John Milton Bernhisel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Milton Bernhisel
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| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Utah Territory's at-large district |
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| In office March 4, 1851 – March 3, 1859 |
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| Succeeded by | William H. Hooper |
| In office March 4, 1861 – March 3, 1863 |
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| Preceded by | William H. Hooper |
| Succeeded by | John F. Kinney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 23, 1799 Tyrone Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | September 28, 1881 (aged 82) Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37.92″N 111°51′28.8″W / 40.7772000°N 111.858000°W |
| Political party | Independent |
| Alma mater | University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Doctor |
John Milton Bernhisel (born John Martin Bernheisel) was an important American doctor and politician. He was born on June 23, 1799, and passed away on September 28, 1881. He was an early member of the Latter Day Saint movement.
Bernhisel was a close friend to both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. He was the first person to represent the Utah Territory in the United States House of Representatives. This is a big job in the U.S. government. He also served in a special group called the Council of Fifty for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Contents
Biography
Early Life and Medical Career
John Milton Bernhisel was born in a place called Sandy Hill, near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. His birth name was John Martin Bernheisel, but he changed it later in life.
He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He finished his studies in 1827. After graduating, he started working as a doctor in New York City.
Joining the Latter Day Saint Movement
Bernhisel later joined the Latter Day Saint movement. In 1843, he moved to Nauvoo, Illinois. This was an important place for the early members of the church.
He became the personal doctor for Joseph Smith. He even lived in Smith's home for a time. He helped deliver some of Emma Smith's children.
In June 1844, Bernhisel went with Joseph Smith to the Carthage Jail. He spent some time with Joseph and his brother Hyrum there. However, Bernhisel was not present when Joseph Smith died.
Moving West to Utah
After Joseph Smith's death, Bernhisel followed Brigham Young. He moved west with many other Latter-day Saints. In 1848, he settled in Salt Lake City, which was then part of the Utah Territory. He continued his work as a doctor there.
Political Role in Utah
Brigham Young chose Bernhisel for an important task. He was to represent the interests of the Latter-day Saints in the U.S. Congress. This happened when the settlers wanted to become a state, called the State of Deseret.
Bernhisel was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He served from March 4, 1851, to March 3, 1859. After a short break, he served again from March 4, 1861, to March 3, 1863.
Besides his work in Congress, Bernhisel also helped with education. He served as a regent for the University of Utah.
Family and Later Life
John Milton Bernhisel was 46 years old when he married Julia Ann Haight in March 1845. Julia was a widow with five children. They had one child together, also named John Milton Bernhisel, born in 1846.
He passed away in Salt Lake City on September 28, 1881. He was buried in the Salt Lake City Cemetery.
See also
In Spanish: John Milton Bernhisel para niños
