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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Branch Mills, Westport, Conn.

August 23, 1856.

Being requested by and , Church Historians, to write an account of events that transpired before and led to the Martyrdom of Joseph & , in Jail <Gaol> in 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 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 , 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 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]]

The Story of Carthage jail.

In the year A.D. 1844, a very great excitement prevailed in some parts of the Counties of , 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 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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Document Information
Editorial Title
John Taylor, Martyrdom Account
ID #
7634
Total Pages
72
Handwriting on This Page
- Unidentified
- John Taylor
Footnotes
1. Insertion in unidentified handwriting.
2. John Taylor handwriting begins.

John Taylor, Martyrdom Account

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