Account with the Camp of Israel, circa 11–29 August 1834
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Source Note
Account with the Camp of Israel, [, Geauga Co., OH], [ca. 11–29 Aug. 1834]; handwriting of ; one page; JS Collection, CHL. Includes dockets.This account was written on a single leaf ruled both vertically and horizontally and measuring 15½ × 12½ inches (39 × 32 cm). The original leaf was likely folded down the middle, and it eventually separated into two leaves. Adhesive cellophane tape residue indicates an attempt to rejoin them as a single leaf. Debits are displayed on the left leaf and credits on the right leaf. The adjoined leaves were folded together, with the text facing the inside; they were then folded twice widthwise into thirds; a final half-fold resulted in a document measuring approximately 7¾ × 2½ inches (20 × 6 cm). Two dockets were written on the exposed exterior of the right leaf. The first docket, inscribed in black ink in the handwriting of , reads: “May 3, 1834 | Joseph Smith’s account with ”. The second docket, in now-faded red ink in the handwriting of Robert L. Campbell, reads: “May— 1834 | Jos. Smith’s account with | Zion’s Camp”. It is presumed that these pages were originally contained in a large ledger book.In August 1834, apparently submitted the account to the , Ohio, . It is listed in the first Historian’s Office inventory, suggesting continuous institutional custody.
Footnotes
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Historical Introduction
Sometime in August 1834, created this record showing JS’s personal contributions to the . Hyde created the list at least partly because accused JS of committing financial improprieties while JS led the camp in spring and summer 1834. The record, made in connection with another account with the , showed JS’s personal transactions involving the camp along with his contributions to the Camp of Israel. This record provides a line-by-line accounting of JS’s contributions, as well as the cash and property he had remaining when he returned to in July 1834. It indicates that JS contributed $1,068.44 to the expedition in cash—obtained from , sales of the Book of Mormon, and subscriptions to The Evening and the Morning Star—and in other property, such as horses, a watch, and the use of harnesses and wagons. At the time JS began his return trek to Ohio, he had $424.16 in cash and property remaining, making a net contribution to the camp of $644.28. Hyde listed the $644.28 on the Church of Christ account in two separate entries: the first, for $582.44, was listed as the “amt of cash paid into the general fund,” while the second, for $61.84, was designated as “ware and tare of waggons, harnesses &c. it being also a balance of an a/c with the camp of Israel.”It is not clear why created an account for JS that was separate from the general Camp of Israel account, but there are a few possible explanations. It may be that although JS’s contributions were considered as “paid into the general fund,” he did not physically combine the funds mentioned in this account with the rest of the general fund, but instead retained them in his possession. Alternatively, a detailed account of JS’s contributions may have been warranted because his donations consisted of both cash and material goods. JS may also have had the second account kept because he intended to be reimbursed for his contributions, possibly because the resources he donated came at least partly out of his personal property. The net amount of JS’s contribution appears on the Church of Christ account as a balance owed to him by the church, suggesting that the amount was intended to be credited or repaid to JS. This would explain why JS’s contributions are not included on the Church of Christ account as part of the “consrecrated moneys” in the general fund.JS’s account does not provide complete explanations of all of the transactions detailed thereon. For example, the credit side of the account shows JS contributing over $450 in material property, but the debit side shows that the property in his possession at the time he departed for totaled only $206. Aside from the $61.84 credited to JS for “ware and tare of waggons, harnesses &c.,” he appears to have no other non-cash credit. It is not clear how the non-cash balance was made up, but the $218 JS had in cash upon his return journey (shown on the debit side of the account) may have been seen as payment for those non-cash donations. It is also unclear why the debit side of the account begins only with JS’s return journey to , Ohio. It is possible that his expenses up to that time were covered by the Camp of Israel’s general fund and that he used his own personal money only on the return trip.created this double-entry account on loose-leaf ledger paper. He likely presented it to the high council on 29 August 1834 at the same time that he presented the Church of Christ account. The minutes for that meeting, however, are not clear as to whether this account was submitted. It is also unclear if JS was actually reimbursed for the $644.28.
Footnotes
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For more information about the creation of these accounts and possible dates of creation, see Historical Introduction to Account with the Church of Christ, ca. 11–29 Aug. 1834.
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A group of approximately 205 men and about 20 women and children led by JS to Missouri, May–July 1834, to redeem Zion by helping the Saints who had been driven from Jackson County, Missouri, regain their lands; later referred to as “Zion’s Camp.” A 24 February...
View GlossaryDr. An abbreviation for “debit.” | Crt. An abbreviation for “credit.” | ||||
1834. | 1834 . | ||||
July | To this am’t. of cash in his possession at the time he left Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More InfoLocated ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info | {132.00 The account does not show the origin of this $132. It may have been taken from the general fund. | May 3. | By this am’t. of cash paid into the general fund rec’d of 18 May 1783–10 July 1875. Farmer. Born at Easton, Albany Co., New York. Son of Nathan Harris and Rhoda Lapham. Moved with parents to area of Swift’s landing (later in Palmyra), Ontario Co., New York, 1793. Married first his first cousin Lucy Harris, 27 Mar... View Full BioArea first settled by Swedish immigrants, 1628. William Penn received grant for territory from King Charles II, 1681, and established British settlement, 1682. Philadelphia was center of government for original thirteen U.S. colonies from time of Revolutionary... More InfoIt is not clear when Harris collected this money. He was in Kirtland in February 1834 and was a member of the Camp of Israel, which departed Kirtland in May. Harris also donated forty-seven dollars of his own money to the camp. (Minutes, 12 Feb. 1834; George A. Smith, Autobiography, 34; Account with the Church of Christ, ca. 11–29 Aug. 1834.) Smith, George A. Autobiography, ca. 1860–1882. George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322, box 1, fd. 2. | {203.00 |
" | To cash rec’d of 9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ... View Full BioArea acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info | 10.00 | " " | By this am’t paid into the general fund rec’d of 18 May 1783–10 July 1875. Farmer. Born at Easton, Albany Co., New York. Son of Nathan Harris and Rhoda Lapham. Moved with parents to area of Swift’s landing (later in Palmyra), Ontario Co., New York, 1793. Married first his first cousin Lucy Harris, 27 Mar... View Full Bio | {207.19 |
" | " " ditto of 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio | 6.00 | |||
" | " " do as his part of the remainder of the The dedicating of money, lands, goods, or one’s own life for sacred purposes. Both the New Testament and Book of Mormon referred to some groups having “all things common” economically; the Book of Mormon also referred to individuals who consecrated or dedicated... View GlossaryWhen the Camp of Israel disbanded, the $233.70 remaining in the general fund from contributions that members of the camp had made in May 1834 was divided equally among camp members, with each member receiving $1.16. (Account with the Church of Christ, ca. 11–29 Aug. 1834.) | {1.16 | " " | By this am’t. paid into the general fund rec’d of 3 Oct. 1806–3 Mar. 1850. Clerk, teacher, justice of the peace, lawyer, newspaper editor. Born at Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of William Cowdery and Rebecca Fuller. Raised Congregationalist. Moved to western New York and clerked at a store, ca. 1825–1828... View Full BioThe Evening and the Morning Star was the church-owned newspaper that was first published in Independence, Missouri. After the printing office there was destroyed, it was printed in Kirtland, Ohio. (Historical Introduction to Minutes, 11 Sept. 1833.) | {25.00 |
" | To 1 Eagle $10— 2 Sovereigns at $4.50— As detailed on the credit side of this ledger, this money may have been received from sales of the Book of Mormon. An eagle was a gold United States coin valued at $10 in 1828, while a sovereign was an English gold coin valued at $4.44 at that time. (“Eagle” and “Sovereign,” in American Dictionary.) An American Dictionary of the English Language: Intended to Exhibit, I. the Origin, Affinities and Primary Signification of English Words, as far as They Have Been Ascertained. . . . Edited by Noah Webster. New York: S. Converse, 1828. | 19.00 | " " | By this am’t. paid in as above received for Books of Mormon and other printed documents | {50.00 |
" | " Cash receivd of the An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving... View Glossary27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist... View Full BioArea acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More InfoEdward Partridge. This may have been the money borrowed from Partridge and listed on the credit side of this account. With the $132 in cash and the amounts received from Wight, Hyde, and Partridge, JS had $218.16 for the return journey. George A. Smith, who was in JS’s traveling party to Ohio, which departed on 9 July 1834, remembered JS purchasing provisions along the way. Smith also stated that when the group reached Little Louisville, Indiana, JS, Hyrum Smith, William Smith, and Frederick G. Williams took a stagecoach back to Kirtland, leaving George A. Smith “and the other boys who were left with his wagons eight dollars a piece” for their expenses. Presumably, the money left with the “boys,” as well as the funds needed for the stagecoach fare, came from the $218. (George A. Smith, Autobiography, 50–51, 57–58.) Smith, George A. Autobiography, ca. 1860–1882. George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322, box 1, fd. 2. | 50.00 | |||
" | " 2 Sets of Harness (worn and injured) @$20— | 40.00 | " " | By this am’t. paid in as above received for Books of Mormon sold on the road to Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info | {27.25 |
" | " 1 horse which was Bought at This may have been the large horse called Mark Antony that JS purchased on 12 June 1834. (George A. Smith, Autobiography, 31.) Smith, George A. Autobiography, ca. 1860–1882. George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322, box 1, fd. 2. | 60[.]00 | |||
" | " 1 Spavined horse (Booth horse) | 16[.]00 | " | By one Cream Colored Horse bought of 1778–4 May 1851. Farmer. Born in New York. Married Hannah Taylor of Vermont. Moved to Covington, Genesee Co., New York, by 1820. Lived at Bennington, Genesee Co., with family of five, 1830. Ordained an elder, 15 Feb. 1833. Lived at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio... View Full BioLocated in northeast region of U.S. Area settled by Dutch traders, 1620s; later governed by Britain, 1664–1776. Admitted to U.S. as state, 1788. Population in 1810 about 1,000,000; in 1820 about 1,400,000; in 1830 about 1,900,000; and in 1840 about 2,400,... More Info | {85.00 |
" | " 1 Gray mare sold for $45— . (Exchanged for on the road) | 45.00 | |||
" | " 1 3 Years old colt— (Exchanged for the chock hors) The “Gray mare” and colt may have been part of exchanges with Sylvester Smith and Zerubabbel Snow. (See Account with the Church of Christ, ca. 11–29 Aug. 1834.) | 45.00 | " " | By one gray mare bo’t. of the JS revelation, dated Jan. 1831, directed Latter-day Saints to migrate to Ohio, where they would “be endowed with power from on high.” In Dec. 1832, JS revelation directed Saints to “establish . . . an house of God.” JS revelation, dated 1 June 1833, chastened... More InfoThe chapel committee, or the committee to build the House of the Lord, was appointed in June 1833 to supervise the funding of the construction of the House of the Lord (which JS sometimes referred to as the chapel) in Kirtland, Ohio. The committee members were Reynolds Cahoon, Jared Carter, and Hyrum Smith. (Minutes, 6 June 1833; JS, Journal, 18 Oct. 1835.) | 75.00 |
To balance carried down to new a/c .— | 644[.]28 | " " | " one spavined horse bo’t. of W. Barker | 16.00 | |
" " | " one Set of Harness Bot. of Widmot of Located on Grand River twelve miles northeast of Kirtland. Created and settled, 1800. Originally named Champion. Flourished economically from harbor on Lake Erie and as major route of overland travel for western emigration. Included Painesville village; laid... More Info | 30.00 | |||
" " | " one " " do " " Curtis Hodges Curtis Hodges Sr. was a church member who had been disciplined in February 1834, in part for “hollowing so loud” at a prayer meeting “that the neighbours came out to see if some one was not hurt.” (Minutes, 19 Feb. 1834.) Located in northeastern Ohio. Bordered on north by Lake Erie. French fur trading post established, 1750. Area settled, 1797. Organized 1815. Originally called Charlton, by 1750; name changed to Chagrin, by 1815. Population in 1826 about 733. Chagrin village... More Info | 30.00 | |||
" " | " The use of two waggons hired of Hancock & Burgess. “Hanock & Burgess” may be Levi Hancock and Harrison Burgess, both of whom were members of the Camp of Israel. (Account with the Church of Christ, ca. 11–29 Aug. 1834.) | {25.00 | |||
" " | By the ware and use of one pleasure waggon in the journey | 20.00 | |||
" " | " one Silver Watch turned into the fund sold for $20— | 20.00 | |||
June 8 | " one horse Bo’t. at | 50.00 | |||
July 5 | " one do do of 27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist... View Full BioAn ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving... View GlossaryArea acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info | 45.00 | |||
" | " one do do of Allred in This could be the horse that George A. Smith remembered JS purchasing “on credit” while camped at the Allred settlement at Salt River on 15 July 1834. (George A. Smith, Autobiography, 52.) Smith, George A. Autobiography, ca. 1860–1882. George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322, box 1, fd. 2. | 60.00 | |||
" | " this am’t. received, by loan, of 27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist... View Full BioArea acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info | 50.00 | |||
" | " do do do of 9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio | 10.00 | |||
" | " do do do of 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio | 6.00 | |||
" | " do do do for Books of Mormon in gold. (1 Eagle & 2 Sovr) | 19.00 | |||
" | " do do paid to 14 Oct. 1791–6 Sept. 1862. Farmer, gardener, builder. Born in New York. Married Elizabeth Frank. Lived at Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, 1820. Lived at Farmington, Ontario Co., 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley ... View Full Bio | {15.00 | |||
1068.44 | 1068.44 | ||||
1834 | |||||
[A]ug’t. 27 | |||||
By balance bro’t. down from old a/c | 644[.]28 | ||||
To this amt of cash credited in an a/c with the The Book of Mormon related that when Christ set up his church in the Americas, “they which were baptized in the name of Jesus, were called the church of Christ.” The first name used to denote the church JS organized on 6 April 1830 was “the Church of Christ... View Glossary | 582.44 This $582.44 equals the sum of cash delineations on the credit side of the account, minus the $15 said to have been paid to Ezra Thayer in a horse exchange. | ||||
To this amt credited on another a/c to balance this | 61.84 | ||||
61.84 |