James Jesse Strang: The Rise and Fall of Michigan’s Mormon King

In 1844, at age 31, James Jesse Strang converted to Mormonism. Less than a year later, he’d entered the inner circle of Joseph Smith, Jr.-founder of the controversial new faith-and appeared to be his possible successor when Smith was assassinated. Within six years, Strang had been ordained king and stood as one of the most controversial religious leaders in America’s young history, his actions closely monitored by President Millard Fillmore; within twelve years, Strang had been assassinated himself, seemingly with the assistance of federal authorities. Author Don Faber recounts this fascinating story of Strang’s journey from impoverished New York farm boy to one of the most colorful and contentious figures in Michigan’s history. This book will appeal to anyone with a love of American history and interest in the many larger-than-life personalities who emerged during the Second Great Awakening.