kids encyclopedia robot

James Springer White facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
James White
Personal details
Born (1821-08-04)August 4, 1821
Palmyra, Maine
Died August 6, 1881(1881-08-06) (aged 60)
Battle Creek Sanitarium, Battle Creek, MI
Spouse Ellen G. White
Children Henry Nichols
James Edson White
William C. White
John Herbert
Occupation President of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Author
Teacher
Preacher
Co-founder adventist movement

James Springer White (born August 4, 1821 – died August 6, 1881) was a very important person in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He helped start the church and was married to Ellen G. White, who was also a key leader.

In 1849, James White began the first newspaper for the Sabbatarian Adventists. It was called "The Present Truth". He helped move the main office of the church to Battle Creek, Michigan, in 1855. In 1863, he played a big part in officially organizing the church. Later, he also helped create the Adventist school system, starting with Battle Creek College in 1874.

James White's Early Life

James White was born on August 4, 1821, in a town called Palmyra in Maine. He was the fifth of nine children. When he was young, James was often sick and had seizures. His eyesight was not good, which made it hard for him to go to school. He had to work on his family's farm.

When he was 19, his eyesight got better. He then went to a local school and earned a certificate to teach. For a short time, he taught at an elementary school. He was baptized into the Christian Connexion church when he was 15.

James learned about the Millerite message from his parents. This was a religious movement that believed Jesus would return soon. After hearing a powerful preacher at a camp meeting, James decided to stop teaching and become a preacher himself. He became a minister in 1843.

James White was a very strong preacher. It is said that in the winter of 1843, about 1,000 people accepted the Millerite message because of his sermons. Sometimes, angry crowds would throw snowballs at him. During these early travels, he met Ellen G. Harmon. They got married on August 30, 1846.

James and Ellen White had four sons:

  • Henry Nichols (born 1847, died 1863)
  • James Edson (born 1849, died 1928)
  • William Clarence (born 1854, died 1937)
  • John Herbert (born 1860, died 1860)

His Work in the Adventist Church

Historic Adventist Village - Home of James and Ellen White (lateral)
Historic Adventist Village-Home of James and Ellen White (lateral)

The newspaper James White started, "The Present Truth," joined with another paper in 1850. It became "The Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald." Today, it is still published as the "Adventist Review." This newspaper became the main way for the Sabbatarian Adventist movement to share their beliefs and organize their church. It also helped James and Ellen White share their ideas with other believers quickly.

James White was the editor of the newspaper until 1851. Then, he asked Uriah Smith to take over. James White also had a big role in managing the church's publications as president of the Review and Herald Publishing Association. He also served several times as the president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He held this important position from 1865–67, 1869–71, and 1874–80.

In 1865, James White had a paralytic stroke, which affected his body. He thought he might need to stop working in the ministry. In 1880, G. I. Butler took over as the General Conference president.

In the summer of 1881, James White became sick with a fever. He was taken to the Battle Creek Sanitarium. Sadly, despite the efforts of Dr. Kellogg, James White passed away on August 6, 1881.

Images for kids

See also

In Spanish: James S. White para niños

kids search engine
James Springer White Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.