Elisha H. Groves facts for kids

Elisha Hurd Groves (born November 5, 1797 – died December 29, 1867) was an important leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the 1800s. He was also a member of the first group of lawmakers in Utah Territory. For most of his life, Elisha worked as a farmer.

Early Life and Faith

Elisha Hurd Groves was born in Madison County, Kentucky. When he was 22, he moved to Indiana. In 1825, he married Sarah Hogue, but they later divorced in 1833. At that time, he was a Presbyterian. On March 1, 1832, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Missionary Work

After joining the Church, Elisha Groves became a Mormon missionary. He traveled to different states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri to share his beliefs. In 1834, he worked with another missionary, Morris Phelps, in Calhoun County, Illinois. Together, they helped 16 people join the Church.

In 1836, Elisha married Lucy Simmons. When he wasn't on missions, he lived in Kirtland, Ohio. He then moved to Caldwell County, Missouri in 1836 and to Davies County, Missouri in 1838. In 1839, he settled in Columbus, Illinois and served another mission there.

Elisha Groves was one of the first missionaries to serve in Wisconsin Territory in 1840. He moved to Nauvoo, Illinois in 1842 and continued his missionary work in Illinois until 1844. He also helped set up a new settlement called Mount Pisgah, Iowa in 1846.

Moving to Utah

In 1848, Elisha Groves moved to Utah. He traveled south to Iron County, Utah in 1850. By 1853, he settled in New Harmony, Utah, which is now in Washington County, Utah.

In Utah Territory, Elisha Groves became a respected leader. He served in the territorial legislature, which was the group that made laws for the area. He also served as a patriarch in the Church's local organization, called a stake, in Iron County, Utah.