Abstract

The evidence presented in this thesis advocates an increased level of scholarly interest in English working-class Mormon converts. To illustrate who these people were, and what their roles were as part of Mormon story, this regional study introduces and makes available over twelve hundred Staffordshire Mormons, and asks questions of the collected statistical information. The conservative Staffordshire Mormons clearly assisted the establishment, and continuation, off a Zion in the American West. Much of the data confirms previous scholarship; however, those with “differing visions” of Mormonism (for example, the RLDS Church) attracted Staffordshire converts in larger numbers than previously suggested. The findings suggest a careful re-examination of the early British RLDS membership may reveal similar findings. If so, a reappraisal of RLDS-LDS history not only would be desirable, but also necessary.

Degree

College and Department

Family, Home, and Social Sciences; History

Rights

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