Liberty Jail
Liberty, Missouri, is of historical significance to every Latter-day Saint. Early in the 1820's, Liberty developed into a bustling trading and outfitting post for settlers and pioneers.
By 1822, Liberty had become the seat of justice for Clay County, and a jail was constructed in 1833. On November 30, 1838, the Prophet Joseph and five companions, Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight, Alexander McRae, Caleb Baldwin, and Sidney Rigdon, were unlawfully imprisoned in the jail after a hearing on false charges at Richmond. The men spend four and a half months here suffering the hardships of a better winter and the deprivations common to the prisoners of the time, all without a case being proved against them. The jail continued to be used for prisoners until 1856 when it was utilized for a short time as an ice storage plant. It stood vacant for many years, crumbling into ruin. In 1900, a Mr. Stephens purchased the site and built his home over it, using the floor and walls of the old jail in the construction of the home's foundation. The house was purchased by the Church in 1939 and used as a missionary residence.
The present-day jail, housed in the rotunda of Liberty Jail Visitor's Center, is an authentic reconstruction of the original building. The floor of the old jail is in the exact original position; foundation stones of the old residence are now part of the outer walls of the restoration. Pieces of the original door hardware and portions of the barred windows are among the authentic parts of the old jail building. President Joseph Fielding Smith, then a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles dedicated the Visitor's Center housing the jail on September 15, 1963.
The true significance of Liberty Jail lies in the spiritual events, which transpired there during that four and a half month period of cramped confinement. Joseph Smith, the Prophet, meditated and talked with God, and received great revelations that are destined to effect millions of people. These truths, including revelations on the principles of free agency, righteous and unrighteous dominion, and the divinity of the Constitution of the United States are recorded in section 121, 122, and 123 or the Doctrine and Covenants and the History of the Church Vol.III, page 204.
The outside dimensions of the original building are 22.5 feet long, 22 feet wide, and 12 feet high to the square. The building was used as a prison until 1856 until it was considered unsafe.
Liberty Jail (Continued)
From October, 1838, to April, 1839, Joseph Smith and others spent a very difficult time in jail. Part of that time in Richmond, Missouri, and 4 1/2 months in Liberty Jail. It occurred at a time when the saints were passing through their greatest trials to date. The extermination order had been issued by Governor Boggs, an apostle had been killed, the First Presidency was incarcerated, and winter was upon them. They faced being driven once again from their lovely homes in Far West to seek refuge elsewhere.
It has been said of the Prophet Joseph that "only with his body captive could he truly liberate his mind." While in Liberty Jail, some of the greatest revelations were received (Sections 121, 122, 123 of the D&C). Upon leaving Liberty Jail, Hyrum said of his brother: "There were prophets before, but Joseph now has the spirit and power of all the prophets." Liberty Jail prepared him for the incredible doctrines that would come in Nauvoo, and ultimately for the martyrdom. It is often referred to as the Prison Temple because of the spiritual outpouring that happened there. There were six in the jail:
Joseph Smith: In a letter to Emma, Joseph wrote: "With emotions known only to God, do I write this letter... under these circumstances, defies the pen or tongue, or Angels, to describe, or paint, to the human being what we have experienced." He prophesied to his companions that the Lord had let him know in a vision that no matter what they suffered, their lives would be spared. Joseph spent much time in the upper portion of the jail writing to Emma, receiving revelation, and even studying law. Because of visitors, he knew the plight of his people. He commented that it was more difficult to not be with the saints in their time of trial than to go through the pain of his incarceration.
Hyrum Smith was five years older than Joseph. He turned 39 years old while in the jail. He was fiercely loyal to his brother. The Lord said this of Hyrum: "Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart and because he loveth that which is right before me." One year before coming to Liberty, his wife, Jerusha, passed away leaving five children. Hyrum had remarried Mary Fielding who had a child while he was in jail. His wife, Mary Fielding, and her sister, Mercy, visited the jail in February 1839. Hyrum was able to see his baby for the first time. After the visit, Mercy wrote: "It would be beyond my power to describe my feelings when we were admitted into the jail.... As long as memory lasts will remain in my recollection the squeaking hinges of that door which closed upon the noblest men on earth. Who can imagine our feelings as we traveled homeward, but would I sell that honor bestowed upon me of being locked up in jail with such characters for good? No! No!"
Alexander McRae was six feet six inches tall and. He joined the church and moved to Far West, and he took an active role in the militia there. Alexander's wife, Eunice, visited him twice. On one occasion, she brought a new son whom Joseph blessed while in jail and gave him the name of Joseph. Instructions from Joseph to Brigham were carefully concealed in the baby's diaper when she left. McRae walked 16 miles to his own baptism and was met by a mob. Leaders asked him if he'd like to postpone it. His response: "I demand baptism, and for these me, I am not afraid of all the devils out of hell." He went with the saints to Salt Lake and served 36 years as a bishop of the Eleventh Ward in Salt Lake City. He liked birds, but after Liberty Jail, he wouldn't anyone to keep a bird in a cage in his home. He knew what it was like to be in a cage.
Lyman Wight joined the church in 1830 (baptized by Oliver Cowdery). He participated in the Zion's Camp march. He first settled in Adam-ondi-Ahman (previously called "Wight's Settlement"). He later was called to be one of the twelve apostles (after David Patten was killed in Far West.) He described the food in the jail: "The mercies of the jailer were intolerable, feeding us with a scanty allowance on the dregs of coffee and tea from his own table, and fetching the provisions in a basket, without being cleaned, on which chickens had roosted the night before. Five days he fed the prisoners human flesh, and from extreme hunger, I was compelled to eat." Lyman was unable to support Brigham Young after Joseph's death. He led 150 people to Texas where he began a "new order." He was there until his death.
Caleb Baldwin: Caleb was the oldest of the group. He was baptized b Parley Pratt in 1830. He endured all of his hardships with dignity. After being released from Liberty, he settled in Nauvoo with his family. He went west with the Saints but tragically died nine months after they arrived. He was the 13th person to be buried in the Salt Lake Cemetery.
Sidney Rigdon left the jail 2 1/2 months earlier than the others. In the middle of his imprisonment, he was granted audience with a Clay County judge. His eloquence so touched the crowd that they were in tears. Alexander Doniphan remarked: "Such a burst of eloquence it was never my fortune to listen to, at its close there was not a dry eye in the room, all were moved to tears." The judge then released Sidney. He was given a horse, a pistol, and a guide who knew the country and he returned to his family. The other five remained in the jail.
Liberty Jail (Still continued)
Liberty Jail was a place of meditation and prayer... Joseph Smith sought God in this rude prison, and found Him. Out of the midst of his tribulations, he called upon God in passionate earnestness.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell wrote: "The nearly windowless prison-temple becomes a unique window itself through which to view Joseph and the processes of revelation and soul stretching evident during this particular period of the Restoration. Herein we see Joseph testifying while suffering, learning while teaching, giving direction to the work while he was being tutored, giving blessings while being cursed, and proclaiming the United States Constitution to be a 'glorious standard' even while being grossly deprived of his own constitutional rights."
"The scene, therefore, is not one of an isolated prophet insulated in a calm, scholastic or monastic setting. Rather we see a prophet removed from, but still very much involved in the fray. Though Joseph had been betrayed, jailed and defamed, the Lord's work went on through him in the midst of 'all these things'."
"Significantly, through the 'window' that was at Liberty Jail, we see Joseph growing spiritually and being prepared for the rushed moments in another and final jail --- Carthage."
"In Liberty, Joseph had time to ponder, albeit the grim conditions. Jailed, Joseph's introspections doubtless prepared him to receive therein the great revelations now known as sections 121 and 122 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Section 123 was set forth by Joseph during the same period of incarceration. Portions of these revelations and Joseph's own communication and reflections during his imprisonment, illuminate for us, in ways probably unique in all of scripture, the challenges associated with deepening one's discipleship." |
Declaration of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, on the Constitution of the United States of America
“Here is a principle also, which we are bound to be exercised with, that is, in common with all men, such as governments and laws and regulations in the civil concerns of life. This principle guarantees to all parties, sects, and denominations, and classes of religion, equal, coherent, and indefeasible rights; they are things that pertain to this life; therefore all are alike interested; they make our responsibilities one towards another in matters of corruptible things, while the former principles do not destroy the latter, but bind us stronger, and make our responsibilities not only one to another, but unto God also."
"Hence we say, that the Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard; it is founded in the wisdom of God. It is a heavenly banner; it is to all those who are privileged with the sweets of liberty, like the cooling shades and refreshing waters of a great rock in a thirsty and weary land. It is like a great tree under whose branches men from every clime can be shielded from the burning rays of the sun."
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Summary Review of Revelations given in Section 121 from God to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail
The soul cry of Joseph Smith unto God within these prison walls at a time of trouble and hardship
1 O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
2 How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?
3 Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?
An answer from God
7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
9 Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.
The principles of righteous dominion
41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile —
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.
The principles of unrighteous dominion
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
The rights of the Priesthood are connected with the power of heaven
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
The power of faith and virtue
45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.
46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever. |
Letter to Emma Smith from Joseph Smith while in Liberty Jail
(The original letter contained spelling and grammatical errors, and can be found here.)
Liberty Jail
Clay County, Missouri
1839 March 21st
Affectionate Wife:
I have sent an Epistle to the church directed to you because I wanted you to have the first reading of it and then I want Father and Mother to have a copy of it. Keep the original yourself as I dictated the matter myself and shall send an other as soon as possible.
I want to be with you very much but the powers of mobocracy are too much for me at present. I would ask if Judge Cleaveland will be kind enough to let you and the children tarry there until I can learn something further concerning my fate. I will reward him well if he will and see that you do not suffer for anything. I shall have a little money left when I come.
My Dear Emma, I very well know your toils and sympathize with you. If God will spare my life once more to have the privilege of taking care of you, I will ease your care and endeavor to comfort your heart.
I want you to try to gain time and write me a long letter and tell me all you can and even if old Major is alive yet and what those little prattlers say that cling around your neck. Do you tell them I am in prison and that their lives might be saved?
I want all the Church to make out a bill of damages and apply to the United States court as soon as possible. However, they will find out what can be done themselves. You emphasize my feelings concerning the order, and I believe that there is a way to get redress for such things, but God ruleth all things after the council of his own will. My trust is in him, the salvation of my soul is of the most importance to me. Forasmuch as I know for a certainty of eternal things, if the heavens linger, it is nothing to me. I must steer my bark safe, which I intend to do. I want you to do the same Emma Smith.
I want you to have the Epistle copied immediately and let it go to the Brethren. First into the hands of Father, for I want the production for my record.
If you lack for money or for bread, do let me know it as soon as possible.
My nerves tremble from long confinement, but if you feel as I do, you don't care for the imperfections of my writings. For my part, a word of consolation from any source is cordially received by me. I feel like Joseph in Egypt. Doth my friends yet live? If they live do they remember me? Have they regard for me? If so, let me know it in time of trouble.
My Dear Emma, do you think that my being cast into prison by the mob renders me less worthy of your friendship? No, I do not think so, but when I was in prison and ye visited me inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me. These shall enter into life Eternal but no more.
Your Husband
J Smith Jr
Hyrum Smith Correspondence to and from Liberty Jail
Hyrum Smith wrote to Sister Clarinda Grinnals to thank her for taking care of his family, his sick wife Mary, the baby, and their five children during his incarceration. Hyrum's letter also includes instructions to his oldest children.
Liberty, March 16, 1839
Sister Grinnals;
I feel to write a few lines to you in token of that friendship you have manifested towards my family. I feel grateful to you for your kindness and know not when I shall be able to reward you for your trouble. If God will preserve my life, you shall be rewarded for all your trouble.
The name of that woman to whom you was very kind in her sickness is printed in sacred remembrance in my heart. That child you have nourished so kindly brings your name in sacred remembrance and it cannot be forgotten. I want you should stay with the family and never leave them. My home shall be your home for I shall have a home though I have none now. Though age shall cause the strength of nature to fail, yet my house shall be your home. I shall not fail. I am sensible that your strength has been much exhausted for the benefit of my family. May God grant that I may be able to reciprocate your kindness. May the Lord bless you and give you health and better days. Clairinda, remember that your benefactor and protector who has been as kind to you as an own father is now in prison for his religion. I wish you should call to mind the instructions I have given you. I want you should be steady and prayerful. Be kind to the woman that you call your mother. Let mother give you one of the Books of Mormon and write your name in it. I want you to seek every opportunity to read it through. Remember me both night and morning in your prayers. May the Lord bless you. Take care of the little children. Lovina, my child, you must be a good girl and be kind to your mother and to your little brothers and sisters, be steady and read your book. You may have my small took of Mormon. You must try to read it through. Pray for your father that the Lord may help him to come home. Little John, little Hiram, little Jerusha and little Sarah, you must be good little children till father comes home. He will come as soon as he can.
Hyrum Smith [Letter from Hyrum Smith to Sister Grinnals, l6 March 1839, Liberty Jail, LDS Church Archives, Salt Lake City, UT; Cottle, Liberty Jail and the Legacy of Joseph, 125].
19 March 1839: Four letters were received at the jail. One was from Bishop Partridge (5 March). Two others were from Don Carlos Smith to Joseph and Hyrum, Wm. Smith to Joseph and Hyrum (6 March), and the fourth was from Emma to Joseph (7 March).
On this same day, Hyrum wrote to Mary F. as follows:
Mary my dear: [Hyrum had received a letter from Brother Partridge through the hand of Brother Rogers. He had only scraps of paper to write on.] I was somewhat disappointed that I did not hear from you and the family by your own hand. Bro. Partridge says he informed you of the opportunity of sending by Bro. Rogers. I do not know but you were sick. [He expressed feelings of anxiety] [A]nd perhaps some kind angel or brooding spirit may manifest all things to me by dream or vision. God has said that he would deliver us from the power of our enemies in his own due time. We try to be as patient as possible. I desire to hear from you by your hand if it is possible. You must excuse my form [of] writing. My nerves are somewhat effected and my hands are this evening quite swollen and fingers are stiff and painful with the rheumatism. We have appealed to the supreme judges habeas corpus. We think they will set us free. Pray for us. Pray for me. My affection? for you is incessant. Yours in the bands of true friendship and love till death…
20 March 1839, Hyrum again wrote to Mary:
Mary my dear companion, this morning Bro. Rogers came in to see us and thinks he will not return [in] under two weeks. I wrote a short line this evening to you not knowing that I would have an opportunity of writing this morning. They thought they would be at liberty before this time and would be with you so [I] have written much. Our guards are very strict and have been since Elder Rigdon went away from here. The people have been suspicious that he would send a strong force to set us at liberty so they have been more strict. I slept a good day and night but our freedom is close at hand. God is with us and we know the will of God... Bro. Rogers informed us this morning that he called on you and informed you that he was coming here but you gave him no answer. I do not wish to sorrow your feelings if they are innocent but I thought it strange that you did |
not send one word to me when I thought you knew that I was so anxious to hear from you.
[Imagine my disappointment at not receiving information concerning] the little babe or those little children that lies near my heart although my heart feels wounded today wist [sic] I write yet my heart is tender like that of a child's not withstanding my experienced manhood and age. The tears do obstruct my writing hand on my weakness. My desire has been to make you as comfortable as possible but you know I have been prevented. Be assured you have my warmest affections and ever will till death... This [visiting] brother knows nothing of the family except yourself. You were upstairs and did not come down to see him nor to give him any information only he learned by others that your health was improving. This fact was good news. Time will bring about all things and we must be patient in tribulations and wait the will of God be done. I have no fears of my salvation for God is my judge… Hyrum Smith [Cottle, Liberty Jail and the Legacy of Joseph, 126, 128,].
Mary F., Quincy, Illinois, to Hyrum, Liberty, Missouri, [sometime before 11] April 1839. My dear husband: I received yesterday a large packet of letters from you which took nearly all my pleasure time to read through the day which I did with mingled feelings of pleasure and grief. I assure you I had thought it very long before I heard from you your first letter only came to hand a little more than a week ago… I am sure if I could have known that you would be in confinement so long I should by no means have omitted to write to you often although I might have to do it while other[s] slept? As I am now doing to write on the receipt of yours…
…Oh Hyrum… so many things crowd up my mind which I should like to tell you but cannot in this way that I long to see you, that I may explain all things to you as I wish to do. As Elder Rigdon told me some time ago that he had given you an account of our situation so I shall skip over may things leave them to be explained when I have the pleasure of seeing you… I am now… enjoying good health and fast recovering my strength which is greatly needed after near five months sickness in which [I] have been entirely unable to take care of the household affairs…My dear you say if you have forsaken me you might - write and let me know it be this feelings of a familiar nature I thought if I had not proved to you in the course of the 9 or 10 months I had lived with you that I cared for your own and the welfare of family. I would in further endeavors to do so.... I observe a spirit moving through the whole which seems to strengthen attachments to you and if I should again be permitted to enjoy your (company?) I hope to prove to you that I am a never failing friend.... My dear husband I have finished my letter and send it off by a brother but as no one knew where you would be, it was sent back to me. I was sorry but am now glad as I have this day received a letter from you dated April 6 and wish to make a few remarks in answer to it. In the first place I would say that your wrapher [?] is safe at home also your saddle bags - which were sent home before you left Far West. The brother told me I might bring them with me as you would they expected be here as soon as you were but in this I was disappointed. In the next place I must beg of you to say no more about me having forsaken you or the family. It gives me so much pain of mind that I can hardly bear it. I again tell you that such a thought never entered my heart. Don't my dear be uneasy about any of the children. Little Joseph Jr. he's to near my heart to be neglected but I will take this to heart and I promise you that if this is necessary that your mind may be easy respecting the family that they shall continue to receive all the care and attention I am capable of showing them until your return and afterwards it shall not be lessened. We are all quite well in health at this time excepting brother Thompson who has been so closely confined to writing during the setting of the court that he is now quite layed up. He desires me to give his particular love to you and to say that if he had not been so much engaged he would have written. My sister also with all the family send their sincere love to you and I subscribe myself your most affectionate friend and companion in tribulation.
- Mary Smith [Cottle, Liberty Jail and the Legacy of Joseph, 135-38,]. |
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