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Show CHAPTER 5 John Joshua and Nathan Join the Army When the Tanners embraced Mormonism in 1832, John Joshua were young, attractive bachelors, aged twenty-one and seventeen respectively. Sidney, who was two years older than John Joshua, was married and had his own home. A year later in Sep tember 1833, John Joshua and Nathan turned up in Kirtland, Ohio, and called on the prophet. They had an important message from their father, as indicated by the Journal of Joseph Smith, which under date of September 28, 1833 records the following: and Nathan Brother John Tanner sent his two sons to Kirtland to learn the will of the Lord, whether he should remove to Zion or Kirtland. It was decided by the unanimous voice of the council, on the 28th of Sep tember, that it was the will of the Lord, for all who were able and willing to build up and strengthen the stake in Kirtland. Brother Tanner was counseled accordingly.' But the prophet was to find important work for the Tanner family, even before Father Tanner had time to close out his hold ings in Bolton and move to Zion. The Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, were in distress due to their expulsion by mobs, and Joseph the prophet had determined to assist them. But since little is known of this event, an explanation seems in order. In June of 1831 Joseph Smith and thirty elders were called by revelation to go to Missouri and preach the gospel, (Doctrine and Covenants, Sec. 52). A short time later the Saints in Thompson, Ohio, were commanded to move to Missouri and make a settlement, (Doctrine and Covenants Sec. 54). With this beginning the Missouri , |
