Joseph's Swamp

[_MCB]

Joseph Smith couldn't admit that he made a mistake, because that would destroy him as a prophet. The additional materials I have googled up from the bibliography are fascinating. One even blames Galland and White for selling them the land and say that it was intentional to kill them off.

In this context, we can better see Joseph Smith's descent into megalomania. Even King Follet's death supports this.

This also adds light to BY's dismissal of the handcart disaster. Those who died were better off dead because they would have apostatized.

[_Fence Sitter]

What was the attitude toward sickness in surrounding and similar towns and how did death rates in those areas compare to Nauvoo's.

[_MCB]

He specifically addressed that issue in the article. One autobiographical article states the the Warsaw bottoms were unhealthy for the same reason. My ancestors had five children. Four survived to adulthood. They lived in Warsaw. He died of cholera on June 27, 1849. We wonder about the date.

The people did not consider sickness to be a punishment from God.

The WOW and not boiling the water was an important factor. They refused to drink river-water. There is also some discussion of drinking tea as being more healthy.

In order to really research that issue, I would have to go back home and research county records and tour the cemeteries.

[_beastie]

J One even blames Galland and White for selling them the land and say that it was intentional to kill them off.

Wow. Can you share the reference for that one? I'd like to know who made the statement. The land was so unhealthy that someone thought it was a deliberate attempt to kill them off, and yet Joseph continued to encourage immigrants, who had no idea what they were getting into, to settle there.

[_MCB]

Yes, I am busy compiling the relevant sections. Will send you and FenceSitter the file when I am done.

[_MCB]

Done and both files sent.

[_beastie]

Thank you so much!

[_moksha]

Joseph Smith purchased land in Nauvoo, (technically as trustee for the church) and was very enthusiastic in his salesmanship of that land. According to Van Wagoner, the HoC reference vol 5, p 357, on April 13, 1843, Joseph Smith said, in regards to this land:

“Some persons may perhaps inquire which is the most healthful location. I will tell you.

The lower part of the town is the most healthful. In the upper part of the town are merchants who will say that I am partial but the lower part of the town is much the most healthful and I tell it to you in the name of the Lord”

Joseph Smith had purchased parcels in the lower part of the town and was attempting to sell them to incoming LDS.

“NAUVOO, August 25, 1841.
To Horace R. Hotchkiss, Esq., New Haven, Connecticut:

DEAR SIR:--... I presume you are no stranger to the part of the city plat we bought of you being a deathly sickly hole, and that we have not been able in consequence to realize any valuable consideration from it, although we have been keeping up appearances, and holding out inducements to encourage immigration, that we scarcely think justifiable in consequence of the mortality that almost invariably awaits those who come from far distant parts (and that with a view to enable us to meet our engagements), and now to be goaded by you, for a breach of good faith, and neglect and dishonorable conduct, seems to me to be almost beyond endurance....

I am, with considerations of high respect,
Your obedient servant, Joseph Smith.”

I suspect this is why we save our admonishments for sexual morality rather than business ethics. There is money to be made on swamp land.

[_why me]

Ah, but you blamed it all on the "anti-mormons". Now we see there were mo's in there too.

But according to you, it is all the anti's fault.

Getting dizzy from going around in circles yet?

I have always compared the crisis to that of 2008 when the recent banking crisis happened. There is a relationship within the system. However, back in 1837, the Mormon bank was small and vulnerable. Bad timing. I also have claimed that Joseph Smith was not a very good businessman. But this bank was not a con. It was a way for the saints to gather needed funds. But it didn't work. And the antimormons wanting their funds back did not help.

[_why me]

Joseph Smith couldn't admit that he made a mistake, because that would destroy him as a prophet. The additional materials I have googled up from the bibliography are fascinating. One even blames Galland and White for selling them the land and say that it was intentional to kill them off.

In this context, we can better see Joseph Smith's descent into megalomania. Even King Follet's death supports this.

This also adds light to BY's dismissal of the handcart disaster. Those who died were better off dead because they would have apostatized.

You have such hatred for anything Mormon that it clouds your judgment. The saints suffered throughout their lives in New York, Ohio, Missouri and in Nauvoo. They were used to it and their faith was strong because they saw the bigger picture. And when the saints moved out of nauvoo with tears in their eyes, they ended up settling in a far off place and built cities and communities unmatched in US history. The Mormons are very much a part of the frontier, pioneer experience of intolerance. And it is my understanding that you have indian blood. The same mobs that killed the Mormons eventually took their bloody character to the native americans. Think about it.

Joseph's megalomania did not push him away from the suffering. And since he gave his megalomania life to the cause...well, what can one say. And the grief of the saints on the death of their prophet was genuine.

But your catholic hatred for him is amazing. Does your priest know about your obsessive hatred for anything Mormon?