Manuscripts

Mormon file

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Description: 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.
Type: Manuscripts(Opens in new tab)
Production date: approximately 1805-1995.
Call number: mssMormon file
Find out more: View in the Library catalog(Opens in new tab)

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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"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

A short sketch of the life of Levi Jackman [microform]: c.1832-1848

Manuscripts

Microfilm of Levi Jackman's autobiography and diary, which begins with an account of his childhood and conversion to the Mormon faith. He also gives an extensive account of mob violence in Missouri in 1833 and of his journey to Kirtland by way of Louisiana. He describes his missionary work in Illinois from 1835-1836, writes of the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, and mentions his work on the temples at Kirtland and Nauvoo. Much of the volume is a detailed diary account of his overland travels to Utah with the first company of Mormon pioneers in 1847. He gives a daily account of scenery and landmarks passed, as well as an account of camp life. He specifically describes Pawnee Indians, passing through a prairie dog town, sighting buffalo, and meeting Sam Brannan on the trail near the Salt Lake Valley. Jackman also writes of his reaction to his first sighting of Utah, declaring that "like Moses on Pisgah's top we could see a part of the Salt Lake Valley, our long anticipated home. We did truly rejoice at the sight" (July 19, 1847). The remainder of the volume includes Jackman family genealogy and a brief continuation of the autobiography, in which Jackman describes his life in Utah from 1847-1848, including a mention of the Mormon Battalion. Portions of the text are very faint and may be partially illegible.

MSS MFilm 00071

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Joseph Smith, Jr. letter to Oliver Granger

Manuscripts

Letter from Joseph Smith to Oliver Granger written from Nauvoo, Illinois. Smith writes of not receiving Granger's previous letters and that their content may have changed the "proceeding of [the] last Conference." He writes that they thought it "advisable to appoint someone to preside in Kirtland," and asks Granger to join Brother Babbit in the work. Smith asserts his hopes for Granger's welfare and "prosperity for the Saints in Kirtland." He also writes of Granger's securing of the "keys of the Lords House" and that he might pay a visit after the "New York debt is settled." The attribution of the signature to Joseph Smith is questionable, and the letter may have been written by Smith's secretary Robert B. Thompson.

mssHM 28168

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Erastus Fairbanks Snow autobiography

Manuscripts

Bound typescript of the autobiography of Erastus Fairbanks Snow, covering the years from approximately 1818 to 1847. The text essentially begins with Snow's baptism into the Mormon Church in about 1833 and traces his travels to Kirtland, Ohio. The rest of the autobiography focuses on Snow's itinerant preaching of the Mormon religion, particularly in the Virginia area.

mssHM 27974

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Theodore Schroeder "Mormonism and Intoxicants"

Manuscripts

The collection contains 58 pieces, including correspondence, diaries, documents, ephemera, essays, journals, legal documents, manuscripts, and reports, which were collected by O'Neil while working for the Works Progress Administration. The great majority of these materials are typescript copies. This collection focuses on Mormon history, from its earliest days through the 1930s. Every aspect of Mormon religion, daily life and cultural expression is explored, including pieces of Mormon poetry and items on the history of Mormon theater. Of particular interest are those items that portray the relationship Mormon settlers had with their Native American neighbors. Subjects addressed within the collection include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Federal Writers Project, the Historical Records Survey, Native Americans in Utah, the Mormon Church, Mormon pioneers, Mormon poetry, Mormon social life and customs, Mormon theater, the history of Ogden (Utah), the Works Progress Administration, Utah history, Jedediah Strong Smith (1799-1831), Joseph Smith (1805-1844), Charles L. Walker (1832-1904), and Brigham Young (1801-1877). Also included are typescript copies of works by John Alexander Devan (1851-1935), Esias Edwards (1812-1897), Emma Seegmiller Higbee, Maurice L. (Maurice Langdon) Howe, George Miller (1794-1856), and Theodore Albert Schroeder (1864-1953).

mssONeil

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Mormon theory of church and state : a dissertation

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

A short sketch of the life of Levi Jackman [microform]: c.1832-1848

Joseph Smith, Jr. letter to Oliver Granger

Erastus Fairbanks Snow autobiography

Theodore Schroeder "Mormonism and Intoxicants"