Cornelius P. Lott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cornelius Peter Lott
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| Born | September 22, 1798 New York, New York, United States |
| Died | July 6, 1850 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
Cornelius Peter Lott (born September 22, 1798 – died July 6, 1850) was an important early member of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was also the father of one of Joseph Smith's wives. Lott was part of the Council of Fifty and a leader in a group called the Danites.
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Who Was Cornelius Peter Lott?
Cornelius Peter Lott played a role in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was known for his strength and his leadership. His life involved many moves and challenges as the early members of the church settled new areas.
Early Life and Family
Cornelius Peter Lott was born in New York City on September 22, 1798. His parents were Peter Lott and Mary Jane Smiley. His grandfather, also named Cornelius Lott, was a sheriff. He also served as a captain during the American Revolution.
Cornelius Lott married Permelia Darrow on April 27, 1823. Before 1834, both Cornelius and Permelia joined the Church of Christ. This church was later renamed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1836, they moved to Kirtland, Ohio.
Moving to Missouri
In 1838, the Lott family moved to Missouri. They settled near a place called Haun's Mill. During an Independence Day celebration in Far West, Missouri, Lott was seen as a leader. He was with two other men, Jared Carter and Sampson Avard.
Lott was involved with a group of Latter Day Saints known as "Danites." During the 1838 Mormon War, he led a Danite group. They raided a farm near Adam-ondi-Ahman. This farm was believed to be hiding weapons for a group that was against the Latter Day Saints.
Life in Nauvoo
In the winter of 1838–39, the Lott family had to leave Missouri. Many other Latter Day Saints were also forced to leave. They first settled in Pike County, Illinois. This was about forty miles south of the main group of Saints in Nauvoo. Later, in 1839, they moved to Joseph Smith's farm near Nauvoo.
Once in Nauvoo, Lott took over managing Joseph Smith's farm. He also bought some land next to it. On this land, he built an eight-room farmhouse. While living there, Lott was a captain in Joseph Smith's bodyguard. He also received his endowment with W.W. Phelps and Joseph Fielding. Joseph Smith also proposed marriage to Lott's daughter, Melissa.
Joseph Smith III, who was a boy at the time, remembered Cornelius Lott. He said Lott was "still strong and muscular." Smith recalled a time when Lott came to his father's store. Joseph Smith had been wrestling with customers all afternoon. He had won against everyone. When Lott walked in, Smith challenged him to a match. Lott accepted, and Joseph Smith found he could not win against Lott.
Journey to Utah
In the late spring of 1848, Cornelius Lott served as a captain. He was part of Heber C. Kimball's company. This was an early group of Latter Day Saints crossing the plains to Utah. Mary Fielding Smith, a single mother and widow of Joseph Smith's brother Hyrum, was in this group.
Lott told Mary Fielding Smith that she should wait. He said she should gather others to help her and her children make the journey. He felt she would slow down the company. She refused to wait. According to her son, Joseph F. Smith, Lott made her feel bad during the trip. Joseph F. Smith did not like Lott for his actions during this journey.
Once in the Salt Lake Valley, Lott and his family lived in a small house. It was located in Salt Lake City. He also managed a church farm in the Forest Dale area. Two of his daughters married important men. One married William S. S. Willes, and another married John R. Murdock.
Cornelius Lott died in 1850. He passed away from either dysentery or from being very tired.
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Cornelius Peter Lott
