Iowa Stake Minutes

Historical Introduction

The record of the Iowa Stake began with a brief accounting of a meeting held on October 5, 1839, presided over by Joseph Smith Jr. The part of those minutes which are relevant to the Iowa Stake are as follows:

On motion, resolved, that a branch of the church be established on the opposite side of the Mississipi River in Lee County Iowa Territory:

On motion, resolved, that Elder John Smith be the president of said branch, Alanson Ripley be the Bishop and the following persons composed the High Council. vis. Asahel Smith, John M Burk, A[braham] Owen Smoot, Richard Howard, Willard Snow, Erastus Snow, David Pettigrew, Elijah Fordham, Edward Fisher, Elias Smith, John Patton, and Stephen Chase.¹

Both members living in and around Lee County as well as the Prophet Joseph Smith had high expectations for the Church in Iowa. Throughout 1839, Smith used the Church’s periodical, Times and Seasons, to advertise the towns in Iowa, pointing out the advantageousness of the river, timber, and good soil.² On August 23, 1840, John Smith, uncle of Joseph and Hyrum, recorded, “Attended meeting at Nashville, Joseph and Hyrum Smith present, and a large assembly of Saints, who voted to commence building a city at Nashville and a place of worship.”³ This meeting was not recorded in the Iowa Stake minutes, but John Smith further explained, in his personal journal, that this was to be “a house . . . for the Son of man.”⁴ At a meeting on September 2, 1840, John Smith explained, the high council “voted to . . . build an House to the Lord with stone &c 45 by 55 feet.”⁵ As historian Alisha Hillam points out, “This preceded the January 1841 commandment to begin a temple in Nauvoo and emphasizes both the temple-building nature of the Saints by the 1840s as well as the expected strength of the Iowa communities.”⁶

In January 1841, Joseph Smith announced that a temple should be built in Nauvoo and began to disband stakes to encourage Saints to gather to Nauvoo and help with the temple. But instead of encouraging Iowan Saints to gather to Nauvoo, Joseph revealed that God’s instructions to them were to “build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite to the city of Nauvoo and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it.”⁷ This vision of twin cities on either side of the Mississippi River, each with their own temple, has often been overlooked by historians of the Nauvoo period.

However, the temple in Iowa would never be built, and the stake in Iowa would be disbanded in January 1842.⁸ The most immediate motivation for this disbandment appears to be the desire to strengthen Nauvoo and focus on building the temple there.⁹ But there were undoubtedly many other factors, such as increasing hostility towards the Saints both in Illinois and Iowa. In September 1841, David W. Kilbourne first expressed publicly his issues with the Latter-day Saints, detailing thefts of his property, which he attributed to the Saints, and a confrontation with Joseph Smith in his store in Montrose on September 14, 1841.¹⁰ Kilbourne had expressed his frustrations with the Saints privately as early as March 1841, but by September, he was very public about his opposition to their settlement in Iowa.¹¹ And Kilbourne was not the only Iowan who was frustrated with the Saints in Lee County and the criminal element which their settlement seemed to encourage. The Warsaw Signal, in the summer of 1841, criticized the Saints in Iowa for their use of alcohol, claiming, “The Saints . . . have only to cross the river to Montrose, and there they can revel to their heart’s content, in spiritual luxuries.”¹² While the Signal was certainly likely to exaggerate such claims, Latter-day Saint sources do confirm that there were issues among the Saints in Iowa. William Clayton recorded of his move to Montrose in late 1840, “The saints [in Nauvoo] frequently told us that the devil was over the river. . . . We found things . . . to be in a very bad state and having no meetings, full of envy, strife and contention.”¹³ The Iowa Stake minutes, below, show that members often brought complaints against each other, “for insulting and abusive language”¹⁴ and “for breaking the word of wisdom, for lying, for trespass, for doging his hogs & for slander & personal abuse.”¹⁵ Leaders discussed problems with members who “persist[ed] in keeping tipling shops.”¹⁶

Daniel F. Miller, a local attorney and prominent citizen of Lee County, later recorded that “from 1839 until the Spring of 1842 the feelings between the two parties were so angry and belligerent, that there was constant danger of civil war on the Half-Breed Tract.”¹⁷ In the spring of 1842, Miller claimed, he was asked to witness a “treaty” between David Kilbourne and John Smith, uncle of Joseph Smith. This treaty apparently helped to ease the tensions between Kilbourne and other residents of Lee County and their Latter-day Saint neighbors.¹⁸ However, it is also possible that the general peace established between the Latter-day Saints and other Iowans in Lee County was also related to the January 1842 disbandment of the Iowa Stake and the decline in numbers of Latter-day Saints living in and coming to Lee County, Iowa.

Objects of interest within the Iowa Stake minutes include the leadership of John Smith, Alanson Ripley, Elias Smith, Asahel Smith, Abraham O. Smoot, Lyman Wight, and others. The minutes also contain a list of members of the Iowa Stake. The minutes were kept from October 1839 to August 1841. In these meetings, leaders discussed land disputes, visits to members, reports from different branches, and issues among the Saints in Lee County.

Document Transcript

[p. 4]

Deaths page – 241 –

Marriages page – 237 –

Second division of this record shows baptisms performed in behalf of the dead, in many instances men for women, and women for men. Pages 5 to 67.

Minutes, pages 5 to 17, and 85 to 104.

Names of members, pages 19 to 47.

[p. 5] At a general Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints held at Commerce Hancock County Illinois on Saturday the fifth day of October 1839 Joseph Smith jr presiding it was unanimously voted that a branch of said Church be established in the Territory of Iowa over which Elder John Smith was appointed President

were duly elected members of the high Council

[p. 6] Minutes of a Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Convened at Ambrosia Lee County Iowa July 12th 1840.³² President John Smith was called to the chair & G. W. Gee³³ chosen clerk. The president informed the congregation that the object of the meeting was to fill some vacancy which had occurred in the branch of the church. Elias Smith was therefore nominated and unanimously elected Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Iowa in the place of Alanson Ripley removed to Commerce. John Badger³⁴ was appointed a member of the high Council in the place of Stephen Chace.³⁵ Wheeler Baldwin³⁶ was made a member of the high Council in the place of Richard Howard. James Newberry³⁷ was also appointed a member of the high Council in place of Elias Smith chosen Bishop. The Conference was then dismissed by prayer.

John Smith Chairman

G. W. Gee Clerk

[p. 7] Minutes of the High Council of the branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lee County Iowa Territory, which council was appointed at a general conference of said Church held in Commerce Hancock County Illinois the fourth day of October AD 1839—

October 19th 1839 This day the High counsellors appointed for the branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Iowa, met for the purpose of organizing at the house of Asahel Smith in Nashville agreeable to a previous appointment—

President John Smith who had been appointed to preside over said church at the above mentioned general conference—opened the meeting by prayer. Elias Smith was then appointed clerk of the council, when the names of the counsellors were called seven only were present. Namely—David Pettigrew,, Elijah Fordham,, Asahel Smith,, Richard Howard,, Elias Smith,, John Patton,, and Erastus Snow.. The other five viz—John M. Burke, Abra[ham] O. Smoot,, Edmund Fisher,, Stephen Chase,, and Willard Snow,, did not attend. Asahel Smith who had been ordained to the High Priesthood and one of the High Counsellors in Kirtland was acknowledged as such by the President and council, and the other counsellors present, who were all Elders, were then ordained High Priests and counsellors agreeable to the rules of said church—President John Smith then addressed the counsellors on the responsibility and duties of the office and [p. 8] calling to which they had been appointed, and made known that he had chosen as his counsellors Reynolds Cahoon³⁸ and Lyman Wight³⁹: who had been his counsellors in Adam-ondi-ahman Daviess County Missouri,⁴⁰ and called on the high counsellors for an expression of their minds on the appointment, when on motion it was unanimously Resolved that they be received and acknowledged as counsellors of the President of this branch of the Church—

The counsellors then proceeded to cast lots agreeable to the Pattern, to see who should speak first which resulted as follows the president drawing for absent counsellors.

The council then adjourned to meet at Montrose at 9 October A.M. the 7th day of November next at the house of Elijah Fordham

Elias Smith Clerk.

      Montrose Nov. 7th 1839—

Pursuant to adjournment the council met at Elijah Fordham’s and after singing and prayer Edmund Fisher,, John M. Burke,, Abram O. Smoot,, and Stephen Chase,, were ordained to the office to which they had been appointed—Daniel Avery⁴¹ was appointed to act as counsellor pro tem in the place of Erastus Snow and Ephraim Owen⁴² to fill the place of—[p. 9] Willard Snow who were absent—

After the council was thus organized it was ascertained that the business expected to be brought before the council, could not be attended to for the want of some witnesses who were absent &c and after some reprimands from the president for neglect of duty, of some concerned and declaring the course that would afterward be pursued in such cases of negligence. The Council adjourned to the sixth day of December next at 10 Oclock AM. at Montrose—

Elias Smith clerk.

      Montrose December 6th 1839

The High Council met at the house of Elijah Fordham pursuant to to adjournment when the names of the counsellors were called it appeared that Erastus Snow,, Edmund Fisher,, Abram O. Smoot & Richard Howard were not present whereupon Amos B. Fuller,,⁴³ Daniel Avery,, Christopher Williams⁴⁴ and William A. Hickman,,⁴⁵ were appointed by the council to supply their places pro tem—

The Council being thus organized the President opened by prayer. Willard Snow was then ordained to the office of High Priest and counsellor agreeable to his appointment.

Assistant President Lyman Wight being present the President called on the council for the approval of his appointment which was accepted of unanimously. Bishop A[lanson] Ripley presented some business relating to the pressing wants of the poor and prepared to the council the appointment of an agent for the purpose of procuring funds to relieve him from debts always contracted for their support and [p. 10] to enable him to supply their wants in future—Bishop [Vinson] Knight⁴⁶ being present then laid the subject of Iowa lands, and the ferry charter at Montrose, before the council for their consideration and expressed his willingness if it was thought advisable by the council, to transfer the land (now in his hands situated in Lee County) to the Bishop in Iowa⁴⁷—and that he concurred with Bishop Ripley in having some measures taken to supply the wants of the poor—whereupon President Wight arose and addressed the council at some length, declaring his aversion to the appointment of agents or of making substitutes of any kind for supplying the wants of the poor among the saints, since the course to be pursued was so plainly pointed out in the revelations and commandments of the Lord which if the church would observe, the poor would be provided for and the Bishop relieved from the necessity of contracting debts for their support—The subject was discussed at length by the counsellors all of whom were in favor of keeping the law of consecration and of taking measures as far as circumstances would admit, to have it entered into immediately by the church in Iowa. When on motion it was unanimously

Resolved by the council that they would come up to the law of consecration and observe to keep it agreeable to the Book of Doctrine and Covenants as far as their circumstances at present would admit. Resolved that Bishop A. Ripley is requested to remove to Iowa and take his station as appointed by the General Conference and proceed to the discharge of the duties of his office [p. 11] without delay. Resolved that he shall be ordained to the office to which he was appointed by the conference, under the hands of the presidency of the Church in Iowa—Presidents John Smith and Lyman Wight then proceeded to ordain him to the office of Bishop agreeable to the vote of the High Council—A charge was then presented by the President preferred by Elder Leister Gaylord⁴⁸ against Elijah Fordham,, Wandall Mace,,⁴⁹ and Christopher Williams, For claiming and retaining possession of a certain piece of land purchased by him in June last, and refusing to settle or compromise with him for the same—and against Wandall Mace for insulting and abusing language—

Elders Chapman Duncan⁵⁰ & David Bennet⁵¹ were appointed Councillors pro. tem.

Elijah Fordham & Christopher Williams defendants pled not guilty. Voted that two Councillors speak on each side. After hearing the testimony & the councillors had spoken, the President decided that the defendants shall make Elder Gaylord satisfaction about the price of land or leave him in peaceable possession of it, & until such time as they shall do it, shall be disfellowshipped by the Church, which decision was unanimously sanctioned by the Council.

The Council then adjourned till 9 O clock Saturday morning

Elias Smith Clk.

      Dec. 7th 1839

Met this morning agreeable to adjournment. Absent Edmund Fisher & Richard Howard, Willard Snow & Erastus Snow. The Council was organized by appointing Daniel Avery, Amos B. Fuller, William [p. 12] A. Hickman & Chapman Duncan Councillors pro. tem.

The complaint of Elder Gaylord against Elder Mace for insulting & abusive language was brought forward & settled by mutual confession of the parties, which was accepted by the Council.

President Wight then introduced for the consideration of the Council & asked for a decision on it, the following question namely: Have the brethren a right to exact the payment of debts, which were due them from others, that were consecrated to the Bishop in the state of Missouri? Six Councillors were appointed to speak on the question.

The president decided that all such debts ought not to be called for, & that persons making such demands shall be disfellowshipped by the Church, which was unanimously approved of by the Council. And the Council further resolved that whereas certain individuals who were engaged in mercantile business in the state of Missouri are calling on them for debts due them for goods that were not paid for by the persons selling them, & who never expected to pay for them in consequence of being expelled from the state, that it is the opinion & decision of this Council that all such demands are unrighteous, & that such persons ought to be disfellowshipped.

[p. 13] The Council then took up the subject introduced by Bishop [Vinson] Knight concerning the lands purchased in this County and it was resolved unanimously, that we consider it a matter of right & accept of the proposal of Bishop Knight to transfer the lands with all the rights and privileges thereof to the Bishop on this side of the river.

Resolved that this Council concur in the proposal for some of the brethren who are Merchants if they choose to settle in Augusta.⁵²

On motion, Resolved that Elder George W. Pitkin⁵³ be appointed Recorder for this branch of the Church. Voted that Daniel Avery be instructed to call the Elders in this branch of the Church together as soon as practicable for the purpose of choosing a President to preside over them.

Resolved that Bishop [Alanson] Ripley be directed to request those, whom he has appointed for his Councillors, to attend to their appointment as soon as convenient, & if they cannot move here soon, to appoint others in their stead. The Council minutes were to be read by direction at the opening of the Council; Council adjourned to Friday the the 3rd of Jan. next to meet in the neighborhood of Elders Owen & [Daniel] Avery at 9 O.C. AM. Closed with prayer by Eld. Wight, E. Smith Clk.

Jan. 3rd 1840. Council met according to adjournment, present Asahel Smith, Abram O. Smoot, Stephen Chase, John M. Burk, Richard Howard, Elias Smith, & David Pettigrew. The Council organized [p. 14] by appointing Elders John Lowery,⁵⁴ Amos B. Fuller, David Bennet, Louis Zabriskie,⁵⁵ & Daniel Avery councillors pro. tem. Council opened with prayer by the President. Richard Howard excused from setting because of ill health, Wm. R. Orton⁵⁶ appointed to fill his place, Minutes of last conference read & accepted. A complaint was then prefered by Elder Moses Martin⁵⁷ against Elder Chapman Duncan for breaking the word of wisdom, for lying, for trespass, for doging his hogs & for slander & personal abuse from time to time.

The defendant confessed to the satisfaction of the Council for the personal abuse and slander, & pled not guilty of the remainder of the charges. Two councillors were appointed to speak, & President Wight acted as president of the Council by direction of President Smith. After hearing evidences &c. Pr. Wight decided that the parties were both to blame, & that they be requested by the Council to make satisfaction by mutual confession to each other, which was sanctioned by the Council. Adjourned for one half hour. Council met all present except Bishop Howard & E. Fisher, whose places were fitted by J. Owen⁵⁸ & J. H. Clark: Elders Martin & duncan made satisfactory confession before the council, Pr. Wight presented extracts from letters from Pr. Joseph Smith & Judge [Elias] Higbee⁵⁹ at Washington City calling for affidavits &c. The council took the subject into consideration & resolved unanimously to collect all the affidavits relating to our [p. 15] persecution in Missouri &c that could be obtained; to draw a petition & memorial to Congress & send them by a messenger to the Committe of the Church in Washington without delay, approved by all present.⁶⁰

Resolved that Lyman Wight, John Patton & Elias Smith be appointed to draft said petition & memorial.

Adjourned to eight O.Clock Saturday A.M.

Elias Smith C.

Jan. 4, 1840. Met according with adjournment Daniel Avery & John Lowry appointed to fill the places of R[ichard] Howard & E[dmund] Fisher, absent. After the Council was opened in the usual manner, Pr. [John] Smith presented for the consideration of the Council the subject of suing brethren for debt, which after discussion, was unanimously resolved by the Council & approved by the Congregation. That this Council does utterly discard the practice of suing brethren at the law, & that such shall be disfellowshipped by this branch of the Church.

Pr. Smith then reported some objections raised by brethren in Nauvoo against our endeavoring to keep the consecration law, which were discussed, & the council Resolved, that this council was of the same opinion now that it was at the time of the passing of the resolution to keep the law, the objections of the brethren in Nauvoo to the contrary notwithstanding.

The committe appointed to draught a petition & memorial to Congress presented one, which was read & accepted unanimously. [p. 16] The appointment of a delegate to carry it & other papers to the city of Washington was next considered, & Elias Smith was unanimously appointed to go, & also to solicit contributions for the suffering Saints. Resolved, that Elijah Fordham be appointed to call on high council at Nauvoo & inform it of our proceedings & solicit its cooperation. George H. Pitkin was, by nomination of the President & vote of the Council, appointed a councillor in the place of Edmund Fisher, removed to Nauvoo. Voted that Abram O. Smoot, at some convenient time, ordain Elder Daniel Avery President of the quorum of Elders in this branch agreeable to appointment.

Resolved that a meeting be called at Montrose on Tuesday next, for the purpose of giving affidavits of the brethren of this County. Adjourned to the first fryday of Feb. next, at or near Elder Avery’s at 10 OClock A. M. E. Smith C.

      Fryday Feb. 7, 1840

The high Council met according to adjournment at the house of Jedidiah Owen. Pr. John Smith present without his associate Prs. Councillors present except R. Howard, & Elder James Newberry was appointed to fill his place pro. tem.

The Council was opened in the usual manner by Singing and prayer.

The minutes of last Council were read. After which the president addressed the Council on the subject of the resolutions [p. 17] relative to sending a delegate to the City of Washington with a petition & memorial, together with other papers called for by the delegation of the Church at that place, & made known the reasons why they had not been carried, as the scheme had entirely failed.⁶¹

The Council unanimously expressed their regret that the measure had failed for they believed it a judicious plan, but blamed no one on account of its failure.

The Pr. called on Bishop [Alanson] Ripley, who was present, for an expression of his views & determinations about removing back to this side of the river and attending to the duties of his office, who, in reply, said that he could not come back till he had finished his job of surveying the City of Nauvoo, as he durst not for his life neglect that duty; & if the Church here could not wait till that time, he advised them to appoint a Bishop in his stead, on pro. tem. as they should choose.

After this subject was discussed, it was resolved, that we will wait for bishop Ripley to finish his business in Nauvoo as quick as possible, & the[n] come and attend to the duties of his appointment here.⁶² Voted that this Council will disfellowship all official members in this Church who do not keep the word of wisdom, & that their business shall be taken from them on proof being made of the same.

[p. 18 blank, p. 19; the following appears to be a list of Church members living on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River.]

• A
• Lewis Abbott⁶³
• Ann Abbott
• Abigail Abbott
• Daniel Avery⁶⁴      Removed
• Philander Avery             " " " "
• Margaret Avery             " " " "
• Elizabeth Avery            " " " "
• Wm. C. H. Adkinson
• Polly Adams      Removed
• John. C. Adams            " " " "
• Electa Alvys
• Abigail Applebee⁶⁵
• Joseph Alvord
• Martha Alvord
• John F. Akin
• John Akins
• Barnabas Adams
• John Akerly
• Mary Elizabeth Akerly
• [p. 20 blank, p. 21]
• John Badger⁶⁶       Died Oct 30 AD 1840
• Rodney Badger
• Lydia Badger
• Simon Baker⁶⁷
• Mercy Baker
• John M. Burk⁶⁸
• Hezekiah Burk
• Charles A. Bush
• Abigail Bush
• Nancy Bagg
• Hannah Bagg
• Daniel Bagg
• Avis Brown
• George Brown
• James Brown⁶⁹
• Susan M. Brown
• Wheeler Baldwin⁷⁰
• Mary Baldwin
• Olive Baldwin
• Rena Baldwin
• David Bennett⁷¹
• Joana Bennett
• Laura Bennett
• Maria Brown
• Malinda Baldwin
• Calvin Beebe⁷²      Cut off June 7th 1841
• Submit Beebe
• Prudence Bargdoll
• Isaiah Bargdoll
• Michael Bargdoll
• Peter Bargdoll
• Elisabeth Bargdoll
• Alfred Bell
• Martha L. Bell
• [p. 22]
• Melinda E. Baum
• George Baffet
• Amanda Baffet
• Horace Baffet
• Almira Baffet
• Lurretia Baffet
• Polly Boswick
• Mary Bedford
• [p. 23] C
• Chase Crismon
• Polly Crismon
• Mary C. Clark
• Charlotte Clark
• Caroline A. Care
• Samuel Conrad
• Mary Conrad
• Martha Jane Crismon
• Simeon Carter⁷³
• Lydia Carter
• Orlando Carter
• Evelina Carter
• Myron Child
• Alfred B. Child⁷⁴
• Polly Child
• Polly Ann Child
• Mark A. Child
• Hannah Child
• John Child
• Elsabeth Conrad
• Thomas Corbet
• Hannah Corbet
• Mary Corbet
• Ruth Clayton
• William Clayton
• Robert Culbertson
• William F. Cahoon⁷⁵
• Nancy M. Cahoon
• Martha M. Chapman
• Jacob Crandle
• Jane Crandle
• Lewis S. Dalsymple
• Jerusha Dalsymple
• Albert B. Dalsymple
• [p. 24]
• Lawrence Clark
• Lucy Clark
• Hannah Cope
• Elen Cope
• Jeter Clinton
• [p. 25] D
• Wm. K. Duell⁷⁶
• Eliza Duell
• Shelfield Daniels⁷⁷      Deceased
• Abigail Adams⁷⁸
• Aaron Daniels
• George Daniels
• Susan Daniels
• Sarah Daniels
• Stephen Daniels
• Nathan Daniels
• Eunice Daniels
• Marquis De Lafayette [crossed out later]
• Daniel C. Davis⁷⁹
• Sapphronia Davis
• Emeline Davis
• Angeline Davis
• Julia Daniels
• Euphrotia Daniels
• Solomon Daniels      Deceased
• Edith Davis
• Ruth J. Davis
• Betsy R. Davis
• Hannah J. Davis
• Hercules Dalvimgale
• [p. 26] E
• William Eaton
• Eunice Eaton
• Eunice P. Eaton
• William Eaton Jn.
• Nathan Eaton
• [p. 27] F
• John M. Freeman
• Pliney Fisher⁸⁰
• Sally Fisher
• Elisabeth Fry
• Amanda Fry
• Almira Fry
• Amos B. Fuller⁸¹
• Esther Fuller
• Luther Fuller⁸²
• Sally Fry
• Polly Fry
• David Fry⁸³
• Dorathy Fry
• Elijah Fordham⁸⁴
• Anna B. Fordham
• George Fordham
• Jefferson Frink⁸⁵
• Emela Frink
• John R. Frink
• Horace M. Frink
• Samuel Fuller
• Ziplah Ellis
• Service R. Fisher
• Sarah Fisher
• Lucy M. Fisher
• James H. Fisher⁸⁶
• Susan R. Fisher
• [p. 28] G
• George W. Gee⁸⁷      Deceased
• Mary Jane Gee
• Gibson Gates⁸⁸
• Catherine Gates
• Nathaniel Gates
• Leister Gaylord⁸⁹
• Polly Gaylord
• Luman Gibbs
• Philena Gibbs
• Prudence Gibbs
• Gideon H. Gibbs
• Sarah Gibbons
• Joanna Goff
• [p. 29] H
• Lovina Hawley
• Wm. Hawk
• Margaret Hawk
• Nathan Hawk
• Calvin Hawk
• Sarah Hawk
• Moses Harris⁹⁰
• Fanny Harris
• Silas Harris
• John S. Harris
• Annaritha Harris
• Lydia Harris
• Andrew Hendry
• Pierce Hawley⁹¹
• Sally Hawley
• Mary Hawley
• George Hawley
• John Hawley
• Aaron Hawley
• William Hawley
• Elisabeth Hill
• Emily S. Hoyt
• Susanna Harvey
• Hurlbut C. Holmes
• Anna Holmes
• Isaac Harrison
• Sabrina A. Harrison
• William Jorden
• Polly Jorden
• Experience Hancock
• Ruby Hoaglin
• [p. 30]
• Dana Jacobs
• Zilpah Jacobs
• Gilbert T. Leforce Jacobs
• Ruth Jacobs
• [p. 31] I
• Preserved Ireland
• Richard Jenkinson
• [p. 32] K
• Nancy Killian
• Almira Killian
• John F. Killian
• Jacob Killian
• Alexander Kelley
• Mary Kelley
• William King
• John Killien
• Sally Killien
• Zelotus Knight
• William Kelly
• Joseph C. Kingsbury⁹²      Removed
• Caroline Kingsbury            " " " "
• Sophrona Kelley
• Ruthan King
• Hiram King
• [p. 33] L
• Wm. Leffingwell⁹³
• Eunice Leffingwell
• Cynthia B. Leffingwell
• Saml. Launze Sen.
• Polly Launze
• Samuel Launze Jr.
• Jacob Launze
• Sophia Launze
• Mary Launze
• John Lowry⁹⁴
• Mary Lowry
• Sally Lowry
• James Lowry
• Hiram Lowry
• John Lowry
• Abner Lowry
• Amisa Lyman⁹⁵
• Louisa Lyman
• Joseph Leffingwell
• [p. 34 blank, p. 35] M
• Thomas Merrill Sen.⁹⁶
• Susanna Merrill
• Elisabeth Meeks⁹⁷
• Mariah Jane Meeks
• Columbus W. Meeks
• John S. Martin⁹⁸
• Matilda Martin
• Jesse B. Martin
• Simon B. Martin
• Mary Jane Martin
• Susan Merrill
• Mary Wood [crossed out]
• Moses Martin⁹⁹
• Julia Martin
• Esther Martin
• John Mills¹⁰⁰
• Jane Mills
• Martin W. Mills
• Sarah Mills
• William More
• Thomas Moon
• Lydia Moon
• Margaret Moon
• Lydia Moon jun.
• Charles Merrill
• Sally Merrill
• Sarah Martin
• Ruth Martin
• Samuel McBride
• John McBride
• Abigail McBride
• Betsy McBride
• Henryette McBride
• [p. 36] N
• Levi North¹⁰¹
• Armanta North
• James Newberry¹⁰²       Removed
• Mary Newberry            " " "
• Abraham B. Newberry
• James W. Newberry
• Sally Ann Newberry            " " "
• Hannah Maria Newberry            " " "
• Harriet Newberry            " " "
• Electy Newberry            " " "
• Esther Newberry            " " "
• Sally Newberry            " " "
• Joseph B. Nobles¹⁰³      removed
• Mary A. Nobles            " " "
• [p. 37] O
• Jedidiah Owen¹⁰⁴
• Elisabeth Owen
• Mary Jane Owen
• S. F. Olney       -       Removed Jan 1841
• F. R. A. Olney -             " " "
• William R. Orton¹⁰⁵
• Rebecca Orton
• Elisabeth Orton
• Lydia Orton
• Mary Owen
• Cammera O. Owen
• Fenernie V. Owen
• Rassella H. P. Owen
• Robert S. Owen
• Ephraim F. Owen
• William Owen¹⁰⁶
• [p. 38 blank, p. 39] P
• George W. Pitkin¹⁰⁷      removed
• Amanda Pitkin      removed
• David Pettigrew sen.¹⁰⁸
• Elisabeth Pettigrew
• Lucy Ann W. Pettigrew      removed
• Betsy Ann N Pettigrew
• James P. Pettigrew
• Caroline R. Pettigrew
• George F. Pettigrew
• Hezekiah Peck      removed
• Caroline Pettigrew
• Frederck Pettigrew
• John Patten¹⁰⁹
• Hannah Patten
• Polly Angerona Patten
• John Patten jun.
• Thomas Jefferson Patten
• Deborah Patten
• Edith Patten
• William Walace Patten¹¹⁰
• Betsy Patten
• Charles Weller Patten¹¹¹
• Peggy Patten
• James Limmon¹¹²
• Maria Louisa Limmon
• George Peacock
• Justin W. Porter
• Lyman W. Porter
• [p. 40] R
• James H. Rawlins
• Evelina Rawlins
• Miles Randall
• David W. Rogers¹¹³
• Martha Rogers
• Amelia A. Rogers
• Charles Raymond
• Katherine Raymond
• Elisabeth Royce
• Henry C. Rogers
• Alonso Reed      Deceased
• Reed
• Mariah Reed
• [p. 41] S
• John Smith¹¹⁴
• Clarissa Smith
• George A. Smith¹¹⁵
• Caroline Smith
• John L. Smith
• Allen T. Stout
• Samuel Smith¹¹⁶
• Martishia Smith
• Abram O. Smoot¹¹⁷
• Margaret T. Smoot
• Jemima Smoot
• Mary Smith
• Silas S. Smith
• Aaron Steed¹¹⁸
• Polly Steed
• Albert Smith¹¹⁹       Removed Jan 1841
• Esther Smith             " " "
• Azariah Smith             " " "
• Emily Smith            " " "
• Asahel Smith
• Betsy Smith
• Elias Smith
• Silas Smith
• Martha Smith
• Daniel Shumate¹²⁰
• Jane Shumate
• Justus A. Seeley
• Mahittabel Seeley
• David Seeley
• Justus W. Seeley
• Almon W. Sherwood
• Elisabeth Steed
• Maria Steed
• Abiah Ann Smith
• [p. 42]
• Willard Snow¹²¹
• Snow
• Lavina Snow
• Melissa Snow
• Charles Snow
• Samuel Smith
• Betsy Shaw
• William Smith¹²²
• Rhoda Smith
• Emily Smith
• John Sagerz
• Sarah Sagerz
• Elisabeth Seeley
• Marquis De Lafayette Sherwood
• Louisa Spining
• Daniel Spining
• Alpheus Spining
• Joel Smith¹²³
• Nathaniel Spining
• Polly Spinings
• Edward H. Spings
• Cescillia Spinings
• Emily Spinings
• Anthony Shaw
• Sophiah Shaw
• Alvin F. Stewart
• [p. 43] T
• John Tanner¹²⁴
• Eliza Tanner
• Martin H. Tanner
• Albert M. Tanner
• Mryon Tanner
• Seth B. Tanner
• Joseph S. Tanner
• David D. Tanner
• Sariah Tanner
• John J. Tanner
• Rebeckah Tanner
• Nathan Tanner¹²⁵
• Rachel W. Tanner
• Lydia Jane Tanner
• Amos Tubbs¹²⁶
• Lucinda Tubbs
• Amanda Tubbs
• James Thompson
• Matilda Thompson
• Lydia Tanner
• Mary Taylor
• Theophilus Taylor
• Esther Taylor
• James A. P. Tyler
• Eliza Tyler
• Sidney Tanner
• Tanner his wife
• Ezra Tyler
• Thomas Tayler
• Charity Taylor
• [p. 44] U-V-
• Polly Vanosdall
• William Vanosdall¹²⁷
• Ann Vanosdall
• Malinda Vanosdall
• Cornelious Vanosdall
• Margarett Vanosdall
• Leanah Vanosdall
• Martha Vanosdall
• Polly Vanosdall jun.
• Barack Vanosdall
• Susannah Vanosdall
• William H. Vanosdall
• [p. 45] W
• Wilford Woodruff¹²⁸
• Phebe W. Woodruff
• Mary Wood
• James Whaley
• Abigail Whaley
• William W. Willis¹²⁹
• Margaret Willis
• Sophia P. Wyman
• Abraham Washbourn
• James Washbourn
• Christopher Williams¹³⁰
• Melicient Williams
• Allen Wait¹³¹
• Lorette Wait
• Alishai Wyer
• Delilah Wyer
• Eleanor Wyer
• Eliota C. Williams
• Allen Whaley
• Cyrus H. Wheelock
• Olive Wheelock
• Samuel Wood¹³²
• Rackinda White
• Wm Woodard
• Orange Warner
• Delila Warner
• [p. 46 blank, p. 47] Y or Z
• Lewis Zabriskie¹³³
• Jane Zabriskie
• Alva Zabriskie
• Elisabeth Zabriskie
• Sarah Zabriskie
• Henry Zabriskie¹³⁴
• Nancy Zabriskie
• Zeno Zabriskie
• Jerome Zabriskie
• Charles Zabriskie
• Susannah Zabriskie

[p. 86] [Feb. 7, 1840] Adjourned to meet in the evening at Pr Smith’s. Met accordingly, and discussed some measures to be entered immediately into by the Saints in this neighborhood in order to advantageously cultivate the soil the coming season, & voted that Pr. Smith should try to induce Bishop Ripley to come and attend to his business here immediately.

The Council then adjourned to meet at Montrose two weeks from this day at ten O,Clock A. M.

The Council also voted that they would disfellowship all brethren, who should persist in keeping tipling shops in this branch of the Church, & voted to send Erastus Snow and Joseph B Nobles¹³⁵ to visit Br. Calvin Bebee¹³⁶ & inform him of the wishes of the Council to close his business in selling spirituous liquors as soon as he can without loss.

E. Smith C.

      Feb. 21, 1840.

Council met pursuant to adjournment at the house of E[lijah] Fordham, Montrose. Pr J[ohn] Smith presided without his Pr. Councillors, ten of the Councillors present & Elders Amos B. Fuller & James Newberry appointed to fill the places of R[ichard] Howard & Stephen Chase, who were absent. After the Council was organized and opened in usual form, the minutes of the previous Council were read. The president said that he had seen [p. 87] Bishop [Alanson] Ripley agreeable to the vote of the Council & thought the Bishop would soon come & attend to the duties of his office. Elder E[rastus] Snow reported the result of his interview With Elder [Calvin] Bebee, who being present satisfied the council in respect to his grocery business, stating that in principle he was opposed to selling ardent spirits & had entered into it with reluctance & meant to discontinue it as soon as possible.

The council voted that Elder Bebee be considered in good fellowship and standing in this branch of the Church by carrying his resolutions into effect as soon as convenient.

Elder Willard Snow & E. Fordham expressed some dissatisfaction with Elder J[ohn] Patten for some of his teaching at a meeting on the preceding Sabath in Montrose. After some discussion the matter was laid over by vote of the Council till the next regular meeting of the Council on the 6th of March next.

After some items of business relating to absence of Bishop Ripley from the place of his appointment were discussed by the Council, unanimously resolved, that the Clerk of this Council be directed to inform Bishop [Vinson] Knight by letter, that this Council considers that they are entitled to some explanation from him for his noncompliance with his proposal relative to the Land purchased of Doctor Galland, & also for an expression made by him [p. 88] that the brethren here would come up missing about their lands on the half breed tract, or words to that effect, & request him to attend the next Council adjourned to Fryday 6th of March, at Montrose.

      March 6th, 1840

The Council met at E. Fordham’s at Montrose pursuant to adjournment.

Present, Pr. John Smith & Lyman Wight. In organizing the Council the matter between Elders Snow, Fordham, & Patten was inquired into by President Smith in order to ascertain if the affair was settled, so that they could act together in union in the council. The inquiry produced an unpleasant scene, & the Councillors by vote rejected Elder Patten, Snow & Fordham from the Council till the affair was settled, & the council was organized by appointing Elders Joseph B. Noble, Cimeon Porter [Simeon Carter?] & Daniel Avery in their places pro. tem. & Wheeler Baldwin & James Newberry in place of Richard Howard & Asahel Smith, absent. The Council was opened by singing & prayer. The minutes of the last council were read. Bishop Knight was present ___ Pr. Joseph Smith & Hyrum Smith.

Bishop Knight made explanation of the things the council requested of him. With regard to the first item he said that he had been ordered & counseled not to comply with his own proposition, & that in the other his intention in making the [p. 89] expression was to support Doct. Galland’s title to the half breed lands, & his right to deed described portions thereof.¹³⁷

President Joseph Smith jun. then addressed the Council on various subjects, &, in particular, the Consecration Laws; stating that the affair now before Congress was the only thing that ought to interest the saints at present, & till it was ascertained how it would terminate no person ought to be brought to account before the constituted authorities of the Church for any offence whatever, & it was determined that no man should be brought before the Council in Nauvoo till that time &c &c:

He said that the Law of consecration could not be kept here, & that it was the will of the Lord that we should desist from trying to keep it, & if persisted in it would produce a perfect defect of its object, & that he assumed the whole responsibility of not keeping it untill proposed by himself. He requested every exertion to be made to forward affidavits to Washington, & also letters to members of Congress. The following votes were then passed.

1st. That this Council will coincide with Pr. Joseph Smith jr. decision concerning the consecration Law, on the principle of its being the will of the Lord, & of Pr. Smith’s taking the responsibility on himself.

2nd. That a committee of three be appointed consisting of Wheeler Baldwin, Lyman Wight, Abram O. Smoot to obtain affidavits & [p. 90] other documents to be forwarded to the City of Washington.

3rd. That the Clerk of this council be directed to inform Judge [Elias] Higbee, that it is the wishes of this council that he should not upon any consideration consent to accept of anything of Congress short of our just rights & demands for our losses & damages in Missouri. Elias Smith Clerk.

4th. That the minutes of the Council be published in the Times & Seasons.

Adjourned to Saturday 21 inst. at 10 O.Clock A. M. at Montrose.

Closed by prayer by Pr. J. Smith jr.

E. Smith C.

Saturday 21st. March 1840.

Council met at Montrose at E. Fordham’s.

No business before the Council.

Council adjourned by motion Pr. J. Smithe Sine die.

Elias Smith C.

      July 12th, 1840.

At a general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints held at Ambrosia Lee County, Iowa, for the purpose of appointing a person to fill the office of Bishop for this branch of the Church, Elias Smith one of the high Councillors was unanimously appointed to fill said office, & James Newberry was chosen to fill his place as councillor, & John Badger the place of Stephen Chase & Wheeler Baldwin the place of Richard Howard who had moved to Nauvoo.

      [p. 91] July 18th 1840.

By previous notice the high Council met at the house of Pr. J. Smith & was organized commencing with No. 7 & appointing Louis Zabriskie, Samuel Smith,¹³⁸ Pierce Hawley,¹³⁹ Henry Zabriskie,¹⁴⁰ & Thos. Cresmon (who was by vote of the council ordained an Elder) Councillors pro. tem in the places of E. Fordham, E. Snow, J. Patten, A. Smith, & A. O. Smoot absent.

After opening in usual manner, by vote of the council Elias Smith was ordained to the office of Bishop agreeable to his appointment, & Willard Snow Clerk of the Council. Also voted that Louis Zabriskie be appointed Councillor pro. tem. in the place of G. H. Pitkin & Joseph Kingsbury¹⁴¹ in place of A. O. Smoot. Elder James Newberry was ordained to the high Priesthood & Councillor agreeable to appointment on the 12th of July last. Elder Wheeler Baldwin & John Badger were ordained high Councillors.

Resolved to send a committee of three consisting of Wheeler Baldwin, David Pettigrew & Pierce Hawley to visit the branch at Montrose & Nashville, and make a report of their visit to the next meeting of the Council. Also resolved to send priest H[enry] Zabriskie & teacher P[liny] Fisher to visit Elder John Tanner¹⁴² & Simeon Carter¹⁴³ & the Brethren in the south part of the County, & Teacher D[avid] W. Rogers¹⁴⁴ to visit the Brethren on Sugar Creek¹⁴⁵ [p. 92] & Deacon Samuel Smith to visit the branch of said Church at Ambrosia, & make report. John Burk to visit Br. Bagley¹⁴⁶ & neighborhood. After consulting on measure necessary to supply the wants of the poor the Council adjourned to Saturday 1st. of August to Ambrosia.

Council closed by prayer.

E. Smith C.

      August 1st. 1840.

Council met as adjourned: Organized by calling No. 7 first; Opened By singing & prayer. Pr. [John] Smith gave charge of the council to Pr [Reynolds] Cahoon, who proceeded to business by calling for the reports of the several committees previously appointed: That sent to Montrose & Nashville brot in a favorable report except two cases, one at Montrose, between Elder John Patten & Elijah Fordham: one at Nashville between Elder Elias Smith & Elder David Bennet. Br. Calvin Bebee was represented as being indifferent & persisting to keep a tipling shop. The other committies had not as yet attended to their duties.

Elias Smith presented the following charges against Elder Bennet, who pled not guilty, & asked postponement to obtain witnesses, which was objected to, as the things, which he wished to prove by the absent witnesses, were acknowledged by the Defendant, neither, if proven, would it have any baring in the case, & the Council decided to take up the case; & witnesses were heard, [p. 93] all parties spoke, & Pr. Cahoon decided that by the understanding he had of the witnesses, that the lot in dispute, No. 10, was one of the two particular lots selected by Bishops [Vinson] Knight & [Alanson] Ripley, consequently in this particular case there was no cause of action; the Council unanimously disagreed with the decision, & adjourned to Thursday the 6th inst. 9 O,Clock to this place.

August 6th 1840. Council met, organized, opened by prayer. After hearing the witnesses in the above adjourned case Pr. Cahoon then stated that the evidence was full & painted, that the disputed lot No. 10 was not one of the two particular lots alluded to & therefore he was bound to reverse his former decision. Pr. Smith decided that the charges had been sustained, which was unanimously agreed to by the Council & also all present but one. Council adjourned till wednesday 12 inst. at 10 O,Clock.

Willard Snow C.

      [p. 94] 3rd. Sept. 1840

Council met at Asahel Smith’s, Nashville. E. Smith appointed Clerk pro. tem. The Council first took into consideration the condition of the ferry at this place. It was resolved that it belonged to the Church & that the bishop be directed to get & boat & license & put it in operation.

The building of a school house next considered. Resolved, that a stone house 45 by 55, two stories high, for school & public worship, should be built.

Resolved, that John Patten & Elias Smith draft a subject petition for raising funds for that purpose; that Geo. W. Gee, John Patten, Joseph Mecham, O. Clark, & Amos B. Fuller be appointed to circulate the same.

Voted that Elders John Patten be appointed to inquire into the condition of the estate of Ephraim Owen, Deceased, & make the necessary arrangements to have the same called for the benefit of the heirs.

Vote that Moses Martin be appointed to solicit donations for the poor.

Resolved that the Bishop in Iowa & his councillors be requested to confer with the Bishops in Nauvoo & the first Presidency on the propriety of a transfer or sale of the town plat of Nashville & land in its vicinity to the church on this side of the river, & report to next meeting. Adjourned to Thursday 17th. Sept. at this place.

E. Smith C.

      [p. 95] Sept. 17th, 1840.

Council met & consulted on the several subjects relative to the building up of the town of Nashville & adjourned to Saturday 26th inst. at 10 O’Clock, at Nashville.

      Sept. 26th, 1840.

The Council met; the Clerk being absent, G[eorge] W. Gee was appointed Clerk pro. tem. Bish[op] E. Smith, who was appointed to confer with the Bishops of Nauvoo & first presidency then reported that they (the Bishops) would sell to the Church of Iowa the remainder of the town lots North of Broadway in the town of Nashville, which remain unsold for the sum of twelve Dollars per lot, & about 90 acres adjoining the town for 10 dollars per acre. The Council unanimously decided that they considered the proposition illiberal & could not agree to accept it.

The following resolution was then adopted. Resolved that we consider a remuneration to Bishop Knight of the purchase money & all incidental just & equitable, & that we will take the Town plat of Nashville & the Lands adjoining upon those principles & will pay the same to Bishop Knight as fast as it is received on the sale of the lots in money or other property & will exert ourselves to build up a city for the gathering of the saints.

Adjourned Sine die

G. W. Gee Clerk,
Pro.tem.

      [p. 96] Nov. 7th. 1840.

Council met, a difference between Elias Smith & Hiram W. Mikisell¹⁴⁷ was settled by mutual concessions to the satisfaction of the Council. It was recommended by the Council to take proper measures to get a law of Corporation passed for the town of Nashville, adjourned sine die.

Wm. Vanosdall ordained a councillor in place of John Bagger.

Jan. 15th, 1841. Council met at Daniel Avery’s. President Smith found fault with Pr. Cahoon, which was settled.

Pr. Smith then presented Charges prepared by Joseph Mecham against William A. Hickman for abuse in taking from him a load of rails & taking possession of a piece of land, which was acknowledged & a promise made to give up the land & rails, which was satisfactory to all parties.¹⁴⁸ Pr. Smith then represented to the Council, that there was a difference in the Concern of Elders Concerning their presidency. There had not been a president previously chosen by a small number of Elders, they being equally divided in their choice, & it was not in condition to do business. The Council recommended general notice & another election and the 23rd inst. at Ambrosia.

George H. Pitkin requested to be excused from serving as Clerk of the Church in Iowa, which request was granted & G. W. Gee was appointed to take that office as [illegible] to be Clerk of the high [p. 97] Council & Bishops Court.

Some arrangements made for the poor, & council adjourned till Saturday the 30th inst. at Nashville.

Willard Snow C.

      Jan. 30th. 1841.

Council met & proceeded to business. Appointed no. 5 first & Eld. Wm. Smith¹⁴⁹ to fill the place of no. 8, & S. Daniels¹⁵⁰ to fill the place of No. 1, & A[mos] B. Fuller to fill No. 3; opened by singing and prayer. Council then took up the case of Eld. David Bennet, who had been disfellowshipped by vote of said Council on 6th. of Aug. 1840. Elder Bennet then made ample satisfaction to Bishop Elias Smith who had prepared the charges against him, also to the Council & all present, & was restored to fellowship.

Bishop E[lias] Smith then reported to the council that he had obtained a Deed from Bishop Knight for the Town plat of Nashville, as previously instructed by said Council. That he had agreed to exhonorate Bishop Knight from a certain obligation given by himself Samuel P. Hoyt¹⁵¹ & I. Galland, & to pay to Bishop [Vinson] Knight the sum of two thousand dollars including the amount refered to above to be had in personal property in ten years from Jan. 22. 1841;¹⁵² & also a deed for lands adjoining amounting to 160 acres, or there about. The council accepted of Bishop Smith’s transaction about the land, & requested Bishop Smith to make a plat & ascertain what be the original town plat of Ah-we-pe-tuok, now Nashville is, or not on record. Bro. Snow, Baldwin, & Pitkin offered to labour with forty Brethren at Montrose. [p. 98] Bishop Smith directed to locate the unlisted lands adjacent to Nashville. Minutes read & accepted. Council adjourned to meet at Nashville in two weeks.

G. W. Gee C.

      [p. 99] Zarahemla April 24th. 1841.

High Council met at President J. Smith’s. Opened by singing & prayer.

Councillors of the President having recorded, to wit, Reynolds Cahoon & Lyman Wight, the council provided to fill the quorum by installing David Pettigrew & Moses Nickerman in their places. Eld. James Emmett¹⁵³ was made high Councillor in place of David Pettigrew & Elder Joseph C. Kingsbury in place of Geo. W. Pitkin gone to Nauvoo, & Elder Wm. Clayton in place of Erastus Snow absent on Mission.

D. Pettigrew was ordained councillor to the president & Wm. Clayton high Councillor as also James Emmett.

Council adjourned withon day.

G. W. Gee Clerk

      June 7th. 1841.

Council convened. Elder Calvin Beebe’s case for Breaking covenant & keeping tipling shop taken up. Council unanimously Resolved that, for Breaking covenant and keeping a tipling shop Calvin Beebe be no longer considered a member of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, & that President John Smith be authorized to demand & receive his Elder’s License.

Resolved that the Editors of the times & seasons printed at Nauvoo, be requested to publish the above expulsion; & that the high Council of Zarahemla disfellowship all persons in this Church who now do, or may hereafter keep a tipling shop or shops. Closed to July 7th [illegible] John Patten [illegible]

      [p. 100] Zarahemla July 31st 1841

This day the High Council convened and organized by calling No. 5 first, opened by singing and prayer—instruct was given and the official members admonished to instruct the saints in all their duties—especially to observe the sabbath Day and its attendant duties. Adjourned.

Geo. W. Gee Clerk

      Zarahemla 12th July 1841—

This day the High Council met at the house of Pliney Fisher—there being but 7 counsellors present the council was organized by calling on elders present to fill the places of absent counsellors. Opened by singing and prayer. Elder James Newberry came forward and made restitution for making too free use of wine at a certain time—he was forgiven by the council—Resolved that the matter be laid before the church for their consideration on Sunday next. Resolved that notice be given to the publick that the High Council will not be responsible for the teachings of Elder Henry Jackson¹⁵⁴ till he returns and makes satisfaction or explanation for of certain things reported concerning him. Elder George W. Gee came forward and requested that he might be released from keeping the record of the High Council as he had all the records of the church to keep which was more than he was able to do. Request granted and Elder William Clayton was appointed in his stead—voted that Doct. John Patten be appointed recorder of baptisms for the dead in Iowa—Adjourned to Saturday the 31st inst.

George W. Gee Clerk

[p. 101] Minutes of a Conference held in Zarahemla Iowa

      August AD 1841—

At a certain conference of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, held in Zarahemla Iowa commencing on Saturday August 7th 1841— Prest. John Smith being unanimously chosen Chairman and George W. Gee appointed Clerk:

The solemlities began with singing and prayer after which Elder George A. Smith delivered a short address uppon the melancholy news (which had just reached us) of the death of our much esteemed Brother Elder Don C. Smith editor of the times and Seasons.¹⁵⁵ Elder John Taylor¹⁵⁶ followed with a very able address upon the subject of the dispensation of the fulness of times exhorted the Saints to heed the constituted authorities of the Church. Adjourned for one hour:

Met pursuant to adjournment and opened by singing and prayer—the chairman explained the business of the conference relative to its right of choosing its own officers from head to foot. President John Smith was then presented to the conference and unanimously acknowledged President of the Stake in Iowa. President Smith nominated for his councillors Elders David Pettigrew and M. C. Nickerson as who were unanimously elected.

The members of the high council were each presented and accepted by the conference, there being but nines whereupon, Elders John Killian,¹⁵⁷ Pliny Fisher, and John Lowery, were unanimously elected to fill the Quorum of the High council. Bishop Elias Smith was then presented and unanimously accepted by the conference as Bishop of this stake; and Joseph B. Noble and Joseph Mecham Jr. as Bishop’s councillors. Elder Lewis Zabriskie was [p. 102] presented and accepted by the conference as President of the Quorum of Elders. Elder Zabriskie nominated Charles Patten¹⁵⁸ for councillor in place of John Killian chosen high councillor who was unanimously elected. Elder Zabriskie then nominated Lewis S. Dalsimple¹⁵⁹ for his other councillor in place of Johnathon Allen¹⁶⁰ rejected, (in consequence of his living at a remote distance, and was not expecting to move on) who was unanimously elected. Adjourned till Monday 9th inst at 10 oclock A.M. in consequence of the funeral of Br. D. C. Smith of Nauvoo.

[August 9, 1841] Met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by singing and prayer. G. W. Gee was nominated and elected Church recorder. Elder John Taylor then read a revelation to the conference,¹⁶¹ giving instruction to the saints in Iowa and spoke some length uppon the subject and was followed by the chairman and Elders E. Smith and W[illard] Snow adjourned for one hour. Met pursuant to adjournment, and opened by singing and prayer.

      Representation of Churches

The President and councillors of the church in Iowa was represented as being in good standing the chairman represented the High Council in good standing. The Bishop and counsellors were represented in good standing, the Bishop [Elias Smith] represented the Lesser Priesthood containing 9 Priests 13 Teachers and 4 Deacons nearly all in good standing. Elder Zabriskie represented the Quorum of Elders containing 20 members generally in good standing, Elder W. Snow represented the church at Zarahemla consisting of 321 members generally in good standing. Br. Fisher represented the Church at Siloam[?] consisting of [p. 103] 67 members all but one in good standing. Bishop Smith represented the church at Nashville about 80 members generally in good standing. Geo. W. Gee represented the church at Ambrosia consisting of 109 members generally in good standing. Bishop Smith represented the branch at Mecham settlement consisting of about 65 members generally in good standing. Elder Geo. W. Gee represented the branch in Keokuk Township consisting of about 13 members in good standing. Elder Stow represented the church at Augusta consisting of 50 members all in good standing but one or two. Elder John Lowery represented a branch in VanBuren Township consisting of 11 members in good standing. Elder W. Baldwin represented the church on Chequest Creek in VanBuren County consisting of about 30 members generally in good standing.

Total 750 members.

The conference by a unanimous vote resolved to uphold by the prayer of faith President Joseph Smith, and to heed his counsel as a servant of God; a large number present agreed to move in and assist in building up Zarahemla.¹⁶²

Elder Taylor then made some very appropriate remarks uppon the duty of the Saints and admonished them fittingly to obey all the commandments of God.

Resolved, that this church will not fellowship any person or persons who are in the habit of drinking ardent Spirits or keeping tipling shops and we will use our best endeavors to suppress it. Elders G. A. Smith and John Taylor spoke at some length uppon the necessity of the Saints contributing for the building of the Temple at Nauvoo [p. 104] and for the support of the poor; the conference voted that they would contribute one tenth of their produce for the building of the Temple at Nauvoo—

adjourned untill 10 oclock 15th instant.

[August 15, 1841] Met pursuant to adjournment, opened by singing and prayer, minutes read, after which the names of those were taken who were willing to contribute for the building of the Temple and given to Bishop Miller. Elder B[righam] Young then made some very appropriate remarks upon the importance of the Saints acting nobly, honorably, and uprightly, that they may be prepared to fill important and responsible stations. Adjourned for one hour.

Met pursuant to adjournment and opened by singing and prayer, a contribution was then taken for the relief of the poor. A man by the name of Elsworth¹⁶³ was disfellowshipped for not complying with the order of the meeting and insulting the chairman. Quite a number joined the church by letter. Elder B. Young then delivered a very able address adapted to the occasion conference then adjourned—

John Smith Chairman

George W. Gee Clerk

Pr. J. F. Lane