Brigham Young

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Brigham Young
Full name	Brigham Young
Born	June 1, 1801(1801-06-01)
Place of birth	Whitingham, Vermont
Died	August 29, 1877 (aged 76)
Place of death	Salt Lake City, Utah Territory
LDS Church President
Ordained	December 27, 1847 (aged 46)
Predecessor	Joseph Smith, Jr.
Successor	John Taylor
LDS Church Apostle
Called by	Three Witnesses
Ordained	February 14, 1835 (aged 33)
Reason for ordination	Initial organization of Quorum of the Twelve
End of term	August 29, 1877 (aged 76)
Reason for end of term	Death
Reorganization at end of term	No apostles immediately ordained[1]

Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 – August 29, 1877) was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and was the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1847 until his death. Young was also the first governor of the Utah Territory, United States.

Young had a variety of nicknames, among the most popular being "American Moses,"^[2] (alternatively the "Modern Moses" or the "Mormon Moses")^[3] because, like the Biblical figure, Young led his followers, the Mormon pioneers, in an exodus through a desert, to what they saw as a promised land. Young was also dubbed the "Lion of the Lord" for his bold personality, and was commonly called "Brother Brigham" by Latter-day Saints. Young's legacy is controversial, however. While having helped to organize a large religion, as well as the accession of Utah Territory to the United States, concerns persist about his role in the Utah War against the United States government.

[edit] Early life until Joseph Smith's successor

Young was born to a farming family in Whitingham, Vermont and worked as a traveling carpenter and blacksmith, among other trades.^[4] Young first married in 1824 to Miriam Angeline Works. Though he had converted to the Methodist faith in 1823, Young was drawn to Mormonism after reading the Book of Mormon shortly after its publication in 1830. He officially joined the new church in 1832 and traveled to Upper Canada as a missionary. After his first wife died in 1832, Young joined many Mormons in establishing a community in Kirtland, Ohio.

He was ordained an apostle and joined the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as one of its inaugural members on February 14, 1835. During the anti-Mormon persecutions in Missouri in the late 1830s, Young suffered the loss of all his property. In 1840 and 1841, he went to England as a missionary; many of those Young converted moved to the United States to join Mormon communities. In the 1840s Young was among those who established the city of Nauvoo, Illinois on the Mississippi River. It became the headquarters of the church and was comparable in size to the city of Chicago at the time.

While in jail awaiting trial for treason charges, Joseph Smith, president of the church, was killed by an armed mob in 1844. Several claimants to the role of church President emerged during the succession crisis that ensued. Before a large meeting convened to discuss the succession in Nauvoo, Sidney Rigdon, the senior surviving member of the church's First Presidency, argued there could be no successor to the deceased prophet and that he should be made the "Protector" of the church.^[5] Young opposed this reasoning and motion. Smith had earlier recorded a revelation which stated the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles were "equal in authority and power" to the First Presidency,^[6] so Young claimed that the leadership of the church fell to the Twelve Apostles.^[7] Many of Young's followers would later reminisce that while Young spoke to the congregation, he looked or sounded similar to Joseph Smith, to which they attributed the power of God.^[8] For many in attendance at this meeting, this occurrence was accepted as a sign Young was to lead the church as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Rigdon became the president of a separate church organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and other potential successors emerged to lead what became other denominations of the movement.

[edit] Governor of the Utah Territory

As colonizer and founder of Salt Lake City, Young was appointed the territory's first governor and superintendent of Indian affairs by President Millard Fillmore. During his time as governor Young directed the establishment of settlements throughout Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, and parts of northern Mexico. Under his direction the pioneers built roads and bridges, forts, irrigation projects, and established public welfare, organized a militia, and pacified the Native Americans. Young organized the first legislature and established Fillmore as the territory's first capital. In 1856 he organized an efficient mail service. In 1858 he stepped down to his successor Alfred Cumming.

[edit] Church presidency

[edit] Initial actions as church president

After three years of leading the church as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, in 1847 Young reorganized a new First Presidency and was declared president of the church. Repeated conflict led Young to relocate his group of Latter-day Saints to a territory in what is now Utah, then part of Mexico. Young organized the journey that would take the faithful to Winter Quarters, Nebraska, in 1846 , then to the Salt Lake Valley. Young arrived in the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, a date now recognized as Pioneer Day in Utah.

[edit] Conflict with U.S. government

Shortly after the arrival of Young's pioneers, the new Mormon colonies were incorporated into the United States through Mexican Cession, Young petitioned the U.S. Congress to create the State of Deseret. The Compromise of 1850 instead carved out Utah Territory, and Young was installed as governor. As governor and church president, Young directed both religious and economic matters. He encouraged independence and self-sufficiency. Many cities and towns in Utah, and some in neighboring states, were founded under Young's direction. Young's leadership style has been viewed as autocratic.^[9]

When federal officials received reports of widespread and systematic obstruction of federal officials in Utah (most notably judges), U.S. President James Buchanan decided to install a non-Mormon governor. Buchanan accepted the reports of the judges without any further investigation, and the new non-sectarian governor was accompanied by troops sent to garrison forts in the new territory. The troops passed by the bloody Kansas–Missouri war without intervening in it, as it was not open warfare and only isolated sporadic incidents. When Young received word that federal troops were headed to Utah with his replacement, he called out his militia to ambush the federal column. During the defense of Deseret, now called the Utah War, Young held the U.S. Army at bay for a winter by taking their cattle and burning supply wagons. The Mormon forces were largely successful thanks to Lot Smith, the famous Mormon commando, who outsmarted the Federal army despite being outnumbered by more than a thousand to one. Young made plans to burn Salt Lake City and move his followers to Mexico, but at the last minute he relented and agreed to step down as governor. He later received a pardon from Buchanan. Relations between Young and future governors and U.S. Presidents were mixed.

[edit] Role in Mountain Meadows massacre

A controversial issue is the extent of Young's involvement in the Mountain Meadows massacre,^[10] which took place in Washington County in 1857. Authorities in Iron County had sent a messenger to Salt Lake City, a three-day ride, seeking direction from Young. Governor Brigham Young had promised the federal government he would protect immigrants passing through Utah. But he had also allegedly told local Native American leaders that they now had his permission to steal cattle from these wagon trains. Over 120 men, women and children were killed by the Mormons and, possibly, their Native American allies. It is clear that local Mormons were the principal parties having anything to do with the act.

[edit] Other notable actions

Young organized the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and in 1850 founded the University of Deseret, which is now the University of Utah. In 1875, just two years before his death, he founded Brigham Young Academy, which later became Brigham Young University. In 1950, the state of Utah donated a marble statue of Young to the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall Collection.^[11]

[edit] A Sampler of Brigham Young’s Teachings

[edit] Definition of the Gospel

The Latter-day Saints believe in the Gospel of the Son of God, simply because it is true. They believe in baptism for the remission of sins, personal and by proxy; they believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world; they believe that all who attain to any glory whatever, in any kingdom, will do so because Jesus has purchased it by his atonement. ^[12]

I can say to you in regard to Jesus and the atonement (it is so written, and I firmly believe in it), that Christ has died for all. He has paid the full debt, whether you receive the gift or not. But if we continue to sin, to lie, steal, bear false witness, we must repent of and forsake that sin to have the full efficacy of the blood of Christ. Without this it will be of no effect, repentance must come, in order that the atonement may prove a benefit to us. ^[13]

[edit] Communicating with God

But we should all live so that the Spirit of revelation could dictate and write on the heart and tell us what we should do instead of the traditions of our parents and teachers. But to do this we must become like little children; and Jesus says if we do not we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven. How simple it is! Live free from envy, malice, wrath, strife, bitter feelings, and evil speaking in our families and about our neighbors and friends and all the inhabitants of the earth, wherever we meet them. Live so that our consciences are free, clean and clear.^[14]

You know that it is one peculiarity of our faith and religion never to ask the Lord to do a thing without being willing to help him all that we are able; and then the Lord will do the rest. I shall not ask the Lord to do what I am not willing to do^[15]

[edit] Building Zion

The purpose of our life should be to build up the Zion of our God, to gather the House of Israel, bring in the fullness of the Gentiles, restore and bless the earth with our ability and make it as the Garden of Eden, store up treasures of knowledge and wisdom in our own understandings, purify our own hearts and prepare a people to meet the Lord when he comes.^[16]

When we conclude to make a Zion we will make it, and this work commences in the heart of each person. When the father of a family wishes to make a Zion in his own house, he must take the lead in this good work, which it is impossible for him to do unless he himself possesses the spirit of Zion. Before he can produce the work of sanctification in his family, he must sanctify himself, and by this means God can help him to sanctify his family.^[17]

[edit] Family Life

We should never allow ourselves to teach our children one thing and practice another.^[18]

I can pick out scores of men in this congregation who have driven their children from them by using the wooden rod. Where there is severity there is not affection or filial feeling in the hearts of either party; the children would rather be away from father than be with him. ^[19]

Kind looks, kind actions, kind words, and a lovely, holy deportment…will bind our children to us with bands that cannot easily be broken. ^[20]

[edit] Living with Others

It has never altered my feelings towards individuals, as men or as women, whether they believe as I do nor not. Can you live as neighbors with me? I can with you; and it is not a particular concern of mine whether you believe with me or not. ^[21]

We have not in our society an aristocratic circle. Whether a brother wears a coon skin cap or a fine beaver hat is all the same to us. If a person is a faithful servant of God we do not object to his coming to meeting, though he has only a piece of buffalo skin to wear on his head. We partake of the Sacrament with him, hail him in the street as a brother and a friend, converse with him, meet him in social parties and greet him as an equal. ^[22]

[edit] The Search for Truth

Truth commends itself to every honest person, it matters not how simply it is told, and when it is received it seems as though we had been acquainted with it all our lives.^[23]

Wait until you have searched and researched and have obtained wisdom to understand what we preach…. If it is the work of God, it will stand.^[24]

Our religion has been a continual feast to me. With me it is Glory! Hallelujah! Praise God! instead of sorrow and grief. Give me the knowledge, power, and blessing that I have the capacity of receiving…..^[25]

[edit] Beliefs about blacks

See also: Blacks and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Young made statements about blacks that some modern observers find controversial.

Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so.^[26]

You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind....Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin. Trace mankind down to after the flood, and then another curse is pronounced upon the same race-that they should be the "servant of servants;" and they will be, until that curse is removed; and the Abolitionists cannot help it, nor in the least alter that decree. How long is that race to endure the dreadful curse that is upon them? That curse will remain upon them, and they never can hold the Priesthood or share in it until all the other descendants of Adam have received the promises and enjoyed the blessings of the Priesthood and the keys thereof.^[27]

If the Government of the United States, in Congress assembled, had the right to pass an anti-polygamy bill, they had also the right to pass a law that slaves should not be abused as they have been; they had also a right to make a law that negroes should be used like human beings, and not worse than dumb brutes. For their abuse of that race, the whites will be cursed, unless they repent.^[28]

[edit] Family life

[edit] Plural marriage

Young was perhaps the most famous polygamist of the early American church, marrying a total of 55 wives, 54 of them after becoming a Latter Day Saint.^[29] He stated that upon being taught about plural marriage, "It was the first time in my life that I desired the grave."^[30] By the time of his death, Young had 57 children by 16 of his wives; 46 of his children reached adulthood.^[31]

Sources have varied on the number of Young's wives due to differences in what observers have considered to be a "wife".^[29] There were 55 women that Young was sealed to during his lifetime. While the majority of the sealings were "for eternity", some were "for time only". However, it is suspected that not all of the 55 marriages were conjugal,^[29] and Young did not live with a number of his wives or publicly hold them out as wives, which has led to confusion on numbering.^[29]

Of his 55 wives, 21 had never been married before; 16 were widows; six were divorced; six had living husbands; and the marital status of six others are unknown.^[29]

In 1856, Young built the Lion House to accommodate his sizable family. This building remains a Salt Lake City landmark, together with the Beehive House, another Brigham Young family home. A contemporary of Young wrote: "It was amusing to walk by Brigham Young's big house, a long rambling building with innumerable doors. Each wife has an establishment of her own, consisting of parlor, bedroom, and a front door, the key of which she keeps in her pocket".^[32]

At the time of Young's death, 19 of his wives had predeceased him, he was divorced from ten, and 23 survived him, with the status of four unknown.^[29] In his will, Young shared his estate with the 16 surviving wives who had lived with him; the six surviving non-conjugal wives were not mentioned in the will.^[29]

[edit] Chart of wives^[29]

Grave marker of Brigham Young.

[edit] Works

• Young, Brigham (1952). The Best from Brigham Young: Statements from His Sermons on Religion, Education, and Community Building, selected by Alice K. Chase, Deseret Book Company. 
• —— (1980). in Everett L. Cooley: Diary of Brigham Young, 1857. Tanner Trust Fund, University of Utah Library. 
• —— (1925). Discourses of Brigham Young, selected by John A. Widtsoe, Deseret Book. 
• —— (1974). in Dean C. Jessee.: Letters of Brigham Young to His Sons. Deseret Book Company. 
• —— (1969). Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844. Eldon J. Watson. 
• —— (1971). Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846-1847. Eldon J. Watson. 
• —— (1922). Teachings of President Brigham Young: Salvation for the Dead, the Spirit World, and Kindred Subjects. Seagull Press. 
• —— (1997). Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  LDS Church publication number 35554.

[edit] Reference in literature

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle based his first Sherlock Holmes novel, A Study in Scarlet, on Mormon history, mentioning Young by name. When asked to comment on the story, which had "provoked the animosity of the Mormon faithful", Conan Doyle noted, "all I said about the Danite Band and the murders is historical so I cannot withdraw that though it is likely that in a work of fiction it is stated more luridly than in a work of history." However, Doyle's daughter stated that "You know father would be the first to admit that his first Sherlock Holmes novel was full of errors about the Mormons." ^[33]

[edit] Notable descendants

This section does not cite any references or sources. (March 2008) Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Brigham Young has several noteworthy descendants:

• Brigham Young, Jr., LDS Church apostle
• John Willard Young, LDS Church apostle
• Joseph Angell Young, LDS Church apostle
• Leah D. Widtsoe, wife of apostle John A. Widtsoe, and a leading expert in Home Economics. She coauthored the book The Word of Wisdom: A Modern Interpretation with her husband and wrote a biography of Brigham Young with her mother, Susa Young Gates, listed below.
• Mahonri Young, sculptor/artist
• Orson Scott Card, novelist
• Richard Whitehead Young, U.S. Army general and justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines
• Sandra Tanner, critic of the LDS Church
• Susa Young Gates, Utah suffragist and women's rights activist
• Steve Young, professional American football player^[34]

[edit] See also

Latter-day Saints Portal

• Brigham Young: American Moses
• Brigham Young (1940 film)
• Joseph Young
• Phineas Young
• Richards–Young family
• This Is The Place Heritage Park

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

• Leonard J. Arrington, Brigham Young: American Moses; University of Illinois Press; ISBN 0-252-01296-8, (1985; Paperback, 1986).
• Nibley, Hugh W. (1994), Brigham Young Challenges the Saints, Provo, Utah: Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, <http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/booksmain.php?bookid=49> .
• Gary James Bergera, Conflict in the Quorum: Orson Pratt, Brigham Young, Joseph Smith
• Cannon, Frank J. & Knapp, George L. (1913), Brigham Young and His Mormon Empire, New York: Fleming H. Revell Co., <http://www.archive.org/details/brighamyoungandh003273mbp> .
• Tullidge, Edward W. (1877), Life of Brigham Young: Or, Utah and Her Founders, New York: Tullidge & Crandall, <http://books.google.com/books?id=mEcOAAAAIAAJ> .
• Waite, C.V. (Catherine Van Valkenburg) (1868), The Mormon prophet and his harem : or, An authentic history of Brigham Young, his numerous wives and children, Chicago: J.S. Goodman & Co., <http://www.archive.org/details/mormonprophetand00waitiala> .
• Young, Brigham (March 2, 1856), “The Necessity of the Saints Living up to the Light Which Has Been Given Them”, in Watt, G.D., Journal of Discourses Delivered by President Brigham Young, His Two Counsellors, and the Twelve Apostles, and Others, vol. 3, Liverpool: Daniel H. Wells, 1856, pp. 221-226 

[edit] External links

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to:

Brigham Young

Wikisource has original works written by or about:

Brigham Young

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Brigham Young

• Biography from Brigham Young University
• Grampa Bill's G.A. Pages: Brigham Young
• The Brigham Young period of polygamy
• Short biography of Young from Architect of the Capitol
• PBS profile
• Brigham Young's Wives and His Divorce From Ann Eliza Webb

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