Cyrus H. Wheelock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cyrus H. Wheelock |
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Cyrus H. Wheelock
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| Personal details | |
| Born | Cyrus Hubbard Wheelock February 28, 1813 Henderson, New York |
| Died | October 11, 1894 (aged 81) Mount Pleasant, Utah Territory |
| Occupation | Missionary and hymn-writer |
| Notable works | "Ye Elders of Israel" |
| Spouse(s) | Olive Parrish Jemima Rose Mary Ann Broomhead Mary Ann Dallin Elizabeth Burgess Neslen Louisa Godsall |
Cyrus Hubbard Wheelock (born February 28, 1813 – died October 11, 1894) was an important early leader and missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is well-known for writing the words to the Latter-day Saint hymn "Ye Elders of Israel."
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Early Life and Joining the Church
Cyrus Wheelock was born in Henderson, Jefferson County, New York. He joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 1, 1839. Soon after, he began serving as a missionary in Vermont.
Helping Joseph Smith
In 1844, Cyrus Wheelock tried to help Joseph Smith Jr., the Church's first prophet. Joseph Smith was being held in Carthage Jail in Illinois. Wheelock tried to convince the governor of Illinois, Thomas Ford, to release him. When a mob attacked the jail, Wheelock gave Joseph Smith a pistol.
Missions to England
Cyrus Wheelock served three missions to England. During these missions, he was a leader for the Church. He presided over (or led) the Church's groups in Manchester, Liverpool, and Preston. These groups were called Conferences.
Pioneer Journeys to Utah
In 1853, Wheelock helped lead a group of Latter-day Saints. They were waiting in Keokuk, Iowa, to begin their journey west. Wheelock was a counselor to Isaac C. Haight, who was the president of this camp.
Later, Wheelock became the captain of one of the pioneer companies. These companies traveled across the plains to Utah Territory. In 1854, he became the president of the 37th Quorum of the Seventy. This was an important leadership position in the Church.
Helping Stranded Pioneers
In 1856, a group of pioneers, including the Martin Handcart Company, became stranded. They were near the Sweetwater River in Wyoming. Brigham Young sent rescue parties to help them. Cyrus Wheelock was part of one of these rescue groups. He served as the chaplain, offering spiritual support to the rescuers and pioneers.
Life in Utah and Later Service
Cyrus Wheelock settled in Mount Pleasant, Utah Territory. He wrote several hymns while living there.
From 1878 to 1879, Wheelock served as the president of the Northern States Mission. This mission covered several states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois. He passed away in Mount Pleasant, Utah Territory.
