Incidents From the Prophet's Experience in Kirtland and Vicinity
[Sidenote: Return of the Twelve.]
_September 26_.--This morning the Twelve returned from their mission
to the East, and on the same day the Council of the Presidency of the
Church, consisting of Joseph Smith, Jun., Sidney Rigdon, David Whitmer,
W. W. Phelps, John Whitmer, Hyrum Smith and Oliver Cowdery, met to
consider the case of the Twelve who had previously been reproved in
consequence of certain letters and reports coming to the ears of the
Council. First, the items contained in Warren A. Cowdery's letter, in
connection with certain other reports, derogatory to the character and
teaching of the Twelve, were considered; and from the testimony of
several witnesses (the Twelve) it was proved before the Council that
said complaints originated in the minds of persons who were darkened
in consequence of covetousness, or some other cause, rather than the
spirit of truth. Second, one item contained in Elder Wm. E. M'Lellin's
letter to his wife, expressing dissatisfaction with President Rigdon's
school. Elder Orson Hyde was also designated with him [M'Lellin] or
blamed in the matter, in which they were found to be in the fault,
which they frankly confessed, and were forgiven and all things were
satisfactorily settled.
_Sunday 27_.--I attended meeting. Elders Thomas B. Marsh, David W.
Patten, Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball preached and broke bread.
The Lord poured out His Spirit and my soul was edified.
{284} _Minutes of the High Council at Kirtland. Trial of Gladden
Bishop_.
The High Council met for the trial of Gladden Bishop, on a charge
preferred by the Twelve, "for advancing heretical doctrines, which
were derogatory to the character of the Church."
Elder William Smith testified that when Elder Bishop was conversing
with a brother concerning the two witnesses mentioned by the
Prophets [Rev. 11] he said that he [Bishop] might be one of them,
and that he [the brother] might be one himself; that he [Bishop]
intended to prophesy the night that an advertisement was put up by
an enemy, saying that the Mormon Prophet and others were to be sold
by auction in public, that he would not be surprised if the man who
put up the advertisement should die at the time of sale.
Elder Brigham Young corroborated the foregoing, and said that
Bishop was very erroneous in his tenets of faith.
Elder John Boynton concurred.
Elder Thomas B. Marsh said that Bishop frequently told of women
falling in love with him, and observed frequently when passing
people that they felt his spirit; also that he was so indolent his
presence was oppressive.
Elder L. Johnson testified that on a former trial before the Twelve
for error in doctrine, such as, that he might be one of the two
witnesses, and that he ought not to travel and preach on account of
the women so often falling in love with him, he was not humble when
reproved, but justified himself, and preferred a charge against the
Council for harsh treatment.
Elder William Smith said, that Bishop, after taking a stand against
the Council, finally said it was all right, they had dealt with him
in righteousness.
Elders Marsh and Young corroborated the above, that he yielded
after being overcome, also that he was capable of magnifying his
office if he would.
Elder Heber C. Kimball concurred in the above, also that Bishop
said, after he saw his case was hopeless, that the Council had
turned him wrong side out.
Elder John P. Greene concurred in full, and, in addition to the
above, said that Bishop was so indolent that he would not help
himself to a drink of water.
After the pleas of the Councilors and the case was submitted for
decision, Brother Bishop arose and made a humble confession for
his transgression, and asked forgiveness of the High Council and
all the Church, saying that he intended to learn wisdom from the
revelations that God had given, and submitted himself to the
decision of the Court, being perfectly satisfied with the whole
course of the trial.
{285} After much instruction, the President decided that the
counsel of the Twelve in this case was given in righteousness, also
that Brother Bishop's confession be published in the _Messenger and
Advocate_, and he be received in full fellowship, and receive his
ordination and license as before; which the Council concurred in,
and Brother Bishop was ordained by the Court an Elder.
Warren Parrish, Clerk.
[Sidenote: The Authority to which the Twelve are Amenable.]
An attempt was made in the foregoing Council to criminate the Twelve
before the High Council for cutting off Gladden Bishop at their
Bradford conference, but their attempt totally failed. I decided that
the High Council had nothing to do with the Twelve, or the decisions of
the Twelve. But if the Twelve erred they were accountable only to the
General Council of the authorities of the whole Church, according to
the revelations.
[Sidenote: Trial of Lorenzo L. Lewis.]
In the afternoon a charge of adultery was preferred against Lorenzo
L. Lewis, on general report circulating among the brethren, to which
he pleaded not guilty, and the charge was changed to "an illicit
intercourse with a female." Lewis confessed that he had disgraced the
girl, himself, and the Church, but [was] not guilty of the charge.
After hearing the testimony of witnesses, Elders Marsh, M'Lellin,
Patten and William Smith, and the pleadings, Elder Lewis confessed
that he had done wickedly and had made all the reparation he could, in
his confession in the early part of this trial and required his name
to be taken off the Church records, or dispose of him according to
the mind of the Spirit, and submitted to the decision of the Council.
The Council decided that Brother Lorenzo L. Lewis be cut off from the
Church, being satisfied that the charge preferred is substantiated by
evidence, and the Spirit of the Lord; but if he repent, and humble
himself to the satisfaction of the Church, he should be received into
it again and receive his license. The Council adjourned till morning.
[Sidenote: Trial of Elder Allen Avery.]
{286} The High Council met on the 29th, and heard a charge against
Elder Allen Avery, on an appeal case from an Elders' Court in Zion,
which took away his license for rebelling against their decision.
Brother Avery frankly and readily complied with the requisition of the
Council, and the President decided that he be restored to fellowship,
and receive his license.
[Sidenote: The Prophet on the Part of the Accused.]
In these cases I acted on the part of the defense for the accused, to
plead for mercy. The Lord blessed my soul, and the Council was greatly
blessed also, and much good will result from our labors.
I was at home on the 30th, and was visited by many who came to inquire
after the work of the Lord.
[Sidenote: The Prophet Learns the Principles of Astronomy as Understood
by Abraham.]
_October 1_.--This afternoon I labored on the Egyptian alphabet, in
company with Brothers Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps, and during the
research, the principles of astronomy as understood by Father Abraham
and the ancients unfolded to our understanding, the particulars of
which will appear hereafter.
On the 2nd of October I wrote the following letter for publication in
the _Messenger and Advocate_, (continued from the 1st of September.) [1]
[Sidenote: Charges Against the Goulds.]
_October 3_.--I attended the High Council to investigate charges
preferred by Reynolds Cahoon against Elder John Gould "for making
expressions calculated to injure the cause we have espoused, and
manifesting a strong dissatisfaction with the teachings of the
Presidency." Also against Dean Gould for speaking unadvisedly against
Elder Rigdon and other Elders.
In the case of John Gould, the accuser and defendant agreed the matter
should be talked over, by which all difference of feeling was allayed.
Gould confessed and was forgiven.
{287} Dean Gould acknowledged that he spoke unadvisedly against
President Rigdon, and was forgiven.
In the afternoon I waited on most of the Twelve, at my house, and
exhibited to them the ancient records, and gave explanations. This day
passed off with the blessing of the Lord.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Journey with John Corrill.]
_Sunday, 4_.--I started early in the morning, with Brother John
Corrill, to hold a meeting in Perry. When about a mile from home we
discovered two deer playing in the field, which diverted our minds by
giving an impetus to our thoughts upon the subject of the creation of
God. We conversed on many topics. The day passed off very agreeably,
and the Lord blessed our souls. When we arrived at Perry, we were
disappointed of a meeting, through mis-arrangement, but conversed
freely with Brother Corrill's relatives, which allayed much prejudice.
May the Lord have mercy on their souls.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Meeting With the Twelve.]
_Monday, 5_.--I returned home, being much fatigued from riding in the
rain. Spent the remainder of the day in reading and meditation, and in
the evening attended a Council of the Twelve Apostles; had a glorious
time, and gave them much instruction concerning their duties for time
to come; told them that it was the will of God they should take their
families to Missouri next season; also this fall to attend the solemn
assembly of the first Elders, for the organization of the School of the
Prophets; and attend to the ordinance of the washing of feet; and to
prepare their hearts in all humility for an endowment with power from
on high; to which they all agreed with one accord, and seemed to be
greatly rejoiced. May God spare the lives of the Twelve to a good old
age, for Christ the Redeemer's sake. Amen.
[Sidenote: A Timely Loan.]
_Tuesday, 6_.--At home. Elder Stevens came to my house and loaned
Frederick G. Williams and Co. six hundred dollars, which greatly
relieved us of our present {288} difficulties. May God bless and
preserve his soul forever. In the afternoon called to visit my father,
who was very sick with a fever: somewhat better towards evening. Spent
the rest of the day in reading and meditation.
[Sidenote: Illness of Joseph Smith, Sen.]
_Wednesday, 7_.--Went to visit my father, found him very low,
administered some mild herbs, agreeably to the commandment. May God
grant to restore him immediately to health for Christ the Redeemer's
sake. Amen.
Bishop Whitney and Brother Hyrum Smith started by stage for Buffalo,
New York, to purchase goods to replenish the committee's store. May
God grant, in the name of Jesus, that their lives may be spared, and
they have a safe journey, and no accident or sickness of the least kind
befall them, that they may return in health and in safety to the bosom
of their families.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Blessing on Bishop Whitney; Translation of the
Writings of Abraham Begun.]
Blessed of the Lord is Brother Whitney, even the Bishop of the Church
of Latter-day Saints, for the Bishopric shall never be taken away from
him while he liveth. And the time cometh that he shall overcome all
the narrow-mindedness of his heart, and all his covetous desires that
so easily beset him; and he shall deal with a liberal hand to the poor
and the needy, the sick and afflicted, the widow and the fatherless.
And marvelously and miraculously shall the Lord his God provide for
him, even that he shall be blessed with a fullness of the good things
of this earth, and his seed after him from generation to generation.
And it shall come to pass, that according to the measure that he
meteth out with a liberal hand to the poor, so shall it be measured to
him again by the hand of his God, even an hundred fold. Angels shall
guard his house, and shall guard the lives of his posterity, and they
shall become very great and very numerous on the earth. Whomsoever
he blesseth, they shall be blessed; and whomsoever he curseth, they
shall be cursed; and {289} when his enemies seek him unto his hurt
and destruction, let him rise up and curse, and the hand of God shall
be upon his enemies in judgment, they shall be utterly confounded
and brought to desolation. Therefore he shall be preserved unto the
utmost, and his life shall be precious in the sight of the Lord, he
shall rise up and shake himself, as a lion riseth out of his lair and
roareth until he shaketh the hills; and as a lion goeth forth among the
lesser beasts, so shall the going forth of him be whom the Lord hath
anointed to exalt the poor, and to humble the rich, therefore his name
shall be on high, and his rest among the sanctified. This afternoon I
re-commenced translating the ancient records.
_Thursday, 8_.--At home. I attended on my father with great anxiety.
_Friday, 9_.--At home. Waited on my father.
_Saturday, 10_.--At home, and visited the house of my father, found him
failing very fast.
[Sidenote: The Prophet's Care of His Father.]
_Sunday, 11_.--Waited on my father again, who was very sick. In secret
prayer in the morning, the Lord said, "My servant thy father shall
live." I waited on him all this day with my heart raised to God in
the name of Jesus Christ, that He would restore him to health, that I
might be blessed with his company and advice, esteeming it one of the
greatest earthly blessings to be blessed with the society of parents,
whose mature years and experience render them capable of administering
the most wholesome advice. At evening Brother David Whitmer came in.
We called on the Lord in mighty prayer in the name of Jesus Christ,
and laid our hands on him, and rebuked the disease. And God heard and
answered our prayers--to the great joy and satisfaction of our souls.
Our aged father arose and dressed himself, shouted, and praised the
Lord. Called Brother William Smith, who had retired to rest, that he
might praise the Lord with us, by joining in songs of praise to the
Most High.
{290} _Monday, 12_.--Rode to Willoughby, in company with my wife, to
purchase some goods at William Lyon's store. On our return we found a
Mr. Bradley lying across the road. He had been thrown from his wagon,
and was much injured by the fall.
_Tuesday, 13--_Visited my father, who was very much recovered from his
sickness, indeed, which caused us to marvel at the might, power, and
condescension of our Heavenly Father, in answering our prayers in his
behalf.
_Wednesday, 14_.--At home.
_Thursday, 15_.--Labored in father's orchard, gathering apples.
[Sidenote: Baptism of Ebenezer Robinson.]
_Friday, 16_.--Was called into the printing office, to settle some
difficulties in that department. In the evening I baptized Ebenezer
Robinson. [2] The Lord poured out His Spirit upon us and we had a good
time.
_Saturday, 17_.--Called my family together and arranged my domestic
concerns, and dismissed my boarders.
_Sunday, 18_.--Attended meeting in the chapel, confirmed several that
had been baptized, and blessed several children with the blessings of
the New and Everlasting Covenant. Elder Parley P. Pratt preached in
the forenoon, and Elder John F. Boynton in the afternoon. We had an
interesting time.
[Sidenote: The Book of Abraham.]
_Monday, 19_.--At home. Exhibited the records of antiquity to a number
who called to see them.
{291} _Tuesday, 20_.--At home. Preached in the evening in the school
house.
_Wednesday, 21_.--At home.
_Thursday, 22_.--At home, attending to my domestic concerns.
[Sidenote: Prayer for Special Blessings.]
_Friday 23_.--At home. At four o' clock, afternoon, Oliver Cowdery,
David Whitmer, Hyrum Smith, John Whitmer, Sidney Rigdon, Samuel H.
Smith, Frederick G. Williams and W. W. Phelps assembled, and we
united in prayer, with one voice, before the Lord, for the following
blessings: That the Lord would give us means sufficient to deliver us
from all our afflictions and difficulties wherein we are placed by
reason of our debts; that He would open the way and deliver Zion in the
appointed time, and that without the shedding of blood; that He would
hold our lives precious, and grant that we may live to the common age
of man, and never fall into the hands nor power of the mob in Missouri,
nor in any other place; that He would also preserve our posterity,
that none of them fall, even unto the end of time; that He would give
us blessings of the earth sufficient to carry us to Zion, and that we
may purchase inheritances in that land, even enough to carry on and
accomplish the work unto which He has appointed us; and also that He
would assist all others who desire, according to His commandments,
to go up and purchase inheritances, and all this easily and without
perplexity and trouble; and finally, that in the end He would save us
in His celestial kingdom. Amen.
_Saturday, 24_.--Mr. Goodrich and wife called to see the ancient
[Egyptian] records, and also Dr. Frederick G. Williams to see the
mummies. Brothers Hawkes and Carpenter, from Michigan, visited us and
tarried over night.
[Sidenote: Meetings in Kirtland.]
_Sunday, 25_.--Attended meeting with Brothers Hawkes and Carpenter.
President Rigdon preached in the {292} fore-noon, Elder Lyman E.
Johnson in the afternoon, after which Elder Seymour Brunson joined
Brother William Perry and Sister Eliza Brown in matrimony, and I
blessed them with long life and prosperity in the name of Jesus Christ.
In the evening I attended prayer meeting, opened it, and exhorted the
brethren and sisters about one hour. The Lord poured out His Spirit,
and some glorious things were spoken in the gift of tongues and
interpreted concerning the redemption of Zion.
[Sidenote: Trial of Samuel Smith for Neglect of Military Duty.]
_Monday, 26_.--Went to Chardon to attend the County Court in company
with my brothers Hyrum, Samuel H., and Don Carlos Smith. Brother
Samuel was called in question before this Court for not doing military
duty, and was fined because we had not our conference minutes with
us for testimony to prove that Frederick G. Williams was clerk of
the conference. This testimony we should have carried with us had it
not been for the neglect of our counsel or lawyer, who did not put
us in possession of this information [i.e. that we would need such
testimony]. This we felt was a want of fidelity to his client, and we
consider it a base insult, practiced upon us on account of our faith,
that the ungodly might have unlawful power over us, and trample us
under their unhallowed feet. And in consequence of this neglect, a fine
was imposed upon Brother Samuel of twenty dollars, including costs,
for which he was obliged to sell his cow to defray the expenses of the
same. And I say, in the name of Jesus Christ, that the money which they
have thus unjustly taken shall be a testimony against them, and canker,
and eat their flesh as fire.
[Sidenote: A Prayer and Promise.]
_Tuesday, 27_.--In the morning I was called to visit at Brother Samuel
Smith's. His wife was confined and in a dangerous condition. Brother
Carlos went to Chardon after Dr. Williams. I went out into the field
and bowed before the Lord and called upon Him in mighty prayer in
her behalf. And the word of the {293} Lord came unto me, saying, "My
servant Frederick shall come, and shall have wisdom given him to deal
prudently, and my handmaid shall be delivered of a living child, and
be spared." The doctor came in about one hour afterwards, and in the
course of two hours she was delivered, and thus what God had manifested
to me was fulfilled every whit. This evening I preached in the school
house to a crowded congregation.
_Wednesday, 28_.--At home, attending to my family affairs.
[Sidenote: Warren Parrish Becomes the Prophet's Scribe.]
_Thursday, 29_.--Brother Warren Parrish commenced writing for me, at
fifteen dollars per month. I paid him sixteen dollars in advance out of
the committee's store. Father and Mother Smith visited us. While we sat
writing Bishop Partridge passed our window, just returned from the East.
[Sidenote: Trial of David Elliot.]
I was called to appear before the High Council, which was then sitting,
to give my testimony in an action brought by Brother William Smith
against Brother David Elliot, for whipping his daughter unreasonably.
My testimony was in Brother Elliot's favor, from conversation with the
parents and the girl at their house in Chagrin, I was satisfied that
the girl was in the fault, and that the neighbors were trying to create
a difficulty.
Returned to our writing room, went to Dr. Williams' after my large
journal; made some observations to my scribe concerning the plan of the
city, which is to be built up hereafter on this ground consecrated for
a Stake of Zion.
While at the doctor's, Bishop Edward Partridge came in company with
President Phelps. I was much rejoiced to see him. We examined the
mummies, returned home, and my scribe commenced writing in my journal a
history of my life; concluded President Cowdery's second letter to W.
W. Phelps, which President Williams had begun.
[Sidenote: The Visit of Bishop Whitney's Parents to the Prophet.]
{294} Bishop Whitney and his wife, with his father and mother, called
to visit us. His parents having lately arrived here from the East,
called to make inquiry concerning the coming forth of the Book of
Mormon. Bishop Partridge and some others came in. I then sat down
and related to them the history of the coming forth of the book, the
administration of the angel to me, and taught them the rudiments of the
Gospel of Christ. They appeared well satisfied, and I expect to baptize
them in a few days, though they have made no request of the kind. [3]
Went to the Council. The Presidency arose and adjourned. On my return
Elder Boynton observed that long debates were bad. I replied that it
was generally the case that too much altercation was indulged on both
sides, and their debates protracted to an unprofitable length.
[Sidenote: Hopes for Zion's Redemption.]
We were called to supper. While seated at table we indulged in a free
interchange of thought, and Bishop Whitney observed to Bishop Partridge
that the thought had just occurred to his mind that perhaps in about
one year from this time they might be seated together around a table
on the land of Zion. My wife observed she hoped it might be the case,
that not only they, but the rest of the company present, might be
seated around her table on that land of promise. The same sentiment was
reciprocated from the company around the table, and my heart responded,
Amen. God grant it, I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.
[Sidenote: Disorder in a Council Meeting.]
After supper I went to the High Council in company with my wife and
some others that belonged to my household. I was solicited to take a
seat with the Presidency and preside on a trial of Sister Elliot. I
did so. My mother was called upon for testimony, and began to relate
circumstances that had been brought before the Church and settled. I
objected {295} to such testimony. The complainant, Brother William
Smith, arose and accused me of invalidating or doubting my mother's
testimony, which I had not done, nor did I desire to do so. I told him
he was out of order, and asked him to sit down. He refused. I repeated
my request. He became enraged. I finally ordered him to sit down. He
said he would not, unless I knocked him down. I was agitated in my
feelings on account of his stubbornness, and was about to leave the
house, but my father requested me not to do so. I complied, and the
house was brought to order after much debate on the subject, and we
proceeded to business.
The decision of the Council in the case of Brother Elliot was, "that
the complaint was not without foundation, yet the charge has not been
fully sustained, but he has acted injudiciously and brought a disgrace
upon himself, his daughter, and upon this Church, because he ought to
have trained his child in a way that she would not have required the
rod at the age of fifteen years." Brother Elliot made his confession
and was forgiven. Sister Elliot confessed her wrong and promised to
do better, consequently the Council forgave her. And they were both
restored to fellowship.
[Sidenote: A Methodist's Inquiry into Conditions at Kirtland.]
_Friday, 30_.--At home. Mr. Francis Porter, from Jefferson County, New
York, a member of the Methodist church, called to make some inquiry
about lands in this place (Kirtland), whether there were any valuable
farms for sale, and whether a member of our Church could move into this
vicinity and purchase lands and enjoy his own possessions and property
without making them common stock. He had been requested to make this
inquiry by some brethren who live in the town of Leroy, New York. I
replied that I had a valuable farm joining the Temple lot I would
sell, and that there were other lands for sale in this place and that
we had no common stock business among us; that every man enjoys his
own property, or can, if he is disposed, {296} consecrate liberally or
illiberally to the support of the poor and needy, or the building up
of Zion. He also inquired how many members there were in this Church.
I told him there were about five or six hundred who communed at our
chapel, and perhaps a thousand in this vicinity.
[Sidenote: William Smith's Self-justification.]
In the evening I was presented with a letter from Brother William
Smith, the purport of which is, that he is censured by the brethren on
account of what took place at the Council last night, and wishes to
have the matter settled to the understanding of all that he may not be
censured unjustly, considering that his cause was a just one and that
he had been materially injured. I replied that I thought we parted
with the best of feelings, that I was not to blame on account of the
dissatisfaction of others. I invited him to call and talk with me, and
that I would talk with him in the spirit of meekness and give him all
the satisfaction I could. This reply was by letter.
[Sidenote: Hyrum Smith as Peacemaker.]
_Saturday, 31_.--In the morning Brother Hyrum Smith came in and said he
had been much troubled all night and had not slept any, that something
was wrong. While talking, Brother William Smith came in, according to
my request last night. Brother Hyrum said that he must go to the store.
I invited him to stay. He said he would go and do his business and
return. He did so. While he was gone Brother William introduced the
subject of our difficulty at the Council. I told him I did not want
to converse upon the subject until Hyrum returned. He soon came in. I
then proposed to relate the occurrences of the Council before named,
and wherein I had been out of the way I would confess it, and ask his
forgiveness, and then he should relate his story, and make confession
wherein he had done wrong, and then leave it to Brother Hyrum Smith and
Brother Parrish to decide the matter between us, and I would agree to
the decision and be satisfied therewith.
[Sidenote: The Rebellion of William Smith.]
{297} William observed that he had not done wrong, and that I was
always determined to carry my points whether right or wrong, and
therefore he would not stand an equal chance with me. This was an
insult, but I did not reply to him in a harsh manner, knowing his
excitable disposition, but tried to reason with him and show him the
propriety of a compliance with my request. I finally succeeded with the
assistance of Brother Hyrum, in obtaining his assent to the proposition
that I had made. I then related my story, and wherein I had been wrong
I confessed it, and asked his forgiveness. After I got through he made
his statements, justifying himself throughout in transgressing the
order of the Council, and treating the authority of the Presidency
with contempt. After he had got through Brother Hyrum began to make
some remarks in the spirit of meekness. He (William) became enraged.
I joined Brother Hyrum in trying to calm his stormy feelings, but to
no purpose, he insisted that we intended to add abuse to injury, his
passion increased, he arose abruptly, declared that he wanted no more
to do with us. He rushed out at the door. We tried to prevail on him to
stop, but all to no purpose. He went away in a passion, and soon after
sent his license to me. He went home and spread the leaven of iniquity
among my brothers, and especially prejudiced the mind of Brother
Samuel. I soon learned that he was in the street exclaiming against
me, and no doubt our enemies rejoiced at it. And where the matter will
end I know not, but I pray God to forgive him and them, and give them
humility and repentance.
The feelings of my heart I cannot express on this occasion, I can only
pray my Heavenly Father to open their eyes, that they may discover
where they stand, that they may extricate themselves from the snare
they have fallen into.
[Sidenote: Visit to Shadrach Roundy.]
After dinner I rode out in company with my wife and {298} children,
Brother Don Carlos and some others. We visited Brother Roundy [4] and
family, who live near Willoughby. We had an interesting visit. As soon
as I returned I was called upon to baptize Samuel Whitney and his wife
and daughter. After baptism we returned to their house and offered our
thanks in prayer. I obtained a testimony that my brother William would
return to the Church, and repair the wrong he had done.
Footnotes
1. For this communication see Article 2, chapter 19. (Note.)
2. Ebenezer Robinson, afterwards somewhat prominent in the Church in
Missouri and Illinois as editor, printer and publisher, was born in the
town of Floyd, Oneida County, New York, May 25, 1816; and was the son
of Nathan and Mary Robinson. He was already a printer of considerable
experience when he came to Kirtland in May, 1835, and began work in the
Church printing establishment, then running under the firm name of F.
G. Williams & Co., though not a member of the Church. For six months
he boarded in the families of Oliver Cowdery, F. G. Williams and the
Prophet Joseph. "We found them all very pious, good Christian people,"
he remarks, "(who) asked a blessing at the table and all attended to
family worship morning and evening." (The "Return," Vol. 1, p. 58).
Mr. Robinson did not become immediately converted to the Gospel, but
conviction gradually dawned upon his mind, and he finally declared his
faith and was baptized by the Prophet as stated in the text.
3. The expectation was realized on the last day of October, see p. 297.
4. This is Shadrach Roundy who afterwards became prominent in Church
affairs. He was born in Rockingham, Windham County, Vermont, January
1, 1789. At twenty-five he married Betsy Quimby. He first heard of the
Gospel on moving from Vermont to Onondaga County, New York, and in the
winter of 1830-1 sought out the Prophet, then residing at Fayette,
Seneca County, New York. After his first interview he was baptized; and
subsequently his wife and all his children of sufficient age received
the Gospel. He removed with the New York Saints to Ohio, settling near
Willoughby, where the Prophet frequently visited him.
{299}