The Mormon Exodus

The surrender took place in November. The days were cold and bleak; but the Gentiles clamored for the instant removal of the Mormons. The old and young, the sick and feeble, delicate women and suckling chilren, almost without food and clothing, were compelled to abandon their homes and firesides to seek new ones in a distant State. Valuable farms were traded for a yoke of oxen, an old wagon, or anything that would furnish the means of transportation. Many of the poorer classes were compelled to walk. Before half their journey was accomplished, the chilly blasts of winter howled about them, and added to their general discomfort. The suffering which they endured on this forced march though great, was soon forgotten in the prosperity of Nauvoo, their new asylum. Their trials and sufferings, instead of damping the ardor of the Saints, increased it a hundred-fold: 'The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the church'.

During the years 1838 and 1839, the greater part of the Mormons passed from our borders. But there were some whose eyes had been opened to the folly of their leaders, and who denounced injustice whether committed by saints or sinners John Whitmer, who had selected the site of Far West, refused to follow the leadership of Joseph Smith farther, and still resides on his farm near the ruins of the town he had located. David Whitmer, the Bozarchs, George Walters, Abner Scoville, Avery Smith, and others remained, and have recained the respect of all for their good qualities and kind acts.

The exodus of the Mormons reduced the population of the County from six thousand to less than one thousand; but the deserted farms and houses offered inducements to emigration that was not despised, and new settlers rapidly filled the places of the departed hosts.

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