The Other Eminent Men of Wilford Woodruff

by Vicki Jo Anderson

“The Other Eminent Men of Wilford Woodruff presents a wealth of understanding of those whose diligent character blessed the people of their day, and contributed to the foundations of freedom that we enjoy. Every parent needs resources that will add to the spiritual roots, and to the moral foundation their children build their lives upon. As we are shown how God has inspired eminent people in their pursuit of excellence, we see how to find His guidance in our lives. When we plant in their hearts a view of history as a legacy to live up to, children are empowered to prepare for, and then perform, the missions God sent them to earth to accomplish.”

Genres: Religion, Biography, History, Nonfiction, Lds, Inspirational, Church

420 pages, Paperback

First published October 28, 1994

Reviews

[Nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, meaty, history-filled book. Vicky Anderson changed my opinion about many of these historical figures, and introduced me to others I had never heard of. The story of these men and women appearing to Wilford Woodruff in the temple, tied together everything I'd learned in history classes at school and gospel principles at church, and gave me a broader perspective on all of Heavenly Father's children. Definitely not a light read but totally worth the time and effort.

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top ten favorites.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is unlike any I have ever read. It also took a long time for me to finish, mostly because each new chapter is rich with details the lives and accomplishments of these 46 eminent men (including John Wesley, Amerigo Vespucci, William Wordsworth, and Christopher Columbus). I appreciated the author's focus on the good things in their lives; she purposely chose to focus her research and writing very little on the negative things that have been recorded about each of these men.

My absolute favorite part of each new chapter/mini-biography was the author's description of their childhoods. I especially loved reading about their mothers; I found the description of John Wesley's mother, Susanna, very inspiring: "Susanna's devotion to the souls of her children blessed the world; all of her children were gifted and good. But her sons John and Charles were such great missionaries that they forever altered the Christian world." Reading a small portion of the devotion and love these mothers gave to their sons, who all went on to have such an important influence in the world in their adult lives, was a great reminder to me of the daily importance of intentional mothering.

[Kevin R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have probably heard the story of when the founding fathers of the United States appeared to Wilford Woodruff. The future prophet recorded that he was baptized for all the signers of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington, and about fifty other eminent men, as well as eminent women. This book contains short biographies of those other eminent men.

I really enjoyed the introduction to the book, where the author describes the process of putting it all together. She states that her purpose was not to give a full sketch of their life, but to focus on the good qualities of each person. The world loves to dwell on the negative and the failings of people, but she felt a special charge to focus on the good and why these eminent men were the focus of temple work following Wilford Woodruff's vision.

Each chapter is short--only a few pages really, so it is a book that one can take their time reading. I started out reading three chapters a day, then two, then one. It was nice to be able to pace myself while reading it. I loved learning which men were included in the list, and I loved learning more about them.

[Angelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting short biographies of the "other men" in Wilford Woodruffs vision of the men who came to him with the founding fathers that wanted to be baptized. Men like Edmund Burke, Samuel Johnson and many others. The writing is not superb but nevertheless very interesting.

[Sean Grant · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Wikipedia search on each of these people would have been more interesting.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many men and women throughout history have been crucial to the Lord's work and His plan. It was enlightening to read about some of them and about their contributions.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Loved reading about the lives of these men. Many who helped shape America.

[Karri Hoopes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just reading the list would have been enough. This book is a collection of short little biographies curated by the author. There are more complete and well written ones on Wikipedia for most of these men. The list was very interesting though.

[Abby Wheelwright · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very interesting, and opened my mind to new areas of study. I am happy to learn about, and admire, the powerful effects people can have on history.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short biography of the men who appeared to Wilford Woodruff requesting their temple work be done. Also a list of women in the back. Author promised to write about the women but never has.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've started my mom's copy and will have to finish it someday.. It is a light read, just an outline and description in a short chapter for each of the ~50 men. The author has planned to research for a sequel to include the over 75 eminent women that came and whos work was done.
From the Introduction: "We discovered in our years of historical research, that history written prior to 1920 was often written of great men and women who performed great deeds. After 1920, history has highlighted the miseries of men. As....stated: "Young people of our generation have been deprived of their birthright, which is to be conscious that they are the children of a high destiny in the line of great men who performed great deeds."

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book lets you dig in and feel a little bit like you can understand these men of the past and why they were eventually converted and requested their work done here on earth. It's interesting, thought-provoking, and even sparks a bit more interest in history for those who may not like history, although this work doesn't have the space to delve into much detail of history or more than a basic biography of the lives of the men in it. She was planning on writing a sister book, on the eminent women, but I haven't tracked it down to read yet. I remember that one of the women was Charlotte Bronte, author of Jane Eyre.

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vicko Jo Anderson is another one of those non academic historians, which I feel are often the best historians. The approach she took to this book was very interesting. She goes through the less known eminent men that were baptized by proxy by Wilford Woodruff in the St. George temple. Anderson focused on developing concise 4 - 6 page biography of each man that descried their upbringing, their family life, achievements, and relationship with God. I was suprised at how many of the men were artists and authors and how many were from England, Ireland, and Scotland. I was also somewhat surprised that Wilber Wilberforce was not included among them. Good book and worth the time and effort!

[Andres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by my Sunday School Teacher.

It contains the good things of the lives of the other eminent men that presented themselves to Wilford Woodruff that requested the temple work done.

Even if you are inclined to read biographies, I recommend reading at least the introduction.

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Excellent book. Each biography propels me to ponder my heritage and divine appointment from our Lord. We have a wonderful life and what better cause thant dedicate ourselves to the cause of our mission in this earthly life.

Each short biography (about 7 pages) was inspiring.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend recommended this book and I loved it! It is an LDS related church book; so it may not appeal to all audiences. This book gives the autobiographies of the men who appeared in a dream to Wilford Woodruff and requested that he be responsible to see that their saving ordinances were completed. Each chapter is a "stand alone" chapter, so it's easy to pick up and read a chapter and then put it down.

I am so appreciative for all of the fine people who helped shape the history of our nation and the world.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was touched to read the short biographies of the 100 eminent men of Wilford Woodruff. These men were they whose names were recorded in Woodruff's journal, whose temple work was done after receiving a visitation from several founding fathers in the St. George temple.

After reading the short biographies here, I went on to read several autobiographies, first hand accounts and life sketches of many of the men listed as my curiousity was definitely piqued by the short descriptions given.

[Amber G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. I loved reading the accounts of these famous men through history and the impact they have made on the world. Each one of them was truly dedicated to truth and following God's plan, even though their life circumstances often made it difficult. I also loved that my favorite author Jane Austen was among the ones who came to Wilford Woodruff in the temple. Charlotte Bronte and Elizabeth Barrett Browning also came, and also authors I enjoy.

[Cutiebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought that reading 50 biographies would be so enjoyable? It was so neat to read that these men were men of God. While there is probably more to their life's stories than the 3 or 4 page biography in this book the author focused on the positive (which on some of those guys I didn't think there was anything positive to be said). I was also surprised at how many of these men knew each other personally or knew of each other. I enjoyed reading this.

[Heidi J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating look at the men and women who appeared to Wilford Woodruff in the St George Temple and requested to have their temple work done. I'm very interested to see what kind of lives they lived on earth, so that they were ready to accept the gospel after they passed on. This is an on-going read as it is composed of small biographies.

[Shauntell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I felt it an honor to get to know the men who were detailed in the book. I truly feel we do not learn enough positive things about those who have given their lives for our freedoms and education. I think this is a wonderful book to teach our children beacuse the biographies are easy to read and understand and they touch on the important things of the lives of these men.

[Wachlin007 Hotmail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wilford Woodruff, the fourth president of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had a vision in which many important historical figures told him they believed in the church and wished to be a part of it. This book gives small biographical accounts of many of them. Some of them include William Gladstone, Edward Gibbon, and Horatio Nelson.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting. Of course, anything that reads like a textbook can get boring, but I especially loved reading about Christopher Columbus and Amerigo Vespucci. I think I would enjoy even more W. Woodruff's journal entries about his experience with these 100 eminent men who appeared to him in the St. George temple, rather than these short biographies of so many men I've never heard of before.

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short biographies, sketches if you will, portraying outstanding men. I have found reading the stories, the triumphs and defeats, the accomplishments and foibles, of great men to be one of the most effective ways of firing my own desire to improve myself. Perhaps because of that I would label this book as inspiring above almost any other I have read.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Author of this book is a good friend of my Mother's and I grew up hearing about this book as it was in process toward publication. It wasn't till years later as an adult that I realized that I should probably read it. It was a very inspiring book that made me thirst for more information about these great people. I highly recommend it!

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite history books. Great men who significantly moved the work of this world forward in righteous directions. Inspiring!

I would love it if there were some homeschool curriculum designed around this book and these people!

**Talking points - Who are your heroes in history. Why? What do you want to do with your life to make an impact in the world?

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the greatest book. A friend gave it to me after my father in law passed away and it was such a sweet gesture to think about where he was and why it was so much cooler than hanging out with us! I loved it.

[Tad · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read. This contains short histories (usually 6-8 pages) of the 50 "other" men that appeared to Wilford Woodruff in the St. George Temple. It is an easy pick up and put down book. It is amazing to see the hand of the Lord in the lives of individuals who have changed history.

[Bookwyrmgyrl]

I was so excited when I heard about this book, and it lived up to my expectations. This is one I wish I owned because I know I would read it again and again. There is also a companion volume about women, but I do not have the title of that one.

[J.A. Matern · Rating 4 out of 5]

History can be so subjective. Can historians really leave out their own bias as the review the facts and then recount them? This author focuses on the admirable traits and events of these men's lives giving the reader a new perspective on some great men from history.