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Revision as of 17:04, 10 August 2008

This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.

Index to claims made in No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith

This is an index of claims made in this work with links to corresponding responses within the FAIRwiki.

Chapter 2: Treasure in the Earth

Page Claim Response Use of sources
16 Joseph was notorious for telling tall tales, necromantic arts and treasure digging. Joseph Smith and money digging
16 Joseph was charged with being "a disorderly person and an impostor" at his 1826 trial. Joseph Smith's 1826 glasslooking trial
17 The Hurlbut affidavits corroborated and supplemented the court record. The Hurlbut affidavits Howe, Mormonism Unvailed
18 Fifty-one of Joseph's neighbors signed affidavits accusing him of being "destitute of moral character" and "addicted to vicious habits." The Hurlbut affidavits
19 A "vagabond fortune-teller" named Walters became popular in the area. When Walters left the area, "his mantle fell upon" Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith and the occult [needs work]
20 William Stafford told a story about Joseph claimed that he could find money using a bleeding black sheep. The Hurlbut affidavits—William Stafford Howe, Mormonism Unvailed
20 Joseph could see "ghosts, infernal spirits" and "mountains of gold" in his seer stone. The Hurlbut affidavits
23 Palmyra newspapers took no notice of Joseph's vision at the time it was supposed to have occurred. First Vision not mentioned in local newspapers [needs work]
24 The story of Joseph first vision evolved greatly between his 1832 and 1838 accounts. First Vision accounts
24 Oliver Cowdery described Joseph's first vision as having occurred in 1823 Oliver Cowdery not aware of First Vision in 1834-35 Latter Day Saints' Messenger and Advocate, Letter IV, Feb. 1835, p. 78.
24 Some of Joseph's close relatives confused the first vision with Moroni's visit. Prophet's mother said First Vision was of an "angel"
25 Joseph's own family did not know of his first vision at the time that it happened. Prophet's mother said First Vision was of an "angel"
27 Joseph stared into his crystal and saw gold in every odd-shaped hill Joseph Smith and money digging
30 In March 1826 Joseph got into serious trouble because of his "magic arts" Joseph Smith's 1826 glasslooking trial
30 The court pronounced Joseph "guilty" at the 1826 trial Joseph Smith's 1826 glasslooking trial
31 Joseph's mentor was "the conjurer Walters." Joseph Smith and the occult [needs work]

Chapter 3: Red Sons of Israel

Page Claim Response Use of sources
35 Joseph's mother reported that he was "spinning theories" about the moundbuilders before he was twenty years old Joseph Smith's "amusing recitals" of ancient American inhabitants
35 Between 1820 and 1827 Joseph decided to write a history of the moundbuilders Book of Mormon and the Mound Builders
37 Peter Ingersoll claimed that Joseph told him that no one could see the golden Bible and live. Viewing the gold plates would result in death? [needs work]
39 The "magic" Urim and Thumminn was found with the plates Joseph Smith and seer stones
40 The four year period during which Joseph waited to get the plates corresponded with his most intensive money-digging activities Joseph Smith and money digging
40 Lucy Smith described the Urim and Thummin as "two smooth three-cornered diamonds set in glass and the glasses set in silver bows." Joseph Smith and seer stones
40 Martin Harris described the Urim and Thummin as "white, like polished marble, with a few grey streaks." Joseph Smith and seer stones
40 David Whitmer described the Urim and Thummin as "two small stones of a chocolate color, nearly egg shape, and perfectly smooth, but not transparent." Joseph Smith and seer stones
41 Joseph warned his family that it meant instant death to look at the plates. The Hurlbut affidavits—Sophia Lewis
43 Joseph was able to translate the plates without unwrapping them by using his stone Book of Mormon translation method
43 Emma said that Joseph used the Urim and Thummin for the first 116 pages and then the seer stone for the remainder of the translation Joseph Smith and seer stones
43 God cursed the Lamanites and all their descendents with a "red skin." Lamanite curse  [needs work]
43 A neighbor, Lemuel Durfee. Signed an affidavit in 1833 charging Joseph with vicious habits and an immoral character. The Hurlbut affidavits
44 After each battle in the Book of Mormon, the dead were "heaped upon the face of the earth, and they were covered with a shallow covering" - a reference to the Indian mounds Book of Mormon and the Mound Builders
46 Joseph's familiarity with the idea that the Indians descended from the Hebrews seems to have come primarily from Ethan Smith's View of the Hebrews Book of Mormon and View of the Hebrews
49 Joseph Smith took the whole Western Hemisphere as the setting for the Book of Mormon Book of Mormon geography/New World/Hemispheric Geography Theory

Chapter 4: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

Page Claim Response Use of sources
53 Joseph warned Martin Harris that God's wrath would strike him down if he examined the plates or looked at him while he was translating. Viewing the gold plates would result in death?
53 Harris once tried to trick Joseph by substituting an ordinary stone for the seer stone. Joseph Smith and seer stones
54 Lucy Harris stole the manuscript and "neither pleas nor blows could make her divulge its hiding place." The Hurlbut affidavits—Lucy Harris
54 Joseph realized that he could not duplicate the 116 pages exactly. The lost 116 pages of The Book of Lehi
58 Joseph was careful to to modify the italicized interpolation in the King James text.
58 Joseph incorporated one of his father's dreams into the Book of Mormon Joseph Smith, Sr.'s dream and Lehi's vision
59 Early in the writing Joseph vigorously attacked the Catholic Church as the "great and abominable church" and the "whore of all the earth" Great and abominable church
62 Joseph Smith's lack of education is "a favorite thesis designed to prove the authenticity" of the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon authorship theories
62-63 Joseph Smith borrowed many stories from the Bible. Book of Mormon plagiarized from the Bible
63 Joseph's sentence structure in the Book of Mormon was "loose-jointed, like an earthworm hacked into segments that crawl away alive and whole." Chiasmus
65 The story of the Gadianton band reflects the anti-Masonic feelings in New York at the time that the Book of Mormon was produced Book of Mormon anachronisms/Gadianton masons

Chapter 5: Witnesses for God

Page Claim Response Use of sources
68 The Church has "exaggerated the ignorance" of Joseph Smith in order to bolster the divinity of the Book of Mormon.. Book of Mormon authorship theories
70 The Book of Mormon claims that Jesus was born in Jerusalem (quoting Alexander Campbell) Book of Mormon anachronisms—Jerusalem vs Bethlehem
70-71 Joseph added the story of the Jaredites in order to explain how animals had come to America. Story of Jaredites added to explain presence of animals in New World  [needs work]
72 Joseph had the Jaredites bring horses, swine, sheep, cattle, and asses, yet these animals were not found in the Americas at the time of Columbus Book of Mormon anachronisms—Animals
73 Martin Harris and Oliver Cowdery were caught in Joseph's "spell" Book of Mormon witnesses—Spiritual or literal
74 Joseph had a talent for making men see visions Book of Mormon witnesses—Hypnotism
77 The Three Witnesses all told different versions of their experience Book of Mormon witnesses
77 The Three Witnesses were hypnotized by Joseph Smith Book of Mormon witnesses—Hypnotism
78 Martin Harris stated that he viewed the plates through "the eye of faith" "Eye of Faith"/"Spiritual Eye" statements by Martin Harris
78 Years after the event, David Whitmer embellished his story of seeing the gold plates. Book of Mormon witnesses—Character—David Whitmer
78 The Three Witnesses never denied their vision even after the all left the Church because Joseph had "conjured up a vision they would never forget" Book of Mormon witnesses—Spiritual or literal
79-80 Joseph convinced the Eight Witnesses by showing them an empty box and claiming that they did not have sufficient faith to see them Book of Mormon witnesses—Eight witnesses
80 Joseph may have built some kind of "makeshift deception" to account for those witnesses who described the size, weight and metallic texture of the plates Book of Mormon anachronisms—Gold plates—Descriptions of the plates
81 Hyrum suggested to Joseph that they attempt to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in order to obtain enough money to get it published Did Joseph Smith attempt to sell the Book of Mormon copyright?
82 Martin Harris sold his farm to pay for the publication of the Book of Mormon only after Joseph frightened him with the revelation found in the Book of Commandments Chapter xvi, pp. 40-41. Book of Mormon witnesses—Character—Martin Harris

Chapter 6: The Prophet of Palmyra

Page Claim Response Use of sources
83 The Book of Mormon was conceived as a money-making history of the Indians. Book of Mormon authorship theories
84 A story circulated that Joseph Smith boasted he would walk upon the water, and secretly built a plank bridge underneath the surface of the pond.
84-85 Joseph began to sincerely believe what he was teaching.
86 Joseph Smith performed "miracles," but was unaware that they were common occurrences Joseph Smith healings and miracles
89 Joseph detested tedious and solitary field labor.
92 Oliver Cowdery demanded that Joseph amend some of his own revelations. Doctrine and Covenants textual changes
92 Oliver Cowdery secretly encouraged Hiram Page to receive revelations through his seer stone.
96 Joseph experimented with the idea of "revealing" a lost books of the Bible. Joseph Smith Translation as a restoration of the original Bible text

Chapter 7: The Perfect Society and the Promised Land

Page Claim Response Use of sources
101 Joseph promised Lyman E. Johnson that he would see the Savior come and stand upon the Earth
101-102 William Smith and Orson Hyde were told that they would stand on earth until Christ comes
102 Joseph suggested that the Second Coming would occur within fifty-six years. Joseph Smith prophesied the Second Coming to be in 1890
103 Joseph began "translating" the New Testament at Sidney Rigdon's suggestion
108 The United Order was Sidney Rigdon's idea
111 Ezra Booth claimed that Joseph promised that "not three days should pass away before some should see the Saviour face to face"
111 Joseph said that the lost ten tribes were living in a land near the North Pole
112 Joseph attempted to perform miracles and failed during a conference in Kirtland, Ohio
113 Stories claimed that miracles could not be performed in Ohio because it was not "consecrated ground"

Chapter 8: Temple Builder

Page Claim Response Use of sources
116 Joseph inserted into Genesis a prophecy of his own coming
117 Joseph elaborated on Isaiah's prophecy regarding the learned man and the sealed book to match details of Martin Harris' visit to Charles Anthon
117 Joseph modified Isaiah's prophecy to include references to the Book of Mormon witnesses and return of the gold plates to the Lord
118 Joseph's description of the three degrees of glory contrasted Book of Mormon descriptions of a "lake of fire and brimstone"
120 The Missouri Mormons never forgave Joseph for returning to Ohio
124 The "Civil War" prophecy was abandoned and excluded from early collections of Joseph's revelations because they thought it had failed. Joseph Smith prophesies
126 It was noted that "Joseph could build more rods of good fence in one day than most men could in two," and that his "yard was clean and orderly"
127 Joseph couldn't initially called the Kirtland Temple a "temple," since there was already land dedicated for a temple in Missouri

Chapter 9: Expulsion from Eden

Page Claim Response Use of sources
141 It was easy for Joseph to revise his revelation on the United Order since most copies of the Book of Commandments had been burned.
141 Joseph wanted to "destroy the notion" that the United Order had been similar to communism.

Chapter 10: The Army of the Lord

Page Claim Response Use of sources
143 Under Hurlbut's "excited prodding," neighbors of Solomon Spalding recalled that the Spalding manuscript that matched "an astonishing number of details" from the Book of Mormon twenty years after they had heard the manuscript read aloud. Book of Mormon and Spaulding manuscript
144 The Spalding manuscript bore no resemblance to the Book of Mormon. Book of Mormon and Spaulding manuscript
144 Martin Harris was brought to trial before the High Council because he claimed the Joseph Smith had "drunk too much liquor" while translating the Book of Mormon.
145 Hurlbut's affidavits were published by E.D. Howe in Mormonism Unvailed. The Hurlbut affidavits
145 Brigham Young stated, before he even met Joseph Smith, that he would follow Joseph even if he were to get "drunk every day of his life, sleep with his neighbor's wife every night," and run horses and gamble. Journal of Discourses 4:77-8.
147-148 It was Sidney Rigdon's suggestion to change the name of the Church from the Church of Christ to the Church of Latter-day Saints in order to avoid the names "Mormon" and "Mormonite".
149 Joseph found a skeleton of a Lamanite warrior named "Zelf" Zelph

Chapter 11: Patronage and Punishment

Page Claim Response Use of sources
159 Zion's Camp was a "major failure" for Joseph Smith.
159 Men and women had died in Missouri Joseph Smith's name.
159 Joseph decided that he could no longer give out "incidental" revelations after the Missouri trials.
162 The Kirtland High Council complained that the Apostles had too much power.
162 Henry Green was cut off from the church simply because of a remark made that Joseph was "extorting" the cost of a book.
164 Apostle William Smith called his brother Joseph a "tyrant" and attempted to beat him.
165 Joseph was "vain" regarding his "wrestling prowess."
166 The Word of Wisdom was not given by "commandment or constraint" because Joseph was "too fond of earthly pleasures." Word of Wisdom
167 Joseph did not take the Word of Wisdom seriously. Word of Wisdom
167 Joseph replaced wine with water in the Sacrament because Sidney Rigdon forced a vote for total abstinence through the Church.

Chapter 12: Master of Languages

Page Claim Response Use of sources
170 Joseph did not originally intend to translate the papri "by inspiration as in the past," and instead attempted to formulate an Egyptian alphabet and grammer. Kirtland Egyptian Papers
171 Joseph picked up the idea that there were plural gods when he learned in Hebrew class that Elohim was plural.
171 Joseph developed the concept in the Book of Abraham that the earth was organized out of existing matter from Thomas Dick's Philosophy of a Future State. Was Joseph Smith's theology influenced by the writings of Thomas Dick?
171 Joseph developed the idea that matter was "eternal and indestructible" from Thomas Dick's work. Was Joseph Smith's theology influenced by the writings of Thomas Dick?
172 Joseph's concept of Kolob being "near the throne of God" and its control of the reckoning of time came from Thomas Dick. Was Joseph Smith's theology influenced by the writings of Thomas Dick?
173 Joseph wrote the Book of Abraham in order to justify denying the priesthood to Blacks. Blacks and the priesthood—Origin of the priesthood ban
173 Joseph criticized the abolitionist movement.
174 Joseph taught that "one third of the spirits had been neutral" in Heaven.
174 Joseph taught that his family was directly descended from Ephraim.
175 The Book of Abraham facsimiles are ordinary funeral documents. Book of Abraham papyri
179 It was reported that some of the men were drunk during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple. Reports of Drunken Behavior at the Kirtland Temple Dedication

Chapter 13: My Kingdom is of this World

Page Claim Response Use of sources
181 Joseph Smith was rumored to have "seduced" Fannie Alger. Joseph Smith's marriages to young women—Fanny Alger
181 It was rumored that Fannie Alger was driven out of the house by Emma. Joseph Smith's marriages to young women—Fanny Alger
181 Joseph and Fannie were "found together." Joseph Smith's marriages to young women—Fanny Alger
182 Joseph accused Oliver Cowdery of "perpetuating the scandal."
182 Oliver was excommunicated for "insinuating that the prophet had been guilty of adultery."
182 Fannie Alger did not admit to being the Prophet's plural wife.. Joseph Smith's marriages to young women—Fanny Alger
183 Martin Harris was brought to trial for adultery "as early as 1832."
182 Joseph told Ezra Booth to "take a wife from among the Lamanites." The Hurlbut affidavits—Ezra Booth
183 Joseph performed marriages even though it was against Ohio law. Joseph Smith and polygamy
185 Oliver Cowdery wrote a formal statement that the Church denied polygamy in August 1835.
187 Joseph realized "that for a prophet it is easier to change marriage laws than to contravene them." Joseph Smith and polygamy
187 The Mormons believe that when they become "sufficiently purified" that the treasures in the earth would be "poured into their lap." The Hurlbut affidavits—Ezra Booth
189 Isaac McWithy was brought to trial before the High Council because he would not sell his farm to Joseph Smith.
192 Joseph's trip to Salem in August 1836 with Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum was to look for buried gold beneath a house.

Chapter 14: Disaster in Kirtland

Page Claim Response Use of sources
195 The Kirtland Safety Society was said to have been established by "a revelation from God." Kirtland Safety Society
197 The assets backing the Kirtland Safety Society's notes were actually boxes filled with "sand, lead, old iron, stone and combustibles." Kirtland Safety Society
197 Warren Parrish claimed that the Kirtland "bank" assets were less than Joseph claimed. Kirtland Safety Society
198 The Kirtland Safety Society "bank" was operating illegally. Kirtland Safety Society
198 Warren Parrish could not have taken $25,000 because the bank didn't have that much. Kirtland Safety Society
199 Joseph "prophesied" that the bank notes would be "as good as gold."
199 Brigham Young exchanged his Kirtland bank notes for gold years later in Salt Lake City.
205 The Three Witnesses Whitmer, Harris and Cowdery pledged loyalty to a young girl who claimed to be able to see the future in a black stone.

Chapter 15: The Valley of God

Page Claim Response Use of sources
208 Oliver Cowdery accused Joseph of trying to "set up a kind of petty government, controlled and dictated by ecclesiastical influence…" History of the Church 3:18n
211 Joseph proclaimed that an altar found in Missouri was where Adam offered sacrifices. Garden of Eden in Missouri?—Adam-ondi-Ahman
211 Joseph said that Adam shall come to visit his people at Adam-ondi-Ahman. Garden of Eden in Missouri?—Adam-ondi-Ahman
211 The Saints believed that Jackson County was the site of the Garden of Eden. Garden of Eden in Missouri?
211 Far West was the spot where Cain killed Abel. History of the Church 3:35; D&C 117:8; John Corrill: Brief History of the Church, p. 28.
212 Joseph justified slavery.
213 Sidney Ridgon supported Sampson Avard's formation of a "secret" band. Danites [needs work]
214 Joseph and Sidney "were careful not to be associated" with the Danites. Danites [needs work]
214 The Danites were a secret society with oaths, passwords and secret signs. Danites [needs work] Correspondence, Orders, etc. in relation to the disturbances with the Mormons;…
215 Joseph "made a confused and damaging admission of his own relationship to the Danite organization" before his death. Danites [needs work] Minutes of a Nauvoo City Council Meeting, Jan. 3, 1844, History of the Church 6:165.
215 Joseph formally sanctioned Sampson Avard and the Danites. Danites [needs work] Correspondence, Orders, etc. in relation to the disturbances with the Mormons;…
217 Sidney Rigdon wanted to Olivery Cowdery and David Whitmer cut off from the church in order to banish his rivals.
218 Sidney Rigdon's Salt Sermon threatened the dissenters in the Church.
219 The dissenters were ordered to leave Far West.
223 Sidney Rigdon's 4th of July sermon alluded to a "war of extermination" with the mob.

Chapter 16: The Alcoran or the Sword

Page Claim Response Use of sources
230-231 Joseph Smith claimed to be "a second Mohammed" and that it would eventually be "Joseph Smith or the Sword!" History of the Church 3;167; 3:162; Correspondence, Orders, etc. pp. 57-9, 97-129; Reed Peck manuscript p. 80.
230 Joseph hinted that stealing the gentiles' supplies was acceptable. History of the Church 3;167; 3:162; Correspondence, Orders, etc. pp. 57-9, 97-129; Reed Peck manuscript p. 80.
231 David Patten's men looted and set fire to a store and some cabins in Gallatin. History of the Church 3;167; 3:162; Correspondence, Orders, etc. pp. 57-9, 97-129; Reed Peck manuscript p. 80.
232n Joseph "virtually admitted" that the Mormons were responsible for the looting and burning. History of the Church 3:316, 378; John Whitmer, "History of the Church"
232 Sidney Rigdon threatened anyone who was planning to leave Far West. Correspondence, Orders, etc. pp. 120-5, 134-6, 143.
234 Orson Hyde and Thomas B. Marsh admitted that the Mormons were "burning and pillaging." Correspondence, Orders, etc. pp. 57-62, 76

Chapter 17: Ordeal in Liberty Jail

Page Claim Response Use of sources
246 William Smith stated regarding his brother Joseph that he "would have hung him years ago!" History of the church 3:226-33
251-252 While in Liberty Jail, Joseph was worried that Sidney Rigdon would revive the United Order and the Danites. Danites [needs work] History of the church 3:295, 301, 303
252 Lucinda Morgan Harris claimed to have been "the prophet's mistress" at one time.

Chapter 18: Nauvoo

Page Claim Response Use of sources
257 Over the years, the stories of Josephs healings of the sick in Nauvoo multiplied.
269 Nauvoo had a brothel near the temple. Times and Seasons 2:599 (Aug. 2, 1841); Wasp 1:26 (Oct. 15, 1842)
272 Joseph's bodyguards in Nauvoo were the remnants of the Danite band. Danites [needs work]

Chapter 19: Mysteries of the Kingdom

Page Claim Response Use of sources
275 When recounting his history, Joseph's "[d]ream images came easily to him and with such intense color and luxuriant detail that he matter of accuracy or chronology was of no importance."
275 Everything in Joseph's past was reinterpreted to "enhance the glory of the present."
276 The Book of Mormon was a "secret source of worry" to Joseph, and in response he published extracts from "View of the Hebrews," "Wonders of Nature," and other books that supported the Book of Mormon's story. Book of Mormon plagiarism accusations
276 Joseph said regarding the Book of Mormon manuscript that he had "had trouble enough with this thing." The Return 2:315 (Aug. 1890)
276 Joseph Smith claimed that the word "Mormon" meant "more good." Times and Seasons 4:194 (May 15, 1843)
279 Much of the endowment ritual was borrowed from the Freemasons. Temple endowment and Freemasonry
280 Joseph rose to the "sublime degree" of Masonry within one day. Temple endowment and Freemasonry

Chapter 20: In the Quiver of the Almighty

Page Claim Response Use of sources
289 Joseph permitted the construction of a brewery in Nauvoo and allowed it to be advertised. Word of Wisdom [needs work]
289 Joseph gave some of the brethren money to purchase additional whiskey in contradiction to the Word of Wisdom. Word of Wisdom [needs work] Millenniall star 21:283.
289 Joseph was presented with a bottle of wine and he "drank it with relish." Word of Wisdom [needs work] History of the Church 5:380
289 Joseph told Robert Thompson that he should "get drunk and have a good spree" or that he would die. Word of Wisdom [needs work] Diary of Oliver Huntington 3:166
290 Joseph claimed to be able to translate a Greek psalter. Joseph Smith as a translator [needs work]
291 Joseph claimed that he translated a portion of the Kinderhook plates. Kinderhook Plates

Chapter 21: If a Man Entice a Maid

Page Claim Response Use of sources
298 The doctrine of polygamy was secretly taught but publicly denied. Joseph Smith and polygamy
299 Joseph is claimed to have published a pamplet supporting plural marriage in 1842, but then later denounced it. Udney Hay Jacob, An Israelite, and a shepherd of Israel, An Extract froma Manuscript entitled The Peacemaker, or the Doctrines of the Millennium, being a treatise on religion and jurisprudence, or a new system of religion and politicks (Nauvoo, Illinois, 1842)
299 Paul taught that there were be no marriage in heaven, but Joseph taught that this would not apply to the Saints. Joseph Smith and polygamy
300 Joseph taught that more wives in heaven meant more blessings in heaven. Joseph Smith and polygamy
302 Joseph was sealed to women who were already married. Joseph Smith and polygamy
306 Martha Brotherton claimed that Brigham Young wanted her as a plural wife. Brigham Young and polygamy St. Louis Bulletin, July 15, 1842, p. 2; Affidavits and Certificates Disproving the Statements and Affidavits Contained in John C. Bennett's Letters, August 31, 1842.

Chapter 22: The Bennett Explosion

Page Claim Response Use of sources
310 Joseph wrote a letter to Nancy Rigdon in an attempt to persuade her to become his plural wife. Joseph Smith and polygamy John C. Bennett, History of the Saints, pp. 243-5.
312 John C. Bennett claimed that Joseph threatened to deliver him to the Danites if he did not sign an affidavit stating that Joseph had not permitted him to participate in "illicit intercourse." Letter from Bennett to the Sangamo Journal, July 2, 1842, published July 15, 1842; History of the Church 5:13.
314 Bennett claimed that the Danites were present in Nauvoo. Danites [needs work]
316 Joseph proposed plural marriage to Sarah Pratt while her husband Orson was away on a mission. Joseph Smith and polygamy

Chapter 23: Into Hiding

Page Claim Response Use of sources
323 There was a rumor that Joseph had predicted that Governor's Boggs and Carlin would meet a violent death.
  • History of the Church 5:50.
328 Joseph threatened to have houses burned if tavern owners in the village of Paris did not let them stay for the night.
  • History of the Church 5:211.
331 Joseph was accused of sending Porter Rockwell to kill Lillburn Boggs.
332-333 Joseph had a bar installed in the Mansion House but removed it at Emma's insistence?
  • "Memoirs of President Joseph Smith," Saints Herald, Jan. 22, 1935, p. 110.
  • History of the Church 6:111, 429"

Chapter 24: The Wives of the Prophet

Page Claim Response Use of sources
334 The number of women sealed to Joseph Smith may have exceeded fifty. Joseph Smith and polygamy
336 At least twelve of the women sealed to Joseph were already married with living husbands. Joseph Smith and polygamy
338 "Most" of Joseph wives were married to him for time and eternity. Joseph Smith and polygamy
340 Emma selected the Partridge sisters and the Lawrence sisters are plural wives for Joseph. Joseph Smith and polygamy
342 Emma burned the revelation on plural marriage.
343 Joseph said that he would have Emma as his wife in the hereafter even if he had to "go to hell" for her.
  • B. Young, Journal of Discourses 17:159
345 There is "some evidence that Fannie Alger bore Joseph a child in Kirtland." Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Alger
345 Prescindia Huntington Buell's son Oliver may have been Joseph's son. Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Buell
345 "Legend" says that John Reed Hancock may have been Joseph's son. Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Hancock
345 The son of Mary Rollins Lightner "may as easily have been the prophet's son as that of Adam Lightner." Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Lightner
345 Mrs. Orson Hyde's sons Orson and Frank "could have been Joseph's sons." Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Hyde
345 Mrs. Parley P. Pratt's son Moroni "might also be added to this list." Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Pratt
345-346 "According to tradition," Emma beat Eliza Snow with a broomstick and caused her to fall down the stairs, resulting in a miscarrage. Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages—Snow
  • None specified.
346 "It is astonishing that evidence of other children than these has never come to light." Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages
346 Jedediah Grant "excused" Joseph's marriages to married women by stating that it was a way to "try the people of God to see what was in them."
  • Journal of Discourses 2:14
346 Perhaps Joseph "learned some primitive method of birth control" or took advantage of items such as "Portuguese Female Pills" to produce miscarriage. Joseph Smith and polygamy—Children of polygamous marriages
  • Author's conjecture—Brodie can't adequately explain why a large number of children were not produced from Joseph's other "marriages."

Chapter 25: Candidate for President

Page Claim Response Use of sources
353 Hyrum Smith claimed to receive a revelation that the Democratic candidate was to receive the Mormon vote.
354 Joseph said that God was his "right hand man."
  • History of the Church 6:71-78
355-356 Joseph "had become a law unto himself" and totally disregarded Illinois state law.
356 A council of fifty "princes" was formed to be the "highest court on earth." The Council of Fifty
356 The Council of Fifty ordained and crowned Joseph as "King of the Kingdom of God." The Council of Fifty
  • William Marks, Zion's Harbinger and Baneemy's Organ, Vol. 3 (July 1853) p. 52.
364 Joseph's presidential candidacy included a proposal to free the slaves, "in a complete reversal of his earlier stand."
365 The Book of Abraham contained "anti-Negro sentiments."
365 The Negro is denied a place in the Mormon priesthood (as of 1971 printing). Blacks and the priesthood

Chapter 26: Prelude to Destruction

Page Claim Response Use of sources
368 Joseph threatened to excommunicate weathy converts who came to Nauvoo and purchased land without his consent.
  • History of the Church 5:272-273
  • History of the Church 6:164-165
368 William Law thought that Joseph was diverting funds donated for the Nauvoo House to purchasing land to re-sell to converts.
370 Joseph said that Hell was "an agreeable place."
  • Nauvoo Expositor, June 7, 1844
370 Joseph threatened to "blow up the steamboats that did not pay" wharfage fees.
  • History of the Church 6:234, 238
373 All references to plural marriage in Joseph's journals were disguised.
  • History of the Church 6:409
374 Joseph boasted that he was the only one who had kept a while church together since the days of Adam and that "no man ever did such a work as I." Did Joseph Smith 'boast' of keeping the Church intact
  • History of the Church 6:408-412
376 Joseph admitted to William Marks that he had been "deceived" by the "spiritual wife-system," and that he would "rid the church" of the practice.
  • William Marks, Zion's Harbinger and Baneemy's Organ Vol. 3 (July 1853), pp. 52-53.
377 Joseph claimed that the revelation on polygamy concerned "former days, and had no reference to the present time."
  • Nauvoo Neighbor, June 19, 1844, Nauvoo City Council minutes; History of the Church 6:441
377 The destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor was a violation of the Constitution. Nauvoo Expositor

Chapter 27: Carthage

Page Claim Response Use of sources
381 Joseph blessed his son Joseph III to be his successor as president of the Church. Succession in the Presidency of the Church
  • Zion's Ensign, Vol. 12, No. 29, p. 5
  • Temple Lot Case, pp. 28, 180.
  • Lyman Wight, letter to the Northern Islander, Reprinted in Saints Advocate, vol 7 (September 1884).
  • John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled, p. 155.
392 Joseph sent for some wine while in Carthage Jail and "all except Hyrum sipped a little."
  • History of the Church 7:101
394 Joseph may have given the Masonic signal of distress as he leaped to the window.
  • Zina Huntington Jacobs, Latter Day Saints Biographical Encyclopaedia, Vol. 1, p. 698.

Further reading

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