Hosea Stout facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hosea Stout
|
|
|---|---|
Stout c. 1850s
|
|
| Born | September 18, 1810 Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, U.S.
|
| Died | March 2, 1889 (aged 78) Utah, U.S.
|
| Occupation | soldier, chief of police, bodyguard, lawyer, missionary, politician, diarist |
| Employer | U.S government, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, self-employed |
| Known for | Founding first Mormon mission in China in 1850s |
| Spouse(s) | Samantha Peck and five others |
| Parent(s) | Joseph Stout and Ann Smith |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | |
| Service/ |
|
| Unit |
|
| Battles/wars | |
Hosea Stout (born September 18, 1810 – died March 2, 1889) was an important early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was also a pioneer, soldier, and chief of police. Later, he became a lawyer, missionary, and politician in Utah Territory.
Stout was from Kentucky, which was unusual for early members of the Latter Day Saint Church. The church sometimes spoke out against slavery. This made it less common for people from the Southern U.S. to join.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Growing Up in Kentucky
Hosea Stout was born in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. He grew up in a large family with his parents, Joseph Stout and Ann Smith. His parents were strict Quakers.
When Hosea was a child, his family faced money problems. He was sent to a Shaker school for a few years. After his father's financial situation improved, Hosea left the school.
Soldier in the Black Hawk War
In 1832, Stout joined the United States Mounted Ranger Battalion. He served under Major Henry Dodge in the Black Hawk War. These U.S. Rangers were frontiersmen. They served for one year and had to bring their own rifles and horses.
Joining the Latter Day Saints
Moving to Missouri
During the Black Hawk War, Stout learned about the Latter Day Saint movement. He was taught by Charles C. Rich, who later became an apostle. In 1837, Stout sold his business. He then moved to Caldwell County, Missouri. Many Latter Day Saints had gathered there.
Soon after, he married Samantha Peck. He was then baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Life in Nauvoo, Illinois
During the Missouri Mormon War in 1838, Stout was part of a group called the Danites. This group helped protect the Latter Day Saint community. He played a role in the events of the war and fought in the Battle of Crooked River.
After the Latter Day Saints moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, Stout became a bodyguard for Joseph Smith. He also commanded a group called the Nauvoo Legion. He was the Chief of Police in Nauvoo. Stout also became a leader in the church's organization.
Life in Utah Territory
Journey West
In 1846, the church moved from Nauvoo. Stout served as the chief of police in Winter Quarters, Nebraska. This was a temporary home for the Latter Day Saints during their journey.
As an early Mormon pioneer, Stout arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in September 1848. He traveled with Heber C. Kimball's group. After leaving Nauvoo, Stout married more wives. This was a common practice in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at that time. He had a total of six wives.
Missions to China and Hong Kong
On August 28, 1852, Stout was called to serve a mission to China. This was the first Mormon mission to China. Stout, James Lewis, Chapman Duncan, and Walter Thompson went on this mission. None of them knew the Chinese language.
They first traveled to the British Colony of Hong Kong. From there, they went into mainland China. They did not find any converts there. They returned to Hong Kong and convinced only a few people to join the church. In late 1853, Stout and his companions returned to the United States.
Challenges in Wyoming
In November 1856, Stout helped rescue a handcart company. They were stuck in the snow in Wyoming. During the Utah War of 1857–58, Stout helped build defenses in Echo Canyon. These defenses were meant to stop federal forces from entering Utah Territory.
Stout faced legal challenges later in his life. In 1877, he retired from public life due to poor health. He passed away 11 years later near Salt Lake City.
Public Service and Legacy
A Career in Law and Politics
In Utah, Hosea Stout began a long career in law and politics. In 1849, he was elected to the Utah Territory's House of Representatives. He helped create a constitution for the proposed State of Deseret.
Stout served as the first Attorney General of Utah Territory. In 1851, he was one of the first lawyers allowed to practice law in Utah. From 1856 to 1857, he was the speaker of the House. He also served as a territorial prosecutor and U.S. Attorney.
An Important Diary
One of Stout's most important contributions was his diary. The Diary of Hosea Stout is a valuable resource. It helps historians learn about the Latter Day Saints in the 1800s.
