History of Thomas B. Marsh (1799-1866)

Mormon History 1830-1844

History of Thomas B. Marsh (1799–1866)

Member of the first Quorum of the Twelve (senior member by age). Runs away from home at 14. Dissatisfied Methodist awaiting restoration of the true church. Marries, hears of Joseph and travels to Palmyra. Arrives as the Book of Mormon begins to come off the press. Moves to Palmyra and is baptized, ordained an elder, and called as physician to the church. Supports Joseph against dissenters during Kirtland apostasy but leaves with Orson Hyde in the fall of 1838.
	HISTORY OF THOMAS B. MARSH (Written by himself in Great Salt Lake City, November, 1857.)	MS 26, no. 23 (June 4, 1864): 359–360.
Parents	I was born in the town of Acton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, November 1, 1799. My father, James Marsh was born in Douglas, Massachusetts, March 27, 1751. My mother, Mary, daughter of Titus Law, was born in Acton, Massachusetts, March 18, 1759.
New Hampshire At 14 runs away Marries in 1820	I spent my early life in farming at Westmoreland, New Hampshire, until I was fourteen years of age, when I ran away and went to Chester, Vermont, where I worked on a farm three months; then went to Albany, New York and engaged in a public house as a waiter, where I remained eighteen months, when I went to New York and engaged in the city hotel and remained two years; when I returned to my old situation in Albany, and after serving a year returned to New York City Hotel for two years; then removed to Long Island, New York, where I engaged as groom to Edward Griswald, in whose service I remained one and a half-years; during which I became acquainted with Elizabeth Godkin, and married her on the 1st November, 1820.
Unsuccessful grocer	Immediately after marrying I commenced in the grocery business, in New York, in which business I remained one and a half years, but did not succeed.
Foundry worker in Boston	I then engaged in a type foundry in Boston, where I continued seven years.
Unsuccessful Methodist	While engaged in this business I joined the Methodist Church and tried for two years to be a genuine Methodist, but did not succeed any better in getting Methodist religion than I did in the grocery business. I compared Methodism with the Bible, but could not make it correspond.
Seeker	I withdrew from all sects, and being about to leave Boston my old class leader wished me to take a good certificate, but I informed him I did not want it. I had a measure of the spirit of prophecy and told him that I expected a new church would arise, which would have the truth in its purity.
	He said to me, you no doubt mean to be a leader in that new sect. I told him I had no such intentions. He said, he prayed that the Lord would make me a firebrand in the midst of that new religious body, as reformation was necessary.
	My wife unknown to me, however, got a certificate for herself and me on one paper. I informed her that I never would attend, but I would find a suitable class for her if she wanted to join.
Called a Quietist	I remained in Boston several years engaged in the type foundry. During this period I became acquainted with several friends whose opinions concerning religion were like my own. We kept aloof from sectarians, and were called by them Quietists, because we resembled so much a sect in France known by that name professing to be led by the Spirit.
Inspired to move west	I believed the Spirit of God dictated me to make a journey west.	MS 26, no. 24 (June 11, 1864): 375–376.
	I started in company with one Benjamin Hall, who was also led by the Spirit. I went to Lima, Livingston County, New York, where I staid some three months, and then left for home. I called on my return at Lyonstown, on a family, whose names I do not recollect.
Referred to Martin Harris	On leaving there next morning the lady enquired if I had heard of the Golden Book found by a youth named Joseph Smith. I informed her I never heard anything about it, and became very anxious to know concerning the matter. On enquiring, she told me I could learn more about it from Martin Harris, in Palmyra.
Book of Mormon being printed	I returned back westward and found Martin Harris at the printing office, in Palmyra, where the first sixteen pages of the Book of Mormon had just been struck off, the proof sheet of which I obtained from the printer and took with me.
Introduced to Joseph	As soon as Martin Harris found out my intentions he took me to the house of Joseph Smith, Sen., where Joseph Smith, Jun., resided, who could give me any information I might wish.
Meets Oliver	Here I found Oliver Cowdery, who gave me all the information concerning the book I desired.
	After staying there two days I started for Charlestown, Massachusetts, highly pleased with the information I had obtained concerning the new found book.	Original: Charleston
Shows wife 16 pages Corresponds	After arriving home and finding my family all well, I showed my wife the sixteen pages of the Book of Mormon which I had obtained, with which she was well pleased, believing it to be the work of God. From this time for about one year I corresponded with Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith, Jun., and prepared myself to move west.
Moves to Palmyra	Learning by letter that the Church of Jesus Christ had been organized on the 6th day of April, 1830, I moved to Palmyra, Ontario County, in September following, and landed at the house of Joseph Smith, Sen., with my whole family.
Baptized by David, ordained an elder by Oliver	During the month I was baptized by David Whitmer, in Cayuga Lake, and in a few days I was ordained an elder by Oliver Cowdery with six elders, at Father Whitmer's house.	Baptized Sept. 3, 1830. Revelations, 42.
Church physician	Joseph received a revelation appointing me a physician to the Church.	D&C 31:10
	After remaining in that state, during the fall and winter the Church moved to Ohio.
Kirtland	In the spring of 1831 I journeyed with the main body to Kirtland.
Ordained June 1831 Mission to Missouri	In June, 1831, I was ordained a high priest at a conference held in Kirtland where I received an appointment to go to Missouri with Ezra Thayer, and preach by the way. In consequence of Ezra Thayer delaying so long, I went to Joseph, who received the word of the Lord appointing Selah J. Griffin in Thayer's stead, with whom I journeyed to Missouri, preaching by the way;	¶ Minutes of June 3–6, 1831 D&C 52:22; 56:5.
Many believe, but don't wait to baptize	many believed our testimony, but we did not wait to baptize any. While near the end of our journey I was attacked by chills and fever and arrived very sick. I staid at the house of Brother Benjamin Slade till I got well.
Return to Kirtland, January 1832	Sometime in January, 1832, Bishop Partridge having furnished me with an Indian pony, I returned to Kirtland, accompanied by Cyrus Daniels.
Mission to New York	I labored, preaching through the country around Kirtland until the summer opened, when, in company with Ezra Thayer, I went on a mission through the state of New York and returned home early in the fall; and made preparations to go up to Zion in company with several other families from Kirtland.
To lead several families to Zion Detractors	At that time an objection was raised to me being the leader owing to my inexperience, but there was division on this subject as some considered my office entitled me to the presidency.
Joseph supports Thomas	My opposers appealed to Joseph, who decided I should lead on account of my office; still, although we started with the understanding that I was to lead the company, my opposers never became reconciled to my presidency, until we got into difficulties at the Ohio River, where we could not proceed without better order.
Rebellion Leaves others	Here they yielded to my dictation through necessity; but when we had got down the Ohio River as far as Louisville a rebellious spirit was again manifested.
St. Louis cholera	At this point I separated from the company; took my brother-in-law, Lewis Abbot and his wife, and proceeded by boat to St. Louis, where I arrived one day in advance of the company. On our arrival we found the cholera raging in St. Louis and vicinity. I went immediately to the outskirts of St. Louis, rented a house, and began my preparations to start overland to the west.
Member dies	On the arrival of the other part of the company, I was sent for by them about midnight, to doctor them, but the messenger being unable to pilot me, I had to return to my house until morning, when I was sent for again, and soon found Brother Blackslee, but too late to do him any good. He died the next day.	MS 26, no. 25 (June 18, 1864): 390–392.
Arrives Jackson county Cares for Joseph Knight	I started for Jackson County, and arrived November 10, having been two weeks on the journey. I located in Jackson County with the brethren who had come from Colesville, where I was invited by Brother Joseph Knight, who was very sick with the bloody flux. I attended him faithfully and my wife nursed him; he succeeded in overcoming the disease and soon got well.
Inheritance on the Big Blue	I had my inheritance, about thirty acres, set off by Bishop Partridge, on the Big Blue River, Jackson County, where, before spring opened, I had a comfortable log house built, into which I moved early in the spring and commenced clearing land to raise a small crop that year. I succeeded in getting some corn and potatoes planted, which did very well.
Mob drives Saints out Teaches school in Lafayette county	Before the year was out the mob combined together and drove us out of the county. Some of the Saints moved into Clay County; others with myself removed to Lafayette County, where we wintered, and during which time I kept a common school and taught the children of the brethren.	Missouri Persecutions (1833–1834) (1) Missouri Persecutions (1833–1834) (2)
Awaits Zion's Camp in Clay county, 1834 Serves on high council	In the spring of 1834, having learned that Joseph and a company were coming to relieve the brethren, I moved over with many others into Clay County, where I was living when they arrived. Several of those who came up in Zion's Camp remained in Missouri. I cultivated a small piece of land this summer and succeeded in raising some corn. I was chosen one of the high council.
Called to the Twelve, 1835	In January, 1835, in company with Bishop Partridge and agreeable to revelation, I proceeded to Kirtland, where we arrived early in the spring, when I learned I had been chosen one of the Twelve Apostles.
Mission to the eastern states, May to September	May 4th, 1835, in company with the Twelve I left Kirtland and preached through the eastern states, holding conferences, regulating and organizing the churches, and returned September 25.
1835–1836 school Returns to Clay county	In the winter of 1835–36, I attended school, studied the first English grammar under Sidney Rigdon, and Hebrew under Professor Seixas (a Hebrew by birth), and in the spring returned to my place on Fishing River, in Clay County, Missouri, where I arrived in the month of April.
Delegate to Clay county	Soon after this, difficulties having occurred between the citizens of Clay County and the Saints, a meeting was held near Liberty, the county seat, for the purpose of amicably arranging matters. I was appointed a delegate from Fishing River.
Resolutions	At that meeting a committee of twelve were appointed to draft resolutions, which were received by unanimous vote; when a committee of three, —viz., Lyman Wight (h) (swh) , myself and Samuel Bent were appointed to meet next day in Liberty for the presentation of these resolutions.
Spokesman	I was appointed by said committee, spokesman, and was enabled to speak so feelingly in relation to our previous persecutions and expulsions, that General Atchison could not refrain from shedding tears.
Clay county citizens assist	This meeting passed resolutions to help the Saints to seek out a new location, and appointed committees to collect means to aid the poor Saints to remove.
Borrow from churches in Kentucky and Tennessee	The Church, considering the citizens were thus exerting themselves to have us removed, appointed Elisha H. Groves and myself to visit the churches in Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, for the purpose of borrowing money to enter lands in the new settlement at the land office for the convenience of the Saints who were coming on.
Raise $1400 for Far West	We started in July, and succeeded in borrowing upwards of $1400, principally from the brethren in Kentucky and Tennessee, at 10 percent interest.
Far West, 1836	September 19, 1836.—We parted with Brother Woodruff and the Saints in Kentucky, Brother D. W. Patten (h) and his wife accompanying us to Missouri. I proceeded immediately to the new city which had been laid out, and called Far West, in our absence.
	On our arrival we delivered the money to those who sent us and received $1 per day and travelling expenses, for our services while gone. We furnished our own horses.
	I procured a lot immediately, built a house and moved into it. During the winter I made improvements on my lot; got up my firewood; attended councils and preached to the Saints.
To Kirtland, June 1837	About the month of June, 1837, I started for Kirtland in company with D. W. Patten and Wm. Smith, to try and reconcile some of the Twelve and others of high standing who had come out in opposition to the Prophet.
Enlists Parley to help Stays with Joseph	On my journey I met Brother Parley P. Pratt (h) about five miles west of Columbus, Ohio, moving to Far West; I prevailed on him to return with us to Kirtland. On our arrival I went to Brother Joseph's house, where I remained all the time I was in Kirtland.	Original: P. P. Pratt
Moderator with dissidents	About this time a special meeting was appointed at Joseph's house, by himself, to which several of the brethren who were disaffected were invited. I was chosen moderator, and called upon the aggrieved parties to speak first. A reconciliation was effected between all parties.
Mission to Canada, July to August	July 23rd, Joseph Smith, Jun., received a revelation to [for] me concerning the Twelve Apostles; and on the 27th, I started with Joseph and Brother Rigdon for Canada. During this mission we visited the churches in Canada west, and returned about the last of August.	D&C 112
Excommunicate 3 apostles Concurs with Brigham in rejecting John Boynton	September 3.—I attended a conference held in Kirtland, in which Luke Johnson (h), Lyman E. Johnson (h) and John F. Boynton (h) were rejected. John F. Boynton plead, as an excuse for his course, the failure of the Kirtland Bank. President Brigham Young, in a plain and energetic manner, strongly protested against his course, and was not willing to receive him into fellowship until a hearty repentance and confession were manifested. I sustained Brother Brigham's remarks and acquiesced in his testimony.	Minutes of September 3, 1837
To Missouri with Hyrum, arrive October	Soon after, in company with Hyrum Smith, I proceeded to Missouri, where we arrived in October, and in a few weeks, Presidents Joseph and Sidney arrived, and we held a conference which sustained the authorities of the Church.	Minutes of November 7, 1837
Hinkle and Murdock propose ouster of Phelps and John Whitmer	Sometime in the winter, George M. Hinkle, John Murdock and some others came to my house, and suggested the importance of calling a meeting to take into consideration the manner that W. W. Phelps and David and John Whitmer had disposed of the money which I had borrowed in the Tennessee and Kentucky Branches in 1836.	Minutes of January 20, 1838. David Whitmer was in Kirtland throughout the difficulties with his brother and W. W. Phelps.
Investigation of presidency	Accordingly, a meeting was called February 5th, 1838, and the conduct of the Presidency in Zion investigated.	Minutes of February 5–9, 1838
Reorganize the church in Zion	The Church would not sustain said presidency, but appointed myself and Brother D. W. Patten (h) presidents, pro tem, until Joseph Smith would arrive. We also reorganized the Church in Zion, placing every officer in his proper place.
Joseph arrives, March 14	Joseph arrived in Far West, March 14th, and approved of the course we had pursued.
Daviess county	May 18.—In company with Joseph, Sidney and others, I went north in Daviess County. We met with Oliver Cowdery, Lyman E. Johnson and others encamped, who were also exploring northward on Grand River. We soon returned to Far West.
August 1838 mob	In August the mob recommenced their depredations against the Saints.	MS 26, no. 26 (June 25, 1864): 406.
Finds fault with Joseph	About this time I got a beam in my eye and thought I could discover a mote in Joseph's eye, though it was nothing but a beam in my eye; I was so completely darkened that I did not think on the Savior's injunction: "Thou hypocrite, why beholdest thou the mote which is in thy brother's eye, when a beam is in thine own eye; first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, then thou shalt see clearly to get the mote out of thy brother's eye."	In October 1838 Thomas would flee the violence in Clay and Daviess counties to Richmond, where he swore out an affidavit against Joseph and other church leaders. Affidavits of Thomas B. Marsh and Orson Hyde ¶ Orson Hyde (h)
Joseph asks if he is leaving	Had I seen this I should have discovered myself a hypocrite, but as I had often said while in the Church, if I ever apostatized I would go away quietly; I tried to do so, but the Saints kept inquiring of me if I was going to leave, and so did Joseph twice. I evaded him both times.
Thomas's evasive answer	The last time he almost got me into so tight a corner I could hardly evade. He put the question direct to me, whether I was going to leave?
	With an affected look of contempt I answered: "Joseph when you see me leave the Church, you will see a good fellow leave it."
Leaves Far West	After making preparations I started from Far West and moved three miles out of town, ostensibly for the purpose of settling, and soon moved off to Clay County, and from thence to Richmond, Ray County, where I saw David, John and Jacob Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, who had all apostatized.	Thomas was excommunicated in abstentia March 17, 1839 in Quincy, Illinois. He was baptized again in July 1857 in Florence, Nebraska and moved to Utah. "A few years afterwards he died at ogden as a pauper and invalid. A little insignificant mound, covred with rock, and an old weather-beaten board, upon which the letters T. B. M. are faintly seen is all that now marks the resting place on the Ogden cemetery of this once distinguished Apostle." Historical Record 5, no. 2 (Feb. 1886), 18.
Asks David if he saw the angel	I enquired seriously of David if it was true that he had seen the angel, according to his testimony as one of the witnesses of the Book of Mormon.
David affirms testimony	He replied as sure as there is a God in heaven, he saw the angel according to his testimony in that book. I asked him, if so, why he did not stand by Joseph?
	He answered, in the days when Joseph received the Book of Mormon, and brought it forth, he was a good man and filled with the Holy Ghost, but he considered he had now fallen.
Oliver also	I interrogated Oliver Cowdery in the same manner, who answered similarly.
	Biographical Sketches