Alexander Neibaur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alexander Neibaur |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | January 8, 1808 Ehrenbreitstein, Alsace-Lorraine, France |
| Died | December 15, 1883 (aged 75) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Breakel |
| Children | 11 |
| Parents | Nathan and Rebecca P. Neibaur |
Alexander Neibaur (January 8, 1808 – December 15, 1883) was a very interesting person! He was the first dentist to work in Utah. He was also the first Jewish person to join the Latter Day Saint movement, often called the Mormon faith. He was super smart, knowing 7 languages and many different ways of speaking them!
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Early Life and Learning
Alexander was born in 1808 in a place called Ehrenbreitstein, near Koblenz. This area was part of France back then because of Napoleon. His father, Nathan Neibaur, was a surgeon in the French Army.
Alexander first studied to become a rabbi, which is a Jewish religious leader. But he decided he wanted to be a surgeon and a dentist instead. He earned his degree in 1827, before he even turned 20!
Moving to England
Around 1829, Alexander became a Christian. In 1830, he moved to Preston, England. On September 15, 1834, Alexander married Ellen Breakel. Ellen came from a Church of England family.
Joining the Latter-day Saints
In 1837, Alexander learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He read the Book of Mormon in just three days! He felt strongly that it was true.
He was asked to wait a bit before being baptized. This was so he could be more ready for this important step. He was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on April 9, 1838.
Life in Nauvoo
Alexander Neibaur arrived in Nauvoo, Illinois, on April 18, 1841. There, he opened his dental practice. He became very good friends with Joseph Smith, Jr., who was the leader of the Church.
Alexander helped Joseph Smith learn German and Hebrew. They spent time studying these languages together.
Defending Nauvoo
After Joseph Smith's death in 1844, many members of the Church began to move west. Alexander and Ellen stayed in Nauvoo a little longer. Ellen was expecting a baby at the time.
Alexander was one of the brave people who helped defend the city. This happened during the Battle of Nauvoo in 1846.
Journey to Utah
After the battle, Alexander and Ellen moved to Winter Quarters, Nebraska. They then continued their journey west. In 1848, they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. Here, they rejoined the main group of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In Utah Territory, Alexander continued his work as a dentist. He also started a business making matches. He was known for being the first dentist in Utah.
Family and Legacy
Alexander Neibaur played a big part in introducing the Mormon faith to Morris D. Rosenbaum. Morris was also Jewish and later married Alexander's daughter.
Alexander's daughter, Rebecca, married a well-known businessman named Charles W. Nibley. Charles was also a leader in the Church. Alexander's oldest daughter, Margaret Jane, married William Miller. William's father, Eleazer Miller, had baptized Brigham Young. Brigham Young later became the second President of the Church.
Alexander Neibaur is the great-grandfather of famous scholars like Hugh, Reid, and Richard Nibley. He is also the great-great-granddaughter of American sociologist and author Martha Beck. Alexander Neibaur started a large family that has spread throughout the western United States.
