Who was Samuel Brannan?
Q: Who was Samuel Brannan?
A: Samuel Brannan was an American businessman and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Q: What did he do that made him famous?
A: He is famous for being the first person to tell everyone about the gold in California during the California Gold Rush, as well as being the first person millionaire of the Gold Rush.
Q: Where did he move to?
A: He moved to Yerba Buena, a place in northern California.
Q: What was his newspaper called?
A: His newspaper was called The California Star. Later it changed its name to The Daily Alta California when it was sold to a friend.
Q: Why did he go to Green River, Wyoming?
A: He went there to meet with Brigham Young, who was leading a group of Mormons to the Great Basin area. He wanted Young to bring them all back with him to California but Young decided they should stay in Utah instead.
Q: How were Mormons paying tithes at this time?
A: At this time, since Brannan was the only church leader in California, Mormons were paying their tithes (a small part of their money) directly to him. However, there is no record of him sending this money on to his church leaders in Utah so it's possible that he kept it for himself instead.
Q: What happened after many members stopped paying tithes and moved away from where Brannan lived?
A: After many members stopped paying tithes and moved away from where Brannan lived, most other Mormons ended up settling in Salt Lake valley instead.
