150 years ago
The Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were placed under arrest and charged with treason on June 25, 1844, after surrendering themselves to Constable David Bettisworth in Carthage, Ill., according to History of the Church 6:561.
Illinois Gov. Thomas Ford was in Carthage at the time of the arrest, and had been made aware of the murderous intentions of mobbers, including the Carthage Greys, and apostates.
According to the account: "The governor . . . had pledged his own faith and the faith of the state of Illinois, that the Smiths and other persons should be protected from personal violence, and should have a fair and impartial trial, if they would surrender themselves to be dealt with according to law."
After the surrender of the Prophet and Hyrum, the governor called all the troops together and ordered them to form a hollow square on the public ground near the courthouse. He then addressed them "in a most inflammatory manner, exciting the feelings of indignation against Generals Joseph and Hyrum Smith which were already burning in their breasts, occasioned by the falsehoods and misrepresentations that were in circulation, giving his assent and sanction to the rumors that had gathered them together, and stating that although they were dangerous men in the community, and guilty of all that they might have alleged against them, still they were in the hands of the law, which must have its course."
He then led Joseph and Hyrum as they walked through the troops, which had requested a clear view of the two brothers.
Quote from the past
"Now, our business is to live this religion, to learn further of the ways of God, and to do His will in all things." - Elder Charles W. Penrose, in an address given April 25, 1880, in the Assembly Hall on Temple Square.
