kclogo2.jpg (24832 bytes)

  

THE FARM
Previous Owners
Plat Maps
Area Maps
Pictures

LOCAL HISTORY
Caldwell County
1876 Atlas History
1876 Atlas People
1897 Atlas People
WPA Interviews

IMPROVEMENTS
Chronological Events

HUNTING INFORMATION

SEARCH

HOME

History of Caldwell County, Missouri
As written in the 1876 Atlas of Caldwell County Missouri

The Mormons

The early history of our County is inseparably connected with the history of the Mormon church, and it becomes necessary, therefore, to ascertain what the character of the people who constituted that church was, in order to understand the causes that led to their expulsion from the state. Joseph Smith, at that time was the head and front of the organization. In 1823, according to the veracious story of Joseph, two angels appeared to him and informed him that he was the chosen Apostle and Prophet of God, to preach the true gospel to the world in its purity and power. Shortly afterwards an angel disclosed the location of the golden book, containing the records of the lost tribes of Israel.."the progenitors of the American Indians". Smith translated and published these records as the "Bible of the Latter Days". In 1830, the church was organized. In 1831, they emigrated to Kirtland, Ohio. Pursuant to a new revelation, they migrated to Independence, Jackson County, Mo. Here a spot was selected for the Temple of Zion, and a city sprung up as by magic, but the clanship of the Mormons led to difficulties with the earlier settlers. These difficulties culminated in open hostilities, which led to their expulsion from Jackson County. The Mormons crossed the river into Clay, and there remained until the location of Far West, when they pressed forward to that haven.

The members of that church were drawn from all classes of society and from most of the civilized nations of the earth. Missionaries were sent in all directions to preach the new gospel and gather up the saints. They zealously pursued their work, and company after company of converts crossed the Mississippi to join their bretheren in Missouri. Coming from the northern states they were regarded as opponents of slavery.

Although the greater portion of the members were illiterate fanatics, there were amongst them a few men of ability and education. Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Parley B. Pratt were ready writers and fluent speakers. Polygamy was not at that time taught nor openly practiced. That monstrous doctrine was not avowed until 1841, while the Mormons resided at Nauvoo.

Crosby Johnson, An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Caldwell County, Missouri.    1876.  Edwards Brothers

Territorial History
First Settlers
County Organized
Mormon Emigration
Far West
The Mormons
Mormon Settlements
Mormon Leaders
The Temple
Mormon War
Mormon Exodus
Visions
Change of County Seat
Salem, Missouri
Mexican War
California Emigration
Kansas Troubles
Railroad
Burning of Records
The Rebellion
Thrailkill's Raid
Since the War
Population
Topography
Soil & Products
Timber
Fruits
Climate
County Indebtedness
Minerals
Townships
Township Organization
Kingston
Hamilton
Breckenridge
Kidder
Mirable
Proctorville
Polo
Nettleton
Catawba
Black Oak
 

 

Questions, comments or suggestions?   Please send us feedback! 
E-mail us at kingscrossfarm@geocities.com

All photos are copyright KingsCross Farm, 1997 & 1998
All written material other than reference material copyright KingsCross Farm 1998