A young woman, writing under the name Emily Austin, left the following observations of the Far West Period:
In 1836, Church members were asked to leave Clay County, Missouri.
"It was therefore put to vote in this assembly [mass meeting of church members], and carried, that Newell Knight, I. Morly, and J. Carrel [Corrill], were elected to go to Caldwell county, Missouri, and look out lands for the Mormon church. On returning, they brought a good report, that the site was far superior to any they had previously seen; a good grazing country, plenty of timber and good water, and few inhabitants. We at once began to pull up stakes again for another removal; and the time was well occupied until we were again settled, in our new homes. The church soon built up a city on a rolling, expansive prairie. One could feel at home, and be satisfied with the prospect. My husband bought farming land and timber sufficient for a lifetime; he also built a dwelling house in the city. Our city lot was one acre of ground, and all required buildings were properly erected. Finding this part of the country far superior to Jackson county, the Saints proposed to abide there permanently. Preparations were being made for building a temple upon the most sightly place in the city of Far West, for this was the name; but this could not be done until the ground was dedicated, and the corner stone must be also dedicated, or some ceremony performed, and the prophet Joseph Smith was the only efficient [page 87] one who had the power or authority to officiate in such matters.
In the year 1835 (as near as my memory serves me) [1838] the latter part of June, the bishop of the church sent for Brother Joseph, as he was called, to come to Far West city immediately, on important business. At this period the bank of Kirtland was under good operation. However, Joseph made due arrangements in consideration of the banking business, and came to Far West, accompanied by Sidney Rigdon. They remained in Far West until after the fourth of July. Preparations were made for the dedication, and nothing remained excepting to roll the stone to its proper place; and this was to be accomplished on the day of the fourth of July. Independence day came; the Saints assembled at the bower. The speaker ascended to the stand accompanied by Smith. The speaker, which was no other than Rigdon, and his attendant, took their seats and awaited the assemblage. Our city was visited on this occasion by people from a distance, among whom were some of the broad-rims, as was noticed by the Saints. The speaker and attendant came down from the stand and proceeded to the place where the corner stone of the temple was to be laid. Joseph Smith made a [page 88] prayer, after which the Saints sung a piece composed for this purpose. Then a few remarks were made by L. [E.] Pattrage [Partridge], the bishop of the church, and one of the high priests, and Parley Pratt, an elder of the church; then singing, and the benediction, pronounced by Joseph Smith. After which they proceeded to their respective seats. The constitution was read by P. P. Pratt. Sidney Rigdon followed by delivering an address on the liberty and freedom of the American people, and wound up by saying he defied the people of Caldwell county to drive us from Far West and the country adjoining; that the Great Jehovah would interfere and fight our battles for us. This was confirmed by the Saints, and three loud and long cheers and amens rent the air. At this a very great excitement arose among the old settlers, and Rigdon's life could not have been insured for five coppers. The people were all crazy with excitement, running and rushing to and from, and tumbling one over another in every direction. I must say I was rejoiced to make exit with my two little children, with the help of my husband.
This remark from Mr. Rigdon was productive of much evil. We endured threatening on every hand. Troops were sent to Far West to [page 89] keep down insurrection. Our gardens and barns were plundered. The church tried in vain to secure their property, but found that nothing was safe from the hands of the militia. At this point I observed a secret Mormon meeting was called, and my conclusion was that they were forming a treaty. However, this was not the case. Their plan was to form a club called "Danites." Those were of the rough class of people; those who, through good fortune, rather than good management, escaped from the law of justice and found protection in the Mormon church. Of what the ceremony of initiating members consisted, I am not able to say, as this was a profound secret. This club formed their own laws and customs, and each officer and member was apprised of each one's success or defeat. The mission of Danites is to rob, murder and steal, or do any wicked act, especially to those who leave the church. Nothing is considered too hostile for one who leaves the Mormon church. "Better not to have known the way, than after they have known it to depart from it." This is their maxim, and a general principle throughout the church; and this principle is just as unalterable as the laws of the Medes and Persians - among the Mormons. [page 90] At this period three hundred mounted men were stationed among us, and their aim was to take the town and hold us prisoners until we were set at liberty, by each family separating out and moving off by themselves, as soon as preparations could be made. Two of those militia officers boarded with us while we remained in Far West. Some time previous to this state of affairs I had begged of my husband to leave the Mormons; to sell what property we could for ready money, and leave the remainder, for we would be obliged to leave all we had if we remained there. This was now clearly apparent to my husband, and to our desponding hearts. After being apprised of the depredations of the Danites in the surrounding country, we became more and more averse to the hazardous management of the so-called Latter Day Saints, and I for one strove hard to free myself from this awful state of things; and, under the consideration that I could speak out my views about the inconsistency of Mormonism (having the officers placed in our reach), I felt safe to say as I thought about this matter, and not feel that I would be given over to the mercy of the Danites, who were at this time lurking in ambush far out in the country, and at night they came forth in pursuit of spoil, [page 91] coming into Far West just before the break of day.
CHAPTER XVIII.
"Have you seen the spoil which was brought into town?" This question came from a young lady who came to our well for water, a little before sunrise one fine morning. "No, I have not," I answered." Well, make some errand over, and as you pass that" (pointing to a wagon), "just, for pity sake, cast your eye into the wagon and see the plunder; then come into the house and Mrs. Stebbins will give you something to take home, for we know not who is watching." According to Miss Correll's suggestion, I put on my sunbonnet and went over;
I passed several steps beyond the wagon, and then turned back to the wagon. I looked in, and there was dead geese and chickens, and a pig dressed without scalding; an old plow, two or three shovels, three or four hoes, and grain in sacks, and corn and firewood. I then passed into the house, where we enjoyed a hearty laugh. Mrs. Stebbins gave me something done [page 92] up in a paper to take home, in order to keep down suspicion, if any were criticizing our movements. When I opened the paper her sunbonnet dropped out.
Many days and nights we labored to accomplish what we most desired, even to the sacrifice of all we possessed. And, in conclusive views of our aim we departed from the state of Missouri, leaving all we possessed, except our team and a few household goods. Having three little ones now to care for, and not sufficient means to make another beginning, my husband became disheartened; his courage in some degree faltered. Yet this he tried to conceal from me. I saw all; would that my knowledge of this could become a night dream, from which I could wake and say, "It's a dream."
Our purpose for a stopping place was decided upon after leaving Far West. Our company consisted of my husband's two brothers, his mother and sister; we had three covered wagons in the company. Pittsfield, Illinois, was agreed upon for our present locality. After arriving there we were guests at Springer's hotel for some weeks, or until a proper location for farming could be procured. Winter being over, my husband and his eldest brother, who was also a farmer, had taken land of Colonel [page 93] Ross and Captain Davis, of Pittsfield…."
[Emily M. Austin, Mormonism, or Life Among the Mormons (Madison, WI: M. J. Cantwell, Book and Job Printer, 1882), 86-93.]
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