Legal Events

August 31 and September 1, 1844

Emma Smith and William Clayton went to Quincy to consult with Justice Miller regarding what should be done about the Lawrence guardianship. He advised that a final accounting and new Guardian needed to be filed and appointed respectively.

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September 5, 1844

People v. Williams 1: Twenty-three grand jurors, who would hear evidence against the accused assassins, were designated by the county commissioners. Despite Latter-day Saints comprising approximately half of the population, not one grand juror was a Mormon.

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September 5, 1844

Almon Babbitt appointed legal guardian of the five Lawrence children.

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September 17, 1844

Dana v. Brink: Precipe was filed requesting a copy of the May 16, 1843, certiorari bond. Brink persists in failing to pay the bond or damages.

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September 19, 1844

Joseph W. Coolidge succeeded Emma as administrator of Joseph Smith's estate.

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September 22, 1844

People v. Williams 1: Murray McConnell, appointed as special agent to gather evidence, began issuing warrants for the arrest of those suspected of being involved in the murders.

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September 1844

Charles Ivins, William Law, Wilson Law, Chauncey Higbee, Francis Higbee, Robert Foster, Charles Foster v. Edward Hunter, Orson Spencer, John P. Greene, Stephen Markham, Alpheus Cutler & Joseph W. Collidge: Ivins with the Laws, Fosters, and Higbees, sued for civil damages resulting from the destruction of the Expositor printing press.

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October 1, 1844

People v. Williams 1: After being relentlessly pursued by Governor Ford's forces, Defendants Sharp and Williams surrender themselves.

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October 1844

City of Nauvoo v. Foster: In a full jury trial, all remaining defendants were acquitted of riot and destruction of property by the County Circuit Court in its October term.

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October 1844

State of Illinois v. Levi Williams, Jacob C. Davis, Thomas C. Sharp, Mark Aldrich and Thomas Grover. This suit was filed for the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

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