Manuscripts

Accounts of the Mormons in California

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Description: Two manuscripts, possibly written by Sam Brannan, describing the Mormon colony at San Francisco in 1846. The writings outline the Mormon decision to go to California; the plans for a sustainable settlement near San Francisco; the Brooklyn's stop in Honolulu, where the passengers met Commodore Robert Stockton, who warned them of the impending war with Mexico so that the Mormons "were daily drilled in sword exercises;" the contributions of the Mormons to the "war of conquest;" the Mormon settlement in the San Joaquin valley, primarily emphasizing agricultural planning; and a land dispute among the Mormons. The second manuscript appears to be draft notes for the longer version.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: approximately 1878.
Call number: mssHM 4089-4090
Creator: Brannan, Sam (1819-1889)

Mormon file

Manuscripts

The Mormon file consists of diaries, letters, autobiographies, biographies, genealogies, business records, and other manuscripts - including originals, facsimiles, and microfilm - encompassing every aspect of Mormon history, beginning with the founding of the Church and continuing through the exoduses from Nauvoo and Kirtland, the migration to Utah, and the settlement of the inter-mountain west. Also included are extensive records relating to Mormon missionary work in the United States and abroad, and a variety of 20th century biographies, essays, and theses discussing and debating Mormon historical and theological topics.

mssMormon file

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The influence of the Mormon people in the settlement of Clark County: photocopy

Manuscripts

This is a photostat copy of the thesis of Francis H. Leavitt, titled, "The influence of the Mormon people in the settlement of Clark County." Unbound and 183 pages in length, the text is faint but readable and includes handwritten and typewritten transcriptions where the text is illegible or missing. It covers roughly the time period from 1826 to 1921.

mssHM 66671

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"Thus Saith the Lord" : Mormonism in the light of history and logic

Manuscripts

Typewritten manuscript examining "how the basic claim of Mormonism evolved and how it can be tested." The essay opens with a general introduction to logical thinking, and then applies these theories to religion. It continues with an examination of the Book of Mormon, a brief overview of the Doctrine and Covenants, and a historical look at the Mormon exodus to Ohio and subsequent move to and flight from Missouri, followed by the settlement of Nauvoo and move to Utah. It also briefly covers the Pearl of Great Price, the Book of Moses, and the Book of Abraham. Includes original photographs.

mssHM 52313

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Miscellaneous newspapers and clippings regarding Mormons

Manuscripts

Several newspaper clippings, most from the Salt Lake City Daily Tribune, regarding opposition to Mormon doctrine and actions in Utah. The three full newspaper sheets from The Daily Tribune are dated May 16, 1886 (headline: "Jude Baskin's Speech before the House Judiciary Committee" regarding polygamy bill), October 17, 1886 (headline: "David Whitmer Talks: Interview with him on the first Book of Mormon"), and November 15, 1889 (headline: "Alien Oaths required of Mormons in the Endowment House"). Also included is a sheet from the Rocky Mountain Christian Advocate dated January 23, 1876 (headline: "Brigham Young's Record of Blood," a lecture delivered in the First M.F. Church by Rev. C.P. Lyford including references to the Mountain Meadows Massacre). In addition to the full sheets, there are several newspaper clippings, with articles including "Strong Doctrine: Brigham's Celebrated Blood Atonement and Polygamy Sermon" (September 21, 1856), a reprint of "Strong Speech: Out of Their Mouths, we Get Their Gospel" (discourse by Heber C. Kimball in the Bowery, dated October 1, 1856), an address to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from John Taylor, John Q. Cannon, and Joseph F. Smith on the Edmunds-Tucker Act (August 31, 1882), and a Mrs. B. Spurlock opinion column entitled "Utah: Hindrances to Our Work" (undated story on Mormons and polygamy).

mssHM 75637

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Mormon theory of church and state : a dissertation

Manuscripts

Typewritten dissertation for Jensen's Ph.D. degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago. The dissertation describes the separation of church and state in Mormon theology and philosophy, with an emphasis on the theological underpinnings of Mormon political practices. Includes a descriptions of Mormon links to Islamic practices (including a comparison of Mohammed and Joseph Smith and the Mormon "jihad"); the "theocratic era" in Illinois from 1839 to 1840 and the 1846-1849 theocracy in Iowa and Utah; the creation of government for the State of Deseret and Nauvoo, Illinois; the western expansion of the Mormon church; the establishment of Mormon ecclesiastical courts; conflicts between Mormon and non-Mormon factions; and speculations on the future of the Mormon church. Also covers church and political history centered around Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Includes a table of contents and bibliography.

mssHM 72273

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The Book of Mormon and modern science

Manuscripts

Term paper for an anthropology class at the University of California, Berkeley. In it, Stewart compares references to the material culture of early inhabitants of North America in the Book of Mormon and several scientific publications, focusing on what he deems to be anachronistic references to agriculture, cattle and horses, and the wheel in the Book of Mormon. Stewart concludes that the Book of Mormon is "a story book...[and] not true as a history."

mssHM 72844

Accounts of the Mormons in California

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Mormon file

The influence of the Mormon people in the settlement of Clark County: photocopy

"Thus Saith the Lord" : Mormonism in the light of history and logic

Miscellaneous newspapers and clippings regarding Mormons

Mormon theory of church and state : a dissertation

The Book of Mormon and modern science