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Joseph Smith and masonic distress sign
Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 12:14 pm
by _LostInProvo
I was under the impression that Joseph Smith did the masonic distress sign because he saw that some Masons were outside Carthage jail in the mob. Ultimately, these Masons refused to help him and a reason is that Joseph Smith was in trouble with the Masons or so I read. So here is my question. Why was Joseph Smith in trouble with the Masons? Are there any information sources that you can direct me to so I can learn more about this issue?
Re: Joseph Smith and masonic distress sign
Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 1:00 pm
by _MCB
Excerpts from Hawkins Taylor's autobiography (1876). Available at Western Illinois University Library Archives, Hallwas collection, folder 83-10
Caldwell was a bright, educated young man and told me all about his troubles and the wickedness of the Danites. He being a member, I said, “Why if you” wanted [gap] place that I [gap] a Mormon was never [gap] of I would do so and go to their place, but at any other place, no matter how well I might behave myself, to tell that I ever belonged to the Mormons would ruin me.”
And that was the fact. All of the Mormons were Free Masons. They had a charter of Illinois, but they added a new order or degree, that of “Illinois” by which, if a stranger came into the city, the sign was given and as quick as thought, it was known all over the city so that anyone who feared arrest could hide.
For this, the Mormons were cut off (as Masons), but they cared nothing for that. They initiated almost the entire church into the order.
Caldwell was a Mormon horse-thief. Hawkins Taylor was sheriff of Lee County, Iowa, and a friend of William Smith. He was also a long-time friend of George Miller, but that friendship deteriorated.
The Illinois Masons were quite disgusted at the transformation of the Mormon community into a Masonic church which sheltered criminals. Later, the Warsaw Masonic community also got in trouble with the Illinois Masons because key members were under indictment.
Re: Joseph Smith and masonic distress sign
Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:23 pm
by _Albion
By "sign" I am assuming you mean some kind of hand signal. My understanding is that it was the words he is reported to have shouted that were the "sign"...."Is there no help for the widow's son?" I think that by this time if there were any Masons in the crowd their empathy for Smith might well have been exhausted as Smith may well have been viewed by man of them as the founder of an illegal lodge and outside accepted Masonry. Just my thoughts.
Re: Joseph Smith and masonic distress sign
Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2012 2:44 pm
by _LostInProvo
Yes, I do mean hand signals with both arms raised and bent at the elbow while uttering those words that he could not complete because he collapsed after he was fatally shot.
Re: Joseph Smith and masonic distress sign
Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 10:30 pm
by _Fence Sitter
This Mormon Expression podcast featuring 'George Miller' talking about Mormonism and Masonry is excellent.
http://mormonexpression.com/2011/07/05/144b-mormonism-and-masonry-the-background-part-2/In part IV he talks about your question. I don't remember much of it but this is from my notes:
-John Taylor claims that Joseph Smith gave the masonic sign of distress- Accepted by BY, John D Lee and other at that time - He has a history of doing this - He did it while in jail in Missouri.
-"Oh my Lord my God is there no help for the widow's son?"
- By this time the Nauvoo Lodge had it charter pulled.
-Even though they lose their charter in Nauvoo they continue to operate the lodge(s)
It is really a great podcast and even though it is very long I was left wanting more at the end. I highly recommend it.
Re: Joseph Smith and masonic distress sign
Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2012 10:57 pm
by _MCB
Thanks FS. I need to listen to it again. Having more information now, and retuned HA's, I should get more out of it.