The Martyrdom of the Prophets Joseph and Hyrum

For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. Hebrews 9:16

Major persons
Joseph Smith Hyrum Smith John Taylor Willard Richards William Law Thomas Ford
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Major persons
Joseph Smith Hyrum Smith John Taylor Willard Richards William Law Thomas Ford

Major persons
Joseph Smith Hyrum Smith John Taylor Willard Richards William Law Thomas Ford

Major persons
Joseph Smith Hyrum Smith John Taylor Willard Richards William Law Thomas Ford
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Major persons
Joseph Smith Hyrum Smith John Taylor Willard Richards William Law Thomas Ford
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Major persons
Joseph Smith Hyrum Smith John Taylor Willard Richards William Law Thomas Ford
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Places
Hancock County, Illinois

John Hamer bycommonconsent.com/author/johnhamer

Forebodings
D&C 5:22. Be firm in keeping the commandments wherewith I have commanded you; and if you do this, behold I grant unto you eternal life, even if you should be slain.
(March 1829)

D&C 6:30. And even if they do unto you even as they have done unto me, blessed are ye, for you shall dwell with me in glory. (April 1829)

Forebodings
Some have supposed that Brother Joseph could not die; but this is a mistake: it is true there have been times when I have had the promise of my life to accomplish such and such things, but, having now accomplished those things, I have not at present any lease of my life, I am as liable to die as other men. Joseph Smith, 9 April 1842 (History of the Church 4:587) I understand my mission and business. God Almighty is my shield; and what can man do if God is my friend? I shall not be sacrificed until my time comes; then I shall be offered freely. Joseph Smith, 22 January 1843 (HC 5:259)

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Forebodings
D&C 132:49. I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father.
(July 1843)

I must seal my testimony with my blood. Joseph Smith, spring 1844 (to Elizabeth Rollins Lightner) Though he had prophesied that he would not live to be forty years of age, yet we all cherished hopes that that would be a false prophecy, and we should keep him forever with us; we thought our faith would outreach it, but we were mistaken. Brigham Young, 22 June 1856 (Journal of Discourses 1:364)
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Preparation
Joseph Smith was what he professed to be, a prophet of God, a seer and revelator. He laid the foundation of this Church and kingdom, and lived long enough to deliver the keys of the kingdom to the Elders of Israel, unto the Twelve Apostles. He spent the last winter of his life, some three or four months, with the Quorum of the Twelve, teaching them. It was not merely a few hours ministering to them the ordinances of the Gospel; but he spent day after day, week after week and month after month, teaching them and a few others the things of the kingdom of God. Said he, during that period, I now rejoice. I have lived until I have seen this burden, which has rested on my shoulders, rolled on to the shoulders of other men; now the keys of the kingdom are planted on the earth to be taken away no more for ever.

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Preparation
But until he had done this, they remained with him; and had he been taken away they would have had to be restored by messengers out of heaven. But he lived until every key, power and principle of the holy Priesthood was sealed on the Twelve and on President Young, as their President. He told us that he was going away to leave us, going away to rest. Said he, You have to round up your shoulders to bear up the kingdom. No matter what becomes of me. I have desired to see that Temple built, but I shall not live to see it. You will; you are called upon to bear off this kingdom. This language was plain enough, but we did not understand it any more than the disciples of Jesus when he told them he was going away, and that if he went not the Comforter would not come. It was just so with Joseph. He said this time after time to the Twelve and to the Female Relief Societies and in his public discourses; but none of us seemed to understand that he was going to seal his testimony with his blood, but so it was. Wilford Woodruff, 12 December 1869 (JD 13:164)
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Conflict with non-Mormons

Political.
Whigs vs. Democrats. Nauvoo city charter. Nauvoo Legion.

Economic.
Trade among Mormons.

Social.
Lifestyle differences. Freemasonry.
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Apostasy and conspiracy

The apostates:
William and Wilson Law Robert and Charles Foster Francis and Chauncey Higbee Sylvester Emmons Joseph H. Jackson About 200 followers

Conspiracy to kill Joseph Smith. Exposed and excommunicated in April 1844. Formed their own church.
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The Nauvoo Expositor

Friday, 7 June 1844. Attacked Joseph Smith accused him of being immoral, evil, and a dictator.
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The Nauvoo Expositor

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Response of the Nauvoo city council

City council met in lengthy sessions for two days. Decided the Expositor was libelous and a public nuisance. Mayor Joseph Smith ordered the city marshal to destroy the press.
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Reaction
Expositor publishers obtained a warrant against Nauvoo city council on charge of riot. Joseph and other council members released on writ of habeas corpus. Non-Mormons called for removal of Mormons from Illinois.

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Reaction

Thomas Sharp, editor

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Preparations
Joseph Smith wrote to Governor Ford. The Twelve and all other missionaries recalled to Nauvoo. Nauvoo Legion mobilized; Nauvoo placed under martial law. Hancock County citizens asked governor call out the state militia.
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Governor Ford steps in

Urged calmness; came to Carthage. Insisted Joseph and city council be tried in Carthage. Promised to protect them.

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Joseph decides to leave Nauvoo

Only way to protect himself and the Saints is go to the West. Evening of 22 June 1844: Joseph and Hyrum crossed the Mississippi River. Some Saints asked Joseph to give himself up. Joseph and Hyrum returned and submitted to arrest.

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Journey to Carthage
Early Monday, 24 June 1844: Joseph, Hyrum, John Taylor, Willard Richards, others set out for Carthage. I am going like a lamb to the slaughter.

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Legal maneuvering at Carthage

Carthage in an uproar. Charges of treason against Joseph and Hyrum. Joseph and Hyrum to be held in Carthage Jail until trial. Governor Ford planned to leave them under protection of the local militia.
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A prophet to the end

Last testimony: of the Book of Mormon Last prophecy: to Dan Jones.

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Thursday, 27 June 1844

Dan Jones warnings dismissed by Governor Ford. Cyrus Wheelock passed a pepperbox revolver to Joseph. Governor Ford left for Nauvoo, most of Josephs companions forced to leave.
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The attack
Levi Williams and Thomas Sharp whipped Warsaw militiamen into a frenzy. Mob blacked their faces and rushed to Carthage jail. Carthage Greys let the mob enter.

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Andrew Knaupp, The Death of the Patriarch www.artbyandrewk.com/prisons2.html

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Andrew Knaupp, Defending His Brethren: A Promise Kept www.artbyandrewk.com/prisons3.html

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Joseph Smiths legacy

Governor Thomas Ford: John Taylor: Thus fell Joe Smith, the Joseph Smith, the Prophet most successful impostor in and Seer of the Lord, has modern times; a man who, done more, save Jesus only, though ignorant and for the salvation of men in coarse, had some great this world, than any other natural parts which fitted man that ever lived in him for temporary success, itand left a fame and but which were so obscured name that cannot be slain. and counteracted by the He lived great, and he died inherent corruption and great in the eyes of God and vices of his nature that he his people; and like most of never could succeed in the Lords anointed in establishing a system of ancient time, has sealed his policy which looked to mission and his works with permanent success in the his own blood. future. 57

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Praise to the Man (pre-1927)

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Carthage trial, May 1845

Thomas C. Sharp defendant

Mark Aldrich, defendant

Orville Browning, defense counsel

Richard M. Young, judge

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The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force. D&C 135:5

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Winter Quarters

1846

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DOCTRINE and COVENANTS

Next week: Sections 137138

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