Events

March 10, 1845

Carthage, Illinois—
People v. Benjamin Brackenbury: Arrested, accused of testifying falsely about Levi Williams being on horseback in Carthage during the murders.  

April 1845

Unknown location—
Reid v. Smith: Payment in case of charge of riot and treason by the state of Illinois.

May 6, 1845

Hancock County, Illinois—
Almon Babbitt submitted a claim of $4,033.87 against the estate of Joseph Smith, on behalf of the Lawrence heirs. Coolidge approved the claim.  

May 19, 1845

Carthage, Illinois—
People v. Williams 1:  Trial convened for five indicted assassins, Levi Williams, Thomas C. Sharp, Mark Aldrich, Jacob C. Davis, and William N. Grover.  

May 1845

Carthage, Illinois—
People v. John C. Elliott: John C. Elliott was accused of murdering Joseph Smith. The grand jury refused to indict.  

June 1845

Carthage, Illinois—
State of Illinois v. Levi Williams, Jacob C. Davis, Thomas C. Sharp, Mark Aldrich and Thomas Grover. All defendants were acquitted for the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.
  • LDS Church Archives, Joseph Smith Legal Papers series 

June 7, 1845

Nauvoo, Illinois—
Smith v. Emmons: Suit was brought on an attested debt of $22.75. Sylvester Emmons was subpoenaed on June 22, 1844. Lucien Woodworth and Eliza Partridge were also subpoenaed.  

August 14, 1845

Carthage, Illinois—
Sweeney v. Miller: Joseph Smith, Guy C. Sampson (Sweeney's attorney), transferred judgment to Sheriff William Backenstos of Nauvoo, who collected from the Church trustees. Backenstos later transferred the May 5, 1842, judgment to the Church Trustees Almon W. Babbitt, Joseph L. Heywood, and John S. Fullmer on April 4, 1846.  

September 1, 1845

Hancock County, Illinois—
Almon W. Babbitt, Guardian for heirs of Edward Lawrence v. William Law, Joseph Coolidge: Almon W. Babbitt, acting as guardians for the Lawrence heirs, filed suit against the estates of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith, and against William Law (based on Hyrum and Law's bond for Joseph Smith as guardian).  

October 23, 1845

Hancock County, Illinois—
Almon W. Babbitt, Guardian for heirs of Edward Lawrence v. William Law, Joseph Coolidge: Babbitt withdrew his claim.  

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