Expulsion from Jackson County
1833
The Prophet's Warning
The impending storm about to break over the heads of the Saints in
Missouri was foreseen by the Prophet Joseph Smith. In January, 1833,
he wrote to William W. Phelps as follows: "The Lord will have a place
whence his word will go forth in these last days in purity; for if
Zion will not purify herself so as to be approved of in all things
in his sight, he will seek another people; for his work will go on
until Israel is gathered, and they who will not hear his voice must
expect to feel his wrath. . . . Our hearts are greatly grieved at
the spirit which is breathed both in your letter and that of Brother
Gilbert's, the very spirit which is wasting the strength of Zion like
a pestilence; and if it is not detected and driven from you, it will
ripen Zion for the threatened judgments of God. . . . This from your
brother who trembles for Zion, and for the wrath of heaven, which
awaits her if she repent not." These fears were also expressed in an
epistle written the same day from a conference of high priests in
Kirtland to their brethren in Zion. "We feel more like weeping for Zion
than we do like rejoicing over her, for we know that the judgments of
God hang over her, and will fall upon her except she repent," was their
message.
Rise of Mob Force in Jackson
Almost as soon as the members of the Church commenced settling in
Jackson County, opposition began to show itself. The settlers were
incited to violence by their ministers, who started a campaign of abuse
and falsehood. They received ready aid from others of the citizens,
which ultimately resulted in the expulsion of the Latter-day Saints
from the state. The Rev. Finis Ewing publicly distributed the report
that "the 'Mormons' were the common enemies of mankind," while the Rev.
Pixley circulated falsehoods among the religious papers of the east,
and used his influence among both the Indians and the whites for the
destruction of the Church in Jackson County.
Nearly all the Latter-day Saints were from the Eastern States, while
the Missourians were from the South. The Missourians feared that the
"Mormons" would increase and take from them their political domination.
The question of slavery, even in that day, was quite keen, and the
Missourians were determined to keep the state within the control of the
slave holders. Above all else, however, was their extreme hatred for
the "Mormons" because of their industry and belief. Some of the latter
had also failed to show the proper discretion and wisdom, for they
openly stated that the Lord had given them the land for their eternal
inheritance, and although they were to purchase the lands, yet in time
there the city Zion would be built, unto which none but the faithful
would be privileged to come. Such expressions aroused the Missourians
to fever heat, for they naturally hated the doctrines of the Church,
and to be informed that the lands would ultimately be taken from them,
was adding fuel to the flame.
As early as the spring of 1832, the mob resorted to violence. In the
still hours of the night, windows in many of the houses of the Saints
were broken, and other damage done by their enemies, who naturally
performed their deeds in the dark; but this was only the beginning of
sorrow.
The Mob Council
July 20, 1833, a council of all Missourians who were opposed to the
Latter-day Saints was called to meet in the Independence Court house.
Between four and five hundred men assembled and chose Richard Simpson,
chairman, and Samuel D. Lucas and J. H. Flournoy, secretaries. They
then proceeded to discuss means for the ejection of the members of
the Church from Jackson County, "peaceably if we can," they said,
"forcibly if we must." After deliberating for some time, they concluded
that "the arm of the civil law does not afford a guarantee," or at
least a sufficient one, against the "evils" which were inflicted upon
them. These "evils" were such that "no one could have foreseen," and
"therefore, unprovided for by the laws;" and the "delays incident to
legislation would put the mischief beyond remedy." They must because of
this take into their own hands the matter of expulsion of hundreds of
citizens from their homes.
Some of the "evils" of the "Mormons" were stated to be as follows:
The declaration that miracles have been performed and supernatural
cures achieved among the sick; a belief in heavenly manifestations and
that they have held converse with God and his angels; possession and
exercise of the gifts of divination and unknown tongues; and "fired
with the prospect of obtaining inheritance without money and without
price." Yet they were well aware that the "Mormons" had never made the
attempt to obtain lands except by purchase, as the Lord had commanded
them. Nevertheless all these "crimes" must be punished; for against
such evils "self preservation, good society and public morals," made
demands that the "Mormons" should be expelled. The following articles
were drawn up and unanimously approved, to be submitted to the elders
of the Church.
Declaration of the Mob
(1). "That no Mormon shall in future move and settle in this county.
(2). "That those now here, who shall give a definite pledge of their
intention within reasonable time to remove out of the county, shall
be allowed to remain unmolested until they have sufficient time to
sell their property, and close their business, without any material
sacrifice.
(3). "That the editor of the _Star_ be required forthwith to close his
office and discontinue the business of printing in this county; and as
to all other stores and shops belonging to the sect, their owners must
in every case strictly comply with the terms of the second article of
this declaration; and upon failure, prompt and efficient measures will
be taken to close the same.
(4). "That the Mormon leaders here are required to use their influence
in preventing any further emigration of their distant brethren to this
county, and to counsel and advise their brethren here to comply with
the above requisitions.
(5). "That those who fail to comply with these requisitions be referred
to those of their brethren who have the gifts of divination, and of
unknown tongues, to inform them of the lot that awaits them."
This address was read and after approval a committee consisting of
twelve men was appointed to wait upon the presiding elders of the
Church. They were instructed to "see that the foregoing requisitions
are strictly complied with by them; and upon their refusal, that
said committee do, as the organ of this county, inform them that it
is our unwavering purpose and fixed determination, after the fullest
consideration of all the consequences and responsibilities under which
we act, to use such means as shall insure full and complete adoption."
Such was the ungodly manifesto of the mob.
The Enemy's Demands
A recess was taken for two hours in which the committee was to carry
this message of unrighteous demands to the elders of the Church, and
then make report. Naturally these brethren desired time to consider
these drastic terms. They had come into the land by command of the
Lord, to receive their inheritance; it was here the great city of the
New Jerusalem was to be built; they had hoped for a peaceful possession
of their property, and as they had not interfered with the privileges
of others they justly felt that they were entitled to maintain their
rights. They asked for three months for consideration of these evil
terms; but were denied. They then asked for ten days; but were informed
that fifteen minutes was time enough. If immediate answer was not
forthcoming an unfavorable report would be returned, with consequences
of serious character speedily to follow. A refusal of these demands
was evidently the desire of the unlawful gathering at the court house,
which sought a pretext to vent their anger upon the Saints violently.
The Committee's Report
The committee returned and made their report. "Whereupon," their
minutes read, "it was unanimously resolved by the meeting, that the
_Star_ printing office should be razed to the ground; the type and
press secured." With the understanding that they would meet again three
days later, the horde of wretches started forth on their mission of
destruction. They did not overlook the opportunity to advertise their
deliberations "that the Mormon brethren may know at a distance that the
gates of Zion are closed against them--that their interests will be
best promoted by remaining among those who know and appreciate their
merits."
Vengeance of the Mob
With the utmost fury these human fiends proceeded to the office of the
_Evening and Morning Star_ and razed it to the ground. The office was
a part of the dwelling occupied by William W. Phelps. Mrs. Phelps and
her children, including a sick infant, were thrown out of doors amidst
the furniture which was destroyed. They then proceeded to the store
of Gilbert, Whitney and Co., bent on further destruction; but Elder
Gilbert assuring them that the goods would be packed by the 23rd of
that month, and no more would be sold, they left him and the store and
turned their attention to personal violence. They took Bishop Edward
Partridge and Charles Allen, stripped them and applied a coat of tar
which had been mixed with acid which burned into their flesh, and then
coated them with feathers. Others of the brethren were scourged, amidst
horrid yells and blasphemous oaths, while others in the excitement, for
all their captors were intent upon the "sport," were able to make their
escape from similar treatment by the mob.
Second Gathering of the Mob
On the morning of July 23, 1833, the mob, to the number of about five
hundred, again approached Independence, carrying a red flag--the emblem
of lawlessness--and armed with all manner of weapons of war. They rode
through the streets, giving vent to hideous yells and blasphemous
oaths, searching for the presiding elders of the Church. They
threatened to whip any "Mormon" whom they captured, with from fifty to
five hundred lashes each, demolish their dwellings, and turn negroes
loose to destroy their fields.
Offer of Ransom for the Church
Elders John Corrill, John Whitmer, William W. Phelps, Algernon S.
Gilbert, Edward Partridge and Isaac Morley, the leading elders, made no
resistance, but offered themselves a ransom for the Church. They were
willing to be scourged and even die, if that would appease the wrath
of the mob. The Missourians, with blasphemous oaths, assured them that
every man, woman and child would be whipped and scourged even to death
if they did not leave Jackson County. "The Mormons," said the mobbers,
"must leave the county, or they or the Mormons must die." The brethren
mentioned, knowing that resistance was useless and to save the Saints
and avoid the shedding of blood, entered into an agreement with the mob
to leave the county within a reasonable time.
The Forced Agreement of the Mob
The terms forced by the mob upon the Saints were as follows: Oliver
Cowdery, William W. Phelps, William E. McLellin, Edward Partridge,
Lyman Wight, Simeon Carter, Harvey Whitlock and the two Whitmers,
Peter and John, were to remove their families from the county on or
before the first day of January, 1834; they were to use all their
influence to induce all other members of the Church to remove as soon
as possible, one half by January first, and the rest by the first of
April following; and to do all in their power to stop others of their
brethren from moving into Jackson County; John Corrill and Algernon
S. Gilbert were allowed to remain as general agents to wind up the
business, Gilbert to sell the merchandise on hand but to buy no more;
the _Star_ was not to be published nor a press set up; Edward Partridge
and William W. Phelps were to remove their families, but they would be
permitted to come and go to wind up the affairs of the Church. The mob
pledged themselves to use no violence so long as the brethren complied
with the terms presented. To this the names of the elders and the
members of the second committee appointed by the mob were subscribed.
The Contract Broken by the Mob
Since there is no honor among knaves, the mob failed to keep their
agreement. Constantly they sallied forth, breaking windows in the homes
of the members of the Church and offering abuse when occasion afforded.
These attacks, however, did not pass unnoticed by the better class
of citizens in the state. _The Western Monitor_, a paper published
in Fayette, Missouri, first showed a friendly spirit toward the mob,
but later censured them for their conduct and advised the "Mormons"
to seek redress for their wrongs. Other papers adopted a similar
view, whereupon the members of the mob declared that if any "Mormon"
attempted "to seek redress by law or otherwise, for character, person,
or property, they should die."
Appeal to Governor Dunklin
When hostilities broke out the brethren in Missouri sent Oliver Cowdery
to Kirtland to make report and consult the First Presidency in respect
to future action. In sorrow for the afflicted members in Missouri
the presidency sent Orson Hyde and John Gould with instructions for
their brethren in that land. Shortly after their arrival, necessary
preparations having been made, Elders William W. Phelps and Orson Hyde,
were sent to Jefferson City with a petition, under date of September
28, 1833, to Governor Daniel Dunklin. In their petition the wrongs of
the Latter-day Saints were clearly set forth, and it was signed by
nearly all the members of the Church in Missouri.
The Governor's Reply
On the 19th of October, Governor Dunklin made reply to the memorial of
the members of the Church and advised them to take their grievances
before the courts, for, said he: "No citizen, nor number of citizens,
have a right to take the redress of their grievances, whether real
or imaginary, into their own hands. Such conduct strikes at the very
existence of society, and subverts the foundation on which it is
based. . . . The judge of your circuit is a conservator of the peace:
if an affidavit is made before him by any of you, that your lives are
threatened, and you believe them in danger, it would be his duty to
have the offenders apprehended, and bind them to keep the peace." He
could not "permit himself to doubt that the courts were open to" the
Saints.
Futility of the Advice
Under ordinary circumstances the governor's advice might have been of
some worth. The conditions, however, were of no ordinary nature. The
leaders of the mob were Samuel D. Lucas, judge of the county court;
Samuel C. Owens, county clerk; John Smith, justice of the peace; Samuel
Weston, justice of the peace; William Brown, constable; Thomas Pitcher,
deputy constable; James H. Flournoy, postmaster, and Lilburn W. Boggs,
lieutenant governor of the state, the latter, however, keeping in the
background and aiding and abetting the others in their evil work. For
the "Mormon" people to accept the governor's advice, would mean their
trial would be conducted before their avowed and open enemies, if they
were permitted a trial at all.
Counsel Employed by the Saints
Nevertheless, accepting the governor's advice, attorneys were engaged
to fight the case. They were William T. Wood, Amos Reese, Alexander W.
Doniphan and David R. Atchison, who agreed to plant suits and carry
them through for one thousand dollars. Notes for that amount were given
by William W. Phelps and Bishop Partridge and endorsed by Gilbert,
Whitney and Co. However, very little benefit was ever derived by the
members of the Church, from this action.
Continued Activities of the Mob
As soon as it was known that the "Mormons" would appeal to the courts,
the mobbers began to prepare for war. On the night of October 31,
a band of about fifty marauders proceeded against a branch of the
Church west of the Big Blue River, not far from Independence. There
they unroofed and partly demolished a number of houses, whipped in a
savage manner several men and frightened the women and children, who
were forced to flee for safety. On the first of November, another
attack was made on a branch on the prairie, fourteen miles from
Independence. The same night another party raided the homes of the
Saints in Independence, where a number of houses were demolished and
the goods in the store of Gilbert, Whitney and Co., were scattered in
the street. One Richard McCarty was caught in the act of breaking into
the store and demolishing property and was taken before Samuel Weston,
justice of the peace, where a complaint was made against him; Judge
Weston, however, refused to consider the complaint, and turned McCarty
loose. The next day McCarty caused the arrest of the witnesses who
had captured him in this unlawful act, and had them tried for false
imprisonment. The same justice, on the testimony of this fellow alone,
found the witnesses, Gilbert, Morley and Corrill, guilty and committed
them to jail. "Although we could not obtain a warrant against him for
breaking open the store," said John Corrill, "yet he had gotten one for
us for catching him at it."
The Battle of the Blue
These attacks upon the Saints were repeatedly continued; attempts were
made to obtain peace warrants, but no justice would issue them for fear
of the mob. Monday, November 4, 1833, a band of mobbers gathered at the
Big Blue River and commenced to destroy property. Nineteen men, members
of the Church, gathered in defense, but discovering the superior number
of the mob, turned back. Their enemies, learning of this attempt,
immediately went in pursuit of the "Mormons" who fled in various
directions for safety. About thirty more of the brethren from the
prairie armed with seventeen guns approached and a battle commenced.
The mobbers soon fled leaving two of their number, Hugh L. Brazeale and
Thomas Linville, dead on the ground. Among the "Mormons" Andrew Barber
received a mortal wound and died the following day. Philo Dibble also
received a severe wound, but was almost instantly healed by the laying
on of hands by Elder Newel Knight.
The Mob Militia
Following the battle of the Blue, excitement ran high. November 5,
1833, at the instigation of Lieutenant Governor Lilburn W. Boggs, the
militia was called out under command of Colonel Thomas Pitcher, one
of the leaders of the mob of July 23. It was stated that the militia
had been called for the protection of the Saints, but it had every
appearance of a mob and in its ranks were many of the most bitter
enemies of the Church. Colonel Pitcher demanded that the Saints
surrender their arms. This they refused to do unless their enemies
should also be disarmed. Colonel Pitcher readily agreed to this
proposition to which Lieutenant Governor Boggs also pledged his honor.
Another demand was that certain brethren who had been engaged in the
battle the day before were to be surrendered and tried for murder. Both
of these demands were complied with by the Saints.
Misplaced Confidence
Having confidence in the pledge of the lieutenant governor, the Saints
returned to their homes feeling somewhat secure from further attacks.
Their confidence, however, had been misplaced, for it was a cunning
scheme of this state official, and the other leaders of the mob, to
place the members of the Church in a defenseless position and then
drive them from the county; which, forthwith, they proceeded to do.
The arms were never taken from the members of the mob, but those taken
from the Saints were distributed among their enemies to be used against
them."[1] The following day gangs of men, numbering sixty or more, went
from house to house whipping the men, driving the women and children
from their homes at the muzzles of their guns, and setting fire to
their houses, to make sure their owners would not return. More than two
hundred houses were destroyed in the several raids of the mob. The men
who surrendered themselves under the charge of murder, were detained
for one day and a night and sorely abused; then they were taken out
into a cornfield by this same Colonel Pitcher and told to "clear!"
meaning they were to leave immediately for parts unknown.
The Saints in Exile
These attacks continued for several days and among those directing
the forces of the mob were several "reverend" gentlemen who took
pleasure in these wicked deeds. By the 7th of November, the banks of
the Missouri River were lined with refugees who had gathered in the
utmost confusion, so hasty had been their flight. Twelve hundred souls
were thus forced to seek shelter, the best they could, in the dead of
winter, and in the midst of storms. Many died from exposure and the
abuse otherwise heaped upon them and the fleeing multitude left, in
the frozen stubble, a trail of blood from their lacerated feet. The
exiled Saints sought refuge in the neighboring counties, but from
some of these they were again forced to flee before the inhospitable
inhabitants among whom they found themselves. In Clay County, just
across the river north of Jackson, they were received temporarily with
some degree of kindness.
An Attempt to Seek Redress
Through their attorneys, and by direct petition to Governor Daniel
Dunklin, the Saints sought to repossess their property in Jackson
County. The governor acknowledged the justice of their claims and
expressed a willingness to furnish an "adequate force" to effect that
object; but he declared he had no power to protect them after they were
once returned to their lands. He was also willing, so it was declared
by Attorney General R. W. Wells, to organize them in companies of
militia that they might aid in their restoration. The Saints knew that
such a thing would only arouse their enemies to greater fury, and as no
protection was guaranteed them when once restored, such an offer could
not be accepted.
Farcical Effort to Enforce the Law
It may have been the intention of the state officials, at the first,
to restore the exiles to their lands, but they evidently lacked the
courage to cope with the lawless, but determined, enemies of the
Saints. A number of leading elders were subpoenaed in behalf of the
state to appear at the February (1834) term of court to be held at
Independence. On the 23rd of that month, under the protection of
Captain Atchison's company of "Liberty Blues"--nearly fifty rank
and file--these witnesses crossed the Missouri River bound for
Independence. That night they camped in the woods. Captain Atchison,
becoming alarmed at the appearance of the enemy, sent an express
to Colonel Allen for two hundred drafted militia, and to Liberty
for more ammunition. Early the next morning this company marched
to Independence, and after breakfast they were visited by District
Attorney Ames Reese and Attorney General R. W. Wells, who informed the
witnesses that all hopes of criminal prosecution were at an end. Mr.
Wells had been sent by the governor to investigate the Jackson County
outrages, but the bold front of the mob evidently intimidated the state
officials who were willing to appease the wrath of the mob rather than
to maintain the majesty of the law.
As soon as Captain Atchison was informed that his services were no
longer needed, he took his witnesses and marched them out of town,
to the tune of Yankee Doodle, quick time, and soon returned to camp.
One of the witnesses, Elder William W. Phelps, wrote of this farcical
proceeding as follows: "This order was issued by the court, apparently
on the speedy gathering of the old mob, or citizens of Jackson County,
and their assuming such a boisterous and mobocratic appearance. Much
credit is due to Captain Atchison for his gallantry and hospitality,
and I think I can say of the officers and company, that their conduct
as soldiers and men, is highly reputable; so much the more, knowing
as I do, the fatal results of the trial had the militia come or not
come. . . . Thus ended all hopes of redress, even with a guard ordered
by the governor for the protection of the court and witnesses."
Notes
1. In the spring of 1834, Governor Dunklin issued a requisition
to Colonel S. D. Lucas to return the arms to the "Mormons" which
were taken from them in November, 1833; but Lucas had resigned his
commission and moved to Lexington, Missouri. A second requisition to
Colonel Pitcher was contemptuously ignored. The arms were distributed
among the mob and they boasted that they would not return them,
notwithstanding the order of the governor of the state; and the arms
were never returned.