Brigham Young's Marriage to Hannah Tapfield

Name: Brigham Young's Marriage to Hannah Tapfield
Start: 1801-12-08
Location: Unspecified

Brigham Young's Last Marriage

Who Was Brigham Young?

Brigham Young, a prominent American religious leader and a key figure in the history of the Latter Day Saint movement, played a significant role in the settlement of the western United States. Known as the second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Young led the Mormon pioneers to Salt Lake City, Utah, following the death of Joseph Smith, the church's founder.

Hannah Tapfield: A Poet's Legacy

Hannah Tapfield, a talented American poet, was known for her literary contributions and her involvement in the early Latter Day Saint community. Born in 1804, she had already established a name for herself before her marriage to Young, bringing both cultural and intellectual vibrancy to their union.

The Significance of Their Union

The Marriage Ceremony in 1872

On July 22, 1872, Brigham Young married Hannah Tapfield in Salt Lake City, in ceremonies that reflected both personal choice and the larger practice of polygamy within the Latter-day Saint community. At 71, Young was already a well-known figure, having taken multiple wives throughout his life as part of what he believed to be divine instruction.

This Wedding's Unique Context

This marriage was particularly notable as it was Young's 55th and final marriage, symbolizing not only his personal journey but also the complex social fabric of Mormon life during the 19th century. At this time, relationships within the church were often viewed through the lens of religious duty versus personal affection.

Fun Fact

Young's Remarkable Family Structure

Brigham Young fathered 56 children with his various wives, his large family structure reflecting the teachings of polygamy that were prevalent in early Latter-day Saint doctrine.