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Liberty Jail Key

            Joseph Smith along with seven other chruch leaders spent 128 days, from December 1, 1838 to April 6, 1839, in th Liberty Jail. While in the Jail, Joseph received sections 121, 122, and 123 of the Doctrine and Covenants. Through these trying times their faith was severely tested and they stood helpless while during the cold of winter the saints were driven out of the state of Missouri by an extermination order from Governor Boggs.                            

            The Key fell into the possession of Mr. Edgar Archer, a Liberty resident, who added it to his antique collection. After his death it remained with his widow, who upon her death, left instruction in her will, to donate the Key to the "Jail Museum." In 1967 her daughters, Mrs. Sally Archer South and Mrs. Margaret Lanborg donated this dey to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Key is now on display in the Liberty Jail Visitor Center in Liberty, Missouri.