Abstract

The Emergence of Brigham Young and The Twelve to Mormon Leadership, 1830–1841

Ronald K. Esplin
Department of History
Brigham Young University
Ph.D. Degree, April 1981

Abstract

Mormon theology permitted the Quorum of Twelve Apostles a prominent position in the Mormon hierarchy, but its actual role was limited at first. Only after experience, testing, changing of personnel and a demonstration of loyalty was the apostles’ role enlarged in practice. This study investigates the Twelve’s development from a divided group of individuals into a united leadership cadre. The Twelve’s commitment to Joseph Smith’s vision of a theocratic kingdom and their proven effectiveness under Brigham Young resulted in a decisive change in assignment in 1841 that paved the way for them to succeed Joseph Smith in 1844.

The study is both biographical and institutional, tracing Young’s development from an uneducated artisan to a forceful leader and providing an institutional history of the Twelve. It also explores the relationship of Joseph Smith with Young and the Twelve and reinterprets vital events of the 1830s from the perspective of these people.