Who is David Lewis LDS?

David Lewis LDS refers to David Lewis (1814-1855), an early member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a significant figure in the Church's early movements and settlements, particularly during the turbulent periods in Missouri and Illinois.

Early Life and Conversion to Mormonism

Born in Franklin County, Kentucky, in 1814, David Lewis's life became intertwined with the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the LDS Church) at a foundational time. He made the decision to join the nascent religious movement in 1835, when he was baptized into the Church. This conversion marked the beginning of his participation in the Church's early efforts to gather its members and establish communities.

Key Movements and Settlements

Lewis's biography reflects the challenging and migratory experiences of many early Latter-day Saints. His journey included several significant moves driven by the Church's establishment of gathering places and subsequent persecutions:

• Move to Missouri (1837): Following his conversion, David Lewis moved to Missouri in 1837. At this time, Missouri was a central gathering point for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who sought to build communities and establish Zion. However, increasing conflicts with existing settlers eventually led to widespread persecution.
• Flight to Illinois: As tensions escalated and culminated in the expulsion of Latter-day Saints from Missouri, David Lewis was among the many who fled the state. This exodus led him and thousands of other Church members eastward across the Mississippi River to Illinois.
• Residence in Nauvoo (1841-1846): After arriving in Illinois, Lewis settled in Nauvoo, a city established by the Latter-day Saints. He resided there from 1841 to 1846. During this period, Nauvoo flourished, becoming one of the largest cities in Illinois and a vibrant center for the Church before further westward migration.

David Lewis passed away in 1855, having lived through and participated in crucial early events in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Biographical Timeline

To provide a clearer overview of David Lewis's life within the context of the LDS Church's early history, the following table summarizes key dates and locations: