Shadrach Roundy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shadrach Roundy |
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| Member of the Council of Fifty | |
| March 1, 1845 – July 4, 1872 | |
| Called by | Brigham Young |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 1, 1789 Rockingham, Vermont, United States |
| Died | July 4, 1872 (aged 83) 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 |
| Known For | Early Mormon Pioneer |
| Spouse(s) | Betsy Quimby |
| Children | 10 |
| Parents | Uriah Roundy Lucretia Needham |
Shadrach Roundy (born January 1, 1789 – died July 4, 1872) was an important early leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was born in Rockingham, Vermont. Shadrach Roundy was 59 years old when he joined Brigham Young's group of pioneers. This group traveled to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847.
He was part of the first group that arrived in the valley. Their job was to start planting crops before the main group got there. On July 23, 1847, Shadrach Roundy was one of three men who first plowed the soil in what is now Utah. He is also mentioned in a book of scripture called the Doctrine and Covenants 124:141. He also served as a bodyguard for Joseph Smith, the first prophet of the Church.
Shadrach Roundy was a bishop in Winter Quarters, Nebraska. He was also a member of the first High Council in the Salt Lake Valley. Later, he became a bishop again in Salt Lake City. He also served as a senator in the first government of the provisional State of Deseret.
Helping Pioneers Leave Missouri
Shadrach Roundy played a very important role in helping the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints leave Missouri. Many of their belongings had been destroyed or taken by angry groups. This made it very hard for many families to move to safety. The move happened during the cold winter of 1838-1839, which made things even harder. However, those who were able promised to help those in need.
At a meeting in Far West on January 29, 1839, the pioneers made a special promise. They agreed to help each other move out of Missouri with all their strength. They promised never to leave behind those who were poor but worthy. This promise would last until everyone was safe from the order to remove them from the state. About 380 strong members of the Church signed this agreement.
Shadrach Roundy was the ninth person to sign this important promise. The signers agreed to freely give their available property. This property would be used by a committee to help the poor and needy move from the state. Shadrach Roundy and six others were on this committee. They organized the move, providing transportation, food, clothing, and temporary homes for those who had nothing.
Life in Nauvoo (1839–1846)
After leaving Missouri, most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints moved to Western Illinois. They settled in a place called Commerce, which was later renamed Nauvoo. The Church members lived in Nauvoo for seven years. During this time, they saw many changes and new developments. Shadrach Roundy was active in both the community and the Church during these years.
He joined the Nauvoo Police force in 1843. He was also one of twelve men on the Board of Control for the Nauvoo Agricultural and Mechanical Association. This group helped manage farming and manufacturing in Nauvoo. Shadrach Roundy protected Joseph Smith on at least two occasions. Once, he used his cane to stop a group of men from entering Joseph Smith's home. Another time, he went with Joseph Smith to a trial in Monmouth, Illinois. Shadrach Roundy also helped prepare the Red Brick Store for some of the first special temple ceremonies called endowments. Before the pioneers left Nauvoo, Roundy was asked to explore California. This was considered as a possible new home in the West, instead of the Great Basin.
Later Life in Utah
Shadrach Roundy served as a bishop for the 16th Ward in Salt Lake City. He held this position from 1849 until 1856. Shadrach Roundy passed away in Salt Lake City on July 4, 1872.
