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Full-Text Articles in History

A History Of The Latter-Day Saints In The Columbia Basin Of Central Washington 1850-1972, Rick B. Jorgensen Nov 2002

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 …


American Prophet, New England Town: The Memory Of Joseph Smith In Vermont, Keith A. Erekson Jan 2002

American Prophet, New England Town: The Memory Of Joseph Smith In Vermont, Keith A. Erekson

Theses and Dissertations

In December 1905, a large granite monument was erected at the birthplace of Joseph Smith on the one hundredth anniversary of his birth. This thesis relates the history of the Joseph Smith Memorial Monument from its origins through its construction and dedication. It also explores its impact on the memory of Joseph Smith in the local, Vermont, and national context. I argue that the history of the Joseph Smith Memorial Monument in Vermont is the story of the formation and validation of the memory of Joseph Smith as an American Prophet.

Nineteenth century Mormons remembered a variety of individual memories …


Multiple Discourses In Early Mormon Religion, Jon M. Duncan Aug 1998

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.


Utopian Marriage In Nineteenth-Century America: Public And Private Discourse, Brenda Olsen Andrus Jan 1998

Utopian Marriage In Nineteenth-Century America: Public And Private Discourse, Brenda Olsen Andrus

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a rhetorical analysis of utopian discourse about marriage in mid-nineteenth-century America. Although utopian communities are usually approached within the fields of history and sociology, a rhetorical analysis adds to the discussion by uncovering the discursive complexity of marriage beliefs within a rapidly changing culture. Discursive features of the Shaker, Oneida Community and Latter-day Saint texts are outlined and compared according to the following format:

Chapter One examines the textures of conflict within the dominant culture's views of marriage and gender roles in nineteenth-century America, with a brief overview of reform efforts of the day. This chapter provides …


Mormon Opposition Literature: A Historiographical Critique And Case Study, 1844-57, William P. Connors Jan 1994

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 …


Mormons In Victorian England, Jan G. Harris Jan 1987

Mormons In Victorian England, Jan G. Harris

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a study of the members of the Manchester Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1838 – 1860. It is a social examination of the converts and reveals that Manchester Mormons were prototypes of many members who joined the Church throughout England.

Most Mormons were young, and were baptized in their twenties or early thirties. Many were single. The Mormon congregation was representative of the working class citizenry of town. Almost all worked with their hands. Living conditions varied. Some members were affluent by working class standards and some barely survived. However, the …


Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart Jan 1987

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 Nonconformists Of Leeds In The Early Victorian Era: A Study In Social Composition, Susan L. Fales Jan 1984

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 …


Joseph Smith Iii: Moderate Mormon, Robert Duane Hutchins Jan 1977

Joseph Smith Iii: Moderate Mormon, Robert Duane Hutchins

Theses and Dissertations

Throughout the history of the Mormon movement, certain members or groups of members, have exercised free agency in the form of dissent against the direction which the prophet of that church chose to lead his movement. The form of this dissent varied but the theme was usually quite consistant: a demand for moderation. For many of these dissenters the extremes of Mormon doctrine seemed to take them out of touch with prevailing American values.

Joseph Smith III, a son of the Mormon founder, proved to be one of these moderates. He ultimately rejected all of his father's more radical theology …


Formal Reporting Systems Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1830-1975, Dennis H. Smith Jan 1976

Formal Reporting Systems Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, 1830-1975, Dennis H. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Since its organization, the Church has kept records of its members and their Church activity. The foremost means of gathering this data has been printed report forms. This thesis traces the history of formal reports used by the Church and emphasizes information on membership and vital data as well as activity in Priesthood and auxiliary organizations. Financial reports of organizations and individual persons, as well as personalized confidential reports and minutes of meetings were not used. The thesis analyzes the type of information called for rather than the statistical figures themselves.


The Correlation Program Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints During The Twentieth Century, Jerry Rose Jan 1973

The Correlation Program Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints During The Twentieth Century, Jerry Rose

Theses and Dissertations

Within recent years the priesthood correlation program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has received significant emphasis from the leaders of the Church, so much so that it has been regarded by some as a new forceful program for the perfecting of the Saints. However, research reveals that the principles of priesthood correlation have always been a part of the restored Church.
The purpose of this thesis is to write a history of the correlation program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with particular emphasis on the period 1908 to February 1972.


Prophetic Authority In The Teachings Of Modern Prophets, Clifford Gary Bennett Jan 1973

Prophetic Authority In The Teachings Of Modern Prophets, Clifford Gary Bennett

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to identify the extent of prophetic authority as it is understood and taught by those denominated prophets in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The purpose was accomplished by examining four specific areas: (1) What are prophets and what was their authority in the past as articulated in the accepted scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (2) What is the foundation of prophetic authority for the present dispensation? (3) How does prophetic authority relate to the member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? (4) How …


A Study Of Evidences Related To Lds Church History As Reflected In Volumes I Through Xiii Of The Journal Of Discourses, Paul C. Richards Jan 1972

A Study Of Evidences Related To Lds Church History As Reflected In Volumes I Through Xiii Of The Journal Of Discourses, Paul C. Richards

Theses and Dissertations

How much historical information pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is contained in the Journal of Discourses? How and where can it be found amid the nearly ten thousand pages of printed matter, much of which is non-historical? How accurate is the historical information in the Journal of Discourses? These three questions pose the problem that this study is designed to handle.


History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In New Zealand, Brian W. Hunt Jan 1971

History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In New Zealand, Brian W. Hunt

Theses and Dissertations

The History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand begins with the arrival of Mormon missionaries in New Zealand in 1854. They established themselves firmly among the Maori people during the 1880's. Their success was influenced by certain Maori prophecies and by the translation of the Book of Mormon into Maori. The LDS church made successful efforts in educating it's members by establishing schools as early as 1886. The mission established the Maori Agriculture College in 1913 and the Church College of New Zealand in 1958. A highlight in the history of the mission was …


The History And Effect Of Apostasy On A Small Mormon Community, Henry Orvil Holley Jan 1966

The History And Effect Of Apostasy On A Small Mormon Community, Henry Orvil Holley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to present the history of events leading up to the division of the Mormon community of Slaterville, Weber County, Utah by apostasy. The work has been classified chronologically under the following chapter headings: The Founding of Slaterville, Joseph Morris in Slaterville, The Morrisite War, Apostasy Because of Change of Ward Leadership, Influence of Apostasy on Politics, and Influence of Apostasy on Education.


A Study To Determine What Caused Students To Discontinue Attending The Burley Seminary Before Obtaining A Fourth-Year Certificate 1961-1965, Charles Durrell Salisbury Jan 1965

A Study To Determine What Caused Students To Discontinue Attending The Burley Seminary Before Obtaining A Fourth-Year Certificate 1961-1965, Charles Durrell Salisbury

Theses and Dissertations

It was the writer's purpose to determine the reason students discontinued seminary before obtaining a fourth-year certificate from the Burley L. D. S. Seminary between the years 1961-1965. In addition to this, means of helping to solve the problems of the students who discontinued seminary were sought. Questionnaires were sent to 92 students who had discontinued seminary; a questionnaire was also given to 61 students who were still in seminary. The results of these questionnaires were tabulated by the Brigham Young University Data Processing Service. Of the 92 students who discontinued seminary and received questionnaires, 66 (70 per cent) were …


A Biographical Study Of Leonard John Nuttall, Private Secretary To Presidents John Taylor And Wilford Woodruff, Clarence G. Jensen Jan 1962

A Biographical Study Of Leonard John Nuttall, Private Secretary To Presidents John Taylor And Wilford Woodruff, Clarence G. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to provide a biography of Leonard John Nuttall. Special emphasis has been given to his contributions to Church and civic affairs.


A Study Of Problems Relative To The Fulfillment Of Selected Prophecies In The Book Of Mormon: With Particular Reference To The Prophetic View From 1830 Onward, Ross William Warner Jan 1961

A Study Of Problems Relative To The Fulfillment Of Selected Prophecies In The Book Of Mormon: With Particular Reference To The Prophetic View From 1830 Onward, Ross William Warner

Theses and Dissertations

Prophecy appears to play an important role in the Book of Mormon. The prophets evidently felt it necessary to include a considerable amount of prophetic material in this modern book of scripture.
Three general divisions of book of mormon prophecy can be made: (1) prophecies which relate to the period of time prior to the year 421 A.D., the approximate date of the final writing on the plates of Mormon, (2) prophecies which relate to the period 421 to 1830, the publication date of the Book of Mormon, and (3) prophecies which relate to the period 1830 onward.
The first …


A History Of The Manti Temple, Glen R. Stubbs Jan 1960

A History Of The Manti Temple, Glen R. Stubbs

Theses and Dissertations

The history of the Manti temple, in a sense, began the first winter the Mormon Pioneers spent in Sanpete Valley. Because of the extreme cold they move to "temple hill" for protection. This same hill later became the site of the temple.

It had been predicted by Heber C. Kimball that a temple would someday be built on this spot. By 1873 plans were being made to this end. Preparations for construction were soon in progress and on April 25, 1877, the site was dedicated by President Brigham Young.


Benjamin Franklin Stewart, Lifetime Pioneer, Janet Jenson Jan 1960

Benjamin Franklin Stewart, Lifetime Pioneer, Janet Jenson

Theses and Dissertations

Contributions to a knowledge of Latter-day Saint Church history can not only be made from a study of the lives of its great leaders, but such contributions can also be made from a study of some of the local leaders of the Church. Benjamin Franklin Stewart was one of these leaders who gained only local and temporary acclaim. Yet he contributed a life of service to his Church.


Joseph Smith, Sr., First Patriarch To The Church, Earnest Morgan Skinner Jan 1958

Joseph Smith, Sr., First Patriarch To The Church, Earnest Morgan Skinner

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis is a biography of Joseph Smith Sr., first patriarch to the Church and father of the illustrious Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. The overall purpose of this treatise is of a four-fold nature. First, it proposes to reveal the kind of personality and character he possessed. Second, it intends to present a near complete and accurate account of his deeds and experiences. Third, it hopes to relate him to the historical period in which he lived. And fourth, by fulfilling the three purposes named, it will attempt to evaluate the assertions that have been frequently made that the Prophet …


The Mormon Reformation Of 1856-1857, Howard Clair Searle Jan 1956

The Mormon Reformation Of 1856-1857, Howard Clair Searle

Theses and Dissertations

This study was made for the purpose of determining the causes, course, nature, and effects of the "Great Reformation" that spread quickly throughout the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the latter part of 1856 and the first months of 1857.


A Study Of The Doctrine And Covenants, John William Fitzgerald Jan 1940

A Study Of The Doctrine And Covenants, John William Fitzgerald

Theses and Dissertations

The general topic of this thesis is the changes that have occurred in The Doctrine and Covenants through its various editions, beginning with A Book of Commandments which was printed in 1833, to the 1937 edition of The Doctrine and Covenants.


An Analysis Of The Social Philosophies Of Brigham Young And John Calvin: With Special Reference To Their Similarities As They Were Expressed Through The Utah And Geneva Theocracies, Wesley P. Lloyd Jan 1933

An Analysis Of The Social Philosophies Of Brigham Young And John Calvin: With Special Reference To Their Similarities As They Were Expressed Through The Utah And Geneva Theocracies, Wesley P. Lloyd

Theses and Dissertations

Brigham Young was an American product of the nineteenth century. John Calvin was a European product of the sixteenth century. Each of these men left definite impressions upon world history. Of the two, Calvin is more widely understood and better known, but we should remember that the element of time was in his favor.

An examination of the lives of these two men indicates definite parallels, and their teachings show many views in common. Both were spiritual as well as temporal leaders, and each succeeded in gaining the interest of the world in his particular time. Just as the attention …