“Lewis [Dana] has been regularly ordained an elder according to the rules and regulations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.” — Joseph Smith¹

Lewis Dana was born in 1805 in Oneida County, New York, as a member of the Oneida tribe. Dana became a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by 1840. He quickly became involved in the church's leadership, receiving his elder's license in Nauvoo and preaching in the Indian Territory.² Upon his return, Brigham Young praised him, saying, "My house is his home. … His brethren, the Lamanites are the noble men of the earth. They are the sons of Jacob."³ Dana was invited to join the Council of Fifty and was involved in the Church's efforts to find a new settlement in the western United States among Native American tribes. He played a significant role in the exploration missions and maintained strong connections with various tribes. Over his life, Dana moved between several locations, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa, before settling with a group of Cutlerites in Minnesota. He passed away in 1885 and was buried in Clitherall, Minnesota.²

1. License Record Book, 39, josephsmithpapers.org

2. “Dana, Lewis,” josephsmithpapers.org

3. High Priests Quorum Record, February 2, 1845, 63, catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org