Chapter 12 – Governor Reynolds Duped

In May 1842, David Kilbourne wrote to Missouri Governor Reynolds for assistance in capturing Joseph Smith after accusing him of being responsible for the murder attempt of former Governor Boggs.  Kilbourne’s friend, Laban Fleak, also began regular correspondence with Governor Reynolds seeking his help in apprehending Joseph Smith.  During this same time, Mayor John C. Bennett left the church due to immoral conduct and then turned bitter against Joseph Smith and other Church leaders.  Bennett was in communication with Samuel Owens of Jackson County Missouri to aid in the capture of the prophet.  In his letters to Governor Reynolds, Fleak explained their plans to kidnap Joseph Smith and transport him to Missouri.

While in Nauvoo Joseph Smith was visited by Mr. Remmick who asked Joseph Smith for a small loan to save his land purchases in Keokuk, Iowa.  The prophet gave him the money.  Later, Remmick gave the titles for the previous land purchases by the Mormons from Galland.  Joseph Smith then had them recorded.  It is apparent that Galland had not signed over the deeds to the New York Land Company previously or Joseph Smith would not have been able to have them recorded.

During 1842 Joseph Duncan determined to run again for Governor of Illinois.  His campaign was focused against the Mormons and to reinstate efforts to renew construction of the various internal improvement projects including the Illinois Michigan Canal, improvement of the Des Moines Rapids and other projects.  He was working with his Whig Party political ally George T. M. Davis of Alton.  At this time he was still president of the Warsaw Land Company.  Richard Barrett also a partner was the state fund commissioner for internal improvements.  Aldrich, Duncan, and Barrett were commissioners for the Des Moines Rapids Railroad.  Isaac Morris, also a railroad commissioner was the president of the Illinois Michigan Canal project.