Old Log Cabin Jail Marker
Noon - Buchanan Street - Richmond, Missouri
This marker was placed at the site of a former jail where Joseph Smith and six other church leaders were imprisoned during November of 1838. This where the story of Joseph Smith rebuking the guards took place. It was extremely windy during this ceremony (and the rest of the day)!
The old jail site is now a residential street. Someone who lived in the house on the corner arrived home and was angry that there was a group of people taking up all the parking spaces around her house. Someone moved a car for her--I don't think she bothered to find out what the event was before stomping into the house.
The man wearing the backpack is the 4th-great-grandson of Joseph Smith, Jr. Notice his profile.
This is the site of Richmond law enforcement today. This is about 50 yards SE from the site of the old jail, and just NE of the courthouse.
Three Witnesses Monument
1 PM - Pioneer Cemetery - Thorton & Crispin Streets - Richmond, Missouri
This event commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the placement of a monument to the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. The monument was placed at the cemetery where Oliver Cowdery is buried.
The cemetery itself has had some significant restoration work.
A picture of the dedication ceremony. BYU Professors Susan Easton Black and Alex Baugh provided historical background at various events throughout the day. Richard Turley (Assistant LDS Church Historian) and Mark Scherer (Community of Christ Historian/Archivist) also spoke.
Community Reception
2 PM - Ray County Library - E Lexington St. - Richmond Missouri
A picture of Oliver Cowdery.
There were snacks and a historical presentation during this event, but we didn't stay. We just made a quick stop to change Emerson's diaper. (Yes, on the floor behind a cabinet--the bathroom didn't have a changing station or a convenient spot to lay out the changing pad!)
We were really hungry, so we got some lunch at Tequila Jalisco, one of the few restaurants in Richmond. We liked it!
Then, we got in our car and headed to Liberty, Missouri for...
Eight Witnesses Monument
4 PM - South Liberty Parkway and Campbell Street - Liberty, Missouri
This was a new monument dedicated to the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. The monument is at the burial ground of the Michael Arthur farm, where two of the eight witnesses (Christian and Peter Whitmer) are buried.
It was getting pretty cold by this point, but Daddy kept baby Emerson nice and warm! (So did the cute hat, knitted by Grandma!)
See the man in the red shirt and black vest? I believe he was introduced as the current owner of the property, who graciously allowed a bunch of Mormons to tromp all over his land. We like his beard.
Facing away from the monument--rural Missouri.
Some more facts and observations about the day:
We hadn't realized how many of the early church leaders ended up settling in Missouri (and eventually dying there).
Overheard at the reception: "Did you notice that the winds died down every time someone was giving a testimony?" (Actually, we didn't notice this.)
The Richmond high school football team (the Spartans) had a big football game going on while we were in town. Unfortunately, they lost, but it was fun to see signs cheering on the team in the windows of all the local businesses.
Emerson is an extraordinarily cooperative and agreeable baby. He accompanied us to every event with no complaints.
4 comments:
Love all the pictures and history you shared. Is this close enough to visit when we come to town? I couldn't see the 4th great grandson of Brigham Young in the photos, but love his knit hat, and his adorable parents.
I can't imagine living there in 1830's or 1840's in the winter conditions. It looks harsh even on a windy day.
So cool that you got to go to all of these dedications! The profile is so spot on! Glad you guys had a good time, and that Emerson was a happy camper the whole time.
What a neat trip! I'd like to see all those places someday.
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