Mormon Emigration

Shortly prior to the organization of the County, the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, who had been compelled to abandon their homes in Jackson County in consequence of the hostility existing between them and their Gentile neighbors, sent John Whitmer and others to select a home in the wilderness, where the peculiar doctrines of that church might be taught and practiced in peace. The site of Far West in the northern part of Mirable Township was cho sen, and Mr. Whitmer returned to Clay County, where the Mormons were temporarily stopping... to inform them of the selection and declared that Far West was to be the New Jerusalem where Christ would reign with His saints.

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