October 1, 1843
Schwartz v. Smith: Joseph Smith was summoned to appear in circuit court for unlawfully withholding possession of a tract of land from William, Edward, Isabella, Eliza, Horatio, Josiah, Hiram, and Elizabeth Schwartz.
Legal Events
October 11, 1843
State v. Drown: On a habeas corpus petition in the Nauvoo Municipal Court, Charles Drown challenged an arrest on warrant for perjury. The petition for habeas corpus claimed Drown was innocent of crime and was not discharged after his case was heard before Justice of the Peace Leonard E. Harrington. With Joseph Smith serving as chief judge, execution was issued against goods and chattels of Drown and Bathrick for $24.37½ each, plus costs of court.
October 14, 1843
Schwartz v. Smith: Joseph Smith was provided a copy of the Schwartz's declaration, with instruction to appear at the Hancock County Circuit Court to plead. If Smith failed to appear, the plaintiffs would recover possession of the land.
October 30, 1843
Joseph Smith received $300 from Orson Spencer to pay to Robert D. Foster.
November 24, 1843
State v. Finch: John M. Finch petitioned the Nauvoo Municipal Court for a writ of habeas corpus. Finch had been charged with larceny for allegedly stealing a clothes brush belonging to Amos Davis. The petition for habeas corpus claimed warrant was illegal and did not conform to the laws of the state of Illinois. Finch was discharged by the court.
December 11, 1843
Joseph Smith sent an affidavit to Illinois Governor Thomas Ford reporting conditions surrounding the recent kidnapping of Daniel Avery.
December 14, 1843
Joseph Smith received a letter from Illinois Governor Thomas Ford in which he claimed no place to interfere in individual crimes committed against the Saints in this matter and that punishment belonged to the judicial power and not to the executive.
December 22, 1843
State v. Eagle: On a complaint of Joseph Smith, John Eagle was charged with robbery and assault with the intent to kill Richard Badham. The defendant was discharged for want of evidence. The case was heard before Justices of the Peace Aaron Johnson and Robert D. Foster.
December 25, 1843
Orrin Porter Rockwell appeared at Joseph Smith's Christmas party, having just been released from jail for nine months in Missouri. He warned Joseph Smith of a traitor close to both him and to his enemies in Missouri.
December 29, 1843
Joseph Smith pronounced a blessing on the Nauvoo Police and offered to pay twice the amount of any bribe offered to them for information about the briber.
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