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Letter from Eliza Lowry Nicholson, 23 April 1843

Source Note

Eliza Lowry Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
, Letter,
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
, Philadelphia Co., PA, to JS and Nauvoo high council,
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 Apr. 1843; handwriting and signature of
Eliza Lowry Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

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; three pages; JS Collection, CHL. Includes address and docket.
Bifolium measuring 12–12¼ × 7¾–7⅞ inches (30–31 × 20 cm). Both leaves of the bifolium were cut irregularly at the bottom after the letter was inscribed. The letter was trifolded twice in letter style for mailing, addressed, and sealed with a red adhesive wafer. A hole was torn in the second leaf when the letter was opened, which caused the loss of some text. The letter was later refolded for filing.
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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, who served as scribe to JS from 1842 to 1844 and as
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
temple recorder from 1842 to 1846, docketed the document.
1

JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718; Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 18, 30–31.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

By 1973 the document had been included in the JS Collection at the Church Historical Department (now CHL).
2

See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.


The document’s early docket and its later inclusion in the JS Collection suggest continuous institutional custody.

Footnotes

  1. [1]

    JS, Journal, 29 June 1842; “Clayton, William,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:718; Clayton, History of the Nauvoo Temple, 18, 30–31.

    Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

    Clayton, William. History of the Nauvoo Temple, ca. 1845. CHL. MS 3365.

  2. [2]

    See the full bibliographic entry for JS Collection, 1827–1844, in the CHL catalog.

Historical Introduction

On 23 April 1843,
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...

View Glossary
member
Eliza Lowry Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
wrote a letter from
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
to JS and the
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

View Glossary
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, to complain about the conduct of
Benjamin Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

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. In 1839, Winchester preached in the Philadelphia area and
baptized

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
forty-five individuals, leading to the formation of a
branch

An ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. A branch was generally smaller than a stake or a conference. Branches were also referred to as churches, as in “the Church of Shalersville.” In general, a branch was led by a presiding...

View Glossary
there in December of that year.
1

Orson Pratt to Sarah Marinda Bates Pratt, 6 Jan. 1840, in Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, 1:61; Benjamin Winchester, Philadelphia, PA, 10 Feb. 1840, Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, May 1840, 1:104; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 2.


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

Winchester was appointed
presiding elder

A leader over a local ecclesiastical unit of the church; also a title indicating the leading officers of the church. When the church was organized, JS and Oliver Cowdery were ordained as first and second elders, respectively, distinguishing them as the church...

View Glossary
over the branch in April 1841.
2

Winchester was ordained to “preside over the spiritual affairs” of the Philadelphia branch, with Edson Whipple and William Wharton as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 16–17.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

However, later that year he clashed with
apostle

Members of a governing body in the church, with special administrative and proselytizing responsibilities. A June 1829 revelation commanded Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to call twelve disciples, similar to the twelve apostles in the New Testament and ...

View Glossary
John E. Page

25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm...

View Full Bio
when Page visited Philadelphia, and a rift in the branch developed in early 1842. A faction led by Winchester began meeting at a location separate from the rest of the branch.
3

Letter from John E. Page, 1 Sept. 1841; Letter from Benjamin Winchester, 18 Sept. 1841; “Progress of Mormonism,” Hartford (CT) Daily Courant, 4 Jan. 1842, [2].


Comprehensive Works Cited

Hartford Daily Courant. Hartford, CT. 1840–1887.

The rift deepened in April 1842 when a
conference

A meeting where ecclesiastical officers and other church members could conduct church business. The “Articles and Covenants” of the church directed the elders to hold conferences to perform “Church business.” The first of these conferences was held on 9 June...

View Glossary
of the Philadelphia branch met to consider a petition regarding difficulties between Winchester and other branch members. The conference cleared Winchester of all charges against him, including an accusation that he was “trying to injure the reputation of sister [Eliza] Nicholson,” who was the mother of
James B. Nicholson

28 Jan. 1820–4 Mar. 1901. Bookbinder. Born in St. Louis. Son of John Nicholson and Eliza Lowry. Moved to Pittsburgh, ca. 1821. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed...

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, a counselor to
Jacob Syfritt

26 May 1803–before 1860. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Frederick Syfritt and Euphaninah. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15 June 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed to serve mission, 18 Oct. 1840. Ordained a bishop, 6 Apr. 1841, in ...

View Full Bio
,
bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
of the Philadelphia branch.
4

Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6, 12, and 14 Apr. 1842, 24–29. During the same April 1841 meeting in which Benjamin Winchester was ordained as presiding elder of the Philadelphia branch, Syfritt was chosen and ordained to “take charge of the financial affairs” of the branch as bishop, with Jesse Price and Nicholson as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 17.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

The conference also “exonerated” Eliza Nicholson “from the blame imputed to her in consequence of many existing reports concerning her,” although two days later it withdrew fellowship from her for unstated reasons.
5

Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 12 and 14 Apr. 1842, 28, 30.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

Toward the end of April 1842,
James B. Nicholson

28 Jan. 1820–4 Mar. 1901. Bookbinder. Born in St. Louis. Son of John Nicholson and Eliza Lowry. Moved to Pittsburgh, ca. 1821. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed...

View Full Bio
prepared a petition to church leaders 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
asking them to authorize him and other
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
members to continue to meet as a branch separate from
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
and his supporters.
6

Petition from James B. Nicholson and Others, 22 Apr. 1842.


The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles granted this request, and Nicholson and others met separately until October 1842, when
First Presidency

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

View Glossary
members
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...

View Full Bio
and
William Law

8 Sept. 1809–12/19 Jan. 1892. Merchant, millwright, physician. Born in Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co...

View Full Bio
visited the branch and counseled members to “reorganize and begin anew” under the leadership of
Peter Hess

5 Feb. 1800–14 Dec. 1877. Cigar manufacturer. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Peter Hess and Fanny. Married Maria Leidy, 21 Dec. 1823, in Philadelphia. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Aug. 1842. Ordained an elder and appointed to...

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, who was appointed presiding elder at a September 1842 meeting.
7

Notice, 14 May 1842, in Times and Seasons, 16 May 1842, 3:798; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 14 Sept. 1842, 31; 15 and 31 Oct. 1842, 32–34.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

However, in February 1843, Hess wrote a letter to Hyrum Smith and JS stating that Winchester was continuing to cause problems. Winchester had told Hess and
George J. Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

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, a prominent missionary in the church, that they needed to excommunicate members of the branch who had not followed his breakoff group, even though Hyrum Smith had told church members in Philadelphia “that all former difficulties should never be brought up” again.
Eliza Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
was one of those members who had not aligned with Winchester. After Hess and Adams met with her, however, they declared that “she had a good spirit and was willing to do all that was required.”
8

Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843.


Two months later, on 21 and 22 April, the
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
branch’s
priesthood

Power or authority of God. The priesthood was conferred through the laying on of hands upon adult male members of the church in good standing; no specialized training was required. Priesthood officers held responsibility for administering the sacrament of...

View Glossary
officers held a council in which
James B. Nicholson

28 Jan. 1820–4 Mar. 1901. Bookbinder. Born in St. Louis. Son of John Nicholson and Eliza Lowry. Moved to Pittsburgh, ca. 1821. Moved to Philadelphia, by 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Appointed...

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stated that “remarks made by
Elder Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
derogatory to his mothers character had this day reached his ears. and he wished to present the evidence thereof.” Several individuals then testified that Winchester had at various times stated that
Eliza Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
“was a bad Character.” Because Winchester had also reportedly disparaged the character of branch member
Sybella McMinn Armstrong

ca. 1818–25 May 1888. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of Robert McMinn and Mary Dull. Married first a Mr. Armstrong, by ca. 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Excommunicated, 16 Apr. 1854, in Philadelphia...

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, Adams declared that “he had heard more backbiting and bickering from Elder Winchester than from all the other Members of the Church in Philadelphia put together.” The minutes of the meeting do not clearly state what the outcome of the discussion was, but after the council concluded, Eliza Nicholson wrote the 23 April letter featured here to JS.
9

Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.


Comprehensive Works Cited

General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

In the letter,
Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
explained the difficulties she and others in the
Philadelphia

Port city founded as Quaker settlement by William Penn, 1681. Site of signing of Declaration of Independence and drafting of U.S. Constitution. Nation’s capital city, 1790–1800. Population in 1830 about 170,000; in 1840 about 260,000; and in 1850 about 410...

More Info
branch had experienced with
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
and his supporters, and she complained especially of Winchester’s recent defamation of her character. She asked that JS take action against Winchester so that his influence in Philadelphia would be destroyed. In addition, Nicholson commented on
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
’s proselytizing success in the area.
Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
, who had been summoned to return to
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
, apparently brought
Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
’s letter with him. JS received the letter on 22 May.
10

JS, Journal, 22 May 1843; JS History, vol. D-1, 1557.


Nicholson’s letter, together with the one from
Hess

5 Feb. 1800–14 Dec. 1877. Cigar manufacturer. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Peter Hess and Fanny. Married Maria Leidy, 21 Dec. 1823, in Philadelphia. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Aug. 1842. Ordained an elder and appointed to...

View Full Bio
and another from
Armstrong

ca. 1818–25 May 1888. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of Robert McMinn and Mary Dull. Married first a Mr. Armstrong, by ca. 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4 May 1840, in Philadelphia. Excommunicated, 16 Apr. 1854, in Philadelphia...

View Full Bio
, was considered in a 27 May 1843 meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, during which
Winchester

6 Aug. 1817–25 Jan. 1901. Farmer, author, merchant, brick maker. Born near Elk Creek, Erie Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Stephen Winchester and Mary Case. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, early 1833, in Elk Creek. Moved to Kirtland, ...

View Full Bio
—who was also present—was told to “give up his licince, and move to Nauvoo with his family as soon as he can.”
11

Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843; see also Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843; and Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong, 1 May 1843.


Footnotes

  1. [1]

    Orson Pratt to Sarah Marinda Bates Pratt, 6 Jan. 1840, in Times and Seasons, Feb. 1840, 1:61; Benjamin Winchester, Philadelphia, PA, 10 Feb. 1840, Letter to the Editor, Times and Seasons, May 1840, 1:104; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 2.

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

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  2. [2]

    Winchester was ordained to “preside over the spiritual affairs” of the Philadelphia branch, with Edson Whipple and William Wharton as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 16–17.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  3. [3]

    Letter from John E. Page, 1 Sept. 1841; Letter from Benjamin Winchester, 18 Sept. 1841; “Progress of Mormonism,” Hartford (CT) Daily Courant, 4 Jan. 1842, [2].

    Hartford Daily Courant. Hartford, CT. 1840–1887.

  4. [4]

    Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6, 12, and 14 Apr. 1842, 24–29. During the same April 1841 meeting in which Benjamin Winchester was ordained as presiding elder of the Philadelphia branch, Syfritt was chosen and ordained to “take charge of the financial affairs” of the branch as bishop, with Jesse Price and Nicholson as counselors. (Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 6 Apr. 1841, 17.)

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  5. [5]

    Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 12 and 14 Apr. 1842, 28, 30.

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  6. [6]

    Petition from James B. Nicholson and Others, 22 Apr. 1842.

  7. [7]

    Notice, 14 May 1842, in Times and Seasons, 16 May 1842, 3:798; Philadelphia Branch Record Book, 14 Sept. 1842, 31; 15 and 31 Oct. 1842, 32–34.

    Philadelphia Branch, Record Book, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  8. [8]

    Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843.

  9. [9]

    Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.

    General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

  10. [10]

    JS, Journal, 22 May 1843; JS History, vol. D-1, 1557.

  11. [11]

    Minutes and Discourse, 27 May 1843; see also Letter from Peter Hess, 16 Feb. 1843; and Letter from Sybella McMinn Armstrong, 1 May 1843.

Page [3]

for Instance as soon as he heard that
President

The highest presiding body of the church. An 11 November 1831 revelation stated that the president of the high priesthood was to preside over the church. JS was ordained as president of the high priesthood on 25 January 1832. In March 1832, JS appointed two...

View Glossary
H 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...

View Full Bio
and
Pres [William] Law

8 Sept. 1809–12/19 Jan. 1892. Merchant, millwright, physician. Born in Co. Tyrone, Ireland. Son of Richard Law and Ann Hunter. Immigrated to U.S. and settled in Springfield Township, Mercer Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Moved to Delaware Township, Mercer Co...

View Full Bio
had happened to see me when last here before he had an apportunity of Conversing with them he exclaimed as he entered Sister Hunts
14

Likely Elizabeth Hunt. (Philadelphia Branch Membership Record, 2.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Philadelphia Branch Membership Record. Verso of Philadelphia, PA, Minutes and Records, 1840–1854. CCLA.

house it is all Up with us now for
Mrs [Eliza Lowry] Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

View Full Bio
has seen them first and we can do nothing—
there is Several
Elders

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...

View Glossary
here & have been for near three Weeks, Elder Derby
15

Likely Erastus Derby, who was proselytizing in Philadelphia in fall 1842. In November 1842, missionary Edwin Woolley visited Philadelphia and “learned that Derby was making some disturbance in the branch.” Woolley told the branch that it was necessary for church members to listen to “the officer in authority” in a branch rather than to elders traveling through. (Smith, “History of Philadelphia Branch,” 115; Woolley, Diary, 16–17 Nov. 1842.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Smith, Walter W. “History of Philadelphia Branch.” Journal of History 12 (Jan. 1919): 111–118.

Woolley, Edwin D. Diary, Sept.–Dec. 1842. CHL.

left on Satudy morning last
Elder Woolly [Edwin Woolley]

27 June 1807–14 Oct. 1881. Farmer, coal miner, cattleman, builder, merchant. Born in East Bradford Township, Chester Co., Pennsylvania. Son of John Woolley and Rachel Dilworth. Raised in Quaker faith. Married Mary Wickersham, 24 Mar. 1831, in Columbiana Co...

View Full Bio
16

Woolley visited Philadelphia in November 1842 and had recently returned to the branch. (Woolley, Diary, 17 Nov. 1842; Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woolley, Edwin D. Diary, Sept.–Dec. 1842. CHL.

General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

El’d Parker and
Elder Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
last tho not least there appears to be a general <​good​> feeling for them all and in Spite of all difficultious the work rols on here,
Elder Adams

7 Nov. 1810–11 May 1880. Tailor, actor, clergyman. Born in Oxford, Sussex Co., New Jersey. Lived in Boston during 1820s and 1830s. Became Methodist lay preacher. Married Caroline. Moved to New York City, before 1840. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of...

View Full Bio
dnages [engages?] Crouded houses when wherever he goes and bears such testimony to the people that cannot be refuted he has lectured almost every evening since he came by the Solicitati[on]
17

TEXT: “Solicitati[page torn]”.


of our
Presiding Elder

5 Feb. 1800–14 Dec. 1877. Cigar manufacturer. Born in Philadelphia. Son of Peter Hess and Fanny. Married Maria Leidy, 21 Dec. 1823, in Philadelphia. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 Aug. 1842. Ordained an elder and appointed to...

View Full Bio
18

Adams was noted for his preaching prowess while proselytizing the prior year in Boston. (“Latter Day Saints, or Mormons,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1842, 3:835–836; Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842; Letter from Erastus Snow, 22 June 1842.)


there has been Several
babtisms

An ordinance in which an individual is immersed in water for the remission of sins. The Book of Mormon explained that those with necessary authority were to baptize individuals who had repented of their sins. Baptized individuals also received the gift of...

View Glossary
last week and the week before, somtims 5, 7; [page torn] a time, and has done all for the gagd [good?] of Souls and to endeaver, to hald up our
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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and even what money was Collected, to pay the Church debt, I am Sorry he has got Nothing here for himself he needs it No doubt going on so long a journey,
19

In August 1842, Hyrum Smith told elders going to the eastern United States to raise funds for the construction of the Nauvoo temple and to “get the people to take stock in the Nauvoo House.” At an April 1843 conference of elders, Brigham Young stated that those preaching should not try to raise funds for their own or their family’s subsistence. He declared that those elders who were reportedly “living on the brethren, and begging for their own emolument” needed to return to Nauvoo “and give an account of their stewardship.” (JS, Journal, 29 Aug. 1842; “Elder’s Conference,” Times and Seasons, 1 Apr. 1843, 4:158.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

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

he reall[y] earns earns his liveing by the Sweat of <​his​> Brow:
20

See Genesis 3:19; and Old Testament Revision 1, p. 8 [Moses 5:1].


he spairs no pains or trouble to distribute the Gospel
Please forgive me for being so tedious with respect I subscriby myself a Sister in Christ
Eliza Nicholson

ca. 1800–29 Dec. 1845. Dressmaker. Born in Philadelphia. Daughter of David Lowry and Dorothy Maybury. Married John Nicholson, ca. 1819, in Philadelphia. Moved to St. Louis, 1819. Returned to Philadelphia, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter...

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Document Information

Related Case Documents
Editorial Title
Letter from Eliza Lowry Nicholson, 23 April 1843
ID #
1053
Total Pages
4
Print Volume Location
JSP, D12:228–234
Handwriting on This Page
  • Eliza Lowry Nicholson

Footnotes

  1. [14]

    Likely Elizabeth Hunt. (Philadelphia Branch Membership Record, 2.)

    Philadelphia Branch Membership Record. Verso of Philadelphia, PA, Minutes and Records, 1840–1854. CCLA.

  2. [15]

    Likely Erastus Derby, who was proselytizing in Philadelphia in fall 1842. In November 1842, missionary Edwin Woolley visited Philadelphia and “learned that Derby was making some disturbance in the branch.” Woolley told the branch that it was necessary for church members to listen to “the officer in authority” in a branch rather than to elders traveling through. (Smith, “History of Philadelphia Branch,” 115; Woolley, Diary, 16–17 Nov. 1842.)

    Smith, Walter W. “History of Philadelphia Branch.” Journal of History 12 (Jan. 1919): 111–118.

    Woolley, Edwin D. Diary, Sept.–Dec. 1842. CHL.

  3. [16]

    Woolley visited Philadelphia in November 1842 and had recently returned to the branch. (Woolley, Diary, 17 Nov. 1842; Philadelphia, PA, Council Minutes, 21–22 Apr. 1843, General Ecclesiastical Court Trials, CHL.)

    Woolley, Edwin D. Diary, Sept.–Dec. 1842. CHL.

    General Ecclesiastical Court Trials 1832–1963. CHL.

  4. [17]

    TEXT: “Solicitati[page torn]”.

  5. [18]

    Adams was noted for his preaching prowess while proselytizing the prior year in Boston. (“Latter Day Saints, or Mormons,” Times and Seasons, 1 July 1842, 3:835–836; Letter from George J. Adams and David Rogers, 11 Oct. 1842; Letter from Erastus Snow, 22 June 1842.)

  6. [19]

    In August 1842, Hyrum Smith told elders going to the eastern United States to raise funds for the construction of the Nauvoo temple and to “get the people to take stock in the Nauvoo House.” At an April 1843 conference of elders, Brigham Young stated that those preaching should not try to raise funds for their own or their family’s subsistence. He declared that those elders who were reportedly “living on the brethren, and begging for their own emolument” needed to return to Nauvoo “and give an account of their stewardship.” (JS, Journal, 29 Aug. 1842; “Elder’s Conference,” Times and Seasons, 1 Apr. 1843, 4:158.)

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

  7. [20]

    See Genesis 3:19; and Old Testament Revision 1, p. 8 [Moses 5:1].

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