A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon/Morianton
MORIANTON. The founder of the city called by his name, and the leader of its citizens. Morianton appears to have been a wicked passionate, self-willed, avaricious man, and the first notice we have of him (B. C. 68), grows out of a contention that arose between his people and those of the neighboring city of Lehi. Morianton claimed for his people some of the land lying between the two cities, then in possession of the Lehites, and so determined was he to carry his point, that he neglected all peaceable methods of settling the difficulty, and appealed to the dread arbitrament of the sword. The people of Lehi, whose cause was just, fled to Moroni, the Nephite commander-in-chief, and asked his help. When Morianton learned of this move, knowing that he was in the wrong, and fearing the strength of Moroni, he persuaded his people to flee to the land northward. He would probably have carried his plan into effect, had it not been for his ungovernable temper. In a fit of passion he cruelly beat one of his maid servants, who ran away to the camp of Moroni and told the latter of the secret intentions of Morianton and his people. Such an exodus was very repugnant to Moroni's feelings and judgment. He feared to have a hostile people in the north, who, in times of war with the Lamanites, could harass the Nephite rear. He therefore detailed Teancum, with an army corps, to head the people of Morianton, and stop their flight northward. This the latter was not able to accomplish until they had reached the borders of Desolation, at the Isthmus of Panama. Here a battle took place, for so great was the power of Morianton over his people, that, by his flattery and wickedness, he filled them with the spirit of stubbornness to such an extent that they forcibly resisted the armies of the Commonwealth. In the battle that ensued, their leader was slain by Teancum, his hosts defeated, and those not slain were taken prisoners and carried back to the camp of Moroni. Here the difficulties were investigated and settled amicably. Upon their covenanting to keep the peace, they were restored to their lands, and a union was effected between them and the citizens of Lehi, who also returned to their possessions.