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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to an adjacent tribe of the remnants of Joseph, and open the door [HC 2:224] <May 25. to open the door to the house of Joseph.—> of salvation to that long dejected, and afflicted people. The council according to his request, laid their hands upon him that he might have their faith and prayers to fill (with humility and power) that very important mission. They also laid hands on Elders , and A<mos> Orton, for the same purpose, as they expected to accompany him. Ck.”

5 June 1835 • Friday

<June 5. Minutes of Twelve> “On the 5th. of June, nine of the Twelve met in council at Rose or Lyonstown, New York; there being so few of the brethren in that region it was Resolved. that it was not necessary to establish a conference. after council adjourned, and <after> they had preached several sermons in the vicinity, <elders> < & return to .> and <and ,> returned to as witnesses on a certain case wherein President Joseph Smith Junr was concerned before the county court, in which he righteously triumphed over his enemies, C”

6–7 June 1835 • Saturday–Sunday

<6.> “The elders and brethren assembled in conference June 6th. at , O. < Conference> , President. Elder David Matthews, who was suspended at a previous conference for unchristian conduct, was present. After hearing the <D. Matthews tried> testimony the Council unanimously agreed that there had been due contrition of Spirit manifested by him, in his walk and conversation, since his suspension, and Elder Matthews was restored. Elder Barkdall <Barkdall vs Keeler both rebuked> preferred a claim against elder Keeler for services said to be rendered some eight or nine years since, and to have been awarded by a former Council. It appeared there had been a decision in favor of elder Barkdall, but no testimony was produced by either of the parties, to substantiate a claim or prove a payment. It was therefore resolved that both [HC 2:227] the accuser and the accused have manifested a bad spirit, and deserve the severe rebuke of this Council. Elder Milo Hays was tried for not obeying the words of wisdom, and covenant breaking. Both charges were sustained by testimony, and Elder Hays was excluded from the church. several other cases of discipline were attended <Sunday 7.> to, and conference adjourned. <at 12 o clock at night.> Sunday morning president preached, after which four were baptized. The council again organized <. Ordd.> in the evening, and ordained <an> Elder. The case of Elders Barkdall and Keeler were was again called up, four counsellors spoke <Barkdall & Keeler re-tried.> on the subject, when it was decided that they have one week and no more to settle their differences with each other, and make confession to the church, or lose their standing. C<lerk”>

June 1835

The Presidency, Bishop, and High council of Zion having removed to , or gone forth in the vineyard, I caused it to be published in the June number of the Messenger and advocate that <The elders no authority to meddle with the spiritual affairs of Zion.> according to the order of the kingdom begun in the last days, to prepare men for the rest of the Lord, the elders in Zion, or in her immediate region, have no authority or right, to meddle with her spiritual affairs, to regulate her concerns, or hold councils for the expulsion of members, in her unorganized condition The high council has been expressly organized to administer in all her spiritual affairs; and the bishop and his council, <wheat and tares grow together.> are set over her temporal matters; so that the elders acts are null and void. Now, the Lord wants the wheat and tares to [p. 593]

to an adjacent tribe of the remnants of Joseph, and open the door [HC 2:224] May 25. to open the door to the house of Joseph.— of salvation to that long dejected, and afflicted people. The council according to his request, laid their hands upon him that he might have their faith and prayers to fill (with humility and power) that very important mission. They also laid hands on Elders , and Amos Orton, for the same purpose, as they expected to accompany him. Ck.”

5 June 1835 • Friday

June 5. Minutes of Twelve “On the 5th. of June, nine of the Twelve met in council at Rose or Lyonstown, New York; there being so few of the brethren in that region it was Resolved. that it was not necessary to establish a conference. after council adjourned, and after they had preached several sermons in the vicinity, elders & return to . and , returned to as witnesses on a certain case wherein President Joseph Smith Junr was concerned before the county court, in which he righteously triumphed over his enemies, C”

6–7 June 1835 • Saturday–Sunday

6. “The elders and brethren assembled in conference June 6th. at , O. Conference , President. Elder David Matthews, who was suspended at a previous conference for unchristian conduct, was present. After hearing the D. Matthews tried testimony the Council unanimously agreed that there had been due contrition of Spirit manifested by him, in his walk and conversation, since his suspension, and Elder Matthews was restored. Elder Barkdall Barkdall vs Keeler both rebuked preferred a claim against elder Keeler for services said to be rendered some eight or nine years since, and to have been awarded by a former Council. It appeared there had been a decision in favor of elder Barkdall, but no testimony was produced by either of the parties, to substantiate a claim or prove a payment. It was therefore resolved that both [HC 2:227] the accuser and the accused have manifested a bad spirit, and deserve the severe rebuke of this Council. Elder Milo Hays was tried for not obeying the words of wisdom, and covenant breaking. Both charges were sustained by testimony, and Elder Hays was excluded from the church. several other cases of discipline were attended Sunday 7. to, and conference adjourned. at 12 o clock at night. Sunday morning president preached, after which four were baptized. The council again organized . Ordd. in the evening, and ordained an Elder. The case of Elders Barkdall and Keeler was again called up, four counsellors spoke Barkdall & Keeler re-tried. on the subject, when it was decided that they have one week and no more to settle their differences with each other, and make confession to the church, or lose their standing. Clerk”

June 1835

The Presidency, Bishop, and High council of Zion having removed to , or gone forth in the vineyard, I caused it to be published in the June number of the Messenger and advocate that The elders no authority to meddle with the spiritual affairs of Zion. according to the order of the kingdom begun in the last days, to prepare men for the rest of the Lord, the elders in Zion, or in her immediate region, have no authority or right, to meddle with her spiritual affairs, to regulate her concerns, or hold councils for the expulsion of members, in her unorganized condition The high council has been expressly organized to administer in all her spiritual affairs; and the bishop and his council, wheat and tares grow together. are set over her temporal matters; so that the elders acts are null and void. Now, the Lord wants the wheat and tares to [p. 593]

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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. 40
  Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 5 June 1835.
2. 41
  Minute Book 1, 6–7 June 1835.
3. 42
  John Whitmer, “To the Saints Scattered Abroad,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, June 1835, 1:137–138.
  
  Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.

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

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