Assassination of Joseph Smith – Timeline of Events

A chronological overview of all significant events around the assassination of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

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Revelations & prophecies | Official Utah LDS church narrative | Alternate events contrary to LDS narrative | Contextual events | Legal matters | Latent recollections | Edited information | other |

1831 | 1837 | 1838 | 1841 | 1842 | 1843 | 1844 | 1845 | 1846 | 1847 | 1848 | 1849 | 1850 | 1851 | 1852 | 1853 | 1854 | 1855 | 1856 | 1858 | 1859 | 1952 | 1975 | 2020

Timeline of Joseph Smith & Hyrum Smith’s assassination
1831↑ January 2 – Joseph Smith Jr. warned in a revelation that a secret combination referred to as “the secret chamber” will seeking his destruction and his life. “ and, behold, the enemy is combined. And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not… And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.” (LDS D&C 38:12-13,28)
1837↑ May 29 – Joseph Smith Jr. charged with “lying and misrepresentation—also for extortion—and for speaking disrespectfully, against his brethren behind their backs” by Orson Pratt & Lyman Johnson
1838↑ October 27 – Lilburn Boggs (Missouri governor) issues “Missouri Executive Order 44” stating “the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace—their outrages are beyond all description“
1841↑ April 20 – Brigham Young and six other members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles return from their missions in the British Isles to Nauvoo, Illinois.
July 4 (estimated) – Francis Higbee tried before the Nauvoo High Council for sexual immorality with “six or seven” women. Joseph Smith Jr., H.J. Sherwood and Joel S. Miles each testified of his sexual episodes (see Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy 1:11 for testimonies). John Taylor (editor) would later sensor the trial’s graphic testimonies: “[Here follows testimony which is too indelicate for the public eye or ear; and we would here remark, that so revolting, corrupt, and disgusting has been the conduct of most of this clique, that we feel to dread having any thing to do with the publication of their trials; we will not however offend the public eye or ear with a repetition of the foulness of their crimes any more.]” (Times and Seasons 5 [May 15, 1844]: p.538–539)
July 19 – Lyman Johnson (excommunicated former Apostle) joins a Q12 meeting. “Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Orson Pratt, and George A. Smith met at Elder Young’s house, conversing with Lyman E. Johnson, who formerly belonged to the quorum. President Rigdon and myself [Joseph] were with them part of the time” (LDS History of the Church 4:389)
November 15 – The “house of ill fame” (brothel) near the Nauvoo temple is published to have been destroyed by the Nauvoo City Council who “very judiciously ordered the building removed as a neusance [nuisance].-Some opposition to the execution of this order was exhibited, and the authorities called out a few of the military and demolished the building” (source [see p.599–600])
1842↑ January 10 – John C. Bennett writes letter to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt threatening Joseph Smith: “He [Joseph Smith] has awakened the wrong passenger… and must suffer” (Journal History, CHL, January 10, 1842; Editor’s note: Some believe 1843 is correct year)
April 10 – Joseph Smith Jr. writes in his journal that he “pronounced a curse upon all adulterers and fornicators, and unvirtuous persons and those who have made use of my name to carry on their iniquitous designs” (source)
May 6 – Lilburn W. Boggs (former governor of Missouri) is shot and injured at his house
May 7 – John C. Bennett tries to execute a premeditated assassination on Joseph Smith Jr. during a sham battle in Nauvoo. Joseph said: “if General Bennett’s true feelings toward me are not made manifest to the world in a very short time, then it may be possible that the gentle breathings of that Spirit, which whispered to me on parade that there was mischief concealed in that sham battle, were false; a short time will determine the point. Let John C. Bennett answer at the day of judgment, ‘Why did you request me to command one of the cohorts, and also to take my position without my staff, during the sham battle, on the 7th of May, 1842, where my life might have been the forfeit, and no man have known who did the deed?’” (source)
< May 11 – John C. Bennett tells William Law that Chauncey Higbee is “about to be tried… for the crime of adultery” and “go to the council and prevent [my] name from being brought forward” and seeks the help of William Law and Brigham Young to get Higbee’s charges remissed (source)
May 14 – Joseph Smith Jr. “advocated strongly the necessity of some active measures being taken to suppress houses and acts of infamy in the city; for the protection of the innocent and virtuous, and the good of public morals; showing clearly that there were certain characters in the place, who were disposed to corrupt the morals and chastity of our citizens, and that houses of infamy did exist, upon which a city ordinance concerning brothels and disorderly characters was passed, to prohibit such things” (source)
May 19 – John C. Bennett resigns from Mayor of Nauvoo, Joseph Smith Jr. becomes Nauvoo’s 2nd mayor
May 21 – Nauvoo High Council investigation. Joseph Smith Jr. states “I spent the day with the High Council of Nauvoo, investigating the case of Robert D. Foster, Chauncey L. Higbee and others” (source)
May 22 – Joseph Smith Jr. discovers a bounty on his capture for the assasination attempt on Lilburn Boggs in the Quincy Whig: “There are several rumors in circulation in regard to the horrid affair; one of which throws the crime upon the Mormons, from the fact, we suppose, that Mr. Boggs was governor at the time, and in no small degree instrumental in driving them from the state. Smith, too, the Mormon Prophet, as we understand, prophesied, a year or so ago, his death by violent means. Hence, there is plenty of foundation for rumor. The citizens of Independence had offered a reward of $500 for the murderer” (source)
May 24 – Chauncey L. Higbee “cut off from the Church by the High Council, for unchaste and unvirtuous conduct towards certain females, and for teaching it was right, if kept secret, &c. He was also put under $200 bonds to keep the peace, on my complaint against him for slander” (source)
May 24 – Joseph Smith, Jr. opens a lawsuit against Chauncey Higbee for “Slander and Defamation of Character” (State of Illinois vs. Chancy L. Higbee)
June 15 – John C. Bennett’s public notice of disfellowship published in Times and Seasons (Times and Seasons vol. 3, p.830)
June 18 – Joseph Smith Jr. “arose and spoke his mind in great plainness concerning the iniquity, hypocrisy, wickedness and corruption of General John Cook Bennett” (LDS History of the Church 5:34–35)
June 22 – John C. Bennett makes a deal with Simeon Francis (Sangamo Journal editor) in Springfield, IL to write a series of letters detailing alleged crimes of Joseph Smith, in return for a guarantee of publishing the letters in full (NY Herald, July 26, 1842, p.2)
June 22 (estimated) – John C. Bennett discovered in Springfield, IL and reported hosting a meeting with Whig party leaders, making “arrangements…to make sundry awful disclosures about the Mormons” (Illinois State Register, July 8, 1842)
June 27 – John C. Bennett writes “Letter #1” to Sangamo Journal from Nauvoo, to be published in the Sangamo Journal on July 8
July 2 – John C. Bennett writes “Letter #2” to Sangamo Journal from Carthage, IL
July 4 – John C. Bennett writes “Letter #3” to Sangamo Journal from Carthage, IL
July 8 – John C. Bennett called out publicly of trying to sway upcoming election with his 6-letter exposé: “We have no objective whatever to see Mormonism and its leaders exposed to the world. Indeed we would encourage it, if attempted with a view to do justice and develop truth, but we have no confidence in this exposition, because it is purposely designed to affect the approaching gubernatorial election. As soon as Gov. Duncan entered the field as a candidate, he labored to secure the votes of the Mormons. Not being able to succeed, he saw the necessity of some desperate stratagem to gull the people.” (Illinois Register, July 15, 1842. Vol.3, No.50)
July 13 – John C. Bennett meets with newspaper editors and seeks support in having Joseph Smith Jr. extradited to Missouri for a trial regarding Governor Lilburn Boggs’s attempted assassination (which Joseph Smith was being blamed for)
July 14 – John C. Bennett’s letters of accusation against Joseph Smith Jr. are printed and widely distributed: “thousands of copies of Bennett’s letters have been struck off at the expense of Gov. Duncan, and distributed gratuitously everywhere” (Illinois Register, July 14, 1842)
July 15 – John C. Bennett’s “Letter #2” published in Springville, IL
July 15 – John C. Bennett publishes “Letter #3” in Sangamo Journal declaring details about Joseph Smith’s bankruptcy, “seduction of several Master Masons’ wives and sisters and daughters” and stating his intentions to get Joseph Smith incarcerated “I am now going over to Missouri to have Joe [Joseph Smith] taken to justice“
July 15 – John C. Bennett writes “Letter #4” to Sangamo Journal from St. Louis, MO
July 23 – John C. Bennett writes “Letter #5” on the river steamer “Importer”
July 27 – John C. Bennett’s “Letter #5” published in The Louisville Daily Journal stating “Joe Smith designs to abolish all human laws, and establish a Theocracy“
August 1 – Hyrum Smith publishes John C. Bennett’s threats of murder against the saints of Nauvoo: “he was conspiring against the peace and safety of the citizens of this state—after learning these facts we exposed him to the public; he then immediately left the place abruptly; threatening to drink the hearts blood of many citizens of this place” (source p.872)
August 2 – John C. Bennett writes “Letter #6” to Sangamo Journal aboard a boat, containing a supposed letter from Joseph Smith to Nancy Rigdon (referred to as the “happiness letter“)
August 8 – Joseph Smith arrested for “being an accessory… to an assault with intent to kill made by one Orrin P. Rockwell on Lilburn W. Boggs” but avoided extradition and stayed in Nauvoo due to a writ of habeus corpus
August 8 – Joseph Smith goes into hiding to avoid extradition to MO for the alleged assasination plot against former Governor Boggs. Remains in hiding until January 1843
August 10 – Joseph’s journal states “The Deputy Sheriff returned but could not find Joseph. He endeavoured to alarm sister Emma & the Brethren by his threats, but could not do it they understanding the nature of the Law in that case” (source)
August 11 – Joseph Smith Jr. meets with Emma Smith and Hyrum Smith and a few other church leaders on an island in the Mississippi river to discuss church and civil affairs, while in exile
August 17 – Emma Smith visits Joseph and notifies him that his current hiding place had been compromised, due to rumors around town. Joseph moves to Carlos Granger’s home (source)
August 19 – John C. Bennett’s “letter #6” is published in the Sangamo Journal, titled “Joe Smith’s Letter to Miss Rigdon, in defense of the spiritual wife doctrine“
August 20 – Orson Pratt excommunicated for “insubordination” along with his wife Sarah Pratt for “adultery” for having sex with John C. Bennett for several months while Orson was away on a mission
August 26 – Joseph Smith tells the Twelve to prepare all affidavits for publishing and to organize a conference (Aug 29th) for the purpose of combatting false charges of polygamy and murder
August 27 – John C. Bennett writes to Joseph Boggs (brother of Lilburn) urging military involvement in extraditing Joseph Smith Jr., stating “Nothing short of an excision of the cancer of Mormonism will effect a cure of that absorbing delusion, and the strong arm of military power must perform the operation at the edge of the sword, point of the bayonet, and mouth of the cannon” (source p.151)
August 29 – 380 men volunteer to distribute 2-page leaflets of affidavits correcting John C. Bennett’s widely-circulated claims. Hyrum Smith (presiding over the conference) stated “every elder who can, should go forth to every part of the United States, and take proper documents… humbly setting forth the truth as it is, in God, and our persecutions, by which the tide of public opinion will be turned…. Every one is wanted to be ready in two or three days.” Joseph Smith, who had been in exile for several weeks, makes a surprise appearance at the end of the conference (source)
August 31 – Joseph Smith publishes 2-sided single-page leaflet called “Affidavits and Certificates Disproving Statements and Affidavits Contained in John C. Bennett’s Letters” for elders to distribute abroad (source)
September 1 – Joseph Smith writes a letter “To All the Saints in Nauvoo” telling the Saints that he is innocent of all charges against him (including polygamy and accomplice in Boggs’s murder attempt): “the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies, both in Missouri and this State, were again in the pursuit of me; and inasmuch as they pursue me without a cause, and have not the least shadow or coloring of justice or right on their side in the getting up of their prosecutions against me” (source)
September 14 – Joseph Smith files affidavit with Hancock County clerk and sues Chauncey Higbee and Francis Higbee for “a charge of slander and defamation against the character of Joseph Smith” in a case known as “The People vs. Chauncey L. Higbee” with a trial date set for October 3, 1842. Bond posted same day (source)
October 2 – News arrives at 10:00 am that Governor Carlin (IL) has offered $200 each for Joseph Smith and Orrin P. Rockwell for attempted murder of former Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs. Joseph Smith goes into hiding until January 1, 1843 (source)
October 3 – “People of Illinois vs. Chauncey L. Higbee” case at Carthage gets “disposed of” due to Joseph Smith being forced into hiding on charges of conspiracy to kill Governor Lilburn Boggs (source)
October 6 – Sidney Rigdon “had ascertained that Carlin had intentionally issued an illegal writ, expecting thereby to draw President Joseph to Carthage to get acquitted by habeas corpus before Douglas, and having men there waiting with a legal writ to serve on Joseph as soon as he was released under the other one, and bear him away to Missouri, without further ceremony” (source)
October 27 – John C. Bennett publishes “History of the Saints; or, an Exposé of Joe Smith and Mormonism.” Announcemnt published in NY Herald October 21, 1842, p.2
December 1 – Joseph Smith publicly denounces the unauthorized publication by Udney H. Jacobs’s work “The Peace Maker” (supportive of the doctine of polygamy as God’s will) and asserts his defense of people’s rights to publish freely as protected in the first amendment. Joseph stated “There was a book printed at my office, a short time since, written by Udney H. Jacobs, on marriage, without my knowledge; and had I been apprised of it, I should not have printed it; not that I am opposed to any man enjoying his privileges; but I do not wish to have my name associated with the authors, in such an unmeaning rigmarole of nonsence, folly, and trash” (source)
1843↑ January 1 – Joseph Smith returns to public from hiding
June – Joseph Smith kidnapped by Jackson County Sheriff Joseph H. Reynolds and Carthage Constable Harmon T. Wilson, disguised as “Mormon elders” and narrowly avoids being extradited to Missouri (source p.242)
October 5 – Joseph Smith’s original journal entry reads “Walked up and down the street with Scribe and gave instructions to try those who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives on this Law. Joseph forbids it and the practice thereof. No man shall have but one wife.” This journal entry was later revised twice by Willard Richards and his team of historians to condone polygamy (see all 3 versions compared)
1844↑ February 1 – Hiram Brown excommunicated for “preaching polygamy, and other false and corrupt doctrines… he is cut off from the Church, for his iniquity” with a published notice in the Times and Seasons, signed by Joseph Smith & Hyrum Smith (source)
April 18 – William Law, Jane Law, Wilson Law, Robert D. Foster and Howard Smith are excommunicated
May 3 – Dr. Richards wrote a letter, at President Brigham Young’s request to Reuben Hedlock (England) explaining William Law’s new church structure: “William and Wilson Law, Robert D. Foster, Chauncey L. and Francis Higbee, Father [Austin] Cowles, &c., have organized a new Church. (Laws and Fosters were first cut off). William Law is Prophet; James Blakesley [Blakeslee] and [Austin] Cowles, Counselors; [Francis] Higbee and [Robert] Foster of the Twelve. Cannot learn all particulars. Charles Ivins, Bishop; old Dr. Green and old John Scott, his counselors” (source)
May 3 – Parley P. Pratt writes to Joseph Smith warning him of “a snake in the grass—a base traitor and hypocrite in your midst, of whom perhaps you may not be fully aware… Mr. Augustine Spencer, brother to Elder Orson Spencer, has written a letter from Nauvoo, which is now going the rounds in this neighborhood, and is fraught with the most infamous slander and lies concerning Joseph Smith and others, and which is calculated to embitter the minds of the people who read or hear it. It affirms that Joseph Smith is in the habit of drinking, swearing, carousing, dancing all night, &c., and that he keeps six or seven young females as wives, &c., and many other such like insinuations” (source)
May 4 – William Law swears an affidavit to Robert D. Foster (later published in Nauvoo Expositor) testifying that 10 months earlier Hyrum Smith let him read a revelation from Joseph Smith that “authorized certain men to have more wives than one at a time, in this world and in the world to come. It said this was the law, and commanded Joseph to enter into the law.-And also that he should administer to others. Several other items were in the revelation, supporting the above doctrines.” (source)
May 4 – Jane Law swears an affidavit to Robert D. Foster (later published in Nauvoo Expositor) testifying 10 months earlier that the revelation shown to her and her husband by Hyrum Smith “sustained in strong terms the doctrine of more wives that one at a time, in this world, and in the next, it authorized some to have to the number of ten, and set forth that those women who would not allow their husbands to have more wives than one should be under condemnation before God” (source)
May 4 – Austin Cowles swears an affidavit to Robert D. Foster (later published in Nauvoo Expositor) testifying that 10 months earlier a revelation was read to the High Council by Hyrum Smith that “contained the following doctrines; lst the sealing up of persons to eternal life, against all sins, save that of sheding innocent blood or of consenting thereto; 2nd, the doctrine of a plurality of wives, or marrying virgins; that ‘David and Solomon had many wives, yet in this they sinned not save in the matter of Uriah.’ This revelation with other evidence, that the aforesaid heresies were taught and practiced in the Church” (source)
May 8 – The Warsaw Signal publishes “A new Church has been organized and we understand that a press will soon be procured, and a paper started which will be devoted to the building up of the cause of the seceders, and to an exposition of Joe Smith’s enormities and malpractices.—The creed of the new Church, differs but little from the old—they acknowledge the authority, of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, &c; the only essential difference being in relation to the inspiration of Joe Smith. The seceders believe that Joe was a prophet, but that he is now fallen from grace. They have a new prophet therefore, who is William Law” (source)
May 8 – Joseph Smith and 8 others (Brigham Young, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, Orrin Porter Rockwell, Cyrus H. Wheelock, Joel S. Miles, Henry G. Sherwood, Heber C. Kimball) testify against the character of Francis Higbee. Joseph Smith states “The only sin I ever committed was in exercising sympathy and covering up their [the Higbees’, Fosters’, Laws’ and Dr. Bennett’s] iniquities, on their solemn promise to reform, and of this I am ashamed, and will never do so again“(source)
May 15 – Nine affidavits published in Times and Seasons, detailing Francis Higbee’s character, history of sexual crimes, promiscuous victims and his intent behind slandering Joseph Smith (source)
May 15 – A. B. Williams’ affidavit is published in teh Times & Seasons, stating: “Joseph H. Jackson said that Doctor (Robert) Foster, Chauncy Higbee and the Laws were red-hot for a conspiracy, and he should not be surprised if in two weeks there should be not one of the Smith family left in Nauvoo” (Times and Seasons 5:541, May 15, 1844) May 18 – Francis M. Higbee, Austin Cowles, Charles Ivins and James Blakesley excommunicated from church by the high council for apostasy (source)
May 23 – Joseph Smith states “My brother Hyrum called in the evening, and cautioned me against speaking so freely about my enemies, &c., in such a manner as to make it actionable. I told him that six months would not roll over his head before they would swear twelve as palpable lies about him as they had about me” (source)
May 25 – Indictments arrive in Nauvoo against Joseph Smith (originated by William Law) for practicing polygamy. Joseph Smith states “At home, keeping out of the way of the expected writs from Carthage. Towards evening, Edward Hunter and William Marks, of the grand jury returned from Carthage; also Marshal John P. Greene and Almon W. Babbitt, who informed me there were two indictments found against me, one charging me with false swearing on the testimony of Joseph H. Jackson and Robert D. Foster, and one charging me with polygamy, or something else, on the testimony of William Law, that I had told him so!” (source)
May 26 – Joseph Smith declares innocence of adultery, polygamy and spiritual wifery in front of 3,000+ people: “I had not been married scarcely five minutes, and made one proclamation of the Gospel, before it was reported that I had seven wives…. I am innocent of all these charges…. This new holy prophet [William Law] has gone to Carthage and swore that I had told him that I was guilty of adultery. This spiritual wifeism! Why, a man dares not speak or wink, for fear of being accused of this… What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one. I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago; and I can prove them all perjurers. I labored with these apostates myself until I was out of all manner of patience; and then I sent my brother Hyrum, whom they virtually kicked out of doors” (source p.410-411)
May 27 – Joseph Smith voluntarily travels to Carthage to allow for his indictments of polygamy and false testimony to be publicly scrutinized, a course of action unthinkable for someone who was guilty. He stated: “I started on horseback with a few friends, went by the Temple, and purchased my course towards Carthage, thinking it best for me to meet my enemies before the Circuit Court, and have the indictments against me investigated” (source)
May 27 – Joseph Smith learns of a plot to kill him on this day, as he went to Carthage: “It was afterwards reported to me by James Flack that Robert D. Foster, Charles A. Foster, Wm. B. Rollinson, and the Higbees were on the hill when I passed in the morning. They immediately gathered their pistols, mounted their horses, and were in Carthage before me, excepting Charles A. Foster. Also Mr. Powers was talking with Mr. Davies, a tailor, about my going to Carthage, and said they would attempt to kill Joseph Smith. Mr. Davies replied, ‘O no, I think not.’ Mr. Powers rejoined, ‘They will, by G—; and you know it, by G—‘” (source)
May 29 – John Taylor publishes in the “The Nauvoo Neighbor” for the first time confidential testimonies against John C. Bennett, Chauncey Higbee and Francis Higbee from the May 1842 Nauvoo High Council trials stating: “We have abundance of like testimony on hand, which may be forth coming if we are compelled, at present the foregoing may suffice. Why have you not published this before?—We answer, on account of the humility and entreaties of [Chauncey] Higbee, at the time,—and on account of the feelings of his parents, who are highly respectable,—we have forborne until now. The character of C. L. Higbee, is so infamous, and his exertions such as to destroy every principle of righteousness, that fo[r]bearance is no longer a virtue” (source)
June 1 – William Marks has a vision of the disorganization and reorganization of the church, which had become currupted due to apostasy, and publishes it 15 years later: “I had a very good opportunity to know the affairs of the church; and my convictions at that time were, that the church in a great measure had departed from the pure principles and doctrines of Jesus Christ. I felt much troubled in mind about the condition of the church. I prayed earnestly to my heavenly Father to show me something in regard to it, when I was wrapped in vision, and it was shown me by the Spirit that the top or branches had overcome the root, in sin and wickedness, and the only way to cleanse and purify it was to disorganize it and in due time the Lord would reorganize it again” (source)
June 2 – Joseph Smith’s friend (aliased as “Horace”) writes a letter and warns Joseph “there is a project on foot here to visit Nauvoo with a body of from five to six hundred armed men… I, as a friend to your society, consider it my duty to make you aware of the danger you may be in, that you may be prepared to meet them. I think it best to keep my name from you, for were it known here that I had given notice of their proceedings, it would not be safe for me to remain. Do not think it a humbug, and treat it lightly; but prepare yourselves for the coming storm” (source)
June 7 – Nauvoo Expositor published by William Law, Wilson Law, Charles Ivins, Francis Higbee, Chauncey Higbee, Robert Foster, Charles Foster, imploring saints to join “Reformed Mormon Church” (source)
June 8 – Nauvoo City Council reported to have met for 6 hours discussing the Nauvoo Expositor: “From 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. in City Council; also from 3 to 6:30 P.M. The subject the Nauvoo Expositor was taken under consideration. An ordinance was passed concerning the City Attorney and his duties” (source)
June 10 – Nauvoo City Council meets to discuss Nauvoo Expositor: “I was in the City Council from 10 A.M., to 1:20 P.M., and from 2:20 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. investigating the merits of the Nauvoo Expositor, and also the conduct of the Laws, Higbees, Fosters, and others, who have formed a conspiracy for the purpose of destroying my life, and scattering the Saints or driving them from the state” (source)
June 10 – Joseph Smith testifies to Nauvoo City Council of possible assasination attempt by Dr. Robert Foster: “Mayor said the first thing that occurred when he stepped into the Hall with Foster, he saw something shin[in]g below his vest,— Mayor put his finger on it, and said what is that, Foster replied it is my pistol and immediately took out the pistol and showed it fairly & openly,— & wanted Mayor to go with him alone, Mayor said he would not go alone.” (source)
June 10 – Thomas Bullock later records in the Nauvoo Council “Rough” Minute Book for this day: “The Printing Establishment of the ‘Nauvoo Expositor’, was declared a nuisance, and ordered to be removed by the Mayor.” (source)
June 22 9:00 p.m. – George A. Smith summarizes 10 years later (in 1854), from Salt Lake City: “About 9 p.m. Hyrum came out of the Mansion and gave his hand to Reynolds Cahoon, at the same time saying, ‘A company of men are seeking to kill my brother Joseph, and the Lord has warned him to flee to the Rocky Mountains to save his life.'” (HC 6:547)
June 23 “at sunrise” – George A. Smith writes 10 years later (in 1854), from Salt Lake City: “At daybreak arrived on the Iowa side of the river. Sent Orrin P. Rockwell back to Nauvoo with instructions to return the next night with horses for Joseph and Hyrum, pass them over the river in the night secretly, and be ready to start for the Great Basin in the Rocky Mountains.” (HC 6:548)
June 23 “early” – History of the Church records: “Early in the morning a posse arrived in Nauvoo to arrest Joseph, but as they did not find him, they started back to Carthage immediately, leaving one man of the name of Yates behind them, who said to one of the brethren that Governor Ford designed that if Joseph and Hyrum were not given up, he would send his troops and guard the city until they were found, if it took three years to do it.” (HC 6:548)
June 23 1:00 p.m. – History of the Church records that Emma sent a letter via Porter Rockwell and Reynolds Cahoon to Joseph, begging him to return and surrender.
June 23 1:00 p.m. – Church History records in 1854 a detailed conversation in a room wherein Willard Richards was packaging flour on the floor at the time (instead of writing as a scribe): “Reynolds Cahoon, Lorenzo D. Wasson and Hiram Kimball accused Joseph of cowardice for wishing to leave the people, adding that their prop­erty would be destroyed, and they left without house or home. Like the fable, when the wolves came the shep­herd ran from the flock, and left the sheep to be devoured. To which Joseph replied, ‘If my life is of no value to my friends it is of none to myself.’ … Joseph then turned to Hyrum, who was talking with Cahoon, and said, ‘Brother Hyrum, you are the oldest, what shall we do!’ Hyrum said, ‘Let us go back and give ourselves up, and see the thing out.’ After studying a few moments, Joseph said, ‘If you go back I will go with you, but we shall be butch­ered.’ Hyrum said, ‘No, no; let us go back and put our trust in God, and we shall not be harmed. The Lord is in it. If we live or have to die, we will be reconciled to our fate.'” (HC 6:548)
June 23 – Katherine Smith Salisbury (Joseph & Hyrum’s sister) stated that Joseph indicated that members of the Twelve would be responsible for his death, according to Joseph’s June 23, 1844 address. Katherine retold the events 50 years later: “I was in Nauvoo a few days before my brothers were brought to Carthage, where they met their death. I shall never forget that Saturday, June 23, 1844, when I last saw my brothers alive. I heard Brother Joseph’s last sermon, delivered to a great audience in Nauvoo — the largest crowd I have ever seen — in the open air, for no house would hold the people. I might say that it was more in the nature of a prophecy than a sermon, or rather its conclusion was, for as he finished he turned [and] stood facing some of the high priests and Elders sitting there — church dignitaries who were seated on the platform behind him and told them that there was seated on the speaker’s stand beside him those who were conspiring to deliver him up to the enemy… to take his life, and who would be responsible for his death. [He said] ‘There are those among you who will betray me soon; in fact, you have plotted to deliver me up to the enemy to be slain.’ The truth of this prophecy is of history. He was betrayed, and by his own alleged best friends. These same fellows attempted to assume the reigns of the church at his death.” (Katherine Smith Salisbury, I. G. Davidson interview, May, 1894; published in Carthage Republican, Quincy Whig & Salt Lake Tribune)
June 25 (estimated) – William Marks writes 15 years later that Joseph smith “had desired for a long time to have a talk with me on the subject of polygamy. He said it eventually would prove the overthrow of the church, and we should soon be obliged to leave the United States, unless it could be speedily put down. He was satisfied that it was a cursed doctrine, and that there must be every exertion made to put it down. He said that he would go before the Congregation and proclaim against it, and I must go into the High Council, and he would prefer charges against those in transgression, and I must sever them from the church, unless they made ample satisfaction. There was much more said, but this was the substance. The mob commenced to gather about Carthage in a few days after, therefore there was nothing done concerning it” (source)
June 25 8:00 a.m. – Joseph Smith arrested by Constable David Bettisworth with the following writ: “Whereas complaint has been made before me, one of the justices of the peace in and for said county aforesaid, upon the oath of Augustine Spencer, that Joseph Smith, late of the county aforesaid, did, on or about the nineteenth day of June. A. D. 1844, at the county and state aforesaid, commit the crime of treason against the government and people of the State of Illinois aforesaid. These are therefore to command you to take the said Joseph Smith if he be found in your county, or if he shall have fled, that you pursue after the said Smith into another county within this state, and take and safely keep the said Joseph Smith, so that you have his body forthwith before me to answer the said complaint and be further dealt with accord­ing to law. [Seal] Given under my hand and sea1 this 24th day of June, A,D. 1844. R. F. SMITH, J. P.” (HC 6:549)
June 27 – Brigham Young said to have been traveling on the east coast this day, campaigning for Joseph Smith’s presidency
June 27 – Brigham Young reported to have been seen in Nauvoo this day by a witness, threatening the man “to be silent about having seen him” (source)
June 27 – Joseph Smith & Hyrum Smith assassinated at Carthage Jail, IL. Willard Richards and John Taylor are the only witnesses present
July 30 – Samuel Smith is killed, after being given medicine by Hosea Stout, Nauvoo’s Chief of Police (with no formal medical training). William Smith and Samuel’s own daughter both accused Hosea Stout of poisoning Samuel Smith by the orders of Brigham Young and Willard Richards. Samuel was a significant contender expected to be the next President of the church, with the support of many in Nauvoo. (source)
September 8 – Sidney Rigdon excommunicated in a public trial held by the Quorum of the Twelve at the Grove in Nauvoo. He returns to Pittsburgh immediately after (source)
October 12 – Sidney Rigdon publishes the minutes of a Conference held in Pittsburgh on this date stating: “Resolved, that in consequence of the most flagrant violation of the original, or true principles and order of the church, by the Twelve and their abettors… tyranizing over those who will not sanction their works of darkness, and many other like things, for which we regard them as apostates, and men fallen from the true order of the church, into a state of wickedness and corruption; therefore, we hold no fellowship with them” (source)
Fall – John Taylor publishes 1844 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants, adding 8 new sections, including 135 (which he wrote, regarding the assasination of Joseph Smith) (source)
1845↑ March 16 – William Marks (Nauvoo Stake President) reported to have fled Nauvoo, and the event is recorded as him leaving without threat, as well as an seemingly unnecesary and irrelevant slander on his character. Brigham Young writes: “Brother Wm. Marks has gone without being ‘whittled’ out. He would hire a man for twenty-five cents a day and would make a man work two days in the harvest field for one bushel of wheat, which is one of the most low, dishonest, mean things a person can do” (source)
March 22 – Brigham Young writes that the General Council met to discuss strategy for revising Church History: “I attended the General Council. The subject of the western mission was considered and occupied the most of the day: the Nauvoo House, Printing Office, Church History and organization of the city were also matters of consideration” (source)
March 24 – Brigham Young sets up system of surveillance in Nauvoo, using deacons as the eyes and ears of Nauvoo under the guise of priesthood responsibility: “We ordained bishops who were directed to set apart deacons in their wards to attend to all things needful and especially to watch… we deemed it prudent to organize the priesthood more strictly that the peace and good order hitherto sustained by the city might still be preserved” (source)
April 1 – Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith begin rewriting Joseph Smith’s history. Brigham Young records in his journal this day: “I commenced revising the history of Joseph Smith at Brother Richard’s office: Elder Heber C. Kimball and George A. Smith were with me. President Joseph Smith had corrected forty-two pages before his massacre. It afforded us great satisfaction to hear Brother [Willard] Richards read the history of the infancy of the church. Adjourned at eleven p.m. having read one hundred and forty pages in Book ‘A’” (source)
April 2 – Brigham Young writes “Engaged at Elder [Willard] Richards’ office with Elders [Heber C.] Kimball and [George A.] Smith revising Church History” (source)
August 17 – William Smith openly teaches the saints that the Twelve were secretly practicing polygamy without knowledge of Joseph, and acknowledges that it was done in what’s called “the secret chamber.” There are 2 versions of his speech:
1) George Watt’s journal: “if a sister gives me her hand upon the spiritual wife system… i will not be ashamed of her before the public. That [which] I do in the secret chamber I would do in the broad daylight” (George Watt journal, Aug 17, 1845)
2) William Clayton’s journal: “…At the stand to day Wm. Smith preached to the saints ‘the first chapter of the gospel according to St Wm’ as he termed it. It was just a full declaration of his belief in the doctrine of a plurality of wives &c. The people appeared disgusted and many left the ground. His object was evidently to raise an influence against the Twelve especially Brigham and Heber for he intimated in strong terms that they were practicing such things in secret but he was not afraid to do it openly.” (William Clayton’s journal, Aug 17, 1845)
1846↑
1847↑ July 24 – First company of Brigham Young’s followers arrive in the Salt Lake valley
1856↑ Unknown – “History of Joseph Smith” completed by George A. Smith, with Willard Richards as primary editor from 1841-1854, and George A. Smith from 1854-1856, and presented to Brigham Young for final revision and approval
1858↑ Unknown – “History of Joseph Smith” first published, under the direction of Brigham Young with Willard Richards as primary editor from 1841-1854, and George A. Smith from 1854-1856. Originally completed by George A. Smith in 1856, but published 2 years later in 1858 after Brigham Young read the entire work and made some final revisions. This volume would later be revised again and called “History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” beginning in 1902 (source)
1859↑ October 23 – William Marks writes and publishes the conversations he had with Joseph Smith in the weeks prior to his martyrdom, regarding the apostasy of the church, it’s upcoming disorganization and reorganization and the impending excommunication of many members of the Twelve who were then teaching and practicing polygamy (source)
1952↑ November 15 – James Arthur Armstrong swears an affidavit stating that in the summer of 1908 (44 years earlier) he heard William Law’s sister state that William Law was willing to confess that he fired the shot that killed Joseph Smith. He stated: “She stated that she had promised her brother William that she would contact some of the missionaries odr some of the church authorities and make a confession for him to the effect that he, William Law, fired the shot that killed the Prophet Joseph Smith at the Carthage Jail at Carthage, Illinois.”(source)
1975↑ Unknown – Dallin H. Oaks and Marvin S. Hill publish the book entitled “Carthage Conspiracy: The Trial of the Accused Assassins of Joseph Smith” (source)
2020↑ February 12 – “Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days” volume 2 (subtitled “No Unhallowed Hand: 1846–1893”) is published, as a 3rd major rewrite of church history into story form, and distributed as a softcover novel and audio series. The story changes from John Taylor’s watch being shot to his watch being crushed as he fell against the window sill: “A musket ball flew across the room and struck him in the leg, tipping him off balance. His body went numb and he crashed against the windowsill, smashing his pocket watch at sixteen minutes past five o’clock.” (source, story)

This page is mostly complete, but still in the process of being updated. If anything is missing or incorrect, please let me know.