James E. Talmage

James E. Talmage
ca. 1875–1890
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
8 December 1911 (1911-12-08) – 27 July 1933 (1933-07-27)
Called byJoseph F. Smith
LDS Church Apostle
8 December 1911 (1911-12-08) – 27 July 1933 (1933-07-27)
Called byJoseph F. Smith
ReasonDeath of John Henry Smith; Charles W. Penrose added to First Presidency
Reorganization
at end of term
Charles A. Callis ordained
Personal details
BornJames Edward Talmage
(1862-09-21)21 September 1862
Hungerford, Berkshire, England
Died27 July 1933(1933-07-27) (aged 70)
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Resting placeSalt Lake City Cemetery
40°46′37.92″N 111°51′28.8″W / 40.7772000°N 111.858000°W / 40.7772000; -111.858000
Spouse(s)Merry May Booth
Children8

James Edward Talmage (21 September 1862 – 27 July 1933) was an English chemist, geologist, and religious leader who served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1911 until his death.

A professor at Brigham Young Academy (BYA) and University of Utah (U of U), Talmage also served as president of the U of U and Latter-day Saints' University. In addition to his academic career, Talmage authored several books on religion, the most prominent of which are Jesus the Christ and Articles of Faith which remain classics in Mormon literature more than a century after publication. An academic and religious scholar, Talmage did not believe that science conflicted with his religious views. Regarding the conflicting Mormon views on evolution, Talmage attempted to mediate between church leaders B.H. Roberts and Joseph Fielding Smith who disagreed about evolution and the origin of man. In addition to his academic and religious involvement, Talmage was involved in local political leadership in Provo as a city council member, alderman, and justice of the peace.