Men in Modern Scripture - Shadrach Roundy

MEN IN MODERN SCRIPTURE

Shadrach Roundy

          In appointing the general officers of the Church after the Prophet Joseph Smith was released from Liberty Jail (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 124), the Lord designated Shadrach Roundy as a counselor to Vinson Knight "to preside over the bishopric." (Vs. 141).
          The Presiding Bishopric, Edward Partridge, had died in 1840, and in the same section, given in January, 1841, at Nauvoo, George Miller was appointed Presiding Bishopric (124:21).  He was sustained at the Oct. 7, 1844 conference of the Church, but was dropped at the conference of April, 1847.
          The appointment of the second bishopric, including Shadrach Roundy, differed from that of the Presiding Bishopric but what it's roll was is not recorded.
          Shadrach remained faithful throughout his life.  He heard of the gospel and in the winter of 1830-31, traveled on horseback from his home in Onondago County, New York, to Fayette, to see the Prophet Joseph.  Following the meeting, Shadrach was baptized.  His wife and 10 children - four sons and siz daughters - also joined the Church.
The Roundys moved to Kirtland, Ohio, and later went to Missouri where they suffered persecution.  In 1840, the family settled in Nauvoo, Shadrack was appointed captain of the police, and in times of danger, acted as a special bodyguard for Joseph Smith.  Sometimes he was on duty for days and nights continuously seeing the the Prophet and his family were protected.
          [Shadrach served as Bishop of the 5th Ward at Winter Quarters.]
          Shadrach and his family traveled west with the Church when it was expelled from Nauvoo.  He was a member of the first Pioneer company into Salt lake Valley, and was a member of the committee organized to see that crops were planted immediately.  Historians differ as to who actually plowed the first furrow, but by noon of July 24, members of the advance party had plowed and planted about five acres of potatoes.  Shadrach Roundy, as a member of the committee, of course, took part.
          Later, he served as a member of the first high council in the Salt Lake Stake.  He was a member of the first high council in the Salt lake Stake. He was a member of the first territorial legislature, and served also as a captain in the "Silver Greys."
          Elder Roundy crossed the plains five times to aid emigrants to the valley.  He settled in the Sixteenth Ward, one of the original 19 wards, and was named bishop in 1849.  He served until 1856, and died in 1872, "atrue and faithful member of the Church."