Introduction
Mormon history is fascinating, with numerous lessons to learn from the life journeys of the pioneers. One of such remarkable pioneers is Phineas Young, who lived an extraordinary life. He is a relative of Brigham Young, the second Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Phineas Young was one of the key figures who aided in the establishment of the Church in the West, completing a pioneering expedition from Winter Quarters in Nebraska to the Salt Lake Valley with his family in 1847.
In this blog post, we will delve into the life of Phineas Young, his journey to Utah, and his contributions to the Church and the community. We will unearth what made him an outstanding individual and how the lessons learned from his life can help us to live better lives as members of the Church and beyond.
Phineas Young’s Early Life and Conversion to the Church
Phineas Young was born on February 19, 1799, in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. He was the second youngest child of John Young and Abigail Howe. He grew up in a family with strong religious beliefs. Phineas was raised as a Congregationalist, attending church services and participating in religious activities with his family.
At the age of 19, Phineas left home to go and seek his fortune in New York. There, he joined the Methodist Church and served as a minister for a while until he had a change of heart and encountered the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Phineas was baptized into the Church on October 20, 1832, by John F. Boynton and commissioned to preach the gospel as a missionary. He returned to New York to gather members and resources for the Church, which had just been organized by Joseph Smith in Fayette, New York.
Phineas Young’s Journey to Utah
In 1846, Phineas joined the Mormon pioneers in their trek across the plains to Salt Lake City. He led gathering expeditions from the eastern states to the West in 1847. He established a trail through the mountains, which was used by thousands of Mormon pioneers to reach their destination in Utah.
When Phineas finally arrived in Utah, he established a ranch in Millcreek, which he named “Purple Creek Ranch”. This ranch played a significant role in supporting the survival of Utah’s Mormon community in the 1850s.
Phineas Young’s Contributions
Phineas Young was actively involved in building up the Church and settling Utah. He served as a member of the Utah Territorial Assembly and worked on the committee that drafted Utah’s Constitution. He also served as an officer in the territorial militia.
He was appointed by Brigham Young to lead the construction of a new tabernacle in Salt Lake City that could seat five thousand people for general conference and other public gatherings. The construction took three years, and the building was consecrated in 1875.
Phineas Young’s contributions to the community extended to his involvement in business. He helped establish the “Salt Lake Theatre Company,” which built the “Salt Lake Theatre” in downtown Salt Lake City. The theatre provided opportunities for entertainment and helped showcase the talent of the community.
Phineas Young’s Family Life
Phineas Young married Clarissa Decker, who was his second wife, after the death of his first wife. He had eleven children with both wives, with some dying young, and others surviving to adulthood. His oldest son, Brigham Young Jr., played a prominent role in the Church as an apostle.
Phineas was described as a loving and devoted father, and he made the rearing of his children a priority. He instilled in them values of hard work, faith, and perseverance, which contributed to their success in life.
Phineas Young’s Legacy
Phineas Young left a great legacy of faith, hard work, and commitment to his family, the Church, and the community. His contributions were instrumental in establishing the Church in Utah and building the community, leaving a mark that is felt to this day.
He left a blueprint for those who would follow in his footsteps and contributed to the nurturing of a prosperous and highly motivated community that would go on to influence the entire West. He set an excellent example of how to live a fulfilling life and leave behind a positive impact that inspires future generations.
FAQs
1. Who was Phineas Young?
Phineas Young was a pioneer of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who made significant contributions to the Church and the community. Born in Massachusetts, he journeyed west with the pioneers and settled in Utah, where he established businesses and helped build up the community.
2. What was Phineas Young’s role in the early Church?
Phineas Young was an important figure in the early Church. He was a missionary who preached the Gospel and helped establish the Church in the eastern United States. He was also one of the pioneers who completed the journey to Utah and contributed to building up the community.
3. What did Phineas Young contribute to the community?
Phineas Young contributed to the community by serving in the Territorial Assembly, drafting Utah’s Constitution, and working on the construction of the Salt Lake Tabernacle. He was also involved in business and helped establish the Salt Lake Theatre Company.
4. What was Phineas Young’s family life like?
Phineas Young married twice and had eleven children. He was described as a loving and devoted father who instilled values of hard work, faith, and perseverance in his children.
5. What is Phineas Young’s legacy?
Phineas Young’s legacy is one of faith, hard work, and commitment to family, Church, and community. His contributions were instrumental in establishing the Church in Utah, building the community, and inspiring future generations.
6. How did Phineas Young contribute to the building of the Church?
Phineas Young contributed to the building of the Church by helping to establish the Church in the eastern United States, joining the pioneers, leading gathering expeditions from the eastern states to the West, and building a trail through the mountains.
7. What lessons can be learned from the life of Phineas Young?
From Phineas Young’s life, we can learn the values of faith, hard work, and commitment to family, Church, and community. He demonstrated how to live a fulfilling life and leave behind a positive impact that inspires future generations.
Conclusion
Phineas Young’s life is a remarkable story of faith and determination. His contributions to the Church and community played a significant role in the establishment and growth of Utah. His journey to Utah and his life lessons are a source of inspiration to members of the Church and beyond. It is a life story worth hearing and retelling, a legacy worth preserving and emulating.