George Teasdale
Born: 8 December 1831
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 16 October 1882
Died: 9 June 1907
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 16 October 1882
Died: 9 June 1907
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 June 1900, Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles: George Teasdale
Juvenile Instructor, 1 July 1907, The Late Elder George Teasdale
Young Woman's Journal, August 1907, Elder George Teasdale of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Instructor, November 1956, Little Deeds from Big Lives
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 3
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 15 June 1900, Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles: George Teasdale
Juvenile Instructor, 1 July 1907, The Late Elder George Teasdale
Young Woman's Journal, August 1907, Elder George Teasdale of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Instructor, November 1956, Little Deeds from Big Lives
Jenson, Andrew. "Teasdale, George." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 144-147.
TEASDALE, George, one of the Twelve Apostles since 1882, is the son of William Russell Teasdale and Harriet Henrietta Tidey, and was born Dec. 8. 1831. in London, England. Being naturally of a studious and thoughtful disposition, he obtained the best education that could be had at the public schools and the London University. After leaving school, he entered the office of an architect and surveyor. He did not remain in this employment long, owing to the dishonesty of the employer. Later he learned the upholstering business. Although his mother was a member of the church of England, he was not at all impressed by the doctrines which were advanced and was not confirmed into the church. Still, he received many impressions on religious subjects from his mother, and from his childhood up he was a student of the Scriptures. In the year 1851, he learned for the first time something of the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This information came to him through a tract issued by the Tract Society of the church of England, entitled "Mormonism." Shortly after this, a man who belonged to the Church came to work at the establishment where Brother Teasdale was employed. Although this brother was a plain, unassuming man, he bore a powerful testimony, and that was no doubt in his mind as to the
truthfulness of this work. His fellowworkmen ridiculed him and argued with him, but he was never overcome. So impressive was this humble man's testimony that at least one of his associates was led to investigate the principles of the gospel as he explained them. Brother Teasdale became interested in this unpopular religion, and, as is always the case, he met with opposition from his friends and acquaintances. They endeavored to show him the folly of the step which they feared he was about to take, and told him that all his bright prospects for life would be ruined if he persisted in such a course. But when a mind such as that possessed by George Teasdale becomes convinced that a thing is right, it requires more than the opposition of friends to turn it from its purpose. Therefore, without allowing their ridicule to alter his determination, he rendered obedience to what he knew was a law of God. After his baptism, Aug. 8, 1852, he, like nearly all young converts, felt that many would believe his testimony. The gospel was so plain to him, and as he had nothing to gain by testifying to something that was not true, he felt that all who heard him must be convinced. However, he learned by experience, during his very early days in the Church, that it is a difficult matter to convert this generation to the truth. He was ordained a Priest and later an Elder, and spent much of his time in preaching and giving lectures on religious subjects. During this time he learned how necessary it is to have the Spirit of the Lord in speaking on the principles of the gospel. He had very little time for study, and, he tells us, he was not naturally a speaker, his first efforts in this direction being total failures; but later, when he was called to go out to speak, he dedicated his labors to the Lord and asked His assistance, and of course was successful. While laboring in this way Elder Teasdale made the acquaintance of Miss Emily Emma Brown, and in the year 1853 they were married. From this time until her death in 1874, this good lady was a great help to her husband. In the course of his ministry in England they had many trials to pass through—trials of poverty, of being ridiculed by former friends—but through it all Sister Teasdale was ever the true, consistent Latter-day Saint,helping her husband by her counsel and by the fortitude which she exhibited during all the trials through which they passed. Later in life Elder Teasdale heard and, being converted to the principle, obeyed the law of plural marriage, taking good, faithful women as his wives. His zeal in spreading the truth caused his selection as president of the Somerstown branch of the London conference. In addition to this he was clerk of the conference, auditor of the book agency accounts and president of the tract-distributing association. With all these duties his time was, of course, completely taken up, especially in view of the fact that his labor in these callings was entirely gratuitous, and he was compelled to devote a portion of his time to earning a livelihood; but in the year 1857, he was called upon to give his whole time to the work of the ministry. Obedience to this call required the giving up of an excellent position, and the breaking up of a pleasant, comfortable home. Elder Teasdale had determined to devote his life to the work of God. and here was an opportunity for nim to show how firm this determination was. He decided to accept the call, and in this course he was encouraged by his wife. He sold his possessions, made his wife as comfortable as possible and entered upon his new duties. The peace and joy which always accompany the performance of religious duties were felt by him, and he greatly enjoyed his labors, presiding over the Cambridge conference. Though often footsore and weary from his long walks, the Spirit of the Lord brought happiness to his heart. In 1858, he presided over three conferences, the Wiltshire, Landsend and South conferences; in 1859, he was given charge of the Scottish mission, which included the Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee conferences. In 1861 he was released to come to Zion. Here another trial awaited him. Two of his children had died and two were still spared. From his long missionary labor, his means were all exhausted, and he and his family were compelled to make the ocean voyage in the steerage of an emigrant ship, the "Underwriter." On his arrival in Florence, Nebraska, he was called to assist Elder Jacob Gates in keeping the accounts, etc., of the emigration. owing to which he did not leave there until the last company of the season arrived, then he crossed the plains in Captain Sextus E. Johnson's company, which arrived in Great Salt Lake valley Sept. 27, 1861. Here he found a new experience, and for the first six months taught school in the Twentieth Ward, Salt Lake City. He also became associated with the Tabernacle choir, under the leadership of Brother James Smithies. In 1862 he was engaged to take charge of Pres. Brigham Young's merchandise store by which he had the privilege of becoming familiar with that excellent man and his family. In the fall of 1867 he took charge of the General Tithing Store, and in 1868 was appointed on a mission to England. He crossed the plains with mule teams, and on his arrival in New York stayed to assist in that season's emigration, at the close of which he crossed the ocean in the steamship "City of Antwerp," with Elder Albert Carrington, who was on his first mission to England, and Jesse N. Smith, who was appointed to the charge of the Scandinavian Mission. On his arrival in Liverpool, Sept. 9, 1868, he was appointed to labor in the "Millennial Star" office. The next year, being called to assist Elder William C. Staines In the emigration business at New York, he crossed the ocean in the steamship "Colorado," and remained there until the close of that season's emigration, returning home in the fall of 1869. Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution was then being started, and he obtained employment in that institution, from one responsibility to an other, until he had charge of the produce department. In 1875 he was appointed on a mission to the Southern States, and labored in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. On being released in the fall of 1876, he returned home by way of Philadelphia, visited the Centennial Exhibition and the Niagara Falls. On reaching Salt Lake City, after resting awhile, he was again employed in Zion's Co-operative Institution. Being called to the charge of the Juab Stake of Zion, he was ordained a High Priest and set apart for this position under the hands of Pres. Brigham Young. This caused him to resign an excellent position in Z. C. M. I., but he soon found suitable ways and means by which he could comfortably sustain his family. While residing in Nephi he was engaged in the tithing office, took contracts for the construction of a portion of the Utah Southern Railroad, acted as president of the Nephi Co-operative Store, and was also connected with other enterprises. He also served in two sessions of the Utah legislature, namely those of 1880 and 1882. In October, 1882, he was called by revelation to the Apostleship and was ordained to that high and holy position Oct. 13, 1882, by Pres. John Taylor. Tn 1883 he took a six months mission to the Indian Territory, returning to Salt Lake City in October, 1883. In 1884 his labors were chiefly among the Saints from Snake river, Idaho, north, to St. George, Washington county, Utah, south. He also visited the Temples of Logan and St. George, attending
to work in ordinances for the dead, etc. In January, 1885, he left home on a visit to the Saints in the southern country, in Nevada and Arizona. From there he went to Old Mexico, and assisted in forming a colony in that land. Thence he was called on a mission to Europe, to assist Pres. Daniel H. Wells, and afterwards to succeed him in the presidency of the European Mission. He arrived in Liverpool Nov. 30, 1886, and after traveling quite extensively in the various conferences of Great Britain, he entered upon the responsible duties of his office as president of the mission in February, 1887. He acted in that capacity till 1890, when he was released to return home. While on that mission he traveled through France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the British Isles. Since his ordination to the Apostleship, Elder Teasdale's life has been almost entirely devoted to his calling in the Church. If not absent from home on foreign missions, he has spent his time in traveling among the Stakes of Zion, preaching to the people and exhorting them to live lives of Latter-day Saints. In all his labors at home or abroad, he has always taken advantage of every opportunity to lift his voice against sin and iniquity, and to declare the glad message of great joy which is so dear to him. Throughout all his ministry he has appeared to have the same spirit which was exhibited by Paul of old when he said, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." Notwithstanding the years Brother Teasdale has spent in the missionary field and in laboring among the Saints at home, he has felt at times that he was not reaching enough ears, and this feeling prompted him to write the tracts. "Glad Tidings of Great Joy." and "The Restoration of the Everlasting Gospel," thousands of which have been distributed by our missionaries in the world. "Elder Teasdale," writes Elder Hugh
J. Cannon, "has always been greatly interested in the Sunday school work. While president of the Juab Stake, he also acted as Stake Superintendent of Sabbath Schools, and for some time he was teacher of the primary class in the vestry of the Nephi Tabernacle. For
several years past he has been a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board. In his talks to the children he endeavors to impress upon their minds the value of a well-spent life and the necessity of living near to the Lord, and in this connection reminds them of the importance of keeping the Word of Wisdom. * * * One of the most striking characteristics of Apostle Teasdale is that he is always the same. Wherever you meet him he has the same genial, quiet way which makes, friends of all with whom he comes in contact. And one of the first impressions made on new acquaintances is that he is a man of God. His life has been so taken up with his spiritual duties that he takes more delight in conversing on this subject than on any other. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," is well illustrated in the case of Apostle Teasdale. His heart is full of the gospel, and of a love for his fellowmen, and knowing so well how the principles of truth have benefited him, and that mankind can not do without them and make a success of this life, he takes delight in bringing these principles to their attention. On every question which comes before him for consideration, his first desire is to find out what the will of the Lord is on the subject, and few men are more tenacious than he in doing what he understands the will of the Lord to be. Not only does Apostle Teasdale preach the gospel, but he endeavors by his daily life to show that he believes what he teaches. If an honest, upright life will benefit others, it will also benefit him. His life is spent, therefore, in striving, by precept and example, to lift mankind through the saving principles of truth, to a higher plane." (See also "Juvenile Instructor," Vol. 35, p. 353.)
TEASDALE, George, one of the Twelve Apostles since 1882, is the son of William Russell Teasdale and Harriet Henrietta Tidey, and was born Dec. 8. 1831. in London, England. Being naturally of a studious and thoughtful disposition, he obtained the best education that could be had at the public schools and the London University. After leaving school, he entered the office of an architect and surveyor. He did not remain in this employment long, owing to the dishonesty of the employer. Later he learned the upholstering business. Although his mother was a member of the church of England, he was not at all impressed by the doctrines which were advanced and was not confirmed into the church. Still, he received many impressions on religious subjects from his mother, and from his childhood up he was a student of the Scriptures. In the year 1851, he learned for the first time something of the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This information came to him through a tract issued by the Tract Society of the church of England, entitled "Mormonism." Shortly after this, a man who belonged to the Church came to work at the establishment where Brother Teasdale was employed. Although this brother was a plain, unassuming man, he bore a powerful testimony, and that was no doubt in his mind as to the
truthfulness of this work. His fellowworkmen ridiculed him and argued with him, but he was never overcome. So impressive was this humble man's testimony that at least one of his associates was led to investigate the principles of the gospel as he explained them. Brother Teasdale became interested in this unpopular religion, and, as is always the case, he met with opposition from his friends and acquaintances. They endeavored to show him the folly of the step which they feared he was about to take, and told him that all his bright prospects for life would be ruined if he persisted in such a course. But when a mind such as that possessed by George Teasdale becomes convinced that a thing is right, it requires more than the opposition of friends to turn it from its purpose. Therefore, without allowing their ridicule to alter his determination, he rendered obedience to what he knew was a law of God. After his baptism, Aug. 8, 1852, he, like nearly all young converts, felt that many would believe his testimony. The gospel was so plain to him, and as he had nothing to gain by testifying to something that was not true, he felt that all who heard him must be convinced. However, he learned by experience, during his very early days in the Church, that it is a difficult matter to convert this generation to the truth. He was ordained a Priest and later an Elder, and spent much of his time in preaching and giving lectures on religious subjects. During this time he learned how necessary it is to have the Spirit of the Lord in speaking on the principles of the gospel. He had very little time for study, and, he tells us, he was not naturally a speaker, his first efforts in this direction being total failures; but later, when he was called to go out to speak, he dedicated his labors to the Lord and asked His assistance, and of course was successful. While laboring in this way Elder Teasdale made the acquaintance of Miss Emily Emma Brown, and in the year 1853 they were married. From this time until her death in 1874, this good lady was a great help to her husband. In the course of his ministry in England they had many trials to pass through—trials of poverty, of being ridiculed by former friends—but through it all Sister Teasdale was ever the true, consistent Latter-day Saint,helping her husband by her counsel and by the fortitude which she exhibited during all the trials through which they passed. Later in life Elder Teasdale heard and, being converted to the principle, obeyed the law of plural marriage, taking good, faithful women as his wives. His zeal in spreading the truth caused his selection as president of the Somerstown branch of the London conference. In addition to this he was clerk of the conference, auditor of the book agency accounts and president of the tract-distributing association. With all these duties his time was, of course, completely taken up, especially in view of the fact that his labor in these callings was entirely gratuitous, and he was compelled to devote a portion of his time to earning a livelihood; but in the year 1857, he was called upon to give his whole time to the work of the ministry. Obedience to this call required the giving up of an excellent position, and the breaking up of a pleasant, comfortable home. Elder Teasdale had determined to devote his life to the work of God. and here was an opportunity for nim to show how firm this determination was. He decided to accept the call, and in this course he was encouraged by his wife. He sold his possessions, made his wife as comfortable as possible and entered upon his new duties. The peace and joy which always accompany the performance of religious duties were felt by him, and he greatly enjoyed his labors, presiding over the Cambridge conference. Though often footsore and weary from his long walks, the Spirit of the Lord brought happiness to his heart. In 1858, he presided over three conferences, the Wiltshire, Landsend and South conferences; in 1859, he was given charge of the Scottish mission, which included the Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee conferences. In 1861 he was released to come to Zion. Here another trial awaited him. Two of his children had died and two were still spared. From his long missionary labor, his means were all exhausted, and he and his family were compelled to make the ocean voyage in the steerage of an emigrant ship, the "Underwriter." On his arrival in Florence, Nebraska, he was called to assist Elder Jacob Gates in keeping the accounts, etc., of the emigration. owing to which he did not leave there until the last company of the season arrived, then he crossed the plains in Captain Sextus E. Johnson's company, which arrived in Great Salt Lake valley Sept. 27, 1861. Here he found a new experience, and for the first six months taught school in the Twentieth Ward, Salt Lake City. He also became associated with the Tabernacle choir, under the leadership of Brother James Smithies. In 1862 he was engaged to take charge of Pres. Brigham Young's merchandise store by which he had the privilege of becoming familiar with that excellent man and his family. In the fall of 1867 he took charge of the General Tithing Store, and in 1868 was appointed on a mission to England. He crossed the plains with mule teams, and on his arrival in New York stayed to assist in that season's emigration, at the close of which he crossed the ocean in the steamship "City of Antwerp," with Elder Albert Carrington, who was on his first mission to England, and Jesse N. Smith, who was appointed to the charge of the Scandinavian Mission. On his arrival in Liverpool, Sept. 9, 1868, he was appointed to labor in the "Millennial Star" office. The next year, being called to assist Elder William C. Staines In the emigration business at New York, he crossed the ocean in the steamship "Colorado," and remained there until the close of that season's emigration, returning home in the fall of 1869. Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution was then being started, and he obtained employment in that institution, from one responsibility to an other, until he had charge of the produce department. In 1875 he was appointed on a mission to the Southern States, and labored in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. On being released in the fall of 1876, he returned home by way of Philadelphia, visited the Centennial Exhibition and the Niagara Falls. On reaching Salt Lake City, after resting awhile, he was again employed in Zion's Co-operative Institution. Being called to the charge of the Juab Stake of Zion, he was ordained a High Priest and set apart for this position under the hands of Pres. Brigham Young. This caused him to resign an excellent position in Z. C. M. I., but he soon found suitable ways and means by which he could comfortably sustain his family. While residing in Nephi he was engaged in the tithing office, took contracts for the construction of a portion of the Utah Southern Railroad, acted as president of the Nephi Co-operative Store, and was also connected with other enterprises. He also served in two sessions of the Utah legislature, namely those of 1880 and 1882. In October, 1882, he was called by revelation to the Apostleship and was ordained to that high and holy position Oct. 13, 1882, by Pres. John Taylor. Tn 1883 he took a six months mission to the Indian Territory, returning to Salt Lake City in October, 1883. In 1884 his labors were chiefly among the Saints from Snake river, Idaho, north, to St. George, Washington county, Utah, south. He also visited the Temples of Logan and St. George, attending
to work in ordinances for the dead, etc. In January, 1885, he left home on a visit to the Saints in the southern country, in Nevada and Arizona. From there he went to Old Mexico, and assisted in forming a colony in that land. Thence he was called on a mission to Europe, to assist Pres. Daniel H. Wells, and afterwards to succeed him in the presidency of the European Mission. He arrived in Liverpool Nov. 30, 1886, and after traveling quite extensively in the various conferences of Great Britain, he entered upon the responsible duties of his office as president of the mission in February, 1887. He acted in that capacity till 1890, when he was released to return home. While on that mission he traveled through France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the British Isles. Since his ordination to the Apostleship, Elder Teasdale's life has been almost entirely devoted to his calling in the Church. If not absent from home on foreign missions, he has spent his time in traveling among the Stakes of Zion, preaching to the people and exhorting them to live lives of Latter-day Saints. In all his labors at home or abroad, he has always taken advantage of every opportunity to lift his voice against sin and iniquity, and to declare the glad message of great joy which is so dear to him. Throughout all his ministry he has appeared to have the same spirit which was exhibited by Paul of old when he said, "Woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel." Notwithstanding the years Brother Teasdale has spent in the missionary field and in laboring among the Saints at home, he has felt at times that he was not reaching enough ears, and this feeling prompted him to write the tracts. "Glad Tidings of Great Joy." and "The Restoration of the Everlasting Gospel," thousands of which have been distributed by our missionaries in the world. "Elder Teasdale," writes Elder Hugh
J. Cannon, "has always been greatly interested in the Sunday school work. While president of the Juab Stake, he also acted as Stake Superintendent of Sabbath Schools, and for some time he was teacher of the primary class in the vestry of the Nephi Tabernacle. For
several years past he has been a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board. In his talks to the children he endeavors to impress upon their minds the value of a well-spent life and the necessity of living near to the Lord, and in this connection reminds them of the importance of keeping the Word of Wisdom. * * * One of the most striking characteristics of Apostle Teasdale is that he is always the same. Wherever you meet him he has the same genial, quiet way which makes, friends of all with whom he comes in contact. And one of the first impressions made on new acquaintances is that he is a man of God. His life has been so taken up with his spiritual duties that he takes more delight in conversing on this subject than on any other. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh," is well illustrated in the case of Apostle Teasdale. His heart is full of the gospel, and of a love for his fellowmen, and knowing so well how the principles of truth have benefited him, and that mankind can not do without them and make a success of this life, he takes delight in bringing these principles to their attention. On every question which comes before him for consideration, his first desire is to find out what the will of the Lord is on the subject, and few men are more tenacious than he in doing what he understands the will of the Lord to be. Not only does Apostle Teasdale preach the gospel, but he endeavors by his daily life to show that he believes what he teaches. If an honest, upright life will benefit others, it will also benefit him. His life is spent, therefore, in striving, by precept and example, to lift mankind through the saving principles of truth, to a higher plane." (See also "Juvenile Instructor," Vol. 35, p. 353.)
Jenson, Andrew. "Teasdale, George." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 3. pg. 790-791.
TEASDALE, George, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. (Continued from Vol. 1:144.) Apostle Teasdale, continuing his apostolic labors, assisted in re-organizing the Saints in Utah county, organizing them into three Stakes of Zion, namely, Utah, Alpine and Nebo. He continued traveling in the different Stakes, assisting in the organizing of Wards, etc. Bro. Teasdale died in Salt Lake City June 9, 1907. The "Deseret Evening News" at the time of his demise published the following editorially: "Another faithful servant of the Most High, Elder George Teasdale, of the Apostles' Quorum, has been released from his earthly mission and called to another sphere of action. His was a long and useful life. For a quarter of a century he has occupied the exalted and responsible position of an Apostle of the Lord in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he has been singularly blessed in his labors in the ministry, at home and abroad. Elder Teasdale was a conspicuous type of a spirituality that our religion produces. This was in fact his leading trait of character. Amid the toil and privations entailed by the struggle for material existence in pioneer Utah and pioneer Mexico, he still retained the sweetness of his spirituality, and that was indeed of a high order. The great theme of his discourses was the atonement of our Savior, and the way in which his precious blood cleanses all men who will succeed Him, from their sins. The subtle distinction in point of doctrine, the careful and detailed explanation of some idea in theology, the defense by the cannonade of argument, of an assailed position—these he left to others. He concerned himself mainly with the simple and tender story of the cross. The main thing with him was the work of the Redeemer of the world, and how it can touch the conduct of men. The Lord gave him light to see it. His long and useful life was an example of faithfulness and devotion to his religious ideal, a zeal for the truth tempered by calm judgment and an unyielding adherence to whatever he regarded as the call of duty, conscience, and God. Elder George Teasdale has gone to his rest and his reward. His life's work is done. He has fought the good faith and won the fight. He died in a full hope of a life beyond this narrow vale and of a glorious resurrection from the dead. To him heaven was as real as earthlife, the existence of God as certain as his own."
TEASDALE, George, a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. (Continued from Vol. 1:144.) Apostle Teasdale, continuing his apostolic labors, assisted in re-organizing the Saints in Utah county, organizing them into three Stakes of Zion, namely, Utah, Alpine and Nebo. He continued traveling in the different Stakes, assisting in the organizing of Wards, etc. Bro. Teasdale died in Salt Lake City June 9, 1907. The "Deseret Evening News" at the time of his demise published the following editorially: "Another faithful servant of the Most High, Elder George Teasdale, of the Apostles' Quorum, has been released from his earthly mission and called to another sphere of action. His was a long and useful life. For a quarter of a century he has occupied the exalted and responsible position of an Apostle of the Lord in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and he has been singularly blessed in his labors in the ministry, at home and abroad. Elder Teasdale was a conspicuous type of a spirituality that our religion produces. This was in fact his leading trait of character. Amid the toil and privations entailed by the struggle for material existence in pioneer Utah and pioneer Mexico, he still retained the sweetness of his spirituality, and that was indeed of a high order. The great theme of his discourses was the atonement of our Savior, and the way in which his precious blood cleanses all men who will succeed Him, from their sins. The subtle distinction in point of doctrine, the careful and detailed explanation of some idea in theology, the defense by the cannonade of argument, of an assailed position—these he left to others. He concerned himself mainly with the simple and tender story of the cross. The main thing with him was the work of the Redeemer of the world, and how it can touch the conduct of men. The Lord gave him light to see it. His long and useful life was an example of faithfulness and devotion to his religious ideal, a zeal for the truth tempered by calm judgment and an unyielding adherence to whatever he regarded as the call of duty, conscience, and God. Elder George Teasdale has gone to his rest and his reward. His life's work is done. He has fought the good faith and won the fight. He died in a full hope of a life beyond this narrow vale and of a glorious resurrection from the dead. To him heaven was as real as earthlife, the existence of God as certain as his own."
Jenson, Andrew. "Teasdale, George." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 320, 345.
TEASDALE, George, president of the British Mission from 1887 to 1890, died June 9, 1907. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 144, and Vol. 3, p. 790.)
TEASDALE, George, president of the Indian Territory Mission in 1883, died June 9, 1907. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 144, also Vol. 3, p. 790.)
TEASDALE, George, president of the British Mission from 1887 to 1890, died June 9, 1907. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 144, and Vol. 3, p. 790.)
TEASDALE, George, president of the Indian Territory Mission in 1883, died June 9, 1907. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 144, also Vol. 3, p. 790.)
Cannon, Hugh J. "Lives of Our Leaders - The Apostles: George Teasdale." Juvenile Instructor. 15 June 1900. pg. 352-357.
LIVES OF OUR LEADERS—THE APOSTLES. GEORGE TEASDALE. THAT the Lord loves humility and integrity in men, was evident when He, through His servants, chose George Teasdale to be an Apostle. Like most of his colleagues, the subject of this sketch rose from the humblest ranks in the Church. And with fidelity he has performed every duty resting upon him in his calling. Elder Teasdale's nature is intensely spiritual. When asked recently by the writer to what he attributed his success in the ministry, he replied, «To the fact that I have always tried to find out the will of the Lord, and then do it. 1 have tried to trust in the Lord and do good and honor Him in tithes and offerings.)' Those who know Elder Teasdale will see in these sentences the thought which is uppermost in his mind. .4s president of missions in the world he has endeavored to be directed in all that he did by the spirit of the Lord, and the following incidents, which are but two out of many which might be related, show how well he succeeded. A Danish brother was called to go on a mission to Germany. He could not understand why he should be sent to that land where he would have another language to learn, when there was such great need of Elders in his native country. Upon his arrival at Liverpool he stated the case to President Teasdale, thinking, of course, his mission would be changed to Denmark. Brother Teasdale thought a moment and then said, “You go to Germany in accordance with your call.” The Elder, of course, did so, and the wisdom of the decision was made manifest before he had been there many months. He was sent into Schleswig- Holstein where he became acquainted with a number of Scandinavians who had come into the country to work on a big canal which was being constructed, and through him, directly and indirectly, many people were brought into the Church. It is not at all likely that he could have made as many converts had his mission been changed to Denmark. On another occasion he appointed an Elder to go to a certain field. After he had done so, a feeling came over him that he had made a mistake, and he at once changed the appointment to another place. Upon his making known to the Elder that a change had been decided upon, he exclaimed, That is right. I knew I should not go to the other place. It developed later that a sister who lived in the field where it had been decided to send the Elder was very sick, and she had seen him in a dream, a peculiar coat which he wore helping her to remember him. He administered to her, and she was made whole. As president of the Mexican Mission, Elder Teasdale was greatly beloved by those over whom he presided, and many incidents are related of his kindness. Not only did he visit among the poor, the sick, and the downcast, and aid them with his cheering words, but, although not rich himself, his purse was always open to those who were in need. But notwithstanding his kindness, he can rebuke his brethren and sisters when occasion requires. It is quite noticeable that in a mild, quiet way, he makes his decisions and usually brings people to his way of thinking; but he has the firmness, when firmness is required, to carry his ideas out. George Teasdale was born in London, England, on the 8th of December, 1831. His parents were William Russel and Harriet Henrietta Tidey Teasdale. Being naturally of a studious and thoughtful disposition, he obtained the best education that could be had at the public schools and the London University. After leaving school, he entered the office of an architect and surveyor. He did not remain in this employment long, owing to the dishonesty of the employer. Later he learned the upholstering business. Although his mother was a member of the Established Church of England, he was not at all impressed by the doctrines which were advanced and was not confirmed into the church. Still, he received many impressions on religious subjects from his mother, and from his childhood up he was a student of the scriptures. In the year 1851, he learned for the first time something of the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. This information came to him through a tract issued by the tract society of the Church of England, entitled ((Mormonism.)) It is not at all strange that Brother Teasdale, with the great majority of people in the community in which he lived, should have been filled with prejudice against the Mormons, he having of course heard of them as being a low and degraded people. Shortly after this, a man who belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came to work at the establishment where Brother Teasdale was employed. Although this brother was a plain, unassuming man, he bore a powerful testimony, and there was no doubt in his mind as to the truthfulness of this work. His fellow-workmen ridiculed him and argued with him, but he was never overcome. So impressive was this humble man's testimony that at least one of his associates was led to investigate the principles of the Gospel as he explained them. Brother Teasdale became interested in this unpopular religion, and, as is always the case, he met with opposition from his friends and acquaintances. They endeavored to show him the folly of the step which they feared he was about to make, and told him that all his bright prospects for life would be ruined if he persisted in such a course. But when a mind such as that possessed by George Teasdale becomes convinced that a thing is right, it requires more than the opposition of friends to turn it from its purpose. Therefore, without allowing their ridicule to alter his determination, he rendered obedience to what he knew was a law of God. After his baptism, August 8th, 1852, he, like nearly all young converts, felt that many would believe his testimony. The Gospel was so plain to him, and as he had nothing to gain by testifying to something that was not true, he felt that all who heard him must be convinced. However he learned by experience, during his very early days in the Church, that it is a difficult matter to convert this generation to the truth. He was ordained a Priest and later an Elder, and spent much of his time in preaching and giving lectures on religious subjects. During this time he learned how necessary it is to have the Spirit of the Lord in speaking on the principles of the Gospel. He had very little time for study, and, he tells us, he was not naturally a speaker, his first efforts in this direction being total failures; but later when he was called to go out to speak, he dedicated his labors to the Lord and asked His assistance and of course was successful. While laboring in this way Elder Teasdale made the acquaintance of Miss Emily Emma Brown, and in the year 1853 they were married. From this time until her death in 1874, this good lady was a great help to her husband. In the course of his ministry in England they had many trials to pass through—trials of poverty, of being ridiculed by former friends—but through it all Sister Teasdale was ever the true, consistent Latter-day Saint, helping her husband by her counsel and by the fortitude which she exhibited during all the trials through which they passed. Later in life Elder Teasdale heard and, being converted to the principle, obeyed the law of plural marriage, taking good, faithful women as his wives. His zeal in spreading the truth caused his selection as president of the Somerstown Branch of the London Conference. In addition to this he was clerk of the conference, auditor of the book agency accounts, and president of the tract distributing association. With all these duties his time was, of course, completely taken up, especially in view of the fact that his labor in these callings was entirely gratuitous, and he was compelled to devote a portion of his time to earning a livelihood, but in the year 1857, he was called upon to give his whole time to the work of the ministry. Obedience to this call required the giving up of an excellent position, and the breaking up of a pleasant, comfortable home. Elder Teasdale had determined to devote his life to the work of God, and here was an opportunity for him to show how firm this determination was. He decided to accept the call, and in this course he was encouraged by his wife. He sold his possessions, made his wife as comfortable as possible and entered upon his new duties. The peace and joy which always accompany the performance of religious duties were felt by him, and he greatly enjoyed his labors, presiding over the Cambridge Conference. Though often footsore and weary from his long walks, the Spirit of the Lord brought happiness to his heart. In 1858, he presided over three conferences, the Wiltshire, Landsend and South Conferences; in 1859, he was given charge of the Scottish Mission. In 1861, he was released to come to Zion. Here another trial awaited him. Two of his children had died and two were still spared. From his long missionary labor, his means were all exhausted, and he and his family were compelled to make the ocean voyage in the steerage of an emigrant ship. His experience in crossing the Plains with ox teams was much the same as that of others, which has now gone into history and is more or less familiar to all our readers. After his arrival in the valley. Elder Teasdale taught school for some little time in the Twentieth ward, and later took charge of President Young's merchandise store under the direction of Bishop H. B. Clawson. Having a very good tenor voice, he joined the Tabernacle and ward choirs and also the Salt Lake Dramatic Association. To this organization he was of great assistance, especially in the singing parts. In 1867, he was appointed to take charge of the General Tithing Office in Salt Lake City. In 1868, he was called to go on a mission to Great Britain. After being detained some little time in New York, assisting with the emigration, he sailed for England in company with Elders Albert Carrington and Jesse N. Smith, who were going to preside over the European and Scandinavian missions. While on this mission Elder Teasdale acted as assistant editor of the Millennial Star, and developed into a vigorous writer. Returning to New York, he assisted Elder Wm. C. Staines with the season's emigration and preached the Gospel in that city and the surrounding country. After his return to Zion from this mission he accepted a position with the Z. C. M. I., first in the drug department and afterwards with the produce department, where he was placed in charge and worked up a business amounting to several hundred thousand dollars per annum. During this time he was kept busy with his duties in the Church as home missionary and in visiting the Sunday Schools and young people's associations. From 1875 to 1876, he preached the Gospel in the Southern States, principally in Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia. In the summer of 1877, Elder Teasdale was called to preside over the Juab Stake of Zion. He was ordained a High Priest and set apart for this position under the hands of President Brigham Young. He was engaged in the tithing office, took contracts for the construction of a portion of the Utah Southern Railroad, was president of the Nephi Co-operative Store and was also connected with other enterprises. He served in two sessions of the Legislature, 1880 and 1882. On the 13th of October 1882, he was called into the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and was ordained by President John Taylor. From this time up to the present. Elder Teasdale's life has been almost entirely devoted to his calling in the Church. When he has not been absent from home on foreign missions, he has spent his time in traveling among the stakes of Zion, preaching to the people and exhorting them to live lives of Latter-day Saints. In all his labors at home or abroad, he has always taken advantage of every opportunity to lift his voice against sin and iniquity, and to declare the glad message of great joy which is so dear to him. Throughout all his ministry he has appeared to have the same spirit which was exhibited by Paul of old when he said, «Woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel." Since his ordination to the Apostleship, he has filled missions to the Indian Territory, the Southern States, Old Mexico and Great Britain, where he presided over the European Mission for four years. While occupying this position he traveled through France, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the British Isles. In Mexico he did much toward the establishment of the colonies of our people. Being so far from the headquarters of the Church he was naturally looked to for advice and counsel by the members of the Church in that land. Notwithstanding the years Brother Teasdale has spent in the missionary field and in laboring among the Saints at home, he has felt at times that he was not reaching enough ears, and this feeling prompted him to write the tracts, “Glad Tidings of Great Joy,” and “The Restoration of the Everlasting Gospel,” thousands of which have been distributed by our missionaries in the world. Elder Teasdale has always been greatly interested in the Sunday School work. While president of the Juab Stake, he also acted as Stake Superintendent of Sabbath Schools, and for some time he was teacher of the primary class in the vestry of the Nephi Tabernacle. For several years past he has been a member of the Deseret Sunday School Union Board. In his talks to the children he endeavors to impress upon their minds the value of a well-spent life and the necessity of living near to the Lord, and in this connection reminds them of the importance of keeping the Word of Wisdom. He often gets the children to join him in singing the hymn written by Eliza R. Snow, «In our Lovely Deseret," and advises them to learn this hymn and to carry out in their lives the sentiments it contains. One of the most striking characteristics of Apostle Teasdale is that he is always the same. Wherever you meet him he has the same genial, quiet way which makes friends of all with whom he comes in contact. And one of the first impressions made on new acquaintances is that he is a man of God. His life has been so taken up with his spiritual duties that he takes more delight in conversing on this subject than on any other. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,” is well illustrated in the case of Apostle Teasdale. His heart is full of the Gospel, and of a love for his fellowmen, and knowing so well how the principles of truth have benefited him, and that mankind can not do without them and make a success of this life, he takes delight in bringing these principles to their attention. On every question which comes before him for consideration, his first desire is to find out what the will of the Lord is on the subject, and few men are more tenacious than he in doing what he understands the will of the Lord to be. Not only does Apostle Teasdale preach the Gospel, but he endeavors by his daily life to show that he believes what he teaches. If an honest, upright life will benefit others, it will also benefit him. His life is spent, therefore, in striving, by precept and example, to lift mankind, through the saving principles of truth, to a higher plane. Hugh J. Cannon. |
APOSTLE GEORGE TEASDALE
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"The Late Elder George Teasdale." Juvenile Instructor. 1 July 1907. pg. 400-401.
THE LATE ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE. WE confess to a feeling of disappointment and regret experienced while reading the strangely incomplete and bewilderingly vague obituary biographies that appeared in most of our newspapers in connection with the publication of the death of our beloved brother, Elder George Teasdale, of the quorum of Twelve Apostles, and a member of the General Board of the Deseret Sunday School Union; in fact, we felt impressed that the writer or writers of these notices were to a very great extent strangers to the lifelong labors of love of Brother Teasdale, and that what they knew of him was largely second hand. George Teasdale was born in London, England, on the 8th of December, 1831. He first heard the glorious tidings of the gospel in 1851, and was baptized by Elder Robert Till, August 8th, 1852. He was soon after ordained a priest and later an elder (by Elder John Tuddenham, April, 1854.) His zeal in proclaiming the Truth caused him to be chosen as president of the SomersTown Branch, then one of the most vigorous and largest branches of the London Conferences; to which, in fact, belonged an unusually large proportion of brethren who have since become prominent in Church history. In addition to his branch presidency, Elder Teasdale also filled several important conference offices, the duties of which occupied much of his time and attention. In the spring of 1857 he was called into the active ministry and appointed president of the Cambridge, England, Conference. The next year, 1858, he was called to preside in the South District or Pastorate, which included the Land's End, South, and Wiltshire Conferences; in 1859 he was given charge of the Church in Scotland, which was at that time divided into the Glasgow, Dundee, and Edinburgh conferences. In 1861 he was released from the traveling ministry to emigrate to Zion. He crossed the Atlantic on the ship "Underwriter;" journeyed across the plains in Captain Sextus E. Johnson's company, and reached the Salt Lake valley, September 27th. 1861. For the first six months after his arrival, he taught school in the Twentieth Ward of Salt Lake City. The next year, (1862), he took charge of President Brigham Young's merchandise store, then situated immediately north of the Beehive House; in 1867 he was given the management of the General Tithing Store, and the next year was called on a mission to Great Britain, where he arrived September 9th, 1868, being appointed to labor in the editorial department of the Millennial Star office. The following year he assisted Elder Wil Ham C. Staines with the business of the Church emigration at New York, and returned home in the fall of 1869. At home, his time was occupied in the service of Z. C. M. I.; and in 1875 he was again called on a mission—this time to the Southern States, where he labored until the fall of 1876, principally in the States of Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. In the summer of 1877 Elder Teasdale was appointed President of the Juab Stake of Zion. He was a member of the Utah Territorial legislature at two of its sessions, 1880 and 1882; and was called to the apostleship by divine revelation in October of the latter year, being ordained to that calling by President John Taylor, October 13th, 1882. In 1883 he went on a mission to the Indian Territory, and did much in laying the foundations of what is now the flourishing Central States Mission. In 1885 he paid an extended visit among the southern settlements of the saints, traveling as far as Mexico, which for a number of years after became his permanent home, and he greatly assisted in the development of the Juarez Stake and other colonies of the Saints in that land, as he was called to preside over the members of the Church in that republic. In 1886 he was again called to preach the gospel in Europe, arriving in Liverpool, November 30th, 1886, and succeeded to the presidency of that mission in February, 1887. In 1890 he was released from this responsibility to return home. Since then he has spent much of his time strengthening the Saints in Mexico, and when released from the duties of that important position, he again made his home at Nephi, and later in Salt Lake City. His time during these latter years has been almost wholly occupied in traveling among the stakes of Zion. All his life Brother Teasdale has been an active supporter of the great Sunday School cause; he loved the Sunday School work; it was natural to him; it was in entire accord with his loving, sympathetic disposition. When presiding in the Juab Stake he also acted as its superintendent of Sunday Schools. He also was an active school officer and class teacher, and in December, 1896, was chosen a member of the General Board of the Union, which position he magnified with zealous, loving care, as far as his numerous other weighty and important callings would permit, and continued in all of them faithful to the last. He died, after a short illness, at his home in Salt Lake City on the evening of Sunday, June 9th, 1907, and his funeral took place at the Assembly Hall on the afternoon of Wednesday, the 12th. |
Thomas, Daniel H. "Elder George Teasdale of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles." Young Woman's Journal. August 1907. pg. 343-345.
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE, of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Daniel H. Thomas.
It has been taught that the spirits of men who come to this earth select, in a measure, their parentage and also the time when they will enter upon the labors of this life. It is taught that God fixes the bounds of man’s habitation, and that many were selected or chosen by the Father to come to the earth in this day and take part in the reestablishment of God’s work in this period of the history of the world. Just how important in a planet’s history is the life of one man, we do not know, but our associations with men show us the parts they play in the world’s great drama; what effect their lives have upon others, and whether the world is made better for their having lived in it.
Elder George Teasdale was in many respects different from other men. His early life having been spent in London, England, where he was born December 8, 1831, he was brought up in the customs and training of that city. He did not receive the training of the frontiersman, of whose life he later saw so much, but was given an education in the schools and University of London. When the gospel found him, he was perhaps little prepared for a life such as the pioneers lived in the early settlement of the valleys of Utah. But one acquainted with Brother Teasdale can see how the Lord prepared him for the life which awaited him. God did not intend to gather Israel all from one nation, nor did He choose His servants all from one city; but rather did He gather them from many nations and many cities that the good qualities of each people might be represented and the whole mass of people be benefited thereby. Just such qualities as Brother Teasdale possessed were indispensable to the accomplishment of God’s purposes in Zion.
Elder Teasdale was born among those not poor and ignorant, neither among the rich or highly educated, but among a middle class. His parents were William Russell Teasdale and Harriet Henrietta Tidey. He was sent to school early and acquired a more liberal education than many of those accepting the gospel in those early days. After having completed his school work, he entered the offices of an architect and surveyor, with the intention of making this his vocation, but soon thereafter, upon becoming more acquainted with this employer, left this employ and began in the upholstering business. It was while working in this calling that he heard the gospel, in 1851. He first heard of the church through a tract written and distributed for the purpose of opposing the gospel’s spread in that city. But something whispered of the truth of the doctrines assailed. And while his fellow-laborers ridiculed the idea Brother Teasdale had in his heart the good soil into which the seed, when once fallen, sprang up, and, in his after life produced an hundred fold.
Notwithstanding the arguments of his companions, he embraced the gospel of Christ, was baptized August 8, 1851, and became one of its most enthusiastic advocates, f r he had determined to devote his life to the advancement of God’s work.
The first ten years after hearing the gospel, Brother Teasdale spent in England and Scotland laboring in the ministry. He held a number of church positions, was eminently successful in reaching the hearts of men, and many accepted his testimony and came into the church.
In 1861 he was released from his missionary labors to come to Zion. He realized that life in the western wilderness was much different from what he had met in London, and the other parts of Europe where he had traveled, and while it must have taken a great effort, he left England. He crossed the ocean in the steamship “Underwriter,” and arrived in Great Salt Lake Valley September 27, 1861. Here he found life entirely different, except that the gospel was ever the same to him no matter where he might be. He became acquainted with President Young and engaged as manager of his store, and later as manager of the General Tithing Office Store in Salt Lake City.
In 1868, he returned to England as a missionary, crossing the ocean in the steamship “City of Antwerp,” but was released a year later to assist in the emigration business in New York, re-crossing the water in the steamship “Colorado.” On Brother Teasdale’s return to Zion, he was employed in Z. C. M. I., which was then being established. In 1875, he was called to the Southern States on a mission and returned home one year later after having labored in a number of states.
Shortly after his return from the South, he was appointed to preside over Juab Stake of Zion, whereupon he removed his family to Nephi, Utah, which remained his home until a few months prior to his death. In 1882, in the month of October, Elder Teasdale was called by revelation to be one of the twelve apostles, and was ordained to that office by President John Taylor. The next year he filled a few months’ mission to the Indian Territory.
In 1885, the church having determined to establish colonies in Old Mexico. Brother Teasdale led a colony to that country. Here he remained for a number of years and firmly established himself in the affections of the people. This was manifestly shown when the writer accompanied Brother Teasdale and his wife on a visit in May, 1903. The saints were thriving and prospering and loved the man who had helped them to establish their homes. In 1887, Brother Teasdale was called again to England, to preside over the European Mission. While acting in this capacity, he traveled in many parts of Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, and the British Isles. He was released in 1890, and returning home, devoted his time to preaching the gospel among the Saints in Zion. As his home was at Nephi, Utah, he was required to be away from his family a great deal of the time, which he often remarked was a source of regret to him. He gave much of his attention to the work of the Sunday Schools, and perhaps no man was ever more prompt in attendance upon such duties.
Apostle Teasdale went to Old Mexico again in the winter of 1904. There he remained for more than two years, laboring among the Saints in the colonies he had been instrumental in establishing more than twenty years before. While here he had a severe attack of sickness and it was only by means or the most careful nursing and the blessing of the Almighty that his life was spared. He survived this illness, but it had a destructive effect upon his constitution from which he never entirely recovered. In the summer of 1906, he and his wife returned from Mexico and in October of that year located in Sugar Ward, Salt Lake County, Utah, where Brother Teasdale lived at the time of his death.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, 1907, Brother Teasdale attended the quarterly conference of the Nebo Stake of Zion at Payson, Utah. While there he contracted a severe cold. His condition became rather acute, but it was not thought by the family nor by his physician that it was at all serious. But the call to fill another mission had come and that to a different field of labor. On the evening of June 9, 1907, his spirit passed from this life into the Paradise of God.
From the day Elder George Teasdale first heard the gospel its testimony was ever in his heart. He set his hand to the plow and did not look backward. He knew an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ was called to be a special witness for God; that such an one was to devote his time and talents to bearing witness that the gospel of salvation has been restored. His attention was not divided between his calling in the priesthood and the ambitions of this world. His life was quiet, his manner was gentle, and his daily walk and conversation were worthy of imitation. He always endeavored to impress one with the idea that there is nothing to be compared with the “value of a well-spent life,” which expression he frequently used. And if the elders who preach the gospel are to be greeted by those to whom they bore the testimony of Jesus, and they surely are, a multitude who accepted his presentation of the message of life will rejoice with him in the Hereafter.
ELDER GEORGE TEASDALE, of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Daniel H. Thomas.
It has been taught that the spirits of men who come to this earth select, in a measure, their parentage and also the time when they will enter upon the labors of this life. It is taught that God fixes the bounds of man’s habitation, and that many were selected or chosen by the Father to come to the earth in this day and take part in the reestablishment of God’s work in this period of the history of the world. Just how important in a planet’s history is the life of one man, we do not know, but our associations with men show us the parts they play in the world’s great drama; what effect their lives have upon others, and whether the world is made better for their having lived in it.
Elder George Teasdale was in many respects different from other men. His early life having been spent in London, England, where he was born December 8, 1831, he was brought up in the customs and training of that city. He did not receive the training of the frontiersman, of whose life he later saw so much, but was given an education in the schools and University of London. When the gospel found him, he was perhaps little prepared for a life such as the pioneers lived in the early settlement of the valleys of Utah. But one acquainted with Brother Teasdale can see how the Lord prepared him for the life which awaited him. God did not intend to gather Israel all from one nation, nor did He choose His servants all from one city; but rather did He gather them from many nations and many cities that the good qualities of each people might be represented and the whole mass of people be benefited thereby. Just such qualities as Brother Teasdale possessed were indispensable to the accomplishment of God’s purposes in Zion.
Elder Teasdale was born among those not poor and ignorant, neither among the rich or highly educated, but among a middle class. His parents were William Russell Teasdale and Harriet Henrietta Tidey. He was sent to school early and acquired a more liberal education than many of those accepting the gospel in those early days. After having completed his school work, he entered the offices of an architect and surveyor, with the intention of making this his vocation, but soon thereafter, upon becoming more acquainted with this employer, left this employ and began in the upholstering business. It was while working in this calling that he heard the gospel, in 1851. He first heard of the church through a tract written and distributed for the purpose of opposing the gospel’s spread in that city. But something whispered of the truth of the doctrines assailed. And while his fellow-laborers ridiculed the idea Brother Teasdale had in his heart the good soil into which the seed, when once fallen, sprang up, and, in his after life produced an hundred fold.
Notwithstanding the arguments of his companions, he embraced the gospel of Christ, was baptized August 8, 1851, and became one of its most enthusiastic advocates, f r he had determined to devote his life to the advancement of God’s work.
The first ten years after hearing the gospel, Brother Teasdale spent in England and Scotland laboring in the ministry. He held a number of church positions, was eminently successful in reaching the hearts of men, and many accepted his testimony and came into the church.
In 1861 he was released from his missionary labors to come to Zion. He realized that life in the western wilderness was much different from what he had met in London, and the other parts of Europe where he had traveled, and while it must have taken a great effort, he left England. He crossed the ocean in the steamship “Underwriter,” and arrived in Great Salt Lake Valley September 27, 1861. Here he found life entirely different, except that the gospel was ever the same to him no matter where he might be. He became acquainted with President Young and engaged as manager of his store, and later as manager of the General Tithing Office Store in Salt Lake City.
In 1868, he returned to England as a missionary, crossing the ocean in the steamship “City of Antwerp,” but was released a year later to assist in the emigration business in New York, re-crossing the water in the steamship “Colorado.” On Brother Teasdale’s return to Zion, he was employed in Z. C. M. I., which was then being established. In 1875, he was called to the Southern States on a mission and returned home one year later after having labored in a number of states.
Shortly after his return from the South, he was appointed to preside over Juab Stake of Zion, whereupon he removed his family to Nephi, Utah, which remained his home until a few months prior to his death. In 1882, in the month of October, Elder Teasdale was called by revelation to be one of the twelve apostles, and was ordained to that office by President John Taylor. The next year he filled a few months’ mission to the Indian Territory.
In 1885, the church having determined to establish colonies in Old Mexico. Brother Teasdale led a colony to that country. Here he remained for a number of years and firmly established himself in the affections of the people. This was manifestly shown when the writer accompanied Brother Teasdale and his wife on a visit in May, 1903. The saints were thriving and prospering and loved the man who had helped them to establish their homes. In 1887, Brother Teasdale was called again to England, to preside over the European Mission. While acting in this capacity, he traveled in many parts of Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, France, and the British Isles. He was released in 1890, and returning home, devoted his time to preaching the gospel among the Saints in Zion. As his home was at Nephi, Utah, he was required to be away from his family a great deal of the time, which he often remarked was a source of regret to him. He gave much of his attention to the work of the Sunday Schools, and perhaps no man was ever more prompt in attendance upon such duties.
Apostle Teasdale went to Old Mexico again in the winter of 1904. There he remained for more than two years, laboring among the Saints in the colonies he had been instrumental in establishing more than twenty years before. While here he had a severe attack of sickness and it was only by means or the most careful nursing and the blessing of the Almighty that his life was spared. He survived this illness, but it had a destructive effect upon his constitution from which he never entirely recovered. In the summer of 1906, he and his wife returned from Mexico and in October of that year located in Sugar Ward, Salt Lake County, Utah, where Brother Teasdale lived at the time of his death.
On Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, 1907, Brother Teasdale attended the quarterly conference of the Nebo Stake of Zion at Payson, Utah. While there he contracted a severe cold. His condition became rather acute, but it was not thought by the family nor by his physician that it was at all serious. But the call to fill another mission had come and that to a different field of labor. On the evening of June 9, 1907, his spirit passed from this life into the Paradise of God.
From the day Elder George Teasdale first heard the gospel its testimony was ever in his heart. He set his hand to the plow and did not look backward. He knew an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ was called to be a special witness for God; that such an one was to devote his time and talents to bearing witness that the gospel of salvation has been restored. His attention was not divided between his calling in the priesthood and the ambitions of this world. His life was quiet, his manner was gentle, and his daily walk and conversation were worthy of imitation. He always endeavored to impress one with the idea that there is nothing to be compared with the “value of a well-spent life,” which expression he frequently used. And if the elders who preach the gospel are to be greeted by those to whom they bore the testimony of Jesus, and they surely are, a multitude who accepted his presentation of the message of life will rejoice with him in the Hereafter.
"Little Deeds from Big Lives: They Sought His Will, Prayer and Obedience Brought Success." Instructor. November 1956. pg. 330.
Prayer and Obedience Brought Success GEORGE TEASDALE attributed his success in the ministry to the fact that he always tried to find out the will of the Lord and then carry it out. While serving as president of the European Mission, Brother Teasdale was visited by a Danish brother who was en route to the German Mission. The missionary could not understand why he should be sent to a land where he would have another language to learn when there was such a great need for elders in his native country. After stating his case to President Teasdale, he was sure his mission call would be changed from Germany to Denmark. After prayerfully considering the case, President Teasdale said, "You go to Germany in accordance with your call." It wasn't many months until the wisdom of this decision was manifest. The elder was assigned to Schleswig-Holstein, where he found a number of Scandinavians who had come to Germany to help in the construction of a big canal. Through this Danish elder, many people were brought into the Church who probably would not have been reached by a German speaking missionary.[1] On Oct. 13, 1882, George Teasdale was called to serve as a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles. He was ordained by President John Taylor. [1] Deacon's Course of Instruction, 1914, page 32. |
George Teasdale
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