A group of Mormons organized by Sampson Avard to seek revenge on Missourians who had persecuted early members of the Mormon Church. Avard told his followers he was acting under the direction of the First Presidency which was not true. The Danites were known for lying, robbing, and murdering their enemies. The work of the Danites undermined Joseph Smith's efforts of establishing peace with state and local leaders. [1].