193

Joseph Smith.

Mortgage deed signed with Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith.

[Nauvoo, IL], 12 March 1840
Partly printed Document Signed by Joseph Smith Jr., Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith. One page, 12½ x 7½ inches, docked on verso "Bond to Noah T. Guyman"; folds, minor edge wear, professional minor repairs to top edge. 

  • Notes: The signers include the three members of the First Presidency in its best-known configuration, although they did not sign in an official capacity. Joseph Smith signs with a "Jr.", which he discontinued after the death of his father six months later.

    The deed is witnessed by Robert Blashel Thompson (1811-1841), who apparently also wrote out the manuscript portions of the deed.  He later served as church historian, delivered a eulogy at the funeral of Joseph Smith, Sr., and wrote "See, the Mighty Angel Flying" for the LDS hymnal before succumbing to pneumonia the following year.

    The deed is for land sold to Church member Noah Thomas Guyman (1819-1911), who went on to become one of the original Salt Lake settlers. Here he acquires Lot 3 in Block 20 on the plat of the town of Nauvoo, contingent on paying $400 plus interest to Smith, Rigdon and Smith within 20 years. 

    We find no other documents at auction signed by Joseph Smith with the other members of his First Presidency.

    Provenance: sold by Reid Moon to collector Brent Ashworth, 2010; traded to the consignor Larry Faria in 2011.
  • Condition:
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