A Dictionary of the Book of Mormon/Morianton (II)
MORIANTON. A king of the Jaredites. It appears that Riplakish, a monarch of that race, became so obnoxious to his people on account of his tyranny and abominations, that they rose in rebellion, slew him and drove his descendants out of the land. After many years, one of these descendants, named Morianton, gathered an army of outcasts and invaded the Jaredite country. The war that followed was an exceedingly severe one and lasted a number of years. One by one the cities of the Jaredites fell into the hands of Morianton, until he had made himself master of the entire country. When established in power, he conciliated the people by lightening their burdens, so that they anointed him king. During his mild though energetic reign the people were greatly prospered, many new cities were built, and the nation grew exceedingly rich. He lived to a very great age, and when too old to hold the reins of government, he abdicated in favor of his son Kim, Morianton surviving this action eight years. His character is thus summarized in the Book of Ether: "he did do justice unto the people, but not unto himself, because of his many whoredoms; wherefore he was cut off from the presence of the Lord."