Joseph Young
Born: 7 April 1797
Called to Presidency of Seventy: 1 March 1835
Died: 16 July 1881
Called to Presidency of Seventy: 1 March 1835
Died: 16 July 1881
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Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Contributor, September 1881, President Joseph Young
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Contributor, September 1881, President Joseph Young
Jenson, Andrew. "Young, Joseph." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 187-188.
YOUNG, Joseph, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies from 1835 to 1881, was the son of John Young and Nabbie Howe, and an elder brother of Pres. Brigham Young. He was born - April 7, 1797, in Hopkinton, Middlesex county, Mass. His childhood and early youth were spent at home, where his kind and affectionate nature was stimulated by the tender treatment and , Christian precept, characterizing his parents and their family. He imbibed at an early period of life the spirit of religion, and became an enthusiastic church member. Joining the Methodists, he soon began to preach their doctrines, and was thus engaged, when, in the early spring of 1832, his brother, the late Pres. Brigham Young, brought the glad tidings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as announced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. His religious enthusiasm proved to be a genuine love of truth, rather than bigoted devotion to a sectarian creed, and he was easily converted to the principles of the gospel, which he received in a grateful and believing heart. He was baptized April 6, 1832, by Elder Daniel Bowen in Columbia, Penn., and a few days afterwards ordained an Elder under the hands of Ezra Landen. After preaching in the State of New York for several months, he took a mission to Canada in the summer of 1832, in company with his brother Phineas, Eleazer Miller and others; they raised up two small branches, and returned in about four months. He then went to Kirtland, Ohio, with his Brother Brigham and Heber C. Kimball. His next mission was to Canada in the winter of 1832-33, in company with his brother Brigham. Here they raised up a ranch of about twenty members in West Lowboro. They were gone about six weeks, and baptized upwards of forty souls. Feb. 18, 1834, Joseph Young married Jane Adeline Bicknell, who bore to him eleven children, among whom may be mentioned: Jane Adeline, Joseph, Seymour Bicknell, Marcus De La Grande and Brigham Bicknell. He went in company with Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith, in 1834, to Missouri, as a member of Zion's camp, returning to Kirtland with the Prophet and others, in the fall. He was chosen and ordained one of the first Seventies in the Church Feb. 28, 1835, under the hands of Joseph Smith and others, and the next day (March 1, 1835,) he was ordained a president of Seventies, a position which he honorably filled during the remainder of his life. In 1835 he filled a mission to the States of New York and Massachusetts, in company with Burr Riggs; they traveled and preached in many places, sowing the seed as they journeyed along. In 1836, after having received his blessings in the Temple at Kirtland, agreeable to the Prophet's instructions, he accompanied his brother Brigham to the East, to visit among their relatives and friends; they preached the gospel to them and bore testimony of the latter-day work. This mission occupied several months, and subsequently many of their relatives and friends came into the Church. July 6, 1838, Joseph and family left Kirtland. in company with many of the Saints, and went to Missouri, arriving at Haun's Mill Oct. 28th; he remained until Tuesday, the 30th, and witnessed the horrid massacre at that place, during which he was miraculously preserved. In the winter of 1838-39 he, together with the rest of the Saints, was driven out of the State of Missouri, under the exterminating order of Governor Boggs. He arrived at Quincy. Ill., in May, where he engaged in farming during the season, and in the spring of 1840 removed to Commerce, afterwards called Nauvoo, where he followed the occupation of painting and glazing, and attended to his ministerial labors as senior president of the quorums of Seventies. In the spring of 1844 he went to Ohio to lay before the people Gen. Joseph Smith's views of the powers and policy of the government of the United States. After hearing of the massacre of the Prophet and Patriarch, he returned to Nauvoo. When the Saints, in 1846, were compelled to leave their beautiful city, and Temple, Joseph Young again became an exile and started for the great and unknown west. He remained at Winter Quarters and at Carterville, Iowa, until 1850, when he crossed the plains with his family with ox teams, and settled in Salt Lake City, where he resided until his death. He traveled and preached extensively in the Territory, and in fulfilment of a prediction by the Prophet Joseph he visited the British Isles in 1870, and thus preached in the old world. He was greatly beloved by the people everywhere, being one of those lovable dispositions that always attract those with whom they become associated. He was a benevolent and merciful man, full of kindness and good works, and full of integrity to the cause he had espoused. He never wearied of proclaiming its principles. "Uncle Joseph," as he was familiarly called, died in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 16, 1881. He had for several weeks succumbed to general weakness and debility incident to old age, and quietly fell asleep, surrounded by loving kindred and friends. His body was free from disease, and his last days were devoid of pain. Like a shock of corn fully ripe he was gathered home. Having fulfilled his mission on the earth and lived beyond the time usually allotted to man, he realized in his closing hours on earth that "the end of the righteous is peace."
YOUNG, Joseph, one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies from 1835 to 1881, was the son of John Young and Nabbie Howe, and an elder brother of Pres. Brigham Young. He was born - April 7, 1797, in Hopkinton, Middlesex county, Mass. His childhood and early youth were spent at home, where his kind and affectionate nature was stimulated by the tender treatment and , Christian precept, characterizing his parents and their family. He imbibed at an early period of life the spirit of religion, and became an enthusiastic church member. Joining the Methodists, he soon began to preach their doctrines, and was thus engaged, when, in the early spring of 1832, his brother, the late Pres. Brigham Young, brought the glad tidings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, as announced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. His religious enthusiasm proved to be a genuine love of truth, rather than bigoted devotion to a sectarian creed, and he was easily converted to the principles of the gospel, which he received in a grateful and believing heart. He was baptized April 6, 1832, by Elder Daniel Bowen in Columbia, Penn., and a few days afterwards ordained an Elder under the hands of Ezra Landen. After preaching in the State of New York for several months, he took a mission to Canada in the summer of 1832, in company with his brother Phineas, Eleazer Miller and others; they raised up two small branches, and returned in about four months. He then went to Kirtland, Ohio, with his Brother Brigham and Heber C. Kimball. His next mission was to Canada in the winter of 1832-33, in company with his brother Brigham. Here they raised up a ranch of about twenty members in West Lowboro. They were gone about six weeks, and baptized upwards of forty souls. Feb. 18, 1834, Joseph Young married Jane Adeline Bicknell, who bore to him eleven children, among whom may be mentioned: Jane Adeline, Joseph, Seymour Bicknell, Marcus De La Grande and Brigham Bicknell. He went in company with Presidents Joseph and Hyrum Smith, in 1834, to Missouri, as a member of Zion's camp, returning to Kirtland with the Prophet and others, in the fall. He was chosen and ordained one of the first Seventies in the Church Feb. 28, 1835, under the hands of Joseph Smith and others, and the next day (March 1, 1835,) he was ordained a president of Seventies, a position which he honorably filled during the remainder of his life. In 1835 he filled a mission to the States of New York and Massachusetts, in company with Burr Riggs; they traveled and preached in many places, sowing the seed as they journeyed along. In 1836, after having received his blessings in the Temple at Kirtland, agreeable to the Prophet's instructions, he accompanied his brother Brigham to the East, to visit among their relatives and friends; they preached the gospel to them and bore testimony of the latter-day work. This mission occupied several months, and subsequently many of their relatives and friends came into the Church. July 6, 1838, Joseph and family left Kirtland. in company with many of the Saints, and went to Missouri, arriving at Haun's Mill Oct. 28th; he remained until Tuesday, the 30th, and witnessed the horrid massacre at that place, during which he was miraculously preserved. In the winter of 1838-39 he, together with the rest of the Saints, was driven out of the State of Missouri, under the exterminating order of Governor Boggs. He arrived at Quincy. Ill., in May, where he engaged in farming during the season, and in the spring of 1840 removed to Commerce, afterwards called Nauvoo, where he followed the occupation of painting and glazing, and attended to his ministerial labors as senior president of the quorums of Seventies. In the spring of 1844 he went to Ohio to lay before the people Gen. Joseph Smith's views of the powers and policy of the government of the United States. After hearing of the massacre of the Prophet and Patriarch, he returned to Nauvoo. When the Saints, in 1846, were compelled to leave their beautiful city, and Temple, Joseph Young again became an exile and started for the great and unknown west. He remained at Winter Quarters and at Carterville, Iowa, until 1850, when he crossed the plains with his family with ox teams, and settled in Salt Lake City, where he resided until his death. He traveled and preached extensively in the Territory, and in fulfilment of a prediction by the Prophet Joseph he visited the British Isles in 1870, and thus preached in the old world. He was greatly beloved by the people everywhere, being one of those lovable dispositions that always attract those with whom they become associated. He was a benevolent and merciful man, full of kindness and good works, and full of integrity to the cause he had espoused. He never wearied of proclaiming its principles. "Uncle Joseph," as he was familiarly called, died in Salt Lake City, Utah, July 16, 1881. He had for several weeks succumbed to general weakness and debility incident to old age, and quietly fell asleep, surrounded by loving kindred and friends. His body was free from disease, and his last days were devoid of pain. Like a shock of corn fully ripe he was gathered home. Having fulfilled his mission on the earth and lived beyond the time usually allotted to man, he realized in his closing hours on earth that "the end of the righteous is peace."
Jenson, Andrew. "Young, Joseph." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 324.
YOUNG, Joseph, one of the first Latter-day Saint missionaries in Canada, labored there in 1832 and 1833. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 187.)
YOUNG, Joseph, one of the first Latter-day Saint missionaries in Canada, labored there in 1832 and 1833. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 187.)
"President Joseph Young." Contributor. September 1881. pg. 353-357.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH YOUNG.
On Saturday morning, July 16, 1881, the honored subject of this sketch breathed his last. He had for several weeks succumbed to general weakness and debility incident to old age, and quietly fell asleep, surrounded by loving kindred and friends. His body was free from disease, and his last days were devoid of pain. Like a shock of corn fully ripe he was gathered home. Having fulfilled his mission here and lived beyond the time usually allotted to man, he realized in his closing hours on earth that " the end of the righteous is peace."
Joseph Young, Sen., was born in Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Mass., April 7, 1797, and was the second son of John Young and Nabbie Howe. His childhood and early youth were spent at home, where his kind and affectionate nature was stimulated by the tender treatment and Christian precept, characterizing his parents and their family. He imbibed at an early period of life the spirit of religion, and became an enthusiastic church member. Joining the Methodists, he soon began to preach their doctrines, and was thus engaged, when, in the early spring of 1832, his brother, the late President Brigham Young, brought the glad tidings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, as announced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. His religious enthusiasm proved to be genuine love of truth, rather than bigoted devotion to a sectarian creed, and he was easily converted to the principles of the Gospel, which he received in a grateful and believing heart. He was baptized in March, 1832, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and ordained an Elder in the Church. Very soon after receiving the Gospel his faith was severely tried by an unbelieving relative, who was stricken with sickness while reviling the New Faith. The ailment becoming serious, the sufferer finally besought Brother Young to lay hands on him, according to the order of the Church for the healing of the sick. With this request he fearfully complied, and the first case of healing that either had ever witnessed was the immediate result.
From this time to the end of his life " Uncle Joseph," as he was affectionately called by the people, continued without wavering in the faith he had received. He gathered with the Saints in Kirtland at a very early day, and was one of the first Seventies ordained. February 28, 1835, he was called by the Prophet Joseph Smith to be the First President of all the Seventies, which position he held until his death. He was a member of the famous Zion's Camp which went up to Missouri in 1834, and endured at that time much privation and hardship.
The following chapter from the History of the Church, including his account of the horrible massacre at Haun's Mill, is one of the most graphic statements of the sufferings and persecutions, during those dark days of Missouri on record. We reproduce his affidavit as sworn and subscribed to before Justice C. M. Woods at Quincy, Adams County, Ill., June 4, 1839:
"On the sixth day of July last, I started with my family from Kirtland, Ohio, for the State of Missouri; the County of Caldwell, in the upper part of the State, being the place of my destination.
"On the thirteenth day of October I crossed the Mississippi at Louisiana, at which place I heard vague reports of the disturbances in the upper country, but nothing that could be relied upon. I continued my course westward till I crossed Grand River, at a place called Compton's Ferry, at which place I heard, for the first time, that if I proceeded any farther on my journey, I would be in danger of being stopped by a body of armed men. I was not willing, however, while treading my native soil and breathing republican air, to abandon my object, which was to locate myself and family in a fine, healthy country, where we could enjoy the society of our friends and connexions. Consequently, I prosecuted my journey till I came to Whitney's Mills, situated on Shoal Creek, in the eastern part of Caldwell County.
"After crossing the creek and going about three miles, we met a party of the mob, about forty in number, armed with rifles, and mounted on horses, who informed us that we could go no farther west, threatening us with instant death if we proceeded any farther. I asked them the reason of this prohibition; to which they replied that we were ' Mormons;' that every one who adhered to our religious faith would have to leave the State in ten days, or renounce their religion. Accordingly, they drove us back to the mills above mentioned.
"Here we tarried three days; and, on Friday, the twenty-sixth, we re-crossed the creek, and following up its banks, we succeeded in eluding the mob for the time being, and gained the residence of a friend in Myer's settlement.
"On Sunday, twenty-eighth of October, we arrived, about twelve o'clock, at Haun's Mills, where we found a number of our friends collected together, who were holding a council, and deliberating upon the best course for them to pursue, to defend themselves against the mob, who were collecting in the neighborhood, under the command of Colonel Jennings, of Livingston, and threatening them with house burning and killing. The decision of the council was, that our friends there should place themselves in an attitude of self-defence. Accordingly about twenty-eight of our men armed themselves, and were in constant readiness for an attack of any small body of men that might come down upon them.
"The same evening, for some reason, best known to themselves, the mob sent one of their number to enter into a treaty with our friends, which was accepted, on the condition of mutual forbearance on both sides, and that each party, as far as their influence extended, should exert themselves to prevent any further hostilities upon either party.
"At this time, however, there was another mob collecting on Grand River, at William Mann's, who were threatening us, consequently we remained under arms.
"Monday passed away without molestation from any quarter.
On Tuesday, the 30th, that bloody tragedy was enacted, the scenes of which I shall never forget. More than three fourths of the day had passed in tranquility, as smiling as the preceding one. I think there was no individual of our company that was apprised of the sudden and awful fate that hung over our heads like an overwhelming torrent, which was to change the prospects, the feelings, and circumstances of about thirty families. The banks of Shoal Creek on either side teemed with children sporting and playing, while their mothers were engaged in domestic employments, and their fathers employed in guarding the mills and other property, while others were engaged in gathering in their crops for their winter consumption. The weather was very pleasant, the sun shone clear, all was tranquil, and no one expressed any apprehension of the awful crisis that was near us—even at our doors.
"It was about four o'clock, while sitting in my cabin with my babe in my arms, and my wife standing by my side, the door being open, I cast my eyes on the opposite bank of Shoal Creek, and saw a large company of armed men, on horses, directing their course towards the mills with all possible speed. As they advanced through the scattering trees that stood on the edge of the prairie they seemed to form themselves into a three square position, forming a vanguard in front.
"At this moment David Evans, seeing the superiority of their numbers (there being two hundred and forty of them, according to their own account), swung his hat, and cried for peace. This not being heeded, they continued to advance, and their leader, Mr. Nehemiah Comstock, fired a gun, which was followed by a solemn pause of ten or twelve seconds, when, all at once, they discharged about one hundred rifles, aiming at a blacksmith's shop, into which our friends had fled for safety; and charged up to the shop, the cracks of which between the logs were sufficiently large to enable them to aim directly at the bodies of those who had there fled for refuge from the fire of their murderers. There were several families tented in rear of the shop, whose lives were exposed, and amidst a shower of bullets fled to the woods in different directions.
"After standing and gazing on this bloody scene for a few minutes and finding myself in the uttermost danger, the bullets having reached the house where I was living, I committed my family to the protection of heaven, and leaving the house on the opposite side, I took a path which led up the hill, following in the trail of three of my brethren that had fled from the shop. While ascending the hill we were discovered by the mob, who immediately fired at us, and continued so to do till we reached the summit. In descending the hill, I secreted myself in a thicket of bushes, where I lay till eight o'clock in the evening, at which time I heard a female voice calling my name in an undertone, telling me the mob had gone and there was no danger. I immediately left the thicket, and went to the house of Benjamin Lewis, where I found my family (who had fled there) in safety, and two of my friends mortally wounded, one of whom died before morning. Here we passed the painful night in deep and awful reflections on the scenes of the preceding evening.
"After daylight appeared, some four or five men, with myself, who had escaped with our lives from the horrid massacre, repaired as soon as possible to the mills, to learn the condition of our friends, whose fate we had but too truly anticipated. When we arrived at the house of Mr. Haun, we found Mr. Merrick's body lying in rear of the house, Mr. McBride's in front, literally mangled from head to foot. We were informed by Miss Rebecca Judd, who was an eye witness, that he was shot with his own gun, after he had given it up, and then cut to pieces with a corn-cutter by a Mr. Rogers of Davies County, who keeps a ferry on Grand River, and who has since repeatedly boasted of this act of savage barbarity. Mr. York's body we found in the house, and after viewing these corpses, we immediately went to the blacksmith's shop, where we found nine of our friends, eight of whom were already dead; the other, Mr. Cox, of Indiana, struggling in the agonies of death, who expired. We immediately prepared and carried them to the place of interment. This last office of kindness due to the relics of departed friends, was not attended with the customary ceremonies or decency, for we were in jeopardy every moment expecting to be fired upon by the mob, who, we supposed, were lying in ambush, waiting for the first opportunity to dispatch the remaining few who were providentially preserved from the slaughter of the preceding day. However, we accomplished without molestation this painful task. The place of burying was a vault in the ground, formerly intended for a well, into which we threw the bodies of our friends promiscuously. Among those slain I will mention Sardius Smith, son of Warren Smith, about nine years old, who, through fear, had crawled under the bellows in the shop, where he remained till the massacre was over, when he was discovered by a Mr. Glaze, of Carroll County, who presented his rifle near the boy's head, and literally blowed off the upper part of it. Mr. Stanley, of Carroll, told me afterwards that Glaze boasted of this fiend-like murder and heroic deed all over the country.
"The number killed and mortally wounded in this wanton slaughter was eighteen or nineteen, whose names as far as I recollect were as follows—Thomas McBride, Levi [N.] Merrick, Elias Benner, Josiah Fuller, Benjamin Lewis, Alexander Campbell, Warren Smith, Sardius Smith (aged twelve years), George S. Richards, Mr. [William] Napier, Mr. Augustine Harmer, Mr. [Simon] Cox, Mr. [Hiram] Abbott, Mr. [John] York, Charles Merrick, (a boy eight or nine years old,) [John Lee, John Byers,] and three or four others, whose names I do not recollect, as they were strangers to me. Among the wounded who recovered were Isaac Laney, Nathan K. Knight, Mr. [William] Yokum, two brothers by the name of [Jacob and George] Myers, Tarlton Lewis, Mr. [Jacob] Haun, and several others, [Jacob Foutz, Jacob Potts, Charles Jimison, John Walker, Alma Smith, aged about nine years]. Miss Mary Stedwell, while fleeing, was shot through the hand, and, fainting, fell over a log, into which they shot upwards of twenty balls.
"To finish their work of destruction, this band of murderers, composed of men from Davies, Livingston, Ray, Carroll and Chariton counties, led by some of the principal men of that section of the upper country, (among whom I am informed were Mr. Ashby, of Chariton, member of the State Legislature ; Colonel Jennings, of Livingston County; Thomas O. Bryon, Clerk, of Livingston County; Mr. Whitney; Dr. Randall, and many others,) proceeded to rob the houses, wagons and tents, of bedding and clothing; drove off horses and wagons, leaving widows and orphans destitute of the necessaries of life; and even stripped the clothing from the bodies of the slain. According to their own account, they fired seven rounds in this awful butchery, making upwards of sixteen hundred shots at a little company of men, about thirty in number. I hereby certify the above to be a true statement of facts, according to the best of my knowledge.
Joseph Young."
Brother Young was one of the first settlers in Nauvoo, where he had a comfortable home and surroundings, after the persecutions of Missouri, but was forced to leave it and become again an exile, in 1846, when the Saints were compelled to leave their beautiful city in the middle of winter. He remained at Winter Quarters until 1850, when he crossed the plains with his family in ox teams, and settled in Salt Lake City, where he has ever since resided. He has traveled and preached extensively in the Territory, and in 1870 visited the British Isles and preached in the old world. He was greatly beloved by the people everywhere, and was one of those lovable dispositions that always attract those with whom he was associated. He was a benevolent and merciful man, full of kindness and good works. He was full of integrity to the cause he had espoused, and never wearied of proclaiming its principles.
The funeral of President Joseph Young was held in the large Tabernacle in this city on Tuesday, July 19, at eleven o'clock a. m., and was attended by thousands of the Latter-day Saints. The remains had been escorted from the family residence at an early hour in the day, and were viewed by the people previous to the commencement of the services, which were conducted by Presidents Horace S. Eldredge, John Van Cott and Wm. W. Taylor, of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies.
There was music by the brass band, followed by the choir (Uncle Joseph was passionately fond of music). Prayer by Apostle F. D. Richards. Singing. The speakers were Presidents Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and John Taylor, all expressing the highest regard for the deceased, enumerating his many excellent qualities of heart and mind, and extolling his integrity to the Gospel. There was solemn music by the Careless Orchestra, the choir sang, and the benediction was pronounced by President Joseph F. Smith, which concluded the ceremonies at the Tabernacle.
The casket containing the remains was profusely ornamented with exquisite flowers, artistically arranged in crosses, crowns, anchors and bouquets, and a sheaf of wheat fully ripe, emblematical of the full life, was bound with a white ribbon, on which was printed, in gold letters, the appropriate words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Above it was a sickle decorated with white flowers. It was a beautiful tribute to the memory of the departed.
The remains were followed to the cemetery by a very large procession of carriages. At the grave impressive music was rendered by the band and choir, and the dedication prayer was offered by Elder Daniel H. Wells.
PRESIDENT JOSEPH YOUNG.
On Saturday morning, July 16, 1881, the honored subject of this sketch breathed his last. He had for several weeks succumbed to general weakness and debility incident to old age, and quietly fell asleep, surrounded by loving kindred and friends. His body was free from disease, and his last days were devoid of pain. Like a shock of corn fully ripe he was gathered home. Having fulfilled his mission here and lived beyond the time usually allotted to man, he realized in his closing hours on earth that " the end of the righteous is peace."
Joseph Young, Sen., was born in Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Mass., April 7, 1797, and was the second son of John Young and Nabbie Howe. His childhood and early youth were spent at home, where his kind and affectionate nature was stimulated by the tender treatment and Christian precept, characterizing his parents and their family. He imbibed at an early period of life the spirit of religion, and became an enthusiastic church member. Joining the Methodists, he soon began to preach their doctrines, and was thus engaged, when, in the early spring of 1832, his brother, the late President Brigham Young, brought the glad tidings of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, as announced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. His religious enthusiasm proved to be genuine love of truth, rather than bigoted devotion to a sectarian creed, and he was easily converted to the principles of the Gospel, which he received in a grateful and believing heart. He was baptized in March, 1832, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, and ordained an Elder in the Church. Very soon after receiving the Gospel his faith was severely tried by an unbelieving relative, who was stricken with sickness while reviling the New Faith. The ailment becoming serious, the sufferer finally besought Brother Young to lay hands on him, according to the order of the Church for the healing of the sick. With this request he fearfully complied, and the first case of healing that either had ever witnessed was the immediate result.
From this time to the end of his life " Uncle Joseph," as he was affectionately called by the people, continued without wavering in the faith he had received. He gathered with the Saints in Kirtland at a very early day, and was one of the first Seventies ordained. February 28, 1835, he was called by the Prophet Joseph Smith to be the First President of all the Seventies, which position he held until his death. He was a member of the famous Zion's Camp which went up to Missouri in 1834, and endured at that time much privation and hardship.
The following chapter from the History of the Church, including his account of the horrible massacre at Haun's Mill, is one of the most graphic statements of the sufferings and persecutions, during those dark days of Missouri on record. We reproduce his affidavit as sworn and subscribed to before Justice C. M. Woods at Quincy, Adams County, Ill., June 4, 1839:
"On the sixth day of July last, I started with my family from Kirtland, Ohio, for the State of Missouri; the County of Caldwell, in the upper part of the State, being the place of my destination.
"On the thirteenth day of October I crossed the Mississippi at Louisiana, at which place I heard vague reports of the disturbances in the upper country, but nothing that could be relied upon. I continued my course westward till I crossed Grand River, at a place called Compton's Ferry, at which place I heard, for the first time, that if I proceeded any farther on my journey, I would be in danger of being stopped by a body of armed men. I was not willing, however, while treading my native soil and breathing republican air, to abandon my object, which was to locate myself and family in a fine, healthy country, where we could enjoy the society of our friends and connexions. Consequently, I prosecuted my journey till I came to Whitney's Mills, situated on Shoal Creek, in the eastern part of Caldwell County.
"After crossing the creek and going about three miles, we met a party of the mob, about forty in number, armed with rifles, and mounted on horses, who informed us that we could go no farther west, threatening us with instant death if we proceeded any farther. I asked them the reason of this prohibition; to which they replied that we were ' Mormons;' that every one who adhered to our religious faith would have to leave the State in ten days, or renounce their religion. Accordingly, they drove us back to the mills above mentioned.
"Here we tarried three days; and, on Friday, the twenty-sixth, we re-crossed the creek, and following up its banks, we succeeded in eluding the mob for the time being, and gained the residence of a friend in Myer's settlement.
"On Sunday, twenty-eighth of October, we arrived, about twelve o'clock, at Haun's Mills, where we found a number of our friends collected together, who were holding a council, and deliberating upon the best course for them to pursue, to defend themselves against the mob, who were collecting in the neighborhood, under the command of Colonel Jennings, of Livingston, and threatening them with house burning and killing. The decision of the council was, that our friends there should place themselves in an attitude of self-defence. Accordingly about twenty-eight of our men armed themselves, and were in constant readiness for an attack of any small body of men that might come down upon them.
"The same evening, for some reason, best known to themselves, the mob sent one of their number to enter into a treaty with our friends, which was accepted, on the condition of mutual forbearance on both sides, and that each party, as far as their influence extended, should exert themselves to prevent any further hostilities upon either party.
"At this time, however, there was another mob collecting on Grand River, at William Mann's, who were threatening us, consequently we remained under arms.
"Monday passed away without molestation from any quarter.
On Tuesday, the 30th, that bloody tragedy was enacted, the scenes of which I shall never forget. More than three fourths of the day had passed in tranquility, as smiling as the preceding one. I think there was no individual of our company that was apprised of the sudden and awful fate that hung over our heads like an overwhelming torrent, which was to change the prospects, the feelings, and circumstances of about thirty families. The banks of Shoal Creek on either side teemed with children sporting and playing, while their mothers were engaged in domestic employments, and their fathers employed in guarding the mills and other property, while others were engaged in gathering in their crops for their winter consumption. The weather was very pleasant, the sun shone clear, all was tranquil, and no one expressed any apprehension of the awful crisis that was near us—even at our doors.
"It was about four o'clock, while sitting in my cabin with my babe in my arms, and my wife standing by my side, the door being open, I cast my eyes on the opposite bank of Shoal Creek, and saw a large company of armed men, on horses, directing their course towards the mills with all possible speed. As they advanced through the scattering trees that stood on the edge of the prairie they seemed to form themselves into a three square position, forming a vanguard in front.
"At this moment David Evans, seeing the superiority of their numbers (there being two hundred and forty of them, according to their own account), swung his hat, and cried for peace. This not being heeded, they continued to advance, and their leader, Mr. Nehemiah Comstock, fired a gun, which was followed by a solemn pause of ten or twelve seconds, when, all at once, they discharged about one hundred rifles, aiming at a blacksmith's shop, into which our friends had fled for safety; and charged up to the shop, the cracks of which between the logs were sufficiently large to enable them to aim directly at the bodies of those who had there fled for refuge from the fire of their murderers. There were several families tented in rear of the shop, whose lives were exposed, and amidst a shower of bullets fled to the woods in different directions.
"After standing and gazing on this bloody scene for a few minutes and finding myself in the uttermost danger, the bullets having reached the house where I was living, I committed my family to the protection of heaven, and leaving the house on the opposite side, I took a path which led up the hill, following in the trail of three of my brethren that had fled from the shop. While ascending the hill we were discovered by the mob, who immediately fired at us, and continued so to do till we reached the summit. In descending the hill, I secreted myself in a thicket of bushes, where I lay till eight o'clock in the evening, at which time I heard a female voice calling my name in an undertone, telling me the mob had gone and there was no danger. I immediately left the thicket, and went to the house of Benjamin Lewis, where I found my family (who had fled there) in safety, and two of my friends mortally wounded, one of whom died before morning. Here we passed the painful night in deep and awful reflections on the scenes of the preceding evening.
"After daylight appeared, some four or five men, with myself, who had escaped with our lives from the horrid massacre, repaired as soon as possible to the mills, to learn the condition of our friends, whose fate we had but too truly anticipated. When we arrived at the house of Mr. Haun, we found Mr. Merrick's body lying in rear of the house, Mr. McBride's in front, literally mangled from head to foot. We were informed by Miss Rebecca Judd, who was an eye witness, that he was shot with his own gun, after he had given it up, and then cut to pieces with a corn-cutter by a Mr. Rogers of Davies County, who keeps a ferry on Grand River, and who has since repeatedly boasted of this act of savage barbarity. Mr. York's body we found in the house, and after viewing these corpses, we immediately went to the blacksmith's shop, where we found nine of our friends, eight of whom were already dead; the other, Mr. Cox, of Indiana, struggling in the agonies of death, who expired. We immediately prepared and carried them to the place of interment. This last office of kindness due to the relics of departed friends, was not attended with the customary ceremonies or decency, for we were in jeopardy every moment expecting to be fired upon by the mob, who, we supposed, were lying in ambush, waiting for the first opportunity to dispatch the remaining few who were providentially preserved from the slaughter of the preceding day. However, we accomplished without molestation this painful task. The place of burying was a vault in the ground, formerly intended for a well, into which we threw the bodies of our friends promiscuously. Among those slain I will mention Sardius Smith, son of Warren Smith, about nine years old, who, through fear, had crawled under the bellows in the shop, where he remained till the massacre was over, when he was discovered by a Mr. Glaze, of Carroll County, who presented his rifle near the boy's head, and literally blowed off the upper part of it. Mr. Stanley, of Carroll, told me afterwards that Glaze boasted of this fiend-like murder and heroic deed all over the country.
"The number killed and mortally wounded in this wanton slaughter was eighteen or nineteen, whose names as far as I recollect were as follows—Thomas McBride, Levi [N.] Merrick, Elias Benner, Josiah Fuller, Benjamin Lewis, Alexander Campbell, Warren Smith, Sardius Smith (aged twelve years), George S. Richards, Mr. [William] Napier, Mr. Augustine Harmer, Mr. [Simon] Cox, Mr. [Hiram] Abbott, Mr. [John] York, Charles Merrick, (a boy eight or nine years old,) [John Lee, John Byers,] and three or four others, whose names I do not recollect, as they were strangers to me. Among the wounded who recovered were Isaac Laney, Nathan K. Knight, Mr. [William] Yokum, two brothers by the name of [Jacob and George] Myers, Tarlton Lewis, Mr. [Jacob] Haun, and several others, [Jacob Foutz, Jacob Potts, Charles Jimison, John Walker, Alma Smith, aged about nine years]. Miss Mary Stedwell, while fleeing, was shot through the hand, and, fainting, fell over a log, into which they shot upwards of twenty balls.
"To finish their work of destruction, this band of murderers, composed of men from Davies, Livingston, Ray, Carroll and Chariton counties, led by some of the principal men of that section of the upper country, (among whom I am informed were Mr. Ashby, of Chariton, member of the State Legislature ; Colonel Jennings, of Livingston County; Thomas O. Bryon, Clerk, of Livingston County; Mr. Whitney; Dr. Randall, and many others,) proceeded to rob the houses, wagons and tents, of bedding and clothing; drove off horses and wagons, leaving widows and orphans destitute of the necessaries of life; and even stripped the clothing from the bodies of the slain. According to their own account, they fired seven rounds in this awful butchery, making upwards of sixteen hundred shots at a little company of men, about thirty in number. I hereby certify the above to be a true statement of facts, according to the best of my knowledge.
Joseph Young."
Brother Young was one of the first settlers in Nauvoo, where he had a comfortable home and surroundings, after the persecutions of Missouri, but was forced to leave it and become again an exile, in 1846, when the Saints were compelled to leave their beautiful city in the middle of winter. He remained at Winter Quarters until 1850, when he crossed the plains with his family in ox teams, and settled in Salt Lake City, where he has ever since resided. He has traveled and preached extensively in the Territory, and in 1870 visited the British Isles and preached in the old world. He was greatly beloved by the people everywhere, and was one of those lovable dispositions that always attract those with whom he was associated. He was a benevolent and merciful man, full of kindness and good works. He was full of integrity to the cause he had espoused, and never wearied of proclaiming its principles.
The funeral of President Joseph Young was held in the large Tabernacle in this city on Tuesday, July 19, at eleven o'clock a. m., and was attended by thousands of the Latter-day Saints. The remains had been escorted from the family residence at an early hour in the day, and were viewed by the people previous to the commencement of the services, which were conducted by Presidents Horace S. Eldredge, John Van Cott and Wm. W. Taylor, of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventies.
There was music by the brass band, followed by the choir (Uncle Joseph was passionately fond of music). Prayer by Apostle F. D. Richards. Singing. The speakers were Presidents Wilford Woodruff, George Q. Cannon and John Taylor, all expressing the highest regard for the deceased, enumerating his many excellent qualities of heart and mind, and extolling his integrity to the Gospel. There was solemn music by the Careless Orchestra, the choir sang, and the benediction was pronounced by President Joseph F. Smith, which concluded the ceremonies at the Tabernacle.
The casket containing the remains was profusely ornamented with exquisite flowers, artistically arranged in crosses, crowns, anchors and bouquets, and a sheaf of wheat fully ripe, emblematical of the full life, was bound with a white ribbon, on which was printed, in gold letters, the appropriate words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Above it was a sickle decorated with white flowers. It was a beautiful tribute to the memory of the departed.
The remains were followed to the cemetery by a very large procession of carriages. At the grave impressive music was rendered by the band and choir, and the dedication prayer was offered by Elder Daniel H. Wells.