Church History Matters Podcast Summary

Episode: 090 What Was the "Mormon War" of 1838?
Release Date: November 19, 2024
Host: Scott Woodward
Co-Host: Casey Griffiths
Description: In this episode, Scott and Casey delve into the tumultuous events of the 1838 Mormon War in northern Missouri, exploring the complexities of violence and peace within Latter-day Saint Church history.

1. Introduction to the 1838 Mormon War

Scott Woodward begins by setting the historical context of the 1838 Mormon War:

"[00:07] The fall of 1838 marked the first time the Latter Day Saints engaged in organized retaliation against their enemies. The setting was northern Missouri, and the situation was what is referred to as the Mormon War."

Scott and Casey acknowledge that discussing violence in church history can be somber but emphasize its importance in understanding the broader narrative of the Latter-day Saints.

2. The Broader Context of Violence in LDS History

Casey Griffiths addresses common misconceptions about the Latter-day Saints and violence:

"[02:05] Casey Griffiths: It's definitely important. And I'm even going to say that it can be uplifting. But it's tough. It's tough stuff to talk about."

They discuss the oversimplification of equating religion with violence, highlighting that while religion has been associated with violence, it also plays a role in mitigating it. Casey elaborates:

"[04:58] Casey Griffiths: ...we don't even know how much it prevents war too."

3. Categorizing Violence Among Latter-day Saints

Casey introduces a three-tiered model to categorize instances of violence involving the Saints:

1. Victims of Persecution:
   Saints are targeted due to being different, often victims without significant resistance. Examples include the tarring and feathering of Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon ([06:15]).

2. Engagement in Violence:
   Saints actively retaliate against their enemies, sometimes defensively and other times offensively. The 1838 Mormon War falls into this category ([06:47]).

3. Active Aggressors:
   Rare instances where Saints initiate violence, such as the Mountain Meadows Massacre ([07:48]).

4. The Salt Sermon and Rising Tensions

The Salt Sermon, delivered by Sidney Rigdon on July 4, 1838, is a pivotal moment:

"[17:42] Casey Griffiths: ...Rigdon...states that he made an open threat to anybody that messes with them."

Rigdon's rhetoric escalates tensions:

"[19:05] Scott Woodward: ...'We will follow them until the last drop of their blood is spilled...'"

This sermon introduces violent language that foreshadows the ensuing conflict.

5. Emergence of the Danites

The Danites, also known as the Society of the Daughters of Zion, are discussed as a controversial group associated with vigilantism:

"[22:56] Scott Woodward: ...the name most people know them by is the Danites."

Casey clarifies their historical role and debunks myths surrounding their activities:

"[25:16] Scott Woodward: ...'Daughters of Zion' sounds innocent, but it was more threatening in context."

They highlight that while historical records confirm the existence of the Danites during 1838, their portrayal as a persistent secret society is largely mythologized.

6. The Gallatin Election Day Battle

An incident on election day in Gallatin exemplifies escalating hostilities:

"[30:21] Scott Woodward: ...Latter Day Saints come to vote in a hostile environment."

John Butler's account details the violence that erupted, leading to significant injuries and setting the stage for further conflict:

"[31:39] Casey Griffiths: ...'I did not want to kill anyone, but merely to stop the affray...'"

7. The Extermination Order

Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issues the infamous Extermination Order on October 27, 1838:

"[47:50] Casey Griffiths: ...'We must treat the Mormons as enemies and exterminated or driven from the state.'"

Scott critiques the use of the term "extermination," noting its severe implications:

"[48:31] Casey Griffiths: ...'It does not necessarily mean we're going to kill everybody.'"

The order reflects extreme measures sanctioned by the state against the Latter-day Saints.

8. The Haun’s Mill Massacre

Three days after the Extermination Order, the Haun’s Mill Massacre unfolds:

"[51:53] Scott Woodward: ...15 men and two boys had been brutally murdered..."

Casey discusses the tragic events that led to the deaths of numerous Saints and the ensuing trauma among the community:

"[53:34] Casey Griffiths: ...'Haun’s Mill is one of those sites that if you go to Missouri, you should go see.'"

They explore Joseph Smith's reflections on the massacre, emphasizing the failure to heed his counsel which contributed to the tragedy.

9. Aftermath and Liberty Jail

Following the massacre, church leaders, including Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, are captured and incarcerated in Liberty Jail. Casey mentions their experiences and the profound revelations received during this imprisonment:

"[68:55] Scott Woodward: ...'Off to Liberty Jail.'"

The episode underscores the long-term impact of the 1838 conflict on church leadership and the broader Latter-day Saint community.

10. Reflections on Violence and Its Consequences

In their concluding discussion, Scott and Casey reflect on the justification and efficacy of the Saints' engagement in violence:

"[74:30] Casey Griffiths: ...'The Saints give as good as they got. And it's hard to say if it helped at all.'"

They agree that while some actions may have been defensible, the overall outcome did not favor the Saints, leading to forced removal and continued persecution.

Casey shares a personal anecdote illustrating the lingering trauma of these historical events:

"[72:01] Casey Griffiths: ...'Lingering trauma from the 1838 conflict affected me that day.'"

11. Conclusion

Scott summarizes the episode by emphasizing that the 1838 Mormon War did not yield positive outcomes for the Latter-day Saints and highlights the complexities of attributing violence solely to religious motivations:

"[74:57] Casey Griffiths: ...'It doesn't seem like our religion caused them to be violent.'"

The hosts agree that understanding the Mormon War requires a nuanced perspective that considers both internal and external factors contributing to the conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• "We will follow them until the last drop of their blood is spilled..."
  - Sidney Rigdon [19:05]

• "I have never struck a man in anger, had always lived in peace with all men..."
  - John Butler [31:39]

• "The Lord did strengthen my body far beyond the common strength of man..."
  - John Butler [37:05]

• "None had ever been killed who abode by my counsel at Han's Mill..."
  - Joseph Smith [56:49]

• "Extermination or driven from the state if necessary for the public good."
  - Governor Lilburn W. Boggs [47:46]

Final Thoughts:

Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths provide a comprehensive examination of the 1838 Mormon War, shedding light on the intricate interplay between leadership decisions, community actions, and external pressures. By categorizing instances of violence and dissecting pivotal moments like the Salt Sermon and the Haun’s Mill Massacre, they offer listeners a nuanced understanding of this critical period in Latter-day Saint history. The episode concludes with reflections on the enduring impact of these events on the faith and identity of the Saints.

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