What Is Hidden History?

[canard78]

http://media.ldscdn....rtyrdom-eng.pdf

While waiting in a doctors office, I read the June 2013 Ensign. Something caught my eye in the article "Two Witnesses, Three Days and the Aftermath of the Martyrdom" . I saw a pistol on Joseph Smith while he was in the jail. But the article didn't mention him shooting anyone with it or that he even had it. Interesting that they are being more open to this fact, just not in the writing of it in this particular article. Check it out!

They also show the pocketwatch and simply say "it was damaged" rather than "it miraculously stopped the bullet that would have killed him."

[canard78]

http://media.ldscdn....rtyrdom-eng.pdf

While waiting in a doctors office, I read the June 2013 Ensign. Something caught my eye in the article "Two Witnesses, Three Days and the Aftermath of the Martyrdom" . I saw a pistol on Joseph Smith while he was in the jail. But the article didn't mention him shooting anyone with it or that he even had it. Interesting that they are being more open to this fact, just not in the writing of it in this particular article. Check it out!

And his death mask is interesting on p43. It makes it pretty clear that the modern day portraits of him (Aryan/Scandinavian movie star) is not true to his appearance... the mask looks a little more... 'pointy' than the paintings.

Edited June 28, 2013 by canard78

[cinepro]

http://media.ldscdn....rtyrdom-eng.pdf

While waiting in a doctors office, I read the June 2013 Ensign. Something caught my eye in the article "Two Witnesses, Three Days and the Aftermath of the Martyrdom" . I saw a pistol on Joseph Smith while he was in the jail. But the article didn't mention him shooting anyone with it or that he even had it. Interesting that they are being more open to this fact, just not in the writing of it in this particular article. Check it out!

This article from 1996 is pretty good:

Martyrdom at Carthage

The four men had two firearms among them, left behind by friends: a single-shot pistol Joseph had passed to Hyrum and a six-shot pistol, called a pepperbox, which the Prophet retained. They also had two walking canes: a large hickory stick called a “rascal-beater” and a smaller walking cane. Joseph’s companions had used both to beat back the rabble while making their way from the Hamilton House to the jail two days earlier.

[cinepro]

They also show the pocketwatch and simply say "it was damaged" rather than "it miraculously stopped the bullet that would have killed him."

It's okay to say it if you really believe it. And until a few years ago, everyone really believed it.

And if someone gets shot four times and then finds that their pocket watch is broken, I'm willing to grant them a little leeway in their assumption about a musket ball having done the breaking.

Edited June 28, 2013 by cinepro

[Wiki Wonka]

I learned about it in the 50's or early 60's in Primary or Sunday School.

When I visited the Church History Museum in Salt Lake last year I took a picture of Joseph and Hyrum's guns.

[ERayR]

When I visited the Church History Museum in Salt Lake last year I took a picture of Joseph and Hyrum's guns.

There you go. Hidden right there in the museum all along. Who would have thought to look there?

[Danzo]

They hid it in the place they knew no one would look.

[Tacenda]

They hid it in the place they knew no one would look.

The trick question here is, did they put on the placard that he shot at the mob with the gun and wounded or killed a couple of men. Edited June 28, 2013 by Tacenda

[Wiki Wonka]

The trick question here is, did they put on the placard that he shot at the mob with the gun and wounded or killed a couple of men.

The text on the placard reads:

Joseph's Pepperbox Pistol

and Hyrum's Single Barrel Pistol

These guns were used by both men for their defense during the attack

at Carthage. Joseph and Hyrum Smith were awaiting court hearings

investigating the unrest in Nauvoo. Promises that they would be

safe in Carthage proved tragically false.

[ERayR]

The trick question here is, did they put on the placard that he shot at the mob with the gun and wounded or killed a couple of men.

Tacenda can you never be satisfied? It has been shown that they were plainly hidden in a museum. Isn't that enough?

PS: Do you expect them to just sit quietly with hands folded while the mob kills them? The idea of defending oneself against a mob necessitates incapacitating those trying to kill you by wounding or killing the attackers.

[Tacenda]

Tacenda can you never be satisfied? It has been shown that they were plainly hidden in a museum. Isn't that enough?

PS: Do you expect them to just sit quietly with hands folded while the mob kills them? The idea of defending oneself against a mob necessitates incapacitating those trying to kill you by wounding or killing the attackers.

Another trick question, how long has this been on display in the church museum? And why wasn't it said in the June 2013 Ensign article, anything about the gun fight at the jail? Just a picture of JS with a pistol. It's like tempting the reader to look further on and not coming out in the open with it. It's a slow innoculation of sorts. I was happy that the artists rendition of this was articulate, but the author of the article left that portion out. Maybe it's so hard on readers to see JS not quite the martyred prophet, as attritbuted to Jesus, who went to the slaughter as a lamb. There is a distinct difference. But I'm not going to be picky, I know JS wasn't Jesus! I would have probably done the same thing, shot back, especially after seeing my dear brother shot point blank. How difficult that whole situation would have been. He was a man, not God. We just need to not portray him as such, is all. I'd love to meet the prophet JS, one day. I have a feeling that what he did do is what he thought was best or was inspired to do. I don't fault him for that. He may have heard some inspirations, a little funny and not quite accurate, IMO. My big peeve, is some of what polygamy did do in the hands of the wrong people, that's it and maybe the bible not portrayed as the word of God enough, that's all. But the greater good will hopefully prevail.

[ERayR]

Another trick question, how long has this been on display in the church museum? And why wasn't it said in the June 2013 Ensign article, anything about the gun fight at the jail? Just a picture of JS with a pistol. It's like tempting the reader to look further on and not coming out in the open with it. It's a slow innoculation of sorts. I was happy that the artists rendition of this was articulate, but the author of the article left that portion out. Maybe it's so hard on readers to see JS not quite the martyred prophet, as attritbuted to Jesus, who went to the slaughter as a lamb. There is a distinct difference. But I'm not going to be picky, I know JS wasn't Jesus! I would have probably done the same thing, shot back, especially after seeing my dear brother shot point blank. How difficult that whole situation would have been. He was a man, not God. We just need to not portray him as such, is all. I'd love to meet the prophet JS, one day. I have a feeling that what he did do is what he thought was best or was inspired to do. I don't fault him for that. He may have heard some inspirations, a little funny and not quite accurate, IMO. My big peeve, is some of what polygamy did do in the hands of the wrong people, that's it and maybe the bible not portrayed as the word of God enough, that's all. But the greater good will hopefully prevail.

Tacenda what do you expect a 1000 page volume on every one of your supposed hidden items? As has been shown by personal testimonies on this board it has been openly taught for at least 60 years. It being that open perhaps the author of the article did not think it necessary for the article. Please stop looking for monsters under the bed.

[Tacenda]

Tacenda what do you expect a 1000 page volume on every one of your supposed hidden items? As has been shown by personal testimonies on this board it has been openly taught for at least 60 years. It being that open perhaps the author of the article did not think it necessary for the article. Please stop looking for monsters under the bed.

Do you see it necessary though for some that say they didn't know the full story or those that say they felt it was hidden? You yourself have said you knew of JS' s polygamy years ago, and didn't understand how I didn't or maybe it was someone else. All I'm thinking is in that article it could have done the job perfectly and proven the church is upfront about it's history. Of course I know some writers are volunteering their stories not history scholars. Is there a reference to these shootings in any archives that either you or wiki wonka can point to me? And this is no where near my monster under the bed at all. Edited June 28, 2013 by Tacenda

[Danzo]

Another trick question, how long has this been on display in the church museum? And why wasn't it said in the June 2013 Ensign article, anything about the gun fight at the jail? Just a picture of JS with a pistol. It's like tempting the reader to look further on and not coming out in the open with it. It's a slow innoculation of sorts. I was happy that the artists rendition of this was articulate, but the author of the article left that portion out. Maybe it's so hard on readers to see JS not quite the martyred prophet, as attritbuted to Jesus, who went to the slaughter as a lamb. There is a distinct difference. But I'm not going to be picky, I know JS wasn't Jesus! I would have probably done the same thing, shot back, especially after seeing my dear brother shot point blank. How difficult that whole situation would have been. He was a man, not God. We just need to not portray him as such, is all. I'd love to meet the prophet JS, one day. I have a feeling that what he did do is what he thought was best or was inspired to do. I don't fault him for that. He may have heard some inspirations, a little funny and not quite accurate, IMO. My big peeve, is some of what polygamy did do in the hands of the wrong people, that's it and maybe the bible not portrayed as the word of God enough, that's all. But the greater good will hopefully prevail.

This is just pathetic.

The fact of the gun has never been hidden.

There is no conspiracy to keep it hidden.

None.

[ERayR]

Do you see it necessary though for some that say they didn't know the full story or those that say they felt it was hidden? You yourself have said you knew of JS' s polygamy years ago, and didn't understand how I didn't or maybe it was someone else. All I'm thinking is in that article it could have done the job perfectly and proven the church is upfront about it's history. Of course I know some writers are volunteering their stories not history scholars. Is there a reference to these shootings in any archives that either you or willy wonka can point to me? And this is no where near my monster under the bed at all.

I have to agree with Danzo, the accusations of things being hidden is pathetic. You keep chanting that mantra. As long as you let this falsehood dominate your thinking you will not have peace. These "hidden" tidbits are not the focus of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are certainly not hidden.

Edited June 28, 2013 by ERayR

[thesometimesaint]

Do you see it necessary though for some that say they didn't know the full story or those that say they felt it was hidden? You yourself have said you knew of JS' s polygamy years ago, and didn't understand how I didn't or maybe it was someone else. All I'm thinking is in that article it could have done the job perfectly and proven the church is upfront about it's history. Of course I know some writers are volunteering their stories not history scholars. Is there a reference to these shootings in any archives that either you or willy wonka can point to me? And this is no where near my monster under the bed at all.

The practice of polygamy has publicly proclaimed since BY did so in Deseret. The doctrine is in D&C 132. Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant and the principle of plural marriage. Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet as early as 1831.

If someone doesn't know about it. They either aren't interested or have only themselves to blame.

BTW. I've known about JS guns from before I became a member in 1971.

http://en.fairmormon.org/Joseph_Smith/Martyrdom/Hiding_Joseph%27s_gun

[Ahab]

The word "hidden" has multiple meanings, including the idea of not being able to see something which to others may be obvious.

If I hide a book, for example, the fact that I may still know where it is doesn't mean others may not be able to see it, or at least not until they find it.

Kinda like the game of 'Hide and Go Seek' which most of us played when we were children. If you go looking for something you may eventually find it if you keep looking for it but that does't mean that at some time it may have been hidden from your personal view at some time.

Lots of things are hidden to those who don't see or go looking for some things, and sometime we need to seek to find things.

Nothing sinister going on here. There can be very good reasons for hiding things from those who aren't ready to see.

[ERayR]

The word "hidden" has multiple meanings, including the idea of not being able to see something which to others may be obvious.

If I hide a book, for example, the fact that I may still know where it is doesn't mean others may not be able to see it, or at least not until they find it.

Kinda like the game of 'Hide and Go Seek' which most of us played when we were children. If you go looking for something you may eventually find it if you keep looking for it but that does't mean that at some time it may have been hidden from your personal view at some time.

Lots of things are hidden to those who don't see or go looking for some things, and sometime we need to seek to find things.

Nothing sinister going on here. There can be very good reasons for hiding things from those who aren't ready to see.

The accusations of hidden church history is often expressed as an epithet (. b : a disparaging or abusive word or phrase).

[Ahab]

The accusations of hidden church history is often expressed as an epithet (. b : a disparaging or abusive word or phrase).

Or maybe that's just our perception of what they are expressing. Maybe they're just expressing their surprise that everything about everything isn't laid out for them in Sunday School lessons and Sacrament meetings. Some people apparently want someone else to hold their hand and lead them into the font of all knowledge as if it's supposed to be a guided tour with us mere mortals as the tour guide. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we can learn the truth of all things, but we still need to be looking to find.

[Danzo]

As we all grow older, we learn things that we didn't before. Some of these things are even stuff that maybe we should have known. This happens to me all of the time with a variety of subjects. This is not evidence of a conspiracy to keep me from knowing a thing, it is just evidence that I am learning.

It is only when we think we know it all that we become "surprised" and "shocked" at new knowledge.

Was there a time when I didn't know about the gun?, Of course! When I learned about it, I thought "how interesting, Joseph must have really known what was going happen to him. I guess I could of said, "Why didn't they force me to know about it earlier", or "Why wasn't I born with this information", Or "I finally beat the conspiracy that was keeping me from knowing this"

New knowledge, whenever it comes, only means that previously you didn't know everything

Edited June 28, 2013 by Danzo

[cinepro]

The next time I hear about Joseph going "like a lamb to the slaughter", I'll think about this:

[Tacenda]

I have to agree with Danzo, the accusations of things being hidden is pathetic. You keep chanting that mantra. As long as you let this falsehood dominate your thinking you will not have peace. These "hidden" tidbits are not the focus of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are certainly not hidden.

Dictionary

truth^*truθ(n.)(pl.)truths

1. 
   the true or actual state of a matter:
   to tell the truth.
   
2. 
   conformity with fact or reality; verity:
   to check the truth of a statement.
   
3. 
   a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like:
   mathematical truths.
   
4. 
   the state or character of being true.
   
5. 
   actuality or actual existence.
   
6. 
   an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.
   
7. 
   honesty; integrity; truthfulness.
   
8. 
   (often cap.) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience.
   
9. 
   agreement with a standard or original.
   
10. 
    accuracy, as of position or adjustment.
    
11. 
    Archaic. fidelity or constancy.
    

The church I belonged to or belong to, has taught me to adhere to the above, I can't help that I'm this way, and many others. The church or leaders have been inviting non members and members alike to search the truth for as long as I can remember. It's in my DNA, okay?

[ERayR]

Dictionary

truth^*truθ(n.)(pl.)truths

1. 
   the true or actual state of a matter:
   to tell the truth.
   
2. 
   conformity with fact or reality; verity:
   to check the truth of a statement.
   
3. 
   a verified or indisputable fact, proposition, principle, or the like:
   mathematical truths.
   
4. 
   the state or character of being true.
   
5. 
   actuality or actual existence.
   
6. 
   an obvious or accepted fact; truism; platitude.
   
7. 
   honesty; integrity; truthfulness.
   
8. 
   (often cap.) ideal or fundamental reality apart from and transcending perceived experience.
   
9. 
   agreement with a standard or original.
   
10. 
    accuracy, as of position or adjustment.
    
11. 
    Archaic. fidelity or constancy.
    

The church I belonged to or belong to, has taught me to adhere to the above, I can't help that I'm this way, and many others. The church or leaders have been inviting non members and members alike to search the truth for as long as I can remember. It's in my DNA, okay?

That is all well and good just cease with the accusations that all the church leaders are out to deceive you. Here read Danzo's post again

As we all grow older, we learn things that we didn't before. Some of these things are even stuff that maybe we should have known. This happens to me all of the time with a variety of subjects. This is not evidence of a conspiracy to keep me from knowing a thing, it is just evidence that I am learning.

It is only when we think we know it all that we become "surprised" and "shocked" at new knowledge.

Was there a time when I didn't know about the gun?, Of course! When I learned about it, I thought "how interesting, Joseph must have really known what was going happen to him. I guess I could of said, "Why didn't they force me to know about it earlier", or "Why wasn't I born with this information", Or "I finally beat the conspiracy that was keeping me from knowing this"

New knowledge, whenever it comes, only means that previously you didn't know everything

[Wiki Wonka]

Another trick question, how long has this been on display in the church museum? And why wasn't it said in the June 2013 Ensign article, anything about the gun fight at the jail? Just a picture of JS with a pistol. It's like tempting the reader to look further on and not coming out in the open with it. It's a slow innoculation of sorts. I was happy that the artists rendition of this was articulate, but the author of the article left that portion out. Maybe it's so hard on readers to see JS not quite the martyred prophet, as attritbuted to Jesus, who went to the slaughter as a lamb. There is a distinct difference. But I'm not going to be picky, I know JS wasn't Jesus! I would have probably done the same thing, shot back, especially after seeing my dear brother shot point blank. How difficult that whole situation would have been. He was a man, not God. We just need to not portray him as such, is all. I'd love to meet the prophet JS, one day. I have a feeling that what he did do is what he thought was best or was inspired to do. I don't fault him for that. He may have heard some inspirations, a little funny and not quite accurate, IMO. My big peeve, is some of what polygamy did do in the hands of the wrong people, that's it and maybe the bible not portrayed as the word of God enough, that's all. But the greater good will hopefully prevail.

It's a reasonable question. I believe that the gun has been on display there at least since the museum was rededicated and the name was changed (was that around 2008?), but I'm just guessing. People have been taking pictures of it for several years at least.

Regarding other references to what happened with the gun at Carthage, there are many in official Church publications. Here are the ones that we already have listed in the FAIR Wiki:

1844

• George T. M. Davis, of Alton, Illinois, An Authentic Account of the Massacre of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, and Hyram Smith, his brother, together with a Brief History of the Rise and Progress of Mormonism, and all the circumstances which led to their death (St. Louis 1844); also quoted in “The Mormons, or Latter Day Saints”, The United States Catholic Magazine 4 (1845): 362-3.
  
• Brooklyn Eagle, July 8, 1844, page 2
  
• Willard Richards, "Two Minutes in Jail", in Times and Seasons 5/14 (1 August 1844): 597-98
  
• A True and Descriptive Account of the Assassination of Joseph and Hiram Smith, the Mormon Prophet and Patriarch At Carthage, Illinois, June 27th, 1844, By an Eye Witness, T[HOMAS]. A. LYNE (NY: 1844): 9-10.
  

1845

• “Mormonerna, en beväpnad religionssekt i de Förenta Staterna,” Borgå Tidning, [Porvoo, Finland] August 20, 1845, p. 1-4, and August 23, 1845, p. 2-3. English translations by this author [Kim Ostman, Finland 2006: “The Mormons, an armed religious sect in the United States.”]. According to a footnote, the article comes from Wilhelm Grisson’s original text “Beiträge zur Charakteristik der Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika.”
  

1846

• James Allen Scott Journal., 19 April 1846; quoted in Richard Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri (U of Oklahoma 1987): 236, note 20.
  

1851

• James Linforth, “The Rev. C.W. Lawrence’s ‘Few Words from a Pastor to his People on the subject of the Latter-day Saints,’ replied to and refuted”. (no date [contains reference to Millennial Star 13.4 (Feb 15, 1851); my copy bound with MS volume 12, in U of Minnesota Library]; published by J. Sadler, Liverpool): 2.
  

1852

• J. M. Grant, The Truth for the Mormons ‘Three Letters to the New York Herald’’ 64 pages.
  
• History of the Persecutions!! Endured by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in America. Compiled from Public Documents, and Drawn from Authentic Sources. By C. W. Wandell, Minister of the Gospel (Sydney: Albert Mason 1852). 55.
  

1854

• Thomas Ford, History of Illinois, 1818-1847 (Chicago, 1854), 354-5. “An attempt was made to break open the door; but Joe Smith being armed with a six-barrelled pistol, furnished by his friends, fired several times as the door was bursted open, and wounded three of the assailants….”
  
• Benjamin G. Ferris, Utah and the Mormons. The History, Government, Doctrines, Customs and Prospects of the Latter-day Saints. From personal observation during a six months’ residence at Great Salt Lake City (New York: 1854).
  
• The Californian Crusoe; or, The Last Treasure Found. A Tale of Mormonism (London: John Henry Parker 1854; New York: Stanford and Swords): 98.
  
• Joseph Smith et Les Mormons ou Examen de Leurs Pretentions Relativement a leur Bible, a leur Prophete et a leur Eglise, par L. Favez (Lausamme: Delefrontaine and Comp 1854): 47.
  

1856

• Jules Remy and Julius Brenchley, A Journey to Great Salt Lake City, with a sketch of the History, Religion, and Customs of the Mormons, and an Introduction on the Religious Movement in the United States, in two volumes (London: W. Jeffs 1856) [reprinted from 1861 London edition; Preface dated Paris August 1860], volume I: 395
  

1857

• “History of Joseph Smith,” Deseret News Weekly 7/37 (November 18, 1857): 290b and 7/38 (November 25, 1857): 297a.
  

1862

• L. A. Bertrand, Memoires d’un Mormon (Paris 1862).
  
• Richard F. Burton, The City of the Saints (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1862): Appendix. John Taylor, Witness to the Martyrdom [written in response to request by Elder Wilford Woodruff, in letter dated June 30, 1856. This account in Burton was first publication of the work by John Taylor]
  

1863

• Le Prophete du XIX Siecle ou vie des Saints des Derniers Jours (Mormons), Hortense G. Du Fay (Paris: Dentu 1863): 100.
  

1865

• Hyppolite Taine, Nouveaux Essais de Critique et d’Histoire (Paris, 1865; reprinted 1900, 1901, 1914). Review article of Jules Remy, Voyage au pays des Mormons (Paris, 1860). Translated in Austin E. Fife, “Taine’s Essay on the Mormons. Translated with Introduction and Notes,” Pacific Historical Review 31/1 (February 1962): 58.
  

1867

• Pomeroy Tucker, Origin, Rise, and Progress of Mormonism. Biography of its Founders and History of its Church. Personal Remembrances and Historical Collections Hitherto Unwritten (New York: D. Appleton and Company 1867): 190.
  

1875

• CCA Christensen's moving panorama illustrating church history. One of the 23 scenes illustrates the
  

martyrdom and actually shows the smoking gun in Joseph's hand (circa this date). This was a traveling show of huge painted canvases that would be displayed to LDS audiences. 1880

• Autobiography of B. H. Roberts, Gary J. Bergera p.76
  

1881

• Daniel Tyler, A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War, 1846-47 (Salt Lake City 1881). [includes statement by John Taylor on martyrdom of Joseph Smith]
  

1882

• Lyman O. Littlefield, The Martyrs; A Sketch of the Lives and a Full account of the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, together with a Concise Review of the Most Prominent Incidents Connected with the Persecutions of the Saints, from the time the Church was Organized up to the Year 1846 (Salt Lake City, Utah: Juvenile Instructor Office 1882): [quoting from an earlier work by William M. Daniels in pamphlet form]: (Littlefield, page 78)
  

1883

• R. W. Young, “In the Wake of the Church”, The Contributor 4/8 (May 1883): 307.
  

1885

• Mrs. Ellen E. ****inson, New Light on Mormonism Introduction by Thurlow Weed (NYC: Funk & Wagnalls, 1885), 108.
  

1887

• B.H. Roberts, “The Rise and Fall of Nauvoo,” The Contributor 8/11 (September 1887): 406, 407 note
  

1888

• Andrew Jenson, Historical Record 7/1-3 (Jan 1888): 568-571
  
• George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet (October 1, 1888): 515
  

1892

• B.H. Roberts, The Life of John Taylor (SLC: 1989; first published 1892) p.134
  

1895

• B. H. Roberts, New Witnesses for God, Vol. 1, (Salt Lake City, January, 1895: 484; Reprinted 1911: 482).
  

1905

• Orson F. Whitney, "The Mormon Prophet's Tragedy," A review of an Article by the late John Hay, published originally in the Atlantic Monthly for December, 1869, and republished in the Saints Herald of June 21, 1905. Whitney’s response published 1905, p.68-81
  

1933

• John Henry Evans, Joseph Smith. An American Prophet (NY: MacMillan 1933; 1961 Amy Evans; 1989 Deseret Book): 204, 206.
  

1943

• John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom p.358-360 [taken from Roberts, History of the Church 7:100; 252f; 2:267-8; 2:284-5; Published initially in 1943; this is from Taylor’s Witness to the Martyrdom, mentioned earlier under “Richard F. Burton”
  

1951

• John A. Widtsoe, Joseph Smith. Seeker after Truth; Prophet of God (Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1951; 1991): 319 [quotes from the Willard Richards account]
  

1967

• The last Days at Carthage (video), Department of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, 1967, 5 minutes. This video was re-released as a segment in "Moments from Church History, 1990, copyrighted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 102 Minutes. The video is pretty clear in teaching that Joseph used a gun. At the beginning it says; "Cyrus Wheelock brings a gun" and it shows a close-up of the pepperbox. In a more dramatic part, for a documentary anyway, it shows the gun again and it says: "The gun misfires".
  

1969

• LeGrand L. Baker, “On to Carthage to Die”, Improvement Era 72/6 (June 1969): 15
  

1973

• Reed Blake, 24 Hours to Martyrdom (SLC: Bookcraft, 1973): 127-8
  

1979

• Leonard J. Arrington and Davis Bitton, The Mormon Experience. A History of the Latter-day Saints (New York: Knopf, 1979; 1980): 81
  

1981

• Dean C. Jessee, “Return to Carthage: Writing the History of Joseph Smith’s Martyrdom," Journal of Mormon History 8 (1981): 1-19.
  

1985

• Book Reviews; BYU Studies Vol. 25, No. 3, (Summer 1985): .124 Review of Dean C. Jessee, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith; Review by Marvin S. Hill, BYU History Professor
  

1990

• Moments from Church History, 1990, copyrighted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 102 Minutes. The video is pretty clear in teaching that Joseph used of a gun. At the beginning it says; "Cyrus Wheelock brings a gun" and it shows a close-up of the pepperbox. In a more dramatic part, for a documentary anyway, it shows the gun again and it says: "The gun misfires".
  

1994

• Reed Blake, "Martyrdom at Carthage," Ensign (June 1994), 30. off-site
  
• The same information was contained in a “First Presidency Message” in the same Ensign issue (anniversary of Joseph's assassination). Thomas S. Monson, “The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, Jun 1994
  

There was to be one great final lesson before his mortal life ended. He was incarcerated in Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum, with John Taylor, and with Willard Richards. The angry mob stormed the jail; they came up the stairway, blasphemous in their cursing, heavily armed, and began to fire at will. Hyrum was hit and died. John Taylor took several balls of fire within his bosom. The Prophet Joseph, with his pistol in hand, was attempting to defend his life and that of his brethren, and yet he could tell from the pounding on the door that this mob would storm that door and would kill John Taylor and Willard Richards in an attempt to kill him. And so his last great act here upon the earth was to leave the door and lead Willard Richards to safety, throw the gun on the floor, and go to the window, that they might see him, that the attention of this ruthless mob might be focused upon him rather than the others. Joseph Smith gave his life. Willard Richards was spared, and John Taylor recovered from his wounds. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love—by example.

• Church History in the Fulness of Times, Religion 342-343, Church Educational System manual.
  
• Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin J. Hill, Carthage Conspiracy;;
  
• Davis Bitton, The Martyrdom Remembered. A one-hundred-fifty-year perspective on the assassination of Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City, Utah: Aspen Books, 1994).
  

2004

• Matthew B. Brown, Joseph Smith: The Man, The Mission, The Message (American Fork, UT: Covenant Communications, 2004): 90, shows a picture of the gun. “Composite photograph of the pepperbox pistol that Joseph Smith used to defend himself after Hyrum had been murdered”. Story given in more detail pages 92-4.
  

2005

• Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual for 2005: “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” lesson 32, page 184: the following account of the martyrdom by Elder Willard Richards:
  

“As he struck the floor he exclaimed emphatically, ‘I am a dead man.’ Joseph looked towards him and responded, ‘Oh, dear brother Hyrum!’ and opening the door two or three inches with his left hand, discharged one barrel of a six shooter (pistol) at random in the entry. . A ball [from the musket of one of the mob] grazed Hyrum’s breast, and entering his throat passed into his head, while other muskets were aimed at him and some balls hit him. Joseph continued snapping his revolver round the casing of the door into the space as before, while Mr. Taylor with a walking stick stood by his side and knocked down the bayonets and muskets which were constantly discharging through the doorway.... When the revolver failed, we had no more firearms, and expected an immediate rush of the mob, and the doorway full of muskets, half way in the room, and no hope but instant death from within.” off-site 2008

• Joseph L. Lyon and David W. Lyon, "Physical Evidence at Carthage Jail and What It Reveals about the Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," Brigham Young University Studies 47 no. 4 (2008), 35. PDF link
  

[Tacenda]

It's a reasonable question. I believe that the gun has been on display there at least since the museum was rededicated and the name was changed (was that around 2008?), but I'm just guessing. People have been taking pictures of it for several years at least.

Regarding other references to what happened with the gun at Carthage, there are many in official Church publications. Here are the ones that we already have listed in the FAIR Wiki:

1844

• George T. M. Davis, of Alton, Illinois, An Authentic Account of the Massacre of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, and Hyram Smith, his brother, together with a Brief History of the Rise and Progress of Mormonism, and all the circumstances which led to their death (St. Louis 1844); also quoted in “The Mormons, or Latter Day Saints”, The United States Catholic Magazine 4 (1845): 362-3.
  
• Brooklyn Eagle, July 8, 1844, page 2
  
• Willard Richards, "Two Minutes in Jail", in Times and Seasons 5/14 (1 August 1844): 597-98
  
• A True and Descriptive Account of the Assassination of Joseph and Hiram Smith, the Mormon Prophet and Patriarch At Carthage, Illinois, June 27th, 1844, By an Eye Witness, T[HOMAS]. A. LYNE (NY: 1844): 9-10.
  

1845

• “Mormonerna, en beväpnad religionssekt i de Förenta Staterna,” Borgå Tidning, [Porvoo, Finland] August 20, 1845, p. 1-4, and August 23, 1845, p. 2-3. English translations by this author [Kim Ostman, Finland 2006: “The Mormons, an armed religious sect in the United States.”]. According to a footnote, the article comes from Wilhelm Grisson’s original text “Beiträge zur Charakteristik der Vereinigten Staaten von Nordamerika.”
  

1846

• James Allen Scott Journal., 19 April 1846; quoted in Richard Bennett, Mormons at the Missouri (U of Oklahoma 1987): 236, note 20.
  

1851

• James Linforth, “The Rev. C.W. Lawrence’s ‘Few Words from a Pastor to his People on the subject of the Latter-day Saints,’ replied to and refuted”. (no date [contains reference to Millennial Star 13.4 (Feb 15, 1851); my copy bound with MS volume 12, in U of Minnesota Library]; published by J. Sadler, Liverpool): 2.
  

1852

• J. M. Grant, The Truth for the Mormons ‘Three Letters to the New York Herald’’ 64 pages.
  
• History of the Persecutions!! Endured by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in America. Compiled from Public Documents, and Drawn from Authentic Sources. By C. W. Wandell, Minister of the Gospel (Sydney: Albert Mason 1852). 55.
  

1854

• Thomas Ford, History of Illinois, 1818-1847 (Chicago, 1854), 354-5. “An attempt was made to break open the door; but Joe Smith being armed with a six-barrelled pistol, furnished by his friends, fired several times as the door was bursted open, and wounded three of the assailants….”
  
• Benjamin G. Ferris, Utah and the Mormons. The History, Government, Doctrines, Customs and Prospects of the Latter-day Saints. From personal observation during a six months’ residence at Great Salt Lake City (New York: 1854).
  
• The Californian Crusoe; or, The Last Treasure Found. A Tale of Mormonism (London: John Henry Parker 1854; New York: Stanford and Swords): 98.
  
• Joseph Smith et Les Mormons ou Examen de Leurs Pretentions Relativement a leur Bible, a leur Prophete et a leur Eglise, par L. Favez (Lausamme: Delefrontaine and Comp 1854): 47.
  

1856

• Jules Remy and Julius Brenchley, A Journey to Great Salt Lake City, with a sketch of the History, Religion, and Customs of the Mormons, and an Introduction on the Religious Movement in the United States, in two volumes (London: W. Jeffs 1856) [reprinted from 1861 London edition; Preface dated Paris August 1860], volume I: 395
  

1857

• “History of Joseph Smith,” Deseret News Weekly 7/37 (November 18, 1857): 290b and 7/38 (November 25, 1857): 297a.
  

1862

• L. A. Bertrand, Memoires d’un Mormon (Paris 1862).
  
• Richard F. Burton, The City of the Saints (New York: Harper and Brothers, 1862): Appendix. John Taylor, Witness to the Martyrdom [written in response to request by Elder Wilford Woodruff, in letter dated June 30, 1856. This account in Burton was first publication of the work by John Taylor]
  

1863

• Le Prophete du XIX Siecle ou vie des Saints des Derniers Jours (Mormons), Hortense G. Du Fay (Paris: Dentu 1863): 100.
  

1865

• Hyppolite Taine, Nouveaux Essais de Critique et d’Histoire (Paris, 1865; reprinted 1900, 1901, 1914). Review article of Jules Remy, Voyage au pays des Mormons (Paris, 1860). Translated in Austin E. Fife, “Taine’s Essay on the Mormons. Translated with Introduction and Notes,” Pacific Historical Review 31/1 (February 1962): 58.
  

1867

• Pomeroy Tucker, Origin, Rise, and Progress of Mormonism. Biography of its Founders and History of its Church. Personal Remembrances and Historical Collections Hitherto Unwritten (New York: D. Appleton and Company 1867): 190.
  

1875

• CCA Christensen's moving panorama illustrating church history. One of the 23 scenes illustrates the
  

martyrdom and actually shows the smoking gun in Joseph's hand (circa this date). This was a traveling show of huge painted canvases that would be displayed to LDS audiences. 1880

• Autobiography of B. H. Roberts, Gary J. Bergera p.76
  

1881

• Daniel Tyler, A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War, 1846-47 (Salt Lake City 1881). [includes statement by John Taylor on martyrdom of Joseph Smith]
  

1882

• Lyman O. Littlefield, The Martyrs; A Sketch of the Lives and a Full account of the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, together with a Concise Review of the Most Prominent Incidents Connected with the Persecutions of the Saints, from the time the Church was Organized up to the Year 1846 (Salt Lake City, Utah: Juvenile Instructor Office 1882): [quoting from an earlier work by William M. Daniels in pamphlet form]: (Littlefield, page 78)
  

1883

• R. W. Young, “In the Wake of the Church”, The Contributor 4/8 (May 1883): 307.
  

1885

• Mrs. Ellen E. ****inson, New Light on Mormonism Introduction by Thurlow Weed (NYC: Funk & Wagnalls, 1885), 108.
  

1887

• B.H. Roberts, “The Rise and Fall of Nauvoo,” The Contributor 8/11 (September 1887): 406, 407 note
  

1888

• Andrew Jenson, Historical Record 7/1-3 (Jan 1888): 568-571
  
• George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet (October 1, 1888): 515
  

1892

• B.H. Roberts, The Life of John Taylor (SLC: 1989; first published 1892) p.134
  

1895

• B. H. Roberts, New Witnesses for God, Vol. 1, (Salt Lake City, January, 1895: 484; Reprinted 1911: 482).
  

1905

• Orson F. Whitney, "The Mormon Prophet's Tragedy," A review of an Article by the late John Hay, published originally in the Atlantic Monthly for December, 1869, and republished in the Saints Herald of June 21, 1905. Whitney’s response published 1905, p.68-81
  

1933

• John Henry Evans, Joseph Smith. An American Prophet (NY: MacMillan 1933; 1961 Amy Evans; 1989 Deseret Book): 204, 206.
  

1943

• John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom p.358-360 [taken from Roberts, History of the Church 7:100; 252f; 2:267-8; 2:284-5; Published initially in 1943; this is from Taylor’s Witness to the Martyrdom, mentioned earlier under “Richard F. Burton”
  

1951

• John A. Widtsoe, Joseph Smith. Seeker after Truth; Prophet of God (Salt Lake City, Utah: Bookcraft, 1951; 1991): 319 [quotes from the Willard Richards account]
  

1967

• The last Days at Carthage (video), Department of Seminaries and Institutes of Religion, 1967, 5 minutes. This video was re-released as a segment in "Moments from Church History, 1990, copyrighted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 102 Minutes. The video is pretty clear in teaching that Joseph used a gun. At the beginning it says; "Cyrus Wheelock brings a gun" and it shows a close-up of the pepperbox. In a more dramatic part, for a documentary anyway, it shows the gun again and it says: "The gun misfires".
  

1969

• LeGrand L. Baker, “On to Carthage to Die”, Improvement Era 72/6 (June 1969): 15
  

1973

• Reed Blake, 24 Hours to Martyrdom (SLC: Bookcraft, 1973): 127-8
  

1979

• Leonard J. Arrington and Davis Bitton, The Mormon Experience. A History of the Latter-day Saints (New York: Knopf, 1979; 1980): 81
  

1981

• Dean C. Jessee, “Return to Carthage: Writing the History of Joseph Smith’s Martyrdom," Journal of Mormon History 8 (1981): 1-19.
  

1985

• Book Reviews; BYU Studies Vol. 25, No. 3, (Summer 1985): .124 Review of Dean C. Jessee, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith; Review by Marvin S. Hill, BYU History Professor
  

1990

• Moments from Church History, 1990, copyrighted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 102 Minutes. The video is pretty clear in teaching that Joseph used of a gun. At the beginning it says; "Cyrus Wheelock brings a gun" and it shows a close-up of the pepperbox. In a more dramatic part, for a documentary anyway, it shows the gun again and it says: "The gun misfires".
  

1994

• Reed Blake, "Martyrdom at Carthage," Ensign (June 1994), 30. off-site
  
• The same information was contained in a “First Presidency Message” in the same Ensign issue (anniversary of Joseph's assassination). Thomas S. Monson, “The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example,” Ensign, Jun 1994
  

There was to be one great final lesson before his mortal life ended. He was incarcerated in Carthage Jail with his brother Hyrum, with John Taylor, and with Willard Richards. The angry mob stormed the jail; they came up the stairway, blasphemous in their cursing, heavily armed, and began to fire at will. Hyrum was hit and died. John Taylor took several balls of fire within his bosom. The Prophet Joseph, with his pistol in hand, was attempting to defend his life and that of his brethren, and yet he could tell from the pounding on the door that this mob would storm that door and would kill John Taylor and Willard Richards in an attempt to kill him. And so his last great act here upon the earth was to leave the door and lead Willard Richards to safety, throw the gun on the floor, and go to the window, that they might see him, that the attention of this ruthless mob might be focused upon him rather than the others. Joseph Smith gave his life. Willard Richards was spared, and John Taylor recovered from his wounds. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The Prophet Joseph Smith taught us love—by example.

• Church History in the Fulness of Times, Religion 342-343, Church Educational System manual.
  
• Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin J. Hill, Carthage Conspiracy;;
  
• Davis Bitton, The Martyrdom Remembered. A one-hundred-fifty-year perspective on the assassination of Joseph Smith (Salt Lake City, Utah: Aspen Books, 1994).
  

2004

• Matthew B. Brown, Joseph Smith: The Man, The Mission, The Message (American Fork, UT: Covenant Communications, 2004): 90, shows a picture of the gun. “Composite photograph of the pepperbox pistol that Joseph Smith used to defend himself after Hyrum had been murdered”. Story given in more detail pages 92-4.
  

2005

• Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual for 2005: “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” lesson 32, page 184: the following account of the martyrdom by Elder Willard Richards:
  

“As he struck the floor he exclaimed emphatically, ‘I am a dead man.’ Joseph looked towards him and responded, ‘Oh, dear brother Hyrum!’ and opening the door two or three inches with his left hand, discharged one barrel of a six shooter (pistol) at random in the entry. . A ball [from the musket of one of the mob] grazed Hyrum’s breast, and entering his throat passed into his head, while other muskets were aimed at him and some balls hit him. Joseph continued snapping his revolver round the casing of the door into the space as before, while Mr. Taylor with a walking stick stood by his side and knocked down the bayonets and muskets which were constantly discharging through the doorway.... When the revolver failed, we had no more firearms, and expected an immediate rush of the mob, and the doorway full of muskets, half way in the room, and no hope but instant death from within.” off-site 2008

• Joseph L. Lyon and David W. Lyon, "Physical Evidence at Carthage Jail and What It Reveals about the Assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," Brigham Young University Studies 47 no. 4 (2008), 35. PDF link
  

You're alright Wiki!!! Thanks for not calling my inquiry pathetic too. I will go to the link above!

Edited June 28, 2013 by Tacenda