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Edward Partdridge

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History

Early Life and Background

  • Born: August 27, 1793, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
  • Occupation: Hatter by trade (maker of hats).
  • Religious Background: Initially a Universalist, he later became involved with the Disciples of Christ (also known as the Campbellite movement), a restorationist group led by Sidney Rigdon.

    • Conversion to Mormonism

  • In late 1830, Edward Partridge traveled with Sidney Rigdon to New York to investigate the claims of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
  • He was baptized on December 11, 1830, in Seneca Lake, New York, becoming one of the earliest converts to the church outside of Joseph Smith’s immediate circle.
  • His wife, Lydia Clisbee Partridge, was baptized shortly afterward.

    • Calling as First Bishop

  • Date Called: February 1831, in Kirtland, Ohio.
  • Revealed Role: According to Doctrine and Covenants section 41, Joseph Smith received a revelation appointing Partridge as the first bishop of the Church.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Oversaw temporal affairs of the Church, especially the law of consecration, which involved managing properties donated by members and redistributing them according to needs.
    • Administered church welfare and stewardships.
    • Functioned similarly to a modern stake president and bishop combined.

    • Missouri and the Law of Consecration

  • Partridge relocated to Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, in 1831, which had been designated by revelation as Zion (D&C 57).
  • He was instrumental in implementing the law of consecration in Zion, organizing land assignments and managing properties.
  • This made him a target of growing local hostility toward the Saints.

    • Persecution in Missouri

  • On July 20, 1833, a mob in Independence forcibly tarred and feathered Edward Partridge. He endured the attack without resistance.
  • Despite physical and emotional suffering, he remained faithful and continued his duties.
  • Following expulsion from Jackson County, Partridge helped relocate Saints to Clay and later Caldwell County.

    • Later Years and Death

  • Continued to serve in leadership roles in Far West, Missouri, and later Nauvoo, Illinois.
  • The cumulative strain of persecution, displacement, and responsibility took a toll on his health.
  • Died: May 27, 1840, in Nauvoo, Illinois, at age 46.
  • He left behind a legacy of sacrifice and commitment. Joseph Smith said of him that he “died to do the will of his Master” and was “a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord’s great men.”

    • Legacy

  • His descendants continued to play prominent roles in the church (notably his son Edward Partridge Jr., who also served as a bishop and later as a mission president).
  • Today, he is remembered as a model of humility, obedience, and faithful stewardship during a time of severe trial for the early Latter-day Saints.