Brigham Young (June 1, 1801 - August 29, 1877) took over leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the death of the church's founder, Joseph Smith. Young led the early members of the church westward to the Salt Lake Valley[?] in Utah to escape growing religious persecution.
On February 10, 1846 many Mormons, led by Young, began their migration west from Nauvoo, Illinois to Great Salt Lake.
Young was perhaps the most famous polygamist of the early church although he was preceded in the practice by Joseph Smith who introduced it. The exact number of his wives is unknown. Though the church makes no apologies for its early practice, the modern church no longer tolerates polygamy. Any members found to be practicing it are excommunicated.
In addition to founding the University of Utah, Young also organized the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Brigham Young University is named after him.
External links
- Biography from Brigham Young University (http://www.byu.edu/about/brigham/)