Algernon Sidney Gilbert, went by Sidney Gilbert in the Doctrine and Covenants.
Sidney grew up in Huntington Connecticut. It is believed that he was college educated in the East.
He moved to Painesville, Ohio where he owned a small store.
Around 1827 Sidney and Newel K. Whitney had entered into a mercantile partnership and opened a store named N.K. Whitney and company in Kirtland, Ohio.
Both men became members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1830.
Sidney is the uncle to Mary Elizabeth Rollings and became her caregiver after her father died.
Sidney made a huge contribution to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, one of his biggest contributions were the handwritten copies of sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.
At one point the Lord rebuked Sidney in Doctrine and Covenants 90:35, saying “I am not well pleased with my servant. . . Sidney Gilbert. Even though Sidney was rebuked by the Lord and other men in the church he still remained faithful, which would be a hard thing to do.
During the mob violence in Independence, the brick portion of Sidney’s home was demolished and the windows were broken. Sidney’s store was broken into, the doors of the Gilbert and Whitney store were spilt open and goods were tossed into the street.
Sidney was arrested and imprisoned on fake charges of assault in Independence Missouri.
Sidney opened his home and land to the men of Zions camp. Not long after the arrival of the men of Zions camp thirteen men and one women died from Cholera. Five of the deaths occurred at Sidney’s home.
Sidney died from cholera on 29 of June 1834.
Sidney only lived four years after his baptism into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Other Blog Post:
Get to know Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner
Saints to gather in Kirtland, Ohio
Places to Visit:
Historic Kirtland
Independence Missouri
References:
“Who’s Who in the Doctrine and Covenants” by Susan Easton Black (p. 102-104)