Early Mormon Apostle’s Archive On the Auction Block August 7th
(Chicago, IL) July 31, 2013—One of the most exciting and revealing archives of the early Mormon Church is going to auction at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers Wednesday, August 7th. The archive comprises a number of manuscript hymns and poems, mainly unpublished works, by the elusive Apostle George Teasdale (1831-1907), who served as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church of Latter-day Saints from 1882-1907.
The Teasdale manuscripts in the collection are exceptional in that they provide a rare glimpse into the Apostle’s private role as a loving father and husband. Many are of a personal nature and were likely written to his wives and/or children. Among the poems are “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way,” “Look Ever on the Brightest Side,” “You Call Me Sweet and Tender Names” and “I Left My Love in England”; of the popular hymns is “Have Courage My Boy to Say No,” which Teasdale transcribes twice, pointing to a particular significance to him. Also included are documents that are likely in the hand of Teasdale’s wives and children.
Teasdale, who was born in England, was highly educated and served as editor of the Millennial Star in Liverpool, England, and Sacred Hymns and Spiritual Songs, compiled by Brigham Young, Parley Parker Pratt and, fellow member of the Quorum of Twelve, John Taylor. He served most of his life preaching the beliefs of the LDS Church in England, Scotland, the United States and Mexico; at least one of the documents can be dated to his time in the Mexican colony. He served as the President of the European Mission from 1887 to 1890 and his writings were distributed worldwide.
The manuscript poems constitute the largest single collection of Teasdale’s writings outside of the archives of the LDS Church History Library in Salt Lake City, and perhaps give the best look into the heart and soul of this key early Mormon leader and his family.
A preview will be held Sunday, August 4, 12pm-4pm, Monday, August 5, 10-5pm, and Tuesday, August 6, 10-5pm, at 1338 West Lake Street. Private appointments can be made to view the item Monday through Friday, 9-5pm.
The auction will be held Wednesday, August 7, at 12pm, and bidding is available online at www.lesliehindman.com. Please contact Mary Kohnke at 312.334.4236 or marykohnke@lesliehindman.com for more information. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LeslieHindmanAuctioneers and on Twitter @LHAuctioneers.
