Brief Life Sketch

Amasa is Willis’ grandfather and Angie’s great-grandfather.

Amasa Mason Lyman, born March 30, 1813, in Grafton County, New Hampshire, faced early hardships after his father’s death, leading to his upbringing by his grandparents. Known as an honest and peace-loving boy, he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1832 at age 19, embarking on a life of devoted service. Over his lifetime, he served 15 missions, earning a reputation as a powerful preacher and steadfast Church leader, contributing significantly to the faith’s early growth.

Amasa married Louisa Maria Tanner, who supported his practice of plural marriage, through which he wed seven additional faithful women in line with Church teachings at the time. He played pivotal roles in constructing the Kirtland and Nauvoo temples, guiding the Saints west during the Mormon Exodus to Utah, and establishing settlements in Utah and California, notably San Bernardino. Despite enduring poverty, mob persecution, and imprisonment alongside Joseph Smith, Amasa served as an apostle, undertaking arduous assignments across continents with unwavering commitment to the gospel.

Late in life, Amasa adopted divergent teachings, leading to his excommunication in 1870. Though weakened in body and spirit, he remained devoted to his family and the Church, encouraging his children to stay faithful. He died on February 4, 1877, and was posthumously reinstated to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1988. Amasa’s life is remembered for its profound faith, relentless service, and enduring love for truth and family, despite the challenges he faced.