Moses Thatcher

Moses Thatcher

1842–1909 (67 years)

Hometown: Sangamon County, Illinois

Biography

Moses Thatcher was an apostle from 1879 until his release in 1896. His removal came over political disagreements rather than moral failings.

Thatcher ran for U.S. Senate as a Democrat without seeking church approval, at a time when church leaders expected such consultation. His refusal to sign a “Political Manifesto” requiring leaders to get church permission for political candidacies led to his removal.

His case established the precedent that general authorities should not pursue political office without church approval—a policy that continues today.

Served Under

Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:

John Taylor
John Taylor
Wilford Woodruff
Wilford Woodruff
Lorenzo Snow
Lorenzo Snow
Joseph F. Smith
Joseph F. Smith

Wives (5)

Moses Thatcher was a polygamist with 5 wives. Note these are simultaneous marriages — married to multiple living spouses at the same time. 1 of these wives were a teenager (18 or less) at the time of marriage.

5 wives · Lifespan: 1842–1909

Celestia Ann Farr
1861–1909 (48 yrs)
Celestia Ellen Snow
1866–1903 (37 yrs)
Lydia Ann Clayton
1878–1909 (31 yrs)
Lettie Jane Holbrook
1882–1909 (27 yrs)
Georgiana Snow
1885–1909 (24 yrs)
1842 (born) 1859 1876 1893 1909 (died)
Wife

17 children from 4 wives · Lifespan: 1842–1909

Celestia Ann Farr
8 children
Celestia Ellen Snow
1 child
Lydia Ann Clayton
4 children
Georgiana Snow
4 children
1842 (born) 1859 1876 1893 1909 (died)
Wife Child born

5 wives · Ages at marriage

Her age His age Teenage bride (<18)
#NameBornDiedMarriedHer AgeHis AgeAge DiffChildren
1
Celestia Ann Farr Celestia Ann Farr ⚠
Jan 3, 1845Jun 21, 1921 Apr 7, 1861 161938
2
Celestia Ellen Snow
Sep 2, 1846May 14, 1903 Sep 1, 1866 192453
3
Lydia Ann Clayton Lydia Ann Clayton
Nov 22, 1852Jun 9, 1909 Feb 17, 1878 2536114
4
Lettie Jane Holbrook
May 11, 1852Aug 22, 1928 Apr 26, 1882 2940114
5
Georgiana Snow Georgiana Snow
Jun 23, 1862Jul 8, 1929 Aug 31, 1885 2343204

Children (23)

With Celestia Ann Farr Celestia Ann Farr  (8 children)

  1. Ida Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1863)
  2. Emma Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1865)
  3. Moses Thatcher Jr (b. Jan 1, 1869)
  4. George Farr Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1871)
  5. Leonidas Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1874)
  6. Preston Atherton Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1877)
  7. Anna Marie Kathrine Nilsson (b. Jan 1, 1878)
  8. Lettie Vida Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1884)

With Celestia Ellen Snow  (3 children)

  1. Ashby Thatcher
  2. Elton Thatcher
  3. Arthur Thatcher (b. Aug 23, 1888)

With Lydia Ann Clayton Lydia Ann Clayton  (4 children)

  1. Clarice Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1879)
  2. Karma Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1881)
  3. Clayton Irwin Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1885)
  4. Floyd Henry Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1899)

With Lettie Jane Holbrook  (4 children)

With Georgiana Snow Georgiana Snow  (4 children)

  1. Verde Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1886)
  2. Ashby Snow Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1892)
  3. Elton Snow Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1899)
  4. Arthur Snow Thatcher (b. Jan 1, 1903)