Brigham Young overcame poverty to become a prominent leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Despite economic struggles and conflicts, Brigham Young remained loyal to Joseph Smith and played a vital role in building the Kirtland Temple.
Under Brigham Young's leadership, thousands of Mormons successfully resettled in Commerce, Illinois (Nauvoo), escaping persecution and finding refuge.
Deep dives
Brigham Young's Background and Conversion to Mormonism
Brigham Young, born into poverty and facing a difficult childhood, had unsuccessful business ventures before encountering the newfound religion of Mormonism. He was skeptical at first but eventually had a powerful conversion experience and fully committed his life to the faith. Brigham's loyalty to Joseph Smith and his ability to create spiritual manifestations helped him become an effective missionary and gain new converts.
Challenges and Conflict in Kirtland
In Kirtland, Ohio, the early Mormon community faced economic struggles, including the collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society bank, and conflicts with other religious groups. This led to tensions, divisions, and apostasy among the members. Despite these challenges, Brigham Young remained loyal to Joseph Smith and played a crucial role in building the Kirtland Temple.
Persecution and Migration to Missouri
As violence and persecution against Mormons escalated in Ohio, Joseph Smith and other leaders decided to move the community to Jackson County, Missouri. However, conflicts with non-Mormon settlers worsened, resulting in battles, massacres, and an extermination order issued by the Missouri governor. With the loss of their property and threats of violence, the Saints were forced to leave Missouri and find a new place to settle.
Leadership and Resettlement in Illinois
Under Brigham Young's leadership, the Mormon community found refuge in Commerce, Illinois (later renamed Nauvoo). Brigham organized the relocation, secured funding from wealthier members, and facilitated the sale of property in Missouri. Despite the challenging circumstances, he demonstrated remarkable organizational skills and ensured the successful resettlement of thousands of Mormons in Illinois.
Success in England
Brigham Young has a lot of success in England, attracting converts by offering them the promise of a better life in America. The poverty and harsh living conditions experienced by the English working class make the prospects of land ownership, materials to start a farm, clean air and water, and friendly people in America appealing to talented and enterprising English converts. While the religious message is at the core of conversions, the economic factors also play a significant role.
Rivalry and Controversy in Nauvoo
In Nauvoo, the church is flourishing, but controversies arise. Joseph Smith privately teaches radical doctrines such as eternal marriage and plural marriage, which greatly upset many. The church becomes a theocracy under Joseph's leadership, leading to conflicts with surrounding non-Mormon neighbors and accusations of disregard for civil laws. Eventually, disaffected church members publish an exposé, leading to Joseph's arrest and subsequent murder. After Joseph's death, a succession crisis arises, with Sidney Rigdon vying for leadership. However, Brigham Young skillfully presents himself as the proper successor, leading to a landslide victory in the vote to become the new leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
