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Ecclesiastical Organizational Charts, 1830–1839

Ecclesiastical Organizational Charts

In spring 1830, JS organized the Church of Christ with elders, priests, and teachers. Over the next five years, he developed and adapted church organization to a growing membership, adding the offices of high priest, deacon, bishop, patriarch, apostle, and seventy and organizing quorums, councils, presidencies, and bishoprics. The first chart that appears below, titled “Church Structure, 1835–1839,” outlines the ecclesiastical structure that emerged by 1836. The three subsequent charts supply the names of church officers in , Ohio; ; and the (later Nauvoo), Illinois, area. They also track major changes in personnel. Because of the constant change in church organization between 1832 and 1834—the period covered in JS’s first journal—a chart showing officers for that period is not supplied. During 1835–1836, the period covered in JS’s second journal, JS worked to refine organizational structure and fully staff church positions in preparation for the solemn assembly to be held in the in . The chart dated March 1836 presents the resulting organization. The next chart, dated spring–summer 1838, approximates church organization and officers named in JS’s two 1838 journals. The final chart, dated October 1839, reflects the early reorganization efforts that followed the Mormon exodus from to . It presents church organization and leadership as it existed by the conclusion of JS’s first journal in 1839.

Church Presidencies and Councils

At the church’s organization in April 1830, JS was recognized as first elder and as second elder. On 8 March 1832, JS was “president of the high priesthood,” and and were his “councellers of the ministry of the presidency of th[e] high Pristhood.” The term “counsellor” was still used in a revelation of 8 March 1833 designating these officers—by now and —as being equal with JS in holding the keys of the kingdom.

Beginning in June 1830, JS used gatherings or “conferences” of church officers as deliberative bodies in which to conduct the business of the church, including disciplinary proceedings. In time, “general conferences” involving a substantial proportion of church officers were supplemented by more frequent ad hoc, or “special,” conferences. Beginning in 1832, the term “council” was used interchangeably with “conference” for these smaller, ad hoc meetings. JS and his counselors played leading roles in the proceedings.

JS formalized the practice by organizing in February 1834 at “the high council of the Church of Christ,” a standing body consisting entirely of high priests. Thereafter, the term “assistant president” was generally applied to those who had earlier been called counselors to JS, and members of the high council were called the presidency’s counselors, thus avoiding confusion in the use of the term counselor. JS and his assistant presidents served as the presidency of the high council as well as the presidency of the high priesthood and therefore the presidency of the church. In July 1834, a similar high council was organized in , Missouri, which was designated the high council for , and JS ordained president of the high council, with and as ’s “assistants,” after which JS ordained “their twelve Counsellors”—the members of the high council. was recognized as “President, head and leader in (in the absence of br. Joseph Smith jr.).”

In December 1834, JS reorganized the church presidency, adding as an assistant president, ranking before the existing assistants, and . JS also ordained and as assistant presidents.

During late 1835 and early 1836, while members of the presidency and most of their high council were temporarily residing in preparing to receive the promised endowment of power, the configuration of church councils held in varied. Frequently a “council of the Presidency” met, consisting of members of both the general church presidency based in and the presidency from . When the high council was convened, it might consist of any combination of twelve members taken from the high council from , the high council of the stake of , or the traveling high council—the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—with one to three members of the combined presidency serving as presidents of the high council for that particular meeting. Further complicating the scene, in addition to the presidencies of each high council, by 21 January 1836 one of the twelve regular members of each high council was designated its president. On that date, was recognized as “the president of the counsellors in Kirtland” and as “the president, of the counsellors of Zion.”

In late 1835 and early 1836, JS anticipated that he and his assistant presidents would move to by the following spring. Regulations for the approval of ordinations adopted in early 1836 seem to anticipate a level of interaction between and church authorities that could take place only if they remained in close proximity—and it was anticipated that this would be in , not . However, the logistics of migration to and financial entanglements in precluded JS’s relocation that year, and the presidency and high council of eventually returned to without him and other leaders who continued to be based in . The close working relationships, and indeed the interrelationships of 1835–1836, therefore never materialized again.

In 1837, contending with dissent in and a perceived weakening of support among some church leaders in , JS reiterated his authority over the entire church. His 4 September letter to Saints in was headed “Joseph Smith Jr. Prest of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints in all the world.” It also applied the term “first Presidency” to the presidency of the church who were then located at . This was not a new position or assertion of authority for JS but clarified arrangements that may have seemed ambiguous. Some may have misinterpreted the earlier configuration of presidencies as a decentralized leadership with one presidency responsible for each of the church’s two main divisions, and . JS’s reassertion of churchwide leadership caused Hepzibah Richards to write from in January 1838 that “the presidents, Joseph & Sidney & Hiram returned from Missouri a few weeks since. They are elected to the first presidency, or to preside over all the churches instead of this place only.” The term “first presidency,” first used officially in 1834, came into more general use during 1838 and eventually supplanted other nomenclature.

The September 1837 conference documents a transition in terminology and organization. In in September, JS as president and and as his counselors constituted “the three first presidnts of the Church.” , , , and were now “assistant Councillors,” and the seven were “to be concidered the heads of the Church.” After this conference, use of the titles “assistant president” and “assistant counselor” diminished. The last known use of “assistant” in connection with the First Presidency during JS’s lifetime was the temporary appointment of as assistant president in , 1841.

Church Structure, 1835–1839

March 1836

During the period covered in his 1835–1836 journal, JS worked to fully organize the priesthood units in preparation for the solemn assembly that was held in the in , Ohio, on 30 March 1836. This organizational effort included staffing each quorum, council, or presidency; organizing each quorum with a presidency; and clarifying relations among groups.

General Church Officers

Presidency	Patriarch
Joseph Smith Jr., president	Joseph Smith Sr. 12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge... View Full Bio 15 Patriarchal Blessings, 1:9; JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836. Nearly a hundred patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are recorded as being given in 1836. Joseph Smith Sr. was the only ordained patriarch in the church at this time. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.) Comprehensive Works Cited Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
Oliver Cowdery 3 Oct. 1806–3 Mar. 1850. Clerk, teacher, justice of the peace, lawyer, newspaper editor. Born at Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of William Cowdery and Rebecca Fuller. Raised Congregationalist. Moved to western New York and clerked at a store, ca. 1825–1828... View Full Bio , assistant president
Sidney Rigdon 19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe... View Full Bio , assistant president
Frederick G. Williams 28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system... View Full Bio , assistant president
Hyrum Smith 9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co... View Full Bio , assistant president
Joseph Smith Sr. 12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge... View Full Bio , assistant president 16 JS History, 1834–1836, 17–20; JS, Journal, 27 and 29 Mar. 1836.
During the period in which Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info officers were in Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info awaiting the solemn assembly, the general church presidency (based in Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info ) and the Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info church presidency often functioned as a general presiding council, to which JS referred as “my council of the presidency” or, more commonly, as simply “the presidency” or “the presidents.” 17 See, for example, JS, Journal, 13 and 28 Jan. 1836; 27 Mar. 1836. This council of nine men or an available subset functioned in Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info as a presiding council until the Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info presidency returned to its local jurisdiction.

Other Officers

Zion JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,... More Info (Clay County, Missouri) Officers
The Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info Latter-day Saints, having been driven from their homes in Jackson County Settled at Fort Osage, 1808. County created, 16 Feb. 1825; organized 1826. Named after U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Featured fertile lands along Missouri River and was Santa Fe Trail departure point, which attracted immigrants to area. Area of county reduced... More Info , were living primarily in Clay County Settled ca. 1800. Organized from Ray Co., 1822. Original size diminished when land was taken to create several surrounding counties. Liberty designated county seat, 1822. Population in 1830 about 5,000; in 1836 about 8,500; and in 1840 about 8,300. Refuge... More Info in March 1836.
Presidency	Bishopric
David Whitmer 7 Jan. 1805–25 Jan. 1888. Farmer, livery keeper. Born near Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Raised Presbyterian. Moved to Ontario Co., New York, shortly after birth. Attended German Reformed Church. Arranged... View Full Bio , president	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... View Full Bio , bishop
William W. Phelps 17 Feb. 1792–7 Mar. 1872. Writer, teacher, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, lawyer. Born at Hanover, Morris Co., New Jersey. Son of Enon Phelps and Mehitabel Goldsmith. Moved to Homer, Cortland Co., New York, 1800. Married Sally Waterman,... View Full Bio , assistant president	Isaac Morley 11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married... View Full Bio , counselor
John Whitmer 27 Aug. 1802–11 July 1878. Farmer, stock raiser, newspaper editor. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Member of German Reformed Church, Fayette, Seneca Co., New York. Baptized by Oliver Cowdery, June 1829, most likely in Seneca... View Full Bio , assistant president 18 Minute Book 2, 3 and 7 July 1834; JS, Journal, 29 Mar. 1836.	John Corrill 17 Sept. 1794–26 Sept. 1842. Surveyor, politician, author. Born at Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Married Margaret Lyndiff, ca. 1830. Lived at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10 Jan. 1831,... View Full Bio , counselor 19 Minutes, ca. 3–4 June 1831; Minute Book 2, 7 Apr. 1837; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 2 May 1835; see also Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
High Council	President of Quorum of Teachers
The Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info high council apparently retained its original order, based on the 7 July 1834 casting of lots, with replacement members taking the number of their predecessors. 20 Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834; Minute Book 2, 6 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837 ; Partridge, Journal, 7 Jan. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2. Although John Murdock 15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819.... View Full Bio was the president of the council in March 1836, he was still listed among the other members with his original number. 21 Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836; compare Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2. Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.	George Johnson 22 Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 19 Mar. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.
Simeon Carter 7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ... View Full Bio	No evidence has been found of additonal quorums functioning in Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info at this time.
Elisha Groves 5 Nov. 1797–29 Dec. 1867. Farmer. Born in Madison Co., Kentucky. Son of John Groves and Mary Hurd. Moved to Indiana, 1819. Married first Sarah Hogue, ca. 1825, in Indiana. Member of Presbyterian church. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... View Full Bio
Jesse Hitchcock 10 Aug. 1801–ca. 1846. Born in Ashe Co., North Carolina. Son of Isaac Hitchcock and Elizabeth Wheeler. Married Mary Polly Hopper, 4 July 1821, at Lafayette Co., Missouri. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ordained an elder by Oliver... View Full Bio
Calvin Beebe 1 July 1800–17 July 1861. Farmer, merchant, postmaster. Born in Paris, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Isaac Beebe and Olive Soule. Moved to Chardon, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Married Submit Rockwell Starr, 19 Nov. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio
Levi Jackman 28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee... View Full Bio
Solomon Hancock 15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia... View Full Bio
Peter Whitmer Jr. 27 Sept. 1809–22 Sept. 1836. Tailor. Born at Fayette, Seneca Co., New York. Son of Peter Whitmer Sr. and Mary Musselman. Baptized by Oliver Cowdery, June 1829, in Seneca Lake, Seneca Co. One of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, June 1829. Among six... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio
George M. Hinkle 13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ... View Full Bio
Lyman Wight 9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio
Elias Higbee 23 Oct. 1795–8 June 1843. Clerk, judge, surveyor. Born at Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, 1803. Married Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 10 Sept. 1818, in Tate Township, Clermont Co. Lived at ... View Full Bio
John Murdock 15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819.... View Full Bio , president 23 Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834; Minute Book 2, 6 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837 ; Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2.

Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info Stake Officers
Presidency	Presidency of Quorum of High Priests
The presidency of the church presided over the Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info stake and its high council. 24 See, for example, Minute Book 1, 2 Jan. 1836; Minute Book 1, 16 May 1836; and JS, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836.	Don Carlos Smith 25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus... View Full Bio , president 25 Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
High Council	Unidentified counselors 26 High Priest certificates from May 1837 list Smith’s counselors as Gideon Carter and Warren Cowdery. (Form, LDS Messenger and Advocate, May 1837, 3:511; compare LDS Messenger and Advocate, Sept. 1837, 3:575.) Comprehensive Works Cited Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.
John Smith 16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married... View Full Bio , president 27 Minutes, 17 Aug. 1835; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.	Presidency of Quorum of Elders
John Johnson 11 Apr. 1778–30 July 1843. Farmer, innkeeper. Born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Israel Johnson and Abigail Higgins. Married Alice (Elsa) Jacobs, 22 June 1800. Moved to Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont, ca. 1803. Settled at Hiram, Portage... View Full Bio	Alvah Beman 22 May 1775–15 Nov. 1837. Farmer. Born at New Marlboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Reuben Beman and Mariam. Married Sarah (Sally) Burt, 18 Aug. 1796. Moved to what became Livonia, Ontario Co., New York, 1799. Moved to Avon, Livingston Co., New York... View Full Bio , president 28 Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
Orson Johnson 15 June 1803–21 Mar. 1883. Shoemaker, innkeeper, farmer. Born at Chesterfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Thomas Johnson and Elizabeth (Betsey) Smith. Married first Nancy Mason, 24 Oct. 1827, at Bath, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Baptized into Church... View Full Bio	Reuben Hedlock 1809–5 July 1869. Printer, carpenter, journeyman. Born in U.S. Married first Susan Wheeler, 1827. Married second Lydia Fox. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1836. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, and ordained an elder, by ... View Full Bio , counselor
Martin Harris 18 May 1783–10 July 1875. Farmer. Born at Easton, Albany Co., New York. Son of Nathan Harris and Rhoda Lapham. Moved with parents to area of Swift’s landing (later in Palmyra), Ontario Co., New York, 1793. Married first his first cousin Lucy Harris, 27 Mar... View Full Bio	John Morton 31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day... View Full Bio , counselor 29 Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 25 Jan. 1836; JS, Journal, 29 Jan. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.
Samuel Smith 13 Mar. 1808–30 July 1844. Farmer, logger, scribe, builder, tavern operator. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, by Mar. 1810; to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811... View Full Bio	Presidency of Quorum of Priests
Jared Carter 14 June 1801–6 July 1849. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Ames, 20 Sept. 1823, at Benson. Moved to Chenango, Broome Co., New York, by Jan... View Full Bio	William Cowdery Jr. 5 Sept. 1765–26 Feb. 1847. Farmer, physician. Born at East Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of William Cowdery and Hannah Emmons. Raised Congregationalist. Married first Rebecca Fuller. Moved to Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont, ca. 1787. Appointed surveyor... View Full Bio , president 30 Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
Joseph Coe 12 Nov. 1784–17 Oct. 1854. Farmer, clerk. Born at Cayuga Co., New York. Son of Joel Coe and Huldah Horton. Lived at Scipio, Cayuga Co., by 1800. Married first Pallas Wales, 12 Jan. 1816. Married second Sophia Harwood, ca. 1824. Moved to Macedon, Wayne Co.... View Full Bio	Unidentified counselors
John P. Greene 3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville... View Full Bio	Presidency of Quorum of Teachers
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... View Full Bio	Oliver Olney 11 Aug. 1796–ca. 1845. Wool manufacturer, farmer. Born at Eastford, Windham Co., Connecticut. Son of Ezekiel Olney and Lydia Brown. Married first Alice (Elsa) Johnson, daughter of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs, 14 Sept. 1820, at Hiram, Portage Co.,... View Full Bio , president 31 Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
Noah Packard 7 May 1796–17 Feb. 1860. Farmer, surveyor, miner. Born at Plainfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Noah Packard and Molly Hamblin. Moved to Parkman, Geauga Co., Ohio, 1817. Married Sophia Bundy, 29 June 1820, at Parkman. Baptized into Church of Jesus... View Full Bio	Unidentified counselors
Joseph Kingsbury 2 May 1812–15 Oct. 1898. Mining superintendent, store clerk, teacher, farmer, ferry operator, tithing storehouse supervisor, Temple Square guide. Born at Enfield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Solomon Kingsbury and Bathsheba Amanda Pease. Moved from Enfield... View Full Bio	Presidency of Quorum of Deacons
Samuel James 18 Jan. 1806–after 1880. Farmer, salesman, storekeeper. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of William James and Elizabeth Gallaher. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ordained a high priest and appointed to high council in Kirtland, Geauga ... View Full Bio 32 Minutes, 17 Feb. 1834; Minutes, 28–29 Aug. 1834; Minute Book 1, 13 Jan. 1836.	Ira Bond 19 Jan. 1798–30 Nov. 1887. Farmer. Born at Caldwell, Essex Co., New Jersey. Son of Abner Bond and Mary Elizabeth Gould. Moved to Mendon, Monroe Co., New York, before 1830. Married Charlotte Wilcox in Honeoye Falls, Monroe Co. Baptized into Church of Jesus... View Full Bio , president 33 Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
Bishopric	Unidentified counselors
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... View Full Bio , bishop
Reynolds Cahoon 30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,... View Full Bio , counselor
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... View Full Bio , counselor 34 Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 2 May 1835; Minute Book 1, 13 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836. Comprehensive Works Cited Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.

Traveling Officers
Quorum of the Twelve	Quorum of the Seventy, Presidents
Listed in order of seniority—that is, age at time of appointment of the original Twelve.	The presidents of the Seventy presided over the Quorum of the Seventy. The presidents were apparently ordered by seniority of age.
Thomas B. Marsh 1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ... View Full Bio , president	Hazen Aldrich 10 Jan. 1797–after 1876. Carpenter, farmer, newspaper publisher, day laborer. Born in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Son of Andrew Hazen Aldrich and Annes. Moved to Dorchester, Grafton Co., by 1810. Married first Betsey Manchester, 28 Oct. 1819, in ... View Full Bio
David W. Patten 14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated... View Full Bio	Joseph Young 7 Apr. 1797–16 July 1881. Farmer, painter, glazier. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Moved to Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York, before 1830. Joined Methodist church, before Apr. 1832. Baptized into Church... View Full Bio
Brigham Young 1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New... View Full Bio	Leonard Rich 1800–1868. Farmer. Born in New York. Married first Keziah. Lived at Warsaw, Genesee Co., New York, 1830. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition to Missouri, 1834. Served as a president of First Quorum of the Seventy, 1835–1837. Stockholder in Kirtland ... View Full Bio
Heber C. Kimball 14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized... View Full Bio	Levi Hancock 7 Apr. 1803–10 June 1882. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16 Nov. 1830, at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Clarissa Reed, 20 Mar. 1831.... View Full Bio
Orson Hyde 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio	Zebedee Coltrin 7 Sept. 1804–21 July 1887. Born at Ovid, Seneca Co., New York. Son of John Coltrin and Sarah Graham. Member of Methodist church. Married first Julia Ann Jennings, Oct. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Solomon Hancock, 9 Jan... View Full Bio
William E. McLellin 18 Jan. 1806–14 Mar. 1883. Schoolteacher, physician, publisher. Born at Smith Co., Tennessee. Son of Charles McLellin and Sarah (a Cherokee Indian). Married first Cynthia Ann, 30 July 1829. Wife died, by summer 1831. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of... View Full Bio	Lyman Sherman 22 May 1804–ca. 15 Feb. 1839. Born at Monkton, Addison Co., Vermont. Son of Elkanah Sherman and Asenath Hurlbut. Married Delcena Didamia Johnson, 16 Jan. 1829, at Pomfret, Chautauque Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints... View Full Bio
Parley P. Pratt 12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823.... View Full Bio	Sylvester Smith 25 Mar. 1806–22 Feb. 1880. Farmer, carpenter, lawyer, realtor. Born at Tyringham, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Chileab Smith and Nancy Marshall. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, ca. 1815. Married Elizabeth Frank, 27 Dec. 1827, likely in Chautauque... View Full Bio 35 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 3; The Twelve Apostles, [Kirtland, OH: ca. 7 Apr. 1836], copy at CHL; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 2 May 1835; compare Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835–A. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1. The Twelve Apostles. [Kirtland, OH: ca. Apr. 1836]. Copy at CHL.
Luke Johnson 3 Nov. 1807–8 Dec. 1861. Farmer, teacher, doctor. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Lived at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, when baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, 10 May 1831. Ordained... View Full Bio
William Smith 13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816... View Full Bio
Orson Pratt 19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall... View Full Bio
John F. Boynton 20 Sept. 1811–20 Oct. 1890. Merchant, lecturer, scientist, inventor, dentist. Born at East Bradford (later Groveland), Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Eliphalet Boynton and Susanna Nichols. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS,... View Full Bio
Lyman Johnson 24 Oct. 1811–20 Dec. 1859. Merchant, lawyer, hotelier. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, Mar. 1818. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Sidney Rigdon... View Full Bio 36 Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 14–15 Feb. 1835; The Twelve Apostles, [Kirtland, OH: ca. 7 Apr. 1836], copy at CHL. Comprehensive Works Cited The Twelve Apostles. [Kirtland, OH: ca. Apr. 1836]. Copy at CHL.

Spring–Summer 1838

In the two years between spring 1836 and summer 1838, there were substantial changes in church leadership, the result of two principal factors. First, in response to dissent among church leaders in late 1837 and early 1838, JS oversaw or approved the removal and replacement of several officers. Second, other officers in , Ohio, followed JS in migrating to in 1838. Some but not all officers were replaced. A few leaders stayed behind to oversee stake matters, while most loyal Latter-day Saints prepared to move to . As , Missouri, filled with Latter-day Saints, immigration was steered northward to , Daviess County, Missouri, where a stake was organized on 28 June 1838.

General Church Officers

First Presidency	Patriarch
Joseph Smith Jr., president	Joseph Smith Sr. 12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge... View Full Bio 39 Nearly seventy patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are listed as being given in 1838; both Isaac Morley (patriarch in Far West, Missouri) and Joseph Smith Sr. (general church patriarch) served as patriarchs during this year. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.) Comprehensive Works Cited Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
Sidney Rigdon 19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe... View Full Bio , counselor
Hyrum Smith 9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co... View Full Bio , counselor
Joseph Smith Sr. 12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge... View Full Bio , assistant counselor
John Smith 16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married... View Full Bio , assistant counselor
During a church conference held in Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info in September 1837, JS presented Sidney Rigdon 19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe... View Full Bio , Frederick G. Williams 28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system... View Full Bio , and himself as “the three first presidnts of the Church.” He then presented Oliver Cowdery 3 Oct. 1806–3 Mar. 1850. Clerk, teacher, justice of the peace, lawyer, newspaper editor. Born at Wells, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of William Cowdery and Rebecca Fuller. Raised Congregationalist. Moved to western New York and clerked at a store, ca. 1825–1828... View Full Bio , Joseph Smith Sr. 12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge... View Full Bio , Hyrum Smith 9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co... View Full Bio , and John Smith 16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married... View Full Bio as “assistant Councillors.” 40 Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837. In a conference held in Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info two months later, Williams 28 Oct. 1787–10 Oct. 1842. Ship’s pilot, teacher, physician, justice of the peace. Born at Suffield, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of William Wheeler Williams and Ruth Granger. Moved to Newburg, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, 1799. Practiced Thomsonian botanical system... View Full Bio was removed and replaced by Hyrum Smith 9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co... View Full Bio . 41 Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837 . The assistant counselors were not presented for sustaining at this Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info conference, and they were not again presented as such.

Other Officers

Zion JS revelation, dated 20 July 1831, designated Missouri as “land of Zion” for gathering of Saints and place where “City of Zion” was to be built, with Independence area as “center place” of Zion. Latter-day Saint settlements elsewhere, such as in Kirtland,... More Info (Far West, Missouri) Officers
Presidency (Pro Tempore)	Patriarch
Thomas B. Marsh 1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ... View Full Bio , president	Isaac Morley 11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married... View Full Bio 42 Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837. Nearly seventy patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are listed as being given in 1838; both Isaac Morley and Joseph Smith Sr. served as patriarchs during this year. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.) Comprehensive Works Cited Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
David W. Patten 14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated... View Full Bio , counselor	Bishopric
Brigham Young 1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New... View Full Bio , counselor 43 Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.	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... View Full Bio , bishop
High Council	Isaac Morley 11 Mar. 1786–24 June 1865. Farmer, cooper, merchant, postmaster. Born at Montague, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Morley and Editha (Edith) Marsh. Family affiliated with Presbyterian church. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, before 1812. Married... View Full Bio , counselor
Simeon Carter 7 June 1794–3 Feb. 1869. Farmer. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Kenyon, 2 Dec. 1818, at Benson. Moved to Amherst, Lorain Co., Ohio, by ... View Full Bio	Titus Billings 24 Mar. 1793–6 Feb. 1866. Stonemason, carpenter, musician. Born in Greenfield, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of Ebenezer Billings and Esther Joyce. Moved to Mentor, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1817. Married Diantha Morley, 16 Feb. 1817, in Geauga Co. Moved to... View Full Bio , counselor 44 Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 24 Feb. 1838; 6 July 1838; see also Letter from Edward Partridge, 5 Mar. 1839.
Jared Carter 14 June 1801–6 July 1849. Born at Killingworth, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Gideon Carter and Johanna Sims. Moved to Benson, Rutland Co., Vermont, by 1810. Married Lydia Ames, 20 Sept. 1823, at Benson. Moved to Chenango, Broome Co., New York, by Jan... View Full Bio	President of Quorum of High Priests
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... View Full Bio	Charles 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 45 Minute Book 2, 8 Apr. 1838. Don Carlos Smith, the former president of the quorum of high priests in Kirtland, followed JS in migrating from Kirtland to Missouri but, according to JS’s journal, had not yet arrived there as of 6 July 1838. He was later sustained in the same position at a general church conference held in October 1839, which suggests the possibility that he replaced Rich by July after arriving in Commerce, Illinois. Smith served a fund-raising mission from September to December 1838. (JS, Journal, 6 July 1838; Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30; George A. Smith, Autobiography, 112–121.) Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. Smith, George A. Autobiography, ca. 1860–1882. George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322, box 1, fd. 2.
John P. Greene 3 Sept. 1793–10 Sept. 1844. Farmer, shoemaker, printer, publisher. Born at Herkimer, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of John Coddington Greene and Anna Chapman. Married first Rhoda Young, 11 Feb. 1813. Moved to Aurelius, Cayuga Co., New York, 1814; to Brownsville... View Full Bio	President of Quorum of Elders
Levi Jackman 28 July 1797–23 July 1876. Carpenter, wainwright. Born at Vershire, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Moses French Jackman and Elizabeth Carr. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, 1810. Married first Angeline Myers Brady, 13 Nov. 1817, at Alexander, Genesee... View Full Bio	Harvey Green 46 Minute Book 2, 8 Apr. 1838.
Solomon Hancock 15 Aug. 1793/1794–2 Dec. 1847. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Moved to Wolcott, Seneca Co., New York, by 1810. Joined Methodist church, 1814. Married first Alta Adams, 12 Mar. 1815. Moved to Columbia... View Full Bio	President of Quorum of Priests
George Morey 30 Nov. 1803–15 Dec. 1875. Farmer. Born at Pittstown, Rensselaer Co., New York. Son of William Morey and Anda Martin. Moved to Collinsville, Butler Co., Ohio, 1814. Married Sylvia Butterfield, 29 Oct. 1825, at Butler Co. Moved to Vermillion Co., Illinois,... View Full Bio	As bishop, 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... View Full Bio presided over the quorum of priests. 47 Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107:87–88].
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... View Full Bio	President of Quorum of Teachers
George M. Hinkle 13 Nov. 1801–Nov. 1861. Merchant, physician, publisher, minister, farmer. Born in Jefferson Co., Kentucky. Son of Michael Hinkle and Nancy Higgins. Married first Sarah Ann Starkey. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1832. Moved to ... View Full Bio	Albert Petty 10 Aug. 1795–19 June 1869. Farmer, wheelwright, jailer, gunsmith, surveyor. Born at Bourbon Co., Kentucky. Son of Ralph Petty and Isabelle McClure. Moved to Barren Co., Kentucky, 1802. Moved to Paris, Henry Co., Tennessee, by Mar. 1824. Married first Catherine... View Full Bio 48 Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838. Comprehensive Works Cited Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.
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... View Full Bio	President of Quorum of Deacons
Elias Higbee 23 Oct. 1795–8 June 1843. Clerk, judge, surveyor. Born at Galloway, Gloucester Co., New Jersey. Son of Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. Moved to Clermont Co., Ohio, 1803. Married Sarah Elizabeth Ward, 10 Sept. 1818, in Tate Township, Clermont Co. Lived at ... View Full Bio	Unidentified
John Murdock 15 July 1792–23 Dec. 1871. Farmer. Born at Kortright, Delaware Co., New York. Son of John Murdock Sr. and Eleanor Riggs. Joined Lutheran Dutch Church, ca. 1817, then Presbyterian Seceder Church shortly after. Moved to Orange, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ca. 1819.... View Full Bio , president 49 Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 26 Jan. 1838; 7 and 12 Apr. 1838.

Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info Stake Officers
After JS’s departure from Kirtland Located ten miles south of Lake Erie. Settled by 1811. Organized by 1818. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited township, early Nov. 1830; many residents joined Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Population in 1830 about 55 Latter-day Saints and... More Info on 12 January 1838, a few leaders stayed behind to oversee stake matters while loyal Latter-day Saints prepared to move to Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info .
Presidency	President of Quorum of High Priests
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 , president	Hiram Kellogg 50 Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 10 June 1838. Comprehensive Works Cited Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.
John Smith 16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married... View Full Bio , counselor	Presidency of Quorum of Elders
Reynolds Cahoon 30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,... View Full Bio , counselor 51 Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; Cahoon, Autobiography, 42. Comprehensive Works Cited Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490. Cahoon, William F. Autobiography, 1878. Microfilm. CHL. MS 8433.	John Morton 31 Jan. 1790–1 Jan. 1858. Carpenter, joiner. Born at Portsmouth, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Isaac Morton and Anna Barber. Married Elizabeth Stimson, ca. 1812, at Batavia, Genesee Co., New York. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day... View Full Bio , president
Bishop	Hezekiah Fisk, counselor
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... View Full Bio 52 Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 17 June 1838. Reynolds Cahoon and Vinson Knight served earlier as Whitney’s counselors in Kirtland, but Cahoon was pressed into service in the temporary presidency of the stake in January 1838 shortly after JS’s departure, and both apparently migrated to Missouri by summer 1838. (JS, Journal, 7 and 8 May 1838; Vinson Knight, Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT; “Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61.) Comprehensive Works Cited Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985. Knight, Vinson. Letter. Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839. International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT. Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.	Lahasa Hollister, counselor 53 Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 10 and 17 June 1838; 8 July 1838. Comprehensive Works Cited Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.

Adam-ondi-Ahman Settlement located in northwest Missouri. 1835 revelation identified valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving Garden of Eden. While seeking new areas in Daviess Co. for settlement, JS and others surveyed site on which... More Info Stake Officers
Presidency	High Council
John Smith 16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married... View Full Bio , president	Listed in the order given at the time of the council’s initial organization. It is unclear whether there was an established order of counselors in the Adam-ondi-Ahman Settlement located in northwest Missouri. 1835 revelation identified valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman as place where Adam blessed his posterity after leaving Garden of Eden. While seeking new areas in Daviess Co. for settlement, JS and others surveyed site on which... More Info high council.
Reynolds Cahoon 30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,... View Full Bio , counselor	John Lemon
Lyman Wight 9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio , counselor 54 “Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 60–61. Comprehensive Works Cited Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.	Daniel Stanton 28 May 1795–26 Oct. 1872. Farmer, carpenter. Born in Manlius, Onondaga Co., New York. Son of Amos Stanton and Elizabeth Wyman. Moved to Pompey, Onondaga Co., by 1800. Married Clarinda Graves, 16 Mar. 1816. Moved to Mayfield, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, by 1820. Moved... View Full Bio
Bishop (Pro Tempore)	Mayhew Hillman 4 Mar. 1793–2 Nov. 1839. Farmer. Born at Chilmark, Dukes Co., Massachusetts. Son of Samson Hillman and Damaris Look. Married Sarah King, ca. 1818. Moved to Cambridge, Washington Co., New York, by Aug. 1820. Member of Freewill Baptist Church. Moved to Spafford... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio 55 “Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61. Comprehensive Works Cited Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.	Daniel Carter View Full Bio
	Isaac Perry
	Harrison Sagers 3 May 1814/1815–19 June 1886. Painter, farmer. Born in LeRoy, Genessee Co., New York. Son of John Sagers and Amy Sweet. Moved to Elk Creek Township, Erie Co., Pennsylvania, by 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 27 Jan. 1833. ... View Full Bio
	Alanson Brown 1795–1844. Farmer. Married Cynthia Dorcus Hurd, ca. 1816. Moved to Steuben Co., New York, by 1823. Moved to Choconut, Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, by Feb. 1828. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by June 1838. Moved to Missouri, ... View Full Bio
	Thomas Gordon 8 Apr. 1805–10 Oct. 1889. Farmer, shoemaker, justice of the peace, store clerk, carpenter. Born in New York. Married Mary Holmes. Resided at Norton, Medina Co., Ohio, by 1830. Listed as having appeared in one of several visions Joseph Bosworth recounted in... View Full Bio
	Lorenzo Barnes 22 Mar. 1812–20 Dec. 1842. Teacher. Born in Tolland, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Phineas Barnes and Abigail Smith. Moved to eastern Ohio, 1815. Moved to Norton, Medina Co., Ohio, 1816. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, June... View Full Bio
	George A. Smith 26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,... View Full Bio
	Harvey Olmstead View Full Bio
	Ezra Thayer 14 Oct. 1791–6 Sept. 1862. Farmer, gardener, builder. Born in New York. Married Elizabeth Frank. Lived at Bloomfield, Ontario Co., New York, 1820. Lived at Farmington, Ontario Co., 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Parley ... View Full Bio 56 “Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61. Comprehensive Works Cited Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.

Traveling Officers
Quorum of the Twelve	Quorum of the Seventy, Presidents
Quorum members held seniority according to age. 57 Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835–A.	The presidents of the Quorum of the Seventy were reorganized in April 1837 amid confusion over the relationship between high priests and seventies. Presidents of the Seventy who had been previously ordained high priests were reassigned to the high priests quorum, and new presidents of the Seventy were appointed to replace the outgoing high priests. 58 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 6 Apr. 1837, 17–19; “Anniversary of the Church of Latter Day Saints,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Apr. 1837, 2:486–487. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1. Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837. At its initial organization, the presidents of the Quorum of Seventy held seniority according to age; when the presidency was reorganized, new presidents assumed the level of seniority of the outgoing high priests. The presidents presided over three quorums of Seventy. 59 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 20 Dec. 1836, 9–11. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
Thomas B. Marsh 1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ... View Full Bio , president	Joseph Young 7 Apr. 1797–16 July 1881. Farmer, painter, glazier. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Moved to Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York, before 1830. Joined Methodist church, before Apr. 1832. Baptized into Church... View Full Bio
David W. Patten 14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated... View Full Bio	Levi Hancock 7 Apr. 1803–10 June 1882. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16 Nov. 1830, at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Clarissa Reed, 20 Mar. 1831.... View Full Bio 60 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 23; 13 Mar. 1838, 48. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
Brigham Young 1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New... View Full Bio	James Foster 1 Apr. 1786–12 Dec. 1846. Born at Hillsborough, Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Vienna, Kennebec Co., Maine, by Feb, 1811. Married Abigail Glidden, 29 Feb. 1811, at Vienna. Moved to Lyons, Wayne Co., New York, by 1824. Baptized into Church of Jesus... View Full Bio
Heber C. Kimball 14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized... View Full Bio	Daniel Miles 23 July 1772–12 Oct. 1845. Born at Sanbornton, Belknap Co., New Hampshire. Son of Josiah Miles and Marah Sanborn. Married Electa Chamberlin, 30 Sept. 1813. Moved to Bath, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, by 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-... View Full Bio
Orson Hyde 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio	Josiah Butterfield 13 Mar. 1795–3 Mar. 1871. Farmer, stockman. Born at Dunstable, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Abel Butterfield and Mercy Farnsworth. Married first Polly Moulton, 30 Oct. 1819. Moved to Buxton, York Co., Maine, 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio
Parley P. Pratt 12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823.... View Full Bio	Henry Harriman 9 June 1804–17 May 1891. Shoemaker, farmer. Born at Bradford, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Enoch Harriman and Sarah Brockbank/Brocklebank. Married Clarissa Boynton, 26 Apr. 1827, at Bradford. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by... View Full Bio 61 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 6 Feb. 1838, 41. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
William Smith 13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816... View Full Bio	Zera Pulsipher 24 June 1789–1 Jan. 1872. Miller, farmer. Born in Rockingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Pulsipher and Elizabeth Dutton. Married first Polley Randall, 6 Nov. 1810, in Rockingham. Wife died, ca. 1811. Moved to Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, ca. 1814... View Full Bio 62 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 6 Mar. 1838, 44–45. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
Orson Pratt 19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall... View Full Bio 63 “Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61; see also Orson Hyde and Heber C. Kimball, Kirtland, OH, to JS, Far West, MO, ca. May 1838, in JS, Journal, 6 July 1838. Comprehensive Works Cited Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
Quorum members William E. McLellin 18 Jan. 1806–14 Mar. 1883. Schoolteacher, physician, publisher. Born at Smith Co., Tennessee. Son of Charles McLellin and Sarah (a Cherokee Indian). Married first Cynthia Ann, 30 July 1829. Wife died, by summer 1831. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of... View Full Bio , Luke Johnson 3 Nov. 1807–8 Dec. 1861. Farmer, teacher, doctor. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Lived at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, when baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, 10 May 1831. Ordained... View Full Bio , John F. Boynton 20 Sept. 1811–20 Oct. 1890. Merchant, lecturer, scientist, inventor, dentist. Born at East Bradford (later Groveland), Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Eliphalet Boynton and Susanna Nichols. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS,... View Full Bio , and Lyman Johnson 24 Oct. 1811–20 Dec. 1859. Merchant, lawyer, hotelier. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, Mar. 1818. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Sidney Rigdon... View Full Bio had been excommunicated. An 8 July 1838 revelation appointed John E. Page 25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm... View Full Bio , Wilford Woodruff 1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,... View Full Bio , John Taylor 1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ... View Full Bio , and Willard Richards 24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co... View Full Bio to replace the former quorum members, but none were ordained to office before December 1838. 64 Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118].

October 1839

Following their forced expulsion from in spring 1839, the Latter-day Saints regrouped in . After JS’s escape from incarceration in April 1839, he began to reorganize the Latter-day Saints at (later Nauvoo), Illinois, and across the river in . Banished from the land they considered , the Latter-day Saints denominated , now the central church unit, a “stake” like other major church units.

General Church Officers

First Presidency	Patriarch
Joseph Smith Jr., president	Joseph Smith Sr. 12 July 1771–14 Sept. 1840. Cooper, farmer, teacher, merchant. Born at Topsfield, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Nominal member of Congregationalist church at Topsfield. Married to Lucy Mack by Seth Austin, 24 Jan. 1796, at Tunbridge... View Full Bio 65 “Elegy,” Times and Seasons, Oct. 1840, 1:190; “An Address Delivered at the Funeral of Joseph Smith Sen.,” Times and Seasons, Sept. 1840, 1:170. Nearly seventy patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are listed as being given in 1839; both Isaac Morley and Joseph Smith Sr. were serving as patriarchs during this year. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.) Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
Sidney Rigdon 19 Feb. 1793–14 July 1876. Tanner, farmer, minister. Born at St. Clair, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. Son of William Rigdon and Nancy Gallaher. Joined United Baptists, ca. 1818. Preached at Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and vicinity, 1819–1821. Married Phebe... View Full Bio , counselor
Hyrum Smith 9 Feb. 1800–27 June 1844. Farmer, cooper. Born at Tunbridge, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Randolph, Orange Co., 1802; back to Tunbridge, before May 1803; to Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont, 1804; to Sharon, Windsor Co... View Full Bio , counselor 66 Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; “A Proclamation, to the Saints Scattered Abroad,” Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:273–277. Comprehensive Works Cited Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490. Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Other Officers

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 Stake Officers
President	Bishops
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 67 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Marks did not appoint his counsellors, Austin Cowles and Charles C. Rich, until 1842. (Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 20 May 1842.) Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.	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... View Full Bio , Middle Ward
High Council	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... View Full Bio , Upper Ward
Listed in order of seniority as noted in the minutes of the 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 high council. 68 See Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 2 May 1840; 8 Aug. 1840; 20 June 1840. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.	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... View Full Bio , Lower Ward 69 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
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... View Full Bio , president 70 Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 8 Aug. 1840. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.	President of Quorum of High Priests
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	Don Carlos Smith 25 Mar. 1816–7 Aug. 1841. Farmer, printer, editor. Born at Norwich, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816–Jan. 1817. Moved to Manchester, Ontario Co., 1825. Baptized into Church of Jesus... View Full Bio 71 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Lewis 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. ... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio
Seymour Brunson 1 Dec. 1798–10 Aug. 1840. Farmer. Born at Plattsburg, Clinton Co., New York. Son of Reuben Brunson and Sally Clark. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Gould of Hector, Tompkins Co., New York, ca. 1823. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day... View Full Bio
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... View Full Bio
William Huntington 28 Feb. 1818–20 Mar. 1887. Constable, sexton, carpenter, farmer, postmaster. Born in Watertown, Jefferson Co., New York. Son of William Huntington and Zina Baker. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Luke Johnson, Aug. 1836. Moved ... View Full Bio
Charles 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
Henry 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... View Full Bio 72 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

Iowa Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803. First permanent white settlements established, ca. 1833. Organized as territory, 1838, containing all of present-day Iowa, much of present-day Minnesota, and parts of North and South Dakota. Population in... More Info Stake Officers 73 The Iowa stake elders quorum was not organized until January 1840; Daniel Avery was appointed president. (Iowa Stake, Record, 4 Jan. 1840.) Comprehensive Works Cited Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
Presidency	Stephen Chase View Full Bio
John Smith 16 July 1781–23 May 1854. Farmer. Born at Derryfield (later Manchester), Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Member of Congregational church. Appointed overseer of highways at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1810. Married... View Full Bio , president 74 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.	John Burk 4 Feb. 1793–8 June 1853. Innkeeper, farmer. Born in Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Charles Burke and Esther Robinson Bohannon. Married first Abigail Fellows, 13 Mar. 1821, in Fairfield. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, by 1823. Baptized into... View Full Bio
Reynolds Cahoon 30 Apr. 1790–29 Apr. 1861. Farmer, tanner, builder. Born at Cambridge, Washington Co., New York. Son of William Cahoon Jr. and Mehitable Hodges. Married Thirza Stiles, 11 Dec. 1810. Moved to northeastern Ohio, 1811. Located at Harpersfield, Ashtabula Co.,... View Full Bio , counselor	Richard Howard
Lyman Wight 9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio , counselor 75 Iowa Stake, Record, 19 Oct. 1839. Comprehensive Works Cited Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.	Elias Smith 6 Sept. 1804–24 June 1888. Teacher, printer, postmaster, bookkeeper, probate judge, newspaper editor. Born in Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Asahel Smith and Elizabeth Schellenger. Moved to Stockholm, St. Lawrence Co., New York, 1809. Baptized into... View Full Bio
High Council	Willard Snow 6 May 1811–21 Aug. 1853. Farmer. Born in St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Lived at Waterford, Caledonia Co., by 1820. Son of Levi Snow and Lucina Streeter. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Orson Pratt, 18 June 1833. Moved... View Full Bio
Listed in the order established by drawing lots at the council’s initial organization. 76 Iowa Stake, Record, 19 Oct. 1839. Comprehensive Works Cited Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.	Elijah Fordham 12 Apr. 1798–9 Sept. 1879. Carpenter. Born at New York City. Son of George Fordham and Mary Baker. Married first Jane Ann Fisher, 23 Nov. 1822. Married second Bethiah Fisher, 12 Apr. 1830. Lived at Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan Territory, 1831–1833. Baptized... View Full Bio 77 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30; Iowa Stake, Record, 5 and 19 Oct. 1839; 7 Nov. 1839; 6 Dec. 1839. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
Erastus Snow 9 Nov. 1818–27 May 1888. Farmer, teacher, merchant, publisher, manufacturer. Born at St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co., Vermont. Son of Levi Snow and Lucina Streeter. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by William Snow, 3 Feb. 1833, at Charleston... View Full Bio	Bishop
David Pettegrew 29 July 1791–31 Dec. 1863. Farmer. Born in Weathersfield, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of William Pettegrew and Phoebe. Married Elizabeth Alden. Moved to Cincinnati. Master Mason of Harmony Masonic Lodge, Oct. 1820, in Cincinnati. Moved to Kelso, Dearborn Co... View Full Bio	Alanson Ripley 8 Jan. 1798–before 1860. Surveyor, lawyer. Born at New York. Son of Asa Ripley and Polly Deforest. Married Sarah Finkle. Resided in Massachusetts, 1827. Member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Ohio. Participated in Camp of Israel expedition... View Full Bio 78 Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30; Iowa Stake, Record, 5 Oct. 1839; 6 Dec. 1839. Although Ripley appointed counsellors, there is no record that they ever fulfilled their appointments. (Iowa Stake, Record, 7 Dec. 1839.) Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
John Patten
Edmond Fisher View Full Bio
Asahel Smith 21 May 1773–22 July 1848. Farmer. Born at Windham, Rockingham Co., New Hampshire. Son of Asael Smith and Mary Duty. Moved to Dunbarton, Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 15 Apr. 1774; to Derryfield (later Manchester), Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire, 1778;... View Full Bio 79 Being the oldest member of the council and having previous experience as a high counsellor in Kirtland, Ohio, Asahel Smith may have acted as president of the high council in Iowa. John Smith or Lyman Wight of the stake presidency were usually present at high council meetings and occasionally presided. (Minute Book 1, 9 Sept. 1837; see also, for example, Iowa Stake, Record, 19 Oct. 1839; 6 Dec. 1839; 3 Jan. 1840; 4 Jan. 1840.) Comprehensive Works Cited Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
Abraham Smoot

Traveling Officers
Quorum of the Twelve	Presidents of the Seventy
The original members continued in their age-based seniority; newer members followed, ordered by age amongst themselves. On 16 January 1839, the First Presidency instructed Heber C. Kimball 14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized... View Full Bio and Brigham Young 1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New... View Full Bio to appoint the oldest of the original members to be president of the quorum. Young 1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New... View Full Bio was sustained as president on 14 April 1840. 80 Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 Jan. 1839; Brigham Young, Preston, England, to “the Saints,” 17 Apr. 1840, Times and Seasons, June 1840, 1:119. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.	The presidents of the Seventy presided over three quorums of Seventy and a number of seventy not assigned to a specific quorum. It is unclear whether there was an established order of seniority among the presidents. 81 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 20 Dec. 1836, 9–11; 5–6 May 1839, 69. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
Brigham Young 1 June 1801–29 Aug. 1877. Carpenter, painter, glazier, colonizer. Born at Whitingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Brought up in Methodist household; later joined Methodist church. Moved to Sherburne, Chenango Co., New... View Full Bio , president	Joseph Young 7 Apr. 1797–16 July 1881. Farmer, painter, glazier. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of John Young and Abigail (Nabby) Howe. Moved to Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York, before 1830. Joined Methodist church, before Apr. 1832. Baptized into Church... View Full Bio
Heber C. Kimball 14 June 1801–22 June 1868. Blacksmith, potter. Born at Sheldon, Franklin Co., Vermont. Son of Solomon Farnham Kimball and Anna Spaulding. Married Vilate Murray, 22 Nov. 1822, at Mendon, Monroe Co., New York. Member of Baptist church at Mendon, 1831. Baptized... View Full Bio	Levi Hancock 7 Apr. 1803–10 June 1882. Born at Springfield, Hampden Co., Massachusetts. Son of Thomas Hancock III and Amy Ward. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 16 Nov. 1830, at Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio. Married Clarissa Reed, 20 Mar. 1831.... View Full Bio
Orson Hyde 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio	James Foster 1 Apr. 1786–12 Dec. 1846. Born at Hillsborough, Hillsborough Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Vienna, Kennebec Co., Maine, by Feb, 1811. Married Abigail Glidden, 29 Feb. 1811, at Vienna. Moved to Lyons, Wayne Co., New York, by 1824. Baptized into Church of Jesus... View Full Bio
Parley P. Pratt 12 Apr. 1807–13 May 1857. Farmer, editor, publisher, teacher, school administrator, legislator, explorer, author. Born at Burlington, Otsego Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Traveled west with brother William to acquire land, 1823.... View Full Bio	Daniel Miles 23 July 1772–12 Oct. 1845. Born at Sanbornton, Belknap Co., New Hampshire. Son of Josiah Miles and Marah Sanborn. Married Electa Chamberlin, 30 Sept. 1813. Moved to Bath, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, by 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-... View Full Bio
William Smith 13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816... View Full Bio	Josiah Butterfield 13 Mar. 1795–3 Mar. 1871. Farmer, stockman. Born at Dunstable, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Abel Butterfield and Mercy Farnsworth. Married first Polly Moulton, 30 Oct. 1819. Moved to Buxton, York Co., Maine, 1820. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio
Orson Pratt 19 Sept. 1811–3 Oct. 1881. Farmer, writer, teacher, merchant, surveyor, editor, publisher. Born at Hartford, Washington Co., New York. Son of Jared Pratt and Charity Dickinson. Moved to New Lebanon, Columbia Co., New York, 1814; to Canaan, Columbia Co., fall... View Full Bio	Henry Harriman 9 June 1804–17 May 1891. Shoemaker, farmer. Born at Bradford, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Enoch Harriman and Sarah Brockbank/Brocklebank. Married Clarissa Boynton, 26 Apr. 1827, at Bradford. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by... View Full Bio
John E. Page 25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm... View Full Bio	Zera Pulsipher 24 June 1789–1 Jan. 1872. Miller, farmer. Born in Rockingham, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of John Pulsipher and Elizabeth Dutton. Married first Polley Randall, 6 Nov. 1810, in Rockingham. Wife died, ca. 1811. Moved to Susquehanna Co., Pennsylvania, ca. 1814... View Full Bio 82 Record of Seventies, bk. A, 5 Jan. 1839, 57; Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:138]. Comprehensive Works Cited Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
John Taylor 1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ... View Full Bio
Wilford Woodruff 1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,... View Full Bio
George A. Smith 26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,... View Full Bio
A July 1838 revelation appointed John E. Page 25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm... View Full Bio , Wilford Woodruff 1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,... View Full Bio , John Taylor 1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ... View Full Bio , and Willard Richards 24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co... View Full Bio to replace excommunicated quorum members William E. McLellin 18 Jan. 1806–14 Mar. 1883. Schoolteacher, physician, publisher. Born at Smith Co., Tennessee. Son of Charles McLellin and Sarah (a Cherokee Indian). Married first Cynthia Ann, 30 July 1829. Wife died, by summer 1831. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of... View Full Bio , Luke Johnson 3 Nov. 1807–8 Dec. 1861. Farmer, teacher, doctor. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Lived at Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, when baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, 10 May 1831. Ordained... View Full Bio , John F. Boynton 20 Sept. 1811–20 Oct. 1890. Merchant, lecturer, scientist, inventor, dentist. Born at East Bradford (later Groveland), Essex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Eliphalet Boynton and Susanna Nichols. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS,... View Full Bio , and Lyman Johnson 24 Oct. 1811–20 Dec. 1859. Merchant, lawyer, hotelier. Born at Pomfret, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of John Johnson and Alice (Elsa) Jacobs. Moved to Hiram, Portage Co., Ohio, Mar. 1818. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Sidney Rigdon... View Full Bio . Page 25 Feb. 1799–14 Oct. 1867. Born at Trenton, Oneida Co., New York. Son of Ebenezer Page and Rachel Hill. Married first Betsey Thompson, 1831, in Huron Co., Ohio. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Emer Harris, 18 Aug. 1833, at Brownhelm... View Full Bio and Taylor 1 Nov. 1808–25 July 1887. Preacher, editor, publisher, politician. Born at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland, England. Son of James Taylor and Agnes Taylor, members of Church of England. Around age sixteen, joined Methodist church and was local preacher. Migrated ... View Full Bio were ordained 19 December 1838. 83 Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118]; Minute Book 2, 19 Dec. 1838. Woodruff 1 Mar. 1807–2 Sept. 1898. Farmer, miller. Born at Farmington, Hartford Co., Connecticut. Son of Aphek Woodruff and Beulah Thompson. Moved to Richland, Oswego Co., New York, 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Zera Pulsipher,... View Full Bio was ordained 26 April 1839, as was George A. Smith 26 June 1817–1 Sept. 1875. Born at Potsdam, St. Lawrence Co., New York. Son of John Smith and Clarissa Lyman. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Joseph H. Wakefield, 10 Sept. 1832, at Potsdam. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio,... View Full Bio , the latter filling the vacancy left by the apostasy of Thomas B. Marsh 1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ... View Full Bio . Richards 24 June 1804–11 Mar. 1854. Teacher, lecturer, doctor, clerk, printer, editor, postmaster. Born at Hopkinton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joseph Richards and Rhoda Howe. Moved to Richmond, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, 1813; to Chatham, Columbia Co... View Full Bio , still proselytizing in England Island nation consisting of southern portion of Great Britain and surrounding smaller islands. Bounded on north by Scotland and on west by Wales. Became province of Roman Empire, first century. Ruled by Romans, through 447. Ruled by Picts, Scots, and Saxons... More Info , was not ordained until 14 April 1840. 84 General Church Minutes, 26 Apr. 1839; 14 Apr. 1840; Brigham Young, Preston, England, to “the Saints,” 17 Apr. 1840, Times and Seasons, June 1840, 1:119. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. By this time, David W. Patten 14 Nov. 1799–25 Oct. 1838. Farmer. Born in Vermont. Son of Benoni Patten and Edith Cole. Moved to Theresa, Oneida Co., New York, as a young child. Moved to Dundee, Monroe Co., Michigan Territory, as a youth. Married Phoebe Ann Babcock, 1828, in Dundee. Affiliated... View Full Bio had been killed in the Missouri Area acquired by U.S. in Louisiana Purchase, 1803, and established as territory, 1812. Missouri Compromise, 1820, admitted Missouri as slave state, 1821. Population in 1830 about 140,000; in 1836 about 240,000; and in 1840 about 380,000. Latter-day Saint ... More Info conflicts and Thomas B. Marsh 1 Nov. 1800–Jan. 1866. Farmer, hotel worker, waiter, horse groom, grocer, type foundry worker, teacher. Born at Acton, Middlesex Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Marsh and Molly Law. Married first Elizabeth Godkin, 1 Nov. 1820, at New York City. Moved to ... View Full Bio had apostatized, as noted above, with Orson Hyde 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio , who soon returned to the church. A conference held near Quincy Located on high limestone bluffs east of Mississippi River, about forty-five miles south of Nauvoo. Settled 1821. Adams Co. seat, 1825. Incorporated as town, 1834. Received city charter, 1840. Population in 1835 about 800; in 1840 about 2,300; and in 1845... More Info , Illinois, on 4 May 1839 resolved that the apostolic privileges of Orson Hyde 8 Jan. 1805–28 Nov. 1878. Laborer, clerk, storekeeper, teacher, editor, businessman, lawyer, judge. Born at Oxford, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Nathan Hyde and Sally Thorpe. Moved to Derby, New Haven Co., 1812. Moved to Kirtland, Geauga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio and William Smith 13 Mar. 1811–13 Nov. 1893. Farmer, newspaper editor. Born at Royalton, Windsor Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. Moved to Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire, 1811; to Norwich, Windsor Co., 1813; and to Palmyra, Ontario Co., New York, 1816... View Full Bio be “suspended” until the next church conference, at which time they would be allowed to give an account of their conduct. Both were “restored” to their offices at a conference held in October 1839. 85 General Church Minutes, 4 May 1839; Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. The quorum reached a full contingent of twelve men with the appointment of Lyman Wight 9 May 1796–31 Mar. 1858. Farmer. Born at Fairfield, Herkimer Co., New York. Son of Levi Wight Jr. and Sarah Corbin. Served in War of 1812. Married Harriet Benton, 5 Jan. 1823, at Henrietta, Monroe Co., New York. Moved to Warrensville, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, ... View Full Bio in 1841. 86 “Minutes of the General Conference,” Times and Seasons, 15 Apr. 1841, 2:387. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

1
Note, 8 Mar. 1832.
2
Revelation, 8 Mar. 1833 [D&C 90:6, 19, 21].
3
Revised Minutes, 18–19 Feb. 1834 [D&C 102].
4
See, for example, Minutes, 19 Feb. 1834; and JS, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836.
5
Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834.
6
JS History, 1834–1836, 17–20; JS, Journal, 5 Dec. 1834.
7
Minute Book 1, 26 Sept. 1835.
8
JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836; Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836.
Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2.
9
Minute Book 1, 12 Feb. 1836; compare Resolution, 12 Feb. 1836.
10
Letter to John Corrill and Others in Missouri, 4 Sept. 1837.
11
Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL.
Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490.
12
See, for example, Revelation, ca. June 1835, in Evening and Morning Star, Oct. 1832 (June 1835), 73–74 [D&C 68:15, 19, 22]; compare Revelation, 1 Nov. 1831–A, in The Evening and the Morning Star, Oct. 1832, [3] [D&C 68:15, 22]; and Revelation, 1 Nov. 1831–A, in Doctrine and Covenants 22:2–3, 1835 ed. [D&C 68:15, 19, 22].
13
Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837; compare Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837, in JS, Journal, 4 Sept. 1837.
14
“Minutes of the General Conference,” Times and Seasons, 15 Apr. 1841, 2:387.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
15
Patriarchal Blessings, 1:9; JS, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836. Nearly a hundred patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are recorded as being given in 1836. Joseph Smith Sr. was the only ordained patriarch in the church at this time. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.)
Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
16
JS History, 1834–1836, 17–20; JS, Journal, 27 and 29 Mar. 1836.
17
See, for example, JS, Journal, 13 and 28 Jan. 1836; 27 Mar. 1836.
18
Minute Book 2, 3 and 7 July 1834; JS, Journal, 29 Mar. 1836.
19
Minutes, ca. 3–4 June 1831; Minute Book 2, 7 Apr. 1837; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 2 May 1835; see also Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836.
Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
20
Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834; Minute Book 2, 6 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837 ; Partridge, Journal, 7 Jan. 1836.
Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
21
Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836; compare Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836.
Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2.
Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
22
Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 19 Mar. 1836.
Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.
23
Minutes, 3 July 1834; Minutes and Discourse, ca. 7 July 1834; Minute Book 2, 6 Jan. 1836; Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837 ; Murdock, Journal, 3 Mar. 1836.
Murdock, John. Journal, ca. 1830–1859. John Murdock, Journal and Autobiography, ca. 1830–1867. CHL. MS 1194, fd. 2.
24
See, for example, Minute Book 1, 2 Jan. 1836; Minute Book 1, 16 May 1836; and JS, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836.
25
Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
26
High Priest certificates from May 1837 list Smith’s counselors as Gideon Carter and Warren Cowdery. (Form, LDS Messenger and Advocate, May 1837, 3:511; compare LDS Messenger and Advocate, Sept. 1837, 3:575.)
Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.
27
Minutes, 17 Aug. 1835; Partridge, Journal, 21 Jan. 1836.
Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
28
Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
29
Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 25 Jan. 1836; JS, Journal, 29 Jan. 1836.
Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.
30
Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
31
Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
32
Minutes, 17 Feb. 1834; Minutes, 28–29 Aug. 1834; Minute Book 1, 13 Jan. 1836.
33
Minute Book 1, 15 Jan. 1836.
34
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 2 May 1835; Minute Book 1, 13 Jan. 1836; Partridge, Journal, 13 Jan. 1836.
Partridge, Edward. Journal, Jan. 1835–July 1836. Edward Partridge, Papers, 1818–1839. CHL. MS 892, box 1, fd. 2.
35
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 3; The Twelve Apostles, [Kirtland, OH: ca. 7 Apr. 1836], copy at CHL; Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Record, 2 May 1835; compare Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835–A.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
The Twelve Apostles. [Kirtland, OH: ca. Apr. 1836]. Copy at CHL.
36
Minutes, Discourse, and Blessings, 14–15 Feb. 1835; The Twelve Apostles, [Kirtland, OH: ca. 7 Apr. 1836], copy at CHL.
The Twelve Apostles. [Kirtland, OH: ca. Apr. 1836]. Copy at CHL.
37
See Kirtland Camp, Journal; JS, Journal, 7 May 1838; and John Smith, Journal, 16 and 17 June 1838.
Kirtland Camp. Journal, Mar.–Oct. 1838. CHL. MS 4952.
Smith, John (1781-1854). Journal, 1833–1841. John Smith, Papers, 1833-1854. CHL. MS 1326, box 1.
38
“Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 60–61.
Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
39
Nearly seventy patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are listed as being given in 1838; both Isaac Morley (patriarch in Far West, Missouri) and Joseph Smith Sr. (general church patriarch) served as patriarchs during this year. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.)
Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
40
Minutes, 3 Sept. 1837.
41
Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837 .
42
Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837. Nearly seventy patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are listed as being given in 1838; both Isaac Morley and Joseph Smith Sr. served as patriarchs during this year. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.)
Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
43
Minutes, 6 Apr. 1838.
44
Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 24 Feb. 1838; 6 July 1838; see also Letter from Edward Partridge, 5 Mar. 1839.
45
Minute Book 2, 8 Apr. 1838. Don Carlos Smith, the former president of the quorum of high priests in Kirtland, followed JS in migrating from Kirtland to Missouri but, according to JS’s journal, had not yet arrived there as of 6 July 1838. He was later sustained in the same position at a general church conference held in October 1839, which suggests the possibility that he replaced Rich by July after arriving in Commerce, Illinois. Smith served a fund-raising mission from September to December 1838. (JS, Journal, 6 July 1838; Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30; George A. Smith, Autobiography, 112–121.)
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Smith, George A. Autobiography, ca. 1860–1882. George Albert Smith, Papers, 1834–1877. CHL. MS 1322, box 1, fd. 2.
46
Minute Book 2, 8 Apr. 1838.
47
Instruction on Priesthood, between ca. 1 Mar. and ca. 4 May 1835 [D&C 107:87–88].
48
Teachers Quorum, Minutes, 15 Mar. 1838.
Teachers Quorum. Minutes, 1834–1845. CHL. MS 3428.
49
Minutes, 7 Nov. 1837; Minute Book 2, 26 Jan. 1838; 7 and 12 Apr. 1838.
50
Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 10 June 1838.
Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.
51
Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; Cahoon, Autobiography, 42.
Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490.
Cahoon, William F. Autobiography, 1878. Microfilm. CHL. MS 8433.
52
Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 17 June 1838. Reynolds Cahoon and Vinson Knight served earlier as Whitney’s counselors in Kirtland, but Cahoon was pressed into service in the temporary presidency of the stake in January 1838 shortly after JS’s departure, and both apparently migrated to Missouri by summer 1838. (JS, Journal, 7 and 8 May 1838; Vinson Knight, Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839, International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT; “Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61.)
Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.
Knight, Vinson. Letter. Spencerburg, MO, to William Cooper, Perryburg, NY, 3 Feb. 1839. International Society Daughters of Utah Pioneers, Salt Lake City, UT.
Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
53
Cook and Backman, Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 10 and 17 June 1838; 8 July 1838.
Cook, Lyndon W., and Milton V. Backman Jr., eds. Kirtland Elders’ Quorum Record, 1836–1841. Provo, UT: Grandin Book, 1985.
54
“Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 60–61.
Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
55
“Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61.
Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
56
“Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61.
Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
57
Minutes and Discourse, 2 May 1835–A.
58
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 6 Apr. 1837, 17–19; “Anniversary of the Church of Latter Day Saints,” LDS Messenger and Advocate, Apr. 1837, 2:486–487.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate. Kirtland, OH. Oct. 1834–Sept. 1837.
59
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 20 Dec. 1836, 9–11.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
60
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 23; 13 Mar. 1838, 48.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
61
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 6 Feb. 1838, 41.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
62
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 6 Mar. 1838, 44–45.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
63
“Conference Minutes,” Elders’ Journal, Aug. 1838, 61; see also Orson Hyde and Heber C. Kimball, Kirtland, OH, to JS, Far West, MO, ca. May 1838, in JS, Journal, 6 July 1838.
Elders’ Journal of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Kirtland, OH, Oct.–Nov. 1837; Far West, MO, July–Aug. 1838.
64
Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118].
65
“Elegy,” Times and Seasons, Oct. 1840, 1:190; “An Address Delivered at the Funeral of Joseph Smith Sen.,” Times and Seasons, Sept. 1840, 1:170. Nearly seventy patriarchal blessings on file at the CHL are listed as being given in 1839; both Isaac Morley and Joseph Smith Sr. were serving as patriarchs during this year. (Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–, CHL.)
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Patriarchal Blessings, 1833–. CHL. CR 500 2.
66
Hepzibah Richards, Kirtland, OH, to Willard Richards, Bedford, England, 18–19 Jan. 1838, Willard Richards, Papers, CHL; “A Proclamation, to the Saints Scattered Abroad,” Times and Seasons, 15 Jan. 1841, 2:273–277.
Richards, Willard. Journals and Papers, 1821–1854. CHL. MS 1490.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
67
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30. Marks did not appoint his counsellors, Austin Cowles and Charles C. Rich, until 1842. (Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 20 May 1842.)
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
68
See Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 2 May 1840; 8 Aug. 1840; 20 June 1840.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
69
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
70
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 8 Aug. 1840.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
71
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
72
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
73
The Iowa stake elders quorum was not organized until January 1840; Daniel Avery was appointed president. (Iowa Stake, Record, 4 Jan. 1840.)
Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
74
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
75
Iowa Stake, Record, 19 Oct. 1839.
Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
76
Iowa Stake, Record, 19 Oct. 1839.
Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
77
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30; Iowa Stake, Record, 5 and 19 Oct. 1839; 7 Nov. 1839; 6 Dec. 1839.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
78
Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30; Iowa Stake, Record, 5 Oct. 1839; 6 Dec. 1839. Although Ripley appointed counsellors, there is no record that they ever fulfilled their appointments. (Iowa Stake, Record, 7 Dec. 1839.)
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
79
Being the oldest member of the council and having previous experience as a high counsellor in Kirtland, Ohio, Asahel Smith may have acted as president of the high council in Iowa. John Smith or Lyman Wight of the stake presidency were usually present at high council meetings and occasionally presided. (Minute Book 1, 9 Sept. 1837; see also, for example, Iowa Stake, Record, 19 Oct. 1839; 6 Dec. 1839; 3 Jan. 1840; 4 Jan. 1840.)
Iowa Stake, Record. / Iowa Stake. “Church Record,” 1840–1841. CHL. LR 7817 21.
80
Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 Jan. 1839; Brigham Young, Preston, England, to “the Saints,” 17 Apr. 1840, Times and Seasons, June 1840, 1:119.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
81
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 20 Dec. 1836, 9–11; 5–6 May 1839, 69.
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
82
Record of Seventies, bk. A, 5 Jan. 1839, 57; Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:138].
Record of Seventies / First Council of the Seventy. “Book of Records,” 1837–1843. Bk. A. In First Council of the Seventy, Records, 1837–1885. CHL. CR 3 51, box 1, fd. 1.
83
Revelation, 8 July 1838–A [D&C 118]; Minute Book 2, 19 Dec. 1838.
84
General Church Minutes, 26 Apr. 1839; 14 Apr. 1840; Brigham Young, Preston, England, to “the Saints,” 17 Apr. 1840, Times and Seasons, June 1840, 1:119.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
85
General Church Minutes, 4 May 1839; Minutes, Times and Seasons, Dec. 1839, 1:30.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
86
“Minutes of the General Conference,” Times and Seasons, 15 Apr. 1841, 2:387.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.

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