1844 — Document Signed by Robert F. Smith (The Main Conspirator in the Assassination / Murder of the Prophet Joseph Smith at Carthage)

This document is housed in plastic so the photos may have a little glare on them. (Four Pages/folded in thirds).

“State of Illinois, Hancock County, Recorder’s Office, Carthage, 1st Day of May of 1844.”

Signal Print, Warsaw, Illinois. [Warsaw was a hotbed of anti-Mormon mobs when Joseph Smith was assassinated in Carthage in 1844.)

This is a deed from James Twist. Part of the penned information is dated 1846 but the two signatures of Robert F. Smith on the recording is dated 1844, the same year Joseph Smith was murdered in the Carthage Jail.

The Carthage Greys were supposed to be guarding Joseph and Hyrum Smith in the jail, but basically stood down so the mob with painted faces could execute them. Robert F. Smith was the leader of the Greys, and the Judge who put Joseph Smith in the jail, and the head of the Anti-Mormon Party that had vowed to kill the Prophet. (Robert Smith was no relation to Joseph Smith.)

The document partially reads:

“This Indenture made this the 22nd day of September in the year of our lord one thousand eight hundred and forty four between James Twist and Jane his wife of the County of Hancock and State of Illinois of the first part and William Cottier of the second part of the county of Hancock and State of Illinois Witnessed that the said Jane Twist and ….. his wife for and in consideration of the sum of sixty seven dollars the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged hath granted bargained Sole and by these presents to grant bargain sell release survey and confirm unto the said William Cottier and his heirs and assigns forever apart of Lot 12 block three in number addition to Nauvoo commencing fourteen made from the north west corner of said lot…”

A very unique document and again, signed by the main conspirator in the plot to assassinate Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, in the same year this document was signed.