John Brown (Mormon pioneer) facts for kids
John Brown (1820–1897) was an important leader among the Mormons in the southern United States. He also helped lead the pioneer journey to the West. Later, he was a member of the Utah Territorial Legislature, which was like a government group for the Utah area at the time.
Brown was born in Sumner County, Tennessee. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Perry County, Illinois. He later worked as a Mormon missionary, sharing his beliefs in places like Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Liverpool, England.
Journey to the West
In 1846, John Brown led a group of Latter-day Saints, mostly from Mississippi, on a journey west. They didn't know that the main group of the church had stopped at Winter Quarters, Nebraska. So, Brown's group ended up spending the winter in Pueblo, Colorado.
John Brown then traveled back east to meet with church leaders. He joined the main pioneer group led by Brigham Young. This group arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in July 1847. Brown played a key role in helping manage resources for the westward journey. He made 13 trips across the country, guiding many Latter-day Saints to Utah and other parts of the West.
Later Life and Service
From 1860 to 1862, John Brown served another mission in Great Britain. From 1863 to 1891, he was a bishop for the Pleasant Grove Ward in Pleasant Grove, Utah. A bishop is a local leader in the church.
He also served as the mayor of Pleasant Grove for a time. From 1867 to 1868, he went on another mission in the Southern States Mission. Later in his life, he was given the title of patriarch in the church.
