“Let my servant William W. Phelps stand in the office to which I have appointed him, and receive his inheritance.” — Doctrine and Covenants 58:40¹

William Wines Phelps was born on February 17, 1792, in Hanover, New Jersey.² As a Church printer, he established a printing office in Independence, Missouri, where he published The Evening and the Morning Star and worked on the Book of Commandments.³ After severe persecution in Jackson County, he moved to Kirtland and later to Far West.⁴ In 1838, Phelps was excommunicated for betraying Joseph Smith, but he was eventually rebaptized and restored to full fellowship.⁵

1. Doctrine and Covenants 58:40

2. “Phelps, William Wines,” josephsmithpapers.org;

3. Bruce A. Van Orden, "Printer Unto the Church," We'll Sing and We'll Should: The Life and Times of W. W. Phelps; “Phelps, William Wines,” josephsmithpapers.org

4. Bruce A. Van Orden, "Terror in Jackson County," We'll Sing and We'll Should: The Life and Times of W. W. Phelps; “Phelps, William Wines,” josephsmithpapers.org

5. Bruce A. Van Orden, "The Returning Prodigal," We'll Sing and We'll Should: The Life and Times of W. W. Phelps; “Phelps, William Wines,” josephsmithpapers.org