Lyman Wight
Lyman Wight was a leader in the early Mormon church. He was ordained an apostle. He fought in the War of 1812. He was second in command at Zion's Camp, and given the title "general". Wight signed the discharge orders for the members as they left, under the direction of Joseph Smith. While on a journey from Clay County to Kirtland, Ohio to receive his endowment, he preached. He stopped by Richmond, Indiana. He knew that people in the area were antagonistic towards the church, yet he made an appointment to preach at the courthouse. At the appointed time, he went to the courthouse. People with tar and feathers filled the room, ready to lynch him. The event is described thusly: - He preached about two hours, reproving them most severely for their meanness, wickedness and mobocratic spirit. At the close of the meeting he said, "If there is a gentleman in this congregation, I wish he would invite me to stay with him overnight." Whereupon, a gentleman stepped forward and tendered him an invitation, which he willingly accepted. His host said, "Mr Wight, it is astonishing how you have become so well acquainted with the people here, for you have described them very correctly." He was kindly entertained and furnished with money in the morning to aid him on his journey.
Lyman Wight was ordained an apostle on April 8, 1841 by Joseph Smith to replace David W. Patten. After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, he refused to go to Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young. Brigham Young and the other apostles offered many times to bring Lyman Wight and his settlement into Utah, but he refused each time. In 1848, he was disfellowshipped and later excommunicated. He recognized William Smith as the president of the church and served as a counselor. Later, he recognized Joseph Smith III as the leader of the church. He died en route to Jackson county in Texas on March 31, 1858.
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