History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]

Source Note

JS, History, 1838–1856, vol. B-1, created 1 Oct. 1843–24 Feb. 1845; handwriting of
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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and
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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; 297 pages, plus 10 pages of addenda; CHL. This is the second volume of a six-volume manuscript history of the church. This second volume covers the period from 1 Sept. 1834 to 2 Nov. 1838; the subsequent four volumes, labeled C-1 through F-1, continue through 8 Aug. 1844.
Historical Introduction

This document, volume B-1, is the second of the six volumes of the “Manuscript History of the Church.” The collection was compiled over the span of seventeen years, 1838 to 1856. The narrative in volume B-1 begins with the entry for 1 September 1834, just after the conclusion of the Camp of Israel (later called Zion’s Camp), and continues to 2 November 1838, when JS was interned as a prisoner of war at
Far West
Originally called Shoal Creek. Located fifty-five miles northeast of Independence. Surveyed 1823; first settled by whites, 1831. Site purchased, 8 Aug. 1836, before Caldwell Co. was organized for Latter-day Saints in Missouri. William W. Phelps and John Whitmer...
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, Missouri. For a fuller discussion of the entire six-volume work, see the general introduction to the history.
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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, serving as JS’s “private secretary and historian,” completed the account of JS’s history contained in volume A-1 in August 1843. It covered the period from JS’s birth in 1805 through the aftermath of the Camp of Israel in August 1834. When work resumed on the history on 1 October 1843, Richards started a new volume, eventually designated B-1.
At the time of JS’s death in June 1844, the account had been advanced to 5 August 1838, on page 812 of volume B-1.
Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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’s poor health led to the curtailment of work on B-1 for several months, until 11 December 1844. On that date, Richards and
William W. Phelps
17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,...
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, assisted by
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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, resumed gathering the records and reports needed to draft the history. Richards then composed and drafted roughed-out notes while Thomas Bullock compiled the text of the history and inscribed it in B-1. They completed their work on the volume on or about 24 February 1845. Richards, Willmer Benson, and Jonathan Grimshaw later added ten pages of “Addenda,” which provided notes, extensive revisions, or additional text to be inserted in the original manuscript where indicated.
Though JS did not dictate or revise any of the text recorded in B-1,
Willard Richards
24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co...
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and
Thomas Bullock
23 Dec. 1816–10 Feb. 1885. Farmer, excise officer, secretary, clerk. Born in Leek, Staffordshire, England. Son of Thomas Bullock and Mary Hall. Married Henrietta Rushton, 25 June 1838. Moved to Ardee, Co. Louth, Ireland, Nov. 1839; to Isle of Anglesey, Aug...
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chose to maintain the first-person, chronological narrative format established in A-1 as if JS were the author. They drew from a variety of primary and secondary sources including JS’s diaries and letters, minutes of meetings, the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, church and other periodicals, reports of JS’s discourses, and the reminiscences and recollections of church members. As was the case with A-1, after JS’s death,
Brigham Young
1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New...
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,
Heber C. Kimball
14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized...
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,
George A. Smith
26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,...
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, and others modified and corrected the manuscript as they reviewed material before its eventual publication.
Beginning in March 1842 the church’s Nauvoo periodical, the Times and Seasons, began publishing the narrative as the “History of Joseph Smith.” It was also published in England in the church periodical the Millennial Star beginning in June 1842. Once a press was established in Utah and the Deseret News began publication, the “History of Joseph Smith” once more appeared in print in serialized form. Beginning with the November 1851 issue, the narrative picked up where the Times and Seasons had left off over five years earlier.
The narrative recorded in B-1 continued the story of JS’s life as the prophet and president of the church he labored to establish. The account encompasses significant developments in the church’s two centers at that time—
Kirtland
Located 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...
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, Ohio, and northwest
Missouri
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 ...
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—during a four-year-span. Critical events included the organization of the Quorums of the Twelve Apostles and the Seventy, the dedication of the House of the Lord in Kirtland, Ohio, the establishment of the Kirtland Safety Society, dissension and apostasy in Kirtland and Missouri, the first mission to England, JS’s flight from Kirtland to Missouri in the winter of 1838, the Saints’ exodus from Kirtland later that year, the disciplining of the Missouri presidency, and the outbreak of the Missouri War and arrest of JS. Thus, B-1 provides substantial detail regarding a significant period of church expansion and transition as well as travail.

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about the land which I have appointed to be the land of <November.> , for the beginning of the gathering of my saints, all the land which can be purchased in and the <Letter.> counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand. Now verily I say unto you let all the churches gather together all their moneys, let these things be done in their time, be not in haste, and observe to have all things prepared before you, and let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this council, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion.

And after further consideration and much prayer, we carried the case before the church in this place, which met the approbation of the same. [HC 2:173] Accordingly we strove to become of one heart and one mind, appointed a day for fasting and prayer, and asked the Lord to enable us to collect all our moneys, and appointed a day for the church to come together for council. Accordingly we came together, and after conversation, chose a moderator and clerk to keep the records of the church; counselled together to concerning property owned by the church; and commenced to make sale, and collect pay according to the voice of the church, in order to collect all moneys owned by the church, and send by the hands of wise men, who were appointed by the voice of the church; one Elder and one Priest, according to the will of God. .”

<Doings of the Church in . (Oct 20)> “, county of Essex, New-york, October 20th 1834.

A branch of the church of the Latter Day Saints, agreeable to the requirements of heaven, have strove to unite their hearts and views in order to be found spotless before the blazing throne of the great Jehovah when he comes to make up his jewels, and for this end do send property by the hands of wise men, appointed by the voice of the church, (agreeable to the revelation concerning the redemption of Zion,) for the purpose of purchasing land in , or counties round about, for the inheritance of the church. Agreeable to this we give our names, with the affix sums, annexed”

“	Cash			property				Cash			property
Joseph H. Tippits [Tippets] 4 June 1814–12 Oct. 1868. Locksmith, cabinetmaker, farmer. Born at Lewis, Essex Co., New York. Son of Joseph Tippets and Abigail Lewis. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1834. Moved to Missouri... View Full Bio	$.	98	67	$.	120	37	David Bragg—	$.	o5	00	$.	01	06
Alvah Tippits 12 Mar. 1809–24 Oct. 1847. Born in Lewis, Essex Co., New York. Son of Joseph Tippets and Abigail Lewis. Methodist. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Presided over Lewis branch of church. Married first Abigail Tippets, Sept. ... View Full Bio		34	63		80	00	Zebulon Adams,		1	75		00	00
John H. Tippits 5 Sept. 1810–14 Feb. 1890. Mail carrier, farmer. Born at Wilton, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Tippets and Abigail Pierce. Lived at Lewis, Essex Co., New York, 1813–1834. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elijah Collins... View Full Bio		171	05		51	93	Caroline Tippits		151	\|06		107	00
Henry Adams		11	13		8	75	Gustavus A. Perry		00	00		06	00

Aggregate Eight hundred forty eight dollars and forty cents; one hundred dollars to be left in in boots and shoes.

<Names of wise men> The wise men appointed are and .”

29 November 1834 • Saturday

<29> On the evening of the 29th of November, I united in prayer with , for the continueance of [HC 1:174] blessings, after giving thanks [p. 561]

about the land which I have appointed to be the land of November. , for the beginning of the gathering of my saints, all the land which can be purchased in and the Letter. counties round about, and leave the residue in mine hand. Now verily I say unto you let all the churches gather together all their moneys, let these things be done in their time, be not in haste, and observe to have all things prepared before you, and let honorable men be appointed, even wise men, and send them to purchase these lands; and every church in the eastern countries, when they are built up, if they will hearken unto this council, they may buy lands and gather together upon them, and in this way they may establish Zion.

And after further consideration and much prayer, we carried the case before the church in this place, which met the approbation of the same. [HC 2:173] Accordingly we strove to become of one heart and one mind, appointed a day for fasting and prayer, and asked the Lord to enable us to collect all our moneys, and appointed a day for the church to come together for council. Accordingly we came together, and after conversation, chose a moderator and clerk to keep the records of the church; counselled together concerning property owned by the church; and commenced to make sale, and collect pay according to the voice of the church, in order to collect all moneys owned by the church, and send by the hands of wise men, who were appointed by the voice of the church; one Elder and one Priest, according to the will of God. .”

Doings of the Church in . (Oct 20) “, county of Essex, New-york, October 20th 1834.

Funds sent up to purchase lands

“	Cash			property				Cash			property
Joseph H. Tippits [Tippets] 4 June 1814–12 Oct. 1868. Locksmith, cabinetmaker, farmer. Born at Lewis, Essex Co., New York. Son of Joseph Tippets and Abigail Lewis. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1834. Moved to Missouri... View Full Bio	$.	98	67	$.	120	37	David Bragg—	$.	o5	00	$.	01	06
Alvah Tippits 12 Mar. 1809–24 Oct. 1847. Born in Lewis, Essex Co., New York. Son of Joseph Tippets and Abigail Lewis. Methodist. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Presided over Lewis branch of church. Married first Abigail Tippets, Sept. ... View Full Bio		34	63		80	00	Zebulon Adams,		1	75		00	00
John H. Tippits 5 Sept. 1810–14 Feb. 1890. Mail carrier, farmer. Born at Wilton, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Tippets and Abigail Pierce. Lived at Lewis, Essex Co., New York, 1813–1834. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Elijah Collins... View Full Bio		171	05		51	93	Caroline Tippits		151	\|06		107	00
Henry Adams		11	13		8	75	Gustavus A. Perry		00	00		06	00

Aggregate Eight hundred forty eight dollars and forty cents; one hundred dollars to be left in in boots and shoes.

Names of wise men The wise men appointed are and .”

29 November 1834 • Saturday

29 On the evening of the 29th of November, I united in prayer with , for the continueance of [HC 1:174] blessings, after giving thanks [p. 561]

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Document Information
Editorial Title
History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]
ID #
7404
Total Pages
332
Handwriting on This Page
- Willard Richards
Footnotes
1. 13
  JS, Journal, 29 Nov. 1834.

History, 1838–1856, volume B-1 [1 September 1834–2 November 1838]

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