John A. Widtsoe

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John A. Widtsoe

John Andreas Widtsoe (31 January 1872—29 November 1952) was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1921 until his death. Widtsoe was also a noted author, scientist, and academician.

Widtsoe was born on the Island of Froyen, Norway. In 1884, he immigrated to the United States. Widtsoe was ordained an Apostle March 17, 1921 to fill a vacancy caused by the death of First Presidency member Anthon H. Lund.

Widtsoe graduated from Brigham Young College in Logan, Utah. He then attended Harvard University graduating with honors. He also served as a president of Utah Agricultural College, now Utah State University. In 1898, he was ordained to the office of a Seventy and set apart to do missionary work in connection with his studies in Europe. He entered the University of Goettingen, Germany, and after applying himself diligently to his studies he graduated from that institution, with the degrees of A. M. Ph.D. in 1899. He returned to Utah and served as president of the University of Utah from about 1915 until his call as a member of the Quorum of the 12 in 1921.

Besides being a professor at the Utah Agricultural College he also was the head of Brigham Young University's Agricultural Department for a year and taught a religion class at the University of Southern California.

Elder Widtsoe was closely associated with both the Improvement Era and genealogical work as a member of the Quorum of the twelve. From 1926 until 1932 he served as President of the European Mission.

Elder Widtsoe was married to Leah Dunford, a daughter of Susa Young Gates who in turn was a daughter of Brigham Young.

He wrote numberous works, including a hymn "How Long, O Lord Most Holy and True" which appears as hymn #126 in the current LDS Hymnal.

Elder Widtsoe died on November 20, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Adam S. Bennion was called after Widtsoe's death.