AVARD, Sampson

Avard emerged as a controversial figure during the turbulent period leading to the 1838 Mormon War in Missouri. A recent convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he formed the Danites as a secret paramilitary organization allegedly dedicated to protecting Mormon settlements from mounting anti-Mormon violence in Missouri.

The Danites, also known as “Destroying Angels,” operated under Avard’s leadership with an oath of absolute secrecy and loyalty to defend the church against its enemies. Members swore to obey orders without question and protect fellow Danites even unto death, creating a militant wing within the broader Mormon community.

After the surrender of Mormon forces and Joseph Smith’s imprisonment in Liberty Jail, Avard testified as a key witness for the state of Missouri in court proceedings against Smith and other church leaders. His testimony portrayed the Danites as operating under direct authorization from Smith and the church hierarchy, contradicting later official church denials of institutional involvement.

Avard’s testimony alleged that Smith had endorsed offensive military action against non-Mormons and had approved plundering expeditions against Missouri settlements. He claimed church leaders had instructed the Danites to burn property, steal livestock, and drive out opposition through intimidation and violence.

Church historians later characterized Avard as a rogue actor who exceeded his authority and manipulated church teachings to justify vigilante activities. Official Mormon doctrine disavowed the Danites and claimed Avard had acted without proper sanction, portraying him as an opportunist who exploited religious fervor for personal gain.

Contemporary evidence suggests the truth lies between these competing narratives, with some church leadership aware of Danite activities while maintaining plausible deniability. Avard’s role remains controversial within Mormon historical scholarship, representing the complex intersection of religious authority, frontier violence, and political persecution in 19th-century America.