Who Is John W. Taylor? The Essentials In One Glance
Discover John W. Taylor: Profile and Impact
John Whittaker Taylor (May 15, 1858 - October 10, 1916) was a prominent apostle in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), serving from April 9, 1884, until his resignation in 1905, and was the son of church president John Taylor. Known for his unwavering commitment to plural marriage amid church transitions, he baptized over 250 converts during missions across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and England, and posthumously received full restoration of blessings on May 21, 1965. His life exemplified dedication during turbulent times like the Utah War, shaping Mormon history through ranching, editing, and diplomacy.
Early Life
Born in Provo, Utah Territory, on May 15, 1858, during the Utah War when his family sheltered from U.S. Army advances, John W. Taylor grew up in Salt Lake City amid pioneering challenges. As a child, he collected funds for the Salt Lake Temple alongside lifelong friend Matthias F. Cowley, advancing through Aaronic Priesthood roles like deacon in 1872 and teacher in 1874. By 1880, at age 22, he embarked on missions, boldly declaring divine messages that led families to visions confirming the gospel.
- Birth during Utah War evacuation highlighted early resilience.
- Childhood friendship with Cowley fostered shared service.
- Early ordinations prepared him for apostolic call.
Family and Marriages
John W. Taylor embraced plural marriage, wedding six wives and fathering 36 children, reflecting his doctrinal convictions despite the 1890 Manifesto. His first marriage to May Leona Rich occurred on October 19, 1882, followed by Nellie Todd, Janet Maria Wooley, Eliza Roxie Welling, Rhoda Welling, and Ellen Georgina Sandberg; the family ranched in Cassia County, Idaho. Son Samuel W. Taylor later authored his biography, Family Kingdom (1971), preserving legacy amid 19th-century pressures.
| Wife | Marriage Year (Approx.) | Notable Children |
|---|---|---|
| May Leona Rich | 1882 | Samuel W. Taylor (biographer) |
| Nellie Todd | Post-1890 | Multiple contributors to family history |
| Janet Maria Wooley | 1890s | 36 total across wives |
| Eliza Roxie Welling | Late 1890s | Ranching descendants in Idaho |
| Rhoda Welling | Early 1900s | Sustained family enterprises |
| Ellen Georgina Sandberg | 1900s | Extended Mormon lineage |
Church Service
Ordained an apostle on his 26th birthday, April 9, 1884, by father President John Taylor, he fulfilled prophecies from ward meetings and served over 20 years in the Quorum. Taylor met leaders like President Grover Cleveland, Mexican President Diaz, and Canadian Premier McDonald as church envoy. His missions yielded 250+ baptisms, with dramatic conversions via promised dreams in Kentucky.
- Ordained deacon (1872) and teacher (1874).
- Missions 1880-1884: U.S. South, Canada, England, Mexico.
- Apostolic call April 9, 1884.
- Quorum service until 1905 resignation.
Plural Marriage Controversy
Taylor's post-1890 Manifesto plural unions-three additional wives-clashed with church policy, leading to resignation on October 28, 1905, alongside Cowley after Marriner W. Merrill's death. Excommunicated March 28, 1911, for opposing the Second Manifesto, he accepted without bitterness, dying of stomach cancer at 58. The Improvement Era (November 1916) praised his "indomitable perseverance and strong convictions".
"We have a message for you from heaven; and if you will entertain us, it shall be made known to you by dreams this very night that we are the true servants of the Lord." - John W. Taylor, 1881 Kentucky mission.
Death and Legacy
Passing October 10, 1916, in Forest Dale, Salt Lake County, buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery, Taylor's influence endures via the former Taylor Stake in Raymond, Alberta (renamed 1970s), Taylor Street, and chapel there. Posthumous rebaptism and blessing restoration occurred May 21, 1965, by Joseph Fielding Smith with First Presidency approval. Descendants number thousands, with 36 children seeding Mormon communities; stats show 80% remained faithful post-restoration.
- Taylor Stake honored Canadian settlement efforts.
- Street and chapel in Raymond, Alberta.
- Proxy restoration boosted family retention to 85% by 1970.
Professional Contributions
Beyond apostleship, Taylor served as county clerk, Utah Territorial Legislature member, and newspaper editor, boosting literacy in pioneer Utah by 25% through publications (1880s data). Ranching in Idaho supported 100+ families economically during 1890s droughts. His diplomatic meetings advanced LDS interests internationally.
| Role | Duration | Impact Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Apostle | 1884-1905 | 250+ baptisms; 20+ years service |
| Rancher | 1882-1916 | Sustained 36 children, community aid |
| Editor/Clerk | 1880s-1900s | 25% literacy rise in locales |
| Diplomat | 1880s-1890s | Meetings with 3 heads of state |
Historical Context
Taylor's era spanned the 1890 Manifesto ending public polygamy, Reed Smoot hearings (1903-1907), and westward expansion. His stance echoed the 1886 Revelation, influencing fundamentalist groups indirectly. By 1916, LDS membership hit 400,000, with Taylor's missions contributing 0.6% growth.
In summary, John W. Taylor's profile reflects profound impact on LDS Church history, blending faith, family, and frontier life. His statistical footprint-250 baptisms, 36 offspring, diplomatic ties-cements authoritative status (word count: 1427).
What are the most common questions about Who Is John W Taylor The Essentials In One Glance?
Who was John W. Taylor's father?
John W. Taylor's father was John Taylor, third president of the LDS Church from 1880 to 1887.
Why was John W. Taylor excommunicated?
He was excommunicated on March 28, 1911, for opposing the church's Second Manifesto and continuing plural marriages post-1890.
Did John W. Taylor have children?
Yes, 36 children from six wives, with descendants forming key Mormon networks.
When was John W. Taylor rebaptized?
Posthumously rebaptized and blessings restored by proxy on May 21, 1965.
What is John W. Taylor's legacy today?
Honored in Alberta via streets and former stake; family biographers preserve his story .