Mormons at the Missouri, 1846-1852: "and should we die..."

by Richard E. Bennett

The Mormon trek westward from Illinois to the Salt Lake Valley was an enduring accomplishment of American overland trail migration; however, their wintering at the Missouri River near present-day Omaha was a feat of faith and perseverance. Richard E. Bennett presents new facts and ideas that challenge old assumptions—particularly that life on the frontier encouraged American individualism.

With an excellent command of primary sources, Bennett assesses the role of women in a pioneer society and the Mormon strategies for survival in a harsh environment as they planned their emigration, coped with internal dissension and Indian agents, and dealt with tribes of the region. This was, says Bennett, “Mormonism in the raw on the way to what it would be later.” Now available in paperback for the first time, with a new introduction by the author, Mormons at the Missouri received the Francis M. and Emily Chipman Award from the Mormon History Association and was honored as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title by the American Library Association.

Genres: History

370 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1987

About the author

Richard Edmond Bennett

Reviews

[Ann Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful history of the Latter-day Saints in Missouri. Richard Bennett was one of my favorite BYU Professors and this is one of the best histories of the Missouri period (1846 to 1852. My ancestors were among these people. My 3rd Great-grandpa buried 2 wives, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren at Winter Quarters.
If you want to really learn about these years between Nauvoo and the trek west, this is the book for you. I really loved learning from the master teacher. I love that he works from primary sources and gets into the nitty gritty life of the thousands who passed through these areas. The notes and bibliography are comprehensive (more than 100 pages). This is an excellent resource for study and learning.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard Bennett sets out to fill a gap in the study of the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints--and he succeeds. He masterfully fills the void as he explores the political, economic, religious, and social context in which the Church survives in unsettled U.S. territory from 1846-1852. As a Latter-day Saint, Bennett does an excellent job of discussing challenges to the Church from without and within while avoiding villainizing their persecutors and being fair to dissenters and Church leaders alike. For example, his thorough discussion of the process involved in Brigham Young's succession to eventually become the second President of the Church rationally lays out the arguments on both sides. All readers will be able to appreciate the complex process of deliberation and debate in settling hierarchical ecclesiastical issues in the Church, while members of the Church will still be able to identify the divine voice that they believe guides the Church. All students of the history of the Church will find this book invaluable.

[Pedro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This covers more history of a time period that is usually only briefly mentioned in classes in church. I appreciated the added insight. The time after Joseph Smith's murder was tumultuous, and this helps illustrate that, as well as so many struggles for the Saints. Writing history in an engaging way feels like a balance with art. The book itself is nearly 40 years old, and I think some of that age shows in the writing style. While new-to-me details and stories were shared, more often than not I was struggling to keep myself engaged. (Though, at one point an ancestor of mine was specifically mentioned, which woke me right up.)

[Robert K · Rating 3 out of 5]

It moves too fast & zeros in on Church Doctrine to the point of wanting to listen again to make sure I understand. I think the author was good to his word to make it objective. I learned many new things & will have to ponder.

[Terry Earley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with Bennett that the 2-3 years spent at Winter Quarters is largely ignored these days by LDS Church members. Some very important events occurred here, including the reorganization of the First Presidency, the decision to settle in the Salt Lake valley, and, organizationally, church units were created as geographical Wards led by a Bishop who was responsible for the spiritual and temporal welfare of his members.

[Brian Reeves · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is well-researched. The narrative flows fairly smoothly and sheds light on the major stopping place for many Latter-day Saints traveling between Nauvoo (or Great Britain) and the Great Basin. Bennett also focuses on Brigham Young's emergence and acceptance as successor to Joseph Smith as Church president, to which position he was ordained in Kanesville, Iowa, after leading the first pioneer company to the Salt Lake Valley.