Young, Brigham

(1801-1877), the chief exponent of Mormonism and polygamy, was a Vermonter by birth, and a mechanic in New York. He was converted to Mormonism in 1831, and became an intimate a ociate of Smith. Commencing to preach the next year, he soon removed to Kirtland, Ohio, was chosen elder in 1832 and apostle in 1835. Brigham Young was one of the founders of the Nauvoo settlement in 1840, and in 1844 he succeeded Smith. Owing to persecution he conducted an emigration in 1846, and pa ed the following winter among the Indians of Nebraska. Having in 1847 explored the Salt Lake val-; ley, he returned and led his band to the new home in 1848. He became Governor of Deseret in 1849, and was appointed Governor of the Territory of Utah in 1851. The next year he announced the dogma of polygamy, and systematically defied the National Government. He submitted, however, to Johnston's expedition of 1857. He remained president of the Mormon Church until his death.