(Redirected from
James J. Strang)
James Jesse Strang (March 21, 1813 – July 9, 1856) was a Mormon leader at the time of the death of Joseph Smith, Jr., who established a breakaway faction called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Notice, no hyphen; this group is most commonly called the "Strangites") and settled with his followers for several years on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, where his followers pronounced him king. Strang was also a lawyer, land developer, news correspondent for the New York Tribune, and a scientist for the Smithsonian Institution.
Strang professed to be a prophet appointed by Joseph Smith in a revelation shortly before Smith's assassination. At the hour of Smith's assassination, in the late afternoon of June 27, 1844, Strang claimed an angel appeared to Strang and ordained him.
Many other Latter Day Saints made claims to the office of prophet including Brigham Young of the much better-known denomination, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although neither Young nor any other prospective leader had convincing evidence that Smith wanted them to lead upon his death, it is generally thought Strang seemed to be an unlikely candidate because he was a new convert to the nearly 15 year-old movement.
From 1844 onward Strang led his church in the Midwest for 12 years. He was then assassinated, dying on July 9, 1856. Of Strang's assassination, few facts are well documented, but some assert the U.S. government played a role in his assassination because his assassins were able to escape by boarding the U.S.S. Michigan.
Childhood and education
James Jesse Strang was born March 21, 1813, the middle of three children. Raised as a Baptist by parents who had a good reputation. James' mother was very tender with him as a consequence of delicate health. She required him to render an account of all his actions and words while absent from her. At the age of 12, James was baptised as a Baptist, and was known as an exceptionally intelligent child. He was "a dreamer of grandiose dreams—dreams of power, of royalty, and of fame" according to one biographer. He studied civil law, and was admitted to the bar in New York and other places where he resided. He became County Postmaster. He maintained the religion of his youth, becoming a minister, until 1844, when he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and quickly came into favor with the prophet Joseph Smith, Jr, whom he knew for only a few months.
Succession as prophet
After the assassination of Joseph Smith Jr., Brigham Young and James Strang, and others claimed to have been chosen by Smith to succeed him. A power struggle ensued. Young won the majority even though Strang provided evidence for his claim in the form of a letter postmarked a week before the assassination, "Nauvoo, June 19, 1844." Strang also testified that an angel ordained him at about the same time Smith died. The two men were about 200 miles (320 km) apart at the time. The letter from Smith is now held at Yale University, and the postmark is considered authentic. Although the postmark and first page are legitimate, forensic analysis shows the second page—the one with text anointing Strang as future prophet—is a different paper stock than the first page suggesting it may have been forged.
Nonetheless, the letter convinced close family and associates such as John Whitmer, David Whitmer, Martin Harris, Hiram Page, John E. Page, William E. McLellin, William Smith, Emma Smith, the sisters of Joseph Smith, William Marks, George Miller, and an array of other scribes and family members. In all, about 12,000 people acknowledged Strang's appointment. A smaller group followed him to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan.
Most of his initial followers, including those listed above, would leave Strang's church even before his death. Some even followed Brigham Young, but Smith's immediate family never did, and many of them formed the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints a few years later.
Visions, translating from plates, and revelations
Like Joseph Smith, Jr., Strang had numerous visions, and used the Urim and Thummim to translate plates. Strang translated the Book of the Law of the Lord from metal plates. He translated a few smaller items, including a small plate unearthed according to directions given in a vision. He received a number of revelations, including his own appointment as king and reinstating polygamy once practiced by Joseph Smith.
The Book of the Law of the Lord
This book claims to be the original law as it was given to Moses. Eleven witnesses testified to the plates' existence.
Coronation as king
According to revelation, James Strang was to fulfill the office of king as described in the Book of the Law of the Lord. He was crowned in 1850 by his counselor George J. Adams , and ruled as king for several years. He had five wives.
As a result of his coronation, Strang was accused of treason, and was brought to trial in Detroit, Michigan. His trial defense brought him considerable favorable press, which he leveraged to run for, and win, a seat on the Michigan state legislature in 1853. He was reelected to that office in 1855.
Assassination
On June 20, 1856, two men shot Strang from behind, and escaped on board the USS Michigan. Several witnesses on board the ship did nothing to help Strang, who was wounded twice in the head, and once in the ribs. He lived until July 9.
After Strang's death
Most of the members later joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, which started four years after the death of Strang.
External links
Last updated: 08-30-2005 21:28:16
