Archives West Finding Aid

The Albert Robison Lyman 27-page booklet (1997) is entitled "The Edward Partridge Family." It is based on the writings (begun in February 1954) of Lyman, which were then edited and indexed by a descendant, Lyman De Platt. As described in the opening paragraphs, Albert Lyman based his writings "mainly on the diary of Eliza Partridge Lyman, . . . her sister Caroline Partridge and her father and mother." The document discusses the family's background, beginning with Edward Partridge (1793-1840), but focuses on Partridge's conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in December 1830 and his subsequent activities as a church leader, particularly as the first Presiding Bishop. Lyman relates the family's travels with the church through Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois, as well as their eventual migration to Utah. His account centers on religious activities, including the persecution Partridge suffered at the hands of anti-Mormon mobs in Missouri and the family's later experiences migrating to Utah. Included are three appendices that reproduce an October 1834 letter, from Partridge to his family, regarding religious worthiness; a January 1836 letter, "To the Latter-day Saints," that discusses child-raising; and the text of a May 1835 patriarchal blessing given to Partridge by Joseph Smith, Sr.