Autobiography of David Pettigrew, 1840.

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Pettigrew, David. Autobiography of David Pettigrew, 1840.

Autobiography of David Pettigrew, 1840.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/557550891

Copy of David Pettigrew's autobiography, begun in 1840 and which covers the years from approximately 1816 to 1856. Pettigrew describes many personal experiences, such as his introduction and conversion to the Mormon faith and a variety of dreams, many of which he felt foretold future events. He includes detailed descriptions of mob attacks on Mormons in Missouri before and during the Missouri Mormon War (1838), including those in Jackson County, Van Buren County, Clay County, and Caldwell County. He also describes the arrival of General John B. Clark and General Samuel D. Lucas and Pettigrew's own arrest and trial alongside Joseph Smith. Pettigrew details his experiences with his Mormon missions (including those to Indians and Ohio with Willard Snow and his mission to New York) in the form of letters tot he editor of Times and Seasons (1844, 1845). A description of his service with the Mormon Battalion at Santifee, San Diego, and what he calls San Louis Mission (probably Mission San Luis Rey) includes comments on Pemoes Indians village, a description of Los Angeles, and his observations of the perceived depravity of Los Angeles' Spanish-speaking residents. Pettigrew also describes his trips to Utah settlements - including Ogden, the Toole Valley, and Payson - from 1855-1856. Inserted into the autobiography are copies of a variety of personal papers, including blessings given by the Mormon Church to the Pettigrew family from 1836-1845; letters appointing Pettigrew to Church offices from 1849-1857; court documents relating to land ownership; an invalid pension letter; and materials relating to the Mormon Battalion Festival (1855).

1 copy of typewritten manuscript, 62 pages.

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