Relative Bliss

Genealogy of Julie Ann Bliss Hammons

Edward Partridge
1793-1840

EXCERPTS FROM THE JOURNAL'S OF BISHOP EDWARD PARTRIDGE
1818 AND 1836

(Edward Partridge was the father of Lydia Partidge. He was a convert to, and the First Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) I have left in mostly those references that my part of the Partridge Family would be most interested, if you would like a complete transcript, contact me and I'll send it to you)

 April 25, 1818 Edward Partridge left Painesville, Cat which time he left his home in Painesville, Geauga County, Ohio for a trip to Mackinaw Island and Green Bay he kept this journal from them until July 31, 1818. These are the 12 pages of the manuscript pages.

On the 25^th of April 1818, I left Painesville for Mackinaws.  Sunday the 26^th went on board in the morning.  At evening hoisted sail under a light land breeze.

Monday 27^th – Little or no wind.

Tuesday morn 28^th – wind rose, anchored off Cleveland; wind on shore at evening.  Hauled a little more favorable so we weighed anchor and the next morning, Wednesday, the 29^th, were off Black River Point.  Wind ahead stood over for Canada shore.

Thursday 30^th were in sight of the Island.  Light wind but fair.  Ran under Point la Blait to get wood; being a little careless we ran on a smooth rock but without much difficulty got off some wood whirling wind 5 or 6 hours then rose fair passed the Island made middle sister lay too till morn.

Friday 1^st of May – wind rose, passed Malden about 8 o'clock morn and at 1 o'clock we were at Detroit.  We lay at Detroit till the next Friday during which time there were very high winds, attended with snow and rain – one of the most sudden changes of wind I ever knew happened while we lay here. The wind blew apparently a gale up the river; all of a sudden it died away, and in the course of half a minute it blew equally as hard down – the cause of our lying so long in Detroit was because they said that Lake Huron was full of ice, but we concluded that it was only a story.  Accordingly on Friday morning, the 8^th we left Detroit with fair wind and got into Lake St. Clear.  The wind whirled every way but at evening we anchored just below Union Flats.

Sunday 10^th – the wind not being fair we lay at our anchor till noon.  When the wind howled we went to the mouth of the river St. Clear, but could not enter for the channel was full of ice. Soon the wind rose so high as to blow the ice partly on one side while we run up in the vacancy 3 miles to point DeShone when the ice stopped us.  We came to anchor under point DeShone (on Herson Island) and luckily for us the river ran full of ice (the small eddy where we lay overfled).  The next morn which was Monday 11^th, ice was seen to run from 1 to 8 feet out of water and lay here ‘till Thursday morn 14^th, the river still running full of ice.  The river began to rise and we soon observed that the ice was jammed from the mouth up nearly to where we lay.  The wind blowing the ice a little from the shore so as to give us room, we weighed anchor and ran up about two miles. The river continued to run full of ice ‘till Monday, the 18^th , scattering ice and wind ahead ‘till Wednesday 20^th a light breeze hoisted sail.   While we were detained by ice, we spent our time hunting and other recreation but this I did not enjoy as I should for I was almost sick enough to be confined to my bed, but now I am hearty again and we are under easy sail just making a little headway against a four knot current.   Last night the wind died away and we came to anchor about 5 miles below Ft. Grashet (sic) (Gratiot - Pt. Huron)

Friday 22^nd – a fine morning.  About 8 o’clock a cake of ice came along that we judged would cover 2 or 3 acres.  Our anchor lay in about 15 feet of water.  The ice struck on and jammed the anchor all over in the mud.  The shock parted the cake and what was in shore stuck on the ground.  We all went on the cake and took a drink of whisky.  In the P.M., the wind arose and we ran up opposite Ft. Grashet (sic) and came to anchor.

Tuesday 26^th – in the morning discovered Mackinaw - in the P.M. the fog was so thick that when within 2 miles of the island we could not see it.  At 11 o’clock P.M. we came to anchor in the Bay.

Saturday 30^th – in the morning we set sail for Green Bay with light fair winds.  At noon we passed Point Wabashoni.  Winds ahead – at evening the wind howled and we lay our course.  Passed the Grand Traverse.

Sunday 31^st – quite fair, at 7 o’clock passed Fox Island.  This lake which is Michigan appears so far to be quite full of Islands.  These Islands appear, many of them high and quite sandy.  At sunset we made Washington Harbor, the entrance of Green Bay.  The mouth of this bay appears to be full of Islands 20 or 40 miles ahead.

Monday June 1^st – morning– ran under fore sail, passed a reef of rocks at 7 o’clock.  Passed Grand Island and half past 9, then passed Green island.  The fog came on and within a half hour the winds died, so we set all sail at sundown, one hand on the flats.

Tuesday 2^nd – morning weighed anchor and soon ran aground; it hung very high tide.  The water fell and left us hand and foot.

Wednesday 3^rd – in the afternoon we got soldiers and hauled off and made into the channel.

Thursday 4^th – with much difficulty got up to the fort.  This channel is a very difficult one Lear (sic) entered.  5 or 6 miles from the mouth of Fox River and the channel is very crooked.  Fort Howard is pleasantly situated on the bank of Fox river.  It is built of piquet but sufficiently strong to impede the Indians.  Stayed a week.

Thursday 11^th – weighed anchor, fair wind.  Passed about half way over the bar.  Wind came ahead, but out of the flats; lightly touched once, made the rid Banks and came to anchor.

Friday and Saturday – lay at anchor–  almost a gale.

Sunday 14^th – pleasant morning, light wind.  Hoisted sale and stood on our course.  Toward evening wind came ahead.

Monday 15^th – morning head winds ran under the lee of a small island which made an elegant harbor named Eatons.  Went ashore and hunted and fished in the afternoon.  The wind was fair and we stood our course.

Tuesday 16^th – morning appointed Washington Harbor; wind arose with the sun and became a fine breeze.  We made Fox Island at 2 o’clock.  Passed the Grand Tavern at 4 o’clock.

Wednesday 17^th – arrived at Mackinaw at 8 A.M.

Thursday – arrived upwards of 60 canoe loads of Indians.

Friday 19^th – they all got drunk. 

Saturday 20^th – had a war dance through the town.  Nothing of consequence happened until Monday the 29^th at which time I opened shop with very unfavorable prospects.

July 4^th – was a high day in the fort, but I did not enjoy it as I heretofore have done owing to prospects in business.

Saturday 18^th – they shot from the fort a number of bombs and shot which whistled over the town.  The bombs went about 1 and a half miles and burst in the air.  The shot went about 2 miles and struck the water.

Wednesday 22^nd – at 6 o’clock P.M. we set sail for home on board the Decatur.  At dusk we passed point of Boblo (Bois Blanc).

Thursday 23^rd – whirling winds and squally.  At last it became fair at 5 P.M.; we passed Presquish, and at 7 o’clock we passed M. Island (Presque Isle) at dusk, then passed Thunder Bay Islands.

Friday 24^th – at 4 in the morning, passed Point Debark.  In the afternoon, wind came ahead.

25^th – at sundown we passed Ft. Grashet and ran down 4 or 5 miles and came to anchor.

26^th – Sunday – little or no wind.  Hoisted anchor and floated to the mouth then came to anchor.

27^th – light wind ran through the flats.  Wind arose as we entered the Detroit River at 5 o’clock.  At 7 o’clock we arrived at the city of Detroit.

28^th – In the morning I put my things on board the Washington and at 10 o’clock we set sail.  Wind ahead.  Passed Maldin at 5 P.M.

29^th – Ran under Bass Island till the morning of the 30^th when we took in Batan, then set sail Friday Morning off Cleveland, and at 8 came to anchor at Grand River.

End of diary

TRAVELS AND MINISTRY OF EDWARD PARTRIDGE

An account of the travels and ministry of Edward Partridge starting January 27, 1835when he left  e left his home in Clay County, Missouri. He went to Kirtland, Ohio and New England . He returned to Kirtland, for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, and returned June 6, 1836. This is an extract of his writing about the people of Liberty, Missouri. The original manuscript has 50 pages, part is missing.

I started from my home in Clay Co., Mo., on the 27^th of January, 1835, traveled 10 or 12 miles and lodged with Bro. Morley.  On Wednesday the 29^th, I was joined by Bro. Thomas B. Marsh as a partner in the ministry.  We traveled about 8 miles and lodged at Bro. Head’s.

Jan.  29^th it snowed all day.  We traveled 14 miles and lodged at Joseph E. Akers at worldlings (sic).

Jan. 30^th the snow was about 4 inches deep, about noon we arrived at Lexington, Lafayette Co.  We tried for a meeting but found that they did not wish to hear; we also tried where we lodged the night before.  We left Lexington and went six miles further, in all 13, and lodged at Bro. Loveless’ 

Jan. 31^st, we started south to the saline road and tried for a meeting a number of times, passed a very hard settlement and lodged with John Ramsay of the Christian Order having come about 7 miles.

Feb 1st Sunday – tried for a meeting a number of times but could not get one, traveled about 9 miles and lodged at Mr. Prigmores on Black Water.

2^nd we crossed a 12 mile prairie but could not get a meeting.  Traveled in all 15 miles and were kindly entertained by a Mr. J. Hall, an elder among the Cumberland Presbyterians.  This was in Pettis County.

 3^rd was very cold.  We traveled 7 miles, passed the La Main and was invited to stay overnight by Mr. Wm. Scott, a C Presbyterian who after a little said he would try to get the people together.  Some 5 or 6 came in.  Bro. M. lead and I followed in a short address.  This was Cooper Co.

4^th we stopped a number of times with a view to try for a meeting, but we found no men at home and did not make ourselves known.  Traveled 19 miles and lodged with Bro. J. Sherman.

7^th we were told that early in the morning the thermometer stood 22 degrees below zero, at 9 o’clock it stood at 18.  Last Tuesday morning it was said to stand at 12 below which was about as cold as we could bear and travel through the prairies.  We feel very thankful that now while it is so extremely cold we have a comfortable and welcome home at Bro. Shermans.

8^th (Sunday) was still cold.  He had an appointment for preaching but there were so few came in that we did not preach.  I had a cold settled on my lungs so that I could hardly speak aloud.

9^th we spent the day in reading and meditating, and in the evening held a meeting in Boonville in a large schoolhouse, and Bro. Marsh preached to an attentive congregation.  I was so hoarse that I did not attempt to speak.  We made an appointment for the morrow evening, the 10^th, but were disappointed in the meeting, the house being wanted for a singing school.

11^th we left Bro. Shermans, passed over the Missouri on the ice to New Franklin; tried for a meeting but could not get the schoolhouse, the only comfortable place, because an old fashioned Presbyterian had the care of it and informed us that he did not bid us God’s speed.  We left Franklin for Salt River and traveled 12 miles, making 15 in all, and lodged with Mr. & Mrs. Clayton of the Christian order.

12^th we got up a meeting at 12 o’clock and about 20 or 25 came in.  I preached to them and Bro. Marsh followed in a short address.  The congregation was attentive, but on presenting our petition, not one manifested a disposition to sign it.  We went on 6 miles and lodged with a Mr. Hackers, a nonprofessor, and talked a great deal with him.

19^th we left the brethren at Salt River and started for the Fabii Church.  We missed our way, traveled 8 miles, and found an opening to preach at a Mr. Thomas Brashere’s, a man who had belonged to the regular Baptists.  Bro. Marsh preached in the evening and I followed in a short exhortation.  After meeting it was proposed by one of the neighbors, a Mr. Young, that we should stay and hold a meeting on Sunday at his house; accordingly we agreed to tarry.

20^th I spent my time in reading and meditating.

21^st we went and viewed a number of mounds.  There were 6 or 8 in a line a short distance apart, and there was the appearance of a road leading from or past the Id mounds.  Mr. Young told us that he had followed it about two miles, and it was lost in a prairie.  He told us of another ancient road not far off that was very plain for 10 miles.  It was worn or cut down and he said in some places 6 or 8 feet, and was from 12 to 20 feet wide, and was very straight.  We also visited 2 or 3 heaps of stone, one of which had the appearance of having been laid up 6 or 8 square, say 15 feet across, with an opening in the center.  It was on the point of a high hill, at the foot of which a large spring ran out.  We judged that one or two of these heaps of stone were formerly alters for offering sacrifices to the Lord. In coming from Florida, here we passed some 5 or 6 mounds in a row.  We also passed two large ones on the east side of La Mien, these were situated on an elevated beautiful spot of ground, about ¼ of a mile apart, and we judged there had been a tremendous battle, and that the mounds were made by the slain, each party piling up their dead by themselves and so making the two mounds.

Sunday  22^nd, I preached first and after an intermission of 15 minutes, Bro. Marsh preached.  The congregation was not large nor very attentive.  They appeared quite indifferent to what was said.  The morning of the 23^rd we started for . . . on the Fabii; it was very wet and muddy traveling, it having rained and thawed so as to make quite a freshet insomuch that most of the streams were broken up since we left the Salt River Church.  We passed through Palmyra, a smart pleasant village, of near 1000 inhabitants, just before night.  Passed on about 4 miles and lodged with a Mr. McLenay , an old fashioned Presbyterian, and very genteel family.  We came in all this day about 30 miles.

27^th was pleasant in the morning but grew colder.  We left Father Leggs and went to the Mississippi, 6 miles.  Bro. Legg gave us 50 cents to pay our ferriage and we fond that we needed it.  The ferryman wanted to charge us one dollar, it being bad crafting, but however, we got over for 50 cents, traveled on 10 miles making it all this day 17, and lodged with a Mr. Harrison.

(March 1835)

2^nd I started for Rushville, 22 miles.  Arrived there at evening and lodged with a Mr. Leonard, a regular Baptist.  Tried for a meeting but failed.  Rushville is a pleasant flourishing town of about 1000 inhabitants.  It lies about 10 miles from the Il. River and is the County seat of Scuyler Co, Quincy the Co. seat of Adams Co. lies on the Miss. River where we crossed it.

6^th we traveled about 18 miles to a forsaken village by the name of Sangamon.  We called on the postmaster, who after a little reluctance, said he would call the people together.  I preached and Bro. Marsh followed.  The congregation was attentive.  We lodged with James Shepherd.

7^th we went 7 miles to Springfield, the county town for Sangamon Co.  It is one of the largest towns in the State containing about 1500 inhabitants.  We tried to get a meeting but the way did not appear to open and we went on 5 miles (in all 12 this day) to a brothers by the name of Cline.  We obtained a place for a meeting for the morrow.

Sunday 8^th, we met at 12 at the house of a Mr. John Fordens.  Bro. Marsh preached to a large congregation of attentive hearers.  Notified a meeting for evening–the house was full again and I preached, and Bro. Marsh followed in a short address.

17^th we traveled up the Okau River 25 miles and called on Mr. Gruel who kept a public house.  He was a Baptist.  When he found that we believed in the Book of Mormon, his wife and he both said that they would not entertain us.  I told them that I would be glad to lay by the fire and would work for him if he would let me stay, but all would not do.  We started out – he said he hated to turn us out of doors.  It was dark and we knew not where to go, but we went about 1 mile and found a house.  It was Mr. Jacob Moore's, with him we lodged.

27^th – I attended to the investigation of a case of difficulty in the Church, did not decide the case, but concluded to take the minutes to Kirtland and if right, lay the case before the High Council.  Yesterday night, I, Brothers Morley and C. Beebe arrived at this church.  I was really glad to see them.  A few miles northeast of Charleston Cole Co., Ill.  They preached a number of times and left a people very much believing, though none joined.

11^th – I was quite unwell and have been ever since I came to Brother Cazads.  Had a meeting in the evening.  Bro. Marsh preached and I followed in a short address.

Sunday 12^th I was quite sick, so as to keep my bed most of the day.  Had a meeting at 3 o’clock. Mr. Marsh preached, the congregation last night and today was large.

The 13^th we started from Brother Cazads and went 25 miles and put up at a friend Quakers by the name of Alexander Mills – Greenville is the Co. seat of Dark Co.

The 15^th we went to Springfield, a large and flourishing town, the County seat for Clark County.  Passed on ten miles, in all 14 miles, and stopped at Mr. Nortons, gave out an appointment for a meeting.  I preached and Bro. Marsh followed in an address.  I went and lodged with a Mr. Thompson yesterday morning and this also was quite cold, ice near ½ and inch thick.

The 16^th it snowed.  We traveled 32 ½ miles to Franklin, Franklin Co., and put up at a tavern.

The 19^th was Sunday.  At 2 o’clock I preached and Bro. Marsh followed in a short address.  At candle light, Bro. Marsh preached, people not much believing.

 The 24^th Bro. Marsh went on to Kirtland, and I tarried with my connections.

 The 25^th, 26^th, 27^th, and 28^th I tarried at Cleveland, being lame.

 The 29^th I came to Kirtland, and found it a general time of health.

 I tarried at Kirtland a few days and then went forth to see to some temporal business and visit my relatives.  I preached once in Gustavus, once in Kirtland, and once in Painesville.  Agreeably to the decision of a council that Bro. Morley and myself should visit the churches in the east and obtain donations for the poor saints, and also to counsel the Brethren.  We started on the 2^nd of June and went 25 miles to Unionville and stayed at Mr. Lees.

(June 1835)

 The 3^rd passed on to Springfield, Penn., 32 miles.  Attended a meeting and heard Brothers Carter and Hancock preach.  We tarried with Bro. Hartshort.

The 4^th we went 11 miles to Elk Creek Church and stayed with Bro. J. Sagers, of Gerard township, two nights and a day.

The 6^th we went back to Springfield.

Sunday the 7^th I preached in the forenoon, and Bro. Morley spoke in the afternoon and broke bread, 12 or 15 partook.  We lodged with Bro. J. Dewolf.

The 8^th we went back to Bro. Sagers and held a meeting.  Bro. Morley preached first, then I preached and broke bread to 12 or 15.  Went home and tarried with a Bro. Marshal Turner.

The 9^th we traveled on east about 30 miles, and stopped one mile south of the ridge road at a Mr. Orange Thompson’s.  A meeting was appointed for the next evening.  When the time came, I preached, and Bro. Morley followed in a short address, but few attended and they are not very anxious.

The 10^th we passed on to the Westfield Church, 20 miles.

The 15^th we went on 16 miles to Leona village to Brother Edmund Fisher’s and tarried with him overnight.

The 16^th we went 15 miles to Freeman Nickerson’s.  I preached at his house.

The 17^th we visited the brethren, and Bro. Morley and I both preached at Bro. Reuben McBrides.

The 18^th we attended a church meeting at Bro. Samuel McBride’s.  Bro Morley and I both spoke.

The 19^th we went 12 miles to Lodi Village.  It rained very hard.  We tarried some time, then went on 1½ miles and stopped at a Mr. Daniel Laphams.  It rained very hard all day.  We tarried overnight.

The 20^th we went through Springville and Arcade to Freedom, 32 miles to Brothers Cowdery and Hydes.

The 22^nd, we went 5 miles to Bro. Enoch Sanborn’s and tarried overnight.

The 23^rd we went 5 miles to Bro Frazier Eaton’s of Rushford.

The 25^th we held a meeting a Bro. Eaton’s.  I took the lead.  Bro. Morley also spoke at both meetings. 

The 27^th Bro. Morley went to hold a meeting at Holland.

The 29^th we went 25 miles to Portland to Bro. Wm. Mark’s.  I found Ender Green here and was about to go to the waters of baptism.  I accompanied them to the water and saw 3 emersed (sic), and attended a prayer meeting in the evening.

(July 1835) 

The 7^th we went to Palmyra, about 36 or 8 miles and lodged with Bro. Martin Harris.  We passed the Hill Cumorah about 3 miles south of Palmyra.  It is a hill perhaps 100 feet high running from a trifle west of north to a little east of south.  The north end breaks off very square, and when from a distance we view it the sides appear steep like the roof of a house.

The 8^th we went within 3 miles of Jordon, about 40 miles and lodged with a Mr. Crin.

The 9^th we went 3 miles to Jordon to my brother, Oliver’s.

The 10^th we went 18 miles to my brother, William’s at Onondaga, tarried there the 11^th and 12^th.

On Monday, the 13^th, we started for Massachusetts.  We went about 35 miles and put up at a Mr. Marshal’s, 2 miles east of Vernon village.

The 14^th we went through Whitesboro and Utica.  We traveled about 40 miles and put up at one Smiths, south side of the Mohawk.

The 15^th, we traveled about 38 miles and put up at a Mr. Cob’s, 11 miles west of Schenectady.

The 16^th we went through Schenectady and Albany and passed on and put up at a Mr. Griffiths.  Made about 40 miles this day.

The 17^th we went 25 miles and arrived at Father’s about noon; four my friends well.

The 23^rd I preached in the schoolhouse to an attentive congregation.

The 26^th, Sunday evening, I preached in the schoolhouse to a large congregation.

The 30^th, I preached again to a small congregation, at the same place.

(August 1835)

The 22^nd we went 45 miles to Grafton through Greenville, Paxton, Worcester, and a number of other villages, and stayed at Mr. Calvin Clisbee’s over Sunday.

The 24^th, passed the railroad at Westboro, went through Southboro to Marlboro, 15 miles and stayed at Mr. John Clisbee’s one day.

 The 26^th, went through Concord to Lowal, 29 miles, and stayed at Mr. Lyman Clisbee’s.  There are about 7000 or 8000 girls and 24 factories, said to be in this place.  There is a canal and a railroad from Boston to here.

(September 1835)

Sept. 1^st we went through Amesbury, Exeter & Durham to Dover, about 40 miles, and stayed at Bro. Jno. Hailes.  Dover contains 5 or 6000 inhabitants, but about 5 or 6 disciples. 

Sept, we passed through Berwick, Wells, Kennebunk and Saco, about 44 miles to the Church about 6 or 8 miles North of Saco.  This church contains about 57 members. 

The 15^th we back to the B. Church and held a meeting.  Bro. Aldrich opened the meeting, I followed, and Bro Morley followed me.

The 16^th we went back to Newry.  We were asked by a young man with tears in his eyes if we would go to the water and baptize him.  We repaired to the water and baptized him.  His name was Perrigreen Sessions – this makes 26 in this church. 

The 18^th we crossed the Andrewscoggin, passed Bethel Hill, Gilead and Shelburn; left the river and went up to R11-Evans in Randolph, 30 miles in all.  This was at the north end of the White Mountains.  There were two peaks that looked majestic.  They appeared at an elevation of 20 or 30 degrees, and looked from 1 to 2 miles off, but we were told that it was 7 miles to the summit.  We were on very (or quite) high land.

The 27^th was Sunday.  Bro. Morley preached in the forenoon and I preached twice in the afternoon and evening and broke bread.  After which I baptized and confirmed a man by the name of Jacob Rust, who had once belonged to the church, and had been an elder, but had withdrawn from the church.  He acknowledged his faults and was accepted again.

 (October 1835) 

Oct. 1^st, we went through Chester, to and over, 15 miles.  We found the church without an ordained member and living considerably scattered.  We tarried with them one day and instructed them respecting their duty.  In the afternoon we went over to Windhall, Bennington Co., 12 miles to Brothers John and David Kimble Dustan.  This uncle, Samuel, Dustan and wife of Maryland are dead.

The 5^th we went through Bennington, Williamstown, and Lansborough to Pittsfield, 35 miles.  Stayed at my fathers one day , and the 7^th bid farewell to my father and mother, probably to see them no more before the resurrection.  We went 20 miles to Tyringham and lodged with my sister, the widow Dow.

12^th we stayed to have a pair of shirts made.

13^th we went about 15 or 20 miles to my Uncle Adonijah Bidwells in Hillsdale, N.Y.

20^th we passed through Homer on to Onondaga, 30 miles to my brother, William’s.

22^nd, we went to Jordon to my brother Oliver’s, 18 miles; here. Bro Morley left me to take the loading we had and go by water. 

Accordingly the 23^rd I put my things aboard the Vandalia Merchants Line; Capt. Baker; morning of the 24^th got to Palmyra, at night I arrived at Rochester

Sunday, the 25^th, continued along slowly, and on the morn of the 26^th, arrived at Lockport, called on my old shopmate, S.D. Lockwood.  At evening we arrived at Buffalo, making in all on the canal 174 miles.

27^th, we put on board of the steamboat O. Newbury.  Capt. Pratt Master, and at 10 o’clock, we started for Fairport, 160 miles.  Arrived safe on the 28^th and went 3 miles to Painesville.

29^th we went to Kirtland, 9 miles. E. Partridge started the 2^nd of June 1835 and returned October

29^th having traveled about 2000 miles, held (in company with Elder Morley) about 50 meetings, preached 32 sermons and gave some ½ dozen exhortations.  Bro. Morley preached 18 times and also gave a number of short addresses more.  We visited 25 or 26 churches whose aggregate number is about 700.  We baptized three.

(November 1835)

7^th went to Cleveland to see my friends there, returned the 9^th.  Commenced school again the 10^th.  Also finished a letter to my wife and children.

12^th at evening, commenced board at Elder Lyman Johnson’s, having boarded at Bro. F. G. Williams’ about 9 days.

23^rd I wrote a letter to my brother, James H. at Shelburne Academy, Franklin Co., Mass.

On Sunday, the 29^th, I preached and broke bread in the afternoon to the brethren in Kirtland, after which President Smith bore testimony that Bro. Morley and myself had preached by the spirit and to his satisfaction.

Dec. 6^th – Sunday evening I preached at Bro. Lyman’s, 3 or 4 miles east from Kirtland flats.

Dec. 13^th – Sunday evening, I preached again at Bro. Lyman’s.

Dec. 27^th – Sunday – in the afternoon, I spoke at Kirtland in the afternoon after H. Smith.  In the evening between 8 and 9 o’clock I was told by a young girl that she saw my wife and five children, apparently well, the little boy lying on the floor or hearth, she also said that she saw a little dark haired girl at and with Peter Whitmer’s family.  The description answered for my Eliza very well as to size, etc.  This girl sees by the help of a stone.  She told me she saw a seer’s stone for me.  It was a small blue stone with a hole in one corner, that it was 6 or 8 feet in the ground, not far from the lake shore, a little west of Buffalo on a hill, a tree growing near the spot.  I think she said it was near the point of a hill.

(1836)

Jan. 1, 1836 – Having gotten a tolerable knowledge of the English Grammar, I this day commence on the Hebrew.

4^th – Commenced going to school in the stone house to learn Hebrew. 

7^th – I attended a council in the evening in the which the Zion council was filled.  Bro. E. Groves, Bro. J. Hitchcock, Bro, G.M. Hinkle, Bro. Peter Whitmer, Jr., and Bro. E. Higby were appointed by unanimous vote.

13^th – Attended a council in which the High council of K. was filled, and Bishop Whitney appointed a counselor, one of his having resigned.  Vinson Knight was appointed.

15^th – Met in Council again.  Rules to regulate the House of the Lord were agreed upon.  Carlos Smith was appointed president over the High Priests at K.  Alva Beman pres. of the elders at K.  Then Bishop W. proceeded to nominate pres. for the priests, teachers, and deacons.  He then proceeded to ordain them.  The different quorums volunteered to assist in being door keepers, and besides four others were appointed.

21^st – Having previously worked once or twice, the presidency with Bishop Whitney and his counsel, myself and my counselors met for the purpose of being anointed with Holy oil.  Meeting was opened by President Joseph Jr. in behalf of the Presidency, Bishop Whitney in behalf of himself and counselors, and myself in behalf of myself and counselors.  Then the presidency proceeded to sanctify the oil, Bro. J. Smith Jr. first anointed his father pronouncing blessings upon him, then all the presidents, beginning at the oldest, rubbed their hand over his head and face which had been anointed.  Then Bro. Joseph prayed to the Lord to accept of the anointing and all the presidency with right hand uplifted to heaven said amen.  Father Smith then proceeded to take the lead and pour on the oil, then Bro. J followed and then in rotation as before described, prophesying on one another’s heads.  After the presidents, Bishop Whitney and his counsel were anointed after the same manner, then myself and my counsel, then Bro. Barrish as scribe for the presidency.  After this Hyrum Smith anointed Father Joseph Smith, who anointed the rest of the high counsel of Kirtland.  Bro. David Whitmer anointed Bro. Simeon Carter., who anointed the high counsel from Zion.  Hymns were sung and a number saw visions and others were blessed with the outpouring of the Holy Ghost, and we shouted Hosanna to the most high.  The meeting was dismissed by Bro. J.S. conferring the benedictions of heaven upon us.

22^nd – in the forenoon was taken up in telling the visions of the preceding evening.  We met in the evening for the purpose of anointing the traveling high council, and the 7 Presidents of the 70.  The Presidents of the church first consecrated the oil, they then proceeded to anoint Bro. Thomas B. Marsh as the oldest of the 12.  Bro. Marsh then proceeded to anoint the 12, after which he anointed the Presidents of the 70.  The Presidents of the Church anointed Bro. Carlos Smith as president of the high priests in Kirtland.  Pres. J. S. Jr. requested Pres. Sidney Rigdon to ask the Lord to accept the performances of the evening, and instructed us, when he was done to shout Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most High God.  These things were performed; the shout and speaking in unknown tongues lasted 10 or 15 minutes.  During the evening, more especially at the time of shouting, a number saw visions as they declared unto us.

26^th – Mr. J. Seixas, our Hebrew teacher, met with us for the first time, after about 4 or 5 days.  He divided the class; I was taken into the first class.  The priests, teachers, and deacons met 2 or 3 evenings, about the last of Jan., for the purpose of being anointed.  Bishop Whitney and counsel and myself and my counsel met and anointed them.  After the anointing was over each man asked the Lord to bless them and seal upon them the blessings that had been pronounced upon their heads by the bishops and their counselors.  Bishop Whitney then asked the Lord to seal the blessings that had been pronounced upon the heads of his brethren.  After he was through we shouted Hosanna 3 times, to God and the Lamb, amen, amen, amen.

(March 1836)

March 18^th – I left the Hebrew school and went to Mr. Armstrong’s in Perry.  I preached in the evening to a congregation of Methodists.  Went to Mr. Lees the next day and stayed till Monday when I returned to Kirtland. 

Sunday the 27^th – Met and dedicated the House of the Lord.  President Rigdon preached in the forenoon.  Pres. J. Smith Jr. made many remarks and delivered the dedication prayer.  Met at 8 in the morning and dismissed at quarter after 4 in the afternoon.  Met again in the evening, that is the authorities of the church.  Many spoke in tongues, some saw visions, etc.  Doct. F.G. Williams saw an angel, or rather the Savior during the forenoon service.

Tuesday the 29^th – the 9 pres. the two bishops and their counsel met in the afternoon in the House of the Lord.  We cleansed our hands and faces and feet after which we had our feet washed in the name of the Lord; this took till about dusk.  We then partook of bread and wine a feast, we prophesied and spoke in tongues and shouted Hosannas.  The meeting lasted till daylight. The next day all the officers of the church met at 9 o’clock in the Lord’s house, the priests, teachers, and deacons in one corner, the veils having been let down, and the other officers occupied the rest of the lower room. The washing of feet was performed by noon, then they began to prophecy and speak in tongues adding shouts of Hosannas to God and the Lamb with amen and amen.   This continued till dark when they partook of a feast of bread and wine.  The meeting was kept up till morning, the shouts were omitted during the night.

Thursday 31^st, we met from 8 to 9 to accommodate those who could not get in at the Sunday dedication.  The house was about filled and similar ceremonies performed that were performed on Sunday.  This meeting rather surpassed the Sunday meeting both in length and goodness.

(June 1836)

Friday 6^th passed Cambden about 7 A.M., arrived at Clay Co. Liberty landing about 3 P.M.  Arrived at my family about 5 P.M. and found them well.  I think I felt as thankful as ever I did in being permitted to again rejoin with my family. After my arrival at home I spent a few days in attending to my own affairs; then, in company with Bro. W.W.. Phelps, I took a tour in looking at the country north.  We found a mill seat on Shoal Creek about 35 miles N.I. of Liberty that suited us very well. We went out again in Co. with Bro. Morley and Corrill, looked out some corners, and Bro. Corrill went and entered 7-80 acre lots.  Bro. Phelps and Corrill soon after looked out and entered 13 more. In the meantime I visited the church, and brethren that were coming in or had just arrived.  We now made preparations to begin a settlement upon the new purchase; about this time a mob began to appear, and our suits were coming on, at Richmond on the 6^th of July, which both together made us delay moving to the North.

On 29^th of June the people of Liberty held a meeting, and stepped, as they say, between the mob and us, they drew up a preamble and resolutions amounting to this:  that we had taken refuge with them in our distress when driven from Jackson Co, that they treated us kindly at that time.  That of late some had become hostile to us in consequence of the emigration to this Co., and the many stories that were afloat about us as a people, none of which did they pretend were true, but from the great excitement that prevailed, to escape a civil war, they proposed to us to stop the emigration to the Co.  Immediately to have the late emigrants leave soon, those who had crops, and owned not 40 acres of land, to gather their crops and make preparations to leave as soon as consistent, and those who possessed 40 acres or more should be permitted to stay till they could dispose of their lands to good advantage if it should take years.

On the 30^th, Brothers Morley, Corrill, Marsh, E. Higby, myself and a few others, met the committee appointed at the Liberty meeting. We gave them to understand that we wanted peace and were willing to make sacrifices to keep it, if it were necessary.

(July 1836)

July 1^st – We, the elders of the church, a goodly number met and made out a preamble and resolutions amounting to this:  that we would endeavor to comply with what they had said was the only this to save the Co from a civil war, that is we would leave the Co. agreeably to their advise. Our proceedings were the next day laid before the adjourned meeting at liberty and appeared to be received with satisfaction. The mob gradually died away and we had a measure of peace again.  On the 8^th the militia of Clay Co. were called to Liberty for the purpose of raising 200 men, either volunteers, or by draft, to reconnoiter along the wester (sic) line of the . . .

end of diary

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