Elijah Fordham facts for kids
Elijah Fordham (born April 12, 1798 – died 1879) was an important early member of the Latter Day Saint movement. He is best known for being healed by Joseph Smith in a special way in 1839.
Elijah Fordham was born in New York City. His parents were George Fordham and Mary Baker. He married Jane Ann Fisher on November 23, 1822. Later, on April 12, 1830, he married Bathiah Fisher.
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Joining the Church
Elijah Fordham joined the Church of the Latter Day Saints in May 1834. This happened in Pontiac, which was then part of Michigan Territory. He helped build the Kirtland Temple, an important building for the church.
Early Church Service
In 1837, Fordham was given special leadership roles, called an elder and a seventy. He was also given the role of a high priest on January 22, 1837. Later that year, he worked with Parley P. Pratt to start the first branch, or local group, of the church in New York City. He married for a third time to Anna Bibbins Chaffee in Ashford, Connecticut, on October 3, 1838.
Healing and Nauvoo
In 1839, Elijah Fordham was very sick with a fever, often called the ague back then. He was healed by Joseph Smith in Montrose, Iowa. After this, Fordham served on a local church council, called a high council, in Iowa.
Life in Nauvoo
Fordham then moved to Nauvoo, a city built by the Latter Day Saints. There, he was part of the Nauvoo Legion, which was a local defense group. He also helped build the Nauvoo Temple. For the temple, he carved the oxen that supported the baptismal font. Fordham also worked as one of the firewardens in Nauvoo, helping to keep the city safe from fires.
Later Life and Missions
In 1843, Fordham served another mission, traveling to Knox County, Illinois, to share his beliefs. In 1844, he was one of many missionaries sent out to different areas across the country.
Journey to Utah
Elijah Fordham traveled to Utah Territory in 1850. He was part of a group of pioneers led by Edward Hunter. Fordham lived the rest of his life in Utah.
He passed away in Wellsville, Utah.
