Elias Higbee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elias Higbee |
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|---|---|
| Church Recorder Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints |
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| October 1840 – December 1842 | |
| Called by | Joseph Smith |
| Predecessor | George W. Robinson |
| Successor | Willard Richards |
| Church Historian Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints |
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| April 6, 1838 – October 1840 | |
| Called by | Joseph Smith |
| Predecessor | John Corrill |
| Successor | Robert B. Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 23, 1795 Galloway Township, New Jersey, United States |
| Died | June 8, 1843 (aged 47) Nauvoo, Illinois, United States |
| Cause of death | cholera |
| Resting place | Old Nauvoo Burial Grounds 40°32′11″N 91°21′02″W / 40.5364°N 91.3506°W |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Elizabeth Ward |
| Children | 12 |
| Parents | Isaac Higbee Sophia Somers |
Elias Higbee (born October 23, 1795 – died June 8, 1843) was an important helper and friend of Joseph Smith. He was also an official historian and record keeper for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Contents
Elias Higbee's Life Story
Elias Higbee was born in Galloway Township, New Jersey. His parents were Isaac Higbee and Sophia Somers. He joined the Latter Day Saint church in Ohio in 1832.
Moving to New Places
Later that year, Elias and his family moved to Kirtland, Ohio. This was a gathering place for many Latter Day Saints. In 1833, the Higbees tried to settle in Jackson County, Missouri. However, they had to return to Kirtland in 1835. They tried again to settle in Missouri in 1836, this time in Clay County.
While living in Missouri, Higbee served as a judge in Caldwell County. He was also a leader in the county's local defense group. He traveled to different states like Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to share his beliefs.
Settling in Nauvoo
Because of conflicts in Missouri in 1838, the Higbees had to leave again. By 1839, they settled with most Latter-Day Saints in Commerce, Illinois. This town was later renamed Nauvoo.
In 1838, Higbee became the official historian for the church. Then, in 1840, he became the church's recorder. In 1839 and 1840, Higbee traveled with Joseph Smith to Washington, D.C.. They went to ask U.S. President Martin Van Buren for help with their problems.
On October 8, 1840, Joseph Smith asked Higbee to join a group. This group was in charge of planning and building the Nauvoo Temple.
His Passing
Elias Higbee passed away suddenly on June 8, 1843, in Nauvoo. He died from cholera. Joseph Smith spoke about Higbee after his death. He said that Higbee "will again come forth and strike hands with the faithful, and share the glory of the kingdom of God for ever and ever." Elias Higbee was married to Sarah Ward, and they had twelve children.
Elias Higbee's Questions in Scripture
In the Doctrine and Covenants, which is a book of scripture for several Latter Day Saint churches, you can find answers to questions Elias Higbee asked Joseph Smith. These questions were about the meaning of parts of the Book of Isaiah from the Bible. The answers given to Higbee became part of the scripture.
Here is a summary of some of his questions and the answers:
- Question: What does it mean in Isaiah 52:1, "Put on thy strength, O Zion"? And who was Isaiah talking about?
* Answer: Isaiah was talking about people God would call in the future. These people would have the power of the priesthood to help build Zion and bring back the people of Israel. "Putting on strength" means using the authority of the priesthood that Zion has a right to. It also means getting back the power that was lost.
- Question: What does it mean when it says Zion will "loose herself from the bands of her neck" (Isaiah 52:2)?
* Answer: This means that scattered groups of people are encouraged to return to the Lord. If they do, the Lord promises to speak to them and give them new revelation. The "bands of her neck" are like the difficulties or challenges faced by the scattered people of Israel among other nations.
