Violence in Early Mormonism - Was It All Unjust Persecution?

MRM ^ | Bill McKeever

[Gamecock]

Members of the LDS Church often make a big issue of the fact that their ancestors faced terrible persecutions during the early years of the LDS movement. To most people, Missourian sites like Independence, Liberty, Far West, and Caldwell County mean very little. Yet to the faithful Latter-day Saint, these places carry a great amount of significance.

It is true that the Mormons were driven from several states before finally arriving in what is known today as the state of Utah, and this violence can never be condoned. However, with all of the talk of the persecution early Mormons faced, there is rarely any discussion as to the role played by the Mormons in those early years. To be sure, the average Mormon has no idea that both sides had their share of abuses in human rights. To many Latter-day Saints, their forebears were simply innocent victims.

It would be wrong to say that the Mormons were treated badly simply because they had theological disagreements with their new neighbors. In his book The Mormon Hierarchy - Origins of Power, former LDS historian D. Michael Quinn wrote,

"Fear of being overwhelmed politically, socially, culturally, economically by Mormon immigration was what fueled anti-Mormonism wherever the Latter-day Saints settled during Joseph Smith's lifetime. Religious belief, as non-Mormons understood it, had little to do with anti-Mormonism. On the other hand, by the mid-1830s Mormons embraced a religion that shaped their politics, economics and society. Conflict was inevitable" (p.91).

On page 82 of the book, The Story of the Latter-day Saints, LDS historians James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard wrote, "Impressed by the Mormon image of group solidarity, some old settlers expressed fears that as a group the Mormons were determined to take over all of their lands and business."

In his book, The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, historian Stephen C. LeSueur notes that "non-Mormon land speculators could not hope to compete with the Mormons, who were purchasing large tracts of land with Church funds," and that the huge immigration of Mormons to the area also "threatened to displace older towns as the political and commercial centers for their counties" (p.3).

Arrogance on the part of the Mormon settlers certainly did not help the situation. As Allen and Leonard write,

"The Saints themselves may not have been totally without blame in the matter. The feelings of the Missourians, even though misplaced, were undoubtedly intensified by the rhetoric of the gathering itself. They were quick to listen to the boasting of a few overzealous Saints who too-loudly declared a divine right to the land. As enthusiastic millennialists, they proclaimed that the time of the gentiles was short, and they were perhaps too quick to quote the revelation that said that 'the Lord willeth that the disciples and the children of men should open their hearts, even to purchase this whole region of country, as soon as time will permit" (The Story of the Latter-day Saints, p. 83).

Smith's leadership didn't help ease the tension. For instance, when First Counselor Sidney Rigdon gave a fiery "Fourth of July Oration" (1838) that threatened the state of Missouri with what he called a "war of extermination," Smith made this speech into a pamphlet. Also adding to the Missourians distress were the rumors of Mormon "Danites," a secret band of Mormon hit men known to intimidate non-Mormon "Gentiles" and LDS dissenters.

The acts of violence brought against the Mormon settlers and the fact that the Mormons felt they would not receive proper redress compelled them to retaliate. Writes LeSueur,

"Although Mormon military action was generally initiated in response to reports of violence, the Mormons tended to overreact and in some instances retaliated against innocent citizens. Their perception of themselves as the chosen people, their absolute confidence in their leaders, and their determination not to be driven out led Mormon soldiers to commit numerous crimes. The Mormons had many friends among the Missourians, but their military operations undercut their support in the non-Mormon community" (The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, p.4).

LeSueur believes much of the blame for the "plundering and burning committed by Mormon soldiers in Daviess County" can be laid at the feet of Joseph Smith himself.

I have heard Latter-day Saints justify these actions by saying the frustrations experienced by the Saints would seem to warrant retaliation. While I may sympathize with their desire to "respond in kind," we must keep in mind that in doing so the moral high ground is lost. Once you lower yourself to the level of your enemy, you can no longer claim to be guiltless in the situation. This, unfortunately, is what many Mormons do.

Attempts to get along in Missouri proved fruitless. Both sides blamed the other, and each claimed to be the defender rather than the aggressor. The violence came to a head in late 1838 when a group of Missouri militia, led by Captain Samuel Bogart, moved through Ray County disarming Mormon settlers and ordering them to leave. Reports circulated among the Mormons that Bogart's men had burned and plundered several Mormon homes in their two-day march. Though there is no evidence to support this claim, LeSueur writes that it was readily believed by Mormon leaders (p.133).

On October 24, two Mormon spies were captured by Bogart's men and taken to their camp on Crooked River. In response, a band of over 50 Mormons, led by LDS Apostle David Patten, engaged in a firefight with Bogart's men. When the Mormons drew their swords and charged the camp, the militia fled, leaving one dead and another man wounded. Patten himself was mortally wounded in the battle. Two Mormon soldiers, coming upon the wounded and unconscious militiaman by the name of Samuel Tarwater, mercilessly mutilated the man's face with their swords and left him for dead.

When listing the atrocities brought against the LDS people in Missouri, the massacre at Haun's Mill always seems to come to the forefront. Speaking of the persecution faced by Mormons in the past, LDS Apostle Bruce R. McConkie wrote:

"We have staggered under the iron fist of persecution during our whole latter-day history, and we know that hatred and ill will and death will continue to be spewed out upon us until the coming end of the world. We have been driven and scourged and slain; the blood of our prophets stains Illinois; at Haun's Mill the innocent blood of the martyrs for truth cries unto the Lord of Hosts; and on frozen and desolate hills, across half a continent, lie the lonely graves of suffering saints who chose death in preference to the creeds of compulsion of a decadent Christendom" (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, pp. 656-657).

McConkie's dramatic rhetoric fails to take into account the fact that the Haun's Mill massacre took place just one week after the battle of Crooked River. Quinn writes:

"A generally unacknowledged dimension of both the extermination order and the Haun's Mill massacre, however, is that they resulted from Mormon actions in the Battle of Crooked River. Knowingly or not, Mormons had attacked state troops, and this had a cascade effect… upon receiving news of the injuries and death of state troops at Crooked River, Governor Boggs immediately drafted his extermination order on 27 October 1838 because the Mormons 'have made war upon the people of this state.' Worse, the killing of one Missourian and mutilation of another while he was defenseless at Crooked River led to the mad-dog revenge by Missourians in the slaughter at Haun's Mill" (Origins of Power, p.100).

The Mormons would eventually be forced to leave Missouri and settle in Nauvoo, Illinois. Controversy, however, would not disappear. When Smith became the target in a newspaper known as the Nauvoo Expositor, he ordered the destruction of the press. This action caused no small disturbance, and in order to insure order, Smith called out his standing army (The Nauvoo Legion) and placed the city under martial law. Illinois Governor Ford felt the only way the problem could be solved was by a trial to be held in Carthage, the county seat. Although Smith was in the process of fleeing to the west, he was persuaded by friends to turn himself in. A gripping tale of persecution and unjust imprisonment is told during the tour of the Carthage Jail. The guide tells how Joseph Smith claimed that he was going to Carthage as a "lamb to the slaughter" (D&C

135:4). However, such a description of Joseph Smith's final moments is hardly close to the truth, as John Taylor's account in volume seven of the Documentary History of the Church shows:

"Elder Cyrus H. Wheelock came in to see us, and when he was about leaving drew a small pistol, a six-shooter, from his pocket, remarking at the same time, Would any of you like to have this?' Brother Joseph immediately replied, `Yes, give it to me,' whereupon he took the pistol, and put it in his pantaloons pocket. The pistol was a six-shooting revolver, of Allen's patent; it belonged to me, and was one that I furnished to Brother Wheelock when he talked of going with me to the east, previous to our coming to Carthage…I was sitting at one of the front windows of the jail, when I saw a number of men, with painted faces, coming around the corner of the jail, and aiming towards the stairs. The other brethren had seen the same, for, as I went to the door, I found Brother Hyrum Smith and Dr. Richards already leaning against it, They both pressed against the door with their shoulders to prevent its being opened, as the lock and latch were comparatively useless. While in this position, the mob, who had come upstairs, and tried to open the door, probably thought it was locked, and fired a ball through the keyhole; at this Dr. Richards and Brother Hyrum leaped back from the door, with their faces towards it; almost instantly another ball passed through the panel of the door, and struck Brother Hyrum on the left side of the nose, entering his face and head. At the same instant, another ball from the outside entered his back, passing through his body and striking his watch. The ball came from the back, through the jail window, opposite the door, and must, from its range, have been fired from the Carthage Greys, who were placed there ostensibly for our protection, as the balls from the firearms, shot close by the jail, would have entered the ceiling, we being in the second story, and there never was a time after that when Hyrum could have received the latter wound. Immediately, when the ball struck him, he fell flat on his back, crying as he fell, `I am a dead man!' He never moved afterwards. I shall never forget the deep feeling of sympathy and regard manifested in the countenance of Brother Joseph as he drew nigh to Hyrum, and, leaning over him, exclaimed, `Oh! my poor, dear brother Hyrum!' He, however, instantly arose, and with a firm, quick step, and a determined expression of countenance, approached the door, and pulling the six-shooter left by Brother Wheelock from his pocket, opened the door slightly, and snapped the pistol six successive times; only three of the barrels, however, were discharged. I afterwards understood that two or three were wounded by these discharges, two of whom, I am informed, died, I had in my hands a large, strong hickory stick, brought there by Brother Markham, and left by him, which I had seized as soon as I saw the mob approach; and while Brother Joseph was firing the pistol, I stood close behind him" (pp. 101-103).

Having taken this tour twice (once in 1980 and another in 1998), I noticed that both times the mention of the smuggled gun was left out. In fact, when the subject of the gun was brought up in the 1998 tour by a Christian in the crowd, we were told that it was not smuggled (it was "brought in") and that the shootout was not a "gun battle." This is an incredible game of semantics. The fact that Smith did try to defend himself disqualifies him from being described in the same manner as our Lord during His arrest, trial, and death (Acts 8:32).

After Smith's demise, things would be quiet for a time. Eventually, however, troubles between the Mormons and their Gentile neighbors would resurface. With little hope to see things resolved, plans were being made by the LDS leadership to leave Illinois. On August 23, 1845, a strategy was approved for an expedition beyond the Rocky Mountains. The first company, composed of 143 men, 3 women, and 2 children, would leave in mid-April. Three and a half months later they would arrive in the Salt Lake Valley.

Even with my strong views regarding the errors of the Mormon faith, I will be the first to denounce religious persecution, as it is properly defined, against any people, Mormons included. I say properly defined because many Mormons feel that any verbal disagreement with their faith is a type of persecution. However, it gets a little tiring to hear of Mormons constantly pointing to their 19^th Century persecutions as if this is some sort of sign of God's divine approval on the LDS Church. If violence against a certain faith were the only way to determine truth, then certainly the Mormons themselves would have to recognize that our Christian faith was just as viable as theirs. Can a Mormon, off the top of his head, recall when the last Mormon was killed just because he was a Mormon? Certainly we have heard of Mormons being tragically killed while serving missions, but these cases involve circumstances other than true martyrdom (robberies, car accidents, being mistaken for CIA agents, etc). On the other hand, it is not uncommon to hear of Christians around the world who are being killed because they refuse to denounce their belief that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. While martyrdom seems to be a thing of the past for the Mormons, it is a common occurrence among those who have placed their total trust in the Jesus of the Bible.

[Old Mountain man]

I remember it vaguely but I don’t remember the publication. Remember the things that any homicide cop will tell you: if the murder isn’t about sex, follow the money.

[TheThirdRuffian]

“Sorry, but I don’t know what you are talking about. . . joined in 1994”

Me, I would strive to know about the theology and teachings of a place that claims to be the “true church” to see if maybe, just maybe, its teaching were theologically consistent -— or perhaps just change with the wind.

Here is a link to the pre-1981 ritual:

http://nowscape.com/mormon/mormcr1.htm#part_10

[ejonesie22]

Joseph Smith had a private militia, a private army for his city in Illinois, many of whom were former members of “Danites” vigilante group. The state did give Smith broad powers in creating Nauvoo, including the right to form a group of soldiers. I find it odd that he felt the need to do so. I am very curious why a prophet needs an army.

Also it did not take Illinois long to regret the decision and this "Militia" became “extra-legal” for the remainder of it's existence. It was never formally a “sanctioned” part of the Illinois militia organization, though they did finally make up the Utah National Guard in 1894 after much federal pressure.

[SkyPilot]

Oh, Lordy, he mentioned the SkyPilot. Oh, I’m so afraid.

I thought you didn't want me to post to you anymore?

So I didn't.

But since you did, how about we talk - in a civil manner.

Concerning this particular thread, I found the arguments that Joeseph Smith was not a "martry" at all to be with foundation - simply because Smith was in jail for offenses which would be considered criminal even today....to wit:

- Threats and Assault {Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with another when the person knows or should reasonably believe that the other will regard the contact as offensive or provocative}

- Destruction of Private Property {Willful injury to private building and or property. Damage to materials of construction project. Arson. Trespass, generally, and other offenses.}

- Felonious Sexual Assault {Engages in sexual penetration with a person, other than his legal spouse, who is 13 years of age or older and under 16 years of age where the age difference between the actor and the other person is 3 years or more}**

**Joseph Smith's youngest sexual assault victim was 14 years old. Her name was HELEN MAR KIMBALL

______________________________________________________________________

You won't find Jesus Christ's history in such a terrible shambles and horrific mess such as this. He was a true martyr - and He paid for all of our sins with His blood.

The biggest problem with Joseph Smith Old Mountain man was his pursuit of women. His adulterous lust led to his downfall.

Our Sunday's sermon was about the attitude we should have as Christian believers. Paul was literally in chains in Phillipi. Yet, he rejoiced in that, because he knew he was preaching to the Pretorian Guard (the elite to Caesar) who were chained to him to guard him. He took joy in the fact that the cause of Christ was being spread in the open.

12Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. 13As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard[a] and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly. 15It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.[b] 18But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, 19for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.[c] 20I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1: 12-20

I admire Paul's attitude towards the cause of Jesus Christ. He wanted to either live or die to spread the good news of Christ to the lost.

Joseph Smith wanted to suppress the publication of his sins and crimes in a newspaper, and he murdered people before he was himself killed before he could kill any more.

That is quite a difference.

One last thing - the Masonic details and their use in Mormonism should trouble you greatly.

If you have any questions about them, Freeper Zakeet can send you information.

Source.

Thanks.

[MHGinTN]

Oh my, that ‘star’ on the right is most telling. They honor Baphomet and don’t even care! I guess, since they claim The Holy Spirit is their spirit brother, satanic symbols are more acceptable.

[SkyPilot]

That is from the Nauvoo Temple.

It is the Inverted Pentagram.

Used in witchcraft and occult rituals to conjure up evil spirits. Satanists use it 2 points up and pagans use it one point up.

I am sure the ridicule is about to come, but that does not negate the facts here. The FBI recognizes this symbol when investigating Satanic cults and crimes.

Now....what is it doing on the Nauvoo Temple?

[ejonesie22]

Using facts...

What a low blow...

[Graybeard58]

What was that that R.R. said? “Everybody is entitled to their own facts but not their own opinion”

No, that wasn’t it. Something along those lines somewhere.

[P-Marlowe]

That is from the Nauvoo Temple. It is the Inverted Pentagram. Now....what is it doing on the Nauvoo Temple?

Obviously it is one of their "Sacred" Secrets. My guess is that it is representative of the Angel who visited Joseph Smith and brought him the golden plates.

For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV)

[ejonesie22]

Yeah, but some how it fits in this case....

[Graybeard58]

Some facts are easier to deal with than others. I have never been a Mormon but if I were, I’d be hard pressed to deal with facts presented on these threads, many of which are from Mormon sources.

I feel sorry for the Mormons here, it must be terribly difficult to cling to long held beliefs when shown absolute and incontrovertible truth to the contrary, from their own sources, yet I don’t understand a mind set that will cling to a lie, no matter what.

[ejonesie22]

Well made up facts are considered fiction by most.

And yes, in away I am sympathetic, especially to those who are doing things by rote, and not grasping at all the facts presented due to their ingrained blindness and life long indoctrination. It is sadly obvious that much of it is a scam, albeit a well played one.

Then there are those who benefit, more than likely finically, who actively try and confuse whilst selling the product. No sympathy there...

[Old Mountain man]

Well, let’s see, it’s been a long time since I looked it up, but the rash of accusations you make against the Prophet Joseph Smith are not contained in any official record. It seems that the governor slapped him in jail for Treason. Interesting charge.

I find that the method of trial was quite interesting also, something only a protestant could love. Trial by lynch mob. Wow, that gives real validity to the courage of the mob, doesn’t it?

You make much about whether or not Joseph fired on the mob or not. What difference does that make? Since when does a lynch mob deserve preservation from defensive measures of the intended victim?

Is lynching the preferred method of handling problems in your church? It is NOT in mine.

[Old Mountain man]

I do not go to anti-mormon sites. Would you like me to post some anti protestant stuff? Will that make you feel better?

[SkyPilot]

Well, let’s see, it’s been a long time since I looked it up, but the rash of accusations you make against the Prophet Joseph Smith are not contained in any official record.

Well, let's see. What 'official record' are you referring to?

Your church record, or what I can post from history?

It seems that the governor slapped him in jail for Treason. Interesting charge.

Well, if we really want to deal with historical facts, then we have to deal with historical facts. Those other charges that I told you Smith would be charge of even today (including screwing a 14 year old little girl) were true, but you know those were not the total of his crimes. What led to his shoot out where he killed men and he himself was subsequently shot were charges such as these:

Charge 1:

INCITING A RIOT: Smith was imprisoned in Carthage, Illinois, and charged with inciting a riot after he attempted to destroy a newspaper that exposed the Mormon's practice of polygamy.

You mentioned he was charged with Treason, which is true. You neglected the second charge: Charge 2:

Despite Joseph's surrender, he was charged with treason for appearing in Missouri in command of an armed force, and was also charged with plotting the murder of a Missouri gentile killed in a skirmish with Mormons.

Murder?

Murder.....

Strange how you left that historical fact our Old Mountain man? Murder.

I find that the method of trial was quite interesting also, something only a protestant could love. Trial by lynch mob. Wow, that gives real validity to the courage of the mob, doesn’t it?

Mormon Fairy Tales do not equal Reality.

Joseph Smith was in jail for a reason. He was also an adulterous man who sexually abused a girl who was 14 years old.

Her name was Helen Mar Kimball.

Helen Mar Kimball

She was just a little girl.

Perhaps you could remember her in your prayers.

You make much about whether or not Joseph fired on the mob or not. What difference does that make? Since when does a lynch mob deserve preservation from defensive measures of the intended victim?

Well, let's see. JS wasn't a "victim." He was a criminal and a fugitive.

The same as a sexual predator who was recently arrested here in New Jersey for sodomizing a 14 year old girl.

Perhaps he should claim he was a "Prophet" to the judge?

Is lynching the preferred method of handling problems in your church? It is NOT in mine.

No, we prefer prayer.

[Godzilla]

Now....what is it doing on the Nauvoo Temple?

One of the most important predictions regarding the Book of Mormon is that found in the 29th chapter of Isaiah. The prophet here speaks of a people who should be like Ariel, the city where David dwelt. They should have heaviness and sorrow and should be brought down to speak out of the ground, and their speech was to be low out of the dust, and their voice was to be as of one that had a familiar spirit. (Joseph Fielding Smith Jr., Doctrines of Salvation, Vol.3, p.213)

There are 15 Old Testament references to "familiar spirits," and every one of them refer to mediums in witchcraft, including Is. 29:4 (Lev. 20:6; Duet. 18:10-12). If the LDS believe the B. of M. has a "familiar spirit," they are identifying it with witchcraft!

[MHGinTN]

Well, that settles it. Time to get the popcorn popper fired up ... nothing twists satan’s tail like exposing him. [Wonder if I can find a nice bottle of Ruby Port to have a sip with my popcorn?]

[Godzilla]

Well, that settles it. Time to get the popcorn popper fired up ... nothing twists satan’s tail like exposing him.

[SkyPilot]

I don't see many (or any so far) LDS showing up here definding the Inverted Pentagram being on their Temple.

I wonder why that is?

[Old Mountain man]

If lynch mobs are not your preferred method of handling problems, why the hell do you support this one with such force? As you well know, Joseph was never convicted of any crime. None. Zip. Nada.

Lynch mob of protestants killed him, his brother, etc. Not the other way around.