HISTORICAL NOTES

Copyright © 1991 By: David J. Wardell. All Rights Reserved.   Reproduction or redistribution of this page in any form is strictly prohibited.

Biography of Jane Parish Lindsay

Page Revised: September 15, 2011.

This testimony was written by Jane Parish Lindsay about ten years before her death in 1919.  Although recorded many years after the events discussed took place, the intervening years had firmly established her testimony.  On not less than three occasions, Jane and her family were literally asked to give up everything they had for the Church, as well as to endure other hardships that we, in the late 20th century, can scarsely realize.

The span of years notwithstanding, grandmother has earned the right to be believed through her faithfull service and dedication.

This version of the testimony is extensively annotated with historical references that provide background for the events described.

A TESTIMONY
OF THE
PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH

By:

JANE PARISH LINDSAY

 
"I wish to leave my testimony to my family, children, grandchildren, or anyone that may wish to hear it of the Prophet Joseph -- that I do know he was a true prophet in these last days. He has done more for the salvation of the human family than anyone besides the Savior(1). That I do know him and have heard him talk. I heard him prophesy that the Saints would come to the Rocky Mountains to find their home in peace(2). I was there when the rainstorm came while he was speaking and Joseph said,

'If you can sit and listen I can stay and talk to you',

and no one moved. I have heard him say his days were short on earth, but death would taste sweet to him. He said that he would roll this work from his shoulders onto the twelve.

'Round up your shoulders and bear it', he said to them.(3)

We did not know, nor could we understand, that his days were so short. The last time he spoke in Nauvoo he said,

'Greater love hath no man, that he should lay down his life for his friends'. (4)

I saw him after he was dead and in his coffin. There were thousands (that) went through that day and saw the remains of Joseph, and also Hyrum. And Oh! The gloom that hung over that city! It seemed like the Heavens and earth both wept.

I was there when Sidney Rigdon spoke and said he was the next leader, but we felt he was not the right one. (5)  Before he was voted on the twelve all came home, and at the meeting (6) Brother Brigham took the stand. He was the prophet, the right one in the right place. I never witnessed the Spirit more plainly manifested that I did that day. (7) You would of thought it was Brother Joseph himself. Both his face and the expression on his face were like Joseph's. (8)

Therefore, I know for a surety that this is the only true church, and I want all my children to know as I do, and I know that Joseph was a true prophet in these last days, and I want my children to live and keep all His commandments and gain a salvation for them-selves, and live as I have done. Keep the Word Of Wisdom strictly and pay a good tithing. Live more humble and prayerful, obey counsel, and be worthy of His salvation, and rise in the morning of the First Resurrection.

These are the testimonies of your humble mother, which I know are true. As I am advanced in years, and don't know how soon Father will call me home again, I shall leave this testimony. Amen." (9)

Jane Parish Lindsay joined the Church in Missouri, in August, 1841, at the age of almost 16. This was almost three years prior to the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. As a mature teenager and young adult, she had ample opportunity to observe, evaluate, and interpret the events and teachings of the Prophet and other early Church leaders, both preceding and following the Martyrdom in June, 1844.(10)