Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Part 266

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company
Number of Pages: 1336

USA > Utah > Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies > Part 266

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

Elder Benjamin L. Clapp, after living some years in Great Salt Lake City, removed his family to Ephraim, Sanpete Co., where he had some difficulty with Bishop Warren S. Snow. After investigation before the Council of Seventies, he was dropped from his position in the council, and finally ex- communicated from the Church at the general conference. held in Great Salt Lake City, April 7, 1859. Elder Jacob Gates was called to fill the vacancy at the April Conference. 1860, but, being absent on a mission to Europe, he was not ordained until October, 1862, some time after his return home.

Elder Zera Pulsipher transcended the bounds of the Priest- hood in the ordinance of sealing, for which he was cited to appear before the First Presidency of the Church, April 12. 1862. It was there voted that he be rebaptized, reconfirmed and ordained to the office of a High Priest, or go into the ranks of the Seventies. Subsequently he was ordained a Patriarch. Elder John Van Cott was called to fill the va- cancy in the council of the Seventies, at the October con- ference, 1862.

Albert P. Rockwood died in Sugar House Ward, Salt Lake Co., Nov. 26, 1879, and at the April conference, 1880, Elder Wm. W. Taylor was called to fill the vacancy and soon after- wards ordained one of the First Seven Presidents of Sev- enties.

The vacancies caused by the death of Pres. Joseph Young, July 16, 1881, and of Levi W. Hancock, June 10, 1882, were filled by the ordination of Abraham H. Cannon as one of the First Seven Presidents, Oct. 9, 1882, and Seymour B. Young as another, Oct. 16, 1882.

Elder John Van Cott died Feb. 18, 1883. Christian Daniel Fjeldsted was called to fill the vacancy. He was ordained April 28, 1884, after his return from a mission to Scandinavia. The demise of Elder Wm. W. Taylor, Aug. 1, 1884, caused another vacancy, which was filled Oct. 7, 1884, by the ordi- nation of John Morgan as one of the First Seven Presidents.

Horace S. Eldredge died in Salt Lake City, Sept. 6, 1888, and the vacancy caused thereby was filled by the calling of Brigham H. Roberts to act as one of the council, at the Octo- ber conference, 1888.

Abraham H. Cannon having been ordained an Apostle in October, 1889, George Reynolds was sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies, at the April conference, 1890.

Elder Henry Herriman died at Huntington, Emery Co., Utah, May 17, 1891. Elder Jacob Gates died at Provo, Utah Co., April 14, 1892. The vacancies caused by the demise of those two veteran presidents were filled by the selection of Jonathan G. Kimball and Rulon S. Wells as members of the First Council of Seventies. The former was sustained at the general conference, held in October, 1892, and the latter at the general conference, held in April, 1893.

Elder John Morgan died at Preston, Idaho, Aug. 14, 1894. At the following October conference, Edward Stevenson was chosen to fill the consequent vacancy in the council.

Elder Edward Stevenson dled in Salt Lake City, Jan. 27, 1897; and at the general conference of the Church, held in Salt Lake City, in October, 1897, Joseph W. McMurrin was chosen to fill the vacancy. He was ordained by Apostle An- thon H. Lund in Liverpool, England, Jan. 21, 1898.

Christian D. Fjeldsted died Dec. 23, 1905, at Salt Lake City; and, at the general conference of the Church, held at Salt Lake City April 6, 1906, Charles H. Hart was chosen to fill the vacancy thus caused in the council.

George Reynolds died Aug. 9, 1909, and at the next general conference. Oct. 6. 1909, Levl Edgar Young was chosen to complete the council.

The council now (1913) stands as follows: Seymour B. Young, Brigham H. Roberts, Jonathan G. Kimball, Rulon S. Wells. Joseph W. McMurrin, Charles H. Hart, and Levi Edgar Young.

PRESIDING BISHOPRIC

Edward Partridge, the first Bishop of the Church, was called to that position Feb. 4, 1831, by revelation.

"And again, I have called my servant Edward Partridge, and give a commandment, that he should be appointed by the voice of the church, and ordained a bishop unto the church, to leave his mer- chandise and to spend ali his time in the labors of the church."- Doc. and Cov. 41:9.

Later, when other Bishops were ordained, he became known as the first or presiding Bishop, June 6, 1831, at solemn meeting, held at Kirtland, Ohio, Isaac Morley and John Corrill were ordained and set apart as counselors to Bishop Partridge.

In a letter written by the First Presidency at Kirtland, Ohio, to Wm. W. Phelps and others, in Missouri, under date of June 25, 1833, the following occurs: "Let Brother Isaac Morley be ordained second Bishop in Zion, and let brother John Corrill be ordained third. Let Brother Edward Part- ridge choose as counselors in their place, Brother Parley P. Pratt and Brother Titus Billings, ordaining Brother Billings to the High Friesthood."

Owing to the persecutions which befell the Saints in Mis- souri, these appointments were not made; but at a meeting held at Far West, Mo., Aug. 1, 1837, Titus Billings was elect- ed Bishop's counselor, in place of John Corrill; and at a conference held at the same place, Nov. 7, 1837, Edward Part- ridge "was nominated to still act as Bishop"; after which he nominated Isaac Morley and Titus Billings for his counselors, and they "were unanimously chosen."

These three constituted the head Bishopric of the Church during the lifetime of Bishop Partridge.

Bishop Edward Partridge filled his responsible position faithfully, in the midst of the most severe persecutions, until his death, which occurred at Nauvoo, Ill., May 27, 1840. In a revelation given through Joseph the Prophet, Jan. 19, 1841, George Miller was called to the position of Bishop, in place of Edward Partridge, deceased.

"I therefore say unto you, I seal upon his head the office of a bishopric, like unto my servant Edward Partridge, that he may re- ceive the consecrations of mine house, that he may administer

blessings upon the heads of the poor of my people, saith the Lord. Let no man despise my servant George Miller, for he shall honor me."-Doc. and Cov. 124:21.

In the same revelation (Doc. & Cov., 124:141), the Lord says: "I give unto you, Vinson Knight, Samuel H. Smith and Shadrach Roundy, if he will receive it, to preside over the Bishopric."

From the documents at our command at present, we are unable to learn whether or not the above named brethren officiated In the callings whereunto they were called; but at the general conference, held in October, 1844, at Nauvoo, Ill., Newel K. Whitney (who bad been called by revelation to act as Bishop at Kirtland, Ohio, Dec. 4, 1831, was sus- tained as "first Bishop," and George Miller as "second Bishop" in the Church.

"And the duty of the bishop shall be made known by the com- mandments which have been given, and the voice of the conference. "And now, verily I say unto you. my servant Newel K. Whitney is the man who shall be appointed and ordained unto this power. This is the will of the Lord your God, your Redeemer."-Doc. and Cov. 72:7-8.

From that time till his death Newel K. Whitney was recog- nized, and after April, 1847, sustained by the voice of the general conference, as presiding Bishop of the Church. He had no regularly appointed Counselors; but recognized Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball as his chief coun- selors and advisers.

Bishop Newel K. Whitney died In Great Salt Lake City, Sept. 23, 1850. At the general conference of the Church. held in April, 1851, Edward Hunter, who had been ordained a Bishop in Nauvoo in 1844. was sustained as presiding Bishop. It appears, however, that he was not ordained and set apart to that position till a year later. Like his predecessor, he received immediate advice from Presidents Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball, and chose no other counselors until October, 1856, when, at the general conference, held in Great Salt Lake City, Leonard W. Hardy was sustained as first and Jesse C. Little as second counselor to Bishop Edward Hunter.

Counselor Jesse C. Little resigned his position as coun- selor. At the general conference held in Salt Lake City, In October, 1874, Robert T. Burton was sustained as second counselor to Bishop Hunter. He was ordained and set apart to this position, Sept. 2, 1875, after his return from a mission to England.

Bishop Edward Hunter died in Salt Lake City, Oct. 16, 1883. At the general conference, held in April, 1884, Wm. B. Pres- ton, who had previously presided over the Cache Stake of Zion, was sustained as presiding Bishop, with Leonard W. Hardy as his first and Robert T. Burton' as his second coun- selor.

Counselor Leonard W. Hardy died In Salt Lake City, July 31, 1884. At the general conference, held in October, 1884, Robert T. Burton was sustained as first and John Q. Cannon as second counselor to Bishop Wm. B. Preston.

Counselor John Q. Cannon, because of transgression, was released from his position. At the general conference, held at Provo, Utah Co., in April, 1886, John R. Winder was sus- tained as second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric.

Counselor John R. Winder was chosen first Counselor to President Joseph F. Smith at the re-organization of the First Presidency of the Church, Oct. 17, 1901; and on the 24th of the same month, Orrin P. Miller was chosen to succeed him as second Counselor to Bishop William B. Preston.

Counselor Robert T. Burton died at Salt Lake City Nov. 11, 1907.

Bishop William B. Preston was honorably released from his position Dec. 6, 1911; and on the 11th of the same month, the Presiding Bishopric was re-organized with Charles W. Nibley as Bishop, and Orrin P. Miller, first, and David Smith, second Counselors.

CHURCH HISTORIANS AND RECORDERS.

The office of Church Recorder was provided for by direct revelation, given April 6, 1830, immediately after the organ- ization of the Church. In that revelation the Lord says, "Behold, there shall be a record kept among you," etc. (Doc. and Cov., 21:1). Oliver Cowdery, who had acted as a scribe for the Prophet Joseph, while translating the Book of Mor- mon, received the appointment as the first Church Recorder.

March 8, 1831, John Whitmer, one of the Eight Witnesses to the Book of Mormon, was called by revelation to the po- sition of Church Historian. "Behold, it is expedient in me," said the Lord, "that my servant (John Whitmer) should write and keep a regular history," and "it shall be appointed unto him to keep the Church record and history continually, for Oliver Cowdery I have appointed to another office." (Doc. and Cov., Sec. 47.) John Whitmer removed to Missouri In the winter of 1831-32, and he was consequently unable to attend to his duties as Historian and Recorder at the headquarters of the Church, which were still at Kirtland. Hence, at a meeting of the Presidency of the Church and the High Coun- cll, held at Kirtland, Ohio, Sept. 14. 1835, Oliver Cowdery was again appointed "Recorder for the Church."

At a conference of the authorities of the Church and of the Saints, held in the Kirtland Temple, Sept. 17, 1837, Geo. W. Robinson was elected General Church Recorder, In place of Oliver Cowdery, who had removed to Missouri.

At a general conference, held at Far West, Mo., April 6, 1838, John Corrill and Elias Higbce were appointed Church Historians, "to write and keep the Church history"; and Geo. W. Robinson was sustained as General Church Recorder and clerk to the First Presidency.

Jobn Corrill apostatized during the Missouri persecutions, and was excommunicated from the Church, at a conference, held at Quincy, Iil., March 17, 1839.

Elias Higbee was selected to accompany the Prophet Jo- seph to Washington, D. C., as a delegate from the Church to the Federal Government, and later was chosen as a member of the committee appointed to superintend the building of the Nauvoo Temple. Owing to these additional responsibilities,

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

he was unable to devote much of his time to the writing of Church history. He finally died at Nauvoo, June 8, 1843.

At the general conference of the Church, held at Nauvoo, Ill., Oct. 3, 1840, Robert B. Thompson was appointed General Church Clerk, in place of George W. Robinson, who intended to remove to Iowa.

Elder Thompson entered upon the duties of his office faith- fully, but took suddenly sick and died at Nauvoo, Aug. 27, 1841.

Oct. 2, 1841, at a general conference, held in the Grove at Nauvoo, Iii., James Sloan was elected General Church Clerk, in place of Robert B. Thompson, deceased.

At a special meeting, held at Nauvoo, July 30, 1843, Elder Willard Richards was appointed General Church Recorder, succeeding James Sioan, who had left Nauvoo on a mission to Ireland.

Elder Richards returned from his mission to England in August, 1841. Dec. 13, 1841, he was appointed by Joseph Smith to act as Recorder for the Temple, and also as private secretary and general clerk to the Prophet. He entered im- mediately upon the duties of his office, and continued the labors connected therewith till June 28, 1842, when he com- mitted the business of the office to Wm. Clayton, and left Nauvoo, July 1, 1842, on a visit to the New England States. From this visit he returned Oct. 20, 1842. Dec. 21, 1842, the Prophet Joseph again appointed him private secretary and historian, while Wm. Clayton was retained as Tempie Re- corder and clerk of the Prophet's temporai business.

At the general conference of the Church, held at Nauvoo, in October, 1845, President Brigham Young remarked that "about three years ago, Elder Willard Richards was ap- pointed by Pres. Joseph Smith as historian for the Church and Generai Church Recorder." The Saints had previously acted on his appointment as recorder, but not as historian. He therefore moved that "the Church receive the appointment of Brother Joseph, and that we continue and sustain Elder Richards as Historian for the Church and General Church Recorder." The motion was carried unanimously. Since that time the double office of Church Historian and General Church Recorder has been vested in the same person.

Wiliard Richards fliied the office faithfully untii his death, which occurred in Great Salt Lake City, March 11, 1854. At the general conference, held in Great Salt Lake City in April, 1854, Geo. A. Smith was chosen and sustained as Church His- torian and General Church Recorder.

As the Church grew and increased in numericai strength and importance, the labors of the Church Historian increased proportionately, and it became necessary to appoint assist- ants to the Church Historian. Accordingly, Apostle Wilford Woodruff was sustained as assistant Church Historian, at the general conference, heid in Salt Lake City, in October, 1856. Elder Woodruff was the first Elder sustained in that capacity by a general conference of the Church.

Apostle Geo. A. Smith, having been chosen as First Coun- seior to Pres. Brigham Young, was released from his position as Church Historian. At the general conference. held in April, 1871, Apostie Albert Carrington was sustained in that position, with Wilford Woodruff as his assistant.

Apostle Orson Pratt succeeded Aibert Carrington as Church Historian and Generai Church Recorder, being sustained as such at the generai conference, held in Salt Lake City, May 9, 1874. With Wilford Woodruff as his assistant, he filled the position tili his death, which occurred in Salt Lake City, Oct. 3, 1881.

At the semi-annual conference, held in October, 1883, Apostle Wilford Woodruff was sustained as Church Historian and General Church Recorder, and at the next general con- ference, heid in April, 1884, Franklin D. Richards was sus- tained as Assistant Church Historian.

At the general conference, April 7, 1889, Wiiford Woodruff was chosen and sustained as President of the Church, and Franklin D. Richards was appointed his successor as Church Historian and Generai Church Recorder. At the next gen- eral conference, held in October, 1889, Eider John Jaques was sustained as assistant Church Historian. Elder Charles W. Penrose was sustained in a similar capacity at the generai conference, held in April, 1896; and Elder Andrew Jenson at the general conference held in April, 1898.

Franklin D. Richards died at Ogden, Utah, Dec. 9, 1899; and on July 26, 1900, Apostle Anthon H. Lund was chosen to succeed him as General Church Historian.

THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD

The Church, which was established on the earth by Jesus Christ and his Apostles anciently, ceased in course of time to exist, through the martyrdom of many of its chief represen- tatives and the final "falling away" of the remnant of its members, as predicted by the Apostles Paul (2 Thess. 2:3), and Peter (2 Pet. 2:1), and others.

In the present century the gospel of Christ, with its an- cient powers and Priesthood, has been restored to earth anew, through the administration of heavenly messengers. Early in the spring of 1820, God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith and revealed the true spiritual condition of the world. About three years later the angei Moroni appeared to him and subsequently visited him periodically for several years, imparting Important instruc- tions. On Sept. 22, 1827, he gave into the hands of Joseph Smith the plates on which was inscribed the history of the early inhabitations of America.

While Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were engaged in translating the Book of Mormon, from the plates, at Har- mony, Susquehanna Co., Pa., they went into the woods to enquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins. While thus employed, on the 15th of May, 1829, a mes- senger from heaven descended in a cloud of light. Having laid his hands upon them, he ordained them, saying: "Upon you, my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah, I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the minis- tering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance and of bap- tism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall

never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness," (Doc. and Cov., 13.)

The heaveniy messenger told Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery that the "Aaronic Priesthood had not the power of laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost," but that this should be conferred on them later. He then commanded them "to go and be baptized," and directed that Joseph Smith should baptize Oliver Cowdery, after which he should bap- tize Joseph.

The messenger told them "that his name was John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament, and that he acted under the direction of Peter, James and John, who held the keys of the Priesthood of Melchisedek," which Priesthood he said should in due time be conferred on them (Joseph and Oliver).

In accordance with the commandment aforesaid, Joseph Smith baptized Oliver Cowdery, who then baptized Joseph. Joseph Smith then laid his hands upon the head of Oliver Cowdery and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood. Finally Oliver laid his hands on Joseph and ordained him to the same Priesthood.

Soon after these important events, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery "became very anxious" to receive the Melchisedek Priesthood, which John the Baptist had promised them, if they continued faithful. They had for some time made this matter a subject of humble prayer, and at length they met "in the chamber of Mr. Whitmer's house," at Fayette, Sen- eca Co., N. Y., one day in June, 1829. They engaged in sol- emn and fervent prayer, when the word of the Lord came to them in the chamber commanding that Joseph Smith "should ordain Oliver Cowdery to be an eider in the Church of Jesus Christ," and that Oliver should ordain Joseph to the same office. After that, they were to ordain others, as it should be made known unto them from time to time. However, they were commanded to defer these ordinations untii "such times as it should be practicable to have their brethren, who had been and who should be baptized, assemble together."

This commandment was complied with April 6, 1830, the day on which the Church was organized. On that occasion Joseph Smith laid his hands upon Oliver Cowdery and or- dained him an Elder in the Church, after which Oliver or- dained Joseph to the office of an Elder.

Next, they ad- ministered the Sacrament, and then iaid their hands on each individual member of the Church present, that they might receive the Holy Ghost and be confirmed members of the Church.

The exact date of the ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Melchiscdek Priesthood by Peter, James and John is not stated, but it is generally believed to have taken piace In June or July, 1829. In proof of the ordination we have the word of the Lord Jesus Christ, in a revelation, given to Joseph Smith at Fayette, N. Y., in Sep- tember, 1830, as follows: "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerfui. *The hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni, whom I have sent unto you to reveal the Book of Mormon, containing the fuliness of my everlasting gospel. * *"And also John, the son of Zacharias, * ** which John I have sent unto you, my servants, Joseph Smith, Jr., and Oliver Cowdery, to ordain you unto this first Priest- hood, which you have received, that you might be called and ordained even as Aaron. *

* And also with Peter and James and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be Apostles and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry, and of the same things which I revealed unto them." (Doc. and Cov., 27:1, 5, 7, 8, 12.)

In a revelation on Church Government, given through Jo- seph Smith, the Prophet, in April, 1830, at Fayette, the fol- lowing passage occurs: "Commandment was given to Jo- seph Smith, Jr., who was calied of God and ordained an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first Elder of this Church; and to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an Apostie of Jesus Christ, to be the second Elder of this Church, and ordained under his (Joseph's) hand." (Doc. and Cov., 20:2, 3.)

In the light of the foregoing it is plain that none among the children of men at the present time possess the holy Priesthood, with divine authority to administer in the ordi- nances of the gospei, except those who have received their ordinations through the laying on of hands by men whose commissions rest upon the divine calling of Joseph the Prophet. This being the case, It is desirable that every Apostle, Prophet, Patriarch, High Priest, Seventy, Elder, Bishop, Priest, Teacher and Deacon in the Church should be able to trace the Priesthood they hold back to the Prophet Joseph.

For the benefit of the brethren who are endeavoring to . make proper records of these things, we publish the sub- joined biographical notes, which contain the ordinations of nearly ali the Elders who have been sustained and who at the present time are being sustained as the general authori- ties of the Church.

ALDRICH, Hazen; ordained a Seventy Feb. 28, 1835, under the hands of Joseph Smith and others.

BENSON, Ezra Taft; born Feb. 22, 1811; baptized Juiy 19. 1840, at Quincy, Ill .; ordained a High Priest Oct. 25, 1840, by Hyrum Smith; ordained an Apostle July 16, 1846, by Pres. Brigham Young; died Sept. 3, 1869.

BILLINGS, Titus; born March 25, 1793, at Greenfield, Frank- lin Co., Mass .; baptized at Kirtland, Ohio, in November, 1830, by Parley P. Pratt; ordained a High Priest and counselor to Bishop Edward Partridge, Aug. 1, 1837, under the hands of Edward Partridge and Isaac Morley; died Feb. 6, 1866, at Provo, Utah.

BOYNTON, John Farnham; born Sept. 20, 1811; baptized in September, 1832, by Joseph the Prophet; ordained an Eider in 1832, by Sidney Rigdon; ordained an Apostle, Feb. 15,

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PIONEERS AND PROMINENT MEN OF UTAH

1835, under the hands of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris; died Oct. 20, 1890.

BURTON, Robert Taylor; born Oct. 25, 1821, in Amersburgh, Ontario, Canada; ordained a High Priest and Bishop and set apart as second counselor to Bishop Edward Hunter, Sept. 2, 1875, by Edward Hunter assisted by Brigham Young and Daniel H. Welis.

BUTTERFIELD, Josiah; ordained and set apart as one of the First Council of Seventies, April 6, 1837, under the hands of Sidney Rigdon and Hyrum Smith.

CANNON. Abraham Hoagland; born March 12, 1859; bap- tized March 12. 1867, by his father Geo. Q. Cannon; ordained an Elder Juiy 7, 1875, by Geo. Q. Cannon; ordained a Seventy ; ordained an Apostie

by Oct. 7, 1889, by Joseph F. Smith, assisted by Wilford Wood- ruff and George Q. Cannon and nearly all the Apostles; died July 19, 1896.

CANNON, George Quayle; born Jan. 11, 1827; baptized in June, 1840, by John Taylor; ordained an Elder at Nauvoo, by John Tayior; ordained a Seventy Feb. 9, 1845, by Arza Adams; ordained an Apostle Aug. 26, 1860, by Pres. Brigham Young, assisted by his Counselors and ten of the Apostles.

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Pioneers and prominent men of Utah : comprising photographs, genealogies, biographies, Part 266

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865 Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company Number of Pages: 1336

Author: Esshom, Frank Ellwood, b. 1865
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Utah : Utah pioneers book publishing company
Number of Pages: 1336