BIOGRAPHIES - LORIN FARR PART 5

As I indicated in the last installment, the Farr's had come to Nauvoo and there established a home along with many of the other saints driven from Missouri. Before Nauvoo could become truly habitable they had to drain the swamps there and obtain pure water by drilling wells. Many became sick from the water before this was accomplished. At one time during great illness, much healing was performed by the Prophet Joseph Smith and others. Some saints, close to death, were healed instantly by the power of the priesthood and the spirit residing on those who believed in Christ. So great was the power of healing manifested at this time that a man, not a member, asked Joseph Smith if he would come and heal his two children. They were at some distance. They were twins, three months old, and very ill. Joseph told the man he could not go but told him that he would send Brother Woodruff. He gave Elder Wilford Woodruff his handkerchief and told him to wipe the faces of the children in the healing process. Elder Woodruff did as he was instructed and the children recovered. He kept the handkerchief as a remembrance of that remarkable day. (See History of the Church, Vol IV, p. 3 and notes)

The Farr family witnessed these remarkable healings and it increased their testimonies and faith in the church and its leaders. Many times, Lorin Farr would hear the Prophet Joseph preach by the power of the spirit, which held all who listened spellbound. Lorin later told his grandson, T. Earl Pardoe, that he regretted he could not have heard the gospel preached in such power as by the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The home that the Farrs had built (see enclosed copy of this home restored) was charac-teristic of the popular Greek Revival style of architecture. The pitch of the gable was steeper and lower than any other house in Nauvoo. It was a duplex - having two front doors with two rooms downstairs and two upstairs. Each floor had a steep winding stairway that led to the upper floor. (In fact the stairways were so steep that the Farr home was not open to the public for touring when we last visited. We were let in since we were descendants but as far as I know it is not open generally). There was a chimney that allowed stove cooking in the west apartment. There was a small fireplace in the east apartment with a swing crane arm, apparently for cooking. A door connected the two separate apartments.

At the October 1840 conference the Prophet Joseph Smith told the saints it was time to build a temple again. Every tenth day would be set aside by the able bodied men to work on the temple. Committees were set up to plan the construction. The Farr men were also involved in this massive endeavor.

Charters were signed by Governor Carlin, of Illinois, in December of 1840 for the creation of the City, a University and the Nauvoo Legion. These charters were most liberal - for the participation of all men and women regardless of race or religion. When asked about the charters, Joseph Smith said that they were of his own plan and design. He said he concocted them for the salvation of the Church, and on principles so broad, that every honest man might dwell secure under its protective influence without distinction of sect or party.

Lorin became a member of the Legion. The Legion drilled and became proficient at arms for the enforcement of the laws and protection of the city against outside forces. All men between the ages of 18 and 45 were asked to be in the Legion. On April 6, 1841, the Nauvoo Legion gave its finest display - showing fourteen Illinois and two Iowa companies in full dress regalia and military pomp, marching before Nauvoo's citizens.

Lorin enjoyed watching the growth of the city and its administration. He later applied much of what he learned in establishing the Weber settlement.

In the Spring of 1842 during Masonry ceremonies an article was published in the 'Advocate' at Columbus from which I quote in part:

'Mr. Editor - Having recently had the occasion to visit the city of Nauvoo, I cannot permit the opportunity to pass without expressing agreeable disappointment that awaited me there. I had supposed, from what I had previously heard, that I should witness an impoverished, ignorant and bigoted population completely priest ridden and tyrranized over by Joseph Smith, the great prophet of these people'

'On the contrary to my surprise, I saw a people apparently happy, prosperous and intelligent. Every man appeared to be employed in some business or occupation. I saw no idleness, no intemperance, no noise, no riot - all appeared to be contented with no desire to trouble themselves with anything except their own affairs... I protest against the slanders and persecutions that are continually heaped upon these people. I could see no disposition on their part to be otherwise than a peaceable and law abiding people, and all they ask of the country is to permit them to live under the protection of the laws and to be made amendable for their violations... From all I saw and heard I am led to believe that, before many years, the city of Nauvoo will be the largest and most beautiful city of the west, provided the Mormons are unmolested in the peaceable enjoyment of their rights and privileges.'