The Birth and Parentage of Brigham Young.—His Brothers and Sisters.—He embraces Mormonism, and becomes a Leader.—Is appointed President of the Twelve, and finally placed at the Head of the Church to succeed Joseph Smith.—Establishes the Mormons in Salt Lake Valley.
Brigham Young was born at Whitingham, Windham County, Vermont, June 1, 1801. A short sketch of the family of this noted adventurer may not be uninteresting. The following extract is from his autobiography:—
"My grandfather, John Young, was a physician and surgeon in the French and Indian war.
"My father, John Young, was born March 7, 1763, in Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts. He was very circumspect, exemplary and religious, and was, from an early period of his life, a member of the Methodist Church. At the age of sixteen he enlisted in the American Revolutionary War, and served under General Washington; he was in three campaigns in his own native State, and in New Jersey. In the year 1785 he married Nabby Howe, daughter of Phineas and Susannah, whose maiden name was Goddard.
"In January, 1801, he moved from Hopkinton to Whitingham, Windham County, Vermont, where he remained for three years, opening new farms.
"He moved from Vermont to Sherburn, Chenango County, New York, in 1804, where he followed farming, enduring many hardships and privations, incidental to new settlements.
"My father's family consisted of five sons and six daughters, viz.:—
"Nancy, born in Hopkinton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, August 6, 1786.
"Fanny, born in the same place, November 8, 1787.
"Rhoda, born in Platauva District, New York, September 10, 1789.