This study is designed to describe some of the causes of resistance to and internal conflicts in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio during the period 1830 to 1838. It is also intended to specify some of the ways the anti-Mormon elements executed their disapproval of the Church and its members in Ohio during that time.

In 1831, Jackson County, Missouri, was designated as a place of refuge for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Attempts to establish permanent residence in their Zion ended in bloodshed and violence. An army was raised to go to the aid of those cast out of their homes. This thesis pays particular attention to the recruiting of the army and the gathering of money and provisions, the trek to Missouri, and the interaction of those promoting and opposing the camp. The trek from Kirtland, Ohio, to Jackson County, Missouri, revealed frustrations, hardships, strengths, weaknesses, and deaths among those who participated in the abortive attempt to redeem the land and reinstate the people. This study also disclosed contrasting reactions of historians to this period of history and the still differing feelings of many who wrote of their personal experience with the camp. The histories of over two hundred men who comprised this trek were studied to determine its impact upon their lives. A strong loyal tie between them and their prophet leader was discovered.

It is the purpose of this study to examine the political elements and issues in the United States from the latter part of 1838 to June 27, 1844, to determine their relationship to the death of Joseph Smith. This study includes an analysis of national, state and local issues and sentiment during that time, as they have a bearing upon the subject. The primary period of study is the Illinois era of Latter-day Saint history which includes the events that transpired from the winter of 1838-39 to June 27, 1844. A less intensive study includes events after June 1844, to determine the political situation and the consequences involved in the "martyrdom" of Joseph Smith. Personal diaries, journals, newspaper articles and books published around this period, as well as those published at later dates, were studied. The issues and problems of the Kirtland and Missouri periods were considered when they directly related to the Illinois period.