Died, in this city, of a fever, on Monday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., Joseph Albert Stratton, son of Calvin and Gabrela Stratton, born in Bedford co. Tennessee, Sept. 11, 1821.
He has left a wife, two brothers, a numerous circle of friends and a whole people to mourn his absence.
He was baptized by elder Wm. Alred, about the 14th of Feb. 1840 in the waters of Kizers creek, Pike co., Ills., and confirmed a member of the church of J.C. of L.D.S.
About the 15th of April, 1842, he was ordained an elder by Bro. Baker, president of the elders quorum.
His first mission was performed by working on the temple as appointed by Prest. Joseph Smith.
He afterwards filled a mission with good success in Pennsylvania and several of the eastern states, as appears from his journal.
On the 17th of May, 1844, he was ordained to the high priesthood by Prests. B. Young, H.C. Kimball and W. Richards, and licensed same date, as recorded in record of licenses, book A, p. 126.
After this he filled a mission to England of near two years, magnifying his calling and returning with honor.
He was next appointed to preside over a numerous branch of the church in St. Louis, Mo., which he filled with diligence and in a faithful manner for near 10 months. After this he was found among the camp of the saints who first settled in this valley, and was the counselor to the bishop of the 14 ward at the time of his death.
Elder Stratton’s last mission was to search out the best road to Zion, and lead the saints therein during the fall of 1850.
His exposures, during his last mission, amid the frosts and chilling blasts of the mountains probably tended to fasten disease upon his system, and thus he has endured to the end; spent the vigor of life and the strength of manhood in the service of his God; and, at last laid down his life for his brethren.
In his sickness he suffered much, begged often to be suffered to depart, and died with an assurance of eternal life and usefulness in his masters employ.
Thus another of the latter day priesthood has joined his brethren behind the veil, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, to preach deliverance to the captive, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.
P.P. Pratt
Nov. 2, 1850.
[Deseret News, Nov. 2, 1850]
[transcribed by David Grow, Sept. 2006]