Mephibosheth N. Sirrine

Biographical Summary #1:

"...Mephibosheth N. Sirrine (27 Oct 1811 - died 29 Apr 1848) was known as a great missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mephibosheth was a close friend of the prophet Joseph Smith. They were both athletic and especially good wrestlers. The prophet seemed to love this boy and tenderly referred to him as 'Boshia'. The prophet called upon this young man when he was seriously ill and called him to serve on his first mission. Mephibosheth was alarmed and explained that he was too weak to stand, let alone carry a bag and walk a great distance, but the prophet and his partner proceeded to anoint him with holy consecrated oil and bless him. He was promised to get well and told that when he arrived at his destination in Michigan he would receive permission to use the schoolhouse for his meetings..."

"...The missionary was told to pick up his bag that had been packed by his mother, and start at once on his journey. He was very weak as he arose from his bed, but in a few moments he seemed to regain his full strength and took leave of his loved ones and dear friend, the prophet, Joseph...."

SOURCE: Vera C. Sirrine "George Warren Sirrine, A Biography, pp 4-5. Retrieved online at: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/s/t/u/Elizabeth-Stuerke-... on April 7, 2011.

Biographical Summary #2:

"...Mephibosheth died of consumption (tuberculosis) while taking a riverboat down the Ohio River. They had reached the mouth of the Ohio River at its juncture with the Mississippi River.

"Mephibosheth was a faithful Elder in the Church, who died in the missionary field. He was among the early converts to "Mormonism" and after his baptism he was ordained to the Priesthood and became an efficient and diligent missionary, performing a number of missions for the Church. As early as August, 1838, he raised up a branch of the Church in Lenawee County, Michigan, in which state he subsequently had great success as a missionary. Thus we find him presiding over a number of conference meetings. In February, 1841, he presided over a conference in Brownsville. In 1843 he was still in Michigan, where nine branches of the Church were represented. In 1844 he continued his labors in Michigan, attended a conference in Brownsville in January and another in Southfield in August, 1844. At the latter conference fourteen branches of the Church were represented. He appears to have returned to Nauvoo shortly after that, but was called on another mission to the Eastern State, together with many others, and in January, 1845, we find him presiding over a conference held at Hartford, Connecticut. At a council held at Nauvoo on October, 11, 1845, he was appointed captain of the 24th company of hundreds, the Church leaders looking forward to the migration of the saints to the West. He was in Nauvoo in April, 1846, to attend a conference, and was thence called on a mission to Great Britain. While in England he contracted a violent cold, from which he never fully recovered. He returned to America in the fall of 1847 and became president pro tem of the branches in the Eastern States, succeeding William I. Appleby, who went West to join the camps of the saints on the frontier. During the winter of 1847-1848 Brother Sirrine traveled extensively as a missionary in the Eastern States. In the spring of 1848 he started for the West and while traveling on the steamboat "Niagara" he died with consumption, at the mouth of the Ohio River. His remains were brought to Winter Quarters for interment. Under data of May 21, 1848, the following is recorded in the Historian's Office Journal kept at Winter Quarters: "The remains of Mephibosheth Sirrine were taken up to the burying ground on the hill. In the procession following the remains were Sister Sirrine and children, President Brigham Young and lady, Ezra T. Benson, Erastus Snow and lady, Phinehas Richards, Franklin D. Richards and others. While the grave was being dug, Ezra T. Benson delivered a short but appropriate address, Erastus Snow prayed, after which the remains were interred and the people left the ground a little before noon...."

SOURCE: LDS Biographical Encyclopedia, Jenson, Andrew, 1951, Vol. 3, page 713. Retrieved online at: http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/s/t/u/Elizabeth-Stuerke-... on April 7, 2011.