John Taylor
Born: 1 November 1808
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 19 December 1838
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 10 April 1875
Sustained as President of the Church: 10 October 1880
Died: 25 July 1887
Called to Quorum of the Twelve: 19 December 1838
Became President of the Quorum of the Twelve: 10 April 1875
Sustained as President of the Church: 10 October 1880
Died: 25 July 1887
Talks About John Taylor
Oct 1875 - Wilford Woodruff - Mission of the Apostles
Oct 1877 - George Q. Cannon - Death of Joseph, Death of Brigham
Oct 1877 - George Q. Cannon - Death of Joseph, Death of Brigham
Biographical Articles
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 1
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 9 January 1875, A Journey Across the Plains
Contributor, August 1887, President John Taylor
Contributor, September 1892, "Life of John Taylor"
Young Woman's Journal, May 1905, Stories and Counsel of Prest. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, September 1915, Story of Pres. John Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1916, Prophecy of President John Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1916, The First Baptism in Ireland
Young Woman's Journal, November 1916, Told of President John Taylor
Improvement Era, November 1921, 113th Anniversary of Prest. John Taylor
Instructor, December 1938, John Taylor: The Champion of Liberty
Instructor, September 1940, John Taylor's Discussion with a French Scientist
Relief Society Magazine, October 1940, Excerpts from Life of John Taylor
Instructor, January 1948, Our Cover Photo
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds from Big Lives
Relief Society Magazine, July 1963, He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - President John Taylor
Instructor, December 1963, Organized for Posterity - John Taylor
Ensign, February 1980, The John Taylor Family
Ensign, March 1987, Among Family and Friends: John Taylor--Mission to the British Isles
Ensign, June 1993, Young John Taylor
Ensign, January 2003, John Taylor: Defender of Truth
Biographical Encyclopedia, Volume 4
Juvenile Instructor, 9 January 1875, A Journey Across the Plains
Contributor, August 1887, President John Taylor
Contributor, September 1892, "Life of John Taylor"
Young Woman's Journal, May 1905, Stories and Counsel of Prest. Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, September 1915, Story of Pres. John Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, January 1916, Prophecy of President John Taylor
Young Woman's Journal, October 1916, The First Baptism in Ireland
Young Woman's Journal, November 1916, Told of President John Taylor
Improvement Era, November 1921, 113th Anniversary of Prest. John Taylor
Instructor, December 1938, John Taylor: The Champion of Liberty
Instructor, September 1940, John Taylor's Discussion with a French Scientist
Relief Society Magazine, October 1940, Excerpts from Life of John Taylor
Instructor, January 1948, Our Cover Photo
Instructor, June 1956, Little Deeds from Big Lives
Relief Society Magazine, July 1963, He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - President John Taylor
Instructor, December 1963, Organized for Posterity - John Taylor
Ensign, February 1980, The John Taylor Family
Ensign, March 1987, Among Family and Friends: John Taylor--Mission to the British Isles
Ensign, June 1993, Young John Taylor
Ensign, January 2003, John Taylor: Defender of Truth
Jenson, Andrew. "Taylor, John." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 1. pg. 14-19.
TAYLOR, John, third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a son of James and Agnes Taylor, and was born Nov. 1, 1808, at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland county, England. His parents owned a small estate at the village of Hale, in that county. They were members of the Church of England, and he was brought up in the doctrines of that church until he was about fifteen years old. He then joined the Methodists, and was soon after appointed a local preacher, and continued as such until he left England about the year 1828 or 1829 His father's family had left about two years previously and gone to the neighborhood of the city of Toronto, upper Canada. After a. short residence in New York, Brooklyn and Albany, he visited his parents in Canada, and took up his residence at Toronto. At that city he married Miss Leonora Cannon, daughter of Captain Cannon, of the Isle of Man. who was a member of the Methodist society, to which John Taylor had attached himself on his arrival at Toronto. Here he united with a few sincere and well educated gentlemen in the search of the Scriptures, some of whom belonged to the Methodist society. In the course of their researches they became convinced of many important truths, such as the gathering of Israel, the restoration of the ten tribes, and the personal reign of Jesus on earth. They also believed in the necessity of revelation: of men being called of God to preach as they were formerly; of the gifts of prophecy, tongues healings and other gifts of the Holy Ghost. They came to the conclusion that the churches of the day had departed from the order of God, and were consequently corrupt and fallen, and that if the Bible was true, the religions of the day were false. With these convictions they fasted and prayed much, that if God had a church on the earth. He would send a messenger unto them. John Taylor heard, investigated and rejected Irvingism, and shortly after was waited upon by Elder Parley P. Pratt, with a letter of introduction from a merchant of . their mutual acquaintance. Having heard many of the stories current about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, he received Elder Pratt cautiously. After a rigid scrutiny, however, he and several of his friends believed the doctrines laid before them, and were baptized in 1836. Taylor was ordained an Elder by Elder Pratt, and was shortly after set apart, by Elders Pratt and Orson Hyde, as presiding Elder in upper Canada. During a visit of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Thomas B. Marsh (the latter then being president of the quorum of the Twelve), to Toronto in 1837, Elder Taylor was ordained (a High Priest) under their hands. He paid several visits to the Temple at Kirtland, Ohio, and was Joseph Smith's guest while there. During the great apostasy of 1837, when many leading men turned away and became so embittered against the Prophet that the lives of men who defended him were endangered, Elder John Taylor stood up boldly in the Kirtland Temple in the midst of foes, and with that eloquent power which came from God, and which ever characterized Elder Taylor's speech, declared that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the living God and had not fallen, as alleged by apostates. He was equally diligent in private conversation, in maintaining the integrity of the Prophet Joseph and spreading the gospel among the people. From Canada he removed to Kirtland by request of the Prophet. From Kirtland he removed to Missouri, joining the body of the Church at Far West in 1838. In his migration he preached the gospel on the way and organized a branch of the Church near Indianapolis, Ind. Before reaching Far West, he and a little company of twenty-four people encountered a mob, led by two ministers, Abbott Hancock, a Baptist, and Sashiel Woods, a Presbyterian. July 8, 1838, the Lord, by revelation, called Elder Taylor to the Apostleship to fill the vacancy occasioned by the fall of John F. Boynton. At a conference in Far West, Oct. 5, 1838, he was sustained by the vote of the Saints, and ordained an Apostle Dec. 19, 1838, by Apostles Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. Elder Taylor entered immediately upon the duties of his new calling, and as in all previous callings soon proved himself truly an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. While a resident of Missouri he shared in all the persecutions heaped upon the Saints. | He was so bold and powerful in his defense of their rights, and so terrible in his denunciations of the wicked, that he was designated "The Champion of Right," and this title was ever after accorded him by the Latter-day Saints. While Joseph and Hyrum Smith were imprisoned in Missouri Elder Taylor paid them several visits. He was selected by the Saints of Caldwell county one of a committee to draft a memorial to the legislature of Missouri, setting forth the persecutions, and asking that body for a redress of the wrongs imposed upon them. Himself and Bishop Partridge were also appointed to write a petition to the general government. Elder Taylor was among the number who, after the expulsion of the Saints from Missouri, returned to Far West to fulfil a revelation given July 8, 1838, that the Twelve were to take their departure for their mission to Europe April 26, 1839, from the Temple grounds at Far West. The enemy having learned of this revelation, swore that it should not be verified. They were baffled, however. The brethren arrived upon the spot soon after midnight, held a conference, excommunicated a number of persons, and ordained Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith to the Apostleship. On the 8th of August, Elder Taylor left Nauvoo for England. He was sick for eleven weeks on his way. He left his family in the old military barracks at Montrose, Iowa, in very poor circumstances. Most of the Twelve and many of the Saints were sick, having just passed through the persecutions and hardships attending their residence in and exodus from Missouri. Elder Taylor was a man of great faith in God and believed thoroughly in preaching the gospel "without purse or scrip." "When traveling to a certain destination, if he had but a pittance, he would purchase with that transportation in the best conveyances attainable, thus placing himself among the best educated people in his travels. When his means were exhausted, with an inexhaustible store of faith, he would stop and preach the gospel. The Lord would raise up friends who would give him money, with which he would proceed on his journey. In doing this he would never ask a human being for help. He asked the Lord, and his prayers never went unanswered. When they were about to sail from New York to Liverpool, he and two other brethren were almost destitute of means, not having sufficient to pay one passage, much less three. Notwithstanding their predicament, a very short time before the vessel was to sail Elder Taylor told one of his companions to go and engage passage for all three to Liverpool. His fellow-laborers were non-plussed and asked where on earth could they get means in so short a time. Elder Taylor answered that there was plenty of means in the world and the Lord would send them enough before the vessel sailed to pay their way. His words were most remarkably fulfilled. He asked no person for money, and yet immediately after he made the prediction one after another came to them and proffered assistance, until enough was provided to meet their expenses to Liverpool.. He arrived in Liverpool Jan. 11, 1840, and immediately commenced his missionary work, preaching, baptizing, organizing branches, and with his brethren regulating the Church throughout the British Isles. He introduced the gospel into Ireland and the Isle of Man, extending his labors into Scotland. He published several tracts, setting forth principles of the gospel and refuting falsehoods. He corrected the proof sheets of the Book of Mormon, and with President Young and. Elder Parley P. Pratt prepared and published the first edition of the Latter-day Saints' Hymn Book. While laboring on the Isle of Man he had secured the printing of some tracts, which he wrote in reply to the falsehoods circulated by ministers and others regarding the character and doctrines taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith. When the tracts were ready the printer would not deliver them until every penny was paid which was due him. Elder Taylor did not have sufficient to meet the demand, and being very anxious to obtain the! tracts went immediately into a private room, and, kneeling down, told the Lord in plain simplicity exactly how much he needed to pay for the matter he had published in defense of his cause. In a few minutes after his prayer was offered a young man came to the door, and upon being invited to enter handed Elder Taylor an envelope and walked out. The young man was unknown to him. The envelope contained some money and a little note which read: "The laborer is worthy of his hire," and no signature was placed thereon. In a few minutes later a poor woman engaged as a fish vender came to the house and offered a little money I to assist him in his ministerial labors. He told her there was plenty of money in the world and he did not wish to take her money. She insisted that the Lord would bless her the more and she would be happier if he would accept it, whereupon he received the offering and to his surprise the poor woman's mite, added to what the young man had given him, made exactly the amount sufficient to pay the printer the balance due him. After a very active and successful mission he returned to America, arriving in Nauvoo July 1, 1841. Upon his arrival home he found his wife very near to death, being seriously ill. He called to his aid about twenty Elders. They administered and prayed for her and she was restored to health. In October, 1841, John Taylor and Elias Higbee were appointed a committee to petition Congress for a redress of the wrongs heaped upon the Saints in Missouri. He was also appointed by the Prophet to present the petition. Elder Taylor edited the last three volumes of the "Times and Seasons," by appointment of the Prophet. He also edited and published the "Nauvoo Neighbor." As well as attending to his high calling in the Apostleship, he was a city councilman, one of the regents of the University, and Judge Advocate of the Nauvoo Legion, all of which he filled with ability and distinction. Elder Taylor was very firmly attached to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He often attended him in scenes of persecution and trial. When Joseph and Hyrum were taken to Carthage and lodged in jail on false charges, and was promised by the governor of the State protection from mob violence, and a fair trial, Elders John Taylor and Willard Richards accompanied them as friends, and were in the prison when the awful tragedy took place, which resulted in the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Just before the assault made upon the prisoners. Elder Taylor sang the hymn, "A poor wayfaring man of grief." By request of Hyrum Smith he sang it the second time, although he expressed himself as not feeling in a very favorable mood to sing. Between 4 and 5 o'clock p. m., June 27. 1844, an armed mob rushed up the stairs of Carthage jail leading to the apartment where the brethren were confined. ^They shot through the door, and a ball pierced the face of the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. While the mobbers were forcing the door open and pushing their guns through the opening, Elder Richards held the door the best he could, while Elder Taylor parried their guns off with his walking cane. Of a sudden the Prophet Joseph sprang to the window and leaped out. His motive in doing this could not have been to save his own life, for he sprang into the open fire of his enemies. It must have been, as believed by Elders Taylor and Richards, to save the lives of the two last named brethren, by calling the attention of the mob from the inside to the outside of the building. His action had the desired effect, for instantly the mob rushed from the stairway of the jail to the ground below, and concentrated their murderous fury upon the Prophet, as he fell a martyr by the curb of the old well by the side of Carthage jail. Elder Taylor ran to the window and was shot in and near the thigh with four balls. He was about to fall out from the window when a bullet struck the watch in his vest pocket and forced him back. He fell upon the floor, not knowing at first what had forced him back, and thus providentially saved his life. Elder Richards, who escaped unhurt, dragged him to a small room and covered him with an old bed. The mob soon dispersed in confusion, and as soon as convenient thereafter Elder Taylor was removed to Nauvoo, where he recovered, but carried one or more bullets to his grave forty-three years later. He was a man of wonderful vitality and nerve, bearing all physical pains, as he did trials and tribulations of another kind with fortitude unexcelled. Upon his restoration to health he resumed the performance of his duties, and was one with President Young and his brethren of the Twelve Apostles in presiding over the Church. He helped the Saints in their troubles by every means in his power, assisted in the completion of the Nauvoo Temple, and suffered the trials of another great exodus when the Saints were driven from their homes in Nauvoo. He journeyed with the first company of the brethren to Winter Quarters, assisted in organizing the Mormon Battalion, and was from this point called with Elders Orson Hyde and Parley P. Pratt on a mission to Great Britain. He responded cheerfully, again leaving his family in the wilderness in tents and wagons. He arrived in England Oct. 3, 1846, and performed an excellent work, in company with his associates regulating the affairs of the mission. He returned in the following spring and had charge of a large company of British Saints which entered Salt Lake Valley in the fall of 1847. He now spent two years in Salt Lake valley, and was active in founding and building Salt Lake City. He was ingenious in mechanism, and withal truly a philosopher under all circumstances. He built one of the first saw mills in Utah, and worked in it himself. March 12, 1849 he was chosen one of the associate judges of the provisional State of Deseret. In October, 1849, he was called on a mission to France, which he filled with marked ability and success. Upon his arrival "in Boulogne, 1850, he was challenged to a discussion with several clergymen, the proceedings of which, were published in pamphlet form in Liverpool and subsequently in Orson Pratt's works. His opponents found themselves utterly powerless to meet him upon Scriptural or reasonable grounds, and speedily resorted to subterfuges, lying and slanderous reports, all of which were refuted in a masterly manner by Elder Taylor. During his mission the Book of Mormon was translated into French and German under his direction, the latter being published in Hamburg, where he introduced the gospel. He also edited and published in France a monthly paper called "L'Etoile du Deseret," and in Germany a periodical entitled "Zion’s Panier." During his labors several branches of the Church were organized in France. He also wrote while upon this mission, and published it after his return, the sublime treatise entitled "The Government of God." After his return to Salt Lake valley Aug. 20, 1852, he labored with his hands, and traveled much, preaching the gospel among the Saints. In 1854, he was elected a member of the Territorial legislative council, but subsequently resigned this position to fill a mission in New York, and to preside over the Church in the Eastern States. At that particular time heavy attacks were being made upon the Latter-day Saints through the press. Elder Taylor published a paper called "The Mormon" in New York City, establishing his headquarters near the office of the noted writer and editor, James Gordon Bennett, to whose attacks Elder Taylor replied in such a vigorous manner as to surprise the anti-Mormon element in that city. His arguments were unanswerable, and as usual the opponents of the truth resorted to falsehood and buffoonery. He continued "The Mormon" until 1857, when he was called home on account of the threatened war against the Saints under the administration of President Buchanan, During the times and circumstances leading to the action of the government in sending an army to Utah, Elder Taylor was active and fearless in defending the rights of the Saints and denouncing the preachers and politicians who were industriously circulating falsehoods against the Saints. His replies to Vice-President Schuyler Colfax's ungentlemanly and unwarranted attacks upon the Saints exhibit the fearless character of the man, as well as the clearness of his mind in penetrating the right and wrong side of every proposition under consideration. He was very active in his efforts to secure the admission of the State of Deseret into the Union. It was upon his return from the publication of "The Mormon" that President Young designated Elder Taylor as the best editor of a paper among the Latter-day Saints. From this time on, for many years, his time was occupied in traveling, preaching, organizing and regulating the Church in the various settlements of the Saints. He was many times a member of the Utah legislature, and speaker of the House. As a legislator he showed marked ability. He also served as probate judge of Utah county. He was present at the dedication of the St. George Temple, the first built in Utah. He took part with President Young in the organization of the Stakes of Zion. At the death of President Young, Elder Taylor was president of the Twelve Apostles, and in October, 1880, was sustained as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Prophet, Seer and Revelator to the Church in all the world. Apostles Geo. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were chosen as his counselors. During the thirty-three years the Saints had lived in Utah, many had been emigrated from distant countries by the perpetual emigration fund and many of them were very much in debt to that fund. The year 1880 being the fiftieth or jubilee year since the organization of the Church, President Taylor was moved upon to forgive the people their debts to this fund, and thus as in olden times make the captive free. This was hailed with delight by the Saints, and is remembered by the grateful with a sense of love and esteem toward President John Taylor. President Taylor presided over the Church with dignity and ability. He traveled and visited the Saints, as. far as circumstances would permit. When the crusade against plural marriage came to be waged with bitterness, under the rule of the Edmunds-Tucker act. President Taylor, to prevent trouble and to place himself beyond the possibility of prosecution for an infraction of the law, lived in the Gardo House, having for housekeeper his venerable sister, Agnes Schwartz, while all his families occupied their own homes. He was a just man. Yet notwithstanding his observance of the law, his enemies were determined to arrest him, and if possible precipitate an eruption, which would give them a pretense for still stronger measures to oppress the Saints. Upon his return from a trip to Arizona and California he appeared in the large Tabernacle Feb. 1, 1884, and preached his last public discourse in that building. It was a powerful address, exhorting the Saints to faithfulness and forbearance, long suffering and charity in all their trials. From this time on until his decease he lived in exile, attending, however, from his place of seclusion by letters, epistles and otherwise to his public duties. During his exile one of his wives died, after a season of illness. During her sickness he was prevented from seeing- her, as her home was closely watched by miserable spotters, whose characters were as far beneath that of President Taylor as a slough of corruption is beneath the glittering rays of the celestial sun. Being denied necessary exercise, to which he was accustomed, he became enfeebled in body and his life shortened. He died in exile July 25, 1887, at Kaysville, Davis co., Utah, truly a double martyr. His life was shortened by exile from home, under the oppression of unjust men and measures. During the life of President Taylor he traveled thousands of miles for the gospel's sake without purse or scrip, baptized many people, organized numerous branches of the Church, published many tracts and several larger works introduced the gospel to new countries. He was the author of many choice hymns and poems. He received many revelations to guide him in his duties, as well as being a constant medium of inspiration, and received several revelations which were written for the guidance of the Church. Before the Prophet Joseph was martyred he said to President Taylor: "Elder Taylor, you have received the Holy Spirit, if you heed His teachings the same will become within you a constant stream of revelation." Those who know what revelation is and knew President John Taylor know that the Prophet's words were literally verified. Among the striking prophecies uttered by Elder Taylor was one concerning Gov. Ford, of Illinois, who had virtually betrayed Joseph Smith into the hands of a howling mob. President Taylor prophesied that Gov. Ford would live until the flesh had well nigh withered from his bones, that he would lose his property and die a pauper, the subject of charity. A non-Mormon lady who heard this prophecy and also attended the funeral of Gov. Ford, testified (as did all the facts connected with the subsequent life, death and burial of Thomas Ford), that President Taylor's prediction was fulfilled to the very letter. President Taylor was a man of fine appearance; he stood about six feet high, his countenance was heavenly, and whosoever went into his presence, either in private or in public, felt intuitively that he was in the presence of a great man. a man of honor and merit. His abilities were varied, and though pre-eminently spiritual, he had a strong liking for good literature. In pioneer, exodus life, across the weary plains afoot and with teams, under trying ordeals, as in all other experiences, John Taylor was master of the situation. He cheered the Saints, by faith-promoting anecdotes of past experience and history, with prophetic inspiration, pointed them to a future of long respite from mob violence. He could compose and sing hymns and pleasant songs with high moral sentiment embodied in them. There was nothing in his nature and sentiments of a pettish or groveling character. He spurned every sentiment that was low or dishonorable in thought, word or deed. His language and manner of address was always chaste and dignified to the very extreme. He left a noble family of wives, sons and daughters, to whom he bequeathed as a rich legacy his noble virtues of honor, self-denial, integrity, purity, faith and devotion to God. He lived, labored and died the perfect exemplification of his favored motto. "The Kingdom of God or nothing."—Partly by Matthias F. Cowley.
TAYLOR, John, third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was a son of James and Agnes Taylor, and was born Nov. 1, 1808, at Milnthorpe, Westmoreland county, England. His parents owned a small estate at the village of Hale, in that county. They were members of the Church of England, and he was brought up in the doctrines of that church until he was about fifteen years old. He then joined the Methodists, and was soon after appointed a local preacher, and continued as such until he left England about the year 1828 or 1829 His father's family had left about two years previously and gone to the neighborhood of the city of Toronto, upper Canada. After a. short residence in New York, Brooklyn and Albany, he visited his parents in Canada, and took up his residence at Toronto. At that city he married Miss Leonora Cannon, daughter of Captain Cannon, of the Isle of Man. who was a member of the Methodist society, to which John Taylor had attached himself on his arrival at Toronto. Here he united with a few sincere and well educated gentlemen in the search of the Scriptures, some of whom belonged to the Methodist society. In the course of their researches they became convinced of many important truths, such as the gathering of Israel, the restoration of the ten tribes, and the personal reign of Jesus on earth. They also believed in the necessity of revelation: of men being called of God to preach as they were formerly; of the gifts of prophecy, tongues healings and other gifts of the Holy Ghost. They came to the conclusion that the churches of the day had departed from the order of God, and were consequently corrupt and fallen, and that if the Bible was true, the religions of the day were false. With these convictions they fasted and prayed much, that if God had a church on the earth. He would send a messenger unto them. John Taylor heard, investigated and rejected Irvingism, and shortly after was waited upon by Elder Parley P. Pratt, with a letter of introduction from a merchant of . their mutual acquaintance. Having heard many of the stories current about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith, he received Elder Pratt cautiously. After a rigid scrutiny, however, he and several of his friends believed the doctrines laid before them, and were baptized in 1836. Taylor was ordained an Elder by Elder Pratt, and was shortly after set apart, by Elders Pratt and Orson Hyde, as presiding Elder in upper Canada. During a visit of Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Thomas B. Marsh (the latter then being president of the quorum of the Twelve), to Toronto in 1837, Elder Taylor was ordained (a High Priest) under their hands. He paid several visits to the Temple at Kirtland, Ohio, and was Joseph Smith's guest while there. During the great apostasy of 1837, when many leading men turned away and became so embittered against the Prophet that the lives of men who defended him were endangered, Elder John Taylor stood up boldly in the Kirtland Temple in the midst of foes, and with that eloquent power which came from God, and which ever characterized Elder Taylor's speech, declared that Joseph Smith was a Prophet of the living God and had not fallen, as alleged by apostates. He was equally diligent in private conversation, in maintaining the integrity of the Prophet Joseph and spreading the gospel among the people. From Canada he removed to Kirtland by request of the Prophet. From Kirtland he removed to Missouri, joining the body of the Church at Far West in 1838. In his migration he preached the gospel on the way and organized a branch of the Church near Indianapolis, Ind. Before reaching Far West, he and a little company of twenty-four people encountered a mob, led by two ministers, Abbott Hancock, a Baptist, and Sashiel Woods, a Presbyterian. July 8, 1838, the Lord, by revelation, called Elder Taylor to the Apostleship to fill the vacancy occasioned by the fall of John F. Boynton. At a conference in Far West, Oct. 5, 1838, he was sustained by the vote of the Saints, and ordained an Apostle Dec. 19, 1838, by Apostles Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. Elder Taylor entered immediately upon the duties of his new calling, and as in all previous callings soon proved himself truly an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. While a resident of Missouri he shared in all the persecutions heaped upon the Saints. | He was so bold and powerful in his defense of their rights, and so terrible in his denunciations of the wicked, that he was designated "The Champion of Right," and this title was ever after accorded him by the Latter-day Saints. While Joseph and Hyrum Smith were imprisoned in Missouri Elder Taylor paid them several visits. He was selected by the Saints of Caldwell county one of a committee to draft a memorial to the legislature of Missouri, setting forth the persecutions, and asking that body for a redress of the wrongs imposed upon them. Himself and Bishop Partridge were also appointed to write a petition to the general government. Elder Taylor was among the number who, after the expulsion of the Saints from Missouri, returned to Far West to fulfil a revelation given July 8, 1838, that the Twelve were to take their departure for their mission to Europe April 26, 1839, from the Temple grounds at Far West. The enemy having learned of this revelation, swore that it should not be verified. They were baffled, however. The brethren arrived upon the spot soon after midnight, held a conference, excommunicated a number of persons, and ordained Wilford Woodruff and George A. Smith to the Apostleship. On the 8th of August, Elder Taylor left Nauvoo for England. He was sick for eleven weeks on his way. He left his family in the old military barracks at Montrose, Iowa, in very poor circumstances. Most of the Twelve and many of the Saints were sick, having just passed through the persecutions and hardships attending their residence in and exodus from Missouri. Elder Taylor was a man of great faith in God and believed thoroughly in preaching the gospel "without purse or scrip." "When traveling to a certain destination, if he had but a pittance, he would purchase with that transportation in the best conveyances attainable, thus placing himself among the best educated people in his travels. When his means were exhausted, with an inexhaustible store of faith, he would stop and preach the gospel. The Lord would raise up friends who would give him money, with which he would proceed on his journey. In doing this he would never ask a human being for help. He asked the Lord, and his prayers never went unanswered. When they were about to sail from New York to Liverpool, he and two other brethren were almost destitute of means, not having sufficient to pay one passage, much less three. Notwithstanding their predicament, a very short time before the vessel was to sail Elder Taylor told one of his companions to go and engage passage for all three to Liverpool. His fellow-laborers were non-plussed and asked where on earth could they get means in so short a time. Elder Taylor answered that there was plenty of means in the world and the Lord would send them enough before the vessel sailed to pay their way. His words were most remarkably fulfilled. He asked no person for money, and yet immediately after he made the prediction one after another came to them and proffered assistance, until enough was provided to meet their expenses to Liverpool.. He arrived in Liverpool Jan. 11, 1840, and immediately commenced his missionary work, preaching, baptizing, organizing branches, and with his brethren regulating the Church throughout the British Isles. He introduced the gospel into Ireland and the Isle of Man, extending his labors into Scotland. He published several tracts, setting forth principles of the gospel and refuting falsehoods. He corrected the proof sheets of the Book of Mormon, and with President Young and. Elder Parley P. Pratt prepared and published the first edition of the Latter-day Saints' Hymn Book. While laboring on the Isle of Man he had secured the printing of some tracts, which he wrote in reply to the falsehoods circulated by ministers and others regarding the character and doctrines taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith. When the tracts were ready the printer would not deliver them until every penny was paid which was due him. Elder Taylor did not have sufficient to meet the demand, and being very anxious to obtain the! tracts went immediately into a private room, and, kneeling down, told the Lord in plain simplicity exactly how much he needed to pay for the matter he had published in defense of his cause. In a few minutes after his prayer was offered a young man came to the door, and upon being invited to enter handed Elder Taylor an envelope and walked out. The young man was unknown to him. The envelope contained some money and a little note which read: "The laborer is worthy of his hire," and no signature was placed thereon. In a few minutes later a poor woman engaged as a fish vender came to the house and offered a little money I to assist him in his ministerial labors. He told her there was plenty of money in the world and he did not wish to take her money. She insisted that the Lord would bless her the more and she would be happier if he would accept it, whereupon he received the offering and to his surprise the poor woman's mite, added to what the young man had given him, made exactly the amount sufficient to pay the printer the balance due him. After a very active and successful mission he returned to America, arriving in Nauvoo July 1, 1841. Upon his arrival home he found his wife very near to death, being seriously ill. He called to his aid about twenty Elders. They administered and prayed for her and she was restored to health. In October, 1841, John Taylor and Elias Higbee were appointed a committee to petition Congress for a redress of the wrongs heaped upon the Saints in Missouri. He was also appointed by the Prophet to present the petition. Elder Taylor edited the last three volumes of the "Times and Seasons," by appointment of the Prophet. He also edited and published the "Nauvoo Neighbor." As well as attending to his high calling in the Apostleship, he was a city councilman, one of the regents of the University, and Judge Advocate of the Nauvoo Legion, all of which he filled with ability and distinction. Elder Taylor was very firmly attached to the Prophet Joseph Smith. He often attended him in scenes of persecution and trial. When Joseph and Hyrum were taken to Carthage and lodged in jail on false charges, and was promised by the governor of the State protection from mob violence, and a fair trial, Elders John Taylor and Willard Richards accompanied them as friends, and were in the prison when the awful tragedy took place, which resulted in the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Just before the assault made upon the prisoners. Elder Taylor sang the hymn, "A poor wayfaring man of grief." By request of Hyrum Smith he sang it the second time, although he expressed himself as not feeling in a very favorable mood to sing. Between 4 and 5 o'clock p. m., June 27. 1844, an armed mob rushed up the stairs of Carthage jail leading to the apartment where the brethren were confined. ^They shot through the door, and a ball pierced the face of the Patriarch Hyrum Smith. While the mobbers were forcing the door open and pushing their guns through the opening, Elder Richards held the door the best he could, while Elder Taylor parried their guns off with his walking cane. Of a sudden the Prophet Joseph sprang to the window and leaped out. His motive in doing this could not have been to save his own life, for he sprang into the open fire of his enemies. It must have been, as believed by Elders Taylor and Richards, to save the lives of the two last named brethren, by calling the attention of the mob from the inside to the outside of the building. His action had the desired effect, for instantly the mob rushed from the stairway of the jail to the ground below, and concentrated their murderous fury upon the Prophet, as he fell a martyr by the curb of the old well by the side of Carthage jail. Elder Taylor ran to the window and was shot in and near the thigh with four balls. He was about to fall out from the window when a bullet struck the watch in his vest pocket and forced him back. He fell upon the floor, not knowing at first what had forced him back, and thus providentially saved his life. Elder Richards, who escaped unhurt, dragged him to a small room and covered him with an old bed. The mob soon dispersed in confusion, and as soon as convenient thereafter Elder Taylor was removed to Nauvoo, where he recovered, but carried one or more bullets to his grave forty-three years later. He was a man of wonderful vitality and nerve, bearing all physical pains, as he did trials and tribulations of another kind with fortitude unexcelled. Upon his restoration to health he resumed the performance of his duties, and was one with President Young and his brethren of the Twelve Apostles in presiding over the Church. He helped the Saints in their troubles by every means in his power, assisted in the completion of the Nauvoo Temple, and suffered the trials of another great exodus when the Saints were driven from their homes in Nauvoo. He journeyed with the first company of the brethren to Winter Quarters, assisted in organizing the Mormon Battalion, and was from this point called with Elders Orson Hyde and Parley P. Pratt on a mission to Great Britain. He responded cheerfully, again leaving his family in the wilderness in tents and wagons. He arrived in England Oct. 3, 1846, and performed an excellent work, in company with his associates regulating the affairs of the mission. He returned in the following spring and had charge of a large company of British Saints which entered Salt Lake Valley in the fall of 1847. He now spent two years in Salt Lake valley, and was active in founding and building Salt Lake City. He was ingenious in mechanism, and withal truly a philosopher under all circumstances. He built one of the first saw mills in Utah, and worked in it himself. March 12, 1849 he was chosen one of the associate judges of the provisional State of Deseret. In October, 1849, he was called on a mission to France, which he filled with marked ability and success. Upon his arrival "in Boulogne, 1850, he was challenged to a discussion with several clergymen, the proceedings of which, were published in pamphlet form in Liverpool and subsequently in Orson Pratt's works. His opponents found themselves utterly powerless to meet him upon Scriptural or reasonable grounds, and speedily resorted to subterfuges, lying and slanderous reports, all of which were refuted in a masterly manner by Elder Taylor. During his mission the Book of Mormon was translated into French and German under his direction, the latter being published in Hamburg, where he introduced the gospel. He also edited and published in France a monthly paper called "L'Etoile du Deseret," and in Germany a periodical entitled "Zion’s Panier." During his labors several branches of the Church were organized in France. He also wrote while upon this mission, and published it after his return, the sublime treatise entitled "The Government of God." After his return to Salt Lake valley Aug. 20, 1852, he labored with his hands, and traveled much, preaching the gospel among the Saints. In 1854, he was elected a member of the Territorial legislative council, but subsequently resigned this position to fill a mission in New York, and to preside over the Church in the Eastern States. At that particular time heavy attacks were being made upon the Latter-day Saints through the press. Elder Taylor published a paper called "The Mormon" in New York City, establishing his headquarters near the office of the noted writer and editor, James Gordon Bennett, to whose attacks Elder Taylor replied in such a vigorous manner as to surprise the anti-Mormon element in that city. His arguments were unanswerable, and as usual the opponents of the truth resorted to falsehood and buffoonery. He continued "The Mormon" until 1857, when he was called home on account of the threatened war against the Saints under the administration of President Buchanan, During the times and circumstances leading to the action of the government in sending an army to Utah, Elder Taylor was active and fearless in defending the rights of the Saints and denouncing the preachers and politicians who were industriously circulating falsehoods against the Saints. His replies to Vice-President Schuyler Colfax's ungentlemanly and unwarranted attacks upon the Saints exhibit the fearless character of the man, as well as the clearness of his mind in penetrating the right and wrong side of every proposition under consideration. He was very active in his efforts to secure the admission of the State of Deseret into the Union. It was upon his return from the publication of "The Mormon" that President Young designated Elder Taylor as the best editor of a paper among the Latter-day Saints. From this time on, for many years, his time was occupied in traveling, preaching, organizing and regulating the Church in the various settlements of the Saints. He was many times a member of the Utah legislature, and speaker of the House. As a legislator he showed marked ability. He also served as probate judge of Utah county. He was present at the dedication of the St. George Temple, the first built in Utah. He took part with President Young in the organization of the Stakes of Zion. At the death of President Young, Elder Taylor was president of the Twelve Apostles, and in October, 1880, was sustained as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Prophet, Seer and Revelator to the Church in all the world. Apostles Geo. Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith were chosen as his counselors. During the thirty-three years the Saints had lived in Utah, many had been emigrated from distant countries by the perpetual emigration fund and many of them were very much in debt to that fund. The year 1880 being the fiftieth or jubilee year since the organization of the Church, President Taylor was moved upon to forgive the people their debts to this fund, and thus as in olden times make the captive free. This was hailed with delight by the Saints, and is remembered by the grateful with a sense of love and esteem toward President John Taylor. President Taylor presided over the Church with dignity and ability. He traveled and visited the Saints, as. far as circumstances would permit. When the crusade against plural marriage came to be waged with bitterness, under the rule of the Edmunds-Tucker act. President Taylor, to prevent trouble and to place himself beyond the possibility of prosecution for an infraction of the law, lived in the Gardo House, having for housekeeper his venerable sister, Agnes Schwartz, while all his families occupied their own homes. He was a just man. Yet notwithstanding his observance of the law, his enemies were determined to arrest him, and if possible precipitate an eruption, which would give them a pretense for still stronger measures to oppress the Saints. Upon his return from a trip to Arizona and California he appeared in the large Tabernacle Feb. 1, 1884, and preached his last public discourse in that building. It was a powerful address, exhorting the Saints to faithfulness and forbearance, long suffering and charity in all their trials. From this time on until his decease he lived in exile, attending, however, from his place of seclusion by letters, epistles and otherwise to his public duties. During his exile one of his wives died, after a season of illness. During her sickness he was prevented from seeing- her, as her home was closely watched by miserable spotters, whose characters were as far beneath that of President Taylor as a slough of corruption is beneath the glittering rays of the celestial sun. Being denied necessary exercise, to which he was accustomed, he became enfeebled in body and his life shortened. He died in exile July 25, 1887, at Kaysville, Davis co., Utah, truly a double martyr. His life was shortened by exile from home, under the oppression of unjust men and measures. During the life of President Taylor he traveled thousands of miles for the gospel's sake without purse or scrip, baptized many people, organized numerous branches of the Church, published many tracts and several larger works introduced the gospel to new countries. He was the author of many choice hymns and poems. He received many revelations to guide him in his duties, as well as being a constant medium of inspiration, and received several revelations which were written for the guidance of the Church. Before the Prophet Joseph was martyred he said to President Taylor: "Elder Taylor, you have received the Holy Spirit, if you heed His teachings the same will become within you a constant stream of revelation." Those who know what revelation is and knew President John Taylor know that the Prophet's words were literally verified. Among the striking prophecies uttered by Elder Taylor was one concerning Gov. Ford, of Illinois, who had virtually betrayed Joseph Smith into the hands of a howling mob. President Taylor prophesied that Gov. Ford would live until the flesh had well nigh withered from his bones, that he would lose his property and die a pauper, the subject of charity. A non-Mormon lady who heard this prophecy and also attended the funeral of Gov. Ford, testified (as did all the facts connected with the subsequent life, death and burial of Thomas Ford), that President Taylor's prediction was fulfilled to the very letter. President Taylor was a man of fine appearance; he stood about six feet high, his countenance was heavenly, and whosoever went into his presence, either in private or in public, felt intuitively that he was in the presence of a great man. a man of honor and merit. His abilities were varied, and though pre-eminently spiritual, he had a strong liking for good literature. In pioneer, exodus life, across the weary plains afoot and with teams, under trying ordeals, as in all other experiences, John Taylor was master of the situation. He cheered the Saints, by faith-promoting anecdotes of past experience and history, with prophetic inspiration, pointed them to a future of long respite from mob violence. He could compose and sing hymns and pleasant songs with high moral sentiment embodied in them. There was nothing in his nature and sentiments of a pettish or groveling character. He spurned every sentiment that was low or dishonorable in thought, word or deed. His language and manner of address was always chaste and dignified to the very extreme. He left a noble family of wives, sons and daughters, to whom he bequeathed as a rich legacy his noble virtues of honor, self-denial, integrity, purity, faith and devotion to God. He lived, labored and died the perfect exemplification of his favored motto. "The Kingdom of God or nothing."—Partly by Matthias F. Cowley.
Jenson, Andrew. "Taylor, John." Biographical Encyclopedia. Volume 4. pg. 333, 336.
TAYLOR, John, president of the Eastern States Mission from 1854 to 1857. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 14.)
TAYLOR, John, president of the French Mission from 1850 to 1851. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 14.)
TAYLOR, John, president of the Eastern States Mission from 1854 to 1857. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 14.)
TAYLOR, John, president of the French Mission from 1850 to 1851. (See Bio. Ency., Vol. 1, p. 14.)
Taylor, John. "A Journey Across the Plains." Juvenile Instructor. 9 January 1875. pg. 11-12.
A JOURNEY ACROSS THE PLAINS
BY ELDER JOHN TAYLOR.
IN the latter part of October, 1849, a number of missionaries started from Salt Lake Valley to go to the States, among whom were several of the Twelve, who were going to introduce the gospel to foreign lands. Elder Erastus Snow was appointed to Denmark, Lorenzo Snow to Italy, myself, in company with John Pack and Curtis E. Bolton, to France. We were accompanied to the States by Elder Jedediah M. Grant, Bishops Edward Hunter, A. 0. Smoot and Edwin D. Woolley, Joseph Heywood, and a number of other Elders and brethren. Several merchants also accompanied the expedition. While journeying, we had a variety of singular adventures, and experienced some remarkable interpositions of providence during the trip, some of which may not be uninteresting to the readers of the Instructor.
When we arrived at a point some distance west of Laramie, as we turned out our horses at noon, suddenly a large body of Indians, amounting in number to about a hundred or a hundred and fifty, appeared in sight. They were evidently on the lookout for a body of Crows, a hostile tribe of Indians, who had .hovered around us for some time on our journey. As they first hove in sight they swept along with all the abandon of the red man, and their appearance was really very attractive. They were perhaps a mile from us when we first saw them. I was very much interested in their appearance, as they came dashing down upon us on their fiery steeds in warlike costume. The manes and tails of their horses were painted various colors, and the Indians themselves, painted and arrayed in their richest and gayest styles, prepared for war, presented a magnificent aspect. But our personal safety soon led us to other reflections. While a part of the company immediately gathered up the horses, another part attended to our firearms; and before the Indians reached us, we had formed a line for defense, with our guns and pistols all prepared for anything that might transpire. The Indians rode to within about two rods of us, and then made a halt; and as we had our guns leveled at them, they immediately assumed a hostile attitude. Some of them having flint-lock guns, commenced pecking their flints and making ready for firing, and others wet their fingers and placed their arrows in their bows, preparatory to an encounter. While thus engaged on both sides. waiting for anything that might transpire, a fat, jolly-looking Indian came lumbering up on horseback, not having been able to keep pace with his more youthful companions. He held up both hands, and, as I understood this was a sign of peace, and that he evidently desired to avoid any collision, I went out to meet him. He then produced a paper, which stated that these Indians were peaceable and friendly. It was signed by a Major Sanderson, who was then commanding at Fort Laramie. Although their attitude did not bespeak the most pacific intentions, we of course received the statement with as good a grace as possible. While waiting, several Indians attempted to pass us on the flank. When he saw this. General Grant, who had assumed command of the company for the time being, ordered a number of men to level their guns at them, which caused them to remain. And as we could not talk with them nor they with us, and no interpreters being present, we had to judge by signs as best we could. They pointed out to us several sentinels placed on the tops of mountains in different directions, and intimated by signs that they wanted these men to go to them, so we permitted them to pass. The chief then touched his mouth or tongue, and we supposed that they desired something to eat. I made a motion for the chief to move his men back which he did. They sat down and we furnished them with beef, crackers, tobacco, etc. ; but we found that they were not hungry, and that they were anxious to talk with us. We smoked the pipe of peace with them, and then harnessed our horses and prepared to start, when they formed a line on each side of us; each of our men, as a precautionary measure, taking his gun in his hand as he drove his team. The chief expressed a desire to have some of us go to his camp, which he informed us by signs was not far off. Lorenzo Snow, Bishop Hunter and I accompanied him, and our train moved on its course. The camp, which was about three miles from our own encampment. we found to be very large. The Indians were well-formed, athletic men, and good specimens of their race. There were a great many respectable looking lodges, and I should suppose about three thousand horses grazing about. When we met them the chief seemed somewhat chagrined, and we thought that the repulse of his men by us was the cause. There was a Frenchman at the camp, who acted as interpreter during our interview. In our conversation the chief asked us why we had assumed a warlike attitude towards his people. We told him that we were not acquainted with them, and thought it best to be prepared. We did not know but that it might be some of the Crows, who had been hovering around us. They were anxious to know about the Crows, having heard that they were going to steal some horses from them. After a short and pleasant interview, we left and joined our camp. That night we put out a strong guard around our horses, and the same night the Crows stole a good many horses from these Indians, as well as the horses of some trappers who were in the immediate vicinity; but ours were not molested. On reaching Fort Laramie we were very courteously received and kindly treated by Major Sanderson.
As it was late in the fall, the snow began to descend and the whole country [was covered to about twelve inches in depth Immediately after we crossed the south fork of the Platte River we met with a very remarkable circumstance which we were led to look upon as a providential occurrence and the interposition of the Almighty in our behalf For right on the road that we traveled all the way from there to Fort Kearney, the snow had been blown from the road the entire distance, as if having been swept by a broom, leaving a clear track for us to travel on. It was very difficult to find nutritious food for our animals, the grass having been killed by the frost, and before we reached the Missouri River many of them failed and a number died. The very last day before we arrived, we encountered a very severe snow storm which made it extremely difficult for the animals to move, and many of them gave out. After much difficulty we arrived at an old deserted fort on the Missouri River, parties bringing in the wearied animals as best they could. Although an old deserted log house with large openings between the logs and without windows or doors was the only shelter afforded us, I am not aware of any time in my life when I experienced a greater sense of providential interposition and relief than I did with that temporary refuge from the storm. We .stayed there the next day and found a family in the immediate vicinity who cooked and provided for us. We found that the ice was running very strong in the Missouri River, and that it was impossible to ferry across. The succeeding was one of the most severely cold nights that I ever experienced, and in the morning some of our party went down to the river and found that the ice was piled up and formed a bridge across. A company was selected to see if it was safe, and they returned and stated that they thought the ice, though very uneven, would bear us. We immediately made preparations to cross the river, and, although it was very rough, we took our wagons over without much difficulty; but found that towards the last it began to be very shaky and uncertain. Mr. Kinkead, a merchant, who was along, having a lot of gold dust in his possession, was afraid his team would sink before he got over, and he carried it over on his shoulders, leaving his man to bring the team over as best he might. After having used all the energy we could to get our teams over, the la.st one had only just crossed the river when the ice gave way and floated down the stream, thus exhibiting another remarkable manifestation of the providence of God towards His Elders who were going forth on missions to proclaim the gospel of salvation to the nations of the earth. Many people would be apt to look upon these things as natural occurrences; I ascribe them to the power of that being who says the hairs of our heads are numbered, and that a .sparrow cannot fall to the ground without our Father's notice.
A JOURNEY ACROSS THE PLAINS
BY ELDER JOHN TAYLOR.
IN the latter part of October, 1849, a number of missionaries started from Salt Lake Valley to go to the States, among whom were several of the Twelve, who were going to introduce the gospel to foreign lands. Elder Erastus Snow was appointed to Denmark, Lorenzo Snow to Italy, myself, in company with John Pack and Curtis E. Bolton, to France. We were accompanied to the States by Elder Jedediah M. Grant, Bishops Edward Hunter, A. 0. Smoot and Edwin D. Woolley, Joseph Heywood, and a number of other Elders and brethren. Several merchants also accompanied the expedition. While journeying, we had a variety of singular adventures, and experienced some remarkable interpositions of providence during the trip, some of which may not be uninteresting to the readers of the Instructor.
When we arrived at a point some distance west of Laramie, as we turned out our horses at noon, suddenly a large body of Indians, amounting in number to about a hundred or a hundred and fifty, appeared in sight. They were evidently on the lookout for a body of Crows, a hostile tribe of Indians, who had .hovered around us for some time on our journey. As they first hove in sight they swept along with all the abandon of the red man, and their appearance was really very attractive. They were perhaps a mile from us when we first saw them. I was very much interested in their appearance, as they came dashing down upon us on their fiery steeds in warlike costume. The manes and tails of their horses were painted various colors, and the Indians themselves, painted and arrayed in their richest and gayest styles, prepared for war, presented a magnificent aspect. But our personal safety soon led us to other reflections. While a part of the company immediately gathered up the horses, another part attended to our firearms; and before the Indians reached us, we had formed a line for defense, with our guns and pistols all prepared for anything that might transpire. The Indians rode to within about two rods of us, and then made a halt; and as we had our guns leveled at them, they immediately assumed a hostile attitude. Some of them having flint-lock guns, commenced pecking their flints and making ready for firing, and others wet their fingers and placed their arrows in their bows, preparatory to an encounter. While thus engaged on both sides. waiting for anything that might transpire, a fat, jolly-looking Indian came lumbering up on horseback, not having been able to keep pace with his more youthful companions. He held up both hands, and, as I understood this was a sign of peace, and that he evidently desired to avoid any collision, I went out to meet him. He then produced a paper, which stated that these Indians were peaceable and friendly. It was signed by a Major Sanderson, who was then commanding at Fort Laramie. Although their attitude did not bespeak the most pacific intentions, we of course received the statement with as good a grace as possible. While waiting, several Indians attempted to pass us on the flank. When he saw this. General Grant, who had assumed command of the company for the time being, ordered a number of men to level their guns at them, which caused them to remain. And as we could not talk with them nor they with us, and no interpreters being present, we had to judge by signs as best we could. They pointed out to us several sentinels placed on the tops of mountains in different directions, and intimated by signs that they wanted these men to go to them, so we permitted them to pass. The chief then touched his mouth or tongue, and we supposed that they desired something to eat. I made a motion for the chief to move his men back which he did. They sat down and we furnished them with beef, crackers, tobacco, etc. ; but we found that they were not hungry, and that they were anxious to talk with us. We smoked the pipe of peace with them, and then harnessed our horses and prepared to start, when they formed a line on each side of us; each of our men, as a precautionary measure, taking his gun in his hand as he drove his team. The chief expressed a desire to have some of us go to his camp, which he informed us by signs was not far off. Lorenzo Snow, Bishop Hunter and I accompanied him, and our train moved on its course. The camp, which was about three miles from our own encampment. we found to be very large. The Indians were well-formed, athletic men, and good specimens of their race. There were a great many respectable looking lodges, and I should suppose about three thousand horses grazing about. When we met them the chief seemed somewhat chagrined, and we thought that the repulse of his men by us was the cause. There was a Frenchman at the camp, who acted as interpreter during our interview. In our conversation the chief asked us why we had assumed a warlike attitude towards his people. We told him that we were not acquainted with them, and thought it best to be prepared. We did not know but that it might be some of the Crows, who had been hovering around us. They were anxious to know about the Crows, having heard that they were going to steal some horses from them. After a short and pleasant interview, we left and joined our camp. That night we put out a strong guard around our horses, and the same night the Crows stole a good many horses from these Indians, as well as the horses of some trappers who were in the immediate vicinity; but ours were not molested. On reaching Fort Laramie we were very courteously received and kindly treated by Major Sanderson.
As it was late in the fall, the snow began to descend and the whole country [was covered to about twelve inches in depth Immediately after we crossed the south fork of the Platte River we met with a very remarkable circumstance which we were led to look upon as a providential occurrence and the interposition of the Almighty in our behalf For right on the road that we traveled all the way from there to Fort Kearney, the snow had been blown from the road the entire distance, as if having been swept by a broom, leaving a clear track for us to travel on. It was very difficult to find nutritious food for our animals, the grass having been killed by the frost, and before we reached the Missouri River many of them failed and a number died. The very last day before we arrived, we encountered a very severe snow storm which made it extremely difficult for the animals to move, and many of them gave out. After much difficulty we arrived at an old deserted fort on the Missouri River, parties bringing in the wearied animals as best they could. Although an old deserted log house with large openings between the logs and without windows or doors was the only shelter afforded us, I am not aware of any time in my life when I experienced a greater sense of providential interposition and relief than I did with that temporary refuge from the storm. We .stayed there the next day and found a family in the immediate vicinity who cooked and provided for us. We found that the ice was running very strong in the Missouri River, and that it was impossible to ferry across. The succeeding was one of the most severely cold nights that I ever experienced, and in the morning some of our party went down to the river and found that the ice was piled up and formed a bridge across. A company was selected to see if it was safe, and they returned and stated that they thought the ice, though very uneven, would bear us. We immediately made preparations to cross the river, and, although it was very rough, we took our wagons over without much difficulty; but found that towards the last it began to be very shaky and uncertain. Mr. Kinkead, a merchant, who was along, having a lot of gold dust in his possession, was afraid his team would sink before he got over, and he carried it over on his shoulders, leaving his man to bring the team over as best he might. After having used all the energy we could to get our teams over, the la.st one had only just crossed the river when the ice gave way and floated down the stream, thus exhibiting another remarkable manifestation of the providence of God towards His Elders who were going forth on missions to proclaim the gospel of salvation to the nations of the earth. Many people would be apt to look upon these things as natural occurrences; I ascribe them to the power of that being who says the hairs of our heads are numbered, and that a .sparrow cannot fall to the ground without our Father's notice.
"President John Taylor." Contributor. August 1887. pg. 383-388.
PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR.
Once more the Latter-day Saints are called upon to mourn the death of their leader-—the man who has held the keys of the Kingdom of God upon the earth. President John Taylor departed this life at five minutes to eight o'clock on the evening of Monday, July 25th, 1887, aged seventy-eight years, eight months and twenty-five days.
In communicating this sad intelligence to the Church, over which he has so worthily presided for nearly ten years past, we are filled with emotions too deep for utterance. A faithful, devoted, and fearless servant of God, the Church in his death has lost its most conspicuous and experienced leader. Steadfast to and immovable in the truth few men have ever lived who have manifested such integrity and such unflinching moral and physical courage as our beloved President who has just gone from us. He never knew the feeling of fear connected with the work of God. But in the face of angry mobs, and at other times when in imminent danger of personal violence from those who threatened his life, and upon occasions when the people were menaced with public peril, he never blanched—his knees never trembled, his hand never shook. Every Latter-day Saint always knew beforehand, on occasions when firmness and courage were needed, where President John Taylor would be found, and what his tones would be. He met every issue squarely, boldly and in a way to call forth the admiration of all who saw and heard him. Undaunted courage, unyielding firmness were among his most prominent characteristics, giving him distinction among men who were distinguished for the same qualities. With these were combined an intense love of freedom and hatred of oppression. He was a man whom all could trust, and throughout his life he enjoyed, to an extent surpassed by none, the implicit confidence of the Prophets Joseph, Hyrum and Brigham, and all the leading men and members of the Church. The title of "Champion of Liberty," which he received in Nauvoo, was always felt to be most appropriate for him to bear.
But it was not only in the possession of these qualities that President Taylor was great. His judgment was remarkably sound and clear, and through life he has been noted for the wisdom of his counsels and teachings. His great experience made his suggestions exceedingly valuable; for there has scarcely been a public movement of any kind commenced, carried on, or completed, since he joined the Church in which he has not taken part. But it is not necessary that we should, even if time permitted, rehearse the events of his long and busy life. To do so would only be to give a greater part of the history of the Church; for with it his biography is inseparably interwoven.
The last time President Taylor appeared in public was on Sunday, February 1st, 1885. On that occasion he delivered a lengthy discourse in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. Rumors had been floating around for some time that his arrest was contemplated. In fact, while returning from a trip to the settlements in Arizona, he was advised in California that he was in great danger, and it was suggested that perhaps it would be better for him not to return to Salt Lake City. He listened to these cautions but still resolved to take the risk and came back, and fearlessly went about his business for some time. But on the evening of Sunday, February 1st, he concluded to withdraw himself from the public performance of his numerous and important duties. In taking this step he did so more to preserve peace and to remove all possible cause of excitement, than from any desire for personal safety. He perceived that there was a determination on the part of men holding official position here to raise an issue and, if possible, involve the Latter-day Saints in serious trouble. He had not broken any law. He knew he was innocent and that if he were arrested and could have a fair trial, nothing could be brought against him. He had taken every precaution that a man could take under his circumstances to make himself invulnerable to attack. He was determined that, so far as he was concerned, he would furnish no pretext for trouble, but would do everything in his power to prevent the people over whom he presided from being involved in difficulty.
From that date, upwards of two years and a half ago, when he left his home in Salt Lake City, he had not had the opportunity of crossing its threshold again. To home and its joys, its delightful associations and its happy reunions he has been a stranger. He has lived as an exile—a wanderer in the land, to the development and good government of which he has contributed so much. While living in this condition, one of his wives was stricken with disease, and though his heart was torn with anguish at the thought of her condition, and with anxiety to see her and minister to her in her deep distress, her residence was closely watched by spies, and when she was in a dying condition, was even searched with the hope of entrapping him. Thus she was deprived of the privilege of looking upon his beloved face, and he had not even the sad consolation of witnessing or taking any part in her funeral ceremonies.
During the two years and a half that President Taylor has been living in this condition he has been cut off from all the society and loving ministrations of his family. But though this was so hard to bear at his time of life, he never murmured. He was always full of courage and hope, cheering everyone with whom he was brought in contact, and lifting his companions, by his noble example out of despondency and discouragement. With the same courage with which he stood by the Prophet of God and with a walking-cane parried the guns of the mob when they vomited their sheets of flame and messengers of death in Carthage Jail, he confronted the difficulties and the trials which he had to meet when compelled to leave his home and the society of those whom he loved. His demeanor throughout this long ordeal has been admirable. Everyone who has seen him has been impressed by his equanimity and stately bearing. Always distinguished for his courtesy and dignity of character, at no period of his life did he ever exhibit those traits to greater advantage than he has during his exile. He has never condescended even to speak evil of those who so cruelly persecuted him.
By the miraculous power of God, President Taylor escaped the death which the assassins of Carthage Jail designed for him. His blood was then mingled with the blood of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch. He has stood since then as a living martyr for the truth. But to-day he occupies the place of a double martyr. President John Taylor has been killed by the cruelty of officials who have, in this Territory, misrepresented the Government of the United States. There is no room to doubt that if he had been permitted to enjoy the comforts of home, the ministrations of his family, the exercise to which he had been accustomed, but of which he was deprived, he might have lived for many years yet. His blood stains the clothes of the men, who with insensate hate have offered rewards for his arrest and have hounded him to the grave. History will yet call their deeds by their right names; but One greater than the combined voices of all historians will yet pronounce their dreadful sentence.
It is now some months since President Taylor was attacked by disease. It came upon him by degrees, manifesting itself in the beginning by a swelling of the limbs for the want of proper exercise. He fought the disease with his characteristic pluck and determination. He would not yield. He would neither allow himself nor anyone else to think that his sickness was serious. He would not allow his family to know his real condition, as he did not wish them to have any anxiety on his account, and it was almost against his express wishes they were told how sick he was. When messages were sent by him to them, they were always of a re-assuring char acter. Up to the last day or two he was able to sit in his chair, and until quite recently he was able to assist himself in getting in and out of bed. The strength he has exhibited and his tenacity of life have been very wonderful; for though so strong, he had partaken of scarcely any nourishment for the past six weeks. So peaceably did he pass away and so like a babe falling asleep that a brief period elapsed before those who stood around his bed were sure that his spirit had taken its flight.
As the sad intelligence which we now communicate will spread through these valleys and mountains, sorrow will fill the hearts of all at hearing of the last days of their beloved and venerable President. We know how deep has been the sympathy that has filled the hearts of the Saints for him in his advanced years in thinking of his condition and of his being compelled to live as an exile from his family and the people. The expressions of esteem and love which have come to him from all parts of the land have deeply touched him and caused him great pleasure in thinking how much he was beloved and' how much his welfare was desired by all the Saints throughout the earth.
His constant desire was to do everything in his power to relieve the Latter-day Saints from the oppressions' under which they suffered. Every pulsation of his heart beat with a love of Zion and a desire for her redemption. We desired, and the desire was general, we believe, throughout the Church—that he might live to emerge from his exile and be once more a free man among the people whom he loved. But this has been denied us. He has gone to mingle with the holy and the pure, and to quote his own eloquent words, written concerning his dear friend Joseph the Seer,
"Beyond the reach of mobs and strife,
He rests unharmed in endless life;
His home's in the sky, he dwells with the Gods,
Far from the furious rage of mobs."
And though we have lost his presence here, his influence will still be felt. Such men may pass from this life to another, but the love which beats in their hearts for righteousness and for truth cannot die. They go to an enlarged sphere of usefulness. Their influence is extended and will be more widely felt, and Zion will feel the benefit of his labors, as it has the labors of others who have gone before him. The work of God will roll forth. One after another of the mighty men—the men who have spent their lives in the cause of God—may pass away, but this will not affect the purpose of our Great Creator concerning His latter-day work. He will raise up others, and the work will go on increasing in power, in influence, and in all true greatness, until it has accomplished all that God has predicted concerning it.
We feel to say to the Latter-day Saints: Be comforted! The same God who took care of the work when Joseph was martyred, who has watched over and guarded and upheld it through the long years that have since elapsed, and who has guided its destinies since the departure of Brigham, still watches over it and makes it the object of His care. John has gone; but God lives. He has given His people a testimony of this. Cherish it in your heart of hearts, and live so each day that when the end of your mortal lives shall come, you may be counted worthy to go where Joseph, Brigham and John have gone, and mingle with that glorious throng, whose robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb. This is the earnest prayer for all Saints and for all the honest in heart, of your unworthy servants in Christ,
George Q. Cannon,
Joseph F. Smith.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
John Taylor was born in Milnthorp, Westmoreland County, England, November 1st, 1805. He was educated in his native country, and being naturally devotional he was impressed early with religious influences and became a consistent member of the Methodist Church. In 1830 his parents, James and Agnes Taylor, emigrated to Canada. Two years later he joined them there, and making the acquaintance of Miss Leonora Cannon, daughter of Captain Cannon of the Isle of Man, he married her and settled in Toronto, engaging in the business of wood turner.
Here he became associated with a number of progressive Methodists, and being convinced by study of the Scriptures that Modern Christendom had departed from the primitive simplicity, power and purity of apostolic times, he and another preacher boldly proclaimed these views and pointed out prevailing errors. These utterances brought them into conflict with the Methodist authorities, but the reformers would not, when brought to trial, swerve one iota from their conscientious convictions. A little body of devout worshippers met from time to time, read the scriptures, exhorted each other to lives of morality and obedience to God and prayed for the restoration of primitive Christianity. Mr. Taylor was a prominent worker in this preparatory movement.
In 1836 Elder Parley P. Pratt who had been sent on a mission to Canada, with the prophecy that he would find a people in Toronto prepared to receive his message, called at the house of Mr. Taylor and was afterwards introduced to the little congregation of enquirers. Mr. Taylor and his wife and several others received the Gospel, after diligent investigation, and were baptized. In 1837 he went to Kirtland, where he stood up valiantly against the defamers of the Prophet Joseph, and after purchasing some land returned to Toronto.
On the eighth of July, 1838, a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith named John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards to be ordained Apostles to fill the vacancies in the Council of the Twelve. Brother Taylor therefore left Canada and moved to Missouri where, on the nineteenth of December, 1838, he was ordained to the Apostleship.
In the fall of 1839 in company with Elder Wilford Woodruff Brother Taylor started on a mission to England. They were both sick with fever and ague, Elder Taylor being nigh unto death, but they proceeded nevertheless, arriving in Liverpool on the eleventh of January, 1840. He labored with great success in that seaport town, bringing many to a knowledge of the truth. In July of the same year he went to Ireland, preached in several places and baptized the first convert in Ireland—a farmer by the name of Taite. He then went to Scotland, preaching in Paisley and Glasgow, and returning to Liverpool, proceeded to the Isle of Man—where he preached the Gospel, debated with sectarian ministers, replied to pointed attacks made by them and succeeded in establishing the Church upon that Island. Before returning to Nauvoo he had the satisfaction of testifying that he had traveled five thousand miles without purse or scrip, besides his journeys in the British Isles, on railroads, steamboats, coaches, on foot and horseback, had never lacked for anything nor asked anyone for a farthing.
After filling this mission he became the editor of the Times and Seasons, and also of the Nauvoo Neighbor, a member of the Nauvoo City Council and a trusted adviser of the Prophet Joseph. When the Prophet and Patriarch Joseph and Hyrum went to Carthage under the pledged protection of Governor Ford, Elder Taylor voluntarily shared the captivity, and when they were murderously assailed by the mob and cruelly shot to death, he struck down their loaded weapons with his cane and received four bullets in his body. His life was saved by another bullet which struck his watch and hurled him from the window back into the room. He was rescued by Elder Willard Richards, who removed him to another room and covered him up with a mattress.
In company with the Twelve Elder Taylor helped to take charge of the affairs of the Church after the martyrdom, and was with the Saints in the great exodus from Nauvoo, but was sent to England with Elders Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde to regulate affairs in the British mission, returning to Winter Quarters just as the Pioneers were departing, and following quickly in their rear.
In 1849 he went on a mission to France, where he engaged in the famous debate with several ministers in Boulogne- sur-Mer. While in France he studied the language and published the Book of Mormon in French, and going to Hamburg, published it also in German. He returned to Salt Lake City in 1852 and was present and assisted at the laying of the corner stones of the Temple in April, 1853. In 1854 he was placed in charge of the branches of the Church in the Eastern States, and in New York City published a vigorous paper called The Mormon, which speedily acquired a prominent reputation both in and out of the Church. He was also one of a delegation appointed to present to Congress a State Constitution and ask for the admission of Utah into the Union.
After his return from this mission he was identified with many important enterprises, and was in the front on every important occasion. His manly and patriotic speeches and writings during the time of the invasion of the army in 1857, on the occasion of the visits of Schuyler Colfax and other prominent politicians, who undertook to represent the Mormon people to their injury before the nation, and his defence of the Constitutional rights of the people made his name the synonym for all that is courageous, outspoken, liberal and admirable.
His position in the council of the Apostles was gravely considered some time before the decease of President Young, and it was decided that he belonged of right at the head of the quorum. This position he occupied when President Brigham Young departed this life, and in connection with the other members of the Twelve he conducted the affairs of the Church with a wisdom, caution and conservatism which gained the approval and admiration of the people.
At the October Conference of 1880 the First Presidency was again organized, with John Taylor as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world, and as Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his Counselors. This organization was sustained by unanimous vote of the several Quorums of the Priesthood in General Assembly. President Taylor labored to set in order all the various organizations of the Church at home and abroad, and traveled much in this and adjoining Territories, counseling, directing and preaching to the people. He received several revelations which were written and distributed among the Priesthood, making known the mind and will of the Lord in reference to important matters.
On the passage of the Edmunds Act, March 22, 1882, President Taylor, who had been voted the use of the Gardo House as a family residence, made arrangements with his wives by which they were to return to their several domiciles, as he had determined to place himself beyond the charge of violating the law, so that his usefulness in his high calling might not be impaired. His family chose this alternative rather than that he should leave the Gardo House. This arrangement was carried out. President Taylor had not violated the law of. 1862, his marital relations having been formed before it was enacted; and he did not break the law of 1882 for the reasons specified. Yet he became an object of assault under the pretended forms of law by the Federal officials engaged in the crusade against the Latter-day Saints.
On the third of January, 1885, in company with several of his brethren, he took a journey to New Mexico and Arizona by the Union Pacific Railway to Denver, thence to Albuquerque. He visited the Mormon settlements in the neighborhood of Winslow, and then went to Guaymas on the Gulf of California and thence to Hermosillo, in Sonora, Mexico, where he met Governor Torres at his residence, who received him and his company with distinguished consideration. President Taylor visited Benson and the adjacent settlements of the Saints and held meetings there and also on the Gila River. The party returned home by way of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Shortly after this, learning that it was the intention to arrest him on the false charge of unlawful cohabitation, and knowing the disposition to incarcerate leading Mormons by the aid of packed juries, biased courts and vindictive prosecuting officers. President Taylor left his home and retired from the public view. An indictment was procured against him, although not a particle of direct evidence could be found and the facts were simply as stated above. In his retirement he continued to preside over the Church and direct its affairs, laboring assiduously for its welfare in all the world. He preserved the vigor of his stalwart body and of his intellectual and cultured mind up to within a brief period of his death. His decease has come through, a gradual breaking down of the forces of life, in which a strong constitution resisted the power of the destroyer until the great change came and his noble spirit departed in peace.
PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR.
Once more the Latter-day Saints are called upon to mourn the death of their leader-—the man who has held the keys of the Kingdom of God upon the earth. President John Taylor departed this life at five minutes to eight o'clock on the evening of Monday, July 25th, 1887, aged seventy-eight years, eight months and twenty-five days.
In communicating this sad intelligence to the Church, over which he has so worthily presided for nearly ten years past, we are filled with emotions too deep for utterance. A faithful, devoted, and fearless servant of God, the Church in his death has lost its most conspicuous and experienced leader. Steadfast to and immovable in the truth few men have ever lived who have manifested such integrity and such unflinching moral and physical courage as our beloved President who has just gone from us. He never knew the feeling of fear connected with the work of God. But in the face of angry mobs, and at other times when in imminent danger of personal violence from those who threatened his life, and upon occasions when the people were menaced with public peril, he never blanched—his knees never trembled, his hand never shook. Every Latter-day Saint always knew beforehand, on occasions when firmness and courage were needed, where President John Taylor would be found, and what his tones would be. He met every issue squarely, boldly and in a way to call forth the admiration of all who saw and heard him. Undaunted courage, unyielding firmness were among his most prominent characteristics, giving him distinction among men who were distinguished for the same qualities. With these were combined an intense love of freedom and hatred of oppression. He was a man whom all could trust, and throughout his life he enjoyed, to an extent surpassed by none, the implicit confidence of the Prophets Joseph, Hyrum and Brigham, and all the leading men and members of the Church. The title of "Champion of Liberty," which he received in Nauvoo, was always felt to be most appropriate for him to bear.
But it was not only in the possession of these qualities that President Taylor was great. His judgment was remarkably sound and clear, and through life he has been noted for the wisdom of his counsels and teachings. His great experience made his suggestions exceedingly valuable; for there has scarcely been a public movement of any kind commenced, carried on, or completed, since he joined the Church in which he has not taken part. But it is not necessary that we should, even if time permitted, rehearse the events of his long and busy life. To do so would only be to give a greater part of the history of the Church; for with it his biography is inseparably interwoven.
The last time President Taylor appeared in public was on Sunday, February 1st, 1885. On that occasion he delivered a lengthy discourse in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City. Rumors had been floating around for some time that his arrest was contemplated. In fact, while returning from a trip to the settlements in Arizona, he was advised in California that he was in great danger, and it was suggested that perhaps it would be better for him not to return to Salt Lake City. He listened to these cautions but still resolved to take the risk and came back, and fearlessly went about his business for some time. But on the evening of Sunday, February 1st, he concluded to withdraw himself from the public performance of his numerous and important duties. In taking this step he did so more to preserve peace and to remove all possible cause of excitement, than from any desire for personal safety. He perceived that there was a determination on the part of men holding official position here to raise an issue and, if possible, involve the Latter-day Saints in serious trouble. He had not broken any law. He knew he was innocent and that if he were arrested and could have a fair trial, nothing could be brought against him. He had taken every precaution that a man could take under his circumstances to make himself invulnerable to attack. He was determined that, so far as he was concerned, he would furnish no pretext for trouble, but would do everything in his power to prevent the people over whom he presided from being involved in difficulty.
From that date, upwards of two years and a half ago, when he left his home in Salt Lake City, he had not had the opportunity of crossing its threshold again. To home and its joys, its delightful associations and its happy reunions he has been a stranger. He has lived as an exile—a wanderer in the land, to the development and good government of which he has contributed so much. While living in this condition, one of his wives was stricken with disease, and though his heart was torn with anguish at the thought of her condition, and with anxiety to see her and minister to her in her deep distress, her residence was closely watched by spies, and when she was in a dying condition, was even searched with the hope of entrapping him. Thus she was deprived of the privilege of looking upon his beloved face, and he had not even the sad consolation of witnessing or taking any part in her funeral ceremonies.
During the two years and a half that President Taylor has been living in this condition he has been cut off from all the society and loving ministrations of his family. But though this was so hard to bear at his time of life, he never murmured. He was always full of courage and hope, cheering everyone with whom he was brought in contact, and lifting his companions, by his noble example out of despondency and discouragement. With the same courage with which he stood by the Prophet of God and with a walking-cane parried the guns of the mob when they vomited their sheets of flame and messengers of death in Carthage Jail, he confronted the difficulties and the trials which he had to meet when compelled to leave his home and the society of those whom he loved. His demeanor throughout this long ordeal has been admirable. Everyone who has seen him has been impressed by his equanimity and stately bearing. Always distinguished for his courtesy and dignity of character, at no period of his life did he ever exhibit those traits to greater advantage than he has during his exile. He has never condescended even to speak evil of those who so cruelly persecuted him.
By the miraculous power of God, President Taylor escaped the death which the assassins of Carthage Jail designed for him. His blood was then mingled with the blood of the martyred Prophet and Patriarch. He has stood since then as a living martyr for the truth. But to-day he occupies the place of a double martyr. President John Taylor has been killed by the cruelty of officials who have, in this Territory, misrepresented the Government of the United States. There is no room to doubt that if he had been permitted to enjoy the comforts of home, the ministrations of his family, the exercise to which he had been accustomed, but of which he was deprived, he might have lived for many years yet. His blood stains the clothes of the men, who with insensate hate have offered rewards for his arrest and have hounded him to the grave. History will yet call their deeds by their right names; but One greater than the combined voices of all historians will yet pronounce their dreadful sentence.
It is now some months since President Taylor was attacked by disease. It came upon him by degrees, manifesting itself in the beginning by a swelling of the limbs for the want of proper exercise. He fought the disease with his characteristic pluck and determination. He would not yield. He would neither allow himself nor anyone else to think that his sickness was serious. He would not allow his family to know his real condition, as he did not wish them to have any anxiety on his account, and it was almost against his express wishes they were told how sick he was. When messages were sent by him to them, they were always of a re-assuring char acter. Up to the last day or two he was able to sit in his chair, and until quite recently he was able to assist himself in getting in and out of bed. The strength he has exhibited and his tenacity of life have been very wonderful; for though so strong, he had partaken of scarcely any nourishment for the past six weeks. So peaceably did he pass away and so like a babe falling asleep that a brief period elapsed before those who stood around his bed were sure that his spirit had taken its flight.
As the sad intelligence which we now communicate will spread through these valleys and mountains, sorrow will fill the hearts of all at hearing of the last days of their beloved and venerable President. We know how deep has been the sympathy that has filled the hearts of the Saints for him in his advanced years in thinking of his condition and of his being compelled to live as an exile from his family and the people. The expressions of esteem and love which have come to him from all parts of the land have deeply touched him and caused him great pleasure in thinking how much he was beloved and' how much his welfare was desired by all the Saints throughout the earth.
His constant desire was to do everything in his power to relieve the Latter-day Saints from the oppressions' under which they suffered. Every pulsation of his heart beat with a love of Zion and a desire for her redemption. We desired, and the desire was general, we believe, throughout the Church—that he might live to emerge from his exile and be once more a free man among the people whom he loved. But this has been denied us. He has gone to mingle with the holy and the pure, and to quote his own eloquent words, written concerning his dear friend Joseph the Seer,
"Beyond the reach of mobs and strife,
He rests unharmed in endless life;
His home's in the sky, he dwells with the Gods,
Far from the furious rage of mobs."
And though we have lost his presence here, his influence will still be felt. Such men may pass from this life to another, but the love which beats in their hearts for righteousness and for truth cannot die. They go to an enlarged sphere of usefulness. Their influence is extended and will be more widely felt, and Zion will feel the benefit of his labors, as it has the labors of others who have gone before him. The work of God will roll forth. One after another of the mighty men—the men who have spent their lives in the cause of God—may pass away, but this will not affect the purpose of our Great Creator concerning His latter-day work. He will raise up others, and the work will go on increasing in power, in influence, and in all true greatness, until it has accomplished all that God has predicted concerning it.
We feel to say to the Latter-day Saints: Be comforted! The same God who took care of the work when Joseph was martyred, who has watched over and guarded and upheld it through the long years that have since elapsed, and who has guided its destinies since the departure of Brigham, still watches over it and makes it the object of His care. John has gone; but God lives. He has given His people a testimony of this. Cherish it in your heart of hearts, and live so each day that when the end of your mortal lives shall come, you may be counted worthy to go where Joseph, Brigham and John have gone, and mingle with that glorious throng, whose robes have been washed white in the blood of the Lamb. This is the earnest prayer for all Saints and for all the honest in heart, of your unworthy servants in Christ,
George Q. Cannon,
Joseph F. Smith.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
John Taylor was born in Milnthorp, Westmoreland County, England, November 1st, 1805. He was educated in his native country, and being naturally devotional he was impressed early with religious influences and became a consistent member of the Methodist Church. In 1830 his parents, James and Agnes Taylor, emigrated to Canada. Two years later he joined them there, and making the acquaintance of Miss Leonora Cannon, daughter of Captain Cannon of the Isle of Man, he married her and settled in Toronto, engaging in the business of wood turner.
Here he became associated with a number of progressive Methodists, and being convinced by study of the Scriptures that Modern Christendom had departed from the primitive simplicity, power and purity of apostolic times, he and another preacher boldly proclaimed these views and pointed out prevailing errors. These utterances brought them into conflict with the Methodist authorities, but the reformers would not, when brought to trial, swerve one iota from their conscientious convictions. A little body of devout worshippers met from time to time, read the scriptures, exhorted each other to lives of morality and obedience to God and prayed for the restoration of primitive Christianity. Mr. Taylor was a prominent worker in this preparatory movement.
In 1836 Elder Parley P. Pratt who had been sent on a mission to Canada, with the prophecy that he would find a people in Toronto prepared to receive his message, called at the house of Mr. Taylor and was afterwards introduced to the little congregation of enquirers. Mr. Taylor and his wife and several others received the Gospel, after diligent investigation, and were baptized. In 1837 he went to Kirtland, where he stood up valiantly against the defamers of the Prophet Joseph, and after purchasing some land returned to Toronto.
On the eighth of July, 1838, a revelation through the Prophet Joseph Smith named John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards to be ordained Apostles to fill the vacancies in the Council of the Twelve. Brother Taylor therefore left Canada and moved to Missouri where, on the nineteenth of December, 1838, he was ordained to the Apostleship.
In the fall of 1839 in company with Elder Wilford Woodruff Brother Taylor started on a mission to England. They were both sick with fever and ague, Elder Taylor being nigh unto death, but they proceeded nevertheless, arriving in Liverpool on the eleventh of January, 1840. He labored with great success in that seaport town, bringing many to a knowledge of the truth. In July of the same year he went to Ireland, preached in several places and baptized the first convert in Ireland—a farmer by the name of Taite. He then went to Scotland, preaching in Paisley and Glasgow, and returning to Liverpool, proceeded to the Isle of Man—where he preached the Gospel, debated with sectarian ministers, replied to pointed attacks made by them and succeeded in establishing the Church upon that Island. Before returning to Nauvoo he had the satisfaction of testifying that he had traveled five thousand miles without purse or scrip, besides his journeys in the British Isles, on railroads, steamboats, coaches, on foot and horseback, had never lacked for anything nor asked anyone for a farthing.
After filling this mission he became the editor of the Times and Seasons, and also of the Nauvoo Neighbor, a member of the Nauvoo City Council and a trusted adviser of the Prophet Joseph. When the Prophet and Patriarch Joseph and Hyrum went to Carthage under the pledged protection of Governor Ford, Elder Taylor voluntarily shared the captivity, and when they were murderously assailed by the mob and cruelly shot to death, he struck down their loaded weapons with his cane and received four bullets in his body. His life was saved by another bullet which struck his watch and hurled him from the window back into the room. He was rescued by Elder Willard Richards, who removed him to another room and covered him up with a mattress.
In company with the Twelve Elder Taylor helped to take charge of the affairs of the Church after the martyrdom, and was with the Saints in the great exodus from Nauvoo, but was sent to England with Elders Parley P. Pratt and Orson Hyde to regulate affairs in the British mission, returning to Winter Quarters just as the Pioneers were departing, and following quickly in their rear.
In 1849 he went on a mission to France, where he engaged in the famous debate with several ministers in Boulogne- sur-Mer. While in France he studied the language and published the Book of Mormon in French, and going to Hamburg, published it also in German. He returned to Salt Lake City in 1852 and was present and assisted at the laying of the corner stones of the Temple in April, 1853. In 1854 he was placed in charge of the branches of the Church in the Eastern States, and in New York City published a vigorous paper called The Mormon, which speedily acquired a prominent reputation both in and out of the Church. He was also one of a delegation appointed to present to Congress a State Constitution and ask for the admission of Utah into the Union.
After his return from this mission he was identified with many important enterprises, and was in the front on every important occasion. His manly and patriotic speeches and writings during the time of the invasion of the army in 1857, on the occasion of the visits of Schuyler Colfax and other prominent politicians, who undertook to represent the Mormon people to their injury before the nation, and his defence of the Constitutional rights of the people made his name the synonym for all that is courageous, outspoken, liberal and admirable.
His position in the council of the Apostles was gravely considered some time before the decease of President Young, and it was decided that he belonged of right at the head of the quorum. This position he occupied when President Brigham Young departed this life, and in connection with the other members of the Twelve he conducted the affairs of the Church with a wisdom, caution and conservatism which gained the approval and admiration of the people.
At the October Conference of 1880 the First Presidency was again organized, with John Taylor as President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in all the world, and as Prophet, Seer and Revelator, and George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith as his Counselors. This organization was sustained by unanimous vote of the several Quorums of the Priesthood in General Assembly. President Taylor labored to set in order all the various organizations of the Church at home and abroad, and traveled much in this and adjoining Territories, counseling, directing and preaching to the people. He received several revelations which were written and distributed among the Priesthood, making known the mind and will of the Lord in reference to important matters.
On the passage of the Edmunds Act, March 22, 1882, President Taylor, who had been voted the use of the Gardo House as a family residence, made arrangements with his wives by which they were to return to their several domiciles, as he had determined to place himself beyond the charge of violating the law, so that his usefulness in his high calling might not be impaired. His family chose this alternative rather than that he should leave the Gardo House. This arrangement was carried out. President Taylor had not violated the law of. 1862, his marital relations having been formed before it was enacted; and he did not break the law of 1882 for the reasons specified. Yet he became an object of assault under the pretended forms of law by the Federal officials engaged in the crusade against the Latter-day Saints.
On the third of January, 1885, in company with several of his brethren, he took a journey to New Mexico and Arizona by the Union Pacific Railway to Denver, thence to Albuquerque. He visited the Mormon settlements in the neighborhood of Winslow, and then went to Guaymas on the Gulf of California and thence to Hermosillo, in Sonora, Mexico, where he met Governor Torres at his residence, who received him and his company with distinguished consideration. President Taylor visited Benson and the adjacent settlements of the Saints and held meetings there and also on the Gila River. The party returned home by way of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Shortly after this, learning that it was the intention to arrest him on the false charge of unlawful cohabitation, and knowing the disposition to incarcerate leading Mormons by the aid of packed juries, biased courts and vindictive prosecuting officers. President Taylor left his home and retired from the public view. An indictment was procured against him, although not a particle of direct evidence could be found and the facts were simply as stated above. In his retirement he continued to preside over the Church and direct its affairs, laboring assiduously for its welfare in all the world. He preserved the vigor of his stalwart body and of his intellectual and cultured mind up to within a brief period of his death. His decease has come through, a gradual breaking down of the forces of life, in which a strong constitution resisted the power of the destroyer until the great change came and his noble spirit departed in peace.
"Life of John Taylor." Contributor. September 1892. pg. 517.
"Life of John Taylor."—We have before us, in a beautifully bound volume, "The Life of John Taylor," from the gifted pen of Elder B. H. Roberts. It is a companion volume in general appearance and make up with "The Life of Joseph Smith," "The Life of Heber C. Kimball," and other works of a similar character, which rank among the best literature of Mormonism; and it deserves an honored place among them, both because of its literary worth arid because of the subject. While devoted to recording the history of President John Taylor's eventful life, it necessarily, from the conspicuous part he has played in the history of the Church, recites incidents and events of general interest to the whole body of Latter-day Saints, and it will be read with pleasure and profit by them.
It is a book that will grace any library, and is particularly valuable in that it is intended to preserve for future generations the history of a life consecrated and given up to the advancement of the pure principles of the Gospel of truth.
Published by Geo. Q. Cannon & Sons.
"Life of John Taylor."—We have before us, in a beautifully bound volume, "The Life of John Taylor," from the gifted pen of Elder B. H. Roberts. It is a companion volume in general appearance and make up with "The Life of Joseph Smith," "The Life of Heber C. Kimball," and other works of a similar character, which rank among the best literature of Mormonism; and it deserves an honored place among them, both because of its literary worth arid because of the subject. While devoted to recording the history of President John Taylor's eventful life, it necessarily, from the conspicuous part he has played in the history of the Church, recites incidents and events of general interest to the whole body of Latter-day Saints, and it will be read with pleasure and profit by them.
It is a book that will grace any library, and is particularly valuable in that it is intended to preserve for future generations the history of a life consecrated and given up to the advancement of the pure principles of the Gospel of truth.
Published by Geo. Q. Cannon & Sons.
Taylor, Moses W. "Stories and Counsel of Prest. Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. May 1905. pg. 217-219.
STORIES AND COUNSEL OF PREST. TAYLOR.
Moses W. Taylor.
When a boy I heard my father, John Taylor, tell the family some of his early history and inasmuch as it made lasting impressions on me I shall write of some that interested me the most, and also some of his counsel to the children.
When living in Canada, before he became a Latter-day Saint, he had an opportunity to visit England and make the acquaintance of some of his relatives. It was the fashion at that time for young men to use snuff and his uncle, who had some means, presented him with a silver snuff box filled with snuff.
To keep up with the times he would, when meeting with his young friends, take out the snuff box and pass it around and take a pinch himself. He had it refilled from time to time and took great
pleasure in offering it to his companions as he was particularly proud of his beautiful snuff box. Concerning this he said:
“One day, when the box was empty, I found myself wanting a pinch of snuff and, in fact, longed for the time to come when I could purchase some more, and was on the way to the store, when the thought came to me, ‘You are being mastered by that snuff.’ I stopped, turned around, went to my room, opened my trunk and placed the snuff box in it, and have never touched it since.”
Here is another incident my father related:
“When we first arrived in Canada, I commenced to labor in a large wood-working establishment. The first day, a committee of workingmen waited upon me and told me that each day they purchased a gallon of grog and that each employe paid his portion and that I would be expected to pay my part. This I agreed to, but when they brought the grog I did not take any and did not do so for several days; but the men kept on urging me to join them, saying that it was not just for me to pay and not receive any benefit and they accused me of being unsociable. Finally I concluded to take a sip just to be in harmony with my fellow workmen. This I continued to do until one day I found myself longing for grog-time to come. I asked myself the question, ‘Will you let grog be your, master?’ I answered no, and when grog-time came I refrained from taking even a sip and have kept from using it ever since.”
We had a peculiar custom in our family that had a good effect on the children. It may be called the family court. If one of the boys committed any wrong, a formal charge was made against the offender and he was duly, arrested by the family officer and brought before the court. Father acted as the judge. One of the older boys as prosecuting attorney and another as attorney for the defendant. The members of the family were invited to be present and witnesses for both sides were allowed to testify.
I only remember two trials and at both the defendant was found guilty and the punishment was quite severe. They were required to make the wrong right, even if they had to pay four-fold, and in addition to that, they were required to ask forgiveness of each member of the family. The last part of the sentence had to be complied with before they left the room. They were expected to commence at the youngest child and ask forgiveness and each in turn until all had forgiven them.
One time two of the boys had done some wrong and fearing that they would be brought before the family court, left home for several weeks, thinking their offense would be forgotten. But when they came home they were arrested and brought before the court and were tried and convicted.
When gathering the fruit in the fall, father would come and inspect the baskets and selecting the largest and best fruit would say:
“Take the tithing out of this and be sure and pay it in full.”
When planting trees, he was very careful to make the rows straight, each tree had to be plumb. When filling the dirt around the roots we were required to take great care of the little fibres and carefully lay each one in its place. He would remark:
“Take care of the little roots and the large ones will take care of themselves.”
The first time I left home, father called me in and gave me the following counsel:
“Do what is right. Live your religion and the bad men will honor you for it as well as the good.”
That is all he said, but it made such a strong impression on me, that it has saved me many, a time from falling into temptation. At other times, he would say :
“Take the high stand and always live so that others can see that you are on a high plane.”
He had a strong desire to keep his children under the family influence and provided play grounds for us. Even when he was past seventy years of age he would join us in our games. He provided a large sand pile for the little ones and if I have ever had any better time in my life than I did digging in the sand, I have failed to recognize it.
The family school on the lot kept us at home. The school when possible was taught bv one of the older children and was frequently visited by father. I well remember one of his visits when I was required to ask forgiveness of the teacher for breaking some of the rules. The natural consequence of these things at home was that most of the children remained on the family lot, which was large enough and roomy enough to provide not only good orchards and gardens, but ball grounds, croquet grounds, and foot racing tracks. Finally, when Geo. J. brought the first bicycle to Utah, we constructed a small bicycle track.
Our mother seconded the efforts of our father and their counsel always so far as I knew was in harmony.
I have never heard mv father tell any vulgar stories or say anything that would be improper to say in public; I have never heard him enter into any argument with any of his family; I have never heard him and my mother contend or disagree in the presence of the children.
When talking about our duties in the church, it was always in the spirit of counsel and he would frequently say, “It will please me if you are a faithful Latter-day Saint.” He was held in such high esteem by his children that to please him seemed to be their greatest desire.
“Give due courtesy to all officials, even if you do not agree with them, you should honor them for the office they hold.”
This counsel applied to officers of the government and also to the different officials of the church. In connection with this, I remember the ward teachers rallied upon the family. One of the two was a boy sixteen years of age and that night it was his turn to preside. Father called the family together and informed the teachers that we were all there and said:
“We are in your hands and await your instructions.”
I was young myself, and wondered what that boy would do, but I was not left in suspense long, for the boy said:
“Brother Taylor, I would like to ask you a few questions.
“Do you have family prayers? “Do you have secret prayers?
“Do you have any trouble with your neighbors?
“Do you attend the ward meetings?
“Are you in harmony with the authorities of the church?”
These questions were answered one after another by my father just as humbly as the youngest member of the family would have answered them. After the teachers had concluded their labors, they then requested my father to give them some instructions.
He told them that he was pleased with them for their faithfulness and thanked them for calling and urged them to call on the family as often as they could for he realized the great good that a man holding the priesthood—which is the power of God—could do his family, and told them that there was no office in the church where greater good could be done than in that of a teacher. He told them to pay particular attention to his children and counsel them as a father.
“I am not often home,” said he, “for my church duties call me away so much and I fear if my children do not frequently get good counsel, they may be led astray.”
In addition to his faith-promoting stories and counsel, his example for good was always before us. It has been a great help to us and encouraged us to have faith in the other great and good men that hold similar positions to the ones he held while living.
STORIES AND COUNSEL OF PREST. TAYLOR.
Moses W. Taylor.
When a boy I heard my father, John Taylor, tell the family some of his early history and inasmuch as it made lasting impressions on me I shall write of some that interested me the most, and also some of his counsel to the children.
When living in Canada, before he became a Latter-day Saint, he had an opportunity to visit England and make the acquaintance of some of his relatives. It was the fashion at that time for young men to use snuff and his uncle, who had some means, presented him with a silver snuff box filled with snuff.
To keep up with the times he would, when meeting with his young friends, take out the snuff box and pass it around and take a pinch himself. He had it refilled from time to time and took great
pleasure in offering it to his companions as he was particularly proud of his beautiful snuff box. Concerning this he said:
“One day, when the box was empty, I found myself wanting a pinch of snuff and, in fact, longed for the time to come when I could purchase some more, and was on the way to the store, when the thought came to me, ‘You are being mastered by that snuff.’ I stopped, turned around, went to my room, opened my trunk and placed the snuff box in it, and have never touched it since.”
Here is another incident my father related:
“When we first arrived in Canada, I commenced to labor in a large wood-working establishment. The first day, a committee of workingmen waited upon me and told me that each day they purchased a gallon of grog and that each employe paid his portion and that I would be expected to pay my part. This I agreed to, but when they brought the grog I did not take any and did not do so for several days; but the men kept on urging me to join them, saying that it was not just for me to pay and not receive any benefit and they accused me of being unsociable. Finally I concluded to take a sip just to be in harmony with my fellow workmen. This I continued to do until one day I found myself longing for grog-time to come. I asked myself the question, ‘Will you let grog be your, master?’ I answered no, and when grog-time came I refrained from taking even a sip and have kept from using it ever since.”
We had a peculiar custom in our family that had a good effect on the children. It may be called the family court. If one of the boys committed any wrong, a formal charge was made against the offender and he was duly, arrested by the family officer and brought before the court. Father acted as the judge. One of the older boys as prosecuting attorney and another as attorney for the defendant. The members of the family were invited to be present and witnesses for both sides were allowed to testify.
I only remember two trials and at both the defendant was found guilty and the punishment was quite severe. They were required to make the wrong right, even if they had to pay four-fold, and in addition to that, they were required to ask forgiveness of each member of the family. The last part of the sentence had to be complied with before they left the room. They were expected to commence at the youngest child and ask forgiveness and each in turn until all had forgiven them.
One time two of the boys had done some wrong and fearing that they would be brought before the family court, left home for several weeks, thinking their offense would be forgotten. But when they came home they were arrested and brought before the court and were tried and convicted.
When gathering the fruit in the fall, father would come and inspect the baskets and selecting the largest and best fruit would say:
“Take the tithing out of this and be sure and pay it in full.”
When planting trees, he was very careful to make the rows straight, each tree had to be plumb. When filling the dirt around the roots we were required to take great care of the little fibres and carefully lay each one in its place. He would remark:
“Take care of the little roots and the large ones will take care of themselves.”
The first time I left home, father called me in and gave me the following counsel:
“Do what is right. Live your religion and the bad men will honor you for it as well as the good.”
That is all he said, but it made such a strong impression on me, that it has saved me many, a time from falling into temptation. At other times, he would say :
“Take the high stand and always live so that others can see that you are on a high plane.”
He had a strong desire to keep his children under the family influence and provided play grounds for us. Even when he was past seventy years of age he would join us in our games. He provided a large sand pile for the little ones and if I have ever had any better time in my life than I did digging in the sand, I have failed to recognize it.
The family school on the lot kept us at home. The school when possible was taught bv one of the older children and was frequently visited by father. I well remember one of his visits when I was required to ask forgiveness of the teacher for breaking some of the rules. The natural consequence of these things at home was that most of the children remained on the family lot, which was large enough and roomy enough to provide not only good orchards and gardens, but ball grounds, croquet grounds, and foot racing tracks. Finally, when Geo. J. brought the first bicycle to Utah, we constructed a small bicycle track.
Our mother seconded the efforts of our father and their counsel always so far as I knew was in harmony.
I have never heard mv father tell any vulgar stories or say anything that would be improper to say in public; I have never heard him enter into any argument with any of his family; I have never heard him and my mother contend or disagree in the presence of the children.
When talking about our duties in the church, it was always in the spirit of counsel and he would frequently say, “It will please me if you are a faithful Latter-day Saint.” He was held in such high esteem by his children that to please him seemed to be their greatest desire.
“Give due courtesy to all officials, even if you do not agree with them, you should honor them for the office they hold.”
This counsel applied to officers of the government and also to the different officials of the church. In connection with this, I remember the ward teachers rallied upon the family. One of the two was a boy sixteen years of age and that night it was his turn to preside. Father called the family together and informed the teachers that we were all there and said:
“We are in your hands and await your instructions.”
I was young myself, and wondered what that boy would do, but I was not left in suspense long, for the boy said:
“Brother Taylor, I would like to ask you a few questions.
“Do you have family prayers? “Do you have secret prayers?
“Do you have any trouble with your neighbors?
“Do you attend the ward meetings?
“Are you in harmony with the authorities of the church?”
These questions were answered one after another by my father just as humbly as the youngest member of the family would have answered them. After the teachers had concluded their labors, they then requested my father to give them some instructions.
He told them that he was pleased with them for their faithfulness and thanked them for calling and urged them to call on the family as often as they could for he realized the great good that a man holding the priesthood—which is the power of God—could do his family, and told them that there was no office in the church where greater good could be done than in that of a teacher. He told them to pay particular attention to his children and counsel them as a father.
“I am not often home,” said he, “for my church duties call me away so much and I fear if my children do not frequently get good counsel, they may be led astray.”
In addition to his faith-promoting stories and counsel, his example for good was always before us. It has been a great help to us and encouraged us to have faith in the other great and good men that hold similar positions to the ones he held while living.
"Story of Prest. John Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. September 1915. pg. 592.
Story of Pres. John Taylor.
Elder John Taylor had arranged to hold a meeting near Columbus, Ohio. A little before the time of beginning he was warned by some of the brethren that a number of men were gathering to tar and feather him. Nevertheless, he began his sermon. He spoke for some time upon the subject of liberty and then said, “But, by the by, I have been informed that you purpose to tar and feather me, for my religious opinions. Is this the boon you have inherited from your fathers? Is this the blessing they purchased with their dearest heart’s blood—this your liberty? If so you now have a victim. * * * Gentlemen, come on with your tar and feathers. * * * Come on, gentlemen! Come on, I say. I am ready!”
No one moved, no one spoke. He stood there drawn to his full height, calm but defiant—the master of the situation. After a pause of some moments he continued his remarks and preached with great boldness and power for some three hours. At the conclusion of his discourse he was waited upon by some of the leading citizens of the place who expressed their pleasure at what they had heard, and disclaimed, in behalf of the people, any intention of tarring and feathering him ; but the brethren still insisted that such was the intention of the crowd, and the tar and feathers had been provided; but they had been awed into silence by the boldness of Elder Taylor.[1]
[1] “Life of John Taylor,” pp. 54, 55.
Story of Pres. John Taylor.
Elder John Taylor had arranged to hold a meeting near Columbus, Ohio. A little before the time of beginning he was warned by some of the brethren that a number of men were gathering to tar and feather him. Nevertheless, he began his sermon. He spoke for some time upon the subject of liberty and then said, “But, by the by, I have been informed that you purpose to tar and feather me, for my religious opinions. Is this the boon you have inherited from your fathers? Is this the blessing they purchased with their dearest heart’s blood—this your liberty? If so you now have a victim. * * * Gentlemen, come on with your tar and feathers. * * * Come on, gentlemen! Come on, I say. I am ready!”
No one moved, no one spoke. He stood there drawn to his full height, calm but defiant—the master of the situation. After a pause of some moments he continued his remarks and preached with great boldness and power for some three hours. At the conclusion of his discourse he was waited upon by some of the leading citizens of the place who expressed their pleasure at what they had heard, and disclaimed, in behalf of the people, any intention of tarring and feathering him ; but the brethren still insisted that such was the intention of the crowd, and the tar and feathers had been provided; but they had been awed into silence by the boldness of Elder Taylor.[1]
[1] “Life of John Taylor,” pp. 54, 55.
"Prophecy of President John Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. January 1916. pg. 59-60.
Prophecy of President John Taylor.
(A sermon delivered in Logan, August 4, 1878).
After speaking of work expected of missionaries, he said, “I tell you, my brethren, in the name of God, that right among the nations of Europe where many of you have come from there will be some of the most bloody scenes that you have ever read of. And God expects you to assist in warning the nations and in getting out the honest in heart. Then when you come back having accomplished a good mission you can say, ‘My garments are clean of the blood of this generation’ ”.
Prophecy of President John Taylor.
(A sermon delivered in Logan, August 4, 1878).
After speaking of work expected of missionaries, he said, “I tell you, my brethren, in the name of God, that right among the nations of Europe where many of you have come from there will be some of the most bloody scenes that you have ever read of. And God expects you to assist in warning the nations and in getting out the honest in heart. Then when you come back having accomplished a good mission you can say, ‘My garments are clean of the blood of this generation’ ”.
"The First Baptism in Ireland." Young Woman's Journal. October 1916. pg. 647.
The First Baptism in Ireland.
Apostle John Taylor and others were traveling from town to town, Elder Taylor preaching by the way. On a certain morning “they started on foot for the town of Lisburn, Mr. Tate going with them to assist in carrying their valises. This Mr. Tate, Elder Taylor had met in Liverpool, and prophesied that he would be the first person to be baptized in Ireland. As he and Elder Taylor walked on, side by side, that beautiful, fresh morning they left Bellimacrat, the latter opened the scriptures to his understanding and taught him the gospel in its simplicity. The listener was carried away with admiration for the plan of redemption which God had established for the salvation of His children, and as conviction of its truth had taken hold of his mind, he was ready to receive it; and on reaching the summit of a hill, which suddenly brought them in full view of the beautiful Lock Brickland, he cried out in ecstasy: ‘There is water what doth hinder me being baptized?’ At this the party stopped, and Elder Taylor, going down into the water, baptized him. He was the first to receive the gospel in Ire land in this dispensation.”[1]
[1] Life of John Taylor, p. 86.
The First Baptism in Ireland.
Apostle John Taylor and others were traveling from town to town, Elder Taylor preaching by the way. On a certain morning “they started on foot for the town of Lisburn, Mr. Tate going with them to assist in carrying their valises. This Mr. Tate, Elder Taylor had met in Liverpool, and prophesied that he would be the first person to be baptized in Ireland. As he and Elder Taylor walked on, side by side, that beautiful, fresh morning they left Bellimacrat, the latter opened the scriptures to his understanding and taught him the gospel in its simplicity. The listener was carried away with admiration for the plan of redemption which God had established for the salvation of His children, and as conviction of its truth had taken hold of his mind, he was ready to receive it; and on reaching the summit of a hill, which suddenly brought them in full view of the beautiful Lock Brickland, he cried out in ecstasy: ‘There is water what doth hinder me being baptized?’ At this the party stopped, and Elder Taylor, going down into the water, baptized him. He was the first to receive the gospel in Ire land in this dispensation.”[1]
[1] Life of John Taylor, p. 86.
"Told of President John Taylor." Young Woman's Journal. November 1916. pg. 701-702.
Told of President John Taylor.
When President Taylor was quite young we are told that he was blessed with “a portion of the Spirit of God and was very happy.” Manifestations of its presence were frequent, not only in the expansion of his mind to understand doctrines and principles, but also in dreams and visions.
“ ‘Often when alone,’ he writes, ‘and sometimes in company, I heard sweet, melodious music, as if performed by angelic or supernatural beings.’ When but a small boy he saw, in vision, an angel in the heavens, holding a trumpet to his mouth, sounding a message to the nations. The import of this vision he did not understand until later in life.
“At the age of seventeen he was made a Methodist exhorter. or local preacher. His first appointment was at a small country town some seven miles from Penrith. A brother in the same church accompanied him; and when the two had walked about a mile from Penrith, young Taylor suddenly stopped, overpowered by a peculiar influence, and as he stood there in the road, he remarked to his companion, ‘I have a strong impression on my mind, that I have to go to America to preach the gospel!’ At that time he knew nothing of America but what he had learned in his geography at school; and emigration to that country had not been thought of then by his family. So strong was the voice of the Spirit to him on that occasion that it continued to impress him as long as he remained in that land; and even after he arrived in Canada, a presentiment that he could not shake off, clung to him that he had some work to do which he did not then understand.
“At the age of twenty, having mastered the business of turner, young Taylor left Penrith, and in the town of Hale started business for himself, under the auspices of his father. Shortly after this, in 1830, his father and family emigrated to Upper Canada, leaving him to dispose of some unsold property and settle the affairs of the estate.
“In about two years he completed the business entrusted to him and followed them. While crossing the British channel the ship he sailed in encountered severe storms, which lasted a number of days. He saw several ships wrecked in that storm, and the captain and officers of his own ship expected hourly that she would go down. But not so with our young emigrant.
“The voice of the Spirit was still saying within him, ‘You must yet go to America and preach the gospel? ‘So confident was I of my destiny? he remarks, ‘that I went on deck at midnight, and amidst the raging elements felt as calm as though I was sitting in a parlor at home. I believed I should reach America and perform my work?”[1]
[1] “Life of John Taylor,” pp. 27-29.
Told of President John Taylor.
When President Taylor was quite young we are told that he was blessed with “a portion of the Spirit of God and was very happy.” Manifestations of its presence were frequent, not only in the expansion of his mind to understand doctrines and principles, but also in dreams and visions.
“ ‘Often when alone,’ he writes, ‘and sometimes in company, I heard sweet, melodious music, as if performed by angelic or supernatural beings.’ When but a small boy he saw, in vision, an angel in the heavens, holding a trumpet to his mouth, sounding a message to the nations. The import of this vision he did not understand until later in life.
“At the age of seventeen he was made a Methodist exhorter. or local preacher. His first appointment was at a small country town some seven miles from Penrith. A brother in the same church accompanied him; and when the two had walked about a mile from Penrith, young Taylor suddenly stopped, overpowered by a peculiar influence, and as he stood there in the road, he remarked to his companion, ‘I have a strong impression on my mind, that I have to go to America to preach the gospel!’ At that time he knew nothing of America but what he had learned in his geography at school; and emigration to that country had not been thought of then by his family. So strong was the voice of the Spirit to him on that occasion that it continued to impress him as long as he remained in that land; and even after he arrived in Canada, a presentiment that he could not shake off, clung to him that he had some work to do which he did not then understand.
“At the age of twenty, having mastered the business of turner, young Taylor left Penrith, and in the town of Hale started business for himself, under the auspices of his father. Shortly after this, in 1830, his father and family emigrated to Upper Canada, leaving him to dispose of some unsold property and settle the affairs of the estate.
“In about two years he completed the business entrusted to him and followed them. While crossing the British channel the ship he sailed in encountered severe storms, which lasted a number of days. He saw several ships wrecked in that storm, and the captain and officers of his own ship expected hourly that she would go down. But not so with our young emigrant.
“The voice of the Spirit was still saying within him, ‘You must yet go to America and preach the gospel? ‘So confident was I of my destiny? he remarks, ‘that I went on deck at midnight, and amidst the raging elements felt as calm as though I was sitting in a parlor at home. I believed I should reach America and perform my work?”[1]
[1] “Life of John Taylor,” pp. 27-29.
"113th Anniversary of Prest. John Taylor." Improvement Era. November 1921. pg. 78-80.
The 113th Anniversary of President John Taylor
During the life time of President John Taylor his family for many years were called together every year on the first day of November to celebrate his birthday. He was born November 1, 1808. Since his death the family have continued the happy custom, and are celebrating this year as usual. The following stirring sentiments from his writings have been selected to be presented before the family, on lantern slides, during the evening of the celebration. These sentiments, on friendship, freedom, prayer, purity, honor, honesty and economy, are of such a character that they are valuable Church-wide, and beneficial to every man, woman and child who may read them :
His motto was—"Money is of little importance where truth is concerned."
"If a thing is done well, no one will ask how long it took to do it, but, who did it?"
"I would rather have God for my friend than all other influences and powers outside."
"Never do an act that you would be ashamed of man knowing, for God sees us always, both day and night, and if we expect to live and reign with him in eternity, we ought to do nothing that will disgrace us in time.
It is the crowns, the principalities, the powers, the thrones, the dominions, and the associations with the Gods that we are after, and we are here to prepare ourselves for these things—this is the main object of existence."
"I can get along very nicely with my old coat this winter," he wrote: "It is a little faded, but then I prefer a faded coat to a faded reputation; and I do not propose to ask for accommodations that I am not prepared to meet."
"I would rather trust in the living God than in any other power on earth. I learned (while on missions) that I could go to God and he always relieved me. He always supplied my wants. I always had plenty to eat, drink, and wear, and could ride on steam-boats or railroads, or anywhere I thought proper: God always opened my way, and so he will that of every man who will put his trust in him."
"We should be strictly honest, one with another, and with all men; let our word always be as good as our bond; avoid all ostentation of pride and vanity; and be meek, lowly, and humble; be full of integrity and honor; and deal justly and righteously with all men; and have the fear and love of God continually before us, and seek for the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost to dwell with us."
During his stay in Paris, he visited the Palace Vendome, and with a number of friends ascended Napoleon's Column 6i Victory. His companions scratched their names on the column, as thousands had done before them. Seeing that Elder Taylor had not written his name, they asked him to write it with theirs. "No," he replied, "I will not write my name there; but I will yet write it in living, imperishable characters!"
"I pray God the Eternal Father that when we have all finished our probation here, we may be presented to the Lord without spot or blemish, as pure and honorable representatives of the Church and kingdom of God on the earth, and then inherit a celestial glory in the kingdom of our God, and enjoy everlasting felicity with the pure and just in the realms of eternal day, through the merits and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, in worlds without end. Amen."
"The Prophet Joseph gave a special charge to me while living, as near as I can remember as follows: 'Brother Taylor, never arise in the morning or retire at night, without dedicating yourself unto God and asking his blessings upon you through the day or night, as the case may be, and the Lord God will bear and answer your prayers; and don't let any circumstances prevent it.' I had been in the habit of doing so, for years before this; but since that time I have not omitted, to my knowledge, the observance of this duty, morning or evening."
"I was not born a slave! I cannot, will not be a slave. I would not be slave to God! I'd be his servant, friend, his son. I'd go at his behest; but would not be his slave. I'd rather be extinct than be a slave. His friend I feel I am, and he is mine:—a slave! The manacles would pierce my very bones—the clanking chains would grate upon my soul—a poor, lost servile, crawling wretch to lick the dust and fawn and smile upon the thing who gave the lash! Myself—perchance, my wives, my children, to dig the mud, to mould the brick, and furnish our own straw! * * * But stop! I'm God's free man: I will not, cannot be a slave! Living, I'll be free here, or free in life above—free with the Gods, for they are free; and if I'm in the way on earth, I'll ask my God to take me to my friends above!"
The 113th Anniversary of President John Taylor
During the life time of President John Taylor his family for many years were called together every year on the first day of November to celebrate his birthday. He was born November 1, 1808. Since his death the family have continued the happy custom, and are celebrating this year as usual. The following stirring sentiments from his writings have been selected to be presented before the family, on lantern slides, during the evening of the celebration. These sentiments, on friendship, freedom, prayer, purity, honor, honesty and economy, are of such a character that they are valuable Church-wide, and beneficial to every man, woman and child who may read them :
His motto was—"Money is of little importance where truth is concerned."
"If a thing is done well, no one will ask how long it took to do it, but, who did it?"
"I would rather have God for my friend than all other influences and powers outside."
"Never do an act that you would be ashamed of man knowing, for God sees us always, both day and night, and if we expect to live and reign with him in eternity, we ought to do nothing that will disgrace us in time.
It is the crowns, the principalities, the powers, the thrones, the dominions, and the associations with the Gods that we are after, and we are here to prepare ourselves for these things—this is the main object of existence."
"I can get along very nicely with my old coat this winter," he wrote: "It is a little faded, but then I prefer a faded coat to a faded reputation; and I do not propose to ask for accommodations that I am not prepared to meet."
"I would rather trust in the living God than in any other power on earth. I learned (while on missions) that I could go to God and he always relieved me. He always supplied my wants. I always had plenty to eat, drink, and wear, and could ride on steam-boats or railroads, or anywhere I thought proper: God always opened my way, and so he will that of every man who will put his trust in him."
"We should be strictly honest, one with another, and with all men; let our word always be as good as our bond; avoid all ostentation of pride and vanity; and be meek, lowly, and humble; be full of integrity and honor; and deal justly and righteously with all men; and have the fear and love of God continually before us, and seek for the comforting influence of the Holy Ghost to dwell with us."
During his stay in Paris, he visited the Palace Vendome, and with a number of friends ascended Napoleon's Column 6i Victory. His companions scratched their names on the column, as thousands had done before them. Seeing that Elder Taylor had not written his name, they asked him to write it with theirs. "No," he replied, "I will not write my name there; but I will yet write it in living, imperishable characters!"
"I pray God the Eternal Father that when we have all finished our probation here, we may be presented to the Lord without spot or blemish, as pure and honorable representatives of the Church and kingdom of God on the earth, and then inherit a celestial glory in the kingdom of our God, and enjoy everlasting felicity with the pure and just in the realms of eternal day, through the merits and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, in worlds without end. Amen."
"The Prophet Joseph gave a special charge to me while living, as near as I can remember as follows: 'Brother Taylor, never arise in the morning or retire at night, without dedicating yourself unto God and asking his blessings upon you through the day or night, as the case may be, and the Lord God will bear and answer your prayers; and don't let any circumstances prevent it.' I had been in the habit of doing so, for years before this; but since that time I have not omitted, to my knowledge, the observance of this duty, morning or evening."
"I was not born a slave! I cannot, will not be a slave. I would not be slave to God! I'd be his servant, friend, his son. I'd go at his behest; but would not be his slave. I'd rather be extinct than be a slave. His friend I feel I am, and he is mine:—a slave! The manacles would pierce my very bones—the clanking chains would grate upon my soul—a poor, lost servile, crawling wretch to lick the dust and fawn and smile upon the thing who gave the lash! Myself—perchance, my wives, my children, to dig the mud, to mould the brick, and furnish our own straw! * * * But stop! I'm God's free man: I will not, cannot be a slave! Living, I'll be free here, or free in life above—free with the Gods, for they are free; and if I'm in the way on earth, I'll ask my God to take me to my friends above!"
Smith, George Albert. "John Taylor: Champion of Liberty." Instructor. December 1938. pg. 570-571.
JOHN TAYLOR: THE CHAMPION OF LIBERTY By Elder George Albert Smith, of the Council of the Twelve A tribute paid at the Conference of the Deseret Sunday School Union, October 8, 1938 John Taylor was born November, 1808, in England. He was a member of the established church until he was 15, when he joined the Methodist church and became a preacher. When he was about twenty years of age he left England for America, living in New York, Brooklyn and Albany, and then went to Canada to visit his parents who had preceded him there. He located in Toronto. Here he met and married Lenora Cannon, a daughter of Captain Cannon of the Isle of Man. He attached himself to the Methodist society and along with other intelligent men searched the scriptures and satisfied themselves of the necessity of revelation and the gift of the Holy Ghost. They soon became convinced that the churches of the day were misled, and fasted and prayed for guidance to find the truth. At this time Parley P. Pratt called to see him and told him of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Having heard something of the new church before, he received Elder Pratt with reserve and proceeded cautiously to analyze the claims of the new organization. He and several of his friends were soon convinced that Joseph was called of the Lord, and in 1 836 he was baptized and was ordained and set apart as presiding elder of upper Canada. A year later he was ordained a high priest and' during one of several visits to Joseph Smith at Kirtland he was urged by the prophet to make his home there. During the bitter apostacy of '37 when a man's life was endangered who sustained the Prophet, John Taylor stood by him and fearlessly declared in the midst of his foes that Joseph had not fallen, as claimed by some, but was indeed a prophet of the living God. In '38 he moved to Far West, Missouri, and on the way organized a branch of the Church at Indianapolis. In July '38 he was called to the apostleship by revelation, and from that time forward was a fearless advocate of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and a defender of the rights of the people. He passed through the mobbings and drivings of Missouri, visiting Joseph and Hyrum several times during their imprisonment, was one of the committee who memorialized the legislature of Missouri and the national government requesting the redress of wrongs inflicted on the people. He with others was present at Far West, April 26, '39 to fulfill the revelation directing the twelve to depart from there on a mission to Europe. The enemies of the Church had heard of the revelation and declared that it could not be fulfilled, but the brethren had met, transacted their business and separated before the mob could gather. August '39 Brother Taylor left his family in poor circumstances in Montrose and started for Europe. He was ill 1 1 weeks enroute. He possessed great faith, traveled without purse or script but never lacked for money when it was needed, and he never asked the people for financial assistance. The Lord in a miraculous way provided him with funds when they were most needed. Many strangers handed him money, and his fare from New York to Liverpool was paid by friends. He arrived in Liverpool January, 1840, and began preaching. He introduced the Gospel into Ireland and the Isle of Man, extending his labors into Scotland. He published tracts explaining the truth, and, assisted by Parley P. Pratt, published the first edition of the hymn book. He ordered tracts printed while on the Isle of Man when he had no means to pay for them. He knelt down in a private room and told the Lord his need, and in a few minutes a boy came with an envelope containing money and handed it to Brother Taylor and walked away. A few moments later a woman who was a fish vendor called and insisted that he take some money, as she wanted the Lord to bless her. These two sums were just sufficient to pay the printer and release the literature that was so necessary. After a most successful mission he returned to Nauvoo, July, '41, to find his wife dangerously ill. He called twenty Elders and administered to her and she was healed. He edited The Times and Seasons and The Nauvoo Neighbor, He was a university regent, and judge advocate of the Nauvoo Legion. He often attended the prophet during his persecution, and when Joseph and Hyrum were taken to Carthage he and Willard Richards accompanied them as friends and were in the Jail at the time of the martyrdom. Preceding the attack by the mob Brother Taylor was requested to sing the hymn "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," although he declared he didn't feel like singing. When the mob forced the jail door open he did everything possible to parry their guns with a walking stick. When the murderers withdrew, Joseph and Hyrum were dead, and Brother Taylor had four bullets in his body. The fifth struck his watch, knocked him back from the window, and saved his life. When he recovered he resumed his duties with his brethren of the Twelve. He assisted in completing the Nauvoo Temple, and when the exodus occurred was with the first company that went to Winter Quarters. He assisted in organizing the Mormon Battalion. He went again to Great Britain and returned and led a large company of British Saints into the Salt Lake Valley in the fall of 1847. Assisted in building Salt Lake City. He was Associate Judge of the provisional State of Deseret. In 1849 he went on a mission to France. During that mission the Book of Mormon was translated into French and German under his direction. He published periodicals in those languages. He returned to Salt Lake in 1852, served in the legislature. His talents were most valuable in defending the Church in the press at home and abroad. His arguments were masterful and effective. He was present at the dedication of the St. George Temple. He assisted in organizing stakes and did other Church duties. He built a saw mill and all this time had the responsibility of taking care of his family. He succeeded Brigham Young as president of the Church, and at the fiftieth jubilee he forgave the Saints their debts to the emigration fund. He was ever valiant in the cause of liberty—it was most precious to him. His righteous life was an exemplification of the teachings of the Gospel of our Lord. During the enforcement of the Edmunds-Tucker, Law against plural marriage President Taylor preached his last public discourse in this tabernacle. It was a powerful sermon in which he exhorted the Saints to faithfulness and forbearance. Having experienced the bitterness of persecution in his younger days, he realized the seriousness of it in his later life, and so to prevent his enemies from incarcerating him in the penitentiary, he lived in exile, dying July 25, 1887, at Kaysville, Utah—nearly 80 years of age, a martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a noble character, a fearless advocate of the truth, possessing unusual ability and was exceedingly active. He had the gift of language and music and was a delightful associate. Standing 6 feet tall he was a dignified man in any presence. He left a splendid family of wives and children and exemplified in his life the motto, "The Kingdom of God or nothing." |
GEORGE ALBERT SMITH
JOHN TAYLOR
|
"John Taylor's Discussion with a French Scientist." Instructor. September 1940. pg. 391, 400.
JOHN TAYLOR'S DISCUSSION WITH A FRENCH SCIENTIST
In 1850 Elder John Taylor was called on a mission to France. In Paris he began studying the French language and teaching the Gospel. Among the interesting people whom he met there was M. Krolokoski, a disciple of M. Fourier, the distinguished French socialist. M. Krolokoski was a gentleman of some standing, being the editor of a paper published in Paris in "support of Fourier's views.
Another thing which makes the visit of this gentleman to Elder Taylor interesting is the fact that it was the society to which he belonged that sent M. Cabet to Nauvoo with the French Icarians, to establish a community on Fourier's principles. At his request Elder Taylor explained to him the leading principles of the Gospel. At the conclusion of that explanation the following conversation occurred:
M. Krolokoski: "Mr. Taylor, do you propose no other plan to ameliorate the condition of mankind than that of baptism for the remission of sins?"
Elder Taylor: "This is all I propose about the matter."
M. Krolokoski: "Well, I wish you every success; but I am afraid you will not succeed."
Elder Taylor: "Monsieur Krolokoski, you sent Monsieur Cabet to Nauvoo some time ago. He was considered your leader—the most talented man you. had. He went to Nauvoo shortly after we had deserted it. Houses and lands could be obtained for a mere nominal sum. Rich farms were deserted, and thousands of us had left our houses and furniture in them, and almost everything calculated to promote the happiness of man was there. Never could a person go to a place under more happy circumstances. Besides all the advantages of having everything made ready to his hand, M. Cabet had a select company of colonists.
"He and his company went to Nauvoo— what is the result? I read in all your reports from there—published in your own paper here in Paris, a continued cry for help. The cry is money, money! We want money to help us carry out our designs. While your colony in Nauvoo with all the advantages of our deserted fields and homes—that they had only to move into—have been dragging out a miserable existence, the Latter-day Saints, though stripped of their all and banished from civilized society into the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, to seek that protection among savages which Christian civilization denied us—there our people have built homes, enclosed lands, cultivated gardens, built school houses, and have organized a government and are prospering in all the influence of the world, nor the power the blessings of civilized Ufe. Not only this, but they have sent thousands and thousands of dollars over to Europe to assist the suffering poor to go to America where they might find an asylum.
"The society I represent, M. Krolokoski, comes with the fear of God—the worship of the Great Eloheim; we offer the simple plan ordained of God, viz: repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Our people have not been seeking of the government, but they have obtained both, whilst you, with your philosophy, independent of God, have been seeking to build up a system of communism and a government which is, according to your own accounts, the way to introduce the Millennial reign. Now, which is the best, our religion, or your philosophy?"
M. Krolokoski: "Well, Mr. Taylor, I can say nothing."
—From Life of John Taylor, by B. H. Roberts, pp. 225-227.
JOHN TAYLOR'S DISCUSSION WITH A FRENCH SCIENTIST
In 1850 Elder John Taylor was called on a mission to France. In Paris he began studying the French language and teaching the Gospel. Among the interesting people whom he met there was M. Krolokoski, a disciple of M. Fourier, the distinguished French socialist. M. Krolokoski was a gentleman of some standing, being the editor of a paper published in Paris in "support of Fourier's views.
Another thing which makes the visit of this gentleman to Elder Taylor interesting is the fact that it was the society to which he belonged that sent M. Cabet to Nauvoo with the French Icarians, to establish a community on Fourier's principles. At his request Elder Taylor explained to him the leading principles of the Gospel. At the conclusion of that explanation the following conversation occurred:
M. Krolokoski: "Mr. Taylor, do you propose no other plan to ameliorate the condition of mankind than that of baptism for the remission of sins?"
Elder Taylor: "This is all I propose about the matter."
M. Krolokoski: "Well, I wish you every success; but I am afraid you will not succeed."
Elder Taylor: "Monsieur Krolokoski, you sent Monsieur Cabet to Nauvoo some time ago. He was considered your leader—the most talented man you. had. He went to Nauvoo shortly after we had deserted it. Houses and lands could be obtained for a mere nominal sum. Rich farms were deserted, and thousands of us had left our houses and furniture in them, and almost everything calculated to promote the happiness of man was there. Never could a person go to a place under more happy circumstances. Besides all the advantages of having everything made ready to his hand, M. Cabet had a select company of colonists.
"He and his company went to Nauvoo— what is the result? I read in all your reports from there—published in your own paper here in Paris, a continued cry for help. The cry is money, money! We want money to help us carry out our designs. While your colony in Nauvoo with all the advantages of our deserted fields and homes—that they had only to move into—have been dragging out a miserable existence, the Latter-day Saints, though stripped of their all and banished from civilized society into the valleys of the Rocky Mountains, to seek that protection among savages which Christian civilization denied us—there our people have built homes, enclosed lands, cultivated gardens, built school houses, and have organized a government and are prospering in all the influence of the world, nor the power the blessings of civilized Ufe. Not only this, but they have sent thousands and thousands of dollars over to Europe to assist the suffering poor to go to America where they might find an asylum.
"The society I represent, M. Krolokoski, comes with the fear of God—the worship of the Great Eloheim; we offer the simple plan ordained of God, viz: repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. Our people have not been seeking of the government, but they have obtained both, whilst you, with your philosophy, independent of God, have been seeking to build up a system of communism and a government which is, according to your own accounts, the way to introduce the Millennial reign. Now, which is the best, our religion, or your philosophy?"
M. Krolokoski: "Well, Mr. Taylor, I can say nothing."
—From Life of John Taylor, by B. H. Roberts, pp. 225-227.
"Excerpts from Life of John Taylor." Relief Society Magazine. October 1940. pg. 704.
Excerpts from "Life of John Taylor''
By B. H. Roberts
(Selected by Marianne C. Sharp)
"If ever there was an exemplary, honest and virtuous man, an embodiment of all that is noble, in the human form, Hyrum Smith was its representative." (page 142)
"Many a time have I listened to the voice of our beloved Prophet, while in council, dwell on this subject [the removal of the Saints to the Rocky Mountains] with delight; his eyes sparkling with animation, and his soul fired with the inspiration of the Spirit of the living God." (page 179)
(France, 1851) "At the very time they [the French people] were voting for their president, we were voting for our president; and building up the kingdom of God; and I prophesied that our cause would stand when theirs is crushed to pieces; and the kingdom of God will roll on and spread from nation to nation, and from kingdom to kingdom." (page 233)
(1879) "Inasmuch as the brethren had been careless and slow to heed the counsel of President Young in relation to storing away wheat, he (President Young) requested the sisters to do it, and some of us lords of creation' thought it a very little thing for our sisters to be engaged in. But we find now they are of some use, and that the 'ladies of creation' can do something as well as we 'lords'." (page 336)
"If you find people owing you who are distressed, if you will go to work and try to relieve them as much as you can, under the circumstances, God will relieve you when you get into difficulties. I will tell you that in the name of the Lord." (page 336)
(1882) "As a people or community, we can bide our time, but I will say to you Latter-day Saints, that there is nothing of which you have been despoiled by oppressive acts or mobocratic rule, but that you will again possess, or your children after you. . . . Your possessions, of which you have been fraudulently despoiled in Missouri and Illinois, you will again possess, and that without force, or fraud, or violence. The Lord has a way of His own in regulating such matters." (page 362)
"This is not only my saving, but it is the saying of those ancient prophets which they themselves profess to believe; for God will speedily have a controversy with the nations of the earth, and as I stated before, the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way to overthrow governments, to destroy dynasties, to lay waste thrones, kingdoms and empires, to spread abroad anarchy and desolation, and to cause war, famine and bloodshed to overspread the earth." page 364)
Excerpts from "Life of John Taylor''
By B. H. Roberts
(Selected by Marianne C. Sharp)
"If ever there was an exemplary, honest and virtuous man, an embodiment of all that is noble, in the human form, Hyrum Smith was its representative." (page 142)
"Many a time have I listened to the voice of our beloved Prophet, while in council, dwell on this subject [the removal of the Saints to the Rocky Mountains] with delight; his eyes sparkling with animation, and his soul fired with the inspiration of the Spirit of the living God." (page 179)
(France, 1851) "At the very time they [the French people] were voting for their president, we were voting for our president; and building up the kingdom of God; and I prophesied that our cause would stand when theirs is crushed to pieces; and the kingdom of God will roll on and spread from nation to nation, and from kingdom to kingdom." (page 233)
(1879) "Inasmuch as the brethren had been careless and slow to heed the counsel of President Young in relation to storing away wheat, he (President Young) requested the sisters to do it, and some of us lords of creation' thought it a very little thing for our sisters to be engaged in. But we find now they are of some use, and that the 'ladies of creation' can do something as well as we 'lords'." (page 336)
"If you find people owing you who are distressed, if you will go to work and try to relieve them as much as you can, under the circumstances, God will relieve you when you get into difficulties. I will tell you that in the name of the Lord." (page 336)
(1882) "As a people or community, we can bide our time, but I will say to you Latter-day Saints, that there is nothing of which you have been despoiled by oppressive acts or mobocratic rule, but that you will again possess, or your children after you. . . . Your possessions, of which you have been fraudulently despoiled in Missouri and Illinois, you will again possess, and that without force, or fraud, or violence. The Lord has a way of His own in regulating such matters." (page 362)
"This is not only my saving, but it is the saying of those ancient prophets which they themselves profess to believe; for God will speedily have a controversy with the nations of the earth, and as I stated before, the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way to overthrow governments, to destroy dynasties, to lay waste thrones, kingdoms and empires, to spread abroad anarchy and desolation, and to cause war, famine and bloodshed to overspread the earth." page 364)
"Our Cover Picture." Instructor. January 1948. pg. 28-29.
Our Cover Picture JOHN Taylor was a native of England. There he received his early education, both secular and religious, and began a career as a Methodist preacher while he was still in his teens. His parents were members of the Church of England. Their son, John, however, was attracted to the enthusiastic preaching and religious reforms of the Wesley Brothers. He had a premonition that he would some day have the privilege of preaching the gospel in America. With this in mind he emigrated to Canada. While making his living practicing his trade as a turner he continued his studies of the scriptures and became the leader of a group classified as Methodists, but in fact seeking for something after the order of the primitive Christian church. While thus engaged he met Leonora Cannon, to whom he was married in January 1833. "Leonora Cannon was a daughter of Captain George Cannon (grandfather of George Q. Cannon) of Peel, Isle of Man. Captain Cannon died while Leonora was yet in her girlhood; ... [for a short time] she went to reside in England. . . . Later [returning to the Isle of Man] she became an inmate of Governor Smelt's family. . . . Here she met many distinguished people from England. . . . As companion of the wife of the private secretary of Lord Aylmer, Governor General of Canada, she went to Toronto, and being a devout Methodist, associated with that church and there met Mr. Taylor, who became her class leader." (Life of John Taylor, by B. H. Roberts.) Leonora Cannon Taylor is described by Roberts as "Refined both by nature and education, gentle and ladylike in manner, witty, intelligent, gifted with rare conversational powers, possessed of a deep religious sentiment, and, withal, remarkable for the beauty of her person, she was a fitting companion to John Taylor." Apostle Parley P. Pratt came to Toronto with a letter of introduction to John Taylor. With the bad reputation the Mormons had already acquired, Apostle Pratt's visit at first seemed fruitless and he was about to depart. It was on the initiative of Mrs. Taylor that arrangements were made for him to preach to the group of which her husband was leader. The outcome was that after very thorough investigation of the message of Elder Pratt, John Taylor and his wife were baptized May 9, 1836. From that time they became ardent exponents of Mormonism. The story of John Taylor's visit with Joseph Smith at Kirtland, his later association with the Saints in Missouri and Nauvoo, and subsequent history are told in great de- tail in B. H. Roberts' book, published by George Q. Cannon and Sons Co., 1892. On December 19, 1838 John Taylor was ordained an apostle by Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. The remainder of his life was occupied chiefly in exposition and defense of the restored gospel. He was editor of the Times and Seasons, organ of the Church at Nauvoo; also founder and publisher of the Nauvoo Neighbor. On account of his bold and vigorous defense of the liberties of the people he was given the title, "Champion of Liberty." He and Willard Richards accompanied Joseph and Hyrum Smith to Carthage. In the murderous assault on the jail by a mob in military uniforms, assigned by the governor of Illinois to protect them while awaiting trial, John Taylor was wounded by four bullets ; a fifth, which otherwise might have been fatal, struck his watch. From that time on he became known as a living martyr to the cause for which Joseph and Hyrum Smith gave their lives. John Taylor performed many missions for the Church, including opening the mission in France, and incidentally, elsewhere in Europe, in addition to his extensive labors in Canada, the United States, and Great Britain and Ireland. While in charge of the missionary work in New York, beginning in 1854, he established, published and edited a paper called The Mormon in which he carried on vigorous controversy on the Mormon question with leading New York papers. On the death of Brigham Young he, as president of the Quorum of the Twelve, became the presiding officer of the Church and on reconstituting the First Presidency a few years later he became the president of the Church. "He died July 25, 1887 at the age of 78 years, eight month and 25 days." His character is summarized by B. H. Roberts thus: "A universal benevolence, powerful intellect, splendid courage, physical as well as moral, a noble independence of spirit, coupled with implicit faith and trust in God, a high sense of honor, unimpeachable integrity, indomitable determination, and a passionate love of liberty, justice and truth marked the outlines of his character."—M. B. "President Taylor was a man who could not get down to grovel with the low-lived, the vicious, the ribald or any who indulged in the follies and vanities of mortal life. When the gospel found him, he was aspiring from the measure of grace that existed among the most devout religious worshipers, and hungering and thirsting for something nobler and better; and the testimony of the glorious truths again revealed came to his ears by the elders of the Church and soon by the blessed testimony of the Prophet Joseph."—Apostle Franklin D. Richards, at funeral service. |
"Little Deeds from Big Lives." Instructor. June 1956. pg. 170.
Little Deeds from Big Lives Ireland's First Fruits PRESIDENT John Taylor began his labors as a missionary in Ireland in Newry, a charming seaside town tucked in the green hills of northern Ireland. As Elder Taylor walked through the pretty green countryside, dotted with small white cottages, he explained the Gospel to a man named Thomas Tate. When they reached the top of a hill, they looked down on a beautiful lake, Lough Brickland. Thomas Tate cried out: "There is the water; what doth hinder me being baptized?" In that lake John Taylor baptized Thomas Tate. It is believed to be the first baptism into the restored Church in Ireland. |
Nibley, Preston. "He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith - President John Taylor." Relief Society Magazine. July 1963. pg. 490-491.
He Knew the Prophet Joseph Smith Part II — President John Taylor Preston Nibley Assistant Church Historian JOHN Taylor, the third President of the Church, was born in the town of Milnthorpe, Westmoreland County, England, on November 1, 1808. In 1830, the parents of John Taylor and all the members of the family except John, emigrated to Canada. He followed in 1832 and settled near Toronto. Through the teaching of Parley P. Pratt, John Taylor was converted to Mormonism in 1836. In 1837 he visited Kirtland, Ohio, and met the Prophet Joseph Smith, who became his close personal friend. In December 1838 he was made a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. After the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1844, John Taylor followed President Brigham Young and the saints to Salt Lake Valley. There he was very active in all the affairs of the Church; he also filled several foreign missions, and missions in the United States. When President Brigham Young died in August 1877, John Taylor became the President of the Church. He presided ten years until his death in July 1887. On account of his close association with the Prophet Joseph Smith, he frequently referred to the life and activities of the great Prophet. Following are some of his comments: ''Joseph Smith, in the first place, was set apart by the Almighty, according to the councils of the Gods in the eternal worlds, to introduce principles of life among the people, of which the Gospel is the grand power and influence, and through which salvation can extend to all peoples, all nations, all kindreds, all tongues, and worlds. It is the principle that brings life and immortality to light, and places us in communication with God. God selected him for that purpose, and he fulfilled his mission and he lived honorably and died honorably. I know of what I speak, for I was very well acquainted with him, and was with him a great deal during his life, and was with him when he died (Journal of Discourses 21:94). ''Who was Joseph Smith? . . . God chose this young man. He was ignorant of letters as the world has it, but the most profoundly learned and intelligent man that I ever met in my life, and I have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles, been on different continents and mingled among all classes and creeds of people, yet I have never met a man so intelligent as he was. Where did he get his intelligence from? Not from books, not from the logic or science or philosophy of the day, but he obtained it through the revelation of God, made known to him through the medium of the everlasting gospel (Ibid., 21:63). "I testify that I was acquainted with Joseph Smith for years; I have traveled with him; I have been with him in private and in public; I have associated with him in councils of all kinds; I have listened hundreds of times to his public teachings, and his advice to his friends and associates of a more private nature. I have been at his house and seen his deportment in his family. I have seen him arraigned before the tribunals of his country, and have seen him honorably acquitted and delivered from the pernicious breath of slander, and the machinations and falsehoods of wicked and corrupt men. I was with him living, and when he died, when he was murdered in Carthage jail by a ruthless mob . . . with their faces painted. ... I have seen him then under these various circumstances, and I testify before God, angels and men that he was a good, honorable, virtuous man, that his doctrines were good, scriptural and wholesome, that his precepts were such as became a man of God, that his private and public character was unimpeachable, that he lived and died a man of God and a gentleman. This is my testimony (Public Discussion, 1850). ''Many a time have I listened to the voice of our beloved prophet, while in council, his eyes sparkling with animation, and his soul fired with the inspiration of the living God. It was a theme that caused the bosoms of all who were privileged to listen, to thrill with delight. Intimately connected with this were themes upon which prophets, patriarchs, priests and kings dwelt with pleasure and delight. My spirit glows with sacred fire while I reflect upon these scenes and I say, O Lord, hasten the day! Let Zion be established! Let the mountain of the Lord's house be established in the tops of the mountains! Let deliverance be proclaimed unto Zion! Let redemption echo from mountain to mountain, from hill to hill, from nation to nation! Let the world hear! Let the law go forth from Zion and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (MS., 9:97). |
President John Taylor
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Taylor, Frank C. "The John Taylor Family Has.... Organized for Posterity." Instuctor. December 1963. pg. 428-429.
THE JOHN TAYLOR FAMILY HAS . . . Organized For Posterity[1] by Frank C. Taylor[2] Our John Taylor Family Association grew out of a custom of celebrating the birthday of our revered head, President John Taylor. It is the big event of the year for all of us. We look forward to it year round and center our new clothing to this occasion. We even try to follow the example of John Taylor by dressing our very best and showing our best manners. He was always meticulously dressed and had the dignity and manners of a nobleman. This family gathering on November 1 is held annually and has been perpetuated right down to the present. It has become known as a "Family Reunion." An organization has been duly effected with president, secretary, treasurer, and committees. Programs and invitations are printed well in advance of our meetings, and mailed to all members. John Taylor made a wide and thorough investigation of religion, searched the scriptures prayerfully, and compared all sects in a sincere effort to find the truth. Soon after his conversion to Mormonism he was called to an important position and came in contact with the Prophet Joseph Smith who became his closest friend and tutor. Through this relationship and through the Spirit of God he became acquainted with the prophecies and revelations given through Joseph Smith. A feeling of love also extended to his parents and all those relatives on the other side of the veil. He was well aware of the responsibility devolving upon him for their salvation and of the dire consequence if he neglected temple work. This knowledge prompted him to stress genealogical research and temple work on a level of equal importance with that of preaching the Gospel to the living. Of the family committees, the genealogical and temple committees received the greatest attention. He foresaw the work that would have to be done and the temples that would have to be built. At one time he said that we have built temples, "and we expect to build hundreds of them yet. . . ."[3] The Spirit of Elijah was working upon Church members with such fervor that ordinance work was done often without system or organization. One large pioneer family, though not having an organization, took their records to the Salt Lake Temple and did vicarious work for all their known progenitors. The very next month descendants of another branch of this same family in the St. George region, not knowing of the previously completed work, went to the St. George Temple and duplicated the temple work for every person previously officiated for in the Salt Lake Temple. Similar experiences were also occurring in other families. To avoid duplication, cards have been inaugurated and temple files are now systematized. This systematizing came about as a result of the Taylor Family organization, through one of its members who belonged to our Research and Temple Committee. Our Research and Temple Committee consists of a chairman, a secretary, and one or more representatives of each of the eight branches in the family. This committee meets at regular intervals to hear reports of what has been accomplished on each line. Donating members are given the privilege of specifying to which line they wish their donations allocated. Most, however, leave this apportionment to the committee which usually authorizes the head of the Research Department to place funds in each separate account as needed. In this way duplication has been avoided. These are the advantages of a Family Organization: It avoids duplication, unifies effort, distributes financial burden, excites interest, and gets results. Hiring professional researchers has been deemed a necessary aid for our lines. The family has been long indebted to Brother Archibald Bennett who serves as our head researcher. Nettie T. Taylor has systematized the Salt Lake Temple card files.[4] Constitution Passed by family members at reunion ARTICLE I Name The name shall be the PRESIDENT JOHN TAYLOR FAMILY. Membership All who are related to President John Taylor by birth or marriage. ARTICLE II Purpose The objects and purposes of this organization are: 1. To perpetuate the memory of our beloved ancestor and to keep alive in our hearts and the hearts of our posterity our favored birthright and the obligations attendant thereto. 2. To foster genealogical research and temple activity. 3. To provide for an annual reunion on November 1 or as near that date as feasible. ARTICLE III Officers The business and affairs of this organization shall be conducted by the following officers: 1. A Board of Seven Directors. 2. A Chairman and members of a permanent Genealogical Committee, with its representatives of the seven different families and the general John Taylor line. 3. Historian. 4. An Executive Secretary and a Recording Secretary. The out-going chairman of the reunion committee shall serve as ex-officio member of the committee planning the succeeding year's program. The Board of Directors shall be elected for a two-year term by the members attending the reunion, and shall include a representative of each of the seven families. On alternating years, three, then four directors shall automatically be released. The out-going directors shall serve as a nominating committee to appoint the incoming directors, each choosing from within his grandmother's line. The outgoing directors each year shall serve as executive officers for planning that year's party, and shall select from their number a chairman. For the coming year, the directors to be presented for election shall be the group called temporarily to organize this year's reunion; and at next year's reunion three of them shall be released and shall present names of their successors. The directors shall have power to appoint as many committees or individuals as necessary to carry out a successful and appropriate reunion, and to levy costs for same in an equitable manner to be shared by all. Neither any officer nor any members of the Board of Directors shall receive any compensation for their services as such. ARTICLE IV This Constitution may be amended at any annual meeting of the membership by a two-thirds vote of the members present. [1] (For Course 20, lesson of February 16, "What Can a Family Association Do?") [2] Brother Frank C Taylor is a grandson of President John Taylor, third president of the Church. He is qualified as author of this article since he serves as Chairman of the Genealogical and Temple Committee in the John Taylor Family Association. He is an alumnus of four educational institutions: Granite Stake Academy, LDS University, University of Utah, and New York University. He is also a member of the Emeritus Club at the University of Utah. His wife is the former Bessie Elinor Taylor. They have six children, 28 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. [3] Baylor, John; The Gospel Kingdom, Selected and arranged by G. Homer Durham, 1943 Edition; Bookcraft Company, Salt Lake City, Utah; page 294. [4] Library File Reference: Genealogy. |