W. W. Phelps
Front of card
Back of card

“Blessed of the Lord is brother Phelps, William W. Phelps, for he shall have the desires of his heart in the gift that pertaineth to writing the law of God, and in being an instrument in assisting to lift up an ensign to the nations.” — Joseph Smith1

William Wines Phelps was a prominent leader in the early Church, known for his roles as a writer, printer, newspaper editor, publisher, postmaster, and hymnist. Born on February 17, 1792, in Hanover, New Jersey, he moved frequently, living in New York and Ohio. After obtaining a copy of the Book of Mormon in 1830, he met Joseph Smith and moved to Kirtland, Ohio, where he was baptized and ordained an elder in June 1831.2 Appointed as the church printer, Phelps established the church's printing office in Independence, Missouri, and began publishing The Evening and the Morning Star.3 When an article on slavery angered Missourians, Phelps quickly printed a single-page leaflet recanting his statements, and misrepresenting the church's stance on slavery, to prevent violence towards the Church.4 He was working on publishing the Book of Commandments when his printing office was destroyed by a mob on July 20, 1833.5 Phelps was expelled from Jackson County with the other Saints and moved to Clay County.2 He was appointed as a counselor to David Whitmer in the Missouri Presidency in 1834.6 He later worked with Emma Smith to compile and print a hymn book for the Church.7 He was excommunicated from the Church twice, but was rebaptized. He joined the Council of Fifty in Nauvoo and eventually traveled to Utah with the Saints.2

1. Blessing to William W. Phelps, 22 September 1835, josephsmithpapers.org

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

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 14, 148-149

4. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 16, 173-175

5. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 16, 177-178; Historical Introduction, Book of Commandments, 1833, josephsmithpapers.org

6. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 19, 209

7. Minute Book 1, 108, josephsmithpapers.org; Historical Introduction, Collection of Sacred Hymns, 1835, josephsmithpapers.org