JOHN SIMMS CARTER HISTORY

Pedigree
Cleo Skinner- Michael Griffin
Opal Bee -Ralph Morgan Skinner
Rossella Dunn -John Moxey Bee
Harvey Alvero Dunn-Hetty Emmeline Welker
2. Harriet Amelia Carter-Thomas James Dunn-1.Betesy Briggs-3.Charllote
Campbell-4.Lucinda Rose
John Sims Carter-1.Elizabeth Kenyon -2.Jerusha Carter
Gideon Carter-Johanna Sims
John Carter- 1. Judith Dewolf 2.Mary Pendar 3. Sarah Waterous
John Carter-1. Sarah Nettleton 2. Sarah Rutty 3. Abigail
Robert Carter-1. Hannah Lucas 2. Mary Bennett
Edward Carter- Margaret
Edward Carter- Elazabethae Blackburne
This history has been compiled by Cleo S. Griffin and edited by Sherry
G. Johnson.

A Background of the Carters

In 1634 glowing reports of John Oldham, combined with disgust with
the intolerance of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, led to a migration from Massachusetts to Connecticut. In 1639 a group of towns formed together to form the Connecticut Colony. In 1640 there was a heavy influx of
English immigrants. Meanwhile in 1638 a party of Puritans founded New
Haven, which was theocratic and used the Old Testament as the legal code. { I believe the Carters were Puritans. In the old records of New Haven County I find Carters there, but not in the old records of New London,County, Connecticut. However this hasn't been proven yet.}

In 1662, John Winthrop, governor of Connecticut, was granted a
charter which defined the boundaries as extending from Massachusetts to Long Island Sound and from Narragansett Bay to the Pacific Ocean. The New Haven Colony finally agreed to be absorbed into Connecticut Colony in 1665. Both New Haven County and New London County were established in 1666. Middlesex county was formed from these original counties in 1785.
Killingsworth, of Middlesex county was the home of our Carters and was established in 1667. Killingworth is but a few miles from the sea on the southern underside of the state of Connecticut. A short distance east of where the Hamimonasset River empties into the Atlantic Ocean, at the opening of Long Island Sound. This
river does not show on the present day maps. The Connecticut River which is the boundary line between Vermont and New Hampshire and runs the full breath of the of
Massachusetts and Connecticut . {See maps on page 1a, 1b and 1c} ,

Our first American ancestor Robert Carter, son of Edward and Margaret
Carter, settled in Killingworth, Middlesex County, Connecticut and was a land owner
there. Robert was listed as a carpenter and shipwright. He was born about 1665/6. His father, Edward Carter came from Aston,Hampton, Oxfordshire, England, we believe his mother, Margaret was from Connecticut. Robert and his wife, Hannah Lucas had five sons, John our ancestor, Samuel,Benjamin, Nathanel, Joseph,
and one daughter Mary. Three sons John, Samuel and Joseph married sisters, daughters of John Jr.and Sarah Woodmansee Nettleton.

In 1776, Vermont held a convention and declared its independence from
New York. The next year a constitution was approved making Vermont an independent
republic. Vermont remained a republic until statehood was granted in 1791. There was a lucrative blackmarket in Vermont avoiding the British Revenue agents. In 1823, the Champlain Canal opened connecting Vermont with New York City. In 1825, the Erie Canal opened carrying Vermont settlers to Ohio and other western
states.

The grant of the township of Benson {the home of our Carter's . See Map 2 c} was made by "the Governor, Council, and General Assembly of Representatives of the
Freemen of Vermont," May 5, 1780. The town is broken by mountainous and hilly character. The town is well watered by several lakes, streams and ponds. At the time the charter was granted there was no road into town, except an unfinished military road. In 1876, Jabez Carter and his family came to Benson from
Killingworth, Middlesex, Connecticut.

For many, economic factors and living conditions were not the best.
While some of the Bensonites found prosperity, most had not. And many had suffered. An 1813 "typhoid pneumonia" epidemic was reported to have caused sixty deaths in Benson alone in less than three months. Infant graves dotted the Benson graveyards. 1816 was referred to as "eighteen hundred and froze-to-death,''
a year without summer. Good harvests followed in 1820-24, but were followed by season of catastrophe. In 1830, "disastrous "freshets" {fresh'et A flood
caused by heavy rains or melted snow}turned large areas into wasteland. From Lake Champlain to Lake George was described as a scene of desolation, with "fences, barns, mills, bridges, and crops mingling in one mass of ruins."

1797 CARTERS LEAVE THE SHIPPING PORT OF KILLINGTON, CONNECTICUT AND
MOVE TO VERMONT.

Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims Carter were our
Great-great-great-great-Grandparents. They
came to Benson in 1797. Following is their history and our
progenitor, John Sims Carter's history
also breif histories of his children, brothers and sisters that I have
been able to find.

The second migration of the Carters from Killingworth, Connecticut to
Benson, Vermont
took place in 1797 when Gideon and his wife, Johanna Sims Carter,
together with three small
children, made the 173 odd mile trek to this new settlement. They
subsequently had four more
children. Their children are as follows.

Simeon Dagget Carter b. 1794 d. 1869 Brigham City, UT
Prudence Carter b. 1796 d. 1841 Nauvoo, IL
John Sims Carter b. 1797 d. 1834 Zions Camp, Clay Co, MO
Gideon Haden Carter b. 1798 d. 1838 Battle Crooked River, MO
Jared Carter b. 1801 d. before 1850, De Kalb Co., IL
Susannah Carter b. 1804 d. unknown Nauvoo, IL
Jerusha Carter b. 1807 d. 1871 Salt Lake City, UT

Gideon and Johanna Carter made their home in Benson, Vermont, and
died there. They are
buried in the Carter Cemetery at Benson. The following inscription is
on the tombstone of Gideon
Carter:

In memory of Deacon Gideon Carter,
a pillar of strength in the Church.
To my children and grandchildren
"Behold and see me as you pass,
As you are now so once was I,
As I am now so you must be,
So prepare for death to follow me."

The early story of the Carters in Benson,Vermont is also the early
history of the Baptist Church.
Therefore, the history of this church is outlined as follows.

The first Baptist Church of Benson, Vermont was organized by Elders
Abel Wood, Samuel
Tower and John Carter in March 1797. At its organization, it had 14
members, with Rev. William
Patterson as pastor. In 1811, Gideon Carter was elected a deacon.
During the 1810s, we find his
sons Simeon, John, Gideon, and Jared enrolled--"fellowshiped'' as
members. So were various other
Carters--Jabez, Daniel, Paschal, Patty. Other prominent names in the
book of the Baptist Church
were Gibbs, Goodrich, Higgins, Kenyon, Wheeler, Wilkinson, Woods,
Woodstock. The list of
members gradually grew from fourteen to over fifty.

Some examples of entries in the early Baptist Records of Benson,
Vermont are as follows:


September 22, 1798
Opened our minds as usual & found a very good agreement & we hope
though faint yet
pursing in glorious cause-truth.

November 17, 1798
Proceeded to open our minds as usual in which a great deal of love
harmony and good
agreement was discovered.

March 23, 1799
Opened our minds as usual and although it was a low time for religion
yet there appeared
a considerable degree of unanimity and some resolution to travel on
towards the heavenly
Canaan.

A page from the early Baptist Church dated March, 2nd, 1798. page 3a.

Now and then a member was chided for "walking disorderly. "It was
said that Sister Polly
Sanford had been "much out of the way." A Committee was appointed to
"labor with her." Another
committee was appointed to visit Brother Levy Beldin and "inform him
that the Church was
dissatisfied with his vanity walk and conversation."

Occasionally members, heading westward, appeared before a covenant meeting to
ask for a letter of recommendation to facilitate acceptance by a
Baptist group elsewhere. In 1823,
Simeon {Gideon's oldest son}, Ohio bound with his wife Lydia and their
two children, received such
a letter.

For a quarter of a century, the affairs of the First Baptist Church
of Benson appeared to
evolve in reasonable tranquillity. But 1823 brought reverberating explosions.

During the period following the turn of the nineteenth century, a
widespread wave of religious
frenzy was sweeping the country. Like a vast forest fire, this
contagious spirit carried all in its path.
This turmoil of spiritual controversy and feverish emotional strain
was the outgrowth of a period of
religious indifference following the American Revolution which, in
turn, had been a reaction from the
austere, puritanical, "Fire and Brimstone" age of Jonathan Edward and
Cotton Mather.

The author of "A House With a Past," Erick Barnouw bought a church
house in 1952 at an
auction for $85.00 in Benson, Vermont. After he bought it, he found
out the Bensonites refered to
it as a Mormon Temple. However, it was built by the Freewill
Baptists. Our Carters were included
among the leaders of this church. When most of the Freewillers joined
the Mormon Church, it was
used for their meetings also. The local people still seemed to be
very anti-Mormon. The Barnouws
were not Mormans. They became curious about the past of the house;
this led to a great deal of
research, in many places, and covered many years. As a result of this
research, we now have the "rest
of the story," about the Carter brothers. The Barnouws cleaned the
mice and snakes out of the house
and made a summer home of the building. Most of the following
information about the Baptists and
Freewill Baptists is taken from this book.

There still stands the old red brick house "the Carter place," and
on a hill beyond the house,
is a graveyard. On a tombstone, which is barely readable, it states,
"In the Church a Pillar / Deacon
Gideon Carter/ Aug. 1, 1828 age 62. / Beside him lay his wife: Joanna
Carter/ wife of Deacon
Gideon Carter / died 1830 age 63/ hand maid of the Lord." The the
oldest grave is that of Deacon
Gideon Carter--father of the four Carter brothers.

Deacon Carter's death came in 1828. His presence here appears to
have a melancholy
significance. His defection to the Baptist Freewillers in 1823, from
the Baptist Church in support of
John S. Carter {his son}, who became a minister for the Baptist
Freewillers, and latter converted to
Mormonism, must have been a bitter blow to the Baptist church elders.
And the prestige of this old
leader of the congregation, one of its founders and a deacon since
1811, must have encouraged others
to defect. He had, it would seem, helped the Freewill heretics
acquire a stone meetinghouse.

Are we to conclude that after these heresies, he could not be buried
in hallowed ground
occupied by Baptists of another sort? In any case, the little
graveyard began as a resting place for
defectors and outcasts. Beside Deacon Gideon Carter lies his wife,
Joanna Carter, "hand maid of the
Lord."

There are others here, too, including two wives of John S. Carter,
Elizabeth, who died in
1828, aged thirty-five, and two their children lie nearby; and
Jerusha, {John's 2nd wife} whose infant
son--"our dear little babe"-- died in the midst of the conversions
to Mormonism. The baby is buried here: John G. Carter, died 1832,
aged two month. Son of John
S. Carter and Jerusha Carter. Jerusha herself died in 1835, aged thirty-six.
{The Benson Town Vital Records state,"Aug., 13, 1835 died Widow
Jerusha Carter, wife of Elder
Carter." film 6619 Pt. 1, page 128.}

Here, too, lies Aaron Gibbs II, who had married Prudence Carter
{daughter of Deacon
Gideon Carter}. He died young, aged thirty-five, in 1829. Prudence
is not here. She died in Nauvoo.


There is also a Clarissa Carter, daughter of Jabez, sister of Charity
and Daniel. She had been
one of those expelled or "disfellowshipped" by the First Baptist
Church for having joined the Freewill
movement. She died in 1830, age twenty-five. Others lie here too, of
later generations of Carters
and their neighbors, some of whom may have died oblivious to this
painful history.

The Cemetery page 5a.


We now turn our attention to our Great-great-great-Grandfather John S.
Carter and his family.
To whom this book is dedicated.

John Sims Carter:

For some years, John S. Carter had preached occasional sermons, and
his eloquence always
seemed to ignite his listeners. Clearly, none of the Carters lacked
eloquence. John S. Carter
apparently won a devoted following and his fame as a preacher spread.
In 1817, the Baptists of
Westport, New York, engaged him as their preacher. He returned in
1820 an ordained minister.

A movement began among Benson Baptists to make John S. Carter their
regular pastor. A
resolution was voted on September 4, 1822, to raise a subscription for
this purpose. But a few elders
introduced a delaying move. They suggested that John S. Carter's
theological tents should first be
examined by appropriate authorities. This did not seem to trouble the
congregation; and it was so
authorized. Baptist churches of the area were invited to send "their
beloved elders" to help decide
whether it would be "expedient for the Church to engage Elder Carter
as their preacher." This
resulted in a series of meetings in the winter of 1822/23 involving
elders from Brandon, Cornwall,
Hampton, Hubbardton, Orwell, Poultney, West Haven, and Whiting.

Young John S. Carter, age twenty-six, was questioned at length. One
of the group who
questioned John S. Carter was William Miller of Hampton, who later
organized the Millerites, the
group that became the Seventh Day Adventists.

The meeting reached a climax in February 1823. John Carter,
relentlessly catechized, {cat-e-
chize. To question about the elements of religion} had horrified the
elders. Questioned about
communion, he had expressed the opinion that anyone repenting his sins
should be allowed to take
communion. This, he was told, was heresy. Was he not aware that,
under Baptist doctrine, "baptism
by immersion on profession of faith" was a prerequisite to communion?
If confirmed he would--
unless he recanted - be practicing a "licentious
communion."{li-cen-tious. Disregarding commonly
accepted rules and principles}.

Did he not realize that the views he expressed made him virtually a
Methodist? The elders
were aghast to note that he had, in fact, spoken favorably of
Methodists as an acceptably orthodox
Christian sect, "when it is notorious that the Methodists in this
country are on the ground of
Arminianism."{Ar-min-i-an-ism the doctrines of Jacobus Arminius
1560-1609 and his followers, who
criticized Calvin's doctrines and believed that there was a chance of
salvation for all men through
God's grace.}

He dismayed them again on the subject of salvation. He seemed to
think this a matter for
individual choice.

"He denies, "said the elders in their report," that God has
eternally appointed a definite
number of sinners to salvation." They concluded: "We greatly mourn
the advantage the adversary
has obtained of Br. Carter in these matters." In all this, they felt,
"he builds the things he once
destroyed and makes himself a transgressor." They noted favorable
opinions "heretofore entertained"
of Carter but having found no evidence of repentance or reformation,
it seemed essential that he be
"excluded from the Church." They had "labored with him" to no avail.
They therefore exhorted the
Benson congregation to "put him away and to heal the wounded feelings
of their aggrieved Brethren."

At a covenant meeting on Saturday, February 15, the report was
accepted. The Sabbath
service on the following day was sparsely attended. "The church then
or part of them which felt to
solemn ordinance of the Lord's Supper. It was truly a very solemn
time and a very glorious time."

But other actions were a "foot and proceeded with extra" ordinary
speed. Across Lake
Champlain in Putnam, New York, a short ferry ride from Benson Landing,
the Rev. Sylvester
Robinson had become a Freewill Baptist under the inspiration of the
Rev. Charles Bowles and invited
John S. Carter to join him in forming a Freewill Baptist congregation
dedicated to the proposition that
"salvation is possible for all." Carter agreed. Most of the Benson
congregation followed. The
Benson elders faced catastrophe.

The following four years provide a chronicle of their desperation.
Letters of warning were
written to the defectors.

They were told in following "an excluded member of a respectable
Baptist Church," they
were" walking disorderly." Committees were sent to "labor with " the
defectors. When most of the
committees reported failure, sterner warning followed. "Now dear
Brethren...turn away from that
body which both holds and practices a licentious communion...return
speedily to your duty and submit
yourselves speedily to the government of Christ in his Church as your
solemn covenant with them
dictates." If they did not do so, their Brethren would have to
"withdraw their fellowship."

, The warnings went to thirty-nine people. Thirty-three of these had
defected during 1823; six
had joined them in 1824. Two repented and returned. The remainder
were "excluded,"
"disfellowshipped" "excommunicated"--terms that seemed to be used
interchangeably. Bitterness
was involved. In 1827, most of the congregation was gone, and by
1843, the Baptist Church no
longer existed.

The thirty-seven defectors, most of whom were said to have become
Mormons in 1831/32,
were the following. Those known to have died before Mormon
conversions are shown in brackets:

Electa Backus, John Backus, Calvin Beiding, Sally Beiding, Sally
Bugbee, Sinion Bugbee,
[Clarissa Carter], Daniel Carter, [Gideon Carter], Gideon Hadyen
Carter, Hilah Carter, Jared
Carter, Jerusha Carter, Jerusha H. Carter, [Joanna Carter], Hanibal
Congdon, Hiram Congdon, Isaac
Condon, Nancy Didrick, Almira Fish, Levi Fish, Levi Fish II, Samuel
Fish. Stephens Fish,
Joanna Lock, Lydia McCotter, Larry Roberts, Nancy Roberts, Silas
Roberts, Abram Shire,
John Shire, Rachel Tucker, Anthony Welch, Thursa Welch, Willaim
Woodstock, Willard
Woodstock, John C. Woodstock.

A page from the "The Minnets of the Baptist Church" showing removal of
the above members.
page 7a

We next go to two slender minute books of the Freewill Baptist Church
of Putman, New
York, founded by John S. Carter and Sylvester Robinson in April 1823.

They started on a note of ecstasy, describing an "extraordinary
shower of grace" that had
visited Benson and spread to other towns. It set itself not only
against "lewdness and wantonness''
but also against "tattling, backbiting, and evil speaking."

In the second volume of the minutes, it chronicled the disintegration
of a congregation.
Begun as a Putman-Benson joint enterprise, the congregation clearly
faced problems. With meetings
alternating between Putman and Benson, all members had to make
repeated ferry trips across Lake
Champlain, winter and summer. After two years, the Benson members
decided to form a separate
Freewill Baptist Church of Benson, and did so at a covenant meeting
late in 1825, blessed by the
presence of the Rev. Charles Bowles. It was then that they decided to
build a stone meetinghouse
in Benson.

This is a picture of the "Stone Meeting House. page 8a"

The following is background of the Baptist Freewillers.

Rev. Charles Bowles;

Rev. Charles Bowles, a colored evangelist, organized a Free Baptist
Society in 1825. The
members of this group became converted to Mormonism about 1831 and
moved west with the
general migration of that section. During their short activity, they
built a fine stone chapel, which is
abandoned but still standing in a remote section of the township.

Elder Charles Bowles {a colored brother} in Huntington was very
successful in revival work.
He was abundant in labors, and probably gathered more churches during
his ministry than any other
of our faith in the state. In this instance God committed the Gospel
treasure to a "brown earthen
vessel" {as he expressed it} but the excellency was of God, the same.
He died in 1843, aged 82
years.

The movements of the Freewillers involved a spirit of temperance in a
frontier climate of
drunkenness. They were leaders in cause, including anti-slavery and
women's rights. The careers of
the Rev. Charles Bowles and Clarissa Danforth exemplify this.

In 1826, the stone building was erected by the Freewill Baptists.
By 1866, the organization
had become extinct. Almost all of the congregation joined the Mormon
Church; therefore, the
building was used as their meetinghouse. The building was never used
as a temple.

We now go back to the minutes of the Freewill Baptist Church of Putman.

The Putman-Benson split had been devastating to the Putman
Freewillers. They had been
left with a minority of the original congregation, and without John S. Carter.

Their 1826 minutes speak of "much mourning and many trials.'' They
resolved not to be "a
branch of Benson." They would seek a full-time pastor of their own.
In 1831, they finally felt able
to afford one. Learning that John S. Carter had left Benson and was
preaching in Huntington, they
resolved to recruit him for Putnam. They were now anxious to do
this,"the more so as the Mormon
doctrine was being preached in the vicinity." The minutes do not
record why the Mormon doctrine
frightened them so. They negotiated with John S. Carter, apparently
with success.

This brings us to the following poignant passage, in volume two of
the Putman minute book:


The minds of the church being directed toward John S. Carter, who
then resided in
Huntington, Vermont...the Brethren therefore sent teams and
subsistence for the purpose of moving
him to Putman. But on reaching Benson, Vermont, he became a convert
to the Mormon
faith...leaving us after all our outlay without a pastor."

Map of this area 9a .

We now turn to the conversion of these people to the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints.

The first converts made on New England soil appear to have been the
twenty-seven men and
women of Benson, a hillside village in Rutland County, Vermont, who
heard the fullness of the gospel
preached there in 1831, when the Book of Mormon was scarce a year in
print, by Elder Jared Carter,
a man not to be trifled with. In 1831 the people of Benson could not
have heard of the Prophet
Joseph Smith, nor the Angel Moroni and the Golden Plates, when Elder
Jared Carter entered their
village.

"Then they did hear the miraculous tiding,'' and they could not have
heard them from a more
impressive messenger. Elder Carter not only preached but commanded
the ill and the halt to stand
up and walk, and they did. The meeting in Benson, said an old account.
"witnessed many
manifestation of the spirit regard to healing." "Yankee Exodus," by
Sterwart Holbrook."

Conversion of John Sims Carter.
This informantion is from a jounal John kept after he joined the Mormon Church.

We owe a great deal to Helen Carter Warr for hand copying this
journal and parts of the
other brother's journals, before photo-copy machines were heard of .
The writing of the Carter
brothers was not easy to read. The original journals of the Carter
brothers are housed in the
Church Historical Collection. Some of the words were faded, or not
readable, when this occurs
blank's are indicated by__________. Punctuation has been added. We
would like to thank Alice
Rigby Dunn for sharing the copy of his journal and many other things with us.

John S. Carter

John S. Carter, as a speaker, apparently projected a purity of spirit
that stirred strong
devotion. But his diary shows that he was torn by self-doubt. Early
in 1831, while preaching for the
Freewill Baptists in the Huntington area, he began hearing about the
Mormons and the about Jared's
activities. His journal tells us that he returned to Benson anxious
to meet Jared "on gospel ground."

Wives and children of John Sims Carter

Elizabeth "Betsey" Kenyon b. 26 Apr. 1793 d.6 Aug. 1828, Benson, Vermont
Married 1813
William L Carter b. abt 1813 d.abt. 1860 on the way to Utah
Betsey Carter b. abt 1817 d.1832, Benson , Vermont
Harriet Amelia Carter b. 4 Feb.,1818/20 d.1870/1872, Kelton, Utah
Marietta Carter b. 4 Apr., 1820 d.1840, Nauvoo, Illinois
Angaline Carter b. 23 Sep., 1821 d.1846/47, Mt Pisgah, Iowa
Joanna Carter b. 6 Nov 1824 d.1847, Winter Quarters, Nebraska
Nancy Carter b. 10 Oct 1826 d. alive in Jan., 1836,Kirtland,Ohio

Jerusha Carter b 19 May 1799 d.13 Aug., 1835, Benson, Vermont
{Jerusha was a cousin of John's} Married, Mar., 1829
John G. Carter b. 1832 d. 1832,age 2 months, Benson, VT.

John Sims Carter and Jerusha Carter had the same grandfather; John
Carter Jr. but they came
from different wives. Jerusha came from the second wife Mary Pender,
and John Sims Carter came
from the third wife Sarah Warehous. {From a family group sheet
submitted by Isabel Roundy.}


At the time John wrote in his journal, I am sure, he never dreamed
his progenitors
would be reading it 170 plus years later. As I have typed this
journal, I have wondered if he had a
premonition that he would not live much longer.

My comments and sources have been included in italics. The
abbreviation H. of C. refers to
"The History of the Church" by Joseph Smith Jr..


JOURNAL OF JOHN SIMS CARTER

Commencing Dec-r, 1831

In November removed from Middlesex, to Benson, greatly exercised to
know my duty. My
brother Jared having lately joined the Church of Christ, and being at
this time in Benson preaching,
where members had already come over to his belief.

I now greatly desired to be qualified to meet him on gospel ground,
and to give that council
to the souls around me, that they stand agreed. Not knowing, whether
his preaching was true or
false, I determined to continue praying until God would unfold to me
the truth. For many days I
prayed and wept much, before the Lord pleading with my whole soul,
that God would lead me aright.
At length, I felt the assurance, that God would answer my prayers.
The same day I felt it my duty
to be baptized. Which I did and members of my children soon followed
- viz - Betsey, Harriet and
Maryette and Angelina.

A scene of temptation soon came upon me, which greatly affected me.
Added to this, also,
was much distress in my family, by poverty and sickness. My wife and
Betsey,{his daughter} I
greatly feared would soon leave me. Satan, also ley hard at me, with
many frightful temptations,
concerning this work of the Lord _____ as that it was not his, but the
invention of some wicked one.
This made me weep and cry before the Lord, until He gave me many
testimonies, to assure me that
altho strange, yet, it was indeed his work.

Yet, was I not as believing, as I should have been, and great
affliction followed. Soon after,
God was pleased to remove my dear Betsey, and shortly followed our
dear little babe. {The headstone
lists son of John S. Carter and Jerusha Carter, John G. Carter, 1832
age two months old. Betsey
also died in 1832.} My beloved wife did not now unite with me in this
work. Her relations and mine
in the flesh were also grievously opposed.

The Church of Christ, was the name used by the Mormons until 1834.
At that time the name
was changed to "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."
However this name was not
officially adopted until 1838.

On May 24 1832, John was ordained a High Priest. He and his
brother Jared served on a
mission together in the Vermont area from May to July.

Revelation was given for Jared, from the Savior, through the Prophet
Joseph Smith in March
1832 at Hiram, Ohio. It is contained in Section 79 of the Doctrine and
Covenants.

SECTION 79
1. Verily I say unto you, that it is my will that my servant Jared
Carter should go again into
the eastern countries, from place to place, and from city to city, in
the power of the ordination
wherewith he has been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great
joy, even the everlasting gospel.
2. And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the
truth and the way
whither he shall go;
3. And inasmuch as he is faithful, I will crown him again with sheaves.
4. Wherefore, let your heart be glad, my servant Jared Carter, and
fear not, saith
your Lord, even Jesus Christ. Amen.

John's journal does not start again until June.

In June 1832 I went with brother Jared and labored in Andover, where
God owned to the
bringing in of about sixteen or seventeen souls. Many others appeared
convicted, but did not submit
to baptism. The names of those baptized, I suppose will be found in
Br. Jared's journal. We met
some opposition here, but no man laid hands on us. We had also many
invitation, from around to
preach, and great excitement was raised.

In Benson I baptized five or six--- also baptized two in Putman and
four in Bolton, the names
hereafter given.

Some of the places John traveled during his ministry of the Gospel,
between 1832 to 1834
were, in the State of New York, Addison, Colwell, Edinburg, Fort Ann,
Greenwich, Hauge, Kenyon's
Bay, Kinsbury, Luzern, Moriah, Onondaga, Pleasant Valley, Putnman,
Ticonderoga, Warrensburg,
Whipple City; In the State of New Hampshire, Bath.

We were this summer ________by a number of Elders, among whom were Br's Simeon,
Gideon and Jared. The conference also in August, set in Benson,
attended by Elders Simeon Carter,
G.H. Carter, Jared Carter, Sylvester Smith, Elisha Collins, Zebulon
Adams, Orson Pratt, & Lymon
Johson, __________Alldridge & myself.

Section 75 of the Doctrine and Covenants, given at Hiram, Ohio,
January, 1832, called both
of the other Carter brothers to a mission in the east.

Verse 30. Wherefore, let my servant Simeon Carter and my servant Emer
Harris be united
in the ministry.
Verse 34. And also my servant Sylvester Smith and my servant Gideon Carter.

All four of the brothers were together for this confernce in Benson,
no doubt held in "The
House With A Past."

On August 10, 1832, Ira Ames, reported about the above mentioned
conference in his
journal. {Ira Ames married Charity Carter daughter of Jabez Carter.
Jabez was the Carter brother's
uncle.}

"I met Orson Pratt, Lymam Johnson, Sylvester Smith, and Jared Carter, and
Gideon, and about twelve other members of the church. I was very
young in the church, and
knew, but little, but thought I knew it all. And then when Orson
Pratt, Lyman, Sylvester and
others spoke to us, they unfolded new principle, after new principle,
glory after glory, until
my soul was fed with fatness, and I wept many tears of joy. And not
to this day, have I ever
attended a conference, where I enjoyed myself, and my religion more
than, I did that day.
Conference held Saturday and Sunday, and at this conference, I was
ordained a priest under
the hands of Jared and Simeon Carter. I returned from this meeting
to my home, and
commenced at once, gathering up my means, disposing of my property, preparing
to gather with the Saints."

Jared's journal notes that as a result of the this conference,
"people of influence who before had apposed the work were convinced
of the work and
wished to be baptized,"-- "the cause of Zion in Benson is prospering.
In spite of great
opposition, --Her graces and her numbers are continually increasing.
The brethren and sisters
stand firm in the faith."

1833

Along with Willard Woodstock, a Benson convert {and former Freewill
Baptist}, John moved
to Bolton, New York, to further the work there, while making frequent
journeys to other places. His
wife was in very poor health and returned to her father's home in
Benson, Vermont. Marriette, one
of the daughters of Johns first wife, went to stay with the family of
Amos Herrick, a Mormon convert,
who had a farm north of the stone meetinghouse in Benson. The other
daughters went to live with
Mormon converts in Bolton. {House With a Past}

Back to John's Journal

On the first of January 1833 Removed to Bolton. My wife did not go
with me as her health
was very poor. She tarried at her Fathers. Br. Willard Woodstock
moved with us. We dwelt in one
house.

January about the 12th or 16th Attended meeting in Northwest bay,
communion session.
Also, three were baptized {names hereafter given}.

Januray 17th We started in company of Br. Sherwood and Tanner for
Greenwich. Attended
a meeting at the house of Br. Tanner's sister_________.

Next day held meeting at the house of Mr. Barber, few people
attended, but those very
attentive. In the evening held meeting at the house a Mr. Place.
Here also, good attention was given
the Word. Evening followed this attended in the same town where
members appeared much
convicted. We also attended a meeting on the way down to Greenwich
and Colwell. On the way
back to Bolton attended meetings at Kingsbury and at Fort Ann this
last of the Sabbath meeting at
two places and people very attentive and inquiring. The effect of
this visit was that members
appeared convinced of the truth of our preaching.

- In 1832 , Jared and Simeon had contacted John Tanner about the
Gospel. John Tanner was
a prosperous Baptist, had been lame, unable to walk.

Jared wrote in his journal," On Sunday, held meeting to Brother
Tanner's and found
pleasure of the Lord was powerfully manifested. After we baptized.
Found while I was here,
the Lord had mercy upon a lame man, by the name of Tanner, who was so
lame that he could
not bear his weight on one of his feet. He had been lame for months,
but we found he was a
believer in the Book of Mormon. I asked him to endeavor to walk ,in
the name of Christ, he
agreed to undertake. I then took him by the hand and commanded him
in the Name of
Christ to walk and by the power of Christ he was enabled to walk.
Bro. Simeon was not
at the moment present, but I found after this, at the very time he was
healed, Bro. Simeon had
an exercise of faith for him in secret prayer to God."

In 1833, Tanner had a dream that it was time for him to move
west.---------He started on
Christmas day, in four weeks, in the dead of winter, he had traveled
500 miles to Kirtland, where
Joseph Smith was in a crisis over the temple.--- payments were due,
funds were not available and
the mortgage on the temple was about to be foreclosed. Tanner loaned
the temple committee
thirteen thousand dollars, signed a note with Joseph Smith for thirty
thousand dollars worth of
goods, and gave Joseph a personal loan of two thousand dollars.

Picture of the Kirtland Temple: Dedicated March 18, 1836. page 14a.

Sabbath day Jan. 20th,1833 Held meeting at the house of Bro. Tanner
a sollomn convicting
time.

Tuesday 22nd Set out for the north called for Bro. Sherwood and that
evening attended
meeting at his house. This a heart searching time. Church appeared
signed up to live to priviledge
in God.

Friday--Before this held meeting at the house of brother
Sidney--brethren and sisters in a
good degree.

Wednesday Jan. 23rd Walked to Benson, calling at Br. Henie's where
we found my dear
tired Sister Fidella Fish. She related some great trials she had, but
a little time before passed through.
Then her relatives and neighbors around her being opposed, God
Almighty protect her from evil. Met
our dear brethren in Benson found them still tired.

Thursday Evening met again, these meetings we trust not in vain.

Saturday January 26th Met for the purpose of harmonizing the minds
of Brethren and
Sisters, they have had some little misunderstanding. This was a
blessed meeting---even an heart
melting time.

Sabbath Jan. 27th 1833 Meeting at Br. Redfield _______ for some
cause to me unknown
this meeting did not enjoy all that degree of Spirit desirable. After
meeting Sister Sally Brown
baptized and next morning confirmed. I felt much of the Holy Spirit.

Harlow Redfield , who is mentioned above and often in John's journal
wrote an article to the
Desert News . The article was in dispute of an article printed by the
Deseret News concerning
Joseph Smith History which the News was printing in 1854. The letter
appeared March 15, 1854.
{The events happened at the time the Prophet and the leaders of the
Church in Far West, were under
Siege and were betrayed by Colonel Hinkle. They were held prisoner
from November 1938 until
April of 1839 in the Liberty Jail in Richmond, Missouri.}

To the Editor of The Deseret News:
Sir--- In the History of Joseph Smith, published February 2, News
No5, I find my name
associated with others, as aiding McLellin and others in plundering
the house of Joseph Smith
while in prison. This incorrect. The excitement of those times was
sufficient reason for the rumor
going abroad incorrectly.

I was at Hyrum Smith's house, rather by accident than by design, in
company with
McLellin and Burr Riggs, at a time when they took some books, etc.,
but was not with them
when they went to Joseph's. Soon after the rumor got afloat; I
explained the matter before the
Council in Missouri satisfactorily, as I supposed, but some time
after, an enemy, in my absence,
again agitated the subject before the Conference in Nauvoo, which led
to an inquiry before the
High Council in the presence of Joseph and Hyrum, and the subject
appearing in its true light,
Joseph instructed the Council to give me a certificate of acquittal,
that would close every
man's mouth.

The following is the certificate, viz:--

"The High Council of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints met at
Nauvoo, 20
October 1840, to consider the case of Harlow Redfield, against whom certain
accusations were brought at our last conference of which he was
suspended, and his case referred
to the High Council for decision. We being organized to investigate
his case, when no charge was
brought against him, nor did an implication appear, nor do we believe
that a charge could be
sustained against Elder Redfield. He volunteered confession of
certain inadvertent, imprudent,
{but} no evil meaning acts, that he greatly sorrowed for, and asked
forgiveness for his
folly in such acts. This Council voted that Elder Redfield be
forgiven, and restored to his
former official state and standing, and to be in full fellowship, the
same as if no evil insinuation had
ever been brought against him; and that he take a transcript of these
proceedings, to be signed by
the Clerk of this meeting.

"I hereby certify that the above is true transcript of the
proceedings and decision of the
aforesaid case.
'H. G. Sherwood."

I will only add that I had before heard how that "poor Tray" got
whipped for being in bad
company, and it ought to have been sufficient warning for me, and I
trust it will be for the future.
I remain your humble servant,
Harlow Redfield
Provo, Utah, Feb. 7, 1854

Monday Jan. 28th Tarried over night with Br. Daivd Kenyon;
disappointed that no brother
will go with me to Willsborough------Br. Sherwood gone to Andover.

Tuesday 29,1833 Walked to Addison to Philo Bowers--tarried overnight
and attended
meeting. Some appeared inquiring.

Wed. 30 Crossed Lake Champlain and walked to Willsborough, became so
weary as to be
unable without much painfulness to walk to where the Brethren dwelt
and the Lord, I believe,
disposed a Mr. Bachminster to invite me to stay over night. Thanks to
God ________ soone and
prayed.

Thursday 31, 1833 Went over to Joseph Adams, perceived on going into
the house that all
was not right, soon found two present had left the Church of
Christ.-viz- Joseph Adams and George
Fishes. Joseph had gone back and joined the Methodist Society.

Feb. 1st Spent the day in reading. At evening attended meeting at
the same house but few
present and all to sleepy. Oh. Lord forgive!

Sat. 2nd Walked with Br. Zebulon Adams over to Lewis Sens____. this
evening meeting at
Br. Perry's blessed time!

Feb. 3 Sab. Attended meeting at Lewis, preached from 14th Rev.,
Spirit of the Lord rested
down, and we much blessed especially while speaking of the Hundred and
Forty and Four Thousand,
which were redeemed from the Earth, being led by the Spirit, to apply
it to this people, altho some
of the most decerning Elders have supposed, that it meant otherwise.
Evening meeting at John
French's, some were present who have left the Church. I felt this day
a spirit of prayer for them, but
notwithstanding saw some of them return. The Lord have mercy on them.

Mon. Feb. 4th Set out for home, some beclouded and affected in mind.
Tarried over night
with Phio Bowers- his wife very sick. They both appear rather believing.

Tues. 5th Walked to Benson, tarried with sister Prudence, found her
nearly out of wood.
Stayed the next day to assist in getting some for her and to attend
conference with the Brethren few
present. {Prudence was the widow of Aaron Gibbs II, Aaron died in 1829.}
Conference at Uncle Jabez Carter's, who of late appears still more
believing. Called this
evening to see his wife,{Rebbeca Dowd}-also called when I went to the
north and was entreated by
her father and Bro. Elijah- very _______. We were not allowed to
lodge together in the house. God
forgive them.

Thurs. 7th Walked to Bolton, calling at Bro. Henrick where Marrietta
my daughter is living.
Rattied at Bro. Sherwood's, he not having arrived.

Amos F.Herrick, on March 7, 1835, was given a blessing for working on
the Kirtland
Temple. H. of C. Vol. 2 page206.

Fri. 8th Arrived at home and found my family well thro the mercy of
the Lord for which
thanks to His adorable name. Found that Bro. Orson Pratt had been
there on his way to the meeting
of Elders in the Ohio as they, at this time are all or such as are
traveling, are called to meet, for
purposes to me at present unknown. Much revelation has of late been
given. Oh! God Almighty let
me ever more please Thee. Amen and Amen. John S. Carter

Sat. 9th Feb. Church meeting at Br. Sherwood's members present.
This meeting was
appointed to set things in order. 1833 God's blessing attended and
there were ordained- viz - Br.
Sidney Tanner to the duty of teacher. Br. Burgess and Nathan Tanner to
office of deacon. Br. Culter
Davis who has been for some time halting renewed his walk with us today.

Sidney Tanner was given a blessing for helping build the Kirtland
Temple on March 7, 1835.
H. of C. Vol 2 page 205.

Sab. 10th Feb Attended meeting at Br. John Tanner's. Spoke on covenants!
One was baptised whose name was Jane Smith. Communion followed. {Sacrament}
Conference in the evening. Br. and S. Sherwood's members present .

Thurs. 14th Conference at our house. Few attended and clouds lower_________.

Sab. 17th Meeting at Bro. John Tanner's. The Lord was present one
was baptized.

1833 Mon. 18th Feb. In company with Br. Wiilard Woodstock, Bro. J.
Tanner, his wife and
son Nathan set out for Greenwick. Arrived there near evening, but
timely enough to notify and attend
a meeting in the evening at the house of Wid. Wellwood. Some freedom
engaged in setting forth the
Work, now going on by the prophecies.

Willard Woodstock was listed as a High Priest in the minutes of a
High Council Meeting held
in the Lord's house in Kirtland in May 29, 1837, ten o'clock a. m.
"Isaac Rogers, Artentas Millet, Abel Lamb and Harlow Redfield, appointed as
complainants against Presidents Frederrick G Williams, and David
Whitmer, and Elders
Parley P Pratt, Lyman Johnson, and Warren Parris.
Sidney Rigdon presiding.
COUNCILORS.

John Smith John Johnson,
Jared Carter John P Greene
Noah Parkard Oliver Granger
Joseph Kingsbury Samuel H Smith
Joseph Coe Martin Harris
Gideon Carter Willard Woodstock
President Rigdon then read the Following complaint:

" To the Presidency of the Church of Latter-day saints:
" We, the undersigned, feeling ourselves aggrieved with the conduct of
of Presidents David Whitmer and Frederick G. Williams, and also with
Elders Lyman E.
Johnson, Parley P Pratt, and Warren Parrish, that their course for
some time past has been
injurious to the Church of God, in which they are high officers, we
therefore desire that the
High Council should be assembled, and should have an investigation of
their behavior,
believing it to be unworthy of their high calling---all of which we
respectfully submit."
Abel Lamb
Nathan Haskins
Harlow Redfield
Artmas Millet
Iassc Rogers

During the meeting no one could agree on whether they had the
right to try these
brethren and the meeting ended in confusion.
H. of C. Vol. 2 p 484.

1837 was a year of apostasy among the Saints in Kirtland. The panic
of 1837 hit
Ohio and Kirtland Safety Society which had over extended itself was
ruined by a run on the bank
by apostates and those wishing to persecute the Saints.
Eliza R Snow wrote,"following the temple dedication in 1836, a number
members of the church felt that " prosperity was dawning upon
them...., and many
who had been humble and faithful ...were getting haughty in
their spirits, and
lifted up in the pride of their hearts. As the Saints drank in
the love and spirit of
the world, the Spirit of the Lord withdrew from their hearts,
and they were filled
with pride and hatred toward those who maintained their integrity."
By March of 1838 persecution was so strong Joseph Smith fled to
Missouri, along with many
of the Saints.

Tues. 19th Feb. Meeting at Alpheus Borber's, his daughter which had
for some time been
sick, has found mercy of the Lord, of which I had a bright witness by
the Holy Spirit on first seeing
her ------ present at the meeting. Bro. Nathan Tanner with me who
spoke with a good degree of the
Spirit after me, I think he will be useful in Zion.

This evening at Bro. James Wellwood's some young people behaved bad.
After meeting, I was
hotly opposed by a man by the name of Alanson Borber. He appeared bold
in declaring his unbelief.

Nathan Tanner was a member of Zions Camp, he was also called to go
on a mission to
Indiana in April 1844. H. of C. Vol. 6 page 339.

Wed 20th Feb. Meeting holden by us at Widow Wellwoods, some appear believing.

1833 Thurs. 21th Feb. Attended meeting at Whipple City, enjoyed
liberty in the Holy Spirit
in speaking on the 18th Chap of Isaiah. "Woe unto the Lord, shadowing
with wings and people
appeared much interested. Took dinner with Bro. Brewer, where
interesting conversation took place.
Visited at the house of Mr. Nathan Place, whose wife has long been
sick, found her very believing
. Br. Willard had prayed with her and layed on hands. We both
coveted to remember her in our
prayer for the recovery of her health.

Fri. Feb. 22 Called at Widow Wellwood, also at a Mr. Dickey's, but
had little conversation.
The people appear, in this place, to be but little believing. From
Widow Wellwood we set out for
home, myself being under many trials. Arrived at home this evening ,
myself under many afflictions,
where through the mercy of the Lord, found our families well. Bless
the Lord. Oh! my souls.

1833 Sab. 24 Feb. Meeting at Br. Tanner's--communion season,
brethren wade through
trails. Br. Morice Fuller confirmed.

Mon. 25 Feb. Visited some families and attended meeting in the
evening at Bro. Anders, his
wife {who has been sick and has a young babe} appears full of faith
and much engaged.

Wed 27 to March 1 Made a short visit to Benson. Saw but few of the
brethren. Br. Redfield
and wife gone to Connecticut. Br. and Sis. under some trails, held
meeting with them on Thursday
evening. My dear wife's health is very poor. She yet at her
father's. Brought home with me a letter
form Bro. Gideon, he writes that the Elders there speak with tongues
and he in four different ones.
Br. Putman came home with me and is to move here in a few days.

James Putman was given a blessing for work on the Kirtland Temple on
march 7, 1835. H.
of C. Vol. 2, page 205.

Sab. Mar. 3 Attended meeting at the bay. The Brethren here under
some trails , some have
done wrong, some division in feeling has taken place, especially
between Bro. Sherwood and Bro.Van
Antwerp. Rosina Benges also is concerned in it. Brother Tanner also
has become neglectful. Yet
we hope for better times. Amen even so, Come Lord Jesus.

Mon. Mar 4 Visited and conversed with delinquent members, gained
some incouragement,
but felt a dredful load.

Wed. 6 Attended conference at Bro. Sherwood's- an interesting -
meeting season. Some
came to inquire, the way to Zion. Walked up and back a distance of 7
1/2 miles. This has been a
blessed day to me. Thanks, through Jesus, to my Heavenly Father glory
to his name. Amen.

The Church of Christ, at North West Bay and Bolton rose_____ in the
summer of 1832, under
the preaching of Jared, Simeon D., and John S.Carter, naming them in
rotation, as they preached.
They began small and met with some opposition, but God has been with
them, and they have spread
abroad. {Abroad did not mean overseas, but that the word was spread
to surrounding areas.}

Sat. Mar 9 Church meeting at Br. Sherwood's same trying difficulties
exist. Bro. Sherwood
and Bro. Van Antwerp at variance, Bro. Moore also drank too much, and
Bro. Patten appears
unbelieving, and negligent of duty.

Sab. March 10 Meeting at Bro. Sherwood's where I attended. The word
appeared to be
given in plainness. A Mr. Little present, having been here some days
to inquire. We hope well of
him. Sister Sherwood appears to have visions of the Lord. Oh! God,
let us not be deceived! She
has seen great things, but does not as yet tell all.

March 14 Church meeting to settle the afore named difficulties.
Which by the express and
sollom agreement of the parties -viz- Henry Sherwood and Cornelius Van
Antwerp was left to be
finally, and conclusively decided by the council, of the following
Elders and priests and brethren -viz.
John S. Carter, Willard Woodstock, Elders John Tanner and James
Putnam, also Sidney Tanner,
Brethren Wetherby and Ripley were also with us.

"First, heard the statement of the aggrieved parties, then consulted
by ourselves,
and came to the following decision -viz- first, Br. Sherwood charges
in their length, and breath,
as he has stated them, has not to our satisfaction proved- yet it is
our opinion the Br. Van Antwerp
has been blame worthy, in the following accusations: first in linding
the whip, secondly in not
preparing the ______; thirdly, in indulging himself to lie in bed,
when he should have been in
business, fourthly, in getting angry and accusing Bro. Sherwood of
lying, fifthly, in indulging
in too loose a conversation, and behavior, with Rosina Burges. We
further state, that we
believe Br. Sherwood to have exercised, too little charity, and
meekness, in the course of this
difficulty, towards Bro. Cornelius. We also require, that Bro
Cornelius confess publicly his wrong,
and maintain the same confession, wherever he goes. This decision,
they having sollomnly
agreed to receive, we delivered unto them. But notwithstanding, Bro.
Sherwood found
fault, saying that he should not, for we had not allowed him to bring
all before us.
Also he said, we had not definitely decided. Cornelius also proposed
to leave the Church,
and since he appears, as I am told, to be hardened."

Sab. 17th Attended meeting to Bro Sherwood's, but did not enjoy great
liberty, for afflictions
have weighted us down. Oh! that we would come and keep the
commandments of the Lord. Yet
many and most appear determined to be faithful. Almighty God help
them. Evening walked back and
attended meeting at Br. Tanner's, here some from Benson were with
us. This day received a letter
from Br. Jared stating that very great things are at hand, and I
believe it. Christ we trust will soon
appear to his people.

Tues. 19 Afternoon set out to visit the Church. Walked about 12
miles and put up overnight
with Bro. Wm. Burges, visiting by the way.

William Burgess of Bolton New York, was adjudged innocent of charges
at Zions camp by
Joseph Smith, August 1834.

On March 7, 1835, William was blessed for work on the Kirtland Temple.

On the 17th of August, 1835, a general assembly of the Church was
held in Kirtland, and
William Burgess, as acting president, organized the Deacons. In that
same conference William
Burgess bore record of the truth of the Doctrine & Covenants. H. of
C. Vol. 2 pages 149, 206, 244,
246.

Wed . 20 This morning had a blessed session in prayer with this dear
family, and laid hands
on Br. Burges, I perceived that the Lord has been trying him, I trust
for his good.

From Bro. Burges, set out for Br. Ripleys, on the way met a gang of
swearing lumberman.
Walking thru the midst of them, I stopped to converse with two of our
Brethren, who were with
them. Hearing them profane their maker's name, I suddenly turned
around and said, "Take their
maker's name in vain and God will not hold them guiltless." At this
they appeared much offended and
talked very wickedly. I continued to maintain what I had said, and
still they walked on, and they
continued their blasphemy. The Spirit bid me to turn and warn them.
This I did, lifting up my voice.
They continued to reject all I said, and in their language much abused
me. In the river, a little beyond,
I washed my feet as commanded feeling much justified in what I had done.

Visited, conversed and prayed with a number of families and attended
meeting in the evening
at Br. Ripleys. Some of those lumberman present and behaved very bad.
I had some freedom in the
Spirit in preaching the word.

March 23 Set out to visit the brethren in Benson. On the way was
overtaken by two
Scotsmen unto whom I preached Jesus and the gathering of the Saints.
One of them rejected my
words, hoping to God that he might ever be of the same mind. Against
him who rejected, I washed
my feet. The other seemed more inquiring.

Sab. March 24 Set out from Bro. Henries, and the lake being about
breaking up, I walked
over the mountains and crossed at Kenyon's Bay. Met a little handful
of afflicted brethren, and tried
to preach to them. The Holy Spirit was with me to some degree. The
subject born _______ was
mentioned. I found that the brethren were not well united, but had
let in some bad feelings. I soon
began to labour with them, that union might take place, and told them
I determined never to leave
any place until it was done, praying and laboring, by God's blessing
we succeeded and the Church
proceeded to communion. {Com-mun-ion . Having in common, the act of
sharing, participation.
Sacrament.}

The brethren appear in a low tried estate_______having made their
calculations, to go up to
Zion, their way appears hegged______ up. Numbers of them have moved
away, which is still more
trying. Bro. Herlow Redford and David Kenyon are Elders, are in
Benson, and appear steadfastly
engaged. Bro. David appears meek, and lowly and faithful and is much beloved.

Wed. March 27 Unto this day I have tarried to attend a Church
meeting called, to attend the
case of two sisters, who have for some time neglected their duty, in
the Church. On the following
occasion as one of them having lost some property, went to a woman who
professes the art of telling
secrets by cards. The brethren hearing of it,she was tried soon
after. Just before a communion
season by my request, she was informed, that we thought her to have
done wrong, but she supposed
that she had meant no wrong, her mother who was the other sister
alluded to, was offended on her
daughters account, and both, I think, left the meeting. From this
time, they both appear much
offended at me and said hard things. Their case having been neglected
contrary to my request,
however was brought before the Elders and the Church this day. The
mother appeared much enraged
at me and said many hard things, saying with the rest that she had
given up going to Zion. Mercy,
her daughter, appeared sensible of her wrong and gave satisfaction to
the Church, but the other gave
none, and left us very disorderly. She was excluded, which was a
trying case. Oh! Lord save my
little flock!

Thurs 28 Attended a meeting at the house of Bro. Charles Stewart.
Few present but a
sollomn heart searching time. Bro. H Redford was with me, being on
our way to Bolton.

Sat. 30 Attended a Church meeting at the bay, at the house of Bro.
Sherwood, the difficulty
hereto fore mentioned being unsettled, much conversation, we hope
something effected toward
settling the difficulty, but some part of it remains very
unaccountable and trying.

Sab. 31 Called this morning to visit Bro. Burgess family to pray
with ley hands on the sick.
This morning gained a blessed victory over temptations. Attended
meetings at Bro. Sherwood's.
Bro. Redfield being with us. I labored to clear the way for Communion
for a number of weeks. We
succeeded and went forward to communion tho some stayed back. Great
have been my afflictions
of account of the difficulties in this church, but God will yet
preserve his people. Attended meeting
this evening-------in Bolton.

Henry G Sherwood, remained strong in the Gospel. He was in the 1847
wagon train that
crossed the Plains with Brigham Young. On April 16, 1847, the company
was organized and Henry
was in the Fifth company of Ten. Stephen H Goddard was Captain. The
other members of this
company were Tarlton Lewis, Henry G Sherwood, Zebeedee Coltrin,
Sylverster H. Earl, John Dixon,
Samuel H. Marble , George Scholes, William Hernie, and William A.
Empey. After getting
organized and bidding good-by to those returning to Winter Quarters,
the company moved out at
3: p. m., traveling just three miles before halting for the night.

On April 26, 1847 Norton Jacob wrote,"that Brigham Young apologized
for the scolding
some of the men, saying that Henry G. Sherwood was the only one who
had a legal right to find
fault." Whoever had a complaint must get permission from Sherwood to
grumble, Brigham Young
said, because Sherwood was formally elected to the office of
"chief grumbler."

Sherwood was in charge of food and supplies for the trip and
apparently took his title in
good humor. Jacob said the arrangement had "excellent effect in
putting a check on some fractious
persons."

On July 20, 1847 the camp was in East Canyon. One of Pratts group
rode into camp and
said the road was very rough from here. As the main group moved out,
three wagons were left
behind. Henry G Sherwood, Benjamin Franklin, Dewey and James Case had
all come down sick
with mountain fever and were unable to travel. It was already late in
the year for crops and the
pioneers couldn't delay any longer. From 111 Days To Zion.

Thurs. 4 Called in company with other Elders to visit Bro. Burgess,
he and family having for
some time been afflicted with sickness and do not yet recover. Prayed
and laid on hands.

Fri. 5th April 1933 Wrote to the Elders in Kirtland requesting by
them council from God
under some peculiar trails. {The answer to John's letter appears on
page 338 of Volume Two of the
History of the Church by Joseph Smith Jr. and is reproduced in this
history after John's comments
dated 23 and 24 of Apr.} Spent considerable part of the day in
prayer. Heard Sister Sherwood relate
her vision of seeing an angel, which was last Monday, 1st of April, 1833.

"He conversed with her, as she supposed about fifteen minutes, and
told her, that
he should come again. She has had many wonderful visions. She
relates that she heard a voice
soon after she came into this work, telling her that if she would be
faithful, she should see many
great and glorious things. This she has already done which commenced
by seeing an unusual
light, the night after, which her eyes were opened, and she saw
visions of God concerning that
which must come hereafter, perporting indeed that the power of God's
judgment has come,
and astonishing things soon are to take place."

On Tuesday, following her last vision of an Angel, I received a
line from Bro. Sherwood
requesting me to come to his house on Saturday, and giving some hints
of things unknown by me.
I went to my Heavenly Father in prayer on the occasion, and felt
unusually blessed, even so much that
it appeared that I was surrounded by some Heavenly Host. When I came
to hear her revelation, I
believed it to be from God. God grant that these things be much for
the upbuilding of Zion. John
S. Carter.

Sat. Apr. 6 Set out with Br Sherwood for Hauge. Called on the way
to see Br. Wm Burgess,
found him very sick and some tired, he and his family have been much
of late afflicted. Prayed with
him and went on. Called in Hauge, at Hoshua Baliley's, and had much
conversation with him and his
wife. I fear to little affect. They appear filled with prejudice
against the Work of the Lord. We put
up with a Mr. Vaughn,- himself and family professing no religion, are
very friendly, and entertained
us, with much kindness. The Lord reward them. This visit to Hague
was to fulfill an appointment
made four or five weeks ago, by Br. Sherwood, for me. We soon learned
that another preacher was
expected, by which, it appeared that they designed to shut us off from
our meeting.
.
Sab. Apr. 7 Spent this morning much in prayer, until meeting time.
Thought it duty to go
to the school house to meeting, not knowing what would be the result.
Went and found the other
preacher there who had commenced. We went in tarried there, after
meeting was dismissed we
proposed to attend meeting, as it was our appointment if no objections
should be made. Some one
soon objected, the other preacher then arose, and called a vote for
his meeting in the P. M. which
carried in his favor. I then arose and made some remarks, and
requested that such as wished us to
hold meeting in the place that afternoon, to manifest it by rising.
None arising, I observed that they
appeared not to desire us to hold meeting in the place. When none
made any answer, I then warned
them to repent, and prepare for the judgment of God which would soon
come on the wicked. After
which we left the house, and town, having washed our feet we came back
to Bolton. I had some
trying feelings, and felt sad in my mind this night. God supported me.

Mon. Apr. 8 Walked about 21 miles through the rain this day, to
attend a meeting in Chester,
the West side of the North river, enjoyed some freedom in speaking.
The people appeared moved
up to inquiry. Appointed another meeting in the morning, and put up
at the house of Mr. Parden's.
He and his family appeared friendly. Had much conversation with a
learned Doctor Priestly this
evening, in the presence of a number, who appeared attentive to hear.
Prayed with them and retired.

Tues. Apr. 9 Arose this morning, and felt very poor in spirit. Went
out to pray and found
some relief. Went back to the house, took breakfast, conversed, sung,
and prayed with the family,
and this, I hope, not without some effect and went on to the meeting.
But, few attended, but the
season was sollomn, and the word, I trust , convicting. Br. More was
with me, and followed in some
remarks. I left, another appointment north about 6 miles, and another
east about 3 miles, to be
attended this week, Friday P: M: and Saturday A: M:, and returned
home, conversing with some by
the way and advertising men, that the Day of the Lord was at hand.

Fri. Apr. 12 In company with Br. Sherwood, attended a meeting in
Chester, near the head
of Schroon Lake- a few were present, but it was some what an
interesting season -some considerable
inquiry, and I hope some conviction seemed existed. Tarried over
night with a Doctor Preistly, a
learned man, but destitude, I fear of regenerating grace, found him
willing to heare, and I should say,
rather believing.

Sat. Apr 13 Walked back to Bolton, near the North River and attended
a meeting in a place
where Bro. Simeon and Jared attended one, some months ago. The seed
from them, I trust has not
died in the earth, for the people appear much excited, and there are
hopeful prospects, that good
things are before this people. Left another appointment. This eve
attended a meeting at Br. P Moris
in Bolton. The Holy Spirit was present and good, I hope was done.
We, at the close of the meeting,
laid hands on his little children, which appeared to excite some opposition.

Sab. April 14 Meeting at Bro. John Tanner's in forenoon. The word
appeared cloated, with
some considerable conviction, appeared to rest on the assembly. In the
P. M., enjoyed but little freedom and set down much afflicted, through
myself, almost a block, in the
way of God's, and had a vision, if it was so that God would take me
out of the way. In conference
felt more of the spirit, and spoke some time to the Bro. and Sisters,
nearly all spoke and prayed. One
came forward for Baptism after meeting and I administered.

Mon eve. 15 Prayer meeting at Br. Putnam, encouragement to press forward.

Tues eve. Held meeting at Br. Wm Smith's, convicting time. Some
left the house. I suppose
they did not like such confident plainness. A number in this meeting,
appeared believing, I think they
will soon confess their Lord.

Wed. April 17 This morning, endeavored to deal faithfuly with Bro.
Smith's family, exorting
them to repent and be baptized, and serve the Lord till he come. On
my way home, had much
conversation with a learned, unbelieving Mr. Winters. He intended
soon to see Bro. Joseph.

Thurs 18th Meeting at Bro. Tanner's, blessed season, some good I
hope was done. Two
came forward for baptism -viz- Rebecah, and Rachel Smith. Others
present who we trust will soon
follow. The other sister Baptized was named Susan Dumot.

Fri. and Sat. 19-20 My wife being out of health, and at her
Father's, and the circumstances
of my family impending, to keep them together, and not myself_____with
them. At the solicitations,
of my brethren in Bolton, I found places for my children, among the
brethren and set out for
Vermont in company with Br. Harrison Burgess, who desires to warn
sinners in meekness. {This was
April 19th 1833} We called and tarried overnight with Br. Wm Burgess,
who has for some time, with
his family been much afflicted with sickness, he himself also being
under many trails. I heretofore,
laid hands on a number of his family together with himself, when God's
blessing appeared to attend,
and all were soon restored, and some directly. He, also appeared
raised up in answer to prayer, but
haveing taken cold and perhaps fallen under temptations, the enemy
gained power to afflict him
grievously. I felt it duty, to bid him arise, and walk in the name of
Christ. This I did, which he
obeyed.{John bleesed Jared's daughter and her health was restored, I
have missplaced the story}
On Saturday, we came to Benson, and tarried overnight with Daniel Carter.

Daniel's father was Jabez Carter, an Uncle of John's.

On June 28, 1838, Daniel was at Adam-ondi-Ahman, Missouri, Davies
County at a
conference held this day with President Joseph Smith Jr. presiding. A
high Council was organized
and Daniel Carter was called to be the fourth Councilor.

At a conference held on October 8, 1844 at Nauvoo, Illinois, both
Daniel and Simeon Carter
along with eighty-two others were called by President Brigham Young to
go abroad in all the
congressional districts of the United States, to preside over the
branches of the Church. They were
not to tarry for six months but to go settle down where they can take
their families and tarry until
the Temple is built, and then come and get their endowments and return
to their families and build
up a stake as large as this. H. of C. Vol. 3 pages 38 305/6.

Daniel came to Utah and died in Bountiful, Utah in 1887. .

Sab. 21 Held meeting with the brethren in Benson. The A. M. I spent
most of the time
showing the evidence of the Work of God. The power of the spirit
rested down. At noon baptized
Sally Brown. Afternoon, brought in their offerings, preparatory to
communion, all the Church
present, communed. Conference in the evening.

23 and 24 of Apr. Attended two meeting in Dresden- nothing
extraordinary appeared, except
my own unworthiness. In one conversation in a family, some visible
good appeared to be done.
While here received a letter from Br. Joseph Smith and Br. Williams,
of this I was glad but felt much
affected, with temptations on account of some visions and exercises.

Letter from the Prophet Joseph Smith: H of C Vol. I page 338/40.

The Prophet Joseph Smith stated , "Brother Jared Carter presented me
a letter, which he had
received from his brother, and requested me to answer it, which I did
as follows:
Kirtland, April 13, 1833
Dear Brother Carter;
Your letter to Brother Jared is just put into my hand, and I have
carefully perused
its contents, and embrace this opportunity to answer it. We proceed
to answer your questions:
first concerning your labor in the region where you live; we
acquiesce in your feelings on this
subject until the mouth of the Lord shall name. Respecting the
vision you speak of we do not
consider ourselves bound to receive any revelation from any one man
or woman without his being
legally constituted and ordained to that authority, and giving
sufficient proof of it.

I will inform you that it is contrary to the economy of God for any member
of the Church, or any one, to receive instructions for those in
authority, higher than
themselves; therefore you will see the impropriety of giving heed to
them: but if any person
have a vision or visitation from a heavenly messenger, it must be or
his own benefit and
instruction: for the fundamental principles, government, and
doctrine of the Church are
vested in the keys of the kingdom. Respecting an apostate, or one
who has been cut off from the
Church, and who wishes to come in again, the law of our Church
expressly says that who shall
repent, and be baptized, and be admitted as at the first.

The duty of a High Priest is to administer in spiritual and holy things, and
to hold communion with God: but not to exercise monarchial
government, or to appoint
meetings for the Elders without their consent. And again, it is the
High Priest's duty to be better
qualified to teach principles and doctrines than the Elders: for the
office of Elder is an
appendage to the High Priesthood, and it concentrates and centers in
one. And again, the
process of laboring with members: We are to deal with them
preciously as the Scriptures
direct. If thy brother trespass against thee, take him between him
and thee alone: and, if he
make thee satisfaction, thou hast saved thy brother: and if not,
proceed to take another
with thee, etc., and when there is no Bishop, they are to be tried by
the voice of the Church: and
if an Elder, or a High Priest be present, he is to take the lead in
managing the business: but if
not, such as have the highest authority should preside.

With respect to preparing to go to Zion:___First it would be
pleasing to the Lord
that the church or churches going to Zion should be organized , and a
suitable person appointed
who is well acquainted with the condition of the church, be sent to
Kirtland to inform the Bishop,
and procure a license from him agreeable to the revelation: by so
doing you will prevent
confusion and disorder, and escape many difficulties that attend an
unorganized band in
journeying in the last days.

And again, those in debt, should in all cases pay their debts: and
the rich are in no
wise to cast out the poor, or leave them behind, for it is said that
the poor shall inherit the
earth.

You quoted a passage in Jeremiah, with regard to journeying to Zion: the
word of the Lord stands sure, so let it be done.

There are two paragraph in your letter which I do not commend, as they were
written blindly. Speaking of the Elders being sent like lighting from
the bow of Judah: the
second, no secrets in the councils of Zion. You mention these as if
fear rested upon your mind,
otherwise we cannot understand it. And again we never inquire at the
hand of God for special
revelation only in case of there being no previous revelation to suit
the case: and that in
council of High Priest.

For further information on the subject about which you have written,
I will refer
you to the Elders who have recently left here for the east, by
commandment, some of who you
will probably see soon. You may depend on any information you may
receive from them that are
that are faithful. You may expect to see Brothers Orson Pratt and
Lyman E. Johnson for whom
we have great fellowship.

It is a great thing to inquire at the hands of God, or to come into
His presence:
and we feel fearful to approach Him on subjects that are of little or
no consequence, to satisfy
the queries of individuals, especially about things the knowledge of
which men ought to obtain
in all faith: and more especially a Teacher or a High Priest in the
Church. I speak these things
not by way of reproach, but by way of instruction: and I speak as if
acquainted with you,
whereas we are strangers to each other in the flesh.

I love your soul, and the souls of the children of men, and pray and do all
I can for the salvation of all.

I now close by sending you a salutation of peace in the name of the
Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen

P. S. _ If it is convenient to send a delegate to Kirtland, to
procure a licence for the
brethren to go to Zion, it can be done by two of more Elders. We have
received two letters from
Brother Sherwood, stating the order and condition of the Church and
respecting the vision of
his wife, but on account of the multitude of business, they have not
been answered by us: you
will please read this letter to Brother Sherwood.
J. S.

Thurs. Apr 25th Set out for Andover, passed through Benson, called
also at Faurhaven at
Sister Warner, found her firm in the Work, notwithstanding, surrounded
with opposition. Tarried
overnight and had some conversation with Dyen Vaughn, who has, I fear,
denied the work, found him
however not very hard, and I still hope he will return. In this town
Br. Harrison Burgess
accompanied me, who is a faithful young Br. about 18 and whom {he
desires to warn sinners in
meekness}. I ordained a priest as directed by the Lord. This was
done on Saturday eve, April 20,
1833, in a meeting in Benson.

Fri. 26 We walked to Rutland, called on Wm Burgess, uncle to
Harrison , who with his wife,
I trust enjoy religion. Left an appointment, and went on to
Wallingford call_________the pass in the
mountains and asked for entertainment {a meal or a place to stay
overnight} were dined, went on
a few miles further, and asking my Heavenly Father for entertainment,
he disposed a family to
entertain us with much kindness, for which may God bless them. Here
also, we left an appointment,
and another in Mount Holly, put us up overnight {Saturday night} at
Sister Ward's, found her low.
We soon gave out an appointment for the Sab. This little company of
Sisters {for there are only two
Bros.} have passed through many trails, having but little opportunity
of preaching, but general
members firm, I trust, for the Lord has kept them. There names are as follows:

Amelia Brooks Loisa Smith Hannah Ward Sen.
Lidea Smith Caroline Smith Hannah Ward Jr.
Perses Smith Cinthy Smith Martha or Hertha Brooks
Hannah Smith Eleasen Hasthen Sephronia Sheldon
Martha Marshall Lucy Blood Harriet Sheldon
and Thomas Marshall

These were baptized by Br. Jared and myself at our first visit in
Andover, when the power of
the Lord was present to bless. They were visited by Bros. Sylverster
Smith and Bro Gideon Carter
soon after and since by others.

Sab. 28 Had this morning much wrestling for victory and in strength
of Jesus prevailed,
enjoyed help from God in preaching the Word, and the people appeared
convicted. Some I expect
will by Baptized ere I go away. After meeting walked over to Chester,
and tarried with Sister
Brooks, who appears as much as ever engaged, found her very believing.

Mon. 29 Attended meeting at BR. Smiths. This meeting appeared
attended with great
power, and victory appeared to be gained on Zion's side. This morning
had an unusual conflict, but
was enabled to overcome. After meeting we went over to Andover, and
tarried a Mr. Sheldin's.

April Tues 30 This morning baptized Sister Elizabeth Blood. Numbers
in Andover and
Chester seemed on the eve of stepping into the Kingdom. Went back to
Mount Holly, where we had
left an appointment- found a number gathered, unto whom I set forth
the work of the Lord, which
they appeared to hear with great interest. We found the next day that
numbers appeared very
believing.

Wed May 1, 1833 Made a short stop in this place to converse with
same, and went on to
Willingsford to attend our meeting there. Not many attended, but the
meeting very interesting. A
Baptist preacher present, appeared much confounded, if not converted.

Thurs. May 2 Attended meeting Rutland but few present, some appeared
convinced of the
truth. Walked over the Mountain to the north to Castleton, and tarrid
over night with Ira Benson,
my Bro-in-law, an unbeliever in this work, yet not remarkably hard.
{This man had to have been a
husband to one Jerusha's sisters.}

Fri. 3 Walked to Benson, and attended meeting this afternoon, at the
house of uncle Jabez
Carter's. Ira Ames came there today on his way to Zion. Ira Ames was
Jabez's son-in-law.

Sab. 5 Spent the fore-part of the day much in prayer, and wept much
before the Lord, found
access by faith. Afternoon attended meeting in west Part of Bolton.
Some here very believing, and
I hope soon come in. Bro. Putnam with me. Went over to a place
called Haysburgh and attended
conference and tarried over night with a Br. Haise who is believing.

Mon. 6. This day held meeting in Chester neer the outlet of Schroon
Lake. This was a blessed
meeting, and I trust most present felt its power. Walked to Bolton
and tarried overnight with a Mr
Labdill.

Tues. 7 Returned to the lake, on my way called at Bro. Paul More's,
and took breakfast and
had much conversation with Bro. More, who had been thrown into some
doubts on account of some
visions. Made a covenant on condition of his faithfulness to pray for
him. This day we received a
second letter from Bro Joseph, giving answers to important questions.
{unable to find this letter.}

Wed. 8 Attened meetings in Bolton in place Haysborough. Met with
open opposition from
a Mr. N. Streets. Next day, Thursday attended meeting in Dresden and
so went on to Benson.
Found Bro. E Colins there, and communion season this was.

Sab. 12 Conference in the eve at Bro. Luman Carter {This night
Sister Clarisa - wife of Bro.
Daniel Carter was delivered in child birth, by faith with the help of
Luman, aid not being present, but
her husband, one Elder, and her two sisters. She was delivered with
very little pain , the information
obtained from those present.}

Clarisa Foster Carter was the wife of John's cousin Daniel; Luman
was Daniels brother and
a brother-in-law of John. Luman was married to John's sister Susannah.

On March 8, 1835, Luman Carter was blessed for work on the Kirtland
Temple. 1837 H.
of C. Vol 2 page 207.

January 1837 "During the winter, the House of the Lord at Kirtland
was filled to
overflowing with attentive hearers, mostly communicants: and in the
evenings the singers met
under the direction of Elders Luman Carter and Jonathan Crosby, Jun.,
who gave instruction
in the principles of vocal music." H. of C. Vol. 2 page 474.

Wed. 15 Returned to Bolton in company with Bro. E. Colinsand, found
Bro_______Aldredge, Stephen Burnet here from the west. Bro. A. spoke
with tongues, and
interpreted the same.

Thurs May 16 Attended meeting at the Bosans, few present.

Fri. 17 Walked about 26 or 27 miles, and attended a meeting in
Chester. The late great rain
{which we may number with the other scourges which the Lord is
sending} had raised the river so
high, that we had to wade waist deep in water. But very few people
present. Went home, and tarried
overnight with a Mr. Angel, who with his wife are quite aged. They
entertained us in a most friendly
way, giving some heed to our communication, of whom I have in God good
hopes. This night
appeared another sign of the coming of the Son of Man. The heavens
appeared on fire and the flame,
flashing in awful grandier around them. Oh! God, may men take
warning! This was seen on night
of the 17th of May 1833.

Sat . 18 Having spent much of the forenoon in fervent prayer to God,
we in the P.M. walked
over to Schroon Lake, and tarried over night with a Mr. Griswold,
whose wife has been sick, and bed
rid for many years. She appears to love the Lord, and covenanted to
serve Him with all her heart,
on which condition, I conenvanted to pray for her recovery. Our
Falter in Heaven, having pity, and
heal this humble suffer and that for Jesus sake. Amen.

Sab. 19 Walked to Schroon and attended two meetings at the farm of
Mr. Nathan Taylor a
Methodist? Bro. who with many others here appears believing. In these
meeting the Lord helped me
and many appeared much convicted of the truth.

Mon. 20 Attended meeting at the falls in Schroon, which was attended
by the spirit unto
some conviction, I trust.

Tue. 21 It's been rainy, attended another meeting in this place, I
hope not without good affect
to souls. Indeed, the Lord appears to be calling up the minds of the
people in this region to His work,
for many appear believing.

Fri. 24 Having walked from Schroon to Lewis and made arrangement for
meetings we
attended on this day at the house of Mr. John Tibbits who would not
himself come in. We enjoyed
a precious season and the brethren appeared received.

25 Saturday attended a meeting at Peasant Valley, few attended and we
injoyed but ordinary
freedom.

Sab. 26 The Brn. in Lewis met with the Brn. in Willsbourgh. I tried
to preach to them and
enjoyed much freedom. The Brn. and Sisters. generally spoke. This
was a blessed season. At the
close I ordained Bro. Alva L Tibbits an Elder and his brother to the
place of an teacher. Some that
were backsliders were, I trust, this day reclaimed and numbers confessed.

Alva L Tibbits is realy Alva L Tippits. It appears Alva/Alvah's
Tippits name was written
incorrectly or was typed wrong.

This branch of the church contributed money to help purchase lands in
Missouri, in response
to the commandment given in Doctrine & Covenants sec. 67: 74

This letter was hand carried to the Prophet.

"Lewis, County of Essex,
New York, October 20, 1834

The members of a branch of the Church of the Latter-day Saints,
agreeable to the
requirements of heaven, have striven to unite their hearts and views,
in order to be found spotless
before the blazing throne of the Great Jehovah when He comes to make
up His jewels, and for this
end to send property by the hands of wise men, appointed by the voice
of the church , agreeable to
the revelation concerning the redemption of Zion, for the purchasing
land in Jackson county, or
counties round about, for the inheritance of the Church. Agreeable to
this, we give our names with
the affixed sums annexed:
Cash Property
Joseph H. Tippits $98.67 $120.37
Alvah Tippits 34.63 80.00
John H. Tippits 171.05 51.93
Henry Adams 11.13 8.75
Zebulon Adams 1.75
Caroline Tippits 151.06 107.00
David Bragg 5.00 1.06
Gustavus A Perry 6.00

Total, $848.40. $100.00 for boots and shoes, to be left in Kirtland.

The wise men appointed are John H. Tippits and Joseph H. Tippits ."
H. of C. Vol. 2 page 174.

As preperations to defend Nauvoo were taking place, on Saturday
June 22,1844, Joseph
Smith recieved this letter at 7:p. m.

"A Petition to Hear the Prophet Speak"
' "We, the undersigned citizens of Hancock county, respectfully
request General
Joseph Smith to Preach, tomorrow, and that we have liberty of seats
near enough to the stand
to hear, inasmuch we have an opportunity to hear him but seldom, and
some of us have not
heard him at all.
Yours respectfully,
James Hamilton and Co., Capt at the Liberty Branch
Nathaniel Case, Capt. 7th Co, 4th Reg. 2nd Cohort, N. L. from La Harpe.
Uriah H. Yager and Co., Captain at the Branch of Macedonia, 2nd Cohort.
Hiram Clark 1st Lieut. at the Midland branch Company.
Z. D. Wilson's Company
Alna L Tippett's Company
S. Hancock, Major of the First Battalion of the 3rd Regiment.
Warren Snow, Captain and Co., 4th Reg. 2nd Cohort of N. Legion."
H. of C. Vol 6 533.

Mon. 27 Set out for the south, went as far as Moriah and held a
meeting at the Village, many
attended and the Word appeared to take hold of many hearts. We
tarried overnight with Mr.
Burlingame who with family appeared believing .

Tues. 28 Walked to Ticonderogh and attended meeting at the upper
falls and left another
appointment and next day walked to Benson and attended conference. On
Friday having received
information that Bro. Pratt was in Bolton, returned to Bolton in
company with Brn. Redfield,
Kenyon, Tanner, Burges and Aimes.

Sat June 1, 1833 Attended Church meeting in Bolton the following
High Priest and Elders
being present -vis- Orson Pratt, Elisha Collins, Willard Woodstock,
David Kenyon, Harlow Redfield,
Henry Sherwood, John S. Carter.

Called up the case of Rosina Burges, who had some time before been
accused of falsehood,
but there being sufficient witness it had not been attended to---. The
charge against her is as follows:

"A piece of _______ had been found by Sister Tanner, under a
pillow,which she believed Rosina to
know about, but Rosina said she did not, but after much talk Rosina
said that Cornilieus Van
Antwerp, put it there. But on a third accusation said he did not, and
that she knew not how it came
there. A few minutes after it was first seen under the pillow, it was
gone from there, none having
been in room but Rosina and Sister Tanner, and Rosina denied taking it
away. Rosina haveing so
sollomly pretested that she was innocent many of the Church thought
her so; but thru evidence -viz-
two sister informing, that she had owned to them, that Cornilieus Van
Antwerp gave her the
_____{coke?} as had been suspected. They were called upon, and the
whole brought up before the
Church at this time. But she, the Sister Rosina still declared that
she knew not how the ______ came
there, and that also with so much appearance of innocence a truth,
that we were much affected. But
plain evidence being against, her were obligated to cut her off from
the Church. this reasoning
_______ing scene.'

In the early part of the Church, your problems were aired quite
publicly, as noted in John's
History, concerning his son William ," The case also of my son William
Carter, who was called up.
Whether he should again be baptized? After conversing a while the
conference universally decided
that he should not, but ought to bestowed on confession."

I also witnessed this in reading old Relief Society minutes of the
Newton Ward, concerning
who received welfare and what they needed. This was discussed openly
during the Relief Society
meeting when all were present.

Sab. June 2nd 1833 Walked to Ticonderogh to fulfill my appointment.
This was a rainy day
and I walked nine miles to attend this meeting, found people
unbelieving, and did not injoy great
freedom. The Lord as he promised in the Book of Mormon has already
shown me my weakness, and
my language with many tears. Oh! when shall I be strong in the Lord,
and fully faithful in all things.
This, Lord thou knowest is the great desire of my heart, and I know I
fear God, therefore thine
unchangeable Word assures me that my desire shall be granted. This
Lord I believe with all my heart.

When John refers to freedom, he means the spirit of the Lord was
either with him or not, as
the case may be.

June 3-7 Went to Benson and there met Br. Pratt and Johnson and
attended two meetings
with them in Benson. The brethren and Sister are in good degree
engaged. Charity Aimes was
baptized. Charity Carter was the wife of Ira Ames, she was the
daughter of Jazeb Carter, an Uncle
of John's, therefore they were 1st cousins. Went with the brethren
to conference.

Conference in Bath, New Hampshire, holden June 8th. Attended by the
following members
-viz- Orson Pratt, Lyman Johnson, Hazen Aldridge, Stephen Burnett,
John S. Carter, High Priest's,
Willard Woodstock, Harlow Redfield, William Snow, John Badger,
Benjamin Chase, Nathaniel
Holmes and Orson Johnson, John Duncan, Windslow Far, priest's, Henry
Harriman, teacher.

Stephen Burnet, acting President, John S. Carter, Scribe. Meeting
opened by prayer.
Question: asked by Hazen Aldridge -viz- What duty shall a priest have
when traveling with a High
Priest? Answer: Their duties are revealed in the revaluations to the Church.

The case also of my son William Carter, who was called up. Whether
he should again be
baptized? After conversing a while the conference universally decided
that he should not, but ought
to bestowed on confession. Apparently his sins did not require
baptism, but just confession.

Henry Harriman stayed true to the faith and was part of the Kirtland
Camp, which were a
group of Saints, who tried to leave Kirtland in an orderly fashion for
Missouri, in-spite of the
persecutions. They left on July 6, 1838. But before most of the
faithful Saints could leave Kirtland,
enemies began ransacking homes of the Saints and starting fires in basements.

Henry was sustained as one of the presidents of Seventies at
Conference on Oct. 7, 1844.

He was called to work in the Nauvoo Temple Dec 27, 1845.

Henry was listed as One of the First Seven Presidents of the Seventy
on Oct. 8, 1848 in Salt
Lake City. H. of C. Vol. 3 and Vol. 7

Henry J Harrison from New England came to SLC with the 9th handcart
company and he recorded in his diary the following. "There were 233 souls, 6
wagons, 39 handcarts and 10 tents They left Florence, NE. May 2, 1860. His
cart was 4 ft. long 3 ft. wide and wheels 4 ft. high, the bed was 9
inches deep.
It was very common to see young girls between ages 16-20 with a harness
on their shoulders in the shape of a Halter, a small chain fastened to that and
then fastened to the cart; some pulling, some pushing all day long through
the hot dry sand, barefooted with hardly enough to eat to keep life in their
bodies .Usually 4 or 5 to a cart. Sometime little children were put
in the carts
if their feet had gotten so tired and blistered they couldn't walk further.
If a wagon had not met them at Green River with 2500# flour and 500 # bacon
they would not have made it. They arrived in Salt Lake City in August."

William Snow was the great-great-great-grandfather of my
daughter-in-law, Michelle Snow
Griffin. He came to Salt Lake City early and helped settle St. George, Utah.

Hazen Andrew Aldrich was in Zions Camp, worked on Kirtland Temple,
Missouri High
Council, but became associated with James Collins Brewster who claimed
to have revelations and
translated the so-called "Book of Esdras". After the death of the
Prophet Joseph Smith, .the
Brewater-Aldrich movement was a flat failure, and the organization
ceased to exit. H. of C. Vol.
2 page 164, 183,206. Vol. 5 page 215.

June 11th This meeting, I trust was attended with conviction. We
attended another meeting
about 3 miles north where I spoke to the people, this also was a
sollom time. Returned to Benson
and attended one meeting with the Brethren, this was attended with the
Spirit. Founded my dear wife
quite low, and am not permitted to visit her, and administer to her,
as my wife , but must come when
the two boys are not at home. Went to Brandon for a__________.

Sab. 15th June Attended a meeting at Bro. Tanner's, injoyed a
blessed time. Brother and
Sisters communed on the evening in conference, where some spoke with
tongues - two-viz- John J.
Tanner and Hannah Potter were baptized in the evening.

In 1834,both John Joshua Tanner and Nathan Tanner were in Zions Camp
and helped take
care of those afflicted with Cholera. They helped bury the bodies of
those who died, including John
S. Carter. H. of C. Vol. 2 page 120
.
On November11th of 1838 in Richmond, Missouri, John J. Tanner, and
the Prophet Joseph
Smith and many others were held in jail. All manner of afflictions
were heaped upon these
prisoners. A week latter they were brought before Judge Austin A King
and charged with several
crimes against the state, high treason, murder, burglary, arson,
robbery, and larceny.

On November 18, 1838, witnesses were called to testify in behalf of
the charged men.
However this was a farce.
" A man by the name of Allen was sworn , but when he did not testify
to please the
court, several rushed upon him with their bayonets, and he fled the
place; three men took
after him with loaded guns, and he barely escaped with his life."

Several defendants were released because nothing could be proven:
John Tanner was thus
acquitted. However, Joseph Smith and others were held in the Liberty
Jail until the following April.
Then they were sent to Davis County for trail and were allowed to
escape. H. of C. Vol. 3 page
209/11.

From June 15th to July 18th Attended the following meeting: one in
Warrensbourgh, four
or five in Bolton, one in Ticoncerogh, and two in Dresden. these
meetings generally, as I trust,
profitable to the good of souls.

July 17th Baptized 2 viz- Walden Wetherby and John Wetherby in
Dresden, also a
backslider by the name of Hathaway reclaimed.

July 16th The waters of tribulation continue to roll. Br. John
Tanner appears to be quite
gone aside in some respects, insomuch that I thought it my duty to
admonish him. This it appears he
does not receive, but even laughs at some of my talk to him.

July 16 to August 21st. Attended meetings in the following places
-viz- one in Benson, Br.
Sherwood preached. This was on the Sabbath. One in Dresden in
company with Bro. Putnam. One
also in the evening in the same place. One in Bolton on the Sabbath,
also one in Benson again on the
Sab. which was last Sab. Also a few days ago returned from Schroon
where in company with Br.
Goodmen, I attended three meetings, which were blessed seasons, and
yesterday {Aug. 20th}
attended one in Dresden. In all this time I have baptized but
one--viz-- Jabez Carter. {John's Uncle}
Yesterday, Aug. 21st returned from Dresden to write the covenant and
certificates for the brethren
to go to Zion.

On the day before John S. Carter heads west, Jabez Carter {John's
Uncle} became his final
convert. Jabez was eighty-three, he also headed west with his
daughter Charity and her husband
Ira Ames. Jabez's sons Daniel and Luman were also westward bound.
Luman was married to Johns
sister Susannah. All were converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints.

The following is an obituary of Jabez which appeared in the
"Messenger and Advocate" on
August 19, 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio.

"Jabez Carter, aged 86 years, he embraced the gospel through much opposition
and persecution somewhat over three years since. This aged brother
was born in Killingworth
in the State of Connecticut, where the early part of his life was
spent. He emigrated to Rutland,
Co, town of Benson in the state of Vermont, where the fullness of the
Gospel first alluded his
ears: He, like a true child of God embraced it with all his heart,
and often expressed his anxiety
to come to this place before he died, saying that he would be
satisfied . Suffice it to
say, that he came here in good health, walked the streets with a firm
step, viewed the house
of the Lord, & then felt to express his satisfaction as did old Simeon
when he saw the Savior,
"ever lettest thou thy servant depart in peace for mine eyes have
seen salvation." He was taken
suddenly and violently ill, lingered about 12 days and God called his
happy spirit home."

In the same paper his grandson's death also appeared.
Died, in this town on the 20th of July, and infant son of Daniel
Carter, aged one
year and four months.

Back to John S. Carter

The spirit of gathering to Zion, {Jackson County, Missouri} was
prevalent among the Saints
at this time. John's two brothers, Simeon and Gideon and his sisters
Prudence, and Susannah, had
moved to this area. Jared was in the vicinity of Kirtland.

When Parley P. Pratt first went to Missouri in 1831, he remembered
that as new arrivals
they purchased land, built homes, and cultivated the land, "Peace and
plenty had crowned their
labors, and the wilderness became a fruitful field, and the solitary
place began to blossom as the
rose." The Saints assembled each Sunday in their branches to worship.
Harmony prevailed among
them during these days in June of 1832. Parley said,"There has seldom,
if ever, been a happier
people upon the earth than the Church of Saints now were. {Church
History in the Fullness of
Times.} However this changed, as large migrations of the new Saints
came to Missouri in the spring
and early summer of 1833. Thus was the situation in Missouri when
John got to Kirtland in the fall
of 1833.

Aug. 22 Brethren started for the Land of Zion.

Sept. 5, 1833 It being the Council of the Brethren, and I trust the
will of God, after many
trials, I start for Zion in company with Brother Ripley and family,
Brother Clements and family, the
family of Br. W Burges, and my family.

We are indeed but poorly equipt at to the good things of the World.
Our clothes being but
ordinary and having but seventeen dollars in money---of that Doctor
More gave me ten and Br. John
Tanner ten more. Three dollars are nearly paid out before I came from
home and for four families
consisting of thirty persons. We have but two waggons drawn by oxen.
This day we came about
fourteen or fifteen miles and encamped in Luzern?

John's family consisted of his five daughters ranging from seven to
fourteen, and if his blind
son was with him, he would have been about twenty. Not having any
money and all these young
children with him, no wonder he mentions many trials. His wife was
not with him, she did not join
the Church and because of poor health lived at her parents home, who
apparently were non
Mormons also.

Fri Sept 4 Traveled pretty comfortable today and encamped on the
bank of a river, people
as yet instruct us very well.

Sat. 6 Encamped in Edenburgh were we tarried over the Sabbath and
attended two meetings,
injoyed the Spirit and people very attentive. Some appear convinced
of the Word of God. Some
young fellows on Sunday night behaved somewhat bad----- but did not injury.

Sat Sept. 14 We are now in Whiteboro, where we have put up for the
Sabbath. we now, for
the first time since we started, the people appear kind. May God
bless them. We have incamped in
the following places; viz- first Luzern 2days, 3 Edenburg, 4 Broad
Alban, 5 and 6 Opham, 7 Little
Fall, 8th German flats, 9 Whitesborough. At German
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