Zion high council, Minutes, , Caldwell Co., MO, 24 Mar. 1838. Featured version copied [between 1 Oct. 1842 and 14 Sept. 1843] in Minute Book 2, pp. 110–114; handwriting of ; CHL. For more complete source information, see the source note for Minute Book 2.
Historical Introduction
On 24 March 1838, the in , Missouri, met twice to conduct business. First, the council convened to address a charge that leveled against for “unchristian-like conduct, in speaking reproachfully of youngsters.” Newberry was a twenty-year-old student at the school where Murdock served as schoolmaster. Murdock was also a member of the high council. The dispute arose after Murdock accused his students of misbehaving, and Newberry disapproved of how Murdock had dealt with him. The aggrieved parties met with a council of , and one witness later explained in the high council meeting that Newberry and Murdock had aired their grievances and come to a resolution. However, Newberry apparently remained upset and appealed his case to the high council. Because Murdock was the defendant, his council duties were fulfilled by a substitute. The council deemed this a “difficult case” and followed established procedures to appoint six counselors for the case—three counselors to represent Newberry and three to represent Murdock. After hearing testimony from several witnesses, the high council decided that Newberry had mistreated Murdock and that Murdock was not at fault. After a one-hour adjournment, the high council reconvened and decided that counselors who could not attend meetings would resign their seats to those who could attend. As the clerk for the meeting, kept the minutes, which were later copied into Minute Book 2 by .
the young man was accused of attempting to to hug the girl & she saw wink and smile when the girl went to get water, which she did not like.
Elizabeth Legg testifies that she attended the school & she did not hear twit the boys of going home with the girls, also, she saw the boys shake their fists at when his back was turned, viz: and Joseph Outhouse.
testifies that he was pleased with the conduct of the young men while before him on account of their steadiness.
testifies that he did not have any hand in writing or composing the verses spoken of in Orlando Herrick’s testimony.
The Councellors made a few very appropriate remarks, all of whom thought the charge was not sustained, but rather the accuser was in the fault
Decided that the charge was not sustained, but Br was in the fault in treating as he did.
The question was then put to the if they concur[r]ed with the decision if so to manifest it by saying aye. which was done unanimous.
Council adjourned one hour to meet at the s office
Clk.
6 o’clock P.M. The council met pursuant to adjournment & was organized as follows;