Brigham Young

American religious leader (1801–1877)

For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation).

Brigham Young

Young c. 1870

2nd President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
December 27, 1847 (1847-12-27) - August 29, 1877 (1877-08-29)
Predecessor| Joseph Smith
Successor| John Taylor
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
April 14, 1840 (1840-04-14) - December 27, 1847 (1847-12-27)
Predecessor| Thomas B. Marsh
Successor| Orson Hyde
End reason| Became President of the Church
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
February 14, 1835 (1835-02-14) - December 27, 1847 (1847-12-27)
Called by| Three Witnesses
End reason| Became President of the Church
LDS Church Apostle
February 14, 1835 (1835-02-14) - August 29, 1877 (1877-08-29)
Called by| Three Witnesses
Reason| Initial organization of Quorum of the Twelve
Reorganization
at end of term| No apostles immediately ordained[1]
1st Governor of Utah Territory
In office
February 3, 1851 - April 12, 1858
Predecessor| Position established
Successor| Alfred Cumming
Personal details
Born| (1801-06-01)June 1, 1801
Whitingham, Vermont, U.S.
Died| August 29, 1877(1877-08-29) (aged 76)
Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, U.S.
Cause of death| Ruptured appendix
Resting place| Brigham Young Cemetery
40°46′13″N 111°53′08″W﻿ / ﻿40.7703°N 111.8856°W﻿ / 40.7703; -111.8856﻿ (Brigham Young Cemetery)
Spouse(s)| See List of Brigham Young's wives
Children| 56[2]
Signature|

Biography portal LDS movement portal

Brigham Young (/ˈbrɪɡəm/ BRIG-əm; June 1, 1801 - August 29, 1877)[3] was an American religious leader and politician. He was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1847 until his death in 1877. During his time as church president, Young led his followers, the Mormon pioneers, west from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Salt Lake Valley. He founded Salt Lake City and served as the first governor of the Utah Territory. Young also worked to establish the learning institutions that would later become the University of Utah and Brigham Young University. A polygamist, Young had at least 56 wives and 57 children. He formalized the prohibition of black men attaining priesthood, and led the church in the Utah War against the United States.[4]

## Early life

[edit]

The five sons of John and Abigail Young.
From left to right: Lorenzo Dow, Brigham, Phineas H., Joseph, and John.

Young was born on June 1, 1801, in Whitingham, Vermont. He was the ninth child of John Young and Abigail "Nabby" Howe. Young's father was a farmer, and when Young was three years old his family moved to upstate New York, settling in Chenango County.[5] Young received little formal education, but his mother taught him how to read and write.[6] At age twelve, he moved with his parents to the township of Genoa, close to Cayuga Lake. His mother died of tuberculosis in June 1815. Following her death, he moved with his father to Tyrone, New York. While there, Young's father remarried to a widow named Hannah Brown and sent Young off to learn a trade.[7] Young moved to Auburn, New York, where he was an apprentice to John C. Jeffries. He worked as a carpenter, glazier, and painter. One of the homes that Young helped paint in Auburn belonged to Elijah Miller and later to William Seward, and is now a local museum. With the onset of the Panic of 1819, Jeffries dismissed Young from his apprenticeship, and Young moved to Port Byron, which was then called Bucksville.[8] Young reported having a strict Puritan-style Christian upbringing. He used tobacco but did not drink alcohol. He refused to sign a temperance pledge, however, stating that "if I sign the temperance pledge I feel that I am bound, and I wish to do just right, without being bound to do it; I want my liberty."[9]

Chair made by Young, who was a carpenter early in his life

Young married Miriam Angeline Works, whom he had met in Port Byron in October 1824.[10] They first resided in a small house adjacent to a pail factory, which was Young's main place of employment at the time.[11] Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born on September 26, 1825. According to William Hayden, Young participated in the Bucksville Forensic and Oratorical Society.[11] Young converted to the Reformed Methodist Church in 1824 after studying the Bible. Upon joining the Methodists, he insisted on being baptized by immersion rather than by their normal practice of sprinkling.[12] In 1828, the family moved briefly to Oswego, New York, on the shore of Lake Ontario, and in 1828 to Mendon, New York. Young's father, two brothers, and sister had already moved to Mendon. In Mendon, Young first became acquainted with Heber C. Kimball, an early member of the LDS Church.[13] Young worked as a carpenter and joiner, and built and operated a saw mill.[14]

### Latter Day Saint conversion

[edit]

1845 portrait displayed in the Nauvoo Temple celestial room. Young titled the painting, Delivering the Law of the Lord. On the table are a Book of Mormon and Bible, and a third book titled, "Law of the Lord,"

By the time Young moved to Mendon in 1828, he had effectively left the Reformed Methodist Church and become a Christian seeker, unconvinced that he had found a church possessing the true authority of Jesus Christ.[15] Sometime in 1830, Young was introduced to the Book of Mormon by way of a copy that his brother, Phineas Howe, had obtained from Samuel H. Smith. Young did not immediately accept the divine claims of the Book of Mormon.[16] In 1831, five missionaries of the Latter Day Saint movement—Eleazer Miller, Elial Strong, Alpheus Gifford, Enos Curtis, and Daniel Bowen—came from the branch of the church in Columbia, Pennsylvania, to preach in Mendon. A key element of the teachings of this group in Young's eyes was their practicing of spiritual gifts like speaking in tongues and prophecy. This was partly experienced when Young traveled with his wife, Miriam, and Heber C. Kimball to visit the branch of the church in Columbia. After meeting Joseph Smith, Young joined the Church of Christ in April 9, 1832.[17][18] He was baptized by Eleazer Miller. Young's siblings and their spouses were baptized that year or the year afterwards.[19] In April 1832, a branch of the church was organized in Mendon; eight of the fifteen families were Youngs.[20] There, Young saw Alpheus Gifford speak in tongues, and in response, Young also spoke in tongues.[21] Young and Kimball spent the summer following their baptism conducting missionary work in western New York, while Vilate Kimball cared for Young's family. After Miriam died of consumption, Vilate continued to care for Brigham's children while he, Heber, and Joseph Young traveled to visit Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Ohio.[22] During the visit, Brigham spoke in a tongue that Smith identified as the "Adamic language".[21]

After visiting Joseph Smith in Kirtland, Brigham set out to preach with his brother Joseph in the winter of 1832–1833. Joseph had been a Reformed Methodist preacher and the two made a similar "preaching circuit" in eastern Canada. They described the Book of Mormon as the "stick of Joseph", mentioned in Ezekiel 37.[23] Young continued to preach in eastern Canada in the spring and accompanied two Canadian converts to Kirtland in July 1833. Young and his two daughters moved to Kirtland along with the Kimball family later that summer. Here he became acquainted with Mary Ann Angell, a convert to the faith from Rhode Island, and the two were married in February 1834 and obtained a marriage certificate on March 31, 1834.[24] In May 1834, Young became a member of Zion's Camp and traveled to Missouri. He returned to Kirtland with members of the camp in August.[25] After his return to Kirtland, Young did carpentry, painting, and glazing work to earn money. He also worked on the Kirtland Temple and went to a grammar school.[26] His third child and first son, Joseph A. Young, was born shortly after his return. Mary Ann, who was pregnant at the time, had provided for Young's two daughters and the children of her brother Solomon Angell and their friend Lorenzo Booth while Young was away with Zion's Camp.[27][28]

## LDS Church service

[edit]

Young c. 1857

At a conference on February 14, 1835, Brigham Young was named and ordained a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.[29][30] On May 4, 1835, Young and other apostles went on a mission to the east coast, specifically in Pennsylvania and New York. His call was to preach to the "remnants of Joseph", a term people in the church used to refer to indigenous people.[31][32] In August 1835, Young and the rest of the Quorum of the Twelve issued a testimony in support of the divine origin of the Doctrine and Covenants.[33] He oversaw the finishing of the Kirtland temple and spoke in tongues at its dedication in 1836.[34] Shortly afterwards, Young went on another mission with his brother Joseph to New York and New England. On this mission, he visited the family of his aunt, Rhoda Howe Richards. They converted to the church, including his cousin Willard Richards.[35][27] In August 1837, Young went on another mission to the eastern states.[36] He then returned to Kirtland where he remained until dissenters, unhappy with the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society, forced him to flee the community in December 1837. He then stayed for a short time in Dublin, Indiana, with his brother Lorenzo before moving to Far West, Missouri, in 1838. He was later joined by his family and by other members of the church in Missouri.[37] He became the oldest member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles when David Patten died after the Battle of Crooked River.[38] When Joseph Smith arrived in Far West, he appointed Young, along with Thomas Marsh and David Patten, as "presidency pro tem" in Missouri.[39]

Under Young's direction, the quorum organized the exodus of Latter Day Saints from Missouri to Illinois in 1838.[40] Young also served a year-long mission to the United Kingdom. There, he showed a talent for organizing the church's work and maintaining good relationships with Joseph Smith and the other apostles. Under his leadership, members in the United Kingdom began publishing Millennial Star, a hymnal, and a new edition of the Book of Mormon. [41][42] Young also served in various leadership and community organization roles among church members in Nauvoo. He joined the Nauvoo city council in 1841 and oversaw the first baptisms for the dead in the unfinished Nauvoo temple. He joined the Masons in Nauvoo on April 7, 1842, and participated in an early endowment ritual led by Joseph Smith that May and became part of the Anointed Quorum.[43] Young and the other apostles directed the church's missionary work and the immigration of new converts from this point forward.[44] Young served another mission to the Eastern seaboard.[45]

During his time in Nauvoo, Joseph Smith introduced the doctrine of plural marriage among church leaders. Young performed the sealing ordinances for two of Joseph Smith's plural wives in early 1842.[43] Young proposed marriage to Martha Brotherton, who was seventeen years old at the time and had recently immigrated from Manchester, England. Brotherton signed an affidavit saying that she had been pressured by Young and then Smith to accept polygamy. The affidavit was created at John C. Bennett's request, after his excommunication and in conjunction with his distribution of false information combined with true information about the church's practice of polygamy. Brigham Young and William Smith discredited Brotherton's character, and Brotherton herself did not associate with the church afterwards.[46][47] Young campaigned against Bennett's allegations that Joseph Smith practiced "spiritual wifery"; Young knew of Smith's hidden practice of polygamy. He also helped to convince Hyrum to accept polygamy.[48] Young married Lucy Ann Decker in June 1842, making her his first plural wife. Young knew her father, Isaac Decker, in New York. Lucy was still married to William Seeley when Young married her. Young supported her and her two children while they lived in their own home in Nauvoo. Lucy and Young had seven children together.[49][50][51] Young was one of the first men in Nauvoo to practice polygamy, and he married more women than any other polygamist while in Nauvoo.[52] While in Nauvoo, he married Clarissa Decker, Clarissa Ross, Emily Dow Partidge, Louisa Beaman, Margaret Maria Alley, Emmeline Free, Margaret Piece, and Zina Diantha Huntington. These wives bore him children after they moved to Utah. He also married in Nauvoo, but did not have children with Augusta Adams Cobb, Susannah Snively, Eliza Bowker, Ellen A. Rockwood, and Namah K. J. Carter.[47] Eight of Young's plural marriages in Nauvoo were to Joseph Smith's widows.[53] Young traveled east with Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith from July to October 1843 on a mission to raise funds for the Nauvoo temple and its guesthouse. Young's six-year-old daughter Mary Ann died while he was on this mission.[54] On November 22, 1843, Young and his wife Mary Ann received the second anointing, a ritual that assured them that their salvation and exaltation would occur.[55][56] In March 1844, Brigham Young was an inaugural member of the Council of Fifty, which later organized the Mormon exodus from Nauvoo.[57][58]

In 1844, Young traveled east again to solicit votes for Joseph Smith in his presidential campaign. In June 1844, while Young was away, Joseph Smith was killed by an armed mob who stormed the jail where he was awaiting trial for the charge of treason. Young did not learn of the assassination until early July.[59][60] Several claimants to fill the leadership vacuum emerged during the succession crisis that ensued.[61][62] Church members gathered at a meeting on August 8, 1844 with the intent to choose between two claimants, Young and Sidney Rigdon, the senior surviving member of the church's First Presidency.[63] At the meeting, Rigdon argued no one could succeed Smith and that he (Rigdon) should become Smith's "spokesman" and guardian of the church. Young argued that the church needed more than a spokesman and that the twelve apostles, not Rigdon, had "the fullness of the priesthood" necessary to succeed Smith's leadership. Young claimed access to revelation to know God's choice of successor because of his position as an apostle.[62] The majority of attendants voted that the Quorum of the Twelve was to lead the church.[64] Many of Young's followers stated in reminiscent accounts (the earliest in 1850 and the latest in 1920) that when Young spoke to the congregation, he miraculously looked or sounded exactly like Smith, which they attributed to the power of God.[65][66][67] Young began acting as the church's president afterwards, though he did not yet have a full presidency. He also led the Anointed Quorum.[68] Young led the church as president of the Quorum of the Twelve until December 5, 1847, when the quorum unanimously agreed to organize a new First Presidency with Young as president of the church. A church conference held in Iowa sustained Young and his First Presidency on December 27, 1847.[69]

Not all church members followed Young. Rigdon became the president of a separate church organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and several other potential successors emerged to lead what became other denominations of the movement.[70]

Before departing Nauvoo, Young focused on completing the Nauvoo temple. After the exterior was completed on December 10, 1845, members received their temple endowments day and night, and Young officiated many of these sessions. An estimated 5,000 members were endowed between December 10, 1845, and February 1846.[71] With the repealing of Nauvoo's charter in January 1845, church members in Nauvoo lost their courts, police, and militia, leaving them vulnerable to attacks by mobs. Young instructed victims of anti-Mormon violence on the outskirts of Nauvoo to move to Nauvoo. Young negotiated with Stephen A. Douglas and agreed to lead church members out of Nauvoo in the spring in exchange for peace.[72] Some Mormons counterfeited American and Mexican money, and a grand jury indicted Young and other church leaders in 1845. When officers arrived at the Nauvoo temple to arrest Young, he sent William Miller out in Young's hat and cloak. Miller was arrested but released when it was discovered he was not Brigham Young. Young himself condemned the counterfeiting. John Turner's biography states: "it remains unclear whether Young [...] had sanctioned the bogus-making operation".[73][74] The indictment of Young and other leaders, combined with rumors that troops would prevent the Mormons from leaving, led Young to start their exodus in February 1846.[75]

## Migration west

[edit]

See also: Mormon pioneers

Repeated conflict in Nauvoo led Young to relocate his group of Latter-day Saints to the Salt Lake Valley, which was then part of Mexico. Young organized the journey that would take the Mormon pioneers to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, in 1846, before continuing on to the Salt Lake Valley.[76] By the time Young arrived at the final destination, it had come under American control as a result of war with Mexico, although U.S. sovereignty would not be confirmed until 1848.[77] Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, a date now recognized as Pioneer Day in Utah.[78] Two days after their arrival, Young and the Twelve Apostles climbed the peak just north of the city and raised the American flag, calling it the "Ensign of Liberty".[79]

Young's home property, surveyed in 1862

Among Young's first acts upon arriving in the valley were the naming of the city as "The City of the Great Salt Lake" and its organization into blocks of ten acres, each divided into eight equal-sized lots.[80] On August 7, Young suggested that the members of the camp be re-baptized to signify a re-dedication to their beliefs and covenants.[81] Young spent just over a month in the Valley recovering from mountain fever before returning to Winter Quarters on August 31.[82] Young's expedition was one of the largest and one of the best organized westward treks, and he made various trips back and forth between the Salt Lake Valley and Winter Quarters to assist other companies in their journeys.[83]

After three years of leading the church as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Young reorganized a new First Presidency and was sustained as the second president of the church on December 27, 1847, at Winter Quarters.[84] Young named Heber C. Kimball as his first counselor and Willard Richards as his second.[85][86] Young and his counselors were again sustained unanimously by church members at a church conference in Salt Lake City in September 1850.[87]

## Governor of Utah Territory

[edit]

An 1853 daguerreotype of Young

The Utah Territory was created by Congress as part of the Compromise of 1850, and as colonizer and founder of Salt Lake City, Young was appointed the territory's first governor and superintendent of American Indian affairs by President Millard Fillmore on February 3, 1851.[88][89] He was sworn in by Justice Daniel H. Wells for a salary of $1,500 a year and named as superintendent of Indian Affairs for an additional $1,000.[89] During his time as governor, Young directed the establishment of settlements throughout present-day Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, California, and parts of southern Colorado and northern Mexico. Under his direction, the Mormons built roads, bridges, forts, and irrigation projects; established public welfare; organized a militia; issued a "selective extermination" order against male Timpanogos;[90] and after a series of wars, eventually made peace with the Native Americans. Young was also one of the first to subscribe to Union Pacific stock, for the construction of the First transcontinental railroad. He also authorized the construction of the Utah Central railroad line, which connected Salt Lake City to the Union Pacific transcontinental railroad.[91] Young organized the first Utah Territorial Legislature and established Fillmore as the territory's first capital.

Young established a gold mint in 1849 and called for the minting of coins using gold dust that had been accumulated from travelers during the Gold Rush. The mint was closed in 1861 by Alfred Cumming, gubernatorial successor to Young.[92] Young also organized a board of regents to establish a university in the Salt Lake Valley.[93] It was established on February 28, 1850, as the University of Deseret; its name was eventually changed to the University of Utah. In 1849, Young arranged for a printing press to be brought to the Salt Lake Valley, which was later used to print the Deseret News periodical.[94]: 3–4

In 1851, Young and several federal officials—including territorial Secretary Broughton Harris—became unable to work cooperatively. Within months, Harris and the others departed their Utah appointments without replacements being named, and their posts remained unfilled for the next two years.[95] These individuals later became known as the Runaway Officials of 1851.[96]

Young supported slavery and its expansion into Utah and led the efforts to legalize and regulate slavery in the 1852 Act in Relation to Service, based on his beliefs on slavery.[97][98] Young said in an 1852 speech, "In as much as we believe in the Bible ... we must believe in slavery. This colored race have been subjected to severe curses ... which they have brought upon themselves."[99] Seven years later in 1859, Young stated in an interview with the New York Tribune that he considered slavery a "divine institution ... not to be abolished".[100]

In 1856, Young organized an efficient mail service known as the Brigham Young Express and Carrying Company, which transported mail and passengers between Missouri and California.[101] In 1858, following the events of the Utah War and Mountain Meadows Massacre, he stepped down to his gubernatorial successor, Alfred Cumming.[102]

## LDS Church president

[edit]

Young is the longest-serving president of the LDS Church to date, having served for 29 years.

### Educational endeavors

[edit]

Young photographed by Charles Roscoe Savage, 1855

During time as prophet and governor, Young encouraged bishops to establish grade schools for their congregations, which would be supported by volunteer work and tithing payments.[103] Young viewed education as a process of learning how to make the Kingdom of God a reality on earth, and at the core of his "philosophy of education" was the belief that the church had within itself all that was necessary to save mankind materially, spiritually, and intellectually.[104]

On October 16, 1875, Young deeded buildings and land in Provo, Utah, to a board of trustees for establishing an institution of learning, ostensibly as part of the University of Deseret.[105] Young said, "I hope to see an Academy established in Provo ... at which the children of the Latter-day Saints can receive a good education unmixed with the pernicious atheistic influences that are found in so many of the higher schools of the country."[106] The school broke off from the University of Deseret and became Brigham Young Academy in 1876 under the leadership of Karl G. Maeser,[106] and was the precursor to Brigham Young University.[107]

Within the church, Young reorganized the Relief Society for women in 1867 and created organizations for young women in 1869 and young men in 1875.[108] The Young Women organization was first called the Retrenchment Association and was intended to promote the turning of young girls away from the costly and extravagant ways of the world. It later became known as the Young Ladies Mutual Improvement Association and was a charter member of the National Council of Women and International Council of Women.[109]

Young also organized a committee to refine the Deseret alphabet—a phonetic alphabet that had been developed sometime between 1847 and 1854. At its prime, the alphabet was used in two Deseret News articles, two elementary readers, and in a translation of the Book of Mormon. By 1870, it had all but disappeared from use.[110]

### Temple building

[edit]

Young was involved in temple building throughout his membership in the LDS Church, making it a priority during his time as church president. Under Smith's leadership, Young participated in the building of the Kirtland and Nauvoo temples. Just four days after arriving in the Salt Lake Valley, Young designated the location for the Salt Lake Temple; he presided over its groundbreaking years later on April 6, 1853.[111] During his tenure, Young oversaw construction of the Salt Lake Tabernacle and announced plans to build the St. George (1871), Manti (1875), and Logan (1877) temples. He also provisioned the building of the Endowment House, a "temporary temple", which began to be used in 1855 to provide temple ordinances to church members while the Salt Lake Temple was under construction.

### Teachings

[edit]

The majority of Young's teachings are contained in the 19 volumes of transcribed and edited sermons in the Journal of Discourses. The LDS Church's Doctrine and Covenants contains one section from Young that has been canonized as scripture, added in 1876.[112]

Mormonism and polygamy

A Mormon "Saint" and Wives by Charles Weitfle (c. 1878–1885)

Early Mormonism

Joseph Smith • Wives of Joseph Smith • Origin of Latter Day Saint polygamy • Spiritual wifery

Latter-day Saints

Brigham Young • Wives of Brigham Young • Late-19th century Mormon polygamy • Mormon colonies in Mexico • 1890 Manifesto • Reed Smoot hearings • 1904 Manifesto

Mormon fundamentalism

AUB • Centennial Park group • Council of Friends • Current state of polygamy • FLDS Church • Kingston Group • List of leaders • Lost boys • Short Creek raid • YFZ Ranch

Antipolygamy laws

Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act • Poland Act • Edmunds Act • Edmunds–Tucker Act

Case law

Reynolds v. US • Cannon v. US • Clawson v. US • Davis v. Beason • Late Corp. of the LDS Church v. US • Cleveland v. US • Brown v. Buhman • List of polygamy court cases

Related articles

Celestial marriage • Freedom of religion in the US • Legal status of polygamy • List of practitioners • Polygamy czar • Polygamy in Christianity • Polygamy in North America • Timeline of civil marriage in the United States

Latter Day Saints portal

* v
* t
* e

#### Polygamy

[edit]

Though polygamy was practiced by Young's predecessor, Joseph Smith,[113] the practice is often associated with Young. Some Latter Day Saint denominations, such as the Community of Christ, consider Young the "Father of Mormon Polygamy".[114] In 1853, Young made the church's first official statement on the subject since the church had arrived in Utah. Young acknowledged that the doctrine was challenging for many women, but stated its necessity for creating large families, proclaiming: "But the first wife will say, 'It is hard, for I have lived with my husband twenty years, or thirty, and have raised a family of children for him, and it is a great trial to me for him to have more women;' then I say it is time that you gave him up to other women who will bear children."[115] Young believed that sexual desire was given by God to ensure the perpetuation of humankind and believed sex should be confined to marriage.[116]

#### Adam-God doctrine and blood atonement

[edit]

One of the more controversial teachings of Young during the Mormon Reformation was the Adam–God doctrine. According to Young, he was taught by Smith that Adam is "our Father and our God, and the only God with whom we have to do". According to the doctrine, Adam was once a mortal man who became resurrected and exalted. From another planet, Adam brought Eve, one of his wives, with him to the earth, where they became mortal by eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. After bearing mortal children and establishing the human race, Adam and Eve returned to their heavenly thrones where Adam acts as the god of this world. Later, as Young is generally understood to have taught, Adam returned to the earth to become the biological father of Jesus.[117][118][119] The LDS Church has since repudiated the Adam–God doctrine.[120]

Young also taught the doctrine of blood atonement, in which the atonement of Jesus cannot redeem an eternal sin, which included apostasy, theft, fornication (but not sodomy), or adultery.[121][122] Instead, those who committed such sins could partially atone for their sin by sacrificing their life in a way that sheds blood.[123] The LDS Church has formally repudiated the doctrine as early as 1889[124] and multiple times since the days of Young.[125][126][127]

#### Priesthood ban for black men

[edit]

Young is generally considered to have instituted a church ban against conferring the priesthood on men of black African descent, who had generally been treated equally to white men in this respect under Smith's presidency.[128] After settling in Utah in 1848, Young announced the ban,[128] which also forbade blacks from participating in Mormon temple rites such as the endowment or sealings. On many occasions, Young taught that blacks were denied the priesthood because they were "the seed of Cain".[129] In 1863, Young stated: "Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so."[130] Young was also a vocal opponent of theories of human polygenesis, being a firm voice for stating that all humans were the product of one creation.[131]

Throughout his time as prophet, Young went to great lengths to deny the assumption that he was the author of the practice of priesthood denial to black men, asserting instead that the Lord was. According to Young, the matter was beyond his personal control and was divinely determined rather than historically or personally as many assumed.[132] Young taught that the day would come when black men would again have the priesthood, saying that after "all the other children of Adam have the privilege of receiving the Priesthood, and of coming into the kingdom of God, and of being redeemed from the four-quarters of the earth, and have received their resurrection from the dead, then it will be time enough to remove the curse from Cain and his posterity."[133]

These racial restrictions remained in place until 1978, when the policy was rescinded by church president Spencer W. Kimball,[134] and the church subsequently "disavow[ed] theories advanced in the past" to explain this ban,[135] essentially attributing the origins of the ban solely to Young.[136]

### Mormon Reformation

[edit]

Main article: Mormon Reformation

During 1856 and 1857, a period of renewed emphasis on spirituality within the church known as the Mormon Reformation took place under Young's direction.[137] The Mormon Reformation called for a spiritual reawakening among members of the church and took place largely in the Utah Territory. Jedediah M. Grant, one of the key figures of the Reformation and one of Young's counselors, traveled throughout the Territory, preaching to Latter-day Saint communities and settlements with the goal of inspiring them to reject sin and turn towards spiritual things. As part of the Reformation, almost all "active" or involved LDS Church members were rebaptized as a symbol of their commitment.[138] At a church meeting on September 21, 1856, Brigham Young stated: "We need a reformation in the midst of this people; we need a thorough reform."[139] Large gatherings and meetings during this period were conducted by Young and Grant, and Young played a key role in the circulation of the Mormon Reformation with his emphasis on plural marriage, rebaptism, and passionate preaching and oration.[140] It was during this period that the controversial doctrine of blood atonement was occasionally preached by Young, though it was repudiated in 1889 and never practiced by members of the church.[141] The Reformation appeared to have ended completely by early 1858.[142]

### Conflicts

[edit]

Shortly after the arrival of Young's pioneers, the new Latter-day Saint colonies were incorporated into the United States through the Mexican Cession. Young petitioned the U.S. Congress to create the State of Deseret. The Compromise of 1850 instead carved out Utah Territory, and Young was appointed governor. As governor and church president, Young directed both religious and economic matters. He encouraged independence and self-sufficiency. Many cities and towns in Utah, and some in neighboring states, were founded under Young's direction. Young's leadership style has been viewed as autocratic.[143]

#### Utah War

[edit]

Main article: Utah War

When federal officials received reports of widespread and systematic obstruction of federal officials in Utah (most notably judges), U.S. President James Buchanan decided in early 1857 to install a non-Mormon governor.[144] Buchanan accepted the reports of the Runaway Officials without any further investigation, and the new non-sectarian governor was appointed and sent to the new territory accompanied by 2,500 soldiers.: 200 When Young received word in July that federal troops were headed to Utah with his replacement, he called out his militia to ambush the federal force using delaying tactics. During the defense of Utah, now called the Utah War, Young held the U.S. Army at bay for a winter by taking their cattle and burning supply wagons.[145] Young eventually reached a settlement with the aid of a peace commission and agreed to step down as governor. Buchanan later pardoned Young.[146]

#### Mountain Meadows Massacre

[edit]

Young (seated near the middle, wearing a tall beaver hat) and an exploring party camped at the Colorado River in 1870

The degree of Young's involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which took place in Washington County in 1857, is disputed.[147] Leonard J. Arrington reports that Young received a rider at his office on the day of the massacre, and that when he learned of the contemplated attack by members of the church in Parowan and Cedar City, he sent back a letter directing that the Fancher party be allowed to pass through the territory unmolested.[148] Young's letter reportedly arrived on September 13, 1857, two days after the massacre. As governor, Young had promised the federal government he would protect migrants passing through Utah Territory, but over 120 men, women, and children were killed in this incident. There is no debate concerning the involvement of individual Mormons from the surrounding communities by scholars. Only children under the age of seven, who were cared for by local Mormon families, survived, and the murdered members of the wagon train were left unburied. The remains of about 40 people were later found and buried, and U.S. Army officer James Henry Carleton had a large cross made from local trees, the transverse beam bearing the engraving, "Vengeance Is Mine, Saith The Lord: I Will Repay" and erected a cairn of rocks at the site. A large slab of granite was put up on which he had the following words engraved: "Here 120 men, women and children were massacred in cold blood early in September, 1857. They were from Arkansas." For two years, the monument stood as a memorial to those traveling the Spanish Trail through Mountain Meadow. According to Wilford Woodruff, Young brought an entourage to Mountain Meadows in 1861 and suggested that the monument instead read "Vengeance is mine and I have taken a little".[149]

## Death

[edit]

Young is buried on the grounds of the Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument in Salt Lake City.

Before his death in Salt Lake City on August 29, 1877,[150] Young suffered from cholera morbus and inflammation of the bowels.[151] It is believed that he died of peritonitis from a ruptured appendix.[2] His last words were "Joseph! Joseph! Joseph!", invoking the name of the late Joseph Smith Jr., founder of the Latter Day Saint movement.[152] On September 2, 1877, Young's funeral was held in the Tabernacle with an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people in attendance.[153] He is buried on the grounds of the Mormon Pioneer Memorial Monument in the heart of Salt Lake City. A bronze marker was placed at the grave site June 10, 1938, by members of the Young Men and Young Women organizations, which he founded.[154]

## Business ventures and wealth

[edit]

Young engaged in a vast assortment of commercial ventures by himself and in partnership with others. These included a wagon express company, a ferryboat company, a railroad, and the manufacturing of processed lumber, wool, sugar beets, iron, and liquor. Young achieved greatest success in real estate. He also tried to promote Mormon self-sufficiency by establishing collectivist communities, known as the United Order of Enoch.[155]

Young was also involved in the organization of the Salt Lake Gas Works, the Salt Lake Water Works, an insurance company, a bank, and the ZCMI store in downtown Salt Lake City.[156] In 1873, he announced that he would step down as president of the Deseret National Bank and of ZCMI, as well as from his role as trustee-in-trust for the church. He cited as his reason for this that he was ready to relieve himself from the burden of "secular affairs".[157]

At the time of his death, Young was the wealthiest man in Utah, with an estimated personal fortune of $600,000[155] (equivalent to $17,200,000 in 2023).

## Legacy

[edit]

### Impact

[edit]

Memorials to Brigham Young

Statue in Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol

This Is the Place Monument, Salt Lake City

Brigham Young Monument, Salt Lake City

Young had many nicknames during his lifetime, among the most popular being "American Moses"[158] (alternatively, "Modern Moses" or "Mormon Moses"),[159][160] because, like the biblical figure, Young led his followers, the Mormon pioneers, in an exodus through a desert, to what they saw as a promised land.[161][162] Young was dubbed by his followers the "Lion of the Lord" for his bold personality and commonly was called "Brother Brigham" by Latter-day Saints.

A century after Young's death, historian Rodman W. Paul wrote,[163]

> [Joseph Smith] was succeeded by one of the outstanding organizers of the 19th century, Brigham Young. If the circumstances of his life had worked out differently [he] might have become a captain of industry—an Andrew Carnegie or John D. Rockefeller or a railroad builder. Instead, this able, energetic, earthy man became the absolute ruler and the revered, genuinely loved father figure of all Mormons everywhere.

He credited Young's leadership with helping to settle much of the American West:[163]

> During the 30 years between the Mormons' arrival in Utah in 1847 and [his death in] 1877, Young directed the founding of 350 towns in the Southwest. Thereby the Mormons became the most important single agency in colonizing that vast arid West between the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada.

Memorials to Young include a bronze statue in front of the Abraham O. Smoot Administration Building, Brigham Young University; a marble statue in the National Statuary Hall Collection at the United States Capitol, donated by the State of Utah in 1950;[164] and a statue atop the This is the Place Monument in Salt Lake City.

### Views of race and slavery

[edit]

Young believed in the racial superiority of white men.[165] His manuscript history from January 5, 1852, which was published in the Deseret News, reads:

> The negro … should serve the seed of Abraham; he should not be a ruler, nor vote for men to rule over me nor my brethren. The Constitution of Deseret is silent upon this, we meant it should be so. The seed of Canaan cannot hold any office, civil or ecclesiastical. … The decree of God that Canaan should be a servant of servants unto his brethren (i.e., Shem and Japhet [sic]) is in full force. The day will come when the seed of Canaan will be redeemed and have all the blessings their brethren enjoy. Any person that mingles his seed with the seed of Canaan forfeits the right to rule and all the blessings of the Priesthood of God; and unless his blood were spilled and that of his offspring he nor they could not be saved until the posterity of Canaan are redeemed.[166]

Young adopted the idea of the Curse of Ham—a racist interpretation of Genesis 9 which white proponents of slavery in antebellum America used to justify enslaving black people of African descent[167]—and applied it liberally and literally.[165] On this topic, Young wrote: "They have not wisdom to act like white men."[168]

Young also predicted a future in which Chinese and Japanese people would immigrate to America. He averred that Chinese and Japanese immigrants would need to be governed by white men as they would have no understanding of government.[169]

Young had a somewhat mixed view of slavery which historian John G. Turner called a "bundle of contradictions".[170] In the 1840s, Young strove to keep aloof from nationwide political debates over slavery, avoiding committing to either antislavery or proslavery positions. In the early 1850s, he expressed some support for the antislavery "free soil" position in American politics,[171] and in January 1852, he declared in a speech that "no property can or should be recognized as existing in slaves", suggesting opposition to the existence of slavery.[172][173] However, two weeks later Young declared himself a "firm believer in slavery".[174][175][176]

### Family and descendants

[edit]

See also: List of Brigham Young's wives

Young was a polygamist, having at least fifty-six wives.[177] The policy and practice of polygamy was difficult for many in the church to accept. Young stated that upon being taught about plural marriage by Joseph Smith: "It was the first time in my life that I desired the grave."[178] By the time of his death, Young had fifty-seven children by sixteen of his wives; forty-six of his children reached adulthood.[177]

Sources have varied on the number of Young's wives, as well as their ages. This is due to differences in what scholars have considered to be a "wife".[179] There were fifty-six women who Young was sealed to during his lifetime. While the majority of the sealings were "for eternity", some were "for time only", meaning that Young was sealed to these women as a proxy for their previous husbands who had passed away. Researchers note that not all of the fifty-six marriages were conjugal.[179] Young did not live with a number of his wives or publicly hold them out as wives, which has led to confusion on the number and their identities.[179] Thirty-one of his wives were not connubial and had exchanged eternity-only vows with him.[177]

Caricature of Young's wives, published after his death

Of Young's fifty-six wives, twenty-one had never been married before; seventeen were widows; six were divorced; six had living husbands; and the marital status of six others is unknown.[179] Young built the Lion House, the Beehive House, the Gardo House, and the White House in downtown Salt Lake City to accommodate his sizable family. The Beehive House and the Lion House remain as prominent Salt Lake City landmarks. At the north end of the Beehive House was a family store, at which Young's wives and children had running accounts and could buy what they needed.[180] In 1865, Karl Maeser began to privately tutor Young's fifty-six children and stopped when he was called on a mission to Germany in 1867.[181][182][183]

At the time of Young's death, nineteen of his wives had predeceased him; he was divorced from ten, and twenty-three survived him. The status of four was unknown.[179] A few of his wives served in administrative positions in the church, such as Zina Huntington and Eliza R. Snow. In his will, Young shared his estate with the sixteen surviving wives who had lived with him; the six surviving non-conjugal wives were not mentioned in the will.[179]

#### Notable descendants

[edit]

Main article: Descendants of Brigham Young

In 1902, 25 years after his death, The New York Times established that Young's direct descendants numbered more than 1,000.[184] Some of Young's descendants have become leaders in the LDS Church, as well as prominent political and cultural figures.[185][186][187]

## In culture

[edit]

### In comics

[edit]

Florence Claxton's The Adventures of a Woman in Search of Her Rights (1872), satirizes a would-be emancipated woman whose failure to establish an independent career results in her marriage to Young before she wakes to discover she's been dreaming.

Brigham Young appears at the end of the bande dessinée Le Fil qui chante, the last in the Lucky Luke series by René Goscinny.[188]

### In literature

[edit]

The Scottish poet John Lyon, who was an intimate friend of Young, wrote Brigham the Bold in tribute to him after his death.[189][190]

Arthur Conan Doyle gave Brigham Young a minor but pivotal in-person role in the Sherlock Holmes short novel A Study in Scarlet. Young appears here in a scene set in 1860, some time before the novel's publication in 1887. Doyle had based this work, the first Holmes story, in part on Mormon history and portrays the Mormons and Young unsympathetically. When asked to comment, Doyle responded that he "provoked the animosity of the Mormon faithful" and that "all I said about the Danite Band and the murders is historical so I cannot withdraw that though it is likely that in a work of fiction it is stated more luridly than in a work of history." Doyle's daughter stated that, "You know father would be the first to admit that his first Sherlock Holmes novel was full of errors about the Mormons."[191]

Mark Twain devoted a chapter and much of two appendices to Young in Roughing It. In the appendix, Twain describes Young as a theocratic "absolute monarch" defying the will of the U.S. government, and alleges using a dubious source that Young had ordered the Mountain Meadows massacre.[192]

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., talking about his fondness of trees, joked in his The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table: "I call all trees mine that I have put my wedding-ring on, and I have as many tree-wives as Brigham Young has human ones."[193]

### In film

[edit]

Young has appeared in a number of films. Dean Jagger played him of the eponymous 1940 film Brigham Young. In The Avenging Angel (1995), he is played by Charlton Heston. Terence Stamp plays him in the 2007 film September Dawn.

### In theater

[edit]

In the 2011 satirical musical The Book of Mormon, Young is portrayed as a tyrannical American regional warlord, cursed by God to have a clitoris for a nose—a parable cautioning against female genital mutilation.[194]

## Literary works

[edit]

Since Young's death, a number of works have published collections of his discourses and sayings.

* Teachings of President Brigham Young: Salvation for the Dead, the Spirit World, and Kindred Subjects. Seagull Press. 1922.
* Brigham Young (1925). Discourses of Brigham Young. selected by John A. Widtsoe. Deseret Book.
* Young, Brigham (1952). The Best from Brigham Young: Statements from His Sermons on Religion, Education, and Community Building. selected by Alice K. Chase. Deseret Book Company.
* Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801–1844. Eldon J. Watson. 1969.
* Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846–1847. Eldon J. Watson. 1971.
* Dean C. Jessee, ed. (1974). Letters of Brigham Young to His Sons. Deseret Book Company.
* Everett L. Cooley, ed. (1980). Diary of Brigham Young, 1857. Tanner Trust Fund, University of Utah Library.
* The Essential Brigham Young. Signature Books. 1992. ISBN 1-56085-010-8. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
* Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1997. LDS Church publication number 35554
* Young, Brigham (2009). Richard Van Wagoner (ed.). The Complete Discourses of Brigham Young. Vol. 5\. Smith-Pettit Foundation. ISBN 978-1-56085-206-3.

## See also

[edit]

* Latter Day Saint movement portal

* Brigham Young (1940 film)
* Brigham Young Forest Farmhouse
* Brigham Young Winter Home and Office
* This Is The Place Heritage Park
* Ann Eliza Young
* List of people pardoned or granted clemency by the president of the United States

## Notes and references

[edit]

1. ^ A year after Young's death, Orson Hyde died and Moses Thatcher was ordained an apostle. The First Presidency was not reorganized until October 10, 1880, after which Francis M. Lyman and John Henry Smith were ordained. Orson Pratt died in 1881, and the Quorum of the Twelve did not have twelve members again until October 16, 1882, when George Teasdale and Heber J. Grant were ordained.
2. ^ a b "Brigham Young Biography: Facts of Faith", Y Facts, BYU, archived from the original on September 20, 2013, retrieved September 19, 2013
3. ^ "Brigham Young (1801–1877) | FamilySearch". ancestors.familysearch.org. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
4. ^ Roberts, David. "The Brink of War". Smithsonian Magazine. Smithsonian Institution.
5. ^ Turner 2012, p. 9.
6. ^ Arrington, Leonard (2000). "Young, Brigham (1801–1877)". American National Biography. doi:10.1093/anb/9780198606697.article.0801714. ISBN 978-0-19-860669-7. Retrieved March 28, 2022.
7. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 13–14.
8. ^ Alexander 2019, pp. 6–7.
9. ^ Cornwall, Rebecca; Palmer, Richard F. (1978). "The Religious and Family Background of Brigham Young". Brigham Young University Studies. 18 (3): 303–305. ISSN 0007-0106. JSTOR 43040765.
10. ^ Turner 2012, p. 18.
11. ^ a b Arrington 1985, pp. 15–16.
12. ^ Turner 2012, p. 15.
13. ^ Turner 2012, p. 19.
14. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 9.
15. ^ Alexander 2019, pp. 9, 11.
16. ^ Turner 2012, p. 24.
17. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 16.
18. ^ Marquardt, H. Michael (2012). "Setting the Record Straight: Brigham Young's Baptism Date". Journal of Mormon History. 38 (4): 195–199. doi:10.2307/23292637. ISSN 0094-7342. JSTOR 23292637. S2CID 254494524. Retrieved March 23, 2022.
19. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 15.
20. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 32.
21. ^ a b Turner 2012, p. 32.
22. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 30–31.
23. ^ Turner 2012, p. 34.
24. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 35–36.
25. ^ Arrington 1985, pp. 39, 45.
26. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 47.
27. ^ a b Alexander 2019, p. 26.
28. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 39.
29. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 27.
30. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 48.
31. ^ Arrington 1985, pp. 49–50.
32. ^ Turner 2012, p. 41.
33. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 28.
34. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 45–46.
35. ^ Turner 2012, p. 47.
36. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 33.
37. ^ Arrington 1985, pp. 62–63.
38. ^ Turner 2012, p. 60.
39. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 38.
40. ^ "The Saints' Forced Exodus from Missouri, 1839". Brigham Young University. Retrieved July 1, 2024.
41. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 66–79 [76].
42. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 80.
43. ^ a b Turner 2012, pp. 83–85, 87.
44. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 99.
45. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 105.
46. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 92–94.
47. ^ a b Alexander 2019, pp. 54–55.
48. ^ Turner 2012, p. 97.
49. ^ Smith 2008, pp. 272–273.
50. ^ Turner 2012, p. 94.
51. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 102.
52. ^ Turner 2012, p. 91.
53. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 121.
54. ^ Arrington 1985, pp. 105, 108.
55. ^ Turner 2012, p. 103.
56. ^ Buerger, David John (Spring 1983). ""The Fulness of the Priesthood": The Second Anointing in Latter-day Saint Theology and Practice". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 16 (1): 23. doi:10.2307/45225125. JSTOR 45225125. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
57. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 56.
58. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 109.
59. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 107–108.
60. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 111.
61. ^ Coleman 2004, p. 137.
62. ^ a b Turner 2012, p. 112.
63. ^ Coleman 2004, p. 138.
64. ^ Jorgensen, Lynne Watkins (2017). "The Mantle of the Prophet Joseph Passes to Brother Brigham: One Hundred Twenty-nine Testimonies of a Collective Spiritual Witness" (PDF). In Welch, John W. (ed.). Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820–1844 (2nd ed.). Provo and Salt Lake City: Brigham Young University Press and Deseret Book. pp. 395–507. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 8, 2021.
65. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 112–113.
66. ^ Arrington 1985, pp. 114–115. "Some of those present were startled by an occurrence that they regarded as miraculous ... However one tries to explain it—the downcast spirits of the Saints, who had mourned Joseph's passing for forty days; their yearning to be comforted by their lost leader, their disappointment with Rigdon, whose ambition had diluted his sincerity; their surprise at the presence of 'Brother Brigham' who was thought by many to still be on his way back from Boston, and Brigham's talent for mimicry—the diaries, letters, and later recollections of many of those present testify to an experience that persuaded them that Brigham was the new Joseph."
67. ^ Historians have come to different conclusions on whether contemporary records support this "transfiguration of Brigham Young" (also sometimes called the "mantle phenomenon") as an authentic experience, whatever its causation. For a view skeptical of the "mantle phenomenon" as historically authentic, see Van Wagoner, Richard S. (Winter 1995). "The Making of a Mormon Myth: The 1844 Transfiguration of Brigham Young" (PDF). Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 28 (4): 1–24. doi:10.2307/45226132. JSTOR 45226132. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 8, 2020. For a view which considers the "mantle phenomenon" historically authentic, see Jorgensen, Lynne Watkins (2017). "The Mantle of the Prophet Joseph Passes to Brother Brigham: One Hundred Twenty-nine Testimonies of a Collective Spiritual Witness" (PDF). In Welch, John W. (ed.). Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820–1844 (2nd ed.). Provo and Salt Lake City: Brigham Young University Press and Deseret Book. pp. 395–507. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 8, 2021. Van Wagoner argues that of the contemporary accounts, "none ... references an explicit transfiguration, a physical metamorphosis of Brigham Young into the form and voice of Joseph Smith", and that later reminiscences simply parroted each other as "a 'contagious' thought ... spread through the populace to create a 'collective mind'" to uphold the Latter-day Saints' claims of succession from Smith. Jorgensen argues that two 1844 accounts stating respectively that "Elijah's mantle had truly fallen upon the 'Twelve'" and that "Young 'favours Br Joseph both in person, manner of speaking more than any person ever you saw looks like another" (412) provide contemporary "mantle accounts". Jorgensen also notes that the two earliest reminiscences which comprehensively described the "mantle experience" were written in 1850 by Caroline Barnes Crosby and Emily Smith Hoyt, not male priesthood leaders, but women in the church's laity.
68. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 113, 117.
69. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 153.
70. ^ Gutjahr 2012, pp. 68–80. In the nineteenth century, in addition to Rigdon such claimants included William Bickerton, Jason W. Briggs, Joseph Smith III, and James Strang. Gutjahr reports that "since Joseph's death in 1844, there have arisen some seventy different Mormon sects, nearly fifty of which still exist[ed]" as of 2012.
71. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 65.
72. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 120, 124–125.
73. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 66.
74. ^ Turner 2012, p. 127.
75. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 67.
76. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 71.
77. ^ Gibbons 1981, p. 157.
78. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 76.
79. ^ Walker, Ronald W. (Winter 1993). ""A Banner is Unfurled": Mormonism's Ensign Peak" (PDF). Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 26 (4): 71–91. doi:10.2307/45228700. JSTOR 45228700. S2CID 254321480. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022.
80. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 78.
81. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 169–170.
82. ^ Gibbons 1981, p. 145.
83. ^ "Brigham Young". historytogo.utah.gov. Archived from the original on March 1, 2016. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
84. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 173–174.
85. ^ Turner 2012, p. 173.
86. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 81.
87. ^ Turner 2012, p. 206.
88. ^ "Utah's new capitol grows from humble beginning; first political sessions were held in council house; fight for statehood". Salt Lake Telegram. October 22, 1916. Archived from the original on February 26, 2012. Retrieved May 14, 2010.
89. ^ a b Turner 2012, p. 217.
90. ^ Christy, Howard A. (Summer 1978). "Open Hand and Mailed Fist: Mormon–Indian Relations in Utah, 1847–52". Utah Historical Quarterly. 46 (3): 216–235. doi:10.2307/45060624. JSTOR 45060624. S2CID 254437351 - via Utah Department of Cultural and Community Engagement.
91. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 353–354.
92. ^ Aug 25, Carter Williams | Posted-; A.m, 2016 at 10:22. "Looking back at 'Mormon Gold' coins, other historical Utah currencies". www.ksl.com. Retrieved April 21, 2022.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
93. ^ Ison, Yvette D. (January 1995), "The Beginnings of the University of Utah", History Blazer, Utah State Historical Society, archived from the original on October 21, 2013, retrieved September 18, 2013. Online reprint Archived October 23, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, with permission, at HistoryToGo.utah.gov by the Utah Division of State History, Utah Department of Heritage and Arts, State of Utah.
94. ^ Ashton, Wendell J. (1950). Voice in the West: Biography of a Pioneer Newspaper. New York City: Duell, Sloan and Pearce.
95. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 89.
96. ^ Chase, Randal S. (2012). Church History Study Guide, Part 3. Plain & Precious. p. 85\. ISBN 9781937901066.
97. ^ Utah Legislative Assembly (1852). Journals of the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah, of the ... Annual Session, for the Years ..., Volume 1. pp. 108–110.
98. ^ "Brigham Young: We Must Believe in Slavery (23 January 1852)". mit.irr.org. March 6, 2014.
99. ^ Young, Brigham (1987), Collier, Fred C. (ed.), The Teachings of President Brigham Young: Vol. 3 1852–1854, Salt Lake City, Utah: Colliers Publishing Company, pp. 26–28, ISBN 0934964017, OCLC 18192348
100. ^ "Brigham Young". Spartacus Educational. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
101. ^ Turner 2012, p. 250.
102. ^ Brigham Young, Utah State Archives
103. ^ Cooper, Jed Arthur (1968). "Brigham Young – Educator". Peabody Journal of Education. 45 (5): 296–298. doi:10.1080/01619566809537550. ISSN 0161-956X. JSTOR 1490381.
104. ^ Buchanan, Frederick S. (1982). "Education among the Mormons: Brigham Young and the Schools of Utah". History of Education Quarterly. 22 (4): 435–459. doi:10.2307/368068. ISSN 0018-2680. JSTOR 368068. S2CID 145609963.
105. ^ Sloan, Robert W. (1884). Utah Gazatteer and Directory of Logan, Ogden, Provo and Salt Lake Cities, for 1884. Sloan & Dunbar. p. 278.
106. ^ a b Bills, Sarah (April 16, 2003). "Warren Dusenberry (1875–1876)". The Universe. BYU NewsNet. Archived from the original on February 7, 2012.
107. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 368.
108. ^ Arrington 1985, pp. 352–353, 370–371.
109. ^ "History of the Ladies' Mutual Improvement Association of the Church of Jesus Christ of L.D.S., from November 1869 to June 1910, p. 93". contentdm.lib.byu.edu. Retrieved April 21, 2022.
110. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 249.
111. ^ Hanks, Marion Duff (1992), "Salt Lake Temple", in Ludlow, Daniel H (ed.), Encyclopedia of Mormonism, New York: Macmillan Publishing, pp. 1252–1254, ISBN 0-02-879602-0, OCLC 24502140
112. ^ "Doctrine and Covenants 136". www.churchofjesuschrist.org.
113. ^ "Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo". ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
114. ^ Richard and Pamela Price (2000), "Vol. 1, Ch. 4: Brigham Young: The Father of Mormon Polygamy", Joseph Smith Fought Polygamy: How Men Nearest the Prophet Attached Polygamy to His Name in Order to Justify Their Own Polygamous Crimes (self-published), Independence, Missouri: Price Publishing Company, ISBN 1891353063, LCCN 99041763, OCLC 42027453, archived from the original on July 16, 2011, retrieved October 30, 2010
115. ^ Watt, G. D. (September 21, 1856). "The People of God Disciplined By Trials – Atonement By the Shedding of Blood – Our Heavenly Father – A Privilege Given to All the Married Sisters in Utah". Journal of Discourses. 4: 56.
116. ^ Turner 2012, p. 96.
117. ^ Widmer, Kurt (2000), Mormonism and the Nature of God: A Theological Evolution, 1830–1915, Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland, p. 131.
118. ^ Gary James Bergera, "The Orson Pratt–Brigham Young Controversies: Conflict Within the Quorums, 1853 to 1868" Archived June 14, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought 13(2):7–49 (1980) at p. 41.
119. ^ Boyd Kirkland, "Jehovah as the Father: The Development of the Mormon Jehovah Doctrine", Sunstone 44:36–44 (1984) at p. 39 (Adam "later begot Jesus, his firstborn spirit son, in the flesh").
120. ^ Spencer W. Kimball, "Our Own Liahona," Ensign, November 1976, p. 77 ("We denounce that theory and hope that everyone will be cautioned against this and other kinds of false doctrine.").
121. ^ Quinn, D. Michael (2001). Same-Sex Dynamics Among Nineteenth-Century Americans: A Mormon Example. University of Illinois Press. p. 269\. ISBN 978-0252069581. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
122. ^ Snow, Lowell M. "Blood Atonement". Encyclopedia of Mormonism. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
123. ^ Gardner, Martin R. (Spring 1979). "Mormonism and Capital Punishment: A Doctoral Perspective, Past and Present". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 12 (1): 9–26. doi:10.2307/45224743. JSTOR 45224743. Retrieved August 13, 2021.
124. ^ Roberts, B. H. (1930), "Blood Atonement", Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, vol. 4, Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, pp. 126–137
125. ^ McConkie, Bruce R (October 18, 1978). "Letter from Bruce R. McConkie to Thomas B. McAffee". Retrieved August 13, 2021.
126. ^ Church Statement https://www.deseret.com/2010/6/18/20122138/mormon-church-statement-on-blood-atonement
127. ^ Stack, Peggy Fletcher, Concept of Blood Atonement Survives in Utah Despite Repudiation, Salt Lake Tribune November 5, 1994, notes that "In the past decade, potential jurors in every Utah capital homicide were asked whether they believed in the Mormon concept of 'blood atonement.'" In 1994, when the defense in the trial of James Edward Wood alleged that a local church leader had "talked to Wood about shedding his own blood", the LDS First Presidency submitted a document to the court that denied the church's acceptance and practice of such a doctrine, and included the 1978 repudiation. Stack, Peggy Fletcher, 1994. The article also notes that Arthur Gary Bishop, a convicted serial killer, was told by a top church leader that "blood atonement ended with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ."
128. ^ a b Bush, Lester E. Jr.; Mauss, Armand L. (1984). "Chapter 3: Mormonism's Negro Doctrine: An Historical Overview". Neither White nor Black: Mormon Scholars Confront the Race Issue in a Universal Church. Midvale, Utah: Signature Books. pp. 54–65, 70. ISBN 978-0-941214-22-3.
129. ^ Bush, Lester E. (Spring 1973), Mormonism's Negro Doctrine: An Historical Overview, Dialogue, pp. 54–97, archived from the original on December 19, 2013, retrieved December 17, 2013
130. ^ Journal of Discourses, vol. 10, p. 110. See also: miscegenation.
131. ^ Non, Sic et (August 18, 2015). "Brigham Young against a then-fashionable scientific form of racism".
132. ^ Esplin, Ronald K. (1979). "Brigham Young and Priesthood Denial to the Blacks: An Alternate View". Brigham Young University Studies. 19 (3): 394–402. ISSN 0007-0106. JSTOR 43044952.
133. ^ Journal of Discourses, vol. 2, p. 142
134. ^ "Official Declaration 2", Doctrine and Covenants
135. ^ Gospel Topics – Race and the Priesthood, LDS Church
136. ^ "The Mormon Church Disavows Its Racist Past But Still Offers No Apology". HuffPost. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
137. ^ Peterson, Paul H. (2016). The Mormon Reformation. Salt Lake City. ISBN 978-1-942161-31-8. OCLC 974891099.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
138. ^ Peterson, Paul H. (1989). "The Mormon Reformation of 1856–1857: The Rhetoric and the Reality". Journal of Mormon History. 15: 59–87. ISSN 0094-7342. JSTOR 23286149.
139. ^ Orme, Michael. "The causes of the Mormon reformation of 1856–57". Tangents. Vol. III. pp. 15–43. Retrieved November 22, 2021.
140. ^ Alexander 2019.
141. ^ Gardner, Martin R. (1979). "Mormonism and Capital Punishment: A Doctrinal Perspective, Past and Present". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 12 (1): 9–26. doi:10.2307/45224743. ISSN 0012-2157. JSTOR 45224743.
142. ^ Searle, Howard Clair (1956). The Mormon Reformation of 1856–1857 (MS thesis). Brigham Young University. hdl:1877/etdm646.
143. ^ "Brigham Young", Encarta, archived from the original on October 30, 2009, retrieved October 31, 2009.
144. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 4.
145. ^ Alexander 2019, p. 284.
146. ^ Alexander 2019, pp. 297–300.
147. ^ Eakin, Emily (October 12, 2002). "Reopening a Mormon Murder Mystery; New Accusations That Brigham Young Himself Ordered an 1857 Massacre of Pioneers". The New York Times (Late Edition-Final ed.). p. Section B, Page 9, Column 2.
148. ^ Brigham Young to Isaac C. Haight, September 10, 1857, Letterpress Copybook 3:827–828, Brigham Young Office Files, LDS Church Archives
149. ^ Sally Denton (2003). American Massacre: The Tragedy at Mountain Meadows, September 1857 (New York: Vintage Books, ISBN 0-375-72636-5) p. 210.
150. ^ "Death of Brigham Young", The New York Times, August 30, 1877.
151. ^ "Brigham Young's Health", The New York Times, August 29, 1877.
152. ^ Quinn, D. Michael (August 1977), "Brigham Young: Man of the Spirit", Ensign
153. ^ "Brigham Young's Funeral", The New York Times, September 3, 1877.
154. ^ "Grave of Brigham Young". State of Utah. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved October 17, 2011.
155. ^ a b Bringhurst, Newell G. "Young, Brigham". www.uen.org. Utah History Encyclopedia. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved March 19, 2024.
156. ^ Gibbons 1981, p. 238.
157. ^ Gibbons 1981, pp. 256–257.
158. ^ "Brigham Young". Newsroom. Topics and Background. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Archived from the original on December 22, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
159. ^ Gibbons 1981.
160. ^ Steorts, Jason Lee (October 29, 2012), "The Mormon Moses", National Review
161. ^ Shipps 1985, pp. 59–61. "Historical accounts of the corporate movement of the Saints from Nauvoo to the Great Basin are rarely written without mentioning that the Saints who followed Brigham Young westward resolved themselves into a Camp of Israel ... as had the ancient Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land".
162. ^ Arrington 1985, p. 403\. "Traveling to their Promised Land and living there under the direction of this nineteenth-century Moses was, as Jan Shipps has reminded us, a transformative experience."
163. ^ a b Paul, Rodman W. (December 1974 – January 1975), "The Mormons of Yesterday and Today" (PDF), Engineering & Science, 38 (2): 12–27, archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022, retrieved December 26, 2021. The magazine Engineering & Science is now known as Caltech Magazine.`{{citation}}`: CS1 maint: postscript (link)
164. ^ "Art: Sculpture – Statues: Brigham Young", Explore Capitol Hill, Architect of the Capitol
165. ^ a b Brooks, Joanna (2018). "The Possessive Investment in Rightness: White Supremacy and the Mormon Movement". Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought. 51 (3): 45–82. doi:10.5406/dialjmormthou.51.3.0045. JSTOR 10.5406/dialjmormthou.51.3.0045. S2CID 246627952.
166. ^ “History of Brigham Young,” entry dated Jan. 5, 1852, Church Historian’s Office Records Collection, LDS Church Archives (quoted in Ricks, “A Peculiar Place,” 114).
167. ^ Goldenberg 2003, pp. 168–177.
168. ^ History of Brigham Young,” entry dated January 5, 1852, in Church Historian’s Office Records Collection, LDSCA.
169. ^ Brigham Young Address to Legislature. Church History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Salt Lake City, Utah. February 5, 1852. pp. 1–2.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
170. ^ Turner 2012, p. 225.
171. ^ Harris & Bringhurst 2015, p. 32.
172. ^ Bringhurst 1981, p. 335.
173. ^ Reeve, Paul W. (2015). Religion of a Different Color Race and the Mormon Struggle for Whiteness. Oxford University Press. p. 149\. ISBN 978-0199754076.
174. ^ Harris & Bringhurst 2015, p. 33.
175. ^ Reeve (2012). Religion of a Different Color. Cambridge: Harvard Belknap. pp. 148–159. ISBN 978-0199754076.
176. ^ Turner 2012.
177. ^ a b c Jessee, Dean C. (2001). ""A Man of God and a Good Kind Father": Brigham Young at Home". Brigham Young University Studies. 40 (2): 23–53. ISSN 0007-0106. JSTOR 43042842.
178. ^ "People & Events – Polygamy and the Church: A History", The Mormons, PBS, April 30, 2007, retrieved September 19, 2013
179. ^ a b c d e f Johnson, Jeffrey Odgen (Fall 1987), "Determining and Defining 'Wife' – The Brigham Young Households", Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought, 20 (3): 57–70, doi:10.2307/45225560, JSTOR 45225560
180. ^ Alexander 2019, pp. 380–381.
181. ^ Richards, A. LeGrand (2014). Called to Teach. Provo, Utah: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University. p. 445\. ISBN 978-0-8425-2842-9.
182. ^ Burton, Alma P. (1950). Karl G. Maeser: Mormon Educator (MS thesis). Salt Lake City: Brigham Young University. hdl:1877/etdm119.
183. ^ Wilkinson, Ernest L., ed. (1975). Brigham Young University: The First 100 Years. Vol. 1\. Provo: Brigham Young University Press. pp. 91–93.
184. ^ "Descendants of Brigham Young to Hold Annual Mass Meetings", The New York Times, June 22, 1902.
185. ^ "About Orson Scott Card". www.hatrack.com. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
186. ^ "Brigham Young's descendants give rocking chair to Mormon church". Deseret News. Associated Press. November 3, 2006. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
187. ^ "Mahonri Young | Smithsonian American Art Museum". americanart.si.edu. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
188. ^ Homer, Michael (September 2010). "From Sherlock Holmes to Godzilla: The Mormon Image in Comics" (PDF). Sunstone: 73. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022.
189. ^ Lyon, T. Edgar (1989). John Lyon : the life of a pioneer poet. Provo, Utah: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University. ISBN 0-88494-708-4.
190. ^ ""Fair Home of My Choice" (1853–1889) | Religious Studies Center". rsc.byu.edu. Retrieved January 24, 2018.
191. ^ Schindler, Harold (April 10, 1994), "The Case of the Repentant Writer: Sherlock Homes' Creator Raises The Wrath Of Mormons", The Salt Lake Tribune, p. D1, Archive Article ID: 101185DCD718AD35 (NewsBank). Online reprint Archived September 23, 2006, at the Wayback Machine, with permission, at HistoryToGo.utah.gov by the Utah Division of State History, Utah Department of Heritage and Arts, State of Utah.
192. ^ Turner 2012, pp. 301–302.
193. ^ Holmes, Oliver Wendell (1952). The Autocrat of the Breakfast Table. London: J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd. p. 222\. ISBN 1406813176.
194. ^ Parker, Trey; Lopez, Robert; Stone, Matt; Harris, Mark (2011). The Book of Mormon: The Testament of a Broadway Musical. Newmarket Press. p. 113\. ISBN 978-0-06-223494-0.

## Sources

[edit]

* Alexander, Thomas G (2019). Brigham Young and the Expansion of the Mormon Faith. The Oklahoma Western Biographies. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 978-0-8061-6446-5. OCLC 1098034245.
* Arrington, Leonard J. (1985). Brigham Young: American Moses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0-394-51022-4.
* Bergera, Gary James, Conflict in the Quorum: Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Joseph Smith
* Bringhurst, Newell G. (1981). Saints, Slaves, and Blacks: The Changing Place of Black People Within Mormonism. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-22752-7.
* Cannon, Frank J.; Knapp, George L. (1913). Brigham Young and His Mormon Empire. New York: Fleming H. Revell Co.
* Coleman, Jon T. (2004). Vicious: Wolves and Men in America. Western Americana. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0-300-11972-5.
* Gibbons, Francis M. (1981). Brigham Young, modern Moses, prophet of God. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co. ISBN 0-87747-858-9. OCLC 7554845.
* Goldenberg, David M. (2003). The Curse of Ham: Race and Slavery in Early Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN 069111465X - via Internet Archive.
* Gutjahr, Paul C. (2012). The Book of Mormon: A Biography. Lives of Great Religious Books. Princeton: Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0691144801 - via Internet Archive.
* Harris, Matthew L.; Bringhurst, Newell G. (2015). The Mormon Church and Blacks: A Documentary History. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0252097843.
* Mason, David V. (2014). Brigham Young: Sovereign in America. New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-0415844840.
* McCloud, Susan Evans (1996). Brigham Young : a personal portrait. American Fork, UT: Covenant Communications. ISBN 1-55503-986-3. OCLC 35317457.
* Nibley, Hugh W. (1994). Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints (The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, vol. 13). Salt Lake City, Utah: Shadow Mountain Pub. ISBN 0-87579-818-7., republished online at Brother Brigham Challenges the Saints by Hugh W. Nibley. FARMS. Archived from the original on December 20, 2013. Retrieved April 28, 2009..
* Orton, Chad M. (2008). 40 ways to look at Brigham Young : a new approach to a remarkable man. William W. Slaughter. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book. ISBN 978-1-59038-786-3. OCLC 215172986.
* Quinn, D. Michael (1994). The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power. Vol. 1\. Salt Lake City: Signature Books. ISBN 978-1560850564.
* Shipps, Jan (1985). Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. ISBN 0252011597 - via Internet Archive.
* Smith, George D. (2008). Nauvoo Polygamy: "…But We Called It Celestial Marriage". Salt Lake City: Signature Books. ISBN 978-1560852018.
* Tullidge, Edward W. (1877). Life of Brigham Young: Or, Utah and Her Founders. New York: Tullidge & Crandall.
* Turner, John G. (2012). Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. ISBN 978-0674049673. OCLC 894538617 - via Internet Archive.
* Waite, C.V. (Catherine Van Valkenburg) (1868). The Mormon prophet and his harem: or, An authentic history of Brigham Young, his numerous wives and children. Chicago: J.S. Goodman & Co.. See also: The Mormon Prophet and His Harem.
* Young, Brigham (April 9, 1852). "Self-Government – Mysteries – Recreation and Amusements, not in Themselves Sinful – Tithing – Adam, Our Father and Our God". In Watt, G.D. (ed.). Journal of Discourses by Brigham Young, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, His Two Counsellors, the Twelve Apostles, and Others. Vol. 1\. Liverpool: F.D. & S.W. Richards (published 1854). pp. 46–53.
* Young, Brigham (March 2, 1856). "The Necessity of the Saints Living up to the Light Which Has Been Given Them". In Watt, G.D. (ed.). Journal of Discourses Delivered by President Brigham Young, His Two Counsellors, and the Twelve Apostles, and Others. Vol. 3\. Liverpool: Daniel H. Wells (published 1856). pp. 221–226.

## External links

[edit]

Wikiquote has quotations related to Brigham Young.

Wikisource has original works by or about:
Brigham Young

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brigham Young.

Wikisource has the text of the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article "Mormons".

* "Young, Brigham" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. XXIV (9th ed.). 1888. p. 756.
* Arrington, Leonard J. (1985). Brigham Young: American Moses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. Via Internet Archive.
* Brigham Young biography at Joseph Smith Papers Project
* Brigham Young Letters, MSS SC 890 at L. Tom Perry Special Collections, Brigham Young University
* Tanner Trust Books at University of Utah Digital Library, Marriott Library Special Collections

Political offices

Preceded by

None

|  Governor of Utah Territory
1850–1858  | Succeeded by

Alfred Cumming

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints titles
Preceded by

Joseph Smith

|  President of the Church
December 27, 1847 - August 29, 1877  | Succeeded by

John Taylor

Preceded by

Thomas B. Marsh

|  President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
March 17, 1839 - December 27, 1847  | Succeeded by

Orson Hyde

Preceded by

David W. Patten

|  Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
February 14, 1835 - December 27, 1847  | Succeeded by

Heber C. Kimball

* v
* t
* e

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

History|

* 1838 Mormon War
* 1890 Manifesto
* Anthon Transcript
* Brigham Young
* Church of Christ
* First Vision
* Good Neighbor policy
* Historic sites
* Joseph Smith
* Death
* Succession crisis
* LGBT Mormon timeline
* Handcart companies
* Mormon Battalion
* Name of the church
* Pioneers
* Mormonism and violence
* Utah War
* 2023 SEC case

Sacred texts|

* Holy Bible
* Book of Mormon
* Doctrine and Covenants
* Pearl of Great Price
* Book of Moses
* Book of Abraham
* Joseph Smith–Matthew
* Joseph Smith–History
* Articles of Faith

Beliefs
and practices|

* Apostolic succession
* Apostasy and restoration
* Calling
* Cosmology
* Adam and Eve
* Evolution
* Plan of salvation
* Degrees of glory
* Exaltation
* Premortal life
* Family Home Evening
* Fast Sunday
* "For the Strength of Youth"
* Gender
* "Family Proclamation"
* Transgender
* God in Mormonism
* Heavenly Mother
* Ministering
* Marriage
* Celestial
* Interracial
* Polygamy
* Ordinances
* Baptism for the dead
* Marriage sealing
* Second anointing
* Temple endowment
* Temple garment
* Priesthood
* Race
* Black people
* Black Mormons
* Black temple and priesthood restrictions
* Curses of Cain and Ham
* Native Americans
* Pacific Islanders
* Slavery
* Revelation
* Reformed Egyptian
* Sexuality
* Birth control
* Law of chastity
* Homosexuality
* Sexual orientation change efforts
* Masturbation
* Soaking
* Spectrums of orthodoxy and practice
* Suicide
* Tithing
* Word of Wisdom

Culture
and worship|

* Cultural depictions
* Especially for Youth
* Family Services
* Feminism
* Films
* List
* Foodways
* General Conference
* Helping Hands
* Humanitarian services
* Hymns
* Book
* Latter-day Saints Channel
* Liahona magazine
* Missionary service
* Mormons
* Music
* Pageants
* Pioneer Day
* Tabernacles
* Tabernacle Choir
* Temples
* List
* Worship services
* Sacrament

Leadership|

* President
* Russell M. Nelson
* List
* First Presidency
* Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
* Quorums of the Seventy
* Presiding Bishop
* Relief Society
* Sunday School
* Young Women
* Young Men
* Primary

Demographics|

* Membership history
* Statistics by country
* Mormon corridor
* Less-active Mormon
* Ex-Mormon
* LGBT Mormons

Organization|

* Congregational
* Area
* District
* Stake
* Ward
* Statistics
* Church Educational System
* BYU
* BYU-Idaho
* BYU-Hawaii
* BYU–Pathway Worldwide
* Ensign College
* Deseret Management Corporation
* Deseret Book Company
* Deseret Industries
* Deseret Digital Media
* Temple Square Hospitality
* Deseret News Publishing Company
* Bonneville International
* Beneficial Financial Group
* FamilySearch
* RootsTech
* Philanthropies
* Finances
* Ensign Peak Advisors
* Perpetual Emigration Fund
* Perpetual Education Fund
* Utah Property Management Associates
* AgReserves
* Deseret Ranches

Criticism|

* Anti-Mormonism
* Book of Abraham
* Book of Mormon
* Archeology
* Genetics
* Geographical setting
* Historical authenticity
* Linguistics
* Origin
* Fawn M. Brodie
* No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith
* Christian Research Institute
* Ed Decker
* The God Makers
* John Dehlin
* Mormon Stories Podcast
* Jeremy Runnells
* CES Letter
* Kinderhook plates
* Salamander letter
* September Six
* Jerald and Sandra Tanner
* Truth & Transparency Foundation

Related|

* Bloggernacle
* ComeUntoChrist.org
* List of Book of Mormon translations
* Joseph Smith Translation
* The Joseph Smith Papers
* Dialogue
* FAIR organization
* FARMS organization
* I'm a Mormon campaign
* LGBT Mormon suicides
* Mormon fundamentalism
* Mormon History Association
* Mormon studies
* Mormonism and Nicene Christianity
* Relationship to U.S. politics
* LGBT rights
* Senkyoshigo
* Sunstone
* Joseph Smith Papyri
* Eyewitnesses
* Kirtland Egyptian papers

* Category
* Latter Day Saint Movement
* Outline

* v
* t
* e

Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

* J. Smith (1829–44)[1]
* Cowdery (1829–38)[1][2]
* Whitmer (1829–38)[1][2]
* Harris (unknown–1837)[1][2]
* Marsh (1835–39)[2]
* Patten (1835–38)
* B. Young Sr. (1835–77)
* H. C. Kimball (1835–68)
* Hyde (1835–78)
* McLellin (1835–38)[2]
* P. P. Pratt (1835–57)
* Luke Johnson (1835–37)[3]
* Wm. Smith (1835–45)[2]
* O. Pratt (1835–81)
* Boynton (1835–37)[2]
* L. E. Johnson (1835–38)[2]
* Page (1838–46)[2]
* J. Taylor (1838–87)
* W. Woodruff (1839–98)
* G. A. Smith (1839–75)
* W. Richards (1840–54)
* Wight (1841–48)[2]
* H. Smith (1841–44)[1]
* A. M. Lyman (1842–67)[4]
* Benson (1846–69)
* Rich (1849–83)
* L. Snow (1849–1901)
* E. Snow (1849–88)
* F. D. Richards (1849–99)
* J. M. Grant (1854–56)[1]
* Wells (1857–91)[1]
* J. W. Young (1855–1924)[1]
* G. Q. Cannon (1860–1901)
* J. A. Young (1864–75)[1]
* B. Young Jr. (1864–1903)
* J. F. Smith Sr. (1866–1918)
* Carrington (1870–85)[2]
* Thatcher (1879–1909)
* F. M. Lyman (1880–1916)
* J. H. Smith (1880–1911)
* Teasdale (1882–1907)
* H. J. Grant (1882–1945)
* J. W. Taylor (1884–1911)[2]
* M. W. Merrill (1889–1906)
* Lund (1889–1921)
* A. H. Cannon (1889–96)
* M. F. Cowley (1897–1911)[5]
* A. O. Woodruff (1897–1904)
* Clawson (1898–1943)
* Smoot (1900–41)
* H. M. Smith (1901–18)
* G. A. Smith (1903–51)
* Penrose (1904–25)
* G. F. Richards (1906–50)
* Whitney (1906–31)
* McKay (1906–70)
* Ivins (1907–34)
* J. F. Smith Jr. (1910–72)
* Talmage (1911–33)
* S. L. Richards (1917–59)
* R. R. Lyman (1918–43)[2]
* M. J. Ballard (1919–39)
* Widtsoe (1921–52)
* J. F. Merrill (1931–52)
* Callis (1933–47)
* Clark (1934–61)
* A. A. Hinckley (1934–36)
* Bowen (1937–53)
* S. Q. Cannon (1938–43)
* Lee (1941–73)
* S. W. Kimball (1943–85)
* Benson (1943–94)
* Petersen (1944–84)
* M. Cowley (1945–53)
* Moyle (1947–63)
* Stapley (1950–78)
* Romney (1951–88)
* L. Richards (1952–83)
* Bennion (1953–58)
* Evans (1953–71)
* Morris (1954–62)
* Brown (1958–75)
* Hunter (1959–95)
* G. B. Hinckley (1961–2008)
* Tanner (1962–82)
* Monson (1963–2018)
* Dyer (1967–77)[1]
* Packer (1970–2015)
* Ashton (1971–94)
* McConkie (1972–85)
* Perry (1974–2015)
* Haight (1976–2004)
* Faust (1978–2007)
* Maxwell (1981–2004)
* Nelson (1984–)
* Oaks (1984–)
* M. R. Ballard (1985–2023)
* Wirthlin (1986–2008)
* Scott (1988–2015)
* Hales (1994–2017)
* Holland (1994–)
* Eyring (1995–)
* Uchtdorf (2004–)
* Bednar (2004–)
* Cook (2007–)
* Christofferson (2008–)
* Andersen (2009–)
* Rasband (2015–)
* Stevenson (2015–)
* Renlund (2015–)
* Gong (2018–)
* Soares (2018–)
* Kearon (2023–)

Notes

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Never a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Term ended by excommunication.
3. ^ Term ended by resignation.
4. ^ Term ended by removal of apostleship; was later excommunicated.
5. ^ Term ended by suspension of priesthood.

* v
* t
* e

Members of the Council of Fifty of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

* Adams (1844–45)
* Babbitt (1844–56)
* Badlam (1844–45, 1851–68)
* Benson (1846–69)
* Bent (1844–46)
* Bernhisel (1844–81)
* Bonney (1844–45)
* Brown (1844–45)
* Budge (1882–1919)
* Bullock (1846–82)
* Burton (1867–1907)
* Cahoon (1844–61)
* Caine (1881–1911)
* A. H. Cannon (1884–96)
* A. M. Cannon (1880–1915)
* G. Q. Cannon (1867–1901)
* J. Q. Cannon (1884–1931)
* Carrington (1845–89)
* Clawson (1882–1912)
* Clayton (1844–79)
* Clinton (1867–92)
* Cluff (1880–1915)
* Coolidge (1844–48)
* Cott (1880–83)
* Cutler (1844–49)
* Dana (1845–48)
* Daniels (1845–46)
* Dunham (1845)
* Eaton (1844–45)
* Eldredge (1848–88)
* Emmett (1844–45)
* Farnham (1845–?)
* Farr (1880–1909)
* A. Fielding (1844–75)
* J. Fielding (1844–63)
* Foster (1845–46)
* D. Fullmer (1845–79)
* J. S. Fullmer (1845–82)
* Gibbs (1882–1924)
* G. D. Grant (1845–76)
* H. J. Grant (1882–1945)
* J. M. Grant (1844–56)
* Greene (1844)
* Hardy (1882–84)
* Hatch (1883–1911)
* Haws (1844–46)
* Heywood (1848–82)
* Hollister (1844–46)
* Hooper (1867–82)
* Hunter (1867–83)
* Hyde (1844–78)
* James (1844–45)
* Jennings (1880–86)
* Johnson (1844–1905)
* C. S. Kimball (1867–1925)
* D. P. Kimball (1867–83)
* H. C. Kimball (1844–68)
* H. P. Kimball (1867–85)
* Layton (1883–98)
* Lee (1844–77)
* Little (1880–87)
* Lott (1844–50)
* A. M. Lyman (1844–67)
* F. M. Lyman (1880–1916)
* Marks (1844–45)
* Miller (1844–46)
* Morley (1845–65)
* Murdock (1880–1913)
* Nuttall (1880–1905)
* Pack (1845–46)
* Page (1845–46)
* Parker (1844–82)
* Penrose (1882–1925)
* Peterson (1882–1902)
* Phelps (1844–72)
* O. Pratt (1844–81)
* P. P. Pratt Sr. (1844–57)
* P. P. Pratt Jr. (1867–97)
* Preston (1880–1908)
* Reynolds (1881–1909)
* C. C. Rich (1844–82)
* J. C. Rich (1867–1908)
* F.D. Richards (1849–99)
* F. S. Richards (1880–1934)
* H. J. Richards (1867–1919)
* L. Richards (1844–76)
* P. Richards (1848–74)
* W. Richards (1844–54)
* Rigdon (1844–45)
* Rockwell (1844–78)
* Rockwood (1845–79)
* Roundy (1845–72)
* Sharp (1867–91)
* Shumway (1845–82)
* Shurtliff (1883–1922)
* E. Smith (1844–88)
* G.A. Smith (1844–75)
* H. Smith (1844)
* John Smith (1880–1911)
* J. H. Smith (1844–1911)
* Jos. Smith (1844)
* J. F. Smith (1867–1918)
* S. S. Smith (1880–1910)
* W. Smith (1844–45)
* W. R. Smith (1880–94)
* Smoot (1867–95)
* E. Snow (1844–88)
* L. Snow (1849–1901)
* W. Snow (1848–53)
* D. Spencer (1845–68)
* O. Spencer (1844–55)
* Stout (1867–89)
* G. J. Taylor (1867–1914)
* J. Taylor (1844–87)
* J. W. Taylor (1884–1916)
* W. W. Taylor (1880–84)
* Teasdale (1882–1907)
* Thatcher (1880–1909)
* Thayre (1844–45)
* Turley (1845–71)
* Wasson (1844–45)
* D. H. Wells (1848–91)
* J. F. Wells (1880–1930)
* Whitney (1844–50)
* Wight (1844–45)
* Winder (1881–1910)
* Woodruff (1844–98)
* Woodworth (1844–48)
* Yearsley (1844–49)
* B. Young Sr. (1844–77)
* B. Young Jr. (1867–1903)
* John Young (1849–70)
* J. W. Young (1867–1924)
* Jos. Young (1845–81)
* J. A. Young (1867–75)
* P. Young (1845–79)
* S. B. Young (1884–1924)

* v
* t
* e

Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Presidents of
the Church|

* J. Smith Jr. (1830–44)
* B. Young Sr. (1847–77)
* Taylor (1880–87)
* Woodruff (1889–98)
* Snow (1898–1901)
* J.F. Smith Sr. (1901–18)
* Grant (1918–45)
* G.A. Smith (1945–51)
* McKay (1951–70)
* J.F. Smith Jr. (1970–72)
* Lee (1972–73)
* Kimball (1973–85)
* Benson (1985–94)
* Hunter (1994–95)
* Hinckley (1995–2008)
* Monson (2008–18)
* Nelson (2018–)

* v
* t
* e

Presidents of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

* Marsh (1835–39)
* B. Young Sr. (1839–47)
* Hyde (1847–75)
* Taylor (1875–80)
* Woodruff (1880–89)
* Snow (1889–98)
* F.D. Richards (1898–99)
* B. Young Jr. (1899–1901)
* J.F. Smith Sr. (1901)
* B. Young Jr. (1901–03)
* Lyman (1903–16)
* Grant (1916–18)
* Lund (1918–21)
* Clawson (1921–43)
* G.A. Smith (1943–45)
* G.F. Richards (1945–50)
* McKay (1950–51)
* J.F. Smith Jr. (1951–70)
* Lee (1970–72)
* Kimball (1972–73)
* Benson (1973–85)
* Romney (1985–88)
* Hunter (1988–94)
* Hinckley (1994–95)
* Monson (1995–2008)
* Packer (2008–15)
* Nelson (2015–18)
* Oaks (2018–)

* v
* t
* e

Governors of Utah

Territorial (1850-1896)|

* Young
* Cumming
* Dawson
* Harding
* Doty
* Durkee
* Shaffer
* Vaughan
* Woods
* Axtell
* Emery
* Murray
* West
* Thomas
* West

State (since 1896)|

* Wells
* Cutler
* Spry
* Bamberger
* Mabey
* Dern
* Blood
* Maw
* Lee
* Clyde
* Rampton
* Matheson
* Bangerter
* Leavitt
* Walker
* Huntsman
* Herbert
* Cox

* v
* t
* e

American frontier

1776 to 1912

Native Nations|

* Apache
* Arapaho
* Arikara
* Assiniboine (Nakota)
* Blackfoot
* Cahuilla
* Cayuse
* Cheyenne
* Chinook
* Chippewa (Ojibwe)
* Caddo
* Cocopah
* Comanche
* Crow
* Dakota
* Five Civilized Tribes
* Hidatsa
* Hopi
* Hualapai
* Kickapoo
* Kiowa
* Kumeyaay
* Kutenai
* Lakota
* Lenape (Delaware)
* Mandan
* Maricopa
* Modoc
* Mohave
* Muscogee
* Navajo
* Nez Perce
* Northern Paiute
* Nootka (Nuu-chah-nulth)
* Pawnee
* Pend d'Oreilles
* Pequots
* Pima
* Pueblo
* Seminoles
* Shoshone
* Sioux
* Southern Paiute
* Tohono Oʼodham
* Tonkawa
* Umpqua
* Ute
* Washoe
* Yakama
* Yaqui
* Yavapai
* Yuma (Quechan)

Notable people|

| Native Americans|

* Black Hawk
* Black Kettle
* Bloody Knife
* Chief Joseph
* Cochise
* Degataga
* Crazy Bear
* Crazy Horse
* Crazy Snake
* Dasoda-hae
* Geronimo
* Ganundalegi
* Irataba
* Kiliahote
* Manuelito
* Massai
* Plenty Coups
* Quanah Parker
* Red Cloud
* Sacagawea
* Seattle
* Sitting Bull
* Smallwood
* Snapping Turtle
* Standing Bear
* Ten Bears
* Touch the Clouds
* Tuvi
* Victorio
* Washakie

|

Explorers
and pioneers|

* Daniel Boone
* John Bozeman
* Jim Bridger
* Tomás Vélez Cachupín
* William Clark
* Davy Crockett
* Donner Party
* John C. Frémont
* Liver-Eating Johnson
* Meriwether Lewis
* Joe Mayer
* William John Murphy
* John Wesley Powell
* Juan Rivera
* Levi Ruggles
* Jedediah Smith
* Jack Swilling
* Trinidad Swilling
* Ora Rush Weed
* Richens Lacey Wootton
* Henry Wickenburg
* "Old Bill" Williams
* Brigham Young

Lawmen|

* Elfego Baca
* Charlie Bassett
* Roy Bean
* Morgan Earp
* Virgil Earp
* Wyatt Earp
* Henry Garfias
* Pat Garrett
* Jack Helm
* "Wild Bill" Hickok
* Bat Masterson
* "Mysterious Dave" Mather
* Bass Reeves
* George Scarborough
* John Selman
* John Horton Slaughter
* William "Bill" Tilghman
* James Timberlake
* Harry C. Wheeler

Outlaws|

* Billy the Kid
* Black Bart
* "Curly Bill" Brocius
* Butch Cassidy
* Billy Clanton
* Ike Clanton
* Dalton Brothers (Grat, Bill, Bob, Emmett)
* Bill Doolin
* Bill Downing
* John Wesley Hardin
* Johnny Ringo
* Jesse James
* Frank James
* Tom Ketchum
* Frank McLaury
* Tom McLaury
* Joaquin Murrieta
* Belle Starr
* Soapy Smith
* Sundance Kid
* Younger Brothers (Cole, Bob, Jim, John)

Soldiers
and scouts|

* Frederick Russell Burnham
* Kit Carson
* "Buffalo Bill" Cody
* Texas Jack Omohundro
* James C. Cooney
* George Crook
* George Armstrong Custer
* Alexis Godey
* Samuel P. Heintzelman
* Tom Horn
* Calamity Jane
* Luther Kelly
* Ranald S. Mackenzie
* Charley Reynolds
* Philip Sheridan
* Al Sieber

Others|

* John Jacob Astor
* William H. Boring
* Jonathan R. Davis
* George Flavel
* C. S. Fly
* John Joel Glanton
* George E. Goodfellow
* Doc Holliday
* Andrew Jackson
* Zephaniah Kingsley
* Seth Kinman
* Octaviano Larrazolo
* Nat Love
* Sylvester Mowry
* Emperor Norton
* Annie Oakley
* Sedona Schnebly
* Thomas William Sweeny
* Peter Lebeck

Frontier culture|

* American bison
* Barbed wire
* Boot Hill
* Cattle drive
* Cowboy poetry
* Cattle rustling
* Cow town
* Fast draw
* Ghost town
* Gunfights
* Homesteading
* Land rush
* Manifest destiny
* Moonshine
* One-room schoolhouse
* Rocky Mountain Rendezvous
* Rodeo
* Stagecoach
* Train robbery
* Vigilante justice
* Western saloon
* Tack piano
* Westward expansion
* Wild West shows

Transport
and trails|

* Barlow Road
* Bozeman Trail
* Butterfield Trail
* California Trail
* Chisholm Trail
* Great Platte River Road
* Great Western Cattle Trail
* Lolo Pass
* Meek Cutoff
* Mormon Trail
* Oregon Trail
* Pony Express
* Santa Fe Trail
* Southern Emigrant Trail
* Tanner Trail
* First transcontinental railroad

Folklore|

* Dead man's hand
* Dime novel
* John Henry
* Johnny Kaw
* Long Tom's treasure
* Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine
* Lost Ship of the Desert
* Montezuma's treasure
* Paul Bunyan
* Pecos Bill
* Seven Cities of Gold

Gold rushes|

* Black Hills Gold Rush
* California Gold Rush
* Confederate Gulch and Diamond City
* Klondike Gold Rush
* Pike's Peak Gold Rush

Gunfights|

* Battle of Coffeyville
* Battle of Lincoln
* Frisco shootout
* Gunfight at the O.K. Corral
* Long Branch Saloon gunfight
* Variety Hall shootout

Military conflicts|

* Battle of the Alamo
* Battle of Glorieta Pass
* Battle of the Little Bighorn
* Battle of San Jacinto
* Battle of Washita River
* Bear Flag Revolt
* Chimayó Rebellion
* First Battle of Adobe Walls
* Indian Wars
* Mexican War
* Sand Creek massacre
* Seminole Wars
* Texas Revolution
* Wounded Knee Massacre

Range wars
and feuds|

* Earp-Clanton feud
* Johnson County War
* Lincoln County War
* Mason County War
* Pleasant Valley War
* Sheep Wars
* Sutton–Taylor feud

Lists|

* Arizona Rangers
* Bibliography of the American frontier
* Cowboys and cowgirls
* Gangs
* Ghost towns
* Gunfights
* Lawmen
* Mountain men
* Outlaws
* Timeline of the American Old West

Influence|

* Cuisine of the Western United States
* Chuckwagon
* Californian
* Native American
* New Mexican
* New Mexico chile
* Pacific Northwestern
* Rocky Mountain oysters
* Tex-Mex
* Gothic Western
* Weird West
* Western genre
* Western lifestyle
* Western music
* New Mexico
* Red Dirt
* Tejano
* Texas country
* Western wear
* Cowboy boots
* Cowboy hat
* Jeans
* Snap fastener

| Places|

| Alaska|

* Anchorage
* Iditarod
* Nome
* Seward
* Skagway

|

Arizona Territory|

* Canyon Diablo
* Fort Grant
* Prescott
* Phoenix
* Tombstone
* Tucson
* Window Rock
* Yuma

California|

* Bakersfield
* Fresno
* Jamestown
* Los Angeles
* Sacramento
* San Diego
* San Francisco

Colorado|

* Creede
* Denver
* Telluride
* Trinidad

Dakota Territory|

* Bismarck
* Deadwood
* Fargo
* Fort Yates
* Pine Ridge
* Rapid City
* Standing Rock
* Yankton

Florida Territory|

* Angola
* Negro Fort
* Pensacola
* Prospect Bluff
* St. Augustine
* St. Marks
* Tallahassee

Idaho Territory|

* Fort Boise
* Fort Hall

Illinois|

* Fort Dearborn

Kansas|

* Abilene
* Dodge City
* Ellsworth
* Hays
* Leavenworth
* Wichita

Missouri|

* Independence
* Kansas City
* St. Louis

Montana Territory|

* Billings
* Bozeman
* Deer Lodge
* Fort Benton
* Fort Peck
* Helena
* Livingston
* Missoula
* Virginia City

Nebraska|

* Chadron
* Fort Atkinson
* Fort Robinson
* Nebraska City
* Ogallala
* Omaha
* Valentine
* Whiteclay

Nevada|

* Carson City
* Virginia City
* Reno

New Mexico Territory|

* Alamogordo
* Albuquerque
* Cimarron
* Fort Sumner
* Gallup
* Las Vegas
* Lincoln
* Mesilla
* Mogollon
* Roswell
* Santa Fe
* Tucumcari

Oklahoma Territory
and Indian Territory|

* Broken Arrow
* Fort Gibson
* Fort Sill
* Oklahoma City
* Okmulgee
* Pawhuska
* Tahlequah
* Tishomingo
* Tuskahoma
* Wewoka

Oregon Territory|

* Astoria
* The Dalles
* La Grande
* McMinnville
* Oregon City
* Portland
* Salem
* Vale

Texas|

* Austin
* Abilene
* El Paso
* Fort Worth
* Gonzales
* Lubbock
* San Antonio

Utah Territory|

* Salt Lake City

Washington Territory|

* Everett
* Port Townsend
* Seattle
* Vancouver

Wyoming Territory|

* Fort Bridger
* Fort Laramie

* Category

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* Germany
* United States
* France
* BnF data
* Japan
* Australia
* Czech Republic
* Netherlands
* Norway
* Poland
* Israel
* Belgium

Artists|

* ULAN
* RKD Artists

People|

* Trove
* Deutsche Biographie
* DDB

Other|

* IdRef
* SNAC
* 2

*[c.]: circa
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template