Lyman Wight

Lyman Wight

1796–1858 (61 years)

Hometown: Fairfield, New York

Biography

Lyman Wight was an apostle from 1841 until his excommunication in 1848. A military leader and colonizer, Wight was known as the “Wild Ram of the Mountains” for his fierce temperament.

After Joseph Smith’s death, Wight rejected Brigham Young’s leadership and led his own group of followers to Texas, where he established several colonies. He was excommunicated for refusing to submit to the Quorum of the Twelve.

Wight led his Texas colony until his death in 1858, remaining independent of both the Utah church and the Reorganized Church. His breakaway movement eventually dissolved after his death.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

Joseph Smith Joseph Smith 1805–1844 (38 years) Brigham Young Brigham Young 1801–1877 (76 years)

Wives (3)

Lyman Wight was a polygamist with 3 marriages.

Marriage Age Comparison

3 wives · Ages at marriage

Her age His age Teenage bride (<18)
#NameMarriage DateHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1 Harriet Benton Jan 5, 1823 222646
2 Jane Margaret Ballantyne c. Jan 1, 1844 c. 2447233
3 Mary Ann Hobart c. Jan 1, 1844 c. 1847294

Children (13)

With Harriet Benton (6 children)

  1. Orange Lysander Wight (b. Jan 1, 1823)
  2. Anna Christina Wight (b. Jan 1, 1825)
  3. Rosina Minerva Wight (b. Jan 1, 1827)
  4. Lyman Lehi Wight (b. Jan 1, 1833)
  5. Levi Lamoni Wight (b. Jan 1, 1836)
  6. Laomi Limhi Wight (b. Jan 1, 1838)

With Jane Margaret Ballantyne (3 children)

With Mary Ann Hobart (4 children)

Related Images

“The Melchizedek Priesthood, Mormons now believe, had been bestowed a year or two earlier with the visit of Peter, James, and John. If so, why did contemporaries say the high priesthood was given for the first time in June 1831? Joseph Smith himself was ordained to this 'high priesthood' by Lyman Wight. If Joseph was already an elder and apostle, what was the necessity of being ordained again?” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 157-158 | wasmormon.org “During the turbulent [June 1831] meeting, Joseph ordained five men to the high priesthood, and Lyman Wight ordained eighteen others, including Joseph. The ordinations to the high priesthood marked a milestone in Mormon ecclesiology. Until that time, the word 'priesthood,' although it appeared in the Book of Mormon, had not been used in Mormon sermonizing or modern revelations. Later accounts applied the term retroactively, but the June 1831 conference marked its first appearance in contemporary records.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 157-158 | wasmormon.org