Brigham Young

Personal Statement:
My name is Brigham Young. I was born in 1801 to a farming family in Vermont. My parents were John and Abigail Young, and I am the ninth of eleven children. When I was young I moved to New York with my parents, but when I was sixteen I left home to start my career. I didn't have much of a formal education. I learned many of my skills while being apprenticed as a carpenter and painter. I married my first wife, Miriam Works, when I was 23 years old. I was a Methodist for many years, but I converted to Mormonism in 1832 after reading the Book of Mormon. After meeting Joseph Smith, the leader of the Mormons, I was even more encouraged to follow this religion. In 1838 I went to Missouri to help the Mormons there in their move to Illinois. I also traveled to England in order to spread my religion even further. In 1941 I became the President of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles and I devoted myself to promoting my religion and bettering the lives of its followers.





Issue(s):
I was involved in what I think was a very important religious, economic, and political issue. Because Mormons were not a majority during the time I was alive they were criticized by many people. I wanted all Mormons to have the ability to express their religion freely and without being oppressed by others. I wanted to expand my church and to seek out new members and to better the lives of existing members. I hoped to expand my religion by providing a variety of opportunities and incentives to these new members.


Solution(s):
In 1851 I became the governor of Utah, and I worked to pass laws which would give Mormons more freedom. One of the things I approved of was polygamy. Having had 55 wives, this was something I supported. Other people in power did not approve of this idea, saying that I was not allowing for a separation of church and state. I was also in favor of having women’s suffrage in Utah because by increasing the amount of people who could vote, the chances of voting in favor of a Mormon increased. In order to expand Mormonism, I also encouraged believers to emigrate and build their own settlements. I encouraged and often helped these migrations of people who were ready to start new lives with the Mormon religion. By supporting small businesses and the manufacturing of local products, I helped my people become more self- sufficient. I didn't receive a good education as a child, so I did everything I could to provide and education to Mormons. I established the University of Deseret, which was later named Brigham Young University.


Relationship to Others:
During the dinner party, I would be most comfortable sitting next to someone who shares my beliefs. I would be most comfortable sitting next to Joseph Smith because he was the founder of Mormonism and the one who inspired me to convert. I would feel least comfortable sitting next to Lyman Beecher because he is a Protestant and I am a Mormon