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Violence Across The Land: Vigilantism And Extralegal Justice In The Utah Territory, Scott K. Thomas
Violence Across The Land: Vigilantism And Extralegal Justice In The Utah Territory, Scott K. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
For years historians of the American West have overlooked Utah when dealing with the subject of extrajudicial violence, while researchers of Mormonism have misread the existence of such violence in territorial Utah. The former asserts that Utah was free from extrajudicial proceedings and that such violence was nearly nonexistent within the contours of the Mormon kingdom. The latter maintains that any violence that existed in Utah was directly connected to the religious fanaticism of the Mormon populace in the region. The reality is that much of the extralegal violence in Utah was a result of the frontier, not the religion …
Julia Hills Johnson, 1783-1853 My Soul Rejoiced, Linda J. Thayne
Julia Hills Johnson, 1783-1853 My Soul Rejoiced, Linda J. Thayne
Theses and Dissertations
Julia Hills Johnson, the 48-year-old wife of Ezekiel Johnson and mother of sixteen children, found spiritual fulfillment in the doctrines of a new religion called Mormonism. Her baptism in 1831 was a simple act that ultimately led her halfway across the American continent, and strained her marital relationship, yet filled her with a sense of spiritual contentment. Julia's commitment to her faith, her tenacity, self-determination and willingness to take risks to participate in this new religious movement sets her apart from other nineteenth-century farm women in New England and New York. Julia's religiosity was self-determined and tenacious. She chose to …
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In National Periodicals, 1982-1990, Matthew E. Morrison
The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In National Periodicals, 1982-1990, Matthew E. Morrison
Theses and Dissertations
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has continued to receive exposure in national periodicals. This thesis will explore that image from 1982 to 1990. During those years, the church continued to grow in membership and expand its existing programs.
National periodicals can assist in assessing the public image of the Church because they help "mould public attitudes by presenting facts and views on issues in exactly the same way at the same time throughout the entire country." In this manner, they help to form the public opinion about the Church. They also reflect existing opinions because magazine publishers …
A History Of "Especially For Youth" - 1976-1986, John Bytheway
A History Of "Especially For Youth" - 1976-1986, John Bytheway
Theses and Dissertations
The summer of 2002 marked the 26th anniversary of the youth camp “Especially for Youth” (EFY). Over 34,000 teenagers from across the United States, Canada and several foreign countries gathered on thirty-one different college campuses to attend one of the sixty-four sessions of the five-day program. Since the first session in 1976, Especially for Youth has enjoyed steady increases in attendance and popularity. Beginning in the early 1980s, the program's success reached the point that applicants were turned away because there was not enough space to house all those who wanted to attend.
EFY is sponsored by Brigham Young University …
The "Unidentified Pioneers": An Analysis Of Staffordshire Mormons, 1837 To 1870, Stephen G. Arrowsmith
The "Unidentified Pioneers": An Analysis Of Staffordshire Mormons, 1837 To 1870, Stephen G. Arrowsmith
Theses and Dissertations
The evidence presented in this thesis advocates an increased level of scholarly interest in English working-class Mormon converts. To illustrate who these people were, and what their roles were as part of Mormon story, this regional study introduces and makes available over twelve hundred Staffordshire Mormons, and asks questions of the collected statistical information. The conservative Staffordshire Mormons clearly assisted the establishment, and continuation, off a Zion in the American West. Much of the data confirms previous scholarship; however, those with “differing visions” of Mormonism (for example, the RLDS Church) attracted Staffordshire converts in larger numbers than previously suggested. The …
A History Of The Latter-Day Saints In The Columbia Basin Of Central Washington 1850-1972, Rick B. Jorgensen
A History Of The Latter-Day Saints In The Columbia Basin Of Central Washington 1850-1972, Rick B. Jorgensen
Theses and Dissertations
The Columbia Basin of Central Washington has a relatively recent Latter-day Saint history among the regions of the western states. Most of the sparsely populated rural areas in the west that have large concentrations of Latter-day Saints were originally established as "Mormon" settlements. The basin referred to lies between the Snake and Columbia Rivers and now has thousands of Latter-day Saints who have chosen to inhabit the historically barren land and call it their home. A brief visit or casual observance of the area leads many to question what were the major factors and characteristics leading to the twentieth century …
The Historical Debate Among Leaders Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints On The Topic Of The United Nations, Katie Marie Lenhard
The Historical Debate Among Leaders Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints On The Topic Of The United Nations, Katie Marie Lenhard
Theses and Dissertations
Since the inception of the United Nations in 1945, leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have made public statements regarding the international peace and security organization. To the confusion of many Church members, who often look to their leaders for prophetic guidance on numerous spiritual and temporal topics, these statements have been conflicting. Some Church leaders have clearly opposed the United Nations and others have openly supported it, offering various ideological explanations for their beliefs. Yet, it is evident that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never made an official position on the …
Faith, Femininity, And The Frontier: The Life Of Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, Amy Reynolds Billings
Faith, Femininity, And The Frontier: The Life Of Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, Amy Reynolds Billings
Theses and Dissertations
Through examining the life of Martha Jane Knowlton Coray, a nineteenth-century Mormon woman, this thesis establishes an analytical framework for studying the lives of Mormon women in territorial Utah. Their faith, femininity, and the frontier form the boundaries in which their lives are studied. Their faith was primarily defined by the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as a belief in a restored gospel and priesthood, temples, and polygamy. These unique beliefs also fostered an identity as a chosen people and contributed to hostile feelings from their neighbors. Persecution followed and the Latter-day Saint community …
"Give It All Up And Follow Your Lord": Mormon Female Religiosity, 1831-1843, Janiece L. Johnson
"Give It All Up And Follow Your Lord": Mormon Female Religiosity, 1831-1843, Janiece L. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
Since the 1750s American women have flocked to churches. Women have consistently been the majority in church populations. Religion was the central motivation of the female life experience. Likewise, women comprised a significant portion of the membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in its first decade. There exists little historical analysis of the contribution and experience of these women as a whole. As a result of this lack of research some historians have made erroneous assumptions of patriarchal oppression and a lack of commitment on the part of early Mormon women. This project closely examines the …
Multiple Discourses In Early Mormon Religion, Jon M. Duncan
Multiple Discourses In Early Mormon Religion, Jon M. Duncan
Theses and Dissertations
The development of early Mormon religion is best viewed in the context of multiple discourses, each of which contained various competing symbols. These discourses shaped the mind and world-view of early Latter-day Saints and determined in part their behavior. Prophetic symbols existed simultaneously with other, more American symbols; and while neither discourse excluded the other, a prophetic discourse gradually came to dominate. At the same time, however, the American discourse in Mormon religion remained intact and continued to influence the behavior and actions of early Mormons.
Gemeindegeschichte Als Vergleichende Geschichte: The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In East Germany, Bruce W. Hall
Gemeindegeschichte Als Vergleichende Geschichte: The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In East Germany, Bruce W. Hall
Theses and Dissertations
From 1945 until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) endured the hardships of existing as a religious organization under a Communist regime. An evaluation of the LDS Church within the category of general and minority religions, which serves as a microcosmic evaluation of religion in the GDR, constitutes one part of this study. The uniqueness of the LDS Church and its experience - especially its American ties, ironically earlier a liability and later an asset - make it a candidate for a …
Mormon Opposition Literature: A Historiographical Critique And Case Study, 1844-57, William P. Connors
Mormon Opposition Literature: A Historiographical Critique And Case Study, 1844-57, William P. Connors
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is in three parts. The first part looks at the historical scholarship on writings opposed to Mormonism, especially those from the nineteenth century. The conclusion is that, despite hundreds of works written against Mormonism in its early years, the historical scholarship has not done justice to the writings or people involved. The vast majority of the writings and writers have not been analyzed, and those that are discussed are usually the most sensational and not representative of the genre.
The second part of this thesis is a a case study giving an example of the kind of work …
Utah Indians And The Indian Slave Trade: The Mormon Adoption Program And Its Effect On The Indian Slaves, Robert M. Muhlestein
Utah Indians And The Indian Slave Trade: The Mormon Adoption Program And Its Effect On The Indian Slaves, Robert M. Muhlestein
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is a study of the Mormon adoption program developed by the Mormons in response to the Indian slave trade in Utah, 1850-1880. It focuses on the Mormon justifications, as enumerated by Brigham Young, for the adoption policy and it links those justifications to expected results. Further this thesis compares the Mormon's expected results with the actual results of the adoption program through an analysis of historical accounts and Mormon ordinance records.
A Community Study Of Coalville, Utah, 1859-1914, Norma Eileen Pyper Thompson
A Community Study Of Coalville, Utah, 1859-1914, Norma Eileen Pyper Thompson
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is about a small Mormon community, Coalville, Utah, during the time period 1859 to 1914. Coalville is located in the northeastern section of the state of Utah in Summit County on Interstate 80.
Although Coalville remained small in population, it is worthwhile to study its origins, the people who built its institutions, its social life and economy and how it developed from a mere camping spot on the road between Salt Lake to Wyoming into a stable community. Coalville's development was significant to the growth and culture of Utah.
The founders experienced the usual pioneer struggles to conquer …
The First London Mormons: 1840-1845: "What Am I And My Brethren Here For?", Lynne Watkins Jorgensen
The First London Mormons: 1840-1845: "What Am I And My Brethren Here For?", Lynne Watkins Jorgensen
Theses and Dissertations
Historians have determined that the visit to London by the early missionary-apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the greatest disappointment of their proselyting careers. This thesis shows that, though the mission to London was not numerically successful considering the potential conversion, it appealed to the dynamic, energetic, "middling-class" religious seeker who was produced by the strong nonconformist movement indigenous to London. A specific nonconformist group is identified as responding to the preaching of the early apostles. This thesis demonstrates that those few converts kept the Church alive in London during difficult years. It also shows …
Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart
Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart
Theses and Dissertations
Recent sociological studies propose a model for understanding early Mormonism in its cultural context. Such models, while experimental, suggest commonalities between Mormonism and contemporary millennial sects. Enthusiastic beginnings, early convert response to American millennialism, the containment of charisma through institutionalization, discomfiture of Mormon millenial expectation, and the process of apostasy within the church provide the parameters of this study.
The life of Hiram Page, an early convert, is used as a foil to this end. Page is prototypal of the original band of followers who were attracted to Joseph Smith. Drawn to Joseph for spiritual comfort, Page and his associates …
The Mormon Waldensians, Diane Stokoe
The Mormon Waldensians, Diane Stokoe
Theses and Dissertations
The Waldensians are ancient Protestant Sectarians who have inhabited the Piedmont Region of the Cottian Alps for centuries. They claim to be the oldest Protestant Church in the world. Having survived 700 years of persecution, the Waldensians finally achieved religious liberty in 1848. Two years later Mormon church leader Lorenzo Snow and some other Elders entered the Protestant valleys on a proselyting mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. One hundred-eighty-seven Waldensians were converted to Mormonism. Twenty years later, one-third of these Mormon Waldensians had been excommunicated, one-third had emigrated to Utah and one-third became inactive or …
The Impact Of The Mormon Migration On The Community Of Kirtland, Ohio, 1830-1839, Mark R. Grandstaff
The Impact Of The Mormon Migration On The Community Of Kirtland, Ohio, 1830-1839, Mark R. Grandstaff
Theses and Dissertations
In the early decades of the nineteenth-century, an era of cultural change and disorientation, many turned to revivals to displace insecure emotionalism and to insure themselves of a place in the emerging society. Others, such as the Mormons sought an all encompassing plan that would dispel confusion and restore order to a decadent society. This search led some Mormons to follow their Prophet to Kirtland, Ohio. Once in Kirtland, various sociological conflicts developed which affected how the citizens of Kirtland would perceive their Mormon neighbors. Tantamount to these conflicts was the rapidly increasing Mormon population which triggered a corresponding rise …
The Nonconformists Of Leeds In The Early Victorian Era: A Study In Social Composition, Susan L. Fales
The Nonconformists Of Leeds In The Early Victorian Era: A Study In Social Composition, Susan L. Fales
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examined the Nonconformist denominational membership in the Borough of Leeds during the early Victorian era to determine the social composition of its members. The chapel goers of Old Dissent, represented by the Unitarians, Baptists, Independents, and the Society of Friends, and New Dissent, represented by the Wesleyan Methodists, Methodist New Connexion, Primitive Methodists and the Mormons were the basis for this study. The results of the occupational, residential, family, and migration analysis revealed a surprisingly high percentage of working classes (72) represented among the Dissenters. This fact flys in the face of contemporary observation and historical investigation, which …
In Search Of Zion: A Description Of Early Mormon Millennial Utopianism As Revealed Through The Life Of Edward Partridge, D. Brent Collette
In Search Of Zion: A Description Of Early Mormon Millennial Utopianism As Revealed Through The Life Of Edward Partridge, D. Brent Collette
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis is the biography of Edward Partridge (1793-1840), the first bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As one of the first members of the Latter-day Saint faith, his life is a representation of the struggles, persecutions and sacrifices of early Mormon history. As a leader, he was the subject of many of the instructions and pronouncements of the Doctrine and Covenants, a volume of "revelations" cannonized by Mormondom. And as the first Bishop of the Church, he was specifically designated to administer the Mormon scheme for utopia, known as the Law of Consecration and …
A Study Of Historical Evidences Related To Lds Church As Reflected In Volumes Xiv Through Xxvi Of The Journal Of Discourses, Terry J. Aubrey
A Study Of Historical Evidences Related To Lds Church As Reflected In Volumes Xiv Through Xxvi Of The Journal Of Discourses, Terry J. Aubrey
Theses and Dissertations
The material in this study is a follow-up of a thesis done by Paul C. Richards entitled, "A Study of Evidences Related to LDS Church History as Reflected in Volumes I through XIII of the Journal of Discourse." That same basic format has been employed in treating the last thirteen volumes of the Discourses.
The Discourses contains addresses delivered by General Authorities of the LDS Church and others from 1854 to 1886. Until Richards did his thesis, no one had compiled an index of those volumes that dealt exclusively with history related to the LDS Church. This study …
The Impact Of Polygamy Upon The Life Of James Yorgason: A Nineteenth-Century Mormon Bishop, Blaine M. Yorgason
The Impact Of Polygamy Upon The Life Of James Yorgason: A Nineteenth-Century Mormon Bishop, Blaine M. Yorgason
Theses and Dissertations
On August 2, 1875, James Yorgason, soon to be the Bishop of the Fountain Green Utah Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, took his first plural wife. In doing so he joined a rather elite group of Mormon men who were known as polygamists. Over the next thirteen years, as he built a financial empire to support them, he took five more plural wives, making him exceptional even among the elite.
But then in 1887 the Edmunds-Tucker law was passed and "The Raid" against Mormon polygamists began, the United States entered a time of monetary crisis …
A History Of The Growth And Development Of The Primary Association Of The Lds Church From 1878 To 1928, Conrad A. Harward
A History Of The Growth And Development Of The Primary Association Of The Lds Church From 1878 To 1928, Conrad A. Harward
Theses and Dissertations
The Primary Association of the LDS Church is an organization assigned to direct week-day religious training of children four to twelve years of age. The object of this study was to determine what factors led to the birth of the movement, how the early program developed, what its main features were, what some of the major problems were and how they were solved, who some of the prominent people were in the movement, and what were some of its major accomplishments.
Results of the study have shown that the Primary became a great influence in the lives of many young …
The History Of The Emery Stake Academy, Paul Robert Tabone
The History Of The Emery Stake Academy, Paul Robert Tabone
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this thesis is to provide a study of the early Church educational program in Southeastern Utah, especially the Emery County area. This study is to trace the growth and development of one aspect of this program from 1889 to 1922, and to lend special emphasis to the founding and location of the Emery Stake Academy, the buildings and their development, the growth of the curriculum, the enrollment, the activities, and the influence of the Academy upon the area.
History Of Four Mormon Landmarks In Western New York: The Joseph Smith Farm, Hill Cumorah, The Martin Harris Farm, And The Peter Whitmer, Sr., Farm, Rand H. Packer
Theses and Dissertations
As the church returned to Western New York in the early 1900s there was much prejudice against Mormonism. The twenty-four year mission of the Willard Bean family was instrumental in establishing a friendly atmosphere in the Palmyra, New York area and in regaining four historic land marks to the ownership of the Church.
It is still uncertain if the present Joseph Smith Sr., home was completed enough for the family to live in by the time the Angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith. Since 1881 the Sacred Grove was considered the woods where Joseph Smith had his First Vision. The term …
Stephen Markham: Man Of Valour, Mervin Leroy Gifford
Stephen Markham: Man Of Valour, Mervin Leroy Gifford
Theses and Dissertations
This study is a biography of the life and activities of Stephen Markham, between the years of 1837 to 1878. During the Nauvoo period, Markham served as a bodyguard of Joseph Smith and held several commissioned offices in the Nauvoo Legion. He played an important role during the exodus of the Saints to the Great Basin, commanding a group responsible for providing food, lodging, and protection during the trek to the Rockies. While living in the Great Basin, he supervised the settlement of Palmyra, (located near the present site of Spanish Fork, Utah), served as a Bishop of a ward, …
An Analysis Of The Doctrinal Teachings Of President George Albert Smith, Robert K. Mcintosh
An Analysis Of The Doctrinal Teachings Of President George Albert Smith, Robert K. Mcintosh
Theses and Dissertations
George Albert Smith, Eighth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a General Authority during some of the most traumatic years in world history. His teachings and doctrines were practical, rather than philosophical or theoretical, and were applicable to a time when the world needed a message of hope and love. The two key ideas of his teachings were based on the two great commandments of Christ: love of God and love of neighbor. In addition, he also gave vital messages on the importance of obedience to God's laws, the character and attributes of God, the …
Relief Society Grain Storage Program, 1876-1940, Jessie L. Embry
Relief Society Grain Storage Program, 1876-1940, Jessie L. Embry
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis will describe and interpret the development of this Relief Society wheat storage program from its inception in 1876 to 1940 when the program was transferred to the General Church Welfare Committee. Emphasis will be placed on the sisters' attempts to store grain and the problems they encountered. The thesis will also discuss the effects of outside forces on the program and the different ways the sisters used the grain. The final chapter will deal with the relationship between the movement and the history of the Relief Society and its parent organization, the Mormon Church.
The Life And Contributions Of Zebedee Coltrin, Calvin Robert Stephens
The Life And Contributions Of Zebedee Coltrin, Calvin Robert Stephens
Theses and Dissertations
Zebedee Coltrin join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints January 9, 1831, and remained faithful to the teachings of the Church until his death on July 21, 1887. During those fifty-six years he played a prominent part in such significant events as the organization of the School of the Prophets, the march of Zion's Camp, and the organization of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He was called to be one of the Seven Presidents of the First Quorum of the Seventy. He spent sixteen years of his life doing missionary work.
He was one of the original …
Mormonism In National Periodicals, 1961-1970, Dale P. Pelo
Mormonism In National Periodicals, 1961-1970, Dale P. Pelo
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study was to determine the image of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as reflected in articles appearing in general national periodicals of the United States during the decade 1961-1970. All articles listed in Readers Guide to Periodical Literature under the heading "Mormons and Mormonism" or related topics were searched. A rating system as devised by Dr. Richard O. Cowan in his work "Momonism in National Periodicals" was implemented.