Recently, we here at Juvenile Instructor learned something that brings us great sorrow: Jared T., one of the blog?s original founders and most frequent contributors, had decided that the time had come for him to pursue other projects.  Jared was present at the conversation at J-Dawg?s when someone proposed a blog focusing on Mormon history.  Since that time, he has written dozens of journal roundups, prepared annual lists of forthcoming books on Mormon history, and pushed Mormon historians to think about more deeply about the Mormon colonies in Mexico and the role that they played in shaping Mormon history as a whole.

From Jared?s blog posts, an individual could:

1. Learn How to Make a Seer Stone
2. Visit One of the Nicest Homes in Nauvoo
3. Sing Mormon Lyrics to Popular American Songs
4. Experience the Heated Passion between ?Degraded Indian Mothers? and ?Adventurous? White Men
5. Stalk Famous Figures in Mormon History

Jared was also a personal friend to many of us at JI, and was always willing to read a rough draft of an article that was soon-to-be submitted, listen to a particularly vexing problem in Mormon history, or even just offer a shoulder to cry on.  His posts in addition to those above were sometimes amazing personal.  Such as this one, which talks about Jared?s reaction when he saw that someone had placed a crucifix in grandfather?s hands during his grandfather?s funeral.

Those of us at JI will miss Jared and everything that he brought to the blog.  Luckily, Jared won?t be quitting the blogosphere altogether.  He plans to devote more time to his blog on borderlands history and will also be occasionally blogging at Keepapitchinin.  Those looking for Jared?s journal round-ups and lists of forthcoming books will be able to find them at By Common Consent.  Finally, Jared will be connecting his work on Mormon history to larger themes in the history of the American West at the Religion in the American West blog.

Please join us below in celebrating Jared?s time here at the blog and wishing him well in his future endeavors.  We?ll miss you, buddy.