The San Francisco call., 1901-10-11
DEATHS HAND IS LAID UPON
CHEF OF THE MORMON CHURCH
Lorenzo Snow, Fifth President
of the Latter Day Saints,
MostUnexpectedly Stricken

ALT LAKE. Utah, Oct. 10.-Loren-
~ 20 Snow, fifth president of the
~ Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter
~ Day Saints, better known as the
Mormon church, died rather un-
expectedly at his private residence the
historic Beehive House, at S:3o O'Clock
this afternoon, after an illness that had
been alarmingly serious only since yes
terday The immediate cause of his death
was hypostatic congestion. superinduced
by aggravated bronchitis. Several weeks
ago President Snow contracted cola. de
was at his desk, however, attending TO
business as late as Tuesday. Yesterday
morning ne was suddenly seized with nj
of vomiting, which continued at Intervals
throughout the day. Last night his phy-
sicians were called and remained in con-
slant attendance until death came
The church authorities became alarmed
at his condition early yesterday and most
of the leaders, together with such mem
bers of his family could be summoned
by telegraph and otherwise, remained In
the sick chamber until the end.
The news of President Shows death
caused a great shock to the entire COM
munity and is deeply deplored by all
classes for he was regarded as a broad
minded, generous-hearted Christian who
desired the upbuilding of Utah as well
as the progress of the Mormon church
President Shows death dissolves the
first presidency, of which he was the
head, his two councillors being Joseph r.
Smith and Rudger Clawson. Until his
successor is chosen, which may not be
until the annual conference next April,
the leadership of the church will deVolVe
upon the council of twelve apostles, OF
which body Mr.. Smith is the recognized
head Unless death should come to him
in ho MI Mr. Smith Will be the
next president of the church.
The church leaders will probably meet
tomorrow and make arrangements for
the funeral.
President Snow leaves large family
the members being scattered throughout
the world. All have been notified of his
demise.
Lorenzo Snow was born in Mantua,
Portage County, Ohio, April 3, 1914, recelV-
ing a classical education at Oberlin Col
lege. He became a convert to Mormon
ism in 1896 and Immediately began prose-
lyting. Since then he has been one Of the
most active and prominent members Of
the church organization. He has been on
numerous foreign missions, the most i'm
portant being that to Great Britain in
! London conference.
In 1873, at the head of a train of one
hundred wagons, he made the overland
trip from Illinois to the present site of
Salt Lake City, and in all the work of
founding and building up of this city he
| has been leader. For thirty years, COM
mencing with 1852, he was a member of
the Territorial Legislature, chiefly as pre-
siding officer Of the upper house. In 1855,
with fifty families, he founded and named
Brigham City, in Northern Utah, which
was his home for many years. In 1886,
during the agitation against the practice
of polygamy, he was convicted of unlaw-
| full coha bitation and sentenced to three
terms of six months each, but later was
released on a writ Of habeas corpus. On
September 13. 1898, he was chosen presi-
| dent of the church in succession to Will
! ford Woodruff.
President Snow, during his life, was the
husband of nine wives and the father Of
! forty-three children. Three of his wives
are still living.
! President Snow will be known as the
business president of the Mormon church.
His first moves after his promotion to
the head of the church were all of a
financial nature The church had been
badly crippled financially by the confis-