LDS History, 1841, April 6

-- 1841, April 6
Nauvoo Temple cornerstones laid. (1)

-- 1841 April 6
Cornerstones of the Nauvoo Temple are laid. (2)

-- April 6, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith supervised the laying of the four Nauvoo Temple cornerstones and attended a military parade celebrating the 11th anniversary of the Church. (3)

-- 1841, April 6
[Joseph Smith] Cornerstones are laid for the Nauvoo Temple. (4)

-- 6 Apr. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] The cornerstone of the Nauvoo temple is laid with much ceremony. (5)

-- 1841 Apr 6
[Lucy Mack Smith] Cornerstone laid for the Nauvoo Temple. (6)

-- 8 April 1841 - 25 May 1842
[1st Presidency Changes] Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith (Assistant President) John C. Bennett (never ordained an apostle, Assistant President) Sidney Rigdon (never ordained an apostle) William Law (never ordained an apostle) John Smith (never ordained an apostle, Counselor) John C. Bennett called as Assistant President (7)

-- 1841 April 8
Lyman Wight is ordained an apostle and member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (2)

-- April 8, 1841
[Quorum of the Twelve] Lyman Wight ordained. (8)

-- 1841 April 20
[Wilford Woodruff] Sails from England (9)

-- 29 Apr. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Samuel Harrison Smith marries Levira Clark. Some sources also give the marriage date as 3/30 May 1841. Lucy mistakenly gives the marriage date as 29 April 1842. That was the date of their first daughter's birth. (5)

-- May 4, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Oliver Granger, his agent in Kirtland, Ohio. (3)

-- May 14, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received an agreement from Ebenezer F. Wiggins. (3)

Footnotes:
1 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
6 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
9 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1841 4 February

-- 1841 4 February
[Joseph Smith] [Joseph Smith] Elected lieutenant general of Nauvoo Legion. (1)

-- 1841, February 4
[Joseph Smith] (age 35)Elected lieutenant general of the newly organized Nauvoo Legion, a unit of the Illinois state militia. (2)

-- 1841 Feb 4
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph commissioned as lieutenant-general of Nauvoo Legion. (3)

-- 6 Feb. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Martha Jane Knowlton and Howard Coray are married by Robert B. Thompson. (4)

-- February 11, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith performed the wedding of Philo Dibble and Hannah Ann Dubois Smith at his home, and his wife, Emma Smith, prepared a wedding supper for a large party of friends assembled. (5)

-- about February 21, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Taylor remembers that Joseph Smith prophesied to his worried mother that her son John would safely return from jail within a week after having been imprisoned in Missouri for six months; he returned six days later. (5)

-- During 1841 February
First wards organized at Nauvoo. (6)

-- March 1, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. At the Nauvoo City Council meeting, Joseph Smith presented a bill for an ordinance allowing free toleration and equal privileges to all religious sects and denominations. (5)

-- 1 Mar. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Work on Nauvoo temple begins. (4)

-- 10 Mar. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Josephine Donna Smith, third daughter of Don Carlos Smith and Agnes Coolbrith Smith, is born at Nauvoo. (4)

-- March 16, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Amos Keeler, a Kirtland dry goods merchant. (5)

-- about March 26, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 125, a revelation concerning the Saints gathering in Iowa. (5)

-- 5 Apr. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Louisa Beaman becomes Joseph Jr.'s first acknowledged plural wife. (Joseph may have married Fanny Alger in 1833 and Lucinda Pendleton Morgan Harris in 1838.) (4)

Footnotes:
1 - http://josephsmithpapers.org/TimelineOfEvents.htm
2 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
3 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
4 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, January 19, 1841

-- January 19, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Joseph receives revelation to build a temple in Nauvoo ; the ordinance of baptism for the dead is officially introduced. (1)

-- 1841 19 January
[Joseph Smith] [Joseph Smith] Revelation, construction of Nauvoo House and Nauvoo temple (D&C 124). (2)

-- 21/24 Jan. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Hyrum is called as assistant president in the First Presidency replacing Oliver Cowdery, while William Law replaces Hyrum as second counselor. Hyrum's ordination as Patriarch to the Church is confirmed. (3)

-- 24 January 1841 - 8 April 1841
[1st Presidency Changes] Joseph Smith, Jr. Hyrum Smith (Assistant President) Sidney Rigdon (never ordained an apostle) William Law (never ordained an apostle) John Smith (never ordained an apostle, Assistant Counselor) Hyrum Smith called as Assistant President of the Church; William Law replaces Hyrum Smith as Second Counselor (4)

-- 25 Jan. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy Bailey Smith, the fourth child and third daughter of Samuel Harrison Smith and Mary Bailey Smith, is born about this time; Mary dies on this date. (3)

-- January 26, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Oliver Granger. (5)

-- January 30, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. At a special conference, Joseph Smith was unanimously elected sole Trustee-in-Trust for the Church. (5)

-- 30 Jan. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph is elected sole trustee-in-trust for the church, a lifetime appointment. (3)

-- During 1841 January
During this month the first English edition of the Book of Mormon was published. (6)

-- February 1, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Joseph is voted in as a councilman for the city of Nauvoo. (1)

-- 1 Feb. 1841
[Lucy Mack Smith] The Nauvoo Charter takes effect. John C. Bennett is elected mayor with aldermen Samuel H. Smith, Daniel H. Wells, and Newel K. Whitney. The city council consists of Joseph, Hyrum, and Don Carlos Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Charles C. Rich, John T. Barnett, Wilson Law, John P. Greene, and Vinson Knight. (3)

-- February 3, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. At a meeting organizing the city council of Nauvoo, Joseph Smith gave the opening prayer, presented bills concerning the University of Nauvoo and the Nauvoo Legion, and was sworn in as a member of the council. (5)

-- February 4, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith attended a court martial organizing the Nauvoo Legion and was elected lieutenant general. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
2 - http://josephsmithpapers.org/TimelineOfEvents.htm
3 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
4 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, early

-- "early winter" 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy, visiting the Knowlton family on Bear Creek, Hancock County, sprains her knee, then becomes ill with a respiratory ailment that lasts six weeks. (1)

-- 1840
[Membership] Church Membership at end of year: 16,865
New Converts : 405
Percent Change from previous year: 2.46% (2)

-- During 1840-1841
Howard Coray -- primary scribal author for this period. Writings used in assembling The History of the Church (often cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; first published under the title History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) (3)

-- During 1840-1843
James Sloan -- primary scribal author for this period. Writings used in assembling The History of the Church (often cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; first published under the title History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) (3)

-- During 1840
[John Taylor] Arrives in Great Britain as a missionary. Is the first missionary to preach the restored gospel in Ireland and on the Isle of Man. Oversees the preparation and printing of the first edition of the Book of Mormon published outside the United States; also assists in preparing a hymnbook and publishes several missionary pamphlets. (4)

-- During 1840-1970
[Periodicals] Millennial Star, The; European Mission Manchester, Liverpool and London, England (Periodical) (5)

-- During 1840 to 1841
[Wilford Woodruff] Serves as a missionary in England. Helps lead about 2,000 people to baptism and confirmation. Helps secure the copyright to the Book of Mormon in London. (6)

-- January 5, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. After organizing a school of instruction, Joseph Smith explained that all past prophets held the Melchizedek Priesthood. (7)

-- January 16, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith taught that men have power to resist the devil; he explained the consequences of murder; and he spoke on Adam, the priesthood, and several parables from the New Testament. (7)

-- 1841, January 19
Saints commanded to build Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo House (D&C 124). (8)

-- 1841 19 January
Joseph Smith received revelation to build Nauvoo Temple and Nauvoo House; Hyrum Smith called as assistant president of the Church and to succeed his father as patriarch (D&C 124). (9)

-- 1841 January 19
A revelation is received by Joseph Smith ordering the church to build a temple in Nauvoo. Also, the order of baptism for the dead is laid out. The church is also excused from building the temple in Jackson County due to the persecution at that time. (D&C 124) (10)

-- January 19, 1841
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith received Doctrine & Covenants 124, a revelation giving extensive instructions regarding the building of the Nauvoo Temple, the Nauvoo House (a hotel), and specific callings. (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Church
4 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.4, Appendix 3: Church Periodicals
6 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
7 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
8 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
9 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
10 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, October 19, 1840

-- October 19, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith wrote a letter to the Saints in Kirtland reproving them for neglect of their brethren and sisters during the Missouri persecutions. (1)

-- During 1840 Autumn
Work on the Nauvoo Temple begins. (2)

-- During Oct. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Orson Pratt in Scotland prints Joseph Smith's first vision. (3)

-- December 12, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Newel K. Whitney. (1)

-- December 15, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the Twelve Apostles on missions in Great Britain. (1)

-- 15 Dec. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] William Smith publishes a letter in the Times and Seasons defending himself for refusing to serve further missions. (3)

-- 1840 16 December
Nauvoo Charter signed by Illinois governor Thomas Carlin. (4)

-- 1840 December 16
The charter of the city of Nauvoo became a law. (5)

-- December 16, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. The city of Nauvoo was granted its charter from the state of Illinois, making it an official city with various government rights and protections. (1)

-- 16 Dec. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Governor Thomas Carlin signs the Nauvoo Charter, effective 1 February 1841. It was written by Joseph Jr., John C. Bennett, and Robert B. Thompson; Bennett pushes it through the legislature in twenty-one days. (3)

-- 1840 Dec 16
[Lucy Mack Smith] Charter for city of Nauvoo, Nauvoo Legion, and university granted. (6)

-- December 20, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. After being called upon by the high council to decide a case, Joseph Smith acquitted the charges against Robert D. Foster. (1)

-- December 30, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smiths history included an extensive list of books, pamphlets, and letters published for and against the Latter-day Saints during the past year. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
3 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
4 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
5 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
6 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

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LDS History, 1840 September 14

-- 1840 September 14
Joseph Smith, Sen., died in Nauvoo. (1)

-- September 14, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smiths father, Joseph Smith Sr., died. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Josephs father dies. (3)

-- 14 Sept. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Sr. dies after ordaining Hyrum patriarch to the church and giving his children blessings. (4)

-- 1840 Sept 14
[Lucy Mack Smith] Death of Joseph Sr. (5)

-- about September 15, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. On the same day as Joseph Smith Sr.s funeral, Lilburn W. Boggs, governor of Missouri, demanded the extradition of Joseph Smith Jr. as a fugitive from justice. (2)

-- 15 Sept. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Robert B. Thompson preaches Joseph Sr.'s funeral sermon. (4)

-- During 1840, September
[Joseph Smith] In an address by the First Presidency to the Church, announces that the time has come to begin building a temple in Nauvoo. (6)

-- October 3, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith presided at a three-day general conference of the Church. (2)

-- October 3-4, 1840
[Joseph Smith] A conference is held; Joseph speaks on building a temple in Nauvoo, baptism for the dead, and the restoration of all ordinances. (3)

-- 3 Oct. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] A conference at Nauvoo decides to build a temple, each Saint tithing his tenth-day's labor to the project. (4)

-- 1840 October 6
[Wilford Woodruff] British Mission conference; membership rose from 1,113 to 3,621 during preceding twelve months (7)

-- 1840 October 17
[Wilford Woodruff] Returns to London (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
4 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
5 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
6 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
7 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, July 1840

-- During July 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Howard Coray sees Martha Jane Knowlton at a preaching service in Nauvoo and makes her acquaintance. (1)

-- August 9, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to a friend of the Church, John C. Bennett, inviting him to come visit Nauvoo. (2)

-- 1840 August 11
[Wilford Woodruff] Arrives in London to proselyte (3)

-- 1840 15 August
Baptism for the dead announced in Nauvoo. (4)

-- 1840, August 15
Baptism for the dead publicly announced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. (5)

-- August 15, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. While preaching a funeral sermon for Colonel Seymour Brunson, Joseph Smith first announced the doctrine of baptism for the dead. (2)

[Joseph Smith] The first baptism for a deceased person is performed. Joseph pronounces that the ceremony is valid. (6)

-- 1840, August 15
[Joseph Smith] (age 34)Publicly announces the doctrine of baptism for the dead at a funeral in Nauvoo. Baptisms for the dead are first performed in the Mississippi River and local streams. (7)

-- August 17, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith met with the high council in his office to discuss John Battens charges against Elijah Fordham, and concluded that the two had better be reconciled without an action, or vote of the Council, and henceforth live as brethren. (2)

-- 1840 September 10
[Wilford Woodruff] Returns to Herefordshire (3)

-- 14 September 1840 - 24 January 1841
[1st Presidency Changes] Joseph Smith, Jr. Sidney Rigdon (never ordained an apostle) Hyrum Smith John Smith (never ordained an apostle, Assistant Counselor) Death of Joseph Smith, Sr. (never ordained an apostle) (8)

-- 14 September 1840-27 June 1844
[Church Patriarch] Hyrum Smith Oldest surviving son of Joseph Smith, Sr. (9)

-- 1840 14 September
Patriarch Joseph Smith Sr. died. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
4 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
5 - http://scriptures.lds.org/chchrono/contents
6 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
7 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Presidency_(LDS_Church)#Chronology_of_the_First_Presidency
9 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presiding_Patriarch#Chronology_of_the_Presiding_Patriarchs_of_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

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LDS History, June 18, 1840

-- June 18, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the Nauvoo high council, petitioning for a release from attending to temporal concerns. (1)

-- June 29, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Dayton, Ohio. William W. Phelps wrote a letter to the Prophet, admitting the wrongs he had committed against him and asking for his forgiveness. (1)

-- During June 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. breaks Howard Coray's leg in a playful scuffle and promises him that he will find a suitable companion. (2)

-- 6 July 1840
[Patriarchal Blessings] Nauvoo, Illinois, Patriarchal Blessing to Arnold Stephens given by Joseph Smith Sr. stated "if faithful thou shalt see the sons of God come from the North Country, & thou shalt be crowned with them, and shall meet them in their armies as the Lord leads them by his Prophet, and when the highway is cast up . . . Thou shalt see the Revelator John, and shall stand upon the earth when he shall lead in his armies from the North" (3)

[Patriarchal Blessings] Patriarchal Blessing of Arnold Stephens by Joseph Smith, Sr. stated "if faithful thou shalt see the sons of God come from the North Country, & thou shalt be crowned with them, and shall meet them in their armies as the Lord leads them by his Prophet, and when the highway is cast up ... Thou shalt see the Revelator John, and stand upon the earth when he shall lead in his armies from the North (3)

-- July 11, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith gave instructions to the high council about how to conduct disciplinary councils. (1)

-- July 14, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote to the Saints at the Crooked Creek Branch in Illinois (later Ramus, Hancock County), approving the organization of a stake there. (1)

-- about July 19, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. While giving a discourse, Joseph Smith prophesied that the time would come when the nations of the whole earth, even this nation [the United States], will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces, and the United States Constitution (1)

-- 1840 July 20
The company of Saints who left Liverpool in June arrived in New York. (4)

-- July 22, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. After William W. Phelps requested forgiveness, Joseph Smith wrote a letter inviting him to return to the Church. (1)

-- 25 July 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Dr. John C. Bennett writes to Joseph expressing interest in Mormonism, the first of three letters written by 30 July. (2)

-- about July 26, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Oliver Granger, his agent at Kirtland, Ohio. (1)

-- During 1840 July
About the first of this month, the first English edition of the Latter-day Saints' Hymn Book was published. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - http://www.xmission.com/~research/about/patb2.htm
4 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1840 April 15

-- 1840 April 15
Elder O. Hyde left Commerce, on his mission to Jerusalem. (1)

-- 15-16 Apr. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] A general conference at Preston, England, for 1,686 members authorizes the publication of a hymnbook and the Latter-day Saints Millennial Star edited by Parley P. Pratt. (2)

-- April 21, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Pursuant to Joseph Smiths direction, the postmaster general officially changed the name of Commerce to Nauvoo. (3)

-- During Apr. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Howard Coray begins clerking for Joseph Smith Jr. (2)

-- 1840 27 May
Millennial Star, first LDS periodical produced outside North America began publication in Manchester, England, with Parley P. Pratt as editor. (4)

-- 1840 May 27
The first number of "The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star was published at Manchester, England. (1)

-- During 1840, May
First number of Millennial Star published, Manchester, England. (5)

-- During May 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Don Carlos Smith and Robert Thompson serve a mission to Philadelphia. (2)

-- 4 June 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy Smith (daughter) marries Arthur Millikin. (2)

-- 1840 June 6
The first company of emigrating Saints, from Europe, sailed from Liverpool for New York. (1)

-- June 13, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Emma gives birth to Don Carlos Smith. (6)

-- 13 June 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Emma gives birth to Don Carlos Smith at Nauvoo. He is her seventh biological child and sixth son. (2)

-- 1840 June 13
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Emmas Don Carlos born at Nauvoo. (7)

Footnotes:
1 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
7 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

The Deseret Alphabet

Have you ever wondered why "enough" isn't spelled with an "f" or why "knew" needs a "k"? Brigham Young imagined an easier way of writing English. He charged a committee with creating a new, simpler method, and in 1854, the Deseret Alphabet was born. A primer was written, a gold coin was minted - and today, one of the rare Books of Mormon printed in the alphabet goes for thousands. Wednesday, we're talking about the Deseret Alphabet - the reasons it  was created and why it didn't last.

********
RadioWest on KUER 90.1
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Deseret Alphabet

Join us for RadioWest weekdays at 11 a.m. Mountain on KUER 90.1 and on XM
Public Radio Channel 133. You can also catch a rebroadcast of the program at 7
p.m. on KUER. Links to books and other resources related to this topic are
available on-line at <http://kuer.org> This program will also be available
on-line for 3 months following its broadcast.

LDS History, about February 22, 1840

-- about February 22, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith wrote an autograph in the family album of the Wilkinsons, non-members in Philadelphia who later joined the Church. (1)

-- 1840 March 4
Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived in Nauvoo from Washington. (2)

-- 4 Mar. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. returns to Nauvoo. (3)

-- 1840 Mar 4
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph arrives in Nauvoo from Washington, D.C., trip. (4)

-- 1840 March 4
[Wilford Woodruff] Arrives in Frooms Hill, Herefordshire; baptizes 158 in one month, including United Brethren preachers (5)

-- about March 5, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. After his return from a fruitless visit to Washington, D.C., to seek redress for injustices the Saints suffered in Missouri, Joseph Smith proclaimed the iniquity and insolence of Martin Van Buren, the president of the United States, with whom he had visited. (1)

-- March 6, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Montrose, Iowa. Joseph Smith attended a meeting of the high council in Iowa and addressed the issue of the law of consecration. (1)

-- March 11, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Robert D. Foster. (1)

-- about April 7, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Talitha Garlik Avery Cheney records that she was baptized by the Prophet in the Mississippi River in the evening after the Tuesday session of the Churchs conference. (1)

-- about April 8, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith and his clerk, Robert B. Thompson, prepared credentials for Orson Hyde recommending him as a worthy representative of the Church to the Jews in foreign lands. His ultimate destination was Jerusalem, Palestine. (1)

-- 1840 April 14
Willard Richards is ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (6)

-- April 14, 1840
[Quorum of the Twelve] Willard Richards ordained in England. Also the first occasion where Brigham Young was formally sustained President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (7)

-- 1840 April 14
[Wilford Woodruff] Council of Twelve Apostles meets in Preston, England (5)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
3 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
4 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
5 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
6 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, December 23, 1839

-- December 23, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Although a small branch had been organized already in Philadelphia, Joseph Smith established a more extensive organization there. (1)

-- December 30, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Monmouth, New Jersey. Joseph Smith left Philadelphia and spent several days visiting a branch of the Church in New Jersey. (1)

-- 1839
[Membership] Church Membership at end of year: 16,460
New Converts : -1,421
Percent Change from previous year: -7.95% (2)

-- During 1839 Dec
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph visits Saints in Philadelphia and N.J. (3)

-- During 1839-41
[Brigham Young] Serves a mission to Great Britain. (4)

-- During 1839-1841
Robert Blashel Thompson -- primary scribal author for this period. Writings used in assembling The History of the Church (often cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; first published under the title History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) (5)

-- During 1839-1846
[Periodicals] Times and Seasons; E. Robinson and Don Carlos Smith Commerce Illinois (Nauvoo) (Periodical) (6)

-- 1840 January 11
[Wilford Woodruff] Arrives in Liverpool, England (7)

-- January 20, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Chester County, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith. (1)

-- 21 Jan. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Martha Jane Knowlton receives her patriarchal blessing at Nauvoo from Joseph Smith Sr., in Lucy's presence. (8)

-- January 22, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Brandywine, Pennsylvania. In response to false rumors, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the editor of the Chester County Register and Examiner relating the Churchs beliefs concerning civil governments. (1)

-- During Jan. 1840
[Lucy Mack Smith] Martha Jane Knowlton, a Campbellite, becomes the first member of her family to be baptized Mormon, John E. Page officiating. (8)

-- February 5, 1840
[Joseph Smith] Washington, D.C. Joseph Smith gave a public sermon on Latter-day Saint beliefs to an audience that included several members of Congress. (1)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history
3 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
4 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
5 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Church
6 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol.4, Appendix 3: Church Periodicals
7 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
8 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, November 29, 1839

-- November 29, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Joseph and Judge Higbee meet with President Martin Van Buren and tell him their petition. The President says he cannot help them. Joseph spends a few more days in Washington trying to find someone who will help the Saints but no one will. (1)

-- 1839 29 November
[Joseph Smith] [Joseph Smith] Visits United States president Martin Van Buren. (2)

-- 1839, November 29
[Joseph Smith] Visits Martin Van Buren, the president of the United States, in Washington, D.C., seeking redress for Missouri injustices. While there, he also petitions the United States Congress for help. (3)

-- 1839 Nov 29
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph visits President Martin Van Buren: "Your cause is just . . ." (4)

-- During 1839, November
First issue of Times and Seasons published, Commerce, IL. (5)

-- During 1839 November
Times and Seasons began publication in Nauvoo. (6)

-- During 1839 Nov
[Lucy Mack Smith] Times and Seasons is published at Nauvoo, Ill. (4)

-- December 5, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Washington, D.C. Joseph Smith sent a letter to his brother Hyrum Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois, reporting his visit with United States president Martin Van Buren. (7)

-- December 7, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Washington, D.C. Joseph Smith consulted with the Illinois delegation about how to get the Churchs petition for redress brought before Congress. (7)

-- 1839, December 16
Nauvoo charter signed by Illinois Governor Thomas Carlin. (5)

-- December 21, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joseph Smith arrived in Philadelphia by railway and spent several days preaching and visiting from house to house, among the brethren and others. (7)

-- 21 Dec. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. reaches Philadelphia and preaches there for a week; then he and Orson Pratt go to New Jersey, return to Philadelphia on 9 January 1840, then return to Washington on 5 February for a short time. Joseph Sr. is bedfast and terminally ill. Lucy assures him by the Spirit that he will not die without his children around him. (8)

-- 1839 Winter-Spring
Most Saints fled from Missouri. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
2 - http://josephsmithpapers.org/TimelineOfEvents.htm
3 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
4 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
7 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
8 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 29 Oct. 1839

-- 29 Oct. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Elias Higbee, and Orrin Porter Rockwell leave for Washington, D.C. (1)

-- 1839 Oct 29
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph leaves for Washington, D.C., to present grievances to the president. (2)

-- 1839 October 57
[Joseph Smith] Presided over general church conference, which organized stakes in Commerce and Iowa for newly settled Mormon migrants, Commerce. (3)

-- November 4, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Springfield, Illinois. Joseph Smith and his company arrived in Springfield on their journey to Washington, D.C., and met up with William Law and a number of Saints coming from Canada. (4)

-- November 7, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Springfield, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Henry G. Sherwood at Nauvoo, Illinois. (4)

-- November 9, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Springfield, Illinois. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith. (4)

-- 15 Nov. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] The first issue of the Times and Seasons is published at Nauvoo. (1)

-- about November 17, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith published a journal entry in the first issue of the Church newspaper Times and Seasons. (4)

-- November 18, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Columbus, Ohio. Because of illness among the group traveling to petition the government, Joseph Smith and Judge Elias Higbee went on ahead in order to make better time by stagecoach to Washington, D.C. (4)

-- November 27, 1839
[Joseph Smith] En route to Washington, D.C. Just before arriving in Washington, D.C., the horses on the stagecoach ran off at full speed while the coachman was getting a drink. Joseph Smith climbed outside the door of the coach and regained control of the horses after a two to three mile run, saving the passengers from injury. (4)

-- 1839 November 28
Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived in Washington. (5)

-- November 28, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Washington, D.C. Joseph Smith arrived in the capital to present the Saints petition to the United States federal government seeking redress for losses in Missouri. (4)

-- 1839 Nov 28
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph arrives in Washington, D.C. (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
3 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 13-14 Sept. 1839

-- 13-14 Sept. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr. visits William Smith at Plymouth. His sister Lucy is healed at the sound of his voice downstairs. (1)

-- 13 Sept. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Silas Smith, brother of Joseph Sr., dies. (1)

-- 1839, September 14
Joseph Smith, Sr., d. Nauvoo, age 69. (2)

-- 1839 September 18
Elder Brigham Young, accompanied by H. C. Kimball, left Nauvoo on his first mission to England. (3)

-- 18 September 1839
[Heber C. Kimball] Leaves for fifth mission, his second to England. (4)

-- 1839 October 6
October 8 The fall conference is held. Among the notable events that occurred, Orson Hyde and William Smith are restored to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.^[3]^[4] (5)

-- October 27, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. The high council voted that Joseph Smiths wife, Emma Smith, select and publish an updated hymnbook for the Saints. (6)

-- 1839, October 29
Joseph Smith left Commerce for Washington, D.C., to petition U.S. Government for redress of losses in Missouri. (2)

-- 1839 29 October-4 March
Joseph Smith went to Washington, D.C., with redress petitions. (7)

-- 1839 October 29
Joseph Smith, Jun., and others left Nauvoo for Washington, D.C., as delegates from the Church to the general government. (3)

-- October 29, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith left for Washington, D. C., seeking redress from the Congress of the United States for the grievances and losses of the Saints in Missouri. (6)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph travels to Washington D.C. to seek help from the President for the persecutions of the members in Missouri. (8)

-- 1839 October 29
[Joseph Smith] Departed Commerce for Washington DC to seek redress for Mormon property losses in Missouri. (9)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
3 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
4 - On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanely B. Kimball editor. Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987. Chronology
5 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
6 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
7 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
8 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
9 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 22 July 1839

-- 22 July 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr., rising from his sickbed, begins administering to the sick; he and other elders heal many. (1)

-- 1839 July 22
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph arises from bed of sickness and gives blessings to the sick. (2)

[Wilford Woodruff] Witnesses Joseph Smith healing sick at Commerce (later Nauvoo), Illinois (3)

-- July 28, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Despite the great number of Saints still sick, the Sunday meeting was held as usual. Joseph Smith admonished the Saints to set their houses in order, so that by obedience the sick might be healed. (4)

-- During July 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Smith Sr. is sick all summer. Joseph Jr. also becomes ill but is healed by Emma's herbal remedies. (1)

-- August 4, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith instructed the entire congregation of Saints in Commerce concerning the necessity of being righteous, and clean at heart before the Lord. (4)

-- 1839, August 8
John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff, the first Apostles to leave Commerce on British mission. (5)

-- 1839 August 8
[Joseph Smith] John Taylor and Wilford Woodruff departed Commerce for British Isles, initiating overseas proselytizing mission of Twelve Apostles. (6)

-- 8 Aug. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] The Twelve are called to another mission in England and leave as they are able over the next six weeks. (1)

-- 1839 August 8
[Wilford Woodruff] Departs on mission to England with John Taylor (3)

-- 1839, August 8
[Wilford Woodruff] Leaves for a mission in England. (7)

-- 1839, August 15
Baptism for the Dead publicly announced by Joseph Smith. (5)

-- about September 9, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith spent much of his time attending to the settlement of the Saints in the Hotchkiss purchase in the northwest part of the city. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
7 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1839 June 11

-- 1839 June 11
[Joseph Smith] Resumed recording history with scribe James Mulholland, Commerce. (1)

-- June 23, 1839
[Joseph Smith] McDonough County, Illinois. While visiting his brother Don Carlos Smith, Joseph Smith preached to a congregation so eager to hear that a part of them stood out in the rain during the sermon. (2)

-- 1839 June 27
Orson Hyde returns to the church to explain his actions and rejoin the church. (3)

-- June 27, 1839
[Quorum of the Twelve] Orson Hyde restored to the Quorum by vote of the church. (4)

-- During June 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Don Carlos Smith, using the printing press that W. W. Phelps had employed in Missouri, begins to set up the Times and Seasons. (5)

-- July 2, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Montrose, Iowa. Joseph Smith counseled with and blessed the Twelve Apostles and certain of the Seventies before their missions to Great Britain. (2)

-- July 7, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith attended a farewell meeting for the Twelve Apostles who were about to leave on missions to Great Britain. (2)

-- about July 9, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Over the course of a few days, Joseph Smith spent time with the Twelve Apostles selecting hymns in order to prepare a new hymnbook. (2)

-- mid-July 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Great numbers of the Saints become ill, with new cases occurring daily. About this time, William takes Hyrum's daughter Lovina, who is ill, home to Plymouth with him. Lucy and her daughter Lucy go to nurse her in mid-summer. Daughter Lucy becomes ill again. (5)

-- July 21, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith and the Saints did not hold their Sunday meetings because of rain and sickness. However, many of the sick were healed by the elders of the Church through the power of God. (2)

-- 1839 July 21-23
[Joseph Smith] Performed faith healing of sick Latter-day Saints, Commerce, Illinois, and Montrose, Iowa. (1)

-- July 22, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois to Montrose, Iowa. Joseph Smith and several brethren miraculously healed the Saints of illnesses that had taken hold on both sides of the Mississippi River; this day is known as the greatest day of healing in Church history. (2)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph heals many of the Saints who have been stricken with malaria because of the poor living conditions along the river in Illinois. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
4 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
5 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
6 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1839 10 May

-- 1839 10 May
[Joseph Smith] [Joseph Smith] Moves to Commerce [later Nauvoo], Illinois. (1)

-- 1839, May 10
[Joseph Smith] Moves with his family into a small log house in Commerce, Illinois. Later renames the city Nauvoo. (2)

-- 10 May 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr., Emma, and their four children move into the Homestead, a two-story, four-room log cabin purchased from Hugh White about a mile south of Commerce. Joseph Sr. and Lucy live in a lean-to built on this cabin. (3)

-- 1839 May 10
[Lucy Mack Smith] Move to Commerce, Ill., later called Nauvoo (Hancock County). (4)

-- 16 May 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] By this date, Don Carlos and Samuel (and presumably Jenkins Salisbury) have moved to the George Miller property near Macombe, McDonough County, Illinois. (3)

-- 1839 May 18
[Wilford Woodruff] Moves family to Montrose, Iowa (5)

-- May 21, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Montrose, Iowa. With the First Presidency and several others, Joseph Smith rode out on a land excursion to view the territory for many miles in the regions round about Montrose. (6)

-- May 25, 1839
[Quorum of the Twelve] William Smith restored to Quorum by vote of the Church. (7)

-- During May 1839
[Heber C. Kimball] Moves to Commerce (later Nauvoo), Illinois. (8)

[Missouri War] Nearly all the Saints have left Missouri. (9)

-- June 1, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Quincy, Illinois. Joseph Smith held a conference and taught that bishops are the authorities God appointed to take care of the poor. (6)

-- 1839 June 11
The first house was put up by the Saints in Commerce, afterward named Nauvoo. (10)

-- June 11, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith began dictating his personal history to James Mulholland. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - http://josephsmithpapers.org/TimelineOfEvents.htm
2 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
3 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
4 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
5 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
6 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
8 - On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanely B. Kimball editor. Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987. Chronology
9 - Stephen C. LeSueur: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839
10 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1839 April

-- During 1839 April
[Joseph Smith] ca. 25 Began investigating land for Mormon settlement, Illinois and Iowa. (1)

[Joseph Smith] ca. 6-8 Traveled from Liberty to Gallatin, Daviess County, to attend grand jury hearing on crimes allegedly committed in Daviess County. (1)

-- During 1839 April
[Joseph Smith] [Joseph Smith] Indicted on charge of treason; escapes; reunited with family at Quincy, Illinois. (2)

-- May 1, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Joseph purchases land for the Saints to live on in Commerce, Illinois. (3)

-- 1 May 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] The Saints purchase their first land in Commerce, a 135-acre farm, from Hugh White for $5,000, plus forty-seven "unimproved" acres from Isaac Galland. Later, additional hundreds of acres are purchased from Daniel H. Wells, Hiram Kimball, Davidson Hibbard, and the firm of Horace R. Hotchkiss. (4)

-- 1839 May 1
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph purchases the first lands for the Church in Ill. (5)

-- 2 May 1839
[Heber C. Kimball] Joins family in Quincy, Illinois. (6)

-- 1839 May 4
The church votes to remove both William Smith and Orson Hyde from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (7)

-- May 4, 1839
[Quorum of the Twelve] William Smith and Orson Hyde removed from the Quorum by vote of the church. (8)

-- 1839, May 9-10
Joseph Smith moved from Quincy to Commerce (later renamed Nauvoo), IL. (9)

-- 1839 May 9
Joseph Smith moves to Nauvoo, Illinois. (7)

-- 1839 May 9-10
[Joseph Smith] Moved from Quincy to log home in Commerce. (1)

-- May 10, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Commerce, Illinois. Joseph Smith moved his family into a small log house purchased from Hugh White. (10)

Footnotes:
1 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
2 - http://josephsmithpapers.org/TimelineOfEvents.htm
3 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
4 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
5 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
6 - On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanely B. Kimball editor. Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987. Chronology
7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
9 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
10 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1839 Apr 22

-- 1839 Apr 22
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and Hyrum are reunited with their families at Quincy, Ill. (1)

-- April 25, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Quincy, Illinois. Joseph Smith went to Iowa with a committee of the Church to select a place for the relocation of the Saints from Missouri. (2)

-- 25 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph chooses Commerce and Montrose as the future gathering places for the Saints. (3)

-- 1839, April 26
Apostles (at great personal risk) gathered at Far West Temple site, to fulfill revelation regarding second apostolic mission to British Isles (D&C 118). (4)

-- 1839 26 April
Apostles gathered at Far West temple site in fulfillment of commandment respecting overseas mission (D&C 118). (5)

-- 1839 April 26
The Saints commenced evacuating Far West. April 22. Joseph Smith, Jun., arrived in Quincy, Illinois. (6)

Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith are ordained apostles and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (7)

-- 26 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Members of the Twelve (Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Orson Pratt, John E. Page, and John Taylor) meet in Far West, lay the cornerstone of the temple, and ordain Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith apostles. (3)

-- April 26, 1839
[Quorum of the Twelve] Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith ordained. (8)

-- 1839 April 26
[Wilford Woodruff] Ordained apostle by Brigham Young in Far West, Missouri (9)

-- 1839, April 26
[Wilford Woodruff] Ordained an Apostle by Brigham Young at the temple site in Far West, Missouri. (10)

-- 1839 April 30
[Joseph Smith] Church agents made initial purchases of land for Mormon settlement in Commerce, Illinois. (11)

-- During 1839 April
Saints decided to settle at Commerce (later Nauvoo), Illinois, and soon began purchasing land. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
2 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
3 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
4 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
5 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
6 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
7 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
8 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
9 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
10 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
11 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
Mormon History Timeline /Chronology
http://lds-church-history.blogspot.com/

LDS History, 1839, mid-April

-- 1839, mid-April
[Joseph Smith] While being transferred on a change of venue from Gallatin to Columbia, Missouri, is allowed by his guards to escape. (1)

-- 15 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph, Hyrum, Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae, and Caleb Baldwin begin their journey to Boone County. They are allowed to escape that night. (2)

-- 1839 Apr 15
[Lucy Mack Smith] On way to Boone County on change of venue, Joseph and others allowed to escape. (3)

-- about April 16, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Gallatin, Missouri. While traveling to Boone County under the guard of Sheriff William Morgan and four men, Joseph Smith and his company were encouraged to escape from the guards, who then all became drunk. (4)

-- April 16, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Joseph is allowed to escape. (5)

-- 1839 April 16
[Joseph Smith] Allowed to escape while en route to Columbia for trial, Chariton County, Missouri. (6)

-- 16 April 1839
[Missouri War] Smith and other prisoners escape from their guards and return to Saints, who are gathering at Quincy, Illinois. (7)

-- 21 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy receives spiritual assurance that Joseph and Hyrum will reach Quincy the next day and prophesies as much to Edward Partridge. That night she sees them in a vision, sleeping on the prairie without blankets or food. (2)

-- April 22, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Quincy, Illinois. Joseph Smith arrived at Quincy after escaping from his unjust imprisonment in Missouri. (4)

[Joseph Smith] Joseph arrives in Illinois and is reunited with his family. (5)

-- 1839 April 22
[Joseph Smith] Reunited with family, who were residing in home of John and Sarah Cleveland, Quincy, Illinois. (6)

-- 1839, April 22
[Joseph Smith] Rejoins his family in Quincy, Illinois. (1)

-- 22 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph, Hyrum, and the three other escapees reach Quincy, Illinois. (2)

Footnotes:
1 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
4 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
5 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline
6 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
7 - Stephen C. LeSueur: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839

LDS History, 6 Apr. 1839

-- 6 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph, Hyrum, Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae, and Caleb Baldwin are transferred to Gallatin Jail. (1)

-- 1839 Apr 6
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph and other prisoners taken from Liberty Jail to go to Daviess County. (2)

-- April 8, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Daviess County, Missouri. Joseph Smith arrived in Daviess County on Monday after being transferred from Liberty Jail and was turned over to Sheriff William Morgan and his guard. (3)

-- April 9, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Gallatin, Missouri. Joseph Smiths trial commenced before a drunken grand jury and judge. (3)

-- 9-11 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] At Gallatin, Daviess County, in a grand jury hearing presided over by Thomas Birch, the prisoners are ordered transferred to Boone County. (1)

-- April 10, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Gallatin, Missouri. Joseph Smith spent the day in court as witnesses were examined. (3)

-- April 11, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Gallatin, Missouri. During the night, Joseph Smith saw in a vision a means of escape from his own unjust imprisonment and that Brother Stephen Markham, a witness for the defense, must flee for his life. (3)

-- 1839 April 11
[Joseph Smith] In Gallatin, indicted by grand jury for treason and other charges but granted change of venue. (4)

-- 11 Apr. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] In a letter to Joseph Jr. and Hyrum, Don Carlos reports that his mother and sister Lucy are on the mend. (1)

-- 11 April 1839
[Missouri War] Joseph Smith and four other Mormons are indicted for crimes in Daviess County, and are granted a change of venue to Boone County. (5)

-- April 12, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Millport, Missouri. Joseph Smith and other prisoners left the home of Judge Josiah Morin en route to Boone County under a strong guard. (3)

-- 1839 April 12
[Joseph Smith] Departed Gallatin on journey to Columbia, Boone County, Missouri, to stand trial. (4)

-- 1839 April 15
Joseph Smith, Jun., and his companions in bonds, left Davies for Broome County, and on their way made their escape from the guard. (6)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
5 - Stephen C. LeSueur: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839
6 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306

LDS History, 17 Mar. 1839

-- 17 Mar. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Brigham Young presides at a conference at Quincy, Illinois. George Hinkle, Sampson Avard, John Corrill, Reed Peck, W. W. Phelps, Frederick G. Williams, Thomas B. Marsh, Burr Riggs, and others are excommunicated. (1)
-- March 17, 1839
[Quorum of the Twelve] Thomas B. Marsh excommunicated. (2)
-- 1839, March 20-25
Joseph Smith still imprisoned in Liberty Jail, wrote epistle to Saints (D&C 121, 122, 123). (3)
-- 1839 20-25 March
Joseph Smith wrote epistle to Saints from Liberty Jail (D&C 121-23). (4)
-- March 20, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. From jail Joseph Smith dictated a letter to the Saints who had found refuge in Quincy, Illinois, and elsewhere, after they had been driven from Missouri. The letter included what is now known as Doctrine & Covenants 121, 122, and 123. (5)
-- 1839 March 20
[Joseph Smith] Commenced writing epistle from jail to exiled Latter-day Saints, Liberty. (6)
-- 1839, March 20
[Joseph Smith] (age 33)From Liberty Jail, writes an epistle to the Saints, portions of which are later canonized in Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123. (7)
-- March 21, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith, living in Quincy, Illinois. (5)
-- March 22, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith sent a letter to landowner Isaac Galland informing him of the Churchs desire to purchase land in the Commerce, Illinois, vicinity, thus saving the Church from fragmentation. (5)
-- 25 Mar. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Howard Coray and other members of his family are baptized in Pike County, Illinois. (1)
-- During 1839 Mar
[Lucy Mack Smith] Revelations received in Liberty Jail (D&C 121, 122, and 123). (8)
-- April 4, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith, from Liberty Jail. (5)
-- April 6, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith was sent with other prisoners by a dangerous route from Liberty to Gallatin, Daviess County. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
3 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
4 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
7 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
8 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor

LDS History, February 8, 1839

-- February 8, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. After Joseph Smiths failed escape attempt, local citizens gathered outside of Liberty Jail and threatened to kill him and his fellow inmates. Joseph prophesied that they would be kept safe. (1)

-- 1839 February 14
Brigham Young fled from Far West to Illinois. (2)

-- 15 Feb. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy and her familyapparently the same family group that had come to Missourileave Far West for Illinois. (3)

-- 21 Feb. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Lucy and her family reach the swampy banks of the Mississippi in continual storms of snow, sleet, and rain. Samuel and Seymour Brunson take them across the river to Quincy on 22 February. Back in Far West, a committee is appointed to sell Joseph's and Lucy's tavern to a buyer from Clay County. (3)

-- 1839, February 23
Many refugee Saints arrived at Quincy, IL, and local citizens adopted relief measures. (4)

-- ca. 28 Feb. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Samuel moves his family from the crowded dwelling where Joseph Sr., Lucy, and his sisters are living. About this time, Lucy's and Joseph's daughter Lucy becomes very sick. Mother Lucy, while nursing daughter Lucy, becomes painfully ill with cholera but is cured through the herbal remedies of a botanic physician. (3)

-- During 1839 February
Exiled Saints arriving in Quincy, Illinois, assisted by local citizens. (5)

-- During 1839 February
[Joseph Smith] Large-scale evacuation of Latter-day Saints from Missouri migrating to Illinois. (6)

-- During 1839 Feb
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Sr., Lucy Mack Smith, and extended family begin trek for Ill. (7)

-- During February 1839
[Missouri War] Mormons pool resources and organize to leave Missouri. (8)

-- March 15, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Presendia Huntington Buell from Liberty Jail. (1)

[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. While in prison, Joseph Smith predicted his own release in a letter and sent a petition to judges of the Missouri supreme court. (1)

-- 1839 March 17
Thomas B. Marsh is excommunicated from the church in absentia in Quincy, Illinois. (9)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Richards - Little, Compendium of the Doctrines of the Gospel, Church Chronology, Ch.66, p.306
3 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
4 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
5 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
6 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
7 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
8 - Stephen C. LeSueur: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839
9 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)

Clair Barrus

Cheap approach to Mormon History

An interesting article asks if someone had only $100 and wanted to get into Mormon studies, what books/ journals/ conferences/ resources would one recommend.  Several Mormon scholars weighed in, and others threw in their suggestions.  I decided to tally up the results.

Armand Mauss said regarding such an undertaking.  "Spend at least 20 hours a week in this enterprise, and in a year you will be more knowledgeable about LDS history and culture than 90% of the Saints...."

I've listed the top Church History related suggestions below -- all great suggestions for those who may want to study church history.

Books
    Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman
    David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism by Gregory A Prince and William Robert Wright
    Mormon Sisters: Women In Early Utah by Claudia Bushman
    The Prophet Puzzle: Interpretive Essays on Joseph Smith (Essays on Mormonism Series) by Bryan Waterman
    Mormonism in Transition: A History of the Latter-day Saints, 1890-1930 by Thomas G. Alexander
    Mormon Mavericks: Essays on Dissenters by John Sillito and Susan Staker

History Specific  Articles:

The King Follet Sermon: A Newly Amalgamated Text by Stan Larson (BYU Studies)
Thomas Alexander: The Reconstruction of Mormon Doctrine (Sunstone)
The Mormon Succession Crisis of 1844 by D. Michael Quinn (BYU Studies)

History Specific Journal Recommendations:
   Journal of Mormon History
   John Whitmer Historical Association Journal

Compilations
   Gospelink.com & CD
   LDS Library CD
   New Mormon Studies CD

Conferences
   Mormon History Association Conference (& mp3s)
   John Whitmer Historical Association Conference

LDS History, 1838

-- 1838
[Membership] Church Membership at end of year: 17,881
New Converts : 1,599
Percent Change from previous year: 9.82% (1)
-- During December 1838
[Missouri War] - February 1839 Missouri legislature debates whether to investigate the disturbances and allow the Mormons to remain. Legislation to investigate is tabled until July, after the Mormons have already left the state. (2)
-- During 1838 December
[Wilford Woodruff] Winters in Rochester, Illinois 1:312f (3)
-- During 1838-1839
James Mulholland -- primary scribal author for this period. Writings used in assembling The History of the Church (often cited as HC) (originally entitled History of Joseph Smith; first published under the title History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; nicknamed Documentary History of the Church or DHC) (4)
-- During 1838
[John Taylor] Ordained an Apostle at Far West, Missouri, on 19 December, by Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, under the direction of Joseph Smith, who was in Liberty Jail. (5)
-- January 1, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smiths history proclaimed the irony that he was imprisoned in a land of liberty due to his worship of God. (6)
-- January 16, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young from Liberty Jail. (6)
-- 21 Jan. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Emma takes Hyrum's wife Mary and her baby, Joseph F., to visit Joseph Jr. and Hyrum at Liberty Jail. It is Emma's third visit. Mercy Fielding Thompson (Mary Fielding Smith's sister), Mercy's own eight-month-old baby, and Joseph III also were in the group. (7)
-- January 31, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smiths history records: I sent the poor brethren [in Far West, Missouri] a hundred dollar bill from jail, to assist them in their distressed situation. (6)
-- 5 Feb. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] Sidney Rigdon, who was ordered discharged from jail, leaves by night. Phebe, after accompanying him on the first leg of the journey, returns to Far West for the children, meeting Sidney at Tinney's Grove a few days later. (7)
-- February 7, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. After much rude treatment in jail and lack of due respect from the law, Joseph Smith considered escaping from Liberty Jail and received a confirmation that he and the brethren could go that night if they all assented. Lyman Wight objected, however, so they delayed the attempt. (6)
-- 7 Feb. 1839
[Lucy Mack Smith] With the aid of Stephen Markham, Emma starts from Far West with her four children. She reaches Quincy, Illinois, on 15 February. (7)
-- 1839 Feb 7
[Lucy Mack Smith] Emma and the children leave Far West for Ill. (8)

Footnotes:
1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_membership_history
2 - Stephen C. LeSueur: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839
3 - Wilford Woodruff's Journals 1833-1898: Typescript Edited by Scott G. Kenney, Signature Books, Midvale, Utah. Chronology
4 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Church
5 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
6 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
7 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
8 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor

LDS History, 1838, December 1

-- 1838, December 1
[Joseph Smith] Imprisoned with other Church leaders in Liberty, Missouri. (1)
-- 1 Dec. 1838
[Lucy Mack Smith] Imprisonment at Liberty Jail begins. (2)
-- 1838 Dec 1
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph, Hyrum, and others imprisoned at Liberty Jail. (3)
-- 1838 December 5
Governor Boggs defends his Extermination Order in the state legislature. (4)
-- 1838 December 10
A committee of Edward Partridge, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Theodore Turley, Brigham Young, Isaac Morley, George W. Harris, John Murdock, and John M. Burk draft a petition to the state legislature detailing the Mormon side of the conflict. (4)
-- December 16, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter of comfort to the Saints from Liberty Jail. (5)
-- 1838 December 17
The petition is delivered to the state legislature by David H. Redfield, who also meet with General Atchison, Governor Boggs, and others. (4)
-- 1838 December 19
John Taylor and John E. Page are ordained apostles and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. (4)
-- December 19, 1838
[Quorum of the Twelve] John Taylor and John E. Page ordained. (6)
-- December 20, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Emma Smith visited her husband, Joseph Smith, in Liberty Jail. (5)
-- 25 Dec. 1838
[Lucy Mack Smith] Don Carlos Smith and George A. Smith return to Missouri from their mission, traveling the last hundred miles on foot and partly at night to avoid a mob. (2)
-- Winter 1838-39
[Heber C. Kimball] Church is driven from Missouri to Illinois. (7)
-- December 31, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith saw the close of 1838 while imprisoned in Liberty Jail. (5)

Footnotes:
1 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor
4 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
5 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
6 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chronology_of_the_Quorum_of_the_Twelve_Apostles_(LDS_Church)
7 - On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Stanely B. Kimball editor. Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987. Chronology

LDS History, November 18, 1838

-- November 18, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Richmond, Missouri. All of the witnesses Joseph Smith and his brethren requested for their trial (between 40 and 50 persons) were arrested, thrown in prison, and prohibited from testifying. (1)
-- 23-28 Nov. 1838
[Lucy Mack Smith] At the Richmond judicial proceeding, presided over by Judge Austin A. King, of the eighty arrested by General John B. Clark at Far West, fifty-three are taken to court. Joseph, Hyrum, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, Alexander McRae, and Sidney Rigdon are sent to Liberty Jail; Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer are jailed at Richmond. The others are released. (2)
-- 1838 November 28
Joseph and Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Caleb Baldwin, and Alexander McRae are ordered to the jail in Liberty, Clay County; Parley P. Pratt, Morris Phelps, Luman Gibbs, Darwin Chase, and Norman Shearer are retained in the Richmond jail. The remaining 19 are released or allowed release on bail. (3)
-- November 29, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Richmond, Missouri. After being abused and enduring an unjust hearing, Joseph Smith and five of the other brethren were committed to Liberty Jail in Liberty, Missouri, by Judge Austin A. King. (1)
-- 1838 November 29
[Joseph Smith] Ordered bound over for trial in Daviess County for treason and other charges. (4)
-- about November 30, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith and five other brethren were en route to Liberty Jail. (1)
-- 1838, December 1
Joseph Smith and others imprisoned, Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay Co., MO. (5)
-- 1838 1 December
Joseph Smith and others moved to Liberty Jail. (6)
-- 1838, December 1
The Prophet Joseph Smith and others imprisoned in Liberty Jail, Liberty, Clay County, Missouri (see D&C 121-23). (7)
-- about December 1, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Far West, Missouri. Heber C. Kimball and Alanson Ripley were appointed by the brethren in Far West, Missouri, to visit Joseph Smith and the others in Liberty Jail as often as circumstances would permit. (1)
-- December 1, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith, announcing that he and his fellow prisoners were admitted to Liberty Jail. (1)
-- December 1, 1838-April 16, 1839
[Joseph Smith] Joseph is imprisoned at Liberty Jail. (8)
-- 1838 December 1
[Joseph Smith] Incarcerated, Liberty, Clay County. (4)

Footnotes:
1 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
2 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
3 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
4 - Joseph Smith Papers: Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
7 - http://scriptures.lds.org/chchrono/contents
8 - http://www.prophetjosephsmith.org/joseph_smith_timeline

LDS History, 9 Nov. 1838

-- 9 Nov. 1838
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph Jr., Hyrum, and the five other prisoners are taken to Richmond, Ray County, where they are held in chains. (1)
-- 1838 November 10
All citizens of Adam-ondi-Ahman are acquitted, but they are ordered to move to Caldwell County to prepare to leave Missouri. (2)
-- November 11, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Richmond, Missouri. After listening most of the night to the guards elaborate and boast about the atrocities they had committed against the Saints, Joseph Smith stood and rebuked them, in the name of Jesus Christ, to be still or die. (3)
-- November 12, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Richmond, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to his wife, Emma Smith. (3)
[Joseph Smith] Richmond, Missouri. On the first day of Joseph Smiths hearing before Judge Austin A. King, a group of armed men was sent out, without any civil proceedings, to obtain witnesses. (3)
-- 12-29 November 1838
[Missouri War] Judge Austin A. King presides at Court of Inquiry held in Richmond, Ray County. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and a number of other Mormons are committed to prison on the basis of testimony against them. (4)
-- 1838, November 13
Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918) b. Far West, Caldwell Co., MO. (5)
-- 1838 13 November
Joseph F. Smith born in Far West, Missouri. (6)
-- 1838 November 13
November 25+ Preliminary hearings on the fate of the leaders of the church begin under Judge King. Witnesses testify at the point of a bayonet. Numerous violations of judicial process are recorded. Twenty-three of the imprisoned men are released, leaving thirty in custody.+ During the hearings, excommunicated members rob the homes of several members in Far West. (2)
-- 1838, November 13
[Joseph F. Smith] Joseph F. Smith born in Far West, Missouri. (7)
-- November 13, 1838
[Joseph Smith] Richmond, Missouri. Over 40 witnesses appeared at court and bore false witness against the Prophet. (3)
-- 13 Nov. 1838
[Lucy Mack Smith] Joseph F. Smith, first child of Hyrum and Mary Fielding Smith, is born at Far West; he is Hyrum's seventh child. (1)
-- 1838 Nov 13
[Lucy Mack Smith] Birth of Joseph Fielding Smith, son of Hyrum and Mary Fielding Smith. (8)

Footnotes:
1 - Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, Edited by Lavina Fielding Anderson, 2001, Signature Books
2 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/19th_century_(Mormonism)
3 - BYU Studies Journal, volume 46, no. 4: A Chronology of the Life of Joseph Smith
4 - Stephen C. LeSueur: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri, Appendix: Chronology of Events in Missouri, 1838-1839
5 - Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 4, Appendix 2: A Chronology of Church History
6 - http://www.lds.net/forums/scripture-study-forum/12108-church-chronology-1800-2000-part-1-a.html#post214550
7 - Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah
8 - History of Joseph Smith by His Mother: Revised and Enhanced by Scot Facer Proctor Maurine Jensen Proctor