Historic Newspapers: Search Results

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, May 18, 1844

* Mormons leader Joseph Smith
* Election campaign for president
* 1st presidential candidate to be killed

Page 2 has a report under: "Political--Presidential" which discusses the various candidates for the presidency. Included in the discussion is mention of Joseph Smith, leader of the Mormons.
It is not known by many today that Joseph Smith ran for president of the United States in 1844. After several years of harassment and…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, June 22, 1844 

* Mormons leader Joseph Smith
* Election campaign for president
* 1st presidential candidate to be killed

It is not known by many today that Joseph Smith, leader of the Latter-Day Saints, ran for president of the United States in 1844.
After several years of harassment and persecution in Missouri and Illinois, Smith wrote to five men expected to be candidates for the presidency, asking each what he would do to protect the citizenship rights of the…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 12, 1837 

* Very early mention of Abraham Lincoln
* Early Mormon & Joseph Smith mention

An inside page has a report headed "Illinois" being an account of activities in the state legislature, with an inconspicuous--yet very significant--listing of "Lincoln" in the "negative" column of those who voted on a specific resolution (see). This is a very early mention of Abraham Lincoln from when he was just 28 years old and very far from the national…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, July 27, 1844

* Mormonism - re. Joseph Smith assassination
* Macon Bolling Allen - 1st black lawyer

 Pages 4 and 5 contain a nearly full-column article on: "The Mormons" focused on driving the Mormons out of Illinois, and a bit on the assassination of Joseph Smith & his brother.
A few bits include: "...exhibits on the part of the anti-mormons a headstrong determination to persist i the which is, in its essence irrational...Their suffrages (the…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 15, 1845  The back page has an item noting: "Emma Smith, the widow of the deceased prophet, claims at least a wife's portion of her late husband's worldly gear, including, it is said, besides the Temple itself at Nauvoo, large and valuable tracts of land in Illinois, for Joseph was suspected of having a hawk's eye towards the mammon of unrighteousness. Emma dislikes the notion of leaving those substantial possessions for any prospects which she can…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 21, 1843 A back page report about "Joe Smith" notes in part: "...This personage, who lately surrendered himself at Springfield, Illinois in obedience to the requisition of the governor of Missouri, on a charge of being accessary to the attempted assassination of ex-governor Boggs...was discharged... from custody of the ground that he is not a fugitive from justice, & consequently not the subject of surrender to the authorities of another state...".
Also…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 3, 1844  

* Mormons - Mormonism 
* The Rise of Nauvoo, Illinois
* Frontier Conflict and Kidnappings
* The Calhoun-Smith Letters

Pages 2 and 3 contain a lengthy article concerning the Mormons in Nauvoo. Headed: "The Mormons", bits include: "This singular community contrive to make themselves of importance. Numbering as they do many thousand persons, all moving with the perfect devotion at the nod of their prophet, and burning with ardor in a cause which most…

THE NON-RESISTANT, Boston, Aug. 25, 1841  

* Nauvoo, Illinois 4th of July celebration
* Joseph Smith & the Mormons - Mormonism
* Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
* New England Non-Resistance Society
* About 20 years prior to the Civil War

This is a quite uncommon anti-slavery newspaper with an interesting history.
The New England Non-Resistance Society was an American peace group founded by William Lloyd Garrison (publisher of the famous 'Liberator' newspaper) in 1838. At the organizing

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 19, 1827  

* Latter Day Saints movement
* Oliver Cowdery & Joseph Smith
* Mormons - Mormonism

Inside has a rather brief article: "Counterfeiters" noting in part: "A whole nest of counterfeiters of coin has been arrested near Painesville, Ohio & another at Ashtabula...chiefly manufactured pieces in imitation of half-dollars..." with a bit more.
One could argue an early Mormon connection here.
Allegations were made by the top Mormon leadership against Oliver…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 17, 1842 


The back page has a brief yet rather rare report with a mini-head: "Joe Smith" stating: "This wonderful fellow is to be bodily absent from his people for ten years; so say the latest accounts." 
Just before this is a small article: "Slave Trade", and several pages are taken up with: "Northeastern & Northwestern Boundary" with Canada, being correspondence between Lord Ashburton and Daniel Webster.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2 by 12 inches,…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, March 25, 1843

* Porter Rockwell - Utah Territory lawman
* Bodyguard and friend of Joseph Smith arrest
* Mormons - Mormonism - Latter Day Saints
* Attempted murder of Governor Lilburn Boggs

 The back page has a small report: "Mormons" noting: "Orrin Porter Rockwell, the Mormon, who has been accused of being the person who attempted to assassinate ex-governor Boggs, of Missouri, last summer, was apprehended at St. Louis on the 6th instant and…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 8, 1845  

* Nauvoo Charter - Mormons - Mormonsim
* Illinois legislature repeals - post Joseph Smith murder
* Prelude to exodus to Salt Lake City, Utah

The bottom of the front page has a very brief item noting: "Illinois" "The Mormon charter of Nauvoo has been unconditionally repealed by the legislature or Illinois, by a decided majority of votes in each branch, after a long debate on the subject."
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2 by 12 inches, nice…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, May 24, 1845  

* Mormons Mormonism 
* Nauvoo, Illinois settlement
* Capture of the slaver "Spitfire"

Inside has a full column of reports concerning the Mormons in Illinois. A few bits include: "There are large numbers of Mormon emigrants flocking from Europe, most of whom are bound for the city of Nauvoo...the trial of the prisoners indicted for the murder of Joseph and Hiram Smith was to commence...Among the indicted are some six or seven of the most…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 7, 1883   Half of the ftpg. shows: 'On the Ocklawaha River, Florida'. Halfpg: 'The Mormon Reunion at Kirtland, Ohio' includes 'The Prophet Joseph Smith' & 'The Old Temple at Nauvoo'. Fullpg. with 5 scenes: 'Incidents of the Milk War'. Doublepage centerfold on breaking the ice on the Mississippi.
Other news and advertisements of the day are included. Complete in 16 pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Oct. 6, 1877 Fullpg: 'The Twelve Apostles of the Mormon Church' shows all of them, including Joseph Smith & Brigham Young, Jr. Fullpg: 'Pres. Hayes at Louisville, Ky.' & 'The Boston Army & Navy Monument' shows four scenes of its dedication.

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, July 22, 1843 

* Mormons - Mormonism
* Earliest of Brigham Young

The back page has a heading: "The Mormon Prophet" which begins: "The arrest of Joe Smith it appears was in virtue of some new process from Missouri. James Reynolds proceeded to Nauvoo to arrest him, found him absent..." with much more.
Further on is: "...The whole party made some stop at Nauvoo, where the Missouri agent says he was forced to go against his will...".
There is also a…

PENNSYLVANIA INQUIRER & NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 10, 1843  

* Arrest of Joseph Smith
* Mormonism - Mormons
* Nauvoo, Illinois description

Page 2 has two early & notable reports concerning the Mormons. The first: "Excitement at Nauvoo" which includes: "...Arrest of Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet...that Joe Smith, the Mormon Prophet has been arrested & placed in jail at Ottawa...200 horsemen of the legion started immediately for Ottawa, with the intention of liberating him..."…

THE MISSOURI REPUBLICAN, St. Louis, Feb. 11, 1879  

* Future Mormon president John Taylor
* Defender of Polygamy - multiple wives

Page 2 has most of a column taken up with: "SANTA BARBARA" "A Place Bountifully Endowed by Generous Nature" "A Lovely City by a Sunny Sea, With a Rich Tributary Back Country - California Dolce Far Niente.
A great article extolling the beauty and resources of this now-famous city on the Pacific Coast. 
Page 3 has a quite lengthy (more than a column)…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, February 1, 1935

* Joseph Smith Fletcher death
* English author - detective fiction

The top of page 21 has a one column heading: "J. S. FLETCHER DIES; POPULAR NOVELIST" with subheads and photo. (see) First report coverage on the death of J. S. Fletcher, English journalist and author who specialized in detective fiction during the "Golden Age".
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 44 pages, this is the rare rag edition that was produced on…

THE LATTER DAY SAINTS' MILLENNIAL STAR, Liverpool, England, Nov. 20, 1846  

* One of the oldest Mormon periodicals

This periodical, typically shortened to "Millennial Star", was the longest continuously published periodical of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, being printed from 1840 until 1970. This is the earliest issue we have offered.
Articles include: "Imprisonment & Escape of P. P. Pratt During the Persecution in Missouri, 1838". Also: "Joseph Smith's Testimony…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 4, 1869  The front page features a hal fpage illustration 'Great Trot at the Buffalo Driving Park' along with a quarter page illustration "Governor Senator, of Tennessee". Inside the issue is a full page each of 'The Oxford Crew' and 'The Harvard Crew'. A terrific doublepage centerfold is 'Along the Docks, New York City - View from West Street' which is very displayable. A great fullpage 'Union Pacific Railroad--Salt Lake City, Utah' features an…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 5, 1844  

* Nauvoo Legion militia - Illinois
* Mormons - Mormonism War ?
* Governor Thomas Ford 

Pages 3 and 4 has a report from Illinois: "More Trouble at Nauvoo" which noters in part: "Gov. Ford has ordered 2500 militia & volunteers into service for the protection of Nauvoo... a project  in which some thousands of the Missourians are said to be enlisted to be with the anti-Mormon earth in Illinois in a proposed Wolf Hung...supposed their…

DESERET NEWS, Great Salt Lake City, U.T. (Utah Territory), Dec. 15, 1853  

* Mormons - Mormonism 
* Governor Brigham Young
* Territorial annual address 

An early issue of the first newspaper in Utah, having begun in 1850. This is a volume 3 issue.
Most of the front page is taken up with a portion of the: "Life Of Joseph Smith".
Most of page 2 is taken up with: "GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE To the Members...of the Legislature of Utah". This is essentially his state-of-the-union address in which…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER Baltimore, April 5, 1823

* Jews and Mormons ?

An inside page has a brief report noting: "...that the society for meliorating the condition of the Jew, are now engaged in a negociation for 20,000 acres of land in the 'Genesee country' for a Jewish colony. Will the Jews work on it?"
In brief, this was an attempt by Elias Boudinot to create a land to be a refuge for converted Jews. This attempt was countered by Mordecai Noah, the first Jew born in America to reach…

THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California, April 11, 1877  

* John D. Lee confession (execution)
* Mountain Meadows Massacre

Among the front page articles: "The Mormons--John D. Lee's Last Confession" which mentions in part: "...in regard to the last confession of John D. Lee, the Mountain Meadows murderer...The affiant also says that in the confession as published by Howard, several important facts stated by Lee, implicating Brigham Young, were omitted...".
Lee was executed on March 23.
Four…

DESERET NEWS, Great Salt Lake City, U.T. (Utah Territory), Oct. 1, 1853  

* Governor Brigham Young

An early issue of the first newspaper in Utah, having begun in 1850. This is the volume 3, number 18 issue.
Most of the front page is taken up with a portion of the: "Life Of Joseph Smith".
Page 2 has: "TERRITORY OF UTAH - PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR" which is signed by him in type: Brigham Young.
In this Proclamation, Governor Young addresses the conflicts with the Utah Indians. He…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 21, 1826 

* Mordecai Manuel Noah
* Jewish homeland on the Niagara River

The prime article is: "Re-assemblage of the Jews" which has a letter somewhat critical of the efforts of Mordecai Manuel Noah to create a homeland for the Jews on Grand Island in the Niagara River.
This is followed by some responses by Mr. Noah.
Some have drawn a curious parallel to the efforts of Noah to found a Jewish homeland, or "New Jerusalem" to the efforts of a few…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 9, 1901  Front page "The Sabbath-Breakers" by Frost; full page "Breaking a Road Through the Snow, in the Green Mountains" by Hoyt;  The Philippine Problem; full page of photos "The Streets of New York at Night"; several pages "Pictorial Review of the Life of King Edward VII"; The Secret of Mormon Success by W.E. Smythe; and other news of the day.

The Evolution of the Racing Yacht...

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 7, 1901 A nice print showing Canadian Mounted Police in a Victoria Day Parade; Fullpage "Half Speed! An Ocean Liner Feeling Her Way Through the Fishing Fleet on the 'Banks'" by Beckel; fullpage "A Chinese Farm on Long Island" by Toaspern; A New Architectura Era in Chicago; The Opening of the New Bridge Across the Harlem at Willis Avenue; doublepage centerfold "Hunting the Deer-Opening of the Shooting Season" by Ashe; The King of Siam and His Family; The…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 27, 1893 Full ftpg: 'Columbian Exposition--The Macmonnies Fountain in the Grand Court'. halfpg: 'A Memory Of The War' shows a cavalry scene. Fullpg: 'Columbian Expo.--The Obelisk & Entrance to the Stock Pavilion' & a doublepage centerfold on the Expo also. Very nice fullpg: 'Among The Chinese On The Pacific Coast'
Complete issue.