Brigham Young

Date of Birth: June 1, 1801

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 29, 1877

Biography

Brigham Young was a prominent American religious leader, politician, and settler. Born on June 1, 1801, in Whitingham, Vermont, Young is best known for his role as the second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and for leading the Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. After the murder of Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, in 1844, Young emerged as the new leader and led a massive exodus of church members from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the western United States. Under his leadership, the Mormon community established Salt Lake City and several other settlements throughout the Utah Territory. Young also served as the first governor of the Utah Territory from 1851 to 1858. He was a key figure in the development of the American West and left a lasting legacy on the region. Brigham Young passed away on August 29, 1877, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

5 Interesting Facts about Brigham Young

1. Brigham Young had 55 wives and fathered 56 children.

2. He established Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, which is named in his honor.

3. Young was a strong advocate for self-sufficiency and promoted the construction of public works projects, such as the Salt Lake Temple and the Utah Central Railroad.

4. He played a critical role in the development of the Perpetual Emigrating Fund, which helped thousands of converts immigrate to Utah.

5. Young was known for his distinctive preaching style and was often referred to as the “American Moses” for leading his followers to a new land.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Brigham Young

1. “This is the place.”

2. “Love the giver more than the gift.”

3. “True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what is right.”

4. “Education is the power to think clearly, the power to act well in the world’s work, and the power to appreciate life.”

5. “Honest hearts produce honest actions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his leadership, Brigham Young’s influence and the collective wealth of the LDS Church and its enterprises were significant, but exact figures for his personal net worth are not well-documented. Estimates suggest he was worth several million dollars in today’s terms due to his vast landholdings and business ventures.

Children

Brigham Young fathered 56 children with his wives. Some of his notable children include Brigham Young Jr., who also became an apostle in the LDS Church, and Susa Young Gates, who was an influential writer and women’s rights advocate.