Strang, James Jesse

21 Mar. 1813–ca. 26 June 1856. Teacher, lawyer, newspaper publisher, postmaster. Born in Scipio, Cayuga Co., New York. Son of Clement Strang and Abigail James. Moved to Hanover, Chautauque Co., New York, 1816. Moved to Ellington, Chautauque Co., 1836. Married Mary Perce, ca. Nov. 1836, in Chautauque Co. Moved to Burlington, Racine Co., Wisconsin Territory, 1843. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by JS, ca. Feb. 1844, in Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois; ordained an elder shortly after in Nauvoo. After JS’s death, claimed JS designated him in letter dated 18 June 1844 to lead church. Excommunicated, Aug. 1844. Founded Voree, Walworth Co., Wisconsin Territory, as headquarters of religious movement known as Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (also known as Strangite movement), 1844. Moved Strangite headquarters to Beaver Island, Michilimackinac Co., Michigan, late 1840s. Shot by disaffected followers at Beaver Island, 16 June, and died about ten days later in Voree.