Wilford Woodruff, American religious leader, 4th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (d. 1898)

Wilford Woodruff Sr., born on March 1, 1807, and passing on September 2, 1898, was a towering figure in 19th-century American religious history. As an influential American religious leader, he served as the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1889 until his death. His presidency is most notably remembered for a monumental decision: the official ending of the public practice of plural marriage among members of the LDS Church in 1890, a move that dramatically reshaped the church's trajectory and its relationship with the United States government.

An Ardent Convert and Dedicated Missionary

Woodruff's spiritual journey began in his young adulthood when he delved into the teachings of Restorationism, a religious movement that sought to restore primitive Christianity. This intellectual and spiritual quest led him to join the nascent Latter Day Saint church. His commitment was evident early on; he met Joseph Smith, the charismatic founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, in Kirtland, Ohio, before participating in Zion's Camp in April 1834. This expedition, though ultimately unsuccessful in its immediate aim to restore property to displaced Saints in Missouri, was a foundational experience for many early leaders, including Woodruff.

His dedication to spreading the faith was profound. He remained in Missouri as an active missionary, tirelessly preaching in territories like Arkansas and Tennessee before returning to Kirtland. In that pivotal year, he married his first wife, Phebe, and together they embarked on a mission in New England. Joseph Smith, recognizing Woodruff's zeal and leadership potential, called him to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in July 1838, a significant step that cemented his place within the church's core leadership. He was formally ordained an apostle in April 1839.

Woodruff's missionary efforts extended beyond American borders. From August 1839 to April 1841, he served a highly successful mission in England, playing a crucial role in converting hundreds and subsequently organizing their emigration to Nauvoo, Illinois, which was then the bustling center of the Latter Day Saint movement. His commitment was so unwavering that he was away promoting Joseph Smith's presidential campaign when Smith was tragically martyred. Upon returning to Nauvoo, he and Phebe once again traveled to England, where he continued to preach and bolster local members, demonstrating a consistent devotion to the global growth of the church.

Trials, Pioneering, and Establishing a New Zion

The Woodruffs returned to the United States just as the Saints faced intense persecution, leading to their forced exodus from Nauvoo. During the arduous westward migration, Wilford Woodruff oversaw forty families in Winter Quarters, a temporary settlement. It was here, amidst great hardship, that he was sealed to his first plural wives, though two of the three unions were short-lived, dissolving after only three weeks. In 1847, demonstrating his pioneering spirit, he joined the advance company that ventured into the uncharted territory of the Great Basin, eventually reaching the Salt Lake Valley without his family to prepare for the arrival of the main body of Saints. After returning to Winter Quarters, Woodruff and Phebe undertook yet another assignment, presiding over the Eastern States Mission.

On October 15, 1850, Woodruff and his family finally arrived in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he immediately engaged in building cabins, farming, and raising cattle, contributing directly to the establishment of the new settlement. His influence quickly grew beyond agricultural pursuits; he served with distinction in the Utah territorial legislature and was deeply involved in the social and economic fabric of his burgeoning community. His intellectual contributions were equally significant, serving first as Assistant Church Historian and later as the esteemed Church Historian from 1856 to 1889, meticulously preserving the church's vital records and narrative. Between 1852 and 1853, he married three additional wives, reflecting the ongoing practice of plural marriage within the community at that time.

Temple Work and the Pivotal Manifesto

A profound aspect of Woodruff's later ministry was his work with temples. In 1877, he became president of the St. George Temple, a landmark location where sacred endowment ordinances were first performed for the dead as well as the living—a practice that remains central to Latter-day Saint theology. He played a crucial role in standardizing the temple ceremony and made a significant decree that church members could act as proxy for anyone they could identify by name, expanding the reach of these sacred ordinances. Furthermore, he reformed sealing practices, ending the sealing of members to unrelated priesthood holders and emphasizing that sealings should follow established family lines, strengthening genealogical ties within the church.

However, the latter part of the 19th century brought severe challenges for the church, particularly regarding the practice of plural marriage. The U.S. government intensified its efforts to suppress polygamy, notably through the Edmunds Act. In 1882, to avoid arrest for unlawful cohabitation under this act, Woodruff was compelled to go into hiding, a testament to the intense legal and social pressure faced by polygamists.

In 1889, Wilford Woodruff Sr. ascended to the highest leadership position, becoming the fourth president of the LDS Church. The church was at a crossroads; government disenfranchisement of polygamists and women in Utah Territory, coupled with the seizure of church properties that threatened to extend even to sacred temples, put immense pressure on the institution. In response to these dire circumstances, President Woodruff issued the transformative 1890 Manifesto, officially ending the church's support for new polygamous marriages. This pivotal declaration marked a turning point, allowing the church to navigate its future while maintaining its core doctrines.

Wilford Woodruff Sr. passed away in 1898, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His incredibly detailed journals provide an invaluable, firsthand record of Latter Day Saint history, offering unparalleled insights into the challenges, triumphs, and evolving spiritual life of a significant American religious movement. His life was one of unwavering faith, tireless service, and courageous leadership during a period of immense change for the LDS Church.

Frequently Asked Questions about Wilford Woodruff Sr.

Who was Wilford Woodruff Sr.?
Wilford Woodruff Sr. was an American religious leader who served as the fourth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1889 until his death in 1898. He was a prominent early member, missionary, and apostle in the church.
When did Wilford Woodruff Sr. become president of the LDS Church?
He became the fourth President of the LDS Church in 1889 and served in that capacity until his passing in 1898.
What is Wilford Woodruff Sr. most famous for?
Wilford Woodruff Sr. is most famous for issuing the 1890 Manifesto, which officially ended the public practice of new plural marriages within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This decision was a critical moment in the church's history, significantly impacting its relationship with the U.S. government and its future direction.
What other significant roles did Wilford Woodruff Sr. hold?
Beyond his presidency, Woodruff served as a long-standing member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, a highly successful missionary (especially in England), the Church Historian (from 1856-1889), and the president of the St. George Temple. He also played a role in the Utah territorial legislature and was a pioneer in the settlement of Salt Lake City.
Why are Wilford Woodruff Sr.'s journals important?
His extensive and meticulously kept journals are considered one of the most important primary source documents for understanding the history of the Latter Day Saint movement. They offer detailed daily accounts, personal insights, and historical records that cover a vast period of the church's early development and challenges.