Brigham Young's deathbed spiritual manifestation of Joseph Smith
Published October 5, 2026 at 2:59 AM
Contributed by
Millennial Star Research
While on his deathbed in August 1877, President Brigham Young, having received consistent care from family and physicians, spoke his final words which were clearly understood by those present: 'Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, Joseph.' Other remarks regarding the Prophet Joseph Smith were also made but could not be distinctly understood. This final expression of recognition and anticipation serves as a poignant end to his lifelong conviction of the Seer and his prophetic mission, as noted in Edward H. Anderson's 'Life of Brigham Young'.
In Their Own Words
“The last words he uttered that were distinctly understood were, “Joseph, Joseph, Joseph, Joseph.” Other remarks relating to Joseph were expressed, but in a manner that was not understood. — Millennial Star 39:40”
Sources & References
The Latter-day Saints' Millennial Star (Manchester, later Liverpool, England, May 1840–1970), 1 October 1877 (Vol. 39, No. 40). https://archive.org/details/per_utah-and-the-mormons_the-latter-day-saints-millennial-star_1877-10-01_39_40 (account extracted verbatim from the issue's Internet Archive OCR text; research confidence: high) Additional sources (periodical research): Edward H. Anderson, The Life of Brigham Young (Salt Lake City: Deseret News, 1893), 362. https://archive.org/details/lifeofbrighamyou00ande
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