John Taylor

In honor of the 175th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, LDS Living is sharing a series of articles about early Church history. The following is an excerpt from the second edition of Witness to the Martyrdom: John Taylor’s Personal Account of the Last Days of the Prophet Joseph Smith. John Taylor’s narrative is the only eyewitness account of these events in Church history. After the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, John Taylor became “a living martyr” and wrote a personal account of the events. He served as the third president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Find out why you might have some misconceptions about John Taylor’s watch, the Kirtland Temple’s stucco, and more.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious, you have probably collected a decent store of knowledge about important events in Church history. But no matter how much you thought you knew, there are a surprising number of fascinating facts that you might have overlooked. Here is an interesting story from a time when polygamy was still practiced in Salt Lake.

Mormon Guitarist Ben Howington created this video of a beautiful arrangement of "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" played on his guitar. But this version is not the same as what we sing today. Howington plays with the notes of the original arrangement from when John Taylor sang it for Joseph and Hyrum Smith in Carthage Jail prior to their martyrdom.

John Taylor was known as a staunch defender of truth throughout his life, but did you know that he was almost tarred and feathered for his beliefs?

Among the lesser-known attainments achieved by John Taylor, third President of the Church, was his role as the second-longest serving speaker of the Utah Territory House of Representatives, a term that extended from 1857 to 1876, after his election to that lawmaking body in 1853. His service as speaker of the House was recognized February 4, as a portrait of President Taylor was presented to the present-day Utah House of Representatives as it met in session at the Utah State Capitol in Salt Lake City.

Editor's note: This is one in a series on Book of Mormon translations and translators. In September 1851, an apostle, a mission president, a missionary and two converts came together to translate and publish the first edition of the Book of Mormon in German.