Events

November 2, 1845

Nauvoo, Illinois—
In speaking of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, Robert D. Foster told Abraham Hodge: "I haven't seen one moment's peace since that time. . . . The thought of meeting Joseph and Hyrum Smith at the bar of God is more awful to me than anything else."  

January 1846

Hancock County, Illinois—
Almon W. Babbitt, Guardian for heirs of Edward Lawrence v. Smith and Coolidge: Babbitt filed a new action, adding Sarah and Maria Lawrence as co-petitioners. Babbitt filed only against the estates of Joseph Smith and Hyrum.  

May 19, 1846

Hancock County, Illinois—
Almon W. Babbitt, Guardian for heirs of Edward Lawrence v. Smith and Coolidge: The case was tried. Mary Fielding Smith and Joseph Coolidge failed to appear. After hearing evidence of damages, judgment was rendered against each estate for $4,275.88 plus court costs. It does not appear that Babbit made any effort to execute on the judgments.

August 8, 1848

Carthage, Illinois—
John M. Ferris was appointed administrator of Joseph Smith's estate, following the appointments of Emma Smith (in July 1844) and of Joseph Coolidge (on September 19, 1844).

August 19 and December 4, 1850

Springfield, Illinois—
United States v. Smith: The United States brought actions against the estate of Joseph Smith and 104 defendants for nonpayment of the 1840 debt to Robert E. Lee for the purchase of the steamboat Nauvoo. No fraud was found, but foreclosures were permitted by Judge Thomas Drummond against nearly 4,000 acres originally owned by Joseph Smith. Four public sales were conducted locally through July 17, 1852.

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Winter Quarters

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