Legal Events

About October 31, 1838

Colonel George M. Hinkle, on the pretense that the hostile militia surrounding Far West desired a truce, escorted Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to a supposed parley with militia officers. Instead, they were taken prisoner and marched to the enemy camp on Goose Creek.

November 1, 1838

Officers of the Missouri militia held a court martial and sentenced Joseph Smith, his brother Hyrum, and others to be shot at 9:00 a.m. General Alexander W. Doniphan refused to carry out the sentence.

November 6, 1838

Joseph Smith, Jr. for the Use of Julius Granger v. John Coltrin & Cyrus Smalling. In the Court of Common Pleas, Geauga County, Joseph Smith filed an action on a promissory note for $500. The defendants counterclaimed against Joseph Smith for $2,000 allegedly owed for "various goods and merchandise" as well as $1,500 for Kirtland Safety Society notes, an "unauthorized bank paper." A jury trial was held. The defendants recovered their costs of $23.24. The plaintiffs gave notice of intent to appeal.

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Winter Quarters

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