USA > Missouri > Jackson County > Kansas City > Kansas City, Missouri : its history and its people 1808-1908 > Part 4
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When Westport was established the principal steamboat landing in Jackson county was at Blue Mills, six miles below Independence. The West- port merchants found this landing inconvenient and they had their freight brought ashore farther up the river. Soon after John C. McCoy had the stock of goods for his store brought ashore in the woods above Chouteau's warehouse in 1832 from the steamboat, John Hancock, a regular landing place was established at the river bank where Grand avenue reaches the river. This was the beginning of the landing that afterward developed into Kansas City.
CHAPTER III.
"ZION" REDEEMED.
The coming of the Mormons to Independence when the town was young, their troubles with the "Gentile" settlers, their enforced exodus from the county, the return in after years and the honorable residence in Inde- pendence, their chosen Zion, make a chapter of interesting local history. The Mormons, it is said, had a revelation, seventy-five years ago, that Inde- pendence was to be their New Jerusalem, where they were to assemble and prepare for the second coming of Christ. In obedience to the Divine call, the pilgrims came, some by steamboat, others by wagon; a few of the more unfortunate walked across Missouri from St. Louis. The first band arrived in 1831. After three turbulent years the last one of the seet was driven from the county. When the Mormons began to return to Independence, shortly after the Civil war, they were wiser and the Gentiles, too, were more tolerant.
Men long have been prone to kill their neighbors because they differed from them in their idea of God, and all religions or churches in their in-
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cipient stages have been subjected to persecution. But who shall say that the Mormons have not had more than their share?
This peculiar sect originated in western New York, through the re- ligious experiences of Joseph Smith, which began when he was a mere lad. He recounted that he became religiously wrought upon by some revival meet- ings, and through prayer sought a solution of the problem of which church to join. In answer to his prayer, he states in his history, he was visited by a "heavenly messenger," who told him to join none of the existing churches, as they were, all wrong and "their creeds an abomination" in the sight of God-a sweeping statement which, when he repeated it, was sure to bring upon him the bitter opposition and resentment of zealous devotees of the other churches' denominations. Following the admonition received, he joined none of the churches represented at the revival meetings which had so affected him, but on April 6, 1830, with five others, he organized the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints." That same year the Book of Mormon appeared, Joseph Smith and his followers claiming it to be an account of the prehistoric inhabitants of the Western hemisphere. Smith asserted that he had Divine assistance in translating the book from golden plates that he found in the earth where, according to his story, they had been deposited by the last historian of the pre-Columbian Americans, many centuries ago. On the plates Smith said were engraved "reformed Egyptian" characters, which, by a peculiar gift from God, he was enabled to translate. Smith also announced that a heavenly messenger, John the Baptist, had conferred upon him the priesthood of God which had long ago been taken from the earth because of transgressions.
Smith and his followers were vigorous proselytizers, and converts were made rapidly, several "branches," or local churches of the faith, being organ- ized in New York and Pennsylvania. Shortly after the organization of the church, the leaders left New York and moved westward, settling at Kirt- land, Ohio; Joseph Smith moved his family there the latter part of January, 1831, and Kirtland for a time became headquarters.
In the early part of 1831, P. P. Pratt and other elders of the church left Kirtland and went westward on a tour of investigation. In about four months they reached Independence, Missouri, where, according to their account, two of their number went to work as tailors. The others continued their journey across the frontier to do missionary work among the Indians, or "Lamanites," as the Mormons called them.
Oliver Cowdery, one of the band of missionaries, wrote a letter to a friend in the East that shortly afterward was published in one of the "Mor- mon" church publications. It was dated "Kaw Township, Missouri, May 7, 1831," and described the conditions then existing here. Joseph Smith
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THE "MORMON BIBLE."
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and a company of the "Saints" left Kirtland, Ohio, in June, 1831, for Inde- pendence, Missouri, where they arrived the middle of July, going by wagon and canal boat to Cincinnati, Ohio; thence by steamboat to St. Louis, and from St. Louis some traveled on foot to Independence, reaching there shortly before the remainder of the company who waited in St. Louis for a steam- boat. This was probably the first band of Latter Day Saints to reach Inde- pendence with the view of remaining in their new "Zion," as they termed it, the place having been revealed to them by God, they claimed, as the gathering place, for His Saints to prepare for the second coming of Christ. In July, 1831, Joseph Smith pointed out the spot on which a great temple should be erected to which Christ should come. This spot is believed to be on the famous "Temple lot" in Independence, frequently pointed out to visitors. The spot for the temple was formally dedicated, August 3, 1831.
The "Saints" lost no time after their arrival, but began to build houses and to proselyte, two converts being baptized the first Sunday after the band arrived. Joseph Smith, in August, wrote to friends "back east :"
"On the second day of August I assisted the Colesville branch of the church to lay the first log, for a house, as a foundation for Zion in Kaw township, twelve miles west of Independence."
The influx of the religionists was steady. A printing press was bought in Cincinnati, Ohio, in the fall of 1831, and shipped to Independence. Paper was shipped in April, 1832, from Wheeling, West Virginia, to be used in printing a monthly newspaper. The Evening and Morning Star, made its appearance in June, 1832, and was published regularly until the office was destroyed by a mob in 1833. This newspaper played an important part in the trouble which arose between the "Mormons" and the residents of Inde- pendence and Jackson county. This announcement was made in a circular shortly before the first number of the newspaper was issued :
"The Evening and Morning Star, besides the secret of the Lord, which is now with them that fear him, and the everlasting gospel, which must go to all nations, before the Holy One shall stand upon the Mount of Olivet, and upon the mighty ocean, even the great deep, and upon the islands of the sea, and upon the land of Zion, to destroy the wicked with the brightness of his coming-will also contain whatever of truth or information that can benefit the saints of God temporarily as well as spiritually, in politics, broils, or the gainsayings of the world. While some may say this paper is opposed to all combinations under whatever plausible character, others will know that it is for an eternal union whose maker and supporter is God; thus all must be as they are, inasmuch as they that plow iniquity and sow wickedness reap the same; but wisdom is justified of her children."
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At a general council of the Mormons held in Independence in April, 1832, Joseph Smith was formally chosen president of the church. Soon after the Saints were well established, Smith went East, and the affairs of the church in "Zion"were left in the hands of Bishop Edward Partridge, Elders W. W. Phelps, Gilbert, and others. W. W. Phelps & Co. were the pub- lishers of the Evening and Morning Star, and they also issued some books for church purposes, besides issuing a weekly paper called the Upper Mis- souri Advertiser.
The increasing band of Mormons were not long destined to enjoy peace in their "Zion." A mass meeting, attended by about three hundred citizens, was held in Independence, in April, 1833, at which were discussed "ways and means" to rid the county of the Mormons already there, and to prevent others from coming. No plan could be agreed upon, and the meeting ended without definite results.
Two articles appeared in the Evening and Morning Star in July, 1833, that had a tendency to ripen the citizens' apparently growing hatred of the Mormons. One of the articles was an editorial, entitled "Free people of color," and the other was a general communication under the heading, "The Elders Stationed in Zion to the Churches Abroad." This was the edi- torial :
"To prevent any misunderstanding among the churches abroad, respect- ing Free people of color, who may think of coming to the western boundaries of Missouri, as members of the church, we quote the following clauses from the Laws of Missouri :
" 'Section 4. Be it further enacted, That hereafter no free negro or mulatto, other than a citizen of some one of the United States, shall come into or settle in this state under any pretext whatever; and upon complaint made to any justice of the peace, that such person is in his county, contrary to the provisions of this section, he shall cause such person to be brought before him. And if upon examination it shall appear that such person is a free negro or mulatto, and that he hath come into this state after the passage of this act, and such person shall not produce a certificate, attested by the seal of some court of record in some one of the United States, evidencing that he is a citizen of such state, the justice shall command him forthwith to depart from this state; and in case such negro or mulatto shall not depart from the state within thirty days after being commanded so to do as afore- said, any justice of the peace, upon complaint thereof to him made may cause such person to be brought before him, and may commit him to the common gaol of the county in which he may be found. until the next term of the circuit court to be holden in such county. And the said court shall cause such person to be brought before them, and examine into the cause of com-
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mitment ; and if it shall appear that such person came into the state contrary to the provisions of this act, and continued therein after being commanded to depart as aforesaid, such court may sentence such person to receive ten lashes on his or her bare back, and order him to depart the state; and if he or she shall not so depart, the same proceedings shall be had and punish- ment inflicted, as often as may be necessary, until such person shall depart the state.'
" 'Section 5. Be it further enacted, That if any person shall, after the taking effect of this act, bring into this state any free negro or mulatto, not having in his possession a certificate of citizenship as required by this act (he or she), shall forfeit and pay, for every person so brought, the sum of five hundred dollars, to be recovered by action of debt in the name of the state, to the use of the university, in any court having competent jurisdiction ; in which action the defendant may be held to bail, of right, and without affidavit; and it shall be the duty of the attorney-general or circuit attorney of the district in which any person so offending may be found, immediately upon information given of such offence, to commence and prosecute an action as aforesaid.'
"Slaves are real estate in this and other states, and wisdom would dictate great care among the branches of the church of Christ, on this subject. So long as we have no special rule in the church, as to people of color, let pru- dence guide; and while they, as well as we, are in the hands of a merciful God, we say: Shun every appearance of evil.
"While on the subject of law, it may not be amiss to quote some of the Constitution of Missouri. It shows a liberality of opinion of the great men of the West, and will vie with that of any other state. It is good; it is just, and it is the citizens' right :
" '4. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; that no man can be compelled to erect, support or attend any place of worship, or to maintain any minister of the gospel or teacher of religion; that no human authority can control or interfere with the rights of conscience; that no per- son can ever be hurt, molested or restrained in his religious professions or sentiments, if he do not disturb others in their religious worship:'
" '5. That no person, on account of his religious opinions, can be ren- dered ineligible to any office of trust or profit under this state; that no pref- erence can ever be given by law to any sect or mode of worship; and that no religious corporation can ever be established in this state.'"
Following is the general communication that angered the early resi- dents of Jackson county :
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"Dear Brethren: One year having passed since we addressed the churches abroad on the situation of Zion, and the state of the gathering, it seems to be our duty, to again address the saints on the same subjects. Although you frequently learn through the medium of the Star, our situation and progress, yet we indulge a hope that a circular from us, particularly setting these things forth at this time, will be received by you in fellowship.
"We have abundant reason to thank the Lord for his goodness and mercy manifested unto us, since we were planted in this land. With the exception of the winter season, the gathering has continued slowly. At present, we have not the exact number of the disciples, but suppose that there are near seven hundred. Inelude these, with their children, and those who belong to families, and the number will probably amount to more than twelve hundred souls.
"Many have been planted upon their inheritances, where, blessed with a fruitful soil, and a healthy climate, they are beginning to enjoy some of the comforts of life; in connection with peace and satisfaction of pure and unde- filed religion; which is to visit the widow and the fatherless in their afflic- tions and to keep ourselver unspotted from the world: This brings down the blessings of peace and love from our Father, and confirms our faith in the promise, that we shall see him in the flesh, when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe in that day.
"IIere let us remark, that our duty urges us to notice a few letters which have been sent from this place by persons seeking the loaves and fishes, or by such as have lost their standing among men of character in the world. In the letters alluded to are some facts: but the most of them are false.
"It is said, that women go out to work: this is a faet, and not only women, but men too; for in the church of Christ, all that are able, have to work to fulfill the commandments of the Lord; and the situation in which many have come up here, has brought them under the necessity of seeking employment from those who do not belong to the church; yet, we can say as far as our knowledge extends that they have been honorably compensated. And we are willing that the decree concerning mankind, thou shalt eat thy bread by the sweat of thy brow, should be fulfilled. Members of the church have, or will have, 'deeds' in their own name.
"One Bates from New London, Ohio, who subscribed fifty dollars for the purpose of purchasing lands, and the necessaries for the saints, after his arrival here, sued Edward Partridge and obtained a judgment for the same. Bates shortly after denied the faith and ran away on Sunday, leaving debts unpaid. We do not mention this to cast reflections, but to give a sample of his work manifested since he came to this land.
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FROM THE "MORMON BIBLE."
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"No man that has consecrated property to the Lord, for the benefit of the poor and the needy, by a deed of gift according to the laws of the land, has thought of suing for it, any more than the men of the world, who give, or donate to build meeting houses and colleges; or to send missionaries to India, or the Cape of Good Hope.
"Every saint that has come to this land to escape the desolation which awaits the wicked, and prepare for the coming of the Lord, is well satisfied with the country, and the order of the kingdom of our God; and we are happy to say that the inhabitants of Zion are growing in grace, and in the knowledge of those things which lead to peace and eternal glory. And our hearts are filled with thanksgiving for the privilege of bearing this testimony concerning our brethren on this land.
"One object in writing this epistle is, to give some instructions to those who come up to the land of Zion. Through a mistaken idea, many of the brethren abroad, that had property, have given some away; and sacrificed some, they hardly know how. This is not right, nor according to the com- mandments.
"We would advise in the first place, that every disciple, if in his power, pay his just debts, so as to owe no man, and then if he has any property left, let him be careful of it; and he can help the poor, by consecrating some for their inheritances: For as yet, there has not been enough consecrated to plant the poor in inheritances according to the regulation of the church, and the desire of the faithful.
"This might have been done, had such as had property been prudent. It seems as though a notion was prevalent, in Babylon, that the church of Christ was a common stock concern. This ought not so to be, for it is not the case. When a disciple comes to Zion for an inheritance, it is his duty, if he has anything to consecrate to the Lord, for the benefit of the poor and the needy, or to purchase lands, to consecrate it according to the law of the Lord, and also according to the law of the land; and the Lord has said, that in keeping his laws, we have no need to break the laws of the land. And we have abundant reason to be thankful, that we are permitted to establish ourselves under the protection of a government that knows no exceptions to sect or society, but gives all its citizens a privilege of worshiping God accord- ing to their own desire.
Again, while in the world, it is not the duty of a disciple to exhaust all his means in bringing the poor to Zion; and this because, if all should do so, there would be nothing to put in the storehouse in Zion, for the purpose which the Lord has commanded.
"Do not think, brethren, by this that we would advise or direct that the poor be neglected in the least; this is not the desire of our hearts; for we are
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mindful of the word of our Father, which informs us that in his bosom it is deereed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall possess it.
"The welfare of the poor has always a place in our hearts; yet we are confident that our experience, even had we nothing else to prompt us to advise on this point, and that wholly for the good of the cause in which we labor, would be sufficient in the minds of our brethren abroad to excuse a plainness on this important part of our subjeet.
"To see numbers of disciples come to this land, destitute of means to procure an inheritance, and much less the necessaries of life, awakens a sympathy in our bosoms of no ordinary feeling; and we should do injustice to the saints were we to remain silent when, perhaps, a few words by way of advice may be the means of instructing them, that hereafter great difficul- ties may be avoided.
"For the disciples to suppose that they can come to this land without aught to eat, or to drink, or to wear, or anything to purchase these neces- saries with, is a vain thought. For them to suppose that the Lord will open the windows of heaven, and rain down angel's food for them by the way, when their whole journey lies through a fertile country, stored with the blessings of life from his own hand for them to subsist upon, is also vain.
"For them to suppose that their clothes and shoes will not wear out upon the journey, when the whole of it lies through a country where there are thousands of sheep from which wool in abundance can be procured to make them garments, and cattle upon a thousand hills, to afford leather for shoes, is just as vain.
"The circumstances of the saints in gathering to the land of Zion in these last days are very different from those of the children of Israel, after they despised the promised rest of the Lord, after they were brought out of the land of Egypt. Previous to that the Lord promised them, if they would obey his voice and keep his commandments, that he would send the hornet before them, and drive out those nations which then inhabited the promised land, so that they might have peaceable possession of the same; without the shedding of blood. But in consequence of their unbelief and rebellion they were compelled to obtain it by the sword, with the sacrifice of many lives.
"But to suppose that we can come up here and take possession of this land by the shedding of blood would be setting at naught the law of the glorious gospel, and also the word of our great Redeemer: and to suppose that we can take possession of this country, without making regular pur- chases of the same according to the laws of our nation, would be reproaching this great Republic, in which the most of us were born, and under whose auspices we all have protection.
HISTORY OF KANSAS CITY
"We feel as though enough was said on this point, knowing that a word to the wise is sufficient ; and that all our brethren are aware of the fact that all tithes cannot be gathered into the storehouse of the Lord, that the will- dows of heaven may be opened, and a blessing be poured out that there is not room enough to contain it, if all the means of the saints are exhausted, before they reach the place where they can have a privilege of so doing.
"Do not conclude from these remarks, brethren, that we doubt in the least that the Lord will fail to provide for his saints in these last days; or that we would extend our hands to steady His ark, for this is not the case. We know that the saints have the unchangeable word of God, that they shall be provided for; yet we know, if any are imprudent, or lavish, or negligent, or indolent, in taking that proper care, and making that proper use of what the Lord has made them stewards over, which is their duty to, they are not counted wise; for a strict account of everyone's stewardship is required, not only in time, but will be in eternity.
"Neither do we apprehend that we shall be considered as putting out our hands to steady the ark of God, by giving advice to our brethren upon important points relative to their coming to Zion, when the experience of almost two years' gathering has taught us to revere that sacred word from heaven, LET NOT YOUR FLIGHT BE IN HASTE, BUT LET ALL THINGS BE PRE- PARED BEFORE YOU.
"Then, brethren, we would advise that where there are many poor in a church, that the elders counsel together and make preparations to send a part at one time and a part at another. And let the poor rejoice in that they are exalted: but the rich in that they are made low, for there is no respect of persons in the sight of the Lord.
"The disciples of Christ, blessed with immediate revelations from him, should be wise and not take the way of the world, nor build air-castles, but consider that when they have been gathered to Zion, means will be needed to purchase their inheritances, and means will be needed to purchase food and raiment for at least one year; or, at any rate, food: And where disciples, or churches, are blessed with means to do as much as this, they would be better off in Zion than in the world, troubled as it is, and will shortly be, with plagues, famines, pestilences, and utter destruction upon the ungodly.
"On the subject of false reports, which are put in circulation by evil minded men to ridicule the idea of the gathering of Israel in these last days, we would say to our brethren abroad, believe them not: The Evening and the Morning Star was established expressly to publish the truth, and the word of the Lord, that the saints might not be deceived by such as make broad the borders of their garments and love the uppermost rooms at feasts: yea, by such as bind heavy burdens which are grievous to be borne, and lay them
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upon men's shoulders, but will not move them with one of their fingers. Yea, we give this caution that the disciples may not give heed to the gain- saying of those who seek the honor of this world and the glory of the same, rather than seek the honor of God and his glory: nor those who have turned away from the church of Christ, and denied the faith delivered to his saints in these last days.
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