William Clayton Journals Plus much more

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dennis
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William Clayton Journals Plus much more

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A chronological compilation of the personal
writings of William Clayton while he was a
resident of Nauvoo, Illinois.
Beginning in early 1842, William Clayton became involved in nearly
every important activity in Nauvoo, including the private concerns of
the Prophet. In this respect his life reflects the Nauvoo experience
better than does the life of almost anyone else--even better that many
church leaders who were often away on missions. He became an intimate
friend and confidant of Joseph Smith, writing letters for him,
recording revelations, and performing important errands. As a scribe
he kept the sacred `Book of the Law of the Lord'; was officially
designated to write the history of the Nauvoo Temple; helped prepare
the official history of Joseph Smith (indeed, his personal journals
become the source for many entries in that history); and kept various
other books and accounts as assigned. He was a member of the temple
committee and kept all the financial and other records dealing with
the building of the temple, including the collection and recording of
tithes. Later, after the baptismal font was completed, it was up to
Clayton to issue receipts certifying that a person was entitled to the
privileges of the font (for baptisms for the dead) because he had paid
tithing. He became Nauvoo city treasurer, recorder, and clerk of the
Nauvoo City Council, secretary pro tem of the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, an
officer of the Nauvoo Music Association, and a member of the committee
responsible for erecting the Music Hall in Nauvoo. He also became a
member and clerk of the highly important Council of Fifty, as well as
a member of Joseph Smith's private prayer circle. He may have
functioned in more public and semi-public capacities than almost any
other person in Nauvoo, save Joseph Smith. What is important here,
however, is not just the Nauvoo that Clayton saw and helped build, but
the Nauvoo that Clayton felt, deep inside. Only by capturing the
feelings and emotions of a disciple such as Clayton can we understand
the real meaning of Nauvoo in the lives of the saints.
http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/clayton-diaries
I have enjoyed reading William Claytons journals and thought others might enjoy it also.

Here is a link to many other early writings.
Journals, Diaries, Biographies, Autobiographies and Letters of Some Early Mormons and Others Who Knew Joseph Smith, Jr. and/or His Contemporaries.
http://www.boap.org/LDS/Early-Saints/

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