Ep 20 Jesse Perse Harmon Pt 4: Nauvoo 🏡 General Conference ⛪️ Gov Boggs shot

👉Jesse Perse Harmon👈(family tree 🌳 link)
https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/KWJH-BL8

The Mormonite congregations in Missouri had been forcefully evacuated through murder, rage baiting, and violence. President Joseph Smith and Hyrum had made an assisted escape while on a transfer from Liberty Jail, Moving onto the newly named community of Nauvoo in the autumn of 1840 was an apprehensive excitement that just maybe there would be some stability in their family’s future. Street were plotted, property surveyed, homes were built…hundreds of them in a few short years. Community charters were drafted and approved, industry began to thrive, militias were organized to protect the city, laws were drafted, ordinances set, general conferences were held, the Nauvoo Legion grew to over 600 members by the spring of 1841, and temple construction began. Nauvoo was a great place for children to play, grow, and frolick amongst the new surroundings that felt stable & safe, for the moment. Immigrant converts began to flood into Nauvoo from the eastern United States and Europe. 
In the spring 1842, former Governor Lilburn W. Boggs is shot in an assassination attempt that will be rumored and ultimately blamed on Joseph Smith’s destroying angel, Porter Rockwell. Even though Porter is acquitted, these trying circumstances will escalate and eventually drag the residents of Nauvoo into one of the most tumultuous times in Illinois history. 

Transcript

Ok, I’m getting up. Shhhh, let’s dont wake the Mrs. 

Follow me over to the wash basin so’s I can get a morning shave.

How do you do? My name is Jesse Perse Harmon. This here is part 4 of my life story. As unbelievable as this may sound, not every detail has been mentioned. I am trying my darndest to give you the highlights as best they can be remembered 180+ years later. 

Well, it aint much to look at, but it’s all that God gave me. And Mrs Harmon seems to adore it. Speaking of hair trims, You know what the difference is between a good haircut and a bad one? Bout 2 weeks.

There, that’ll have to do. 

Over this way. Come on outside with me. It’s early in the morning here in Springfield, Illinois. I got a bit of milking to do. If you’ll join me I can get you up to speed on my story.

Good morning Mrs. Pickles. Let’s make Alpheus proud this morning ok? I’ll make you a deal, you dont put your foot in the bucket or swat my face, and I promise to bite my tongue from any profane oathing. Deal? Good enough. 

For those a you still a listening to this hear story of mine, here’s the up to date skinny on my life:

I was born on August 11, 1795, in the Vermont Republic. 

I was 15 when my mother died.

My brother Martin and I fought in the war of 1812.

Martin was mortally wounded at Lacolle Mill, and I buried him at Little Chézy, NY in April of 1814

I survived a British cannonball….put that on your résumé.

I married Anna Barnes on the 29 April 1819. 

We moved to and fro for a bit, mostly following family.

In the autumn of 1837 Anna and I followed other siblings into Kirtland, Ohio.

In July of 1838 we left Kirtland with a larger group, making our way in the direction of Davies County, Missouri. 

After a trek of 550 miles, we decided to hold up here in Springfield, Illinois. My sister, Sarah’s family, had suffered nearly insurmountable losses along the way. Her daughter Almira, son in law Thomas Carr, and newborn granddaughter Amy, had all died within a few short days of each other as we crossed through Henry County, Indiana, the latter part of August 1838. This left her grandchildren George Guies (5 yrs old) and Sarah Naomi (3 yrs old) as orphans. As a larger devoted Harmon family, we needed to stop, grieve, rest, and regroup. 

Yes we’re done Mrs Pickles. Once again your good nature has spared you from the frying pan. 

(Sophronia Melinda Harmon) Good morning Father….hello Mrs Pickles….and to you Mr Boggs…father, why’d we name him Mr. Boggs

(Jesse) his full name is LW Boggs. Sometimes as a homesteader it’s easier to name your pigs after characters of ill repute. Makes it easier to help them fill the measure of their creation.

(Sophie) Oh, you mean process him into chops, hams and bacon when the time comes.

(Jesse Talking nicely to the pig) shhhh….Mhm. Aint that right Mr. Boggs? 

(Sophie) Oh father, we aren’t gonna eat Mr. Boggs are we?

(Jesse) Well not all of him. Everything except the squeal. THAT’s against our religion. 

(Sophie) Rain again? It just rained over the weekend.

(Jesse) It’s about due typical for Springfield. Every three days. Since yunz is made of sugar and spice and everything nice, you’d better get inside afore you melt Sophie….

(Sophie) …but the eggs

(Jesse)….I will gather the eggs for you. 

(Sophie) Thank you father.

(Jesse) For those of you wondering…No Sophie wasn’t hurt by the lightning, just affrighted by the lack of Mississippi’s she could count between the lightning flash and the thunder kaboom….and her brothers did tease her about her piglet-esque squeals as she bolted through the door. Boys will be boys.

Ya know, Springfield, Illinois, has treated us well, providing a stable and peaceful refuge. Yet, this peace has been shadowed by loss. In March of 1840, my sister Elizabeth Lucina lost her husband, Joshua. As a larger Harmon family we have pulled closer together here in Springfield, and our desire for proximity closeness will likely be evident in the years to come. 

It’s been a difficult few years as well for those who went to Missouri. Many were massacred, the women and children were driven into the winter cold, their houses and homesteads destroyed.

President Smith, and others, were imprisoned in Missouri from December 1838 until the sixth of April, 1839. After their escape, the church sought a new place to settle, purchasing a large tract of property in the community of Commerce, Illinois, in May 1839….That swampy location needs work, there aren’t enough bats, frogs or citronella candles in all 26 states and 5 territories to get rid of the mosquitoes that are infesting that place….YET…if their draining projects work, it could have the potential to become a peaceful place of gathering, for a while….hopefully. 

I would say thats enough conversing from the barn for one day. 

Jesse: Anna, can we sit on the front porch for a moment?

Anna: Yes Dear. What’s on your mind?

Jesse: Anna, I know Springfield’s been good to us. We’ve had some peace here, more than many of our kin. But I can feel it in my bones—it’s time to go. The Lord’s hand is moving, and we need to be with our people.

Anna:  I know, Jesse. I feel it too. But we’ve lost so much… Joshua, Elizabeth’s husband…And what about the children? It may not be a long journey, yet what will we find when we get there?

Jesse: I’ve thought of that, every day. But Commerce, Nauvoo now, it’s not just any place. It’s where we’re supposed to be. The Saints are gathering, building something new. Joseph himself arranged that land purchase, Anna. The Lord’s led us here, and now He’s leading us onward. I don’t want us to look back and wonder what we missed by staying here too long.

Anna: You’re right, Jesse. We’ve always followed where the Lord has led, and He hasn’t let us down yet. But it’s hard, leaving behind what little comfort we’ve managed to find here. I guess I’ve grown fond of this little town.

Jesse: I know. But think of the joy we’ll find there, being among the Saints. Building something lasting, something for our children. A place where we won’t be driven out, where we can finally settle.

Jesse: Looks like we have a visitor. Is Sophie expecting someone?

Anna: Jesse! Oh my goodness, put that away daddy Harmon….don’t embarrass him or scare him off. You saw how he rode in on that blue roan. We could only be so lucky.

Jesse: I was just going to oil the stock and change out the flint. 

Anna: shhhhh you overprotective daddy

James Taylor: Good evening, sir…ma’am. Name’s James Taylor, from the U.S. Census. Just making my rounds to record the families in Springfield.

Jesse: Wait, you’re not here for Soph….oh never-mind. Census taker huh? We were just talking about the very thing that might make your job easier—we’re thinking of moving on to Nauvoo.

James Taylor: Nauvoo, eh? I’ve heard tell of that place. Lot of folks from hereabouts heading that way. Seems like a big decision.

Anna: It is. But it’s where our people are gathering, where we feel we’re being led.

James Taylor: I see. Well, I’ll take down your names and all, just in case. If you do head out, when would you be leaving?

Jesse: Soon as the weather’s good I suppose, Mr. Taylor. We’ve waited through the winter, and spring’s finally here. The time seems right. We hadn’t really got to that part of the decision yet.

James Taylor: I aint nobody special, yet, if’n i was you I’d get my crops in and my goods bottled and processed to take with you. It’d be a few months longer, but it would sure give you a certainty going into winter in Commerce or Nauvoo or whatever it’s called. I would hate to see all this work on your spread go to waste. You folks sure put up a real nice place. But thats just me. Either way I wish you and your wife safe travels. The trip is a decent jaunt, but I reckon it’s worth it if your heart’s set on it.

Anna: Thank you, Mr. Taylor. We’ll need all the prayers we can get.

James Taylor:  You’ll have ‘em, ma’am. Godspeed to you both.

Jesse: Thank you James, good day to ya

Sophie: Father? Who was that handsome young man? 

Jesse: Oh there you are Sophie, was that you fogging up the window? There will be plenty of eligible young men in and around Nauvoo. Hopefully someone I wont have to clean my gun in front of. 

Sophie: Oh mama, make father understand. 

Anna: He makes an excellent point, Jesse. We can send word of our intentions in the autumn and have arrangements ready for our arrival so things can go without a hitch. 

Jesse: I fully agree dear. That durn James is a smart whippersnapper. We will leave after the harvest, Anna. Should be sometime late September. Together, we’ll build a new home in Nauvoo—one that’ll last.

Anna: Come with me Sophie. Let’s gather the eggs and talk….Maybe we can catch a glimpse of that census boy riding down the road. 

Sophie: Thank you mama….his name is James (sigh) We’re not moving again are we? I finally found the man of my dreams….

Narration: The town known as Commerce was officially renamed Nauvoo on April 21, 1840. The name, Joseph said, came from a Hebrew word meaning "to be beautiful". The name change is so fitting, as Commerce’s initial year was inclusive of draining swamps before she was re-named as Nauvoo. To me this felt like an important foundational step. One that would allow her the perpetual journey “to be beautiful”. That continual journey is what we all experience if we are being honest with ourselves. Nauvoo reflected all our hopes for this new beginning. 

After the fall harvest in Springfield we were ready.  Everything we had worked for over the past two seasons – the livestock, crops, and supplies, all was dutifully ready for the brief 130 mile journey northwest to Nauvoo, in Hancock County, Illinois. 

(Read by Anna Harmon)

When the frost is on the pumpkin and the wagons hit the road,
And the oxen pull the heavy load toward our new abode,
We leave behind the fields we’ve worked and gather all we own,
With hopes of peace in Nauvoo and a place to call our home.
The air is crisp and steady, as we start this autumn day,
With faith to guide our journey as we make our hopeful way.

The crops are in the stubble, the land we leave behind,
But ahead lies fertile promise, where new roots we will find.
The trees of Nauvoo beckon with their colors gold and bright,
And though the road is rugged, our hearts are filled with light.
With each step we grow closer to the place we’ll soon embrace,
Where frost is on the pumpkin and our faith will find its place.

We arrived in Nauvoo with our provisions on October 4, 1840. Over 250 new homes had been built in the past year, the streets were laid out and lots had been surveyed. I built our home at the southeast corner of Lot 123, at Parley and Durphy, while my brother Alpheus and his wife Huldah lived two blocks north at Munson and Partridge.

Nauvoo’s population had exploded from 100 in 1839 to around 3,000 by the end of 1840, and by 1844, it reached 12,000 to 15,000, with some estimates as high as 20,000, making it one of Illinois' largest cities, rivaling Chicago. By late 1840, Nauvoo was an overgrown wilderness community with log homes, a few shops, and a budding economy. According to Thomas Gregg, in the 1844 heyday of its growth the people of Nauvoo had built about 1,200 log cabins, 200 to 300 brick houses, and 300 to 500 frame houses.

Now from past experiences…Protection was crucial, so we lobbied the state of Illinois for a city charter, and it was approved in December 1840. This charter provided essential services and the formation of the Nauvoo Legion—a local militia to keep peace and defend us. The Legion, established in 1840, quickly grew to 2,000–3,000 members and by 1844 it reached around 5,000. My son Appleton and I joined the Legion, tasked frequently with protecting Joseph Smith.

Here’s an interesting historical tidbit at how volatile the giving and TAKING of favors was in the state of illinois…the United States army and other contemporary militias held no office higher than a major-general, yet Joseph Smith held the rank of lieutenant-general, an honor that had not been bestowed on any American since George Washington. Historian Harold Schindler argues that the rank of Lieutenant General was granted to Smith by the State of Illinois in exchange for the Latter Day Saint vote in upcoming elections. Brigham Young remarked, "If the war [with Mexico] broke out, Joseph would have become commander-in-chief of the United States armies."

Building and immigration flourished. George Miller described Nauvoo in 1840 as “growing like a mushroom,” and Joseph Smith predicted it could become one of the largest cities on the river. However, tensions rose as non-Mormons became suspicious of our influence in state politics, fearing a theocracy. We sought to secure enough influence and favor to prevent any further expulsions or Heaven forbid another extermination order. 

(Soldier) Private Harmon are you ready to wake up this city?

(Appleton Harmon) Oh Yes Sir!

(Soldier) Light your fuses boys, let’s get this day started off with a BANG!

(Ansil) gasp, what was that?

(Bed creaking, tiptoe across the floor)

(Ansil) mama, mama, are we being attacked?

(Anna) no dear, thats Father and Appleton starting off our celebration day…remember.

(Ansil) Oh yes. Now I member….I will go gather the eggs for breakfast mama. 

(Anna) thank you Ansil. After breakfast we’ll hitch Freckles to the buggy so we can go watch Appleton and Father in the parade and attend the cornerstone ceremony.

(Ansil) The boys and I have been looking forward to this all spring mama. I got my sword carved and my uniform and palm hat all laid out….i will gather the eggs and be right back. Come on Speck (dog whimper) the junior legion is burning daylight….”Our fathers we respect; our mothers we'll protect!”

(Jesse Narrating) It’s Tuesday April 6, 1841—Today is the eleventh anniversary of the church and the first day of its general conference here in Nauvoo, Illinois. The day started with the thunder of cannon fire, followed by a parade of the Nauvoo Legion. Appleton and I marched proudly among the 650 men, all of us part of this growing city’s militia. 

(Ansil) tell em about me father….tell em what us boys did.

(Jesse) Oh yes….. Lemme see here….At the height of the service Appleton and I gave in the legion, it became such a popular icon to our community that up to 600 boys from Nauvoo decided to form a military unit in imitation of their fathers, and these whippersnappers would parade and drill whenever the Nauvoo legion did. The mothers highly approved of them being out of the house and in their father’s shadows. In fact, the mothers made uniforms for them; white pants, colorful blouse and a palm hat. 

(Ansil) Even little Joseph Smith the 3rd has a wooden sword like me father. We are only 7 months apart. 

(Jesse) That’s right Ansil….Your Junior Legion also has a banner that reads, "Our fathers we respect; our mothers we'll protect." 

(Ansil) Some of the other boys have carved wooden Kentucky long rifles, father.

(Jesse) I’ve noticed that. Its quite impressive craftsmanship Ansil….should i tell them about the incident?

(Ansil) Well, of course father. That was the day we all became infamous. 

(Jesse) At one point, your Junior Legion decided to conduct a raid on Nauvoo. You fellas mustered just outside of town near the creek, and then made a daring raid on the city. Some cavalry on horseback I believe. Much to the mother’s dismay, the boys “borrowed” pots and pans from their kitchens to make a ruckus as you marched down Mulholland street. If I remember correctly you caused several horses to panic that were tied up to the hitchin posts. (Chuckling) Mayor Bennet’s buggy ended up down by the river by the time his ol black mare Widow-maker calmed down.  

(Ansil) yeah….we didnt hold the ranks very well when President Smith rode up on his horse Charlie. We pretty much scattered and met back at our rally point. He seemed to think that was the funniest part of the raid. 

(Jesse) Speaking of rally points, you and I are supposed to meet mother at the cornerstone ceremony…..can we ride double on Freckles. 

(Ansil) oh yes sir.

(Jesse) Brother Moon. It’s nice to see you.

(John Moon) Well met Jesse. If you please….there’s a spot for your steed just there. God save you Brother Harmon. WELCOME TO GENERAL CONFERENCE!!!

(Anna) Ansil….Jesse….We’re over here!!!

The air at the temple site was alive with anticipation, the sound of a brass band mixing with the chatter of the congregation. Laying the cornerstone of a new temple was a pretty big deal.

Afterward, Joseph stood tall and directed the workers as they lowered the massive cornerstone into place at the southeast corner of the foundation.

(Joseph Smith Jr.) “This principal cornerstone, in representation of the First Presidency, is now duly laid in honor of the great God, that the Saints may have a place to worship God, and the Son of Man have where to lay His head.”

(Jesse Narrating) By March of 1842, Nauvoo had more than a thousand log cabins, with many frame houses and solid brick homes completed, or in the works. To better organize the city, Joseph had divided it into four units called wards and appointed ecclesiastical leaders or bishops to preside over them. Each ward was expected to assist with temple building by sending laborers to work on the Lord’s house every tenth day.

On the second day of April 1842 I was elected major of the second battalion, fourth regimen, second cohort, Nauvoo Legion. On the sixth day of the same month was ordained an Elder by Lyman White.

In the spring of 1842 Oliver and Sarah Harmon with their two orphaned grandchildren, now ages 9 and 7, moved from Springfield into Nauvoo. 

So that you understand the next few years in Nauvoo, i need to give you a little context of what happened in Missouri. By stopping in Springfield, we only heard stories and rumors. That context is vital to forming a perspective of understanding human nature and how that influences what happens over the next few years in Nauvoo.

Let me just start by saying that waves of what must look like a mass migration of common believers or like minded people, will cause disruptions, and could easily be viewed as an invasion to a culture and way of life that whether or not you like it, has become comfortable for you, with some expected normalcy. This feeling of increasing disruption was never more apparent than it was for the neighbors of the Mormonites as they piled into their Missouri communities during the late 1830’s. In addition to gathering together, the members of the nascent Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are doing many things in common, they have similar views in society & politics, they consecrate much of what they have and who they are, and who in large part vote as a block. You can only imagine the kind of tumult, frustration and potential hostility that would accompany this kind of change in your neighborhood. As Mr. Roger’s might query…..”is it a beautiful day in the neighborhood when so many new people are moving in down the street….all at once?”

Lilburn Williams Boggs was the governor of Missouri for a good chunk of the time the Mormons were immigrating and building communities in Missouri, and according to many historians, very few people could have done a worse job as Boggs did in handling those community growing pains. By the end of his only term, most Missourians were NOT happy with his governing. They were not happy with the way he handled border disputes with Iowa, nor the way he spent money, or managed crisis situations. Especially that of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, most commonly known in outside circles as Mormonites. 

I would venture to say that most Missourians were sympathetic to the Mormons. As events unfolded, eventually, those Missourians who were sympathetic to the Mormons came to believe that “Oh, they are in rebellion, just like everybody’s been saying.” And a particular few including General Alexander Doniphan, and David Atcheson, knew that the good citizens of Missouri were being goaded by the bad. They actually used the word goaded. They’ve been goaded by mob after mob until now the Mormons have taken up arms, and the Mormons have become aggressors. This doesnt have to be the truth, it’s only required to be the perception. 

Steady rain pelted the streets of Independence, Missouri, on the evening of May 6, 1842. Almost 2 years after leaving office, the former Governor Lilburn W. Boggs is at home, has just finished his dinner, and is settling into a chair to read the newspaper. 

Although his term as the governor of Missouri has ended more than a year earlier, Boggs was still active in politics and was now running for an open seat in the state senate. He had made enemies over the years, and his election was hardly certain. Besides criticizing him for issuing the extermination order that drove thousands of Mormonites from the state, some Missourians were displeased with the governor’s aggressive handling of a border dispute with Iowa Territory. Others raised questions about the way he had raised funds for a new state capitol building.

 As Boggs glanced at the headlines, he sat with his back to a window. The evening was cool and dark, and he could hear the faint patter of the rain outside.

At that moment, unbeknownst to Boggs, someone stole silently across his muddy yard and aimed a heavy pistol through the window. 

A flash of light erupted from the barrel, and Boggs slumped over his newspaper. Blood flowed from his head and neck.

(Bogg’s son) Help! Help!

Well here we are again, you’ve experienced another epic peek into my life, the life of Jesse Perse Harmon. I hope you are enjoying the adventurous snippets of my journey. Don’t turn your horse out to pasture just yet…there’s still a skosh more to tell? Coming up is Part 5 of my fascinating story where you’ll experience the most grueling posse ride in American History, and a wild Mississippi riverboat chase.

(Dan Jones) Riverboat? Is someone requesting passage up the mighty Mississippi?

(Jesse) hehe. I want you to meet my friend Dan…..

(Dan Jones) Hello there, Cap’n Dan Jones at your service. 

(Jesse) Dan’s got one of them silky welsh accents that I would enjoy hearing my own obituary read by. You will be hearing more from him in part 5 of my story. 

We will also be covering some of the most scandalous betrayals ever perpetuated, and the first assassination of a U. S. presidential candidate…

(Jesse) Speaking of scandalous, Thomas are we gonna hear from you in the next episode?

…right over here Governor Ford? 

(Gov Ford) Oh bother? What!!! 

(Jesse) Do you know the difference between ignorance and indifference?

(Gov Ford) I don’t know and I don’t care. 

(Jesse) wooohooo…Winner Winner Chicken Dinner. I hope you like your fowl flame broiled. 

(Gov Ford) Why are you pulling me into your story. We barely even know each other. 

(Jesse) Well, I believe it’s because of what DJ Bongino’s been saying lately, “layered incompetence is intent.” (Dan Bongino)

(Gov Ford) It is? ….you can’t prove nothin!! I made sure of thaaa….Oh that’s HOGWASH!!

(Jesse) haha, GOTCHA!

(Jesse) Ok Tom, you can have a seat right over there. We’ll get to you in the next episode.

Now where was I, Oh yes, we will also share a few moments from my expulsion out of the United States. 

I know this series may be a tish long winded, but you are gonna enjoy it….so hang in there.

When we look over someone else’s life, we are amazed, we are awed, we are emotionally bedazzled at the ordeals they survived and even thrived through. Their life was normal…for them. As your crazy adventures in life will be for you. Part of your ability to be emotionally bedazzled by the life of another is the capacity to FEEL them as they might have experienced their circumstances. They want their lives to be learned from and appreciated for whatever value you can extract of it. Please don’t let the lives of your ancestors be only a name on a family tree or a blip on the radar that fades with each generational reset. I’m gonna tell you a little secret…there is a profound superpower to be had in making the “Dia de los Muertos” an everyday occasion. Read your ancestor stories, share them with your children. Remember them. Feel them. Learn from them. Because??…History doesn’t repeat itself, but it rhymes.