215

Joseph F. Smith and the first presidency.

Letter on the excommunication of Nathan Tanner Jr.

Salt Lake City, UT, 14 October 1903
Typed Letter Signed by Joseph F. Smith as President and John Rex Winder and Anthon H. Lund as Counselors, to Bishop Frank Hesse of Blackfoot, ID. 3 pages, 10¾ x 8¼ inches, on 3 sheets, one on First Presidency letterhead; folds, uneven toning, minimal wear. 

  • Notes: Discusses at length the widely publicized and controversial case of Nathan Tanner Jr., who had applied for membership in the Blackfoot Ward. The First Presidency explains that Tanner had already been excommunicated for refusing to comply with an order the transfer property to his wife. When Tanner later requested special permission to enter the temple to be sealed to his present wife, he was denied, and he "left the President's office disappointed and in a state of anger." Tanner was then baptized by his father and thus secured a transfer to the Blackfoot Stake. The First Presidency asserts that "we regard him in the light of one who has entered the fold not by the door, but by climbing up some other way. . . . He studiously schemed to come back into the Church and to receive the ordinances of the House of the Lord by ignoring and defying the authority which cast him out." 

    With--a circular letter by Tanner "To those holding the Priesthood in the Bingham and Blackfoot Stakes of Zion," defending his reputation and disputing the facts set forth in the First Presidency's letter. 5 printed pages, 11 x 8½ inches; folds, minor wear, three manuscript corrections. No place, circa 1904. None in OCLC, although other tracts against the First Presidency by Tanner have survived.

    Provenance: collection of Larry Faria.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

November 20, 2025 10:30 AM EST
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000