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