missouri mormon frontier foundation newsletter

MISSOURI MORMON

FRONTIER FOUNDATION

NEWSLETTER

Number 14 Jackson County, Missouri Summer 1997

Zion's Camp Monument

In Brief

About sixty-eight Latter Day Saints contracted cholera while a church relief expedition from Ohio, known as Zion's Camp, as encamped in Burket's field near what was then the home of Algernon Sidney Gilbert. It was about two miles east and south of Liberty, Clay County, Missouri.

Fourteen adults and one child died of cholera there. They were: John S. Carter, Alfred Fisk, Algernon Sidney Gilbert, Seth Hitchcock, Warren Ingalls, Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jesse B. Lawson, Robert McCord, Phebe Murdock (a child), Betsy Parrish, Erastus Rudd, Jesse J. Smith, Elial Strong, and Eber Wilcox. Some of their remains are now in Mound Grove Cemetery.

The Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation approved an exciting project in May. The realization of this long overdue monument project is a result of a collaborative effort by MMFF with valuable assistance from Mound Grove Cemetery, Johnson and Sons Monument Company, the RLDS Church, the LDS Church and numerous interested individuals. You can be one of those individuals by your contribution to the MMFF Marker Fund, P.O. Box 3186, Independence MO 64055.

A marker dedication ceremony is planned forSaturday morning, 10:00 a.an., 11 Oetober 1997 inMound Grove Cemetery, 1818 North River Blvd.,Independence, Missouri. Historian Max Parkin hasbeen invited to be the featured speaker. Plan to bethere. The commemoration program will include atribute/eulogy to Zion's Camp and the choleravictims, followed by the unveiling of the newmonument and wreath laying. The new monumentwill be in remembrance of those Latter Day Saintswho Jost their Jives to cholera while at Zion's Campnear Liberty, Missouri in June of 1834.

The Story of Zion's Camp and Victims of the Cholera

On 23 June 1834, the Latter Day Saint relief expedition known as Zion's Camp, resumed its march for Liberty, Clay County, Missouri. Approaching from the northeast they followed "a circuitous course around the heads of Fishing River, to avoid the deep water." When within five or six miles of Liberty, the party was met by General Atchison and others, advising that the citizens of Liberty were "much enraged." In response to this solicitation, the party turned its course, wheeling to the left, and crossing the prairie and woodland, where they arrived at Brother Algernon Sidney Gilbert's residence and camped on the bank of Rush Creek, in Brother Burket's field. In 1834, George Burket and A. S. Gilbert apparently were living on or renting property owned by a resident of Clay County named Peter Estes. [Parkin, LDS in Clay County, MO,

173) Upon establishment of their camp near Algernon S.

Gilbert's home, two miles east and south of Liberty, Missouri, relief supplies, and perhaps some money and limited foodstuffs brought from Ohio by the camp were distributed to destitute Clay County church members. Cholera broke out in the camp during the night of 24 June 1834. Charles C. Rich, officer of the camp guard, was c�ncerned about being attacked by enemies during themght. Though there was no attack, Rich recalled, "someof the brethren on guard were seized with the cholera anddropped as if they had been shot." [C. C. Rich Journalcited in Parkin, 167] "Early on the morning of the 25th

: the camp was separated into small bands, and dispersedamong the brethren living in the vicinity." [HOC, 2: 114]

John Murdock wrote, the symptoms of the cholera"increased and raiged [sic]" on Wednesday 25 June.Moses Martin also recorded the event saying, "twelve ofour men were taken sick with a disorder similar to cholera '

MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION

but none have died yet." [Martin Diary] The sickness worsened and the afflicted were treated at the homes of both Burket and Gilbert. According to George A. Smith's journal, "On June 25, [on account of sickness] most of the Camp dispersed to different parts of the county among the brethren. Dr. F. G. Williams, my cousin Jesse J. Smith and myself went to stay with Brother Gilbert. Most of the sick remained at Brother Burkets." That afternoon John S. Carter, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus Rudd, and Eber Wilcox died. George A Smith recalled, "Thursday June 26, a message came from Brother Burkets' that Elder

Number 14 Summer 1997

Rollins, assisted me and we buried her by [a] little after sunrise in the morning. She was decently laid out and they dug a grave and we layed [sic] two split shakes in the bottom and one on each side. We layed in some straw and lay the corps on it. They lay two stiles [sic] across and two shakes on them and that was her coffin and we covered it over." [ John Murdock Journal]

The camp was officially discharged on 30 June 1834.Each participant received a notice certifying honorable service, and received a portion of the remaining funds from the Paymaster, amounting to $1.16 each. Though

everyone was disappointed in the John S. Carter was dead. Iwas dispatched about a half a mile to procure his measure. I cut a hazel stick 7 feet long and went to the room and found that brother Seth Hitchcock was also dead; . they appeared as if they had been dead a week. I got their measures and returned as fast as I could to Brother Gilbert's and found Elder Rudd also dead. On seeing the decomposed state of the bodies, the idea of procuring coffins was immediately abandoned. A very Smith and myself dug a grave... we rolled Brother Rudd in his

outcome, and a few disgruntled, most were happy to be returning home. [Lawlius, 153] Because of the cholera, groups of men began leaving immediately, but before all left Joseph organized ahigh council, consisting c_>f twelve high priests, to provide spiritual and economic leadership for the Missouri church. David Whitmer was elected president of the council, with W. W. Phelps and John Whitmer as his counselors.

Interested individuals and descendants of those who died at Zion's Camp will appreciate an opportunity to be a part of this exciting project. MMFF is a not-for-profit foundation recognized by the State of Missouri and the Federal Government. Donations to MMFF for the Marker Fund are tax deductible. Please be as generous as possible in your support of this and related efforts to mark important Missouri UMormon" history sites. For more infonnation about how you can be involved, contact MMFF President, Ron Putz; or MMFF Secretary and Marker Fund Chair, William Curtis. Send

donations to: MMFF Marker Fund,

P.O. Box 3186, Independence MO

64055.

In all, about sixty-eight church members contracted cholera of whom fourteen adults, and one child died, viz.: John S. Carter, Seth Hitchcock, Erastus

blanket, covered him with leaves and bushes and then replaced the earth."

That night other bodies were carried on a horse-sled to the bank of a small stream which empties into Rush Creek. Graves were dug in the dark, under torch light, "to keep the fact of the presence of cholera from the knowledge of the inhabitants, and thus prevent, if possible, unnecessary excitement and trouble." [Lyman

Littlefield, Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints, 30] George A. Smith wrote, [After also becoming sick] "I went home with Hyrum Page who placed me under the care of his mother, an aged widow of three score, who nursed be a few days with a motherly care, and my strength and health gradually recovered." A. S. Gilbert became sick as well and died on 29 June. Following Gilbert's death John Murdock learned that his daughter, Phebe, who resided with the Gilberts, was also ill. Murdock recalled, '"I immediately went and took care of her till July 6th

, when the spirit left the body just at the break of day. She was 6 years, 3 months, and 29 days old. Two young brothers, viz, Reed Peck and Henry

Rudd [HOC, 2:115], Eber Wilcox (Kimball Journal], all on 25 June 1834; Alfred Fisk, Edward Ives, Noah Johnson, Jese B. Lawson, Robert McCord, Elial Strong, Warren Ingalls, Betsy Parrish, 26 June 1834 (Kimball Journal]; Algernon Sidney Gilbert, 29 June 1834, [HOC, 2:118]; Jesse J. Smith [HOC, 2:120], 1 July 1834; and Phebe Murdock, child, 6 July 1834, [Parkin].

In early June 1958, a cattle rancher, Boyd W. Parks, discovered a human skull unearthed by his feeder cattle near Liberty, Missouri. On 17 June 1958, two Clay Cowity deputies uncovered two more skulls and additional bones at the site. [KC Times, 17 June 1958] The excavation was located in the SE 1/4 of Section 9,Township 51, Range 31, immediately behind Mr. Parks' outbuildings, on the bank of an intermittent tributary which empties into Rush Creek, some 75 yards to the west.

J. Mette Shippe, a field archaeologist with the

University of Missouri at Columbia, who was present, took the bones to the University of Missouri for identification. Archaeologist F. G. Spiers, reported their


findings, "The largest of the skeletons analyzed -designated by the report as No. 1 - had a bad tooth at the time of his death. He probably was about 55 years old. And he was left handed. He was a Caucasian, but some of his ancestors may have been Indians .... was also stooped or bowlegged .... No. 2 was a woman, probably between 25 and 35 .... She was Caucasian." [KC Times, 17 January 1959]

RLDS member, Vivian W. Graybill learned of the skeletons in the fall of 1962 and led efforts which eventually identified them as Latter Day Saint participants in Zion's Camp. As a result of his exertions, the bones were turned over to the RLDS Mound Grove Cemetery, in Independence, Missouri, for reburial. The bones of three of the cholera victims were re-interred on 25 March 1976 at the expense of Mound Grove Cemetery in Lot 6, Black 12, Grave 7. The Cemetery Management Board subsequently asked the RLDS Church to


reimburse the cost of the burial plus provide a suitable marker on the site. This request was turned down and eventually a modest marker was placed, mistakenly on Lot 23, Block 12, Grave 7. This marker read: "Skeletal Remains - Reported as Members of Zion's Camp - Internment [sic] 1976." Mound Grove General Manager William Bruch discovered the mistake and the marker was moved to the correct grave site 11 November 1994. Bruch met with the MlvIFF Board on 8 April 1997 to urge the erection of a more suitable marker to commemorate these deaths associated with Zion's Camp, near Liberty, Clay County, Missouri in 1834. It did not take much urging and in May 1997 rvi:W'F adopted this project and is actively soliciting donations to cover the costs of this project. If you would like to assist, contact MMFF

Marker Fund Chair, Bill Curtis.

Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdrey Grave .Southwest City, Missouri

In 1993, a researcher named James Still, from Lancaster, California, visited the RLDS Archives and told me about visiting· the graves of Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdrey and her daughter Maria Louisa at Southwest City, Missouri. That visit prompted my imagination - and suddenly, to my mind, a visit to Elizabeth's grave became a highly important event. Over successive years, I shared this suggestion with several colleagues. When I suggested it to BYU Professor Larry Porter, we agreed that , one day, while visiting the mid-west, we would go to Elizabeth's grave together. We reiterated our intent on several occasions thereafter, but the necessary time to devote to the trip seemed to elude our schedules.

Then, during 1995, a LDS Boy Scout Troop fr om Ander son, McDonald County, Missouri, under the leadership of Wayne Jeffords, contacted me

saying that they also had located the graves of Elizabeth and Maria, as well as the grave of Elizabeth's son-in-law Charles Johnson in the nearby Southwest City Cemetery. They told me the small lichen and moss covered stones were stained by weather and age. Wayne organized the troop and the gravesites were cleaned. A bright marble white marker now stands out to visitors -- clean and very legible. A ceramic tile walk way encircles the graves,

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and a memorial plaque hangs overhead. The double stone marker over Elizabeth's and Maria's graves contains the following information -- Maria on the left and Elizabeth Ann to the right: M.L. Wife of Dr. C. Johnson Born Aug. 21, 1835 Died Jan. 9, 1892 E. A. Cowdrey Born Jan. 22, 1815 Died Jan. 6, 1892. It is the story of a mother and daughter taken from life within three days of each other. The memorial plaque the troop placed above the graves sheds further light on their interesting story:

"Sacred to the Memory of Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery

On this site lies in restful slumber lies one of the forgotten ones. Her grave site remained in obscurity for over 100 years. This gateway and memorial plaque are erected lest future generations forget her contributions to


6 children, only one of whom lived to maturity. She is buried even now at her mother's side. All the other children died tragically while young. Her life was one of great sorrow and persecution for her beliefs, yet she always held true. It is hoped that this memorial will remind all who read of the courage of these early pioneer women separated from their loved ones in life, triumphantly reunited with them in Heaven."

At long last, in May 1997, I received the call I had been waiting for from Larry Porter. It is a rather long drive from Independence, but on 16 May, visiting BYU Professors Bob Freeman, Clark Johnson, Larry Porter, and RLDS Church Archivist Ron Romig took time from their schedules to travel to Southwest City, Missouri, for the single purpose of visiting Elizabeth's and Maria' s graves. We found the Southwest City Cemetery with the

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BYU Professors Larry Porter, Bob Freeman, and Clark Johnson, visit the graves of Elizabeth Ann Whitmer Cowdery and daughter Maria Louisa Cowdery Johnson at Southwest City Cemetery, McDonald County, Missouri, 16 May 1997. Photos by Ron Romig

the establishment of the early Mormon Church. She was in attendance when the church was organized on April 6, 1830. And was one of its first baptized members. She married on December 18, 1832, one of the leaders of the church, Oliver Cowdery. The love story of Oliver and Elizabeth is a sweet yet tragic one. They spent much of their marriage separated, not by choice but by circumstance, as her husband assisted in the establishment of the church. To their marriage was born

grass recently mowed and well cared for. A sign read, "Maintained by your donations." Per directions provided by Wayne Jeffords, the graves were easily located. While there we shot several photographs attempting to capture the peaceful setting. We also noted similar attention given by the troop and local care givers to Dr. Johnson's grave which stands about six feet north.

- Reported by Ron Romig

MISSOURI MORMON FRONTIER FOUNDATION Number 14 Summer 1997

Buried Early Missouri Mormon History

This is another of those articles that do not appear to have relevance to the Missouri Mormon pioneer period from reading only their title. Buried in the middle is the reason I have included this one. Some of our readers will also be interested in the information about early RLDS members coming to Independence.

STONE CHURCH BIG DAY

INDEPENDENCE EDIFICE IS 50 YEARS OLD.

Many Pioneers Will Attend an All-Day Celebration of Group

Whose History Dates Back to 1831.

The laying of the cornerstone in the Stone church in Independence 50 years ago will be commemorated today by members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. To many of the church members it will recall the struggle of the Saints to return to Independence, a movement which began in 1867.

Members of the church will hold an all-day program, beginning at 8 o'clock this morning with prayer and dedication services. The morning sermon will be given by Elbert A. Smith.

ROLL CALL OF PIONEERS. A roll call of pioneers will be at a

fellowship service this afternoon. Elder Garland E. Tickemyer, pastor of the Stone church, will be assisted by five former pastors, F. G. Pitt, 90-year-old Civil war veteran; Dr. Joseph Luff, C. Ed Miller, John F. Sheehy and R. V. Hopkins. A reception for thepioneers will be held in the Stonechurch annex.

,

community apart in 1831 as a new Jerusalem "for the gathering of the saints." The historic "exodus" or "expulsion" followed in a few years, and from Independence the followers of the church scattered to other Missouri counties, some going west, some north into Iowa and many to Illinois.

MANY RETURN IN SIXTIES. Because of the dedication of Independence by the

founder, the members returned in great numbers in the [eighteen] sixties and in the following three decades, the returning members including children and grandchildren of those who h�d left the "city of Zion" years before.

The late Arthur J. Brackenbury of Independence recalled that his grandmother, Elizabeth Brackenbury, lived there at the time of the expulsion.

"She lived on a to-acre tract on the Blue, where Centropolis now is," Mr. Brackenbury said. "It was in November when she was driven from her home, and she and a son spent their first night with only a corn-shock as shelter."

With several other families, they went out the old river road north of lndepeQdence and crossed the river at the Wayne City landing. On the Clay County side, shelters were prepared by propping willows against a sycamore log, and the exiles remained there the rest of the winter.

FATHER IN EXPULSION Mr. Brackenbury's father, John W.

Brackenbury, was 6 years old at the time of the expulsion. He later moved to California, where Mr. Brackenbury was born in 1861.

"The idea always was to return to Independence," Mr Brackenbury said. "We came back in 1876, by covered wagon from San Bernardino to Salt Lake City. We waited there a year for the Union Pacific railroad to be finished, and we chartered the first boxcar that ran from Ogden to Omaha. It cost father $1,000 to move his family and household goods."

Brackenbury recalled that the rail trip was delayed two days at Cheyenne

C. Ed Miller, the churchphotographer, will give an illustrated lecture at 6:30 o'clock, with rare pictures of early-day activities of church members and leaders. A

dramatization of the cornerstone laying will be held at 7:30 o'clock tonight.

. when the wood-burning locomotive ran

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��=The members of the church first went to Independence soon after Joseph Smith, the founder, set that

em Curtis photo collection Kans., and by covered wagon from John W. Brackenbury White Cloud to Independence.


FIRST RETURN IN 1867. The first to return to Independence was Albert W.

Noble and his family, who went there in 1867 from Grantsville, Utah. Church history recounts that he was warned to leave by a posse, but he remained and died five years afterward. In 1869 tp.e return was made by Isaac Bailey and Frederick Campbell. Others followed. In 1873 a series of meetings was held by E. C. Brand and Joseph S. Lee in the hall over the Chrisman-Sawyer bank building, and the first church building was built and dedicated in 1884.

The small brick church was· built on East Lexington street. It had an original membership of about 175 and a seating capacity of less than 300. Brick for the building was burned by Frederick Campbell, whose daughter, Mrs. Mary Campbell Home, lives at 322 East Fair street, Independence.

Membership of the


Correspondence.

Bro. Joseph:

INDEPENDENCE,

Jackson Co., Mo., April 22d, 1871.

Having obeyed the gospel as it is preached by the Latter Day Saints, and which we believe is the only true gospel, we obeyed the call to come out of Babylon and come to Zion. We came from Sacramento to Omaha in eight days, on the emigrant cars; from there we proceeded to Kansas City, where we enquired for saints, but found none. We were informed that there was branch of our faith in Independence, for which place we started, and were much surprised on our arrival here to find none of our faith; but another division of the old church, who style themselves the primitive church, and are led by Granville Hedrick; also another church,

calling themselves the Independence church, amplified We were informed that there was branch of our church of Christ, who are

headed by Dr. E. McLellan. There is only one family of the Reorganized Church here besides ourselves; but as the Lord has directed us

. by the return, expanded beyond the capacity of the brick building in three years. In 1887, Daniel S. Bowen offered a lot where theStone church now stands. Thecornerstone was laid April 6, 1888, but the church was not

faith in Independence, for which place we started, and were much surprised on our arrival here to find none of our faith; but another division of the old church, ... led by Granville Hedrick; also another church, ... headed by Dr. E. McLellan.

dedicated until September 23, 1917, because it was not clear of debt until that time. - The Kansas City Sunday Star November 20,1938, page 10 A, col. 1

Editor's Note: The Union Pacific Railroad was completed to Promontory Point north of Salt Lake in 1869. The Brackenbury family stayed in White Cloud, Kansas for several years before going on to Independence, Missouri in 1877. [William J. Curtis family research - John Brackenbury's letters to the Herald]

here, we will remain here, hoping more saints will come soon. If any of the ministry pass through here, we would be thankful to have them call on us. We live ten miles east of Independence, on the Spring Branch road. Land is high here, ranging from ten to fifty dollars per acre, according to improvements.

If any saints wish to come here, or near here, from California, they will do well to purchase a through ticket to New York, and sell it at Omaha, or somewhere this side, as they will gain by it. Your brother in Christ,

E. ETZENHOUSER.

- TRUE L. D. SAINTS' HERALD voL 18, 1871 page

308

Log House Solicitation

[Stories on following pages.]

You can help! Contributions are needed to continue the important work ofresearch and discovery. Earmark your contribution for the LOG HOUSE Project and forward it to: MMFF Treasurer, P.O. Box 3186, Independence, MO 64055. For more information about how you can be involved, contact Mike Riggs.


Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation - Northwest Chapter

MMFF -NW Kick-off Meeting

Toe Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation (11NiFF), a non-aligned local history group dedicated to researching, preservation and the marking of significant 1830's Mormon history sites throughout Missouri, is pleased to announce the formation of a chapter for those living in the Caldwell, Daviess and surrounding

DeBarthe and teenaged Shawnee Mission East High School archaeology students. They reported on the findings of their archaeological reconnaissance around the Rich-Wallace- Gardner log house, currently being researched in Caldwell, County, possibly that of early LDS Apostle C.C. Rich, near Mirable, Missouri.

The President and two officers of the "Rich Family Association" from Utah were in attendance. Following the lecture a short business meeting was held. .MMFF Board Member Mike Riggs organized the 11N1FF northwest chapter. Mike Riggs, who lives and works m Garnet, Anderson County, Kansas is especially interested in northwest Missouri. Riggs agreed to serve as Chapter Chair and :rvtNIFF liaison

' until local leaders are identified and elected. Among the sites he would like to see marked

Photo by Annette Curtis are the Far West Paul DeBarthe, Rosalind Thornton, Nina Palmer, and Margaret Anderson at the log house. Cemetery, the City of

northwest Missouri counties. .MMFF was originally organized six years ago in Independence, Missouri by individuals belonging to many different churches including non-Mormon. "Tbis is a shared experience for many people of various backgrounds and the movement's history is, therefore, best preserved when all those voices are included," says Ronald E. Romig current Vice President and co-founder of the group. According to MMFF board member Michael S. Riggs, "This model of diversity has worked exceptionally well in Independence and it is what we plan to transplant to the new northwest chapter."

A chapter kick-off meeting was held 10 July 1997, at the Far West RLDS Church, Caldwell County, Missouri. Especial thanks to the Marlatt's and Presiding Elder Ed

Seth, Guyman's horse mill, the site of Joseph Smith's house and the "good wagon road." Historic preservation needs local maintenance. The night's goal was to increase local interest. This project may be able to save some history.

Several new memberships were received and the first meeting date and location were selected. The date of Thursday, 14 August 1997 was selected for the first regular .MMFF-NW Chapter meeting, 7:00 pm, at the Kidder Institute, Kidder, Missouri. A schedule for this summer's continuing archaeological activities in association with the log house was announced. Contact Mike Riggs, or Ron Romig, RLDS Archives, for further information.

Davis for opening the church and making it available for the meeting. Activities included a lecture by Paul


The Rich-Wallace-Gardner Log House

Photo by Ron Romig Nina Palmer, Mike Riggs, Margaret Anderson, and Rosaland Thornton visit the log house site, 1 0 July 1997.

On July 10th members of the Rich family visited the Rich log house site in Caldwell County, Missouri and attended the organizational meeting of Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation - North West. Margaret Anderson, president of the Utah Rich Family Association, Nina Palmer and Rosaland Thornton, historians and Utah representatives to the national association, shared some stories about Charles C. Rich's extensive family. They are descendants of two of his five wives. C. C. Rich was born in Boone Cowity, Kentucky. The family traveled from frontier Kentucky to Indiana on the Ohio River and to Illinois and Missouri.

Paul DeBarthe and some of his archaeology students from Shawnee Mission (KS) High School presented some of their finding so far. The building was discovered by Mike Riggs, Ron Romig and few other people on a excursion to find where the C. C. Rich Branch was. Now the problem is to figure out what they found.

The log house roof and some walls are caving in so it must be disassembled before any restoration can be done. It was 13 logs high. Other than the roof collapse,

the structure has fallen where there was no foundation

LOS Apostle Charles C. Rich

under it. There is much to be learned. We have no "picture on the box" to put the puzzle back together again. Therefore logs are being tagged and extensive photographs and measurements are being made at all stages of the investigation. We are finding lots of information and clues. Rich's diary even tells what he grew there.

We suspect that C. C. Rich built the house in 1837. He had just married

Sarah. He and his father owned the property. Sarah describes a hewn log house in the writings she left. A definitive dating of the cutting of the logs can be made by a comparison of the rings in the logs and a living tree dating to about 1830 or before.

Wallace comes on the property about 1842. His sons donated Wallace State Park. A partial stone fowidation and additions are presently attributed to Wallace.


Following last year's successful Phase I -"Archaeological Reconnaissance," a formal report was issued with the following recommendations for this season's investigation:

a. Perform an extensive photographic survey of thestructure in its existing condition.

b. Identify and study locaton of latrine(s), "root cellar"and kitchen wing, inside log house structure andunder the flooring, and determine location of originalfoundation.

c. Conduct a more detailed botanical survey of the area.d. Continue the documentary search for information on

the Rich and Wallace family occupation of the site.

Work Days Report

A number of exciting local projects have been suggested for MMFF-NW Chapter consideration, including the log house reconnaissance.

Two work days have already been held at the log house since the organizational meeting. On the 16th of July a crew of 12 assembled and began clearing brush and removing trees from around the work-site. Debris from the deteriorated north and south wings was removed as well as the remaining clapboard siding. On a follow-up work day the 2nd of August, another crew gathered at the site and continued site prepar�tion and dismantled three sagging top logs from the east and west walls of the existing exposed log structure.

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LOG HOUSE WORK SCHEDULE FOR THE

1997 SEASON

The following work days have been scheduled to remove debris from the interior of the structure and

initiate the archaeological investigation of the site under the building:


+ Sunday, 24 August, 2:00 pm - site preparation andremoval of interior debris

+ Sunday, 31 August, 2:00 pm - archaeologicalexcavation

+ Sunday, 7 September, 2:00 pm - dig day

+ Sunday, 14 September, 2:00 pm - dig day

+ Sunday, 5 October, 2:00 pm - dig day

+ Sunday, 12 October, 2:00 pm - dig day, siterestoration and de-mobilization

Your participation is invited and needed on work and dig days and at upcoming chapter meetings - time and dates to be announced. Come and help the student archaeologists dig!

For more information contact, Mike Riggs, or Ron Romig, RLDS Archives, for further information.

A New MMFF Publication Is Available! A report of the first season's

dig at the log house.

Archaeological Reconnaissance

of a Caldwell County, Missouri, Log House

Preliminary report on the 1996-1997 investigations sponsored by Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation

(MMFF). Prepared by Paul DeBarthe, David Coit, and Haumana DeBarthe and featuring reports from participating student archaeologists.


News Shorts Alex Baugh

Visiting Historian Lecture April 1997

An Update

On Thursday, 24 April, 7:00 pm, we had a good turnout when Alex Baugh, a visiting professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah, presented a lecture on: "Lilburn W. Boggs: From Missouri to California," at the RlDS Temple Lecture Hall.

A nice report of Alex's lecture appeared in the next day's edition of the Independence Examiner by Jeff Adkins, Friday, April 25, 1997. The article is available via Internet: . http://exam.iner.net/stories/042597 /boggs.html - rer

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Scott Faulring Visiting Historian Lecture

June 1997

"The Coming Forth of the Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ, 1829-1835 and the Jackson County Connection" was the topic discussed by Scott H. Faulring, 7:00 P.M., Thursday evening, 19 June 1997, at the LDS Visitors Center, 937 West Walnut, Independence, Missouri.

Scott is a Research Associate with the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS). His lecture explored the importance of the development and adoption of the "Articles and Covenants" at the church's first conference, 9 June 1830. As a plain statement of the basic beliefs, procedures, and standards of conduct for the benefit of members or prospective converts, the Articles and Covenants were "read by Joseph Smith, Jr., and received by unanimous vote of the whole conference." [FWR, 1] Often called the "Constitution of the Church" the "Articles and Covenants" is the revelations now known as Doctrine and Covenants section 20 (LDS, 17 RLDS).

Early missionaries often carried copies of this information on their missions. Scott's lecture focused on John Whitmer's role as church clerk during the Jackson County years in producing a copy for Zebedee Coltrin (and others), and the editing and preparation of the

"Articles and Covenants" for publication in The Evening and the Morning Star and the Book of Commandments. Scott and his wife Barbara and family were in Independence, Missouri, visiting the RLDS Archives while researching a forthcoming documentary history of the writings of David Whitmer. Scott is also the editor of An American Prophet's Record: Diaries and Journals of Joseph Smith, and an other forthcoming documentary history on Oliver Cowdery being prepared in association with Richard Anderson. We had a large tum out for Scott's last "MMFF lecture on Oliver Cowdery. - rer

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MMFF Recognizes ELDA MAE BILLINGS

During the F aulring Visiting Historians Lecture, on 19 June 1997, Independence resident Elda Mae Billings received a plaque honoring her many years of valuable service to the local history community.

Designed by Henry Inouye, and bearing a sketch of Titus Billing's Haystack which was burned by nonmember citizens in 1832, the plaque reads, "In recognition of Elda Mae Billings for her contribution to local Independence and Jackson County, Latter-day Saint history through her church, community, the LDS Family History Center and :MMFF."

The award was presented by William Curtis, who enthusiastically recounted some of the many incidents through which Elda Mae has helped preserve and promote the local "Mormon" history experience. -rer


Rawlings' Assignment Ends

Ben Rawlings completed his assignment as Independence, Missouri, LDS Mission Office President 1 July 1997. During his tenure, President Rawlings has proven a continuing source of encouragement in support of the realization of the projects and goals of l\1MFF. We will surely miss his active involvement locally.

In his stead, we heartily welcome his replacement, Daniel Rogers, who is assigned here from Farmington, Utah. Best wishes to President Rogers during his mission.

Paul Edwards Retires as RLDS TEmple School Director

- rer

Paul M. Edwards retired 1 July 1997 from RLDS church employment. Paul had served as Director of RLDS Temple School since the early 1980s. with Paul's "blessings," Temple School co-sponsored numerous MMFF "Visiting Historians Lectures" held in the Temple Lecture Hall over the past six years.

Wayne Ham replaces Paul as Temple School Director. Best wishes to Paul as he takes up new responsibilities as Dean of Graduate Programs at Park College and to Wayne at Temple School. - rer

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LOS "Sisters" Staff the Old Log Courthouse

Independence visitors have rediscovered a historic site. As a result of a cooperative arrangement with the city, LDS missionaries are helping to staff the old log courthouse built by Jackson County as a temporary building in which to do county business.

Upon the completion of the permanent brick Jackson County Courthouse in 1831, the cowity sold this building to Algernon S. Gilbert. The structure served as the church "storehouse" and residence for the Gilberts ..

The. building was moved to its present location in 1916 and "restored." Independence visitors will find the historic log building at 117 West Kansas open for public tours. - rer


MISSOURI MOR�ON FRONTIER FOUNDATION

is a duly organized GENERAL NOT FOR PROFIT

CORPORATION under the Laws of Missouri

' The Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation is a I nonsectarian organization dedicated to collecting

and preserving information related to the Mormon . experience in western Missouri during the 1830's.

The purposes of MMFF are stated in the Bylaws as follows: 1. To promote the research, documentation,

verification, renovation and restoration ofevents and sites associated with the MissouriMormon Frontier.

2. To preserve documents, photographs,artifacts, sites and other historicalmemorabilia associated with that period.

3. To facilitate the gathering and preservation of 'genealogical information from the affectedgeographical area.

President- Ronald G. Putz Vice President - Ronald E. Romig Secretary - William J. Curtis Treasurer -Drew Henson Board Members - Annette Curtis

Alta Short Henry Inouye Helen Inouye

'

Ex-Offico -Jesse E. Ehlers

All meetings, including Board meetings, are open. You are invited to come and bring other interested people to any of our meetings.

NEWSLETTER

Please send news and articles for the newsletter to Annette Curtis. To give items to her in person, Annette can be found in the Genealogy and Local History Department of Mid-Continent Public Library, North Independence Branch almost any Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Newsletter editor: Annette W. Curtis


MMFF-NW Chapter Meeting 14 August 1997, 7:00 pm

Kidder Institute, Kidder, Missouri All interested persons are invited

to future meetings. If you missed the first Missouri Mormon Frontier

Foundation Northwest Chapter meeting held as a result of the July 1997 chapter organizational meeting and want to be involved, it is not too late. Eight people attended a very productive meeting. Around 45 attended the Chapter Kick-off Meeting and Log House Lecture, 10 July 1997, at the RLDS Church at Far West, Caldwell County, Missouri.

The primary purpose of the chapter is to share the story of the local experience of the early church and its members in northwest Missouri. Hopefully this will be accomplished through the realization of projects of mutual interest to local MMFF members and area residents.

Interested people are invited to attend MMFF functions. Call Ron Putz or Ron Romig for more information.

MMFF Membership

Keep the newsletter coming to you. Memberships are for the calendar year. New memberships are welcomed anytime.

Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation

P.O. Box 3186

Independence MO 64055

18 Sep 1997 7:00 pm


Coming Events

MMFF-NW meeting

Caldwell County Courthouse, Kingston

26-28 Sep '97 JWHA Annual Meeting

7 Oct 1977 Tues. eve. 7:00 pm

11 Oct 1997 Sat. 10 am

Kirtland, Ohio For more information contact: Dariny Jorgenson, Pres. JWHA

Visiting Historians Lecture Subject: Mormon Quilts Mary Bywater Cross, a quilt historian from Portland OR with a specialized interest in Western women's history, will share an informal talk about her research where these women traveled, lived and worked. Her most recent book, Quilts and Women of the

Mormon Migrations is illustrated with historic paintings, maps and photographs. A book signing will follow the talk. Place (if available): Nat'l Frontier Trails Center, 318 W Pacific, Independence, Missouri

Zion's Camp Monument Dedication Mound Grove Cemetery, 1818 North River, Independence, Missouri

First Class

missouri mormon frontier foundation newsletter

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