Alpheus Cutler | |
---|---|
1st President of The Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) | |
September 19, 1853 | – June 10, 1864|
Called by | Joseph Smith[1] |
Predecessor | Joseph Smith[1] |
Successor | Chancey Whiting |
Personal details | |
Born | John Alpheus Cutler[2][3] February 29, 1784 Plainfield, New Hampshire, United States |
Died | June 10, 1864 Manti, Iowa, United States | (aged 80)
Resting place | Manti Cemetery 40°43′23″N 95°23′56″W / 40.723°N 95.399°W |
Spouse(s) | Lois Lathrop |
Children | 10 |
Parents | Knight Cutler Elizabeth Boyd |
John Alpheus Cutler[2][3] (February 29, 1784 – June 10, 1864) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement who founded the Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) in 1853. He had previously served in several church positions under Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, as well as captain of Smith's personal bodyguard and "Master Builder and Workman on all God's Holy Houses."[4] Following the death of Joseph Smith in June 1844, Cutler at first followed the Twelve Apostles under Brigham Young, but later left Young's church to reorganize the Church of Jesus Christ, with himself serving as its first president. Cutler claimed that this was the sole legitimate continuation of Smith's organization, and he served as its leader until his death.