From Quaker to Latter-day Saint: Bishop Edwin D. Woolley

From Quaker to Latter-day Saint follows Edwin D. Woolley's religious transformation and life journey from a Pennsylvania Quaker to a prominent Mormon bishop in Salt Lake City. The biography chronicles his conversion to the Mormon faith in 1837 and subsequent migration west with the early Latter-day Saints. Leonard J. Arrington draws on Woolley's personal journals, correspondence, and church records to document his rise as a trusted associate of Brigham Young and his 28-year tenure as bishop of Salt Lake City's 13th Ward. Woolley's business ventures, including merchandising and freighting operations, form a central part of his story within the economic development of Utah Territory. Through Woolley's experiences, Arrington explores broader themes of religious conviction, community building, and the intersection of faith and commerce in 19th century Mormon society. The narrative demonstrates how individual choices and adaptability shaped both personal destiny and institutional growth during a pivotal period in Mormon history.

There appear to be very few public reader reviews available for this 1976 biography by Leonard Arrington. The book documents Bishop Edwin D. Woolley's conversion from Quakerism and his role in early Mormon history. Readers appreciated: - Details about Woolley's business dealings with Brigham Young - Coverage of early Salt Lake City development - Documentation of 19th century Mormon economic practices Main criticisms: - Limited availability of the book - Brief treatment of some aspects of Woolley's life - Focus on business rather than personal history No ratings found on Goodreads or Amazon. The book is out of print and appears primarily in academic citations rather than reader reviews. Library catalog records indicate it was published by the Western Printing Company but had limited distribution. Most mentions are in Mormon history publications and bibliographies rather than consumer reviews.

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🔹 Edwin D. Woolley served as the bishop of Salt Lake City's 13th Ward for 40 years, making him one of the longest-serving bishops in LDS Church history. 🔹 Leonard J. Arrington, the book's author, was the first professional historian appointed as Church Historian of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1972-1982). 🔹 Woolley was a successful businessman who managed Brigham Young's personal financial affairs and helped establish ZCMI (Zion's Co-operative Mercantile Institution), one of America's first department stores. 🔹 Before converting to Mormonism, Woolley came from a prominent Pennsylvania Quaker family and risked significant social standing by joining the LDS Church in 1837. 🔹 The book draws heavily from Woolley's personal journals and correspondence, which provide unique insights into daily life in early Salt Lake City and the economic development of the Utah Territory.