Joseph C. Kingsbury facts for kids
Joseph Corrodon Kingsbury (1812–1898) was an important Mormon pioneer and a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often called the LDS Church. He was known for his service and his family connections within the early church.
Early Life and Church Membership
Joseph C. Kingsbury was born in 1812 in Enfield, Connecticut. When he was 20 years old, in 1832, he joined the Church of Christ. At this time, he was living in Ohio with the family of Newel K. Whitney, who was an early leader in the church.
In 1836, Joseph married Caroline Whitney, Newel K. Whitney's daughter. Sadly, Caroline passed away in 1842. After her death, Joseph served as a missionary in New England, sharing his beliefs with others.
Family Life and Pioneer Journey
In March 1845, Joseph Kingsbury married Dorcas Moore. Dorcas would become the mother of Joseph T. Kingsbury, who later became the president of the University of Utah.
In 1846, Joseph married another wife, Loenza Pond, with Dorcas's agreement. Loenza was the daughter of Stillman Pond. Loenza became the mother of Mariah Loenza Kingsbury. Mariah later married Apostle Marriner W. Merrill and was the mother of Apostle Joseph F. Merrill. Dorcas and Loenza were very close, like sisters, until Loenza died in 1853 from a serious illness, likely pneumonia. Dorcas passed away in 1869 after giving birth, leaving Joseph a widower for the third time.
Joseph Kingsbury traveled to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This was a major journey for the Mormon pioneers as they settled in what is now Utah. In 1870, Joseph married his fourth wife, Eliza Mary Partridge, who was from England.
Church and Community Service
From 1851 to 1854, Joseph Kingsbury served as a bishop of the 2nd Ward in Salt Lake City. A bishop is a local leader in the LDS Church, similar to a pastor. In 1883, he was given the title of a patriarch, which is an honored role in the church.
Joseph Kingsbury also worked as a farmer in Weber County, Utah for several years. From 1858 onward, he worked in the tithing store in Salt Lake City. This store helped manage the donations given to the church.
