The history of William Adams, written by himself

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  Diary and autobiography of William Huntington

  Manuscripts

  Typescript of William Huntington's autobiography and diary. The autobiography focuses on his conversion to Mormonism in the 1830s, and also traces his family's movements through Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Iowa. The diary entries commence around May 1841, although they may have been written after that time as part of the autobiography, and conclude on June 1, 1845. Some topics mentioned by Huntington include the Nauvoo Legion, the arrival of Sidney Rigdon in Nauvoo, the departure of troops from Nauvoo to "arrest the murder[er]s of Joseph and Hyrum Smith," his work on the Nauvoo Temple, and family news.

  mssHM 27969

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  Wandle Mace autobiography

  Manuscripts

  Manuscript of Wandle Mace's autobiography, a vivid and thorough firsthand account of the early days of the Mormon Church. Mace writes of the "extermination" of Mormons in Missouri, the order from Joseph Smith to purchase land in Illinois, the election of Brigham Young as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the arrests and trials of various Mormon leaders, the founding of Nauvoo, Smith's trips to Washington, the story of the seeing stones Urim and Thummin, a variety of Church conferences (including notes on charters, the organization of the Church, and doctrinal debates), Smith's death, a speech by Lucy Mack Smith to Mormons in Nauvoo after her son's death, the exodus from Nauvoo in 1846, the death of Parley Pratt, discord between Church members and Brigham Young, the arrival of Thomas B. Marsh in 1857, and many theological thoughts and quotations. Mace also recounts events in his personal life, including his early years as an apprentice, his invention of a portable mill and other mechanical devices, his observance of a meteor shower on November 8, 1833, his doubts about organized religion and impromptu preaching to the poor, his introduction to and acceptance of Mormonism, the deaths of his wife and nine of his children, and moves throughout New York, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and Utah. The end of the volume includes handwritten copies of various essays, including Celestial Family Organization by Parley Pratt (1845); a funeral sermon preached by Joseph Smith on the death of Elder King Follett (1844); One Hundred Years Hence, 1845-1995: A Vision (published in the Millennial Star, 1845); Two Minutes in Jail, an account of the death of Joseph Smith by Willard Richards (published in the Nauvoo Neighbor); a discourse on priesthood by Joseph Smith (1839); The Origin, Object, and Destiny of Women by John Taylor (1857); and another discourse by Joseph Smith dated 1844. The final pages include genealogical notes on the Mace family that appear to have been added at a later date. The manuscript is in the handwriting of Mace's wife, Rebecca E. Howell Mace.

  mssHM 26318

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  Diary and autobiography of Benjamin Chamberlin Critchlow [microform] : 1886-1887

  Manuscripts

  Microfilm of the diary of Benjamin Chamberlain Critchlow, covering 1886-1887. In brief entries, Critchlow describes his daily activities and travels, including to Cache, Ogden, St. George, Millville, Pleasant View, and Logan. Also included is an autobiography by Critchlow that describes his family history, move to Nauvoo in 1844, mob violence against Mormons in 1845, his overland travels to Utah in 1851, and various experiences in Utah.

  MSS MFilm 00415 item 01

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  Benjamin Adams and Thomas Adams collection

  Manuscripts

  The majority of the material in the collection concerns the financial interests of Benjamin Adams and Thomas Adams in Jamaica. Benjamin Adams was owed a significant sum by Jamaican landowner George Noble. Upon Noble's death (ca. 1790), Adams entered into proceedings via attorneys James Corne Pownall and David Duncomb to recover his debt. The process was severely complicated by the revelation that the cane plantation overseen by Noble, known as the Lottery Estate in Trelawney, Jamaica, was not actually owned by him. After Benjamin Adams' death in 1792, the affair was taken up by the executor of his will, his brother Thomas Adams. The collection consists of autograph letters and copies, statements of bills and accounts, estate dealings and promissory notes; included is correspondence with, among others, William Cruden, William Morton Pitt and David Ross.

  mssHM 83630-83688

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  Warrant for appearance of Amos Davis, on complaint of William C. Walker, for assault and battery

  Manuscripts

  Warrant for Amos Davis to be brought before Joseph Smith, City of Nauvoo. The letter is in the handwriting of Willard Richards.

  mssHM 28169

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  Sarah Studevant Leavitt autobiography

  Manuscripts

  This autobiography is the original handwritten manuscript of Sarah Studevant Leavitt, dated April 19, 1875. It describes her life including her childhood days in New Hampshire; the many visions and spiritual manifestations that she experienced; her conversion to Mormonism; and frontier and pioneer life as she and her family traveled from New Hampshire to Kirtland, Ohio, to Nauvoo, Illinois, to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and to Pine Canyon, Utah. Additional topics that Leavitt covers are the murder of Joseph Smith (1805-1844), her opinion of polygamy, and the persecution of Mormons.

  mssHM 66386