Jedediah M. Grant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jedediah M. Grant |
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| Second Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| April 7, 1854 – December 1, 1856 | |
| Predecessor | Willard Richards |
| Successor | Daniel H. Wells |
| LDS Church Apostle | |
| April 7, 1854 – December 1, 1856 | |
| Reason | Death of Willard Richards |
| Reorganization at end of term |
Daniel H. Wells ordained and added to the First Presidency |
| First Seven Presidents of the Seventy | |
| December 2, 1845 – April 7, 1854 | |
| End reason | Called as Second Counselor in the First Presidency |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jedediah Morgan Grant February 21, 1816 Windsor, New York, United States |
| Died | December 1, 1856 (aged 40) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
| Spouse(s) | 7 |
| Children | 11 |
| Parents | Joshua and Athalia H. Grant |
Jedediah Morgan Grant (born February 21, 1816 – died December 1, 1856) was an important leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served as an apostle and was part of the First Presidency. This is a top leadership group in the church, where he worked with church president Brigham Young. People knew him for his powerful speeches during a time called the Reformation of 1856. This earned him the nickname "Brigham's Sledgehammer." Jedediah M. Grant was also the father of Heber J. Grant, who later became the President of the Church.
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Jedediah Grant's Early Life
Jedediah M. Grant was born on February 21, 1816. His parents were Joshua Grant and Athalia Howard. They lived in Windsor, New York. When he was 17, he joined the Church of Christ in March 1833.
Joining Zion's Camp
At 18, Jedediah joined a group called Zion's Camp. They marched from Kirtland, Ohio, to Missouri. This journey was led by Joseph Smith, the church's founder. Even though they didn't reach all their goals, many people from this march later became church leaders. Jedediah's strong friendships with these leaders lasted his whole life.
Early Missionary Work
Jedediah Grant was one of the first missionaries for the church. He traveled to places like Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia. In the late 1830s, he preached in Toms River, New Jersey. His efforts there led to many people joining the church, including members of the Ivins family.
In 1844, Jedediah was part of a group that helped campaign for Joseph Smith. Smith was running to become the President of the United States. Other famous leaders like Brigham Young and Wilford Woodruff were also in this group.
Serving as a Church Leader
After Joseph Smith's death, Jedediah Grant continued to serve the church. He became a President of the Seventy. This role meant he helped guide church members.
Journey West and City Leadership
As a Seventy, he helped lead the pioneers on their journey west. They settled in the Salt Lake Valley. Later, he became the first mayor of Salt Lake City. He served as mayor from 1851 until he passed away. Both Morgan County, Utah, and the city of Morgan, Utah, are named after him.
In 1854, Jedediah Grant became an apostle. He was then called to serve in the First Presidency. He became the Second Counselor to Brigham Young. This happened after Willard Richards passed away.
Speeches During the Mormon Reformation
In 1856, Brigham Young asked Jedediah Grant to travel through northern Utah Territory. His job was to encourage church members to renew their faith. Grant gave very powerful speeches on this trip. These speeches helped start the Mormon Reformation.
"Brigham's Sledgehammer"
Jedediah Grant's speeches were so strong that he earned the nickname "Brigham's Sledgehammer." He asked all church members in the area to be rebaptized. This was a way for them to show they were committed to their faith again. People throughout Utah were rebaptized very quickly. This showed their renewed dedication to the church. Many of his speeches are written down in a book called Journal of Discourses.
Jedediah Grant's Passing and Family
Jedediah Grant became sick with pneumonia after his busy tour. He passed away on December 1, 1856. This was just nine days after his son, Heber J. Grant, was born. Heber's mother was Rachel Ridgeway Ivins. Jedediah Grant was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
Like many early members of the church, Jedediah Grant had more than one wife. This practice was called plural marriage. He had seven wives in total. One of his wives was Susan Fairchild Noble Grant. She later wrote about her early life in Utah. She also became a leader in the Relief Society after Jedediah passed away. Jedediah Grant had 11 children with his wives. His son, Heber, grew up to become the seventh president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
