Mormons in Amboy -

The History of the Saints in Amboy
(Lee County) Illinois

Compiled by: Constance M Vyas
June 2001
Revised in 2010

The history of the Saints in Amboy, Lee County, Illinois is a compilation of information received with thanks from the following:
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Historical Department
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Now known as the Community of Christ)
Lee County Tourism Council
Joyce Schamberger and her Fifth Grade Students (Amboy Junior High school)
As well as many other individuals who were kind enough to send information.

HISTORY OF THE MORMONS IN LEE COUNTY ILLINOIS

In the early 1840’s religious meetings were held in private homes. The Mormons were the earliest religious group to settle in Amboy. They first organized in the home of John Hook (now the Tim Arend farm in Amboy). During this time Emma and Joseph Smith visited the area where Emma’s brother Alva Hale lived in Sublette and her brother David Hale and sister, Mrs. Benjamin Wasson, lived in Amboy. Each time they visited their relatives Joseph preached, usually at the home of John and Matilda Hook on the ridge just north of Rocky Ford. John Hook bad a brother who was an Elder in the Church in Nauvoo, Illinois.

The first Mormon preacher was William Anderson.

MORMON CEMETERY:

The Mormon Cemetery is located on Mormon Road in Amboy, south of the rocky Ford Bridge. The tombstones are inscribed with the names of Stone, Badger and Brown. One of Brigham Young’s wives is also buried in the Mormon Cemetery. Today the cemetery is overgrown with weeds and has not been well cared for.

TEMPLE:

The Mormons planned on building an elaborate temple north of Rocky Ford on a knoll of the Tim Arend farm. All that is left is the cornerstone which is used as a step to enter the farmhouse that is on the property. The cornerstone was cut from native limestone and is about three feet long and about fourteen inches wide. This stone and the cemetery are all that remain to mark the efforts of these early Mormons.

TROUBLE FOR THE MORMONS:

On May 6, 1842 ex-governor Boggs of Missouri was badly wounded. He suspected Joseph Smith, his old enemy, of being responsible.

In June of 1843 the governor of Missouri requested that Joseph Smith be arrested because of his polygamous doctrine. While visiting the Wasson home in Amboy an Illinois constable, Sheriff Campbell of Lee County, and a Missouri agent, Mr. Reynolds, arrested him. Joseph Smith immediately brought action against Mr. Reynolds for false arrest. The strange events showed Joseph Smith in the custody of Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Reynolds in the custody of the sheriff of Lee County. They were taken to Nauvoo where Smith was freed by his own court. Joseph Smith’s life was miserable in Illinois where polygamy was not accepted. The doctrine of polygamy caused a rift within the church. Joseph Smith disclaimed this doctrine. John C. Bennett, the first mayor of Nauvoo was excommunicated for immorality.

On June 7, 1844 William and Wilson Law printed Expositor which attacked polygamy and the political ambitions of Joseph Smith. The attack was not against the Church but rather was against the Prophet. on June 1Oth’ Smith ordered the printing press and all copies of the paper destroyed. William and Wilson Law then went to Carthage and obtained a warrant for the Prophet’s arrest as well as the arrest of others who were responsible for the destruction of the printing press. Smith nullified the warrant. The Anti-Mormons did not want any more evasion of the laws and threatened to rise up against the city. Smith, his brother and several others fled but, fearing harm to the city, gave themselves up. While awaiting trial in Carthage Joseph and Hyrum were killed by a mob of two hundred or so men.

Trouble between the Mormons and their neighbors increased following the murder of the Smiths. Members were driven from their homes. The Mormons retaliated by raiding the towns of their enemies. Governor Ford sent a committee of four, headed by Stephen A. Douglas to attempt to negotiate a settlement. The only settlement acceptable to the Anti-Mormons was the removal of the Saints from the State. On September 24, 1845 Brigham Young announced that the Mormons would leave for some distant place where they might find peace.

LEE COUNTY SAINTS:

The group of Saints who settled at Rocky Ford broke away from the main church. They did not believe in polygamy.
On April 6, 1860 the annual Mormon conference was held in Amboy. At that time Joseph Smith, III was installed as prophet and high priest in the old Mechanics Hall. This meeting was attended by representatives of groups from Iowa, Michigan and Illinois. One meeting was held each year in Amboy and another in Iowa for several years. Joseph Smith, III lived in Plano where headquarters of the church were established and publications issued. This branch was called the Re-Organized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints until April 6, 2001 when the name was officially changed to Community of Christ.

The Mormons left the Amboy area in the early l860’s.

RESOURCES

Amboy News, Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee County, Gov. Ford’s History of Illinois, Centennial History of Illinois, Governor’s Letter Book, Nauvoo Guide – American Guide Series, Illinois as it is, Rocky Mountain Saints, Publications of the Illinois State Historical Library, Files of the Amboy Newspapers, County Records, Interviews with descendants of the Mormons in Nauvoo and in Lee County, Biography of a Country Town: U.S.A. by Anthony J. Becker, Community of Christ.

MORMONS IN LEE COUNTY
By John Faivre of Maytown
The Amboy News
August, 1970?

The Mormons

The Mormon story begins near Palmyra, New York, where in the l 820’s Joseph Smith claimed to have experienced many “revelations” in one of which he was instructed to dig for the “Plates” which contained the Mormon message. He believed that the Gospel of Christ was known to Adam and all early men, but that mankind repeatedly departed from it, and it became necessary through the ages to revive it through the prophets in various “dispensations”. His mission was one of these restorations.

The Book of Mormon is a record of the Prophets and people who left Jerusalem during the reign of King Zedekiah, traveled across the sea to the western world, there to become the ancestors of the American Indians. They built great cities and civilizations but eventually almost destroyed themselves by wqrs. Some of their records were preserved on plates of metal which were buried. Joseph Smith found these plates in 1827 and in the following two years wrote his book, much of which he dictated to his wife, Emma Hale Smith. in later years Mrs. Smith said of the plates: “I made a linen sack for Mr. Smith to carry them in. They lay on a stand in my room day after day, for weeks at a time, and I often moved them in cleaning the room and dusting the table. They were of metal, and when thumbed, as one sometimes thumbs the leaves of a book, would give off a metallic sound.” The Book of Mormon was published in Palmyra, New York by E. B. Grandin in 1829.

Smith organized the church as a legal entity, at Fayette, Seneca County, New York, April 6, 1830. Membership increased rapidly but at the same time opposition seemed to grow even more rapidly. Persecution became so bad that he was forced to take his family out of the area. His first move was to Kirkland, Ohio where he met with much opposition, so he moved to Jackson County, Missouri in 1831. They were forced to leave there in 1833 and settled in Clay County, where they stayed until 1836 when they moved to Caldwell County. Trouble developed there to the point of open warfare, and finally Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum and other of the leaders were thrown in prison. One of the charges was that they had threatened the life of the governor of Missouri, Lilburn W. Boggs. They were held from November 1838 until their escape on April 15, 1839, while being transported to Boone County on a change of venue.

While awaiting her husband’s release, Emma Smith and their four children moved to Quincy, Illinois, where she stayed with friends. When the family was reunited in the spring they took up residence in the little town of Commerce, on the banks of the Mississippi. The name of the town was changed to Nauvoo in 1840. Here Smith had his greatest success, gathering followers to the number of 15,000 by 1843.

The treatment they had received in Missouri led to attempts to insure against such happenings here. At that time the Whigs and the Democrats were struggling for supremacy in Illinois and Smith found both parties willing to cooperate with him in his desire to obtain a strong charger for his settlement, each party hoping to gain the support of the rapidly growing body of Mormons. On December 15, 1840 the city of Nauvoo was granted a charter which empowered the leaders to pass any law which did not come in direct conflict with either the national or state constitution. They were given the right to set up their own militia and were provided with 250 pieces of small arms and 3 cannon. By 1844 this army had grown to 3000 men.

It was during these years that the Smith family visited Lee County, where Emma’s sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Wasson and her two brothers Alva and David Hale had settled near Rocky Ford. Each time they visited their relatives Joseph preached, usually at the home of John and Matilda Hook on the ridge just north of Rocky Ford. The Hook home was an inn and was the stopping place for the mail carrier on the Peru to Galena route. John’s brother Aaron Hook was an Elder in the church in Nauvoo. When Smith’s preaching began to take root in the area, he sent Aaron to Rocky Ford where a small group of Mormons was organized.

On May 6, 1842 ex-governor Boggs of Missouri was badly wounded by a ball from a pistol, while seated near a window in his home. He suspected his old enemy, Smith, of being the instigator of the deed and had his successor, Gov. Thomas Reynolds, make a requisition upon Gov. Ford of Illinois for the purpose of taking him to Missouri. The arrest was made at the Wasson home in Lee County where the Smiths were visiting. Gov. Ford’s letter to the Governor of Missouri dated August 14, 1843 tells of the strange events which followed. He wrote in part:

“The undisputed facts of the case are that Smith was arrested near Dixon in Lee County; he was immediately delivered over to Mr. Reynolds (the special agent); Smith immediately brought action against Mr. Reynolds for false arrest, had him brought to bail in the sum of $400,000. Mr. Reynolds, being in a strange county and unable to give bail, was taken by the Sheriff of Lee County (Sheriff Campbell) and held as a prisoner; whilst Reynolds held Smith as his prisoner. The paities finally concluded to get out writs of habeas corpus and try the legality of the imprisonment in each case. The writs were accordingly issued returnable before the nearest judicial tribunal in the circuit in which Quincy is situated and thereupon all parties proceeded in the direction of Quincy, Smith being in the custody of Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Reynolds himself being in the custody of the Sheriff of Lee County. On the road during their progress, they were met by parties of the citizens of Nauvoo. Some, or most of whom are said to have been members of the Nauvoo Legion; though there is no evidence that they appeared in a Military capacity. There was no exhibition of arms of any description, nor was there any Military or war-like array – nor was there any actual force used; though Mr. Reynolds testified that he felt under constraint; and that Smith, soon after meeting the first parties of Mormons, enlarged himself from his custody. Mr. Reynolds also testifies (and there can be no doubt of the fact) that by the command of Smith and his friends, or by the voluntary act of the Sheriff of Lee County, who had him in custody, does not appear by any testimony furnished by Mr. Reynolds. The affidavit of the Sheriff has not been obtained, though there is evidence on the other side to show that the Sheriff of Lee County voluntarily carried Mr. Reynolds to the city of Nauvoo, without any coercion on the part of any one.”

In Nauvoo Smith was freed by his own court under an ordinance passed earlier in the same year which read – “To prevent kidnapping, illegal arrest of persons or unlawful search of property, all write or warrants issued out of the city shall, before they are executed within the limits of said city (Nauvoo), be examined by, and receive the approval and signature of the Mayor of said city on the back of said process, and be served by the marshal of said city.” Later, to clear the case, Smith gave himself up and was taken before Judge Pope in U.S. District Court and released.

Several things contributed to the hostile feelings which developed between the Mormons and their Hancock County neighbors during this period. One was the fact that over three thousand English Mormons joined the group in Nauvoo between 1840 and 1844. There was still bitterness against the British stemming from the war of 1812. Another was the fact that they usually voted in a bloc and so controlled county government as well as being a powerful force in the government of the state since Nauvoo was, at that time the largest city in Illinois. Finally, the doctrine of polygamy, which Smith disclaimed, caused a rift within the church itself. John C. Bennett, the first Mayor of Nauvoo, was excommunicated for immorality. In retaliation he published a booklet “The History of the Saints; or an Expose of Joe Smith and Mormonism” and began a series of lectures on the subject, finding willing listeners wherever he went. William and Wilson Law and others on June 7, 1844, printed the first and only issue of The Expositor, attacking polygamy and the political ambitions of Smith. These men had all been faithful to the church and their attack was against the Prophet, himself, rather than against Mormonism. On June 1011′ Smith ordered their press and all copies of the paper destroyed.

The Laws went to Carthage where they obtained a warrant for the arrest of the Prophet and others responsible for the destruction of the press. Smith nullified the warrant but by now the Anti-Mormons had enough of this evasion of the law by recourse to Nauvoo ordinances and threatened to rise up against the city. Smith and his brother, with several others, fled across the river but fearing possible harm to the city as a result of this action, gave themselves up. While awaiting trial in the jail at Carthage Joseph and Hyrum were killed by a mob of some two hundred men. Their bodies were returned to Nauvoo, but fearing that the mob might attempt to get possession of them, the Mormons filled two caskets with sand and with great solemnity, buried them, while the caskets containing the Smiths were secretly interred. It was not until 1928 that the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum together with Joseph’s wife Emma were placed beneath a monument on a rise overlooking the river near the Smith Mansion in Nauvoo.

Trouble between the Mormons and their Hancock County neighbors became more violent after the murder of the Smiths. Rural members were driven from their homes by raiding parties. Mormons retaliated by raiding the towns of their enemies. Gov. Ford sent a committee of four, headed by Stephan A. Douglas and accompanied by a body of State Militia, to attempt to negotiate a settlement of the dispute.

The only settlement acceptable to the Anti-Mormons was the removal of the Saints from the State. On September 24, 1845 Brigham Young, who had assumed the leadership of the church, announced that: “As soon as grass grows and water runs” the Mormons would leave for some distant place where they might find peace.

he Saints scattered following this announcement. Some followed James J. Strang to Beaver Island, Michigan where he was crowned King James I. A group called Strangites is still in existence though its number is very small. Sam Brandon led a group around Cape Hom to San Francisco where they worked for Capt. Sutter when gold was discovered in 1849. Emma Smith went to Fulton, Illinois, where she lived with friends until she heard that the man she had left in charge of her property in Nauvoo was planning to dispose of it and go to Texas with the returns. She returned to Nauvoo where she married Major Lewis C. Bidamon in 1847, and continued to reside there until her death April 30, 1879.

A third Smith brother, William, joined the Hooks at Rocky Ford, in an effort to organize “reformed” branch of the church. He represented Joseph Smith, Jr., then just a boy, whom they planned to make the leader of the church. This band grew to about sixty members in the next few years. They laid out a town on the ridge and planned to build a temple, but only progressed as far as cutting the corner stone when trouble forced William to leave and brought to an end the development of the church at Rocky Ford. One version of this trouble has been passed down through the Hook and Stone families. There still remained in the area remnants of the famous “Banditti”. Some of them had managed to maintain the reputation of decent men and to further this deception they joined the Mormon Church, becoming very “pious” members. Mrs. Hook heard some of them planning their evil deeds in a room in the inn, but knowing the ways of the outlaws she did not report it. Soon it was whispered about that there was a connection between the Mormons and the Banditti, resulting in such strong feelings that the group was forced to disband.

In 1860 the annual conference of the reformed group was held in Mechanics Hall in Amboy at which time Joseph Smith, Jr., son of the prophet, was solemnly installed as High Priest and Prophet. This meeting was attended by representatives of groups from Iowa, Michigan and Illinois. For several years thereafter one meeting each year was held in Amboy and another in Iowa. Joseph, Jr. lived in Plano where headquarters of the church were established, and publications issued. This branch is now called the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, (NOTE – It is now known as the Community of Christ) with headquarters in Independence, Missouri. It is still led by a descent of Joseph Smith. It claims to be the legal successor of the church started by Joseph Smith and denies the leadership of Brigham Young. It has a membership of about 178,000.

The farm on the ridge where the town of Palestine was surveyed by Joseph Crawford, May I 0, 1854, has remained in possession of descendants of the Hook family to the present time. The original house burned many years ago and was replaced by a small house which was moved out from Amboy. The comer stone which had been intended for the temple was used as a doorstep at the house and is still lying there though that house has also burned. The edges have been chipped from the heat of the burning house but the top of the stone is still smooth from the many footsteps it has known over the years. It was cut from native limestone and is about three feet long and about fourteen inches wide. This, with the little abandoned cemetery near the Ford are all that remain to mark the efforts of these early people. Many were buried in this little cemetery whose graves can no longer be found, the stones having been carried away as souvenirs by thoughtless people. Some, too, may have been marked with wooden markers which have disappeared over the years.

SOURCES: Recollections of the Pioneers of Lee County, Gov. Ford’s History of Illinois, Centennial History of Illinois, Governor’s Letter Book, 1840-1853, Nauvoo Guide – American Guide Series, Illinois as It ls, Pub. 1857. Rocky Mountain Saints, Publications of the Illinois State Historical Library, Files of the Amboy Newspapers, County Records, interviews with descendants of the Mormons in Nauvoo and in Lee County.

THE MORMONS IN AMBOY
By John Faivre Saints Herald
(1 April 1980)

Note: In September 1978 John Faivre was recognized by the John Whitmer Historical Association for his efforts in Restoration history. At that time Mr. Faivre, a lifelong Catholic but a constant friend of the Reorganized Church, gave an address on the church in Amboy and his work in establishing a historical marker at the site of the ordination of Joseph Smith Ill.

John Faivre has lived near Amboy all his life and has been involved in numerous projects regarding Illinois history. These have included helping to organize the Lee County Historical Society and serving as vice-president of the Illinois State Historical Society. In addition, Mr. Faivre has served on a state commission to plan a memorial to Illinois pioneers in Springfield.

The following address was given in the Plano Church before the John Whitmer Historical Association.

In the time allotted to me, I would like to touch briefly on three phases of my subject, “The Mormons in Amboy”: what brought them to Amboy, what happened while they were there, the state historical marker in Amboy.

Joseph Smith’s wife, Emma Hale Smith, was a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Lewis) Hale of Vermont and later of Pennsylvania. Three of Emma’s brothers and two of her sisters settled in the Amboy area. They were Alva, Jesse, and David Hale, Mrs. Benjamin Wasson and Mrs. Trial Morse. After the Smiths moved to Nauvoo they made several trips to what is now Amboy to visit those relatives.

It was on one of these trips, in June 1843, that Joseph was arrested on a charge stemming from difficulties in Missouri. While he and Emma were at dinner in the home of Elizabeth Wasson on the Wasson farm, which was at the north edge of the present town of Amboy, two men appeared at the door claiming to be elders of the church. In reality they were Joseph H. Reynolds, law officer from Jackson County, Missouri, and Harmon T. Wilson of Hancock County, Illinois. They asked to see “Brother Joseph Smith”. When Joseph went to the door, they drew guns and, without presenting credentials or any authorization, forced him to go with them. He was taken to Dixon, about twelve miles away, where he was confined in a room in a tavern while his captors located fresh horses.

One of Mr. Smith’s friends had, by this time, reached Dixon and secured the legal services of two of the town’s attorneys, Shepard Patrick and E. D. Southwick. The Missouri officer would not allow them to see the prisoner.

In a little town such as Dixon in 1843 news traveled fast. The citizens were so outraged at the actions of Reynolds and Wilson that – but for the intervention of Mr. Dixon and the appeals of Smith himself- in all probability they would have met with violence themselves.

Perhaps the events which followed are best told in a letter from Thomas Ford, Governor of Illinois, to Governor Reynolds of Missouri.

August 11, 1843 The undisputed facts of the case are that Smith was arrested near Dixon in Lee County; he was immediately delivered over to Mr. Reynolds (the special agent); Smith immediately brought action against Mr. Reynolds for false arrest and Mr. Reynolds being in a strange county and unable to give bail, was taken by the Sheriff of Lee County, Sheriff Campbell, and held as a prisoner, while Reynolds held Smith as his prisoner. The parties finally concluded to get out writs of Habeas Corpus and try the legality of the imprisonment in each case. The writs were accordingly issued returnable before the nearest tribunal in which Quincy is situated and there upon all parties proceeded in the direction of Quincy. Smith being in the custody of Reynolds and Reynolds himself being in the custody of the Sheriff of Lee County.

On the road during their progress, they were met by parties of the citizens of Nauvoo, some, or most of whom are said to have been members of the Nauvoo Legion; though there is no evidence that they appeared in a military capacity. There was no exhibition of arms of any description – nor was there any actual force used; though Mr. Reynolds testified that he felt under constraint.

The difficulties were resolved when the party reached Nauvoo. Smith was freed; Reynolds was allowed to return to Missouri; and Sheriff Campbell resumed his duties in Lee County.

Mrs. Smith, after being assured that no harm would come to her husband, left for Nauvoo with her children. A young man named Loring Walker drove the team. She reached Nauvoo three days before the posse holding Joseph arrived.

What happened while they were in the Amboy area?

We’re told by early writers that each time the Smiths visited Amboy, Joseph preached, usually in the log schoolhouse near the Wasson farm. Thus, the seeds of Mormonism were sown in the community.

Also, about two miles from the Wasson farm was the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Hook; they lived on the ridge just north of Rocky Ford and less than a mile south of present Amboy. John’s brother, Aaron, who had been an elder in the church at Nauvoo, came to Rocky Ford in 1843 and a room was provided in the Hook home where he could hold services.

The Hook farm became the focal point for all activity. Eventually it was called Palestine, a name that had been given to a large area of timberland around Rocky Ford by early settlers.

Sometime later (the date seems to be uncertain) Aaron Hook was joined by William Smith, brother of Joseph. Together they built up a congregation of about sixty members.

In Southern Wisconsin a group had been formed under the leadership of Zenas Gurley and Jason
W. Briggs. They were calling it the “New Organization”. lo October 1851 they held a conference in Palestine. Here Jason Briggs expressed concern about the direction William Smith’s teaching was taking. This was the first sign of a cloud which loomed to threaten the bright outlook of the Palestine group.

The next year two influential members, Edwin Cadwell and William W. Blair, announced that they could no longer stay with the congregation because of the teaching of its leaders.

Palestine did not fade away at once. In May 1854 Joseph Crawford, Lee County surveyor, recorded in the county courthouse the survey of a town which he had laid out on the Hook farm at the request of Rhode Hook. The plat contained three blocks, each having eight lots. There is evidence that some houses were built on these lots, but how many we have no way of knowing.

A house of worship was begun on the highest point in the town, but the congregation was losing vigor at that time and the church never rose higher than the stone foundation.

The native limestone which had been cut for the cornerstone was moved to the front of the Hook home where it served as a doorstep. As the years passed that house burned and another was moved to its place. Again, the cornerstone was used as a doorstep. Eventually that house (the last in Palestine) also burned, and the stone – considerably damaged by the two fires – lay beside the crumbling foundation until 1977 when it was moved to the Amboy Depot Museum.

The highlight of Mormon activity in Amboy came with the conference at which Joseph Smith III was ordained president- prophet of the Reorganized Church.

At 10:00 a.m., April 6, 1860, the conference convened. Zenas Gurley was called to the chair with William Marks as assistant.

The morning was spent in preaching by Gurley, Samuel Powers, and Edmund Briggs. Their sermons were devoted mainly to a discussion of the difference between this branch of the church and the one headed by Brigham Young. A great body of Mormon people, it was pointed out, were scattered through several states, and a prophet by lineage would bring these people together and unite the into one great whole.

Early in the afternoon session Gurley said, “I would present to you, my brethren, Joseph Smith”. Young Joseph then came forward and delivered a most touching address.

When he had finished it was moved that he be received as prophet – the successor of his father. The motion was carried by unanimous vote. Gurley then said, “Brother Joseph, I present this church to you in the name of Jesus Christ”.

To this Joseph responded, “May God grant in His infinite mercy that I may never do anything to forfeit the high trust confided in me. I pray that He may grant to us power to recall the scattered ones of Israel and I ask your prayers.

Then followed his ordination as president and prophet of the church.

YOUNG JOSEPH COMES TO AMBOY
Reprinted from The Saints’ Herald
July 2 & 9, 1951
By Edmund C. Briggs

In 1852 the Lord gave a revelation through Jason W. Briggs which assured the faithful remnant that “in mine own due time I will call upon the seed of Joseph Smith… and he shall preside over the high priesthood of my church… ” (Story of the Church, p. 393). For eight years the Saints waited in patience and prayer for young Joseph to join them. At the General Conference at Amboy in 1860 he accepted leadership – much to the joy of all. Selections from the journal of Apostle Edmund C. Briggs tell their story:

Amboy, Lee County, Illinois, April 5, 1860: I accompanied several of the brethren who were anticipating friends to arrive on the next trail which is now due. While we were waiting at the depot, Brother Joseph Smith came up the street to meet us. I happened to be the only one who knew him. I soon introduced him to the saints. He informed me that he came up on the night train before, and that his mother, who came with him, was at her sister’s, Mrs. Wasson’s, an old resident of the place.

I then invited him to attend our social prayer meeting to be held at Brother Stone’s in the evening. He replied, “I would like to attend, but also would like to have my mother go if I had any conveyance so she could.” I informed him I would see that he was provided with conveyance for himself and his mother.

This evening Brother Stone’s son, Lardner, took his open double-seated spring carriage and we went after them. They were cheerful, unassuming, and social in conversation, yet reserved in manner. They casually referred to the stormy time crossing the (Mississippi) river on their way, but made no expression in relation to the Church. Just as we reached the door of Brother Stone’s residence, the congregation knelt in prayer. The parlor was closely seated and packed, but the front room had no seats and the audience was standing.

Brother Joseph and his mother sat on the edge of one of the beds while Elder Gurley offered the invocation to our Heavenly Father for His blessing. The audience arose and sang a hymn. Just as the closing lines of praise were sung, the Holy Spirit said to me, “Introduce Brother Joseph as the son of the Prophet Joseph and Sister Emma as the wife of the deceased.” I instantly said to Joseph, “Allow me to introduce you to this audience,” took him by the hand, led him to the door of the sitting room, introduced him as commanded by God, and in the same manner introduced Sister Emma. Our hope was based upon prophecy is now being realized. A joyous influence of the Holy Spirit solemnized every heart in Divine presence.

Elder Gurley said, “Welcome, welcome.”

Brother Joseph said, “I am pleased to meet with you, and in coming I propose to say tomorrow to you, “If the same Spirit that prompts my coming prompts my reception, I am with you.” He did say other words, but I do not remember them so I can repeat them. I do not think Sister Emma made any response to the glad voice of Elder Gurley to her, “Welcome, welcome, to the elect lady.”

I am truly glad to record these events, as they will ever serve as a Iink in the history of the great latter-day work, and they are true, as God cannot lie. The meeting was a spiritual feast. Many of the saints spoke and rejoiced in the Holy Ghost. Several spoke in the spirit of prophecy, which must have been very comforting to Joseph and Sister Emma. All the saints were lit up with great hope, comfort, and peace of the Holy Ghost.

As the hour of service advanced, I was impressed to offer prayer and thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father and was led in supplication to ask Almighty God to bless the Church in its effort to gather into His sheepford the honest in heart everywhere in all the earth, that Israel might be gathered from its long dispersion; and that Joseph, the son of the Martyr, might be kept from the besetting sin of the ancient kings and prophets of Israel. I had the assurance by the Holy Spirit that my prayer would be answered and that Joseph would never be led into the gross crime of polygamy.

I have been quite particular in the record of events as I believe it will be of interest to the rising generation that will follow us; also because it is a fulfillment of the prophecy that I would come to the Church with the Prophet, Joseph. Before I took my mission in 1856 (with Samuel Gurley to Nauvoo to ask Young Joseph to join with them) it was revealed to me that I should not return to Zarahemla, Wisconsin, until Joseph would be called to take his father’s place, and that I was directed to Western Iowa to attend this conference. T was also told means would be supplied to bear my expenses.

All this shows unmistakable evidence that a Divine Power had been guiding in these matters. It was not a studied plan of mine even to meet Joseph at Amboy, but it seemed to come about as a natural happening so far as I was concerned. But now that it has come about, as current events in history, I can see how an overruling Providence has been in it all.

April 6, 1860: It is ever a memorable day in the cycle of days when God commands a work to be done! We accompanied Joseph and his mother to the conference. He was cheerful and easy in his manner, unassuming without the least expression of affectation, reserved and yet not distant in his way. He greeted us with, “Good morning,” as he and his mother took seats in the carriage. On the way to the hall he asked, “What do you think in relation to new revelations?”

I replied, “We believe the general law of God is given to the Church as recorded in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book of Doctrine and Covenants; but as has been in the ages past, so it will be in the future, as circumstances and new events demand, there will be new revelations from God – but always in harmony with what has been given, and never conflicting with the law of God already given.”

He then said, “I wish the conference to organize and conduct its business this forenoon just the same as if I were not there.” As I led the way into the hall, I gave them seats and then informed Elder Z. H. Gurley of Joseph’s request. The Conference was organized in the usual manner with Elder Gurley being chosen president; Elder William Marks, assistant; Elders Andrew G. Jackson and Isaac Sheen, clerks.

After invocation by one of the elders, President Gurley in an eloquent and impassionate address took a retrospective view of the great latter-day work.. He called on Elder Samuel Powers of the Twelve, who addressed the saints upon the general principles of the gospel of Christ… He has such a breadth of thought, and is such a sacred historian and biblical scholar, it is an intellectual feast to hear his oratory … I followed upon the same subject.

The saints were in the best of spirits and hope, and at the adjournment Brother Joseph and his mother were introduced to many of the saints.

At half past one conference convened, and after the singing Elder Archibald Wilsey offered invocation, and President Gurley made a few remarks and invited those who wished to unite with the Church. Horace Bartlett, Frederick Squires, and Joseph Robinson arose to their feet and expressed their faith in Christ and desired to unite with the Reorganization; they were received by unanimous vote.

Brother Joseph Smith then came forth and was introduced by the president in the following words, “f am pleased to introduce to you, my brethren, Joseph Smith, the son of the Choice Seer.” He then made an address after which a motion was made that he be received and chosen to the office of president of the high priesthood. The vote was unanimous, and he was ordained under the hands of Elders Z. H. Gurley, Samuel Powers, and W. W. Blair of the Twelve, and William Marks and George Morey of the high priesthood. The quiet, peaceful Spirit of God brooded over the entire audience when the solemn ordination took place, and the saints were happy and comforted in the Faith.

I could realize that as his father had been ordained at Amherst, Ohio, on the twenty-fifth of January, 1832, to the office of president of the high priesthood, so now he has been ordained at Amboy, Illinois, on the sixth day of April, 1860, in harmony with the precedent in his father’s case, and the law of God, which says, “Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder) is to be ordained by the direction of a high council, or General Conference.”

The Address of Joseph Smith III to the General Conference April 6, 1860

I would say to you brethren, (as I hope you may be, and in faith I trust you are), as a people that God has promised His blessings upon, I came not here of myself, but by the influence of the Spirit. For some time past I have received manifestations pointing to the position which I am about to assume.

l wish to say that I have come here not to be dictated by any men or set of men. I have come in obedience to a power not my own, and shall be dictated by the power that sent me.

God works by means best known to Himself, and I feel that for some time past He has been pointing out a work for me to do.

For two or three years past deputations have been waiting on me, urging me to assume the responsibilities of the leadership of the Church, but I have answered each and every one of them that I did not wish to trifle with the faith of the people.

I do not propose to assume this position in order to amass wealth out of it, neither have I sought it as a profit.

I know opinions are various in relation to these matters. I have conversed with those who told me they would not hesitate one moment in assuming the high and powerful position as the leader of this people. But I have been well aware of the motives which might be ascribed to me – motives of various kinds, at the foundation of all of which is selfishness, should I come forth to stand in the place where my father stood.

I have believed that should I come without the guarantee of the people, I should be received in blindness and would be liable to be accused of false motives. Neither would I come to you without receiving favor from my Heavenly Father.

I have endeavored, as far as possible, to keep myself unbiased. I have never conversed with J. H. Strang, for in those days I was but a boy, and in fact am now but a boy. I had not acquired a sufficient knowledge of men to be capable of leading myself, setting aside the leading of others.

There is but one principle taught by the leaders of any faction of this people that I hold in utter abhorrence. That is a principle taught by Brigham Young and those believing in him. I have been told that my father taught such doctrines. I have never believed it and never can believe it. lf such things were done, then I believe they never were done by Divine authority. I believe my father was a good man, and a good man never could have promulgated such doctrines.

I believe in the doctrines of honesty and truth. The Bible contains such doctrines, and so do the Book of Mormon and the Book of Covenants, which are auxiliaries to the Bible.

I have my peculiar notions in regard to revelations but am happy to say that they accord with those I am to associate with, at least those of them with whom l have conversed. I am not very conversant with those books (pointing to a volume before him), not so conversant as I should be and will be. The time has been when the thought that I should assume the leadership of this people was so repulsive to me that it seemed as if the thing could never be possible.

The change in my feelings came slowly, and I did not suffer myself to be influenced by any extraneous circumstances and have never read the numerous works sent me which had a bearing on this subject, for fear they might entice me into wrongdoing. It is my determination to do right and let heaven take care of the result. Thus I came to you free from any taint of sectarianism, taints from thoughts of the varied minds I have come in contact with; and thus the hope to be able to build up my own reputation as a man.

It has been said that a Mormon elder, though but a stripling, possessed a power unequaled by almost any other preacher. This arises from a depth of feeling, and the earnestness with which they believe the doctrines they teach; and it is this feeling that I do not wish to trifle with.

I know that Brigham Young is considered a man of talent, by some a bold and fortunate man, and by others an unscrupulous and bad man, according as circumstances differ.

Should you take me as a leader, I propose that all should be dealt with in mercy, open as to Gentile or Jew, but I ask not to be received except as by the ordinances of the Church.

Some, who had ought to know the proprieties of the Church, have told me that no certain form was necessary in order for me to assume the leadership – that the position came by right of lineage, yet I know that if I attempted to lead as a prophet by these considerations, and not by a call from Heaven, men would not be led to believe who do not believe now. And so I have not come of my own dictation to this sacred office.

I believe that we owe duties to our country and to society, and are amenable to the laws of the land, and have always considered it my duty to act upon this principle, and I do say that among the people where I live I have as many good and true friends as I could desire among those of any society.

The people of Hancock County have been strongly anti-Mormon, and there I know of no enemies. I have been engaged in business with anti-Mormons. I have mingled with them, and have not only been obliged not to make any remarks which might give offence, but also to smother my own feelings, if I had any. I hold no enmity to any man living who has fought this doctrine, nor do I know any who have enmity towards me. I hope there are none.

In conclusion, I will come to you if you will receive me, give my ability, and the influence which my name may bring, together with what little power I possess; and I trust by your prayers and faith to be sustained I pledge myself to promulgate no doctrine that shall not be approved by you, or the code of good morals.

I have my own short-comings, but I trust as a leader I shall do nothing to lead astray. if I do so, I shall expect condemnation, for I am satisfied that this people, governed by the same policy, would serve me worse than they have Brigham Young before, for I would be wholly deserted.

A gentleman from Utah informs me that a majority of Brigham Young’s people were restive- not satisfied with their condition – but dared say nothing, that those who preached and those who practiced his teachings were, in reality, the old fogies of the institution, the younger taking a different view of matters.

I do not care to say any more at present, but will simply add that if the same Spirit which prompts my coming prompts also my reception, I am with you.

From: Restoration Voice March/April 1988

SCENES OF AMBOY, ILLINOIS

Joseph Smith III came to Amboy in 1860 to be ordained as the president of the high priesthood of the Church. Amboy has changed since 1860, but the locations are still recognizable. The large building on the left is the Railroad Depot, which stands on the site of the 1860 Depot where Joseph and his mother, Emma Smith Bidamon, arrived enroute to the conference, The general conference was held at Goldman Hall, which stood on the site now occupied by the dark brick building shown at the right above and below.

The center of Amboy is shown here. Goldman Hall (also called Mechanic’s Hall) was located a block west of US route 52 on East Street.

Joseph Smith III was ordained to be a prophet of the church at this location. A large plaque (shown behind the car) locates the site.

The Mormon Marker in Amboy

The Lee County Historical Society had as its speaker at the February 1970 meeting Russell Birk, markers supervisor for the Illinois State Historical Society. He explained the program and the requirements for obtaining a marker.

The local Historic Sites Committee met with him following the regular meeting to discuss possible sites for markers in Lee County. My suggestion was the 1860 meeting in Amboy. To this he said, “Follow that up and send me a report.”

I prepared a paper on the subject which I presented to the Lee County Sites Committee at the next meeting. The following month it was forwarded to Springfield where in April the State Committee gave tentative approval. The project was moving along so fast that we began to plan for a dedication during the summer of 1970.

We hit a snag, however, when we began to search for the exact site of the conference. It is difficult to understand how a hall large enough to accommodate 300 people could get lost, but that is exactly what happened. Amboy was plagued with fires during those years so much so that eventually every building in the business district was destroyed. When a fire occurred the burned-out business would often relocate in some other part of the town, either temporarily or permanently, so that it is difficult to determine what was where at any given time.

Finally, in January 1974, after countless hours spent in searching through the files of the Amboy newspapers and with the assistance of the staff of the state markers supervisor, as well as with the help of Dick and Ruth Wildermuth, the site was located.
The dedication was held on June 15, 1974, a little more than four years after the project was
begun.
The text of the marker, as finally approved by the state committee as well as by Richard Howard, World Church Historian, reads as follows:

THE REORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS WAS ESTABLISHED lN 1852 IN SOUTHERN WISCONSIN, ON APRIL 6, 1860. JOSEPH SMITH III, SON OF THE MORMON FOUNDER WAS ORDAINED PRESIDENT-PROPHET OF THE REORGANIZED CHURCH. THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT GOLDMAN’S HALL WHICH STOOD ON THIS SITE AT AMBOY. A MORMON CONGREGATION HAD BEEN ORGANIZED HERE ABOUT 1840. SMITH HEADED THE REORGANIZED CHURCH UNTIL HlS DEATH IN 1914. CHURCH HEADQUARTERS WAS FOUNDED AT PLANO IN 1866, MOVED TO LAMONI, IOWA IN 1881 AND TO INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI IN 1921.

ERECTED BY THE LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND THE ILLINOIS STATE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1974.

The Mormon Cemetary
Amboy, Illinois
(Pictures taken on April 29th 1999)

THE BIOGRAPHY OF A COUNTRY TOWN U.S.A.
By Anthony J. Becker Chapter, The Fifth
Growth in the 19th Century

The night passed quickly, and the dawn of March 25, 1954, was soon breaking upon us. It seems that the showers of yesterday had thoroughly laundered the heavens and left them hanging up to dry beneath the sun. On such a day as this, one feels prepared to face any ordeal. But it would be no ordeal to have to sit at my typewriter and record another chapter as The Old Man unraveled it. Already four days had slipped past, and what remained of the Amboy story would be more outstanding events The Old Man had faithfully organized in his memory.

Fulfilling his usual chore of loading his corncob pipe and adjusting himself in his favorite chair, The Old Man set out upon another day of narration.

“Son,” he began, “up to the present I’ve mentioned very little about any religious denominations in Amboy. I thought it best to treat them together. In various places along the line, I’ve pointed out Christian principles that led the early settlers on toward greater heights; for instance, faith in God, love of their family Bibles, charity toward their neighbors, prayer meetings, and so forth; but nothing about any formal religions. Well, I’ve certainly insinuated, son, that the early citizens were a religious lot of people. And I am fully convinced that Amboy owes everything to the religious tenets of its founders.

Before any church buildings were set up, religious meetings were conducted in private homes by circuit riders, priests or ministers. However, the earliest religious group to settle here, son, was that of the Mormons. It was in the late 1830’s and the early I 840’s that they organized in John Hook’s home, now the Tim Arend farm. Their cemetery was on the road south of the Rocky Ford Bridge. Many old tombstones are still intact, although the place is overgrown with trees and briar. Here you’ll find inscribed names such as Doan, Stone, and Brown. Ever so often their brethren from Salt Lake City wander back and stop to pay respect to their ancestors.

It is difficult to imagine that the Mormons were strong here at one time. If it hadn’t been for future developments, Amboy may have become the haven of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. Their first preacher was William Anderson. Both Joseph and Hyrum Smith often came up here from Nauvoo to embrace a certain occasion. Joseph Smith, the founder of this sect, was a classmate of Asa Searls back in New York State.

In fact, there was some mixture of blood between the Mormon sect and Amboy citizens. Joseph Smith married Emma Hale, sister of Alva Hale of Sublette, and of David Hale and Mrs. Benjamin Wasson of Amboy.

At one time the Mormons proposed to build an elaborate temple north of Rocky Ford on a knoll of the Tim Arend farm. The cornerstone they laid is still used as a step to enter the old farmhouse.

Big things were in the making for the Mormons, but certain events brought their plans to a halt. There is especially the litigation of June 1843. The Governor of Missouri sent out a requisition for the arrest of Joseph Smith, because of his polygamous doctrine. At that time, he was visiting some of his wife’s relatives up here at Palestine Grove. an Illinois constable and a Missouri agent arrested him. Smith fought desperately but was overpowered and taken to Dixon.

It seems, son, that the proceedings against Smith had been illegal. The agents had not shown any warrant for his arrest. For this reason, Father Dixon came to his rescue and demanded his release.

Joseph Smith had a miserable life in Illinois, where polygamy was not accepted. He was arrested time and again and finally gave himself up for trial. Though he was guaranteed protection, a mob attacked the jail and lynched him and his brother Hyrum.

The group that settled at Rocky Ford broke away from the main church and settled under the name of the Latter-Day Saints. These did not believe in polygamy. A very considerable following came here. Among them there were the Hooks, Cadwell’s, Wentworth’s, Blairs, Stones, and Doan’s, all peaceful. and industrious citizens.

On April 6, 1860, their anniversary, the annual Mormon conference was held in Amboy, Joseph Smith, III, was installed as prophet and high priest in the old Mechanics Hall. In the early 60’s, however, the Mormons finally left our community.

Joseph Smith, III was born on November 6, 1832 in Kirkland, Ohio. His early childhood was spent in Nauvoo, Illinois. He was baptized by his father in Nauvoo. The murders of his father and his uncle left him with a lifelong hatred for injustice and oppression.

His first wife was Emmeline Griswold whom he married on 22 March 1856. They had five children, Emma Joseph, Evelyn Rebecca, Carrie Lucinda, Zaide Viola and Joseph Arthur. Evelyn and Joseph Arthur died in infancy and are buried in the Smith family cemetery in Nauvoo. They made their home in Nauvoo and Amboy, Illinois. Emmeline died on March 25, 1869, and is also buried in the family cemetery in Nauvoo. On November 12, 1869, he married Bertha Madison in Sandwich, DeKalb County, Illinois. Bertha and Joseph then had nine children, David Carlos, Mary Audentia, Frederick Madison, Israel Alexander, Kenneth, Bertha Azuba, Hale Washington, Blossom and Lucy Yeteve. David and Blossom died in infancy. Bertha Azuba died at the age of six. David Carlos died when he was fourteen. Bertha was injured in an accident and died on October 19, 1896. They lived in Amboy, Illinois from 1896 until 1881 when they moved to Lamoni, Iowa. On January 12, 1898, Joseph married Ada Rachel Clark in Waldemar, Dufferin, Ontario, Canada. They had three sons, Richard Clark, William Wallace and Reginald Archer. They lived in Lamoni, Iowa and Independence, Missouri. When Joseph died in 1914 his three boys were in their teens. On October 20, 1915, their mother died so their Uncle Israel Alexander Smith and his wife, Nina, moved into their home in Independence, Missouri to care for the boys until they became adults.
Joseph Smith, III was the father of 17 children, 11 grew to maturity. At the time of his death, he had become grandfather to 27 children, of whom fifteen were living. He also had 6 great grandchildren.

When he was first approached to lead the Reorganized Church, he refused. He later accepted the position and went on to lead the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1860 until 1914, a total of 54 years. He left a legacy of intense devotion to his mother, Emma, and testified with firm conviction to the virtue and integrity of his father, insisting his father had no part in founding polygamy, which he abhorred. He outlived his brothers, Frederick, Alexander, and David Hyrum, his adopted sister, Julia, who died in 1881 and his stepfather, Lewis C. Bidamon, who died in 1891.

He published his father’s Inspired Translation of the Bible in December 1867. Joseph III revered education, founding Graceland College. Graceland has become a university. Under the leadership of Joseph III, the Kirkland Temple was purchased and deeded to the RLDS Church, and they have preserved that historical building for present and future generations. The RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) purchased, restored, and now maintains the Smith Homes in Nauvoo. They include the Old Homestead, Mansion House and the Riverside Mansion (Nauvoo House) which was built by his stepfather in 1870. His mother, Emma, died there in 1879.

Mormon Cemetary
Mormon Road
Amboy, Lee County. Illinois

Frank Bird
Son of W.&A.P. Badger, Died July 1st, 1931
AE-GMS-14 DS

This marker was simply standing in front of a tree.

NATHANIEL L. STONE DIED
SEPT. 9,1879
AGED
11 YS., 21 DS.

SAMUEL BROWN BORN
JUNE 12, 1814 DIED
APRIL 27, 1897
NANCY BROWN HIS WIFE
BORN APRIL 25, 1825
DIED MARCH 30, 1888

THE NAMES ON THIS STONE ARE UNCLEAR. THE SECOND NAME LOOKS LIKE:
LUCY L.
THE STONE IS SITTING AGAINST A TREE.

THERE IS A HOLE IN THE CENTER OF THIS STONE. IT LOOKS AS THOUGH A LARGER STONE WAS REMOVED FROM IT, POSSIBLY THE STONE THAT WAS SITTING AGAINST A TREE WITH THE NAME OF LUCY L. ON IT.

THIS STONE IS VERY INTERESTING. THERE IS NO NAME OR OTHER IDENTIFYING INFORMATION ON IT BUT THERE IS WRITING THAT LOOKS LIKE:
BURIED IN THE_______OF HER
LORD IN THE ______OF THE SAINTS.

ON THE FRONT OF THE STONE IT LOOKS LIKE A “Y” ON THE LEFT SIDE. THAT COULD BE SIMPLE MARKINGS ON THE STONE OR IT COULD BE PART OF A NAME.

THIS STONE HAS NO WRITING ON IT SO IT IS POSSIBLE THAT IT IS NOT A TOMBSTONE AT ALL.
COULD IT BE THE CORNER STONE WHICH HAD BEEN INTENDED FOR THE TEMPLE BUT WAS USED AS A DOORSTEP OF A HOUSE THAT BURNED DOWN? THAT DOORSTEP HAD BEEN CUT FROM NATIVE LIMESTONE AND WAS SAID TO BE ABOUT THREE FEET LONG AND ABOUT FOURTEEN INCHES WIDE.

Resources

This has all the info you just read. Mormons in Amboy Scan PDF

Biography of a Country Town: U.S.A. by Anthony J. Becker PDF

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Mormons in Amboy

The History of the Saints in Amboy (Lee County) Illinois

Compiled by: Constance M VyasJune 2001Revised in 2010