| 735 them that Strang's claims were of no value and his practices were wicked. 1 In 1851 he wrote an article against the teachings and practices of Strang, Brigham Young, and other pretenders to the successorship of Joseph Smith. This article was signed by himself, D. Wildermuth and sons, and others, and they paid for its publication in the Mineral Point Tribune. This denouncing of all pretended successors was the initial move towards a reorganization. He ardently looked forward to the time when "young Joseph" would take his father's place, and until then there was no successor. He had a dream which he interpreted as meaning that all pretenders to the leadership were impostors.
He preached, and closely following the publication of the article referred to, the whole Yellowstone branch denounced their leader (Strang). In the early part of the winter of 1852-53, in response to prayer asking for information as to what to do to effect an organization, they were told by the Spirit that in due time they would be told what to do, and a meeting was called in March, 1853, at Zarahemla (now Blanchardville), to learn the will of the Lord. Several sessions were held and general discouragement prevailed. . . . They separated to meet the next week, the 6th of April. Be it known, however, that Bro. Deam had received the revelation during the second meeting, and after writing it, handed it to the presiding officer, Z. H. Gurley, Sen., who was speaking at the time and forgot to read it. Bro. Deam reproduced the document at the meeting on April 6, which, being compared with the other, was found to be verbatim. This was at a meeting called for solemn prayer. After its reading a glad shout went up from every throat, and some bore testimony that they saw a recording angel with a roll in his hand. [See this volume page 217 for revelation.]
1 It seems that for a time Elder Deam may have indorsed [endorsed] Strang. March 3, 1848, he wrote a letter to B. G. Wright, of Voree, Wisconsin, in which are these statements: "I long to be in Voree, and be heart and hand with you." "The saints all send their love to you, as also to our beloved prophet." This letter was written from Potosi, Wisconsin, and published in Gospel Herald, volume 2, page 259 H. C. S.
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