Mosiah Lyman Hancock (April 9, 1834 – January 14, 1907) was an early member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was son of Levi Ward Hancock and Clarissa Reed Hancock. Mosiah is known for his vision of the pre-earth life and of his firsthand account of a prophecy of Joseph Smith.

Mosiah Hancock
Bust photo of Mosiah Hancock
Personal details
BornMosiah Lyman Hancock
(1834-04-09)April 9, 1834
Kirtland, Ohio, United States
DiedJanuary 14, 1907(1907-01-14) (aged 72)[1]
Safford, Arizona Territory, United States
Resting placeHubbard Cemetery
32°54′32″N 109°46′12″W / 32.909°N 109.77°W / 32.909; -109.77 (Hubbard Cemetery)
Spouse(s)Margaret A. McCleve
Martha M. Mayer
Sarah Tew
Ester C. Mayer
Verina Rentisman
Children30
ParentsLevi W. Hancock
Clarissa Reed

Personal life

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Hancock was born in Kirtland, Ohio. His journal reports living in a house in Kirtland which had two rooms.[2] As one of the early children of Levi W. Hancock, a prominent early member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,[3] he was baptized on April 10, 1842, by John Taylor. As a young boy, Mosiah had close associations with Joseph Smith and kept accounts of him in his journal. Later, he crossed the plains with the Mormon pioneers and became one of the original Mormon settlers of Arizona.

Following the death of Joseph Smith, Mosiah followed Brigham Young and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to what is now known as Utah.

Writings

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His first-hand account reports that Smith prophesied the settlements of the Mormon people in Utah and Arizona.[4] His vision of the pre-earth life[clarification needed] is recorded in many books and is one of the most complete visions of the pre-earth life in LDS theology. Although not accepted as official LDS Church doctrine, it has been a primary resource for some writers.[5][6] Mosiah's other journal writings also provide insight into early LDS culture and beliefs touching such topics as plural marriage, Mormon life in Kirtland, early dealings with the Utah natives, and early establishment of Mormon settlements in Arizona.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Mosiah Hancock at Find a Grave
  2. ^ Autobiography of Mosiah Hancock (1834-1907)[full citation needed]
  3. ^ Manuscript History of the Church, LDS Church Archives, book A-1, p. 37; reproduced in Dean C. Jessee (comp.) (1989). The Papers of Joseph Smith: Autobiographical and Historical Writings (Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book) 1:302–03.
  4. ^ Prophecy, Key to the Future by Duane S. Crowther[full citation needed]
  5. ^ Trailing Clouds of Glory: First Person Glimpses Into Premortality by Harold A Widdison, Ph.D.[full citation needed]
  6. ^ Life everlasting: a definitive study of life after death by Duane S. Crowther[full citation needed]