21 Jul - Carthage Jail

We next traveled to Carthage to view the place where the Prophet Joseph and his brother Hyrum were martyred. John taught us about the last two weeks of the Prophet’s life and his decision to turn himself in after he ordered the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor. He, Hyrum, and eight others journeyed to Carthage. By June 27, 1844, only four were left in the Hancock County Jail, which served as a holding cell until the circuit judge made his rounds. Willard Richards, John Taylor, Joseph and Hyrum spent the morning reading scriptures, writing letters, etc. John Taylor sang “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.”

After we viewed a video showing what others thought of Joseph Smith, we toured the jail. We went through the summer kitchen into the parlor. Then we proceeded to the downstairs cell. Afterward, we went upstairs to the dungeon cell and on to the jail keeper’s bedroom. He and his wife had given up this room so Joseph and his companions would be more comfortable. One of the missionaries told a story of Joseph’s character from the night of June 26. Joseph lay on the floor, between two men, concerning himself with their needs above his own. Pat has been studying about the character of Christ, and this incident reminded her of similar actions of the Savior as he comforted and even prayed for them right before his trial in Gethsemane. Joseph had been promised that he would not pass through more than the Savior did (see D&C 6). “I felt very strongly in that moment that Joseph had truly reflected a Christ-like character. He had reached the point where he cared for others when the natural instinct would be to focus on himself. It was a witness of his prophetic calling and his integrity.”

The group gathered together for a spiritual moment as Jake, Mariah, Haydon, Katie, Pat and Mike sang several verses of “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.” They were accompanied by Charlie on the harmonica. We then made our way to Nauvoo where we will spend three nights and two days.