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Life of Heber C. Kimball
Heber Chase Kimball served as one of the original twelve apostles in the early Mormon church, and as first counselor to Brigham Young in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1847 until his death.
515 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1888
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About the author
Orson F. Whitney
137 books16 followersOrson Ferguson Whitney was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from April 9, 1906 until his death.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 13, 2020
I was initially interested in this book because I hoped to learn more about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not necessarily Heber C. Kimball's life alone. I was not disappointed, as this biography showed me that, in fact, the two are inseparable. Kimball was perhaps the most significant figure in the early development of the church apart from Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and Brigham Young.
Whitney's account, surprisingly lively and readable for something written so long ago, chronicles Kimball's conversion to the church, his friendship with Joseph and Brigham, his service as an apostle, his two proselyting missions to Europe, his crossing of the plains to Utah, and the leadership and patriarchy he exhibited there. In order to tell this story, Whitney had to often discuss the status and progress of the church at large. There were also many interesting nuggets about other principle figures of the Restoration -- namely Brigham Young, who was a close friend of Kimball's for decades.
I would recommend this book to anybody interested in the history of the LDS church or interested in being inspired by one of its greatest heroes. In a time when persecution raged against the faithful and even those in the apostolic body of leaders were susceptible to apostasy, Kimball was unwavering in his dedication to the cause of Christ as revealed by Joseph Smith.
Kimball's legacy was one of unwavering faithfulness and astonishing prophecy. Here is a quote of his from the book that demonstrate his conviction, his wisdom, and his understanding of the trials and tribulations that await all who attempt to follow Christ:
"You imagine that you would have stood by [Joseph Smith] when persecution raged and he was assailed by foes within and without. You would have defended him and been true to him in the midst of every trial. You think you would have been delighted to have shown your integrity in the days of mobs and traitors.
"Let me say to you, that many of you will see the time when you will have all the trouble, trial and persecution that you can stand, and plenty of opportunities to show that you are true to God and his work. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory."
Hats off to Whitney for compiling all the information for this book in an age where information gathering was much more challenging than it is now; additionally, as alluded to above, his writing style was very welcome, much more vivacious than I had anticipated. Here is a quote from him to demonstrate the enthusiasm of his writing and the faith that he also possessed in his ancestor's work:
(Speaking of pre-Joseph preachers that prepared the way for the Restoration of the church) "The more lustrously they shone, the greater their measure of power, the higher, wider, deeper, more advanced and more liberal their doctrines, the nearer they approximated, although they new it not, to what the world terms 'Mormonism,' what men in other ages called 'Christianism,' but what the Gods in eternity have glorified as the Gospel of life and salvation."
Whitney's account, surprisingly lively and readable for something written so long ago, chronicles Kimball's conversion to the church, his friendship with Joseph and Brigham, his service as an apostle, his two proselyting missions to Europe, his crossing of the plains to Utah, and the leadership and patriarchy he exhibited there. In order to tell this story, Whitney had to often discuss the status and progress of the church at large. There were also many interesting nuggets about other principle figures of the Restoration -- namely Brigham Young, who was a close friend of Kimball's for decades.
I would recommend this book to anybody interested in the history of the LDS church or interested in being inspired by one of its greatest heroes. In a time when persecution raged against the faithful and even those in the apostolic body of leaders were susceptible to apostasy, Kimball was unwavering in his dedication to the cause of Christ as revealed by Joseph Smith.
Kimball's legacy was one of unwavering faithfulness and astonishing prophecy. Here is a quote of his from the book that demonstrate his conviction, his wisdom, and his understanding of the trials and tribulations that await all who attempt to follow Christ:
"You imagine that you would have stood by [Joseph Smith] when persecution raged and he was assailed by foes within and without. You would have defended him and been true to him in the midst of every trial. You think you would have been delighted to have shown your integrity in the days of mobs and traitors.
"Let me say to you, that many of you will see the time when you will have all the trouble, trial and persecution that you can stand, and plenty of opportunities to show that you are true to God and his work. This Church has before it many close places through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with victory."
Hats off to Whitney for compiling all the information for this book in an age where information gathering was much more challenging than it is now; additionally, as alluded to above, his writing style was very welcome, much more vivacious than I had anticipated. Here is a quote from him to demonstrate the enthusiasm of his writing and the faith that he also possessed in his ancestor's work:
(Speaking of pre-Joseph preachers that prepared the way for the Restoration of the church) "The more lustrously they shone, the greater their measure of power, the higher, wider, deeper, more advanced and more liberal their doctrines, the nearer they approximated, although they new it not, to what the world terms 'Mormonism,' what men in other ages called 'Christianism,' but what the Gods in eternity have glorified as the Gospel of life and salvation."
July 21, 2013
Contains one of the most amazing visions of evil spirits ever recorded (pp 129-131). It always surprises me that more people don't know about this little episode in the history of the church when the adversary showed forth his power in open vision to Heber C. Kimball, Orson Hyde, Willard Richards and Isaac Russell. This is a faith-promoting book. I like the additional narrative by Orson Whitney. It adds a lot. I enjoy the style of writing he employed way back when this was first published in 1888.
June 4, 2014
It is one thing to read an old book. It is altogether a different experience reading a first edition of an old book. Last year, Jamie's grandmother gave her as a present this book, which had been passed to her from her parents several decades ago. Simply opening the book transports you in time: the smell, the feel, even the weight. And while the book is in remarkably good condition, considering it is 126 years old, part of the binding is coming off, revealing portions of what appears to be an ad from a furniture company that was located on 37 South Main Street in Salt Lake City, promising "prices far below what...been used to paying" and a larger stock and "accessories that cannot be beaten." This is as close as you get to time travel in my opinion.
To the substance of the book itself, I thoroughly enjoyed Orson Whitney's rendition of Heber C. Kimball's life. Orson--the son of Helen Kimball, one of Heber's daughters who was a polygamous wife to Joseph--was a preeminent figure in Mormonism at the turn of the century. He developed his skills in reporting early, working for Deseret News for two decades and eventually serving as a church historian. and finally apostle. Without a question, the book is hagiographical, but beautifully so. It is almost poetry, and I perceive the role Homer's Odyssey and Shakespeare played in mid-19th century schooling. It is fun, dramatic, and enjoyable.
Read more at http://znovels.blogspot.ca/2014/06/li....
To the substance of the book itself, I thoroughly enjoyed Orson Whitney's rendition of Heber C. Kimball's life. Orson--the son of Helen Kimball, one of Heber's daughters who was a polygamous wife to Joseph--was a preeminent figure in Mormonism at the turn of the century. He developed his skills in reporting early, working for Deseret News for two decades and eventually serving as a church historian. and finally apostle. Without a question, the book is hagiographical, but beautifully so. It is almost poetry, and I perceive the role Homer's Odyssey and Shakespeare played in mid-19th century schooling. It is fun, dramatic, and enjoyable.
Read more at http://znovels.blogspot.ca/2014/06/li....
April 14, 2008
Heber C. Kimball (and his wife Vilate) was amazing! The gospel "burned like fire in [his] bones." This is an uplifting biography and reading it made me want to be more devoted to the Lord and His gospel.
July 27, 2010
Wonderful book...great to get another perspective of the rising of the church through other eyes. Wonderful man...makes me feel like a wimp in my life because he handled his trials so much better than I do :)
March 16, 2020
I have the utmost respect for Heber C. Kimball and Orson F. Whitney. President Kimball's life was inspiring. But oh my heavens was this book dull. Reading through it was a marathon of drudgery. Whitney's account is verbose when it should be terse, and terse when it should be verbose. The language is very dense - and that's coming from someone who very much enjoys the works of James E. Talmage. The original edition was written in 1888, and while I'm sure it's very valuable as a primary source, I'd try to find something more modern and polished if you want to read a biography of Heber C. Kimball.
October 12, 2020
A surprisingly readable biography of a great apostle written by his very poetic grandson, Orson F. Whitney. Most biographies fizzle out about halfway through, when the subject gets to be an adult, but this one stays interesting, almost to the end. (I had to admit I didn’t read the funeral speeches.) And if you knew absolutely nothing about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you would learn everything that’s important through the life of this great man.
July 21, 2021
Great book, if you are into LDS historical books. Heber C. Kimball was an early apostle and an absolutely amazing man. He prophesied more than just about any early leader, except Joseph Smith, and his prophesies came true. He was an unbelievable leader, motivator and servant to the people he led.
May 24, 2020
A very intriguing biography written from the unique perspective of a prophets grandson. Reviews Latter Day Saint church history from a different and usually unseen perspective. I enjoyed the church history more than the popular title "Saints The Standard of Truth."
July 25, 2018
This was fantastic. I read it as we traveled through England studying LDS Church History. It contains so many stores quoted elsewhere. It is very well written and full of faith promoting stories.
January 10, 2023
Amazing life. I had no idea what an amazing story of a life well lived this would be. However it’s not well written so it can be a difficult read.
January 29, 2023
I downloaded the free copy from the Gutenberg project.
This was a moving depiction of a remarkably spiritual life. Heber was one of a kind. I now have a much more robust understanding of that.
This was a moving depiction of a remarkably spiritual life. Heber was one of a kind. I now have a much more robust understanding of that.
March 24, 2023
A very dense historical read -- some parts better than others for the average reader
March 30, 2024
My only complaint is that this book isn’t 5,000 pages long
August 22, 2025
BOOK REVIEW - Life of Heber C. Kimball, An Apostle by Orson F. Whitney (1983)
Full disclosure, Kimball is my 3rd Great Grandfather and Whitney is my Great Grandfather, so no doubt I have some inherent bias on both the subject and the writer. That being said, the book remains one of the most important early biographies of a Latter-day Saint leader. Written with both familial reverence and detail, the book traces Kimball’s life, a Vermont-born potter who became one of the earliest converts to Church and ultimately a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Whitney, was both a descendant and an accomplished historian, presents Kimball not only as a stalwart church leader but as a man of deep spiritual sensitivity and prophetic vision.
One of the central moments of Kimball’s life was his conversion to the Church in 1832 while living in Mendon, NY. He was a neighbor and dear friend of Brigham Young. They became inseparable with a deep friendship of mutual trust and support not only in matters of faith but personal hardships. When Brigham’s first wife died the Kimballs became surrogate parents to Brigham’s daughter.
Whitney devotes significant attention to Kimball’s service as a missionary in England—the first major mission of the Church overseas. Here, Kimball faced not only the practical challenges of poverty and opposition, but also what he and others described as direct encounters with evil spirits, seeking to hinder the work. These accounts, written with great vividness, reveal Kimball’s courage, reliance on prayer, and unwavering faith in divine protection. They also demonstrate how the early Saints interpreted their mission as part of a cosmic struggle between light and darkness.
Throughout his life, Heber C. Kimball was viewed by his associates as a man with unusual spiritual gifts. Brigham Young, who valued Kimball as his closest counselor, considered him a seer and often sought his spiritual impressions and prophetic insights when making decisions. Whitney portrays Kimball as deeply humble in these matters, never seeking power for himself but always magnifying his calling.
As a biography, Whitney’s book is both historical and devotional. It provides a detailed record of Kimball’s experiences while also elevating him as a model of faith, sacrifice, and prophetic vision. The narrative can feel hagiographic at times, but it remains a moving tribute to a man who gave his entire life to the Church.
On a personal note, we live just a few minutes from where Heber and Brigham lived in Mendon. There is a small cemetery where Brigham’s first wife is buried. I have studied and read a great deal about both. Neither man was driven my ego. They simply followed their heart. In my mind’s eye I see them stopping by the cemetery before they left to go to Kirtland, so Brigham could visit his wife’s grave one last time. It is the highest point in the county and provides a beautiful green vista of the area. I see them saying goodbye to Miriam and heading west with a tear in their eyes. They had no idea of the adventure that would await them. Two common New Yorkers, a carpenter and a potter, destined to become instrumental in the LDS movement.
Quotes:
“Heber C. Kimball was not great as the world counts greatness. He was no orator, no statesman, no soldier; but he was a prophet of God. He was great in humility, in obedience, in faith, and in his marvelous spiritual gifts. The simple potter of Mendon became a chosen vessel, raised up to help lay the foundation of the kingdom of God in the last days.”
“It was Brigham Young’s custom, in moments of doubt or perplexity, to turn to Heber C. Kimball. ‘What does Brother Heber say?’ was often upon his lips. For he knew that in the heart of his friend burned the light of inspiration, and that his utterances, unlearned and homely though they might be, were charged with the spirit of prophecy. To Brigham, Heber was more than a counselor—he was a seer and a fellow-laborer in the great work of the Lord.”
Full disclosure, Kimball is my 3rd Great Grandfather and Whitney is my Great Grandfather, so no doubt I have some inherent bias on both the subject and the writer. That being said, the book remains one of the most important early biographies of a Latter-day Saint leader. Written with both familial reverence and detail, the book traces Kimball’s life, a Vermont-born potter who became one of the earliest converts to Church and ultimately a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Whitney, was both a descendant and an accomplished historian, presents Kimball not only as a stalwart church leader but as a man of deep spiritual sensitivity and prophetic vision.
One of the central moments of Kimball’s life was his conversion to the Church in 1832 while living in Mendon, NY. He was a neighbor and dear friend of Brigham Young. They became inseparable with a deep friendship of mutual trust and support not only in matters of faith but personal hardships. When Brigham’s first wife died the Kimballs became surrogate parents to Brigham’s daughter.
Whitney devotes significant attention to Kimball’s service as a missionary in England—the first major mission of the Church overseas. Here, Kimball faced not only the practical challenges of poverty and opposition, but also what he and others described as direct encounters with evil spirits, seeking to hinder the work. These accounts, written with great vividness, reveal Kimball’s courage, reliance on prayer, and unwavering faith in divine protection. They also demonstrate how the early Saints interpreted their mission as part of a cosmic struggle between light and darkness.
Throughout his life, Heber C. Kimball was viewed by his associates as a man with unusual spiritual gifts. Brigham Young, who valued Kimball as his closest counselor, considered him a seer and often sought his spiritual impressions and prophetic insights when making decisions. Whitney portrays Kimball as deeply humble in these matters, never seeking power for himself but always magnifying his calling.
As a biography, Whitney’s book is both historical and devotional. It provides a detailed record of Kimball’s experiences while also elevating him as a model of faith, sacrifice, and prophetic vision. The narrative can feel hagiographic at times, but it remains a moving tribute to a man who gave his entire life to the Church.
On a personal note, we live just a few minutes from where Heber and Brigham lived in Mendon. There is a small cemetery where Brigham’s first wife is buried. I have studied and read a great deal about both. Neither man was driven my ego. They simply followed their heart. In my mind’s eye I see them stopping by the cemetery before they left to go to Kirtland, so Brigham could visit his wife’s grave one last time. It is the highest point in the county and provides a beautiful green vista of the area. I see them saying goodbye to Miriam and heading west with a tear in their eyes. They had no idea of the adventure that would await them. Two common New Yorkers, a carpenter and a potter, destined to become instrumental in the LDS movement.
Quotes:
“Heber C. Kimball was not great as the world counts greatness. He was no orator, no statesman, no soldier; but he was a prophet of God. He was great in humility, in obedience, in faith, and in his marvelous spiritual gifts. The simple potter of Mendon became a chosen vessel, raised up to help lay the foundation of the kingdom of God in the last days.”
“It was Brigham Young’s custom, in moments of doubt or perplexity, to turn to Heber C. Kimball. ‘What does Brother Heber say?’ was often upon his lips. For he knew that in the heart of his friend burned the light of inspiration, and that his utterances, unlearned and homely though they might be, were charged with the spirit of prophecy. To Brigham, Heber was more than a counselor—he was a seer and a fellow-laborer in the great work of the Lord.”
July 1, 2008
This is a book I put off reading for years. Now...I'm almost sad I finished it and will have to put it back on its shelf, but...now it is full of notes and marked pages!
Heber C. Kimball was such an extraordinary man. After reading his life history, I have such immense respect for him. The stories of his missions to England are unbelievable! As the first missionary to England, he baptized 1,500 people in 8 months. His love and devotion to the church, his love and admiration for Joseph Smith, for his family is admirable. He had the gift of prophecy. I have had a hard time understanding the principle of polygamy, but as I read of his account, and the struggle he had to accept it (and his wife Vilate)..was so touching, I cried while reading! I hope to meet Vilate one day.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"I will try to keep my eye on the mark, that is, Christ, the Son of the living God, His grace assisting me."
Story of Heber leaving for his 2nd mission. He was very ill, and all of his family. His wife was in bed and all the children sick, with only one little one well enough to carry a little water.."It was with difficulty we got into the wagon, and started down the hill about ten rods; it appeared to me as though my very inmost parts would melt within me at leaving my family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of death. I felt as though I could not endure it. I asked the teamster to stop, and said to Brother Brigham, "This is pretty tough, isn't it; let's rise up and give them a cheer.' We arose, and swinging our hats three times over our heads, shouted: "Hurrah, hurrah for Israel." Vilate, hearing the noise, arose from her bed and came to the door. She had a smile on her face. Vilate and Mary Ann Young cried out to us: "Goodbye, God bless you." We returned the compliment, and then told the driver to go ahead. After this I felt a spirit of joy and gratitude, having had the satisfaction of seeing my wife standing upon her feet, instead of leaving her in bed, knowing well that I should not see them again for two or three years."
Speaking of the future: ". . . the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test coming, and who will be able to stand?"
It was the view of Pres. Kimball that the angels are daily around us. Says he: "His angels are our associates, they are with us and around about us, and watch over us, and take care of us, and lead us, and guide us, and administer to our wants in their ministry and in their holy calling unto which they are appointed."
I highly recommend this book. It is written in a very old and flowery style..but is well worth it.
I learned my great-great-great-grandfather (Robert Taylor Burton) was a pallbearer at Heber C. Kimball's funeral!
Heber C. Kimball was such an extraordinary man. After reading his life history, I have such immense respect for him. The stories of his missions to England are unbelievable! As the first missionary to England, he baptized 1,500 people in 8 months. His love and devotion to the church, his love and admiration for Joseph Smith, for his family is admirable. He had the gift of prophecy. I have had a hard time understanding the principle of polygamy, but as I read of his account, and the struggle he had to accept it (and his wife Vilate)..was so touching, I cried while reading! I hope to meet Vilate one day.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"I will try to keep my eye on the mark, that is, Christ, the Son of the living God, His grace assisting me."
Story of Heber leaving for his 2nd mission. He was very ill, and all of his family. His wife was in bed and all the children sick, with only one little one well enough to carry a little water.."It was with difficulty we got into the wagon, and started down the hill about ten rods; it appeared to me as though my very inmost parts would melt within me at leaving my family in such a condition, as it were almost in the arms of death. I felt as though I could not endure it. I asked the teamster to stop, and said to Brother Brigham, "This is pretty tough, isn't it; let's rise up and give them a cheer.' We arose, and swinging our hats three times over our heads, shouted: "Hurrah, hurrah for Israel." Vilate, hearing the noise, arose from her bed and came to the door. She had a smile on her face. Vilate and Mary Ann Young cried out to us: "Goodbye, God bless you." We returned the compliment, and then told the driver to go ahead. After this I felt a spirit of joy and gratitude, having had the satisfaction of seeing my wife standing upon her feet, instead of leaving her in bed, knowing well that I should not see them again for two or three years."
Speaking of the future: ". . . the time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys to that extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint from the face of an enemy to the people of God. Then, brethren, look out for the great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say unto you there is a test coming, and who will be able to stand?"
It was the view of Pres. Kimball that the angels are daily around us. Says he: "His angels are our associates, they are with us and around about us, and watch over us, and take care of us, and lead us, and guide us, and administer to our wants in their ministry and in their holy calling unto which they are appointed."
I highly recommend this book. It is written in a very old and flowery style..but is well worth it.
I learned my great-great-great-grandfather (Robert Taylor Burton) was a pallbearer at Heber C. Kimball's funeral!
August 7, 2023
As I got into reading it, I delight to find descriptions of several notable events in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Heber C Kimball and others saw warriors in heaven marching from east to the west and they saw the battle and heard the footsteps of the men marching in the sky. (p. 15-17)
I was impressed as I read at how often he made prophecies that were fulfilled. "No man, perhaps, Joseph Smith excepted, who has belonged to the Church in this generation, ever possessed the gift of prophecy to a greater degree than Brother Kimball. (Kindle Locations 5285-5287).
I agree with the description that this is a historical work. However, I should mention that it is not a "rare" book, for it is available as a Kindle edition. I alternate between reading the electronic copy, and my 1974 "Fifth Edition". The Kindle has one appendix, which is an experience of David Patten Kimball lost in the wilderness. The printed edition has appendix 1-3 concerning the Ancestry of Heber Chase Kimball. Printed appendix 4 is an "Address to my children."
It was delightful to read this biography of a man totally committed to living a life of righteousness.
Heber C Kimball and others saw warriors in heaven marching from east to the west and they saw the battle and heard the footsteps of the men marching in the sky. (p. 15-17)
I was impressed as I read at how often he made prophecies that were fulfilled. "No man, perhaps, Joseph Smith excepted, who has belonged to the Church in this generation, ever possessed the gift of prophecy to a greater degree than Brother Kimball. (Kindle Locations 5285-5287).
I agree with the description that this is a historical work. However, I should mention that it is not a "rare" book, for it is available as a Kindle edition. I alternate between reading the electronic copy, and my 1974 "Fifth Edition". The Kindle has one appendix, which is an experience of David Patten Kimball lost in the wilderness. The printed edition has appendix 1-3 concerning the Ancestry of Heber Chase Kimball. Printed appendix 4 is an "Address to my children."
It was delightful to read this biography of a man totally committed to living a life of righteousness.
October 18, 2009
Orson Whitney's prose is an example of 19th century writing at it's worst: if you can say it ten words, why use only three? Nevertheless, this book presents an interesting history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Heber C. Kimball's journal entries make up a good portion of the book, and he was not afflicted with his grandson's literary style--so those parts are very readable. Whitney makes Heber out as Practically Perfect In Every Way. That's a little wearing, but Heber himself had no such illusions. He was an honest, hard-working man, a little judgmental, but possessing a gift of prophecy that was remarkable. I skimmed over parts (some of Whitney's parts, at least) but on the whole learned a lot about 19th century Church history.
May 22, 2010
I really loved this book especially the excerpts from Heber C. Kimball's journal. The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars is due to Orson F. Whitney's comments. They were a bit wordy and dramatic. I like to come to my own conclusions and not have Whitney tell me how important Heber C. Kimball's experiences were. I enjoyed reading about his mission to England and about the many prophetic predictions he made and that were fulfilled. It was fascinating to read about Joseph Smith asking him to give up his wife Vilate and the torment he went through to comply with that request. I also enjoyed reading the very last section where he writes his advice to his children. It was an enjoyable book. I hope I can find another one that I like as much as this one to read next.
July 21, 2018
What an amazing man! This book is written in a style indicative of its time period (mid-1800s) by Orson F. Witney, Heber C. Kimball's grandson, which made the reading a bit more cumbersome in some ways, and absolutely delightful in other ways! Much of the book is taken directly from Elder Kimball's journals and writing, but others who knew him well are also quoted. Insights as to the establishment of the Restored Gospel from Elder Kimball's life experiences and point of view help round out the story of the early days of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as demonstrate the integrity and faith of one of the greats among its early leaders. Very inspiring!
April 28, 2008
I really, really liked this book. If you are going to read any book about LDS Church History, I would read this one! (I would also recommend the Autobiography of Parley Pratt) The events are almost unbelievable! Yet at the same time, it showed Heber Kimball as a man that just wanted to do the right thing and take care of his family. He felt the inadequacies of his calling(s); but showed the resiliency to overcome them. Though it is a little hard to read and get through, it is one of the best books that I have read!
March 17, 2013
This book is an excellent review of Heber C. Kimball's life. It is filled with faith promoting stories and events. Orson F. Whitney is the grandson of Heber and was an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. The verbose writing style is dated, but is well crafted and thoughtful and it is easy to look past if one focuses on the content, rather than the style. This book is a "must read" for an understanding of early life of the Later-day Saints and of the greatness of Heber himself.
May 28, 2019
The edition I read was from Bookcraft, a copyright of 1945 by the Kimball Family. The first edition was published in 1888; I have the Ninth Edition, 1979.
“The character of the Almighty is noble, and none will come into His kingdom only those who are noble, kind, merciful, virtuous and obedient."
~Heber C. Kimball
Amazing book about an outstanding, humbling individual who lived in a fascinating era. So many incidents to ponder, including the comment that thwt “Chatburn” in England was “holy ground” that some of the ancient prophets had travelled in . . . And dedicated the land. P. 188
“The character of the Almighty is noble, and none will come into His kingdom only those who are noble, kind, merciful, virtuous and obedient."
~Heber C. Kimball
Amazing book about an outstanding, humbling individual who lived in a fascinating era. So many incidents to ponder, including the comment that thwt “Chatburn” in England was “holy ground” that some of the ancient prophets had travelled in . . . And dedicated the land. P. 188
May 7, 2008
This book is defiantely a classic. It is the early church history from another point of view. Heber C. Kimball was very close to the prophet Joesph Smith. Thus, very involved in the developing history of the church. I enjoyed this book because there were several inspirational stories that I had not previously known. He was a very humble and obedient man. I was impressed with his prayers and prophecies.
April 1, 2009
A very interesting book, in both format and content. There are passages and quotes that really make you stop and reflect the knowledge, obedience and faith of the early members of the Church. A lot of passages and quotes that you also won't hear during Sunday School. The author, Orson Whitney is one of Heber's grandsons. The style of prose is too flowery and verbose, but if you can sift through the language, it's worth the time and effort.
January 9, 2023
He was an amazing dedicated man that we simply do not hear about in Church History.
It is because men like Heber C. Kimball who was so obedient that the church is where it is today.
I wish I was as obedient & stalwart! So many interesting stories to add to the history of the church. He never wavered in his testimony of the truthfulness of the church or his support of the Prophet Joseph Smith or Brigham Young.
It is because men like Heber C. Kimball who was so obedient that the church is where it is today.
I wish I was as obedient & stalwart! So many interesting stories to add to the history of the church. He never wavered in his testimony of the truthfulness of the church or his support of the Prophet Joseph Smith or Brigham Young.
August 11, 2014
A great man, and I wish I had a better complete image of who he was. The excerpts from Kimball's journals were wonderful, the writing of Orson F. Whitney less so. I am certainly no opponent of panegyrics, but I suppose they are perhaps less useful as history.
January 2, 2013
An inspiring biography of this LDS Apostle. I especially loved the part detailing his missions to the British Isles. He was perhaps one of the most successful modern-day missionaries for the Mormon Church.
June 6, 2016
A good resource for learning more about Heber C. Kimball and the early church. Readability suffers a bit from the wordy, flowery style. It also ends up having to recap a lot of basic church history in order to make sense of Heber's life.
May 8, 2009
This book provides interesting insights into Heber C Kimball's life. However, it has some obvious inaccuracies.
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