Edward H. Anderson

Who was Edward H. Anderson?

Edward Henry Anderson was a Latter Day Saint missionary, leader, writer and editor.

Anderson is the author of the biography The Life of Brigham Young. The book is an account written sixteen years following Brigham Young's death in 1877. In this volume, Young's activities during his early years in Mormonism are discussed; his close relationship with Joseph Smith, Jr.; and the rise of his leadership following Smith's death.

Anderson was born in Billeberga, Sweden. His family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was young and they came to Utah Territory in 1864 in William B. Preston's Mormon pioneer company.

In 1869, Anderson was baptized a member of the LDS Church. He lived in Millcreek, Farmington and Huntsville, Utah in these early years. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1877 and then became a teacher in Weber County, Utah. In 1881, he married Jane Ballantyne, a daughter of Richard Ballantyne, the founder of the LDS Church's Sunday School movement.

In about 1880, Anderson entered the newspaper business in Ogden, Utah. He later served on the staff of The Contributor.