Isaac Russell

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Isaac Russell (April 13, 1807 – September 25, 1844) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. Russell held a number of positions of responsibility, including being one of the first missionaries to England, with Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, Orson Hyde, and Joseph Fielding. He also organized the Alston Branch in 1837. [1]

As the Latter Day Saints were fleeing Missouri in the winter of 1838–1839, Russell claimed to have received revelations directing him to remain in Missouri by leading the church into Indian Territory where the Three Nephites would join them to convert the Lamanites. His organization was called the Alston church.[2]

On April 26, 1839 Russell, along with most, if not all, of his followers were excommunicated by Joseph Smith, Jr. [3] After his death, Russell's widow and children moved to Utah Territory and rejoined the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Minutes of April 26, 1839 Council held at Far West by The Twelve, High Priests, Elders, & Priests: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vol 3 pages 336-339.
  2. ^ Steven L. Shields, Divergent Paths of the Restoration, 4th ed. pp. 23–25 (Independence: Herald House, 2001).
  3. ^ Minutes of April 26, 1839 Council held at Far West by The Twelve, High Priests, Elders, & Priests: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Vol 3 pages 336-339.