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| Affiliation | Democratic |
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| Name | James Jesse Strang |
| Address |
Beaver Island, Michigan , United States |
| Email | None |
| Website | None |
| Born |
March 21, 1813
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| Died | July 09, 1856
(43 years)
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| Contributor | Thomas Walker |
| Last Modifed | Juan Croniqueur
Mar 21, 2024 05:41am |
| Tags |
Assassinated - Latter Day Saints (Mormon) -
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| Info | History of James Strang
The Birth and Parentage of the Prophet James
by Warren Post, Apostle
Clement Strang, the father of James, was born at Stillwater, Saratoga Co., N.Y., on the 22nd of Sept., A.D. 1788. And his wife, Abigail James, was born in Washington Co., N.Y., December the 27th, A.D. 1793.
David Strang, their firstborn, was born June the 9th, A.D. 1811. James Jesse Strang was born March the 21st, A.D. 1813. Myraette Strang was born April the 24th, A.D. 1818.
The parents of the prophet joined the Baptist Church in early life, and remain in good standing in that church until this day. They are classed among the honorable of the earth, and being exceedingly zealous in the traditions of their fathers, have not sought after any other faith, but remain steadfast in their first faith, and have reared their children in that faith. Perhaps there never were parents more careful in training their children in the paths of virtue, than they were. The mother of the Prophet was very tender of him, in consequence of his delicate health in his youth, and equally watchful over his conduct. She would even require him to render an account of all his actions, and words, while absent from her. And he supposed it his duty to relate all his actions unto his mother, and keep nothing back. His father also was about as strict in his way and taught his children honesty and truth, and industry.
At the early age of 12 years, James embraced the Baptist faith, and according to their phraseology gave bright evidence of his acceptance with God. This child grew up in favor with God and man. His mind was continually grasping after knowledge, and his faculties were such that he made more rapid advances than any of his fellows.
He studied the common branches of an English education, and soon became such a master of Geography, in particular, that one might fancy that he had traversed the length and breadth of the earth. His knowledge of universal history was almost unlimited. He had an ardent desire to become well versed in civil law, and his parents granted his desires. As soon as he begun for himself, he commenced the practice of law, and was admitted to the bar, in Chautauqua Co., N.Y. and other places where he resided. He continued in his profession, and maintained the religion of his youth, until the A.D. 1844. Since that time the Church Records will show all the important acts of his life.
His parents are well satisfied that he was a good man, and honest in all that he said and did.
The Ordination of James Strang
administered by angels on June 27, 1844
On the twenty-seventh day of June, 1844, at five and a half o'clock in the afternoon, James J. Strang was in the Spirit, and the Angel of God came unto him and saluted him, saying,
Fear God and be strengthened and obey him, for great is the work which he hath required at thy hand. Go on in hope and strength, and falter not, and he will sustain thee, and thou shalt triumph, for the voice of the Lord by the mouth of Joseph will he fulfill.
And the Angel of the Lord stretched forth his hand unto him and touched his head, and put oil upon him and said, Grace is poured upon thy lips, and God blesseth thee with the greatness of the Everlasting Priesthood. He putteth might and glory and majesty upon thee, and in meekness and truth and righteousness will he prosper thee.
Thou shalt save his people from their enemies when there is no arm to deliver, and shalt bring salvation when destruction walketh in the house of thy God. Thou hast loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore thy God hath anointed thee with oil and set thee above all thy fellows.
Thy words shall be like sharp arrows in the heart of the wicked. Thou shalt rebuke those who pervert the word of thy God. Thou shalt preach righteousness and the sublime mysteries in the ears of many people, and shall bring the gospel to many who have not known it and to the nations afar off.
Thou shalt drive backward and put to shame those that do evil, and the workers of iniquity shall fall. They shall be cast down and shall not be able to rise. With purity will the Lord thy God arm thee, and purity and truth shalt thou teach.
Keep the law of the Lord thy God in thy heart, and none of thy steps shall slide. With thee is the fountain of truth. In thy light shall the people of thy God see, for thou shalt speak his word unto them, and from thy lips shall they receive it.
The blessing of their God shalt thou put upon them, and his curse upon evil doers, if, after being oft rebuked, they repent not; and before my people shalt thou go to lead them into my ways, for unto thee has the Lord thy God given salvation.
In righteousness shalt thou rule. Thou shalt redeem the poor and the needy from suffering and violence, and to thee God giveth judgment for them. Thou shalt deliver the prey from the spoiler, for God, thy God, hath put them in thy hand.
And in weakness will he make thee strong. Thou shalt rule among his people. Thou shalt break in pieces the rod of the oppressor and the yoke of the unjust ruler. They shall flee away, but the way of peace shall they not find.
While the day of the wicked abideth, shalt thou prepare a refuge for the oppressed and for the poor and needy. Unto thee shall they come, and their brethren who are scattered shall come with them, and the destruction of the ungodly shall quickly follow, for it already worketh. Go thy way and be strong.
Assassination of James Strang
A number of revelations from God were given through James Strang. He also had visions and translated ancient records. Of particular importance is the Book of the Law of the Lord.
James Strang was shot by assassins on June 16, 1856, on Beaver Island, Lake Michigan. He died from his wounds on July 9, 1856, at Voree, Wisconsin. Although the assassins were former Church members with a grudge, they were apparently armed and assisted in this attack by the United States government. Their escape was certainly provided by the USS Michigan and its officers. For more information about this see Murderous Assault and Record of the Apostles, Part 2.
The Death and Burial of the Prophet James
by Edward Chidester, Apostle
On the seventh of July he said the active part of his life was at an end, that the bearing off of the Kingdom must devolve upon others; he felt that his ministry as chief was done. He did not say who was to be the leader of his people, but on this day his eyes brightened, and his countenance was lit up, and it was observed by all that he was a great deal better. On the eighth he began to run down, and it seemed as though he just wilted away. I asked him if he was going to leave us. He said he was. I then asked him if we were to have a successor appointed through him. A tear started in his eye, and he said, "I do not want to talk about it." Brother Hickey and Adeline were with me that night to assist me. I took the care of him till two o'clock, when Brother Hickey and Adeline got up and I finished a letter I was writing. I helped turn and fix him comfortable about break of day, and lay down for a nap. I lay about one hour and a half at the foot of his bed. When I awoke there was no one in the room but him and myself. I immediately arose and discovered that he was dying. I nursed him very attentively for about an hour, and saw no hope of recovery, when I sent for some of the neighbors. I asked if there was anything he wished to communicate. He replied, "Yes," which was the last word he spoke.
All these circumstances go to confirm me in the opinion that there is a head somewhere, and that he will come in the Lord's own due time to the faithful.
I proceed now to answer some of your questions which you deem of minor importance, but the big ones I shall not attempt at this time. "How many of the Saints were present at his death?" Brothers George Miller, L. D. Hickey, E. Chidester; Sisters Betsey, Phoebe, Sarah Hickey; Betsey's children.
"How many attended his funeral?" Bro. Miller and family, Hickey and family, Tubbs' family, C. Linnell, Sr. Townsend and family, B. J. Wright and E. Chidester, of the Saints, and a respectable congregation of Gentiles. Bro. Hickey opened the meeting by prayer, and such a prayer I never heard except from the Prophet himself, it seemed as though the earth trembled, the wagon where he stood did at any rate, he had the Spirit to such a degree that he never had it before, at least he says so. Bro. B. G. Wright then attempted to preach, but was only an attempt, Bro. Hickey had the Spirit. He was buried in the burying ground at Voree, in as good style as that part of the country could afford. I paid $20 for his coffin, and it was said to be worth $35; his shroud was of the finest silk flannel at a cost of $4.77. I considered him worthy of the best, and therefore I gave it to him.
Letter from Edward Chidester to Warren Post
Burlington, July 14th, '56
Bro. Post
I received your letter today, and hasten to answer. If you have not received the news ahead of this, it will be sad news to you. I closed the Prophet's eyes in the sleep of death the 9th of July, fifteen minutes before ten o'clock.
You inquire what to do. His directions was for every man to take care of his family and do the best he could till he found out what to do. You will understand when you receive this how to act as well as any of us, you have it second hand, I had it from his own mouth.
You state that you left word with your folks to go to Voree. They have not been here, and we know not where they are, but expect they followed you. I should like to keep up a correspondence with you, and if you are of the same mind, please direct to Dunkirk, Wis.
Truly & Sincerely in haste,
Edward Chidester
Extract from a Letter by Gabriel Strang,
son of James Strang and Betsy McNutt Strang.
Galveston, Texas, July 7, '19
Mr. Chester Flanders
. . .
All the other children were kept out. I can remember Dr. Cooper coming there to dress the wounds so well that I recognized him 18 years afterward when I next saw him. I used to sit on the floor in a corner near the bed and watch the operation. I can remember that someone in the room would speak to me, and once they called me over to the bed. Dr. Cooper, Edward Chidester and Adelia, the daughter of Phineas Wright, were there. I was standing by a window. I was timid and did not start quickly, so Adelia came over and carried me to the bed. They all spoke to me, but I do not remember what they said. When the Dr. left, Bro. Chidester and Adelia stepped out of the room with him, perhaps to get private instructions from the Dr. I was still standing by the bed when they returned, and Father was lying with his eyes shut as if asleep. Adelia took me by the hand, and led me to the other side of the room.
Afterward they left the room, and after what seemed to me a long time, Father opened his eyes, and seeing me standing by the wall called me over and talked to me awhile. I cannot remember all he said, but I remember very distinctly that he said he was going away, and he was not sure that any others of his family would have the patience to endure the trials that would befall those who would come to him, but he felt sure I would have the patience, and he wanted me to always remember that day and that he had asked me to be sure and follow him.
It was not long before several persons came into the room, and I went out. I do not remember whether he died that day or not, but I am quite sure I did not see him again.
One thing that served to impress this request on my mind was that about the same time he had told Mother that she would be one of the last to deny him, and for more than 30 years afterward it seemed impossible to her that she ever would. She was always worried about what he said, and often mentioned it. Each time I heard her speak about it reminded me of what he said to me.
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