Monday, August 22, 2022

Joseph Smith's Promise of the Safe Escape of Stephen Markham

In his history for April 11, 1839, Joseph Smith promised Stephen Markham deliverance, notwithstanding the dangerous situation he and Joseph were in. While Joseph was awaiting trial, Markham was to be a witnesses for Joseph, but would be beaten by a guard:

 

The examination of witnesses was continued and Elder [Stephen] Markham was permitted to give his testimony, after he had closed, Blakesly one of the Guard came in, and said to Markham, that he wanted to speak to him, Brother Markham walked out with him, and round the end <S. Markham mobbed.> of the house when Blakesly cried out “God dam you; you damd old Mormon; I’ll kill you” and struck at Markham with his fist, and then with a club. Markham took the club, and threw it over the fence. There were ten of the Mob, who immediately rushed upon Markham to kill him, Col. William P. Peniston, Captain of the Guard being one of the number. but Markham told them, he could kill the whole of them at one blow a piece and drove them all off. The court and Grand Jury stood, and saw the affray, and heard the Mob threaten Markham’s life by all the oaths they could invent, but they took no cognizance of it— The ten mobbers went home after their guns to shoot Markham, and the Grand Jury brought in a bill for “Murder, Treason, Burglary, Arson, Larceny, Theft, and Stealing,” against Lyman Wight, Alexander Mc.Rae, Caleb Baldwin, Hyrum Smith and myself.

 

<Committee> This evening the Committee assembled at Daniel Shearers, after prayer by Brother James Newberry, he was ordained an Elder on the recommendation of Elder [Heber C.] Kimball, under the hands of Elder Kimball, H[iram] Clark and W[illiam] Huntington Elder Kimball reported that Jesse T. Maupin, the Thirty Dollar messenger they sent to us, had returned, that the prisoners were well and in good Spirits. Brother [David W.] Rogers who had returned from Jackson County reported that he had sold all the lands in Jackson— Elder Kimball was requested to attended a meeting of the County tomorrow, and as an individual mention the case of the Committee and brethren generally and learn their feelings. whether they would protect the brethren from the abuse of the Mob, in case they come immediately to drive them out as they had recently threatened

 

Continuing, we read the following:

 

During this night the visions — — — — — of the future were opened to my understanding when I saw the ways and means and near approach of my escape from imprisonment.

 

<April 11> and the danger that my beloved Brother Markham was in, I awoke Brother Markham and told him if he would rise very early and not wait for the Judge and Lawyers as he had contemplated, but ride briskly, he would get safe home, almost before he was aware of it, and if he did not the Mob would shoot him on the way. And tell the brethren to be of good cheer, and lose no time in removing from the Country

 

In the entry for April 12, we read the fulfillment of this promise:

 

<12 [Stephen] Markham’s return> Friday 12 This morning Brother Markham arose at dawn of day, and rode rapidly towards Far West, where he arrived before 9 a.m. The Mobbers pursued to shoot him but did not overtake him.

 

Further Reading:

 

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