| 145 TIMES AND SEASONS
"TRUTH WILL PREVAIL"
Vol. 1. Whole No. 10.] NAUVOO, ILLINOIS, AUGUST, 1840 [Whole No. 10.
A HISTORY, OF THE PERSECUTION, OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, OF LATTER DAY SAINTS IN MISSOURI.
CONTINUED.
While these things were carrying on, in and about Far West, scenes still more horrid and soul thrilling, were going on, in another part of the county, at a place called Haun's Mill, because a man of that name built a mill there. We will give it from the testimony of eye witnesses. We will give it from the testimony of three, who have testified to it; that is, Joseph Young and his wife; and David Lewis. We also, have the testimony of Mrs. A. Smith, whose husband, and a little son of nine years of age, were killed, and also a younger boy wounded. But wishing to bring our account into as narrow limits as possible, we omit inserting it.
Here follows the testimony of Joseph Young, and his wife, transcribed from their own hand writing.
The following is a short history of my travels to the State of Missouri, and of a bloody tragedy acted at Haun's Mills, on Shoal Creek, October 30th, 1838. On the 6th day of July last, I started with my family from Kirtland, Ohio, for the State of Missouri; the county of Caldwell, in the upper part of the State, being the place of my destination.
On the 13th of October, I crossed the Mississippi at Louisana [Louisiana] at which place I heard vague reports of the disturbances in the upper country; but nothing that could be relied upon. I continued my course westward till I crossed grand river at a place called Compton's ferry, at which place I heard for the first time, that I would be in danger of being stopped by a body of armed men. I was not willing however, while treading my native soil, and breathing republican air, to abandon my object; which was, to locate myself and family, in a fine healthy country, where we could enjoy the society of our friends and connexions [connections]. Consequently, I prosecuted my journey, till I came to Whitney's mills, situated on Shoal Creek, in the eastern part of Caldwell county. After crossing the creek, and going about three miles, we met a party of the mob, about forty in number, armed with rifles and mounted on horses, who informed us, that we could go no farther west; threatening us with instant death if we proceeded any further. I asked them the reason of this prohibition, to which they replied that we were Mormons, and that every one who adhered to our religious faith would have to leave the State in ten days or renounce their religion. Accordingly they drove us back to the mills above mentioned. Here we tarried three days, and on Friday the twenty-sixth, we recrossed the creek, and following up its banks, we succeeded in eluding the mob, for the time being, and gained the residence of a friend, in Myers' settlement. On Sunday 28th of October. we arrived about noon at Haun's mills; where we found a number of our friends collected together, who were holding a council, and deliberating on the best course for them to pursue, to defend themselves against the mob, who were collecting in the neighborhood, under the command of Col. Jennings of Livingston; and threatening them with house burning and killing. The decision of the council was, that our friends there, should place themselves in an attitude of self-defence [defense].
Accordingly, about twenty eight of our men, armed themselves and were in constant readiness for an attack of any small body of men that might come upon them. The same evening, for some cause best known to themselves, the mob sent one of their number, to enter into a treaty with our friends; which was accepted of, on the condition of mutual forbearance on both sides, and that each party, as far as their influence extended, should exert themselves to prevent any further
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