John Taylor, Martyrdom Account

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John Taylor, Martyrdom Account
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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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, martyrdom account; handwriting of
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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; 67 pages; CHL.

For more information on the History Drafts, see Introduction to History Drafts, 1844–1856.
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<The Story of Carthage jail.>
Insertion in unidentified handwriting.

John Taylor handwriting begins.
Branch Mills, Westport, Conn.

August 23, 1856.

Being requested by
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
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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, Church Historians, to write an account of events that transpired before and led to the Martyrdom of Joseph &
Hyrum Smith
9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co...
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, in
Carthage
Located eighteen miles southeast of Nauvoo. Settled 1831. Designated Hancock Co. seat, Mar. 1833. Incorporated as town, 27 Feb. 1837. Population in 1839 about 300. Population in 1844 about 400. Site of acute opposition to Latter-day Saints, early 1840s. Site...
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Jail <Gaol> in
Hancock Co
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 ...
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State of Illinois, I write the following <principally> from memory not having access to any documents relating <further than a few desultory items contained in “Fords History of Illinois.”> thereunto. I am afraid that in consequence of the length of time which has transpired since that event it will be very imperfect. I do not profess to give details but confine myself to general items, with the exception of a few dates and short notes furnished by the Historian. & a little assistance <from
Elder
A male leader in the church generally; an ecclesiastical and priesthood office or one holding that office; a proselytizing missionary. The Book of Mormon explained that elders ordained priests and teachers and administered “the flesh and blood of Christ unto...
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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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whose excellent memory & judgment I had to draw upon in several critical cases>

In the year A.D. 1844, a very great excitement prevailed in some parts of the Counties 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 ...
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,
Macdonough
Formed from Pike Co., 1825, organized 1829. Population in 1835 about 2,900. Population in 1840 about 5,300.
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and Brown <and other neighboring counties,> in relation to the Mormons, and a spirit of vindictive hatred & persecution was exhibited, among the people; which was manifested in the most bitter and acrimonious language, as well as by acts of hostility and violence; frequently threatening the destruction of the citizens 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....
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and vicinity and utter anihilation of the Mormons and Mormonism; and in some instances breaking out in the most violent acts of ruffianly barbarity; persons were kidnapped, whipped, prosecuted and falsely accused of various crimes, their cattle or horses injured, destroyed or stolen; vexatious prosecutions were instituted to vex, harrass and annoy. In some remote neighborhoods they were expelled their homes without redress, and in others violence was [p. [1]]
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Editorial Title
John Taylor, Martyrdom Account
ID #
7634
Total Pages
72
Print Volume Location
Handwriting on This Page
Unidentified
John Taylor
Footnotes
Insertion in unidentified handwriting.
John Taylor handwriting begins.