Church Officers in Nauvoo, Illinois, February–November 1841

On 6 May 1839, a conference of the church appointed a and a president to oversee the church members in the , Illinois, area. These two positions were essential for the organization of a , which formally took place on 5 October 1839 during a general conference of the church. A January 1841 revelation designated as both a stake and a “cornerstone of Zion.”

Presidency

On 5 October 1839, a general conference of the church approved the creation of a stake in (later ) and appointed as president. Marks continued to serve in that capacity without counselors until 30 March 1841, when and were appointed to serve in those roles.

1 February–30 March 1841	30 March–30 November 1841
President	President
William Marks 15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he... View Full Bio 5 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	William Marks 15 Nov. 1792–22 May 1872. Farmer, printer, publisher, postmaster. Born at Rutland, Rutland Co., Vermont. Son of Cornell (Cornwall) Marks and Sarah Goodrich. Married first Rosannah R. Robinson, 2 May 1813. Lived at Portage, Allegany Co., New York, where he... View Full Bio
	Counselors
	Austin Cowles 3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813... View Full Bio 6 Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
	Charles C. Rich 21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio 7 Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

High Council

On 5 October 1839, a general conference of the church appointed twelve men to serve as members of the newly created Nauvoo . When individual members could not attend, alternates (or pro tempore members) were appointed to participate in council meetings. These temporary appointments are not reflected in the chart below. A few changes to the membership of the high council occurred in the period between February and November 1841. Although was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Nauvoo high council on 5 September 1840, JS’s 19 January 1841 revelation specified that was to fill the position instead. Accordingly, a 6 February 1841 meeting of the high council replaced Cowles with Johnson. ’s death on 10 March 1841 left a vacancy in the high council, ’s ordination as a counselor in the Nauvoo stake presidency on 30 March 1841 left another vacancy. At the April 1841 general conference of the church, and were appointed to fill these positions.

1 February–6 February 1841	6 February–7 April 1841	8 April–30 November 1841
George W. Harris 1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married... View Full Bio 14 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	George W. Harris 1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married... View Full Bio	George W. Harris 1 Apr. 1780–1857. Jeweler. Born at Lanesboro, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts. Son of James Harris and Diana (Margaret) Burton. Married first Elizabeth, ca. 1800. Married second Margaret, who died in 1828. Moved to Batavia, Genesee Co., New York, by 1830. Married... View Full Bio
Samuel Bent 19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts... View Full Bio 15 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Samuel Bent 19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts... View Full Bio	Samuel Bent 19 July 1778–16 Aug. 1846. Born in Barre, Worcester Co., Massachusetts. Son of Joel Bent and Mary Mason. Married first Mary Kilburn, 3 Mar. 1805, in Wendell, Franklin Co., Massachusetts. Colonel in Massachusetts militia. Lived in Braintree, Norfolk Co., Massachusetts... View Full Bio
Henry G. Sherwood 20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824... View Full Bio 16 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Henry G. Sherwood 20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824... View Full Bio	Henry G. Sherwood 20 Apr. 1785–24 Nov. 1867. Surveyor. Born at Kingsbury, Washington Co., New York. Son of Newcomb Sherwood and a woman whose maiden name was Tolman (first name unidentified). Married first Jane J. McManagal (McMangle) of Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland, ca. 1824... View Full Bio
David Fullmer 7 July 1803–21 Oct. 1879. Teacher, merchant, farmer. Born in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfoss. Moved to Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Married Rhoda Ann Marvin, 18... View Full Bio 17 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	David Fullmer 7 July 1803–21 Oct. 1879. Teacher, merchant, farmer. Born in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfoss. Moved to Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Married Rhoda Ann Marvin, 18... View Full Bio	David Fullmer 7 July 1803–21 Oct. 1879. Teacher, merchant, farmer. Born in Chillisquaque Township, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. Son of Peter Fullmer and Susannah Zerfoss. Moved to Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Pennsylvania, by 1820. Married Rhoda Ann Marvin, 18... View Full Bio
Alpheus Cutler 29 Feb. 1784–10 June 1864. Stonemason. Born in Plainfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Knight Cutler and Elizabeth Boyd. Married Lois Lathrop, 17 Nov. 1808, in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Upper Lisle, Broome Co., New York, ca. 1808... View Full Bio 18 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Alpheus Cutler 29 Feb. 1784–10 June 1864. Stonemason. Born in Plainfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Knight Cutler and Elizabeth Boyd. Married Lois Lathrop, 17 Nov. 1808, in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Upper Lisle, Broome Co., New York, ca. 1808... View Full Bio	Alpheus Cutler 29 Feb. 1784–10 June 1864. Stonemason. Born in Plainfield, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of Knight Cutler and Elizabeth Boyd. Married Lois Lathrop, 17 Nov. 1808, in Lebanon, Grafton Co., New Hampshire. Moved to Upper Lisle, Broome Co., New York, ca. 1808... View Full Bio
William Huntington 28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown... View Full Bio 19 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	William Huntington 28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown... View Full Bio	William Huntington 28 Mar. 1784–19 Aug. 1846. Farmer, brick maker, potash manufacturer. Born in New Grantham, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of William Huntington and Prescendia Lathrop. Married first Zina Baker, 28 Dec. 1806, in Plainfield, Sullivan Co. Moved to Watertown... View Full Bio
Thomas Grover 22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus... View Full Bio 20 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Thomas Grover 22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus... View Full Bio	Thomas Grover 22 July 1807–20 Feb. 1886. Farmer, boat operator. Born at Whitehall, Washington Co., New York. Son of Thomas Grover and Polly Spaulding. Married first Caroline Whiting of Whitehall, 1828. Became a Methodist preacher, by 1834. Moved to Freedom, Cattaraugus... View Full Bio
Newel Knight 13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New... View Full Bio 21 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Newel Knight 13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New... View Full Bio	Newel Knight 13 Sept. 1800–11 Jan. 1847. Miller, merchant. Born at Marlborough, Windham Co., Vermont. Son of Joseph Knight Sr. and Polly Peck. Moved to Jericho (later Bainbridge), Chenango Co., New York, ca. 1809. Moved to Windsor (later in Colesville), Broome Co., New... View Full Bio
Charles C. Rich 21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio 22 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Charles C. Rich 21 Aug. 1809–17 Nov. 1883. Schoolteacher, farmer, cooper. Born in Campbell Co., Kentucky. Son of Joseph Rich and Nancy O’Neal. Moved to Posey Township, Dearborn Co., Indiana, ca. 1810. Moved to Tazewell Co., Illinois, 1829. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ... View Full Bio	Lewis Dunbar Wilson 2 June 1805–11 Mar. 1856. Born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vermont. Son of Bradley Wilson and Mary (Polly) Gill. Married Nancy Ann Waggner, by ca. 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 May 1836. Ordained an elder, Sept. 1836. ... View Full Bio
David Dort 6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac... View Full Bio 23 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	David Dort 6 Jan. 1793–10 Mar. 1841. Farmer, miller. Born at Gilsum, Cheshire Co., New Hampshire. Son of John Dort and Elishaba Briggs. Married first JS’s cousin Mary (Polly) Mack, 2 June 1813, at Gilsum. After Mary’s death, married her sister Fanny Mack. Moved to Pontiac... View Full Bio 24 “Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27. Comprehensive Works Cited Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846. Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.	Aaron Johnson 22 June 1806–10 May 1877. Farmer, gunmaker. Born in Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Didymus Johnson and Ruhamah Stephens. Joined Methodist church, early 1820s. Married Polly Zeruah Kelsey, 13 Sept. 1827, in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut... View Full Bio
Lewis Dunbar Wilson 2 June 1805–11 Mar. 1856. Born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vermont. Son of Bradley Wilson and Mary (Polly) Gill. Married Nancy Ann Waggner, by ca. 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 May 1836. Ordained an elder, Sept. 1836. ... View Full Bio 25 Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.	Lewis Dunbar Wilson 2 June 1805–11 Mar. 1856. Born in Milton, Chittenden Co., Vermont. Son of Bradley Wilson and Mary (Polly) Gill. Married Nancy Ann Waggner, by ca. 1830. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 23 May 1836. Ordained an elder, Sept. 1836. ... View Full Bio	Leonard Soby Ca. 1810–14 Dec. 1892. Tobacco merchant. Born in Pennsylvania. Son of David Soby. Married Helen. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by 1840. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, by June 1840. Received elder’s license, 6 Dec. 1840... View Full Bio 26 Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
Austin Cowles 3 May 1792–15 Jan. 1872. Farmer, teacher, minister, millwright, miller, merchant. Born in Brookfield, Orange Co., Vermont. Son of Timothy Cowles and Abigail Woodworth. Moved to Unadilla, Otsego Co., New York, by 1810. Married first Phebe Wilbur, 14 Jan. 1813... View Full Bio 27 Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 5 Sept. 1840; 6 Feb. 1841, 25. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.	Aaron Johnson 22 June 1806–10 May 1877. Farmer, gunmaker. Born in Haddam, Middlesex Co., Connecticut. Son of Didymus Johnson and Ruhamah Stephens. Joined Methodist church, early 1820s. Married Polly Zeruah Kelsey, 13 Sept. 1827, in New Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut... View Full Bio 28 Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.	James Allred 22 Jan. 1784–10 Jan. 1876. Farmer. Born in Randolph Co., North Carolina. Son of William Allred and Elizabeth Thrasher. Married Elizabeth Warren. Moved to Missouri, before Sept. 1832. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by George M. Hinkle... View Full Bio 29 Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27. Comprehensive Works Cited Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.

Bishops

On 6 May 1839, a conference of the church appointed as in (later ). On 5 October 1839, a general conference of the church designated three men, including Whitney, to serve as bishops in Commerce, assigning each to be responsible for a specific ward, a geographical subdivision of the city. became the upper ward bishop following his call in a January 1841 revelation to replace , who had died. JS appointed as a bishop to an unspecified ward on 19 February 1841.

1 February–30 November 1841

Upper Ward

Middle Ward

Lower Ward

Unspecified ward

(appointed on 19 February 1841)

1
Minutes, 6 May 1839.
2
Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:2].
3
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
4
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
5
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
6
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
7
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. 1841, 26–27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
8
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
9
See, for example, the pro tempore appointment of Elias Higbee as a member of the Nauvoo high council. (Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 22 Sept. 1841, 33.)
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
10
Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
11
“Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
12
Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 30 Mar. and 7 Apr. 1841, 26–27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
13
Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
14
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
15
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
16
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
17
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
18
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
19
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
20
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
21
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
22
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
23
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
24
“Obituary,” Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1841, 358; Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.
Times and Seasons. Commerce/Nauvoo, IL. Nov. 1839–Feb. 1846.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
25
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
26
Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
27
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 5 Sept. 1840; 6 Feb. 1841, 25.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
28
Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:132]; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 6 Feb. 1841, 25.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
29
Minutes, 7–11 Apr. 1841; Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 7 Apr. 1841, 27.
Nauvoo High Council Minutes, 1839–1845. CHL. LR 3102 22.
30
Minutes, 6 May 1839.
31
Minutes and Discourses, 5–7 Oct. 1839.
32
Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:20–21].
33
“Higbee, Isaac,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:480.
Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.
34
Revelation, 19 Jan. 1841 [D&C 124:20–21].
35
Minutes, 6 May 1839.
36
Woodruff, Journal, 29 May 1839.
Woodruff, Wilford. Journals, 1833–1898. Wilford Woodruff, Journals and Papers, 1828–1898. CHL. MS 1352.
37
“Higbee, Isaac,” in Jenson, Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1:480.
Jenson, Andrew. Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia: A Compilation of Biographical Sketches of Prominent Men and Women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 4 vols. Salt Lake City: Andrew Jenson History Co., 1901–1936.

Church Officers in Nauvoo, Illinois, February–November 1841

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