Smith's pre-trial hearing for conspiracy to commit the murder of Grandison Newell, was conducted before Judge Flint in Painesville. LDS Apostles Orson Hyde and Luke S. Johnson testified, acknowledging that "Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him." They claimed Smith had said "destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c." Hyde and Johnson also insisted that Smith was "tender-hearted." Warren Parrish did not offer the corroborating testimony Newell expected, and his case was not a strong one after all. Nevertheless, the Judge found enough reason to bind Smith and some witnesses over to the next session of the county court. (1)
-- Jun 3, 1837
Preliminary hearing held at the Methodist chapel in Painesville. Joseph charged with plotting the murder of Grandison Newell. Orson Hyde testifies in behalf of the prosecution >. Church court in the temple. Parrish testifies. (2)
-- Jun 4, 1837
Orson Hyde pleads for forgiveness and is set apart with Heber C. Kimball and Joseph Fielding for first mission to England. (2)
[Heber C. Kimball] Is called on fourth mission, to England. (3)
[Kimball, Heber Chase] Appointed to preach in England 4 June 1837. (4)
[Lucy Mack Smith] Perhaps on this date, at a meeting in the temple, Warren Parrish tries to drag Joseph Sr. from the stand, while John Boynton threatens to stab William Smith. Lucy says Joseph is in Cleveland; no trip to Cleveland is recorded in his history. (5)
-- Jun 5, 1837
At Joseph Smith's trial for conspiracy to commit murder of Grandison Newell, Apostles Orson Hyde and Luke S. Johnson acknowledge that "Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him; he said destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c." Hyde and Johnson insist that Smith is "tender-hearted" and the court acquits him because the prophet's statements do not constitute consipiracy. (6)
At Smith's trial for conspiracy to commit murder of Grandison Newell, Apostles Orson Hyde and Luke S. Johnson acknowledge that "Smith seemed much excited and declared that Newell should be put out of the way, or where the crows could not find him; he said destroying Newell would be justifiable in the sight of God, that it was the will of God, &c." Hyde and Johnson insist that Joseph Smith is "tender-hearted," and the court acquits him because the prophet's statements do not constitute conspiracy. (7)
[Joseph Smith] Discharged in Grandison Newell case, Chardon, Ohio. (8)
-- Jun 8, 1837
Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon resign their positions in the Kirtland Safety Society, sell their interests and walk away from the institution. (6)
[Joseph Smith] Completed his withdrawal from Kirtland Safety Society, apparently recognizing likelihood of failure, having made arrangements for resolution of outstanding debts. (8)
-- (Fri) Jun 9, 1837
After a few days' respite, Smith appeared before the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas at Chardon, in the case of "Sate of Ohio vs Joseph Smith, Jr." for conspiracy to commit murder. Despite the offering of a considerable amount of incriminating testimony, Presiding Judge Van R. Humphrey did not feel sufficient evidence was presented to convict Smith on the charges. Joseph Smith was acquitted and returned to Kirtland a free man. (1)
-- Jun 9, 1837
... no testimony appeared [in the murder conspiracy trial], on which, any reliance could be placed, that went in the least degree to crimination ... and resulted in the entire acquittal of Joseph smith, Jr. of the charges alleged against him. This is said to be the thirteenth prosecution which has been instituted against Joseph Smith, Jr. for prejudice against him, he has never in a single instance been convicted, on a final trial <.
-- (2)
Footnotes:
1 - Broadhurst, Dale R., Mormon Chronology, http://olivercowdery.com/history/morchrn2.htm
2 - Kenny, Scott, "Mormon History 1830-1844," http://saintswithouthalos.com/dirs/d_c.phtml
3 - Kimball, Stanley B. (editor), On the Potter's Wheel: The Diaries of Heber C. Kimball, Chronology, Signature Books in association with Smith Research Associates, Salt Lake City, 1987
4 - Cook, Lyndon W., The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith: A Historical and Biographical Commentary of the Doctrine and Covenants, Seventy's Mission Bookstore, Provo UT, 1985
5 - Anderson, Lavina Fielding, Editor, Lucy's Book: A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir, 2001, Signature Books
6 - On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com
7 - Quinn, D. Michael, The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power, Appendix 7: Selected Chronology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1830-47"
8 - Jessee, Dean, Esplin, Ronald and Bushman, Richard Lyman (editors), The Joseph Smith Papers: Journals, Vol. 1: 1832-1839, Chronology for the Years 1832-1839
LDS History Timeline
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