying, thousands of men, women and
children parading the streets, decked in ribbons, characteristic of their politics.

On one of the flags, which was just unrolled before us the moment the coach reached its destination was the following motto: "Truth will prevail,' in large gilt letters it
being so very seasonable, and the sentiment being appropriate to us in our situation, we were involuntarily led to exclaim. "Amen. So let it be."
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                              Page 13 / 49
We took lodgings in St. Wilfred Street. Shortly after brother Fielding found his brother, the Rev. James Fielding, who requested to have an interview with some of us
that evening. Accordingly elders Hyde, Goodson and myself went, and were kindly received by him, and Mr. Watson his brother-in-law. We gave them a short
account of the object of our mission and the great work which the Lord had commenced, and conversed on these subjects until a late hour. The next morning we were
children parading the streets, decked in ribbons, characteristic of their politics.

On one of the flags, which was just unrolled before us the moment the coach reached its destination was the following motto: "Truth will prevail,' in large gilt letters it
being so very seasonable, and the sentiment being appropriate to us in our situation, we were involuntarily led to exclaim. "Amen. So let it be."

We took lodgings in St. Wilfred Street. Shortly after brother Fielding found his brother, the Rev. James Fielding, who requested to have an interview with some of us
that evening. Accordingly elders Hyde, Goodson and myself went, and were kindly received by him, and Mr. Watson his brother-in-law. We gave them a short
account of the object of our mission and the great work which the Lord had commenced, and conversed on these subjects until a late hour. The next morning we were
presented with half- a-crown, which Mr. Fielding's sister, Mrs. Watson, sent us.

Sunday the 23rd. We went to hear Mr. Fielding preach, praying to the Lord to open up the way for us. After he had got through his discourse, and without being
requested by us, be gave out an appointment for us in the afternoon. It being noised abroad that some elders from America were going to preach, a large concourse of
people assembled to hear us. I called their attention to the first principles of the Gospel, and told them something of the nature of the work which the Lord had
commenced on the earth; after which brother Hyde bore testimony, which was received by many, with whom I afterwards conversed.

Brother Goodson preached in the evening, and brother Fielding bore testimony. On Wednesday evening, at the same place, Elder Hyde preached and brother
Richards bore testimony. A number believed and began to praise God and rejoice, exceedingly. . .

The Rev. James Fielding shut his door against us and would not suffer us to preach any more in his chapel; and became one of our most violent opposers. He said
respecting the first three sermons which were preached in that place, that "Kimball bored the holes, Goodson drove the nails, and Hyde clinched them."

About day break, Sunday July 30th, Elder Isaac Russell came up to the third loft where Elder Hyde and myself were sleeping, and called upon us to pray for him, that
he might be delivered from the evil spirits that were tormenting him to such a degree that he felt he could not live long, unless he obtained relief. We laid hands on him, I
being mouth, and prayed that the Lord would have mercy on him, and rebuke the Devil. While thus engaged, I was struck with great force by some invisible power,
and fell senseless on the floor; and the first thing I recollected was being supported by elders Hyde and Russell who were praying for me. They then laid me on the bed,
but my agony was so great I arose, bowed on my knees and prayed.

I then sat on the bed and could distinctly see the evil spirits who foamed and gnashed their teeth upon us. We gazed upon them about an hour and a half, we were not
looking towards the window but towards the wall, space appeared before us and we saw the devils coming in legions with their leaders, who came within a few feet of
us, they came towards us like armies rushing to battle, they appeared men of full stature, possessing every uncomely form and appearance of men in the flesh, and every
variety of stature and form, mean, mangled and deformed, who were angry and desperate, and I shall never forget the vindictive malignity depicted on their
countenances, and any attempt to paint the scene which then presented itself; or portray the malice and enmity depicted in their countenances would be vain. I
perspired exceedingly, and my clothes were wet as if I had been taken out of the river.

Although I felt exquisite pain, and was in the greatest distress for some time, and cannot even look back on the scene without feelings of horror; yet, by it I learned the
power of the Adversary, his enmity against the servants of God, and got some understanding of the invisible world. We distinctly heard those spirits talk and express
their wrath and hellish designs against us. However the Lord delivered us from them, and blessed us exceedingly that day, and I had the pleasure (notwithstanding my
weakness of body) of baptizing nine.

Two of the candidates, on coming forward for baptism, ran a race; the younger, George D. Watt, outran the elder and was the first baptized in England.

Brothers Hyde, Richards and myself fasted one day every week.

Monday 31st. We held Council, and appointed elders Richards and Goodson to go on a mission to Bedford; elders Russell and Snider to Alston, Cumberland; and
elders Hyde, Fielding and myself agreed to labor in Preston and the regions round about. We continued in fasting and prayer until two o'clock in the morning. The next
day the brethren took their departure for the different fields of labor assigned them.

We preached in private houses, by the fireside, at the corners of the streets, in the market places, and wherever the Lord opened the way; and baptized those who
believed our testimony. Friday, August 4th. I baptized Miss Janetta Richards and confirmed her at the water side, being the first confirmation in England.

The following Sabbath, the 6th, we preached in the market place to a numerous assemblage, both rich and poor, who flocked from all parts to hear "what these dippers
had to say." We were opposed by a learned minister, who was confounded and went away disgraced in the eyes of the people.

In the evening those who had been baptized, numbering about fifty, met together at sister Dawson's and were confirmed.

The Rev. John Richards an independent minister, father of Miss Janetta Richards, invited me, by letter, to preach in his chapel, at Walkerfold, Chaidgly, forenoon,
afternoon in the evening, on Sabbath 13th, which invitation I fulfilled, and was kindly entertained by the Rev. gentleman, whose chapel was crowded with very attentive
listeners. Mr. Richards gave out another appointment for me to preach on Monday evening, which I attended, and by request of the congregation, preached on
Wednesday evening. A number believed the doctrines I advanced, and on Thursday six individuals, all members of Mr. Richards'church, came forward for baptism.
James Smithies and his wife Nancy were two of the number. I baptized the most of Mr. Richards' members, and he afterwards told me I had ruined his flock. I pitied
the old gentleman, but I had a duty to perform which outweighed all other considerations. I shall ever remember with gratitude his generous hospitality.

About Sept. 12th, Brother Snider returned from the north, where he had traveled in company with brother Russell. They met with considerable opposition and had
baptized 30 and others were investigating. After spending a few days with us, he and brother Goodson (who had returned from his mission to Bedford) took their leave
of us and started for America on the 5th of October, brother Goodson pretending to have business of importance which called him home. He had over 200 Books of
Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants, which he refused to let me have (although I proffered to pay him the money for them on my return), he carried them back to
America and burnt them, from which time he left the Church.

The Rev. Robert Aitken delivered a violent and abusive discourse against the Saints in Preston.

The next Sunday, Elder Hyde and myself read the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians and strongly urged upon the people the grace of charity which is so highly spoken of
in that chapter, and made some remarks on the proceedings of the Rev. Robert Aitken, who had abused us and the Book of Mormon so very much; in return for his
railing we exhorted our people to pray that the Lord would soften his heart and open his eyes, that he might see it was "hard to kick against the pricks." This course had
a very good effect, and that week we baptized fifty, a large number of whom were members of Mr. Aitken's church. Thus the Lord blessed us exceedingly,
notwithstanding the railing and abuse of the priest, and all this worked together for our good and the advancement of the cause for truth, and the work of the Lord
continued to roll forth with great power. Calls from all quarters to come and preach were constantly sounding in our ears; and we labored both night and day to teach
the people. We had to speak in small and very crowded houses and to large assemblies in the open air; consequently, our lungs became very sore and our bodies worn
down   with fatigue.
 Copyright           At lengthInfobase
             (c) 2005-2009,     we obtained   a commodious
                                          Media   Corp.      place to preach in, called "The Cock Pit;" we had to pay seven shillings sterling per week rent,
                                                                                                                                                          Pageand two
                                                                                                                                                                   14 / 49
shillings for lighting it with gas. It had been recently converted into a Temperance Hall. When we leased it the area in the center was occupied by the singers, and our
pulpit was the place where the judges formerly sat, who awarded the prizes at cock fights.
a very good effect, and that week we baptized fifty, a large number of whom were members of Mr. Aitken's church. Thus the Lord blessed us exceedingly,
notwithstanding the railing and abuse of the priest, and all this worked together for our good and the advancement of the cause for truth, and the work of the Lord
continued to roll forth with great power. Calls from all quarters to come and preach were constantly sounding in our ears; and we labored both night and day to teach
the people. We had to speak in small and very crowded houses and to large assemblies in the open air; consequently, our lungs became very sore and our bodies worn
down with fatigue. At length we obtained a commodious place to preach in, called "The Cock Pit;" we had to pay seven shillings sterling per week rent, and two
shillings for lighting it with gas. It had been recently converted into a Temperance Hall. When we leased it the area in the center was occupied by the singers, and our
pulpit was the place where the judges formerly sat, who awarded the prizes at cock fights.

The temperance reformation in England commenced in Preston just previous to our arrival there, and it was often said by temperance men who joined the Church that
the movement was a preparatory work or forerunner to the introduction of the Gospel; in most every place we went where there was a Temperance Hall we could get
it to preach in, many believing that we made men temperate faster than they did; for as soon as any obeyed the Gospel they abandoned their excesses in drinking; and
none of us drank any kind of spirits, porter nor small beer, nor even wine, neither did we drink tea, coffee or chocolate.

Our meeting was disturbed by some Methodist ministers. We got our hall, licensed, and policemen proffered their services to keep the peace and protect us from any
further disturbances. Brother Hyde and myself made application to the quarter sessions and obtained licenses.

Although we had many persecutors, who would have rejoiced at our destruction and who felt determined to overthrow the work of the Lord, yet there were many who
were very friendly, who would have stood by us under all circumstances, and would not have been afraid to hazard their lives in our behalf.

We divided the Church into several branches and ordained priests and teachers to preside over them. Thursday evening was appointed for prayer meetings to be held
in different parts, and on Sundays for the whole church to assemble in the Cock Pit, when the Sacrament was administered, and such instructions given, as were
thought necessary, for their spiritual prosperity and advantage.

After having attended to this duty, I again went into the county, where I spent the principal part of my time; leaving Preston on Monday morning and returning on
Saturday night.

Having mentioned my determination of going to Chatburn to several of my brethren they endeavored to dissuade me from going, informing me that there could be no
prospect of success whatever, as several ministers of different denominations and endeavored in vain to raise churches in these places, this did not discourage me in the
least I went in the name of Jesus Christ. My testimony was accompanied by the Spirit of the Lord and was received with joy, and these people who were represented
as being so hard and obdurate, were melted down into tenderness and love, and the effect seemed to be general.

I told them, that being a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ I stood ready at all times to administer the ordinances of the Gospel. At the close of my discourse I felt some
one pulling my coat and turning around, I was accosted with, "Master! Master! Please will you baptize me," "and me," "and me," exclaimed more than a dozen voices.
Accordingly I went down into the water, and baptized twenty five and was engaged in this duty, and conversing with the people until 1 o'clock. The next morning I
returned to Downham, where I had preached the evening previous to preaching in Chatburn and baptized between twenty-five and thirty in the course of the day.

Being absent from Preston five days, brother Fielding and I baptized and confirmed about 110 persons, organized branches in Downham, Chatburn, Waddington and
Clitheroe-ordained several to the lesser priesthood to preside; this was the first time the people in these villages ever heard our voices, or ever saw an American.

We held a general Conference in Preston on Christmas day, the Saints assembled in the Cock Pit. There were about three hundred Saints present. There were
delegates from each Branch to represent the branches around, which extended thirty miles. Brother Fielding was ordained an elder, and several others were ordained
to the lesser priesthood to take charge of the branches. The brethren were instructed on the principles of the Gospel and their several duties enjoined upon them, as
Saints of the Most High. We confirmed fourteen and blessed about one hundred children.

At this Conference the Word of Wisdom was first publicly taught in that county; having heretofore taught it more by example than precept and from my own
observation afterwards, I am happy to state, that it was almost universally observed by the brethren.

I accompanied brother Hyde to Longton, where he had preached before, some were believing but none had been baptized. I preached a plain and simple discourse on
the first principles of the Gospel, and after meeting baptized twenty-five. . . .

On a certain occasion while brother Fielding and myself were passing through the village of Chatburn, going to Downham, having been observed drawing nigh to the
town, the news ran from house to house, and immediately the noise of their looms was hushed, the people flocked to their doors to welcome us, and see us pass. The
youth of the place ran to meet us, and took hold of our mantles, and then of each others' hands; several having hold of hands went before us, singing the songs of Zion,
while their parents gazed upon the scene with delight, and poured out their blessings upon our heads, and praised the God of heaven for sending us to unfold the
principles of truth, the plan of salvation to them. Such a scene, and such gratitude, I never witnessed before. "Surely," my heart exclaimed, "Out of the mouths of babes
and sucklings thou hast perfected praise." What could have been more pleasing and delightful, than such a manifestation of gratitude to Almighty God, from those
whose hearts were deemed too hard to be penetrated by the Gospel, and who had been considered the most wicked and hardened people in that region of country.

In comparison to the joy I then experienced, the grandeur, pomp and glory of the kingdoms of this world shrunk into insignificance and appeared as dross, and all the
honor of man, aside from the Gospel, to be vain. The prayer of my heart was,-"O Lord, do thou bless this people; save them from sin, and prepare them for thy
celestial kingdom, and that thy servant may meet them round thy throne, and grant, O Lord, that I may continue to preach the Gospel of Christ, which shall cause the
hearts of the poor to rejoice, and the meek to increase their joy in the Lord, which shall comfort the hearts of the widows, and cheer the soul of the orphan; and that I
may be the instrument in thy hands of bringing them to Zion, that they may behold thy glory, and be prepared to meet the Savior when he shall descend in the clouds of
heaven."

We visited the branches, and imparted such instructions as the Spirit directed. We first visited the churches south of Preston, and after spending sometime in that
direction, we journeyed to the north, accompanied by brother Richards, who had returned from the city of Bedford; his health being poor, he was not able to preach.

April 8th, 1838. We met in conference with the Saints in the "Cock Pit," in Preston, at 9 a.m. There were about 700 present.

We appointed Joseph Fielding to preside, and Willard Richards and William Clayton his counsellors, who were unanimously sustained by the Saints. We ordained them
high priests; we ordained elders, priests, teachers and deacons to minister in the various branches.

Evening. We held a council with the official members, numbering eighty, and instructed them further in their duty which meeting continued till one o'clock the next
morning.

Most of the time during our stay in Preston, we made our home with sister Ann Dawson. We purchased our provisions; for our room, lodging, cooking and fuel, we
paid two shillings
 Copyright         sterling perInfobase
             (c) 2005-2009,      week. We had no
                                        Media    public contributions except for the poor; but, on leaving, the Church voluntarily contributed means to Page
                                              Corp.                                                                                                     pay our15
                                                                                                                                                               expenses
                                                                                                                                                                  / 49
to Kirtland.

Throughout the entire mission we had no time to rest, being engaged constantly teaching the people in public and private. We frequently had to repair several times a
morning.

Most of the time during our stay in Preston, we made our home with sister Ann Dawson. We purchased our provisions; for our room, lodging, cooking and fuel, we
paid two shillings sterling per week. We had no public contributions except for the poor; but, on leaving, the Church voluntarily contributed means to pay our expenses
to Kirtland.

Throughout the entire mission we had no time to rest, being engaged constantly teaching the people in public and private. We frequently had to repair several times a
day to the water to baptize, and sometimes were compelled to wear our wet clothing.

When we bade the Saints adieu, they wept like little children, thinking they would see our faces no more.

9th. At mid-day we took coach for Liverpool, elders Fielding and Richards accompanied us, in order to get all the instruction they could; but as we were detained
several days by a storm, Elder Clayton and many of the Saints came to Liverpool to see us.

20th. Myself, elders Hyde and Russell, went on board the ship Garrick, and after a prosperous voyage of 22 1/2 days, we landed in New York. The sight of my native
land filled my soul with gladness.

We found Elder Orson Pratt, who in company with his brother Parley P., had built up a branch of the Church in the city of New York, with whom we met, and whose
hearts were encouraged by a rehearsal of the progress of the work in England. We continued our journey to Kirtland by steamboat, railroad and canal-arrived May
22nd-absent eleven months, and having been instrumental, in company with my brethren, in baptizing about 1500 souls, and establishing the Work in the heart of Great
Britain.

I found my family in good health, and as comfortably situated as I could expect, for which I felt thankful to my heavenly Father.

As brother Joseph and the most of the Authorities of the Church had removed to Far West, Missouri, I took my family and journeyed, mostly by water, via Ohio,
Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and arrived at Far West July 25th.

I had a happy meeting with Joseph, Hyrum and Sidney, and some of the Twelve. Joseph told me to preach to the Saints, and give them an account of my mission, and
it would cheer them, which I did. The brethren felt deeply interested.

Bishop Partridge gave me a lot, and sufficient timber to build a house. While it was erecting, my family lived in a place I built for my cow, eleven feet square, in which I
could hardly stand upright. The brethren were remarkably kind, and contributed to my necessities. Charles Hubbard made me a present of forty acres of timbered land,
another brother gave me a cow.

While the bands of infuriated mobbers were burning the houses and destroying the property of the brethren in Daviess County, I went with the Prophet Joseph, and
many of the brethren, to assist them to protect their families and disperse the mob. It was truly heart-rendering to see men, women and children, flying in every direction
from the fury of their enemies. The mob forces increased until men from nearly every part of the state joined them, with the Governor (Lilburn W. Boggs) at their head,
who ordered into service about 17,000 men, as reported by their officer of the state, for the extermination of the Saints.

The murders, house burnings, robberies, rapes, drivings, whippings, imprisonments, chainings and other sufferings and cruelties inflicted upon the people of God, under
the illegal orders of Missouri's Executive have been, only in part, laid before the world, and form a page in history, unequalled, unsurpassed, and unparalleled in the
history of religious persecutions.

Amasa Lyman's History

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865):472-73, 487-89, 502-504, 519-21, 535-37, 552-53.

I was born in the township of Lyman, in the county of Grafton and state of New Hampshire, on the 30th of March 1813.

I was the third son of Boswell Lyman and Martha Mason. The names of my grandparents, on my father's side, were Elias Lyman and Ruth Griswold. My mother's
parents were Perez Mason and Martha Barney.

I was born on a small homestead belonging to my mother's parents, so my infancy knew not the blessing of a paternal home.

In something less than two years subsequent to my birth, my father left on a journey with one of my mother's brothers, for the purpose of mending their fortunes in the
west; my uncle's name was . He died at Utica in the state of New York, leaving my father to pursue his doubtful way alone.

Years flew by and our hearth was still sad, nor was our domestic circle again cheered by the presence of the husband and father; some six years thus passed, in which
time my eldest brother, Mason Boswell, was indentured to a farmer in the town of Lebanon, county of Gratton [Grafton?], state of New Hampshire. My elder brother,
Elijah, died in infancy, thus myself, my younger brother, Elias, and my sister, Ruth Elias, remained with my mother, who resided with her father, until her second
marriage, which was with a Mr. Isaiah Emerson, subsequent to my father's death, which, from the best information we have, transpired near New Orleans, some six
years after he left us.

My mother left me with my grandfather, with whom I remained until I was eleven years of age, at which time my grandfather retired from his farm to reside with his
eldest son, Perley Mason, with whom, according to the wishes of my mother, I remained, without being indentured, for seven years.

During the year 1831, I became somewhat thoughtful on the subject of religion, and found peace with God and my soul in striving to break off my sins by righteousness,
and my iniquities by turning unto the Lord, (this was, however, in my ignorance much like the blind groping for the wall at noon).

I remained in this condition (not united with any of the churches of the times) until the spring of 1832, when our place was visited by Elders Lyman E. Johnson and
Orson Pratt, from whom I first heard the gospel. I was baptized on the 27th of April 1832, by Elder Lyman E. Johnson, and was confirmed on the day following by
Elder Orson Pratt.

On account of the ill feelings that arose in my uncle's family because of my baptism, I resolved to go to the west, and accordingly, on the 7th of May (having bid adieu
to my uncle's family), I started on a journey of some 700 miles.

My earthly wealth was composed of some sixteen pounds of half worn clothing, and eleven dollars and thirty-seven cents in cash. These were some of the
 Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                   Page 16 / 49
circumstances under which I left the land of my birth, a stranger to everything to be encountered on my journey.

The weariness consequent upon the first day's walking I had ever performed, admonished me that I had better ride, which I did, by stage and canal, until I reached
On account of the ill feelings that arose in my uncle's family because of my baptism, I resolved to go to the west, and accordingly, on the 7th of May (having bid adieu
to my uncle's family), I started on a journey of some 700 miles.

My earthly wealth was composed of some sixteen pounds of half worn clothing, and eleven dollars and thirty-seven cents in cash. These were some of the
circumstances under which I left the land of my birth, a stranger to everything to be encountered on my journey.

The weariness consequent upon the first day's walking I had ever performed, admonished me that I had better ride, which I did, by stage and canal, until I reached
Lyons in Wayne County, New York. Here finding my funds minus, I walked to Palmyra where I sought for employment, which I found with Mr. Thomas Lacky, who
bought Martin Harris' farm when he sold it to raise the money to print the Book of Mormon.

I here labored one half month, for which I received four dollars and a half, with which I continued my journey as far as Buffalo, where I shipped on board the steamer
Henry Clay, had a quick but rough passage to Cleveland, from this point I travelled on foot forty-five miles, to the residence of Brother John Johnson, in the town of
Hiram, Portage County, state of Ohio, where I arrived on the 5th of June. Father Johnson was the father of Brother Lyman E. Johnson who had baptized me; he
received me kindly and ministered to my wants, in which he was heartily joined by mother and daughters.

It was at this place that Brother Joseph Smith resided when he was brutally mobbed, tarred and feathered on the night of the 25th of March previous.

He was now absent on a visit to Missouri, from which he returned in July following.

After resting and refreshing myself for one week, I engaged to labor for Father Johnson at ten dollars per month; under this engagement I labored until the 1st of July,
about which time the Prophet returned to Father Johnson's to reside, this afforded me an opportunity to see the Man of God.

Of the impressions produced I will here say, although there was nothing strange or different from other men in his personal appearance, yet, when he grasped my hand
in that cordial way (known to those who have met him in the honest simplicity of truth), I felt as one of old in the presence of the Lord, my strength seemed to be gone,
so that it required an effort on my part to stand on my feet; but in all this there was no fear, but the serenity and peace of heaven pervaded my soul, and the still small
voice of the spirit whispered its living testimony in the depths of my soul, where it has ever remained, that he was the Man of God.

I continued laboring for Father Johnson until sometime in the month of August, when one Sabbath evening after a social prayer meeting with the few members in our
place, the Prophet, in his own familiar way, said to me, "Brother Amasa, the Lord requires your labors in the vineyard." I without thought replied, I will go, and on the
23rd of August 1832, myself and Brother Zerubabel Snow were ordained to the office of elders in the Church, under the hands of Joseph Smith and Frederick
Williams; and on the following day started on our first mission to proclaim the gospel of salvation. I had heard five sermons preached, three by Brother Orson Pratt,
one by Brother Joseph Smith, one by Brother Rathbone; but strong in the Lord and in the conviction of our own honesty we started.

About the time of our starting there was an application came to President Joseph Smith to visit an old gentleman who was afflicted with a severe pain in his head. From
a press of business, Brother Joseph could not go, but instructed Brother Snow and myself to call upon the old man, which we did, and as we came near his house,
before we entered, we heard his groans extorted from him by pain, which seemed intolerable.

We entered and introduced ourselves, being strangers; we prayed for and laid our hands upon him, in the name of Jesus, and rebuked his pain which was instantly
removed, and the sufferer rejoiced and praised God, who had so signally blessed himself and us as his ministers: the old gentleman's name was Harrington.

From Brother Harrington's we continued our journey, and as the close of the week drew near we found ourselves in the township of Chipeway, where we found a few
members of the Church; we stopped with Brother Baldwin Welton, a Brother Bosinger lived near. Here we made our first appointment for meeting on the Sabbath, the
day came and the hour, but the people did not, a dull prospect this for converting the world. The day passed, but we concluded that we would have a prayer meeting at
night, the hour came and Brother Welton's family and some of Brother Bosinger's family who did not belong to the Church came in, and, with a Miss Smith, were
seated, the latter reclining on a bed in the corner of the room; we sang and prayed, and Brother Snow proceeded to make some remarks, but in an instant a chilling
sensation pervaded my entire body, and a cry of alarm from the bed attracted the attention of all. On stepping to the bedside we discovered that Miss Smith's face and
her entire form were distorted in the most shocking manner, her eyes were glaring wildly, but apparently sightless, her respiration was very difficult and her limbs were
rigid as iron; the common restoratives were used without effect, we laid our hands upon her and rebuked the devil when she was instantly relieved, but in another
moment she was bound as before, we kneeled down by her bed and prayed, when she was again released, and asked for baptism, stating that she had been acting
against her convictions of right in some conversations we had held with her during the day; we repaired to the water, and there under the mantle of night introduced the
first souls into the Church as the fruits of our labors.

Thus the Lord in the days of our weakness strengthened and comforted us, with the assurance that His power could sustain us while we trusted in Him.

We blessed our friends and proceeded on our way, as our destination was the southern part of the state of Ohio, where Elders Seymour Brunson and Luke Johnson
had been laboring, and had built up a small branch of the Church.

We at length reached our field of labor sometime in September, having preached by the way.

We continued here and in Cabell County, Virginia, until the following spring, during which time there were some forty souls added to the Church.

We then started for Kirtland, where we arrived early in the spring, here we met with the Prophet and many of the elders, with whom we had a good and instructive
time. Here I parted with Brother Snow, he being appointed a mission to the eastern states, and had for his partner Horace Cowen.

I was appointed on a mission to the east, and had for my partner William F. Cahoon, with whom I started from Kirtland, on my second mission, about the 21st of
March 1833. I continued my labors for about eight months, during which time I travelled as far east as Chautauque and Cattaraugus counties, New York, during this
time I held one hundred and fifty-two meetings, and saw one hundred souls added to the Church. About the first of December (Brother Cahoon having previously
returned to Kirtland) I made my arrangements to return to Ohio, and while on the way I met with Brothers Lyman E. Johnson, Orson Pratt and John Murdock, in the
Girard Branch of the Church in Erie County, Pennsylvania. Here we held a conference on the 11th of December 1833, at which time I was ordained to the high
priesthood, under the hands of Lyman E. Johnson and Orson Pratt.

From this place I accompanied Brothers Pratt, Murdock and others to Livingston County, New York, where we labored for a length of time in settling difficulties in a
branch of the Church in the town of Geneseo, under the presidency of Elder Landon, who with some twenty-five others were cut off from the Church (perhaps in some
instances rather prematurely).

The above labor, with considerable other preaching in the country, occupied the time until near spring, when I parted with the elders, with whom I so pleasantly spent a
portion of the winter, and in company with Brother Alva L. Tippetts started for the land of my nativity.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                            Page 17 / 49
We journeyed eastward, preaching by the way as opportunity offered, until we reached Lake George in Warren County, New York. On the shore of this lake I found
a small branch of the Church, connected with which was Elder John Tanner. To effect the adjustment of some differences existing between some members of this
branch, I went to New Hampshire to secure the cooperation of some high priests.
instances rather prematurely).

The above labor, with considerable other preaching in the country, occupied the time until near spring, when I parted with the elders, with whom I so pleasantly spent a
portion of the winter, and in company with Brother Alva L. Tippetts started for the land of my nativity.

We journeyed eastward, preaching by the way as opportunity offered, until we reached Lake George in Warren County, New York. On the shore of this lake I found
a small branch of the Church, connected with which was Elder John Tanner. To effect the adjustment of some differences existing between some members of this
branch, I went to New Hampshire to secure the cooperation of some high priests.

While making this journey, the call to go to Zion reached eastern New York, through Lyman E. Johnson; responding to this call changed my plan of operation, and
after filling my engagements in this region, I went directly to Kirtland, taking in charge as a contribution some money and teams and the two sons of John Tanner, John
J. and Nathan.

I here received on my own account between nine and ten dollars in money, to provide myself for the journey, the above money I received from Sister Polly Beswick, it
was all she had.

We journeyed westward as far as Kirtland, where we arrived about the first of May, but did not join the camp until the day previous to their leaving New Portage,
which was on the 7th of May, 1835, at this point we identified ourselves with the camp by enrollment, and paying over our money to the credit of Father Tanner.

From this place I travelled with the camp, participating in all the vicissitudes it encountered, and sharing in its toils and labors, as well as the varied and rich instruction
that we received from time to time from the Prophet.

Thus we pursued our anomalous and strange journey, the vicissitudes of which afforded us ample opportunity to evince our faith by the offering of our lives for the truth,
thus proving by the patient endurance of our toils and our untiring perseverance in the accomplishment of our purposes, that the interests of the Kingdom, when they
should be committed to our keeping, would be faithfully cared for, thus laying the foundation for the effectual redemption of Zion, in the development of a faithful and
energetic ministry.

On the 17th of June, on Grand River, I met for the first time with Bishop Edward Partridge, I travelled and conversed with him the most of the day.

June the 19th, we arrived in the vicinity of Fishing River, and encamped near a Baptist meeting- house; during the night we were visited by a severe storm of rain and
high wind, accompanied by thunder and lightning, which prostrated the most of our tents. Some of the fugitives from the fury of the storm, found shelter in the church
(the most salvation it probably ever ministered).

The morning found me minus my tent, and a depression in the ground, in which my bed had been inadvertently made, was full of water, in which myself and bed were
submerged.

June 20th. On moving from our camp this morning, four miles, to Brother John Cooper's, we found the country around us was visited during the night previous with a
terrific storm of hail, which in its destructive course demolished fields of grain and made liberal pruning of the forest over which it passed. And what more directly
affected our safety, it held in check, so they could not move, a large mob force that were assembled to question our presence in, or dispute our passage through the
country.

We remained near Brother Cooper's until the 24th, during our stay here we were visited by some gentlemen from Clay and Ray counties, among them were General
Atchison, Colonel Sconce, and a Mr. Cameron.

With them the Prophet had an interchange of feeling and sentiment of a conciliatory character, which the Lord blest to our good, thus adding another to the evidences
already given, that it was no part of his purpose to expose his servants to the chances of destruction at the hands of their enemies. It was here the Lord signified to the
Prophet, to our joy and comfort, that our offering was accepted. While here Brother Ezra Thayre was attacked with the cholera, from which he recovered.

June 24th. Moved camp twenty miles, and camped at Brother Burket's, two and a half miles from Liberty, the county seat of Clay. Here on the morning of the 25th,
several of the brethren were attacked by the cholera; among the first was Elder John Carter, who had a protracted struggle with the fell destroyer. The following night
there were some half dozen of the brethren stricken down, and all lying on the floor in a small apartment. This was a scene that can be more easily imagined than
described, to see men stricken down in a moment, and in a short hour the ruddy glow of health displaced by the pallor of death.

To see the human form divine, that at the dawn of morning was stately and erect, in all the perfections of manly beauty, to see its perfections and beauty of form melt
away in the death struggle of a few short hours. And to think, the sufferers, who are they? the question reaches to and stirs the fountain of feeling within us, for they are
no strangers that are writhing at our feet, these are the forms of the loved, the faithful and the brave; with them we had labored-with them we had rejoiced together in
the truth; they were endeared to us by the tenderest ties that bind heart to heart, and soul to soul. These are the sufferers for whom there seems to be no rest but in the
grave.

I passed the night with the sufferers, in the morning, the company with which I was connected was disbanded. Ere I left, I gave a parting look, breathed a hasty prayer,
and tore myself away from the scene of death.

June 26. From this place I went to the residence of Brother King Follet. From this until the organization of the high council, I passed my time with the brethren who had
been expelled from Jackson County, by whom I was kindly entertained.

I then engaged to work for Brother Jabez Durfee, who was building a mill for Esquire Arthur. While thus engaged, I was called upon to assist in numbering the people
of the Church in Clay County. This led me to form an acquaintance with the Saints generally who had been driven from Jackson County.

In this labor I was engaged until the 11th of August, when I was attacked by the ague and fever, with which I was confined to the house and bed until the 2nd of
November. I was, during my sickness, at the house of Brother Elias Higbee, whose wife was most kind and unremitting in her attentions to my comfort, as were the
Saints generally.

After a partial recovery from my sickness, I received a discharge from the camp under the hand of Lyman Wight. I then procured through the aid of the brethren a half
worn coat that belonged to Brother Sidney Gilbert, and on the 23rd of December 1834, I started from Clay County in company with Brother Heman Tilton Hyde. We
travelled and preached by the way, sharing the fate common to those who called upon the wicked to turn from their sins.

We continued eastward as far as Ohio, where we arrived in Kirtland on the 26th of May, 1835. On our way we held sixty-seven meetings and three conferences, and
inCopyright
   company(c)
            with Brother Elisha
               2005-2009,       H. Groves
                            Infobase MediaweCorp.
                                             built up a branch of the Church in Madison County, Illinois, and baptized others in St. Clair County. Page 18 / 49

During my present stay in Kirtland, of about three weeks, I was ordained a member of the 1st Quorum of Seventies under the hands of Joseph [Smith], Oliver
[Cowdery] and Sidney [Rigdon]. The records of my ordination and blessing made by Silvester Smith are lost.
travelled and preached by the way, sharing the fate common to those who called upon the wicked to turn from their sins.

We continued eastward as far as Ohio, where we arrived in Kirtland on the 26th of May, 1835. On our way we held sixty-seven meetings and three conferences, and
in company with Brother Elisha H. Groves we built up a branch of the Church in Madison County, Illinois, and baptized others in St. Clair County.

During my present stay in Kirtland, of about three weeks, I was ordained a member of the 1st Quorum of Seventies under the hands of Joseph [Smith], Oliver
[Cowdery] and Sidney [Rigdon]. The records of my ordination and blessing made by Silvester Smith are lost.

During the short respite from preaching I married Miss Louisa Maria Tanner, the daughter of Elder John Tanner, our marriage was solemnized, by Elder Seymour
Brunson, on Wednesday of the week; and the following Monday I was again in the field.

My present course was eastward, mostly in the state of New York, where my labors were rewarded by liberal additions to the Church. My present mission occupied
six months of time and extended over 2,000 miles of travel, and the preaching of nearly 200 sermons.

From the time of my return to Kirtland in December 1835, I resided with my father-in-law and attended school through the winter. And in the spring of 1836, I
participated in the endowments then given, and in consequence of my ordination to the high priesthood, previous to my ordination as a seventy, I was at this time
connected with the quorum of high priests.

The spring of 1836 found me again on my way to the East, in company with Elder Nathan Tanner; we passed through the field of my previous year's labors in
Allegheny County, New York, where we were blest in adding several to the Church. While here we witnessed the signal manifestation of the power of God in the
healing of the sick.

From this place we continued our travels eastward until we arrived in the town of Bolton, the former residence of Brother Tanner, here we preached through the
country, in which we secured the attention of the people, but not their obedience to the truth.

While here we met with Father John Tanner, who had been on a mission to the state of Vermont. While here I married Elder Nathan Tanner and Miss Rachel Smith.
Brother Nathan remained with his father-in-law, while myself and Father Tanner returned to Kirtland; where I remained the most of the time engaged in work to
support my family and in preaching in the country around, once going east as far as Erie County, Pennsylvania.

In this way my time was mostly occupied until the autumn of 1837, when myself and Brother Nathan Tanner engaged Mr. Jared Randel to remove us to Missouri,
where we joined the Saints in the new county of Caldwell. In consequence of my limited means I went to Fort Leavenworth, where I labored during the winter. In the
spring I returned and engaged in a job of work on the courthouse, in the county of Chaton.

On my return home I engaged in labor for George Walters, from which I was relieved by sickness, which was induced by too severe labor in hot weather. From this
indisposition I had mostly recovered, when the difficulties, that eventuated in our expulsion from the state, commenced with an affray at an election in Daviess County,
in the month of August. On the first alarm I took the field, which I did not leave, until I left the state, the following spring.

The trouble thickened around us until, on my return from a week's excursion to the north of Far West (in company with Brother Justus Morse, with whom my family
resided), I learned, that the brethren at DeWitt were surrounded by mobs in such a way as to preclude any approach to them by the usual ways, in consequence of
which we were left in ignorance of their prospects of danger or safety.

On this account the brethren in Far West committed to me the task of finding a way to the brethren that were in the midst of the enemy. To accompany me I selected
Brother James Dunn, I then dressed myself in some old soldier pants, and an old and somewhat tattered coat made of a buffalo robe, and overtopped all with a red
worsted cap closely fitting my head. One pocket of my coat was furnished with a pint flask for the spirits we might use, or the effect its possession might have on those
with whom we would be likely to come in contact.

Thus attired in our grotesque and uncouth garb, we started across the country to the Missouri River, at a point somewhere above the ferry crossing the Lexington, we
reached the river, and when the mantle of night was over us we commenced our search for a canoe, in which to pass down the river; in this, however, we did not
succeed, and when the signs of the coming day were discoverable in the east, we found shelter under the edge of a stack of hay by the way, and catched [caught] an
hour's sleep, and then were up and away; and travelling down the river we found a Brother Benjamin Jones, who gave us some breakfast, after which we passed over
the ferry, replenished our bottle and passed on through the town, passing several parties who were engaged in discussing the common topic of the day-the Mormons
and their enemies.

From this place we passed down the river some twelve miles, where, near the close of the day, we secured a canoe, in which we passed down the river, until the
darkness of night rendered our navigation rather unsafe, we landed, kept ourselves warm with a fire, which we supplied during the night. In the morning we resumed our
way and landed at DeWitt about noon; but the Saints had all gone, save a few who had been prevented by the loss of stock. Of these were Zenos H. Gurly and
Brother Simons.

We took dinner with some of the mob residents of the place, and were told by them that being strangers we might be suspected of being Mormons, and consequently
unsafe in the place. Acting upon the suggestion we left the town, on the road leading to Carleton, and found lodging with Mr. Thomas, in the morning we were early on
the way, got breakfast with a citizen who lived near the point where the trail made by the brethren when they left DeWitt diverged from the old road to the right. This
trail we were travelling as fast as we could walk, when on turning abruptly around the point of a low ridge, we found ourselves in close proximity to two men on
horseback, with arms. They were questioning a Brother Clark, as we subsequently learned, who was a stranger in the country, and was on the hunt for stock, a short
distance ahead were some twenty men who were armed and mounted, the two dismissed Brother Clark and rode to the company, and returned to us with an addition
to their number of some half a dozen, and made prisoners of us, asking who we were. We found in the company some men we had seen before in Daviess.

They had, in a wagon, a six pounder, which they were transporting to the north, at a cost of ten dollars per day. On this cannon, in the wagon, they allowed us to ride,
at night we helped take the cannon from the wagon and secrete it in the hazel thicket, to prevent a surprise from the "Mormons," and then they placed a guard of four
men with us, and in this way they kept us four days.

On the morning of the fifth, they told us we could go, but not to our friends, who were within seven miles of where we were. They forced us back on the road we
came. We travelled some forty miles, in a light snow, and waded through Grand River. About nine o'clock at night we reached Brother York's on Shoal Creek. They
fed and refreshed us, and in the morning we started for Far West, where we arrived the next day.

I went directly to Daviess County, where I found the cannon, on which Brother Dunn and myself had rode [ridden] during our captivity, the brethren having captured it
soon after our release. While here, we heard that the mob were gathering on the southern borders of our county. On the receipt of the news I repaired to Far West,
where I borrowed a horse of some brother whose name I have forgotten.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                          Page 19 / 49
A company of spies were raised, composed of ten men, and I was appointed to take charge of them. We repaired to Crooked River, and quartered with Brother
Pinkham.
I went directly to Daviess County, where I found the cannon, on which Brother Dunn and myself had rode [ridden] during our captivity, the brethren having captured it
soon after our release. While here, we heard that the mob were gathering on the southern borders of our county. On the receipt of the news I repaired to Far West,
where I borrowed a horse of some brother whose name I have forgotten.

A company of spies were raised, composed of ten men, and I was appointed to take charge of them. We repaired to Crooked River, and quartered with Brother
Pinkham.

From this point I went, taking with me Brother John Scott, to reconnoitre the country, leaving the residue of the company to keep a watch in the vicinity of their
quarters.

We extended our search as far as the mouth of Crooked River, where we found Father Cutler and family, we gave to him and the brethren in that region the best
instruction we could in the then existing emergency.

After spending a few days here, the night preceding the battle on Crooked River, I slept at Father Cutler's, about the dawning of day, I awoke Brother Scott and told
him that the brethren had had a battle, for I had seen it. We arose and saddled our horses and rode ten miles, and stopped with Brother Ewing to get some breakfast.
While here, the news of the battle was brought by two of the mob residents, who came to advise Brother Ewing to give up his arms, but the presence there of myself
and Brother Scott rendered the difference in our number rather against them. Our breakfast over, we secured the services of a guide, and we travelled directly across
the country to Far West.

When the light of day was gone, we were furnished with light from the burning prairie.

We arrived in Far West early on the morning of the 29th of October. I called at Brother Rigdon's where I saw Brother O'Banion who was dying of his wound,
received at Crooked River. Some hours later, in the morning of the same day, the corpse of Brother David W. Patten was brought into town.

On this morning a company of men, under the command of Colonel Hinkle, of which I was one, started out into the country, hearing that there was a large force in the
vicinity of Crooked River. When some five or six miles on the way, we learned that there was an army making their way to Far West. On the receipt of this intelligence
we commenced our retreat, in a circuitous route, to Far West, passing the rear of the enemy while they passed in, on the south of the city, within one mile of which they
encamped, while we entered it from the east near night, and joined our brethren, already formed in line of defence on the south of the city.

While the mob were making their way towards the city, they made a prisoner of Father John Tanner, whom they brutally treated, by striking him on the head with a
rifle. From the bleeding of his wounds he was besmeared from head to foot. He was kept one night, and then turned out to carry to his friends the corpse of the
murdered Carey.

On the night of the 30th of October, we were engaged in preparing for defence, in, and about the city, by throwing up a barricade made of cabin logs, fence rails,
wagons, which were around the city.

October 31st. Today an invitation was sent for Brothers Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, and George W. Robinson, to hold a conference
with the officers of the army, which, however, eventuated in their betrayal into the hands of their enemies, who celebrated their success, by a succession of demoniac
yells, that might have led one to conclude that hell with all its legions had joined in the triumph. Thus passed the night.

When we supposed that we might have been attacked by our enemies, we were ordered out by Colonel Hinkle to lay down our arms by way of surrender to our foes.
This ungrateful requirement complied with, we were marched into the city and kept under guard for a time, when our guard was extended to the limits of the city, and
we were released from our closer confinement. After our partial release, I made a call on Bishop Partridge, and passing from his residence, in the north, to the southern
part of the town, in passing the store of Colonel Hinkle, I was pointed out to a party of the mob, who followed me a short distance, and arrested me, stating they had
orders from General Lucas to bring me to camp.

On my arrival in the camp I found myself associated with the prisoners, so treacherously taken the day previous, and also Brother Hyrum Smith, and Alexander
McRae. The night was rather an unpleasant one, from the inclemency of the weather, from which we had no protection. During the night was held the far famed court-
martial, by which we were all sentenced to be shot in the morning. From the execution of this merciless sentence we were saved by the opposition, to the same, of
General Doniphan, and long may he live to enjoy the reward of the soul ennobling qualities that exalted him incomparably above the priest-ridden, bloody rabble
around him.

On the morning of November 2nd, we were ordered to take our seats in a wagon, driven by Brother Stephen Markham, who had been pressed into their service. As
we seated ourselves, William Beauman rushed up to the wagon, with his rifle cocked, swearing that Lyman Wight, who sat by my side, should not leave the ground
alive. He was instantly disarmed by the Captain of the guard, whose name was Jackson, a guard placed, some twenty-five feet from us, with orders to shoot the first
who should show a disposition to crowd on us.

From the camp we moved, under a strong guard, into the city of Far West, where the most of the prisoners were allowed to go and say their adieus to their heart
stricken and sorrowing families. While we halted here, the father and mother of Brothers Joseph and Hyrum Smith came to the wagon, in which we were seated, to see
their sons, as they thought for the last time, but the wagon was closely covered, and they were brutally refused the privilege of looking upon their children.

At length we left the scene of our sorrowing friends, and started on our way to Independence. When about two miles from the city, we passed the place where my
family resided, I was allowed some five minutes to see my wife and get a change of clothing. I left my weeping wife and prattling babe, to encounter my fate, in the land
of my enemies. We camped one night before crossing the Missouri River.

November 3rd. We crossed the river. We arrived in Independence in the midst of a heavy rain. We were taken through all the principal streets of the town, and
exhibited as the trophies of the victories of mob violence over innocence and truth. From the time of our arrival here, the rigors of our confinement were considerably
relaxed.

We were at length taken to Richmond, by the orders of General Clark, where we were closely confined, being all bound together in one chain, and under a strong
guard. In this way I remained, undergoing with my fellow prisoners an ex parte examination, until the 24th of November, when I was discharged; and about 9 o'clock
on Saturday I started for Far West. About 10 o'clock at night I met my wife at Brother Morse's.

On Sunday, in company with my wife, I went to town, and several times in the course of the day, I met with several parties of the mob, whom I learned, about
sundown, were searching for me, to take me back to prison. On the receipt of this information, I took measures to keep out of their way.

On Sabbath,(c)
 Copyright   after my release,
               2005-2009,      I met with
                            Infobase      Colonel
                                      Media   Corp.Hinkle, who discovered to me his heartiless [heartless] treachery, by proposing that we should join Page
                                                                                                                                                       and go to
                                                                                                                                                               20the/ 49
south, and build up a church for ourselves, as the Prophet was in trouble, from which he would not escape.

About this time I was elected justice of the peace; and about the time of the committal of the brethren to prison, I was taken sick with a swelling on my left arm. My
On Sunday, in company with my wife, I went to town, and several times in the course of the day, I met with several parties of the mob, whom I learned, about
sundown, were searching for me, to take me back to prison. On the receipt of this information, I took measures to keep out of their way.

On Sabbath, after my release, I met with Colonel Hinkle, who discovered to me his heartiless [heartless] treachery, by proposing that we should join and go to the
south, and build up a church for ourselves, as the Prophet was in trouble, from which he would not escape.

About this time I was elected justice of the peace; and about the time of the committal of the brethren to prison, I was taken sick with a swelling on my left arm. My
sickness soon reduced me to a state of utter helplessness, when I was carried to the house of Brother Solomon Daniels, where by the kindness of my friends, and the
blessing of the Lord, I slowly recovered. During my illness, I was closely watched by Captain Bogard and his emissaries.

Before I had recovered, Brother Daniels and family removed to Illinois, and took with them my family, leaving me to aid the brethren in the matter of conveying their
land, which the most of them were forced to do by the oppression of the mob.

I boarded with Brother Theodore Turley's family, Sister Turley was most kind and unremitting in her attention to my comfort, under her treatment I regained my health.
I remained until March, 1839, when I went to Quincy, Illinois, where I found my family still with Brother Daniels' family, with whom they continued a few months.

During the spring I went (in company with Brothers Charles C. Rich, Seymour Brunson, and John Killyon) to Missouri to see Brother P. [Parley] P. Pratt, who was
being carried on change of venue from Richmond, in Ray County, to Columbia in Boone County. We were frustrated in our intentions to assist Brother Pratt and
others, by the misrepresentation of matters between us and them, by Watson Barlow, who came from Quincy to see the prisoners, and was known as a Mormon,
while we were travelling incognito.

On the strength of Barlow's representation I went to Quincy, and returned again to Columbia, but was again defeated as before, and returned leaving our friends to
their fate. Brother Pratt told me after, that they were ready to have acted upon our first proposition for their rescue. Our plan was the same as that on which they came
out on the fourth of July subsequently.

The above with a dangerous trip to the western part of Missouri, to attend to some unsettled business, occupied the most of the summer. In the fall I went, with my
family, to spend the winter with my old friend Justus Morse, in McDonough County. I remained there until spring.

Early in the spring of 1840, I went to Iowa, on the half breed tract, in Lee County, where I built a cabin, to which I moved my family. A portion of this summer I spent
on the Mississippi, boating wood to St. Louis. From this work I returned in the fall sick. Travelled from Quincy to Nauvoo, on the steamer of that name. Captain
George Miller and my wife met me at Keokuk.

In the spring of 1841, I moved my family to Nauvoo, and occupied a part of a house belonging to Brother Osmyn M. Duel, and worked with Brother Theodore Turley
in his shop at repairing guns, and other work. I had not been thus engaged, but a short time, when Brother Charles Shumway, from northern Illinois, called on Brother
Joseph for elders to go home with him to preach in that country. The Prophet sent him to me, with directions that I should go.

The steamer on which we were to go up the river, was in sight when I received the word in the shop. I went to my home, one mile, and said adieu to my family, and
was at the landing as the boat rounded to. We went on board of the boat, which I left at Galena. I preached in this region, and in Wisconsin, until October, when I
returned to Nauvoo, where I arrived on the last day of the conference, in the afternoon.

During the conference I was appointed a mission to the city of New York, this was countermanded by the Prophet; and during the winter I went, in company with
Peter Haws, on a mission to secure means to build the temple and Nauvoo House, we went as far east as Indiana.

In the spring of 1842, I went on a mission to the state of Tennessee, H. K. Whitney and Adam Lightner accompanied me, and also Williams Camp, from whom we
had the promise of some help on the public buildings, in this we were disappointed. I was joined in the mission by Elder Lyman Wight, one of the Twelve Apostles.

After our failure to accomplish what we expected to with Brother Camp, we returned to Nauvoo. While on this mission I held one public discussion with Thomas
Smith, a Methodist presiding elder, and baptized some of his church.

Subsequent to my return to Nauvoo, I was ordained to the apostleship on the 20th of August, 1842, and on the 10th of September I started on a mission to the south
of Illinois, in company with George A. Smith. Some portion of our time, on this mission, we were in the company of Presidents Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball.
From this mission we returned on the 4th of October.

The following winter I was engaged by the Prophet to move my family to Shockequon, in Henderson County, where he had bought some property, I repaired to the
place where I superintended the surveying of the town site and commenced building.

I remained here until the following summer, of 1843, when the Prophet was kidnapped, when I participated in the efforts that resulted in his rescue.

On my return from which, I was taken ill, and became helpless, in which condition I was taken to Nauvoo, where, when I had partially recovered from my sickness, I
was sent on a mission to the state of Indiana, taking with me my family. I went to the small inland town of Alquina, Fayette County, where my family resided, while I
travelled through the country around preaching as opportunity offered. In this manner I passed the time until the spring of 1844, when I repaired to Nauvoo, to attend
the conference in April, at which it was determined that I should go to the city of Boston, and in this I should be joined by Elder G. J. Adams at Cincinnati, in the June
following.

A few days subsequent to the conference, I had an interview with the Prophet, in which he taught me some principles, not yet published, on celestial marriage, and on
the day of my parting with him, he said as he warmly grasped my hand for the last time, Brother Amasa, go and practice on the principles I have taught you, and God
bless you.

This parting occurred a few days subsequent to the conference, in the month of April.

I returned to Alquina, and prosecuted my labor of preaching in the country, until the first of June, when I repaired to Cincinnati where I remained until July, when I
received the news of the murder of the Prophet and Patriarch, Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Subsequent to the receipt of the above news, a few days, Brother Adams
arrived, and confirmed what we had heard of the murder, and also was the bearer of a call to myself, to return immediately to Nauvoo, in response to this call I
repaired to Nauvoo, where I arrived on the 31st of July. Brother Samuel H. Smith, died the day previous.

On the 6th of August following, Brothers Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, of the Twelve, arrived.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                            Page 21 / 49
History of Thomas B. Marsh
repaired to Nauvoo, where I arrived on the 31st of July. Brother Samuel H. Smith, died the day previous.

On the 6th of August following, Brothers Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Orson Pratt, Lyman Wight, of the Twelve, arrived.

History of Thomas B. Marsh

(Written by himself in Great Salt Lake City, November, 1857.)

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864):359-60, 375-76, 390-92, 406.

I was born in the town of Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, November 1, 1799. My father, James Marsh was born in Douglas, Massachusetts, March 27,
1751. My mother, Mary, daughter of Titus Law, was born in Acton, Massachusetts, March 18, 1759.

I spent my early life in farming at Westmoreland, New Hampshire, until I was fourteen years of age, when I ran away and went to Chester, Vermont, where I worked
on a farm three months; then went to Albany, New York and engaged in a public house as a waiter, where I remained eighteen months, when I went to New York and
engaged in the city hotel and remained two years; when I returned to my old situation in Albany, and after serving a year returned to New York City Hotel for two
years; then removed to Long Island, New York, where I engaged as groom to Edward Griswald, in whose service I remained one and a half- years; during which I
became acquainted with Elizabeth Godkin, and married her on the 1st November, 1820.

Immediately after marrying I commenced in the grocery business, in New York, in which business I remained one and a half years, but did not succeed. I then engaged
in a type foundry in Boston, where I continued seven years.

While engaged in this business I joined the Methodist Church and tried for two years to be a genuine Methodist, but did not succeed any better in getting Methodist
religion than I did in the grocery business. I compared Methodism with the Bible, but could not make it correspond. I withdrew from all sects, and being about to leave
Boston my old class leader wished me to take a good certificate, but I informed him I did not want it. I had a measure of the spirit of prophecy and told him that I
expected a new church would arise, which would have the truth in its purity. He said to me, you no doubt mean to be a leader in that new sect. I told him I had no such
intentions. He said, he prayed that the Lord would make me a firebrand in the midst of that new religious body, as reformation was necessary. My wife unknown to me,
however, got a certificate for herself and me on one paper. I informed her that I never would attend, but I would find a suitable class for her if she wanted to join.

I remained in Boston several years engaged in the type foundry. During this period I became acquainted with several friends whose opinions concerning religion were
like my own. We kept aloof from sectarians, and were called by them Quietists, because we resembled so much a sect in France known by that name professing to be
led by the Spirit.

I believed the Spirit of God dictated me to make a journey west. I started in company with one Benjamin Hall, who was also led by the Spirit. I went to Lima,
Livingston County, New York, where I staid [stayed] some three months, and then left for home. I called on my return at Lyonstown, on a family, whose names I do
not recollect. On leaving there next morning the lady enquired if I had heard of the Golden Book found by a youth named Joseph Smith. I informed her I never heard
anything about it, and became very anxious to know concerning the matter. On enquiring, she told me I could learn more about it from Martin Harris, in Palmyra.

I returned back westward and found Martin Harris at the printing office, in Palmyra, where the first sixteen pages of the Book of Mormon had just been struck off, the
proof sheet of which I obtained from the printer and took with me. As soon as Martin Harris found out my intentions he took me to the house of Joseph Smith, Sen.,
where Joseph Smith, Jun., resided, who could give me any information I might wish. Here I found Oliver Cowdery, who gave me all the information concerning the
book I desired. After staying there two days I started for Charleston, Massachusetts, highly pleased with the information I had obtained concerning the new found
book.

After arriving home and finding my family all well, I showed my wife the sixteen pages of the Book of Mormon which I had obtained, with which she was well pleased,
believing it to be the work of God. From this time for about one year I corresponded with Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith, Jun., and prepared myself to move west.

Learning by letter that the Church of Jesus Christ had been organized on the 6th day of April, 1830, I moved to Palmyra, Ontario County, in September following, and
landed at the house of Joseph Smith, Sen., with my whole family. During the month I was baptized by David Whitmer, in Cayuga Lake, and in a few days I was
ordained an elder by Oliver Cowdery with six elders, at Father Whitmer's house. Joseph received a revelation appointing me a physician to the Church.

After remaining in that state, during the fall and winter the Church moved to Ohio. In the spring of 1831 I journeyed with the main body to Kirtland.

In June, 1831, I was ordained a high priest at a conference held in Kirtland where I received an appointment to go to Missouri with Ezra Thayer, and preach by the
way. In consequence of Ezra Thayer delaying so long, I went to Joseph, who received the word of the Lord appointing Selah J. Griffin in Thayer's stead, with whom I
journeyed to Missouri, preaching by the way; many believed our testimony, but we did not wait to baptize any. While near the end of our journey I was attacked by
chills and fever and arrived very sick. I staid [stayed] at the house of Brother Benjamin Slade till I got well.

Sometime in January, 1832, Bishop Partridge having furnished me with an Indian pony, I returned to Kirtland, accompanied by Cyrus Daniels. I labored, preaching
through the country around Kirtland until the summer opened, when, in company with Ezra Thayer, I went on a mission through the state of New York and returned
home early in the fall; and made preparations to go up to Zion in company with several other families from Kirtland.

At that time an objection was raised to me being the leader owing to my inexperience, but there was division on this subject as some considered my office entitled me
to the presidency. My opposers appealed to Joseph, who decided I should lead on account of my office; still, although we started with the understanding that I was to
lead the company, my opposers never became reconciled to my presidency, until we got into difficulties at the Ohio River, where we could not proceed without better
order. Here they yielded to my dictation through necessity; but when we had got down the Ohio River as far as Louisville a rebellious spirit was again manifested.

At this point I separated from the company; took my brother-in- law, Lewis Abbot and his wife, and proceeded by boat to St. Louis, where I arrived one day in
advance of the company. On our arrival we found the cholera raging in St. Louis and vicinity. I went immediately to the outskirts of St. Louis, rented a house, and
began my preparations to start overland to the west.

On the arrival of the other part of the company, I was sent for by them about midnight, to doctor them, but the messenger being unable to pilot me, I had to return to
my house until morning, when I was sent for again, and soon found Brother Blackslee, but too late to do him any good. He died the next day.

I started for Jackson County, and arrived November 10, having been two weeks on the journey. I located in Jackson County with the brethren who had come from
Colesville, where I was invited by Brother Joseph Knight, who was very sick with the bloody flux. I attended him faithfully and my wife nursed him; he succeeded in
overcoming the disease and soon got well.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                           Page 22 / 49
I had my inheritance, about thirty acres, set off by Bishop Partridge, on the Big Blue River, Jackson County, where, before spring opened, I had a comfortable log
house built, into which I moved early in the spring and commenced clearing land to raise a small crop that year. I succeeded in getting some corn and potatoes planted,
I started for Jackson County, and arrived November 10, having been two weeks on the journey. I located in Jackson County with the brethren who had come from
Colesville, where I was invited by Brother Joseph Knight, who was very sick with the bloody flux. I attended him faithfully and my wife nursed him; he succeeded in
overcoming the disease and soon got well.

I had my inheritance, about thirty acres, set off by Bishop Partridge, on the Big Blue River, Jackson County, where, before spring opened, I had a comfortable log
house built, into which I moved early in the spring and commenced clearing land to raise a small crop that year. I succeeded in getting some corn and potatoes planted,
which did very well. Before the year was out the mob combined together and drove us out of the county. Some of the Saints moved into Clay County; others with
myself removed to Lafayette County, where we wintered, and during which time I kept a common school and taught the children of the brethren.

In the spring of 1834, having learned that Joseph and a company were coming to relieve the brethren, I moved over with many others into Clay County, where I was
living when they arrived. Several of those who came up in Zion's Camp remained in Missouri. I cultivated a small piece of land this summer and succeeded in raising
some corn. I was chosen one of the high council.

In January, 1835, in company with Bishop Partridge and agreeable to revelation, I proceeded to Kirtland, where we arrived early in the spring, when I learned I had
been chosen one of the Twelve Apostles.

May 4th, 1835, in company with the Twelve I left Kirtland and preached through the eastern states, holding conferences, regulating and organizing the churches, and
returned September 25.

In the winter of 1835-36, I attended school, studied the first English grammar under Sidney Rigdon, and Hebrew under Professor Seixas (a Hebrew by birth), and in
the spring returned to my place on Fishing River, in Clay County, Missouri, where I arrived in the month of April.

Soon after this, difficulties having occurred between the citizens of Clay County and the Saints, a meeting was held near Liberty, the county seat, for the purpose of
amicably arranging matters. I was appointed a delegate from Fishing River. At that meeting a committee of twelve were appointed to draft resolutions, which were
received by unanimous vote; when a committee of three, -viz., Lyman Wight, myself and Samuel Bent were appointed to meet next day in Liberty for the presentation
of these resolutions. I was appointed by said committee, spokesman, and was enabled to speak so feelingly in relation to our previous persecutions and expulsions, that
General Atchison could not refrain from shedding tears. This meeting passed resolutions to help the Saints to seek out a new location, and appointed committees to
collect means to aid the poor Saints to remove.

The Church, considering the citizens were thus exerting themselves to have us removed, appointed Elisha H. Groves and myself to visit the churches in Illinois,
Kentucky and Tennessee, for the purpose of borrowing money to enter lands in the new settlement at the land office for the convenience of the Saints who were
coming on. We started in July, and succeeded in borrowing upwards of $1400, principally from the brethren in Kentucky and Tennessee, at 10 percent interest.

September 19, 1836.-We parted with Brother Woodruff and the Saints in Kentucky, Brother D. [David] W. Patten and his wife accompanying us to Missouri. I
proceeded immediately to the new city which had been laid out, and called Far West, in our absence.

On our arrival we delivered the money to those who sent us and received $1 per day and travelling expenses, for our services while gone. We furnished our own
horses. I procured a lot immediately, built a house and moved into it. During the winter I made improvements on my lot; got up my firewood; attended councils and
preached to the Saints.

About the month of June, 1837, I started for Kirtland in company with D. [David] W. Patten and Wm. [William] Smith, to try and reconcile some of the Twelve and
others of high standing who had come out in opposition to the Prophet. On my journey I met Brother P. [Parley] P. Pratt about five miles west of Columbus, Ohio,
moving to Far West; I prevailed on him to return with us to Kirtland. On our arrival I went to Brother Joseph's house, where I remained all the time I was in Kirtland.

About this time a special meeting was appointed at Joseph's house, by himself, to which several of the brethren who were disaffected were invited. I was chosen
moderator, and called upon the aggrieved parties to speak first. A reconciliation was effected between all parties.

July 23rd, Joseph Smith, Jun., received a revelation to me concerning the Twelve Apostles; and on the 27th, I started with Joseph and Brother Rigdon for Canada.
During this mission we visited the churches in Canada west, and returned about the last of August.

September 3.-I attended a conference held in Kirtland, in which Luke Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson and John F. Boynton were rejected. John F. Boynton plead, as an
excuse for his course, the failure of the Kirtland Bank. President Brigham Young, in a plain and energetic manner, strongly protested against his course, and was not
willing to receive him into fellowship until a hearty repentance and confession were manifested. I sustained Brother Brigham's remarks and acquiesced in his testimony.

Soon after, in company with Hyrum Smith, I proceeded to Missouri, where we arrived in October, and in a few weeks, Presidents Joseph and Sidney arrived, and we
held a conference which sustained the authorities of the Church.

Sometime in the winter, George M. Hinkle, John Murdock and some others came to my house, and suggested the importance of calling a meeting to take into
consideration the manner that W. [William] W. Phelps and David and John Whitmer had disposed of the money which I had borrowed in the Tennessee and Kentucky
Branches in 1836. Accordingly, a meeting was called February 5th, 1838, and the conduct of the Presidency in Zion investigated. The Church would not sustain said
presidency, but appointed myself and Brother D. [David] W. Patten presidents, pro tem., until Joseph Smith would arrive. We also reorganized the Church in Zion,
placing every officer in his proper place. Joseph arrived in Far West, March 14th, and approved of the course we had pursued.

May 18.-In company with Joseph, Sidney and others, I went north in Daviess County. We met with Oliver Cowdery, Lyman E. Johnson and others encamped, who
were also exploring northward on Grand River. We soon returned to Far West.

In August the mob recommenced their depredations against the Saints. About this time I got a beam in my eye and thought I could discover a mote in Joseph's eye,
though it was nothing but a beam in my eye; I was so completely darkened that I did not think on the Savior's injunction: "Thou hypocrite, why beholdest thou the mote
which is in thy brother's eye, when a beam is in thine own eye; first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, then thou shalt see clearly to get the mote out of thy
brother's eye."

Had I seen this I should have discovered myself a hypocrite, but as I had often said while in the Church, if I ever apostatized I would go away quietly; I tried to do so,
but the Saints kept inquiring of me if I was going to leave, and so did Joseph twice. I evaded him both times. The last time he almost got me into so tight a corner I
could hardly evade. He put the question direct to me, whether I was going to leave? With an affected look of contempt I answered: "Joseph when you see me leave the
Church, you will see a good fellow leave it."

After making
 Copyright (c)preparations
               2005-2009,I Infobase
                           started from Far West
                                      Media Corp.and moved three miles out of town, ostensibly for the purpose of settling, and soon moved off to Clay
                                                                                                                                                  Page County,
                                                                                                                                                         23 / and
                                                                                                                                                               49
from thence to Richmond, Ray County, where I saw David, John and Jacob Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, who had all apostatized.

I enquired seriously of David if it was true that he had seen the angel, according to his testimony as one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon. He replied as sure as
but the Saints kept inquiring of me if I was going to leave, and so did Joseph twice. I evaded him both times. The last time he almost got me into so tight a corner I
could hardly evade. He put the question direct to me, whether I was going to leave? With an affected look of contempt I answered: "Joseph when you see me leave the
Church, you will see a good fellow leave it."

After making preparations I started from Far West and moved three miles out of town, ostensibly for the purpose of settling, and soon moved off to Clay County, and
from thence to Richmond, Ray County, where I saw David, John and Jacob Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, who had all apostatized.

I enquired seriously of David if it was true that he had seen the angel, according to his testimony as one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon. He replied as sure as
there is a God in heaven, he saw the angel according to his testimony in that book. I asked him, if so, why he did not stand by Joseph? He answered, in the days when
Joseph received the Book of Mormon, and brought it forth, he was a good man and filled with the Holy Ghost, but he considered he had now fallen. I interrogated
Oliver Cowdery in the same manner, who answered similarly.

History and Writings of William E. Mclellin

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864):807-809.

William E. McLellin was born in the state of Tennessee, supposed in 1806. He heard the gospel preached by Elders Samuel H. Smith and Reynolds Cahoon, while
they were on their mission to Jackson County, Missouri, in the summer of 1831. He wound up his business and followed them to Jackson County. While on the way he
was baptized and ordained an elder. He visited Kirtland, Ohio, in the fall.

At his request, Joseph Smith inquired of the Lord concerning him, and received a revelation (dated October, 1831. Doctrine and Covenants, 3rd European edition,
page 233, D&C 75. [D&C 66 in current edition)

The history of Joseph Smith says that "William E. McLellin, as the wisest man in his own estimation, having more learning than sense, endeavored to write a
commandment like unto one of the least of the Lord's, but failed; it was an awful responsibility to write in the name of the Lord. The elders and all present that
witnessed this vain attempt of a man to imitate the language of Jesus Christ, renewed their faith in the truth of the commandments and revelations which the Lord had
given to the Church through my instrumentality; and the elders signified a willingness to bear testimony of their truth to all the world."

In the winter of 1832-3, he performed a mission, in company with Elder Parley P. Pratt, through Missouri and into Green County, Illinois, where they preached with
much success.

In a revelation given March 8, 1833, the Lord said, "I am not well pleased with my servant William E. McLellin." [D&C 90:35]

He was one of the corresponding committee in behalf of the Saints, to confer with the Jackson and Clay County Committee, in trying to settle the Missouri difficulties.

July 3, 1834, he was chosen one of the high council in Clay County, Missouri, and on the 9th started in company with the Prophet Joseph from Missouri to Kirtland,
Ohio.

He was an assistant teacher in the school of the elders in Kirtland, during the winter of 1834-5.

He was chosen one of the Twelve Apostles at the organization of that quorum, and appointed one of their clerks.

On the 27th and 28th of March, 1835, he held a public discussion on the divinity of the Book of Mormon, at Huntsburg, Geauga County, Ohio, with J. M. Tracy, a
Campbellite preacher. On the 29th, Joseph Smith preached at the same place, after which six were baptized.

With the Quorum of the Twelve, in the spring of 1835, he went on a mission to the east and baptized five. While upon this mission, he wrote a letter to Kirtland, casting
censure upon the presidency, for which he was suspended from fellowship.

September 25th, [1835] he arrived in Kirtland, and on the same day met with the council of the First Presidency, when he confessed, was forgiven, and restored to
fellowship.

He attended the Hebrew school in Kirtland during the winter of 1835-6, and officiated as clerk of the Twelve.

He came before a bishop's court on Friday, May 11, 1838, where he said he had no confidence in the presidency of the Church; consequently, he had quit praying and
keeping the commandments of the Lord, and indulged himself in his sinful lusts. It was from what he had heard that he believed the presidency had got out of the way,
and not from anything that he had seen himself.

He was cut off from the Church for unbelief and apostasy.

Since he has been cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ, he has tried to establish a church of his own, that he might be the head thereof, but without success.

He took an active part with the mob in Missouri, in robbing and driving the Saints. At the time Joseph Smith was in prison, he and others robbed Joseph's house and
stable of the following property: one roll of linen cloth, a quantity of valuable buttons, one piece of cassimere, a quantity of valuable books, a horse and gig, harness,
saddle, bridle, etc.

While Joseph was in prison at Richmond, Missouri, McLellin, who was a large and active man, went to the sheriff and asked for the privilege of flogging the Prophet.
Permission was granted on condition that Joseph would fight. The sheriff made known to Joseph McLellin's earnest request, to which Joseph consented, if his irons
were taken off. McLellin then refused to fight unless he could have a club, to which Joseph was perfectly willing; but the sheriff would not allow them to fight on such
unequal terms.

McLellin was a man of a superficial education, though he had a good flow of language.

He adopted the profession of medicine.

History of John E. Page.

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865):103-104.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                            Page 24 / 49
The following is a brief synopsis of the journal of Elder John E. Page, as given by himself:-
History of John E. Page.

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865):103-104.

The following is a brief synopsis of the journal of Elder John E. Page, as given by himself:-

The subscriber was born of Ebenezer and Rachel Page, their first child, February 25, A.D. 1799. My father was of pure English extraction, my mother of English, Irish
and Welsh extraction. My place of birth was Trenton township, Oneida County, state of New York.

I embraced the faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and was baptized August 18, 1833, by the hands of Elder Emer Harris, (own brother to Martin
Harris, one of the three first witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon). I was ordained an elder under the hands of Elders Nelson Higgins, Ebenezer Page, Jun.,
and others. My baptism took place in Brownhelm, Lorain County, Ohio; my ordination in Florence, Huron County, of the same state, on the 12th of September 1833.

I moved to Kirtland, Geauga County, Ohio, in the fall of 1835.

On the 31st day of May, 1836, I started on a mission to Canada West, Leeds County. I was gone from my family seven months and twenty days.

On the 16th day of February 1837, I again left Kirtland with my family of wife and two small children, taking with me all the earthly goods I possessed, which consisted
of one bed and our wearing apparel of the plainest kind, to continue my mission in the same region of country as before.

In July following, the commandment came forth for me to occupy a place in the Quorum of the Twelve.

On the 14th day of May 1838, I started with a company of Saints, made up of men, women and their children, for the state of Missouri, where we landed, in the first
week of October, with a company occupying thirty wagons, at a place there called DeWitt, some six miles above the outlet of Grand River, on the north side of the
Missouri River, where we were attacked by an armed mob, and by them barbarously treated for near two weeks.

We then went to Far West, Caldwell County, where we united with the general body of the Church, and with them participated in all the grievous persecutions
practiced on the Church by means of a furious mob, by which means I buried my wife and two children as martyrs to our holy religion, who died through extreme
suffering for the want of the common comforts of life, which I was not allowed to provide even with my money.

On the 19th of December 1838, at Far West, Elder John Taylor and myself were ordained as apostles under the hands of Elders B. [Brigham] Young and H. [Heber]
C. Kimball, in the Quorum of the Twelve, to fill some vacancies in the quorum which had happened by apostasies-having baptized, in two years time, upwards of six
hundred persons, and travelled more than five thousand miles, principally on foot and under the most extreme poverty, relative to earthly means, being alone sustained
by the power of God and not of man, or the wisdom of the world.

John E. Page.

---- At the time Brother Page was called to go on a mission to Canada, he objected, for the reason that he was destitute of clothing. Brother Joseph Smith took off his
coat and gave it to him, and told him to go, and the Lord would bless him abundantly on his mission.

He started with his family for Quincy, Illinois; and while on his way, I and several of the Twelve who were going up to Zion to fulfill the revelation which said the Twelve
should "take leave of my Saints in the city of Far West, on the 26th day of April next, on the building spot of my house, saith the Lord," met him, he had just upset his
wagon on a sideling hill, and among other things had spilt a barrel of soft soap, which he was scooping up with his hands. I counselled him to return with us; he at first
objected, but I insisted he should get ready, to which he consented, and accompanied us to Far West, and attended the conference there on the 26th of April.

He went to Illinois and located with Father Judd's family for a season, on the Mississippi flats, below Warsaw, Hancock County.

While located at Father Judd's, he preached in Adams and Hancock Counties.

In 1839, he neglected to go to England with his brethren of the Twelve, according to the word of the Lord to that quorum.

April 8, 1840, Elder Page was appointed by a general conference at Nauvoo, to accompany Elder Orson Hyde on a mission to Jerusalem; and although he started on
this mission, he never left the shores of America.

He travelled through Indiana and Ohio, and spent the winter of 1840-1 preaching occasionally in Cincinnati and vicinity. He arrived in Philadelphia in June 1841, where
Elder George A. Smith, on his return from England, met him; and knowing the Saints were willing to raise ample means to carry Elder Page on his journey, Elder Smith
urged him to proceed on his mission to Jerusalem.

Soon after, Elder Page became involved in difficulty with the branch in Philadelphia, and in the fall President Hyrum Smith wrote to him to come home.

He did not return to Nauvoo until the spring of 1842. On his way he delivered several discourses at Pittsburg, and got up a petition, which was signed by the Saints and
others, to President Joseph Smith, praying that he might be sent to Pittsburgh.

At the conference held April 6, 1843, he was sent to Pittsburgh, where he organized a branch of the Church from those baptized by himself and other elders, and some
who emigrated thither. In organizing this branch he drew up a constitution, requiring their president to be elected every four months. At the first election he was chosen
president, at the second election Elder Small was chosen president, having received the most votes. He moved his family to Pittsburgh, where he continued to preach.

During the summer of 1843, the Quorum of the Twelve went eastward from Nauvoo on a mission. Elders H. [Heber] C. Kimball, O. [Orson] Pratt and John E. Page,
met at Cincinnati, and organized that branch. Elders Kimball and Pratt proceeded on their mission, and as soon as they were gone, Elder Page called the branch
together, and annulled the organization, and reestablished the old one.

In a few days after Brothers W. [Wilford] Woodruff, Geo. [George] A. Smith and myself visited Cincinnati, and we disapproved of Elder Page's proceedings for the
reason, that it was not right for one of the Twelve to undo what three had done.

Elder Page, in company with his brethren of the Twelve, went to Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Boston. He remained in Boston some time. President
Joseph Smith, disapproving of his course in Boston, directed him to proceed to Washington, and build up a church there. He went to Washington, remained a short
time, and baptized
 Copyright         several, then
            (c) 2005-2009,       returned
                             Infobase     to Pittsburg.
                                       Media   Corp.                                                                                                    Page 25 / 49
Soon after President Smith's death, an advertisement appeared in the Beaver, Pennsylvania, Argus, that Elder John E. Page was out of employment, and would preach
for anybody that would sustain his family."
Elder Page, in company with his brethren of the Twelve, went to Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and Boston. He remained in Boston some time. President
Joseph Smith, disapproving of his course in Boston, directed him to proceed to Washington, and build up a church there. He went to Washington, remained a short
time, and baptized several, then returned to Pittsburg.

Soon after President Smith's death, an advertisement appeared in the Beaver, Pennsylvania, Argus, that Elder John E. Page was out of employment, and would preach
for anybody that would sustain his family."

History of David W. Patten

(Compiled principally from his own journal.)

Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 26 (1864).

In the early part of my life, I was often called upon to repent of my sins, and the Spirit of the Lord did often reprove me. In the twenty first year of my life the Lord
visited me by his Holy Spirit, and called upon me again to repent. I rejected the call at first, but, upon mature reflection, considered it was reasonable the Lord should
require obedience, and I turned to the Lord and found his favor.

I lived in the enjoyment of his Spirit for three years, during which time, by dreams and visions, many things were made known unto me, which were to come; and from
the teachings I received of the Holy Spirit, I was looking for the Church of Christ to arise in its purity, according to the promise of Christ, and that I should live to see it.

From this happy state I fell away and lived, in a measure, in darkness until the year 1830, when my mind became again aroused by the Spirit of God to a sense of my
situation, and I began to pray mightily to God that he would pardon my sins and grant me his Holy Spirit.

About this time the sound of the Book of Mormon came to my ears, and I was greatly agitated in mind about it, and desired to see it. I saw the book that same
summer, but had no opportunity of reading it further than the preface and testimony of the witnesses. A fear came upon me, and I dare not say anything against it. From
that time I began to cry to God for saving faith.

Nothing took place worthy of note until May, 1832, when on receiving a letter from my brother in Indiana, giving me information of the rise of the Church of Christ, the
reception of the Holy Ghost and the gifts thereof by the Saints. My brother informed me that he had received the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands of the Elders
of the Church. This caused my heart to leap for joy, and I resolved to go immediately and see for myself.

I soon became satisfied that the work was true, and was baptized on the 15th of June, 1832, in Greene Co., Indiana, by my brother, John Patten. I was ordained an
elder on the 17th, under the hands of Elisha H. Groves in said county, when I was appointed, in company with brother Wood, to preach in the Territory of Michigan.
We travelled and preached together, and I recorded many remarkable cases of healing, which occurred under my administration: in many instances I went to the sick,
who said they had faith and promised to obey the Gospel when they got better, and commanded them in the name of the Lord to arise and be made whole; and they
were immediately restored. Sixteen persons were baptized near the Maumee River.

After preaching a short season, we returned home; and on the 16th, Oct., I started for Kirtland, preaching by the way, took steamer on the 18th from Detroit for
Fairport; had much conversation on board, among others with a priest who tempted God and asked a sign, and pretended that he would believe if he could see a sign,
and because he could not have a sign, he mocked and scoffed at all I said, not being able to maintain his position by argument. I was then attacked by sceptics, one of
whom declared he was not under any obligation to believe anything that he could not see: I asked him if he considered himself bound by that rule; he answered in an air
of triumph, yes! I asked him if he had got any back bone, he replied yes! when I asked him how he knew, if he had ever seen it? for according to his own words, he
was not under any obligation to believe he ever had any back bone: at this the company shouted and laughed, and the sceptic sneaked off.

I arrived in Kirtland in October [1832], and remained two or three weeks, helping the brethren to dig potatoes and harvest corn.

Nov. 9, 1832, I started on a mission to the east, travelling sometimes in company with brother John Murdock, and sometimes with brother Reynolds Cahoon; we
baptized several on our journey.

Nov. 29. Held Council with brothers John F. Boynton and Zebedee Coltrin relative to our duty on our mission; we retired to a grove to enquire of the Lord, and
agreed that brother Zebedee Coltrin should be the person through whom the Lord should make known his will unto us, and in mighty prayer we did call on him, and he
heard our prayers and revealed unto us that we should pursue our journey eastward, not in haste nor by flight. Our hearts were filled with joy, and we praised the Lord,
and pursued our journey, the Spirit of God leading us, and signs continually following.

When we arrived at the Springfield (Pa.) Branch we met with brothers Hyrum and William Smith. We held a meeting and had a joyful time together, brother Hyrum
baptized six at the close of the meeting: next day two were baptized.

When we found any sick I preached to them faith in the ordinances of the Gospel, and where the truth found place in their hearts, I commanded them in the name of the
Lord Jesus Christ to arise from their beds of sickness and be made whole; in many instances the people came after me to lay hands on their sick, because of this gift
which the Lord had bestowed upon me, and almost daily, the sick were healed under my hands: a woman who had an infirmity for nearly twenty years was instantly
healed. I arrived home in Kirtland, Feb. 25, 1833.

March 25. The Elders were sent out from Kirtland to preach the Gospel, and counsel the Saints to gather to Kirtland. I started with brother Cahoon east, and on
reaching Avon I preached at father Bosley's, where there was a man present who had disturbed several of our meetings, and would not be civil or quiet; he had defied
any man to put him out of the house or make him be still. I felt stirred up in spirit, and told him to be quiet, or I certainly would put him out; he said I could not do it; I
replied, "In the name of the Lord I will do it," whereupon I walked up to him, and seizing him by the neck with one hand and by the seat of the breeches with my other
hand, I carried him to the door, and threw him about ten feet on to a pile of wood, which quieted him for the time being. From this circumstance the saying went out
that David Patten had cast out one Devil, soul and body.

May 20, 1833, brother Brigham Young came to Theresa, Indian River Falls, where I had been bearing testimony to my relatives; and after preaching several
discourses, he baptized my brothers Archibald and Ira Patten, Warren Parrish, Cheeseman and my mother and my sister, Polly.

I continued my labors in Jefferson Co., and by the blessing of God, raised a branch of eighteen members in the town of Orleans, through much persecution and
affliction, and all manner of evil speaking; and when divers persons were hardened in that vicinity, I went to Henderson, where I found a noble people who received the
word of the Lord; and when I had preached the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, there were eight persons who came forward and were baptized for the
remission of their sins, and when hands were laid upon them the Holy Ghost fell on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                                Page 26 / 49
I labored continually through the months of May, June, July and August, during which time by the blessing of God, I raised some other branches, in all eighty members.
Now the Lord did work with me wonderfully in signs and wonders following them that did believe in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; insomuch that the deaf
I continued my labors in Jefferson Co., and by the blessing of God, raised a branch of eighteen members in the town of Orleans, through much persecution and
affliction, and all manner of evil speaking; and when divers persons were hardened in that vicinity, I went to Henderson, where I found a noble people who received the
word of the Lord; and when I had preached the first principles of the doctrine of Christ, there were eight persons who came forward and were baptized for the
remission of their sins, and when hands were laid upon them the Holy Ghost fell on them, and they spake with tongues and prophesied.

I labored continually through the months of May, June, July and August, during which time by the blessing of God, I raised some other branches, in all eighty members.
Now the Lord did work with me wonderfully in signs and wonders following them that did believe in the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; insomuch that the deaf
were made to hear, the blind to see, and the lame were made whole; fevers, palsies, crooked limbs and withered limbs, and in fine all manner of diseases common to
the country, were healed by the power of God that was manifested through his servants.

I returned to Kirtland, Ohio, in company with my brother, Ira, and found the brethren all well. They had begun to build the house of the Lord [Kirtland Temple]; I
tarried and worked on the house one month, and then went to Michigan Territory to my former place of residence, on business; and concluded to remove my effects to
Florence, Ohio, which I did, and where I remained about seven weeks, during which time I was sick about five weeks; when I commended myself into the hands of
God, and went into the world to proclaim the Gospel again, and travelled about two weeks, when the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and the Lord said unto me,
"Depart from your field of labor and go unto Kirtland, for behold I will send thee up to the land of Zion, and thou shalt serve thy brethren there."

I obeyed the word of the Lord, and was sent in company with Wm. [William] D. Pratt to bear despatches to the brethren in Missouri. I started December 28, 1833,
and arrived in Clay County, March 4, 1834, having passed through much cold and fatigue; still I was blessed of the Lord, and much good was done in consequence of
my mission. I tarried in Missouri until the camp of Zion came from Ohio; and when they arrived the people of Clay County besought us in the name of God not to go
over into Jackson County, and they would use their utmost endeavors to give us our rights according to the laws of the land. Now, the laws were good, and gave every
man a right to worship the Lord according to the dictates of his own conscience; but the magistrates, officers and people were wicked, and trampled the law under their
feet, and persecuted and murdered the Saints with impunity.

A violent persecutor stepped up to me, and said, "You damned Mormon," drawing his bowie knife, "I will cut your damned throat." I looked him full in the face, at the
same time putting my hand in my left breast pocket, and said to him, "My friend, do nothing rashly." "For God's sake, don't shoot," he replied, and put up his knife and
left me, though I was unarmed.

Sept. 12, 1834, I started in company with brother Warren Parish to go into the world to preach the Gospel, travelled through Upper Missouri, preaching by the way.
At La Grange I took steamboat for St. Louis, and from thence by steamboat to the mouth of the Ohio, where we landed October 2nd, and proceeded to Paris, in
Tennessee; where we tarried about three months, preaching the Gospel in that vicinity and the region round about, we baptized twenty, during which time several
instances of the healing power of God were made manifest, one of which I will mention, which was wrought upon the wife of Mr. Johnston F. Lane, who had been sick
for eight years, and for the last year had been unable to walk, she hearing of us, and the faith we preached, prevailed on her husband to send for us: I went with him
immediately and taught them the Gospel, showing what power was exercised by the Lord upon those who had faith; she believed with all her heart all the words which
I spake unto her; and I laid my hands upon her and said, "In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke this disorder, and command it to depart." I took her by the hand, and
commanded her to arise in the name of Jesus Christ, and be made whole; and she arose, and was made whole every whit. I then commanded her to go to the water
and be baptized; she walked down straightway the same hour, and was baptized.

After I had baptized and confirmed her I told her she should amend and gain strength, and in less than one year she should have a son (she had been married some
twelve years, and had no children,) which came to pass according to my words, and the parents called the child David Patten; she afterwards bore several children.

History of Willard Richards.

The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865):118-20, 133-36, 150-52, 165

Willard Richards was the sixth son of Joseph and Rhoda, born in Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, June 24, 1804.

His father, Joseph, was born in Middlesex County, March 17, 1762.

His mother, Rhoda, the daughter of Phinehas and Susannah Howe, was born July 8, 1762.

They were married December 20, 1781, and had eleven children, viz.,-

His father served in the army of the Republic in the war of Independence. While in the army he had mercurial ointment administered to him by the surgeon to cure an
eruption of the skin, and taking cold, his health was impaired during life.

He possessed 160 acres of land, and would be considered in medium circumstances as a New England farmer. He and his wife were professors of religion, and
belonged to the Congregational Church in Hopkinton; had their children sprinkled, catechized and educated according to the prescribed forms of the Presbyterian
directory.

Rhoda, Willard's mother, died February 14, 1838. Joseph, his father, died March 29, 1840.

Willard fell from the scaffold of a barn on his head, when he was four years old, and received a severe hurt. Soon after he fell into a stream of water, and would have
been drowned had not his brother Levi providentially rescued him.

When he was about nine years old, he removed with his father and family to Richmond, Berkshire County.

Until he was fifteen years of age, he attended good common schools; subsequently he attended the high school of Richmond.

The following extract from a letter to a Christian minister serves to show the state of feeling incidental to a conviction and conversion under the administration of the
Presbyterian and other sectarian orders of priestcraft,-ministers ignorant, blind, distracted, without authority or knowledge from God, distract others by stirring up the
imagination, exciting unnecessary fears and torture of mind and lead them blindly to the ditch:

"As it has pleased God in his providence to separate us at present, at some distance from each other, so that I cannot have the privilege of verbal conversation with
you, I deem it not improper to hold some correspondence by means of pen and paper.

I address you, sir, as one whom I consider a friend, who I think will be willing to give advice and instruction to one who sincerely wishes it. Wishing to reveal the
secrets of my heart to some friend from whom I may receive advice, I will attempt to do the same to you, being confident that you will keep whatsoever I may commit
toCopyright
   you until (c)
             you2005-2009,    Infobase
                 see or hear from  me. Media Corp.                                                                                                       Page 27 / 49

In taking a view of my past life, I will go no further back than the spring of eighteen hundred and nineteen, although I might mention feelings which I had a year before
you, I deem it not improper to hold some correspondence by means of pen and paper.

I address you, sir, as one whom I consider a friend, who I think will be willing to give advice and instruction to one who sincerely wishes it. Wishing to reveal the
secrets of my heart to some friend from whom I may receive advice, I will attempt to do the same to you, being confident that you will keep whatsoever I may commit
to you until you see or hear from me.

In taking a view of my past life, I will go no further back than the spring of eighteen hundred and nineteen, although I might mention feelings which I had a year before
that, were they not too hard to name. Near the commencement of the revival of nineteen my mind became impressed with the importance of the things then called in
question, and well had it been for me had I then listened to the calls of the gospel, forsaken all, and followed Christ. I was impressed with a sense of my sins; I attended
meeting after meeting, but all, I fear, to no purpose until my feelings rose to such a height, that I lost all hopes of mercy, or of ever obtaining the one thing needful.
Despair seized my whole soul; I concluded that I had sinned until it was too late for me to be pardoned. I forsook all meetings, thinking that my destruction was sure,
and that all the calls of mercy would sink me deeper in everlasting misery. Night after night would I lay my head on my pillow, and close my eyes in sleep, wishing that I
might never more open them in that world in which I should treasure up wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God.

Thus I was for a number of weeks with my feelings wrought up to the summit of terror and despair indescribable; I cared not what I did. Other books were as
agreeable to me as the Bible, believing that all I read in that, and all the meetings I attended and all other privileges would sink me deeper in the labyrinth of woe. My
feelings were wrought up to the highest pitch of despair, and I was ready to curse the day in which I was born, if I did not in my heart really do it. But they were of
short duration for this time, for in a few moments I relapsed into a state of stupidity and insensibility and concluded my case was hopeless. I wanted to pray, but I
thought it would be mockery as my sins were unpardonable."

How easy it would have been for Peter, or any other man with authority from God, to have said, "Willard, repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, which shall lead you into all truth;" but instead of such a comforting declaration saluting
his ears from a servant of God, he was left to believe he had committed the unpardonable sin.

He commenced teaching school in Chatham, Columbia County, New York, in November, 1820, and taught thirty scholars five months; he received a certificate from
the inspectors of schools, Columbia County.

In 1821, he received the following:-

"This certifies that the bearer, Mr. Willard Richards, is a young man of fair moral character, and as such he is recommended in the capacity of a teacher, wherever he
may find employment.

E. W. Dwight, Pastor of the Church."

"Richmond, October 30, 1821."

November, 1821.-He commenced teaching school in Lanesborough, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and taught four months; average number of scholars, thirty. He
received a good certificate from the board of examination at Lanesborough. In December, 1822, he was recommended by the minister of Hinsdale, and taught a school
of six classes.

April 6, 1823.-The inspectors of common schools in Nassau, Rensselaer County, New York, gave him a certificate. He commenced a school there in April and
continued until August, having an average attendance of about forty scholars.

He had constantly devoted his leisure time to the acquisition of knowledge.

In February, 1827, he commenced lecturing on electricity and other scientific subjects, which he continued to do at intervals, for several years, throughout the New
England States. There are numerous testimonials preserved in favor of his lectures from men of high standing in the literary world.

For several years he devoted much of his time to the study of the healing art, and delivered many instructive lectures on that subject.

In 1834 he entered the Thompsonian Infirmary in Boston, and practiced under the direction and instruction of Dr. Samuel Thompson.

In 1835, at the request of Mr. Albert P. Rockwood, he went to Holliston, Massachusetts, and delivered lectures on the Botanic or Thompsonian practice of medicine,
which created much excitement there and in the surrounding towns.

He removed to Holliston and practiced with success for one year, during which time he resided with Mr. Rockwood.

The following is from his journal:-

I was baptized at Kirtland by Elder Brigham Young, December 31, 1836.

January 8, 1837.-I partook of the sacrament, and was confirmed by Reynolds Cahoon. I received such a measure of the Spirit as to be sensible of the subject of a
song of Zion, which was sung by Elder Lyman Sherman, in the gift of tongues, on the coming of Christ.

March 6.-I was ordained an elder by President Alvah Beeman.

-8.-Visited some friends in Newburgh. I bore them a faithful testimony, and returned on the 11th.

-13.-Received the prayers of President Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, with the laying on of hands for the recovery of my health, and was set apart to
accompany Elder Brigham Young on a special business mission to the east.

-14.-Left Kirtland with Elder Young, and travelled by stage to Buffalo, and from thence to Utica; stopped one day at Canandaigua; continued travelling day and night
till we arrived at my father's in Berkshire County, Massachusetts; from thence proceeded by New Haven to New York.

April 2.-Attended meeting with Brother Fordham, at St. Paul's Church.

-6.-Proceeded by way of Providence to Boston; arrived at Holliston on the 10th, and preached to Mr. A. P. Rockwood and family.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                              Page 28 / 49
-11.-Went to Hopkinton, Southboro' and Westboro'.

-12.-Went to Framingham, stayed at Uncle Nehemiah Howe's.
April 2.-Attended meeting with Brother Fordham, at St. Paul's Church.

-6.-Proceeded by way of Providence to Boston; arrived at Holliston on the 10th, and preached to Mr. A. P. Rockwood and family.

-11.-Went to Hopkinton, Southboro' and Westboro'.

-12.-Went to Framingham, stayed at Uncle Nehemiah Howe's.

-13.-Brother Brigham Young baptized Uncle Nehemiah Howe and his wife, and Miss Milton, and confirmed them; we then proceeded to Lyne.

-14.-I baptized Miss Towne, Boston, from whence I went round by Providence, New York, Rochester and Albany, back to Richmond.

-27.-Brother Brigham left me and started for Kirtland, and I remained during the month of May visiting my relatives and friends, bearing testimony of the Gospel to
them.

June 5.-I received a letter from Elijah Fordham, New York, on business, and on reading it felt a strong desire to start to Kirtland immediately; but, wishing to know the
mind of the Spirit, I submitted the case to the Lord, praying that my head might be relieved from pain immediately, if it was the Lord's will I should start for Kirtland at
daybreak, which prayer was answered. I started for Kirtland, and arrived on the 11th; had a pleasant and happy interview with Brother Brigham and his dear family,
from whom I have received many favors (the Lord reward them), and my brothers Phinehas and Levi, and [my] sister Hepsy and others.

Evening, went with Brother Brigham to President Joseph Smith's; Presidents Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith and others were present. Elders Kimball and Hyde and
Brother Joseph Fielding had been set apart to go on a mission to England, and President Smith was giving them counsel on the subject. I felt my heart burn within me,
strongly desiring that I might be one of the number.

-12.-Met Elder Kimball in the street, when he said, "Elder Richards, I am now ready to fulfill my engagement with you. I start for England tomorrow, and you may go
with me, so get ready;" but I saw no way to extricate myself or to procure means.

I walked with Brother Fitch Brigham to President Hyrum's, and after closing my business, inquired if it was my privilege to take a foreign mission. He replied it was, if I
wished it. With the approbation of the First Presidency I was set apart, Monday, p.m., 6 o'clock, to a mission to England, under the hands of Presidents Sidney Rigdon
and Hyrum Smith. Brother Brigham agreed to take charge of our business.

-13.-I bade my Kirtland friends farewell, and started for a foreign shore at 9 a.m., in company with Brothers Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde and Joseph Fielding.
Several friends accompanied us to the lake shore, among them Sister Rhoda Greene, who gave me 25 cents-the Lord reward her.

-19.-Elder Kimball accompanied me to Richmond, Massachusetts.

-20.-We visited Uncle Leadbetter, Sisters Wealthy Richards and Nancy Pierson.

-21.-11 a.m., I bade my dear parents and friends farewell, and went to Albany.

-22.-Left in the steamer Rochester, and arrived at New York at 5 p.m. Found Elders Hyde, Goodson and Russel, and Brothers Snyder and Fielding. They felt
somewhat disappointed at our late arrival, by which we lost the chance of a passage in the ship United States.

-23.-Engaged passage in the ship Garrick, in the second cabin.

-24.-This day I am thirty-three years old. Removed to Mr. Fordham's store, and took lodgings on the floor.

-29.-Went on board the ship Garrick, and hauled out of the dock.

July 1.-7Ã‚-ï¿½ a.m., weighed anchor, and was out of sight of land at 2Ã‚-ï¿½ p.m.

-7.-On the banks of Newfoundland.

-12.-Strong wind-much rocking through the night.

-16 (Sabbath).-Elder Hyde preached on the aft quarter deck. I heard the sermon, though severely afflicted with pain. Elders Kimball and Hyde laid their hands on me
and prayed, then Elder Kimball took me by the hand and told me, in the name of Jesus Christ, to arise, which I immediately did, and found myself quite comfortable.
Thanks be to the Lord for his healing power, which has been repeatedly manifested towards me.

-18.-At 4Ã‚-ï¿½ p.m., saw Cape Clear and entered St. George's Channel; just eighteen days since we lost sight of land below New York.

-19.-Looking east with cheerful hearts.

-20.-Awoke this morning in the utmost horror. It appeared to me that evil spirits or devils had fastened on every muscle of my body, pinching it so severely as to
completely stop the circulation of the fluids, and Satan himself held me so close by the throat, that I was gasping for breath. Doubtless it would have gratified the prince
of the power of the air if he could have strangled me, but the Lord suffered him not.

We anchored in the Mersey, took the small boat, and Elders Kimball, Hyde and myself were the first who landed, after a prosperous voyage of twenty days from New
York. We sought the first opportunity to unite our hearts in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father for his protection.

-22.-We went to Preston.

-23 (Sabbath).-Brother Heber opened the mission in Mr. James Fielding's meetinghouse, followed by Brother Hyde. In the evening Brother Goodson preached, and
Brother Fielding bore testimony.

-26.-Elder Hyde preached in the evening, and I bore testimony.
 Copyrightin(c)
-31.-Met        2005-2009,
             council.        InfobaseI should
                      It was decided   Media go
                                              Corp.
                                                to Bedford with Elder Goodson.                                                                           Page 29 / 49

-August 1.-We went to Bedford.
Brother Fielding bore testimony.

-26.-Elder Hyde preached in the evening, and I bore testimony.

-31.-Met in council. It was decided I should go to Bedford with Elder Goodson.

-August 1.-We went to Bedford.

-2.-We took lodgings at the Swan Inn, and called upon the Reverend Timothy Mathews. Brother Goodson preached in the evening in Mr. Mathews' chapel, also on
the eves of the 3rd, 4th and 5th.

-6 (Sabbath).-I attended Mr. Mathews' meeting.

-7 and 8.-We preached at a private house, which we hired for one week.

-9.-We called upon Mr. Mathews, and received a letter from Brother Hyde.

-10.-Elder Goodson baptized five.

-12.-I baptized one.

-13.-Elder Goodson baptized one. In the afternoon administered the sacrament at Sister Braddock's.

-18.-Elder Goodson baptized Sister Page at 10 p.m. Quite a commotion prevailed on our way home, created by scoffers, but the most perfect composure reigned in
the breasts of the disciples.

-20.-Preached at Kempson in the morning; afternoon, administered the sacrament at Sister Braddock's; evening, met at Kempson, Brother Goodson baptized two. I
began to address the company, but was interrupted. On our return I was pelted with turnips, and etc., by the multitude; "the Lord forgive them."

-22.-Baptized William W. Smith.

-23.-Elder Goodson started for London.

-24.-I preached under a shed-disturbed by noise.

-27.-Preached at Kempson at 10Ã‚-ï¿½ a.m.; sacrament at Sister Braddock's at 2 p.m.; preached in the evening at Brother Gaunt's to a full house. I felt the influence
of the Spirit of God upon me, so that I spoke with ease.

-28.-Preached under the shed again-disturbed by talking; visited Mrs. Thorpe, and answered fourteen questions.

September 3.-Preached in the eve.

-10.-Preached at Sister Brown's; no one present but the members of the Church, and in the evening at Brother Gaunt's.

-12.-Saw Brother Goodson on the stage at a quarter past one in the morning, on his way towards Manchester. I feel that it is not the will of God that he should go
home at present. Evening, met with the members of the Church at Sister Braddock's and gave some instructions on Enoch's prophecy.

I have reason to thank the Lord for potatoes and salt the past week; and this one, a loaf of bread and slice of meat from Sister Smith.

-13.-Preached at Kempson.

-14.-Kept this as a day of fasting; felt much strengthened and refreshed. Laid hands on Jane Braddock at noon, and by night she was well; also laid hands on Sisters
Lavender and Brown; preached at Brother Smith's.

-15.-Visited Mr. Thorpe. Preached in the evening at Sister Braddock's; laid hands on Brother Smith.

-17.-Preached in the morning at Brother Smith's; administered the sacrament in the afternoon; held meeting at 6 p.m.; we had four or five new hearers this day, and I
felt somewhat encouraged.

-18.-Kept this as a day of fasting and prayer, that God would restore me to perfect health, give me humility, meekness, wisdom and the spirit of prophecy, and wholly
prepare me for his will and service, and that he would make known to me his mind and will about the people of Bedford.

4 p.m., much refreshed by the Spirit. The Lord's name be praised forever. Preached at Brother Smith's.

-19.-Church came together at Sister Braddock's; I read them the account of the angel's appearance to Joseph.

-20.-Visited Brother Gaunt's; preached at Brother Smith's.

-21.-Kept this as a fast day; read Nehemiah and part of Ezekiel with much interest. I praise the Lord for much of his Spirit this p.m.

-24 (Sunday).-Preached morning and evening at Brother Smith's

-25.-Fasted.

-26.-Baptized William Smith at Bedford. Attended meeting at Sister Braddock's in the evening. -28.-Church fasted. A time of love and union, much of the Spirit of
God felt by all; the Saints were truly encouraged.

-29.-Baptized
 Copyright (c) Ellen Smith; meeting
               2005-2009,   InfobaseinMedia
                                      the evening
                                             Corp.at Sister Braddock's.                                                                              Page 30 / 49
October 1 (Sabbath).-Meeting in the morning at Brother Smith's.
-26.-Baptized William Smith at Bedford. Attended meeting at Sister Braddock's in the evening. -28.-Church fasted. A time of love and union, much of the Spirit of
God felt by all; the Saints were truly encouraged.

-29.-Baptized Ellen Smith; meeting in the evening at Sister Braddock's.

October 1 (Sabbath).-Meeting in the morning at Brother Smith's.

Having been moved by the Spirit for a week to attack Satan in his stronghold, I this day preached repentance and baptism to the congregation at St. Paul's Church, as
they came out of the door at 1 o'clock.

Evening, met at Brother Smith's. Retired to rest with the assurance that God had accepted my labors.

-2.-Preached at Brother Smith's.

-3.-Fasted, much to the joy of my soul. Meeting at Sister Braddock's; baptized James Lee.

-5.-Fasted and prayed that I might be humble, get wisdom, and receive the gifts of prophecy and discerning of spirits, and know the mind of God concerning this
people and myself.

Glory to God that he has given me so much of the influence of his Spirit; I have prayed to him that he will tell my counsellors Heber and Orson what his mind is
concerning me and this people.

Evening, attended meeting.

-14.-I received a letter from Brothers Kimball and Hyde, giving me counsel and direction, in answer to my prayers. Brother Kimball advised me to go out into the
country without purse or scrip, and preach to the surrounding villages. I immediately visited the regions round about, and preached the Word, conversing with the
people incessantly.

November 8.-I baptized William Pierce, William Emmons, Mrs. Elizabeth Emmons, Charlotte Cowne, Sarah Chrismas, and Mrs. Mary Charter, at Bassingbourn.

-9.-Met at Mr. Ingra's, and confirmed those baptized. During the night my lodgings were surrounded by hundreds of persons, yelling and howling.

I preached in Codicot, Kempson, Wilmot Green, New Mile End, and several other places.

December 14.-I baptized John Field and confirmed Mrs. Rebecca Cooper and Sophia Dunham at New Mile End.

-22.-Baptized two in Bedford.

-25.-The Church fasted, and I baptized James Lavender.

January 1, 1838.-I baptized Sarah Lavender.

-3.-I procured license to preach from the court of Quarter Sessions.

-7.-I baptized two.

-12.-I baptized one.

-20.-I baptized Alfred Braddock and Bevill Covington.

-24.-I baptized one, and another on the 29th.

February 16.-I received a letter from my brethren in Preston, telling me to prepare for home in a month.

I continued to labor against much opposition in Bedford, and the region round about, until the 7th of March, when I left about forty members in charge of Elder James
Lavender, and returned to Preston and met Elder Hyde.

-10.-Elders Kimball and Fielding arrived in Preston from Ribchester.

I took a tour through the branches and preached.

While walking in Thornly, I plucked a snowdrop, far through the hedge, and carried it to James Mercer's, and hung it up in his kitchen; soon after Jennetta Richards
came into the room, and I walked with her and Alice Parker to Ribchester, and attended meeting with Brothers Kimball and Hyde at Brother Clark's.

While walking with these sisters I remarked, `Richards was a good name-I never want to change it, do you, Jennetta?' `No, I do not,' was her reply, and I think she
never will.

April 1.-I attended a general conference of the churches in England, held at Preston, where I was ordained a high priest, and appointed first counsellor to Elder
Fielding, who was appointed president of the mission. Elders Kimball, Hyde and Russell were returning to America.

-12.-I went to 29, Union Street, Liverpool, with Brother Fielding, to visit with Elders Kimball, Hyde and Russell, who were detained at that port till the 20th, when they
sailed for New York.

When Elder Fielding and I returned to Longton, we found the Reverend Richard Livesey's tract against the Latter-day Saints; it was a condensation of lies and filth
from the American papers, and was the first pamphlet published in England against the Work.

September
 Copyright 7.-I  was very sick,
            (c) 2005-2009,      and called
                             Infobase  Mediaon the elders, who administered to me, and I obtained relief, but grew worse than ever towards night, whenPage
                                                Corp.                                                                                                     the elders
                                                                                                                                                                 31were/ 49
called again; and after each had prayed several times, one of the elders prophesied that I should be relieved in one hour, and it was so. Truly it was a day of trial; I
passed through all the bitterness of death. Sister Dawson was very kind.
When Elder Fielding and I returned to Longton, we found the Reverend Richard Livesey's tract against the Latter-day Saints; it was a condensation of lies and filth
from the American papers, and was the first pamphlet published in England against the Work.

September 7.-I was very sick, and called on the elders, who administered to me, and I obtained relief, but grew worse than ever towards night, when the elders were
called again; and after each had prayed several times, one of the elders prophesied that I should be relieved in one hour, and it was so. Truly it was a day of trial; I
passed through all the bitterness of death. Sister Dawson was very kind.

-24.-I married Jennetta Richards, daughter of the Reverend John Richards, Independent minister at Walker Fold, Chaidgley, Lancashire. Most truly do I praise my
Heavenly Father for his great kindness in providing me a partner according to his promise. I receive her from the Lord, and hold her at his disposal. I pray that he may
bless us forever. Amen.

"Sister Alice Hodgin died at Preston, September 2, 1838, and it was such a wonderful thing for a Latter-day Saint to die in England, that Elder Richards was arraigned
before the mayor's court at Preston, October 3rd, charged with `killing and slaying' the said Alice, with a `black stick,' and etc., but was discharged without being
permitted to make his defence, as soon as it was discovered the iniquity of his accusers was about to be made manifest."

During the month of May 1839, I visited the brethren in Cumberland, and went to Carlisle; preached in several towns, and baptized one in Brampton.

In June I visited Manchester, Bolton, Salford, and the brethren in that region.

July 17.-Jennetta bore to me a son; he was named Heber John.

In August and September, I labored with Elders Clayton and J. Moon in Burslem, with some success. A small church was planted in Burnley by Elder Thomas
Richardson, and many were added during the summer in the older branches, through the instrumentality of the local elders and priests, who were generally very faithful.
In August, Jennetta took her son and went to Walker Fold, where she remained at her father's till November 7th.

I continued preaching in Preston and vicinity, also in Manchester and surrounding country.

December 17.-My son Heber John became sick; up to this date he had been a sound, healthy child, of a lovely disposition, never angry; on the 19th, many spots of the
small pox broke out upon him.

-28.-While the child was lying on Sister Susannah Liptrot's knees, and I was giving him a drink, he suddenly and unexpectedly died. He was buried at Elswick on the
30th.

January 13, 1840.-Elders Wilford Woodruff, John Taylor and Theodore Turley, arrived in Preston from America.

-17.-I attended a general council in Preston. It was "voted unanimously that Elders Woodruff and Turley go to the Potteries, Elders Taylor and Fielding to Liverpool,
Elder Clark to Manchester with Elder Clayton, and Elder Richards go where the Spirit directs, and that the elders communicate with the presidency at Preston, once a
month, for the time being, and Elder Richards write to Brothers Mulliner and Wright in Scotland."

April 9.-Having visited the surrounding branches, I returned to Preston at 4 p.m., and found Brothers Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball in my room. Brother
Brigham was so reduced by his long sickness and fatigue with travelling, that I did not know him.

-14.-With the Twelve in council at my room in Preston, I was ordained to the Apostleship by President Young, under the hands of the quorum present.

O my God, I ask thee to enable me to execute the duties of the office in righteousness unto the end, with my brethren the Twelve, that we may ever be of one heart and
one mind in all things, and be saved with thee in thy kingdom, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

-15.-A general conference was held of the Church in Britain.

-16.-The Quorum of the Twelve met in council; decided on publishing the Millennial Star, hymn book, and etc.

-18.-I accompanied Elder Kimball to Chaidgely and the branches surrounding Preston. We found Jennetta sick, and administered to her; she recovered.

-25.-I arrived at Manchester, and

The Autobiography of George Albert Smith

Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865): 406-408, 423-25, 438-41.

I was born in the town of Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York, on the 26th day of June, 1817.

My father, John Smith, was the sixth son of Asael and Mary, and was born on the 16th day of July, 1781. He married Clarissa Lyman on the 11th September, 1815.

My grandfather, Asael Smith, was the second son of Samuel Smith, the second, and Priscilla, and was born in Topsfield, Massachusetts, March 7th, 1744, and
married Mary Duty, February 12, 1767.

My great grandfather, the second Samuel Smith, was the son of first Samuel Smith and Rebecca Curtis, and was born on the 26th January, 1714, in Topsfield, Essex
County, Massachusetts, and married Priscilla Gould, 27th May, 1734. His father, Samuel Smith the first, was the son of Robert and Mary Smith, who came from
England; he was born on the 26th January, 1666, in Topsfield, Essex County, Massachusetts, and was married to Rebecca Curtis, daughter of John Curtis, on 25th
January, 1707.

My mother, Clarissa Lyman, was the daughter of Richard Lyman, who was an orderly sergeant for several years in the war of Independence; during which time, by
exposure, he contracted a disease which produced an untimely death, a few years after the war, leaving a family of small children. My mother was reared under the
care of her uncle, the Reverend Elijah Lyman, pastor of the first Presbyterian Church at Brookfield, Orange County, Vermont.

My grandmother's maiden name was Philomela Loomace.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                          Page 32 / 49
My father and mother were members of the Congregational Church at Potsdam, and spared no pains to impress my mind, from my infancy, with the importance of
living a life of obedience to the principles of the religion of heaven, which they taught me as well as they understood it.
care of her uncle, the Reverend Elijah Lyman, pastor of the first Presbyterian Church at Brookfield, Orange County, Vermont.

My grandmother's maiden name was Philomela Loomace.

My father and mother were members of the Congregational Church at Potsdam, and spared no pains to impress my mind, from my infancy, with the importance of
living a life of obedience to the principles of the religion of heaven, which they taught me as well as they understood it.

The winter after I was nine years old, I received a blow upon my head which rendered me insensible for three weeks. A council of surgeons decided that the skull was
fractured, and the blood settled under it, and that the only remedy was trepanning. My father being a man of faith, and believing that God would heal me, dismissed the
physicians, and in a few weeks I recovered, although for many years I felt the effects of that blow.

At an early age I felt a disposition to inquire after the original principles of the Gospel. I asked my father where the Presbyterian Church originated? He answered, with
the Apostles. I inquired where the Methodist Church originated? He replied, with John Wesley in England, about a hundred hears ago. I inquired where the Baptist
Church originated? He said, with Mr. [Roger] Williams, who first settled Rhode Island, or with the Waldenses. I inquired why these sects did not join the
Presbyterians, who descended directly from the Apostles? He answered, they all think that they descended directly from the Apostles. This opened my eyes.

In the fall of 1828, my grandfather received by letter, from my Uncle Joseph Smith, Sen., the information that his son Joseph had received several remarkable visions.
My grandfather was then living in Stockholm, St. Lawrence County, also three of his sons, Jesse, Asahel and Silas. The old gentleman said that he always knew that
God was going to raise up some branch of his family to be a great benefit to mankind, but my uncles ridiculed Joseph's visions.

Soon after a letter was received from Joseph, Jun., in which he declared that the sword of vengeance of the Almighty hung over this generation, and except they
repented and obeyed the Gospel, and turned from their wicked ways, humbling themselves before the Lord, it would fall upon the wicked, and sweep them from the
earth as with the besom of destruction. This letter made a deep impression upon my mind, and my father said, "Joseph wrote like a Prophet."

In the month of August 1830, my Uncle Joseph Smith, and his youngest son, Don Carlos, came to my father's on a visit, bringing with them some Books of Mormon.
My father had not seen his brother for about eighteen years; he had lived in Wayne and Ontario counties, western New York, a distance from us of 250 miles. As my
uncle was in great haste to see his father, my father took a wagon and carried them to Stockholm, about twelve miles, where my grandfather and uncles resided.

My mother and myself occupied Saturday and Sunday reading the Book of Mormon. On Sunday evening the neighbors gathered in to see the "Golden Bible," as it was
called by them, and commenced raising objections to it. Although I did not yet believe the book, their objections looked to me so foolish, that I commenced answering
them, and exposed the fallacy of their objections so palpably, that they went away confounded, contenting themselves by saying, "You are a smart boy."

I continued to read the Book of Mormon, and framed in my mind a series of objections which I supposed were sufficient to overthrow its authenticity, and on the return
of my Uncle Joseph, I undertook to argue with him upon the subject, but he so successfully removed my objections and enlightened my mind, that I never since ceased
to advocate its Divine authority.

Uncle Joseph and my cousin, Don Carlos, labored diligently to convince our relatives of the truth of the Work. Uncle Jesse, the oldest brother in the family, opposed
them in the most vindictive manner, threatening to hew Uncle Joseph down with a broad axe, if he brought his books into, or preached any such damn'd nonsense in his
house. He followed him every place he went, and was so abusive as to prevent him talking on the subject in his presence. Notwithstanding this, Uncles Asahel, Silas
and my father, were so far impressed with the truth that they continued to investigate, as did also several younger branches of the family.

Soon after Uncle Joseph returned home, Mr. Solomon Humphrey, a Baptist exhorter in Stockholm, being impressed with the truth of the Work, went to Manchester,
Ontario County, to see Cousin Joseph, and was baptized and ordained an elder; returned home and commenced preaching the word to the people, although constantly
hissed at by the ministers of all denominations and their followers. We were also visited by Elder Joseph H. Wakefield, who, in connection with Elder [Solomon]
Humphrey, baptized several in Stockholm and Matildaville, among whom were my mother's brothers, Asa and George Lyman, and my grandmother Philomela Lyman.

In the year 1831, there were several protracted meetings held by the Congregationalists for the conversion of sinners; the one held in December continued seventeen
days. I had not yet obtained sufficient knowledge of the Gospel to understand but what I needed conversion, after the manner of the sectarians, to fit me for baptism,
and for this purpose I attended the meetings as a seeker after religion night and day, but could not profess to be frightened nearly out of my senses for fear of hell and
damnation, when I really felt no such fear, and I would not take my seat on the anxious benches, without I felt as others said they did; and because I would not be a
hypocrite, but remained in the gallery as the only sinner left, while hundreds were moaning for their sins, I was sealed up by the Reverend Fred. E. Cannon, our
minister, to eternal damnation. This solemn sentence was pronounced nine times, in the name of Jesus Christ, with the addition that "your blood is upon your own head."
I concluded if the minister had any authority, that my fate was sealed, and if he had none, I was foolish for going to his meetings, and this led me to investigate, and learn
to my satisfaction, that the sectarian churches were without the true priesthood.

In September 1831, my mother was baptized. The Congregational Church commenced to labor with my father and mother, but did not begin correctly according to the
directory; my father having been a prominent member, and having been engaged in the performance of almost every church labor with the refractory members for
seventeen years, corrected their blunder, which caused them to begin again. They continued this labor by sending weekly committees until the 1st of January, when they
excommunicated them for heresy.

January 9, 1832, my father [John Smith] was baptized by Elder S. [Solomon] Humphrey, and was confirmed and ordained an elder by Elders Joseph H. Wakefield
and S. Humphrey. My father had been for several years very feeble in health, and for about six months previous to his baptism, had not been able to visit his barn, and
was pronounced by physicians in the last stage of consumption; his neighbors all believed that baptism would kill him. I cut the ice in the creek, and broke a road for
forty rods through the crust on two feet of snow; the day was very cold; the neighbors looked on with astonishment, expecting to see him die in the water, but his health
continued improving from that moment. During that evening he had a vision of the Savior. The next day he visited his barn. He soon commenced travelling and
preaching. His former Christian friends denouncing him as crazy, saying that the improved condition of his health was the result of insanity; and were greatly surprised
that a crazy man should know more about the Bible than they did. In every neighborhood where he preached he was followed up by sectarian ministers, who slandered
and abused the Saints in every possible manner in order to save if possible their `sinking crafts.' Mr. Talbert, who was very famous for preaching hellfire and eternal
punishment, and was the Presbyterian minister at Parishville, at a salary of $500 a year and perquisites, came into one of my father's meetings at Matildaville and
interrupted him in a most abusive manner, demanding a sign and pronouncing the solemn sentence of damnation on all who should believe the word. My father told him
in the presence of the congregation that he was a wicked man and an adulterer, and that his corruption should be exposed to the eyes of all men. In the course of a few
months, Mr. Talbert was dismissed from his congregation, who did not approve of his conduct in lodging with his hired girls, a custom which, it was proved, he had
long practiced. Mr. Talbert, however, had been engaged for seven years by his congregation; he sued them for his salary in the district court, and recovered $3000,
being his salary for six years, the remaining term of his engagement.

In the spring of 1832, my father was invited to preach in a schoolhouse, near home, which created an excitement. On the Sunday previous to his meeting, an
appointment was circulated that Mr. Hall, a Methodist presiding elder, would expose Mormonism, at the stone schoolhouse, at 4 o'clock, p.m., and every family in the
 Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.
neighborhood was notified but ours: seeing the turnout, I went to the meeting. Mr. Hall delivered a discourse from Revelation chapter 22, verse 18, "ifPage
                                                                                                                                                          any man33   / 49
                                                                                                                                                                  shall
add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." He asserted that after that was written there was no more revelation, no more
prophecy; and all that was written after that time professing to be revelation or prophecy was from hell. Although but a boy of fifteen, I looked sternly at Mr. Hall when
being his salary for six years, the remaining term of his engagement.

In the spring of 1832, my father was invited to preach in a schoolhouse, near home, which created an excitement. On the Sunday previous to his meeting, an
appointment was circulated that Mr. Hall, a Methodist presiding elder, would expose Mormonism, at the stone schoolhouse, at 4 o'clock, p.m., and every family in the
neighborhood was notified but ours: seeing the turnout, I went to the meeting. Mr. Hall delivered a discourse from Revelation chapter 22, verse 18, "if any man shall
add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book." He asserted that after that was written there was no more revelation, no more
prophecy; and all that was written after that time professing to be revelation or prophecy was from hell. Although but a boy of fifteen, I looked sternly at Mr. Hall when
he made this assertion, and could plainly perceive him change color; he stopped and stammered, and declared that if the proclaimers of the `Golden Bible' would smite
St. Lawrence River, so that he could go to Canada dry shod, he would believe it. His discourse was a tirade of abuse, backed up by Elder Bachelor, a Baptist minister.
As soon as the meeting was dismissed, I was surrounded by about forty of the neighbors of all denominations, and asked what I thought of Mr. Hall's sermon. I replied,
I was never so astonished in all my life; I had supposed Mr. Hall to be an honest man, and to hear him lie to the congregation, when the whole assembly must know that
he was lying, astonished me beyond measure. What did Mr. Hall say that was not true? they inquired. I replied, he said that after John wrote his text, that there was no
more revelation-no more prophecy; and all that was written after that pretending to be inspired was from hell, when he knows, and so does everybody else that looks
inside a large family Bible, that John himself wrote his three epistles and his gospel years after that text was written. Several of the Methodist friends said it could not be
so; but an old Presbyterian among them said, `When you get home, look at the chronology in your Bibles, and you will find that George Albert is right.' A more
astonished company I never saw.

My father preached the next Sabbath on the fulfillment of prophecy. Our neighbors were astonished at his knowledge of the Bible. The sectarian ministers visited every
family around, and charged them not to visit or associate with us in any way in the least, as fanaticism was catching, and they would be in danger of going to hell. During
my father's long sickness and feeble health, I had carried on the farm myself, and prejudice went so far that it was with the greatest difficulty we could hire hands to
assist in mowing, thrashing, and etc., and were under the necessity of hiring confirmed infidels, whom the Christians would scarcely ever employ.

Mr. John Dorothy, an influential and wealthy member of the Presbyterian Church, proposed to me, that if I would leave my father and pledge myself never to become a
Mormon, and commence immediately to go to school, he would warrant me seven years' education; he promised that there should be no failure, if I would study
divinity and become a Presbyterian preacher. I told him that Mr. Cannon, his minister, had sealed me up to eternal damnation, and I would consequently be unfit for a
minister.

He replied, that would make no difference. I answered, "Then, Mr. Cannon has no authority from God, and I will not preach without authority." He then said I might
choose my profession, and I should have the education if I would agree never to join the Mormons. I told him that my father was sick, and that the commandments of
God required me to honor my father and mother, and it was my duty to take care of them, as I was their only dependence. He replied, "Your father and mother have
dishonored themselves by becoming Mormons; take my advice, and I will guarantee that you shall have as good an education as can be got without costing you
anything, but your time in acquiring it, and the wealthiest members of the church are ready to back me up in what I am saying, and you may become a member of
congress."

I retired to a secret place daily, and prayed to my Heavenly Father with all my heart to direct me in the right way, and give me a knowledge of the things of his
kingdom, that I might not be led into any of the fooleries which were so common in the world. My mind was wrought upon by two spirits, the one of darkness and the
other of light. Many times when I would kneel to pray, I imagined myself surrounded by a herd of wild cattle, as the place I retired to was near a grain field; I could
hear them destroying the grain; the shock was at times so sudden that I turned my head to look at them. This kind of annoyance continued until I made up my mind to
be baptized.

September 10, 1832, I was baptized by Elder Joseph H. Wakefield, and confirmed by Elder Solomon Humphrey, in the presence of my father and mother, and many
of our neighbors.

At the time of confirmation my mind was exceedingly calm and clear; but as I felt no powerful manifestation from the imposition of hands, I suffered the adversary to
tempt me: it seemed as if a spirit came and said to me, "You have now committed the unpardonable sin, for you have been baptized without a change of heart." I was
sorely tempted in this way for many hours; but I soon overcame, and my mind was filled with light and peace.

After this, all my young companions commenced imposing upon me, to ascertain, as they said, whether I had any religion; and unless I would submit to imposition
without resenting it, they considered me a hypocrite. I went to school part of the winter of 1832-3; all the large boys combined to abuse me. I was large of my age;
boys three or four years older than myself, were of my size, and had always been able to handle me with ease. I endured their abuse until I could bear it no longer; and
soon convinced them by physical demonstration that my strength had very much increased, and that I was able to master the school; after which I was treated with
respect.

On the evening of 29 March, 1833, my father attempted to preach in the Yellow Schoolhouse in Potsdam village; there were present a large assembly, including
priests, magistrates and lawyers; but they got up such a riot that he was obliged to desist: after which an old lady got up and reproved them sharply for their disgraceful
conduct. The leaders in this disturbance were professors of religion.

My father sold his farm, settled up his debts, and paid several unjust claims rather than stay and defend lawsuits. He fitted up two wagons, with a span of horses to
each; in one of them he carried Brother Moses Bailey and family, and in the other his own family, which consisted of my father and mother, my sister Caroline, who
was born June 6, 1820; my brother, John Lyman, who was born November 17, 1828; my cousin, Clarissa Lyman, and myself. We were accompanied by Norman D.
Brown and his father and mother, members of the Church from Parishville. May 1, 1833, we started for Kirtland. On Friday, the 3rd, we arrived at Burr's Mills,
Watertown, Jefferson County, and stopped with Mr. William Huntington to wait for Elder Joseph H. Wakefield and family to accompany us; while there my father
preached twice.

On the 6th, we pursued our journey and camped in Ellisburgh. On the 7th, camped near Oswego, and pitched our tent for the first time. Our five covered wagons
created much curiosity among the people, and we were frequently asked if we were afraid of the British, and were fleeing to the west: some told us we should die with
the ague in the Michigan swamps.

On the 17th, we arrived at Silver Creek, Chautauqua County, New York, and found a Branch of the Church, and stopped with Elder Alpheus Cutler, who was an old
acquaintance of my mother: here I first met with Amasa Lyman, the son of Roswell Lyman, my mother's cousin, and Elder William F. Cahoon. We attended meetings
with the brethren, and for the first time heard the gift of tongues. We travelled to Westfield, where there was a Branch of the Church; my father preached in the evening.
I was so sleepy that I could not keep awake; I went to the wagon, but was so sleepy that I could not get into bed, although my bed was made there; but fell asleep by
the wagon. While here one of Brother Brown's horses died, in consequence of which he began to doubt the work of the Lord; for, said he, "If this was the work of the
Lord, he would not suffer our horses to die when we are on the way to Zion."

Friday, May 25th, we arrived at Kirtland, Ohio, having travelled 500 miles. We were heartily welcomed by cousin Joseph; this was the first time I had ever seen him;
he conducted us to his father's.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                              Page 34 / 49
I was engaged during the summer and fall, quarrying and hauling rock for the Kirtland Temple, attending masons, and performing other duties about its walls. The first
two loads of rock taken to the temple ground, were hauled from Stanard's quarry, by Harvey Stanley and myself.
Lord, he would not suffer our horses to die when we are on the way to Zion."

Friday, May 25th, we arrived at Kirtland, Ohio, having travelled 500 miles. We were heartily welcomed by cousin Joseph; this was the first time I had ever seen him;
he conducted us to his father's.

I was engaged during the summer and fall, quarrying and hauling rock for the Kirtland Temple, attending masons, and performing other duties about its walls. The first
two loads of rock taken to the temple ground, were hauled from Stanard's quarry, by Harvey Stanley and myself.

My father purchased a small farm of about 27 acres, two miles and a half from the temple; and finished clearing about 10 acres during the winter and spring of 1834,
and planted it with corn, and etc.

In consequence of the persecution which raged against Joseph, and the constant threats to do him violence, it was found necessary to keep continual guard to prevent
his being assassinated. During the fall and winter I took a part of this service, going two miles and a half to guard.

In October 1833, my cousin, Jesse Johnson Smith, second son of my Uncle Asahel, come to Kirtland, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Amos B. Fuller. They
remained during the winter, and were baptized.

I was selected by President Joseph Smith to accompany him to Missouri. My father furnished me with a musket, generally known as a Queen's arm, a pair of
pantaloons made of bed ticking, a pair of common cotton shirts, a straw hat, cloth coat and vest, a blanket, a pair of new boots, and an extra shirt and pair of
pantaloons, which my mother packed in a knapsack made of apron check.

On Sunday, May 4th, Joseph preached to the Saints in Kirtland, under the shade of the new schoolhouse, which was partially enclosed. Many of those who were to
form the "camp of Zion" being present, he impressed upon them the necessity of being humble, exercising faith and patience, and living in obedience to the
commandments of the Almighty, and not murmur at the dispensations of Providence. He bore testimony of the truth of the work which God had revealed through him,
and promised the brethren, that if they would all live as they should before the Lord, keeping his commandments, and not like the Children of Israel murmur against the
Lord and his servants, they should all safely return, and not one of them should fall upon the mission they were about to undertake; for if they were united and exercised
faith, God would deliver them out of the hands of their enemies; but should they, like the Children of Israel, forget God and his promises, and treat lightly his
commandments, he would visit them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

May 5th, 1834, I started with my brethren in the company called "Zion's Camp." I was large of my age; my eyes, which were always very weak, were unusually sore. I
performed the journey to Missouri, and back to Kirtland, mostly on foot, in three months, about 2000 miles.

After my return to Kirtland I was attacked with the ague and fever, which made me an invalid until spring.

I was ordained into the first quorum of seventies, in Kirtland, March 1st, 1835, by Joseph Smith, Sen., Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon.

June 5.-I started on a mission in company with Lyman Smith. We travelled about two thousand miles on foot, without purse or scrip, through the eastern part of Ohio,
the western part of Pennsylvania and New York; held about eighty meetings, baptized eight, and preached from house to house continually; returned on the 5th of
October.

Went to school and studied grammar and history part of the winter, under the direction of Joseph. I was confined to my room by inflammatory rheumatism, which
rendered me nearly helpless for several weeks.

I received my endowment in the Kirtland Temple in the spring of 1836, and thereafter went on a mission to the counties Cuyahoga, Medina, Wayne, Richland, and
Knox, Ohio, travelling twelve hundred miles on foot. In July, I suffered much from inflammatory rheumatism in my knees, brought on by an attempt to work in a harvest
field. I could walk but little for six weeks.

In the fall I commenced going to school in the temple, and continued to do so about four months.

In the spring of 1837, Joseph sent me on a mission to the south. I preached through Portage, Columbiana, Carrol and Jefferson Counties, Ohio, and about eight months
in the counties of Tyler, Harrison and Monongahela in northwestern Virginia; met with much opposition, and from exposure while travelling in the mountains, wading
creeks, sleeping cold and incessant preaching, I suffered from inflammatory rheumatism, which again confined me for six weeks.

In the spring of 1838 I returned to Kirtland, having travelled two thousand five hundred miles, one half on foot, the other half on horseback, and accompanied my father
and family to Missouri. I drove a horse team one thousand miles. I preached by the way every Sabbath, and frequently week days; our little camp attracted large
congregations. We settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman, Daviess County.

I was ordained a high counselor by Joseph's direction on the 28th of June, 1838.

I was brought before a mob court, falsely accused, and bound over for misdemeanor, in $1000 bonds, without being allowed to introduce my witnesses; my life was
threatened many times during the session of the court.

In the fall I was sent on a mission to Tennessee and Kentucky, in company with Don Carlos Smith, and returned in the winter. We travelled fifteen hundred miles, one
half by water, and the rest on foot. On our way home, being pursued by the mob, I came near perishing with cold, as we travelled two days and one night without
stopping, facing a northwest wind and storm. Don Carlos prevented me from freezing to death by keeping me awake. After a night's sleep, under the roof of a mobber,
we travelled a day and night; we were lost on the prairie and Don Carlos came near perishing with cold. I found my father out-of-doors with frozen feet, the result of
being driven with his family from Adam-ondi-Ahman, by the state authorities of Missouri. I visited Joseph, Hyrum and others in Liberty Jail, in company with Brothers
Young and Kimball, and we were locked up with them for one hour. I removed my father and family to Quincy, and thence to Green Plains, distance two hundred and
fifty miles.

I went to Far West, and, on the morning of the 26th of April, 1839, was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles, in place of Thomas B. Marsh who had apostatized. I
returned to Illinois, the journey being five hundred miles; moved my father to Nauvoo, assisted in taking care of the sick and laying hands on them until I was prostrated
for several months. I accompanied the Quorum of the Twelve on a mission to England; started September 21st; disease had impaired my health until I could scarcely
walk. I suffered much from sickness on the way. I sailed from New York on the 9th of March, and arrived in England April 6th, 1840. I started from Nauvoo without
money, and landed in England with a sovereign. I travelled and preached in the counties of Lancaster, Chester, Stafford, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, and
accompanied Elders Kimball and Woodruff in establishing the Church in London. My labors were crowned with success. I sailed from Liverpool on the 22nd of April,
1841, and arrived in Nauvoo on the 5th of July, having travelled on this mission 13,000 miles.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                          Page 35 / 49
On the 25th I married Bathsheba W. Bigler, and moved to Zarahemla, Lee County, Iowa, near my father, where I built a log house. In the winter I moved to Nauvoo;
Joseph gave me lot 4, in block 123. I built a frame house, 16 by 20, and drained and improved the lot, and made it one of the most pleasant in the city.
walk. I suffered much from sickness on the way. I sailed from New York on the 9th of March, and arrived in England April 6th, 1840. I started from Nauvoo without
money, and landed in England with a sovereign. I travelled and preached in the counties of Lancaster, Chester, Stafford, Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester, and
accompanied Elders Kimball and Woodruff in establishing the Church in London. My labors were crowned with success. I sailed from Liverpool on the 22nd of April,
1841, and arrived in Nauvoo on the 5th of July, having travelled on this mission 13,000 miles.

On the 25th I married Bathsheba W. Bigler, and moved to Zarahemla, Lee County, Iowa, near my father, where I built a log house. In the winter I moved to Nauvoo;
Joseph gave me lot 4, in block 123. I built a frame house, 16 by 20, and drained and improved the lot, and made it one of the most pleasant in the city.

My son, George Albert, was born, July 7, 1842.

In the fall of 1842 I went on a mission to the principle places in Illinois, preaching and allaying the prejudices that had been raised against President Joseph Smith by
apostates and other enemies, travelling four hundred miles, one hundred on foot, and returned to Nauvoo, November 4. The winter was very severe, and I was
confined to the house most of the time with bleeding at the lungs.

In the summer and fall of 1843 I travelled and preached through the eastern states, attending conferences in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Massachusetts, and
returned to Nauvoo, having travelled six thousand miles.

In the spring of 1844 I travelled twelve hundred miles, and preached and attended conferences through northern Illinois, Indiana and Michigan; returned to Nauvoo,
July 27th.

While in Nauvoo I was constantly attending councils and performing other duties at the call of President Joseph Smith. I was two years a member of the City Council of
Nauvoo and one year an alderman. A short time before his death Joseph wrapped me in his arms and said, "I love you as I do my life," and his affections were surely
reciprocated. I have used my utmost endeavors to counsel the Saints and keep them from being led off the track up to the present.

History of Lyman Wight

Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865)

Lyman Wight, the son of Levi Wight and Sarah Corbon, was born in the township of Fairfield, Herkimer County, New York, on the 9th day of May, 1796. He served
the republic in the war of 1812-15 with Great Britain.

He united with Isaac Morley and others in forming a society in Kirtland, Ohio, conducted on the common stock principle, being one phase in the rise and progress of
the Campbellite church.

He was baptized in the Church of Jesus Christ, by Oliver Cowdery in 1830, and was soon afterwards ordained to the office of an elder. He was ordained to the office
of high priest by Joseph Smith at the June conference in Kirtland, 1831. While at that conference, he testified he had a vision and saw the Savior. He went to Missouri
in 1831 by revelation.

He soon after went to Cincinnati on a mission to preach the gospel. On arriving in that city he called at a hotel and engaged his board for several weeks. The landlord
asked him if he was a merchant. He said, "No." He asked him what his business was. He replied, he was a preacher of the gospel. He asked him what order he
belonged to. He answered, he was after the order of Melchizedek. He created so much curiosity that they wished to hear him preach. He told them that was his
business, and if they would open the courthouse, he would do so willingly. They obtained the house, and he delivered a series of lectures and built up a branch of the
Church and baptized upwards of one hundred.

The family of Higbees were among the first baptized; they were fishermen and Brother Wight would fish with them through the day and preach at night. One evening he
went from the fish net to the courthouse and stood on the top of a stove barefooted, with his trousers rolled up to his knees and his shirt sleeves up to his elbows, and
preached two hours. Some of the people remarked, "He preaches the truth, though he does not look much like a preacher."

Many that he baptized went to Jackson County, Missouri, and were with him through the persecution of 1833. During that persecution, he was a dread to his enemies
and a terror to evil-doers, and his life was often sought after.

He commanded the brethren in Jackson County in their defense against the mob. In one instance he was chased by seven men about six miles; they were fully armed
and came upon him so suddenly that he had to mount his horse with a blind bridle, without any saddle or arms, except a pocket knife. His horse being fleet, he escaped
by out-running them and leaping a deep wide ditch, where none of his pursuers dared follow.

On the 23rd day of July, 1833, he signed an agreement with others that the Saints would leave Jackson County before the first day of January, 1834; but before that
time they were all driven out. After the Saints were driven out of Jackson County into Clay County, volunteers were called for to go and visit the Prophet in Kirtland.
Several of the elders were asked by Bishop Partridge if they could go; but they made excuses. Lyman Wight then stepped forward and said he could go as well as not.
The bishop asked him what situation his family was in. He replied, his wife lay by the side of a log in the woods with a child three days old, and he had three days'
provisions on hand; so he thought he could go very well. Parley P. Pratt next volunteered, and they went together to Kirtland in February, 1834. On their arrival at
Kirtland, the Prophet obtained the word of the Lord, and they were commanded [D&C 103:30-33] to gather up the strength of the Lord's house to go up to Zion, and
it was the will of the Lord that there should be five hundred men, but not to go up short of one hundred. In fulfillment of this commandment, Lyman Wight went through
Pennsylvania, and on the 15th day of March, he attended a conference at Avon, New York; he also went through Michigan, northern Indiana and Illinois, and assisted
Hyrum Smith in gathering up a company of eighteen, who joined Zion's Camp at Salt River, Missouri, June the 8th, where the camp was reorganized, and Lyman Wight
was appointed the second officer. He walked the whole journey from Michigan to Clay County without stockings on his feet. By the appointment of Joseph Smith, he
gave a written discharge to each member of the camp when they were dismissed.

July 3 [1834], he was ordained one of the high council of Missouri.

He was one of the signers of an appeal to the world making a proclamation of peace in Missouri, July, 1834.

He spent the summer of 1834 in Clay County, Missouri. He took a job of making 100,000 bricks and building a large brick house for Colonel Michael Arthur in Clay
County; Wilford Woodruff, Milton Holmes, Heman T. Hyde and Stephen and Benjamin Winchester, labored for him through the season.

He was counseled to go to Kirtland and get his endowments. He started in the fall of 1835, and preached his way through to Kirtland, baptizing such as would receive
his testimony. While on the journey he called at the city of Richmond, Indiana and gave out an appointment to preach in the courthouse. He walked through the city,
and being a stranger was unknown; but wherever he went, the people were blackguarding the "Mormons," and many declared they would tar and feather the preacher
 Copyright
when        (c) to
       he came   2005-2009,  Infobase
                   meeting that night. AtMedia  Corp.
                                          the time                                                                                                    Page
                                                   of appointment Brother Wight was at his post. There being no light provided, he went and bought candles and36  / 49
                                                                                                                                                               lighted
the room. The house was soon filled with men who brought tar and feathers for the "Mormon" elder.
He was counseled to go to Kirtland and get his endowments. He started in the fall of 1835, and preached his way through to Kirtland, baptizing such as would receive
his testimony. While on the journey he called at the city of Richmond, Indiana and gave out an appointment to preach in the courthouse. He walked through the city,
and being a stranger was unknown; but wherever he went, the people were blackguarding the "Mormons," and many declared they would tar and feather the preacher
when he came to meeting that night. At the time of appointment Brother Wight was at his post. There being no light provided, he went and bought candles and lighted
the room. The house was soon filled with men who brought tar and feathers for the "Mormon" elder.

He preached about two hours, reproving them most severely for their meanness, wickedness and mobocratic spirit. At the close of the meeting he said, "If there is a
gentleman in this congregation, I wish he would invite me to stay with him overnight." Whereupon, a gentleman stepped forward and tendered him an invitation, which
he willingly accepted. His host said, "Mr Wight, it is astonishing how you have become so well acquainted with the people here, for you have described them very
correctly." He was kindly entertained and furnished with money in the morning to aid him on his journey.

He spent the winter of 1835-1836 in Kirtland and received his endowment.

He returned to Missouri in 1836.

David W. Patten preferred a charge against Brother Wight for teaching false doctrine. He was tried before the high council at Far West, April 24, 1837; and it was
decided that he did teach false doctrine. He made the required acknowledgements.

He opposed the selling of land in Jackson County, Missouri, and considered W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer in transgression for selling theirs.

June 28, 1838, he was chosen and ordained the second counselor to John Smith, president of the stake at Adam-ondi-Ahman, by Joseph Smith. Sheriff Morgan, of
Daviess County, had agitated the people of the surrounding counties, by asserting that he had writs against Joseph Smith and Lyman Wight which he could not serve
without endangering his life. He invited the people to assemble together in Daviess County with their arms, so that he could summon them as a "posse comitatus" to
make the arrests, the real design being to murder Joseph and Lyman, as they had not offered any resistance, neither had the sheriff made any attempt to arrest them.
They went before Justice Austin A. King, at Ragland's [John Raglin] farm, to allay this excitement, and gave bonds in the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars for their
appearance in court.

Lyman subsequently went before three mobocratic magistrates, under the protection of General Atchison's militia, and gave bonds for his appearance in court, in the
sum of one thousand dollars, on a charge of misdemeanor. This examination was had in Atchison's camp at Netherton Spring, in Daviess County, surrounded by
several hundreds of the mob, and about one hundred militia. His life was repeatedly threatened, and it required the energy of Generals Atchison and Doniphan to
prevent his murder. At the close of the examination, he asked for thirty writs against members of the mob, but was refused.

He was commissioned a colonel in the militia of Caldwell County previous to his removal to Daviess, and in Daviess he commanded his brethren while defending
themselves against the mob.

In October, 1838, after learning that Far West was surrounded by a mob, he raised fifty-three volunteers in Adam-ondi-Ahman (25 miles distant,) and repaired
immediately to Far West to aid in its defense, where, with Joseph and Hyrum Smith and others, he was betrayed into the hands of his enemies, by Colonel George M.
Hinkle, on the 31st; and was sentenced by a court martial to be shot the next morning (November 1) [1838] at 8 o'clock. During the evening, General Moses Wilson
took him out by himself, and tried to induce him to betray Joseph Smith, and swear falsely against him; at which time the following conversation took place. General
Wilson said, "Colonel Wight, we have nothing against you, only that you are associated with Joseph Smith. He is our enemy and a damned rascal, and would take any
plan he could to kill us. You are a damned fine fellow; and if you will come out and swear against him, we will spare your life, and give you any office you want; and if
you don't do it, you will be shot tomorrow at 8 o'clock." Colonel Wight replied, "General Wilson, you are entirely mistaken in your man, both in regard to myself and
Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith is not an enemy to mankind, he is not your enemy; but is as good a friend as you have got. Had it not been for him, you would have been in
hell long ago, for I should have sent you there by cutting your throat, and no other man but Joseph Smith could have prevented me and you may thank him for your life.
And, now, if you will give me the boys I brought from Adam-ondi-Ahman yesterday, I will whip your whole army." Wilson said, "Wight, you are a strange man; but if
you will not accept my proposal, you will be shot tomorrow morning at 8." Colonel Wight replied, "Shoot and be damned."

This was the true character of Lyman Wight; he was true as the sun to Joseph Smith, and would die for his friends. He was taken to Jackson County with Joseph,
Hyrum and other prisoners. They were chained together, and fed on human flesh in prison by their Christian guards, and he continued to suffer with his brethren until the
15th day of April, 1839, when he started with Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Alexander McRae and Caleb Baldwin and guard, to go to jail in Columbia, Boone County;
but on the night of the 16th, the sheriff fell asleep, the guard got drunk, and the prisoners left them, and went to their families and friends in Illinois.

October 20, 1840, Brothers Lyman Wight and Reynolds Cahoon were appointed counselors to John Smith, president of the Saints in Iowa Territory.

January 19, 1841, he was appointed one of the Nauvoo House Association.

He was called and appointed, at the April conference following to be one of the Twelve Apostles, in the place of David W. Patten, who fell a martyr at Crooked River
in Missouri.

He was commissioned a Brevet Major General of the Illinois Militia by Governor Thomas Carlin.

He went to Kirtland in 1842, and rebaptized about two hundred of the cold, dead members of the Church, and brought many of them to Nauvoo.

July 1, 1843, he was examined as a witness before the municipal court of Nauvoo, and gave a plain, unvarnished account of the persecution against the Saints in
Missouri, and of the sufferings of Joseph Smith and his fellow prisoners, concerning which he said, "We were committed to Liberty Jail, under the care of Samuel
Tillery, jailer; we were received with a shout of indignation and scorn by the populace. The jailer sent for a mittimus some days after. His "tender mercies" were
intolerable; he fed us on a scanty allowance of filthy and unpalatable food, and for five days on human flesh; from extreme hunger I was compelled to eat it." The guards
inquired, "How do you like Mormon beef?"

During the winter of 1843-1844, he was employed in the pine country, at Black River, Wisconsin Territory, superintending the procuring of lumber for the temple and
Nauvoo house.

In a letter directed to the Presidency and Twelve, dated Black River Falls, February 15, 1844, he wrote his views about preaching to the Indians, and going to Texas.

In the spring of 1844, he started on a mission through the eastern states, and was appointed one of the delegates of the Baltimore Convention. He delivered a speech
on Bunker Hill, on General Joseph Smith's claims to the presidency of the United States; and on hearing of the death of Joseph, he returned to Nauvoo with the
Twelve.
 Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                      Page 37 / 49
After his return to Nauvoo, he said, "I would not turn my hand over to be one of the Twelve; the day was, when there was somebody to control me, but that day is
past."
In a letter directed to the Presidency and Twelve, dated Black River Falls, February 15, 1844, he wrote his views about preaching to the Indians, and going to Texas.

In the spring of 1844, he started on a mission through the eastern states, and was appointed one of the delegates of the Baltimore Convention. He delivered a speech
on Bunker Hill, on General Joseph Smith's claims to the presidency of the United States; and on hearing of the death of Joseph, he returned to Nauvoo with the
Twelve.

After his return to Nauvoo, he said, "I would not turn my hand over to be one of the Twelve; the day was, when there was somebody to control me, but that day is
past."

History of Wilford Woodruff

(FROM HIS OWN PEN)

Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star 27 (1865)

In tracing the history of my fathers, I find it difficult to obtain a satisfactory account of the Woodruff family for more than three generations.

My great grandfather, Josiah Woodruff, lived nearly one hundred years, and possessed an iron constitution, and performed a great amount of manual labor nearly up to
the time of his death. His wife's name was Sarah; she bore to him nine children, as follows:-Josiah, Appleton, Eldad, Elisha, Joseph, Rhoda, Phebe, and [two names not
given.]

My grandfather, Eldad Woodruff, was the third son of Josiah. He was born in Farmington, Hartford County, Connecticut, in 1751; he also possessed a strong
constitution. It was said that he performed the most labor for several years of any man in Hartford County, and from overexertion in hewing timber, he was attacked
with rheumatism in his right hip, which caused severe lameness for several years before his death. He married Dinah Woodford, by whom he had seven children-viz.,
Eldad, Elizabeth, Samuel, Aphek, Titus, Helen and Ozem.

Eldad married Lewey Woodford; Elizabeth, Amasa Frisby; Samuel, Miss Case; Aphek, Beulah Thompson and Azubah Hart; Titus, Louisa Allen; Helen, Amos
Wheeler; and Ozem, Acksah Merrill and Hannah Hart; all of whom had large families.

My grandfather died in Farmington, with the spotted fever, in 1806, aged 55 years. My grandmother, Dinah, died in 1824, in the same place, with a cancer in the left
breast; her sufferings were very great.

My father, Aphek Woodruff, was born in Farmington, November 11, 1778; he married Beulah Thompson, who was born in 1782, November 29, 1801. She bore
three sons-namely, Azmon, born November 29, 1802; Ozen Thompson, born December 22, 1804; myself born March 1, 1807.

My mother died with the spotted fever, June 11, 1808, aged 26 years, leaving me fifteen months old. My father's second wife, Azubah Hart, was born July 31, 1792;
they were married November 9, 1810; they had six children-viz., Philo, born November 29, 1811, and died by poison administered by a physician November 25,
1827; Asahel Hart, born April 11, 1814, and died in Terrahaute [Terrehaute], October 18, 1838; Franklin, born March 12, 1816, and died June 1; Newton, born
June 19, 1818, drowned September 1820; Julius, born April 22, 1820, and died in infancy; Eunice, born June 19, 1821. I married her to Dwight Webster, in
Farmington, Connecticut, August 4, 1841.

My father was a strong-constitutioned man, and has done a great amount of labor. At eighteen years of age he commenced attending a flouring sawmill, and continued
about 50 years; most of this time he labored eighteen hours a day.

He never made any profession of religion until I baptized him, with all his household, into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on the first day of July 1838.
He was a man of great charity, honesty, integrity and truth, and made himself poor by giving to the poor, and accommodating his fellowmen by loaning money and
becoming surety for his neighbors, and always saying yes to every man who asked a favor at his hand.

I was born in the north part of the town of Farmington, now called Avon, Hartford County, Connecticut, March 1, 1807. I assisted my father in attending the
Farmington Mills, until I was twenty years of age.

In April 1827, I took the flouring mill of my aunt, Helen Wheeler, which I attended three years. In May 1830, I took charge of the flouring mill of Mr. Collins, the ax
manufacturer, in South Canton, Connecticut. At the end of one year it was demolished to make way for other machinery. In March 1831, I took charge of the flouring
mill owned by Mr. Richard B. Cowles of New Hartford, Connecticut. In the spring of 1832, in company with my oldest brother, Azmon, I went to Richland, Oswego
County, New York, and purchased a farm and sawmill, and settled in business.

At an early age my mind was exercised upon religious subjects, although I never made a profession until 1830. I did not then join any church, for the reason that I could
not find any denomination whose doctrines, faith or practice, agreed with the gospel of Jesus Christ, or the ordinances and gifts which the Apostles taught. Although the
ministers of the day taught that the faith, gifts, graces, miracles and ordinances, which the ancient Saints enjoyed, were done away and no longer needed, I did not
believe it to be true, only as they were done away through the unbelief of the children of men. I believed the same gifts, graces, miracles and power would be manifest
in one age of the world as in another, when God had a church upon the earth, and that the Church of God would be reestablished upon the earth, and that I should live
to see it. These principles were riveted upon my mind from the perusal of the Old and New[Testament[s], with fervent prayer that the Lord would show me what was
right and wrong, and lead me in the path of salvation, without any regard to the opinions of man; and the whisperings of the Spirit of the Lord for the space of three
years, taught me that he was about to set up his Church and kingdom upon the earth in the last days. I was taught these things from my youth by Robert Mason, an
aged man, who lived in Simsbury, Connecticut, who was frequently called the old prophet Mason. He taught me many things which are now coming to pass. He did not
believe that any man had authority to administer in the ordinances of the gospel, but believed it was our privilege, through faith, prayer and fasting, to heal the sick and
cast out devils by the laying on of hands, which was the case under his administration, as many could testify.

In 1832, I was inspired to go to Rhode Island; my brother, Asahel, was also directed by the Spirit of God to go to the same place. When we met, we both told our
impressions, and it caused us to marvel and wonder what the Lord wanted of us in Rhode Island; but, as we had made preparations to move to the west, we let
outward circumstances control us, and, Jonah like, instead of going to Rhode Island, we went to Richland, Oswego County, New York, and there remained until
December 29, 1833, when I heard Elders Zerah Pulsipher and Elijah Cheeny preach. My brother Azmon and I believed their testimony, entertained the elders, and
offered ourselves for baptism the first sermon we heard. We read the Book of Mormon, and I received a testimony that it was true.

We soon learned what the Lord wanted of us in Rhode Island, for at the time we were warned to go there, two of the elders were preaching there, and had we gone,
we should have embraced the work at that time.

Copyright31.-I
December (c) 2005-2009,   Infobase
               was baptized by ElderMedia
                                     ZerahCorp.
                                          Pulsipher; he confirmed me the same evening.                                                                   Page 38 / 49

January 2, 1834.-I was ordained a teacher, and my brother Azmon an elder, and a small branch organized of twelve members, by Elder Pulsipher.
We soon learned what the Lord wanted of us in Rhode Island, for at the time we were warned to go there, two of the elders were preaching there, and had we gone,
we should have embraced the work at that time.

December 31.-I was baptized by Elder Zerah Pulsipher; he confirmed me the same evening.

January 2, 1834.-I was ordained a teacher, and my brother Azmon an elder, and a small branch organized of twelve members, by Elder Pulsipher.

In February following, in company with Elder Holton, I walked some sixty miles to the town of Fabius, to attend an evening meeting of the Saints in that place, where
Elder Pulsipher was presiding. I saw the book of commandments or revelations given through Joseph Smith, and I believed them with all my heart, and rejoiced therein;
and after spending several days, and holding several meetings, we returned home rejoicing.

During the winter, we were visited by several of the elders. February 1st, Elder Parley P. Pratt called upon us and instructed the branch till midnight; we had a precious
time. I accompanied Brother Pratt to Jefferson County, and told him my circumstances; he said it was my duty to prepare myself to go to Kirtland, and join the camp of
Zion. I immediately settled my business.

April 11, 1834.-With my horses and wagon, I took Brothers Harry Brown and Warren Ingles, and started for Zion. I met with Orson Pratt, John Murdoch [Murdock]
and other elders, on the way, and arrived in Kirtland on the 25th day of April, 1834.

The Prophet Joseph invited me to make his house my home; I accepted his offer, and stayed with him about one week. I became acquainted with many of the high
priests, elders and Saints. I spent one Sabbath in Kirtland, and heard many of the elders speak, and I felt to rejoice before God for the light and knowledge which was
manifested to me during that day.

May 1.-I started from Kirtland, and went to New Portage, and remained till all the company joined us, when we were organized. [Zion's camp].

March 7.-We took up our line of march, pitched our tents by the way, and travelled to Missouri. After we had pitched our tents in Clay County (our numbers being
two hundred five) and many of the brethren had taken sick, and some had died, Joseph requested the camp to disperse, except enough to take care of the sick. All
who had teams were required to leave the ground and go among the brethren. I went to Brother Lyman Wight's, in company with Heman Hyde and Milton Holmes.
Shortly, Joseph called the brethren together at Lyman Wight's, and told them if they would humble themselves before the Lord, and covenant to keep his
commandments and obey his counsel, the plague should be stayed from that hour, and there should not be another case of cholera in the camp. The brethren
covenanted to do this, and the plague was stayed, and there was not another case in camp.

President Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland with many of the brethren; I remained with Lyman Wight, laboring with my hands till the following winter.

I had a great desire to preach the gospel, which I did not name to my brethren; but one Sunday evening I retired into the woods alone, and called upon the Lord in
earnest prayer, to open my way to go and preach the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth. The Spirit of the Lord bore witness that my prayer was heard, and should
be answered. I arose from my knees happy, and walked some forty rods, and met Elias Higbee, a high priest, with whom I had stayed a number of months. As I
approached him, he said, "Brother Wilford, the Spirit of the Lord tells me that you should be ordained, and go on a mission." I replied, "I am ready."

At a meeting of the high council at Lyman Wight's, Clay County, Missouri, November 5th, I was ordained a priest by Elder Simeon Carter; Stephen Winchester and
Heman T. Hyde were also ordained priests.

Bishop [Edward] Partridge said he would like to have me go into the Southern States, through Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky; and if I could find anybody who
had faith enough to go with me-for it would be a dangerous country to travel in, in consequence of the Missouri persecutions-to take him. I told him I was as ready to
go south as anywhere, and asked if I should go through Jackson County, as it lay in our route. He replied, it would be at the risk of life, and he had not faith enough to
undertake it; if I had, I might try it. I also asked him, if I went through Jackson County, if I should start without purse or scrip, according to the law of God. He
answered, that he had not faith enough to start on a mission through Jackson County without money, and if I did it, I must do it on my own faith. I felt strenuous to keep
the commandments, so I started without money. I called upon Elder Harry Brown, and asked him to accompany me; he consented, and Bishop Partridge appointed
him to go with me.

January 13, 1835.-I received an honorable discharge from Lyman Wight, certifying that I had faithfully performed my duties in Zion's Camp.

I took my valise in hand, weighing 15 lbs., mostly Books of Mormon, and started in company with Elder Harry Brown, crossed the river into Jackson County, and felt
thankful. We bowed our knees, and prayed that God might protect us from the mob while going through the country, and that his judgments might rest upon the wicked
who had shed the blood of the Saints in that land, that the land might be cleansed from sin. I had a petition to the governor of Missouri, for redress of wrongs
perpetrated upon us in Jackson County, for the purpose of obtaining signatures. We bent our way south, through Jackson County, without any molestation; yet, in one
instance, we were preserved from a mob of about sixty, assembled at a grogshop which we had to pass.

June 18.-We called at the Harmony mission, and had an interview with the president, a Presbyterian minister. Although it was near sundown, he would neither give us
anything to eat, nor lodge us, because we were "Mormons." It was fifteen miles to the nearest house, which was Jerrew's Indian trading house. We asked the minister
to direct us there. He gave us directions, but the Spirit said to me he was deceiving us. I asked him three times, and he declared he was telling us the truth. We followed
his directions, and we came to the Osage River swamp, where we were lost in darkness of the night. We followed the river, but as it is very crooked, we made but little
progress. After travelling through mud and water for one hour, we concluded to go ut on the open prairie, and lie down in the grass until morning; but when we got out
into the prairie, we heard the Osage Indians' drum and shout at the trading house, as they were having a powwow. As we approached, we were met by a dozen large
savage-looking dogs; they smelled us in a friendly manner, but did not attempt to bite nor bark. We arrived about midnight, covered with mud, hungry and weary, and
were kindly received and entertained for the remainder of the night by Mr. Jerrew, who had an Osage squaw for a wife; she prepared us a good supper, but marvelled
that we did not drink coffee. She proffered us their best bed, which was highly ornamented, but we declined her kind offer, as we were wet and muddy. She made us a
good bed of mackinaw blankets, before a large fire, and we slept comfortably. May the Lord reward both Mr. Jerrew and wife, and the Presbyterian minister,
according their deserts.

June 19.-Mr. Jerrew gave us a good breakfast, put us across the Osage River in a canoe, and we started upon our long day's walk, it being sixty miles to the nearest
house. We had not anything with us to eat. Most of our travels through the day was through prairie; before dark we entered timbered land; as we approached the
timber, a large black bear met us; we had no weapons. When the bear got within about six rods of us, he rose upon his hind feet, and examined us a short time, and
went off. We were soon enveloped in such thick darkness, that it was with great difficulty we could keep the road, and surrounded by a large drove of wolves, which
kept up a continual howling, and would frequently rush to within a few feet of us. We travelled about two hours in this situation, feeling that we were in danger, and
concluded to stop and build a fire, and wait till morning.

Accordingly,
 Copyright (c)we  built a largeInfobase
               2005-2009,        fire, which drove
                                         Media     the wolves off; and as we were about to lie down, we heard a dog bark, and a bell. We felt assured we
                                                Corp.                                                                                                      were near
                                                                                                                                                         Page    39 /a49
house; both of us took a brand of fire, and on going about one quarter of a mile, we came to a log hut, which was occupied by Mr. Williams, who had been in Jackson
County during the mobbing of the Saints, and had lately moved here, depending upon his gun mostly for his living. It was sixty miles to a house on the north, and twelve
miles on the south. He and his family were living in a small, old log hut, about twelve feet square, and one bed in the room, upon which lay his wife, several children and
went off. We were soon enveloped in such thick darkness, that it was with great difficulty we could keep the road, and surrounded by a large drove of wolves, which
kept up a continual howling, and would frequently rush to within a few feet of us. We travelled about two hours in this situation, feeling that we were in danger, and
concluded to stop and build a fire, and wait till morning.

Accordingly, we built a large fire, which drove the wolves off; and as we were about to lie down, we heard a dog bark, and a bell. We felt assured we were near a
house; both of us took a brand of fire, and on going about one quarter of a mile, we came to a log hut, which was occupied by Mr. Williams, who had been in Jackson
County during the mobbing of the Saints, and had lately moved here, depending upon his gun mostly for his living. It was sixty miles to a house on the north, and twelve
miles on the south. He and his family were living in a small, old log hut, about twelve feet square, and one bed in the room, upon which lay his wife, several children and
three young dogs. He lay stretched out upon the bare floor, with his feet to a small fire. There was no door to the house, but a ragged quilt hung up in the doorway; it
was past eleven o'clock at night. I turned away the quilt, looked into the house, and spoke three times; no one stirred, not even a dog. I walked in, and laid my hands
upon the man's shoulder, and spoke to him. The moment he felt the weight of my hand, he leaped to his feet, and commenced running around the room, leaping as high
as he could jump. I told him not to be frightened, as we were travellers and friends, and did not wish to hurt him, but wished to stop with him overnight. When he came
to his senses, he gave us permission to stop with him till morning, if we would take the bare floor, as he did. We asked for something to eat, as we had walked sixty
miles without a morsel of food. He replied, he had nothing for us, and assured us he had to kill game for his breakfast in the morning. He informed us that the reason of
his fright, was in consequence of his having shot a large panther, a few nights previous, standing in his door, and he thought his mate had lit upon him. We lay down
upon the floor, and we were glad of this place, as it soon began to rain, and rained through the night.

In the morning we arose, and went on in the rain twelve miles, to a Mr. Conner's, who was also in the Jackson County mob. He gave us breakfast, but damned us
while we were eating, because we were "Mormons." When we had finished a hearty breakfast, we thanked him very politely, and went on our way, leaving him
swearing. We felt thankful for breakfast, for we had walked seventy-two miles without eating food. We taught from house to house as we journeyed.

January 24 [1836]-I preached at Mr. Nathan Tanner's, in Green County, Missouri, the first time we had found a congregation we could preach to in safety, and the
first time that I had ever attempted to preach as a missionary. I had great liberty, and was followed by Elder Brown. During our preaching, there was a snowstorm.

We arrived at Petty John Creek, in Arkansas, where Mr. Alexander Akeman resided, with a large family of sons and one daughter, settled around him. Mr. Akeman,
and a part of the family, were members of the Church in Jackson County; his wife died strong in the faith in Missouri. His whole family were mobbed, and some of his
sons were whipped severely; but he could not stand the persecution and the loss of his property. He moved to Arkansas, to get rid of "Mormonism," had apostatized,
and was bitter against the work. When we called upon him, he opposed us strongly-spoke against the leaders of the Church and the Book of Mormon. He had one son
who received us, and had a little faith. I dreamed the night before, that we were required to walk in a straight, narrow path; and while following the path, it led to the
door of a house, which was placed in a high wall that we could not get around. As I opened the door to go through, I saw the room was filled with large serpents. I
entered, and they all coiled up to jump at me; as they made a spring to bite me, they all fell dead at my feet, turned black, swelled up, burst open, took fire, and were
consumed before my eyes.

We met with much opposition from Mr. Akeman, and many in the neighborhood. Elder Brown wished to leave the place immediately. I told him I should stay, and see
my dream fulfilled. We stayed in the neighborhood twenty-five days, during which time the Lord brought judgment upon those who threatened to mob and kill us; many
of them died suddenly, and I was warned three times by the Lord, to go to Mr. Akeman, and bear testimony unto him of the truth of "Mormonism," and the wickedness
of his course in opposing it; and the last time I called upon him, he was filled with wrath against me, and when I left his house, he followed me in a rage, apparently with
some evil intent. When I had got a few rods from his door, he was nearly treading on my heels, and fell dead at my feet, as though he had been struck with lightning; he
swelled, and immediately turned black. This created a great wailing and mourning among his family. Brother Brown and myself assisted in laying him out and burying
him. He died February 14, 1835.

This singular dispensation of Providence brought solemnity upon the people, and they began to reflect and wished to hear preaching. We held several meetings and
preached, and baptized Mr. Hubbel and his wife, who had opened their doors and given us a home; and just as we had got the people prepared to receive the gospel
and anxious to learn, and pleading with us to stay and preach, Brother Brown resolved that he would continue his journey south. I was fully satisfied that we should
stop, we would built up a church, and was convinced it was our duty to stop; but Brother Brown held the office of an elder, and I submitted.

Brother Brown did not baptize another person on the mission.

We cut down a large cottonwood tree, and in two days dug out a canoe four feet wide and twelve long, put on a pair of oars, and then rowed down the Arkansas
River, one hundred twenty-five miles, to Little Rock, begging our food by the way, a meal at a time, as we had opportunity. After visiting Little Rock, we travelled
down the river ten miles, and tied up our canoe on the east bank, and stopped with Mr. Jones. I preached next day at his house. On the 16th we left our canoe with
Mr. Jones, and walked back up the river ten miles, opposite Little Rock, and took the old military road, and started to wade the Mississippi swamp, which was mostly
covered with water from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Memphis, Tennessee, a distance of about one hundred seventy-five miles. We waded through mud and water knee-
deep, day after day, and in some instances forty miles per day, before we could get a stopping place.

On the 24th, while in the swamps, I had an attack of the rheumatism, and could not travel fast. My companion, Brother Brown, had got in a hurry, and wished to return
to his family in Kirtland; and as I could not travel as fast as he wished, we parted. He left me sitting on a log in the mud and water; I was lame and unable to walk,
without food, and twelve miles from the nearest house on the road. He went out of sight in great haste. I then knelt down in the water, and prayed to the Lord to heal
me. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I was healed; the pain left me; I arose and went my way. Whenever I met with one or more families, I preached and
bore testimony to them.

I crossed the Mississippi River in the evening of the 27th of March, and stayed at a public house kept by Mr. Josiah Jackson. I was suspected of being an impostor.
Mr. Jackson believed I was one of Murril's clan, who were then murdering and stealing negroes; and to test me, he gathered together a large house full of the most
wicked and corrupt people in the city, and set me to preaching, to see whether I could preach or not.

I do not think that Mr. Jackson, or the same company of men and women, will ever meet together again for the same purpose, for they would not like again to have
their sins and abominations revealed to each other as pointedly as I told them that night, through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost; they were glad to get rid of me upon
almost any terms.

I travelled from Memphis to Middle Tennessee.

April 4.-I met with Elder Warren Parrish in Benton County. He and David W. Patten had labored together through the winter in Tennessee and baptized twenty
persons. Elder Patten had returned to Kirtland. I joined Elder Parrish, and we labored together over three months, travelling and preaching daily; baptizing such as
would receive our testimony; extending our labors in Tennessee and Kentucky.

June 23.-We received a letter from Oliver Cowdery, requesting Elder Parrish to come to Kirtland, and for me to remain and take charge of the southern churches, and
the Lord would bless me in so doing.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                           Page 40 / 49
June 28.-Warren Parrish ordained me an elder. We baptized some forty persons while laboring together.

July 23.-Elder Parrish left. I travelled alone through the year, and extended my labors both in Kentucky and Tennessee. I baptized forty-three persons during this
would receive our testimony; extending our labors in Tennessee and Kentucky.

June 23.-We received a letter from Oliver Cowdery, requesting Elder Parrish to come to Kirtland, and for me to remain and take charge of the southern churches, and
the Lord would bless me in so doing.

June 28.-Warren Parrish ordained me an elder. We baptized some forty persons while laboring together.

July 23.-Elder Parrish left. I travelled alone through the year, and extended my labors both in Kentucky and Tennessee. I baptized forty-three persons during this
season, thirty-one after Brother Parrish left.

November 15.-While traveling in the night, with Brother Benjamin L. Clapp and others, a tremendous storm of wind and rain overtook us. We came to a creek which
had swollen to such an extent by the rain, that we could not cross without swimming our horses; several of the company were females. We undertook to head the
stream, to ford it; but in the attempt, in the midst of the darkness and the raging of the wind and rain, we were lost in the thick woods, amidst the rain, wind, creeks and
fallen treetops. We crossed streams nearly twenty times. I was reminded of Paul's perils by water; but the Lord was merciful unto us in the midst of our troubles, for
while we were groping in the dark, running the risk of killing both ourselves and animals, by riding off precipitous bluffs, a bright light suddenly shone round about us,
and revealed our perilous situation, as were upon the edge of a deep gulf. The light continued with us until we found a house, and learned the right road; then the light
disappeared, and we were enabled to reach the house of Brother Henry Thomas, at nine o'clock, all safe, having rode twenty miles, five hours in the storm; and we felt
to thank the Lord for our preservation.

During the winter and spring, I continued to labor mostly alone, through Kentucky and Tennessee, opening new places, preaching daily, baptizing, confirming, and
organizing new branches.

February 26, 1836.-At a conference held at Brother B. [Benjamin] L. Clapp's, in Callaway County, Kentucky, I ordained A. [Abraham] O. Smoot and Benjamin
Boydston, elders, and B. L. Clapp and Daniel Thomas, priests.

Brothers Smoot and Clapp both entered into the labors of the ministry. Elder Smoot frequently accompanied me on my mission. Elder D. [David] W. Patten returned
to Tennessee in April, and joined us in our labors, accompanied by his wife. It was a happy meeting. He related to me the blessings he had received in Kirtland during
the endowments. We travelled and labored together; persecution raged against us. Elder Patten bore a strong and forcible testimony of the work of God; and when we
were opposed by mobs, he would rebuke them in great plainness; we were threatened, but not injured. The sick were healed under our administrations.

May 27.-Elder Warren Parrish arrived from Kirtland. We held a conference on the 28th, at Brother Seth Utley's. Seven branches were represented, containing 116
members. Abel Wilson and Jesse Turpin were ordained priests, and Albert Petty a teacher.

-31,-I was ordained by David W. Patten, a member of the Second Quorum of Seventies. We labored over a circuit of several hundred miles. Brother [Abraham O.]
Smoot labored with us, and Brother Clapp frequently. We travelled two by two, and all met together to hold conferences.

June 19.-A state's warrant was issued against D. [David] W. Patten, Warren Parrish and Wilford Woodruff, sworn out by Matthew Williams, a Methodist priest, and
served by the sheriff, Robert C. Petty. Elders Patten and Parrish were taken by an armed mob of about fifty, under pretense of law, led by the sheriff, a colonel, first
and second major, with other officers, and a Methodist priest with a gun upon his shoulder. I was in another county, and therefore not taken. We were accused of
prophesying falsely, by saying that four persons who were baptized should receive the Holy Ghost in twenty-four hours, and that Christ should come the second time
before this generation passed away. The whole concern was a mob mock trial, contrary to law, justice, judgment or truth.

On the 29th, I went to a Baptist meetinghouse, on Thompson's Creek, to preach; the house was crowded. As I rose to speak, a Baptist priest, Mr. Browning, arrived
at the door on horseback, and stepped in greatly agitated, and told the deacon to forbid my preaching in the house, at the same time commenced a tirade of abuse
against the "Mormons," telling several lies, which I corrected before the people, which increased his rage. As I was forbidden to preach in the house, and had been
invited, and travelled many miles to fulfil my appointment, I told the people I would like to preach, and was willing to stand on a woodpile, a fence, a cart, or anyplace
they would appoint. A man rose and said he owned the land in front of the meetinghouse, and I might stand and preach on that, and welcome. All the congregation,
with the exception of the minister and one deacon, arose and left the house, walked across the street, and formed seats of a worm fence, and gave good attention while
I preached for an hour and-a-half, on the principles of the gospel.

When I closed, Mr. Randolph Alexander, who had never heard a "Mormon" elder speak before, said, the people of the present day made him think of a pen of hogs;
the keeper would make a trough, and pour into it hot or cold water, dishwater, or anything else, and they would drink it; but let a stranger come along, and pour over a
basket of corn on the backside of the pen, and the hogs would be frightened, and run and snort all over the pen. He said it was so with the people; the priests would
feed them with any kind of doctrine, no matter how false, the people will swallow it down; but let a stranger come and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which will
save the people, as Mr. Woodruff has done, and the people are afraid of him.

Mr. Alexander invited me home, bought a Book of Mormon, and was soon baptized, and several others followed his example.

July 14.-I wrote a letter to Oliver Cowdery, and sent him a list of subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate, and a detail of my mission in the South.

-18.-I rode in company with A. [Abraham] O. Smoot to a ferry on the Tennessee River. The ferryman was absent. We were offered the use of the boat, and ferried
ourselves; but not being much used to the business, and losing one oar in the river, and having to row with a broken oar, we landed a great distance below the usual
place, with a high circulation of blood and blistered hands; but our horses leaped the bank, and we went on our way to the Sandy, which we swam, and spent the night
at Thomas Frazer's.

-30.-We preached at Mr. David Crider's, also on Sunday the 31st, where we were threatened by a mob. I baptized Mr. Crider amid the scoffs of the rabble, who
went in the night and poisoned both of our horses; the one which I rode, belonging to Brother Samuel West, died in two days afterwards; Brother Smoot's recovered;
the swine that eat of the horse flesh also died.

August 11.-I met with D. [David] W. Patten and wife; he and Brother [Warren] Parrish had been driven out of Benton into Henry County, and Elder Parrish had left
for Kirtland.

-29.-We were visited by Elders T. [Thomas] B. Marsh and E. [Elisha] H. Groves, from Caldwell County, Missouri.

September 2.-We held a conference at Damon's Creek, Callaway County, Kentucky; several branches were represented, containing 119 members. Johnson F. Lane,
Benjamin L. Clapp, and Randolph Alexander, were ordained elders, and Lindsey Bradey a priest, by D. [David] W. Patten, who baptized five at the close of the
conference.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                            Page 41 / 49
I was released from my labors in the South, and counselled to go to Kirtland and receive my endowments, as was also A. [Abraham] O. Smoot.

September 19.-Elders [Thomas B.] Marsh and D. [David] W. Patten and wife, and E. [Elisha] H. Groves, started for Far West. I organized the first company of Saints
September 2.-We held a conference at Damon's Creek, Callaway County, Kentucky; several branches were represented, containing 119 members. Johnson F. Lane,
Benjamin L. Clapp, and Randolph Alexander, were ordained elders, and Lindsey Bradey a priest, by D. [David] W. Patten, who baptized five at the close of the
conference.

I was released from my labors in the South, and counselled to go to Kirtland and receive my endowments, as was also A. [Abraham] O. Smoot.

September 19.-Elders [Thomas B.] Marsh and D. [David] W. Patten and wife, and E. [Elisha] H. Groves, started for Far West. I organized the first company of Saints
who emigrated from the Southern States, which numbered twenty-two souls. I appointed Elder Boydston president of the company, and counselled them to be united,
and to remember their prayers night and day before the Lord.

-20.-The camp started. I spent a few days visiting the branches; baptized and confirmed eight, and obtained thirty subscribers for the Messenger and Advocate.

October 20.-In company with A. [Abraham] O. Smoot and Jesse Turpin, I started for Kirtland; this was the first time I had ever travelled on a steamboat. We left the
steamer at Louisville, on the 28th, and spent nineteen days visiting Elder Smoot's relations, and preaching among the people; we visited the Big Bone Lick. We arrived
in Cincinnatti [Cincinnati], November 17th, where we saw thirteen persons dead and wounded, taken from the steamer Flora, which had burst her pipes while running
a race; arrived in Kirtland on the 25th, and had the happy privilege of meeting the Prophet Joseph [Smith, Jr.], and many elders with whom I was acquainted in the
camp of Zion.

-29.-I heard Joseph [Smith, Jr.] preach in the temple. In the afternoon I was called to speak, and read the 56th chapter of Isaiah, and made some remarks, and gave
an account of my mission in the South; Elder Smoot also addressed the Saints.

I was counselled by the Presidency to attend the school in the temple, taught by Professor Haws. I studied the Latin language and English grammar, and boarded with
Brother Ira Bond.

I attended meetings with the seventies and other quorums, during the winter of 1836-7, and received much valuable instruction.

December 20, 1836.-I was present at the organization of the Third Quorum of the Seventies; there were twenty-seven ordained.

January 3, 1837.-I was set apart to be a member of the First Quorum of Seventies.

-25.-At early candlelight, a cloud began to arise in the northeast, and reached to the northwest, having the appearance of fire, and it soon spread over the whole
horizon. The reflection of the clouds upon the earth, which was covered with snow, had a blood-red appearance. It commenced at about 6 o'clock, and lasted till past
10 p.m.

-29.-Presidents Joseph Smith [Jr.], and O. [Oliver] Cowdery addressed the Saints in the temple. Joseph blessed the people in the name of the Lord, and said, if we
would be faithful, we should arise above our embarrassments, and be delivered from the hands of our enemies.

-30.-I wrote an article on faith which was published in the Messenger and Advocate.

February 19.-I attended meeting at the temple. President Joseph Smith [Jr.] had been absent on business for the Church, but not half as long as Moses was in the
mount away from Israel; yet many of the people in Kirtland, if they did not make a calf to worship, as did the Israelites, [apostasy] turned their hearts away from the
Lord, and from his servant Joseph, and had engaged in speculation, and given way to false spirits, until they were darkened in their minds; and many were opposed to
Joseph Smith, and some wished to appoint David Whitmer to lead the Church in his stead. In the midst of this cloud of dark spirits, Joseph returned to Kirtland, and
this morning arose in the stand. He appeared much depressed; but soon the Spirit of God rested upon him, and he addressed the assembly in great plainness for about
three hours, and put his enemies to silence. When he arose he said, "I am still the President, Prophet, Seer, Revelator and Leader of the Church of Jesus Christ. God,
and not man, has appointed and placed me in this position, and no man or set of men have power to remove me, or appoint another in my stead; and those who
undertake this, if they do not speedily repent, will burn their fingers and go to hell." He reproved the people sharply for their sins, darkness and unbelief. The power of
God rested upon him, and bore testimony that his sayings were true.

March 23rd [1837] was spent in the temple by the Saints in Kirtland, in fasting and prayer. Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sen., presided. The Spirit of the Lord was poured
out upon the people. A contribution was taken up for the poor.

April 4.-I received my washings and anointings in the house of the Lord. I spent the whole night in the temple, with others of the seventies, in prayer and fasting; the
Spirit of the Lord rested upon us. After twenty-four hours I partook of food.

-6.-The Presidency of the Church, the Twelve Apostles, and other quorums, met in solemn assembly, and sealed upon our heads our washings, anointings and
blessings, with a loud shout of hosannah to God and the Lamb; the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us. After spending three hours in the upper room, the quorums
repaired to the lower court; the vails were lowered, and the ordinance of washing of feet was administered. Elder H. [Heber] C. Kimball washed my feet, and
pronounced blessings upon me. After this ordinance, the vails of the temple were rolled up, and President Joseph Smith [Jr.,] addressed the elders for three hours,
clothed with the Spirit and power of God. He unbosomed his feelings in the house of his friends, and gave much instruction. He urged upon us the absolute necessity of
giving strict heed to his teachings and counsel, and the revelations of the Lord to the Church, and be wise in all things, that Zion and her stakes may be redeemed and
established, no more to be thrown down. He said, that the kings of the earth would yet come to behold the glory of Zion, and that great and glorious blessings would be
bestowed upon the Saints in the last days. Hyrum Smith bore testimony, and was followed by Oliver Cowdery, who exhorted the elders to keep within the bounds of
their knowledge, and let the mysteries of the kingdom alone, for the Gentiles had not a knowledge even of the first principles of the gospel. He said, it is far better to
preach what the people would call the small things of the kingdom, than to enter into the visions of Isaiah, Ezekiel and John. The Twelve broke bread, which was
distributed to the multitude, who eat and were filled; thanks were returned, and the meeting closed at the setting of the sun.

The house was again filled at candlelight. President [Joseph] Smith [Jr.] requested the elders to speak their feelings freely, and sing, exhort and pray, as the Spirit should
give utterance. The meeting continued during the whole night; many of the gifts were poured out upon the people; at break of day we were dismissed.

I also spent the night of the 7th in the temple, with several of the elders, in prayer and praise before the Lord; the Holy Ghost rested upon us, and the spirit of prophecy
was given, and many things were shown by the Holy Spirit.

April 9.-President [Joseph] Smith [Jr.] spoke in the afternoon, and said in the name of the Lord, that the judgments of God would rest upon those men who had
professed to be his friends, and friends of humanity, and in building up Kirtland, a stake of Zion, but had turned traitors to him, and the interests of the kingdom of God,
and had given power into the hands of our enemies against us; they had oppressed the poor Saints, and had brought distress upon them, and had become covenant-
breakers,
 Copyrightfor(c)
              which  they willInfobase
                 2005-2009,    feel the wrath
                                         MediaofCorp.
                                                God.                                                                                                        Page 42 / 49
April 13, 1837.-I married Phebe W. Carter, daughter of Ezra and Sarah Carter, of Scarborough, Maine. The ceremony was performed at the house of President
Joseph Smith, [Jr.,] by Fred. [Frederick] G. Williams, Esq. The Prophet Joseph [Smith, Jr.,] appointed to marry us, but his life was sought by a mob, and he had to
April 9.-President [Joseph] Smith [Jr.] spoke in the afternoon, and said in the name of the Lord, that the judgments of God would rest upon those men who had
professed to be his friends, and friends of humanity, and in building up Kirtland, a stake of Zion, but had turned traitors to him, and the interests of the kingdom of God,
and had given power into the hands of our enemies against us; they had oppressed the poor Saints, and had brought distress upon them, and had become covenant-
breakers, for which they will feel the wrath of God.

April 13, 1837.-I married Phebe W. Carter, daughter of Ezra and Sarah Carter, of Scarborough, Maine. The ceremony was performed at the house of President
Joseph Smith, [Jr.,] by Fred. [Frederick] G. Williams, Esq. The Prophet Joseph [Smith, Jr.,] appointed to marry us, but his life was sought by a mob, and he had to
flee.

-15.-I received my patriarchal blessing under the hands of the Patriarch, Joseph Smith, Sen.; my wife having received her patriarchal blessing previously.

May 5.-While laboring for Joseph Young, Kirtland was visited with a sudden storm of wind and rain, a current passed south of the temple in the form of a whirlwind or
tornado, which destroyed and injured several buildings, it crushed one of Joseph Young's buildings, and removed the one we were in some ten feet, but no person was
injured.

I felt impressed to go out upon a mission; the Spirit was upon me, and led me to go to Fox Islands; it was a country I had never visited. I named my feelings upon the
subject to Elders [Heber C.] Kimball, [Sidney] Rigdon and others; they encouraged me to go. Elder Kimball blessed me, and said in the name of the Lord, I should be
blessed and prospered on my mission, and do a good work. I proposed to Jonathan H. Hale to accompany me, which he did.

May 31.-I left my wife and friends in Kirtland, and walked to Fairport with Brother Hale; we were joined by Milton Holmes, and took the steamer Sandusky and
arrived in Buffalo, June 1st, and Syracuse on the 4th; walked thirty-six miles to Richmond, Oswego County, New York, and called upon my two brothers, Azmon and
Thomson [Thompson], whom I had not seen for several years. We visited the churches as far as Sackett's Harbor, called upon Archibald Patten, and delivered to him
some letters from Warren Parrish, in which were enclosed many one hundred dollar bills, which he had taken from the Kirtland Bank.

We crossed Lake Ontario, visited Upper Canada, and attended a conference, May 10th, with Elders John E. Page, and James Blakesly, in the township of Bastard,
Leeds County. There were eight branches represented, containing three hundred members, thirteen elders, five priests, eight teachers and six deacons. Elder William
Draper and myself ordained seven elders, nine priests, eleven teachers, and five deacons: five were baptized by Elder Page at the close of the conference.

A woman was possessed of the devil and greatly afflicted, much of the time was dumb; four of us laid hands upon her, and cast the devil out in the name of Jesus
Christ, and she was made whole, and gave thanks unto God, and went on her way rejoicing.

We visited several other branches and preached the word of God, and several of the sick were healed.

We returned to Kingston, took steamer for Oswego, and canal for Albany; Brothers John Goodson, Isaac Russel and John Snider accompanied us from Canada, and
left us at Schenectady, to join Elders Kimball, Hyde and Richards at New York, to go to England.

We walked from Albany to Farmington, Connecticut; attended a conference of the Saints in Canaan; arrived at my father's house July 6th. This was the first time I had
seen my father or relatives in Connecticut since I joined the Church; they received me kindly. On the 10th, I preached in the city hall in Colinsville, and a mob gathered
and attempted to break up the meeting, with fife and drum, holloaing and yelling; they were urged on by a Presbyterian priest. At the close of the meeting the priest
came to me with his rabble, and asked many questions; he said I had no right to my opinion, and no man had a right to preach the gospel unless he had a collegiate
education. I told him I would admit that point, when he would tell me at what college Jesus Christ and his Apostles obtained their education: the priest and rabble then
left.

-12.-I preached in a schoolhouse in West Avon to an attentive congregation; after meeting I baptized my uncle, Ozem Woodruff, his wife and son, John, in fulfillment of
a dream which I had at ten years of age.

I visited most of my relatives in Connecticut, and preached the gospel to them. -16.-I preached at Adna Hart's in Avon, where I was met by my stepmother and sister,
also by my wife, who had travelled alone from Kirtland, and was on her way to visit her father in Maine.

-19.-Elder Hale went to New Rowley, Massachusetts, to visit his friends. I had been solicited to preach to the citizens of Farmington by many prominent men, but
every room which was offered me, including the town hall, was closed against me by the Reverend Noah Porter, pastor of the Presbyterian church, until the Methodist
church was offered me, which he had not influence to close. Two hours after I gave out the appointment, the house was filled, and I preached to a very attentive
congregation, including my father and his household, for an hour and a half, upon the first principles of the gospel; I gave liberty to the assembly to ask any questions, or
find any fault with what I had said, but I met with no opposition.

-20.-I left my father's house, and, with my wife, rode by stage to Hartford.

-21.-Not having money to pay the fare for us both, I paid her fare in the stage to New Rowley, Massachusetts, and I walked through a hot, sultry day fifteen hours,
averaging three and a half miles per hour, making fifty-two miles.

-22.-I walked forty-eight miles.

-23.-I walked thirty-six miles, and arrived at Elder Nathaniel Holme's, in New Rowley, at two o'clock, p.m., making one hundred thirty-six miles in a little over two
days and a half. I met with my wife and Elder Milton Holmes, at his father's house: I spent several days in preaching to the Saints in that region.

August 1.-We left New Rowley, and was joined by Elder [Jonathan] Hale, who accompanied us to Saco, Maine.

-7.-I accompanied my wife to her father's in Scarborough, Maine. We were kindly received: it was the first time I had seen any of her relations. We found Mother
Carter very sick. I spent several days visiting the Saints in that region.

-10.-I accompanied Ezra and Fabien Carter, my brothers-in-law, on a fishing excursion; we caught with hooks two hundred fifty codfish, haddock, and hake, and saw
four whales; it being the first time I had ever seen that class of fish that swallowed Jonah.

-18.-With Elder Hale, I started to fill my mission on Fox Islands; we walked to Portland, and spent the night at Mr. Samuel Hale's.

-19.-We took the steamer Bangor eighty-five miles to Owl's Head, where we arrived at sunset, without means to prosecute our journey further. We retired to a high
hill, and bowed
 Copyright       before the Lord,
            (c) 2005-2009,        and prayed
                             Infobase  Media that he would open our way; the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and testified unto us that our prayers Page
                                              Corp.                                                                                                    would be
                                                                                                                                                              43 / 49
answered. As we arose from our knees, a sloop came into the harbor; we went to the captain, and enquired where he was going; he replied, through the channel of
Vinal Haven; he took us on board and landed us on North Fox Islands, a 2 a.m. on the 20th. We wandered in the dark about an hour, rambling over rocks and
bushes, found the house of Mr. Nathaniel Dyer, and were entertained. It being Sunday morning, Mr. Benjamin Kent piloted us to the Baptist meetinghouse, occupied
-18.-With Elder Hale, I started to fill my mission on Fox Islands; we walked to Portland, and spent the night at Mr. Samuel Hale's.

-19.-We took the steamer Bangor eighty-five miles to Owl's Head, where we arrived at sunset, without means to prosecute our journey further. We retired to a high
hill, and bowed before the Lord, and prayed that he would open our way; the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and testified unto us that our prayers would be
answered. As we arose from our knees, a sloop came into the harbor; we went to the captain, and enquired where he was going; he replied, through the channel of
Vinal Haven; he took us on board and landed us on North Fox Islands, a 2 a.m. on the 20th. We wandered in the dark about an hour, rambling over rocks and
bushes, found the house of Mr. Nathaniel Dyer, and were entertained. It being Sunday morning, Mr. Benjamin Kent piloted us to the Baptist meetinghouse, occupied
by Elder Gideon J. Newton, pastor of the only religious denomination upon the island. At the door, I sent for the deacon, and told him I wished him to inform the
minister that we were servants of God, and wished to deliver a message to that people. The minister sent word for us to come into the pulpit; accordingly, with valise in
hand, we walked up into the pulpit, and took a seat on each side of him. When he closed his discourse, he asked me what hour we would like to speak; I told him at
five; he gave out our appointment, and invited us to his house. I asked him how many schoolhouses were on the island; he said four, and gave me their names. I asked
him if they were free for anyone to preach in; he answered in the affirmative. I took out my Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, and laid them all
upon his stand; he promised to read them.

The hour of meeting arrived, and I preached to a full house upon the first principles of the gospel, and bore testimony that the Lord had raised up a prophet, and had
commenced to establish his Church and kingdom again upon the earth, in fulfillment of his word, as spoken through the ancient prophets and apostles. This was the first
discourse ever delivered by any Latter-day Saint upon this chain of islands; Elder Hale bore testimony. I gave out appointments for preaching in the four schoolhouses.
The people came out in masses to investigate the principles which we taught. In fourteen days we preached nineteen discourses. Captain Justice Ames and wife were
baptized by Elder Hale. Elder Newton, the Baptist minister, with his family attended twelve of our meetings, read the books, and was convinced by the Spirit of the
Lord that our doctrine was true, and he had a hard struggle in his mind to know which to do, receive it or reject it; he finally resolved to reject it, and commenced
preaching against us. He sent for Mr. Douglass, Methodist minister, on the south island, to come and help him; he had been long at variance with Mr. Douglass, but
they became very friendly and united in a war against us. We continued preaching daily, until we baptized most of the members of Mr. Newton's church, and those who
owned the meetinghouse.

I followed Mr. Douglas to his own island, and commenced preaching to his church, and baptized a good share of his members, among whom were several sea
captains. Ministers from the mainland were sent for, who came over and tried to put a stop to the work, by preaching and lying about us; but the work continued to roll
on. They wished me to work a miracle to convince them that my doctrine was true. I told them they had rejected the truth, and they would see signs, but not unto
salvation.

Vinal Haven, which includes both north and south Fox Island, is in Latitude 44Ã‚-ï¿½, long. 69Ã‚-ï¿½10'. The inhabitants are generally healthy and industrious, and
hospitable to strangers, the people obtain most of their wealth by fishing, and fit out annually over one hundred licensed vessels, beside many smaller crafts. The north
island is nine miles long and two wide; population 800, and contains a post office, a store, a gristmill, four schoolhouses, and a Baptist church. The land is rocky and
rough, yet there are farms which produce good wheat, barley, oats, potatoes and grass; the principal timber is fir, spruce, hemlock and birch. The rasp [raspberry] and
gooseberry grow in great abundance. Sheep are the principal stock.

South Fox Island is about ten miles long and five wide, and is a mass of rocks, principally granite, formed into shelves, hills, hollows, and cut up into nooks, points and
ravines by coves and harbors; population one thousand. There are some small patches under cultivation, at the expense of great labor and toil. Many resident fishermen
fish at Newfoundland, and bring them home, and dry them upon flakes; they annually supply the market with a great amount of codfish, mackerel and boxed herring.
The latter island contains two stores, three tide sawmills, six schoolhouses, a small branch of the Methodist church and a priest. The timber is pine, fir, spruce, hemlock
and birch, also gooseberries, raspberries, whortleberries and upland cranberries; bushes and timber grow out of the crevices of the rocks.

There is a great amount and variety of fish in the waters around these islands, viz.: whale, blackfish, shark, ground shark, pilot fish, horse mackerel, sturgeon, salmon,
halibut, cod, pollock, tomcod, hake, haddock, mackerel, shad, bass, alewives [alewife], herring, pohagen, dolphin, whiting, frost fish, flounders, smelt, skate, shrimp,
shad, cusk, blue backs, scollop [or scallop], dogfish, muttonfish, lumpfish, squid, five fingers, monkfish, nursefish, sunfish, swordfish, thrasher, cat, scuppog [scup],
twotog, eyefish, cunner, ling eels, lobsters, clams, mussels, winkles [periwinkles], porpoises, seals, etc.

September 6.-The harbor was filled with a school of mackerel, which were caught in great numbers by the people standing upon the wharf.

While standing upon the farm of Eleazar Carver on the north island I counted fifty-five islands, many of which were inhabited.

October 2.-I left the island with Elder Hale; Captain Ames took us to Thomastown in a sloop.

-3.-We walked forty-six miles to Bath.

-4.-We attended a Baptist convention, and preached to a large congregation in the evening in Pierce's Hall; the people listened attentively.

-5.-We walked thirty-six miles to Portland.

-6.-Walked ten miles to Father Carter's in Scarborough, where I found my wife and friends well.

-9.-I parted with Elder Hale, who returned to Kirtland. I continued preaching through various towns on the mainland until November 2, when I again returned to Fox
Islands, accompanied by my wife.

-15.-I visited the Isle of Holt, twelve miles east, and preached to an attentive congregation, leaving them the Book of Mormon, which they promised to read. I returned
on the 16th.

I continued my labors during the winter of 1837-8, and nearly every person had attended my meetings, and taken sides for or against. Our enemies made attempts to
break up our meetings.

January 15, 1838.-A company of sailors belonging to the United States revenue cutter, brought on shore a swivel and joined the mob, parading near the house where I
was preaching, and discharged it several times, accompanied with small arms, with the intention of breaking up the meeting. Some of the mob gathered around to see
what effect this would have. I warned them in the name of the Lord, and proclaimed the judgments of God that awaited the wicked, and shook my garments in the
presence of the people, and told them I was clear of their blood; but they only heard my voice intermingled with the roar of cannon and musketry. Before I closed
speaking, the sailors went back on board the revenue cutter. At the close of the meeting I baptized two, also one next day, and while baptizing, the mob again
commenced firing guns. The Baptists and Methodists got up the mob. Mr. Douglas, the Methodist priest, when argument failed him applied to all the magistrates for
warrants against me; they refused to grant them as he had no cause of complaint.
 Copyright
February    (c) 2005-2009,
          13.-I crossed in theInfobase
                                mailboatMedia Corp. and ordained James Townsend. We walked together through deep snows and visited and preached
                                         to Hampden                                                                                                 Page
                                                                                                                                                       in the44  / 49of
                                                                                                                                                              towns
Searsmont, Belfast, Northport, Frankfort, Hampden, and twice in the city hall in Bangor, to large assemblies, and returned to Fox Islands via Casteem and the Isle of
Holt. Arrived in Vinal Haven March 8. Elder Townsend returned home.
speaking, the sailors went back on board the revenue cutter. At the close of the meeting I baptized two, also one next day, and while baptizing, the mob again
commenced firing guns. The Baptists and Methodists got up the mob. Mr. Douglas, the Methodist priest, when argument failed him applied to all the magistrates for
warrants against me; they refused to grant them as he had no cause of complaint.

February 13.-I crossed in the mailboat to Hampden and ordained James Townsend. We walked together through deep snows and visited and preached in the towns of
Searsmont, Belfast, Northport, Frankfort, Hampden, and twice in the city hall in Bangor, to large assemblies, and returned to Fox Islands via Casteem and the Isle of
Holt. Arrived in Vinal Haven March 8. Elder Townsend returned home.

March 22.-I accompanied Brother Stirrat, at low tide, on to a bar some forty rods from shore, to dig some clams. We were soon joined by Mrs. Woodruff and Sister
Stone, who had a curiosity to see how clams were dug. The ground for about twelve rods nearer shore was several feet lower than the point we were on, but we were
so busily engaged we did not observe the flowing tide until we were surrounded by water, and having no boat, our only alternative was to wade ashore and carry the
women, which we safely accomplished amid the reflection that time and tide waited for no man.

April 4.-Mr. Kent, the postmaster, showed me a letter containing two sheets of foolscap, signed by Warren Parrish and several of the Twelve, who had apostatized
and been cut off from the Church. The communication was full of slander and falsehoods against Joseph Smith [Jr.] and all that stood by him. It was sent with the
intention of breaking up the work upon these islands.

11.-I was visited by Elders Townsend and Milton Holmes, who attended conferences with me upon both islands, and bore their testimony to the people, but the spirit
of opposition increased to a great height. I was warned by the Spirit of the Lord to leave for a season and take a western mission. After visiting the Saints from house
to house, and praying with and encouraging them, I left on the 28th and went to the mainland with Elders Townsend and Holmes. Mrs. Woodruff returned to her
father's. We walked to Scarborough. I left May 7th, and walked to Bradford, where I left Elder Holmes, and proceeded to Boston.

May 11.-I gave out an appointment to preach at Sister Vose's room, and I went to Cambridgeport to visit Elder A. P. Rockwood, who had been imprisoned in jail on
pretense of debt, but in reality out of religious persecution. The jailor locked me in until ten p.m.; but while it disappointed a congregation of people, it gave me a happy
visit with Elder Rockwood, conversing upon the work of God. On my return to Boston the people were waiting to hear me; I spoke to them a short time.

May 14.-I left Boston, and walked some thirty miles to Holliston; stayed at Deacon Haven's, and preached. I walked to Providence, Rhode Island, from thence took
steamer to New York, and arrived on the 18th. Met and attended meetings with Brother O. [Orson] Pratt until the 27th, when I went up the North River to Newburgh,
and preached in several towns in New York and New Jersey, and walked across the country to Farmington, Connecticut, and arrived at my father's June 11, 1838.

I commenced preaching at my father's house. July 1st, I baptized six persons in Farmington River, including my father, stepmother and my only sister, Eunice; also
Cousin Seth Woodruff, Aunt Anna Cossett and Dwight Webster, a Methodist class leader, who was boarding at my father's.

When the Patriarch Joseph Smith, Sen., gave me my blessing, he said I should bring my father's household into the kingdom of God, which words were fulfilled this
day.

I confirmed those baptized, and organized this small branch of the Church, consisting of nine members, eight of whom were relatives. I ordained Dwight Webster a
priest, and administered the sacrament.

July 3.-I started for the state of Maine, and arrived at Father Carter's, in Scarborough, on the 6th.

-14.-My wife was delivered of a daughter at her father's house; we named her Sarah Emma.

22.-I wrote to Thomas B. Marsh, an account of my labors upon Fox Islands and the eastern country.

-30.-I left Scarborough and returned to the islands. I preached several times to large congregations in the Methodist meetinghouse, in East Thomastown, and in the
town hall in Camden, before crossing to the islands, where I arrived August 7th.

August 9 [1838].-I received a letter from Thomas B. Marsh, informing me of my appointment to fill the place, in the Quorum of the Twelve, of one who had fallen, and
I was requested to come to Far West as soon as possible, to prepare for a mission to England in the spring. I immediately visited all the Saints upon both islands, and
earnestly exhorted them to sell their property and prepare to accompany me to Missouri. Several immediately sold, but many were poor. Brother Nathaniel Thomas
said he would furnish means to help off all the poor Saints who desired to go, and for this purpose went with me to the mainland on the 13th, and I assisted him in
purchasing two thousand dollars worth of horses, harness, wagons and tents for the company. He paid about $1500 of the expenses himself, $1000 of which went to
furnish conveyance for the poor. After purchasing the outfit for the company, I urged the importance of their starting as soon as possible, not later than the 1st of
September.

August 19.-I left the town of Camden, where we had prepared our outfit, and returned to Scarborough to prepare my family for the journey, expecting to see the
company in a few days; but here I remained in great suspense until October 1st, when Elder Townsend went to meet the company. They arrived in Scarborough on the
3rd, with their wagon covers flying.

The company stopped at the house of Sister Sarah B. Foss. We nailed down the covers and painted them, which made them waterproof.

-4 [4 Sep 1838].-We started upon our journey. My child was in the first stages of the whooping cough. Our company consisted of fifty-three persons; we had ten
wagons, with a pair of horses to each. We had before us, at this late period, a gloomy land journey of two thousand miles, from Maine to Missouri. We continued to
travel through rain, mud, cold, frost and snow, until we arrived in Rochester, Sangamon County, Illinois, December 19th, where I stopped and settled my family and
company for the winter, being unable to proceed further. My wife had passed through a severe course of the brain fever while upon the journey; her sufferings had been
very great. The spirit had left her body twice to all human appearance, and only been called back through the prayer of faith and the power of God. Our child had also
been very sick, and I had become so thoroughly chilled through my whole system, in crossing the bleak prairies, that it was two months after I stopped, before I got
sufficiently warmed to feel natural.

Brother Thomas buried one child, and nearly all the company had been sick through exposure; some of them had stopped by the way.

I spent the winter laboring with my hands for the support of my family.

March 8, 1839.-I attended a conference at Springfield, Illinois.

-13.-I took my family and started for Quincy, where I arrived on the 16th. I dined with Emma Smith, at Judge Cleveland's. I then went on to the bank of the river near
Quincy,
 Copyrightand(c)
              saw a great many
                 2005-2009,    of the Saints,
                            Infobase   Mediaold  and young, lying in the mud and water, in a rainstorm, without tent or covering, which suffering was caused
                                              Corp.                                                                                                      Pageby45 the/ 49
unhallowed persecution of the state of Missouri. The sight filled my eyes with tears, while my heart was made glad at the cheerfulness of the Saints in the midst of their
affliction.
March 8, 1839.-I attended a conference at Springfield, Illinois.

-13.-I took my family and started for Quincy, where I arrived on the 16th. I dined with Emma Smith, at Judge Cleveland's. I then went on to the bank of the river near
Quincy, and saw a great many of the Saints, old and young, lying in the mud and water, in a rainstorm, without tent or covering, which suffering was caused by the
unhallowed persecution of the state of Missouri. The sight filled my eyes with tears, while my heart was made glad at the cheerfulness of the Saints in the midst of their
affliction.

-17 (Sunday).-I had an interview with President Brigham Young and John Taylor. We held a meeting with the Saints; $50 and a number of teams were raised to bring
out the remainder of the poor from Missouri. President Young counselled the Twelve to locate their families for the time being in Quincy. I returned to Rochester for my
effects. While at Springfield, I collected $70 for the relief of the Saints in Quincy, which I sent to them. I returned to Quincy on the 8th of April, where I left my family,
and went to Far West with the Twelve, and attended the conference on the temple block on the 26th [Apr 1839], where I was ordained one of the Twelve Apostles,
on the cornerstone of the temple, under the hands of the Twelve, Elder Brigham Young being mouth. Elder Geo. [George] A. Smith was also ordained at the same
time. We returned to Quincy on the 2nd day of May.

On the 3rd, in company with five of the Twelve, I went to Judge Cleveland's, and had a happy interview with President Joseph Smith, [Jr.,] who had just escaped out
of the hands of his persecutors in Missouri; it was the first time I had seen him for more than two years, and it was a happy meeting. I attended the conference and
meetings with the Saints in Quincy, until the 15th, when I moved my family to Montrose, and occupied a room in the barracks with President Young and family. I spent
my time in attending the meetings, councils and conferences. I wrote in my journal the teachings, sayings and prophecies of Joseph from time to time, as I had
opportunity.

July 22.-I was with President Joseph Smith [Jr.] and his council and the Twelve; it was a day of God's power with the Prophet. He healed many who were sick nigh
unto death, among whom were Elijah Fordham and Joseph B. Nobles [Noble]; even the wicked rabble followed to see the sick healed. As Joseph was about to cross
the river, a man came to him and asked him if he would go about three miles and heal two of his small children, who were twins, about three months old, and were sick
nigh unto death. He was a man of the world, he had never heard a sermon preached by a Latter-day Saint. Joseph said he could not go, but he would send a man.
After hesitating a moment, he turned to me and said, "You go with this man and heal his children," at the same time giving me a red silk handkerchief, and said, "After
you lay hands upon them, wipe their faces with it, and they shall be healed; and as long as you will keep that handkerchief, it shall ever remain as a league between you
and me." I went and did as I was commanded, and the children were healed.

On the 25th, I was attacked with chills and fever. I had a chill every other day, and was very sick.

August 8 [1839].-I laid my hands upon my wife and children, blessed them, committed them into the hands of God, and started upon my English mission, leaving my
family sick, and with not more than four days' provisions. Brother Brigham Young rowed me across the Mississippi in a boat; I was sick and feeble. When I landed, I
laid down upon the bank of the river on a side of sole leather. The Prophet Joseph [Smith, Jr.] came along and looked at me, and said, "You are starting on your
mission." I said,"Yes, but I look like a poor instrument for a missionary; I look more fit for a hospital or dissecting room than a mission." He replied, "What do you say
that for? Go ahead in the name of the Lord, and you shall be healed and blessed on your mission." I thanked him. A brother came along with a wagon, carried me a
few miles on my road. I started without purse or scrip, and passed by Parley P. Pratt, who was hewing logs for a house; he was barefooted, bareheaded, without coat
or vest on. He said, "I have no money, but I have an empty purse; I will give you that." I went a few rods, and found Elder H. [Heber] C. Kimball building a log cabin.
He said, "I have one dollar, I will give you that to put in your purse." He blessed me, and I went my way, accompanied by Elder John Taylor. I had a shake of the ague
every other day, and lay on the bottom of the wagon while I travelled.

We stayed with Samuel H. and Don Carlos Smith at Macomb, and held a meeting with the Saints, who contributed $9 to our necessities, and George Miller gave us a
horse. Father Coltrin was going east; he took us into his wagon to help us along. We spent five days in Springfield, where Elder Taylor printed fifteen hundred copies of
a pamphlet upon the Missouri persecution. We sold our horse, and left on the 21st, and continued our journey. We spent the night of the 24th with Dr. Modisett, of
Terrehaute.

On the 28th, while travelling, Elder Taylor fell to the ground as though he had been knocked down. We administered to him, and he revived. On the following day he
fell again, and fainted several times; it seemed as though the destroyer would take his life. We travelled with him four days after he was taken sick. His sickness proved
to be bilious fever. We stopped with him two days at a German tavern, in Germantown, Wayne County, Indiana, with a kind family with whom he was acquainted.
Father Coltrin would stay no longer. I proposed to remain with Brother Taylor, but as I was sick with fever and ague, and not able to take care of myself, Brother
Taylor advised me to continue my journey with Father Coltrin, saying, "It is easier to take care of one sick man than two." I committed him into the hands of God, and
the family promised to do all in their power to make him comfortable. I parted from him with a heavy heart.

September 2.-I continued my journey with Father Coltrin to Cleveland, Ohio. I there took steamer on the 10th for Buffalo; had a severe gale, and did not reach Buffalo
until the 12th. I travelled to Albany on a canal boat; had the ague daily, was very sick; had no companions except sectarian priests, who were daily lying about the
"Mormons." I took stage at Albany for Farmington, Connecticut, on the night of the 19th, and rode all night and the following day; suffered severely with fever and
ague. I arrived at my father's house in Farmington on the 21st, quite sick. I found my father and family well.

On the 27th [of] September, 1839, my maternal grandmother, Anna Thompson, died, aged 84; I was too sick to attend her funeral. It is a singular incident that my
grandfather, Lot Thompson, and Anna Thompson his wife, Samuel Thompson and Mercy Thompson, all of one family, died in their 84th year.

On the 4th [of] October, Adner Hart, brother to my stepmother, died, aged 43. He requested me to preach his funeral sermon. I had been sick at my father's house,
with the ague, for fifteen days, attended with a severe cough, and the hour appointed for the funeral was the time for my ague, yet I attended the funeral and preached,
and I had no more ague for many days. I left on the 7th, and visited New York, Long Island, and New Jersey, in very poor health.

November 1.-I assisted Elders Clark, Wright and Mulliner, to set sail for England. Elder John Taylor had recovered from his sickness, and arrived in New York on the
13th [of] December. December 19.-In company with Elders John Taylor and Theodore Turley, I went on board the packet-ship Oxford, and sailed for Liverpool,
where I landed January 11, 1840, in good health and spirits. When I left my father, he gave me some money to assist in paying my passage; also gave me five dollars,
which he requested me to keep until I arrived in Liverpool, saying, I would there need it. This I found to be true after landing; that money was all we had to pay our
expenses to Preston, and we had twopence left.

We arrived in Preston on the 13th. Had a happy interview with Brother Willard Richards; held a council, and agreed that Elder Taylor go to Liverpool, [Elder] Turley
to Birmingham, and I to Staffordshire Potteries.

January 18.-I arrived in Manchester; met Elder William Clayton, who presided over that branch, numbering one hundred sixty-four members. I was immediately called
upon to visit a woman possessed with the devil. She was raging and foaming, and had to be held by four men. The more we rebuked the devil, the worse she raged.
We continued to pray and administer, until we cast the devil out. She arose and gave thanks to the Lord. The devil then entered into a young child, and we cast him out.
I preached several times, and laid hands on twenty-eight persons. I went to Burslem on the 21st, and met with Elder Alfred Cordon, President of the Burslem Branch,
 Copyright
which       (c) 2005-2009,
       numbered               Infobase Media
                 sixty-six. I commenced       Corp.in the Staffordshire Potteries. Elder Turley left for Birmingham on the 29th. I remained in the Potteries
                                         preaching                                                                                                      Page    46forty
                                                                                                                                                             some   / 49
days, preaching, baptizing and confirming, and blessing children.
January 18.-I arrived in Manchester; met Elder William Clayton, who presided over that branch, numbering one hundred sixty-four members. I was immediately called
upon to visit a woman possessed with the devil. She was raging and foaming, and had to be held by four men. The more we rebuked the devil, the worse she raged.
We continued to pray and administer, until we cast the devil out. She arose and gave thanks to the Lord. The devil then entered into a young child, and we cast him out.
I preached several times, and laid hands on twenty-eight persons. I went to Burslem on the 21st, and met with Elder Alfred Cordon, President of the Burslem Branch,
which numbered sixty-six. I commenced preaching in the Staffordshire Potteries. Elder Turley left for Birmingham on the 29th. I remained in the Potteries some forty
days, preaching, baptizing and confirming, and blessing children.

March 1.-As I met in the evening with a large assembly in Hanley, the Lord revealed unto me that it would be the last meeting that I would hold with the Saints in the
Potteries for many days. I told the people it was the last meeting I should hold with them for a season; it created much excitement. I had appointments out for a week,
which I got Brother Cordon to fill. I went before the Lord in prayer, and asked him where I should go; the Spirit said, "Go to the South." According to the directions of
the Spirit, on the 3rd I went to Herefordshire, and called upon John Benbow, at Castlefroom. I found a people prepared for the gospel. I preached twice at his house.
On the 6th, I baptized six persons, including John Benbow and wife. I here found a society called "United Brethren," numbering about six hundred members, and about
fifty preachers; Thomas Kington was the presiding elder. They came from all quarters to hear me preach, and believed my testimony, and I preached and baptized
daily. The ministers of the Church of England sent three church clerks to see what I was doing, and I baptized them. One constable came to arrest me for preaching,
and I baptized him. In about thirty days I baptized one hundred sixty, forty-eight of whom were preachers of the "United Brethren," including their presiding elder,
Thomas Kington.

I established forty-two preaching places, licensed according to law.

On the 9th [of] April, I had an appointment at Haw Cross. As I was going into the meeting, letters were put into my hands from Elder Brigham Young and others,
informing me of his arrival with five of the Twelve, and requesting me to come to Preston, and attend a general conference. A vast assembly had gathered to attend my
meeting; the house, yard and street were crowded; a mob had also gathered. I preached to the people; five came forward to be baptized. The mob surrounded the
pool, armed with stones. I dismissed the meeting and went away, but the congregation and mob remained on the ground till midnight; and as there was no prospect of
their dispersing, and the candidates were anxious to be baptized, I went down into the water and baptized five, in the midst of a shower of stones. The water was all in
a foam for a rod around me. None that I baptized were hit, and I was only hit twice, once on my hip and once on my head; the blow on my head raised a large bump,
which went away while I was confirming. Subsequently I baptized many of the mob.

I left next morning for Preston, and attended the conference with the Twelve, and returned to Herefordshire, accompanied by Elder Brigham Young, on the 22nd [of]
April, and was soon joined by Elder Willard Richards. Elder Young remained twenty-seven days, preaching, baptizing, confirming and counseling. Numbers were
added daily to the Church. He then returned to Manchester.

I spent about seven months in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. We baptized over eighteen hundred, including all of the "United Brethren" save one.
We baptized over two hundred preachers of various denominations in that part of the vineyard. A synod of church ministers became so alarmed for their flocks in that
part of the vineyard, they petitioned parliament to adopt measures to stop our preaching. They received for an answer, that if they were as well acquainted with the
Bible as their hunting grounds, and were as much interested in the welfare of the souls of men, as the chasing of the stags and foxes, they would not lose so many of
their congregations.

August 18.-I visited London in company with Elders H. [Heber] C. Kimball and G. [George] A. Smith. I labored with them in establishing a church, spending over five
months in that populous city.

We visited nearly every part of the city, and all the notable places that we could have access to.

I attended all the general conferences in England, and set sail with my brethren of the Twelve on the ship Rochester, April 20, 1841. Arrived in New York May 20th. .
...

Chapter of Accidents

(Written at Great Salt Lake City, February 1858.)

Varied and diverse are the lives and fortunes of men; while the paths of some are strewn with flowers and ease from the cradle to the grave, with naught to disturb their
peace, others are marked victims of varied misfortunes, accidents and dangers. The last-named class is the one in whose ranks I have stood through my infancy,
childhood, youth and manhood, up to the present time, so much so, that it has seemed as though some invisible power or fate was watching my footsteps, in order to
find some opportunity to take my life from the earth. I can only attribute the continuation of my life to the present time to a merciful God, whose hand has been
stretched out, and rescued me from death in the midst of the many dangers and hairbreadth escapes I have passed through, some of which I will here mention.

When three years of age, I fell into a caldron of boiling water, was instantly caught out, but was so badly scalded, that it was nine months before I was considered out
of danger.

At five years of age, I fell from the great beam of a barn, striking my face upon the floor, which came near breaking my neck.

Three months afterwards, I broke one of my arms, by falling down stairs. I soon after broke my other arm, by falling out of a high stoop upon a pile of timber.

When six years of age, I came near being killed by a surly bull. My father and I were feeding pumpkins to the cattle, a surly bull drove my cow away from the one she
was eating. I took the pumpkin he had left, upon which he pitched at me. My father told me to throw down the pumpkin and run. I ran down a steep hill, and took the
pumpkin with me, being determined that the cow should have her rights. The bull pursued. As he was about to overtake me, I stepped into a posthole and fell; the bull
leaped over me, after the pumpkin, and tore it to pieces with his horns, and would have served me in the same way, had I not fallen.

During the same year, I went into my father's sawmill, with several others. I got upon the head-block to take a ride, while the carriage was running back, not
anticipating any danger; my leg was caught between the head-block and the fender-post, and broke both bones of my leg below the knee. I was taken to the house,
and lay nine hours before my bones were set, suffering severe pain; but being young, my bones soon knit together, and I was upon my feet again. During my
confinement by this lameness, my brother Thompson was also confined in the same room with the typhus fever.

When seven years of age, I was riding on the top of a load of hay, which my uncle, Ozan Woodruff, was driving to the barn; he turned the load over upon me; I was
nearly suffocated for the want of air, before the hay was removed.

At eight years old, I was riding in a one-horse wagon with several others, the horse took fright, ran down a steep hill, and turned the wagon over upon us; but again,
while in the midst of danger, my life was preserved; none of us were seriously injured.
Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                          Page 47 / 49
When nine years old, I climbed into an elm tree to obtain bark. I stepped upon a dry limb, which broke, and I fell about fifteen feet upon my back, which beat the
breath out of my body. A cousin ran and told my parents I was dead. Before they arrived at the spot, I came to my senses, and met them.
At eight years old, I was riding in a one-horse wagon with several others, the horse took fright, ran down a steep hill, and turned the wagon over upon us; but again,
while in the midst of danger, my life was preserved; none of us were seriously injured.

When nine years old, I climbed into an elm tree to obtain bark. I stepped upon a dry limb, which broke, and I fell about fifteen feet upon my back, which beat the
breath out of my body. A cousin ran and told my parents I was dead. Before they arrived at the spot, I came to my senses, and met them.

When twelve years of age, I was drowned in Farmington River, and sunk in thirty feet of water, and after carrying one person to the bottom with me, I was
miraculously saved by a young man named Bacon diving to the bottom, and carrying with him a large stone, to hold him down until he obtained my body, not expecting
to save me alive. I suffered much in being restored to life.

At thirteen years of age, while passing through Farmington meadows, in the depth of winter, the roads were drifted with snow; and in an exceedingly blustering day, I
became so chilled and overcome with cold, that I could not travel. I crawled into the hollow of a large apple tree. A man in the distance seeing me go in, hastened to
my rescue, realizing my danger more fully than I did. When he arrived at the spot, I had fallen asleep, and was nearly insensible; he had much difficulty in arousing me to
a sense of my situation. He procured means to carry me to my father's house, and through a kind Providence, my life was again preserved.

At fourteen years of age, I split my left instep open with an ax, which went nearly through my foot; it was nine months getting well.

At fifteen years of age, I was bitten in my left hand by a mad dog in the last stage of hydrophobia. He dented my hand with his teeth, but did not draw blood, and I was
again preserved, through the mercies of God, from an awful death.

At the age of seventeen, I was riding a very ill-tempered horse that I was not acquainted with; and while going down a very steep rocky hill, the horse taking advantage
of the ground, suddenly leaped from the road, and ran down the steep, amid the rocks, at full speed, and commenced kicking up, and attempted to throw me over his
head upon the rocks; but I lodged upon the top of his head, grasped hold of each ear as with a death grip, expecting every moment to be dashed to pieces against the
rocks. While in this position, sitting astride of his neck, with no bridle to guide him but his ears, he plunged down the hill under full speed, until he ran against a rock, and
was dashed to the ground. I went over both his head and the rocks, about one rod, and struck the ground square on my feet, being the only thing visible that saved my
life; for, had I struck upon any other part of my body, it must have killed me instantly; as it was, my bones crushed from under me as though they were reeds. It broke
my left leg in two places, and put out both my ankles in a shocking manner, and the horse came near rolling over me in his struggles to get up. My uncle, Titus
Woodruff, saw me fall, got assistance, and carried me to his house. I lay from 2 p.m. till 10, without medical aid; then my father arrived, bringing Dr. Swift, of
Farmington, with him, who set my bones, boxed up my limbs, and carried me in his carriage eight miles that night to my father's. My sufferings were very great. I had
good attention, however, and in eight weeks I was outdoors upon my crutches.

In 1827, while attempting to clear the ice out of a waterwheel, standing upon the wheel with one arm around the shaft, a man hoisted the gate, and let a full head of
water upon it. As soon as the water struck the wheel it started, my feet slipped into the wheel, but I immediately plunged head foremost over the rim into about three
feet of water, and my weight drew my legs out of the wheel, or I should have been drawn under a shaft and crushed to death.

In 1831, while having charge of the flouring mill in Collinsville, Connecticut, I was standing inside of a breast wheel, 20 feet in diameter, upon one of the arms near the
top, clearing out the ice, when a full head of water was let onto it. The wheel immediately started; but I dropped my ax and leaped through it to the bottom, by the shaft
and arms, about twenty feet; as I struck the bottom of the wheel, I was rolled out against a ragged stone wall, with only about two feet clearance between it and the
wheel. The wheel caught me and rolled me out into the water below, where I found myself without any bones broken, but with some bruises and much fright.

During the winter of 1831, while in New Hartford, Connecticut, I passed through a severe course of lung fever.

In 1833, the day I was baptized, one of my horses, newly sharp shod, kicked my hat off my head, and had he struck two inches lower, would probably have killed me
instantly. In ten minutes afterwards, while driving the same team down a hill, on a sleigh without any box, the bottom boards slipped forward under the roller and caught
the ground, turned endwise, and fell on the horses' backs, throwing me between the horses; they ran to the bottom of the hill, dragging me with the lines, head foremost,
with the sleigh on top of me, about twenty rods over a smooth snow path; I escaped unharmed, however, in the midst of both dangers.

In 1834, while travelling in Zion's Camp in Missouri, a rifle was accidentally discharged, and the ball passed through three tents, with about twelve men in each, and
lodged in a wagon axletree, while a man was standing behind it, and injured no one. It passed within a few inches of my breast, and many others escaped as narrowly
as myself.

A few months afterwards a musket, heavily loaded with buckshot, was accidentally snapped within a few feet of me, with the muzzle pointed at my breast; it had a
good flint and was well primed, but it missed fire, and my life was again preserved.

In April 1839, in Rochester, Illinois, I was riding upon the running gears of a wagon without a box, sitting upon the forward axletree, when the bolt, fastening the
coupling pole, came out, which left the hind wheels; and my weight on the forward bolster and tongue, turned the coupling pole over on to the horses, turning the stakes
upside down, and shut me up fast between the bolster and tongue, but in such a manner that my head and shoulders dragged on the ground; my horses took fright, and
ran out into an open prairie, and dragged me in this position for about half a mile. I managed to guide them with my left hand, so as to run them into a corner of a high
worm fence, where we landed in a pile together. I was considerably bruised, but escaped without any broken bones.

July 23, 1842.-President Joseph Smith [Jr.], sent me from Nauvoo to St. Louis to procure a stock of paper. I went down upon a steamboat; was six days on the way,
during which time I was severely attacked with bilious fever. The day I made my purchase, the fever was so high I was scarcely sensible of what I was doing. As soon
as I made my purchase and got my freight on board, I took my berth, and lay there until I arrived at Nauvoo on the 10th of August. I was confined to my bed forty
days, and passed through the most severe fit of sickness I ever endured; my life was despaired of by many of my friends. I was administered to by President [Joseph]
Smith [Jr.], and the Twelve; my life was preserved by the power of God. I took a relapse twice after I began to recover; once while in council with the Presidency and
Twelve, my strength left me, my breath stopped, and I felt as though I was struck with death.

September 12, 1843.-At five o'clock p.m., I left Boston on the express train for Portland. While passing through Chesterwoods, six miles south of Kennebunk, after
dark, and while going at full speed, we struck one of the rails which some persons had raised by rolling a log under it, and landed in a pile; three cars were filled with
passengers, and their lives were saved by having a long train of freight between the passenger cars and the engine; all of them were mashed to pieces; the engineer was
killed, some of the passengers had bones broken; I escaped unhurt.

On the 5th of October, 1846, while with the camp of Israel building up Winter Quarters, on the west side of the Missouri River, (then Indian country) I passed through
one of the most painful and serious misfortunes of my life. I took my axe and went two and a half miles on to the bluffs to cut some shingle timber to cover my cabin; I
was accompanied by two men. While the third tree was falling, which was an oak, over two feet in diameter, I stepped behind it some ten feet, and also to one side the
same  distance,
 Copyright   (c) where  I thought
                 2005-2009,        I wouldMedia
                               Infobase    be entirely
                                                Corp.out of danger; but when the tree fell, there being a crook in the body of it, which struck a knoll on Page
                                                                                                                                                           the ground, the
whole body shot endways back of the stump and bounded, and the butt of the tree struck me on the breast and knocked me several feet into the air against a standing
                                                                                                                                                                   48 / 49
oak, and the falling tree followed me in its bound and caught me against the standing tree, and I came down between them; before reaching the earth, however, I was
liberated from them, and struck the ground upon my feet in a badly bruised condition. My left thigh, the whole length of it, and my hip and left arm were much bruised;
On the 5th of October, 1846, while with the camp of Israel building up Winter Quarters, on the west side of the Missouri River, (then Indian country) I passed through
one of the most painful and serious misfortunes of my life. I took my axe and went two and a half miles on to the bluffs to cut some shingle timber to cover my cabin; I
was accompanied by two men. While the third tree was falling, which was an oak, over two feet in diameter, I stepped behind it some ten feet, and also to one side the
same distance, where I thought I would be entirely out of danger; but when the tree fell, there being a crook in the body of it, which struck a knoll on the ground, the
whole body shot endways back of the stump and bounded, and the butt of the tree struck me on the breast and knocked me several feet into the air against a standing
oak, and the falling tree followed me in its bound and caught me against the standing tree, and I came down between them; before reaching the earth, however, I was
liberated from them, and struck the ground upon my feet in a badly bruised condition. My left thigh, the whole length of it, and my hip and left arm were much bruised;
my breast bone and three ribs on my left side were broken; my lungs, vitals and left side were also bruised in a shocking manner.

After the accident I sat upon a log until Mr. John Garrison went a quarter of a mile to get my horse. Notwithstanding I was so badly hurt, I mounted my horse, and
rode two and a half miles over a very rough road, dismounting twice in consequence of miry places, my breast and vitals were so badly torn to pieces, that at each step
of the horse the pain went through me like an arrow. I continued on horseback until I arrived at Turkey Creek, on the north side of Winter Quarters. I then became
exhausted, and was taken off my horse and carried to my wagon in a chair. I was met in the street by Presidents Brigham Young, H. [Heber] C. Kimball and W.
[Willard] Richards and others, who assisted in carrying me to my family. Before laying me upon my bed, the Presidency laid hands upon me, rebuked my suffering and
distress in the name of the Lord, and said I should live and not die. I was then laid upon my bed in my wagon, and as the Apostles prophesied upon my head, so it
came to pass. I employed no physician on this occasion, but was administered to by the elders of Israel and nursed by my wife. I lay upon my bed unable to move until
my breastbone began to knit together, which commenced on the ninth day. I began to walk about in twenty days; in thirty days from the time I was hurt I again
commenced to do hard labor.

July 5th, 1848.-While on a mission to the Eastern States, I drove my carriage, containing myself and family into the dooryard of Brother James Williams in Iowa, to
camp for the night. I tied my mules to a large oak tree several rods from the carriage. As we were about to lay down in the carriage for the night, I was strongly
impressed to go and move my mules from the oak tree, and also to move my carriage. I followed the dictates of the spirit, and removed my mules to a small hickory
grove, also moved my carriage several rods, and retired to rest. In a short time a heavy rainstorm came on, which broke the tree near the ground, and laid it prostrate
where my carriage had stood. As it was, the top struck the hind end of the carriage; the tree was two feet in diameter. Thus, by obeying the whisperings of the Spirit,
myself and family were preserved.

On the 21st day of April, 1856, while assisting to remove an ox that had died from poison and had been skinned, I inoculated my arm with poison and mortification
ensued. The poison worked through my system for seven days before it showed itself outwardly. On the 28th my arm began to swell, was in great pain and showed
signs of mortification. I showed it to President [Brigham] Young, who advised me to cleanse my stomach immediately, and put on onion poultices, and anything that
would draw the poison from my system into my arm, which counsel I immediately put in execution. The 29th was another trying day to my life; the poison had so
thoroughly penetrated my whole system, that my strength left me; I could not stand, I was led to my bed, my bowels and stomach ceased to act, my speech was like
that of a drunken man. President [Brigham] Young called, in company with Dr. Sprague, and laid hands upon me, and rebuked the disease and the power of the
destroyer which had seized my body, and promised me in the name of the Lord, that I should not die but live to finish my work which was appointed me upon the
earth. I soon began to recover. The poison and mortification left my system and centered in my arm, and was drawn from my arm through the aid of charcoal poultices,
moistened with a strong decoction of wormwood, ragweed and wild sage; the dead flesh was removed from my arm with instruments and lunar caustic, and in a few
days I was well again.

I have occupied considerable space in referring to those peculiar circumstances which have attended me during life, and to sum the matter up it stands thus:-I have
broken both legs-one in two places-both arms, my breastbone and three ribs, and had both ankles dislocated. I have been drowned, frozen, scalded and bit by a mad
dog-have been in two waterwheels under full head of water-have passed through several severe fits of sickness, and encountered poison in its worst forms-have landed
in a pile of railroad ruins-have barely been missed by the passing bullets, and have passed through a score of other hairbreadth escapes.

It has appeared miraculous to me, that with all the injuries and broken bones which I have had, I have not a lame limb, but have been enabled to endure the hardest
labor, exposures and journeys-have often walked forty, fifty, and on one occasion, sixty miles in a day. The protection and mercy of God has been over me, and my life
thus far has been preserved; for which blessings I feel to render the gratitude of my heart to my Heavenly Father, praying that the remainder of my days may be spent in
his service and in the building up of his kingdom.




Copyright (c) 2005-2009, Infobase Media Corp.                                                                                                         Page 49 / 49
