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  2. Church Officers in Nauvoo, Illinois, February–November 1841

Church Officers in Nauvoo, Illinois, February–November 1841

On 6 May 1839, a conference of the church appointed a
bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
and a president to oversee the church members in the
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
, Illinois, area.
1

Minutes, 6 May 1839.


These two positions were essential for the organization of a
stake

Ecclesiastical organization of church members in a particular locale. Stakes were typically large local organizations of church members; stake leaders could include a presidency, a high council, and a bishopric. Some revelations referred to stakes “to” or...

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, which formally took place on 5 October 1839 during a general conference of the church. A January 1841 revelation designated
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
as both a stake and a “cornerstone of Zion.”
2

Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:2].


 
Presidency
On 5 October 1839, a general conference of the church approved the creation of a stake in
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
(later
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
) and appointed
William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

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as president.
3

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Marks continued to serve in that capacity without counselors until 30 March 1841, when
Austin Cowles

3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813...

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and
Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
were appointed to serve in those roles.
4

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

1 February–30 March 1841 30 March–30 November 1841
President President
William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

View Full Bio
5

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


William Marks

15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he...

View Full Bio
Counselors
Austin Cowles

3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813...

View Full Bio
6

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
7

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

 
High Council
On 5 October 1839, a general conference of the church appointed twelve men to serve as members of the newly created Nauvoo
high council

A governing body of twelve high priests. The first high council was organized in Kirtland, Ohio, on 17 February 1834 “for the purpose of settling important difficulties which might arise in the church, which could not be settled by the church, or the bishop...

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.
8

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


When individual members could not attend, alternates (or pro tempore members) were appointed to participate in council meetings. These temporary appointments are not reflected in the chart below.
9

See, for example, the pro tempore appointment of Elias Higbee as a member of the Nauvoo high council. (Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 22 Sept. 1841, 33.)


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

A few changes to the membership of the high council occurred in the period between February and November 1841. Although
Austin Cowles

3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813...

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was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Nauvoo high council on 5 September 1840, JS’s 19 January 1841 revelation specified that
Aaron Johnson

22 June 1806–10 May 1877. Farmer, gunmaker. Born in Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Didymus Johnson and Ruhamah Stephens. Joined Methodist church, early 1820s. Married Polly Zeruah Kelsey, 13 Sept. 1827, in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut...

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was to fill the position instead. Accordingly, a 6 February 1841 meeting of the high council replaced Cowles with Johnson.
10

Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

David Dort

6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac...

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’s death on 10 March 1841 left a vacancy in the high council,
11

“Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

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’s ordination as a counselor in the Nauvoo stake presidency on 30 March 1841 left another vacancy.
12

Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. and 7 Apr. 1841, 26–27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

At the April 1841 general conference of the church,
Leonard Soby

Ca. 1810–14 Dec. 1892. Tobacco merchant. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of David Soby. Married Helen. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, by June 1840. Received elder’s license, 6 Dec. 1840...

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and
James Allred

22 Jan. 1784–10 Jan. 1876. Farmer. Born in Randolph Co., North Carolina. Son of William Allred and Elizabeth Thrasher. Married Elizabeth Warren. Moved to Missouri, before Sept. 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by George M. Hinkle...

View Full Bio
were appointed to fill these positions.
13

Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

1 February–6 February 1841 6 February–7 April 1841 8 April–30 November 1841
George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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14

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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George W. Harris

1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married...

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Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

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15

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

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Samuel Bent

19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts...

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Henry G. Sherwood

20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824...

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16

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Henry G. Sherwood

20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824...

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Henry G. Sherwood

20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824...

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David Fullmer

7 July 1803–21 Oct. 1879. Teacher, merchant, farmer. Born in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfoss. Moved to Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Married Rhoda Ann Marvin, 18...

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17

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


David Fullmer

7 July 1803–21 Oct. 1879. Teacher, merchant, farmer. Born in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfoss. Moved to Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Married Rhoda Ann Marvin, 18...

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David Fullmer

7 July 1803–21 Oct. 1879. Teacher, merchant, farmer. Born in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfoss. Moved to Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Married Rhoda Ann Marvin, 18...

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Alpheus Cutler

29 Feb. 1784–10 June 1864. Stonemason. Born in Plainfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Knight Cutler and Elizabeth Boyd. Married Lois Lathrop, 17 Nov. 1808, in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Upper Lisle, Broome Co., New York, ca. 1808...

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18

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Alpheus Cutler

29 Feb. 1784–10 June 1864. Stonemason. Born in Plainfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Knight Cutler and Elizabeth Boyd. Married Lois Lathrop, 17 Nov. 1808, in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Upper Lisle, Broome Co., New York, ca. 1808...

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Alpheus Cutler

29 Feb. 1784–10 June 1864. Stonemason. Born in Plainfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Knight Cutler and Elizabeth Boyd. Married Lois Lathrop, 17 Nov. 1808, in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Upper Lisle, Broome Co., New York, ca. 1808...

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William Huntington

28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown...

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19

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


William Huntington

28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown...

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William Huntington

28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown...

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Thomas Grover

22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus...

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20

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Thomas Grover

22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus...

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Thomas Grover

22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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21

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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Newel Knight

13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New...

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Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
22

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Charles C. Rich

21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ...

View Full Bio
Lewis Dunbar Wilson

2 June 1805–11 Mar. 1856. Born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vermont. Son of Bradley Wilson and Mary (Polly) Gill. Married Nancy Ann Waggner, by ca. 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 May 1836. Ordained an elder, Sept. 1836. ...

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David Dort

6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac...

View Full Bio
23

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


David Dort

6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac...

View Full Bio
24

“Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

Aaron Johnson

22 June 1806–10 May 1877. Farmer, gunmaker. Born in Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Didymus Johnson and Ruhamah Stephens. Joined Methodist church, early 1820s. Married Polly Zeruah Kelsey, 13 Sept. 1827, in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut...

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Lewis Dunbar Wilson

2 June 1805–11 Mar. 1856. Born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vermont. Son of Bradley Wilson and Mary (Polly) Gill. Married Nancy Ann Waggner, by ca. 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 May 1836. Ordained an elder, Sept. 1836. ...

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25

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


Lewis Dunbar Wilson

2 June 1805–11 Mar. 1856. Born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vermont. Son of Bradley Wilson and Mary (Polly) Gill. Married Nancy Ann Waggner, by ca. 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 May 1836. Ordained an elder, Sept. 1836. ...

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Leonard Soby

Ca. 1810–14 Dec. 1892. Tobacco merchant. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of David Soby. Married Helen. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, by June 1840. Received elder’s license, 6 Dec. 1840...

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26

Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

Austin Cowles

3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813...

View Full Bio
27

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 5 Sept. 1840; 6 Feb. 1841, 25.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

Aaron Johnson

22 June 1806–10 May 1877. Farmer, gunmaker. Born in Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Didymus Johnson and Ruhamah Stephens. Joined Methodist church, early 1820s. Married Polly Zeruah Kelsey, 13 Sept. 1827, in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut...

View Full Bio
28

Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

James Allred

22 Jan. 1784–10 Jan. 1876. Farmer. Born in Randolph Co., North Carolina. Son of William Allred and Elizabeth Thrasher. Married Elizabeth Warren. Moved to Missouri, before Sept. 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by George M. Hinkle...

View Full Bio
29

Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

 
Bishops
On 6 May 1839, a conference of the church appointed
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

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as
bishop

An ecclesiastical and priesthood office. JS appointed Edward Partridge as the first bishop in February 1831. Following this appointment, Partridge functioned as the local leader of the church in Missouri. Later revelations described a bishop’s duties as receiving...

View Glossary
in
Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
(later
Nauvoo

Principal gathering place for Saints following expulsion from Missouri. Beginning in 1839, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints purchased lands in earlier settlement of Commerce and planned settlement of Commerce City, as well as surrounding areas....

More Info
).
30

Minutes, 6 May 1839.


On 5 October 1839, a general conference of the church designated three men, including Whitney, to serve as bishops in Commerce, assigning each to be responsible for a specific ward, a geographical subdivision of the city.
31

Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.


George Miller

25 Nov. 1794–after July 1856. Carpenter, mill operator, lumber dealer, steamboat owner. Born near Stanardsville, Orange Co., Virginia. Son of John Miller and Margaret Pfeiffer. Moved to Augusta Co., Virginia, 1798; to Madison Co., Kentucky, 1806; to Boone...

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became the upper ward bishop following his call in a January 1841 revelation to replace
Edward Partridge

27 Aug. 1793–27 May 1840. Hatter. Born at Pittsfield, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of William Partridge and Jemima Bidwell. Moved to Painesville, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Lydia Clisbee, 22 Aug. 1819, at Painesville. Initially a Universal Restorationist...

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, who had died.
32

Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:20–21].


JS appointed
Isaac Higbee

23 Dec. 1797–16 Feb. 1874. Farmer, merchant, judge. Born in Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, ca. 1802. Married Keziah String, 11 Feb. 1819, in Clermont Co. Moved to Cincinnati, by 1830...

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as a bishop to an unspecified ward on 19 February 1841.
33

“Higbee, Isaac,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:480.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

1 February–30 November 1841
Upper Ward
George Miller

25 Nov. 1794–after July 1856. Carpenter, mill operator, lumber dealer, steamboat owner. Born near Stanardsville, Orange Co., Virginia. Son of John Miller and Margaret Pfeiffer. Moved to Augusta Co., Virginia, 1798; to Madison Co., Kentucky, 1806; to Boone...

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34

Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:20–21].


Middle Ward
Newel K. Whitney

3/5 Feb. 1795–23 Sept. 1850. Trader, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Samuel Whitney and Susanna Kimball. Moved to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York, 1803. Merchant at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York, 1814. Mercantile clerk for...

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35

Minutes, 6 May 1839.


Lower Ward
Vinson Knight

14 Mar. 1804–31 July 1842. Farmer, druggist, school warden. Born at Norwich, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Rudolphus Knight and Rispah (Rizpah) Lee. Married Martha McBride, July 1826. Moved to Perrysburg, Cattaraugus Co., New York, by 1830. Owned farm...

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36

Woodruff, Journal, 29 May 1839.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

Unspecified ward
Isaac Higbee

23 Dec. 1797–16 Feb. 1874. Farmer, merchant, judge. Born in Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, ca. 1802. Married Keziah String, 11 Feb. 1819, in Clermont Co. Moved to Cincinnati, by 1830...

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(appointed on 19 February 1841)
37

“Higbee, Isaac,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:480.


Comprehensive Works Cited

Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

  1. 1

    Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  2. 2

    Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:2].

  3. 3

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  4. 4

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  5. 5

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  6. 6

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  7. 7

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  8. 8

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  9. 9

    See, for example, the pro tempore appointment of Elias Higbee as a member of the Nauvoo high council. (Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 22 Sept. 1841, 33.)

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  10. 10

    Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  11. 11

    “Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  12. 12

    Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. and 7 Apr. 1841, 26–27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  13. 13

    Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  14. 14

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  15. 15

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  16. 16

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  17. 17

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  18. 18

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  19. 19

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  20. 20

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  21. 21

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  22. 22

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  23. 23

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  24. 24

    “Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.

    Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  25. 25

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  26. 26

    Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  27. 27

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 5 Sept. 1840; 6 Feb. 1841, 25.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  28. 28

    Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  29. 29

    Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.

    Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

  30. 30

    Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  31. 31

    Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.

  32. 32

    Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:20–21].

  33. 33

    “Higbee, Isaac,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:480.

    Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

  34. 34

    Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:20–21].

  35. 35

    Minutes, 6 May 1839.

  36. 36

    Woodruff, Journal, 29 May 1839.

    Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.

  37. 37

    “Higbee, Isaac,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:480.

    Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

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