The Confrontation Of Grand Master Abraham Jonas and John Cook Bennett At Nauvoo

By Mervin B. Hogan, M.P.S.

(A paper read at Consistory of Blue Friars, Washington, D.C., February 22, 1976)

The Philalethes Society, June 1976 & August 1976

Reprinted from The Philalethes CD-Rom© by permission.

John Cook Bennett is of no significant consequence in the history of Masonry Mormonism, or any other known field of human endeavor. The present account is of particular value for its portrayal of some facets of the character of Abraham Jonas, the first Grand Master of the second Grand Lodge of Illinois. Jonas was a self-seeking opportunist, surprisingly skilled in the traditions, history, practices, and jurisprudence of Freemasonry.

Born August 3, 1804 at Fairhaven, Bristol County, Massachusetts, John C. Bennett's age was between that of the older Brigham Young and the younger Joseph Smith. It is abundantly evident that at Nauvoo he held in his grasp the certain and golden opportunity which might well have led to enviable fame and monumental achievement in the church of his choice, as well as his consequent immortalization as one of the distinguished pioneer builders of the west.

Bennett's character, however, was one which did not stand up under the ceaseless and colorless demands of the long haul. As one who had to have spectacular and immediate recognition he was, in this respect, virtually the antithesis of Brigham Young. The latter could patiently and inconspicuously play his part from day to day, carefully and meticulously laying his basic foundation, and then firmly grasp the opportunity the moment it availed itself, and finally - with both ability and stability - drive on indomitably to his ultimate goal.

Bennett's itinerant career is sufficiently obscure and undocumented as to leave any motivated inquirer extremely confused and perplexed. No one has ever learned just what brought him to Fairfield, Illinois or understood what factors caused his almost immediate recognition by the governor of the state with appointment to extremely high and jealously coveted offices. Bennett himself states he came to Illinois from Ohio in June, 1838. (1) On February 20, 1839, Governor Thomas Carlin commissioned him "Brigadier-General of the Invincible Dragoons of the 2d Division of Illinois Militia," and on July 20, 1840 the same authority commissioned him "Quarter-Master-General of the Militia of the State of Illinois," at the same rank. His rank was advanced, however, when again the same authority, attested by "S.A. Douglass (2) [sic], Secretary of State," on February 5, 1841 commissioned him "Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion of the Militia of the State of Illinois."

In the meantime he had moved to Nauvoo in late August or early September, 1840 and was soon baptized a member of the Mormon Church; since he received a patriarchal blessing by Hyrum Smith on September 21, 1840. (3) His spectacular rise in the power structure of Nauvoo is as incredible as it was meteoric. He became Mayor of Nauvoo, February 1, 1841; Chancellor of the University of the City of Nauvoo, May 3, 1841; and on May 6, 1841, "Master in Chancery, in and for the County of Hancock." (4)

As the capstone to all this temporal and secular recognition, he was advancing with equal rapidity to elevation within the ecclesiastical and religious domain. At the General Conference of the Church in Nauvoo, April 7, 1841, he played a prominent role as a speaker on several subjects, and "Gen. J.C. Bennett was presented with the First Presidency as assistant president, until Pres't. Ridgon's health should be restored. (5) We thereby see that Bennett had reached a position in the Nauvoo administrative echelon wherein he had few competitors as virtually the second in power and authority to Joseph Smith.

His tenure of this elevated pinnacle was to prove extremely short-lived and his decline or fall was to be every bit as precipitate as had been his phenomenal rise. The causes of Bennett's downfall are not really clear. At best, it appears he and Joseph Smith arrived at some unknown and insoluble impasse and, once the question of doubt was raised, Bennett was indefensibly vulnerable.

Probably to avoid unsavory publicity and personal embarrassment, it is clear the Prophet and Bennett reached a private mutual agreement whereby it was attempted to draw successfully a cover over Bennett's awkward profligacies and philanderings, as well as hopefully to ease the abrupt parting of the ways.

Most unfortunately, however, this was one of those situations which was bound to get out of hand. There were too many people with too many self-interests who got into the act, and salacious, titilating gossip has a far too elemental appeal to be kept in check. Charges and countercharges, accusations and refutations defenses and explanations poured forth and uncontrollable emotions continued to erupt over an ever expanding area. Joseph Smith had the pulpit and the church press as his outlet, while Bennett turned vigorously to the neighboring and surrounding anti-Mormon press, the public lecture platform, and finally gathered together and published a considerable compilation.

This text of Bennett's was published about the first of November, 1842, which means everything relating to it must have been uncommonly rushed in order to make such a surprisingly early date after the time of the first public awareness of this viable controversy. It suggests Bennett had anticipated his coming troubles for some time and had a great deal of work on a planned book - such as collecting letters extolling his character - essentially completed before the open break.

When a man sits down to compile a book and feels impelled to devote 47 of its introductory pages to the "Character of the Author," that man has unwittingly or otherwise revealed the fact he has a genuinely pressing, personal problem. This is the conspicuously displayed situation of Bennett and his ill-chosen compilation, The History of the Saints; or, An Expose' of Joe Smith and Mormonism; often referred to as Mormonism Exposed. By his poor taste and lack of judgment in his choice of subject matter and his ill-suited manner of expressing himself, he actually succeeded in greatly harming his own reputation. But he did also succeed in directing aroused emotions against Joseph Smith and the Mormons, who were his chosen targets.

While Bennett proved to be one of the highly disruptive and extremely destructive agents directed against the Mormon Church and the related downfall of Nauvoo City, his influence or leadership within Nauvoo Lodge appears to have been negligible or minimal and of no practical significance. The existing record - in the form of the extensive, unpublished, Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge - clearly establishes the continuing leadership and dominant direction of the Lodge by Hyrum Smith from the date of receipt of the Dispensation for the Lodge to that of his murder.

The quoted material which follows is from the official Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge U.D., and is the previously unpublished record (6) - given in full as it pertains to the subject - of Bennett's treatment by the Masonic Order of Illinois' when persistent rumor and suspicion forced a demand for action. Bennett served as secretary of the Lodge from the first congregated meeting of the Nauvoo Masons by George Miller in Hyrum Smith's office on December 29, 1841 to the meeting on Friday, May 6, 1842, inclusive. (7) At that time, trouble - which had been continuously stalking him - knocked vigorously at his door, and the stage curtain was about to be rung down on Bennett's halcyon days at Nauvoo.

Thoughtful and discrete action was swift and immediate, as shown by the complete record of the first meeting related to this subject.

"Saturday, May 7th, A.L. 5842 A.D., 1842.

"5 o'clock A M [sic]

"Special communication. Lodge met pursuant to special notice from the W.M. George Miller. Present, George Miller, W.M.; Hyrum Smith, S.W.; Lucius N. Scovil, J. W.; Newel K. Whitney, Treas.; Willard Richards, Secy. pro tem.; Charles Allen, S. D.; Heber C. Kimball, J. D.; Hiram Clark & Wm. Felshaw Stewards; Samuel Rolfe, Tyler; Noah Rogers, Brigham Young, Wm. Law, Wilson Law, Stephen Chase, Wm. Marks, Daniel S. Miles, Amassa Lyman, John C. Bennett, S.; members.

"A Master Masons lodge was then opened in due form, when a communication was read from Grand Master Jonas, dated Columbus May 4th 1842 & Mark'd A. After reading the communication the Secretary pro tem, read the Constitution and by laws of the Grand Lodge of Ill's., and the by-laws of this lodge, and compared with the records of the lodge and found to agree, when brother John C. Bennett denied the charge in toto, and was ready for trial, when it was voted that the W. M. George Miller should reply to the communication, which he did as follows Marked C.A communication from Bodley Lodge No. 1, Quincy, Marked B was then read, when it was voted, that the Secretary pro tem, answer the same, which he did as follows - Marked D.

"No further business appearing, the lodge closed in due form without date.

(signed) "Willard Richards,

"Secretary pro tem.

(signed) George Miller

Master"

Although none of the four marked exhibits appears to have survived with the Minute Book, they are really no great or serious loss, as will be seen. It is highly probable Bodley Lodge stated charges to Jonas who, as Grand Master, had no alternative but to act. Bodley Lodge had always been anti-Mormon and vigorously opposed the establishment of a Masonic Lodge among the Mormons. Its attitude and position it had repeatedly made crystal clear to Jonas. In arriving at such a position and adamantly adhering to it, Bodley Lodge was simply exercising its intrinsic Masonic prerogative. To its everlasting credit, it must be distinctly stated that relating to the Mormons there is no known evidence of any subterfuge, deceit, or questionable practice at any time on the part of this Lodge. To arrive at an anti-Mormon position was its right and privilege, and it ever expressed itself forthrightly, candidly, and without hesitation. Grand Master Jonas actually assumed a tremendous personal burden and responsibility when he opposed the expressed attitude of every Lodge in Illinois and granted the Dispensation for Nauvoo Lodge.

At the regular meeting of Thursday, May 19, 1842, convened at 6:00 o'clock P.M. by the Master, George Miller, with Willard Richards as acting Secretary, the subject was again a matter of business. This portion of the record reads,

"The W.M. then read the following charge preferred against Dr. John C. Bennett by Thomas Grover, to wit:

"That Dr. John C. Bennett has palmed himself up on the Masonic Brethren in the organization of Nauvoo Lodge U.D. as a regular mason in good standing, when I have reason to believe that he is an expelled mason from a lodge in Fairfield, Ohio, or from Fairfield Lodge, Ohio."

(signed) "Thomas Grover."

"On motion, it was resolved that Dr. John C. Bennett be cited to appear before Nauvoo Lodge U. D. on the first Thursday in June next at 6 o'clock P.M. to answer to the above charge."

At the above meeting 79 members were present and all the officers were at their respective stations and places, except the Secretary. Among those present were Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, William Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Charles C. Rich, Vinson Knight, Thomas Grover, Elias Higbee, Francis M. Higbee, Wilson Law and William Law. John C. Bennett was absent.

The regular communication of Thursday, June 2, 1842 was called to order at 6:00 o'clock P. M. by Worshipful Master George Miller, with all the officers in their appointed stations and places except the Secretary; which office was filled by Willard Richards, acting. John C. Bennett, Secretary, present. Including officers, there were 111 Master Masons, 2 Fellowcrafts, an Entered Apprentice, and 7 visiting brethren in attendance.

Respecting Bennett, the record reads,

"The business to be presented before this lodge was the investigation of the charge preferred against Dr. John C. Bennett in a communication from G.M.A. Jonas dated May 4th 1842 (said communication being on file and marked A) but no evidence appearing to substantiate the charge it was resolved, that the investigation of the charge preferred against Dr. John C. Bennett be postponed until the next regular communication to take place on Thursday the 16th Inst. and that the Secretary pro tempore, write to Grand Master A. Jonas and inform him of the proceedings of the lodge in reference to this case."

Among those present at this meeting were: Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, George A. Smith, John Taylor, Elias Higbee, Francis M. Higbee, James Sloan, Newel K. Whitney, Charles C. Rich, Thomas Grover, King Follett, Hiram Kimball, Vinson Knight, Jacob B. Backenstos, and Robert D. Foster.

George Miller, the Master of the Lodge, called the regular communication to order at 6:00 o'clock P. M., Thursday, June 16, 1842. All of the officers were present and Willard Richards served as acting Secretary. There were 112 Master Masons, three Fellowcrafts, three Entered Apprentices and one visiting brother in attendance.

Prominent names present were: Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, John Cook Bennett, Wilford Woodruff, George A. Smith, Wilson Law, Charles C. Rich, John P. Greene, James Sloan, Elias Highee, Hosea Stout, Henry G. Sherwood, William Clayton, and Albert P. Rockwood.

Concerning Bennett, the record states,

"The W.M. then called the Secretary Pro Tem. to read the several communications from G.M.A. Jonas and others relative to the charges preferred against John C. Bennett which was accordingly done. The evidence set forth in those communications satisfied the minds of a majority of the brethren of the reality of his being an expelled Mason; but in consequence of his presenting various documents from men of high standing in Society in the neighborhood of Willoughby, [Ohio], and some from brethren of the Fraternity in the same neighborhood dated about the time Bro. Patterson says he was expelled showing the high estimation in which he was held by those gentlemen; and also referring expressly to a communication from Bro. Patterson to him dated sometime about a year ago, breathing the most friendly feelings, and in the strongest language soliciting the continuance of former friendship, and further in consequence of his still urging that if he had been so expelled he never had been informed of the circumstance until the same was read in a communication from Grand Master A. Jonas dated May 24th [sic], It was

"Resolved, that his case be further postponed until the next regular communication, to take place on the first Thursday in July, giving furtherance for the minutes of the lodge at Pickaway concerning Bennett's expulsion to be obtained, and that the Secretary Pro Tem. shall write to Pickaway lodge requesting a copy of the minutes of their said lodge concerning his expulsion, to be forwarded to Nauvoo as soon as possible and also to write to G.M.A. Jonas stating the proceedings of the lodge in reference to this matter."

On June 24, Nauvoo Lodge celebrated Masonry's traditional Festival of St. John the Baptist. The Lodge membership present consisted of 130 Master Masons, six Fellowcrafts, and three Entered Apprentices; while 18 visiting brethren, including Joseph Kelley of Bodley Lodge No. 1 at neighboring Quincy, were in attendance.

The minutes of the day give the further facts:

At "2 o'clock P.M. Lodge called from refreshment to labor. The W.M. then ordered the Secy. pro tem. to read all the communications touching the case of Dr. John C. Bennett which was accordingly done; after which he called the S.W., Hyrum Smith to the chair, . . . " Among those present were Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball, Hosea Stout, James Sloan, Wilson Law, and Francis M. Higbee. John C. Bennett was absent. The acting Secretary was Willard Richards.

At the regular meeting of Thursday, July 7, 1842 the subject was again an agenda item. George Miller presided and William Clayton acted as Secretary. No enlightening or explanatory comments are recorded; the Minutes are brief and to the point,

"The W.M. then stated that with regard to the case of John C. Bennett he had not as yet received any communication from Pickaway Lodge but did not judge it necessary to postpone the action of the Lodge in his case any longer. It was therefore,

"Resolved that the Lodge is fully satisfied that John C. Bennett, is an expelled mason, and that his name be stricken from the rolls; and that this lodge regards him as totally unworthy the fellowship, or regard, of all good and honorable men or masons."

The regular communication of Thursday, August 4, 1842 was convened at 4:00 o'clock P.M. with George Miller in the Master's chair and William Clayton acting as Secretary. Grand Master Abraham Jonas now enters the proceedings decisively and authoritatively,

"The W.M. then requested the E.A.s & F.C.s to withdraw, which being done he ordered the Secy. to read a communication from G. M. A. Jonas, setting forth that whether Bennett had previously been expelled or not it was our duty to expell him for his conduct here. The letter was accordingly read but in consequence of our Bye-laws requiring two-thirds of all the members of the Lodge to be present to expell a member; it was resolved that the lodge be convened on Monday next at 4 o'clock P.M. in the Lodge Room to act on this case, and that the Secy. give public notice of the same by posting written notices of the same in various parts of the City."

The special communication called for Monday, August 8, 1842 assembled at 4:00 o'clock P.M. The Minutes of this meeting reveal a great deal of valuable information, by implication primarily. Only two of the regular officers were in attendance and there was not a single officer serving in his titular office. The Junior Warden, Lucius N. Scovil, served as Worshipful Master and Henry G. Sherwood was Secretary, each pro tempore. There were 138 Master Masons and three visiting brethren present. An implied attitude of the Lodge is conveyed by the names of those who are absent. John Cook Bennett, Joseph Smith, George Miller, Hyrum Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Heber C. Kimball, and all such high ranking members of the Mormon hierarchy and Masons of prominence are absent. Essentially the rank and file membership of the Lodge have been assembled to execute the orders of Grand Master Jonas. The ever loyal, devoted, and dependable Lucius N. Scovil has been called upon to see that the assignment is legally and capably completed.

The record reports,

"The W.M. then called upon the Secy. pro tem. to read the charges preferred against John C. Bennett which was done as follows,

"To Nauvoo Lodge U.D.

"Dr brethren, I hereby prefer the following charges against John C. Bennett late secretary of this Lodge

"1st Seduction. For seducing certain previously respectable females of our city by using Joseph Smith's name as one who sanctioned such conduct.

"2nd Adultery. For illicit intercourse with various females frequently.

"3rd Lying. In using Joseph Smith's name as before stated, saying that said Smith taught and practiced illicit intercourse with women, he knowing it to be false.

"4th Perjury. In swearing that he was under duress when he made a certain affidavit before Esq. Wells when it is well known he never was under restraint or confinement at all whilst in this city.

"5th Embezzlement. For making use of money belonging to the lodge without either knowledge or consent of said lodge.

"6th. For illicit intercourse with a Master Mason's wife.

"Satisfactory evidence being set forth before the Lodge in each and every case, the voice of the lodge was taken in each case separately; when it was declared by the Lodge that he is considered guilty of all the above charges without a dissenting voice. Whereupon the following resolution was passed, to Wit;-

"Resolved, That John C. Bennett be expelled from this lodge and from all the privileges of Masonry, he being considered one of the most base and infamous adulterers, liars, and a general plunderer of female chastity. And further, that he is dishonest and not worthy to be trusted, that he is perjured and not worthy of credit; and that he has broken his solemn obligation as a Master Mason. And, that the Secy P.T. be authorised immediately to communicate this action of the Lodge to all the Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of this State."

Possibly due to inexperience on the part of the acting Secretary, the name of whoever preferred the charges is not stated; and then again it may have been an intentional omission.

This long forgotten record win be variously read and interpreted by different people. It is abundantly clear, though, that the Lodge took its own ample time to consider Bennett's case unhurriedly and with due process. It would seem that emotion was at a minimum, and apparently both Christian and Masonic charity of the mind and spirit were graciously extended Bennett by the Lodge. Also, it appears that a rather successful effort was made to keep those matters of the case relating to Freemasonry sharply separate and distinct from Bennett's difficulties with Joseph Smith and the Church.

The real reasons and/or causes why Grand Master Jonas entered the case and insisted on overlooking nothing which could be charged against Bennett, and fully prosecuting him for the same, were most probably not known then and certainly cannot be ascertained now. But the positive and demanding action on the part of Jonas (himself a lawyer) does leave provocative and disturbing queries.

Beyond any doubt, Abraham Jonas insisted on beating the dead horse long after it was dead. That the Lodge was totally unsympathetic and out of harmony with this administrative order is amply demonstrated by the atmosphere in which the last trial was held.

The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Illinois, A.F.&A.M., for 1842 present the final, official proclamation,

"Expelled - John C. Bennett, M.M., about 38 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, dark complexion, dark eyes, Roman nose, lost his upper front teeth; quick spoken, good language, by profession a physician, residing in New York; for gross unMasonic conduct; on the 8th day of August, 1842."

Bennett's remaining years reflected much the same pattern he had earlier cast. He followed James Jesse Strang and his splinter group for several years, but again he "fell from grace." He moved to the vicinity of Plymouth, Massachusetts and resided there for a period of time raising poultry and carrying on in his own way with dentistry and medicine. (8)

He finally left Plymouth under unknown circumstances and moved to Polk County, Iowa. He applied himself to sheep, cattle, and poultry raising, as well as continuing to practice medicine. His talents as a promoter were again demonstrated in 1861 when he became an instigator in the organization of the Tenth Iowa Infantry, in which he served with the rank of major. He became Surgeon in Field and Staff of the Third U.S. Infantry in 1865. His death occurred August 5, 1867 and he is buried in the Polk City Cemetery. (9)

In death as in life, the memory of John Cook Bennett is a deceit and a fraud. Although at the time of his death he was under the sentence of expulsion from the benefits, privileges, and honors of Freemasonry by two Masonic Lodges, his tombstone is embellished with the Masonic insignia of the square and compasses; the emblem of the Order to which he had no right and which he disgraced in every sense. (10)

(1) John C. Bennett, The History of the Saints; or, An Expose' of Joe Smith and Mormonism; Leland & Whiting, Boston, 1842, 344 pp.; p. 14.

(2) Stephen Arnold Douglas became a Mason in Springfield Lodge No. 4, Springfield, Ill, of which the Mormon Patriarch and first Deputy Grand Master of the second Grand Lodge of Illinois, General and Judge James Adams, was Master; being entered June 11, passed June 24, and raised June 26, all in 1840.

(3) Ibid., pp. 42-44.

(4) Ibid., pp. 14-25.

(5) Times and Seasons, Vol. 2, No. 12, April 15, 1841, pp. 386-388.

(6) Permission granted by Mr. Earl E. Olson, Assistant Managing Director of the Historical Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah.

(7) Mervin B. Hogan, editor, The Founding Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge Research Lodge No. 2, A.F.&A.M., Des Moines lowa, February 1971, 32pp.; also, The Official Minutes of Nauvoo Lodge, some publisher, April 4, 1974, 104 pp.

(8) John C. Bennett, The Poultry Book: A Treatise on Breeding and General Management of Domestic Fowls, with Numerous Original Descriptions, and Portraits from Life, Phillips, Sampson & Co., Boston, 1854, 320 pp.

(9) Ralph V. Chamberlin, The University of Utah, 1850-1950; University of Utah Press, 1960, pp. 577-578.

(10) Jerry Marsengill, "Grave of John C. Bennett Located;" [lowa] Grand Lodge Bulletin, Vol. 71, No. 9, November, 1970, Cedar Rapids, lows, pp. 683-684.