History Commons^™

Joseph Smith The Colonizer, Brent L. Winward

Theses and Dissertations

In written history, Joseph Smith's colonizing efforts have been overshadowed by the Mormon settlement of the west. No one has really made a study of Joseph Smith as a colonizer. To this founder of the Mormon way of life, religion was more than a code of Sunday ethics. According to President Smith, man was created as an actual child of God and his Heavenly Father was concerned with providing for all his needs. Therefore, the revealed word of God in addition to listing a spiritual code of ethics, also contained provisions for the physical, social, political, economical, educational, safety needs, …

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.

Mormonism And War: An Interpretative Analysis Of Selected Mormon Thought Regarding Seven American Wars, R. Jeffrey Stott

Theses and Dissertations

America has been involved in seven major wars, but Mormonism's involvement in these wars has evaded scholarly attention. This has been unfortunate because, for the most part, individual Mormon leaders have taken very definite stands in relation to these struggles, and accompanying these stands have been very definite goals for the outcome of these wars. This, in turn, has prompted many of these LDS leaders to view the wars from a religious perspective.

This transcending religiosity combined the classical Christian wartime positions of the "just" and "righteous" war into one category. The third position however, pacifism, was also utilized during …

A Study Of Early Utah Water Color Painting, James Harvey Taylor

Theses and Dissertations

The intent of this study was to investigate those artists in early Utah art history who played an important part in the development of water color painting.

The Settlement Of Teton Valley, Idaho-Wyoming, David Brooks Green

Theses and Dissertations

Teton Valley, throughout many centuries, has attracted several occupance groups, each interacting with the environment in various ways for various reasons. Indian and explorer contact did little to alter the surroundings. More frequent contact came, however, as trappers and traders visited the valley to trap beaver and meet in rendezvous.

The end of intensified fur trapping slowed contact with the basin. Government personnel, a painter, a few squawmen and horse thieves were the only inhabitants because Indians, remoteness, and harsh climatic conditions kept others out until 1882 when permanent agricultural settlers entered the valley. Hundreds of people followed, many of …

History Of Mormon Exhibits In World Expositions, Gerald Joseph Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The history of Mormon Exhibits in world expositions is an important chapter in the over-all accounting of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints total missionary program. In seeking more proficient means for accomplishing this task, involvement in world expositions offered a fresh opportunity to which the Church quickly responded. Finances, inexperience, non-acceptance by the world religious community and struggle for security appeared to be significant obstacles to extensive activity in early world's fairs.

Eventually as the Church strengthened, it became less the national spectacle and significantly was given its first real world's fair opportunity in an exhibit sponsored …

A History Of The Nauvoo Legion In Illinois, John Sweeney Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The Nauvoo Legion was a branch of the Illinois state militia, located in Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois. To obey the state military service requirement, provide adequate protection for themselves, and display loyalty to the state, the inhabitants of Nauvoo organized a militia within their city. Having received necessary state approval, the citizens designated their militia the "Nauvoo Legion," which functioned from February, 1841 to January, 1845, when the Legion charter was repealed by the state legislature.

Organized and staffed mainly by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Legion was considered by some opponents as a …

Kelsey, Texas: The Founding And Development Of A Latter-Day Saint Gathering Place In Texas, James Clyde Vandygriff

Theses and Dissertations

Kelsey, Texas, was a flourishing Latter-day Saint colony for more than a quarter of a century, beginning at a time when the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was encouraging its converts to stay in the mission field. Kelsey was an attempt by the Church to provide Latter-day Saints from the southern states a safe haven from persecution which existed in the South, while leaving them in a geographic area in which they could be comfortable.
The growth and success for many years of the Kelsey Academy was the result of an interesting partnership, not always tranquil, between the …

Some Demographic Aspects Of One Hundred Early Mormon Converts, 1830-1837, Laurence Milton Yorgason

Theses and Dissertations

Questions regarding the conditions of the origin of Mormonism have been asked repeatedly since Joseph Smith first made his claims public regarding his religious experiences. The same questions have been asked by both proponents and opponents of Smith's story: "How did Mormonism begin?", "Who was Joseph Smith?", "What was Joseph Smith?", "What did he do?" If it could be shown that Joseph Smith was an honest, upright, and sincere person, then the religion he produced was more likely to be reliable and truthful. If it could be shown that Joseph Smith was a fraud and a deceiver, then presumably, the …

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 …

History Of The Swedish Mission Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints 1905-1973, Carl Erik Johansson

Theses and Dissertations

The study traced major developments in the Swedish Mission. A decided help in this undertaking was the author's own long association with the Mormons in Sweden. The government attempted to prevent Mormon proselyting in the first two decades. This ended in a tacit approval for the Mormons to carry on. The conditions between both world wars induced fairly successful "hold-the-fort" efforts. Youth conferences were especially vital in building a spirit of unity among Swedish Mormons.

The period after the second world war showed several definite trends. Membership increased three-fold to more than 5000. Chapels were acquired. Organizations on the mission …

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.

The Box Elder Stake Academy In Its Historical Setting, Byron L. Parkinson

Theses and Dissertations

The Box Elder Stake Academy was a part of the Church System of Academies under the direction of Karl G. Maeser. The historical setting of Box Elder County is rather unique. It was here that Lorenzo Snow directed one of the most successful forms of the United Order. The nearby city of Corinne was established as one of the few gentile cities in Utah, and from there a new crusade to end Mormon rule in Utah was begun.

The Box Elder Stake Academy was one of the first academies created under the direction of the First Presidency of the Church. …

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.

Zion's Camp, Wilburn D. Talbot

Theses and Dissertations

In 1831, Jackson County, Missouri, was designated as a place of refuge for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Attempts to establish permanent residence in their Zion ended in bloodshed and violence. An army was raised to go to the aid of those cast out of their homes. This thesis pays particular attention to the recruiting of the army and the gathering of money and provisions, the trek to Missouri, and the interaction of those promoting and opposing the camp.

The trek from Kirtland, Ohio, to Jackson County, Missouri, revealed frustrations, hardships, strengths, weaknesses, and …

Nathan And Ruth Hale: People, Producers, Playwrights, Performers, Sheryl Lee Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

In this study the following hypotheses are examined: 1. Nathan and Ruth Hale have made significant contributions to the L.D.S. Church and to the theatre; 2. The theatres operated by the Hales have demonstrated that it is possible and profitable to run a theatre in accordance with L.D.S. Church standards and ideals; 3. Theatre of this type has an audience, and in fact, is demanded by communities; 4. Artists in the theatre can be a forceful missionary tool for the Church.
The following methods were used to ascertain this information: the Hales, actors, directors, and members of the community were …

Alexander William Doniphan, The Forgotten Man From Missouri, Gregory P. Maynard

Theses and Dissertations

Few men on the Missouri frontier in the nineteenth century exemplified the quality of character, integrity, as well as did Alexander William Doniphan. Whether in his capacity as a lawyer, soldier, legislator or friend, he remained steadfast to his beliefs and principles, though often in the minority.
Several books have been written about Doniphan's military experiences during the Mexican War. But surprisingly this is the only part of his life which so far has been reported in great detail. The other aspects of his career have been treated only in a sketchy manner. It is therefore the purpose of this …

J. Bracken Lee And Utah Public Education, Elwin Lee Reynolds

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to examine the two gubernatorial terms of J. Bracken Lee, Governor of Utah 1948-1956, and the effect he had on education during these years. Lee has been accused by his detractors of being opposed to education. He has been defended by his supporters as being a friend whose only desire was to have education operated on a sound fiscal basis. During his two terms as governor he was almost constantly involved in some dispute with the education people in the state and was frequently on the defensive against anti-education charges.

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 …

The Economic Development Of Moab, Utah, Gary W. Booher

Theses and Dissertations

Moab, located in southeastern Utah, began as an agricultural village, in accordance with the economy of early Utah. However, Moab's growth was limited by a restricted physical site. The purpose of this study is to trace the development of the economic functions of Moab in relation to its resource base. Despite the physical limitations of the area, agriculture remained the chief economic activity up to the mid-twentieth century. Periodic booms in speculative mining were only temporary and not significant to the permant economy of the community.

However, in the 1950s, a spectacular uranium boom brought unprecedented growth to the town. …

Fort Berthold Indian Reservation: A Land Use Study To 1971, Paul Felter

Theses and Dissertations

Can the land resources of a contemporary Indian reservation provide the basis for a self~sufficient community? To help answer that question, this study traces the agricultural development as well as other land use programs and problems of the Three Tribes of the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in North Dakota.

The procedure involved a detailed study of the impact of Bureau of Indian Affairs-inspired agricultural projects, treaties and land cession agreements, land allotment programs, land fractionalization, and the building of the Garrison Dam. The results obtained show that the semi-agricultural Three Tribes passed from self-sufficiency before their reservation was established into …

A Study To Determine Reasons Why Lds Students Were Not Enrolled In Lds Seminary In The Southern Alberta Seminary District During 1970-71, Robert Owen Mcclung

Theses and Dissertations

Religious education in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as given by the seminaries is to help youth achieve a meaningful testimony that God lives, Jesus is the Christ, and Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. The purpose of this study was to determine why some youth were not taking advantage of this training by enrolling in seminary.
It was determined that the teachers were a negligible reason for lack of enrollment. Rather, the reasons stemmed more from a lack of awareness of the nature of the seminary program by some priesthood leaders, by the youth and …

A Comparative Study Of The Book Of Mormon Secret Combinations And The American Mafia Organization, Ray G. Morley

Theses and Dissertations

The Book of Mormon and the Book of Moses, sacred scripture of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have woven into their pages a brief history of secret combinations on the "American" continent. Secret combinations have caused the destruction of three previous civilizations that have existed on this continent.

The prophet Moroni warned the Latter-day American inhabitants that "This secret combination... shall be among you..." (Ether 8:24).

The evidence summarized in this study leads one to the conclusion that the American Mafia Organization (Cosa Nostra) is the same organization warned against in sacred scripture.

A History Of The Photojournalism Department Of The Deseret News 1948 To 1970, Richard J. Nye

Theses and Dissertations

The photojournalism department of the Deseret News is presently one of the most highly organized and productive departments within the newspaper itself. Major changes in staffing and management of the photo lab have been made since 1948, resulting in a more efficient department. Deseret News staff photographers are skilled in their profession and are proud to be a part of the newspaper staff.

The Deseret News has a colorful history, from its beginning in 1850 with all the trials that accompany a growing newspaper up to and including the establishment of the Newspaper Agency Corporation in 1952. It is a …

An Historical Analysis Of The Word Of Wisdom, Paul H. Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

The Word of Wisdom was announced by Joseph Smith as a revelation from God in 1833. The revelation prohibited the use of alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee. Its pronouncement came at a time when temperance movements were conspicuous throughout America.

Interpretations and attitudes have changed toward the Word of Wisdom over the years. Before 1840 many Mormons considered abstinence important though Joseph Smith stressed moderation. Observance became lax as Mormons treked westward to settle Utah territory. Brigham Young stressed obedience to the revelation in the 1860's but never made observance obligatory. Under John Taylor in 1883, a Word of Wisdom …

The Union Pacific Railroad And The Mormon Church, 1868-1871: An In Depth Study Of The Financial Aspects Of Brigham Young's Grading Contract And Its Ultimate Settlement, Thomas M. Stevens

Theses and Dissertations

In 1868, Brigham Young signed a grading contract with the Union Pacific Railroad to work on the transcontinental line in Utah. He sublet the job to other contractors who completed the work in February 1869. When the project was finished, there was still a great deal of money owed to Brigham Young by the Union Pacific and because of their financial difficulties, they were not able to meet the obligation immediately. To resolved the debt, Young sent Bishop John Sharp and Joseph A. Young to Boston in an effort to effect a settlement with the company. They obtain a partial …

The Office Of Associate President Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Robert Glen Mouritsen

Theses and Dissertations

In early Church history, several men were designated by the title of Assistant President, or Associate President, but only Oliver Cowdery, and later Hyrum Smith, held the actual office which is the subject of the present study. That office is properly titled Associate President.

The office of Associate President fulfilled the requirements of the law of witnesses, and was a priesthood office. The Associate President assisted in bearing the keys of the last dispensation, and was acknowledged as the second ranking member of the First Presidency. The Associate President held the keys of the kingdom of God militant, and presided …

A Study Of Mormon Knowledge Of The American Far West Prior To The Exodus (1830-February, 1846), Lewis Clark Christian

Theses and Dissertations

The American West prior to 1800 was relatively an obscure and unexplored region. However, by 1846, it had been traversed by no less than three government expeditions, and numerous mountain men and adventurers. There was an abundance of guides, maps, and books in print by 1846 for the homeseeker traveling west of the Mississippi River.

The Mormon knowledge and interest in the West began as early as 1832. Throughout the 1830's and early 1840's, as the saints moved West in the face of persecution, the Rocky Mountains were often spoken of as the future Zion of the Church. In 1842, …

A History Of The Schools And Educational Programs Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Ohio And Missouri, 1831-1839, Orlen Curtis Peterson

Theses and Dissertations

This study is a history of the schools and educational programs organized and maintained by the LDS Church while the saints resided in Ohio and Missouri between the years of 1831 and 1839. The instructors, curriculum, organizational structure, and the purpose of each school is given when information in these areas was available. In Kirtland, the Church organized the School of the Prophets, School of the Elders, Kirtland High School, Hebrew School, a singing school, a writing school, and a few grammar schools. The Church leaders in Missouri organized the Colesville school, a school in Independence, Far West School, and …

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.