1839-09-17-New York Herald-Great Meeting in Behalf of Mormon Woman and Children
Great Meeting in Behalf of Mormon Woman and Children
Source: New York Morning Herald, 17 September 1839, Issue 107, col B
Great Meeting in Behalf of Mormon Woman and Children
The large room at the National Hall was crowded last night to hear Mr. Green, an agent from the Mormons, detail the sufferings of that sect in Missouri. The sufferings and miseries endured by this sect, as set forth in the narrative of Mr. Green, were truly heartrending, and drew tears from the eyes of a great number of those present; for dreadful as has been the details communicated through the newspapers, they did not include a tithe of the outrages which have been inflicted upon this unfortunate people, on account of their particular religious tenets. The meeting was a highly respectable one, and one third were well dressed ladies.
The following are the leading facts in the history of this extraordinary religious persecution. In 1831 a society of Mormons commenced a settlement in Jackson County, Missouri, and soon afterwards the outrages were commenced. They were abused, their houses robbed, their wives insulted, and their stores and printing offices broken open and the contents destroyed. In July, 1833, a mob collected, headed by some clergymen, and threatened death to the Mormon women and children. They fled to Clay Co. and their houses and goods were burnt and plundered: Horrible to relate, several women thus driven from their homes gave birth to children in the woods and on the prairies, destitute of beds or clothing, having escaped in fright. It is stated, on the authority of Solomon Hancock, as eye-witness, that he, with the assistance of two or three others, protected 120 women and children, for the space of 8 or 10 days, who were obliged to keep themselves hid from their pursuers, while they were hourly expecting to be massacred—and who finally escaped into Clay county, by finding a circuitous route to the ferry. Several persons, who returned for the purpose of securing the remnants of their property, were caught, and cruelly beaten. A Mr. Leonard was so beaten, that from head to foot he was left perfectly raw, and for months was unable to lie upon his back. Another was tied up and whipped in such an inhuman manner, that his bowels gushed out, and he died on the spot. The mob in Jackson county were not satisfied with their injuries. They often crossed the river and insulted, outraged, and plundered their victims until such commotion was produced, that the inhabitants of Clay county were compelled to hold a meeting and invite the Mormons to seek another home.
They remained in Clay county three years, and then removed to Caldwell county. Here the society increased and settlements were extended to Davies and Carrol counties. After their removal into Caldwell and Davies counties, the Mormons were allowed to enjoy comparative quiet. The circumstances attending their settlement in Caldwell were as follows: As it was found that difficulty arose when they were residing in other communities, it seemed better that they should live apart. Petitions were in consequence, sent into the Legislature, and by them granted, that a county should be set off for their good, and Caldwell county was assigned to them as a place of residence. Here they were allowed to organize the government for the county. Of the officers then appointed, two of the judges, thirteen magistrates, and all military officers, and the county clerk, were Mormons. These steps were taken, by the advice of the State Legislature; and the officers were appointed in the manner directed by law. The county town of Caldwell was Far West. At an election in Davies county, the mob beat the Mormons with sticks and stones and drove them away wounded from the polls.
This was the first open rupture there. Soon afterwards a mob of 70 men, under Samuel Bogart, a Methodist parson, marched on the Mormons to drive them away from their homes. A fight ensued, when three Mormons were killed, and one of the other party. The mob then massacred 18 Mormons, who were peaceably encamped on Shoal Creek, near Far West. This tragedy was conducted in the most brutal and savage manner. An old man, after the massacre was partially over, threw himself into their hands and begged for quarters, when he was instantly shot down; that not killing him, they took an old corn cutter and literally mangled him to pieces. A lad of ten years of age, after being shot down, also begged to be spared, when one of them placed the muzzle of his gun to his head, and blew out his brains. The slaughter of these people not satisfying the mob, they then proceeded to mob and plunder the people. The scene that presented itself after the massacre, to the widows and orphans of the killed, is beyond description.
From this time up to their expulsion from the state the cruelties practised towards them were unparalleled. Their men were imprisoned, shot down, and cut to pieces like wild beasts; their women ravished, and abused, even to death; and their children driven forth in the dead of winter to wander helplessly over the face of earth. In October, 1838, Governor Boggs issued an order that they must leave the state or be exterminated, and 5,000 troops were sent to drive them from the state. There was but one course now open for the Mormons, and that was to make their escape with utmost expedition. This they effected as best they could; and it will be easy to conceive what were the sufferings of these helpless people, oftentimes women and children, whose natural protectors were in prison or had fled away in the midst of the cold of winter. Many were stripped of clothing and bedding. Many sold all their household stuff to pay the immediate expenses of their journey. Many without cattles, horses or wagons, had no means of conveyance. In this situation it was thought proper to make some general effort for the removal of the helpless families—a contribution was raised from among the Mormons who had means, and a committee appointed for its expenditure. It was through this charity among themselves that the destitute were enabled to remove to the State of Illinois; where at Quincy they were kindly received and provided for, to the lasting honor of the citizens of that place. The condition of these outcast strangers was wretched indeed. Their numbers were so great that that many could find no shelter.
In the months of Feb. and March there were at one time 130 families and upwards upon the west bank of the Mississippi, unable to cross on account of the running ice, many of them entirely destitute of food and only scantily supplied from the east side of the river, by those who with great difficulty succeeded in conveying them provision. Their only shelter was the bed clothing from which they could make tents, and many had not even this. In this miserable situation many women gave birth to children,and in this wretched condition they still remain sick, wounded, feeble and dying.
The object of the meeting was to afford these poor women and children speedy relief, and resolutions were passed for that purpose, and a committee appointed to receive subscriptions and forward the money to Quincy. Several powerful speeches were made, and a handsome collection taken up. The proceedings were unanimous; and although they went not to denounce unheard the governor of Missouri, they pledged the city of New York to sustain the citizens of every part of the United States from those dreadful persecutions that proceed from religious bigotry and intolerance, and the oppressions of every kind of priestcraft.
