Brigham Young: Modern Moses, Prophet of God

by Francis M. Gibbons

For the first time in many years, all of the biographies written about Church Presidents by Francis M. Gibbons from Joseph Smith through Ezra Taft Benson are in print and available in an economical paperback format. Elder Gibbons, who has personally known several Church Presidents, was a secretary to the First Presidency for sixteen years and also served in both the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Church, Religion

286 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Brigham Young. This book made me realize how much I didn’t know about him. It made me respect him a lot more. Brigham Young was a rock, he had so many tough things in his life and he held strong and did so much despite so many trials and difficulties.

One thing that surprised me was learning of the continued persecution he and members of the church faced even after moving west. There was a string of federal judges and military leaders sent out to basically harass him. I never realized just how much persecution he continued to face, I thought most of it was over after the move west. The most interesting story was when he was summoned back to Salt Lake City from his winter home in St George by a corrupt and evil federal judge. Brigham was in his 70’s and was dealing with intense chronic pain that worsened in the cold climate. His friends and other church leaders advised him not to go back, they saw this as a flashback to Joseph Smith’s last days when he went back to Carthage and eventually was killed. Brigham said the spirit or “the light” as he referred to it at times, told him to go back. He did, was treated terribly by this pompous and crooked judge McKean who eventually imprisoned Brigham for the night and had arrested other church leaders on trumped up charges as well. Brigham calmly did his time and was supported by a host of friends, a doctor, and others anxious for his well-being. He went home after 24 hours and soon public outrage (from non-members alike) over the many illegal actions such as this one, by this federal judge against Brigham and the church led to President Grant dismissing the judge from his post 5 days after Brigham’s unlawful imprisonment.

I think the most impressive thing about him was how much he continued to do in his old age and despite chronic pain. A line from his last talk in the St George temple says it best, “As to my health I feel many times that I could not live an hour longer, but I mean to live just as long as I can. I know not how soon the messenger will call for me, but I calculate to die in the harness.”

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight to Brigham Young and the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early years.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I've read it twice. Although it's a biography, you don't want to put it down, because it's so interesting.