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Brief Biography of Alexander Doniphan
Doniphan Marker Commemoration Announced
A commemorative marker was placed Sunday, 14 April 2002, at the 1830s home site of Alexander Doniphan in Liberty, Missouri. 
In November 1838, Doniphan refused to carry out an illegal order to shoot Mormon leader Joseph Smith Jr. and others on the Public Square of Far West, Missouri. This marker commemorates Doniphan's home site during that period, while he served as a lawyer to Mormon leaders. His home was located on the south side of the small park (next to the alley) across the street from the First Presbyterian Church. The First Pesbyterian Church of Liberty owns the park where this new marker stands. In relation to another familar landmark- it is on the east side of the street, one half block southeast of the Liberty Jail Visitors' Center.
Students and scholars of Mormon History are excited about this new Doniphan marker. MMFF Secretary Bill Curtis coordinated arrangements with First Liberty Presbyterian Church, Liberty, Missouri, making this commemoration possible. The featured speaker was Juarenne Hester of Liberty, Missouri, who is a champion of Alexander Doniphan and first suggested such a commemoration to Bill Curtis. A matching marker was erected last year by the First Presbyterian Church directly across the street commemorating the Doniphan Hubbell House, Doniphan's Mexican War era home.
The marker text reads: Alexander W. Doniphan 1808-1887
Lawyer, Statesman and Military Leader
While living on this site in the 1830's, Alexander Doniphan championed the Constitituional rights of an oppressed people to ensure their religious freedom. He helped create Caldwell County as a refuge for the Mormons in 1836 and refused to carry out an illegal order by his superior officer to execute Joseph Smith and other Mormon leaders in 1838. Doniphan became highly respected for his leadership and integrity.
This marker sponsored by Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation, a non-sectarian, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Mormon history and marking of Mormon related historical sites in Missouri.
Doniphan Marker- 1838 Home Site- one half block southeast of the LDS Liberty Jail Visitors' Center
Liberty, Clay County, Missouri
Dedication Program 14 April 2002 - 3 P.M.
Welcome
Clint Newton, M.C., First Presbyterian Church
Opening Prayer
Rev. Larry Wheeler, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church
Presentation of Alexander Doniphan Marker and Portrait (received by Rev. Wheeler)
Bill Curtis, MMFF Secretary
Introduction of Speaker
Clint Newton, First Presbyterian Church
Speaker - "Alexander W. Doniphan"
Juarenne Hester, First Presbyterian Church
Closing Prayer
Elder Del Garner, Liberty LDS Visitors' Center
Please watch this page for more information. You are invited to join in and support MMFF activities. Your donation in support of this and forthcoming MMFF marker projects is welcome!
Thank you for forwarding your contribution to Shirley Gallup, MMFF Treasurer, P.O. Box 3186, Independence, Missouri 64055
Phone: (816) 257-5588
Fax: (816) 521-3089
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