W. W. Phelps (Mormon)

W. W. Phelps
Speaker of the Utah Territorial House of Representatives
September 22, 1851 – March 6, 1852
Predecessor	Office established
Successor	Jedediah M. Grant
Member of the Utah Territorial House of Representatives for Salt Lake County
September 22, 1851 – January 22, 1858
Predecessor	Office established
Successor	Charles C. Rich
Personal details
Born	William Wines Phelps (1792-02-17)February 17, 1792 Hanover Township, New Jersey, US
Died	March 17, 1872(1872-03-17) (aged 80) Salt Lake City, Utah Territory
Resting place	Salt Lake City Cemetery 40°46′37″N 111°51′29″W / 40.777°N 111.858°W / 40.777; -111.858 (Salt Lake City Cemetery)
Occupation	Church printer
Title	Scribe to Joseph Smith, composer of numerous LDS hymns
Spouse(s)	Stella Waterman
Parents	Enon Phelps Mehitable Goldsmith

William Wines Phelps (February 17, 1792 – March 7, 1872) was an American author, composer, politician, and early leader of the Latter Day Saint movement. He printed the first edition of the Book of Commandments that became a standard work of the church and wrote numerous hymns, some of which are included in the current version of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' (LDS Church) hymnal. He was at times both close to and at odds with church leadership. He testified against Joseph Smith, providing evidence that helped persuade authorities to arrest Smith. He was excommunicated three times and rejoined the church each time. He was a ghostwriter for Smith. Phelps was called by Smith to serve as assistant president of the church in Missouri^[1] and as a member of the Council of Fifty. After Smith's death, Phelps supported Brigham Young, who was the church's new president.