Almon W. Babbitt

Babbitt

Almon W. Babbitt (October 1, 1812 – September 7, 1856) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement, a lawyer, and a politician in the United States. He played a significant role in the development of the legal and financial structures of the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and he was involved in the migration of the church members to the Western United States.

Early Life

Almon W. Babbitt was born in Cheshire, Massachusetts, on October 1, 1812. Little is known about his early life before he joined the Latter Day Saint movement in the early 1830s.

Church Service

Babbitt was baptized into the Church of Christ, later known as the LDS Church, in 1833. He quickly became an active member, serving in various capacities. In 1834, he participated in Zion's Camp, a paramilitary expedition organized by Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, to assist Latter Day Saints in Missouri.

Following his service in Zion's Camp, Babbitt held several church positions, including serving as a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and as a bishop. His legal expertise was often called upon by the church, and he played a crucial role in drafting legal documents and representing the church in legal matters.

Political Career

Babbitt's political career was intertwined with his church service. He served as a member of the Nauvoo City Council and was actively involved in the political maneuverings of the LDS Church in Illinois. In 1843, he was elected to the Illinois State Legislature, where he advocated for the interests of the Latter Day Saints.

After the death of Joseph Smith and the subsequent migration of the LDS Church to what would become Utah, Babbitt continued to be involved in political matters. He was appointed as the secretary of the Utah Territory in 1852, a position he held until his death. In this role, he was responsible for the territory's official records and played a key role in the administration of the territory.

Controversies

Babbitt's career was not without controversy. His outspoken nature and independent thinking sometimes put him at odds with other church leaders, including Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church. His role as secretary of the Utah Territory also led to conflicts with federal officials, who often viewed the LDS Church with suspicion.

Death

Almon W. Babbitt's life came to a tragic end on September 7, 1856, when he was killed by Cheyenne Indians while traveling on the Platte River near Fort Kearny in Nebraska Territory. His death marked the loss of one of the early LDS Church's most dynamic and controversial figures.

Legacy

Almon W. Babbitt's contributions to the LDS Church and the early development of the Utah Territory are remembered for their complexity and impact. Despite the controversies that marked his career, his work in establishing legal and financial structures for the church and his role in the political development of the Utah Territory are significant aspects of the history of the Latter Day Saint movement.