“On motion of President Brigham Young. It was resolved that we this day enter into a Covenant to stand by, and assist each other to the utmost of our abilities in removing from this State.” — Thomas Bullock¹

Brigham Young played a crucial role in directing the Latter-day Saint evacuation from Missouri. In the winter of 1839, after receiving a letter from Joseph Smith and the rest of the First Presidency, Brigham was appointed to lead the Church in Joseph's absence as the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.² Brigham organized efforts to help the Saints leave Far West, urging them to support each other and not desert the poor. He and other leaders formed a committee to collect donations and plan the evacuation routes to Quincy, Illinois.³ Despite their poverty, the small number of Saints in Quincy donated money and supplies to assist with the evacuation. The Saints embarked on their 200-mile journey from Far West to Quincy, with Brigham Young arriving in February of 1839.⁴

1. 29 January 1839, History, 1838–1856, volume C-1, josephsmithpapers.org

2. Letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, 16 January 1839, josephsmithpapers.org

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 32, 376-377, 382

4. “Brigham Young,” josephsmithpapers.org; Marlene C. Kettley et al., “Quincy, Illinois: A Temporary Refuge,” Mormon Thoroughfare: A History of the Church in Illinois, 1830–1839, 99, rsc.byu.edu