"In 1875 I was appointed historian and general recorder of the Church and held that position until 1889. "On the completion of the Temple at St. George in 1877, I was appointed its President by Brigham Young. "Upon the accession of President Taylor, I became President of the Twelve Apostles; and in April 1889, I was sustained at the general conference as President of the Church. "By my direction the General Church Board of Education was founded in 1888 to direct the Church system of academies, high schools, and colleges, which has resulted in a great perfection of the organization. "From the beginning of my ministry in 1834 until the close of 1895 I have traveled in all 172,369 miles; held 7,655 meetings; preached 3,526 discourses; organized 51 branches of the Church and 77 preaching places; my journeys cover England, Scotland, Wales, and 23 states and 5 territories of the Union. My life abounds in incidents which to me surely indicate the direct interposition of God whom I firmly believe has guided my every step. On 27 distinct occasions I have been saved from dangers which threatened my life. I am the father of 17 sons and 16 daughters. I have a posterity of 100 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren." (At the present time, his grandchildren number at least 145, and his great grandchildren, about 60.) The hand of God was so abundantly manifested in the life of Wilford Woodruff, that those who read this book, it is sincerely believed, will find it both faith-promoting and instructive. The book is given to the world in the sincerest belief that its pages will greatly add a fresh interest to the history of the Church, and reveal the subject of this sketch in such a manner as to make his wonderful labors more highly appreciated by those not intimately acquainted with him. M. F. COWLEY. September, 1909. CONTENTS. CHAPTER 1. BIRTH AND GENEALOGY, 1807. Chosen Spirit.--Divine Guidance.--Genealogy.--A Miller by Trade. CHAPTER 2. A CHAPTER OF ACCIDENTS. Arms and Legs Broken.--Injury to Breast Bone and Ribs.--Drowned.--Frozen.--Scalded.--Other Escapes.--Life Preserved by a Merciful Providence. CHAPTER 3. A REMARKABLE PREPARATION. "Coming Events."--Wilford Woodruff's Interest in Religion.--Existing Religious Denominations.--Teachings of Scripture.--Father Mason, a Prophet.--Peculiar Process of Preparation. CHAPTER 4. EARLY DAYS, 1816-1833. A Fisherman.--Early Employment.--Noble Reflections.--Lessons in Reading.--Interest in the Bible.--Philo Woodruff's Strange Dream.--Mocking Deity.--Its Effects.--Peace of Mind.--Place of Prayer.--Happy Experiences.--A Baptism.--Reads of Mormons.--Notable Instance of Inspiration.--Removal to New York.--Azmon's Faith. CHAPTER 5. BAPTISM, 1833. Elders Visit Richland, N. Y.--The New Message.--Wilford Woodruff's Testimony.--The Book of Mormon,--Healing Power.--Baptism.--Ordained a Teacher. CHAPTER 6. ZION'S CAMP, 1834.