Frederick G. Williams

Frederick G. Williams was a counselor in the First Presidency under Joseph Smith from 1833 to 1837, serving during a pivotal period of early church development.

Born in Connecticut in 1787, Williams was a physician and War of 1812 veteran who converted to Mormonism in 1830. He became one of Joseph Smith’s closest associates, serving as his scribe and helping produce early church documents including portions of Joseph Smith’s Bible translation.

Williams was ordained as Second Counselor in the First Presidency on March 18, 1833. He served during the construction of the Kirtland Temple and was present at significant church events. However, he was not ordained an apostle—his authority came from his First Presidency calling.

During the Kirtland financial crisis of 1837, Williams fell out of favor and was released from the First Presidency in November 1837. He was excommunicated on March 17, 1839, for his involvement in the dissent but was rebaptized later that same year, demonstrating repentance.

Williams died in Quincy, Illinois on October 10, 1842, in good standing with the church. Despite his period of estrangement, he is remembered as an important early church leader who served during the formative Kirtland era.