Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Part 264

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > Utah > Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies > Part 264

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

And then, behold, they say and think in their hearts, we wlil see if God has given him power to translate, If so, he will also give him power again;

And if God giveth him power agaln, or if he translates agaln, or In other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with us, and we have altered them:

Therefore, they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power.

And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi is more particular concerning the things which, In my wisdom, I would bring to the knowledge of the people ia this account :

Therefore, you shall translate the engravings which are on the plates of Nephl, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained;

And behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephl, and thus I will confound those who have altered my words .- Doc. and Cov. 10:14-18; 40-42.

-Joseph Smith, Jr., was visited by Joseph Knight, Sr., from Broome Co., N. Y., who brought him provisions. Mr. Knight being anxious to know his duty in relation to the

work of God, Joseph Smith, Jr., enquired of the Lord and received a revelation.

Now, as you have (Joseph Knight, Sr.) asked, behold, I say uato you, keep my. commandmeats, and seek to bring forth aad establisb the cause of Zlon.

Behold, I speak unto you, and also to ali those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work.

And no one can assist in this work, except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, belag temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be Intrusted to his care .- Doc. and Cov. 12:6-8.

Fri. 15-While Joseph Smith, Jr., and Oliver Cowdery were engaged in prayer in the woods, near Harmony, John the Baptist descended as a messenger from heaven in a cloud of light and ordained them to the Priesthood of Aaron and commanded them to baptize and ordain each other. This they did the same day. Immediately after being baptized, the Holy Ghost fell upon them in great measure and both prophesied. (See History of Joseph Smith.)

Words of the Angel, John, (the Baptist,) spoken to Joseph Smith,

Jr., and Oliver Cowdery, as he (the angei) laid his haads upon

their heads and ordained them to the Aaronic Priesthood, in

Harmoay, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, May 15th, 1829. Upon you my fellow servants. In the name of Messiah. 1 confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness .- Doc. and Cov. Sec. 13.

Mon. 25 .- Samuel Harrison Smith, who had come to visit his brother Joseph at Harmony, was baptized by Oilver Cowdery.

A few days later Hyrum Smith visited Harmony to make enquiries about the work of God, and received through his brother Joseph a revelation, calling him to assist in the work.

Now, as you (Hyrum Smith) have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zlon .- Doc. and Cov. 11:6.

June .- Joseph Smith, Jr., removed from Harmony, Pa., to the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., at Fayette, Seneca Co., N. Y., where he resided while finishing the translation of the Book of Mormon. The Whitmer family was very kind to Joseph, and John Whitmer rendered efficient aid as a scribe.

-David Whitmer, John Whitmer and Peter Whitmer, Jr., being very desirous to know their respective duties, be- sought Joseph Smith, Jr., to "enquire of the Lord concerning them." He did so through the Urim and Thummim, and re- ceived the revelations known as Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

-- Hyrum Smith, David Whitmer and Peter Whitmer, Jr., were baptized in Seneca lake, near Fayette.

-As Joseph Smith, Jr., progressed with the work of trans- lation, he ascertained that three special witnesses "were to be provided by the Lord" to see the plates and bear record of the same. (Ether. 5:2-4.) Oliver Cowdery, David Whit- mer and Martin Harris, being very desirous to "be these three special witnesses," received the promise by revelation through Joseph Smith, Jr., that they should "have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim and the miraculous direc- tors."

Revelation given through Joseph, the Seer, to Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martia Harris, in Fayette, Seneca County, New York, June, 1829, given previous to their viewing the piates containing the Book of Mormon,

Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which If you do, with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urlm and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount. when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miracu- lous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea;

And it is by your falth that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of oid.

And after that you have obtained faith. and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God;

And this you shall do that my servant, Joseph Smith, Jr., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men In this work.

And ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servaat Joseph Smith, Jr., has seen them, for It is by my power that he has seen them, and It is because he had falth;

And he has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God Ilveth it is true. Wherefore you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift ilke unto him;

And if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you, and you shall be lifted up at the last day.

And I. Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it unto you, that I might bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men. Amea .- Doc. and Cov. 17.

-A few days later an angel showed the piates of the Book of Mormon to the Three Witnesses.

-Soon afterwards the plates were shown by Joseph Smith, Jr., to Christian Whitmer, Jacob Whitmer, Peter Whitmer, Jr., John Whitmer, Hiram Page, Joseph Smith, Sr., Hyrum Smith and Samuel H. Smith, who subsequently gave their testimony as the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

-A revelation was given to Joseph Sinith, Jr., Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, "making known the calling of Twelve Apostles in these last days," and containing "in- structions relative to building up the Church of Christ, ac- cording to the fulness of the gospel." (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 18. See "Council of Twelve Apostles.")

-Joseph Smith, Jr., and Oliver Cowdery being desirous to obtain the Melchisedek Priesthood which had been promised them by John the Baptist, engaged in "solemn and fervent prayer," at Fayette, when "the word of the Lord came,"

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

commanding them to ordain each other. But they were to wait for this ordination till the others who had been bap- tized assembled together.

1830 .- March .- Martin Harris was commanded by revela- tion through Joseph Smith, Jr., at Manchester, N. Y., to re- pent of his sins. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 19.)

April .- An important revelation on Priesthood and Church government in general was given through Joseph Smith, Jr. And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism.

All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to bo baptized and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits. and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by beptism Into his church.

The duty of the eiders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ.

An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize.

And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons.

And to administer bread and wine-the emblems of the flesh and biood of Christ-

And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost.

And to take the lead of all meetings.

The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations . of God.

The priest's duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and bap- tize, and administer the sacrament.

And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties;

And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.

And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no clder present;

But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize,

And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret, and attend to all family duties.

In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder If occasion requires.

The teacher's duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them.

And see that there is no iniquity in the church-neither hardness with each other-neither lying. backbiting, nor evil speaking:

And see thet the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty;

And he is to take the lead of meetings In the absence of the elder or priest-

And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires;

But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, ad- minister the sacrament, or lay on hands:

They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach and invite all to come unto Christ.

Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon, is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which Is in the one who ordains him.

The severai elders. composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once In three months, or from time to time as sald conferences shell direct or appoint;

And said conferences are to do whatever church business is neces- sary to be done at the time.

The elders are to receive their ilcenses from other elders, by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the conferences.

Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest may take a certificate from him at the time, which certificate when presented to an eider, shall entitle him to a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it from a conference.

No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly orgenized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;

But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, High Counselors, High Priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordalning, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called.

Every President of the High Priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, High Counselor, and High Priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a High Council or general conference.

The duty of the members after they are received by baptism.

The elders or prlests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders, so that all things · may be done in order.

And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a Godly walk and conversation, that they are

worthy of It, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the Holy Scriptures-walking in holiness before the Lord.

Every member of the church of Christ having children, is to hring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name.

No one can be received into the church of Christ, unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, end is capablo of repentance.

Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent :-

The person who is called of God, and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name-Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall he immerse him or her In the water, and come forth again out of the water.

It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus;

And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it-he shall kneel with the church and celi upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying-

O God, the eternel Father, we ask thee In the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who pertake of it, that they mey eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may aiways have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

The manner of administering the wine. He shall take the cup also, and say-

O God, the eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

Any member of the church of Christ transgressing, or being over- taken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct.

It shall be the duty of the several churches composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church,

With a list of the names of the several members uniting them- selves with the church since the last conference, or send by the hand of some priest, so that a regular list of all the names of the whole church may be kept in a book by one of the elders, whoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time;

And also if any have been expelled from the church, so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names.

All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a church where they are not known, may take a letter, certifying that they are reguler members and in good. standing, which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest. if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church. -Doc. and Cov. 20:37-84.

. Tues. 6 .- The Church (afterwards named by revelation the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) was organized according to the laws of tho State of New York, in the house of Feter Whitmer, Sr., at Fayette. Seneca Co., N. Y with six members, namely, Joseph Smith, Jr., Oliver Cow- dery, Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer, Jr., Samuel H. Smith and David Whitmer. Joseph Smith, Jr., and Oliver Cow- dery ordained each other Elders-the first Elders in the Church-according to commandment from God. They then laid hands on all the baptized members present, "that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and be confirmed members of the Church." The Holy Ghost was poured out upon them "to a very great degree." Some prophesied.and "all praised the Lord and rejoiced exceedingly.'

The rise of the church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, In the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April;

Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jr., who was called of God. and ordalned an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostie of Jesus Christ. to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand .- Doc. and Cov. 20:1-3.

The Church was commanded by revelation to keep a record, and Joseph Smith, Jr., was named by the Lord a Seer, a Revelator, a Prophet, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, etc. (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 20.)

Behold there shall be a record kept among you, and in it thou shait be called a seer, a translator. a prophet. an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ.

From Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jr., given at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. (See Doc. and Cov. 21:1.)

Continuntiou of Church Chronology and History on page 1286.

THE ANCESTRY OF THE PROPHET

The Lineal Ancestry of Joseph Smith Jr., Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and Hyrum Smith, Patriarch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

ROBERT SMITH immigrated in the year 1638 from England; the exact location is unknown. He married Mary French and settled in that part of Rowley, in Essex County, Mass., which afterwards became the township of Boxford. He was the father of ten children.

SAMUEL, the fifth child and third son of Robert, was born January 26, 1666. He moved to Topsfield where he became an Influential citizen. He married Rebecca Curtis, daugh- ter of John Curtis. They had nine children. He died July 12, 1748.

SAMUEL, the third child and oldest son of Samuel was born in Topsfield January 26, 1714. He married Priscilla Gould, daughter of Zaccheus Gould. They had five children. He was known as Captain Samuel Smith and served his country during the Revolutionary war. He was also a delegate to the Provincial Congress in 1774 and again In 1775 and was chairman of the tea committee in 1773. In 1764-70 and in 1772, '77, '78 and '81, he was representative to the General Court and served on the Committee of Safety for a number of years.

ASAEL, the youngest child and second son of Samuel?, was born in Topsfield March 7, 1744; died October 31, 1830 in Stockholm, N. Y. He had eleven children and was the father of Joseph Smith the first Presiding Patriarch of the Church. He served in the American army during tile Revo- lutionary war. He married Mary Duty.

JOSEPH, third child and second son of Asael, was born in Topsfield, July 12, 1771. He moved to Tunbridge, Vt., in 1791. In 1816, he moved to New York and settled in Man- chester. He was one of the six original members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organized April 6, 1830. In 1833, he was called to the office of Presiding Patriarch of the Church. He married January 24, 1796, Lucy Mack, daughter of Solomon and Lydia (Gates) Mack. They had ten children, seven sons, three daughters, and were the parents of the Prophet Joseph and Patriarch Hyrum Smith.

HYRUM, second son of Joseph, Sr., was born February 9, 1800 and was martyred with his brother Joseph Smith the Prophet at Carthage, Ill., June 27, 1844. He married (first Jerusha Barden and (second) Mary Fielding.

Issue by first marriage: Lovina, b. Sept. 16, 1827; d. Oct. 8, 1876; m. Lorin Walker. Mary, b. June 27, 1829, d. May 29, 1832. John, b. Sept. 22, 1832. d. Nov. 6, 1911; m. Helen Fisher. Hyrum, b. April 27, 1834; d. Sept. 21, 1841. Jerusha, b. Jan. 13, 1836; m. William Piercc. Sarah, b. Oct. 2, 1837, d. Nov. 1876; m. Charles E. Griffin.

Issue by second marriage: Joseph Fielding (subject of this sketch), b. Nov. 13, 1838. Martha Ann, b. May 14, 1841; m. William J. Harris. Married Catherine Phillips (daughter of Thomas Denner Phillips and Sarah Godshall) Aug. 1843, Nauvoo, Iil. She was born Aug. 1, 1819, Philadelphia, Pa.

Joseph Fielding Smith's Genealogy, page 1168.

SMITH, JOSEPH, Jr., (Son of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack.) Born Dec. 23, 1805, Sharon, Windsor Co., Vermont.

Married Emma Hale Jan. 18, 1827, at South Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y. (daughter of Isaac Hale of Harmony,

Susquehanna Co., Pa.) Their children: Joseph; Frederick G. W .; Alexander; Don Carlos; David H. The last named was born about five months after the assassination of his father.

Married Helen Mar Kimball (daughter of Heber Chase Kimbali and Vilate Murray). The authority for this state- ment is on page 339 of the "Life of Heber C. Kimbail," by Orson F. Whitney. This author says, "Soon after the reve- iation (see revelation on celestial marriage, written July 12, 1843, page 1304. . * * Helen Mar, the eldest daughter of Heber Chase and Vilate Murray Kimball, was given to the Prophet in the holy bonds of celestial marriage."

In 1905, there was issued from the press of the Deseret News at Salt Lake City, Utah, a publication entitled "Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage." In the first part of this publication, is the "Correspondence between Elder Joseph F. Smith, Jr., of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Richard C. Evans, second counselor In the Presidency of the 'Reorganized' Church." Following this correspondence on page 81 under the heading "Intro- duction of Celestial and Plural Marriage," are a number of affidavits, among them, those of Lorenzo Snow. Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Sarah A. Kimbali, Catherine Phillips Smith, Martha McBride Kimball, and Melissa Lott Willes, setting forth the- following marriages of Joseph Smith, Jr.

Married Louisa Beaman, April 5, 1841, at Nauvoo, Ili. Married Sarah Ann Whitney, July 27, 1842, at Nauvoo, Iil. (daughter of Newell K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney). Married Martha McBride, 1842.

Married Rhoda Richards, June 12, 1843, at Nauvoo, Iil.

Married Almira W. Johnson, 1843 (daughter of Ezekiel Johnson and Julia Hills).

Married Lucy Walker, May 1, 1843.

Married Melissa Lott, Sept. 20, 1843 (daughter of Cornelius P. Lott).

Married Eliza R. Snow (sister of Lorenzo Snow, fifth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Married Eliza Partridge.

Married Emily Partridge.

Married Maria Lawrence.

Married Sarah Lawrence.

The "Life of Heber C. Kimball" by Orson F. Whitney (see page 431 of that book) is the authority for the following marriages of Joseph Smith, Jr.

Married Prescinda Huntington

Married Mary Houston.

Married Sylvia P. Sessions.

Married Nancy Maria Smith.

Married Sarah Scott.

On page 81 of "Blood Atonement and the Origin of Plural Marriage," the following statement is made: "One hundred or more affidavits in relation to the introduction of celestial and plural marriage are on file in the Historian's office, Salt Lake City, and are expressions of eye and ear witnesses, who know that the Prophet Joseph Smith introduced and taught celestial and plural marriage. Most of these wit- nesses are members of the Church, but some of them are not, and have not been connected with the Church from before the martyrdom of the Prophet and Patriarch."

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

JOSEPH SMITH.

Son of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack (the daughter of Solo- mon Mack and Lydia Gates). Born Monday, Dec. 23, 1805, Sharon, Windsor Co., Vermont. Prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Martyred with his brother Hyrum Smith at Carthage, Ill., June 27, 1844.

HYRUM SMITH.

Son of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack (the daughter of Solo- mon Mack and Lydia Gates). Born Feb. 9, 1800. Martyred with his brother Joseph Smith the Prophet at Carthage, Ill., June 27, 1844. Father of Joseph Fielding Smith, president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

CHURCH ORGANIZATION

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was or- ganized with six members, April 6, 1830, at a meeting held at Fayette, Seneca Co., N. Y.

The general authorities of the Church consists of (1) The First Presidency; (2) The Council of Twelve Apostles; (3) Presiding Patriarch; (4) The First Council of Seventies; (5) The Presiding Bishopric; (6) Church Historians.

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

Joseph Smith the Prophet, "who was called of God and or- dained an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first Elder of this Church" was the first President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For nearly three years after its organization he acted without Counselors, but close by his side and associated with him in nearly all his administra- tions, stood Oliver Cowdery, "who was called of God, an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second Elder of this Church, and ordained under his (Joseph's) hand."

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Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Part 264

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865 Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company
Number of Pages: 1336