Item Detail
-
MSS SC 3089
-
History of William Adams written by himself January 1894 age 72 years
-
Adams, William
-
1894
-
Photocopy of a microfilmed copy of a typescript. The item is a 26 page autobiography of William Adams. Adams describes how was born in Ireland on January 8, 1822. He was raised a Protestant but joined the Mormon Church in 1842. He migrated to the United States up the Mississippi River. He settled in Nauvoo, Illinois, where he worked as a stone mason on the Nauvoo Temple. Adams was present at a meeting after the death of Joseph Smith, the first president of the Mormon Church. "I heard a voice speaking, I was surprized and jumped to my feet expecting Joseph the prophet was speaking, having heard him often in public and private was acquainted with his voice. This was a strong testimony that the twelve apostles was the rightfull leaders of the church. And the mantle of Joseph had fell on Brigham Young." He migrated to Salt Lake City, Utah, and then relocated to Parowan, Utah, in 1851. He writes about his mission and the problems with his family when he took a second wife.