THE HISTORY OF REV. SIDNEY S. RIGDON
The First Theologian of the Latter Day Saints
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Other Ohio newspaper were quick to follow the Telegraph in printing reports on Rigdon's Mormon conversion. The Feb. 15. 1831 number of the Cleveland Advertiser says: "Rigdon was formerly a disciple of Campbell's and who it is said was sent out to make proselytes, but is probable he thought he should find it more advantageous to operate on his own capital, and therefore wrote, as it is believed, the Book of Mormon;" while the Nov. 18, 1830 issue of the Hudson Obeserver and Telegraph speaks of Rigdon as "a certain Elder" who had only slightly "hesitated in deciding whether to reject or receive" what the Editor calls "Campbellism Improved" (i. e., Mormonism). The Democratic rival of the Telegraph in Geauga County, Ohio was the Geauga Gazette. That paper's editor took an occasional notice of Rigdon; after the paper had merged with the Chardon Spectator the new journal reprinted an article in its issue of Jan. 18, 1834 pointing our Rigdon as the probable secret redactor of "a respectable clergyman's" original composition of the Book of Mormon. One of Rigdon's erstwhile Campbellite converts, Elder Parley P. Pratt recalled, in 1838: "Early in 1831, Mr. Rigdon having been ordained, under our hands, visited elder J. Smith, Jr., in the state of New-York, for the first time; and from that time forth, rumor began to circulate, that he (Rigdon) was the author of the Book of Mormon." Rigdon's "first time" travels to visit with "elder J. Smith, Jr." were noticed in the New York Ontario Messenger of Dec. 22, 1830 and other newspapers of the region, and some of this intelligence was quickly relayed to the northern Ohio papers for publication. Sidney Rigdon's new religion (and speculation over his true role within that new religion) soon became a continuing news story. While the Ohio editors knew Rigdon well enough to occasionally pass along juicy tidbits of personal gossip, it took the researching of the noted newspaperman, James Gordon Bennett, to tie the Ohio preacher to Joseph Smith and the other pre-1830 New York money-digger and Mormons. Other New York papers had printed articles on the Mormons, including mentions of Rigdon, but editor Mordecai M. Noah, at NYC Morning Courier and New York Enquirer seemed to take a special interest in the sect. Writing home to the Morning Courier during an investigative tour of the western part of the state, reporter Bennett supplies two reports on the Palmyra Mormons. In the article published on Sep. 1, 1831, Bennett tells of an "ex-preacher from Ohio" called "Rangdon," who first "thought of turning their [money] digging concern into a religious plot." Bennett's articles were widely reprinted and their words fixed in the minds of the reading public an indelible image of the Rev. Sidney Rigdon being the founder of Mormonism. Rigdon's old religious mentor, the Rev. Alexander Campbell, gave his former lieutenant considerable negative publicity in the pages of his Millennial Harbinger during the early 1830s; with perhaps the most telling of those reports being the one Campbell printed on Feb. 7, 1831. In a report published in his issue of Sep. 6, 1830 Campbell printed practically the only surviving description of a Rigdon sermon preached prior to his conversion to Mormonism. Campbell was slow to admit the notion of Rigdon being Momronism's founder to the pages of his paper, but he opened the door to that belief in his issue of Jan. 6, 1835. Another of Campbell's lieutenants, the Rev. Walter Scott, knew Sidney Rigdon well, but generally avoided mentioning him after 1830. In two rare exceptions to that rule, Scott supplied some interesting comments concerning Rev. Rigdon in his Evangelist of the True Gospel on July 1, 1839 and again on Sep. 1, 1843 Rigdon in Missouri The Rev. Sidney S. Rigdon's career in Ohio overlapped his experience with the Mormons in Missouri in the 1830s. Although various newspaper reports provide a few details in regard to those experience, they were perhaps first compiled in Eber D. Howe's 1834 Mormonism Unvailed and the 1840 Senate Document #189. Unfavorable information on Rigdon from the latter document was widely reprinted for several years, perpetually sullying his image a as pious man of the cloth and painting him as a wild-eyed, murderous fanatic. John Corrill's 1839 book, A Brief History of the Church, records some of his personal recollections of Sidney Rigdon in Ohio and Missouri. Rigdon's own Oration Delivered by Mr. Sidney Rigdon (1838 pamphlet) and An Appeal to the American People (1840 booklet) provides some insight into the mind of the man during his residence in Missouri, as does his late 1838 letter from Liberty Jail. Rigdon's religious protege, Parley P. Pratt, took it upon himself to defend his mentor and tell a little of Rigdon's story in his 1838 tract Mormonism Unveiled. Pratt added a few more details in his Dec. 1839 letter to the NYC New Era. Pratt's 1864 biographical sketch in the LDS Millennial Star and his posthumously published 1874 autobiography add a few more smidgens of information on Rev. Rigdon's early days.Rigdon in Illinois During the winter of 1838-39 Rev. Rigdon fled Missouri for the safety of Illinois along with many other Mormon refugees. He and his flock initially received good press in the pages of local papers like the Quincy Whig and the Quincy Argus. As time passed the Whig newspapers of Illinois generally began to take an increasingly dim view of Rev. Rigdon and his comrad-in-arms, Joseph Smith. See for, example, the Quincy Whig's various responses to the content of two Rigdon letters, initially published in that paper on May 25, 1839 and June 8, 1839. Ex-Mormon John Corrill's expose of the LDS Church did little to enhance Rigdon's tarnished reputation, but another ex-Mormon, John C. Bennett, gave Rigdon and his family a more sympathetic exposure in his 1842 History of the Saints. Several of the episodes involving Rigdon published by Bennett saw an earlier rendition in the pages of the Illinois Whig papers, like the Sangamo Journal, the Alton Telegraph, and the Warsaw Signal.In order to get a fully favorable personal history and laudatory biographical data into print, Rev. Rigdon was forced to write the exposition himself, between 1839 and 1841. The results were published as segments in the serialized "History of Joseph Smith" in the Mormon Times and Seasons between May. 1, 1843 and Oct. 15, 1843. With the printing of the final episode in this series, Rigdon at last had his self-enhanced story before the public. The lime-light did not shine for very long. Before another year was over Rigdon had been excommunicated from the LDS Church and irreparably vilified in the pages of its journals, the Times and Seasons, (which printed his church trial, beginning on Sep. 15, 1844), the Nauvoo Neighbor, and the New York Prophet. Spanning the gap between Rigdon's lionization in the 1843 pages of the Times and Seasons and his fall from grace in mid-1844, was a 1843 pamphlet issued by John E. Page at Pittsburgh in which some approving historical and biographical data on Rev. Rigdon saw print. Rigdon in Later Years Rigdon left the western frontier for his old home in the Pittsburgh area not long after his excommunication. He paused in St. Louis long enough to fire off a final verbal salvo against the Nauvoo leadership on Sep. 12, 1844, and resumed his attacks against the "Brighamites" a few months later in his own Pittsburgh Messenger & Advocate. The other Pittsburgh newspapers noticed this new religious intrusion into their midst and offered caustic responses to Rigdon and his followers in the months that followed. Typical articles of this type were printed in the Pittsburgh Advertiser on May 7, 1845 and in the Pittsburgh Gazette throughout the spring of 1845.In the years that followed innumerable books and articles appeared telling the story of the Mormons from various viewpoints. Following two early attacks on Rigdon by Elder J. M. Grant and Apostle Orson Hyde, the LDS-authored volumes in this great collection tended to downplay the contributions of Sidney Rigdon to Mormon history, or to ignore the man altogether. Non-Mormon contributions generally devoted some space to Rigdon's story, if for no other reason than the fact that many writers voewed him as the probable inventor of Mormonism. Typical of these mid-19th centiry anti-Mormon histories was Pomeroy Tucker's 1867 book Origin, Rise, and Progress of Mormonism, which identified Rev. Rigdon with a "mysterious stranger" intent upon secretly establishing Mormonism with Joseph Smith well before 1867. Fictional authors of the time allowed their imaginations to run wild in "exposing" the supposed pre-1830 conspiring of Smith and Rigdon: variations upon this fanciful story may be found in Frederick Marryat's 1843 Monsieur Violet: His Travels (largely pirated from popular newspaper accounts of the period), Orvilla S. Belisle's 1855 The Prophets, or Mormonism Unveiled (derived from the writings of Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin G. Ferris and others), and Percy B. St. John's 1861 Jessie, the Mormon's Daughter (a thick pot-boiler that manages to introduce Solomon Spalding, Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith as characters in the same tale). Considerable new information on Rev. Rigdon's pre-Mormon days was gained from the publication of Robert Richardson's 1868 compilation of the Memoirs of Alexander Campbell, followed by Amos S. Hayden's 1876 book, Early History of the Disciples in the Western Reserve. The last great literary effort written from the "Rigdon as mysterious stranger" was William H. Whitsitt's 1891 opus, Sidney Rigdon, the Real Founder of Mormonism. At about this same time, Rigdon's son, John Wicliffe Rigdon, also wrote biographical studies of his father; these are considered in part two of this article. Rev. Rigdon made occasional efforts to revive his moribund Mormon splinter group, especially in the mid-1860s, after the death of his wife. Some additional information on the man was compiled and ended up the the papers of Stephen Post, now on file at LDS Church archives, with copies on microfilm available at the BYU Harold B. Lee Library and the University of Utah Marriott Library. One interesting publication resulting from one of these attempted Rigdonite revivals was a 3-part article penned by his former admirer Austin Cowles and published in Moore's Rural New Yorker in 1868-69. By the end of the 19th century the image of Sidney S. Rigdon languished as a largely a forgotten figure in official and semi-offical Mormon histories. To a small extent this neglect was remedied with the publication of Elder John Jaques' 8-part article, "The Life and Labors of Sidney Rigdon," in the pages of Improvement Era during 1899-1900. Somewhat forgiving portrayals of the man were then presented in the first volume of Elder Andrew Jenson's four volume Latter-Day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia (1901-1936) and by Elder Orson F. Whitney in his 1904 History of Utah. These were followed by Elder Heman C. Smith's very supportive biographical series, published in the RLDS Jourmal of History in 1910-1911. Although, technically speaking, all of the latter four works appeared at the beginning of the 20th century, their content and general tone place them in company with other later 19th century Mormon writings. Continue with Part Two: 20th Century |
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IMPROVEMENT ERA. [pp. 97-109]
THE LIFE AND LABORS OF SIDNEY RIGDON. William Rigdon was born in Hartford County, Maryland, in 1743, and died May 26, 1810. He was the son of Thomas Baker Rigdon and Ann Lucy Rigdon. Thomas Baker Rigdon was born in Maryland and was the son of Thomas Baker Rigdon, from Great Britain. Ann Lucy Rigdon, grandmother of Sidney, was born in Ireland. She emigrated to Boston, and was there married to Thomas Baker Rigdon. Nancy Rigdon's mother was born at Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, March 16, 1759, and died October 3, 1839; was eldest daughter of Briant Gallaher, of Ireland. Elizabeth Reed Gallaher, mother of Nancy Rigdon, was Gallaher's second wife, and was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Her parents were born in Scotland. Sidney Rigdon thought he was of Norman extraction, and that his ancestors came to England with William the Conqueror. Sidney's father was a farmer and had three sons, Carvil, Loami, Sidney S., and a daughter Lucy. Before his marriage, William Rigdon moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania, and Sidney Rigdon's mother had previously moved to the same state from New Jersey. When Sidney Rigdon was seventeen years of age, his father died, and Sidney's mother died when he was twenty-six years old. In his 25th year, he became a member of the society of "Regular Baptists," under the charge of Rev. David Phillips, from Wales, and the next year left the farm, and went to live with Rev. Andrew Clark, another Baptist preacher. While there, Sidney received a license and commenced to preach, and from March, 1819, followed farming no more. In May of that year, he went to Trumbull County, Ohio, and in July lived with Adamson Bentley, another Baptist preacher. There Sidney became acquainted with Phebe Brook, a native of Bridgetown, Cumberland County, New Jersey, whom he married, June 12, 1820. He continued to preach in that region until November 1821, when, on request, he left Warren, Trumbull Co., and took charge of the First Baptist Church, Pittsburg, where he preached with considerable success, that church soon rising from a very low, confused state to a rapid increase of members, crowded meetings, and to be one of the most respectable churches of that city. He became a very popular preacher, and his society was much sought after. But after awhile he was greatly perplexed with the idea that the doctrines taught by the church he was connected with were not altogether in accordance with scripture. Nor were those of any other church with which he was acquainted altogether satisfactory to him. But he knew no other way of getting a living, and he had a wife and three children to support. After great deliberation and reflection and solemn prayer, he resolved to follow his convictions. In August, 1824, he announced to the members of that church that he was determined to withdraw from it, as he could no longer uphold its doctrines. In consequence of his great popularity, this unexpected announcement caused amazement, sorrow, and tears to his congregation. At that time Alexander Campbell, who came from Ireland, was a member of the Baptist association, but he afterwards separated from it. Walter Scott, a native of Scotland, also left it about the same time. Mr. Campbell had previously lived at Bethany, Brook County, Virginia, where he published the Christian Baptist, monthly. After leaving the Baptist church, these three gentlemen, being very friendly, frequently met together to discuss religious topics. Eventually from this connection sprang a church, the members of which called themselves "Disciples," but which were generally known as Campbellites, though Rigdon had much to do with it. For the maintenance of his family, Mr. Rigdon went to work as a journeyman tanner, many of his former warm friends looking upon him with great coolness and indifference. His wife cheerfully shared his sorrow and humiliation, believing that all would work together for their good. After having labored for two years as a tanner, he removed to Bainbridge, Geauga Co., Ohio, where, it being known that he had been a popular preacher, he was solicited to preach, with which request he complied. Thenceforth he devoted himself to the work of the ministry, confining himself to no special creed, but holding the Bible as his rule of faith, and advocating repentance and baptism for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, doctrines which Mr. Campbell and he had been investigating. He labored in that vicinity one year with much success, numbers attending his meetings, building up a large and respectable church at Mantua, Portage County, Ohio. His doctrines were new, and crowded houses assembled to hear him, though some opposed and ridiculed his doctrines. He was then pressingly invited to remove to Mentor, an enterprising town, about thirty miles from Bainbridge, and near Lake Erie, which he did sometime afterward. There were the remnants of a Baptist church, nearly broken up, the members of which were attached to his doctrines. But many of the citizens were jealous of him, and slanderous reports were circulated concerning him. However, he continued his labors, and in a few months the opposition weakened, prejudice gave way, and he became very popular, the churches where he preached being filled to overflowing to hear him, the doctrines being new, but were elucidated with unusual clearness, and enforced with great eloquence. Calls came from every direction for him to preach, which he complied with as much as he could. His fame increased and spread abroad, thousands, rich and poor, flocking to hear his eloquent discourses, so that the churches where he preached became too small to hold the crowds who went to hear him, and he had to preach in the open air, in the woods and groves, to the multitudes of eager hearers. He expatiated upon the literal fulfillment of prophecy, the gathering of Israel in the last days, the coming of the Son of man, the judgments to be poured out upon the ungodly, the reign of Christ with his saints on the earth, the millennium, etc. Many became convinced and were baptized, whole churches became converted, and he soon had large and flourishing societies throughout that region. He was a welcome visitor wherever he went, and his society was courted by the learned and intelligent. He then had a wife and six children, and lived in a small, unfinished frame house, not very comfortable. The members of his church held a meeting to take into consideration his wants and provide for them. They resolved to erect him a suitable residence. They purchased a farm, and commenced the building of a better house and outbuildings for him, and his prospects with regard to temporal things became brighter than ever before. This was in the fall of 1830, at which time Elders Parley P. Pratt, Ziba Peterson, Oliver Cowdery, and Peter Whitmer stayed awhile at Mentor, on their mission to the Indians on the western boundaries of Missouri. Elder Pratt had been a preacher in the same church as Sidney Rigdon, who was his instructor. Elder Pratt resided as Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio. He had been sent into the State of New York on a mission, where he became acquainted with the circumstances of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and was introduced to Joseph Smith and other Latter-day Saints. After reading the Book of Mormon, Parley P. Pratt became convinced that it was of God, was baptized, ordained an elder, and began to preach. Believing that there were many among his former associates who were honest seekers after truth, and being sent on his mission to the west, he resolved to call during his journey on his old friends, and make known to them the great work which the Lord had begun. The first house Elder Pratt and his brethren called at was Sidney Rigdon's. They presented him with the Book of Mormon, saying that it was a revelation from God. He had not heard of it before, and was much prejudiced at the assertion, replying that he was acquainted with one Bible, which he believed was a revelation from God, but he had considerable doubts regarding their book. They wished to investigate the subject with him. But he said, "No, young gentlemen, you must not argue with me on the subject, but I will read your book, and see what claim it has upon my faith, and will endeavor to ascertain whether it be a revelation from God or not." But he readily granted their request to preach in his chapel and lay the subject before the people. According to appointment, a large congregation assembled, which was addressed by Oliver Cowdery and Parley P. Pratt, followed by Sidney Rigdon, who said the information they had received was of an extraordinary character and demanded the most serious consideration. He exhorted his hearers to take the apostle's advice, "to prove all things, and hold fast that which is good," and not turn against what they had heard without being fully convinced of its being an imposition, lest possibly they should resist the truth. Elders Cowdery and Pratt returned home with Mr. Rigdon conversing upon the things preached about. He said he would read the Book of Mormon, investigate it fully, and then frankly tell them his mind and feelings on the subject. About a fortnight after he had received the book, and after much prayer and meditation, he was convinced by a revelation from Jesus Christ, given in a remarkable manner. Fully satisfied in his own mind of the truth of the work, he informed his wife of it, and found that she was investigating the subject and was believing with all her heart. To embrace the new doctrines was a severe trial. He informed his wife that it would undoubtedly make a great change in their worldly circumstances if he obeyed the Gospel, and he said to her, "My dear, you have once followed me into poverty, are you again willing to do the same?" She replied, "I have weighed the matter, I have contemplated on the circumstances in which we may be placed, I have counted the cost, and I am perfectly satisfied to follow you; it is my desire to do the will of God, come life or come death." Accordingly both were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and with those already baptized in that place, formed a branch of The Church of about twenty members, and Brother Rigdon and others were ordained to the ministry. Elders Cowdery and Pratt bade an affectionate farewell and proceeded on their mission to the Lamanites. In December, 1830, Elder Rigdon went to Joseph Smith to inquire of the Lord. Shortly after, Joseph received a revelation of which the following is part: "Behold, verily, verily I say unto my servant Sidney, I have looked upon thee and thy works. I have heard thy prayers, and prepared thee for a greater work. Thou art blessed, for thou shalt do great things. Behold, thou wast sent forth, even as John, to prepare the way before me, and before Elijah, which should come, and thou knewest it not. Thou didst baptize by water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost; but now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, even as the apostles of old. "And I have sent forth the fullness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him, and I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me; and if not, another will I plant in his stead. "Wherefore watch over him, that his faith fail not; and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things. And a commandment I give unto thee, that thou shalt write for him; and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect; for they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming, for they shall be purified, even as I am pure. And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and he shall journey with you, -- forsake him not, and surely these things shall be fulfilled. And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold it shall be given unto him to prophesy; and thou shalt preach my Gospel, and call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him." The following is an extract from a revelation through Joseph to Edward Partridge: "I will lay my hands upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom; and you shall declare it with a loud voice, saying, Hosannah, blessed be the name of the Most High God. "And now this calling and commandment give I unto you concerning all men, that as many as shall come before my servants, Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jr., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting Gospel among the nations, crying repentance, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh." Other revelations were given to Joseph and Sidney soon afterward concerning their labors in preaching the Gospel, etc. In the latter part of January, 1831, the Prophet Joseph and wife, accompanied by elders Rigdon and Partridge, started for Kirtland where they arrived about the first of February. They were kindly received and welcomed by Brother N. K. Whitney and family. In February a revelation was given, directing that the elders should go forth, preaching the Gospel, excepting, "my servant Joseph, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon. And I give unto them a commandment that they shall go forth for a little season, and it shall be given them by the power of my Spirit when they shall return." In March, a revelation was given directing Sidney Rigdon, Parley P. Pratt and Lemon Copley to go and preach the Gospel to the Shakers, calling on them to believe, repent and be baptized, which the three brethren did, near Cleveland, but the Shakers rejected the Gospel. On the 19th of June, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Joseph Coe, A. S. Gilbert and wife started from Kirtland, in accordance with a revelation previously given, for Missouri, going by wagon, canal boats and stages to Cincinnati, and by steamer to St. Louis. Joseph Smith and some others went thence to Independence, Jackson County, Missouri on foot, on land, and the rest went by water, Sidney Rigdon and wife among them, arriving about the middle of July. In August Sidney was appointed by revelation to write a description of the land of Zion, also an epistle to be sent to the different branches of The Church. On August 2, in accordance with a revelation, Sidney Rigdon consecrated and dedicated the land of Zion for the gathering of the Saints. On the 3rd, the spot for the temple, a little west of Independence, was dedicated in the presence of eight men, among whom were Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Edward Partridge, W. W. Phelps, Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris and Joseph Coe. A revelation was given, August 8, directing that Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery take their journy for St. Louis and Cincinnati. The next day, Joseph with ten elders left Independence landing, in sixteen canoes, on the way to Kirtland. A revelation was given on the 12th, directing Joseph, Sidney and Oliver to travel by land and not on the waters, except on the canal, while returning to their homes. They three were not to preach to the world till they got to Cincinnati. From St. Louis, they took stage for Kirtland, arriving on the 27th. In a revelation given the same month, after their arrival in Kirtland, Joseph and Sidney were directed to seek them a home, and of Sidney the Lord said: "And now, behold, verily I say unto you, I the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon; he exalteth himself in his heart, and receiveth not counsel, but grieveth the Spirit; wherefore his writing is not acceptable unto the Lord; and he shall make another, and, if the Lord receive it not, behold he standeth no longer in the office unto which I have appointed him." In October, Joseph and Sidney, having removed to Hiram, Portage County, about thirty miles south-easterly from Kirtland, Joseph recommenced the translation of the scriptures, Sidney acting as scribe. At a conference, October 11, David Whitmer and Reynolds Cahoon were appointed to obtain means for Joseph and Sidney to continue the translation. On the 3rd of December, as directed by revelation, Joseph and Sidney went to Kirtland, preaching in several other places also. A revelation was given January 10, 1832, commanding Joseph and Sidney to continue the translation until it was finished. While translating St. John's gospel, on February 16, Joseph and Sidney had a remarkable vision concerning the glories of the celestial, terrestrial and telestial worlds. In the night of the 25th of March, a party of mobocrats led by Simonds Rider, a Campbellite preacher, seized Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, dragged them out of their houses, abused them shamefully, and tarred and feathered them, that being at the time a favorite method of mobocratic assault and torture. Sidney was dragged out by the heels and injured so much that he became delirious and remained so several days. The mob was composed of various religious parties, mostly Campbellites, Methodists and Baptists, who continued to molest and menace Father John Johnson's house for a long time. Elder Rigdon and family, who were sick with the measles, removed to Kirtland the following Wednesday, 29th. Saturday, April 1, on account of the mob, he went to Chardon and joined Joseph at Warren on the 2nd. On the 5th, they left Steubenville by steamboat for Wheeling, Va., going thence by steamer to Louisville and St. Louis, thence by stage to Independence, where they arrived on the 24th. Elder Rigdon preached two powerful discoures while there. May 6, Joseph, Sidney and N. K. Whitney left Independence by stage, via St. Louis, for Kirtland, where they arrived in June, and Joseph recommenced the translation of the Scriptures, spending most of the summer on that work. On the 2nd of February, 1833, Joseph completed the translation of the New Testament, in which Sidney Rigdon had assisted him as scribe. According to revelation given March 8, 1833, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams were ordained and set apart March 18 by Joseph Smith, as his counselors in the presidency. March 23, Sidney set apart Ezra Thayre and Joseph Coe to purchase land in Kirtland on which to build a stake of Zion. In the spring, Sidney had raised up and was presiding over a branch in Norton Township, Medina County, Ohio. Having finished the translation of the Scriptures on July 2nd, the first presidency started on preaching tours. At this time, sectarian missionaries on the frontiers rose up and excited a mobocratic uprising against the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri. Joseph, Sidney, and Freeman Nickerson left Kirtland, October 5, on a journey eastward and to upper Canada. They preached at several places on the way, returning to Kirtland November 4. After their return, Sidney was afflicted with sore eyes. In a revelation given October 12, Sidney was called to be a spokesman unto Joseph: "And it is expedient in me that you, my servant Sidney, should be a spokesman unto this people; yes, verily, I will ordain you unto this calling, even to be a spokesman unto my servant Joseph; and I will give unto him power to be mighty in testimony; and I will give unto thee power to be mighty in expounding all scriptures, that thou mayest be a spokesman unto him, and he shall be a revelator unto thee, that thou mayest know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of my kingdom on the earth." Joseph wrote of Sidney Rigdon, November 19, as follows: "My heart is somewhat sorrowful, but I feel to trust in the Lord, the God of Jacob. I have learned in my travels that man is treacherous and selfish, but few excepted. "Brother Sidney is a man whom I love, but is not capable of that pure and steadfast love for those who are his benefactors, as should possess the breast of a president of the Church of Christ. This, with some other little things, such as a selfishness and independence of mind, which, too often manifested, destroy the confidence of those who would lay down their lives for him -- but, notwithstanding these things, he is a very great and good man; a man of great power of words, and can gain the friendship of his hearers very quick. He is a man whom God will uphold, if he will continue faithful to his calling. O God, grant that he may, for the Lord's sake. Amen. "The man who willeth to do well, we should extol his virtues, and speak not of his faults behind his back. A man who wilfully turneth away from his friend without a cause is not easily forgiven. The kindness of a man should never be forgotten. That person who never forsaketh his trust, should ever have the highest place for regard in our hearts, and our love should never fail, but increase more and more, and this is my disposition and sentiment. "And again, blessed be Brother Sidney, also, notwithstanding he shall be high and lifted up, yet he shall bow down under the yoke like unto an ass that croucheth beneath his burthen, that learneth his master's will by the stroke of the rod; thus saith the Lord; yet the Lord will have mercy on him, and he shall bring forth much fruit, even as the vine of the choice grape, when her clusters are ripe, before the time of the gleaning of the vintage; and the Lord shall make his heart merry as with sweet wine, because of him who putteth forth his hand and lifteth him up out of deep mire, and pointeth him out the way, and guideth his feet when he stumbleth, and humbleth him in his pride. Blessed are his generations; nevertheless one shall hunt after them as a man hunteth after an ass that has strayed in the wilderness, and straightway findeth him and bringeth him into the fold. Thus shall the Lord watch over his generation, that they be saved. Even so. Amen." In accordance with a revelation given February 24, 1834, Sidney Rigdon and Lyman Wight started soon after on a mission to the country eastward, to preach and to endeavor to get some young and middle aged volunteer brethren to go to Jackson County, Missouri, and assist in the redemption of Zion. With Joseph Smith and other elders, Sidney and Lyman attended a conference, March 17, at Avon, Livingston County, New York, with this purpose in view, and also to raise means to free the Kirtland Church from debt. Joseph, Sidney and Lyman started back for Kirtland on the 19th, arriving there on the 28th. On the 18th of April, Joseph, Sidney, Oliver and Zebedee Coltrin left Kirtland for New Portage to hold conference. At Norton they retired to the wilderness and united in prayer for the brethren who were going to the land of Zion. They then laid hands on and blessed each other. Elders Rigdon, Cowdery and Coltrin blessed Joseph. On the 21st, they attended an important conference when several brethren volunteered to go to Zion and others donated money "for the benefit of the scattered brethren in Zion." On the 22nd, Joseph, Sidney, Oliver and others returned to Kirtland. Early in May, Joseph left Kirtland for Missouri. Elder Rigdon continued to act in his presidential office at Kirtland. He was also one of the trustees and conductors of the "Kirtland school," wherein penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar and geography were taught during the winter. At a meeting, March 7, 1835, Sidney was appointed to lay on hands and bestow blessings in the name of the Lord on those who had labored on the Kirtland temple, or who had "consecrated to its upbuilding." Accordingly, many blessings were given that day and the next. April 3 and 4, Elder Rigdon was presiding at a conference at Freedom, New York. On the 2nd of May he attended a grand council and conference at Kirtland, and a High Council August 4. Joseph, Sidney, Oliver, and F. G. Williams, having been appointed a committee, September 24, 1834, to arrange "the items of the doctrine of Jesus Christ, for the government of the Church," a General Assembly of the Church was held at Kirtland, August 17, to take into consideration the labors of the committee, which had resulted in the "Book of Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter-day Saints." The book was accepted by unanimous vote of the assembly. Joseph was absent in Michigan, but Oliver and Sidney were in Kirtland and acted as presidents in the assembly. Joseph, Sidney, and Oliver left Kirtland for New Portage, September 2, to attend a conference, returning on the 8th. Joseph, Sidney, and several others united in a prayer meeting, October 23, asking the Lord to deliver them out of their afflictions and difficulties caused by debts, to deliver Zion without the shedding of blood, to grant them long life and freedom from mobs, to preserve their posterity, to enable them and others to go to Zion (Western Missouri), and purchase inheritances there without perplexity and trouble, and finally save them in the celestial kingdom. On November 2, Joseph, Sidney, Oliver and others, went to Willoughby to hear Senator Piexotto lecture on the theory and practice of physic. The next day Joseph assisted in organizing the "Elders' School," and dedicated it at Kirtland. Various meetings and councils were held on different days, and visitors of more or less note were received, with many of which events Sidney was connected. On Sunday, 8th, in the afternoon meeting, John Smith made some remarks and a proposition concerning the case of Isaac Hill, after which "President Rigdon then arose and very abruptly militated against the sentiment of Uncle John, which had a direct tendency to destroy his influence, and bring him into disrepute in the eyes of the Church, which was not right. He also misrepresented Mr. Hill's case, and spread darkness rather than light upon the subject. "After I returned home," writes Joseph, "I labored with Uncle John, and convinced him that he was wrong; and he made his confession to my satisfaction. I then went and labored with President Rigdon, and succeeded in convincing him also of his error, which he confessed to my satisfaction." |
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IMPROVEMENT ERA. [pp. 218-227]
THE LIFE AND LABORS OF SIDNEY RIGDON.
In a council at Kirtland, on the 13th, under the hands of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith, several brethren were ordained to the High Priesthood and to be counselors in that stake of Zion. Also Joseph, Sidney, W. W. Phelps, David Whitmer, and Hyrum Smith were appointed to draft rules and regulations to govern the house of the Lord, which was done accordingly, and in a council on the 15th the rules were unanimously accepted. President Rigdon, on his request, was administered to for a severe affliction in his face, which troubled him most at night, probably neuralgia. On the 16th, Joseph, Sidney and others attended a council of the Twelve, where some unpleasantness caused by harsh expressions, was mollified, and the brethren covenanted to be more regardful of each other's feelings, Joseph stating that he did not countenance harsh language, neither in himself nor any other man. The next day, Sunday, an excellent meeting was held, the brethren confessing their faults to each other. At meetings on the 21st and 22nd, at which the Presidency and others were present, the ordinance of anointing with oil and of blessing was attended to, many glorious visions were beheld, and the ministration of angels was enjoyed. On the 28th and 30th, the several quorums of the authorities of The Church met and were set in order. The holy anointing was further attended to and more angelic visions were beheld. A similar meeting was held on the 1st of February. The next day, in the school house, President Rigdon delivered an animated discourse, chiefly on the scattering and gathering of Israel, and "the Spirit bore record that the Lord was well pleased." During the same month a number of other meetings and councils were held, at which more visions were seen by some of the brethren. About this time, Joseph, Sidney, and other brethren were engaged in learning Hebrew, under the teaching of Professor Seixas. On the 25th, President Rigdon's wife was very sick, but after being administered to by Joseph and other brethren she began to recover. On the 3rd of March, the Presidency and several quorums met to consider certain resolutions concerning licenses, at which time Joseph said, "Equal rights and privileges, is my motto; and one man is as good as another, if he behaves as well; and that all men should be esteemed alike, without regard to distinctions of an official nature." Joseph was nominated as chairman of conference to sign licenses, and Sidney as chairman pro tem. On the 13th, the Presidency and Twelve decided that they move to Zion (Western Missouri) on or before May 15th, if the way was opened before them. On the 18th, Sidney preached a fine discourse at the funeral of Susan Johnson. On the morning of the 27th, in solemn assembly, at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, President Rigdon opened and closed by prayer, and also preached two and a half hours, among other things showing that conflicting sects and parties and diversity of religious sentiment ever had obtained and ever would obtain when people were not led by present revelation. President F. G. Williams said that while President Rigdon was offering the first prayer, an angel entered the window, took his seat between Father Smith and President Williams, and remained there during the prayer. Many glorious visions were beheld, and Joseph said the temple was filled with angels. He offered the dedicatory prayer. A bright light, like a pillar of fire, rested upon the temple, and the people in the neighborhood "were astonished at what was transpiring." On the 29th, Joseph, F. G. Williams, Sidney, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery met in the most holy place in the Lord's house, and sought for revelation concerning going west. During the meeting, Sidney washed the feet of Joseph Smith, Jr., and his father, also of Hyrum Smith. Joseph washed Sidney's feet, and Hyrum washed David Whitmer's and Oliver Cowdery's. The feet of many other brethren were washed also, on that day and the next. On the 31st, the temple services were repeated. In a Council meeting, April 2, Sidney Rigdon and F. G. Williams were appointed a committe to devise means to discharge the debts of the printing company. On May 27th, Joseph Smith's grand mother, Mary Smith, died. Sidney Rigdon delivered the address at her funeral. Presidents F. G. Williams and Sidney Rigdon, June 16, presided in a High Council meeting at the trial of Preserved Harris and Isaac McWithy. On the 25th of July, Joseph, Sidney, Oliver Cowdery, F. G. Williams and Hyrum Smith wrote to W. W. Phelps and others, in Missouri, advising them not to be the first aggressors, but to be wise and prudent, to preserve peace with all, and to stand by the constitution. Also one to John Thornton and others, of Liberty, Clay County, concerning the Missouri troubles. The same afternoon, Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery left Kirtland and in the evening took steamer at Fairport, arriving at Buffalo, N. Y., next evening. Thence they took a line boat for Utica, arriving there on the morning of the 29th, then took rail for Schenectady, on the first passenger car on the new road, being six hours traveling eighty miles, and by rail also to Albany, arriving the same evening. There, next day, they went on the steamer Erie, which had a race with the steamer Rochester, the Erie arriving at New York a few hours ahead. Thence by steamer to Providence, and from there to Boston by rail, arriving at Salem, Mass., early in August. There they hired a house and engaged in preaching and teaching, returning to Kirtland in September. A conference in the house of the Lord, December 22, was attended by the First Presidency and other authorities of The Church. The subject of the emigration of the poor to Zion, and their settlement there, from the churches abroad, was considered and motions were passed accordingly. On the 2nd of January, 1837, Sidney Rigdon was chairman at a special meeting of the "Kirtland Safety Society," when the old constitution, adopted November 2, 1836, was annulled and a "preamble and articles of agreement" were adopted of the "Kirtland Safety Society Anti-Banking Company." During the winter, many well attended meetings were held by the different quorums in the house of the Lord. The Kirtland high school was taught in the attic story. On the 1st of February, the firm of O. Cowdery & Co., was dissolved by mutual consent, and the entire establishment was transferred to Joseph Smith, Jr., and Sidney Rigdon, Warren O. Cowdery to act as agent in the printing office and book-bindery and as editor of the Messenger and Advocate. Preparatory meetings, with washings and anointings, having been had on April 3, 4, and 5, a solemn assembly of official members of The Church was held in the Lord's house, Kirtland, at which Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Oliver Cowdery addressed the assembly. In May, the Messenger and Advocate office and contents were transferred to Wm. Marks, of Portage. Presidents Smith and Rigdon continued the office by power of attorney. About this time a spirit of speculation crept into the quorums. On or about the 1st of June, the First Presidency set apart Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde to a mission to England, and on the 12th, Hyrum Smith and Sidney Rigdon set apart Willard Richards to that mission. July 27, Presidents Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and T. B. Marsh left Kirtland for Canada, but Joseph was stopped at Painsville by malicious lawsuits, so all returned to Kirtland. Next day they started again for Ashtabula, thence by steamer for Buffalo, going thence to Toronto, and returning the last of August to Kirtland. At a conference held at Kirtland, September 3, Joseph Smith was presented as president and Sidney Rigdon and F. G. Williams as his counselors, the three to constitute the First Presidents of The Church. F. G. Williams was not sustained. Other officers were presented and sustained. On the 10th, in an assembly in the Lord's house, Kirtland, President Rigdon read the rules and regulations of the house of the Lord, as passed January 18, 1836, which were received. Some misunderstandings and incorrect reports were corrected. September 17, at a conference in the house of the Lord, Kirtland, it was voted that Joseph and Sidney "go and appoint other stakes, or places of gathering." On the 27th, Joseph and Sidney accompanied by William Smith and Vinson Knight, started on that mission, arriving at Terre Haute, Indiana, October 12, and at Far West, Missouri, in the latter part of October, or early in November, and attending a meeting in that place on November 6. Next day at a general assembly or conference, President Rigdon introduced the business. Joseph Smith was accepted as president, and Sidney Rigdon as one of his counselors. F. G. Williams was objected to and rejected, and Hyrum Smith was chosen as counselor in place of Williams. President Rigdon and congregation called on the Lord to dedicate the land for the gathering of the Saints and for their inheritances. President Rigdon attended a general meeting at Far West on the 10th, when the subjects of laying off cities, consecrating for public purposes, and the prospectus of the Elders' Journal, were considered. It was also voted that the city of Far West be enlarged to contain four square sections, or two miles square. In November, Joseph left Far West for Kirtland, arriving there on or about December 10. Sidney was probably with him. "On the 22nd of December," says Joseph, "Brigham Young left Kirtland in consequence of the fury of the mob, the spirit that prevailed in the apostates who had threatened to destroy him, because he would proclaim publicly and privately that he knew by the power of the Holy Ghost that I was a prophet of the Most High God, that I had not transgressed and fallen as the apostates declared. "Apostacy, persecution, confusion and mobocracy strove hard to bear rule at Kirtland, and thus closed the year 1837." Joseph continues: "A new year dawned upon the Church in Kirtland in all the bitterness of the spirit of apostate mobocracy; which continued to rage and grow hotter and hotter, until Elder Rigdon and myself were obliged to flee from its deadly influence, as did the apostles and prophets of old, and as Jesus said, 'when they persecute you in one city, flee to another.' And on the evening of the 12th of January, about 10 o'clock, we left Kirtland on horseback, to escape mob violence, which was about to burst upon us under the color of legal process to cover their hellish designs, and save themselves from the just judgment of the law. We concontinued our travels during the night, and at 8 o'clock on the morning of the 13th, arrived among the brethren in Norton township, Medina county, Ohio, a distance of sixty miles from Kirtland, where we tarried about thirty-six hours, when our families arrived, and on the 16th pursued our journey with our families, in covered wagons, toward the city of Far West, in Missouri, passing through Dayton, Eaton, etc., to Dublin, Indiana, where we tarried nine days and refreshed ourselves. "The weather was extremely cold, and we were obliged to secret ourselves in our wagons, sometimes to elude the grasp of our pursuers, who continued their race more than two hundred miles from Kirtland, armed with pistols, etc., seeking our lives. They frequently crossed our track, twice they were in the houses where we stopped, once we tarried all night in the same house with them, with only a partition between us and them; and heard their oaths and imprecations and threats concerning us, if they could catch us; and late in the evening they came in our room and examined us, but decided we were not the men. At other times we passed them in the streets, and gazed upon them, and they on us, but they knew us not. One Lyons was one of our pursuers." At Dublin, Indiana, Joseph and Sidney separated, meeting again at Terre Haute. After resting, they again separated, and continued their journey. Joseph crossed the Mississippi river at Quincy, Illinois, and arrived at Far West, March 14, being met a hundred and twenty miles on the way by brethren with teams and money and received at Far West with open arms, warm hearts, and great hospitality. Sidney was detained near Paris, Illinois, by sickness in his family, and afterwards at Huntsville, through his wife's ill health. Brigham Young, Daniel S. Miles, and Levi Richards arrived with Joseph at Far West; Sidney and family reached there April 4, having had a tedious journey, and his family having suffered many afflictions." Joseph and Sidney presided at a meeting in Far West, April 6, "to celebrate the anniversary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," etc. Various officers were appointed. On the 7th and 8th of April the general authorities of The Church held the first quarterly conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, at Far West, which was attended by Presidents Smith and Rigdon. Early in April, Joseph and Sidney wrote a letter to John Whitmer in consequence of his withholding the records of The Church in the city of Far West, asking him to give up his notes of Church history. A revelation was given, April 26, through Joseph to the First Presidency and all the officers and members of The Church, concerning Zion and the building of a house of the Lord at Far West, and directing the First Presidency not to get into debt any more for the building of a house to His name, also concerning the appointing and building up of other stakes around there. On the 28th, Presidents Smith and Rigdon attended the High Council by invitation, and acted as counselors in an appeal case from the branch near Gymon's mill. For several days the first Presidency were largely engaged in writing Church history, and on May 5th, in writing for the Elders' Journal. On the 10th, President Rigdon, although suffering from a severe cold and hoarseness, delivered an address at the school house, elucidating the policy of both the Federal and Democratic parties, by which address Joseph said, "I was highly edified." On the 12th, Presidents Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon attended a meeting of the High Council, concerning their pecuniary affairs, they being very poor. The Council made over to Joseph and Sidney each an eighty-acre lot, and also appointed a committee of three, who agreed that Joseph and Sidney should receive a just remuneration for their services for the year in the printing establishment, and in translating ancient records, etc. On the 13th, Sidney preached the funeral sermon of Swain Williams, son of F. G. Williams, and on the next day was preparing and correcting matter for the press. On the 18th, Joseph, Sidney and others left Far West to visit the north country and lay off a stake of Zion, making locations and laying off claims for the gathering of the Saints, the benefit of the poor, etc. They traveled to the mouth of Honey Creek, camping there for the night. On the 19th, they crossed Grand River, at the mouth of Honey Creek and Nelson's Ferry, then went eighteen miles up Grand River to Lyman Wight's, at the foot of Tower Hill, so named by Joseph because they found there the remains of an old Nephite altar or tower. There they camped. Then Joseph and Sidney went up the river to Wight's Ferry, which the brethren called Spring Hill, but, said Joseph, "by the mouth of the Lord it was named Adam-ondiahman, because," said he, "it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet." On the evening of Sunday, 20th, they went six miles north and camped. On the 21st, they made some locations, and returned to Robinson's Grove, two miles, to secure some land near Grand River. In council they voted to secure the land between there and Far West, especially on Grand River. On the 22nd, President Rigdon went east with a company and selected some of the best locations in the country. Next day all traveled east locating lands on Grove Creek and near Adam-ondi-ahman. Joseph and Sidney went to Col. Wight's toward evening. On the 24th, Sidney and company went to Grove Creek to finish surveying, returning on the 28th to Far West. The company kept surveying, making locations, also building houses, etc., for several days. A conference was held near Lyman Wight's, Adam-ondi-ahman, on the 28th, and that stake was organized, with John Smith as president, and Reynolds Cahoon and Lyman Wight as counselors. Adam-ondi-ahman is beautifully situated, immediately on the north side of Grand River, Daviess County, Missouri, about twenty-five miles north of Far West. On the 4th of July, at Far West, there was a fine celebration, with a grand procession. The corner stones of the temple were laid, with much rejoicing, after which an oration was delivered by President Rigdon. On the 9th, at a conference of the Twelve Apostles, at Far West, President Rigdon gave some counsel concerning provision necessary to be made for the families of the Twelve while laboring away, and advising them to instruct their converts to move promptly to the places of gathering, and strictly attend to the law of God. On the 10th, Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum, and G. W. Robinson visited Adam-ondi-ahman. In the latter part of this month, Judge Morin, of Mill Port, informed some brethren that the mob had determined to prevent the "Mormons" from voting at the election on August 6, and thereby elect Colonel William P. Peniston, who led the mob in Clay County. Judge Morin advised the brethren to go prepared for an attack, and stand by their rights. But the brethren hoped better things and paid little heed to his friendly counsel. On the 26th, the First Presidency, the bishop's court and others held a meeting at Far West, when various financial matters were considered and arranged. Joseph and Sidney left Far West on the 28th for Adam-ondi-ahman to settle some Canadian brethren, returning on the 30th. On the 5th of August, Elder Erastus Snow and President Rigdon preached. Several were confirmed, among them F. G. Williams, he having been rebaptized. On the 6th, the citizens of Caldwell County, assembled at Far West, unanimously recommended Sidney Rigdon for postmaster of that place, W. W. Phelps having resigned. The citizens of Far West met and unanimously agreed to have a weekly newspaper, Sidney Rigdon to be the editor. It was also voted that a petition be circulated to locate the county seat at Far West. Joseph, Sidney and Hyrum advocated the measure and urged on the brethren to build and live in cities and carry on their farms outside, according to the order of God. This was the day of election. Toward mid-day, William B. Peniston mounted a barrel, harangued the electors, exciting them against the "Mormons," who, he said, were horse-thieves, liars, counterfeits, etc., boasting that he headed the mob to drive them out of Clay County and "would not prevent them being mobbed now." Soon quarreling, fighting and mobbing commenced. The county authorities said it was a premeditated thing to prevent the "Mormons" from voting. The mob collected with guns, knives, etc. The brethren of Far West hid their wives and children in a hazel bush thicket, and stood sentry over them during the night in the rain. On the 7th, reports came that two or three of the brethren had been killed at Gallatin, and others prevented from voting, and that a majarity of the Daviess County people were determined to drive the Saints from the county. Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum Smith and fifteen or twenty others started for Gallatin, to assist the brethren there, reaching Colonel Wight's that night, and learned that none of the brethren had been killed, but several were badly wounded. On the 8th, several citizens of Mill Port called, and it was agreed to have a meeting next day with some of the principal men of the county at Adam-ondi-ahman, at which a peaceable agreement was come to between the two parties. Joseph and his companions returned to Far West that night, 9th. On the morning of the 11th, Joseph and council and Almon W. Babbit left Far West to visit the brethren on the Forks of Grand River, who had come from Canada with Elder Babbit and had settled there, contrary to counsel. Joseph and council returned to Far West on the 13th, and were chased ten or twelve miles by evidesigning men, but eluded their grasp. When eight miles from home, Joseph and council were met by some brethren who said a writ had been issued by Judge King for his arrest and that of Lyman Wight, for attempting to defend their rights. The spirit of mobocracy continued to stalk abroad, notwithstanding all treaties of peace. On the 1st of September, the First Presidency, with Judge Higbee as surveyor, went north fourteen or fifteen miles, and appointed a place for a city, and the brethren were instructed to gather immediately into it. The presidency returned to Far West by evening. There was great excitement at this time among the Missourians. All of upper Missouri was in uproar and confusion. The mob was collecting all around, saying they meant to drive the "Mormons" from Daviess County, as had been done from Jackson County. On the 2nd, Joseph sent for General Atichison, of Liberty, Clay County, to see if he could not put a stop to the collection of people and to hostilities in Daviess County. The General arrived at Far West the next day. On the 4th, General Atchison was consulted with, who said he would do all in his power to disperse the mob. Generals Atchison and Doniphan (partners) were engaged as lawyers and counselors-at-law, to defend the brethren. The same day Joseph and Sidney commenced the study of law under the instruction of Generals Atchison and Doniphan. The result of the council with Generals Atchison and Doniphan was that Joseph and Colonel Wight volunteer to be tried by Judge King. Accordingly on the 7th, the trial commenced, William P. Peniston, the mobocrat being the prosecutor. The result, although there was no proof of crime, was that Joseph and Colonel Wight were held in five-hundred-dollar bonds. On the 2nd of October, Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum, Isaac Morley, and G. W. Robinson met the camp of emigrants about five hundred miles from Kirtland -- about eight hundred and eighty-six miles the way they traveled -- and escorted them into Far West. President Rigdon provided supper for the sick. Other brethren provided for the rest. On the 3rd, Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum, and Brigham Young went with the emigrants a mile or two and then returned to Far West. On the 24th, Thomas B. Marsh, formerly President of the Twelve, having apostatized since the conference, went to Richmond, and made affidavit before Henry Jacobs, justice of the peace, to vile calumnies, lies and slanders against Joseph and the Church. On the 31st, Colonel Hinkle, commanding the Caldwell Militia, Far West, made an unauthorized agreement with the State Militia, or rather mob leaders, to give up the Church leaders to be tried and punished. Colonel Hinkle and the officers of the governor's troops then waited upon Joseph Smith, and invited him to go into the camp for an interview; accordingly Joseph, hoping to settle the difficulties without the enforcing of Governor Boggs' exterminating order, accompanied by Sidney, P. P. Pratt, Lyman Wight, and George W. Robinson, went into the camp, when they were taken as prisoners of war, and treated with contempt, insult, taunts and sneers, and in the evening had to lie on the cold ground. On the first of November, Hyrum Smith and Amasa Lyman were brought prisoners into camp, a court martial was held, and the prisoners were sentenced to be shot the next morning on the public square as an ensample to the "Mormons." General Doniphan said he would have nothing to do with such cold-blooded murder, and he would withdraw his forces. General Atchison withdrew when Governor Bogg's exterminating order was received. The militia then went into Far West, abused the inhabitants, and plundered their houses at pleasure. Eighty more men were taken prisoners, the remainder being ordered to leave and disperse on pain of death. On the 2nd, the martial law sentence not having been carried out, Joseph, Sidney, Hyrum, P. P. Pratt, Amasa Lyman, and George W. Robinson were taken from Far West, by the governor's troops, on the way to Independence, arriving there on Sunday, 4th. On the 6th, fifty-six more brethren were also made prisoners by General Clark at Far West, and started off for Richmond next day. On the 8th, Joseph, Sidney and the prisoners at Independence were started off for Richmond, arriving there on the 9th, where they were hand-cuffed and chained two together. While there in charge of Colonel Price, all manner of abuse was heaped upon them. On the 13th, Joseph, Sidney, and a number of others were placed at the bar of the court, Austin A. King, a Methodist, presiding as judge, The examination continued till Saturday, 24th, when several were acquitted. The remaining prisoners were released or bailed on the 18th. except Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, Hyrum Smith, and Alexander McRae, who were held on the charge of treason and murder. Also P. P. Pratt and some others were sent to Richmond jail on similar charges. Those who were to go to Liberty jail were taken there about the end of the month, where they were closely confined and all personal communication with friends was cut off. About this time, W. G. McClellan, Burr Riggs, and others, plundered the houses of Sidney Rigdon and other brethren under pretense or color of law, or order from General Clark. Said Joseph: "Thus, in a land of liberty, in the town of Liberty, Clay County, Missouri, I and my fellow prisoners, in chains, dungeons and jail, saw the close of 1838." |
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IMPROVEMENT ERA. [pp. 265-273]
THE LIFE AND LABORS OF SIDNEY RIGDON.
On the 23rd of February, Joseph and his fellow prisoners demanded a writ of habeas corpus of Judge Turnham, one of the county judges, which was reluctantly granted. The consequent investigation resulted in the release of Sidney Rigdon. The rest of the prisoners were recommitted to jail, Sidney returned there for a favorable opportunity of leaving, as threats were abundant that the prisoners should never get out of the country alive. Sidney was let out of the jail secretly at night, through the friendship of the sheriff and the jailor, "after having declared in prison that the sufferings of Jesus Christ were a fool to his," from which it appears that Sidney's sufferings, of the body and mind together, were almost more than he could bear. According to Lyman Wight's testimony, when the brethren were taken before the militia mob and treacherously surrendered by Colonel Hinkle, "Sidney Rigdon, who was of a delicate constitution, received a slight shock of apoplectic fits, which excited great laughter and much ridicule in the guard and mob-militia. Thus the prisoners spent a doleful night in the midst of a prejudiced and diabolical community." Sidney was solemnly warned by his releasers to get out of the state with as little delay as possible. He was pursued by a body of armed men, but he arrived safely at Quincy, Illinois. On the 26th, Isaac Galland, of Commerce, Illinois, wrote to D. W. Rogers that he would be pleased to have Mr. Rigdon or some other leading members of The Church go and examine some land for settlement. The Democratic association and the citizens of Quincy generally had a sympathetic meeting on the 27th. A committee reported having met Mr. Rigdon and others, who gave a condensed statement of the facts concerning the situation of the Saints in Missouri and around, and resolutions were passed to assist them in various ways. Sidney Rigdon made to the meeting a statement of the wrongs suffered by the "Mormons" in Missouri and of their present suffering condition. In the latter part of February President Rigdon, Judge Higbee, Israel Barlow, and Edward Partridge went to see Dr. Galland about some land, and concluded it would not be wise to make a trade with him then. A brother Lee, who had lived near Haun's Mill, died opposite Quincy, and President Rigdon preached his funeral sermon in the court house. At a meeting, March 9, in Quincy, President Rigdon, Elder Green, Judge Higbee, Brother Benson, and Israel Barlow were appointed a committee to visit and select certain lands in Iowa Territory. On the 10th of April, Sidney wrote from Quincy to Joseph in the following strain: We wish you to know that our friendship is unabating, and our exertions for your delivery, and that of The Church, unceasing. For this purpose we have labored to secure the friendship of the governor of this state, with all the principal men in this place. In this we have succeeded beyond our highest anticipations. Governor Carlin assured us last evening, that he would lay our case before the legislature of this state, and have the action of that body upon it; and he would use all his influence to have an action which should be favorable to our people. He is also getting papers prepared signed by all the noted men in this part of the country, to give us a favorable reception at Washington, whither we shall repair forthwith, after having visited the Governor of Iowa, of whose friendship we have the strongest testimonies. We leave Quincy this day to visit him. Our plan of operation is to impeach the state of Missouri on an item of the Constitution of the United States, that the general government shall give to each state a republican form of government. Such a form of government does not exist in Missouri, and we can prove it. Governor Carlin and his lady enter with all the enthusiasm of their natures into this work, having no doubt that we can accomplish this object. Our plan of operation in this work is to get all the governors, in their next messages, to have the subject brought before the legislatures, and we will have a man at the capital of each state to furnish them with the testimony on the subject; and we design to be at Washington to wait upon Congress and have the action of that body on it also; all this going on at the same time, and have the action of the whole during one session. Brother G. W. Robinson will be engaged all the time between this and the next sitting of the legislatures, in taking affidavits, and preparing for the tug of war; while we will be going from state to state, visiting the respective governors, to get the case mentioned in their messages to the legislatures, so as to have the whole going on at once. You will see by this that our time is engrossed to overflowing. A. Ripley also wrote to the brethren in jail in Missouri: President Rigdon is wielding a mighty shaft against the whole kidney of foul calumniators and mobocrats of Missouri. Yesterday he spent a part of the day with Governor Carlin of this State. The president told him that he was informed that Governor Boggs was calculating to take out a bench warrant for himself and others, and then make a demand of his exellency for them to be given up, to be taken back to Missouri for trial; and he was assured by that noble minded hero, that if Mr. Boggs undertook that thing, he would get himself insulted. He also assured him that the people called "Mormons" should find a permanent protection in this state. He also solicited our people, one and all to settle in this state; and if there could be a tract of country that would suit our convenience, he would use his influence for Congress to make a grant of it to us, to redress our wrongs, and make up our losses. After having been prisoners about six months, Joseph and other brethren escaped from Liberty jail, on the 16th, while the guards were drunk. The prisoners took this step because of the prevalent and continued reckless threats of murder, and that the prisoners should never leave there alive. At this time Elias Higbee said he was living on the Big-Neck prairie, on the same farm with Sidney Rigdon. The last of the Saints left Far West on the 20th. After suffering much fatigue and hunger, Joseph arrived at Quincy on the 22nd. He said that before leaving Missouri, he had paid there about fifty thousand dollars, in cash and property, as lawyers' fees, "for which," says he, "I received very little in return; for sometimes they were afraid to act on account of the mob, and sometimes they were so drunk as to incapacitate them for business. But there were a few honorable exceptions." The same day Governor Lucas wrote to "Dr. Sidney Rigdon," sympathizing with the Saints, and also wrote to Governor Shannon, of Ohio, and Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, introducing and recommending Sidney Rigdon to them, to solicit an investigation by the government, into the causes that led to the expulsion of the people called "Mormons" from the state of Missouri. Joseph Smith and committee, on the 1st of May, bought a farm of Dr. Isaac Galland, which was to have been deeded to Alanson Ripley, but Sidney Rigdon declared that "no committee should control any property which he had anything to do with." Consequently, it was deeded to George W. Robinson, Rigdon's son-in-law, "with the express understanding that he should deed it to The Church when The Church had paid for it according to their obligation in the contract." A general conference was held at the Presbyterian camp ground, near Quincy, May 4 and 5, at which President Joseph Smith was chairman, and President Sidney Rigdon, then residing at Commerce, was present. On the 5th, Sidney was appointed by the conference a delegate to the city of Washington, D. C., to lay the case of the Saints before the general government. Eight prominent citizens of Quincy signed a letter, on the 8th, introducing "Rev. Sidney Rigdon" to the president of the United States, and to the heads of departments, etc. Samuel Leech also, on the 10th, gave Sidney a sympathetic letter of recommendation. The same day Joseph Smith and family arrived and took up their residence in a small log house at the White Purchase, about a mile south of Commerce. On the 17th, Sidney, Joseph and Hyrum wrote to the Quincy Whig, disclaiming for themselves and the Latter-day Saints certain offensive political partisan sentiments, emanating from Lyman Wight and published in that paper. Also on the 25th, they wrote to Elder R. B. Thompson on the same subject. Joseph, Sidney and Hyrum, and Bishops Whitney and Knight went across the river, July 2, and visited a land purchase made by Bishop Knight as a location for a town, and advised that a town be built there, to be called Zarahemla. At a public meeting on Sunday, 7th, Sidney Rigdon and others addressed the audience. Farewell addresses were also given by members of the twelve who were going on missions. At a conference on Sunday, October 6, Judge Higbee was appointed to accompany Presidents Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to Washington. The Nauvoo high council, on the 28th, voted to sign recommendations for Joseph, Sidney, and Elias Higbee, "delegates for The Church, to importune the president and Congress of the United States for redress," of the grievances of the Saints in Missouri. Next day, (29th) the brethren accompanied by O. P. Rockwell, left Nauvoo in a two-horse carriage, for the city of Washington, arriving at Quincy on the 30th. Elder Rigdon was sick on the 31st. On November 1, he was administered to by Dr. Robert D. Foster, who joined the brethren and accompanied them. They arrived at Springfield on the 4th and left on the 8th, Elder Rigdon's health continuing poor and Dr. Foster continuing to accompany and attend to him. They arrived at Kirtland on the 10th. Elder Rigdon's health remained so poor, the roads were so bad, the time was fast spending, and it being necessary for the committee to be in Washington, Joseph Smith and Judge Higbee started by stage on the most expeditious route to that city, leaving Rockwell, Rigdon and Foster to follow at their leisure in the carriage. Joseph and Higbee arrived at Washington November 28th. They saw President Martin Van Buren the next day. Sidney and others were near Washington, Pennsylvania, on the 29th. Rockwell and Higbee arrived at Philadelphia about December 23, with Joseph's carriage, having left Sidney sick at Washington, Pennsylvania, with Dr. Foster to take care of him. Sidney and Dr. Foster arrived at Philadelphia about the 14th of January, 1840. About the last of January, having been on a visit to Philadelphia and vicinity, Joseph, O. P. Rockwell, Higbee, and Foster left that city by railway, for Washington, D. C., Joseph's carriage having been sold, and Rigdon being left sick at Philadelphia. He does not appear to have visited Washington, but tarried in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Joseph had an interview with President Van Buren, who treated him very insolently, saying, "Gentlemen, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you;" and, "If I take up for you, I shall lose the vote of Missouri." Mr. John C. Calhoun also treated Joseph badly. The Prophet left Washington early in February, satisfied that there was little use to stay longer. Leaving Judge Higbee there, Joseph returned by railroad with O. P. Rockwell and Dr. Foster to Dayton, Ohio. Joseph arrived at Nauvoo, March 4, after a wearisome journey on horseback, through snow and mud. Of his visit to the national capital he says, "When I went to the White House at Washington, and presented letters of introduction from Thomas Carlin, governor of Illinois, to Martin Van Buren, he looked at them very contemptuously, and said, 'Governor Carlin! Governor Carlin! Who's Governor Carlin? Governor Carlin's nobody."' Also speaking of his experience there, Joseph further says, "Having witnessed many vexatious movements in government officers, whose sole object should be the peace and prosperity and happiness of the whole people; but instead of this, I discovered that popular clamor and personal aggrandizement were the ruling principles of those in authority, and my heart faints within me when I see, by the visions of the Almighty, the end of this nation, if she continues to disregard the cries and petitions of her virtuous citizens, as she has done, and is now doing. "On my way home I did not fail to proclaim the iniquity and insolence of Martin Van Buren, towards myself and injured people, which will have its effect upon the public mind; and may he never be elected again to any office of trust or power, by which he may abuse the innocent and let the guilty go free." March 17, Horace R. Hotchkiss, of Fair Haven, wrote to "Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jr.," sympathizing with them and with Judge Higbee, and inviting them to take up their quarters at his house if they went so far east. Judge Higbee said the committee on judiciary reported adversely on the memorial. April 3, Sidney, wrote, from New Jersey, to Joseph that his health was slowly improving. In conference at Nauvoo, April 8, Joseph, Sidney and Elias Higbee were thanked by resolution for "the prompt and efficient manner in which they had discharged their duty," and were requested to continue to use their endeavors to obtain redress for a suffering people. At the conference, F.G. Williams was forgiven and received back into fellowship. Early in April, Richard M. Young had received from Sidney Rigdon a petition for the appointment of Geo. W. Robinson as postmaster at Commerce, and had the name changed to Nauvoo. At a meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo, July 13, Isaac Galland, Rebert B. Thompson, Sidney Rigdon and Daniel H. Wells, as a committee, presented resolutions and a memorial to Governor Carlin, concerning the attempts of Missourians to kidnap and abduct "Mormons" from Illinois. On the 25th, 27th and 30th, and Aug. 15, John C. Bennett, M.D. and Quarter Master General of the state of Illinois, wrote sympathetically to "Reverends Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jr:" Early in September, Governor Boggs, of Missouri, having made a demand upon Governor Carlin, of Illinois, for Joseph Smith, Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, P.P. Pratt, Caleb Baldwin and Alanson Brown, as fugitives from justice, Governor Carlin issued an order for their apprehension, but the sheriff could not find them. On the 15th, President Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith issued a "proclamation to the Saints scattered abroad," stating the condition of the Church-and urging emigration to Nauvoo and vicinity and assisting in building the city and temple. Probably Sidney Rigdon had become tired of the mobocratic spirit of the Western states and entertained a desire to live in the Eastern states, for, on the 19th of January, 1841, Joseph received a revelation, in which the following occurs: And again, verily I say unto you, if my servant Sidney will serve me, and be counselor unto my servant Joseph, let him rise and come up, and stand in the office of his calling, and humble himself before me; and if he will offer unto me an acceptable offering, and acknowledgments, and remain with my people, behold, I the Lord your God will heal him that he shall be healed; and he shall lift up his voice again on the mountains, and be a spokesman before my face. Let him come and locate his family in the neighborhood in which my servant Joseph resides, and in all his journeyings let him lift up his voice as with the sound of a trump, and warn the inhabitants of the earth to flee the wrath to come; let him assist my servant Joseph. If my servant Sidney will do my will, let him not remove his family unto the eastern lands, but let him change their habitation, even as I have said. Behold, it is not my will that he shall seek to find safety and refuge out of the city which I have appointed unto you, even the city of Nauvoo. Verily I say unto you, even now, if he hearken to my voice, it shall be well with him. Even so. Amen. I give unto him, Joseph, for counselors, my servant Sidney Rigdon, and my servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First Presidency, to receive the oracles for the whole Church. Sidney Rigdon was elected a member of the Nauvoo city council, February 1. By an ordinance of the city council, dated February 3, Sidney was made a member of the board of trustees of the "University of the City of Nauvoo." By an act of the Illinois legislature, approved February 27, Sidney was appointed one of the incorporators of "the Nauvoo Agricultural and manufacturing Association." President Sidney Rigdon delivered an address at the laying of the corner-stones of the Nauvoo Temple, April 6. At the conference next day, in consequence of his weakness, resulting from his labors of the day before, he called on John C. Bennett to officiate in his place. Consequently, on the 8th, John C. Bennett was presented, with the First Presidency, as Assistant President until President Rigdon's health should be restored. President Rigdon delivered a discourse, in the afternoon of the same day, of "Baptism for the Dead," followed by President Joseph Smith on the same subject. On Sunday, 11th, President Rigdon spoke on "Baptism for the Remission of Sins." On Sunday, June 1, President Joseph Smith says, "Elder Sidney Rigdon has been ordained a prophet, seer and revelator." Early this month Joseph said, "The newspapers of the United States are teeming with all manner of lies, abusing the Saints of the Most High, and striving to call down the wrath of the people upon his servants." How much like the condition of things now, at the junction of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries! |
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IMPROVEMENT ERA. [pp. 218-227]
THE LIFE AND LABORS OF SIDNEY RIGDON.
At a special conference at Nauvoo, August 16, President Rigdon made some "appropriate remarks on speculation," and on November 1, he resigned his seat in the city council, on account of ill health. Joseph baptized Sidney in the font in behalf of his parents, December 28. On the 12th of May, 1842, Joseph dictated a letter to Sidney, "concerning certain difficulties or surmises which existed." The next day Joseph received a letter in reply. In the evening, Joseph, accompanied by Elder Willard Richards, had an interview with Elder Rigdon, at the post office, "concerning certain evil reports, put in circulation by Francis M. Higbee, about some of Elder Rigdon's family and others; much apparent satisfaction was manifested at the conversation by Elder Rigdon." In the Nauvoo Wasp of July 23, Sidney Rigdon says: "As there seems to be some foolish notions that I have been engaged with J.C. Bennett, in the difficulties between him and some of the citizens of this place, I merely say in reply to such idle and vain reports that they are without foundation in truth." Elder Rigdon called Elder William Clayton into his office, October 5, and told him that Judge Douglass had said, at Carthage, that he had ascertained that Governor Carlin had intentionally issued an illegal writ to get Joseph to Carthage, where he might be acquitted by habeas corpus before Judge Douglass, and then be arrested by a legal writ, as soon as released under the illegal one, and be seized by waiting emissaries and borne away to Missouri, without further ceremony. On the 7th, Elder Elias Higbee stated similar things, and that he had heard that many Missourians were going into Illinois, to endeavor to take Joseph. On hearing these things, Joseph said, "It is more and more evident that Carlin is determined to have me taken to Missouri, if he can." In answer to a letter of the 17th, Justin Butterfield, on the 20th, wrote from Chicago to Sidney Rigdon upon the illegality of the requsition made by the Governor of Missouri upon the Governor of Illinois for the surrender of Joseph Smith, on the charge of being an accessory to the shooting of Governor Boggs. Mr. Butterfield said he had no doubt that the supreme court of Illinois would discharge Joseph upon habeas corpus. In a letter to Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq., November 26, Joseph wrote: In regard to your having written to me some few weeks ago, I will observe that I have received no communication from you for some months back. If you wrote to me, the letter has been broken open and detained, no doubt, as has been the case with a great quantity of letters from my friends of late, and especially within the last three months. Few if any letters for me can get through the post office in this place, and more particularly letters containing money, and matters of much importance. I am satisfied that S. Rigdon and others connected with him have been the means of doing incalculable injury, not only to myself, but to the citizens in general; and, sir, under such a state of things, you will have some idea of the difficulties I have to encounter, and the censure I have to bear through the unjust conduct of that man and others, whom he permits to interfere with the post office business. Having said so much I must close for the present. Concerning going to Missouri, Joseph said, December 28: Let the government of Missouri redress the wrongs she has done to the Saints, or let the curse follow them from generation to generation until they do. When I was going up to Missouri, in company with Elder Rigdon and our families, on an extremely cold day, to go forward was fourteen miles to a house, and backward nearly as far. We applied to all the taverns for admission in vain; we were "Mormons," and could not be received. Such was the extreme cold that in one hour we must have perished. We pleaded for our women and children in vain. We counseled together, and the brethren agreed to stand by me, and we concluded that we might as well die fighting as freeze to death. I went into a tavern and plead our cause to get admission. The landlord said he could not keep us for love or money. I told him we must and would stay, let the consequence be what it might; for we must stay or perish. The landlord replied, "We have heard the Mormons are very bad people; and the inhabitants of Paris have combined not to have anything to do with them, or you might stay." I said to him, "We will stay; but no thanks to you. I have men enough to take the town; and if we must freeze, we will freeze by the burning of these houses." The taverns were then opened, and we were accommodated, and received many apologies in the morning from the inhabitants for their abusive treatment. John C. Bennett wrote to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, from Springfield, Illinois, January 10, 1843, showing that he (Bennett) was endeavoring to have Joseph rearrested and taken to Missouri. In connection with this circumstance Joseph said, "I would just remark, that I am not at all indebted to Rigdon for this letter, but to Orson Pratt, who, after he had read it, immediately brought it to me." There was a time of rejoicing and congratulation on the release of Joseph from arrest at Carthage; and on the 18th, concerning a party at his house, he says: I then read John C. Bennett's letter to Mr. Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt, of the 10th inst, and told them that Mr. Pratt showed me the letter. Mr. Rigdon did not want to have it known that he had any hand in showing the letter, but wanted to keep it a secret, as though he were holding a private correspondence with Bennett; but as soon as Mr. Pratt got the letter, he brought it to me, which proves that Mr. Pratt had no correspondence with Bennett, and had no fellowship for his works of darkness. Joseph says, February 11: "This day had an interview with Elder Rigdon and his family, they expressed a willingness to be saved; good feelings prevailed, and we again shook hands together." The same day Sidney Rigdon was elected city attorney. On the 13th, he "gave a brief history of our second visit to Jackson County, Missouri." Joseph also received a letter from Sidney about William H. Rollison wanting to get the Nauvoo post office, and inclosing petition in opposition to Rollison. Sidney Rigdon, postmaster, wrote to Alfred Edward Stokes, on the 19th, deprecating and denying the many false stories circulated concerning the Saints. Sidney Rigdon's physical constitution appeared to have been not very strong, and his sufferings in Kirtland and Missouri from the mobs evidently had somewhat weakened his mind as well as his body. Although Joseph thought much of him and was ever kindly disposed towards him, yet, at times at least, Joseph evidently could not place full confidence in him. Nor could some other brethren. Consequently, on March 27, Joseph wrote to him as follows: DEAR SIR: -- It is with sensations of deep regret and poignant grief that I dictate a few lines to you this morning, to let you know what my feelings are in relation to yourself, as it is against my principles to act the part of a hypocrite or to dissemble in anywise whatever with any man. I have tried for a long time to smother my feelings and not let you know that I thought you were secretly and underhandedly doing all you could to take advantage of and injure me; but whether my feelings are right or wrong, remains for eternity to reveal. I cannot any longer forbear throwing off the mask and letting you know of the secret wranglings of my heart, that you may not be deceived in relation to them, and that you may be prepared, sir, to take whatever course you see proper in the premises. I am, sir, honest, when I say that I believe and am laboring under the fullest convictions that you are actually practicing deception and wickedness against me and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and that you are in connection with John C. Bennett and George W. Robinson in the whole of their abominable practices, in seeking to destroy me and this people; and that Jared Carter is as deep in the mud as you, sir, are in the mire, in your conspiracies; and that you are in the exercise of a traitorous spirit against our lives and interests, by combining with our enemies and the murderous Missourians. My feelings, sir, have been wrought upon to a very great extent, in relation to yourself, ever since soon after the first appearance of John C. Bennett in this place. There has been something dark and mysterious hovering over our business concerns, that are not only palpable but altogether unaccountable, in relation to the post office. And, sir, from the very first of the pretentions of John C. Bennett to secure to me the post office, (which by-the-bye, I have never desired, if I could have justice done me in that department, without my occupancy,) I have known, sir, that it was a fraud practiced upon me, and of the secret plottings and connivings between him and yourself in relation to the matter the whole time, as well as many other things which I have kept locked up in my own bosom. But I am constrained, at this time, to make known my feelings to you. I do not write this with the intention of insulting you, or of bearing down upon you or with a desire to take any advantage of you, or with the intention of laying one straw in your way detrimental to your character or influence, or to suffer anything whatever that has taken place, which is within my observation or that has come to my knowledge to go abroad, betraying any confidence that has ever been placed in me. But I do assure you, most sincerely, that what I have said I verily believe; and this is the reason why I have said it-that you may know the real convictions of my heart, not because I have any malice or hatred, neither would I injure one hair of your head; and I will assure you that these convictions are attended with the deepest sorrow. I wish to God it were not so, and that I could get rid of the achings of my heart on that subject; and I now notify you that unless something should take place to restore my mind to its former confidence in you, by some acknowledgments on your part, or some explanations that shall do away my jealousies, I must, as a conscientious man, publish my withdrawal of my fellowship from you to The Church, through the medium of the Times and Seasons, and demand of the conference a hearing concerning your case; that on conviction of justifiable grounds, they will demand your license. I could say much more, but let the above suffice for the present. Yours, in haste, JOSEPH SMITH. Sidney answered Joseph's letter the same day, expressing surprise at its contents. He denied having any collusion with John C. Bennett, or others, or giving him any countenance in regard to the post office, or any other troubles. Bennett had threatened Sidney if he did not cease aiding Joseph, and had made a violent attack upon him (Sidney) in a speech at St. Louis. Sidney's letter is too lengthy for insertion here. In it he said: "Now, on the broad scale, I can assert in truth, that with myself and any other person on this globe there never was nor is there now existing anything privately or publicly to injure your character in any respect whatever; neither has any person spoken to me on any such subject. All that has ever been said by me has been said to your face, all of which you know as well as I." "I do consider it a matter of just offense to me to hear about Bennett's assisting me to office. I shall have a lower opinion of myself than I now have when I think I need his assistance." At the general conference, April 6, on the floor of the Temple, Nauvoo, when Elder Rigdon's name was presented as counselor to President Smith, Elder Rigdon said the last time he attended conference was at the laying of the corner stones of the temple. He had had poor health since, and had been connected with most forbidding circumstances, resulting in "some feelings." He had never had a doubt of the work. He had told his family to guard against that fellow, Bennett, for some time he would attempt to make a rupture among the people. Elder Rigdon had just received a threatening letter from Bennett to the effect that if he (Rigdon) did not change his course, he should feel the force of Bennett's power. As he (Rigdon) had an increase of health and strength, he desired to serve the Church in any way possible. Dimick B. Huntington asked what he meant when he said Bennett was a good man, and when he called him a perfect gentleman. Elder Rigdon said he did not recollect it, and Dimick must have been mistaken. Dimick said he knew he was not. The vote to sustain Rigdon was put and carried unanimously. At the conference the next day (7th), while the choir was singing, President Joseph Smith remarked to Elder Rigdon, "This day is a millennium within these walls, for there is nothing but peace," showing that Joseph was inclined to accept Rigdon's professions. But that condition did not last long. Joseph said on Thursday, April 20, "Elder Rigdon received a letter last Sunday, informing him that the Nauvoo post office was abolished. He foolishly supposed it genuine, neglected his duty, and started for Carthage to learn more about it, but was met by Mr. Hamilton, an old mail contractor, who satisfied him it was a hoax; and he returned home, and the mail arrived as usual today." On the 9th of May, Joseph, Sidney, P. P. Pratt, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, and about a hundred others, gentlemen and ladies, took a trip on the Maid of Iowa, on the Mississippi River. On the 1st of July, on investigation of writ of habeas corpus, in the municipal court of Nauvoo, in the case of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon gave lengthy testimony concerning the Missouri troubles. On the same day, Sidney acted as moderator at a public meeting of the citizens of Nauvoo in the Assembly Hall, "in relation to the late arrest of General Joseph Smith." On Sunday afternoon, August 13, at the stand, President Joseph Smith made the following remarks: "We have had certain traders in this city, who have been writing falsehoods to Missouri; and there is a certain man in this city who has made a covenant to betray and give me up to the Missourians, and that, too, before Governor Carlin commenced his persecutions. That man is no other than Sidney Rigdon. This testimony I have from gentlemen from abroad, whose names I do not wish to give. "I most solemnly proclaim the withdrawal of my fellowship from this man, on condition that the foregoing be true; and let the Saints proclaim abroad, that he may no longer be acknowledged as my Counsellor; and all who feel to sanction my proceedings and views will manifest it by uplifted hands. "There was unanimous vote that Sidney Rigdon be disfellowshiped, and his license demanded." At the stand, on Sunday, 20th, Sidney Rigdon read a copy of a letter, to show the people that he was not guilty of treachery. On Sunday morning, 27th at the stand, Joseph said: "Two weeks ago today, something was said about Elder Sidney Rigdon, and a vote was taken to disfellowship him, and to demand his license on account of a report brought by Elder Hyde from Quincy." He then read a letter from Thomas Carlin to Sidney Rigdon in answer to one from him. The nature of Carlin's letter was to shield Sidney from imputations of unfaithfulness to Joseph, who then said, "The letter is one of the most evasive things, and carries with it a design to hide the truth." At conference, October 7, "Elder Sidney Rigdon addressed the conference on the subject of his situation and circumstances among the Saints. President Joseph Smith addressed the conference, inviting an expression of any charges or complaints which the conference had to make. He stated his dissatisfaction with Elder Sidney Rigdon as a counselor, not having received any material benefit from his labors or counsels since their escape from Missouri. Several complaints were then brought forward in reference to his management in the post office; a supposed correspondence and connection with John C. Bennett, with ex-Governor Carlin, and with the Missourians, of a treacherous character; also his leaguing with dishonest persons in endeavoring to defraud the innocent. President Joseph Smith related to the conference the detention of documents from Justin Butterfield, Esq., which were designed for the benefit of himself (President Smith), but were not handed over for some three or four weeks, greatly to his disadvantage; also, an indirect testimony from Missouri, through the mother of Orin P. Rockwell, that said Rigdon and others had given information, by letter, of President Smith's visit to Dixon, advising them to proceed to that place and arrest him there. He stated that, in consequence of those and other circumstances, and his unprofitableness to him as a counselor, he did not wish to retain him in that station, unless those difficulties could be removed; but desired his salvation, and expressed his willingness that he should retain a place among the Saints. Elder Sidney Rigdon pleaded, concerning the document from Justin Butterfield, Esq., that he received it in answer to some inquiries which he had transmitted to him; that he received it at a time when he was sick, and unable to examine it; did not know that it was designed for the perusal and benefit of President Joseph Smith; that he had consequently, ordered it to be laid aside, where it remained until inquired for by Joseph Smith. He had never written to Missouri concerning the visit of Joseph Smith to Dixon, and knew of no other person having done so. That concerning certain rumors of belligerent operations under Governor Carlin's administration, he had related them, not to alarm or disturb any one; but that he had the rumors from good authorities, and supposed them well founded. That he had never received but one communication from John C. Bennett, and that of a business character, except one addressed to him conjointly with Elder Orson Pratt, which he handed over to President Smith. That he had never written any letters to John C. Bennett." The next day, Sunday, 8th, "Elder Rigdon resumed his plea of defense. He related the circumstances of his reception in the city of Quincy, after his escape from Missouri-the cause of his delay in not going to the city of Washington, on an express to which he had been appointed; and closed with a moving appeal to President Joseph Smith, concerning their former friendship, associations, and sufferings; and expressed his willingness to resign his place, though with sorrowful and indescribable feelings. During this address, the sympathies of the congregation were highly excited." Elder Almon W. Babbitt and President William Law spoke in defense of Sidney, Elder Babbitt stating that Esquire Johnson exonerated Elder Sidney Rigdon from the charges or suspicion of having had a treacherous correspondence with ex-Governor Carlin. President Joseph Smith explained the supposed treacherous correspondence with ex-Governor Carlin, and expressed entire lack of confidence in Sidney's integrity and steadfastness, judging from past intercourse. President Hyrum Smith advocated the exercise of mercy toward their fellows, and especially towards their aged companion and fellow servant in the cause of truth and righteousness, whereupon, on motion by William Marks, the conference voted that Elder Sidney Rigdon be permitted to retain his station as counselor to the First President. President Joseph Smith arose and said: "I have thrown him off my shoulders, and you have again put him on me; you may carry him, but I will not." |
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IMPROVEMENT ERA. [pp. 458-462]
THE LIFE AND LABORS OF SIDNEY RIGDON.
January 30, 1844, a Millerite preached in the Assembly Room to a full house, and Elder Rigdon replied to him. Sidney Rigdon, postmaster, published a lengthy appeal to the Legislature of the State of Pennsylvania, setting forth the grievances he had suffered through the persecution against The Church by the State of Missouri, concluding as follows: "Under all these circumstances, your memorialist prays to be heard by your honorable body touching all the matters of his memorial. And as a memorial will be presented to Congress this session for redress of our grievances, he prays your honorable body will instruct the whole delegation of Pennsylvania, in both houses, to use all their influence in the national councils to have redress granted." On February 6, Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney and the twelve apostles, and their wives, had supper and a pleasant time at Elder John Taylor's. Joseph, Hyrum and Sidney met with the twelve apostles in the Assembly Room on the 23rd, concerning the contemplated Oregon and California Exploring Expedition. Joseph said: "I told them I wanted an exploration of all that mountain country. Perhaps it would be best to go direct to Santa Fe. Send twenty-five men: let them preach the Gospel wherever they go. Let that man go that can raise $500, a good horse and mule, a double-barrel gun, one barrel rifle, and the other smooth bore, a saddle and bridle, a pair of revolving pistols, bowie knife and a good sabre. Appoint a leader, and let him beat up for volunteers. I want every man that goes to be a king and a priest. When he gets on the mountains, he may want to talk with his God; when with the savage nations, have power to govern, etc. If we don't get volunteers, wait till after the election." A number of brethren volunteered to go. On the evening of Sunday, 25th, at a prayer meeting in the Assembly Room, Joseph said, evidently in reference to the same subject, "I gave some important instructions, and prophesied that within five years we should be out of the power of our old enemies, whether they were apostates or of the world, and told the brethren to record it, that when it comes to pass they need not say they had forgotten the saying." Sidney Rigdon met Joseph and several other brethren in council in the Assembly Room, March 19. On Sunday, 24, Sidney addressed the meeting at the stand. Elder Rigdon attended conference, April 6, and addressed the audience, morning and afternoon. In commencing, he said: "It is with no ordinary degree of satisfaction. I enjoy this privilege this morning. Want of health and other circumstances have kept me in silence for nearly the last five years. It can hardly be expected that when the violence of sickness has used its influence, and the seeds of disease have so long preyed upon me, that I can rise before this congregation, only in weakness. I am now come forth from a bed of sickness, and have enough of strength left to appear here for the first time in my true character. I have not come before a conference for the last five years in my true character. I shall consider this important privilege sacred in my family history during life." He continued relating incidents connected with the history of The Church, testifying to its being the work of God, and he (Sidney) had gazed in visions on the glory of God in days gone by. He also addressed the conference on Sunday, 7th, and on the 8th. A meeting was held at the stand, on the 27th, to give instructions to the elders going out electioneering. President Rigdon and William Smith addressed the meeting. On the 8th of May, in the case of Francis M. Higbee vs. Joseph Smith, before the municipal court of Nauvoo, on writ of habeas corpus, Sidney Rigdon was one of the counsel for Smith and was also one of the witnesses. Joseph and Sidney attended a prayer meeting on the 11th. At a state convention in the Assembly Hall, on the 17th, Sidney Rigdon addressed the meeting. It was voted that General Joseph Smith be the choice of the convention for President of the United States, and Sidney Rigdon, Esq., for Vice-President. Writs were expected from Carthage, on the 25th, for the arrest of Joseph Smith, on two indictments, one charging false swearing, on the testimony of Joseph H. Jackson and Robert D. Foster, and the other charging "polygamy or something else," on the testimony of William Law. Francis M. Higbee had sworn so hard that Joseph had received stolen property, that Higbee's testimony was rejected. After a long talk with Edward Hunter, Hyrum Smith, Dr. W. Richards, William Marks, Almon W. Babbitt, Shadrach Roundy, Edward Bonney and others, Joseph concluded not to keep out of the way of the officers any longer. The same day, Sidney Rigdon resigned the office of Postmaster of Nauvoo, and recommended Joseph Smith as his successor. On the 14th of June, Sidney Rigdon wrote to Governor Ford on the situation in Nauvoo and adjacent places, relating the Nauvoo Expositor matters and suggesting the dispersing of all uncalled for assemblies, and letting the laws have their regular course. Sidney concluded thus: "I send this to your excellency as confidential, as I wish not to take any part in the affair, or be known in it." Joseph Smith was arrested, June 25, by Constable David Bettisworth, on a charge of treason against the State of Illinois, on a writ granted the day before, upon the oath of Augustine Spencer. Hyrum was arrested the same day, on a similar charge, on a writ granted on the 24th, on the affidavit of Henry O. Norton. The two prisoners were taken to Carthage jail. On the 26th, Joseph said: "Poor Rigdon, I am glad he is gone to Pittsburg, out of the way; were he to preside, he would lead the Church to destruction in less than five years." It might have been said before, that when they were in Ohio, returning to Kirtland from a mission to Canada, in 1837, Joseph carried Sidney, who was sick, weak and scared, upon his (Joseph's) back and waded in the night through a swampy cross-country, and they thus escaped from mobocratic enemies, who were waiting in the regular road to seize them. Joseph and Hyrum were shot and murdered in Carthage Jail by the mob, on the evening of the 27th. "Murder most foul, as at the best it is." But this in spite of honor's sacred pledge of safety, given by the governor. An everlasting blot on Illinois' escutcheon. Willard Richards and John Taylor were with them in jail when the crime was committed. Brother Taylor was shot and severely wounded by the mob, at the same time. Upon that fatal day, of the twelve, Brigham Young, Orson Hyde, and Wilford Woodruff were in Boston; Heber C. Kimball and Lyman Wight were in Philadelphia and New York; P. P. Pratt was on a canal boat between Utica and Buffalo, N. Y.; George A. Smith was in Jackson Co., Michigan, and Amasa Lyman was in Cincinnati. On hearing the sad news, they started for Nauvoo. President Sidney Rigdom arrived at Nauvoo from Pittsburg, August 3. Elders P. P. Pratt, W. Richards and Geo. A. Smith invited him to meet in council on the morning of the 4th, which he agreed to. On Sunday, 4th, Elders Pratt, Richards and Smith, met in council and waited an hour for Elder Rigdon, who excused himself afterwards by saying he was engaged with a lawyer. At 10 a. m., at the meeting at the stand, "Elder Rigdon preached from the words: 'For my thoughts are not as your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.' He related a vision which he said the Lord had shown him concerning the situation of The Church, and said there must be a guardian appointed to build The Church up to Joseph, as he had begun it. "He said he was the identical man that the ancient prophets had sung about, wrote and rejoiced over, and that he was sent to do the identical work that had been the theme of all the prophets in every preceding generation. He said that the Lord's ways were not as our ways, for the Lord said He would 'Hiss for the fly from the uttermost parts of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria,' and thereby destroy his enemies; that the time was near at hand when he would see one hundred tons of metal per second thrown at the enemies of God, and that the blood would be to the horses' bridles; and that he expected to walk into the palace of Queen Victoria and lead her out by the nose, when no one would have the power to say, 'Why do ye so?' and, if it were not for two or three things which he knew, this people would be utterly destroyed, and not a soul left to tell the tale." His talking in this strain showed that his mind was failing. "Elder P. P. Pratt in referring to the remarks of Brother Rigdon, on a subsequent occasion, said, 'I am the identical man the prophets never sang nor wrote a word about."' In the afternoon, "Elder William Marks, president of the Stake, gave public notice (at the request of Elder Rigdon) that there would be a special meeting of The Church at the stand, on Thursday, the 8th instant, for the purpose of choosing a guardian (president and trustees). "Dr. Richards proposed waiting till the twelve apostles returned, and told the Saints to ask wisdom of God. "Elder Grover proposed waiting to examine the revelation. "Elder Marks said President Rigdon wanted the meeting on Tuesday, but he put it off till Thursday; that Elder Rigdon was some distance from his family, and wanted to know if this people had anything for him to do: if not, he wanted to go on his way, for there was a people numbering thousands and tens of thousands who would receive him; that he wanted to visit other branches around, but he had come here first. "Elder Rich called upon William Clayton, and said he was dissatisfied with the hurried movement of Elder Rigdon. He considered, inasmuch as the twelve had been sent for and were soon expected home, the notice for meeting was premature, and it seemed to him a plot laid to take advantage of the situation of the Saints." |
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IMPROVEMENT ERA. [pp. 487-492]
THE LIFE AND LABORS OF SIDNEY RIGDON.
"They accordingly met in council, and when Elder Rigdon came in, he paced the room and said, 'Gentlemen, you're used up; gentlemen, you are all divided; the anti-Mormons have got you; the brethren are voting every way, some for James, some for Deming, some for Coulson, and some for Bedell; the anti-Mormons have got you; you cannot stay in the country; everything is in confusion; you can do nothing; you lack a great leader; you want a head, and unless you unite upon that head you are blown to the four winds; the anti-Mormons will carry the election -- a guardian must be appointed.' "Elder George A. Smith said, 'Brethren, Elder Rigdon is entirely mistaken, there is no division; the brethren are united; the election will be unanimous, and the friends of law and order will be elected by a thousand majority. There is no occasion to be alarmed, President Rigdon is inspiring fears there are no grounds for.' "Elder Rigdon said he did not expect the people to choose a guardian on Thursday, but to have a prayer meeting and interchange of thought and feeling, and warm up each other's hearts." Several of the Twelve having arrived at Nauvoo, there was a meeting of the Twelve Apostles, the High Council, and the High Priests at the Seventies' Hall, on the 7th, at 4 p. m. President Brigham Young called upon President Rigdon to make a statement to the Church concerning his message to the Saints, and the vision and revelation he had received. President Rigdon said: The object of my mission is to visit the Saints and offer myself to them as a guardian. I had a vision at Pittsburg, June 27th. This was presented to my mind not as an open vision, but rather a continuation of the vision mentioned in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. It was shown to me that this Church must be built up to Joseph, and that all the blessings we receive must come through him. I have been ordained a spokesman to Joseph, and I must come to Nauvoo and see that the Church is governed in a proper manner. Joseph sustains the same relationship to this Church as he has always done. No man can be the successor of Joseph. The kingdom is to be bui |