Elijah Fordham Residence

46 1/2 John Street

When Parley P. Pratt arrived in New York City in 1837, the only Mormon in the city was Elijah Fordham, a New York City native who had joined the Church in Michigan with his wife. In March 1834, his wife died, and Fordham relocated to Kirtland, Ohio and soon participated in Zion’s Camp. In 1836 he was ordained an elder, and then a seventy later that same year.

It isn't clear why Elijah Fordham was in New York City in 1837 when Elder Pratt arrived, but he was staying with his sister-in-law and had just assisted the Apostles on their way to England.

Elijah Fordham was instrumental in helping Elder Pratt get missionary work started in New York City, preaching in meetings and assisting in the anointing of a sick child in the home of Wandle Mace, which led to the baptism of those in the house. Fordham later married Ann Shaffer, one of those present.

Elijah then moved to Missouri, where he was among the Saints expelled in the late 1830s. Arriving in Nauvoo, he settled across the Mississippi river in Iowa, and was on his death bed when he was miraculously healed by Joseph Smith.

He was then called to return to New York to support the candidacy of Joseph Smith for president of the United States. Following the Martyrdom, he returned with over $1,200 for the Nauvoo Temple, and also spent eight months carving the oxen for the baptismal font.

Elijah Fordham emmigrated to Utah, and died in Wellsville, Cache County in 1879.

Of all the places in which the English language is spoken, I found the City of New York to be the most difficult as to access to the minds or attention of the people. From July to January we preached, advertised, printed, published, testified, visited, talked, prayed, and wept in vain. To all appearance there was no interest or impression on the minds of the people in regard to the fullness of the gospel.

There was one member of the Church of the Saints living there, whose name was Elijah Fordham; he was an Elder, and assisted me. We had baptized about six members, and organized a little branch, who were accustomed to meet in a small upper room in Goerck street; sometimes two or three others met with us. ...

We had retired to our private room up stairs with the few members we had, to hold a last prayer meeting, as I was about taking leave for New Orleans. We had prayed all round in turn, when, on a sudden, the room was filled with the Holy Spirit, and so was each one present. We began to speak in tongues and prophesy. Many marvelous things were manifested which I cannot write; but the principal burthen of the prophesyings was concerning New York City, and our mission there.

The Lord said that He had heard our prayers, beheld our labors, diligence, and long suffering towards that city; and that He had seen our tears. Our prayers were heard, and our labors and sacrifices were accepted. We should tarry in the city, and go not thence as yet; for the Lordhad many people in that city, and He had now come by the power of His Holy Spirit to gather them into His fold. ... So we gave up going to New Orleans, and concluded to stay.

Extent of New York City, 1837

• City extends to mid 20s. Fifth Avenue to 42nd Street.
• Construction on the Croton water system began in 1837.
• City boasts 17 daily newspapers.
• City’s notorious prison, The Tombs, completed in 1838.

In New York and U.S. History

• 16-17 Dec. 1835 – New York City's "Great Fire" decimates city below Wall Street, destroying 674 buildings and killing 2.
• May 1837 - Financial panic of 1837 includes riots and runs on the banks. Subsequent depression lasts until early 1840s.
• 7 May 1838 - First transatlantic steamship, The Great Western, sails for Britain. Regular steamship service is in place by 1840.
• 1841 - John Street Methodist Church rebuilt.

In LDS Church History

• 27 March 1836 – Kirtland Temple dedicated.
• May 1837 – Collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society brought on by Panic of 1837.
• 13 June 1837 – Mission of the Apostles to Britian, opening the British Mission.
• October 1837 – Parley P. Pratt’s A Voice of Warning, the first book for missionary use, was published in New York City.
• 6 July 1838 – LDS exodus from Kirtland, Ohio, begins.

Further Reading

• Pratt, Parley P., The Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book).
• Mace, Wandle. Autobiography of Wandle Mace. BYU Special Collections.
• Communications. The Evening and Morning Star Vol. 2, No. 23, August 1834, Kirtland, Ohio.
• Roberts, B. H. History of the Church (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978).