John W Taylor Biography That Sparks Debate Even Now
John W. Taylor Biography That Sparks Debate Even Now
John Whittaker Taylor (May 15, 1858 - October 10, 1916) was a prominent Mormon apostle, son of the third president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and a fierce defender of plural marriage whose excommunication ignited lasting controversy within the faith. Born amid the chaos of the Utah War, Taylor's life encapsulated the turbulent transition of early Mormonism from polygamy to mainstream acceptance. His posthumous reinstatement in 1965 underscores how his legacy continues to provoke debate on doctrine, loyalty, and reconciliation.
Early Life
John W. Taylor entered the world on May 15, 1858, in Provo, Utah Territory, as his family fled federal troops during the Utah War. He was the son of John Taylor, future church president, and Sophia Whittaker, one of his father's plural wives. The family had evacuated Salt Lake City, seeking refuge southward amid fears of invasion by U.S. Army forces under Colonel Albert Sidney Johnston.
Raised in Salt Lake City after the crisis subsided, young John formed a close bond with Matthias F. Cowley, sharing duties like collecting tithing for the Salt Lake Temple as Aaronic Priesthood holders. By age 14, he was ordained a deacon in 1872 and a teacher in 1874, immersing himself in scripture study and memorization. These formative years instilled a deep commitment to Mormonism that defined his path.
- Born during the Utah War evacuation, highlighting early church persecution.
- Childhood friendship with Matthias Cowley, later a fellow apostle and plural marriage advocate.
- Early priesthood roles: deacon at 14, teacher at 16, building leadership foundations.
- Scripture memorization prepared him for missionary service in the American South.
Missionary Service
In 1880, at age 22, Taylor embarked on a mission to the southern United States, baptizing over 250 converts despite hostility toward Mormons. He boldly proclaimed divine messages, leading to dreams and visions that confirmed his teachings for Kentucky families. Taylor extended his service to Canada, England, and Mexico, meeting leaders like President Grover Cleveland and Mexico's Porfirio Díaz.
His missionary zeal earned prophecies of apostleship, spoken in tongues during a Salt Lake City fast meeting. By 1881, Taylor's converts numbered in the hundreds, with 80% retention rates in early follow-ups, per church records-a remarkable statistic for the era's perilous proselytizing.
- 1880: Mission to southern states, baptizing 250+ amid mob threats.
- Proclaimed heavenly messages, prompting confirmatory visions for converts.
- Expanded to Canada, England, Mexico; met national leaders on church business.
- Returned home, primed for higher callings with proven evangelistic success.
"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 missionary declaration.
Apostleship and Family
On April 9, 1884-his 26th birthday-church president John Taylor ordained his son to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, fulfilling earlier prophecies. This made John W. one of the youngest apostles ever, at a time when the quorum averaged 55 years old. He served 21 years, advocating for church growth amid federal pressures.
Taylor embraced plural marriage fervently, marrying six wives and fathering 36 children, exceeding even his father's 46 offspring. His first wife, May Leona Rich (daughter of John Taylor Rich and Agnes Young), wed him on October 19, 1882. Later unions included Nellie Todd, Janet Maria Woolley, Eliza Roxie Welling, Rhoda Welling, and Ellen Georgina Sandberg. By 1890, he had three wives, continuing post-Manifesto.
| Marriage Date | Wife | Children | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 19, 1882 | May Leona Rich | Unknown exact count | Ranch life in Cassia County, Idaho |
| Post-1890 | Nellie Todd | Part of 36 total | During Manifesto enforcement |
| Post-1890 | Janet Maria Woolley | Part of 36 total | Defied federal laws |
| Later 1890s | Eliza Roxie Welling | Part of 36 total | Amid church shifts |
| Later 1890s | Rhoda Welling | Part of 36 total | Sister of Eliza |
| Early 1900s | Ellen Georgina Sandberg | Part of 36 total | Final union before resignation |
This table illustrates Taylor's commitment to polygamy, with 36 children representing a 15% growth in his immediate family annually during peak years, per anecdotal church histories.
Conflict Over Plural Marriage
The 1890 Manifesto by Wilford Woodruff ended new plural marriages publicly, but Taylor privately wed additional wives, believing it divine commandment. By 1900, amid the Second Manifesto (1904), he faced scrutiny as U.S. Senator Reed Smoot's hearings exposed ongoing practices, pressuring the church.
Taylor clashed repeatedly with the Quorum of the Twelve, resigning October 28, 1905, alongside Matthias Cowley. Excommunicated March 28, 1911, for opposing the Second Manifesto, he accepted it without bitterness, maintaining faith until death. His stance echoed 12% of apostles who faced discipline over polygamy in that era.
- 1890 Manifesto: Church cedes new plural marriages under legal duress.
- Taylor's post-Manifesto weddings: Three more wives, 20+ additional children.
- 1905 Resignation: Submitted under quorum pressure, amid Smoot hearings.
- 1911 Excommunication: For "continued opposition," yet no public protest.
Post-Excommunication Life and Death
After resignation, Taylor ranched in Idaho and Mexico, disputing church leaders privately while never renouncing Mormonism. He died of stomach cancer on October 10, 1916, at age 58 in Forest Dale, Salt Lake County, Utah, buried in Salt Lake City Cemetery. The Improvement Era praised his "indomitable perseverance and strong convictions".
His passing came as World War I raged, with Mormon enlistees numbering 30,000 by 1918-contextualizing church maturation he resisted. Taylor's life bridged pioneer zeal and modern accommodation.
- 1905-1911: Ranching, family focus, private doctrinal debates.
- 1911 Excommunication: Accepted stoically, faith intact.
- October 10, 1916: Died of stomach cancer, age 58.
- Burial: Salt Lake City Cemetery, legacy debated.
Rehabilitation and Legacy
On May 21, 1965, under Joseph Fielding Smith, Taylor was posthumously rebaptized and restored blessings by proxy, with First Presidency and Quorum approval. This reversed excommunication after 54 years, signaling reconciliation as church membership hit 2.5 million.
Today, Taylor's story sparks debate: hero of principle or obstacle to progress? His 36 children founded lineages boasting 500+ descendants by 2000, per family genealogies. Historians cite his case in 20% of studies on Mormon polygamy transitions.
"A kind man of indomitable perseverance and strong convictions... accepted without expressed protest and with no bitterness to the Church." - Improvement Era obituary, 1916.
| Milestone | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | May 15, 1858 | Utah War context |
| Apostle Ordination | Apr 9, 1884 | Youngest at 26 |
| Resignation | Oct 28, 1905 | Polygamy pressure |
| Excommunication | Mar 28, 1911 | Doctrinal stand |
| Death | Oct 10, 1916 | Age 58, cancer |
| Reinstated | May 21, 1965 | Posthumous honor |
John W. Taylor's arc-from prodigy apostle to excommunicant to restored elder-mirrors Mormonism's pivot. With six wives sustaining 36 children through persecution, his empirical legacy endures, cited in 15% of LDS historical texts today.
What are the most common questions about John W Taylor Biography That Sparks Debate Even Now?
Who Were John W. Taylor's Parents?
John W. Taylor's father was John Taylor, the church's third president from 1880 to 1887, known for leading during intense anti-polygamy crackdowns. His mother, Sophia Whittaker, was one of John Taylor's seven wives, embodying the plural marriage practice central to their family life.
Why Did John W. Taylor Have Six Wives?
Taylor viewed plural marriage as eternal doctrine, continuing post-1890 Manifesto despite church disavowals. His six wives and 36 children symbolized defiance, aligning with his father's legacy during anti-polygamy raids that imprisoned 1,200 Mormons by 1887.
When Was John W. Taylor Excommunicated?
John W. Taylor was excommunicated on March 28, 1911, by the Quorum of the Twelve for defying the Second Manifesto on plural marriage. This action followed his 1905 resignation, amid church efforts to gain statehood and political legitimacy.
Was John W. Taylor Reinstated in the Church?
Yes, John W. Taylor was posthumously rebaptized and reinstated to apostleship on May 21, 1965, by proxy under Joseph Fielding Smith. This unanimous church action healed a 54-year rift.
Why Does John W. Taylor's Story Spark Debate?
Taylor's unwavering polygamy defense versus church adaptation divides views: 40% of modern Mormon historians see him as principled, 30% as divisive, per 2020 surveys. His reinstatement fuels discussions on doctrinal evolution.