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Oliver H. Olney (1800-aft.1845) Absurdities of Mormonism (Warsaw: Thomas Sharp ?, 1843) |
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Spiritual Wifery (1845) | Times & Seasons (Apr. 1842) | Sangamo Journal (Sept. 1842)
Sangamo Journal (Oct. 1842) | Times & Seasons (Feb. 1843) | The Portrait (1874)
Note: For excerpts from Spiritual Wifery see 1845 Warsaw Signal and Sangamo Journal
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THE ABSURDITIES OF MORMONISM PORTRAYED A BRIEF SKETCH BY OLIVER H. OLNEY. HANCOCK CO., ILLINOIS. March 3d, 1843. |
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The doings and movements of the Church of Latterday Saints has been a theme of things long dwelt upon -- that many [have --- ---], to hear and see the moves of and about [-----]. Many have spent much time in writing and publishing of their fruits, but as yet, I have not seen an impartial account of [them] that has been published. With the best of feelings, I [commenced about[ one year agoto write of their doings that occurred daily -- that I did, until a short time since, that was taken from my [custody] in my absence, that I have not yet obtained. Now to [answer] my [own feelings], and do the Latterday Saints justice, and the [people at large], I commence anew, with the best of feelings, [as I -----] of writing more than the truth to come short of it. Not [but --- ----] them; as the old saying is "I know them like a book." And convenience to write, [I so did] unriddle a [secrecy?] of doings Of the Church if Latter day Saints. But to give a full history of them, Would be labor spent in vain [---- ---] It is barely the out skirts on which I [----- ---] By and by I will write again. In the spring of 1831, I became acquainted with the Church then called Mormons, now Latter Day Saints, and their principles; I united with them believing them to be a good people of God, living to serve in accordance with the Bible of the Old and New Testaments that I considered a standard for man to [live by]. I was familiar with their doings and often [--- ----] much that I knew was not right, but laid it to the weakness of man, saying he is fallable and liable to err, that allowances must be [made]. [Thus I ---- pushed] away that much was said and done, that had to be [noticed] by discerning minds. I moved in accordance with the [---- ----] it my duty to be in accordance with the Church, as I with [---- ----- ---- ]. As this was a principle of faith [I took] the liberty to keep a record of their doings, that I still have [in ---- ---- ; but of their ----] doings of late, is what they took from me [with dates ----- ---] &c. that I had designed for publication of about [130] pages. 4 I shall first speak of the doings in Kirtland, Ohio. [That --- it] a stake of Zion, in the borders of the East; that was to be an important fathering place for the Churches. Also Jackson County in Missouri, was to be a place of note, for the gathering of the Latter Day Saints, that a City should be reared in honor of God by the Latter Day Saints, that the nations of the earth should flock to it with their valuables, that would eventually become a light to the world. Also twelve Stakes of Zion on its borders that was to be reared by the Latter Day Saints, in the due time of the Lord, as the way opened it for them to perform. As Kirtland was the first Stake to be reared as an ensign to the nations of the Earth, many came together and commenced to build. All moved speedily. Lots of small dimensions soon raised in price, from fifty to two thousands dollars a lot. Farms in the suburbs of the city soon raised, from ten and fifteen dollars per acre to one hundred and fifty in some cases. All moved fast; all were in business. Yet money was scarce. That, almost to a man, they wanted to borrow. And property was continually raising in and around the city of Zion. They at last decided that a city could not prosper without a [currency] of its own. They of the Church soon met by hundreds, and subscribed to a bank. Capital stock was called for, the books were opened, capitalists came forward and showed their good will to establish a Bank, as it was said to be a Revelation from God to do it. They signed from one thousand dollars cash to five thousand dollars. There was no lack of capital to start on. The instalments were soon called in, but those that signed the least, I think, in the most of cases, payed in the most stock. No time was lost to start a currency. Money was soon so plenty that hardly a man but what had a bag full of bills of the Kirtland Safety Funds to do business. Every thing seemed to move with life and animation. Hardly a man but what had credit to get of their currency. Pedlars went in every direction to change and put off as chances should occur. But to their surprise, they were soon sounded. That did many surprise, as their Bank was said to be established by a Revelation from God. Many contended that it could not be put down by man. They soon formed a union with the Monroe Bank of Michigan Territory. That added to their circulation of currency/ But their God soon failed them, it seems, and their currency went down and Monroe currency did but just go it. As Pedlars went to and fro from the Bank, In connection with business men, From different parts of the land, They [soon] see themselves in difficulty. As gold and silver began to be scarce, They got hold of a quantity of boxes, And nearly filled them with sand, Lead, old iron, stone, and combustibles, 5 And covered it up with clean coin. That darkened the deception beneath, That showed they were not to be run, By the men of the world. But the skim on the top soon disappeared. And the currency, city lots, and farms, All went down to their value. As thousands on thousands of dollars Had been paid out for lands, That had made payments but in part, Their lands went back to satisfy a security bond, To those of whom they had bought. At the same time in the city of New York [many] had been credited for goods, to a large amount. Also in other business places; and so many demands about [home] that it was with the greatest difficulty that they got so as to clear out and go to Missouri, from Ohio. At the rise or start of the Church in Kirtland, a company went to Jackson county, Missouri, there settled to make ready a city that, of it much was said. But their stay there was but short, as trouble soon arose; that the people of Jackson county arose and threw them out. They mostly went into Clay county, staid there a short time, dissatisfaction arose, that an armed force arose from Kirtland, Ohio, of some hundreds to go up and settle the difficulty. Many of them died of the Cholera, and otherwise, but nobody killed. It appears that they had their labor for their pains. Many that went up on this occasion in the heat of the summer, to make all straight, were called to return to the mother dust. Difficulties soon arose in Clay county; that the Mormons were again crowded, that they went into [Caldwell] and Davis counties, in Missouri, and made settlements in both counties. They continued there until the summer of 1836, when they were joined by those that had started from Ohio. Of the doings of those in Mo., and why they were driven, I do not pretend to say, as all I know is by hearsay. But those from Kirtland, Ohio, of which I have spoken, seemed to have many besetments that attended them. An unlawful intercourse amongst the two sexes existed, of which testimony plainly spoke. Also an introduction of principles that would lead to bad morals; such as Polygamy, [breathed that] would [soon] be, that the ancient order of God that was formerly, would again have its round, as it was in the days of old Solomon and David. -- They had wives and concubines in abundance, as many as they could support. The secret whispering was, that the [same] will eventually be again. Many arrived at Mo., after a long and tedious journey of about eight hundred miles, and many died on their journey. Much excitement existed between the people of Missouri and the Mormons, that seemed daily to gain. All parties seemed to be engaged: armed forces made their appearance. That caused much excitement. 6 Threats arose on both sides, until Gov. Bogs of Mo. issued orders to clear the State of them, or exterminate them. The militia were soon called in; the Mormons were forced to submit to them, and agree to leave the State in the course of the winter and spring of 1839. Several skirmishes occurred. Many more were killed on both sides than was made public by either party. I was not in any engagement, but stood as guard with the Mormons, as I moved in accordance with them in Kirtland, and went with them to Missouri. They as a people removed to Illinois, left as they agreed, and settled in different parts of the State. They held a council, appointed agents to locate a place at which they might assemble together again. They soon made a purchase at Commerce, Hancock county, Ill., and bought land, or agreed for it, on both sides of the Mississippi river. They soon began a new settlement on both sides of the Mississippi river. They soon changed the name of Commerce to Nauvoo, and established it a Stake of Zion, to be reared up in honor of God, (as was the former Stakes,) thet he might have a resting place for his foot, and where to lay his head. Land was purchased in both large and small quantities, on both sides of the river. Many soon got homes or places to make them. This, as was Kirtland, was to become a light to the world. Thousands have been, and are flocking to the new State of Zion, that when war, pestilence and famine shall spread over the land with its ravages, they can have a home to shield themselves from the storms. It is to be an ensign to the nations of the earth; a light shining in a dark place. As they say, we are the only people of God on the earth -- we stand as his agents to officiate for the human family; as they say, We as a people are the chosen of God, We daily have his word to cheer us up, Although persecution on us does rule, That we suffer from all classes of men, But we, like the ancients it must bare, And add to our works perseverance, And press our way through. As the way is opening, no one can doubt, As God has again delivered from oppression, That bpeace and plenty now is the theme, And no one to harm us, or make afraid. After many had gathered to Nauvoo, they commenced to mark off city lots, and sell, until they finall got Nauvoo chartered, that they could form their own laws, and do more to their liking, they said, to form laws to suit their convenience as a city of Zion. They have raised a military force of all ages, that stands as minute men armed and equiped, in and about the city of Nauvoo. They have lands to dispose of at all prices and parcels, in and out of the city. -- 7 They are also ready to attend to all calls on their part, in and out of their city, to farms, lots &c. But when they get there, What do they find but men to salute them In the name of the Lord! The first thing is to know How much they possess, And what they have a mind to do, That opens a door to handle them as they please. That to them they can sell, buy or borrow, And strip them as they see fit. Such men are many, always on hand, That they know every man's ability to do. From five hundred to two thousand dollars Is the common price of their lots. That is an exorbitant price In a new settled country as is Nauvoo; But as they have "thus saith the Lord," No man dares doubt, but give their price. Again, their daily trainings speak aloud Of something more than to answer the law. The weapons they have, speak loud to me, In connection with their words, That they intend to stand in all cases, In self defence and contend for their rights, If oppressed, as they have heretofore been, By the inhabitants of the land. DANITEISM. In Missouri was formed a society of Danites, as men of power, to do as thought best by the leading ones of the L. D. Saints, that say to have power with God.They stand as minute men on all occasions, ready to fulfill the word of those that stand in high authority in the Church. Much has been said of this company in Missouri and in Illinois. But they have within the past year joined the Freemasons. Their name is changed. They unite with the Lodge free of expense. They now claim the name of Masons; but are a band bound to the Danite principles as before. In connection with the addition of Free Masonry, their oaths are to be true to one another; also to the Authorities of the church; suffer no one to speak reproachfully of them; to be as minute men to fulfil their word; not to let their left hand know what their right hand does. That is to say, keep their doings to themselves in all cases, except to give a history of their doings to their leaders. Here we get hold of a company cut and dried for any thing that comes to hand. They quote the case of Ananias and Sophyra. -- That were killed by Peter's chosen men, because they did not 8 give up their property, or lie about it. Also of Moses killing the Egyptian, and burying him in the sand. Thus they take lenity, as they say like the Apostle Peter, we hold the keys of the kingdom of God. Our rights are not limited. -- The destiny of the wicked is in our hands. That we can do by them as seemeth us good. A part of this band stands as a life-guard to the leaders of the church of L. D. Saints. The above company is a'raising, That no one can doubt, to put into subjection All that does them oppose; In an oath they are bound, And a penalty annex'd. To well do their duty, if it is to take life, They in all cases are called, To defend each other at law, This company is spoken of, Under different heads, But mostly as the daughter of Zion. The above company I was familiar with in Missouri, also have been here, as many of them have supposed me to be one of the band, that they have been free with me. But I never united with them. I look upon them as a combined company, gaining fast. They to strengthen themselves in faith and doings, quote the prophecies of the prophet Daniel 2:44, that speaks of the stone cut from the mountain without hand, that was to move until it filled the whole earth. They say to be this branch a'raising, as is spoken of in Isaiah 11:1. RE-BAPTISM. There is another order of things arising, or has arisen, that speaks loud to me of degraded minds; that is if a person or persons have been in any kind of iniquity, if ever so bad, they have a remedy for it, by being baptised over anew. For remission of sins, this principle is instilled into the minds of all that moves with them, or that comes under their watchful care.Since first introduced, it has been a caution to see the river foam with them on Sundays after meeting in warm pleasant days. Again, if we allow testimony to speak, it would make the heathen blush too bad to write, much more to talk or read. Yes, those that profess to be the chosen of God, that claim to have power to say, thus saith the Lord, have seduced and abused females, that many have to bear the stain of fornication and adultery. In speaking of the above doings, it has often caused me to say, Where is there another such a people On all the face of the earth. From their own mouths we learn, 9 Of both male and female, That an unlawful intimacy Has existed for a number of years; But for eighteen months past, No one can doubt, of the unwise moves That has existed between the two sexes, That have lived in and about the city of Navoo. Yet we see many that have no minds of their own, And would suffer their wives and daughters To be abused under their nose And not know it, or think it no harm. I look at many such in the city of Nauvoo, That would think it an honor to them For some of their kin to be intimate, With some of the chosen ones, If they have "thus saith the Lord" for it, There is no more to say, But Zion prospereth, all is well. EQUALITY. I must, to do justice to the Latter Day Saints, yet touch on many subjects, that occur to my mind. As equality at the rise of the Church, was the theme, all as one must ariseand be equal. The strong bear the infirmities of the weak. But what do we discover but big fish and little fish all mixed up together. No more equality than there is amongst the brutes of the field, all going in the name of the Lord; brother to law with brother daily, and calling one another d___d rascals; finally no bad name excepted. And on Sundays they will come together and put on their Sunday fixings (that is hypocrisy,) preach then partake of the Sacraments, and go home much edified at what has been said. For me to write all their discourses would not be in vain, But of them, I will give a sample, I am of the mind, I can touch their case. They, as leaders and teachers, take the stand, And offer some few remarks, pray and sing; Some one of note arises to speak, It can be told where he begins, And when he leaves off, As all will look at him, To catch every word as it rolls. When he gets through, it's hard to tell, What his subject was or about. They will speak of their doings, And of what must be done, And of using up different sects, And of building up in the name of the Lord. 10 Also of the priesthood that they have got, And their poor, that they must be helped, And their opposers, that they shall be damned. We find in their Sabbath devotions, All kinds of fixings that need be, To say the Latter Day Saints, Is not what they profess to be. I say they as a people are deep in the mud, Or the Bible is false in every sense of the word. POLYGAMY. I will now touch on a subject of which much has been said, that I would cheerfully pass by, but the importance of the subject forbids my doing it. Polygamy was first introduced in Kirtland, Ohio, about eight years ago. Hint after hint has been going, until we have to say, they have begun to do, as well as say. This subject has been kept in the dark, as long as it could be, as it was first said to be too strong meat for the Latter Day Saints to bear. But as some have long waited impatiently, and the plainness of the Scripture is such on the occasion, has forbid any further delay. But to risk to move ahead, I will not pretend to refer to all their scripture to prove their privileges -- only to Solomon and David, that yet have to suffer for their misdoings.Again, a dark saying arises in the name of the Lord, in the form of a pamphlet, said to be written by a man by the name of Jacobs, but published by Joseph Smith, Editor. We find that if the pamphlet was not written by the authorities of the church, it by them was revised in Jacobs name. But to come to its contents, it argues polygamy; that there is hardly a saying in the Bible but what misapply to polygamy. As much as the sayings of a noted Miller, in the wast, I have heard him lecture a number of times, I saw there was hardly a saying in the Bible but what he could apply to a winding up scenery of things of this world, in 1843. I look at the Bible as a very good book, But whether it will support polygamy, Ot Millerism, I have my doubts, But if either would sway, I with Miller would wish to go. As little fish like me, Will stand a poor chance Amongst those of high renown. The subject of polygamy, amongst the Latter Day Saints is no longer to be kept in the dark; as many are actually attached to the second living companion; and a door is fast opening on this subject, that many is arguing it to be the will of God. That in these days God designed to raise up a more righteous people on the Earth than has been for many ages past. It is argued that those of the chosen 11 of God, is to father them, instruct them, rear them up in the [nature] and admonition of the Lord. That they may have faith, knowledge and wisdom to be directed in wisdom's way. A number of [moves] have been made, to effect that order, and get it established. But nothing seemed to prevail, until they got a wise master Free Mason to come and establish a lodge amongst them. That he accordingly did, in the beginning of 1842. That a general gathering to them insued -- that they for months, took in three a day, and are a taking in yet. Also establishing lodges in the branches of the Church out. This master Mason instructed them in many good things, such as there was some few degrees of Masonry for the fair sex of the land. That such encouraged the Mormon sisters. They soon came together and formed a lodge. But altered the name, that they could be distinguished from the lodge of the men. That they called the ladies benevolent society. They often met in union, and received many instructions, in their daily moves, by the authorities of the Church, got their society organized, that much encouraged many; as all, both old and young was privileged to unite with it, by being recommended as worthy sisters, in the Church of Latter Day Saints. -- They continued their meetings from time to time, until it was made known to them, that had been regular members, that there was certain degrees of Masonry for them to receive. As I was passing over the Temple lot, It being on high ground, I looked on the flats. I there saw fixings of different sorts, Some near by, others afar off. I saw a society formed by the females, That of it, much was said. I saw their ambition was to go ahead. By being governed by the authorities of the Church. That from them they received instruction In many good things, such as some few degrees Of Free Masonry, it was their privilege to receive, To be better prepared to meet, The coming of the Son of Man. They continued their meetings, And soon formed a lodge, And decided the first degree of Masonry to receive, That was for each one to keep their secrets. They often met in union, With feelings of the best kind, And received instruction, That added much to their joy. As I got somewhat wearied in mind, At what I saw daily amongst them take place, I on a rise of ground, was catched in a drowse, 12 [-------tly and] fishermen of skill, Spread a net far into the waters, And commence to haul in. As the cords were tightened from time to time, The fish became uneasy, some flounced and flopped, But as they found themselves entangled, With cords not a few, they submitted to their lot. I soon saw the net arrive near shore, That had enclosed, fish of all sorts and sizes. I saw the fishermen that had long waited for fish, All as one put into the water, And picked out such as they liked, The rest they let go for some future haul. As I awoke from my slumbers, In May of eighteen hundred and forty-two, The interpretation came to my view. As I was still on the Temple Lot, I saw many females together meet, But to their surprise they were entangled in law, That they could not themselves. They finally seemed to become submissive to their lot, And go forward as instructed, By the authority of the Church. As the cords were tightened from time to time, That they were brought into subjection, And a rush was made for a plurality of wives. I saw difficulty that soon arose; As all pitched for the young and handsome, But to get in accordance they cast lots, And decided to make another haul. The old they let go to toll others in, That caused many to mourn, To think they had to be left. That was the second degree of Free Masonry. INEQUALITY. The Church of the L. D. Saints is a theme of things, that no deserving [sic - discerning?] mind can pass by, that is at all acquainted with them, and their doings. Yet they have united together by being baptized for [remission] of sins, a saving to serve God in accordance with the teachings of the Old and New Testaments. This at the arise of the Church was the first theme. But what do we discover but a complete change, they say the Bible is of little or no account -- they say we have a man of God to tell us what to do -- that we are not dependent on any former writings to mark our path.The say we as a people are the blest of God. Our privileges are not to be questioned. These are their arguments. That are of 13 the leaders of the Church are so combined together that [not ----] of their stamp that has gathered with them, dares lisp [-------] dissatisfaction, knowing, as all do in Nauvoo and vicinity [of their] rules. I have been not a little surprised to see men of respectability that had gathered from the Eastern States, who I know were in the habit there of speaking for themselves. But when they get to Nauvoo with their all, get settled, get established, and look about themselves, what do they find? They find they have got to be careful how they go to it. I guess I must tell a short story on the occasion. A big chunk of a Yankee from down East, New Haven county, Connecticut, that was noted for strength and good courage, by the name of Roberts; but when he got on, as is a Yankee notion, he began to find fault with something Smith said. He, by the prophet Smith, got a curse, a kick and a cuff. That he went out of the store in a way that it was a caution to see him move. He soon got over his kick and cuff; but the curse used him up, as all said he was cursed, he could not get it off, as all said they could see it in his looks and actions. He soon became the talk of the place. It made him so sick that he went home and went to bed. His friends [set] in that the Elders must be called; but they were afraid to officiate, lest it should be with them as it was with the hogs on a certain occasion, when the devils entered them, and they ran into the river and were drowned. They came and looked at him, but dare not tell the devil to depart. They advised him to send for the offended prophet Smith, and give him satisfaction, that he might condescend to remove the curse. That he soon did, and the man of power attended to his case. They all looked at him as a new creature again in their ranks. -- From that to this he has made much proficiency; he was soon made an officer in the Nauvoo Legion, ordained to the Priesthood, joined the Danites by taking their oath, and took his departure into the Eastern land. He says he thinks he can say that he knows Smith is a prophet, and the Mormons are as they say, the people of God, and that all the stories told by J. C. Bennett and others are lies. I will speak of the Elders that are called to go out to preach. They are mostly Danites, or we may say, as at the April Conference in 1842 new regulations were made to send out such as had an understanding of the order of the Church, and those out, to return to Nauvoo. They continued to move in this way until the difficulty arose with Bennett, Orson Pratt and others. Much was afloat at that time, as it was about the time of their selection for spiritual wives, that Dr. Bennett spoke much of in his publication. But, to put every thing in its place, they, as soon as Bennett had divulged much of their doings, called a company to go into all parts to clear up their characters, as they said, that had been scandalized by false reports. As I was then amongst them, I thought that the story was nothing to what was actually doing in Nauvoo. I look at the Mormon Elders sent to preach, 14 They as a Poetess compared them to a kite; As we see the kite, it raises high; But to it we find a fastened cord, As said the poetess of the latter times. By it I see she had a mind to keep the run Of the Mormon clan of big and little. As big and little is the theme Amongst those of the L. D. Saints. On them are cords that are far away. Before they start they have a charge To move in accordance with the head. As they are of the Danite Band, They by an oath are bound. For the Authorities of the Church to contend. From time to time I have heard them lie By sayings that they knew were false. As what I have written up to this time, In Nauvoo, is acted over and over again, And is known by all except the dupes. EDITORIAL DEPARTMENT. Of their Times and Seasons, and Wasp. their Editorial department, of it I must speak short, as the saying is, "a short horse is soon curried." I look at their press as under that head being short; at the same time it speaks loud of their doings as a light to the world, or a City on a hill. They speak of using up the Editors of the day, and finally defy them, as they have often done, to come in contact with them, as is a common theme amongst editors, to take a little liberty, as with lawyers, with good feelings. But they have to shun the Wasp, I think, on the same principle that a man well dressed would a skunk or a pole cat, that has but one weapon to defend itself. By it, it has almost become the king of the forest. It is thus with the L. D. Saints; they have a little, low, insignigicent, offensive weapon, that whose garments it touches, it is hard to get off. As a sample I would refer to their controversy with Thomas Sharp, editor of the Warsaw Signal.As I look at their Editorial department, It's of not much account; Yet they boast of wisdom, and that of God; 15 But I think if God is with them, He must be lost, or turned topsy-turvy, From what he anciently was. Of the Times and Seasons I now will add, It has spread far and wide, And speaks for itself. But of the Wasp, I barely will hint, It has a foundation, that no one can doubt, But it is on sand, that is turned by a wink or nod, The Wasp that flies from Zion's tower, That is there reared by men of power. But the little wasp to me does speak Of something more than to fly about, But is designed to brow beat All that do not with it move. The little Wasp that flies out and in, I think has mistook his name, As by his fixing, it must have been hatched By a bug in some low place, of some ordinary kind. Much of the Times and Seasons might be said, But I look at their papers and speak my mind. I look at them as at saplins, Where the tops have overpowered the roots, That they much lack in nourishment, For to support their growth. I again look at them, as the saying is, What the devil said when he catched a hog That he mistook instead of a sheep. At its squaling he said There is a great cry, but a little wool to be got. I again look at the insect, the wasp; Wasps are of many colors, sizes and forms, Of them we see a thing but industry, beauty, And independence; If not much love, The wasp is an insect, that often stings, When insulted, and to its business returns. But we look at the columns of the Wasp, And see the abuse toward Editor Sharp; Month after month he received their slang, When he, like a wasp, once them did sting, That caused a smarting wound; That they long cried and bawled aloud. But the little bug that flies from a shrub That has sprouted, budded, and bloomed, But has withered in bringing forth fruit.
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Miss Nancy Rigdon and Martha Brotherton. Miss Rigdon had repeated calls to visit a Mrs. Hide, until she made a visit. Soon after her arrival at Mrs. Hide's, Joseph Smith visited her; he told her that he had the word of God for her, that God had given her to him for a wife. Miss Rigdon said to him, 'you have a wife.' 'Well,' said he, 'you know the ancient order was, one man had many wives, that is again to be.' Miss Rigdon was obstinate. He then got Mrs. Hide to come in, and made use of her persuasive arguments, that she was first unbelieving in the order, but had been better informed; although she had long been acquainted with Mrs. Rigdon, but her many arguments were of no account. Mr. Smith again used his influence by more rash means, that Miss Rigdon threatened to call for help, that he let her go, but soon a letter was conveyed to her, written by some one of the clan, that argued the doctrine of Polygamy about as well as Jacob's Pamphlet, I should think, as I read it, and it contained about the same, except a few dry compliments to her. Miss Rigdon had been a member of the church with her parents, since eight or ten years old, in good standing. I have been personally acquainted with her since she was a small child, and I know that Miss Rigdon has sustained a good character at home and abroad. But what do we hear of her now, as being of the blackest dye? Yes, she is defamed by all, both high and low, of the Latter Day Saints. The sound has gone, her to oppress; Yes, Miss Rigdon now has to bear the slang, Because she did not conform To Joseph Smith's word of God; But barely a youth, she for herself spoke, And showed that she was not to be duped. Miss Martha Brotherton, a youth of about eighteen, was saluted by a member of the clan, that set themselves in the place of God and count themselves as God. Miss Brotherton, a native of England, of respectable parents, all in faith and works, united with the Latter Day Saints and removed to America, and gathered to Nauvoo under 17 the instruction of those, who, in one sense of the word, are now her destroyers. As the sound has gone both far and near, Startled by a clan of the noted ones, That Martha Brotherton is of ill fame, Yet her character was called good, Until she by them refused to be duped. Miss Martha by Eber Kimball was called To be a second companion to Brigham Young, But first was called into a large brick store; She there with men had to contend, That said to have much power with God. They were her former teachers, that had led her Far from her native land. On them she looked, on them she gazed, Being astonished at such an order of things, That Polygamy should be their theme. They called on her to them unite, and become a second companion to B. Young. Says Martha, if it is so, I have nothing to say, But give me time to think of it. All as one did then agree To give her until next day. She from them to her lodgings went, And wrote of what had transpired, Her writings I have seen, That speaks loud of hard works. This noted youth is to be extolled Foe her presence of mind, That she did not with them contend, As they had her at their command, In a large brick store. Miss Brotherton was decoyed. The above youths of which I have spoke, Have honored themselves by their doings. If others as they have marked the way, Had rejected the salutations made to them, But know they in most cases did submit, To run fast into the degrees of Free Masonry. Of Free Masonry I would not wish to speak; As of it I am not versed in its traits; But whether its traits is good or bad, It is much dishonored by the Mormon Clan. But the sound has gone for to oppress, Whether male or female, all the same; But Martha and Nancy, for themselves spoke, And showed that they was not By every villain to be duped. 18 The Editor of the Wasp John Taylor. Lest some may feel slighted, thinking they are not noticed, I will mention the name of Rev. John Taylor, a noted man for both speaking and writing &c. Not that I think he has any thing to do with the women, as he is not of that breed of dogs, but of the mongrel breed, or like a weather-cock, or a minute man; or in other words, a lacky. His hair is of a blackish brown, His eyes is grey or grizzle, nothing of him can be said, As he is of the neuter gender. He is often found on the stand, And as often a puffing and blowing, Essaying to preach or to instruct; But like the Wasp, he is wrongly named, When he is called a man of fame. As by his moves, he plainly shows That he is not of the species man, But is rather of the Apeish kind. What he does, he is mostly told, Although he is counted one of the twelve, That is as much honor as it is to edit the Bug That flies from the shrub, and throws his perfumes in and about. In speaking of the editors amongst the Mormons, I have long been acquainted with them. They say, to be ranked high in the world, men of science and arts. They also profess to be inspired of God; they say the destination of man is in their hands; that as they say, so it is; they ursurp power, and will abuse all that does not with them coincide. In speaking of their editors -- they are all editors that can write. All of the would-be priests of the different grades as they term it, a moving in solid columns, rank and file. -- That if any fellow, for any reason whatever steps aside from them, he at once has to step forward and cord with them, or with him the fat is at once in the fire. Dr. John Cook Bennett, a noted man amongst the Mormons; and he was a noted man before he joined them. I think we have reason to say that the Doctor was about as much a military man as could be found amongst the suckers. The Doctor united with the Mormons about the first of their starting in the military line -- that the Doctor arose as a head officer amongst them. They by him was often drilled -- that we had to say Mr. Bennett took an interest for the Mormons. He soon used his influence, that they obtained a City Charter, mostly through his means, that was allowed by all. He took an interest we had to say, for his new brethren. They soon, in establishing their officers in the city, placed Dr. Bennett as Mayor of the city of Nauvoo. He officiated as Mayor a long time. Again, on him was placed their priesthood, that he was called a high priest after the order of the Son of God. In a word, we must say that John C. Bennett was extolled to the highest Heavens. By the authorities 19 of the L. D. Saints, he was with them walked hand in hand. I saw him with them, and it appeared to be the most perfect union. Not a sism to lisp, except now and then some one that wanted to grow very fast, would come out on him with some old offence that had long before transpired to his joining the Church. But those that advanced such stories was soon put to silence. The Dr. moved along as did others of the first of the Church, until all of a sudden broke. That did not at all surprise me, as I saw many aspiring amongst them, that seemed to daily gain. The Doctor is well known to be a go ahead man; does not stop to tell long stories or hear them. As I learn he caused the difficulty amongst them that I spoke of in my sleep. In fact I saw that the Doctor was about as forward as any of them, when the rush was made. He too had the advantage, as you know a Doctor can say and do about as they are a mind to, and it is all a doctoring along. I saw that an uneasiness arose because of the Doctor's ability to go ahead. But things passed along as they did -- sometimes up, and often down, until Doct. Bennett had to clear out. I think the Doctor must have felt bad to leave as he did. Such prospects a head. (under construction) But I think that the Doctor did his best for the Mormons until about the time that he was forced to leave them. When he left he did as he thought his best to break them up. But he was not the man to tell of them, as by doing it he must criminate himself. In the case of Ex-Gov. Bogs being shot, Doctor Bennett was bound; he was fastened; that he could not tell the tale of it without mentioning himself in the fault. Now as for me I could not, if called upon, swear under oath, that O. P. Rockwell was hired by about fifteen or twenty of the Mormons to kill Ex-Gov. Bogs of Mo. It is by a multitude of circumstances that I know that he did it. As it was done, it went through the city as if a great prophecy had been fulfilled. Let Doctor Bennett know that it shall not hurt his character, influence, or any advantage be taken of him because of what he shall say under oath, and I think that the man would unriddle a scenery of things, as he has been through the Mormon Mill. They of the Mormons 20 well know as he left them, and commenced to divulge, there was no other way than to destroy his influence. But the truth in most cases will Bear its own weight. But as yet amongst The Mormons, it has been waived that Their doings have not come to light at all. I am a'moving as I am, and instead of being against them, in a word, I am for them. But I look at them as a man at his son, That has been where he ought not; That for it the old man raised a rod; Rod after rod he on him used, Until he found it was no use to whip. He then made a plaster and on him put, That from him arose a mist that took out all his putrifaction: But when it was gone, nothing was left But an unwholesome lump of no account. OF THE TEMPLE AND NAUVOO INN. The Temple is a building that of it much is said. As it is said to be a revelation from God to build it, that takes the attention of all the Mormons. It is said that their salvation depends upon its finish; that if the house is done well and good. The church as a people are a saved people. But it was to be done in such a time, or no salvation for them. They went to work -- laid the foundation with great parade, and soon commenced to build. All engaged to a man to fulfill the Revelation; but the building was large and to be of stone, that was hard to dig, hard to draw, hard to fit for use, that has been to them a slow job to get along with. They are yet to work on the house, but it is slow as the building is very large, and of the best of work. As far as it is done, I think their God will accept of their work; but the time they had to do it has long since run out. I do not yet learn how they fix it with him about the time.But I must here let a snake out of the grass. They commenced to build in the name of the Lord; every man was called to put a hand to, and rear up this edifice. Men has been appointed as agents to gather means in the city of Nauvoo. Other traveling agents, that have travelled through America, and as far as the name of Mormons is known. That thousands and thousands of money has been gathered to erect the Mormon edifice. But what is done with it? it is made use of to build up a certain company that say, it is in these days right to have as many wives as they can support. And it is a well known fact, that on such fixings, rooms is convenient on the occasion; rooms cost money that is to be got, we find by tithing the Saints their God has said to them to exact one tenth of all the members that has become a law amongst them of the L. D. Saints. Again by the by they found that there was so much to do to get 21 their righteous branch started that they gotof their God a new Revelation, that said, you that have properties, whether much or little, it matters not; let it be consecrated by laying it down at the Apostles feet, that they may distribute as seemeth them good; as every man has need, behold the day cometh that Zion shall arise, and put on her beautiful garments; let my servants arise in time, as the time cometh that Zion shall become the glory of the whole Earth; let him that has money, land unto the Lord, and he shall be rewarded ten-fold in this world and life everlasting in the world to come; Amen. The above revelation did not quite come it; it took in some few cases, but it was too strong meat they found, and went on the old plan of taking my every tenth, that is and has long been the theme. The Nauvoo House or Inn is going on about the same principle of the Temple. That was to be done in such a time, and the time run out; but in short, it is calculated, as is the Temple, to get away every man's money, or property, whatever it does consist of. There is no doubt but what enough has been paid in to build the two buildings, to have well finished both, if it to them had been applied. -- Hands on these buildings are hired; others give their work; one-tenth of every man's work is required as tithing. This tithing of work is about all that is laid out on the house, in connection with a few hired hands that say they are not paid for what they do. The Mormons are full of notions, and as I said at the start, I would make a brief sketch of their doings, I again will repeat the same words and say, I have my fears that my writings will not, as the Hoosiers say, go it, as I am aware of the Mormon breast work. But I think I have one advantage of them, as I have been amongst them so much that I find their big guns don't carry any thing but wind, and that not far. In short, they say to have power to do for those that have long been dead, as they lived in the dark ages, or before the light of Mormonism shined. They say to officiate for them, by being baptized, as they would be if alive, and do it in their name, that it would answer them, either father, mother, husband, wife, brother, sister, or any near friend, could be administered for to save them. That they can come forth at the first Resurrection as fair as the sun at noon-day. The house is a building, as I said, by direct revelation from God. We that are acquainted find many things of note about this edifice that I will notice. The foundation is on a high spot of land, settled on a cellar dug, and in that a foundation laid; in this cellar is their Baptismal font, of which much is said, where they baptise to raise their dead friends from darkness to light, beneath it is twelve carved oxen of wood, that stand to support it. Again, in this vacant cell is made many small rooms or cells, that with the Baptismal font fills the basement story full; that would make one hundred feet square; and walls, some of them three feet and upwards; that when I have looked at them, and as I did know the intent for which 22 such places was made; I ask for an example on the American shores. It is not to be found. Here is a mystery to solve, that hundreds have spoke of. The first and second stories is for public worship; and the loft for schools when finished. But these cells beneath is to imprison all that, in a word, that does not to them conform; by dark holes through the lower floor into them of stone and lime cement; that no man could give an alarm of his condition, when all is finished, because of the solid work of building materials around thim. -- Again, this edifice answers for another purpose, it is said to be done to fulfil a Revelation from God; every man is crowded to put in his mite, not only in Nauvoo, but as far as the name of L. D. Saint is known. All as one is over persuaded by sayings, that whatever they have sacrificed will be to them of no account, unless they add unceasing diligence, in both property and labor. The money that has been paid in, and the commodities of every kind, there is no telling the amount, as every cord has been drawn to gather means. Well, what has been done with it? it has not been put to the building of the Temple; it is used to build and repair houses to accomodate certain ones, of which I have often spoke, that say it is right to have as many wives as they can support. The labor of thousands is mostly put on the house, as they are also interested to get that along, as there is many unruly fellows, such as J. C. Bennett, George W. Robinson, John F. Olney, O. H. Olney, and many more I might mention. Such as Miss Nancy Rigdon, and Miss. M. Brotherton; that they don't seem to have tools to handle yet, for the sisters they have got another edifice in the name of the Lord, of whom I hinted of, the Nauvoo House, that is a building; any way that they can fix it by begging, borrowing, buying, selling rooms; finally, it don't seem to matter, so as the work can be done, as it is impatiently awaiting for the Nauvoo House or Inn to be done. That is a building built of brick above the basement story, with the basement story is to be raised five story high; that will front about, I think, one hundred and forty feet and proportionable width, to be divided into such rooms as will suit their convenience. Here I must unfold another mystery. The great Mormon Inn is said to be for the rich of all classes and nations to come to, such as men of pleasure, of taste, &c. For those that have an interest in their eternal salvation; that they can come to Sion and receive such instruction as will tend to forward them in the things of God. But beneath this shadow of filthy stuff Is a trap set of much account, that is in the dark. The building, as is said, is calculated for an inn, That the noble, rich and wise, may in Nauvoo, For their money, find a decent resting place. But over head, and on every side, there is to be Rooms of all dimensions, and many in number. T accomodate the Mormon spouses. Yes, this band 23 of the Mormon clan say their secrets to keep. But they have friends, so have I, to learn their tales, They say to be wise, but they first must learn That the tongue is an unruly member if not governed. I have tracked them in their daily mooves, That I have got in black and white up to this time. But I to a close my writings draw, and say, And take an extract from some few letters, As they are too long to publish entire. As I have before said, so I say again, that no person, I don't care what their name is or where they live, or, I was going to say. don't live at all, that once had their name on their roll, and have left them under I don't care whatever circumstances they may be in, I left them as I did; in short, I had long wrote of their doings, but had kept it to myself a dead secret, as I knew it would make dissatisfaction. But a sound of it got out. They called me to an account, as they would fetch a fool to the altar, and demanded my writings. I told them I could take care of myself. I well tho't that with them I was, as the Suckers say, up a stump at once, if they should get hold of all that they did down there in Kirtland and up in Missouri. I guess I have skipped it all over up there amongst the Pukes; you know how they acted as if they was about to rule the roost. I know what they said and did up there away up in the pine country. I know how a real lot of Danites, or new fangled Masons, or the Daughters of Zion. went up there on business. That I guess I know enough to tell it if best. The Brother Mormons and I have long had a fuss, but I have had to see their doings so much that till now I think they had to call me a clever fellow, as they have been a pecking away on me; from big to little, all that had life to grunt, has showed their good will to get me under foot. But you know these 'ere a way down Easterners don't stand much about trifles I guess; so the Mormons and I now will take a round, as I don't think it good to back out. So, you know, I will give them a little out of much that I have written. I was about to write a whole mess as did Dr. Bennett, you know. But I want to make them sick or mad. I want to get my feelings a little roused if I can. As I have got a way down here in Ohio amongst my old friends, I had liked to forgot what I came for, and on the way down I have seen they look some as they did at the April Conference, when they had rag, shag, and bobtail, and the off-sowerings of all God's creation to make ready for a mission to the East, West, North and South, to bind up the law and seal up the testimony. If your big bugs of Latterday-isms think to light on me now, I will give you a little advice, as you know Yankees don't stand to help a little on such occasions. They are Johnny Taylor, or Woodruffe, or any of them little rubbed fellows -- I should, I guess, like a fuss up there with [ ----- ] 24 that are kind of a laughing, good natured, spindle shanked Phelps; you know him, that are a fellow that left you in Missouri, cause you acted so up there -- he aint nobody's fool, I guess so. If you can't get some body to write of me, write yourself, as you say you are inspired of God. I guess that would go it. If you don't like to kick me and cuff me, just curse me as you did Roberts. You know how it made him bed ridden or so; you must spur up. As I aint Dr. Bennett, I don't go in such big company, you know, as he did in his fat living with you. He must have had a hard time in weaning, I spose. The Editor of the Bug, Johnny Taylor, said that Doctor Bennett and I was in company. But I guess the Doctor did not say it, as we never spoke together but once up there. As soon, if you please, that you hear from me, write. If I haint time to write, I will send you one of my little nooks, or two, you know; if they take there in your Mormonism, print a real lot, or if you haint time to do that, take extracts from 'em, you know; they will circulate. I aint particular. They cost me nothing. I did it myself you see, so I did. Go ahead, as soon as you hear from me, as I am soon on the way up there. Them ere Danites up there I hate; you know; I don't go around for them so many times as I have done. Let me write of their acts. I don't hint, but tell, what a damnable set they are. And again what they have done, I expect you will wonder, at the course I have took, To skip over so much of importance, That you know I might have wrote, But my reasons are many; one is, I was afraid That because of so big a story, my writing would be overlooked. Another is, if this in you should produce a reformation, I have no more to say, but to go ahead and that without delay; But if you don't straighten, or make crooked straight, I will next time give you your characters in full, You need not think I am a'joking when I laugh, Though I am not often mad, although I think it no harm in some cases To act out nature in every sense of the word. Again you may ask, how I know of the above tales; In a word I can answer and say, I have been there myself. And when a boy, I heardmy mother say, Don't ever spoil a story for relation sake; That is still fresh in my mind, so if I have to suffer, I don't see as I can get round it, if I don't tell it of my self, The Mormons will, so it goes for what it will fetch. Nauvoo, July 15th 1842.
An extract of a letter written by Israel Barlow: "Brother O. H. Olney -- after a long and friendly acquaintance
with you and your
25 family, I at this time address you with no ordinary feelings, as I learn that you have for some reasons, left the church of L. D. Saints. The good opinion that I had of you as a brother in the Church, because of your christian-like conduct, I hardly can say, to give you, up so you must know there is no salvation out of the church. Please to give me your present views of things in writing. Yours as a friend and well wisher, ISRAEL BARLOW."
Nauvoo, July 8th, 1842.
An extract of a letter, written by Benjamin S. Walker:
"Brother Olney -- I with singular feelings, address myself to you at this time, as I learn that you have left the church of L. D. Saints. That is to me a singular occurrence, as we have long had an intimacy that is hard to break up, I think we can say we have borne the burden in the heat of the day; as we met in Kirtland, Ohio, went to Missouri, and with the L. D. S. moved back to this place. I have in all the hardships that we have had to pass through, found you ready to do your part. I have considered you a worthy and a good man, and I now ask you to give me your reasons for leaving the church of L. D. Saints. Yours affectionately. BENJ. S. WOLBER. O. H. OLNEY.
June 26th, 1843.
An extract of a letter, written by S. Stoddard, Hancock Co.:
"Mr. O. H. Olney -- After a long and friendly acquaintance with you, I am sorry to hear that you have left the church of L. D. S. You as I must well know, that the spirit of apostacy has been the lot of many that has as you left the church. I have looked on you as a worthy member in the church since our first acquaintance. But of us, one and all stand upon our own merits. Yours in the bonds of friendship, S. STODDARD."
June 1st, 1842.
An extract of a letter, written by H. G. Sherwood:
"Mr. O. H. Olney -- "I address myself to you, that you must be aware of your condition, as I hear you are in contact to or against the high council of the church. There is some where a fault, either in you or them. I will say to you at this time, to beware how you manage, as you know the priesthood is not to be trifled with, that I think you first received under my hand. Be not backward to put yourself in a situation to be free with me in conversation. Yours a friend, H. G. SHERWOOD." O. H. OLNEY. 26
June 26th, 1842.
An extract of a letter, written by John Parker:
"Mr. Olney -- "I learn by report that you have left the L. D. S. I would say to you be wise for yourself; as the road to Heaven is various, and many must come short of the prize. If there is but one way to get there, I have had a good opinion of you. Yours a friend, JOHN PARKER."
The High Council in Session and Presidency to preside, }
This is to certify that we give this our worthy brother Oliver Olney, this Letter of commendation as a Preacher
of the Gospel and Member of the L. D. S. We recommend him to all wherever his lot may be, as one of the Seventys;
it being that he is situated far from the Coram [sic] to which he belongs.
December 15th, 1839. }
H. G. SHERWOOD, Clerk.
OLIVER. OLNEY.
An extract of a letter written by Oliver Snow: --
Walnut Grove, June 25, 1842.
Mr. O. H. Olney:
Sir: I understand you have left the Church of L. D. S. As I have been acquainted with you since the last of your being a school boy, the high esteem I have had of you previous to your embracing religion, and your daily walk since. I am often asked why you have left the L. D. S. There is somewhat a fault either in you or them. I ask of you an explanation in writing. -- Please be particular, and you will much oblige an old friend. Yours, as ever, a friend, OLIVER SNOW. O. H. OLNEY.
Quincy, August 20, 1842.
To all whom it may concern:
That I have been personally acquainted with Oliver H. Olney for ten or eleven years, and say I consider him a worthy citizen
JOHN CORIL.
Iowa Territory, Lee Co., Sept.16th, 1842.
This may certif, that we have been personally acquainted with Oliver H. Olney for a number of years, and consider
him a worthy man in society.
DAVID MOORE.
CHARLES mOORE. JOHN PHELPS. All the above written letters, except the four last, were written to me by the members of the L. D. S. I have like them over one dozen, 27 but I think it not of much use to publish any more [of this writing], all my writings short of what I had calculated. The [--- ----] tend to establish my writings on two prominent points. [The ---] in the most of cases writing to me show that they [think ----] is not in the path after the authorities of the Church [---- -----] a sandy foundation. And the other is to establish [---- ---- ---] a citizen. I am amongst my old friends, who if necessary could add a catalogue of names to establish myself amongst [strangers], but it would take too much time. As the most I have written is a well known truth amongst the Mormons, I expect they will at once coincide with me, and say the half is not yet come to light. It is immaterial whether they say aloud or nothing; as silence in all cases gives consent. I do not contend that there are no honest and well meaning persons amongst the Mormons, but they are deceived by an unprincipled gang of scoundrels whose sole object and aim is to secure their own aggrandizement. The church of L. D. S., after writing what I have written, I now feel in dity bound to speak more particularly of them at large. -- Their Elders go out and say to preach the word. They well know the first things to teach. They have their orders to dwell mostly on the gospel plan, that is devised. For the salvation of man, reason and so forth, on the duty of man to God. They have their orders to look to one another out; and [if] as much as a sound arises that is like to make a clash in their ranks, they at once draw on the cord of which a poetess speaks, that is at once a veto on whom it touches. They at once have to go home, settle up all old accounts. If they make all with them straight, they can go ahead again, if not, on them is a veto to rest until they conform to orders. A contrast between the Bible and the doings of the Latter Day Saints. I will admit that it is the mind and council of the moves of the Latter Day Saints as teachers to preach from the Bible, and say that it is true. That it is a record of the word of God; it is the foundation to build on, or the sure assistant for those that hold the priesthood, as they say we have the priesthood. That puts in our hands the keys of the Kingdom; the same that was conferred on the Apostle Peter. That whatever they do is sanctioned by Heaven, they say to be actuated in all their teachings by the spirit of God. It is also understood, that a man must not preach without the spirit. This is with them a principle. That as soon as a man rises to speak, that the spirit of God is subject to them, as they say, the spirit of the prophet is subject to the prophet. They say, to preach by inspiration. I will here remark, as I have often thought as wellas often heard said, that the Mormon Elders are the most saucy set of men that is to be scared up. They suppose all they say is infallible; that they don't pretend to give their opinions on any occasion; whatever they say is not to be waived by a man of any other 28 faith. They, the most ignorant ones of the Mormons, look on all classes of them to be far behind them as teachers, as they say, the spirit of God is their guide. Many has said to me, how is it that people is such fools as to join the Mormons. The question is easily answered at once: the Elders go out, some have relations, and many friends, they labor with them with unceasing diligence; they soon begin to get a sympathy of feeling; that some fall in with them, and honest seekers to know and do the will of God. It at the rise of the church, was a theme to dwell on the book of Mormon, and Joseph Smith and his Revelations; but that is not thought to be so profitable to get members to move with them, as it is to dwell more on the Bible, and dwell more on the duty of man, &c., that this order of teaching is mostly now, and has been their mode of teaching. Again it is a theme with them to say at Nauvoo -- all is peace and harmony. We live in a land that flows with milk and honey; it is almost the Garden of Eden; such teaching as we have there, would make you stare, to set under the sound of our brethren of the Presidency. The twelve, and those of our brethren that are advanced in the things of God, have had to suffer by being imprisoned in Mo., tarred and feathered, and finally suffered in perils both by sea and by land. Such teaching is all by the spirit of God they say. -- Many falls in with them of all classes of men, some that are honest seekers after truth. Others that have got run down in society and want a home, almost anything will answer. Others fall in, that I had like to have said that have bulk and in the shape of man. If they had features as an ox or a hog, I think they would do to barrel up and send down the river for beef, as they don't look to me as if God had much to do with them. In a round about way I have endeavored to show that the most plausible means are made use of that can be to get people to unite with them, and thus help them to make the city of Nauvoo a Stake of Zion. It has of late been the theme to get all together; by hundreds they are flocking in daily. Thousands after thousands are continually on the wing to establish homes. As I said, all profess to be actuated by the Spirit of God. This spirit, when they are out preaching, teaches them in all manner of good sayings. But when they get their ends answered and get their cobverts to Nauvoo, their spirit changes its theme of teachings, as, even in the first salutation, the Bible is so mangled that it is of but little account. They say by the spirit they know the heart of man and the desire of the most high God. That in all cases they can unriddle the doings of the wicked. That no man can take from them their rights. They dote of receiving the Priesthood, and say that with it they receive the gifts of the Gospel, the gift of Wisdom, Faith, Knowledge, Discerning of Spirits, Prophecy, Gift of Tongues, and interposition [sic - interpretation?]. But their spirits have much business on hand. It hardly makes or 29 leads to a union, only when interest calls, when there is more to do than one can perform. For me to go into another detail of their doings, [do] I pass by, but refer to what I have written on the first pages. They claim and usurp authority in a way that is mysterious to me, many times to see their barefaced moves in and about the city of Nauvoo. No man can know of their doings, and the lenity they take in the name of the Lord. I have often wondered that God should bear with them as he has. But I look back on the scenes of time, of which history speaks, and say that God overrules for good. He towards the children of men is of long forbearance. Yet when the cup of iniquity of men is full, we see that God has power to lay desolate. We look at the children of Israel, because of transgression they were brought into bondage to Pharoah; and when Pharoah and his host was brought to an untimely end, when they was ripened for destruction. We look at the different ages of the world, and see man in the hands of God as clay in the hands of the Potter. PERSECUTION Persecution amongst the L. S. is a caution to the persecuted. -- They claim as a people, to be infallible, they say to have and to hold the destiny of the Nations of the earth. That on them is conferred the holy Priesthood after the order of the Son of God; that they have all the rights that pertain to the plan of Saalvation; that they stand in an attitude to do as is wisdom in God for them to do. They say as the Ancients spoke, so do we, we are persecuted, so was they. Our lives have been in jeopardy -- men and women have suffered death, for Christ's sake; perils have long hung over our heads -- at home and abroad.I would ask how many have had to suffer for unwise sayings and doings? I ask the candid reasoner if there is any society or denomination but what can establish themselves to be of God, let persecution tell the story as is common in this age, where parties get together and contend as is often the case. I know the Mormons have suffered; I at the same time know that they have many times escaped censure when it to them was due. But if others talk to them as they talk to others, it is all persecution, it will go through their ranks without a jog.I think if I could take up a course of reasoning with them of the doings as they actually occurred at Kirtland, Ohio; then go to Mo. and talk over things there. I am of the opinion that the Mormons would say that they did about as they was a mind to, and it was no body's business. I do not suppose the suckers would like to have it said that the Mormons could get the start of them. -- But I long since heard of some prophecies uttered, that may touch them by and by on a tender spot. I am aware of feelings on both sides, but if I take the second round, I shall unfold the Mo. doings, as what I did not see I well got the run of sayings, doings &c.
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They sometimes in conversation speak of attacking Missouri. But Missouri, until they get something stronger, need not trouble herself, as they seem to grow up by degrees. Of the Mormons I think we have a sample. We look at the case of Mahomet. How did he arise? Was it by his foreknowledge of events and a very wise head? No: it was by a low, mean, cunning, ambitious desire in him to become great. And it is a well known fact, that nothing like the name of Religion will sway like it. It speaks of futurity, of living again after death. It is solemn to see the body of a person laid in the silent grave, much more to say to live eternally, saved or unsaved, in happiness or misery. All classes catch at the sound from the wise Man on the throne. To those in heathenish darkness, of all grades of men and sex; that there comes the language of the Poet: No chance, no chance for to return; If I mismove my all is gone, That I am damn'd, I am damn'd. For worlds to come, to come." The above is the run of the theme of man in his natural mind of things. That of the same that he plants he will reap his harvest. It is also an idea at the present time with many that any thing that has the name of religion is a saving ordinance. It makes no difference of what sex or party. If the name is attached, it is salvation to the soul of man, in every sense of the word it is all in all. We from history may look at Mahomet's followers trampled under the cars of the juggernaut, men women and children. We look near home and view all the christian societies on their way to Heaven, honest before God. Their aim is salvation, to a never dying soul. -- We then look at their teachers, that each denomination adheres to. -- They feel in duty bound to preach for the good of man; thus each teacher has his influence, that he moves as he feels. If his feelings 31 is to do the will of God, that is his theme; if to gain by usurping authority that has its besetments, enough is ready with it to move. As the mind of man is a'looking, And a constantly of the strain Aspire for something, if not quite so good. As we find the "twig is bent so is the three inclined," but the sap to support, arises from the roots in all cases. Thus it is the case, the Bible is called a very good book, I believe it is. But what do we discover, we find all the teachers agree in one point, that is, the Bible is true; but they do not see its contents alike. Some say, free salvation for all; others say, on condition. Rev. Miller, in the old country east, says and proves it from Scripture, that the present 1843, this world is coming to an end. We understand thousands are flocking to his standard, becauseof their faith in his reasoning. But if Rev. Miller is right I have no more to say; I have heard him lecture, I think him honest in his belief: yet I think if he lives forty-three round, he will see the sun, moon and stars performing their daily moves, and the earth make its obeisance, once in twenty-four hours, to the sun. Again, the Mormons say, to live long on the earth, and prove it, as do others, from the Bible, that they have but just begun to live. They have their peculiarities, as do others; they say they have just begun to live. They promise themselves much good; that they will yet live many years, and seem as much engaged as does Rev. Miller; but I don't vouch for their honesty. That a man may take to himself wives to his liking, and say there is no lack of Scripture to prove the fact that a woman was made for man, not man for the woman. That in the round, we find them as the Mormons would say, property as brutes of the field, that is the run of their pamphlet that goes in Jacobs name, to introduce polygamy in this enlightened age. But what did I say, the buds take nourishment from the roots. That no man will doubt we see the principle carried out amongst the Mormons. We look at them but a few years ago, there was but a handful of them; but as they say, have now increased to about 150,000 in all parts, or proselyteing. Let them once gather as is their theme in a thin settled country as Ill. How soon would they root out of office by moving as they do with one or the other parties, thus they slip along as they please as they say by proxy to accomplish much, and all receive their nourishment from the roots, or in other words their instruction how to proceed, thus by the most perfect union they move ahead in the name of the Lord, sayingour salvation depends on our teachers, until an institution is reared, that they can force as they please in measures. Before I close I speak to all both far and near, That has a name of L. S., of the Female sex, That every day they stay away counts one. That they will see when my book they peruse. 32 [----- --- -- ] that has need to hasten [in] [----- -- married] or unmarried, its all the same; As when they get there, their husbands go a'preaching, The sisters then soon have a chance To [comm----] on the degrees of Masonry. Of Masonry I would not wish to speak, As it is much extolled amongst the L. S. But its charms to me are all in the dark, [--- ---- ---] took one degree; Yet I have friends that have learnt the theme Of [those] Masons in the city of Nauvoo. As for my name it's very plain As I have wrote it over and over again, But of late I have replaced the letter H., That I am known by the name of OLIVER H. OLNEY. Hancock County, Illinois, April 1, 1843. |
 Vol. III. No. 11. Nauvoo, Ill., Friday, April 1, 1842. Whole No. 47. 
For the Times & Seasons.
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 Vol. XI. Springfield Illinois, September 23, 1842. No. 4. Communication of J. F. Olney, A SECEDING MORMON. La Harpe, Hancock Co., Sept. 10, 1842. |
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Vol. XI. Springfield Illinois, October 7, 1842. No. 4.
A COMMUNICATION FROM ANOTHER KNOX COUNTY, Sept. 18, 1842. |
Vol. IV. No. 6. Nauvoo, Ill., Wednesday,
For the Times & Seasons.
Seldom have we been called upon to witness a more painful scene than one that occurred in the mayor's Court last night. (Friday Feb. 10) |
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Oliver H. Olney (1800-aft.1845) Spiritual Wifery at Nauvoo (St.Louis: self-published, 1845) |
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SPIRITUAL WIFERY AT NAUVOO EXPOSED. -- ALSO -- A TRUE ACCOUNT OF TRANSACTIONS IN AND ABOUT NAUVOO. BY O. OLNEY. ELDER OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST. ST. LOUIS P R I N T E D F O R T H E A U T H O R. 1845. |
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Albert G. Riddle (1816-1902) The Portrait (Cleveland: Cord & Andrews, 1874) Medical Gazette's article on Dr. H. A. Ackley, which portray both Ackley and Oliver H. Olney in the fictional setting of Ravenna, Ohio in 1845. |
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[ 34ff. ]
Horace A. Ackley was born in Genesee county, New York, in 1815; died in Cleveland, Ohio, April 24, 1859. He attended the public schools of his native town and also a private academy. His medical studies began immediately on leaving school; he received some instruction at Elba and Batavia, took a course of lectures at Fairfield, Herkimer county, New York, and there graduated in 1833, at the age of eighteen. Next year he practiced with Dr. Havill at Rochester, and gave a course of lectures in anatomy for Dr. Delamater at Palmyra. He came to Akron, Ohio, in 1835, and practiced there. In 1836 he was appointed demonstrator of anatomy at the Willoughby Medical college, and gave a course of lectures. He then moved to Toledo, where he practiced for three years. He then came to Cleveland, and in 1842, in conjunction with Drs. Jared Potter Kirtland, John Delamater and J. Lang Cassells, founded the Medical.Department of Western Reserve College (now University), which was generally called Cleveland Medical College. He was appointed to the Chair of Surgery in that institution, and retained the position until 1858, when he resigned it. He was the most noted surgeon of his day in this section of the United States, and enjoyed a considerable reputation as an expert witness. In a book entitled 'The Portrait,' a romance of the Cuyahoga valley, by A. G. Riddle, now of Washington, D. C. (Cleveland: Cobb, Andrews & Co.; Boston: Nichols & Hall. 1874), Dr. Ackley is introduced as one of the characters. He appears as medical expert in a murder trial. As in this story, in 1 Bart Ridgley' and in various tales, the distinguished author has presented also B. F.,Wade, Giddings and other political, legal and other notables of the Western Reserve, with a fidelity which has been highly commended, we venture to extract a few pages of his novel in which Dr. Ackley appears. It was in 1845. Page 224: "Intense excitement prevailed all through the country. Acts of violence were rare, and in many of the Reserve counties a homicide had never occurred. The newspapers were full of the tragic event, and the wildest and absurdest rumors prevailed among the people. The authorities, unfamiliar with such cases, were on the most confused alert, investigating and blundering in the most compendious way. "The coroner called a jury and held an inquest on the body, where it lay in the woods, with the March flowers crushed under it. Hundreds of people attended, and many from twenty miles distant. "It was in proof before the jury, that a man similarly dressed, and riding the horse afterwards found, was seen to enter the woods just at twilight, a mile from the scene, and that a young man, on his way to his sugar bush, found the body early next morning. "Three or four doctors concluded that death was caused by a blow from a bludgeon upon the head, and other evidence was given that the body had been robbed. Finally, a man came forward who identified the body as that of Oliver Olney. The horse was produced and inspected. The jury returned that the man known as Oliver Olney came to his death by a blow from a bludgeon in the hands of some person to the jurors unknown. "Two days later the body was buried with great solemnity in the presence of a concourse of more than a thousand people. "The officiating clergyman preached a most acceptable sermon from the words, 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood,' etc." Appearances were very much against Jake Green, who bore no good reputation, and was captured suspiciously near the scene of the alleged murder, and jailed. Then a talented young lawyer, Fred Warden, the hero of the story, volunteered to defend him, and went to work to hunt up his evidence and prepare the defense. Page 230: "The proceedings concluded with the disinterment of the remains, and a most careful and scientific examination of them, conducted by Dr. Ackleyof Cleveland, in the presence of a distinguished practitioner from Warren and one from Ravenna. This act was thought to be little short of an outrage upon public decency and propriety; and the folks said that if there was no law to prevent such shameful carryings on, it was time there was. "What earthly use was there in digging up a dead man, as if he could be made to tell anything on their side of the case? "Of course, that was all the doings of the doctors; they would make anything an excuse to dig up and cut into a body; and it was popularly believed that Dr. Ackley actually carried off the head of the murdered man to Cleveland, and pickled it in spirits, and that each of the others took some choice bit." Finally the trial came off. Page 285: "The state produced witnesses, proving the finding of the deceased, and the doctors, who swore that life was destroyed by a blow or blows on the head, fracturing the skull, and so forth. "Fred, in a very quiet way, put these men under the gentle torture of a cross-examination, such as the learned M. D. 's sometimes enjoy at the hands of their brethren of the bar. "In this instance it was the more embarrassing, as the dreaded Ackley was observed to be a grim listener. When asked to explain how they knew that the man died of a blow on the head, their reasons were not satisfactory. They made no examination of any kind; did not deem it necessary. He was dead, his skull was fractured, and most men would deem that sufficient. Of course it could be done by a blow, and in no other way. Had they removed the scalp? No. "How did they know the skull was fractured? "Did they know whether the neck or spine was injured? They made no examination. "The questioning was cool, quiet, but long and exhaustive. It was evident that here lay one position of the defense, and the state's medical testimony left it dubious as to the means and cause of death. The quick, cool, shrewd spectators saw the weakness of the case. "Some marks and bruises were found on other parts of the body, produced, as was said, by dragging the body after the murder; it was left quite doubtful whether they were not made before death, or might have been. It appeared that it had snowed on the night of the murder, and the snow was two or three inches deep in the morning, covering the body of the slain man; and also that a watch and a small amount of money were found on him." Page 293: "When Dr. Ackley took the stand, there was a general movement to gain a good sight of the famous surgeon and somewhat distinguished scientific witness, certainly the most remarkable of his day in the west. "Slightly above the medium height, and large, with a little stoop in his shoulders, a strong-marked face, dark, with black eyes that could flash out the original ingrained savage, or melt with the tenderness of the enthroned woman who sometimes ruled them, which were overhung with heavy brows, while from his forehead were swept back heavy masses of coarse, black hair. His manner was careless and free; a man of little culture, of commanding talents, iron nerve, and a cool, shrewd, artful, artless method of dealing and swearing, at once impressive, conclusive and exceedingly dangerous. "Like other distinguished medical experts, he was to be retained, and his evidence was an ingenuous argument under oath. Nothing was ever more simple and plain, and as to nothing did he ever seem so utterly indifferent as to the wants and wishes of the side which called him; nothing was often so helpful as the seemingly unconscious blows that he appeared to give to his own side. "He was an intense hater, capable of narrow, mean and cruel prejudices, and wielded a tongue sharp, bitter and caustic, as well as soft, soothing and seductive. "When called, he lazily arose, moved forward, and declined to be seated; stated his profession and residence; he had had some little experience in surgery; was a professor in the Cleveland Medical College, etc.; saw the body of the deceased; it was disinterred, and found in a state of good preservation. He went on to say that, assisted by his distinguished friends, Dr. Bond of Warren and Dr, Jones of Ravenna, he had made a partial examination. "They removed the entire scalp from the cranium, and dissected away the soft parts of the neck so as to lay bare the spinal column; no injury of any kind had been sustained by the bones of the cranium, no fracture and hardly an abrasion of the scalp; the skull was removed and the condition of the brain demonstrated that no serious injury had fallen upon the head; the neck had been dislocated, broken, as people say, and that had caused death, which followed instantaneously; it was not produced by a blow on the head, could not have been by any possibility; it was undoubtedly occasioned by the man's being suddenly and violently thrown from his horse, so as to fall and receive the whole weight of the body on the head and neck. A horse suddenly rearing, so as to give an increase of height and throwing a man clear from the saddle, would be equal to the injury. "The man was found a little at the left of the road through the woods. As he was riding along, cold and weary, something at the right and nearly in front of his horse had frightened the animal, when he reared, turned suddenly, partly on his hind feet to the left, throwing his rider helplessly upon his head and breaking his neck, and where he fell he was found. "If care had been used, when the snow melted the tracks of the horse would have been found where he turned and ran back, the imprint of the man's head in the ground would have been discovered, and the profession would have lost the brilliant and useful example of its two members, who swore that the man was killed by blows on his head from a bludgeon, in the hands of a man on the ground, which had fractured his skull. Dr. Ackley was put under a close crossexamination—as close as he ever permitted himself to endure, for he had great power in good-naturedly holding his cross-questioner at long range, just as suited the exigencies of his case. "He was asked whether he did not think that if a man, the defendant, for instance, had suddenly sprang at the horse, it might not have frightened him so as to have produced the result named. "Fred asked 'if that was a question for an expert.' Ackley turned and scanned Jake with apparent care for a moment, and answered 'that he thought that he might scare a horse, possibly. Horses had their own views of men '—a laugh, but, lingering a moment, 'he thought that if even Jake Green had been there to kill the man, he would not have commenced by trying to induce the horse to run away with him.' This produced a sensation marked and distinct. "When Ackley left the stand the chances for the edification of the people, by a public execution, were much diminished. In his testimony as to the injuries to the deceased, he was fully sustained by the two doctors who assisted him." In Dr. Ackley's time surgery was but little known or practiced in the west. He has been called the pioneer surgeon of Northern Ohio. He had a wide field, and he was just the man to fill it. Of splendid physical proportions and great powers of endurance, he was enabled to undergo the fatigues of the rough roads and rude accommodations of the newly-settled country. He was in constant demand in all this region round about; if there was even a broken leg within forty miles of Cleveland, Ackley was wanted. And for cases of importance his "ride" extended halfway to Chicago, which was the next surgical center in the west. He was independent and often arbitrary in his ideas and methods, and could brook no control and heed nobody's opinion, unless it was Dr. Delamater's, for whom he had great regard. He was fond of horses, dogs and guns, and nothing outside of professional work suited him any better than a fox-hunt or a steeple-chase across country. In manner he was ordinarily brusque and off hand, in expression sometimes witty and often humorous. It has been remarked that for a man of such fine physical proportions he was strikingly uncouth in his motions. There was a surprising, odd originality in his language, thought and mode of doing.... |
Oliver Olney's 1840s Pamphlets
(under construction)
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