Haun's Mill

Haun's Mill Massacre

The Haun's Mill massacre occurred on October 30, 1838 three days after Missouri's Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued an order stating: "The mormons must be treated as enemies and must be exterminated or driven from the state if necessary for the public peace." This was the result of contention in 3 or 4 Northern counties of Missouri. The area was settled by two diverse groups (agressive and forceful to take what you can get, and another peaceful and industrious); which with differences in beliefs and values, was fueled by rumors, distorted reports, and fear.

On October 30, 1838 the small mormon settlement at Jacob Haun's Mill in Caldwell County was attacked (thinking that passer-bys in tents (days earlier) on their way to Far West were some kind of Military build-up by the Mormons). Approximately 200 militia men rode in from the North, East, and West; while Women and most children ran into the woods. The men ran into a predetermined location (blacksmith shop) to protect the property as well as others who were unable to escape. The Missouri Militia fired through the wood (log) slats - killing seventeen members of this settlement, including ten-year old Sardius Smith. Accounts of the event are very gruesome and quite shocking. It is hard to realize that fellow Americans could have been that cruel.

The 17 individuals who lost their lives during this event are shown here.

Four wounded and died are: Hiram Abbot, Benjamin Lewis, Thomas McBride, and John York.

Twelve mortally wounded or killed are: Elias Benner, John Byers, Alexander Campbell, Simon Cox, Joseph Fuller, Austin Hammer, John Lee, Levi Merrick, William Napier, George Richards, Sardius Smith, and Warren Smith.

One wounded and died weeks later was Charles Merrick, who was wounded after he was discovered hiding, and then attempted to escape.

Of the 19 who fled the building, only four escaped uninjured: Rial Ames, Ellis Eamut, David Evans and David Lewis. 15 were wounded: Jacob Foutz, Isaac Leany, Charles Jimison, Tarlton Lewis, Nathan Knight, Gilmon Merrill, George Myers, Jacob Myers Jr., Jacob Potts, John Walker, and William Yokum. Others like Amanda Smith and Mary Stedwell (who was shot through the hand) did not get reported or otherwise escaped uninjured.

The following web page has a pretty good account of the events before, during, and after the Haun's Mill Massacre.

Thanks to Ron Romig who emailed the new web address. I have also added some personal pictures below.

The following picture is looking South West across the massacre site and toward the creek where the mill was located.

Also here is a picture looking NE out from the creek and through the trees (shown in the above picture).

The above pictures were taken in April, 2004. It appears that some excavation is underway to try to find the well where many bodies were deposited.

Personal Note: I read an account of families stopping at Haun's Mill (on their way to Far West). On October 30, unfortunately, these families that stopped at Haun's Mill to stay the night or layover for repairs were caught up in the attack. Some comments I've heard say that the people at Haun's Mill were not doing what they were told. I believe they were, and that they were supporting families on their way to Far West.