Wilford Woodruff, possibly December 10, 1887. Wilford noted, “I came to Savages Gallery and set for a likeness.” The image may be the one alluded to in his journal. Charles Savage copyrighted the image in 1888 and published it later on card stock with the caption “Wilford Woodruff, Fourth President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Born March 1, 1807,” sometime after Wilford Woodruff was ordained as president in 1889. (Charles R. Savage, Church Archives)
Wilford Woodruff Journal, April 7, 1889 (Church Archives)
April 7, 1889 (Wilford Woodruff was Appointed President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints April 7 1889)
This 7 day of April 1889 was one of the most important days of my life, for upon this sabbath day I was Appointed The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter [day] Saints by the Unanimous vote of Ten Thousand Latter Day Saints. The vote was first taken By Quorums, then by the whole Assembly of the Saints of God. Then my Two Councillors George Q Cannon, & Joseph F Smith, were voted in in the same Manner. This is the Highest office Ever Confered upon Man in the flesh And what responsibility it places upon me or any other Man in the same Position.
This office is placed upon me in my 83 year of my life. I pray God to Protect me during my remaining Days and give me power to Magnify my Calling to the End of my days. The Lord has watched over me from my birth untill the present day.
I wish to Council my wives & Children & whoever may read this Journal to honor God & keep his Commandments to the End of their lives that they may receive Eternal Life & Celestial Glory in the presence of God and the Lamb.
