Isaac Morley facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Isaac Morley |
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| First Counselor to the Bishop of the Church | |
| June 3, 1831 – May 27, 1840 | |
| End reason | Honorably released at death of Edward Partridge |
| Leader of Sanpete Mormon Colony | |
| In office | |
| 1849 – 1854 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 11, 1786 Montague, Massachusetts, United States |
| Died | June 24, 1865 (aged 79) Fairview, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Manti Cemetery 39°16′35″N 111°37′58″W / 39.2764°N 111.6328°W |
| Spouse(s) | Lucy Gunn Leonora Snow Hannah Blakesley Hannah Knight Libby Harriet Lucinda Cox Hannah Sibley Nancy Anne Bache |
Isaac Morley (born March 11, 1786 – died June 24, 1865) was an important early member of the Latter Day Saint movement. He lived at the same time as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. Isaac Morley was one of the first people to join the Church of Christ, which was the original name of the Latter Day Saint church. He was involved in many early events of the movement and served as a church leader in Ohio, Missouri, and Utah Territory.
Isaac Morley was born in Montague, Massachusetts. He was one of nine children. He served in the War of 1812 and later became a captain in the Ohio militia. In June 1812, he married Lucy Gunn and they had seven children. He later had more children with other wives.
Contents
Early Life and Beliefs
Isaac Morley was one of the first people to settle in the Western Reserve area of northern Ohio. He built a successful farm there near Kirtland, Ohio. In this area, he joined a religious group called the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement.
A Community of Sharing
Morley became a leader of a special group that believed in sharing everything. They held their goods in common so everyone could benefit. This group included Lyman Wight and Morley's brother-in-law Titus Billings. By 1830, eight more families had joined them. People sometimes called this group the "Morley Family." This was because Sidney Rigdon helped build log houses on Morley's farm where many group members could live.
Joining the Latter Day Saint Movement
In November 1830, Isaac Morley was among the first people to join the newly formed Church of Christ. He learned about the teachings of Joseph Smith when missionaries like Oliver Cowdery visited Ohio. Soon after his baptism, he was ordained an Elder.
Living with Joseph Smith
When Joseph Smith and his family first moved to Kirtland, Ohio, they lived with Isaac Morley. Morley later built a small house for them on his farm. Joseph and Emma Smith's twin babies were born and died there on April 30, 1831. Isaac's daughter, Lucy, and her older sister helped Emma when she was sick.
Becoming a Church Leader
On June 3, 1831, Lyman Wight ordained Morley as a High Priest. Just three days later, on June 6, he was chosen to be the First Counselor to Bishop Edward Partridge. He served in this important role until Bishop Partridge passed away in 1840.
Challenges and Missions
In June 1831, Morley was asked to sell his farm and serve as a missionary. He traveled to Independence, Missouri with Ezra Booth. In Missouri, Morley experienced violence between Mormon settlers and local residents. In July 1833, a large group of people destroyed the home and printing office of William Wines Phelps. They also tarred and feathered Bishop Partridge.
Standing Up for Others
Isaac Morley and five other men bravely stepped forward. They offered themselves as a way to stop the violence. After talking, the Missouri citizens agreed to stop the attacks. The Mormons agreed to leave the county by April 1, 1834. Morley left Missouri and returned to Kirtland in early 1835. He was there for the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in March 1836. He was also among the first to receive the "washing and anointing" blessings.
Missionary Work and Blessings
In 1835, Morley served a mission in the Eastern States with Bishop Partridge. They returned to Kirtland on November 5, 1835. Two days later, Joseph Smith wrote that the Lord was pleased with Isaac Morley and Edward Partridge for their hard work.
Moving West
Morley and his family returned to Missouri in early 1836. They helped build the city of Far West. On November 7, 1837, he was chosen as the Patriarch of Far West. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Hyrum Smith ordained him. He lived in Far West until he was arrested with many other Mormon citizens. This happened because of the Mormon Extermination Order from Governor Lilburn W. Boggs. He was held for three weeks but was released on November 24, 1838.
Settling in Illinois
After leaving Missouri, Morley settled in Hancock County, Illinois, in a place called Yelrome. He started a successful business making barrels. In October 1840, Hyrum Smith asked Morley to be the president of the church stake in Lima, Illinois. In March 1845, he became a member of the Council of Fifty. However, in September 1845, a mob burned his houses, shop, and property. His family had to find safety in Nauvoo. From there, they moved to Winter Quarters, where his first wife, Lucy, passed away.
Founding Manti, Utah
Morley traveled to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1848 with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is known as the founder of Manti, Utah. After Ute Indian leader Wakara invited Church president Brigham Young to send settlers to the Sanpitch (now Sanpete) Valley, Young sent Morley and James Russell Ivie to lead the first group of 225 settlers.
A Mission to Help Others
Morley and his group felt that part of their purpose was to share the gospel with the Native Americans. He wrote that they didn't come to get rich themselves. Instead, they came to "enrich the Natives and comfort the hearts of the long oppressed."
Building a New Home
Morley and the settlers arrived at the future site of Manti in November 1849. They set up a winter camp, digging temporary shelters into a hillside. It was a very isolated place, far from other settlements. The Mormons and the local Ute Sanpitch tribe had good, cooperative relationships. The first winter was very hard. A measles sickness spread, and the settlers used their limited medicine to help the Native Americans. When food ran low, the Native Americans helped the settlers bring food through the snow.
Morley encouraged the settlers and told them their community would become one of the best. The settlers and the Ute Sanpitch tribe lovingly called him "Father Morley." He oversaw the building of the first schoolhouse and the first gristmill in Sanpete Valley. The settlement grew and became known for its excellent farms.
Later Years and Legacy
Isaac Morley served as a senator in the government of the provisional State of Deseret. In 1851, 1853, and 1855, he represented Sanpete County in the legislative council of the Utah Territory.
In his final years, Morley spent most of his time as a Patriarch. He gave priesthood blessings to thousands of church members. He passed away on June 24, 1865, in Fairview, Sanpete County, Utah.
Inside the Manti Utah Temple, there is a framed piece of temple clothing that Morley used in the Nauvoo Temple.
See also
In Spanish: Isaac Morley para niños
