“Copley had a considerable tract of land there which he offered to let the brethren occupy ... but in a short-time [he] broke the engagement.” — Newel Knight1
In 1831, the Colesville Saints, led by Newel Knight, settled on Leman Copley's 700-acre farm in Ohio, hoping to establish a new life and practice their faith in peace. They quickly began to improve the land, building homes and planting fields. However, their plans were disrupted when Copley, who had previously joined the Church but retained some Shaker beliefs, left the Church and ordered the Saints to leave his property.
Faced with eviction and uncertainty, the Colesville Saints sought guidance from Joseph Smith. In response, the Lord instructed them to journey westward to the land of Missouri. This directive led them to become among the first Church members to settle in Missouri. They prepared for the journey and left Ohio by riverboat approximately two weeks after receiving the revelation.2
