Popular Post Bernard Gui Posted June 13, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted June 13, 2019 (edited) If you have the time and inclination, you may wish to read this article I wrote about an event in Kirtland in which Joseph and William Smith were involved in a physical altercation that had a negative impact on their family and the whole Church. Your comments are welcomed! Kirtland, Ohio, Wednesday, November 18, 1835. Joseph Smith spoke on the topic of the Resurrection at the funeral of Preserved Harris's father. It was a cool and cloudy day. Joseph, Emma, and Lucy Smith enjoyed a pleasant ride in their wagon. That night, Bishop Newel K. Whitney, his wife and parents, came by to invite Joseph and Emma to visit Joseph's parents with them. The elderly Smiths lived with their son William. Emma was ill, so Joseph went with his scribe instead. When they arrived, they found a number of the elders engaged in a debate on the subject of miracles. Lasting over three hours, the debate was lively and interesting. Joseph was delighted, but he observed that the debate had been a little too zealous, resembling more the arguments of a lawyer in court defending his position right or wrong. He took the opportunity to advise the brethren to cultivate their intellects and improve their minds in a more proper manner, so as to please God, by handling sacred subject sacredly and respecting the opinions of others. Several weeks later, on Saturday, December 12, Joseph spent the morning reading. Around noon some young adults stopped by his home to see the Egyptian records he was translating. That evening he attended another debate at William Smith's home. Debate groups were popular in America at the time. William had organized the debate school to discuss gospel topics. A topic would be chosen. Then the brethren picked which side to defend. Joseph took the side of the affirmative on the question, "Was it necessary for God to reveal Himself to mankind in order for their happiness?" The debate was spirited and impressive. Joseph spoke last, but before he could finish, he was called out to administer to Sister Angeline Works, who was seriously ill. Wednesday, December 16, was an extremely cold day. Joseph attended a presidency meeting. In the afternoon, William McLellin, Jared Carter, and Brigham Young stopped by to visit. Joseph showed them the Egyptian records. He explained many things concerning the dealings of God with the ancients and the formation of the planetary system.That evening Joseph went again to William Smith's home to finish the debate of the previous Saturday. He was looking forward to an enjoyable evening with the brethren, sharing information with the help of the Spirit of the Lord. But he had some unaccountably depressing feelings that all was not right. He enjoyed the debate (his side was declared winner), but at the conclusion he expressed some misgivings about the activity. Some of the brethren also questioned whether the debates were an appropriate thing to do. William, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, enjoyed the debating school that he had organized in his home, so he wished to continue with a new subject. He argued with Brother McLellin, also a member of the Quorum of Twelve. Joseph asked him to calm down, as did their brother Hyrum. William took great offense and became angry. He thought everyone was criticizing him personally. Seeing the futility of trying to reason with William, Joseph said, "You are as ugly as the Devil!" Father Smith told everyone to be silent. William, however, said he could speak whatever and whenever he wanted in his own home. Joseph then said that he could speak, too, because this was also his father's house and Joseph had built it! Later, Joseph clarified that he had "helped finish it." Joseph decided it was time to leave. Tempers flared and harsh words were spoken. William started toward Joseph who then removed his coat to defend himself. William interpreted this as an invitation to fight. He grabbed Joseph and threw him to the ground. In addition to a childhood illness and surgery that weakened his leg, Joseph had been hurt earlier by a mob attack and was unable to fend off his brother. William also attacked others, including Elder J. Carter. Some brethren broke them apart. Joseph left the house in dismay. All the good feelings and intentions he had before going to William's home - brotherly kindness, love, anticipation, charity - were gone, replaced with anger, malice, and bruises. He was unable to sit or stand without help. The next day, Thursday, December 17, Joseph stayed home, feeling very poorly. Orson Hyde called by to settle a matter with the Prophet. That night Joseph's mother and father came in to talk about the family problems. Joseph noted that they felt terribly about what had happened. He invited them to move into his home. They agreed to do so as soon as arrangements could be made. William was so embarrassed by his behavior that he could not speak directly with Joseph, so on Friday he wrote a letter of apology and sent it to Hyrum to deliver to Joseph. Hyrum acted as a go-between and brought the letter to Joseph. They spent several hours discussing the difficulty between William and Joseph. In his letter, William apologized and asked for Joseph's forgiveness. He expressed sorrow for his actions to the extent that he even asked to be removed from the Quorum of the Twelve. "Though I do not know but I have forfeited all right and title to the word brother, in consequence of what I have done, for I consider myself, that I am unworthy to be called one, after coming to myself and considering upon what I have done, I feel as though it was a duty, to make a humble confession to you for what I have done or what took place the other evening... I was called to an account by the 12, yesterday for my conduct, or they desired to know my mind or determination and what I was going to do. I told them that on reflection upon the many difficulties that I had had with the church and the much disgrace I had brought upon myself in consequence of these things and also that my health would no permit me to go to school to [make] any preparations for the endowment.... that it would be better for them to appoint one in the office that would be better able to fill it, and by doing this they would throw me into the hands of the church, and leave me where I was before I was chosen. Then I would not be in a situation to bring so much disgrace upon the cause, when I fell into temptation, and perhaps by this I might obtain Salvation. You know my passions and the danger of falling from so high a station, and thus by withdrawing from the office of the apostleship while there is salvation for me, and remaining a member in the church; I feel afraid if I don't do this it will be worse for me...Do so if the Lord will have mercy on me and let me remain a member of the church, and then I can travel and preach when I am able - do not think that I am your enemy for what I have done...I feel sorry for what I have done and humbly ask your forgiveness...I am willing to make all the restitution you shall require. If I can stay in the church as a member - I will try to make all the satisfaction possible. Do not cast me off for what I have done but strive to save me in the church as a member. I do repent of what I have done to you and ask your forgiveness. I consider the transgression of the other evening of no small magnitude, but it is done and I cannot help it now. I know brother Joseph you are always wiling to forgive..." On Friday, Joseph answered William's letter. He explained the good feelings he felt when he first attended William’s debating school, but that he subsequently questioned the value of debating sacred doctrines. He then recounted his recollection of the events of that evening. He recalled the love that existed in their family, the tenderness of their aging parents and siblings, the care that they had extended to each other. Speaking plainly, he admonished William for his actions, for the violence he hadimposed on Joseph, and for asking to be released from his calling as an Apostle. He then explained, "Grant me the privilege of saying then, that however hasty or harsh, I may have spoken at any time to you, it has been done for the express purpose of endeavoring to warn, exhort, admonish, and rescue you from falling into difficulties and sorrows which I foresaw you plunging into, by giving way to that wicked spirit which you call your passions, which you should curb and break down and put under you feet, which if you do not, you never can be saved, in my view, in the kingdom of God....I desire brother William that you will humble yourself. I freely forgive you. "And you know my unshaken and unchangeable position. I know in whom I trust. I stand upon the rock.... you know that it is my duty to admonish you when you do wrong. This liberty I shall always take, and you shall have the same privilege. I take the privilege to admonish you because of my birthright, and I grand you the privilege because it is my duty to be humble and to receive rebuke and instruction from a brother or a friend. ... "And now may God have mercy upon my father's house. May God take away enmity from between me and thee; and may all blessing be restored in the past be forgotten forever. May humble repentance bring us both to thee [O God] and to thy power and protection, and a crown, to enjoy the society of father, mother, Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Samuel, Catharine, Carlos, Lucy, the Saints and all the sanctified in peace forever..." Despite the exchange of letters, the problem continued to fester over the next two weeks. Joseph frequently reflected on what had happened and prayed that his brother would not be cast off, but would magnify his apostleship. Sadly, the bad feelings within the family began to spread out into the church community. Divisions began among the Twelve and the Seventy. Family members became depressed and gloomy. Joseph said it was the adversary trying to prevent the Saints from receiving their endowments in the temple. Bickering and jealousy arose among the elders. He wrote, "So the leaven of iniquity foments and spreads among the members of the Church." But Joseph determined to do everything he could to settle the family difficulties and pull the Church out of this cloud of darkness. Friday, January 1, 1836 - the New Year. Joseph took steps to start the year aright. William, Hyrum, Uncle John Smith, Father Smith, and Martin Harris came to his house. Father Smith prayed and made an emotional appeal that the family be restored to peace and harmony. He expressed his feelings about the wounds suffered by the family. William made a humble confession and asked everyone for forgiveness. Joseph asked William's forgiveness. They promised each other "in the sight of God and the holy angels and the brethren" to forgive, to build each other up in righteousness, to reconcile disagreements in meekness, and to promote the family's happiness and the well-being of al. Emma and Lucy were then called in and they repeated their covenants to them. Tears flowed freely. Joseph closed the family meeting with prayer. "It was truly a jubilee and time of rejoicing." That Sunday, after meeting with the Saints, Joseph confirmed a number of persons who had been baptized. William confessed to the church and was cordially received back into fellowship. They partook of the sacrament. That evening, William preached a wonderful sermon. Joseph wrote, "This day has been a day of rejoicing to me. The cloud that has been hanging over us has burst with blessings on our heads, and Satan has been foiled in his attempts to destroy me and the church, by causing jealousies to arise in the hearts of some of the brethren, and I thank my heavenly father for the union and harmony which now prevails in the Church." Indeed, over the next few weeks much progress was made in the Church. A Hebrew school was organized with Joshua Seixas hired as their instructor. More men were added to the priesthood quorums. Plans were made for a Solemn Assembly, which was held on Wednesday, January 13. Dean Jessee, The Papers of Joseph Smith, Volume 2. Journal, 1832-1842. Deseret Book. 1992, pp. 86-127. Edited June 15, 2019 by Bernard Gui 7 Link to comment
strappinglad Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 I am currently rereading Rough Stone Rolling and in it Bushman says that William was ' unstable ' . This post gives some credence to that statement , but do we have any other insights? 1 Link to comment
clarkgoble Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 hour ago, strappinglad said: I am currently rereading Rough Stone Rolling and in it Bushman says that William was ' unstable ' . This post gives some credence to that statement , but do we have any other insights? There's a biography of William. He eventually associated with the RLDS (then called) but they considered him unstable as well. https://www.amazon.com/William-B-Smith-Shadow-Prophet/dp/1589585038 There's a review by Steve Fleming over at JI. https://juvenileinstructor.org/review-kyle-walker-william-b-smith-in-the-shadow-of-a-prophet/ 2 Link to comment
SettingDogStar Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 20 minutes ago, clarkgoble said: There's a biography of William. He eventually associated with the RLDS (then called) but they considered him unstable as well. https://www.amazon.com/William-B-Smith-Shadow-Prophet/dp/1589585038 There's a review by Steve Fleming over at JI. https://juvenileinstructor.org/review-kyle-walker-william-b-smith-in-the-shadow-of-a-prophet/ Do they mean unstable in the essence like he was mentally unwell or just outburst prone? Link to comment
clarkgoble Posted June 13, 2019 Share Posted June 13, 2019 1 hour ago, SettingDogStar said: Do they mean unstable in the essence like he was mentally unwell or just outburst prone? That's up to interpretation. I think the usual "safe" interpretation is that he was very headstrong, opinionated, not concerned about consequences, and prone to conspiracy. The stronger more controversial interpretation is mental illness but I think nearly all historians think that unfair. I think as a practical matter though people couldn't trust him to be a team player in any sense (RLDS or LDS). So I think that's the typical sense of unstable. I should add I've not read the latest biography so I can't comment in too much depth. 1 Link to comment
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 18 hours ago, strappinglad said: I am currently rereading Rough Stone Rolling and in it Bushman says that William was ' unstable ' . This post gives some credence to that statement , but do we have any other insights? If memory serves, Joseph, Hyrum and William all died as a result of the murders at Carthage jail. William ran almost all the way back to Nauvoo, got sick and died just 20 days later. Lucy Mack Smith, had to bury three sons in a month. Of course Joseph and Hyrum had to be buried where mobs could not dig them up, before being moved the where they rest now. Link to comment
ALarson Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said: If memory serves, Joseph, Hyrum and William all died as a result of the murders at Carthage jail. William ran almost all the way back to Nauvoo, got sick and died just 20 days later. Lucy Mack Smith, had to bury three sons in a month. Of course Joseph and Hyrum had to be buried where mobs could not dig them up, before being moved the where they rest now. That was another brother (Samuel) who died about a month after Joseph and Hyrum were murdered. Lucy actually lost 4 sons in Nauvoo. Very sad to think of what she must have gone through (there was also the death of her son Alvin prior to this time). She did stay in Nauvoo and lived with Emma who took care of her until her death (iirc). Edited June 14, 2019 by ALarson 3 Link to comment
cinepro Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 2 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said: If memory serves, Joseph, Hyrum and William all died as a result of the murders at Carthage jail. William ran almost all the way back to Nauvoo, got sick and died just 20 days later. Lucy Mack Smith, had to bury three sons in a month. Of course Joseph and Hyrum had to be buried where mobs could not dig them up, before being moved the where they rest now. William died in 1893. This "broadside" that he published in 1845 is...interesting: http://www.truthandgrace.com/1845WilliamSmith.htm Quote I will state unequivocally at the outset, that it is my firm and sincere conviction, that, since the murder of my two brothers, usurpation and anarchy, and spiritual wickedness in high places, have crept into the church, with the cognizance and acquiescence of those whose solemn duty it was to guardedly watch against such estate of things. Under the reign of one whom I may call a Pontius Pilate, under the reign I say of this B. Young, no greater tyranny ever existed since the days of Nero. He has no other justification than ignorance to cover the most cruel acts -- acts disgraceful to anyone bearing the stamp of humanity; and this being has associated around him, men, bound by oaths and covenants, who are reckless enough to commit almost any crime, or fulfill any command that their self-crowned "head" might give them. 1 Link to comment
CV75 Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 22 hours ago, Bernard Gui said: If you have the time and inclination, you may wish to read this article I wrote about an event in Kirtland in which Joseph and William Smith were involved in a physical altercation that had a negative impact on their family and the whole Church. Your comments are welcomed! I read about this many years ago in one of the histories of the Church, though I had the impression Joseph beat upon William to teach him a lesson. I took it partly as how people dealt with things in those days. But may I use this going forward as an example of a Church leader's fallibility and making mistakes? Link to comment
Bernard Gui Posted June 14, 2019 Author Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) 45 minutes ago, CV75 said: I read about this many years ago in one of the histories of the Church, though I had the impression Joseph beat upon William to teach him a lesson. I took it partly as how people dealt with things in those days. But may I use this going forward as an example of a Church leader's fallibility and making mistakes? There is nothing in the journals about Joseph beating William to teach him a lesson. Joseph was the recipient of the physical damage. He said because of the injuries he had received in his side earlier from being beaten by a mob he was unable to defend himself. He was rather forceful in his written admonitions, however. Please feel free to use the story. I would like to try to get it published, so maybe you could just use details. Yes, I think it is an example of leaders' human fallibility, but also a great example of reconciliation and forgiveness. That's why I found it compelling. Edited June 14, 2019 by Bernard Gui 2 Link to comment
CV75 Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 47 minutes ago, Bernard Gui said: There is nothing in the journals about Joseph beating William to teach him a lesson. Joseph was the recipient of the physical damage. He said because of the injuries he had received in his side earlier from being beaten by a mob he was unable to defend himself. He was rather forceful in his written admonitions, however. Please feel free to use the story. I would like to try to get it published, so maybe you could just use details. Yes, I think it is an example of leaders' human fallibility, but also a great example of reconciliation and forgiveness. That's why I found it compelling. Oops, sorry: my last remark was tongue-in-cheek due to the other thread... should have used an emoji! I wish you well in publishing your wonderful article! Meanwhile, i shall forget what I thought I had remembered! 1 Link to comment
ALarson Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) On 6/13/2019 at 12:44 PM, Bernard Gui said: If you have the time and inclination, you may wish to read this article I wrote about an event in Kirtland in which Joseph and William Smith were involved in a physical altercation that had a negative impact on their family and the whole Church. Your comments are welcomed! Kirtland, Ohio, Wednesday, November 18, 1835. Joseph Smith spoke on the topic of the Resurrection at the funeral of Preserved Harris's father. It was a cool and cloudy day. Joseph, Emma, and Lucy Smith enjoyed a pleasant ride in their wagon. That night, Bishop Newel K. Whitney, his wife and parents, came by to invite Joseph and Emma to visit Joseph's parents with them. The elderly Smiths lived with their son William. Emma was ill, so Joseph went with his scribe instead. When they arrived, they found a number of the elders engaged in a debate on the subject of miracles. Lasting over three hours, the debate was lively and interesting. Joseph was delighted, but he observed that the debate had been a little too zealous, resembling more the arguments of a lawyer in court defending his position right or wrong. He took the opportunity to advise the brethren to cultivate their intellects and improve their minds in a more proper manner, so as to please God, by handling sacred subject sacredly and respecting the opinions of others. Several weeks later, on Saturday, December 12, Joseph spent the morning reading. Around noon some young adults stopped by his home to see the Egyptian records he was translating. That evening he attended another debate at William Smith's home. Debate groups were popular in America at the time. William had organized the debate school to discuss gospel topics. A topic would be chosen. Then the brethren picked which side to defend. Joseph took the side of the affirmative on the question, "Was it necessary for God to reveal Himself to mankind in order for their happiness?" The debate was spirited and possessive. Joseph spoke last, but before he could finish, he was called out to administer to Sister Angeline Works, who was seriously ill. Was this Brigham's first wife or was there another Angeline Works (I think her full name was "Mariam Angeline Works")? ETA: I'm asking because she passed away in 1832, so I'm curious who this other "Angeline Works" was or if the date is wrong above for when this event occurred? Edited June 14, 2019 by ALarson 1 Link to comment
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 4 hours ago, cinepro said: William died in 1893. This "broadside" that he published in 1845 is...interesting: http://www.truthandgrace.com/1845WilliamSmith.htm Was it another Smith brother? Or were there no other deaths in Nauvoo? Well, you know. Link to comment
Calm Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 (edited) 1 hour ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said: Was it another Smith brother? Or were there no other deaths in Nauvoo? Well, you know. Infant son died 1797, Ephraim died at birth in 1810, Alvin died 1823, Don Carlos died in 1841 in Nauvoo, then Joseph and Hyrum in June 1844, and then Samuel that July.. Iirc, William was the only surviving brother, died 1893 Sisters: Sophronia (1876), Katherine (1900), Lucy (1882) Edited June 15, 2019 by Calm 3 Link to comment
Bill “Papa” Lee Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 2 hours ago, Calm said: Infant son died 1797, Ephraim died at birth in 1810, Alvin died 1823, Don Carlos died in 1841 in Nauvoo, then Joseph and Hyrum in June 1844, and then Samuel that July.. Iirc, William was the only surviving brother, died 1893 Sisters: Sophronia (1876), Katherine (1900), Lucy (1882) So it was Samuel who did under the conditions, or circumstances listed. Link to comment
Calm Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 “ June 27, 1844, while still living in Plymouth, Samuel learned that his brothers Joseph and Hyrum, who were in Carthage Jail with John Taylor and Willard Richards, were in danger. Samuel headed toward Carthage with a 14-year-old boy driving a wagon. On the way they met a mob, which attacked when they learned Samuel was Joseph Smith’s brother. The boy headed to Carthage with the wagon, and Samuel escaped into the woods “after severe fatigue, and much danger.”26 He made his way home and “acquired a horse noted for its speed.”27 His six-year-old daughter, Mary, remembers this moment: “My father came into the house in much excitement, and said … ‘I think I can break through the mob and get to Carthage’ and immediately he mounted the horse and was gone.”28 As he neared the town, a man and woman escaping in a buggy told him his brothers had been killed. Samuel rode on at great speed. Some of the mob, expecting his return, had hidden in a thicket. They chased Samuel, shooting at him. A bullet passed through the top of his hat, but Samuel, an excellent horseman, outran them. Samuel was the first Latter-day Saint to arrive at the jail,29 but by then Joseph and Hyrum were already dead. The violence was over, the mob had retreated, and Samuel had a piercing pain in his side. Samuel helped Willard Richards take the two bodies and the severely wounded John Taylor to a nearby hotel owned by Artois Hamilton. That night Willard wrote a letter to Emma telling her that Joseph and Hyrum were dead. Samuel’s signature appears alongside that of Willard Richards and John Taylor.30 The next day, Samuel, Willard, and Artois took the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum in two wagons to the Mansion House in Nauvoo. Samuel drove the wagon carrying the body of his brother Joseph. A guard of eight men accompanied them.31 After Lucy viewed the bodies, Samuel said, “Mother, I have had a dreadful distress in my side ever since I was chased by the mob.”32 Though Samuel was in pain and Levira was only weeks away from delivering a baby, the family moved into a two-story frame house opposite the Mansion House. Samuel’s health continued to decline. On July 30, just 34 days after Joseph and Hyrum died, Samuel died. His young daughter Mary remembered how “silence gave way to sobs”33 after their father passed away. His cause of death was listed as bilious fever.34 Levira, “a mild, quiet” woman,35 left Susannah, Mary, and Samuel with Hyrum’s widow, Mary Fielding Smith, and took her toddler to her parents. Twenty-one days after Samuel died, Lucy J. C. Smith was born and died soon after. Levira was ill and was unable to return to Nauvoo for some time.” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2008/08/samuel-h-smith-faithful-brother-of-joseph-and-hyrum?lang=eng Link to comment
JulieM Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 7 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said: Was it another Smith brother? Or were there no other deaths in Nauvoo? Well, you know. http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/71953-an-interesting-event-in-kirtlanda-smith-family-feud/?do=findComment&comment=1209911495 It’s so tragic that Lucy Smith buried four of her sons in Nauvoo. I’m glad she was close to Emma and was taken care of in her old age. Link to comment
Bernard Gui Posted June 15, 2019 Author Share Posted June 15, 2019 9 hours ago, ALarson said: Was this Brigham's first wife or was there another Angeline Works (I think her full name was "Mariam Angeline Works")? ETA: I'm asking because she passed away in 1832, so I'm curious who this other "Angeline Works" was or if the date is wrong above for when this event occurred? I don’t know. The dates are those given in the journal entries. Link to comment
Calm Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 (edited) Nathan Harris, Preserved's father died 1835 according to here. https://www.geni.com/people/Nathan-Harris/6000000003607938812 Miriam Angeline Works Young would have been known as Sister Young, so it was likely a wife of her brother or male relative or sister or aunt. Perhaps her (a sister), it doesn't give her marriage date to Robinson, but if born in 1814, she would have been 21 and possibly not married yet. https://www.geni.com/people/Angelina-Robinson/6000000032812848611 Her one child listed was born around 1950, so likely later marriage. Edited June 15, 2019 by Calm Link to comment
ALarson Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, Calm said: Nathan Harris, Preserved's father died 1835 according to here. https://www.geni.com/people/Nathan-Harris/6000000003607938812 Miriam Angeline Works Young would have been known as Sister Young, so it was likely a wife of her brother or male relative or sister or aunt. Perhaps her (a sister), it doesn't give her marriage date to Robinson, but if born in 1814, she would have been 21 and possibly not married yet. https://www.geni.com/people/Angelina-Robinson/6000000032812848611 Her one child listed was born around 1950, so likely later marriage. Thanks, Calm. I had a chance to do some searching and found this: Quote LDS History, 12 Dec. 1835 -- 12 Dec. 1835 [Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph attends a debate at William Smith's home. (1) -- December 13, 1835 [Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith officiated in the marriages of Ebenezer Robinson to Angeline Works and Edwin Webb to Eliza Ann McWhithy. (2) -- 15 Dec. 1835 [Lucy Mack Smith] Orson Hyde complains to Joseph that the temple committee store extended more lenient credit to William Smith than to him. (1) -- 1835 December 16 [Joseph Smith] Injured by brother William Smith, Kirtland. (3) -- 16 Dec. 1835 [Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph attends a second debate at William's and wants to end the school because the debates are too heated. William, angry, assaults Joseph. (1) -- December 17, 1835 [Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. After Orson Hyde read aloud a letter of complaint to the Prophet, Joseph Smith explained the objections he had set forth in it, and satisfied his mind upon every point, perfectly. (2) -- 17 Dec. 1835 [Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy and Joseph Sr. visit Joseph Jr. to discuss the estrangement between him and William. (1) -- December 18, 1835 [Joseph Smith] Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith received and promptly replied to a letter from his brother William Smith in which William asked forgiveness for his abuse at a debate on December 16. (2) -- 18 Dec. 1835 [Lucy Mack Smith] William writes to Hyrum asking forgiveness for fighting with Joseph and asking to be released from his apostleship. Joseph Jr. encourages him to keep the apostleship, to control his temper, and not to judge him. (1) http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/2009/05/lds-history-12-dec-1835.html It would be interesting to know how (or if) this Angeline Works was related to Brigham's first wife who'd passed away. I was just curious..... Edited June 15, 2019 by ALarson Link to comment
Calm Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 51 minutes ago, ALarson said: Thanks, Calm. I had a chance to do some searching and found this: It would be interesting to know how (or if) this Angeline Works was related to Brigham's first wife who'd passed away. I was just curious..... It is her sister. Link to comment
ALarson Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 (edited) 2 minutes ago, Calm said: It is her sister. Oh wow....both named "Angeline"? Or maybe middle names since Brigham's wife was "Mariam Angeline". Interesting....thanks again! Edited June 15, 2019 by ALarson Link to comment
Calm Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 (edited) 17 minutes ago, ALarson said: Oh wow....both named "Angeline"? Or maybe middle names since Brigham's wife was "Mariam Angeline". Interesting....thanks again! It looks like a favorite name. Miriam has Angeline as her middle name, Angeline has Eliza as hers. There was a difference of 9 years in age as well. Their grandmother’s name was Miriam, btw A brother Joseph Works names one of his daughters Angeline as well. Another sister was Adeline. The sister Perthinia names a daughter Angeline. Another brother James named a daughter Mary Ann Angel. So if it wasn’t a family name before, it became one. Edited June 15, 2019 by Calm 1 Link to comment
Nevo Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 (edited) On 6/13/2019 at 1:40 PM, strappinglad said: I am currently rereading Rough Stone Rolling and in it Bushman says that William was ' unstable ' . This post gives some credence to that statement , but do we have any other insights? William's biographer, Kyle Walker, finds that William was a lot like his uncle Jesse Smith: "William's personality mirrored that of his uncle Jesse, and the two men were a match in being impulsive, quick-tempered, and obstinate in their views" (Walker, William B. Smith: In the Shadow of a Prophet, 76). Furthermore, both were large imposing men who sometimes used their physical strength to get their way. Writing of William's experience in Palmyra, Walker notes that "being an outcast for his religious convictions did not sit well him, nor would he tolerate the name-calling and ostracizing he experienced, especially from his peers." His patriarchal blessing later noted that "thou hast greatly desired to see thy father's family redeemed from trouble . . . but thou hast not altogether desired this thing in meekness." Regarding William's physical altercation with Joseph in 1835, Walker writes: "William's animosity toward Joseph went back at least as far as their teens. While the rest of the family universally accepted Joseph's prophetic calling and prominent position in the family, William sometimes resented his older brother and the deference his parents paid to him. In later years, William acknowledged that his rather carefree, irreligious youth had elicited frequent lectures from his brother Joseph. Given that he already found the family's religious devotions irritating, William must have experienced his brother's lectures as bossy and preachy. It was also not the first time the brothers had scuffled, and certainly not the first time William had acted disrespectfully toward his older brother. Benjamin F. Johnson recorded another episode that had occurred, apparently at an earlier date. 'For Insolence to him,' Johnson related, 'He [Joseph] Soundly Thrashed his Brother William who Boasted himself as Invinsable'" (115). Walker continues: "Though William eventually accepted his brother's prophetic calling, some of his earlier resentments appear to have been rekindled while they were serving together in the leading councils of the church. William felt annoyed that Joseph frequently got his way because of deference to his position as Church president. His brother's prominent role in the family was equally grating. It is evident from Joseph's writings that he strongly felt that he had the prerogative--even the responsibility--to reprove his younger brother for wayward behavior, both because of his ecclesiastical [position] and also because of his birth order in their family." In his letter to William afterward, Joseph wrote that it was "his privilege, of reproving a younger brother" and right "to admonish you because of my birthright" (116). Walker observes that "it was also hard for William to stay in the background while his older brother was continually the focus of attention, both publicly in his civic and church responsibilities, as well as privately in the family. The recipient of his father's name, Joseph Jr. was the fulfillment of both family and scriptural prophecy that all the Smiths unequivocally accepted. . . . With most of the family siding with Joseph, the cost of holding on to his anger became too great, as it left William feeling ostracized from the Church and also isolated from his family. His strong family ties propelled him toward reconciliation with his brother" (117-118). Joseph Sr. was instrumental in softening William's heart: Quote William's father played a critical role in helping bring about a resolution. He was perhaps better equipped than the rest of the family to deal with William's challenging nature because of his earlier experience in dealing with his own volatile brother, Jesse, whose temperament resembled William's and had caused the family repeated turmoil. It was Jesse who had threatened to chase Joseph Sr. and Don Carlos out of his house with his broad axe when they had first come to introduce the Book of Mormon to the family in the fall of 1830. It was also Jesse [who] siblings often described as punitive and tactless in conversation, heedlessly unleashing a violent temper that alienated him from his relatives. Notwithstanding years of hostility and animosity, Joseph Sr. felt concern about and prayed for his inconstant brother. All of these experiences seemed to help soften Joseph Sr.'s feelings toward his own obstinate son and give him a repertoire of useful behaviors in dealing with William. There were times when no one could reach William except his father. Time would reveal that while Joseph Sr. did not trust William in the same way he did his namesake son, he still loved and supported William. The bond between the two was strong, and William remained fiercely loyal to his father throughout his life. His father's love and example helped hold him in their shared faith perhaps more than any other single factor. On several occasions when William faltered in his commitment to the Church, as was the case in 1835, the consoling words and steady example of his father helped him reconcile his differences and refresh his faith. (118-119) Joseph Smith is said to have prophesied that William "would become a good man when He became an old man" (Brigham Young, quoted in Wilford Woodruff's journal, 14 June 1857). As it happened, William's last 30 years were peaceful. In a small community in northeastern Iowa he finally found the respect and acceptance that had eluded him his whole life. Walker records that when B.H. Roberts visited William in the fall of 1880, he found him "a gracious host, feeding the two missionaries supper and breakfast and, although they didn't know it until the next day, giving them his own bed while he slept on the floor. The next day, William wrote a letter to a possible contact in Elkader, urging this friend 'to receive us as he would himself and to see to it that no one insulted us.' He walked with them to the outskirts of town and, in saying farewell, burst into a 'flood of tears accompanied by a clinging warm clasp of his hand.' Three times, Roberts looked back as they continued on their way, and each time, William was also looking at them, giving them 'a farewell wave of the hand'" (561). Reflecting on William's turbulent, eventful life, Walker offers this appraisal: Quote His ambitions frequently outran his ability to discipline and channel his undeniable talents. Among his contributions before the murders of Joseph and Hyrum were his service as a representative to the Illinois legislature, as editor of one newspaper in Illinois and one in New York, and his able and persuasive preaching that brought hundreds into the faith. . . . He obviously had manifested some of the charisma that drew devoted disciples to his brother, but those very qualities of compassion, affection, and enthusiasm frequently ended in injured feelings, agonizing rejection, desire for retaliation, and launching a new scheme before he could properly prepare for its success. The cycle of disappointing others, which led to their rejection of him, was all too often a prelude to his own violent rejection of them, so that he left behind him a trail of damaged and mistrustful former friends, allies, wives, and children. . . . Nevertheless, after his frantic activities to find or make a new spiritual home during the later 1840s and 1850s, he succeeded in reining in his ambitions, settling into a community that accepted him on his own terms, and becoming a stable husband and kindly father and stepfather despite wrestling with poverty. (563-564) Edited June 16, 2019 by Nevo 4 Link to comment
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