The Mormon Expulsion from Missouri, 1838-39: Danite Repression and Militarism

This is the sixth volume of an epic series on family and Mormon history, covering perhaps the darkest year in this history. In 1838 the Mormons in Missouri--led by Joseph Smith--violated an 1836 pledge to reside only in Mormon-designated Caldwell County, establishing settlements in Daviess and Carroll counties. When vigilante groups attempted to remove these settlements, the Mormons responded in a very aggressive manner militarily, even engaging in widespread arson and looting. This set off a civil war that quickly resulted in the total expulsion from Missouri of all Mormons loyal to Joseph Smith This volume describes these events in great detail and thoroughly examines the lively debate among historians as to how to interpret them.

John J Hammond was born and raised near Blackfoot, Idaho, and earned both a bachelor’s degree (with a minor in history) and a master’s degree in political science at Brigham Young University. He was awarded an additional MA and a PhD in political science at SUNY/Buffalo. He taught political science and philosophy at Kent State University in Ohio for thirty-five years, retiring in 2007. For the past thirteen years he has been deeply engaged in historical research and writing.