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WILFORD WOODRUFF FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS * * * * History of His Life and Labors AS RECORDED IN HIS DAILY JOURNALS
WILFORD WOODRUFF FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS * * * * History of His Life and Labors AS RECORDED IN HIS DAILY JOURNALS
* * * * "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."—Rev. 3:21. PREPARED FOR PUBLICATION BY MATTHIAS F. COWLEY Salt Lake City, Utah 1909 TO HIS NUMEROUS AND EVER INCREASING FAMILY, AND TO ALL WHO LOVE THE NAME AND MEMORY OF PRES. WILFORD WOODRUFF THIS WORK IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED...
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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
That which is perhaps best known about Wilford Woodruff is the fact that he kept throughout his long and eventful life a careful record, not only of his own life, but of the important affairs in the history of the Church. In bringing that journal within the compass of one volume, it has not always been easy to determine what was the most important for the pages of this biography. All his journals, covering thousands of pages, I have read with such discriminating judgment as I could bring to the
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CHAPTER 1.
CHAPTER 1.
BIRTH AND GENEALOGY, 1807. A Chosen Spirit.—Divine Guidance.—Genealogy.—A Miller by Trade. Wilford Woodruff was the fourth president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He belonged to that class of men of whom the Lord said to Abraham, "These will I make my rulers." Of our primeval childhood that ancient Prophet informs us that the Lord stood among those that were spirits and He saw that they were good. Of these spirits the Lord said to Abraham, "Thou art one of them, thou wert c
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CHAPTER 2.
CHAPTER 2.
A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. Arms and Legs Broken.—Injury to Breast Bone and Ribs.—Drowned.—Frozen.—Scalded.—Other Escapes.—Life Preserved by a Merciful Providence. The journal of Wilford Woodruff contains a chapter which he designates as a "chapter of accidents." It is given thus early in his biography as it reveals the purposes of an overruling Providence whose mercies and guiding powers are remarkably manifested throughout a long and arduous career. He himself regarded his escapes from death as an
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CHAPTER 3.
CHAPTER 3.
A REMARKABLE PREPARATION. "Coming Events."—Wilford Woodruff's Interest in Religion.—Existing Religious Denominations.—Teachings of Scripture.—Father Mason, a Prophet.—Peculiar Process of Preparation. Wilford Woodruff belonged to a group of men whose advent into the world characterized the first two decades of the nineteenth century. Though in their own day, humble and obscure and held in contempt by mankind generally, their importance and the work accomplished by them grow in significance to the
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CHAPTER 4.
CHAPTER 4.
EARLY DAYS, 1816-1833. A Fisherman.—Early Employment.—Noble Reflections.—Lessons in Reading.—Interest in the Bible.—Philo Woodruff's Strange Dream.—Mocking Deity.—Its Effects.—Peace of Mind.—Place of Prayer.—Happy Experiences.—A Baptism.—Reads of Mormons.—Notable Instance of Inspiration.—Removal to New York.—Azmon's Faith. Much of the early life of Wilford Woodruff was passed in Farmington, Connecticut. He was a boy of great vitality and given to the sports incident to the community and the time
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CHAPTER 5.
CHAPTER 5.
BAPTISM, 1833. Elders Visit Richland, N. Y.—The New Message.—Wilford Woodruff's Testimony.—The Book of Mormon.—Healing Power.—Baptism.—Ordained a Teacher. The movement westward when Wilford Woodruff located in Richland, New York was in full accord with the restless energy and ambitious purposes of a new and active generation. The movement called for the best talent and most ardent workers of those times. In Richland this young man gave his old time zeal to a new found occupation. What lay at han
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CHAPTER 6.
CHAPTER 6.
ZION'S CAMP, 1834. His First Call.—Leaves for Kirtland.—His Neighbors' Warning.—First Meeting with Prophet.—A Remarkable Prophetic Gift.—Zion's Camp.—Zelph.—Escape Mob at Fishing River.—Epidemic of Cholera.—His Residence in Missouri.—Consecrations. Perhaps no man in the Church ever felt more profoundly the truth of the words, "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform," than Wilford Woodruff. He was so intensely spiritual, so completely devoted to the service of God, that all through
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CHAPTER 7.
CHAPTER 7.
MISSION TO SOUTHERN STATES, 1834-1836. A Prayerful Ambition to Preach.—Departure on Mission to Southern States.—Traveling without Purse or Scrip.—Treatment Received from Minister.—Tribulations.—A remarkable Dream.—Its Fulfillment.—Preaching in Memphis.—Ordained an Elder.—Successful Labors.—Ordained a Seventy.—A Mob Court.—Return to Kirtland. After Wilford Woodruff received the gospel, he felt an intense desire to deliver in turn the same message that had brought him such joy, such assurance, suc
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CHAPTER 8.
CHAPTER 8.
IN KIRTLAND, 1836. Wilford's First Attendance at Meeting in the Temple.—Called to Speak.—Church's Attitude Toward the Use of Liquor.—Wilford in the First Quorum of Seventy.—Receives Temple Endowments.—Troubles in Kirtland.—Greatness of the Prophet Joseph.—Wilford's Marriage.—Receives a Patriarchal Blessing. The missionary experiences of Wilford Woodruff in the Southern States gave to him a firmness and a comprehension that came from the testimony of the spirit of God. From the day he joined the
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CHAPTER 9.
CHAPTER 9.
FIRST MISSION TO FOX ISLANDS, 1837. Troubles at Kirtland.—Mission to Fox Islands.—Evil Spirits Cast Out.—Healing the Sick.—Visits his Home Enroute.—From Connecticut to Maine.—Description of Fox Islands.—Begins Ministry in Vinal Haven.—A Minister Comes to Grief.—Baptisms.—Excitement.—Return to Scarboro. The condition of affairs in Kirtland during the winter of 1836-7 was not at all to the liking of Elder Woodruff. To his mind there was no place in the Church for contentions, misgivings, and oppos
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CHAPTER 10.
CHAPTER 10.
CALLED TO THE APOSTLESHIP, 1838. Again on the Fox Islands.—Opposition Increases.—Manifestation of the Gifts of the Holy Ghost.—Sign of the Prophet Jonas. Wilford Visits A. P. Rockwood in Prison.—Baptizes His Father and Other Relatives.—Birth of His First Child.—Called To Be One of the Twelve Apostles, and To Take a Foreign Mission.—Assists Fox Islands Saints in Migrating to the West.—Mrs. Woodruff Miraculously Healed.—They Reach Quincy, Illinois. The second arrival of Wilford Woodruff at the Fox
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CHAPTER 11.
CHAPTER 11.
CALL TO GREAT BRITAIN, 1838. Mobocrats Seek To Prevent the Fulfillment of a Revelation Given Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, but Are Disappointed.—Temple Cornerstone at Far West Laid.—Wilford Returns to Illinois.—The Prophet Joseph Liberated from Prison in Missouri.—A Survivor of Haun's Mill Massacre.—Selection of Nauvoo as a Place for the Settlement of the Saints.—A Day of God's Power.—Many Sick Are Healed, and a Dying Man Raised to Life.—Incident of Wilford Receiving a Hankerchief from the P
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CHAPTER 12.
CHAPTER 12.
MISSION IN GREAT BRITAIN, 1840. Wilford's Arrival in England.—Missionary Work Begun.—Casting Out a Devil.—Directed by the Spirit of the Lord to Another Field of Labor.—Meets with the United Brethren.—Many Conversions to the Gospel.—Ministers Hold a Convention To Ask Parliament for Legislation against the Mormons.—First Publication of the Book of Mormon and the Hymn Book in England.—The Millennial Star.—In the British Metropolis.—Unable to Secure a Hall To Preach in, the Elders Hold Street Meetin
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CHAPTER 13.
CHAPTER 13.
BRITISH MISSION, 1840-41. Rapid Increase of the Church in Great Britain.—Mysterious Spirit Personage Attempts to Strangle Wilford Woodruff, and Wounds Him Severely.—He Is Relieved and Healed by Three Heavenly Visitors.—First Placard of the Church Posted in London.—Death of Wilford's Daughter.—Difficult Missionary Work in and around London.—Arrival of Lorenzo Snow To Take Charge of the British Mission.—All of the Twelve Called Home.—Attending Various Conferences.—Springing of the Spaulding Story.
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CHAPTER 14.
CHAPTER 14.
REVIEW OF HIS MISSION. Wilford Renders Aid to the Persecuted Saints.—His Care in Recording the Events, also Sermons and Sayings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.—Elder Woodruff's Humility, and Appreciation of the Work of Others.—At a Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Convention.—Letter from His Wife Announcing the Death of Their Daughter.—Revelation Foreshadowing the Troubles of the Saints in the Expulsion from Illinois. In the fullest sense Wilford Woodruff was a man of industrious habits. During the in
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CHAPTER 15.
CHAPTER 15.
IN NAUVOO, 1841. Prophetic Insight.—Teachings of the Prophet.—Baptism for the Dead—Hyrum Kimball. The life of Wilford Woodruff is a remarkable example of the manner in which those who are pre-eminently qualified as preachers of the gospel are required to fill out a well rounded life of experiences, touching most important phases of human conduct in almost all the walks of life. Had Wilford Woodruff belonged to some religious denomination of his day, it is consistent to suppose that he would have
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CHAPTER 16.
CHAPTER 16.
TROUBLES IN NAUVOO, 1842. Building of the Temple.—Book of Moses.—Words of the Prophet.—Nauvoo Legion.—Business Trip to St. Louis.—Return of Orson Hyde. Elder Woodruff was a messenger of peace, a man by temperament and faith pre-eminently fitted to be a missionary of the word of God to the nations of the earth. As one studies his life and the life of the early leaders of the Church, one is constantly reminded of their peculiar fitness and qualifications for the work needed in the Church in its ea
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CHAPTER 17.
CHAPTER 17.
TEACHINGS OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH, 1843. Change in Governors of Missouri and Illinois.—Prophet's Release.—Discourse on Authority.—Signs in the Heavens.—New Arrivals of Saints.—Death of Lorenzo Barnes.—Discourse on Knowledge.—Great Truths.—Prophet's Knowledge of Men.—Wilford Woodruff's Bond for Temple Funds.—Opposition to Revealed Truth.—Hell Defined.—Prophet Arrested.—His Release. Elder Woodruff celebrated New Year's day, 1843, by a sleigh ride over in Iowa. There he had gone fifteen miles to perf
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CHAPTER 18.
CHAPTER 18.
MISSION TO THE EAST, 1843. Address of the Prophet on Constitutional Rights.—Orson Hyde's Call to Russia.—Prophet Explains His Position with Respect to Missouri.—Origin of Nauvoo Legion.—Political Explanation.—Departure of the Twelve for the East.—Brigham Young's Fidelity.—Phrenological Chart by O. S. Fowler.—Return of the Twelve to Nauvoo.—W. W. Sealed to Wife.—Adultery.—Governor of Missouri Again Issues Requisition for Prophet.—Endowments. The people of Nauvoo during these exciting times were g
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CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 19
EARLY DAYS OF 1844. Conduct of the Laws and the Marks.—Discourse on Elijah by the Prophet.—The Celestial Law.—Prophet's Candidacy for President of U. S.—Exploring Expedition to California Planned.—Joseph, Mayor of Nauvoo.—Hostility in Carthage.—Mischief Makers in Nauvoo.—The Prophet Talks on Politics. The year 1844, a year pregnant with momentous events—events which history has magnified because of their importance to mankind in general and to the Latter-day Saints in particular, was ushered in
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CHAPTER 20.
CHAPTER 20.
THE MARTYRDOM OF JOSEPH AND HYRUM, 1844. Mission of the Apostles to the East.—A Warning to W. W.—A Sad Parting.—Political News of the Prophet Published.—W. W. Arrives in Boston, June 26.—The Martyrdom.—Its Announcement Reaches W. W. in Portland, Maine.—His Return to Boston.—an Epistle to the Elders and Saints in the World.—W. W. Visits His Old Home.—Return to Nauvoo.—Conditions in That City. The fourth of March, 1844, brought to Elder Woodruff's life the satisfaction that comes to those who este
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CHAPTER 21.
CHAPTER 21.
THE SUCCESSION, 1844. Sidney Rigdon's Claim to Guardianship.—Rigdon's Spiritual Condition.—Comparison of Sidney Rigdon and Frederick Williams.—Remarks of Brigham Young.—Meeting on Aug. 8, 1844.—Brigham Young Follows Sidney Rigdon in Address to the People.—Members of the Twelve Speak.—Vote on Question of Leadership. The return of the Twelve to Nauvoo at that particular time was both opportune and providential. Elder Woodruff's careful record of what was said and done gives us an insight into the
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CHAPTER 22.
CHAPTER 22.
SECOND CALL TO GREAT BRITAIN, 1844. The New Leadership.—Second Call to Great Britain.—Warning Against Leading Companies from Nauvoo.—Instructions To Finish the Temple and To Build up the City.—W. W. Visits Emma Smith and Others.—Parting Address to the Saints. The mid-summer days of 1844 were full of uncertainties, wonderment, some misgivings, many jealousies, and considerable resistance to the newly established authority and leadership in the Church. Joseph Smith was a wonderful man, a man with
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CHAPTER 23.
CHAPTER 23.
IN THE BRITISH MISSION, 1844-45-46. Departure.—Route.—Visits Home of Solomon Mack.—A Peculiar Dream.—On the Ocean.—Copyright of Doctrine and Covenants.—Visit to Scotland.—Lemington.—Troubles in Nauvoo.—Condition of the Mission.—Preparation for His Return. August 28th, 1844, was the day appointed for the departure of Wilford Woodruff and his companions to the British Mission. Those who were to accompany him were his wife and two children, Hyrum Clark and wife, and Captain Dan Jones and wife. He s
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CHAPTER 24.
CHAPTER 24.
ON THE BANKS OF THE MISSOURI, 1846. Dedication of the Temple in Nauvoo.—The Exodus to Council Bluffs.—Accident to His Father.—Reaches Mt. Pisgah.—Meets Brigham Young.—Recruiting of the Mormon Battalion.—Colonel Kane.—Departure of the Battalion.—Organizations at Winter Quarters.—A Conference with the Chiefs of the Leading Indian Tribes.—Explorations.—Remarks by President Young. Before Elder Woodruff reached his home in Nauvoo, President Young with a number of the Saints had already commenced thei
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CHAPTER 25.
CHAPTER 25.
DEPARTURE OF THE PIONEERS.—APRIL 7, 1847. Arrival of Parley P. Pratt and John Taylor at Winter Quarters.—Organization of the Pioneers.—Manner of Forming Camp.—Horse Feed Enroute.—Pawnee Indians.—A Practical Joke.—Crossing Loup Fork. On the outskirts of civilization, near the banks of the Missouri River, on the 7th day of April, 1847, might have been seen a large body of men and women anxiously gazing on a band of pioneers just taking their departure from wives and children, friends and neighbors
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CHAPTER 26.
CHAPTER 26.
PIONEER JOURNEY CONTINUED, 1847. Elijah Newman Healed.—Indians Attempt Theft.—Antelopes Killed. Encounter with Indians.—A Buffalo Hunt.—Meet Traders from Laramie.—A Decision To Keep the North Bank of the Platte.—Immense Herds of Buffaloes.—William Clayton's Mile Gage.—Letter Left for Next Company.—Description of the Rodometer. The task of crossing Loup River had been accomplished safely and there was a general spirit of gratitude throughout the camp. The following day was the Sabbath, April 25th
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CHAPTER 27.
CHAPTER 27.
PIONEERS REACH FORT LARAMIE,—JUNE 2, 1847. In the Redman's Country.—Indian Customs.—Hunting Became Excessive.—Description of the Bluffs.—Guide Board 409 Miles From Winter Quarters.—Chimney Rock.—Brigham Young Rebukes Card Playing and Frivolity.—Fasting and Prayer.—Arrive at Fort Laramie.—Ascending the Plateaux.—Word From the Mormon Battalion. About the 11th of May, the pioneers found themselves in the heart of the Indians' country. The red man would naturally take some alarm at the approach of s
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CHAPTER 28.
CHAPTER 28.
PIONEERS ENTER SALT LAKE VALLEY. Ferrying the Missourians over the River.—Construction of Rafts—Obtaining Provisions.—Ten Men Left at the Ferry.—Independence Rock.—Devil's Gate.—175 Miles from Fort Laramie.—South Pass.—Meet Major Harris, and Mr. Bridger.—Cross Green River.—Meet Samuel Brannon.—Independence Day.—Meet a Detachment of the Battalion.—Fort Bridger.—Report of the Missouri Company That Perished.—Reach Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847. "On June 10th, I examined a splendid grinding stone
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CHAPTER 29.
CHAPTER 29.
RETURN OF THE PIONEERS TO WINTER QUARTERS, 1847. In Retrospect.—First Crop of Potatoes Planted.—The Beginning of Irrigation.—First Sunday.—Explorations South to Utah Lake.—Choice of Temple Block.—Address by Brigham Young.—Return to Winter Quarters.—Meet the Second Company of Pioneers.—Encounter with the Indians.—Reach Winter Quarters, Oct. 31, 1847.—First Presidency Organized, Dec. 27, 1847. As the valley presented itself to view before the gaze of this sturdy band of pioneers, President Young e
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CHAPTER 30.
CHAPTER 30.
A MISSION TO THE EAST, 1848. In Winter Quarters.—Battle of Nauvoo Commemorated.—Organization of Pottowatamie County.—Bids President Young and Saints Good-by.—Journey from Winter Quarters to Nauvoo.—From Nauvoo to Maine.—A Letter to His Wife.—Healing the Sick.—Discovery of Gold in California. During the first three months of the year 1848, Apostle Woodruff devoted himself to the usual routine of business incident to frontier life. They were laying the foundations of a commonwealth and strengtheni
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CHAPTER 31.
CHAPTER 31.
ELDER WOODRUFF'S RETURN FROM THE EAST. Letter to Orson Pratt.—Baptism of His Father-in-law, Ezra Carter.—Labors in New England.—Meets Dr. John M. Bernhisel.—Healing the Sick.—Interview with Col. Kane.—Hears Indian Chief.—Release from His Mission.—Return to the Valleys.—Conditions at the Frontier.—Stampede on the Plains.—Brigham Young Appointed Governor.—Salt Lake Temple Planned.—Salt Lake City Given a Charter.—Visit to the Southern Settlements.—Fourth Celebrated at Black Rock.—Celebrating of Twe
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CHAPTER 32.
CHAPTER 32.
THE YEARS, 1852, '53, '54. Discourse of Brigham Young on Sin.—The Descendants of Cain.—Edward Hunter Chosen Presiding Bishop.—Parowan Stake Organized.—David Patten.—Talk on Dancing.—Death of Willard Richards.—Jedediah M. Grant Chosen Counselor to Brigham Young.—Journey South.—Walker, the Indian Chief.—John Smith, Son of Hyrum Smith, Called To Be the Head Patriarch of the Church.—Visit North.—Legislature.—Philosophical Society. The beginning of the year 1852 found Elder Woodruff actively engaged
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CHAPTER 33.
CHAPTER 33.
EDUCATIONAL EFFORTS. Education Promoted.—Adventurers.—Endowment House.—President Young Speaks of the Resurrection.—Death of Judge Schafer.—Provo.—Work in Educational Societies.—In the Legislature at Fillmore.—Words of Confidence from Kanosh, an Indian Chief.—Some Peculiarities of Wilford Woodruff.—Poisoned. The first day of the year 1855 was observed by a social entertainment which the Governor and the Legislature of Utah gave in the new Social Hall. "It was the most splendid party up to that da
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CHAPTER 34.
CHAPTER 34.
THE REFORMATION, 1856. Hard Times Were Difficult for Some To Endure.—Recording Church History.—Dedication of Historian's Office.—First Hand-cart Company.—The Reformation Inaugurated.—Death of Jedediah M. Grant.—Suffering of the Hand-cart Companies.—Heber C. Kimball's Dream. The year 1856 found the people engrossed in the labors incident to pioneer life. They were beginning to appreciate more than ever the wonderful resources of their new Zion. The growing opportunities to accumulate means were a
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CHAPTER 35.
CHAPTER 35.
CELEBRATION OF 24th, 1857. Words of Brigham Young.—Talk by the Indian Chief, Aropene.—Assassination of Parley P. Pratt.—Return of Thomas B. Marsh to the Church.—Celebration of the Twenty-forth in Big Cottonwood Canyon.—News of the Army's Approach. The year 1857 made its appearance in the midst of an unusual and extraordinary snowstorm. The ushering in of the new year in such a manner was portentous of the stormy and extraordinary experiences of the Saints. Elder Woodruff records that he passed m
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CHAPTER 36.
CHAPTER 36.
WAR TIMES, 1857. Deposit of Church Records in Temple Foundation.—Approach of the Army.—Present of a Team.—John D. Lee.—Visit of Captain Van Vliet.—Lot Smith.—Col. Alexander Writes President Young.—Communication from Governor Cumming to Governor Young.—Miraculous Escapes.—High Price of Salt at Army Headquarters.—Prediction of Calamity to the Nation.—A Poetic Tribute by Eliza R. Snow. Apostle Woodruff was asked by President Young to notify the Twelve to meet at the Temple foundation, on August 13t
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CHAPTER 37.
CHAPTER 37.
ARMY ENTERS SALT LAKE VALLEY, 1858. President and Congress of the U. S. Memorialized.—Words of Brigham Young.—Arrival of Col. Kane.—Governor Cumming Reaches Salt Lake City.—Migration Southward.—Delegates from Nicaragua.—Want Mormons To Move to Central America.—Proclamation from President Buchanan.—Peace Commission.—President of the Deseret Agricultural and Manufacturing Society.—Indian War Threatened.—A Striking Dialogue.—The Mob Element.—Mogo's Deception.—Attacks on President Young.—Greeley Vis
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CHAPTER 38.
CHAPTER 38.
BEGINNING OF THE REBELLION, 1861. Embarks in Sheep Industry.—Adventures of One Gibson.—Lectures to Young Men in Police Court.—Counsel to Missionaries.—Visit to Cache Valley.—Schools Investigated.—Celebration of the 24th.—Prophecies of Civil War.—Little Children in the Resurrection.—Brigham Young on Secession.—Death of Aphek Woodruff.—Governor Dawson. The first day in the new year, 1860, came on Sunday and found Elder Woodruff feeble in body from the effects of the severe sickness which he had ju
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CHAPTER 39.
CHAPTER 39.
THE YEARS 1862-63. Killing of Thieves.—John Baptiste, the Grave Digger.—Value of a Daily Journal.—Erection of the Salt Lake Theatre.—State of Deseret.—Foundation Stones of Temple Raised.—Indian Troubles on Bear River.—Visit of the Moquitches to Salt Lake City.—Their Customs.—Attempt To Arrest President Young.—Settlement of Bear Lake Valley.—Mining. The new year, 1862, found Elder Woodruff in both a reminiscent and prophetic mood. He had closed his journal of the previous year by pointing out the
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CHAPTER 40.
CHAPTER 40.
THE YEARS 1864-65. Some Enjoyments.—He Visits a Condemned Man in Prison.—Troubles Made by Gibson on Hawaiian Islands.—Lorenzo Snow's Escape from Watery Grave.—Visit to Bear Lake Valley.—Remark of President Young in Logan.—Ordination to Apostleship of Charles C. Rich, Lorenzo Snow, Erastus Snow, and Franklin D. Richards.—Hot Springs at Midway.—Second Inauguration of President Lincoln.—Treaty with Indians.—Colfax Visits Utah.—Jane Blackhurst. The journal of Wilford Woodruff for the year 1864 opens
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CHAPTER 41.
CHAPTER 41.
THE YEARS 1866, '67, '68. New Year's Greetings.—Evil Spirits Rebuked.—Love for Little Ones.—Drawings in His Journal.—Mrs. Godbe's Dream.—Brigham Young's Remarks on the Atonement.—Sept. 5, 1867, Joseph F. Smith Selected as One of the Twelve.—Amasa Lyman Dropped from Twelve.—School of the Prophets.—Move to Provo.—Grass-hopper War.—Advent of the Railroad.—Remarkable Prophetic Utterances at Logan.—Visit to Sanpete.—Call to First Presidency of Geo. A. Smith.—Accident to His Son Ashael—Summary of 1868
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CHAPTER 42.
CHAPTER 42.
THE YEARS, 1869, '70. Co-operative Movement.—Cove Fort.—Pronouncement Against Use of Wine.—Organization of Bear Lake Stake.—Visit of Schuyler Colfax.—The Godbe Movement.—Descendants of Cain.—Utah Central R. R. Completed.—Plural Marriage.—Boston Board of Trade Visits Utah.—Sayings of Brigham Young.—The Newman-Pratt Discussion.—Martin Harris Rebaptized. January 1st, 1869, Wilford Woodruff accompanied Brigham Young to Ogden, where a meeting was held for the purpose of discussing a grant of land to
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CHAPTER 43.
CHAPTER 43.
PIONEER LIFE IN RICH COUNTY, 1871. Arrest of President Young and Others.—Experiences in Randolph.—Caught in a Snow Storm.—Reaches Salt Lake City. The year 1871 found the anti-Mormon element entrenched behind a considerable adverse eastern sentiment against the Latter-day Saints, and persecutions therefore took on a renewed vigor. There was a contest on between the Federal and the Territorial officers respecting the control of the penitentiary, which had been constructed in part by the Territory,
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CHAPTER 44.
CHAPTER 44.
THE YEARS, 1872-74. Judge McKean.—Journalizing.—Early Church Historians.—Holy Ghost.—Visit to San Francisco.—Funerals of Pitt and Player.—Thomas L. Kane.—Garden of Eden.—Paralysis.—Earl Rosebury.—Fall from a Tree. According to Elder Woodruff's journal, the year 1872 opened with a heavy snow-storm. The year also found the Saints considerably agitated over the indictments found against Brigham Young and leading men of the Church, on the charge of murder. These indictments had been largely the resu
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CHAPTER 45.
CHAPTER 45.
ST. GEORGE TEMPLE DEDICATED. Visit to Randolph.—Governor Axtell.—Visit of President Grant.—Visit of Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil.—Dedication of St. George Temple.—A Grand Birthday Celebration. On January 6th, 1875, Elder Woodruff accompanied by his son-in-law, Jesse Moses, left for Randolph, Rich County. Although the winter there was very cold he hauled wood from the mountains for the use of his family. He records that on the 17th of the month three men, while on their way from Evanston to Woodr
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CHAPTER 46.
CHAPTER 46.
DEATH OF BRIGHAM YOUNG, AUG. 29, 1877. Death of His Son, Brigham Young Woodruff.—Prophetic Utterances.—Baptisms for the Signers of the Declaration of Independence.—Death of Brigham Young Changes His Plans.—Funeral.—Visit to Logan.—Visit to St. George.—A Vision.—Old Folks' Excursion.—Zion's Board of Trade. On the 16th of June, 1877, while on a visit to Pine Valley, southern Utah, Elder Woodruff received the sad news of the death of his son, Brigham Young Woodruff, who was drowned in Bear River. T
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CHAPTER 47.
CHAPTER 47.
EXPERIENCES IN ARIZONA, 1879. In Arizona.—An Epistle to the World.—Birthday Celebrated in St. George.—Travels in Arizona.—Hunt with Pelone, the Apache Chief.—A Visit to the Zunies.—Travels with Lot Smith.—Dream.—Letters. On New Year's Day, 1879, Elder Woodruff moved to his new brick home next door south of the Valley House. The old Valley House had been his first mountain home. On the third of the month, in company with Moses Thatcher, he started on a tour of the southern counties. One of the ch
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CHAPTER 48.
CHAPTER 48.
REMARKABLE EXPERIENCES IN ARIZONA, 1880. In a Shepherd's Tent in Arizona.—A Revelation Given Jan. 26, 1880.—Organization of First Presidency.—Call to Apostleship of Francis M. Lyman and John Henry Smith. New Year's Day, 1880, found Apostle Woodruff at the home of a Brother Greer at the Little Colorado meadows, Apache County, Arizona. He says he passed much of the day in reading and in meditation upon the past. His mind was also occupied with his present situation, and he was led to contemplate t
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CHAPTER 49.
CHAPTER 49.
YEARS OF GREAT AGITATION, 1881, 1882. Leonard Hardy's Birthday Party.—Prophecy Concerning Joseph F. Smith.—Death of Orson Pratt.—Visit to St. George.—The Edmunds Law.—Oscar Wilde.—Conditions at St. Johns, Arizona.—Call of President George Teasdale, Heber J. Grant and Seymour B. Young.—Death of Captain William H. Hooper. In the beginning of the year 1881 Elder Woodruff found it possible to enjoy the quietude of his home, free from the threats and undisturbed by the agitation of his enemies. He ap
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CHAPTER 50.
CHAPTER 50.
THE CRUSADE OPENS, 1883-1885. Exemplary Deacons.—Adam-ondi-Ahman.—Visit to Colorado.—The Patriarchal Order of Marriage.—Andrew Burt.—Farm Life.—The Crusade Opens.—The Family Celebration of His Birthday.—Call of Jno. W. Taylor.—Call of Wm. B. Preston.—Land Troubles in Arizona.—Dedication of the Logan Temple.—A Visit to Snake River Country, Idaho.—Growth of Children After the Resurrection.—Call of John Morgan.—In Exile.—Conference at Fish Lake. On the 2nd of January, 1883, President Woodruff and J
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CHAPTER 51.
CHAPTER 51.
ELEVATION TO PRESIDENCY OF THE CHURCH, 1889. Arrest of George Q. Cannon.—Governor Murray's Dismissal.—Death of President Taylor.—President Woodruff Appears in the Tabernacle.—Change in Federal Officers.—April, 1889, Wilford Woodruff Became President of the Church.—Visit to California.—M. W. Merrill, A. H. Lund, and Abraham H. Cannon Called to Apostleship.—Senator Morgan Visits President Woodruff. The highest point of intensity in the crusade against the Latter-day Saints was reached during the y
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CHAPTER 52.
CHAPTER 52.
THE MANIFESTO AND EVENTS OF 1890-91. The Political Situation.—Visit to California.—The Manifesto.—Its Effects.—Sugar Industry.—Henry M. Stanley.—Deaths of Prominent Men.—Earthquake in Southern Utah.—Address to Irrigation Congress.—Interpretation of Manifesto.—Remarks at Brigham City on the Manifesto. The year 1890 saw a continuation of the bitter struggle that had been going on for political supremacy in Salt Lake City. On the 10th of the month President Woodruff witnessed from an upper room in
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CHAPTER 53.
CHAPTER 53.
DEDICATION OF THE SALT LAKE TEMPLE, 1892. New Home.—Visit of President Eliot to Salt Lake City.—Completing the Temple.—Amnesty.—Dedication of the Salt Lake Temple.—Visit to the World's Fair, Chicago.—Liberal Party Disbands. By the opening of the year 1892 President Woodruff had well in hand, not only the routine duties of his office, but the general administrative needs of the Church. He was in good state of health and grateful for the peaceful conditions which then prevailed. The prosecution fo
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CHAPTER 54.
CHAPTER 54.
ADMINISTRATIVE WORK, 1894. Electric Power Plant in Ogden Canyon.—Saltair.—Death of His Brother, Thompson.—Temple Work for Benjamin Franklin.—An Optimist.—Death of A. O. Smoot of Provo.—Utah Stake Organized.—Trip to Alaska. During the early years of President Woodruff's administration financial pressure rested heavily upon the Church. Something like four hundred thousand dollars, however, of personal property, which had been confiscated, was by the order of the supreme court turned over to the Pr
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CHAPTER 55.
CHAPTER 55.
A GREAT BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, 1897. Admission of Utah into the Union.—Political Struggles.—Birthday Celebrated. The year 1896 brought Statehood to Utah. "I feel to thank God," wrote Elder Woodruff "that I have lived to see Utah admitted into the family of states. It is an event that we looked forward to for a generation." On the 4th of January President Cleveland signed the proclamation, admitting the people to statehood. The Enabling Act had been signed on the 7th of July, 1894. Thus a period o
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FROM THE HOME.
FROM THE HOME.
The scenes around the late home of the venerable President were such as are usual in the presence of death. The family of the deceased and the general authorities of the Church were gathered around the bier, and gentle, loving hands bore the casket to the waiting hearse. Woodruff Villa was left by the cortege at twenty minutes past nine, and the procession wended its way from Fifth East to Sixth South, thence to State Street, thence north to South Temple, thence west to East Temple, and proceedi
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CEREMONIES AT THE TABERNACLE.
CEREMONIES AT THE TABERNACLE.
At 10:35, the Tabernacle being then crowded to its utmost capacity, Professor Joseph J. Daynes rendered on the organ a march composed especially for the occasion. Its rendition was the signal for reverential attention, all seeming to feel to the greatest extent the utter solemnity of the occasion. Of the general authorities, there were present on the stand: Counselors to the late President Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith. Of the Twelve Apostles: Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D.
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PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
PRESIDENT JOSEPH F. SMITH
was the first speaker. He said in substance: It would be superfluous for me to attempt to enter into an historical relation of the great events of the life of our own great President, Wilford Woodruff. It would also seem unnecessary for me to attempt to eulogize his character, and labors as a husband, a father, and a servant of God, because his life was so well known to the people. President Woodruff was the fourth in succession who has occupied the exalted position of President, Seer, and Revel
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PRESIDENT SNOW SPEAKS.
PRESIDENT SNOW SPEAKS.
President Lorenzo Snow then spoke. He said he was very much pleased and delighted to see such a vast multitude assembled for the purpose of honoring President Woodruff. He had been acquainted with President Woodruff sixty-two years, a good portion of the time quite intimately. All that has been said of him was fully worthy of the life which he had led. President Snow did not feel as some perhaps felt, that the passing of one into another sphere of action was a disaster. Such a change had been de
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ELDER FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS
ELDER FRANKLIN D. RICHARDS
of the Council of the Apostles, followed. So far as one man could enter into the feelings of another, he felt to adopt as his own the words of his brethren regarding the greatness and goodness of his late President. He spoke of the first time he met Wilford Woodruff, and stated that he was impressed very strongly with the directness and simplicity of his character, and his prefect guilelessness. He had been a great exemplar of the work in which he had been engaged, by his implicit obedience to t
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PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON.
PRESIDENT GEORGE Q. CANNON.
President George Q. Cannon began his remarks by reading a portion of the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants concerning the resurrection of the just. In standing up to address the Saints, said he, it was only because he knew he would have the faith and prayers of those assembled. In the passing away of President Woodruff, a man had gone from our midst whose character was probably as angelical as that of any person who had ever lived upon the earth. We shall ever miss him, said President C
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THE FUNERAL CORTEGE STARTS.
THE FUNERAL CORTEGE STARTS.
The ceremonies in the Tabernacle ended, the great audience filed out into the street and, diverging in all directions, a vast host, mingling with those who had lingered outside, sought their carriages and other conveyances ready to fall into line when the procession to the grave should be formed. Thousands thronged the streets in anticipation of witnessing the departure, and yet everything was orderly and all arrangements skilfully carried out. The marshal of the day, with his numerous efficient
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ORDER OF PROCESSION.
ORDER OF PROCESSION.
1. Marshal of day and aides. 2. Held's band. 3. Harmony glee club. 4. Pall-bearers. 5. Hearse. 6. Flowers. 7. Carriages one to twelve inclusive—family. 8. Carriages thirteen to eighteen inclusive, General Church Authorities. 9. Ogden band. 10. Presidents of Stakes and counselors. 11. General organization Relief Societies. 12. Young Ladies' Mutual Improvement associations. 13. Young Men's Mutual Improvement associations. 14. Deseret Sunday School Union. 15. Primary associations. 16. Church Board
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THE LINE OF MARCH.
THE LINE OF MARCH.
The line of march all along South Temple Street was densely packed with a mass of humanity, as far as M Street, and from there to the cemetery people were out in hundreds awaiting the approach of the procession. Thousands of people also accompanied the remains of the dead Prophet to the place of interment, and it was a spectacle long to be remembered. "The Dead March in Saul," by Held's band, and other funeral dirges, were played, while the Ogden and First Regimental bands discoursed their sweet
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WHERE THE GRAVE IS.
WHERE THE GRAVE IS.
The place where the body of President Woodruff will rest until the day the grave shall give up its dead, is situated near the original entrance at the old stone gate through the antiquated wall that formed the western boundary of the city cemetery, and is about half way up on the western side. The seventh cemetery avenue forms the northern boundary of the plat, which lies about seventy-five yards from the old stone wall. On the south, is the plat of the late Apostle Erastus Snow, whose monument,
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TABERNACLE DECORATIONS.
TABERNACLE DECORATIONS.
Promptly at 7:30 a. m., by a prearranged signal with the janitors, a News reporter was admitted to the Tabernacle to view the work of the committee on decoration. Silence brooded over the vast auditorium, and also a spirit of awe, which is the invariable accompaniment of solitude in the midst of vastness. "The primeval desert is slumbering. Only on the eastern and western peaks are seen the signs of awakening day. In the Valley the shadows are beginning to lift and dissolve. What is it that the
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"BEING DEAD YET SPEAKETH."
"BEING DEAD YET SPEAKETH."
The front of the organ is so draped as to represent two golden columns, one on each side, surmounted by domes, and joined by a festoon of white cashmere, the folds of which fall down on each side of the organ in graceful curves. Below the portrait is a semicircle of white drapery, forming a frame for the centre piece, which is no less symbolic than beautiful. "We desired," said Bishop Winder, chairman of the decoration committee, "to get up something unique to distinguish President Woodruff's li
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CHAPTER 57.
CHAPTER 57.
CHARACTER SKETCH. By Dr. J. M. Tanner. "To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." If the whole religious life of Wilford Woodruff could be summed up in a single sentence, it would be in that Scriptural statement by which the truth of God's purposes was made evident. The Scripture was his safe guide in every walk of life. To him it was a living fountain. Its promises gave him assurance, its warnings restrained him, its
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Appendix A.
Appendix A.
SIDNEY RIGDON. (Millennial Star, Vol. 5, p. 109). To the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: I deem it to be a duty which I owe to God and His Church, to express my feelings and bear my testimony unto you, concerning certain things that are presented to you for your consideration, especially the claims of Elder Sidney Rigdon to the exclusive right to lead and govern the Church of Latter-day Saints. I have carefully examined the trial which Elder Rigdon has had before the authorities of
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Appendix B.
Appendix B.
(Millennial Star, Vol. 6, p. 113.) To the Officers and Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the British Islands, Greeting: Beloved Brethren, whom I love, for the truth's sake that dwelleth in you. It is with no ordinary feelings that I reflect upon the responsibility that is resting upon me, as I enter upon my duties as a servant of Jesus Christ, and a counselor to His Saints, in endeavoring to fill so important a station as is required at my hands. Trusting in that God
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Appendix C.
Appendix C.
STORM ON LAKE MICHIGAN. "We left Manitou Island, Lake Michigan, at 4 o'clock p. m. September 25, 1841, on the steamer Chesapeake, which contained three hundred passengers, six of whom were members of the Church, a large quantity of freight and coal, eighty cords of wood, eighty mules, besides pigs, chickens, geese, ducks, etc. "We continued our journey towards Chicago without any interruption, until half-past eleven p. m., when we were overtaken by a tremendous storm of wind and rain; it blew a
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Appendix D.
Appendix D.
RATIONALITY OF THE ATONEMENT. (Millennial Star, Vol. 6, p. 134.) A pamphlet has lately made its appearance in Glasgow, published by a member of our Church holding the office of priest, containing 28 pages, headed "A Treatise on the Atonement, Proving the Necessity of Christ's Death for Man's Redemption Neither Scriptural nor Reasonable. By T. S. Barr." We are sorry to be under the necessity of occupying our time and pages in noticing a pamphlet bearing such an introduction, as the production of
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CHILDREN OF WILFORD WOODRUFF.
CHILDREN OF WILFORD WOODRUFF.
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord. * * * Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but shall speak with the enemies in the gate."—Psalm 127. "He poureth contempt upon princes, * * * yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock."—Psalm 107. Aaronic Priesthood, 171 . Accidents, 5 Adultery, 195 . Adams, George, 235 . Adam, 450 . Adam-ondi-Ahman, 481 , 545 . Adams, Elias, 504 . Address, Last Public, 620 . Agitation
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