The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1858-02-17
Joe Smiths Family at Nauvoo.

00o db NauVOO.
A correspondence 10 the Missouri Repu5-
kcan writes that last Summer he was at
Nauvoo, and conversed with Mr.. Bitoman,
who is married to Joe Smith's widow
He says: t 4.aa =.
Isat at the table with the family, con-
sisting Of M. Bitoman and wife, and three
sons of Joe Smith, the eldest about 23 or
a.; the second about 20; the third lad
of some l 2 or l3 years. From Mr. Bito-
man learned that not one of the family
believed in Mormenism,- and that his wife
formerly Mrs. Snith-had always been
opposed to them, as well as the boys. |
told that Joe Smith prophesied some two
years. before this young lad was born, that
a SON was to be born to him, at or about
a certain time; that at the time stated his
wife did give birth to son. At that time
he also stated that bis sons name would
be David mot Joe), and that is the name
of the lad, for I heard him answer to it..
Joe also said that his mantle of greatness
and prophecy would fall upon his son aud
lineal heir, David, who he stated weuld be
as wise and powerful as David Of Old
The fact of the birth Of this child, fol-
lowing according to Joe's prophecy,
strengthened the belief that had already 80
strong hold upon his followers. Mrs.
Bitoman is masculine. intelligent looking
lady, Of As or Al years. She is native
of New York. .8
She has splendid farm some four miles
from Nauvoo, which is managed by her
two eldest sons, while David goes to
school. About the two eldest there is
nothing remarkable to be seen. They are
intelligent men, Of large size, but have
nothing in their appearance betekening
them to be prophets, or "sons of q ,proph-
et." To their mother they are said to be
very much attached and very kind. David
Is an uncommouly intelligent lad, of mas
sive forehead and bright expressive eyes.
His step.father intmates that he cares as
little about Mormons and Mormaaism as
one that has never heard the names. not
withstanding that thousands Of the fol-
lowers of his father believe him to he .
great high prists. . prophet, and seer (in
embroy). &c. He knows that they wor-
ship his name equal to, that Of Jesus Christ;
and yet Lam told. the lad is tso intelligent
TO allow 1t to make any Impression upon
him. Probably the fact Of oil the family
being unbelievers In 1t is the cause.
The following incident ! learned ftsm
3 gentleman residing at Nauyoo; That
when Joe was killed In Jail, some Afteen
miles frcm his homo, his wife and son took
possession Of his body, aud, to >prevent
the rabbls from getting 1t, they raised the
dining room door, and digging . grave,
buried his remains there. whore they still
remain. The story. whether true or not, 10
generally believed Ia Nauyoo, si
Pedagogue- We'll, cir what does hair
spelli 4, A.. n, Il, 1880.
Boy--Doa't know. sst
Psdagogas--WAas have you got on
your hoadi ~, ~ ~.
Boy--I guess it's 'skseter bite II itch.
es like thunder. e,e..s, ,,,..a ts, .a
A rather thick.h headed witness In the
pelics.court was asked the question wheth.
er 30 .aAd.so ''stood on the defensive. -
No, sir,' he ianocently replied, che stood
on . bench. "a.
N"Dont rob yourself" as the farmer
said to the lawyer who called him hard
names. t.e s@ 3a' F4it - iea sie