Mormonism and Illinois History Origins of Mormonism Joseph

Mormonism and Illinois History

Origins of Mormonism • Joseph Smith (b. 1805) – Prophet • • Western New York Experiences visions Told of Golden Tablets Translates tablets into The Book of Mormon Joseph Smith (1805 -1844)

What is Mormonism? • • • Belief in Bible in addition to Book of Mormon Jesus’ dealings in the New World Practice polygamy Oppose Slavery All excess money goes to Church Abstaining from: – Alcohol, Tobacco, Caffeine Use

Tribulations • Searching for an area to fully establish their new religion • Kirtland, Ohio • Jackson County, Missouri – Violence • On to Illinois, 1839.

Illinois • Purchase a small town • Rename it Nauvoo – “The City Beautiful” • Granted powerful charter • Nauvoo Legion – 2 nd Largest Army in US • 12, 000 pop. by 1845

Hostility in Nauvoo • Non-Mormons in the area begin fearing Joseph Smith and his Church – Political Power – Large Army – Cultural differences • Saints begin questioning Smith as well. – Too power hungry

“were a set of unprincipled men, lawless, debouchees, counterfeiters, Bogus Makers, gamblers, peace disturbers, and that the grand object of said proprietors was to destroy our constitutional rights and chartered privileges; to overthrow all good and wholesome regulations in society; to strengthen themselves against the municipality; to fortify themselves against the church of which I am a member, and destroy all our religious rights and privileges, by libels, slanders, falsehoods, perjury & sticking at no corruption to accomplish their hellish purposes. and that said paper of itself was libelous of the deepest dye, and very injurious as a vehicle of defamation, —tending to corrupt the morals, and disturb the peace, tranquility and happiness of the whole community, and especially that of Nauvoo” -Joseph Smith (on the Nauvoo Expositor)

• 1844. Smith orders destruction of Nauvoo Expositor press. • Joseph Smith and his brother are jailed for the destruction of property • While in jail, both are killed by a mob • Brigham Young takes his followers to the Salt Lake Basin