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Agreement with John Taylor, 23 January 1844

Source Note

John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

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, Agreement, with JS, [
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Hancock Co., IL], 23 Jan. 1844; handwriting of
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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; one page; JS Office Papers, CHL. Includes redaction.
Single leaf measuring 11¼ × 7⅝ inches (29 × 19 cm). The paper is ruled with thirty-two horizontal lines printed in blue ink. The bottom edge of the paper was unevenly hand cut. The document was inscribed on one side, with the back left blank. The leaf was folded in half twice, and a portion of the left margin was torn near the top of the recto.
In 2012 the document was cataloged as part of the JS Office Papers.
1

This collection comprises correspondence addressed to JS’s clerks, correspondence to other recipients that was forwarded to JS for his perusal, copies of miscellaneous documents created by JS’s clerks, and miscellaneous financial documents. (See “Introduction to Joseph Smith Office Papers.”)


The document’s inclusion within the JS Office Papers suggests continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    This collection comprises correspondence addressed to JS’s clerks, correspondence to other recipients that was forwarded to JS for his perusal, copies of miscellaneous documents created by JS’s clerks, and miscellaneous financial documents. (See “Introduction to Joseph Smith Office Papers.”)

Historical Introduction

On 23 January 1844,
William Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

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drafted an agreement to transfer JS’s guardianship for the
Edward Lawrence

ca. 1800–1839. Born in New York. Son of John Lawrence and Letitia. Moved to Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada, by 1811. Married Margaret Major, ca. 1822, in Ontario. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837, in Ontario...

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estate to
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
and to provide Taylor with the land, building, and printing equipment used to publish the Times and Seasons. Lawrence, a
church

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...

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member and husband of
Margaret Major Lawrence

29 Apr. 1801–1 Jan. 1853. Born in York, Upper Canada. Daughter of John Major and Sarah. Married first Edward Lawrence. Husband died, ca. Dec. 1839. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, by 1840. Married second Josiah Butterfield, 24 Dec. 1840, in Adams Co...

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, died in
Adams County

Situated in western Illinois; bounded on west by Mississippi River. Organized from Pike Co., 1825. Quincy established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1830 about 2,200. Population in 1840 about 14,500. Latter-day Saint exiles from Missouri found refuge...

More Info
, Illinois, in late 1839.
1

Cook, Nauvoo Marriages, 31; Adams Co., IL, Probate Letters of Administration, 1826–1849, bk. B, p. 254, 23 Dec. 1839, microfilm 1,853,890, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 2004.

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

In December 1839, his will was submitted to the probate court in Adams County.
2

Adams Co., IL, Probate Letters of Administration, 1826–1849, bk. B, p. 254, 23 Dec. 1839, microfilm 1,853,890, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. Lawrence created his will on 5 November 1839 and died sometime before it was entered into the probate court on 23 December. (Adams Co., IL, Will Records, 1837–1908, vol. 1, pp. 44–46, 5 Nov. 1839, microfilm 961,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

The will designated three estate executors, but it did not name a guardian for Edward Lawrence’s children or his estate.
3

Lawrence was survived by his wife, Margaret Major Lawrence, and their six children. Margaret Lawrence was also pregnant with the couple’s seventh child. (Adams Co., IL, Will Records, 1837–1908, vol. 1, pp. 44–46, 5 Nov. 1839, microfilm 961,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

According to
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
law, children over fourteen years old could nominate a new guardian for themselves and their younger siblings.
4

An Act concerning Minors, Orphans, and Guardians [5 Feb. 1827], Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois, p. 465, sec. 1.


Comprehensive Works Cited

The Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois: Containing All the Laws . . . Passed by the Ninth General Assembly, at Their First Session, Commencing December 1, 1834, and Ending February 13, 1835; and at Their Second Session, Commencing December 7, 1835, and Ending January 18, 1836; and Those Passed by the Tenth General Assembly, at Their Session Commencing December 5, 1836, and Ending March 6, 1837; and at Their Special Session, Commencing July 10, and Ending July 22, 1837. . . . Compiled by Jonathan Young Scammon. Chicago: Stephen F. Gale, 1839.

The eldest Lawrence children,
Maria

18 Dec. 1823–1847. Born in Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada. Daughter of Edward Lawrence and Margaret. Moved with family to Lima, Adams Co., Illinois, 1838. Father died, between 5 Nov. and 23 Dec. 1839. Resided in Quincy, Adams Co., 1840...

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(seventeen) and
Sarah

13 May 1826–28 Nov. 1872. Seamstress. Born in Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada. Daughter of Edward Lawrence and Margaret. Moved with family to Lima, Adams Co., Illinois, 1838. Father died, between 5 Nov. and 23 Dec. 1839. Resided in Quincy...

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(fifteen), nominated JS to be their legal guardian rather than their new stepfather,
Josiah Butterfield

13 Mar. 1795–3 Mar. 1871. Farmer, stockman. Born at Dunstable, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Abel Butterfield and Mercy Farnsworth. Married first Polly Moulton, 30 Oct. 1819. Moved to Buxton, York Co., Maine, 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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, who had married Margaret Lawrence in 1840.
5

Adams Co., IL, Marriage Record, 1825–1890, vol. 1, p. [20], microfilm 1,870,158, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

JS legally assumed the responsibilities of guardianship for all seven Lawrence children in June 1841.
6

See Receipt to Executors of Edward Lawrence Estate, 4 June 1841; Andrew Miller, Order, Quincy, IL, for JS et al., 4 June 1841, in Adams Co., IL, Circuit Court, Chancery Case Files, 1827–1854, box C7, microfilm 1,839,547, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; and Madsen, “Joseph Smith as Guardian,” 181.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Madsen, Gordon A. “Joseph Smith as Guardian: The Lawrence Estate Case.” Journal of Mormon History 36, no. 3 (2010): 172–211.

Over the next two and a half years, JS fulfilled his obligations as guardian of the Lawrence children. These responsibilities included creating annual statements of expenditures JS made on their behalf, facilitating payments out of estate funds to
Josiah

13 Mar. 1795–3 Mar. 1871. Farmer, stockman. Born at Dunstable, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Abel Butterfield and Mercy Farnsworth. Married first Polly Moulton, 30 Oct. 1819. Moved to Buxton, York Co., Maine, 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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and
Margaret Lawrence Butterfield

29 Apr. 1801–1 Jan. 1853. Born in York, Upper Canada. Daughter of John Major and Sarah. Married first Edward Lawrence. Husband died, ca. Dec. 1839. Moved to Quincy, Adams Co., Illinois, by 1840. Married second Josiah Butterfield, 24 Dec. 1840, in Adams Co...

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for their financial support of the youngest Lawrence children, completing interest payments to Margaret for her dower right, and documenting and reporting these transactions to the
Adams County

Situated in western Illinois; bounded on west by Mississippi River. Organized from Pike Co., 1825. Quincy established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1830 about 2,200. Population in 1840 about 14,500. Latter-day Saint exiles from Missouri found refuge...

More Info
probate court.
7

See Madsen, “Joseph Smith as Guardian,” 181–192; and An Act concerning Minors, Orphans, and Guardians [5 Feb. 1827], Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois, p. 466, sec. 7. Two years after assuming guardianship, JS provided a detailed account of his efforts to manage the estate, which was approved by the probate court in Adams County. (See JS, Journal, 29 May 1843; and Clayton, Journal, 30 May 1843; 1 and 3 June 1843; see also Statement of Account, 3 June 1843–A and B, JS Guardian of Maria Lawrence et al. [Adams Co. Cir. Ct. 1843], Adams Co., IL, Chancery Case Files, 1827–1854, vol. C7, microfilm 1,839,547, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Madsen, Gordon A. “Joseph Smith as Guardian: The Lawrence Estate Case.” Journal of Mormon History 36, no. 3 (2010): 172–211.

The Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois: Containing All the Laws . . . Passed by the Ninth General Assembly, at Their First Session, Commencing December 1, 1834, and Ending February 13, 1835; and at Their Second Session, Commencing December 7, 1835, and Ending January 18, 1836; and Those Passed by the Tenth General Assembly, at Their Session Commencing December 5, 1836, and Ending March 6, 1837; and at Their Special Session, Commencing July 10, and Ending July 22, 1837. . . . Compiled by Jonathan Young Scammon. Chicago: Stephen F. Gale, 1839.

Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

Later documents indicate that JS was sealed to both
Maria

18 Dec. 1823–1847. Born in Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada. Daughter of Edward Lawrence and Margaret. Moved with family to Lima, Adams Co., Illinois, 1838. Father died, between 5 Nov. and 23 Dec. 1839. Resided in Quincy, Adams Co., 1840...

View Full Bio
and
Sarah Lawrence

13 May 1826–28 Nov. 1872. Seamstress. Born in Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada. Daughter of Edward Lawrence and Margaret. Moved with family to Lima, Adams Co., Illinois, 1838. Father died, between 5 Nov. and 23 Dec. 1839. Resided in Quincy...

View Full Bio
, then aged nineteen and seventeen, respectively, during his tenure as guardian.
8

See “Autobiography of Emily D. P. Young,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Aug. 1885, 14:38; and Young, “Incidents of the Life of a Mormon Girl,” 185–[187].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

Young, Emily Dow Partridge. “Incidents of the Life of a Mormon Girl,” ca. 1884. CHL. MS 5220.

JSs decision to transfer his guardianship of the estate to
Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
may have been related to Taylor’s role in printing the church’s newspaper in
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
, Illinois, the Times and Seasons. JS purchased the Times and Seasons printing establishment from
Ebenezer Robinson

25 May 1816–11 Mar. 1891. Printer, editor, publisher. Born at Floyd (near Rome), Oneida Co., New York. Son of Nathan Robinson and Mary Brown. Moved to Utica, Oneida Co., ca. 1831, and learned printing trade at Utica Observer. Moved to Ravenna, Portage Co....

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for $6,600 in early 1842.
9

Agreement with Ebenezer Robinson, 4 Feb. 1842.


Later that year, JS leased the
printing office

Located at four different sites from 1839–1846: cellar of warehouse on bank of Mississippi River, June–Aug. 1839; frame building on northeast corner of Water and Bain streets, Nov. 1839–Nov. 1841; newly built printing establishment on northwest corner of ...

More Info
to Taylor and
Wilford Woodruff

1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,...

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for five years.
10

Lease to John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, between 8 and 10 Dec. 1842.


On 27 March 1844, Woodruff received a receipt from Taylor certifying that “all private, & partnership concerns between ‘Taylor & Woodruff’ are settled up to this date, & that I have received from Willford Woodruff, in full of all demands.”
Maria

18 Dec. 1823–1847. Born in Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada. Daughter of Edward Lawrence and Margaret. Moved with family to Lima, Adams Co., Illinois, 1838. Father died, between 5 Nov. and 23 Dec. 1839. Resided in Quincy, Adams Co., 1840...

View Full Bio
and
Sarah Lawrence

13 May 1826–28 Nov. 1872. Seamstress. Born in Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada. Daughter of Edward Lawrence and Margaret. Moved with family to Lima, Adams Co., Illinois, 1838. Father died, between 5 Nov. and 23 Dec. 1839. Resided in Quincy...

View Full Bio
signed the receipt as witnesses, which suggests that assets from the Lawrence estate were involved in the business transaction between the partners.
11

John Taylor to Wilford Woodruff, Receipt, 27 Mar. 1844, Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, CHL; see also Madsen, “Joseph Smith as Guardian,” 193–198.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

Madsen, Gordon A. “Joseph Smith as Guardian: The Lawrence Estate Case.” Journal of Mormon History 36, no. 3 (2010): 172–211.

Clayton

17 July 1814–4 Dec. 1879. Bookkeeper, clerk. Born at Charnock Moss, Penwortham, Lancashire, England. Son of Thomas Clayton and Ann Critchley. Married Ruth Moon, 9 Oct. 1836, at Penwortham. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Heber...

View Full Bio
drafted this contract in such a way that predicated Taylor’s receipt of the Times and Seasons assets upon his assumption of guardian responsibilities for the Lawrence estate and children.
Though the agreement bears a specific date, the legal transfer of guardianship to
Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
was not completed because the parties did not acquire the requisite court approval. This document was never signed or certified, and there is no evidence that Taylor gained legal possession of the land or capital mentioned in this agreement or that he became the legal guardian of the Lawrence children.
12

A few weeks before his death, JS intended to travel to Quincy, Illinois, with Taylor to legally transfer the guardianship of the Lawrence estate. This transaction was never completed. Almon Babbitt became the legal guardian in September 1844. (JS, Journal, 4 June 1844; Bond, 5 Sept. 1844, Hancock Co., IL, Probate Record, vol. C, pp. 40–41; Letters of Guardianship, 5 Sept. 1844, Hancock Co., IL, Probate Record, vol. C, p. 41, microfilm 927,935, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)


See also Introduction to JS Guardian of Maria Lawrence et al., Babbitt Guardian of James Lawrence et al. v. William Law et al., and Maria Lawrence et al. v. Coolidge Administrator of the Estate of JS.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Cook, Nauvoo Marriages, 31; Adams Co., IL, Probate Letters of Administration, 1826–1849, bk. B, p. 254, 23 Dec. 1839, microfilm 1,853,890, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    Cook, Lyndon W. Nauvoo Marriages Proxy Sealings, 1843–1846. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 2004.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  2. [2]

    Adams Co., IL, Probate Letters of Administration, 1826–1849, bk. B, p. 254, 23 Dec. 1839, microfilm 1,853,890, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL. Lawrence created his will on 5 November 1839 and died sometime before it was entered into the probate court on 23 December. (Adams Co., IL, Will Records, 1837–1908, vol. 1, pp. 44–46, 5 Nov. 1839, microfilm 961,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  3. [3]

    Lawrence was survived by his wife, Margaret Major Lawrence, and their six children. Margaret Lawrence was also pregnant with the couple’s seventh child. (Adams Co., IL, Will Records, 1837–1908, vol. 1, pp. 44–46, 5 Nov. 1839, microfilm 961,242, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  4. [4]

    An Act concerning Minors, Orphans, and Guardians [5 Feb. 1827], Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois, p. 465, sec. 1.

    The Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois: Containing All the Laws . . . Passed by the Ninth General Assembly, at Their First Session, Commencing December 1, 1834, and Ending February 13, 1835; and at Their Second Session, Commencing December 7, 1835, and Ending January 18, 1836; and Those Passed by the Tenth General Assembly, at Their Session Commencing December 5, 1836, and Ending March 6, 1837; and at Their Special Session, Commencing July 10, and Ending July 22, 1837. . . . Compiled by Jonathan Young Scammon. Chicago: Stephen F. Gale, 1839.

  5. [5]

    Adams Co., IL, Marriage Record, 1825–1890, vol. 1, p. [20], microfilm 1,870,158, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.

    U.S. and Canada Record Collection. FHL.

  6. [6]

    See Receipt to Executors of Edward Lawrence Estate, 4 June 1841; Andrew Miller, Order, Quincy, IL, for JS et al., 4 June 1841, in Adams Co., IL, Circuit Court, Chancery Case Files, 1827–1854, box C7, microfilm 1,839,547, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL; and Madsen, “Joseph Smith as Guardian,” 181.

    Madsen, Gordon A. “Joseph Smith as Guardian: The Lawrence Estate Case.” Journal of Mormon History 36, no. 3 (2010): 172–211.

  7. [7]

    See Madsen, “Joseph Smith as Guardian,” 181–192; and An Act concerning Minors, Orphans, and Guardians [5 Feb. 1827], Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois, p. 466, sec. 7. Two years after assuming guardianship, JS provided a detailed account of his efforts to manage the estate, which was approved by the probate court in Adams County. (See JS, Journal, 29 May 1843; and Clayton, Journal, 30 May 1843; 1 and 3 June 1843; see also Statement of Account, 3 June 1843–A and B, JS Guardian of Maria Lawrence et al. [Adams Co. Cir. Ct. 1843], Adams Co., IL, Chancery Case Files, 1827–1854, vol. C7, microfilm 1,839,547, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)

    Madsen, Gordon A. “Joseph Smith as Guardian: The Lawrence Estate Case.” Journal of Mormon History 36, no. 3 (2010): 172–211.

    The Public and General Statute Laws of the State of Illinois: Containing All the Laws . . . Passed by the Ninth General Assembly, at Their First Session, Commencing December 1, 1834, and Ending February 13, 1835; and at Their Second Session, Commencing December 7, 1835, and Ending January 18, 1836; and Those Passed by the Tenth General Assembly, at Their Session Commencing December 5, 1836, and Ending March 6, 1837; and at Their Special Session, Commencing July 10, and Ending July 22, 1837. . . . Compiled by Jonathan Young Scammon. Chicago: Stephen F. Gale, 1839.

    Clayton, William. Journals, 1842–1845. CHL.

  8. [8]

    See “Autobiography of Emily D. P. Young,” Woman’s Exponent, 1 Aug. 1885, 14:38; and Young, “Incidents of the Life of a Mormon Girl,” 185–[187].

    Woman’s Exponent. Salt Lake City. 1872–1914.

    Young, Emily Dow Partridge. “Incidents of the Life of a Mormon Girl,” ca. 1884. CHL. MS 5220.

  9. [9]

    Agreement with Ebenezer Robinson, 4 Feb. 1842.

  10. [10]

    Lease to John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, between 8 and 10 Dec. 1842.

  11. [11]

    John Taylor to Wilford Woodruff, Receipt, 27 Mar. 1844, Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, CHL; see also Madsen, “Joseph Smith as Guardian,” 193–198.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

    Madsen, Gordon A. “Joseph Smith as Guardian: The Lawrence Estate Case.” Journal of Mormon History 36, no. 3 (2010): 172–211.

  12. [12]

    A few weeks before his death, JS intended to travel to Quincy, Illinois, with Taylor to legally transfer the guardianship of the Lawrence estate. This transaction was never completed. Almon Babbitt became the legal guardian in September 1844. (JS, Journal, 4 June 1844; Bond, 5 Sept. 1844, Hancock Co., IL, Probate Record, vol. C, pp. 40–41; Letters of Guardianship, 5 Sept. 1844, Hancock Co., IL, Probate Record, vol. C, p. 41, microfilm 927,935, U.S. and Canada Record Collection, FHL.)

Page [1]

This article of agreement made and entered into this twenty third day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four between
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
of the County of
Hancock

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

More Info
and State of
Illinois

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
of the one part and Joseph Smith of the
County

Formed from Pike Co., 1825. Described in 1837 as predominantly prairie and “deficient in timber.” Early settlers came mainly from mid-Atlantic and southern states. Population in 1835 about 3,200; in 1840 about 9,900; and in 1844 at least 15,000. Carthage ...

More Info
and
State

Became part of Northwest Territory of U.S., 1787. Admitted as state, 1818. Population in 1840 about 480,000. Population in 1845 about 660,000. Plentiful, inexpensive land attracted settlers from northern and southern states. Following expulsion from Missouri...

More Info
aforesaid of the other part, Witnesseth that the said
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

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for the considerations hereinafter mentioned doth hereby bind himself, to assume the Guardianship of the Estate of
Edward Lawrence

ca. 1800–1839. Born in New York. Son of John Lawrence and Letitia. Moved to Pickering, York Co. (later in Ontario), Upper Canada, by 1811. Married Margaret Major, ca. 1822, in Ontario. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1837, in Ontario...

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deceased, and to free the said Joseph Smith from all liabilities and responsibilities for the same in or pertaining thereto, in any manner whatever. And further to obtain and give over to the said Joseph Smith all obligations, receipts & liabilities now laying in the hands of the Judge of Probate for
Adams County

Situated in western Illinois; bounded on west by Mississippi River. Organized from Pike Co., 1825. Quincy established as county seat, 1825. Population in 1830 about 2,200. Population in 1840 about 14,500. Latter-day Saint exiles from Missouri found refuge...

More Info
at the the City of
Quincy

Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845...

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or elswhere pertaining to the Guardianship for the aforesaid Estate, And in consideration of which the said Joseph Smith agrees to make to the said
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
a good and sufficient Warranty Deed for a part of Lot No 4 in Block 150 in the City of
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
1

The Times and Seasons printing office was located on the southeast corner of this lot, which was on the northwest corner of Water and Bain streets, in the Fourth Ward (southwestern quadrant) of the city of Nauvoo. (Masthead, Times and Seasons, 15 Feb. 1842, 3:702; “Western Nauvoo, Illinois, 15 May 1844.”)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

together with the
Printing Office

Located at four different sites from 1839–1846: cellar of warehouse on bank of Mississippi River, June–Aug. 1839; frame building on northeast corner of Water and Bain streets, Nov. 1839–Nov. 1841; newly built printing establishment on northwest corner of ...

More Info
and all the fixtures furniture, printing materials and every thing pertaining to the said
printing Office

Located at four different sites from 1839–1846: cellar of warehouse on bank of Mississippi River, June–Aug. 1839; frame building on northeast corner of Water and Bain streets, Nov. 1839–Nov. 1841; newly built printing establishment on northwest corner of ...

More Info
whenever the said
John Taylor

1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ...

View Full Bio
shall produce the aforesaid Bonds and obligations and sufficient evidence that the said Joseph Smith is fully released from the Guardianship as aforesaid [5 lines blank] [p. [1]]
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Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Agreement with John Taylor, 23 January 1844
ID #
6405
Total Pages
2
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
  • William Clayton

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    The Times and Seasons printing office was located on the southeast corner of this lot, which was on the northwest corner of Water and Bain streets, in the Fourth Ward (southwestern quadrant) of the city of Nauvoo. (Masthead, Times and Seasons, 15 Feb. 1842, 3:702; “Western Nauvoo, Illinois, 15 May 1844.”)

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

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