1848: The Rise & Fall of John C. Bennett - Pt 1 | LDS Discussions 49
Jan 5, 2024
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Explore the rise and fall of John C. Bennett, a significant figure in early Mormonism. Delve into his roles as quartermaster general and Nauvoo mayor, the establishment of the University of Nauvoo, his involvement in the Nauvoo Masonic Lodge, sexual experimentation, and the fallout between Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith. Discover John C. Bennett's rise in the Mormon Church, his fascination with tomatoes, and the unethical nature of insider information.
John C. Bennett played a major role in getting the Nauvoo City Charter passed, granting him and Joseph Smith immense power and creating a haven for criminals due to limited extradition.
The University of Nauvoo aimed to provide a practical and diverse education, offering courses in languages, mathematics, chemistry, literature, and even astronomy, calculus, and Hebrew.
The lack of separation of powers in Nauvoo's government concentrated authority in the mayor's office, with Joseph Smith holding ultimate control behind the scenes.
John C. Bennett rapidly ascended to positions of power in Nauvoo, including mayor, chancellor of the university, major general of the Nauvoo Legion, and member of the First Presidency of the Mormon Church, though the extent of his influence over Joseph Smith remains debated.
John C. Bennett's scandalous behavior, including involvement with brothels and marital infidelity, led to his downfall and loss of support from Joseph Smith, resulting in his resignation as mayor and withdrawal from political aspirations.
Deep dives
The Rise of John C. Bennett
John C. Bennett played a key role in getting the Nauvoo City Charter written and passed, which granted him great power as the mayor of Nauvoo. The charter gave Joseph Smith and Bennett immense power, and it became a haven for criminals due to its limitations on extradition. Even Abraham Lincoln congratulated Bennett after the charter was passed.
The University of Nauvoo
The University of Nauvoo was founded in 1841 with the goal of teaching wisdom and all knowledge in the arts, science, and learned professions. While the university did not have a traditional campus, it aimed to provide practical utility and benefit individual and public happiness. The university offered courses in languages, mathematics, chemistry, and literature, and had a faculty that included prominent Mormon leaders like Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt.
Roles of the Mayor and City Council
In Nauvoo, the mayor's primary responsibility was to preside over the city council, and the mayor also served as the chief justice of the Nauvoo Court of Appeals. This lack of separation of powers led to a concentration of power in the mayor's office, with Joseph Smith as the ultimate authority behind the scenes.
University of Nauvoo Programs
The University of Nauvoo offered a range of academic programs, including languages, mathematics, chemistry, literature, and history. The university attracted notable faculty members and aimed to provide a superior education compared to other secondary schools of the time. It even added a music department and offered courses in astronomy, calculus, and Hebrew, indicating its commitment to a diverse curriculum.
John C. Bennett's Rise to Power
John C. Bennett quickly rose to power in Nauvoo, becoming the mayor, chancellor of the university, major general of the Nauvoo Legion, and even a member of the First Presidency of the Mormon Church. Despite his numerous positions, Bennett's influence over Joseph Smith remains unclear. However, their close relationship and mutual interests allowed Bennett to accumulate a significant amount of power.
Conflict and Fallout
As Bennett's scandalous behavior and actions came to light, tensions escalated between him and Joseph Smith. Bennett's involvement with brothels and his marital infidelity became known to the leaders of the church. Joseph Smith, concerned about the potential fallout, confronted Bennett and had a disfellowshipment notice prepared. Despite initially agreeing for the notice not to be published, Joseph ultimately made it public, which led to Bennett's loss of support and his resignation as mayor. Additionally, Bennett withdrew from the Illinois House of Representatives election after an investigation by the Nauvoo High Council.
The End of John C. Bennett's Influence
Following his resignation as mayor and the public disfellowshipment notice, John C. Bennett's influence and power dwindled. The rift between him and Joseph Smith shattered their alliance, and Bennett's political aspirations faltered. He withdrew from the House of Representatives election and recommended other candidates. Bennett's fall from grace marked the end of his meteoric rise to power in Nauvoo.
The Rise and Fall of John C. Bennett
John C. Bennett, a new member of the church, quickly rose to prominence and became Joseph Smith's right-hand man. However, Bennett's involvement in illicit activities, including running a brothel in Nauvoo, led to his downfall. Despite Joseph Smith's initial support, Bennett's actions were exposed, and he was eventually excommunicated from the church. This episode explores the power dynamics and conflicts within the Mormon community during Bennett's tenure.
Sexual Allegations and Damage Control
Amidst rumors and controversies, sexual allegations against John C. Bennett surfaced. Women in Nauvoo claimed that Bennett tried to seduce them, while also implicating Joseph Smith in his actions. Bennett's behavior mirrored Joseph's involvement in polygamy, raising questions about the extent of Joseph's knowledge and support. As the tensions grew, Bennett signed a statement denying any wrongdoing and distancing himself from Joseph. However, Joseph publicly denounced Bennett, leading to his excommunication and a subsequent exposé of their relationship.
Dive into the captivating saga of John C. Bennett, an enigmatic figure woven into the intricate tapestry of early Mormonism. John, Mike, Nemo, and Julia from Analyzing Mormonism unearth together the layers of his rise, from esteemed physician to Mayor of Nauvoo and right-hand man to Joseph, and the scandalous allegations that led to his name becoming a hiss and a byword among Mormons even to this day. Tune in for an enthralling journey that peels back the layers of secrecy and intrigue surrounding this controversial historical figure.
