The Life of John Taylor: Third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

In Short

This volume serves as a comprehensive biography of John Taylor, the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It documents his conversion in Canada, his leadership during the tumultuous eras in Nauvoo and Utah, and his steadfast commitment to his faith amidst legal battles and state-sanctioned persecution. By examining his public ministry and private reflections, the work portrays a man of unyielding resolve. It has remained a significant historical record for its detailed look into the internal and external struggles that defined the early growth of the Latter-day Saint movement in the American West.

The Story

The narrative begins with John Taylor’s early life, depicting a man of intellectual vigor who, even before encountering the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, possessed the traits of a reformer. Upon meeting Parley P. Pratt and investigating the "Mormon" faith, Taylor moves from skepticism to an absolute, unwavering devotion that eventually defines his life. As he rises within the Church, the story follows his journey from the mission field in Ireland and England to the center of the Church’s developing hierarchy in the United States.

The central conflict of the story revolves around the friction between the Saints and the surrounding society. The narrative describes the expulsion of the community from Jackson County, Missouri, and their subsequent relocation to Illinois. These chapters detail the escalating tensions, the legal and extralegal harassment, and the eventual martyrdom of Joseph Smith. Taylor, who was present at Carthage Jail during the assassination of the Prophet, is wounded himself, a pivotal moment that the narrative frames as his first "martyrdom" for his beliefs.

Following the death of Joseph Smith and the subsequent migration to the Salt Lake Valley, the book shifts its focus to the challenges of establishing a new society in the West. Taylor serves as a key lieutenant to Brigham Young, organizing the trek and helping to build the infrastructure of a burgeoning territory. The later chapters are consumed by the escalating legal and political crusade against the Church, particularly concerning polygamy and the assertion of federal authority over the religious practices of the Saints.

The narrative culminates in the final years of Taylor’s life, as he is forced into hiding to avoid arrest by federal marshals. The book portrays this period as a time of immense physical and emotional strain, arguing that the harsh conditions and the constant pursuit by officials ultimately contributed to his death. His passing is treated as the end of a long struggle for institutional and personal survival. The final sections offer a reflective look at his legacy, cataloging his extensive posterity and reaffirming the central argument that his life was a testament to the power of conviction, regardless of the world's condemnation. The story closes with his funeral, emphasizing the esteem in which he was held by his followers and the enduring nature of his influence.

How It Unfolds

The conversion and early mission — Taylor transitions from a skeptical investigator to a fervent advocate after meeting Parley P. Pratt, eventually carrying the message of his faith across England and Ireland. He encounters opposition even among those who claim to be open to religious discourse, foreshadowing the later conflicts he will face.

The gathering and the trials — The narrative shifts to the mass migration of the Saints, detailing the forced evictions from Missouri and the precarious existence in Illinois. These chapters paint a picture of a people under constant threat from mobs and corrupt local officials who manipulate the law.

The imprisonment and transition — A significant portion of the book focuses on the events at Carthage Jail, where the death of the Church leadership changes the trajectory of the movement. Taylor survives his injuries, providing a firsthand account of the crisis that forces the community to look toward the Western wilderness for refuge.

The construction of a new home — As the Church settles in the Salt Lake Valley, the narrative highlights the organizational efforts required to sustain thousands of settlers. Taylor plays a crucial role in managing the logistics of the move and the governance of the territory during its early years.

The final confrontation — The concluding chapters detail the intense legal pressure exerted by federal authorities during the late 19th century. Taylor’s life in the shadow of these indictments serves as a case study in his resistance to what he views as an unconstitutional assault on religious liberty.

The People

John Taylor emerges as the focal point, a figure of "invincible resolution" who values truth over the applause of the world. He remains steadfast through repeated exile and the physical toll of imprisonment. Joseph Smith serves as the primary inspiration and catalyst for Taylor's life work, and his death serves as the tragedy that compels Taylor to shoulder greater burdens. Brigham Young acts as the organizational partner, guiding the migration and providing the structural framework for the survival of the community. In contrast, the various federal judges and political figures, such as Charles S. Zane, are portrayed as antagonists—men who, in the author's view, abuse their judicial power to "make a hobby" of the Mormon question to advance their own careers. These figures stand in the way of the religious freedom Taylor seeks to protect, creating a cycle of resentment and legal repression.

In Its Own Voice

The great man is he who chooses the right with invincible resolution.

This statement in the opening pages establishes the moral lens through which the author assesses the subject's entire career.

It is our departure from God that has brought upon us all our misery.

This reflection captures the theological core of the author’s critique of modern government and societal structures.

The praise of the world, however, is a small matter.

The author uses this line to dismiss the negative public perception of his subject, arguing that historical and divine validation are the only true metrics of success.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an exploration of the clash between institutional religious authority and the secular state. It argues that the American experiment in liberty is fundamentally threatened when the government targets specific religious practices under the guise of legal reform. The book poses deep questions about the limits of state power, the nature of religious conscience, and the cost of non-conformity in a republic that prides itself on freedom. It suggests that a society’s moral health is measured by its treatment of its most "odious" minorities. By framing Taylor’s life as a defense of the Constitution against "mobocratic" and corrupt influences, the book attempts to elevate the struggles of the Latter-day Saints to a broader, national concern regarding the preservation of human rights and personal integrity.

Why Read It Today

Readers interested in the history of the American West will find this book a valuable, albeit partisan, account of the forces that shaped Utah. It provides a rare, internal perspective on the mindset of a leader who viewed himself as a martyr for his faith. However, a modern reader must be prepared for the book's archaic, formal language and the author’s unapologetic defense of his subject. The text makes no attempt at modern neutrality; it is a dedicated piece of hagiography that expects the reader to sympathize with the perspective of the Church leadership.

The most compelling aspect is the raw detail concerning the mid-19th-century frontier. Whether describing the logistics of a wagon train or the claustrophobia of a man hiding from federal marshals, the author paints a vivid, high-stakes picture. The book’s unflinching tone—particularly regarding the "bloody deeds" and "wholesale robberies" the Saints faced—may be jarring for those who prefer a detached historical analysis, but it is exactly this intensity that makes the book a window into the past. It is best read as a historical document that reveals as much about the author’s own era—and the defensive, resilient culture of the late 19th-century Latter-day Saints—as it does about the life of John Taylor himself.