5 January 1841, Tuesday
Extracts; Words, p. 59
Extracts from William Clayton's Private Book
By Joseph, Jany. 5th 1841, at
the organization of a school of
instruction.

Description of Paul - He is about 5 foot high; very dark hair; dark complection; dark skin; large Roman nose; sharp face; small black eyes, penetrating as eternity; round shoulders; a whining voice, except when elevated and then it almost resembles the roaring or a Lion. He was a good orator, but Doctor Benentt is a superior orator, and like Paul is active and deligent, always employing himself in doing good to his fellow men.
By Joseph, January 5th, 1841
Answer to the question, was the
Priesthood of Melchizedeck taken
away when Moses died.

All priesthood is Melchizedeck; but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the Prophets had the Melchizedeck Priesthood and was ordained by God himself.

12 January 1841, Tuesday
Manchester, p. 202

On January 12th 1841 we began to move our luggage over the river on the Ice which occupied 4 days in the whole. I had previously taken a house a little from Montrose at 18 pr month. This house smoked very bad and we had oftentimes to be without fire and cook out of doors. We found things in some measure as was told viz the saints to be in a very bad state and having no meetings, full of envy, strife and contention and in a very bad state. Soon after we arrived here the weather began to be extremely cold and having no wood for fire it seemed as though we must be froze to death. We were still 31 in number and all could not get to the fire. When the weather moderated we went to cutting logs and hauling them for building also making rails.

8 March 1841, Thursday
Manchester, p. 202

We got our house part raised by the 8th of March William Poole assisting us. At this time William Poole moved over the river to seek employment and left us.

16 March 1841, Tuesday
Manchester, p. 202

We continued to labour prepareing rails and house &c untill about the 16 of March when we seemed to be all at once put under a cloud of trouble. In the night I was taken sick and could not go to work for a few days.Same day We had a hog we set much store on and was very desirous to keep him to breed from. On the 15th he got out of the penn and did not come home at night. On the morning of the 16th he came home cut which was a sad grief to us. (We afterwards learned partially that the person who cut the Hog was Doctor Patton of the High Council) Not true. On the same day about 5 o clock while I was set doing a little something in the house a person called and said the new house was all on fire. I immediately sprang up and started off. Just as I got to the door I saw a waggon going that way and I got into it. Having 2/4 miles to go we was sometime before we arrived. When I got there I found the lady who lived at Bosiers house had carried water from the house about a quarter of a mile and put the fire partly out. I soon put all the fire out and ascertained that the house had not sustained much damage but a large rope which cost $2.50 also a pair of Bed cords was entirely burned to ashes which in our circumstances was a considerable loss to us. We have during the winter had this chimney on fire 3 times. First on a cold day when William Poole killed his hog. He made to large a fire and the chimney was turned on.

19, 20 March 1841, Friday, Saturday
Manchester p. 203

I commenced planting seed for the first time in this land. On the latter day while I was busy in the garden a person named William Miller (who said he had a claim upon the land we bought from Hyrum Smith) came up and with him a constable and another man. The constable drew from his pocket book a paper and read it to me which was a notice to quit the land signed William Miller. I felt some astonishment at this but not many words passed between us. Miller said he had been to Brother Ripley who was somewhat saucy and told him he must fight it out-- and that was the way he intended to do it. A few days after I took the notice paper to the river to Sister Smith who advised me to take no notice of it but to proceed with our business, I however felt it would be wisdom to wait a while as we expected Hyrum at home in a few weeks.

24 March 1841, Wednesday
Manchester, p. 204

Wednesday. This night the constable brought me a summons to appear before Justice Spain to answer to William Miller for trespass on his premises.

26 March 1841, Friday
Manchester, p. 204

Friday. I went over the river to see Brother Ripley and ask his council. I called at the store and made Joseph acquainted with the circumstance who ordered Brother Thompson to write a few lines to Bishop Ripley in his name requesting him to take the matter into his own hands and appear with me before the justice. I saw Brother Ripley who said I need trouble myself no further he would see to it. I would here state that during the past few months I have had much trouble concerning the boat which was made at Dixonville. I have repeatedly endeavored to see Mr. Benbow who ownes one half of it and settle with him but have yet been disappointed. He has been for council to Brother Law and has divided the boat and taken away his share. Soon as I learned this I also went to Brother Law for council who advised me to get 2 men to value the portion of the boat which fell to us and then charge the whole company with the whole of the difficiency. This I immediately attended to and made out bills for all our own family taking an equal share of the loss. Some of the accounts I took in and the first man who complained was John Blezard. He did not believe it was a just debt and did not intend to pay except others did &c. His conduct since has fully proved that he does not intend to pay for he has been insolent both to myself and Lydia and her mother who have been to ask repeatedly for the money. But hitherto we can get no satisfaction wether he will pay or no.

28 March 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 205

Sunday. This day we met at Montrose. Uncle John Smith presided. He called upon all who had hardness and who had transgressed to confess and repent. He stated that about 12 months ago he had appointed them a person to take charge of the meeting and administer the sacrement which he had only attended to once since that time. After many had confessed he called upon myself and Brother Nickerson to break bread and administer which was done and we hope it will be continued faithfully hereafter.

30 March 1841, Tuesday
Manchester, p. 205

Tuesday. This day I made a contract for a cow with Abner Tibbetts for 20 dollars value to be cut out in cord wood at 75 cents pr cord. She calved on the morning after and seems to answer pretty well

2 April 1841, Friday
Manchester, p. 205

Brother Nickerson settled with William Miller for his claim on the land and we can now pursue our improvements.

6,7,8,9 April 1841, Tuesday - Friday
Manchester, p. 205

These four days I attended Conference. *See over. 3

6 April 1841, Tuesday
Manchester, p. 208

The Nauvoo Legion was drawn up to exercise and afterwards proceeded to the Temple ground to lay the corner stones. The first Presidency proceeded to lay the South East corner stone. (The High Council laid the South West corner in the name of the travelling High Council. The President of High Priest quorum the North West and the Bishops the North East. See Times and Seasons April 15). Before the ceremony of laying the corner stones President Rigdon delivered an address for the occasion in his usual powerful manner.

7 April 1841, Wednesday
Manchester, p. 205

On the 7th I was organized with the High Priest quorum and set with them during the conference. I was much pleased with the order of the meeting. When any case was to appear before the church it was first put by the Bishop to the quorum of the Lesser Priesthood. Then by the president of the Elders to that quorum--then the 70 then High Priests--then High Council and lastly to the presidency. If any objection arose it had to be tried by that quorum who objected but majority of the quorums decided the matter. The names of the official characters are as follows--Joseph Smith first president Sidney Rigdon and William Law councillor. Brother Law was appointed councillor at this conference in the stead of Hyrum Smith who was appointed a Prophet Seer and Revelator according to a Revelation given January 19, 1841. Brother Law was objected to by our quorum but honorably elected after investigation on account of the ill health of Sidney Rigdon. John C. Bennett was appointed in his stead until Brother Rigdons health improved. Names of the 12 or traveling high Council. Brigham Young, Heber Chase Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Willford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George Albert Smith and Lyman Whight was appointed in the room of D.W. Patten deceased. Standing High council-- Samuel Bent, Henry G. Sherwood, George W. Harris, Thomas Grover, Newel Knight, Lewis D. Wilson, Aaron Johnson, David Fullmer, Alpheus Cutler, William Huntingdon Senior, William Alread, Leanord Sowby was appointed this conference. Presidents of the High Priest quorum--Don C. Smith, councillors Noah Packard, Amasa Lyman. President of Elders quorum--John A. Hicks, councillers Samuel Williams, Jesse Baker. Quorum of seventies--Joseph Young, Isaiah Butterfield, Daniel Miles, Henry Heremond, Zerah Pulcipher, Levi Hancock and James Foster. Lesser Priesthood Priests--Samuel Rolphe, Stephen Markam, Hezekiah Peck counselors. Teachers-- Elisha Everett, James W. Huntsman, James Hendrick, Deacons--Phineas R. Bird, David Wood, William W. Lane, Bishopric--Vincent Knights, councilors Samuel H. Smith and Shadrac Roundey. Newel K. Whitney, coun[selors] Jonathan H. Hale, William Felshaw. George Miller, councillors Peter Haws and John Snider. Isaac Higbee, coun[selors] Graham Coultrin and John S. Higbee. Alanson Ripley had his Bishopric taken from him for frequently being drunk and not fit for business. President of the stake William Marks, councillors Austin Coles and Charles C. Rich.

8 April 1841, Thursday
Manchester, p. 208

Thursday. President Rigdon delivered a discourse on baptism for the dead, showing the propriety and absolute necessity of such an ordinance. After preaching a many were baptized for their dead relatives and many for the remission of sins. At this conference a Revelation was read (given January 19, 1841) containing instructions to build the Temple and a boarding house called the Nauvoo house and many other important items. A short revelation was also read concerning the saints in Iowa. The question had been asked what is the will of the Lord concerning the saints in Iowa. It read to the following effect--Verily thus saith the Lord let all those my saints who are assaying to do my will gather themselves together upon the land opposite to Nauvoo and build a city unto my name and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it. And all who come from the east and West and North and South who have desires let them settle in Zarahemla that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come &c. Brother Joseph when speaking to one of the brethern on this subject says you have hauns Mill for a sample. Many of the brethern immediately made preparations for moving in here but on account of its being so late in the season President John Smith advised to get through with planting and then proceed to move in.

16 April 1841, Friday
Manchester, p. 211

Alice Moons family arrived from Pittsburg State of Pennsylvania.

24 April 1841, Saturday
Manchester, p. 212

I was requested to attend meeting of the High Council at President John Smiths. I was appointed one of the number in the place of Erastus Snow who is gone preaching. At this council Willard Snow was appointed to get up a company of independent Rifle men. I have joined this company.

* See over 4

25 April 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 211

Brother Clark arrived with a company of saints amongst whom was my sister Alice.

1 May 1841, Saturday
Manchester, p. 211

We finished cutting the 26 cord of wood for corn. Same day Brewetts company arrived amongst whom was Seth Cook and family.

2 May 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 212

Elders William Law and Hyrum Smith preached at Zarahemla.

6 May 1841, Thursday
Manchester, p. 212

On the 6th my wife was taken poorly about 4 o clock A M. Her mother was on the other side of the river. As soon as it was light she wanted me to go and fetch her. I went and got Brother Davis' skiff and went a cross as hard as I could and was about 2 hours away. When she got back she was delivered of a daughter who are both doing very well.

8 May 1841, Saturday
Manchester, p. 212

She got up on the 8th and continued to mend without interuption. The child is named Henrihetta Lucretia Patten Clayton.

9 May 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 212; Words, p.71

Joseph preached on his side on baptism for the dead (see Record.) 5
Manchester, p. 212

Afterwards a number was baptized both for remission of sins and for the dead. I was baptized first for myself and then for my Grandfather Thomas and Grandmother Ellen Clayton, Grandmother Mary Chritebly and aunt Elizabeth Beurdwood.

16 May 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 213; Words, p. 74.

I went over the river to hear Joseph Election and Eternal judgment (see Record).
Extracts; Words, p. 74
Extracts from William Clayton's Private Book
Remarks by Joseph, May 16th, 1841.

There are three independent principles--the spirit of God, the spirit of man, and the spirit of the devil. All men have power to resist the devil. They who have tabernacles have power over those who have not. The doctrine of eternal judgment Acts 2--41 Peter preached repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, &c but in Acts 3-19 he says ``Repent and be converted that you sins may be blotted out when the time of redemption shall come and he shall send Jesus,'' &c. Remission of sins by baptism was not to be preached to murderers. All the priests in christendom might pray for a murderer on the scaffold forever, but could not avail so much as a gnat towards their forgiveness. There is no forgiveness for murderers. They will have to wait until the time of redemption shall come and that in hell. Peter had the keys of eternal judgment and he saw David in hell and knew for what reason, and that David would have to remain there until the resurrection at the coming of Christ. Romans 9--all election that can be found in the scripture is according to the flesh and pertaining to the priesthood.

30 June 1841, Wednesday
Manchester, p. 213

We have continued to labour very hard in splitting rails up to the present time. The wether now begins to be very hot almost more that we can bear. We are yet very far short of completing the fence and in danger of having the corn spoiled by cattle every day.

1 July 1841, Thursday
Manchester, p. 213

Early in the morning I was taken very sick with vomiting and purging which held me 5 or 6 hours very severly. I could not go to work. I felt a little better on friday and saturday.

4 July 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 213

On Sunday I went over the river and saw Brother Kimball and went with him to Sister Pratts where we took a little dinner.

5 July 1841, Monday
Manchester, p. 213

I attended the celebration of American liberty at Zarahemla. We was called to drill at 8 in the morning and continued until about 4 o clock at which time the company went to dinner which was set out in a field on account of so many being present. The provisions was done before all had had dinner. I was shure without and felt bad for want of meat.

* turn over. 6

8 August 1841, Sunday
Manchester, p. 216

President John Smith and several other brethern came and for the first time during our sickness we received the sacrement. Afterwards President Smith asked particularly concerning our circumstances and being pressed I told him that had not a privilege of having many things which we greatly needed. After this the church helped us considerable.

11 August 1841
Temple History, p. 60

On the 11th day of August, Brother Weeks began carving the oxen, twelve in number, upon which the font was to stand. After carving for six days, he consigned this branch to Brother Elijah Fordham, the principal carver, who continued until they were finished. They were completed about two months after their commencement.

14 August 1841, Saturday
Manchester, p. 214

Alice Moon died.

17 August 1841, Tuesday
Manchester, p. 214

Up to the present time I have been very sick after the 5th. As stated above I went to work on the 6th but was not able to do much. On the 7th I was seized with the bilious fever and after a few days suffering took an Emetic which gave me relief. Soon as I began to amend I was seized with the Auge and Fever and shook every day. After about 10 days shaking I was advised by Dr. Rogers to take some Pills. I objected but Sister Taylor had bought some Quinine and I finally for her sake concluded to take it. These Pills broke the Ague for about 10 days during which time I had another attack of the Bilious Fever and took an Emetic which gave relief. After about 10 days relief from the Ague I was seized with it again and had it every day for about 2 weeks. At this time we were near all sick and had been except Lydia and on this day Thomas Moon died ¼ before 11 A.M. after about 2 weeks sickness. On this day also the brethern went to haul Rails and put up a fence around our field but did not complete it on account of being short of Rails. Soon after there were many cattle in the field especially Mr. Copes sometimes the to the number of 35 in one day. The brethern again went to haul more Rails and complete the fence but did not make it secure consequently cattle continually were eating up the corn untill they destroyed the whole both the corn and fodder.

18 August 1841, Wednesday
Temple History, p. 60

In conformity with the foregoing item of law, 7 in the Summer and Fall of the year 1841, the brethern entered into measures to build a baptismal font in the cellar floor near the east end of the temple. President Joseph approved and accepted a draft for the font, made by Brother William Weeks; and on the 18th day of August of that year, Elder Weeks began to labor on the construction of the font with his own hands. He labored six days and then committed the work to carpenters. 8

19 August 1841, Thursday
Manchester, p. 215
On the 19th Dr. Culbertson came and said he would cure us of the ague and charge nothing for his trouble. Accordingly 5 of us took each a dose of Calomel and Caster Oil. Afterwards 1 teaspoon full of Bitters every hour for 8 hours. This broke our ague for sometime.

20 August 1841, Friday
Manchester, p. 215

On the 20th our infant child Henrihetta Lucretia Patten Clayton died after being sick and having chills some time. During the last 2 days she suffered much at times and especially in the last hour of her life. When dead she was as pretty as I ever saw in my life. She died about 10 minutes after 3 P.M. This was a grief to us but we afterwards saw the hand of God in it and saw it was best to be so During this time.

30 August 1841, Monday
Manchester, p. 216

Being advised by Brother Kimball to buy 2 city lots and move into the city of Zarahemla (according to a previous revelation) on the 30th I went over to President John Smiths and bought two.

11 September 1841, Friday
Manchester, p. 217

Lydia Moon Senior was taken suddenly ill and remained very sick 3 or 4 weeks.

18 September 1841, Friday
Manchester, p. 217

On the 18th Richard Jenkinson died appearantly suffering much. About this time we suffered severly on account of having no fire in the house. The chimney was blown down in March and was not built up again untill George A. Smith one of the twelve and Brother Montague came on the 29th with a load of wood and afterwards built up the chimney for which we felt thankful.

21 September 1841, Monday
Manchester, p. 217

The wether was wet and having no fire in the house our clothing were damp and we took cold. Consequently on the 21st I began to shake every day again.

25 September 1841, Friday
Temple History, p. 60

I will here state that on the 25th day of September, 1841, a deposit was made in the south-east corner stone of the temple.

28 September 1841, Monday
Manchester, p. 217

On the 28th Brother Tanner brought us some Beef.

6 October 1841, Wednesday
Manchester, p. 217

Oct. 6 Ellen Jenkinson died. She was never baptised nor believed in this work while she lived. We had about 1 acre of Potatoes planted and the time now came that they should be dug. We sent over to William Pool to come and help us also to Edd Whittbe. They both promised to come but were sick at the time. They did not come after they got better. Seeing this and after waiting untill the frost had destroyed about one half I began to dig them myself. I dug in the morning untill the Ague came on and afterwards as long as I could bear. I was soon reduced so that I was not able to dig any longer and then my wife and her sister Lydia dug the remainder and gathered about 1½ acres of corn which we had on the farm we rented.

8 November 1841, Monday
Temple History, p. 60

At 5 o'clock in the evening, the 8th day of November, 1841, the font was dedicated by Joseph Smith the Prophet. After the dedication Brother Reuben McBride was the first person baptized, under the direction of the President.

Brother Samuel Rolfe, who was seriously afflicted with a felon upon one of his hands, was present. President Joseph instructed him to wash in the font and told him that the hand would be healed. The doctors had told him that he could not recover before Spring, and had advised him to have his hand cut. He dipped his hand in the font, and within a week he was perfectly healed.

After this time baptisms were continued in the font, and many Saints realized great blessings--both spiritually and bodily.

11 December 1841, Saturday
Temple History, p. 60

Late in the evening of the 11th of December, the Trustee-in-Trust instructed Brigham Young, president of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to visit the members of the building committee and inform them more fully regarding their duties--to notify them not to accept any more tithes and consecrations, except such as were received from him.

13 December 1841, Monday
Temple History, p. 60

On the morning of the 13th, this message was delivered by Brigham Young to the committee in the presence of Elders Kimball, Woodruff and Willard Richards.
Temple History, p. 60

On the 13th day of December, 1841, the Prophet Joseph appointed Apostle Willard Richards to be recorder for the temple and scribe for the private office of the President.

The recorder opened his office in the counting room of President Joseph's new brick store on Water Street, and he immediately began to record the tithings on the Book of the Law of the Lord, page 27. The first record was made under the date of December 1, 1841. It was one gold sovereign, valued at $5.00, to the credit of John Sanders, late from Cumberland, on the borders of Scotland, Europe.

14 December 1841, Tuesday
Manchester, p. 217

About the middle of November I came over to Nauvoo and there Brother Kimball concilled us to move over the river into Nauvoo which we did on the 14th of December. We were still sick and occasionally shaking. We moved into a very bad house and suffered much from cold. We remained here 6 weeks and then moved to were we are now living viz lot South of the burying ground. During the 6 weeks above mentioned I proved that William Pool (who had always professed to be my friend) had been striving to cause a separation in the family viz to cause mother Moon to turn me out of doors and in order to accomplish this he had told Margaret many reports one of which was that I was the sole cause of her fathers death.