Junius F. Wells

Junius Free Wells (June 1, 1854 – 15 April 1930 [http://images.archives.utah.gov/data/81448/2259766/2259766_0001071.jpgState of Utah Death Certificate] ] ) was the first head of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association, an organization which is today the Young Men organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). He also was a magazine founder, an author, and the chief organizer of the LDS Church's efforts to build a number of historical monuments in the early 1900s.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, Wells was the son of LDS Church leader Daniel H. Wells and his fourth wife, Hannah Corrilla Free.

Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association leadership

In 1875, church president Brigham Young organized the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association. In 1876, Young selected Wells to lead the organization. In 1880, John Taylor released Wells from his duties and revised the leadership of the YMMIA, appointing Wilford Woodruff as the general superintendent. After Wells's release, the church's organization for young men would be led by general authorities of the church until 1935.

"The Contributor" and other works

Wells was also the founding editor and publisher of "The Contributor", an independent publication that sought to represent the YMMIA and the church's equivalent organization for young women. Wells continued in these roles until 1892, when the magazine was purchased by the Cannon family and Abraham H. Cannon became the editor and publisher. "The Contributor" ceased publication in 1896.

Wells was also the author of eleven biographies, including those of John C. Frémont, Thomas L. Kane, Charles C. Rich, James A. Garfield, and Orson Pratt. [ [http://mormonlit.lib.byu.edu/lit_author.php?a_id=2324 Mormon Literature Database: Junius Free Wells] .] He also authored numerous articles and short stories, the majority of which appeared in "The Contributor".

Mormon historical monuments

In 1884, Wells visited the birthplace of church founder Joseph Smith, Jr. in Sharon, Vermont and conceived a plan to build a monument to the Mormon prophet. [Susa Young Gates, "Memorial Monument Dedication", "Improvement Era", Feb. 1906.] Under the direction of Joseph F. Smith, Wells oversaw the construction of the Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in 1905. The monument was dedicated by Smith December 23, 1905, the one hundreth anniversary of Joseph Smith, Jr.'s birth. [ [http://www.mormonhistoricsitesregistry.org/USA/vermont/southRoyalton/jsMonument/history.htm Mormon Historic Sites Registry: Joseph Smith, Jr. Monument] .] Wells also was the chief organizer in having a monument erected by the church to the Three Witnesses in Richmond, Missouri in 1911. [Junius F. Wells, "The Oliver Cowdery Monument at Richmond, Missouri," "Improvement Era", Vol. 15, No. 3, Jan. 1912.]

In 2005, the Mormon Historic Sites Foundation created the Junius F. Wells Award, to be awarded to individuals who promote the purposes of the Foundation. In May 2005, the inaugural award was given to LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinckley. [ [http://www.mormonhistoricsitesfoundation.org/projects/juniusfWells2005.htm Junius F. Wells Award] .] In 2006, the award was given to Karl Ricks Anderson and Richard Lloyd Anderson and in 2007 the award was given to M. Russell Ballard. [R. Scott Lloyd, "Elder Ballard given history award: Loss of Church's pioneer legacy would be 'irreplacable,' he says", "Church News", 2007-10-20. p. 7.]

Death

Wells died in the Hotel Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah at age 75.

ee also

*Milton H. Hardy
*Rodney C. Badger

Notes