An Uncommon Common Pioneer: The Journals of James Henry Martineau, 1828-1918

Press Release:

Religious Studies Center releases James Henry Martineau Journals publication.

A good deal has been written about prominent Church leaders. There are extensive biographies on all the prophets and many pioneer leaders. Yet so little has been written about the pioneers who served quietly in Church history. James Henry Martineau was one of those tranquil servants. His journals are comparably the most descriptively written diaries of their period. They comprise the records of the common Latter-day Saint pioneer. They shed light on the historical events of the era, the lives of average people, and the impact of Church leaders. At times they read more like a novel than a journal. They are exciting, testimony building, and detailed. His focus was on his family and his work, while the result is a reflection of a common, yet uncommon, Latter-day Saint pioneer.

The Martineau journals provide the reader an understanding of the average Latter-day Saint. Martineau knew the primary figures in the Mountain Meadows Massacre and was a character witness at the trial. He was one of the sentries who watched for the rumored approach of Johnston’s Army at the time of the massacre. He and the Saints were just as afraid of the intruders as the intruders were afraid of the Mormons. These records stand as testaments to the strength of an individual and the blessings this strength can bestow to a posterity because of one man’s faith, stalwartness, and testimony.

The journals also describe Martineau’s conversion, his contributions to many settlements, and his civil engineer work. Church President Heber J. Grant eulogized Martineau at his passing, stating, “He had been in western life, a pioneer, an explorer, a military, church and civic leader along with being a writer, photographer and above all surveyor—par excellence.”

This new publication, An Uncommon Common Pioneer: The Journals of James Henry Martineau, 1828–1918, will be available through the BYU Bookstore and other LDS retailers.

Media Contact:

The Religious Studies Center

801-422-3293

rsc@byu.edu

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