D&C 123

While the Prophet Joseph Smith suffered in Liberty Jail, the Lord instructs the early saints to - 

"...gathering up a knowledge of all the facts, and sufferings and abuses put upon them by the people of this State;

2 And also of all the property and amount of damages which they have sustained, both of character and personal injuries, as well as real property;

3 And also the names of all persons that have had a hand in their oppressions, as far as they can get hold of them and find them out."  (Doctrine and Covenants 123:1–3)

Why?

"...for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things."  (Doctrine and Covenants 123:15)

Now, many years later, we have witnessed why as much of the world have come to acknowledge such.