George Christian Riser (1818 - 1892) Profile

Individual

death-date-qualifier-death

George Christian Riser

birth-date-qualifier-birth

Andrew Jenson, "Riser, George Christian," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia

Andrew Jenson, "Riser, George Christian," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, Vol. 4.

Andrew Jenson, "Riser, George Christian," Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia.

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971

British Mission history, 1841-1971, Church History Library, Page 108.

British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, 1841-1971.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, September 23, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, February 19, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, August 19, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, May 11, 1853.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, August 14, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, July 23, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, September 6, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, August 2, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, August 20, 1854.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, March 22, 1853.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports, January 22, 1853.

German Mission Manuscript history and historical reports.

German Mission manuscript history and historical reports index 1840-1898

German Mission manuscript history and historical reports index 1840-1898, Page 16.

German Mission manuscript history and historical reports index 1840-1898.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, August 28, 1852.

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, April 15, 1844.

“[Elders] will present before the people “General Smith’s views of the powers and policy of the General Government,” and seek diligently to get up electors who will go for him for the presidency.  All Elders will be faithful in preaching the gospel.”

Transcript for Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008, April 15, 1844

Historical Department journal history of the Church, 1830-2008.

Index to the British Mission manuscript history and historical reports

*Index to the British Mission manuscript history and historical reports, Page 171.

Index to the British Mission manuscript history and historical reports.

Missionary reports, 1831-1900

Missionary reports, 1831-1900, Church History Library.

1 George C. Riser’s account of his mission At a general conference held in G.S.L City Sept. 6th 1852 I was appointed a mission to Europe. 15th In company with 72 others I left G.S.L City for the east with horse teams. Nov. 2nd We arrived at and crossed the Missouri river, Near Coonville, after disposing of our wagons and horses, I took Steamer with Several of the brethren on the 10th at St Joseph for St. Louis where I arrived on the 14th 16th I left St Louis for Cincinatti where I arrived on the 23rd Some of the elders went to direct to New York and others to visit their friends, all agreeing to meet at New York. It was whispered to me that I should go to a town called “Carrington” where I fortunately met my brother-in-law, who took me to my fathers house. I visited among my relatives and baptized my father and my step-mother in December much of the power of God was manifest at the time of their confirmations. My father accompanied me a few miles on my way eastward. On the 8th Dec. being impressed upon I ordained him an elder. Dec. 10th At Marion, Ohio I took cars for New York where I arrived on the 12th. While here I attended several meetings. 17th In company with 21 elders I sailed for Liverpool. Jan. 5th 1853 We arrived in Liverpool. Visited and preached to the Saints in Liverpool, Leeds and Hull. 20 In company with Elders George Myer, Jacob F Secrest, Jacob Houtz and Orson Spencer I sailed from Hull for Hamburg where we arrived on the 22nd. 2 1853 We found bro Daniel Carn in his room No 22 Rosen- strasse. In the evening had a fine time of rejoicing at a meeting of the Saints. I visited among, and preached to the Saints untill. – Feb. 4th When Elder Jacob F Secrest and I went to Minister and got our pasports signed for the Dukedom of Mecklenburg; and went to Boitzenburg where we spent two weeks we baptized a few, and many others received the truth Some of which were afterwards baptized by elder Carn at Hamburg We were so closely watched by the police, that it was with great difficutly that we attended to the ordinance of bap- tism at all; Many people would take us in to converse with us, although contrary to the laws. And often upon getting up in the morning, we would be impressed upon to change our quarters when in a few minutes after our departure the police would enter and make search for us. Feb. 20th We returned to Hamburg and labored among the Saints there untill March 22. Agreeably to council from pres. Carn I left Hamburg to visit my friends and relatives in Wurtemburg 600 miles South East from Hamburg. Elder Myer accompanied me about 500 miles to Marburg, where he took another route to Switzerland. In this place I attempted to dispose of some of the church works, and obtained per- mission to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ but after much delay and inquiry I was refused and strongly threatened with imprisonment. While the Authorities were consulting, I kept talking and expounding prin- ciple to them untill they finaly decided that I could only remain over night. March 25 I proceeded on My Journey to my native town where Korwesthime Konwestheim where I arrived next morning 3 Here I met some of my old acquaintances and was welcomed with every demonstration of joy. After conversing with them about our connections both there and in America, I visited the Priest in order to ask permission to preach in the church: He out of courtesy made me welcome, but when I made known what I wanted, he said he could not allow me the church to preach in as it would be contrary to law, but said he: You can have the School house to preach in (for which I thanked Him). I immediately asked him to be present. In the evening I met many of my old friends at my uncle John and George Hoffman’s and conversed with them on the subject of Mormonism. March 28 I preached in the School house, about 200 persons attended and there would have been more had there been room. The parson of the Town I had invited, my old School Master, and a parson from a neighboring town were present, the latter took notes. After the meeting was opened I took my text “Truth.” Upon which I spoke with great freedom for one hour and a half. I then invited any one to Speak who desired. The Town parson got up and said; he had been very much edified, that I had spoken freely, but in some inst- ances I had come in contact with their old established tradi- tions and belief which had been handed down to them for many generations, and in some things he should differ, but declined having any discussion in public on the subject, and wished me to converse with him in private. I replied I would prefer conversing upon them in public so the people might be able to Judge for themselves, and if I had made any statement that could not be proven from the Bible. I was ready to have them shown me. 4 The parson further said he only wished the people to take the advice I had previously given, i.e. every one to hear and judge for himself. The same evening I held another meeting at my uncle’s. The people appeared to be very much interested. March 29 Accompanied by my uncle I went to Stutgart the capitol of the kingdom of Wurtem- burg. After several attempts to preach in private and being rejected. I employed a Lawyer to get up a petition to the Kings Spiritual Ministry for the privaledge of disposing of some of my books and of preaching in the Kingdom. I also Sent the King a copy of the “Voice of Warning.” April 5 I was Sent for to appear before the Mayor of the Town of Ludwigsburg, to answer various questions He asked where in we differed from the old Lutherian Church. To which I answered, and then showed him the organization of the church of God, all of which was reported and Sent to Stutgart together with the book of Mormon, which he required me to furnish saying the cabinet at Stutgart required the book and my answers to their Questions. 11th I was again summoned before the Mayor to hear the descission of the Government, which was read to me It gave me no liberty whatever to preach publickly or privately, and that I must gather in my books that I had loaned out and leave the Kingdom immediately They returned my books to me. I asked the Mayor how much I was in debted to him for his trouble, he replied; that as you travel and preach without purse or scrip I shall make no charge. 5 I was granted 8 days to visit my friends, but with strict orders to hold no more meetings. During the 8 days I visited, by invitation both people &amp; priests, baptized one in the night, Several more were only waiting an opportunity to be baptized; I was continualy surrounded by enquirers. April 25. I went to the mayor and reserved My Passport with strict injunctions to leave next day, as I had already out stayed my time. 26th Spent the day in writing letters and in the evening I read to Several of my friends, the Reve- lation on Patriarchial marriage, and gave them considerable instruction and council which was gratefully received. Upon my departure the parson and many of the people came and gave me money to pay my passage to Hamburg 27th Started for Hamburg where I arrived on the 30th and met Elders Carn &amp; Secrest in good health. May 2nd In Council, it was decided that, bro. Secrest and myself, should go to England, and ont the 3rd we Sailed for Hull where, after a severe spell of Seasickness we arrived on the 6th 10th I arrived in Liverpool and received an appoint- ment from pres. S.W. Richards to labour in the Shef- field Pastorate, under Pastor Edward Bunker where I laboured untill Jan. 1854. Jan. 1854 I was appointed to the presidency of the German mission at Hamburg, thereby, releasing Elder Daniel Carn to return home. Consequently I left Liverpool for Hamburg via. Hull in company with John Van Cott who was enroute for Copenhagen. We arrived at on the 4 of Feb 6 Feb 5th 1854, While here I preached twice, each week, in a private room Baptized some that belived my testimony of the truth pr I also published the Revelation on Marriage &amp; Elder Orson Spencers Patriarchial Order, in pamphlet form, in Elder Daniel Carn’s name he having translted it into the German language with the assistance of Elder Alexander O th, before their departure to for England. I enjoyed peace and held many good meetings among the Saints untill 13th of July July 13th While preaching to the Saints I was arrested by the police, and was taken before the Mayor of Hamburg, and at 2 p.m. was taken to prison &amp; loged in a room containing Six or Seven of the most degraded &amp; filthy criminals. July 15th Mr. Bromberg the American Consul, visited me &amp; said he would do all in his power to get me released. 18th at 11. a.m. I was taken before the magistrate for examination he asked he cause of my being there I told him it was for teaching the truth. After which I was returned to prison, at 2 p.m. Mr. Bromberg visited me again and through his Influence I was removed to a more comfortable prison, at 6 oclock in the evening. 19th I was again brought before the Magistrate, in con- nection with bro. Neilsot Neilson, Many of the Saints, were present also many Strangers present. 21st Had another examination of about two hours and was returned to prison. Sept. 5 We were taken before the Senate when Mr. Bender, president of the Senate, read the decissions: - 7 That we were both to be discharged that day, and pay no expenses except our board, the police Services and a trifle for getting out of the first prison in to a more comfortable one. Mr. Bender Said I had to thank the U.S. Consul for my deliverance. (for further particulars see Milleniel Star page 620 Vol. 16.) Sept 6. I sailed for Liverpool according to Counsell In connection with many several of the brethren I visited many of the conferences in England, Spent considerable time at the Liverpool Mill. Star. Office untill Feb. 3. 1855 Feb 3. 1855 I Sailed from Liverpool for Philadelphia on board the Ship “Isaac Geans” in company with Elder Jacob F. Secrest &amp; 70 German Saints. March 6. In the morning arrived at Philadelphia, after discharging disposing of some of our books &amp; some of the luggage of the Saints, to help them off, We took cars for Cincinatti where we arrived on the 12th 12th I spent a few days in procuring employment for the Saints. I then visited my friends in the northern part of the State, preaching when ever I found opportunity for about 2 weeks. I then returned to Cincincinatti where I laboured in the Ministry untill the 30th May. May 30th I took Steamer “Alma” for St. Louis where I arrived June 2nd preached here twice, and then took Steamer for “Atchison” in company with several Elders and Saints having made an engagement with Bro Seth M. Blair to drive team acrast the plains for him. 5 Arrived at Atchison – 7th our company was organ- ized, I was appointed captain of the 2nd Ten of the Texian company. I had a slight atack of the Cholera but exercised all the faith possible &amp; kept at work getting the wagons and teams ready for a start 16th We started. 19th Several of the Saints were atacked with the cholera. On the 20th A company of Twelve Missionaries from G S L City under the pres- idency of Hectar C. Haight came to our camp we had already buried 12 persons and many more were sick with the cholera. The missionaries stoped and laid hands on the sick; gave us good council. Some of the accompanied us a few miles. Before the cholera left our Camp we buried Thirty five persons, After which the Camp enjoyed loterably good health. I arrived in G.S.L. City on the 11th of Sept. 1855, having been absent on my Mission three years lacking three days. G. C. Riser (??)

Transcript for Missionary reports, 1831-1900, Church History Library

Missionary reports, 1831-1900.

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list, Vol. 3, Page 79.

Nauvoo Restoration Inc., comp., Nauvoo Seventies list.

Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register

*Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, December 10, 1845.

Endowed 5 Jan 1846.

Transcript for Temple Records Index Bureau, comp., Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register, 977.343/N1 K29c, p. 105, Family History Library

Nauvoo Temple Endowment Register.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849

Ezra T. Benson's 100, report

"Ezra T. Benson's 100, report", Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849, September 24, 1849, Page 1-8.

Camp of Israel schedules and reports, 1845-1849.

Edward Stevenson collection, 1849-1922

Edward Stevenson collection, 1849-1922. Miscellany, Emigrating journal.

Transcript for Emigrating journal, 1855 June-September in Edward Stevenson collection, 1849-1922, 1-39

Edward Stevenson collection, 1849-1922.

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal, June 1847.

Transcript for George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal, 1847 June-September

George Benjamin Wallace Emigrating Company journal.

Ogden Daily Standard

Mrs. M. A. R. Hayes Succumbs at Home

"Mrs. M. A. R. Hayes Succumbs at Home", KEEP Ogden Daily Standard, July 9, 1919.

Ogden Daily Standard.

Seth M. Blair papers, 1851-1868, Reminiscence and journal, 1876, 1851-1868, 5-6

Seth M. Blair papers, 1851-1868, Reminiscence and journal, 1876, 1851-1868, 5-6.

On the 6th day of June 1850, we left Councill bluffs &amp; was 90 days.3. three months in Travelling to the Valley a midst Death &amp; disease for half the time &amp; distant. as the Cholera broke out in my Camp before I left Kanesville Iowa and we had the Cholera for the distance of 300 or 400 miles and traveled in the midst of it daily to all appearances[.] for there was many hundred familys journeying the Same way with us who had the Cholera in their midst and maney of the Saints fell yea and maney of the Gentiles allso[.] at Each Camping place, we had to mourn over the Tomb Stones or Graves of our bretheren &amp; friends. whitch on Such a journey was trying to us for our journey was long &amp; Tedious in the willderness[.] I brought through with a partner Thos. S. Williams Goods &amp; merchandize for Sale &amp; Some poor bretheren &amp; Sisters and I Seen a prophecy of Joseph Smith fullfilled on this Journey for he said the Missourian Mobbers bones Should bleach on the praires &amp; I saw them bleaching often times on our way

Transcript for Seth M. Blair papers, 1851-1868, Reminiscence and journal, 1876, 1851-1868, 5-6

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856, Page 6-8.

June 7th—Elders Snow and Spencer organized our company, being the third Sixty. Elder Seth M. Blair is our Captain. Elder East Church - - I was appointed counselor and also captain of one ten and also chaplin.



We started our camp on the 11th of June—traveled eight miles when we camped and staid until the 17th. This is a sickly place. Most of the camp left [t]his day but I had to stay until the next day, when I left with the remainder of the camp. When I got within about one mile of the camp, a messenger run to me stating that Brother Jones was taken the colary and wished me to hasten to his relief by administering the ordinance of the house of God to him, but having a very hard river to cross I was detained sometime. I found Bro. Jones cold and cramped. I called Brothers J[ohn]. M[e]yer, George E. Riser, and Oscar Tayler [Tyler] to my assistance, for they were men who had had their endowments. We approached the sick and dying for by this time four more were taken. But the spirit forbade me rebuking it at this time, yet I felt to pray the Almighty to stay the pleg [plague] if it be his well. Bro. Jones soon died and in the evening Sister Leungford [Langford] died. This night Bro.Easts child died also. Bro. Lankford [Langford] and some others on the 18th. We buried six persons. This is indeed a doalful time to us all.



This day we met the brotheren from the valley on missions. They were under Captain Hait. We started our camp—a number of the missionaries returned with us to where we nooned. Sister Eliza Poast [Jost] died this forenoon in the wagon. We buried her the same hour and did not stop the train. At noon we had a goodmeeting during which time several more died. We parted with the missionaries and hauled our dead until night, when a number more were dead. Some, however, were taken and when I administered to them they got well immediately. We continuedto travel a little every day and still bury the dead.



Sunday, the 15th, we camped on a small stream called the Hermileon where we buried Old Father [Nathaniel Hunt] Greer and several more died and were burried. I then spoke to Bro. Blair of the propriety of rebaptizing those who wished it and baptizing those that had not been baptized. Accordingly I went to the persons. We then traveled six miles. This evening Elder Stenson [Edward Stevenson] came to us from the Mormon Grove with some bretheren to help us. In the morning I called the Saints together. Captain Blair then red a letter from President Ballentine, stating that Bro. Stenson [Stevenson] was appointed to take charge of our company.



E. Stenson [Stevenson] then chose myself and Brother [James M.] Barlow to be his counselors. A man by the name of Wood from Texas got lost from the camp. He was ill with colery. The mules wandered all night with him lying helpless inthe carriage. We are still moving in the midst of death.



On Saturday, June the 30th, this same Wood got out of his carriage just at dusk and unknown to driver and left unaware near the camping place. We soon made a general hunt nearly all night and nearly all the next day but we found him not and with much sorrow pursued our journey without him.



Sunday, July 1st—the camp is in better health.



Sunday, July 8th, we got to Ft. Carney [Kearney] all in good health and spirits except a little difficulty between Brothers Middlemuss [Earl Middlemass] and Right [Thomas H. Wright] which we took into council and strove to settle.



Monday, 9th, we camp up the first camp under the care of Capt. Hincey. Found them all in good health and spirits. We held a council with them:



Elder Conud read some instruction from Erastus Snow—undecided to travel on the next day, and went accordingly.



Sunday, 15th, we got to the Cottonwood springs, about 80 miles from Carney [Kearney], all in good health. But still we persue our journey.



On Monday and Tuesday and Wensday we were detained on account of Bro. Stenson’s [Stevenson] having to go back some six miles for his coat. ..During this time. Brothers L. Blair and T. Geer being wagon master concluded to stay all day. This gave some dissatisfaction in the camp. In the evening Bro. Stenson and Myself held a private council and determined to set all right before we left. We then called a council meeting of the whole camp and we both spoke to the Saints and soon got a good spirit and in the evening we held a testamony meeting. Felt well.



Friday we crost the south fork of the Platt[e], had no bad luck.



Saturday we got to U.S.A. hollow, here we stayed until Sunday, 25, shoeing oxen, holding meeting, and fixing to go.



Monday, Tuesday, Wensday, and Thursday—the road is very sandy—teams failing.



Sunday, 29th, traveled 8 miles then camped on a nice place and had a good meeting.



Monday and Tuesday traveled hard, got to Ft. Laram[i]e.



Wednesday past Laram[i]e 10 miles, came to a small trading post. Here we bought 10 yoke of oxen at one hundred dollars, four yoke. This enabled us to go on our way more comfortable.



Sunday, the 5th of August, we are in the Black Hills about 50 miles from Ft. Laram[i]e, here we stay all day. Guarding not well done. E. Stenson [Stevenson], Elder Barlow and myself had a private council, agreed that Elder Mager be released from acting as assistant Sargent, with a vote of thanks, and that Bro. Bancroft take his place. We had a good meeting in the evening, all feel well.



Thursday, 9th, we got over the Black Hills, no wagons broke, one ox sick and left behind.



Friday, 10th we got over the Black Hills all in fine spirits.



Sunday, 12th, we got to the last crossing of the Platt[e].



We crossed and traveled up the river 13 miles. Left the river, camped on a small creek. The feelings of the camp hard towards E. Stenson for bad management, wishes expressed to divide the camp.



Monday, 14th, E. Stenson and myself went and held a private counsel, then called the officers of the camp and had a general counsel. The decision is to go on all together.



Wednesday, 15th, we are on the Sweetwater. This my birthday. I am now 40 years old, and now crossing the plains for the fifth time.



Sunday, 19th, we are laying by for the day. This week the feelings of the camp are all confusion and they have little or no regard for Brother Stenson [Stevenson]. Brother Bancroft feels dissatisfied and desires to be released from the office of assistant sargent; him and the captain had a dispute. Some hard words about fasting. Henry said his health was too pore to fast. Brother Stenson said if he had more faith in his dumplings than he had in his God then he might take them, for, said he, you have got a hard spirit. Henry said he has not, and so forth. Told them that they being the anointed of the Lord should not dispute before the Saints. At 10 a.m. we have a meeting, also in the evening—the feelings of the Saints bad towards Bro. Stenson [Stevenson].



Wednesday camped near the upper crossing of the Sweetwater.



Thursday, 22nd of Aug., we got to the Pacific Springs, Brother Greersten having got there some time before the balance of the company. They camped before Bro. Stenson [Stevenson] came up. This made him mad and he then said the camp should go on a five miles farther. This we done with much hard feeling in the camp against him for his unwise course and rough talk, which causes much unpleasant feelings. Brothers Stenson, Barlow, and myself then went into counsel by ourselves and we praid for power to control the camp and we felt well. We then tried Elder Larmont Bancroft for his rebellion and cut him off from the church.



On Monday, the 27th, we got to Greenriver [Green River].



28th—we held a counsel on other things.



29th—About 30 a.m. Elder Charles Basset came into our camp in good health and spirits. Gave us some good instructions. Report from the Saints in the rear is good. They staid five hours. We gave them food and changed and gave them three fresh mules. I sent some letters and went with them 3 miles on the way.



Sunday, 2nd—Elder Blair came to us from the valley and this morning Elder Stenson [Stevenson] started to the valley. But meeting Bro. Blair he concludes to stay. We are now camped at Ft. Bridger, which is now settled by the Saints. We then pursued our journey and when I got to Bear River I mashed my little finger very bad. Sunday, we are at the Weber. I now leave the Company and start for home in company with Brothers Johnson, Bancroft, and the two Sister Johnsons.



We arrived into the valley on the 10th of September, being 3 years lacking 5 days absent from my family and home. I find them all alive and well and all in fine spirits, and with joy to my soul I feel to thank the Lord for his parental care over me and my family while I was on my mission.

Transcript for Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856, 6-8

Sylvester H. Earl diary, 1852-1856.

William B. Wright collection, 1852-1951

William B. Wright collection, 1852-1951.

Transcript for William B. Wright collection, 1852-1951

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/chd/landing

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Kornwestheim, Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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released

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He was called on a mission to preach the gospel and assist Joseph Smith's presidential campaign in Ohio.

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Mary Ann Riser

Sophia Christianna Kull

Joseph Hyrum Riser

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He was transferred to the British Mission due to persecution.

Great Salt Lake City, Great Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States

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He was called as president of the German Mission.

He was appointed president of the German Mission to replace Daniel Garn. He was not able to depart from Europe until 3 February 1855.

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Salt Lake City, Salt Lake, Utah Territory, United States

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George Christian Riser

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