Tragedy and Truth What Happened at Hawn's Mill

by Alexander L. Baugh

On the afternoon of October 30, 1838, a vigilante force of more than two hundred armed men attacked and raided the small settlement known as Hawn's Mill in eastern Caldwell County, Missouri. The premeditated assault left seventeen Mormon men and boys dead and more than a dozen other wounded. But those who remained had little time to mourn their loss. Afraid of another attack, short of help, and facing unseasonably cold temperatures, the shocked survivors quickly buried fourteen of their dead in an unfinished dry well.

During the weeks and months that followed, life at Hawn's Mill was bleak, especially for the women and children whose husbands and fathers had been killed or wounded and who struggled to provide for their families. Yet the experiences of the Latter-day Saints at Hawn's Mill exemplify incredible faith, courage, and commitment in the midst of terrible tragedy. Their stories touch the deepest of sympathies, inspire faith, strengthen testimony, and should never be forgotten.

But why did the attack occur? Who was involved? And did the Saints at Hawn's Mill disobey Joseph Smith's counsel? These and other telling questions are explained and clarified by four top LDS Church history scholars in this fascinating book devoted exclusively to helping readers understand why and how the massacre at Hawn's Mill happened.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, History

121 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

This book was highly: inspirational, humbling, shocking, amazing, educating, sad, powerful, uplifting, and one of those books that makes you just think and feel "Whoa!" and "Wow!" and "..... :-O...." at various times.

Narrated by the great Glenn Rawson. If you don't know him, you can learn more about him at his website (https://glennrawsonstories.com) where he share amazing, paralizing and inspiring pinoeer-era stories of people who truly did HARD things! He's a highly respected historian, researcher, story-teller, tour guide, and religious faithful who tells stories of Latter-day Saint Pioneers - mostly the untold stories, not the usual "Latter-day Saint Reruns" we all hear about (although he tells those too). His research is profound, and relies on mostly primary documentation/persons, and the way he TELLS the story just hooks you. So for this book - the WAY the narrator reads this story (I listened on audio book) is just awesome! I highly recommend listening to this on audio, rather than reading it. Glenn is just that good at reading and telling the story.

Most of us have heard the standard story of Hawn's Mill Massacre. But what this book does goes beyond that. It's not the wash-over-you-quickly words like: beaten, killed, unjust, raped, etc. But rather the details of the time and place (without getting too too gory) and the times and seasons of the moment. He starts out with a history of what got people in MO angry in the first place (the fact that Latter-day Saints were the only ones in the area that we NOT racist and that advocated for abolition of slavery AND advocated for MO to welcome the freed slaves. Then it goes from there.

I think for me the truly poignant experience from reading this book was this:

The Latter-day Saints have never, and will never forget the horrific atrocities that were inflicted upon our people by the citizens of MO, state of MO, and Government of the US, but the fact that not once have we sought "reparations". To me - it speaks VOLUMES of where we should be as not only Latter-day Saints (and most are!) but especially as citizens of the United States.

To know of what these people endured... truly on par with what's happened to Jews in many areas of the world as well as slaves.... and to understand (from experience) the teachings of Christ and of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that while we are to be wise, and protect ourselves, we are also to forgive, seek redress within the law, and then, even if the law turns a blind eye, we are not to see reparations and revenge. That is such a lower form of humanity to seek reparations and revenge. Instead, the Latter-day Saints did, and continue to extend the hand of honest friendship and say "Come, see what we have to offer, and draw closer to Christ - for that is the only true way to find peace and brotherly love in this world." Just wow! What a poignant and stark difference to what we see in our society today by those who scream for vengeance and reparation among us. And this principle applies not only to one type or class of people - it applies to everyone and everything! Race, religion, sex, politics, you name it.

How do we deal with such horrific attacks on us, as these people did? How do we pick up and keep going? These people STILL did not lose faith, even as they had to wade through the carnage of what was Hawn's Mill, and care for their starving and freezing children, while burying their husbands and sons in a grave of a well? Yet these people picked up and went on - in full FAITH and relying on God, and didn't lose the love in their hearts for the goodness and people of this world. They didn't lose hope. They didn't lose faith. They didn't grow cynical. They forgave and they moved on living the best they could.

Oh that all of us today would do such a thing! It reminds me of the elementary school massacre among the Amish back in ... I think it was 2010? Those Amish didn't grow hateful, they have never demanded reparations. They forgave. They didn't lose faith or hope. They even helped the family of the murder to bury him.

Why can't we do that TODAY? Have we not taught our children and ourselves well enough? Can we stop and do a 180 and teach them/ourselves NOW?

Highly recommend this book! Not a long book at all.

[Shannon Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was grateful to learn more about the Saints and their trials, but it also broke my heart to hear the accounts and details of this brutal attack. I cannot believe the violence and evil that was inflicted upon the victims of the Hawns Mill attack. The worst part was the lack of support and legal defense that was denied them. These civil rights are given to all men of this country as part of our Constitution and those responsible should have been legally held responsible for their brutality and illegal behavior towards the saints.

I am so grateful that despite political differences of opinion today the law is upheld.
This kind of attack would not be tolerated and those responsible would be held accountable.

No group or individual should ever be treated in this manner because of race, religion, sex, political affiliation, or any other classification.

Although those responsible for these crimes were not punished, they will receive their judgment and consequences when they meet the Lord face to face.

I am grateful to each and every individual that came to America and to those of my ancestors that travelled West to Utah for their strength, faith, endurance, example, and sacrifice. I would not live in this beautiful safe place with all the opportunities I have been provided if it were not for them.

[Heather C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five chapters, written by five different authors, chronicle in essay form the excruciating details leading up to, at, and after the massacre of a group of Mormon settlers in Missouri in 1838.

I have heard details throughout my life as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but not to this extent, and not with such diligent research.

The entire incident, and lack of sympathy and redress after, is disturbing. A people who live with trauma and high stress for any amount of time are shaped by that, and I can’t imagine the physical and mental repercussions that went on for years and years.

While reading this book I couldn’t help but think of offenses against marginalized groups in this country in more recent times who have also experienced horrible prejudice and physical violence and not been shown any kind of care or redress. Members of the LDS church should, of all people, be the most sympathetic and tender toward unjust treatment, and should be the quickest to reject those in positions of power who turn a blind eye to modern massacres.

[Rebecca Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. This was such a tragic story that I’ve heard bits and pieces of all my life. I didn’t know many of the smaller details and I certainly didn’t know the residents at Hawn’s Mill were told by Jacob Hawn to stay and defend their homes when the prophet actually told Jacob to tell the residents to leave. It’s heartbreaking to see what happens when the words of the prophets aren’t followed and sadly, many people were slaughtered.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

First half of this thing was a general rehash of problems in Missouri. But the last couple of essays were terrific, with several tidbits about the incident I hadn't heard before. Book serves its purpose of filling you in on one aspect of church history at a pretty high level. Sometimes that's all I'm looking for: Fill in a gap in my knowledge without me committing to 500 pages.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had a bit of stories I didn't know and was good at trying but to be bias. They brought up fair reasons why some of the settlers had upset the locals at times... Not justifying, but helped show a larger picture. But some of the stories weed really heartbreaking and more amazing miracles.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a tragedy, I was glad to learn more about what really happened. Persecution at its worst, it is awful how some people feel they have the right to harm others because of their beliefs and choices. This story was heartbreaking 💔

[Daryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good yet very sad book. It is an extreme example of what can happen if you choose not to follow counsel of the Prophet. It is very well researched and written.

[Stephan van Velzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written and detailed, but oh so sad.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academic, thorough, percise.

[Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and informative. It helps explain what happened in Missouri between members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and other settlers in the 1830’s.

[Shellie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.
Yes, include this book in your church history studies.
This is very nicely put together in a way that you can follow the lines.
Also Glenn Rawson does an incredible reading performance.

[Juergen John Roscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a signed copy, by two of the editors - Baugh and Rawson, of Tragedy and Truth: What Happened at Hawn’s Mill for Christmas from my sister. Since many of my ancestors were involved in the early years of the Mormon Church, I love to read about Mormon history. This book was of special interest since it is about the events leading to the massacre at Hawn’s Mill, where one of my ancestors was killed by an anti-Mormon mob. I wanted to learn more about this tragedy and the truth about this dark event in United States, Missouri, and Mormon History.

This book documented the history of the Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in Missouri during the 1830s. Starting with the Mormons who first came to Jackson County, Missouri, and ending with the Mormons being driven out of the state after a ‘leave the state or be exterminated’ order was declared by the Missouri Governor Boggs a few years later. This book describes the conditions and events that caused the hatred between some of the Missourians and the Mormons, which lead to the massacre at Hawn’s Mill, where 17 Mormon men and boys were killed, and their women and children harassed, killed and raped. This book also notes there were Missourians who showed kindness and helped the Mormons during this troubled period for the Mormon Faith.

The authors added three facts about the massacre at Hawn’s Mill that were different than my understanding of the state of affairs of conditions and events of the massacre.

First point, I always thought the spelling of the name of the owner of the mill was Jacob Haun, thus the name of his mill being called Haun’s Mill. I have always seen the ‘H-a-u-n’ spelling in church history documents and stories about the massacre. The editors of the book found documentation that the owners name was Jacob Hawn, H-a-w-n, and the mill called Hawn’s Mill. My wife noticed the different spelling when I first unwrapped the present and saw the title of the book.

Second point, that Jacob Hawn and his family were not members of the Mormon Church. I had always assumed since the Hawn family was affiliated with one of the darkest periods of Mormon history they were Mormons. The editors noted there is no historical records that confirm Hawn was a Mormon even though he lived in the Mormon designated county - Caldwell County.

Third point, I was always told the Prophet Joseph Smith had told the inhabitants around Hawn’s Mill to withdraw to Far West and the main body of the Saints days before the actual massacre happened. I even recall this detail being taught in church meetings showing what happens when you do not follow the directives of the Lord’s prophet. The editors noted Jacob Hawn had meet with the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Prophet told him to tell the Saints in the area of Hawn’s Mill to join the Saints at Far West for protection against the marauders who meant to harass and kill the Mormons. Several people confirmed the Prophet’s request to Jacob Hawn but there is no evidence that Hawn relayed this information to the Mormon inhabitants at his mill or in the immediate area. There are assumptions about why Hawn did not deliver the Prophet’s message but the general conclusion is that Hawn needed the help of the Mormons to preserve his mill since the anti-Mormon forces had declared they would burn it.

As I mentioned earlier, one of my ancestors was killed at the attack at Hawn’s Mill. His name is Austin Hammer and he was at Hawn’s Mill providing protection to the mill and the people. In the inside cover of the book it lists the men and boys who were killed or wounded. About Austin Hammer it says:

“Austin Hammer - Mortally wounded while defending the blacksmith shop. He and his family lived several miles from Hawn’s Mill but he was guarding the site at the time of the attack. While wounded, he was dragged out of the blacksmith shop where his assailants stripped him of his boots. After the ordeal he was transported to Jacob Hawn’s home where he died around midnight. He received seven bullet and both thighs were broke.

I can’t imagine the pain, he suffered when he was dragged out of the blacksmith shop with two broken thighs and then had his boots removed forcibly by the assaulters. I am sure death was a welcome relief for Austin Hammer.

I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in Mormon History. I learned much about the conditions in Missouri that lead to the massacre from reading this book. I thought the editors of the book were fair in their analysis of the events leading to the massacre. This was not a ‘Mormons good and everyone else was evil’ depiction of the conditions and events. The editors pointed out that the Mormons made mistakes that helped cause the division between them and their neighbors. The editors, also showed many of the Missourians aided the Mormons.

I also would recommend this book to those who are interested in United States and Missouri history, so they can learn about this dark episode of US history.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joseph Smith told saints to leave or they would get slaughtered, BUT message never made it to them

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an interesting recap, not only of the specific tragic events at Hawn’s Mill but also of the whole Mormon/Missouri struggle. I realized that from the perspective of the Missourians that the Mormons were a threat, not just as a political force but also because they bragged that God would give them the lands that the Missourians owned as their inheritance (as opposed to inviting the Missourians to join the church and share in the eventual blessings).

That being said, the brutal attack on Hawn’s Mill was certainly not justified and cannot be. The Missourians – some of them officials in the state militia – confiscated the arms of the residents, then returned with the mob the next day and brutally shot unarmed men. Although a few of the Mormons kept weapons and fired back, there was no justification for killing those – brutally, in many cases – who gave themselves up, and innocent women and children should never be killed when they are not participants in the battle.
Then, driven from their properties in a cold winter, they sought compensation from the Missouri government and the federal government, and neither would help them, so they lost properties worth millions in those days (and much more today in what would be suburban Kansas City area).

This book was mainly a recitation of the history, though, not really a new insight, and it didn’t explore very deeply anything other than the events. (As an historian, I don’t mind recitations of facts, but for most readers, this book might seem quite heavy.) For instance, the healing of Alma Smith by her mother, Amanda Barnes Smith, is talked about, but not the spiritual aspects of that healing as much as the practical. It’s a well-known story, so the authors may have thought it was unnecessary to tell it again, but it’s part of the Hawn’s Mill overall legacy. It would have helped, though, to make this rather dry recitation of history a little more palatable for those who are more casually interested.

[Watch Jamie Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe the emotions this book brings. What an incredibly moving and tragic story of the massacre, or more appropriately termed the "butchering," of Hawn's Mill. The way the government abandoned the Mormon people is astounding. The many accounts of this terrible act will bring tears to your eyes. I've actually been to Hawn's Mill. I've stood where this terrible injustice took place. There are no words.

[Simon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I learned two things in the book. Only one was important that was how culpable with the Mormons in their reluctance to leave. The answer was they were not.