The Life and Adventures of Eli Wiggill: South African 1820 Settler, Wesleyan Missionary, and Latter-day Saint

“Provides a fascinating view into British, African, and American history and demonstrates how the Latter-day Saint experience brings them all together.” —Jeffrey G. Cannon, Laura F. Willes Research Associate at the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship“Offers readers insight into a variety of subjects, including British colonialism in South Africa, religious rivalry in the Atlantic world, slavery and emancipation in the British empire, and family life in the nineteenth century.” —Christopher Cannon Jones, co-editor of Missionary Interests: Protestant and Mormon Missions in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries“Reveals a story of faith, courage, and devotion. . . . Eli Wiggill’s autobiography is worthy of a careful read to appreciate and comprehend his astonishing transnational adventures in Africa and Utah.” —Michael T. Lowe, author of African Eden and African Eden II“Offers us an eye-witness account as a member of the 1820 inaugural group of settlers from England to its newly acquired Cape Colony in South Africa.” — Riley Moffatt, retired senior librarian at Brigham Young University Hawaii and co-author of Saints of Tonga, Gathering to La‘ieThe autobiography of Eli Wiggill offers a captivating narrative of one family’s journey from Gloucester, England, to South Africa, and eventually to Salt Lake City during the mid-nineteenth century. Eli and Susannah Wiggill’s conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Africa serves as a focal point in their remarkable story. Eli’s retelling vividly portrays their steadfast faith, missionary efforts, and the challenges they faced as pioneers in establishing communities of South African Saints. From their immigration to South Africa to their eventual migration to Zion, the Wiggills' experiences offer valuable insights into the early history of the Church and the global gathering of its members.With meticulous attention to detail, The Life and Adventures of Eli Wiggill: South African 1820 Settler, Wesleyan Missionary, and Latter-day Saint presents Wiggill’s original manuscript, enriched with extensive footnotes providing context and clarity. This publication aims to rectify previous shortcomings by preserving the integrity of Wiggill’s narrative while enhancing accessibility for contemporary readers. It not only chronicles a remarkable transnational journey but also sheds light on themes of faith, perseverance, and the pioneering spirit, making it a compelling read for historians, scholars, and anyone interested in the early history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the global migration of its members. Read more