Blackburn, Elias Hicks, 1827-1908
Dates
- Existence: 1827 - 1908
Biography
Elias Hicks Blackburn (1827-1908) was the first Bishop of Provo, Utah Territory.
Elias Hicks Blackburn was born 17 September 1827 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Blackburn and Elizabeth Bone. He was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 1845. After his baptism, he assisted with the construction of the Nauvoo Temple and in 1846 took part in the exodus west by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elias Blackburn twice served as a bishop in the Church. He was called as the first bishop of Provo in 1851. Blackburn was appointed bishop of Loa, Utah, in 1879, although he was not formally set apart until 1885. He served in that capacity until 1889. He was married to six plural wives in his lifetime.
Elias Hicks Blackburn died at Loa, Utah, on 6 April 1908.
Citation:
UPB files, Mar. 26, 2020 (Elias Hicks Blackburn; first Bishop of Provo, Utah Territory; born 17 September 1827 in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, to Thomas Blackburn and Elizabeth Bone; baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 1845; assisted with the construction of the Nauvoo Temple and in 1846 took part in the exodus west by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; twice served as a bishop in the Church; appointed bishop of Loa, Utah, in 1879; served in that capacity until 1889;died at Loa, Utah, on 6 April 1908)Pioneers and prominent men of Utah, 1966: page 198 (Elias Hicks Blackburn; born September 17, 1827, Bedford County, Pennsylvania; came to Utah in 1849; first Bishop of Provo; farmer and doctor)