John R. Winder facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John R. Winder |
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Winder in 1901
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| First Counselor in the First Presidency | |
| October 17, 1901 – March 27, 1910 | |
| Predecessor | Joseph F. Smith |
| Successor | Anthon H. Lund |
| Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric | |
| April 8, 1887 – October 17, 1901 | |
| Predecessor | John Q. Cannon |
| Successor | Orrin P. Miller |
| Personal details | |
| Born | John Rex Winder December 11, 1821 Biddenden, Kent, England, United Kingdom |
| Died | March 27, 1910 (aged 88) Salt Lake City, Utah, United States |
| Resting place | Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W |
| Spouse(s) | Ellen Walters Hannah Thompson Elizabeth Parker Maria Burnham |
| Children | 20 |
| Parents | Richard and Sophia Collins Winder |
John Rex Winder (December 11, 1821 – March 27, 1910) was an important leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He served as a top advisor in the church's leadership for many years. From 1887 to 1901, he was the Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric. Later, from 1901 until his death, he became the First Counselor to church president Joseph F. Smith in the First Presidency.
Winder was known for his excellent business skills. He also played an active role in politics and the military in the Utah Territory. He was involved in important events like the Utah War and the Black Hawk War (Utah). He helped protect the church's money and property when the government put pressure on it. John R. Winder had a large family with 20 children.
Contents
Early Life and Journey
John R. Winder was born in Biddenden, England, on December 11, 1821. His parents were Richard and Sophia Collins Winder. As a young man, he learned several different jobs. In his twenties, he became a shoe and leather worker in London.
In 1845, he married Ellen Walters in London. Later, he was asked to manage a shoe store in Liverpool. While working there, he learned about the LDS Church and decided to join.
In February 1853, John and Ellen Winder began their long journey to Utah. They wanted to join other church members there. They crossed the Atlantic Ocean, and John almost got very sick with smallpox during the trip. After arriving in America, they traveled by steamboat up the Mississippi River to St. Louis, Missouri. From there, they took another boat to Keokuk, Iowa. Finally, they traveled with a group of church members to Utah Territory. They arrived in Utah on October 10, 1853.
Life in Utah Territory
Once in Utah, John Winder continued his work with leather. He was very successful in many business projects. People soon noticed his great business sense. He eventually joined the boards of several companies. One of his businesses, Winder Dairy, is still around today!
John Winder was also very generous with his money. He often helped people who were poor, as well as orphans and widows. Many people benefited from his kindness.
Public Service and Military Roles
Winder became an important person in politics and the military in the Utah Territory. He led the Nauvoo Legion, a local militia, to stop an army led by Johnston during the Utah War in 1857. This was a time of tension between the U.S. government and the people of Utah.
During the Black Hawk War (Utah), he served as Adjutant General. This meant he was a chief helper to General Daniel H. Wells. He even wrote the report about the war's expenses for the government.
Winder also led the People's Party, a political group in Utah. He worked to make politics in the territory more modern. His efforts helped Utah move towards having a two-party system, similar to the rest of the United States. He was a delegate at several meetings to create a state constitution. He played a part in helping Utah become a state.
Church Leadership Roles
On April 8, 1887, John Taylor, who was the church president at the time, asked John Winder to serve as Second Counselor to Presiding Bishop William B. Preston.
During this period, the United States government put a lot of pressure on the church. After a law called the Edmunds–Tucker Act was passed in 1887, church leaders had to go into hiding. Church property was also spread out to keep it from being taken by the government. Winder helped many people who were trying to avoid the government. He also helped protect church assets. His farm, located south of the city, even served as a temporary church headquarters for President Taylor.
In 1890, church president Wilford Woodruff asked Winder, Charles W. Penrose, and George Reynolds to review and edit an important document called the Manifesto. This document helped ease the pressure from the federal government.
Work on the Salt Lake Temple
Another important thing Winder did while serving as Second Counselor was his work on the inside of the Salt Lake Temple. He was in charge of all the interior work. He finished the project much faster than expected. This earned him praise from church leaders. After the temple was dedicated, Winder served as the First Assistant to the temple president Lorenzo Snow. He continued to serve in the temple presidency until he passed away.
On October 17, 1901, Winder was called to the First Presidency. He became the First Counselor to church president Joseph F. Smith. During their time in leadership, they worked on important issues. One notable effort was the legal battle to get Reed Smoot seated as a U.S. senator during the Smoot Hearings. In 1909, the First Presidency also published a statement called "The Origin of Man." This statement explained the church's beliefs about human creation, stating that people are children of God and were created by Him.
Family Life
John Winder married Ellen Walters in London in 1845. He later had a large family. He married Hannah Thompson in Salt Lake City in 1855, Elizabeth Parker in 1857, and Maria Burnham in 1893. Through his first three wives, he became the father of 23 children.
Maria Burnham came from Fruitland, New Mexico. Her family was very important in the early history of the area. In fact, the LDS Church congregation there was named the Burnham Ward because of them.
Death
John R. Winder passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah, from pneumonia. He was buried at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. After his death, Anthon H. Lund took his place as First Counselor in the First Presidency.
Images for kids
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Headstone of John R. Winder.
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Family monument of John R. Winder.
