”After adding one of their new converts to their number — Dr. Frederick G. Williams — they went on their way rejoicing.” — Joseph Smith1
In late fall 1830, Frederick Granger Williams joined Oliver Cowdery and other missionaries on their journey to preach to the Native Americans (referred to as a mission to the Lamanites) beyond the western border of the United States. As a new convert and a doctor, Frederick was the oldest member of the group. They traveled through snowy flatlands and hills to Missouri, facing icy rivers and bitter winds along the way.2
Frederick became an integral part of the early Church, serving as Joseph Smith's scribe.3 In March 1832, Jesse Gause was called to serve as a counselor of the High Priesthood (the first presidency), but he did not fulfill his calling. Frederick was called as his replacement in a revelation now found in Doctrine and Covenants section 81.4 Gause's name was crossed out in the manuscript, and Williams was written above.5 He was ordained on March 18, 1833.4
