9 President Williams’s Own Words

Since Frederick G. Williams did not keep a personal record of his life, or at least none that has survived, it is gratifying to glean a few of his words from the council minutes and other records. I have noted some of them in previous chapters. What follows are extant quotes and paraphrased summaries of President Williams’s comments found in the Far West Record, the Kirtland Council Minute Book, the History of the Church, and other records.

Often the substance of what a person said is not included in the minutes or entries, only that he or she did speak. Such is the case in the council meeting held on November 28, 1834: “The two [high] counselors then spoke, followed by F. G. W., O. Hyde, and the clerk.” The same is true of the council meeting held on December 28, 1834: “The [high] councilors then made their remarks and also Presidents F. G. Williams & J. Smith Junr.”¹ Here, then, is a sampling of President Williams’s own words.

On April 8, 1831, a letter from Oliver Cowdery in Missouri to Newel K. Whitney in Kirtland, Ohio, included a paragraph dictated by Frederick G. Williams.

Broth[er] Frederick wants Bro. Whitney to write the principle names of those brethren who have been baptized of his neighbours since he left[.] Broth[er] Frederick wishes to inform his wife that he is fine that the Lord called him to come to this country and consequently he shall not return until he calls him back again[;] he also informs her that respecting that suit at Law that there can be nothing done on there part more till August term.²

On October 21, 1831, at a special conference held in Hiram, Ohio, Frederick G. Williams testified in a case involving one of the children of Newel K. Whitney.

Prayer by Sidney Rigdon who called in question the case of two brs William Cahoon and Peter Devolve who were accused by some of our brethren of offering abuse to br. Newel K. Whitney’s little child. Br. Frederick G. Williams arose and said that he was at a meeting with the Kirtland brethren when br. William Cahoon was present who spoke at considerable length by the Spirit of the Lord as he supposed, and also br. Peter Devolve declared that he was filled with the Spirit of God, but had confessed previous that he did offer abuse to the child, but not to the satisfaction of her parents.³

On October 25, 1831, at a conference held in Orange, Ohio, Frederick G. Williams spoke about his concern for the well-being of the elders’ families when they are absent.

Brother Frederick G. Williams enquired if it were the business of this conference to take into consideration the situation of the families of the absent Elders. Br. Sidney Rigdon said that he supposed that it was, saying, I bear testimony that God will have a pure people who will give up all for Christ’s sake and when this is done they will be sealed up unto eternal life.⁴

Later in the conference, Elder Williams renewed the covenant he had made previously: “Br. Frederick G. Williams said that he renewed again the covenant before the Lord to give all to him.”⁵ Still later in the conference, Williams raised the case of Sister Thomas B. Marsh and her family, who, he said, were struggling in the absence of her husband.

Br. Frederick G. Williams laid before the Conference the case of Sister Marsh & family who were somewhat destitute.

Br. Titus Billings said that he was surprised that the case of Sister Marsh should be brought to this Conference, as she and her family were provided for as well as her brethren around her.

Br. Joseph Smith Jr said that he intended to do his duty before the Lord . . . [and] also said that the Lord held the Church bound to provide for the families of the absent Elders while proclaiming the Gospel.⁶

Towards the end of this same conference, Elder Williams was among those who were ordained to the High Priesthood.

On October 26, 1831, the second day of the conference held in Orange, Ohio, Sidney Rigdon spoke to the fifteen brethren who had been ordained to the High Priesthood the night before, accusing them of taking their ordinations lightly. Williams was among those who stated that he received the rebuke in meekness. “Br. Orson Hyde said that he received the rebuke in meekness. The same by brs. Stephen Burnett, Joseph Brackenberry, Levi Jackman & Frederick G. Williams.”⁷

On July 2, 1833, a letter was addressed to the brethren in Zion written by Sidney Rigdon but signed by all three members of the First Presidency. In it is a brief message by Frederick G. Williams, directed to Brother Burke: “Brother Frederick wants you to say to Brother Burke, that the man from whom he expected to get the mill stones, has run off, so he will not be able to get them; but Brother Burke can get them of the same man’s make, in St. Louis.”⁸

On October 10, 1833, President Frederick G. Williams wrote a lengthy letter from Kirtland to the Saints in Missouri. Oliver Cowdery and Newel K. Whitney had left Ohio the first part of October for New York, and Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were away on a mission to the East and to Canada, which they had begun on October 5. Even though he was alone, President Williams wrote in the first person plural on behalf of the First Presidency. He first addressed the difficult conditions in Missouri, the Presidency’s need for updated information, and comments on the Church’s efforts to help the Saints living there, which included seeking redress from the government. He acknowledged that communication was difficult and required special measures so that their letters wouldn’t be intercepted. He next relayed some of the recent decisions that had been made regarding activities of the Church in Kirtland. Williams also gave his opinion regarding a certain prophecy given in tongues and counseled the brethren against making such prophecies public.

Dear Brethren:—It is a long time since we have received any intelligence from you, save a letter received by Brother Elliott from Elder John Whitmer, which informed us that he had written four letters since Elder Oliver Cowdery left, but we have not received any of them, nor any others from Zion, except one from Bishop Partridge, of August 13, and have had no information, to be depended upon, concerning the riot, and the situation of the brethren in Zion; and concidering that the enemy have commenced intercepting our letters, I direct this to Mrs. Billings, thinking, by so doing, that you may get it. The brethren here are all engaged in the work of the Lord, and are using every exertion in their power for the welfare of Zion and for the promotion of the great cause of our Redeemer. Immediately after the arrival of Oliver Cowdery, we sat in council to know what should be done. The decision of the council was, that measures should be immediately taken to seek redress by the laws of our country, for your grievances; accordingly two messengers were dispatched for that purpose. (Let this suffice, for this may fall into the hands of the enemy). We have not received any revelation for a long time (which has been written), and none concerning the present situation of Zion; but it has been manifested to Joseph, and communicated to me by him, that the brethren in Zion should not sell any of their inheritances, nor move out of the county, save those who signed the agreement to go, and if it becomes necessary for those to move for their personal safety, let them be directed by wisdom, and seek for homes where the Lord shall open the way.

If Elder Phelps is obliged to move from that place, let him take his family and Elder Cowdery’s wife, and come to Kirtland, but not to bring anything with him, except his bedding and clothing; and let Elder Gilbert furnish him with the means to bear his expenses; but it would not be expedient for Elder Phelps to come, provided the prospect is favorable for a reconciliation to the extent that the Saints are not obliged to leave the county. We can do no more for you than we are doing; but we have this great consolation, that God will deliver Zion, and establish you upon the land of your everlasting inheritance. Remember that this is only for the trial of your faith, and he that overcomes and endures to the end, will be rewarded a hundred fold in this world, and in the world to come will receive eternal life; so, brethren, you have great reason to rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh.

Presidents Smith and Rigdon are absent on a mission, and we do not expect their return until some time in November. They have gone down the lake to Niagara, from thence they expect to go into Upper Canada, as far as Long Point, and preach in all the most noted places on their way.⁹

We held a council meeting this morning, on the subject of building, etc. It was decided by the council that we should discontinue the building of the Temple during the winter, for want of materials; and to prepare and get all things in readiness to recommence it early in the spring. It was also agreed that we should set the hands immediately to erect a house for the printing office, which is to be thirty by thirty-eight feet on the ground; the first story to be occupied for the School of the Prophets this winter, and the upper story for the printing press.

Oliver Cowdery started for New York on the first of October for the printing establishment, with eight hundred dollars. There will be as many hands employed upon the house as can work, and every exertion made to get the printing into operation, republish the Star, commencing from the last number printed, to be conducted by Oliver Cowdery (until an opportunity offers to transfer it again to Zion, to be conducted by W. W. Phelps & Co., as usual), and also publish a paper under the firm-name of F. G. Williams & Co., entitled the Latter-day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, which will be forwarded to subscribers for the Star by the first of December. Oliver has written to you for the names and residences of the subscribers for the Star, and if you have not sent them, we wish you to send them immediately, that there may be no delay in the papers going to subscribers as soon as they can be printed.

Bishop Whitney, also, started for New York at the same time, to replenish his store in Kirtland, with money enough to pay all the debts of both establishments, and expects to bring a larger supply of goods than at any former time. Thus you see the goodness and mercy of God in providing for His Saints. Not one week before Bishop Whitney started, the way seemed hedged up, and ten or twelve hundred dollars was the most that he had, and knew not where to obtain the amount he wanted; but by a remarkable interposition of Divine Providence, he was furnished with all he wanted, for which let us raise our hearts in gratitude to God, and praise His holy name, that He is a present help in every time of need.

We have seen a letter, written to Sister Whitney, in Nelson, that has a great deal to say about the gift of tongues, and the interpretation which was given by way of prophecy, namely, “that Zion would be delivered by judgments;” and that certain ones named, would go to such and such places among the Lamanites, and “great things would be done by them;” and also, that two Lamanites were at a meeting, and the following prophecy was delivered to them:—“That they were our friends, and that the Lord had sent them there; and the time would soon come, when they would embrace the Gospel;” and, also, “that if we will not fight for ourselves, the Indians will fight for us.” Though all this may be true, yet, it is not needful that it should be spoken, for it is of no service to the Saints, and has a tendency to stir up the people to anger.

No prophecy spoken in tongues should be made public, for this reason:—Many who pretend to have the gift of interpretation are liable to be mistaken, and do not give the true interpretation of what is spoken; therefore, great care should be taken as respects this thing, but, if any speak in tongues a word of exhortation, or doctrine, or the principles of the Gospel, etc., let it be interpreted for the edification of the Church.

When you receive this letter, I wish you to write immediately, and direct your letters to David Elliott, Chagrin, Cuyahoga county, Ohio, and put this mark “X” on the back of it, if you do not wish it broken open, and he will forward it to us; and you will please to name in your letter, where and to whom we shall direct our reply, and thus we may evade interception. Yours in the bonds of love,

F. G. Williams¹⁰

On August 28 and 29, 1834, President Williams, together with the other members of the Presidency, presided at the high council meeting to try a brother who had been charged with a misdemeanor. The first matter of business was to select a high priest to fill the vacancy in the council occasioned by the death of John S. Carter. “Joseph Smith Junr. then nominated brother Orson Johnson and brother F. G. Williams seconded the nomination.”¹¹ Eleven brethren bore testimony the first day. Hyrum Smith’s testimony occupies the major portion of the minutes of the morning session held the next day. In the afternoon of the second day of the proceedings, seven brethren bore testimony, including President Williams who briefly spoke twice:

Brother F. G. Williams said while at Norton, certain articles were handed him to mark, among which were two bed-quilts, which he marked with common ink. Has seen certain bed-quilts since his return, and has no doubt but this one in question is the one he marked.¹²

President Williams’s second testimony is preceded by that of Orson Hyde:

Brother Orson Hyde then exhibited an account, current taken from the receipts of money and other properties expended during their late journey to and from Mo. This account was taken from [docu]ments kept during the journey by F. G. Williams.

Brother F. G. Williams said that the account exhibited was correctly taken from his accounts as he had the charge of the monies and attended to paying it out &c.¹³

On January 18, 1835, the First Presidency presided and spoke at a council meeting that assembled to give counsel relative to whether certain brethren should proceed to the West, or stay in Kirtland. President Williams thought they should stay in Kirtland. “The several councilors who were appointed to speak addressed the Council to considerable length, followed by Presidents Williams & Rigdon. President Williams went into some minute particulars relative to the propriety of the tarrying of the brethren, before the Council, and gave his mind that they [should] stay.”¹⁴

On September 16, 1835, the high council met to consider a complaint by President Joseph Smith against Brother Henry Green for accusing the Prophet of rebuking Brother Aldridge wrongfully “under the influence of an evil spirit.” Frederick G. Williams was among those who testified.

President F. G. Williams arose & said that he was disposed to exercise all the charity for brethren that he could. Yet at the same time, he did not feel willing to justify wickedness nor cover or hide iniquity in the church, but rather to expose it and rebuke it, that it may be brought to light. And that the wickedness of brother Green in condemning President Smith is evident from the testimony and that brother Aldridge also did act foolishly and by the influence of a wrong spirit in questioning the integrity of the heads of the church in the purchase of the book [the record book for Father Smith’s patriarchal blessings], & that President Smith was and is justifiable in doing as he has done in the matter, & should not be censured as has been done in this matter by brother Green.¹⁵

On September 19, 1835, a council meeting was held to consider charges brought against Elder Jared Carter, who had, among other things “preached on the Sabbath in the Church, and some of the brethren found fault with his teachings.” President Williams gave the council’s decision. “President F. G. Williams arose and gave his decision as follows. That brother Carter did err with his lips in speaking. And also erred in understanding the presidents who labored with him for it, & misinterpreted their admonitions, which led him into what has followed, and finally has brought him before this Council.”¹⁶

On December 13, 1835, a meeting was held at which Frederick G. Williams spoke regarding the rise and progress of the Church.

Sunday, 13 At the usual hour, ten a. m., attended meeting at the school house on the flats. Elder Jesse Hickcock preached a very feeling discourse.

In the afternoon, Elder Peter Whitmer related his experience; after which, President Frederick G. Williams related his also. They both spoke of many things connected with the rise and progress of this Church, which were interesting.¹⁷

On January 2, 1836, the high council met to consider charges of misconduct against the Prophet’s brother, William Smith, one of the original Apostles. President Williams presided at the meeting, read the charges, and made some observations. “President Williams arose and read the charge preferred against Wm. Smith by O. Johnson bearing date Decr. 29th, 1835, and proceeded to make some very appropriate remarks touching the case now before them, after which the Council was opened by prayer.”¹⁸ Apostle William Smith confessed to the charges proffered against him and asked for the forgiveness of the council, which was extended to him with “cheerfulness & with united consent.”

On June 16, 1836, the high council met in the recently dedicated house of the Lord in Kirtland where the subject discussed was that of the penury of the Church and the need of the brethren to assist in erasing the First Presidency’s debts. The case of Brother Preserved Harris donating but little to the poor was considered. After the testimony of several, including Joseph Smith, the case was submitted for a vote. Frederick G. Williams spoke first on behalf of the Presidency.

P[resident] F. G. Williams arose and said the case before us is an important one. The Church [is] poor, Zion [is] to be built and we have not means to do it unless the rich assist, & because the rich have not assisted, the heads of the Church have to suffer and are now suffering under severe embarrassments and are much in debt. In regard to the charge preferred against brother P. Harris by P[resident] J. S. Junr., it is my opinion they are fully sustained to the satisfaction of the Council.¹⁹

On May 29, 1837, one of the most bizarre council meetings held in the Church involved President Williams. It was held in the Kirtland Temple and was presided over by Presidents Oliver Cowdery and Sidney Rigdon. Frederick G. Williams, along with David Whitmer, Warren Parrish, and two Apostles, Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Johnson, were the subject of a complaint brought by Able Lamb, Nathan Haskins, Harlow Redfield, Artemus Millet, and Isaac Rogers. The complainants believed that the course of the accused had, for some time past, “been injurious to the Church of God in which they are high officers.”²⁰ President Williams expressed his willingness to have his behavior investigated but thought that this was not the proper tribunal in which to do it, a sentiment echoed by David Whitmer. After a discussion, it was put to a vote, and although President Rigdon thought they should be tried before this body, the council “could not conscientiously proceed to try Presidents Williams & Whitmer, and they were accordingly discharged.” After an adjournment of one hour, the council reconvened at one o’clock, whereupon a motion was made by high councilor Martin Harris that “Prest. F G Williams take a seat with the presidents.” The motion carried. Elder Pratt then objected to having Presidents Cowdery and Rigdon decide the case and asked that they recuse themselves. They agreed and stepped down. President Williams likewise recused himself and stepped down. With no one left to preside, the Council “dispersed in confusion.”

President F G Williams then arose and wished to know by what authority he was called before the present Council, saying that according to the Book of Covenants he ought to be tried befor[e] the Bishop’s Court.

After some discussion between President Rigdon and President Williams, Prest. Rigdon gave his decision that Prest. Williams should be tried before the present Council.

President D Whitmer also objected to being tried before the present Council.

Prest. Williams then expressed a willingness to be tried for his conduct and if this was the proper tribunal he would be tried before it, but still thought it was not.²¹

Because high councilor John P. Green gave it as his opinion that the present council was not the proper authority to try Presidents Williams and Whitmer, President Rigdon submitted the question to all the councilors, who agreed with Green’s opinion, and the presidents were discharged.

Councilor Martin Harris then motioned that Pres. F G Williams take a seat with the presidents.

After much discussion as to the propriety of his sitting, the motion carried and President Williams took his seat with [the presidents].²²

However, after presidents Rigdon and Cowdery recused themselves, Williams did the same:

President Williams then arose and said that as he had been implicated with the accused, he should be unwilling to preside in the case and left the stand.

The Council and assembly then dispersed in confusion.

W[arren] F. Cowdery,
Clerk²³

There can be little doubt that one of the motivating reasons for the unspecified charges brought against President Williams in the above council meeting was the underlying frustration and anger occasioned by the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society. Williams’s position as one of the chief officers of that organization must have also played a role in his being dropped from the Quorum of the First Presidency some four months later. That rejection and related aspects will be treated in later chapters in the chronological order in which the events unfolded.

On April 12, 1838, at a combined high council and bishopric meeting held in Far West, Missouri, Frederick G. Williams, although no longer a member of the First Presidency, was one of ten brethren called upon to give testimony in the proceedings that excommunicated Oliver Cowdery from the Church.

F. G. Williams testifies that Oliver Cowdery told him that there was a certain man in the Church who could compound metal and make dies, that he could make money so that it could not be detected and if it was the case it was no harm to take that money and pass it. The man’s name was Davis. Also three men came to him to take out a writ to take some persons who had passed some Bogus (counterfeit) money, viz: John Boynton, Warren Parrish and Burton H. Phelps. Also that it was reported that Oliver was engaged in the Bogus money business. Also he did not disapprove of the principle of Davis’ making the dies and money.²⁴