Meet President Joseph Henry Stimpson

Andrew Jenson, Vol. 4, p.71-72, 436

Biographical Account Taken From the LDS Biographical Encyclopedia written by A. Jenson,

 Church Historian in the Years 1917-29, Provided by D. Staples, Kansai Branch, Japan.

Stimpson, Joseph Henry, clerk of the Weber Stake, president of the Japan Mission, etc., was born June 12, 1885, at Riverdale, Weber Co., Utah, the son of William Stimpson and Ann Mary Christensen. He was baptized on his eighth birthday anniversary (June 12, 1893) by his father who also confirmed him a member of the Church on the same day, and ordained him a Deacon June 20, 1897, and an Elder February 7, 1904. After attending the grade schools, he entered the Weber Stake Academy in 1899 and in 1903 graduated from the Normal Course in that institution, but continued another year taking a special course in language, history and mathematics, during which time he was editor-in-chief of the "Acorn," the school publication. During the winters of 1904-1905 and 1905-1906 he taught school in Ogden city. On November 23, 1906, he left his home in response to a call to fill a mission in Japan. He labored in the Kofu Conference and taught English six hours per week at the Kofu Commercial School for three seasons. After returning home in July, 1912, he was employed in the clothing department of W. S. Wright and Sons Company of Ogden. During this time he acted as ward clerk of the Riverdale Ward; previously he had been very active in Sunday School work, serving as superintendent of the Riverdale Ward Sunday school for some time.On Oct. 21, 1914, he married Mary Emeline Allen, daughter of William Allen and Polly Child (born at Riverdale, Utah, March 11, 1894), who four months later accompanied him to Japan.

On Oct. 27, 1914, Elder Stimpson was ordained a High Priest by Pres.[p.72] Lewis W. Shurtliff and set apart as an alternate member of the Weber Stake High Council, but was later released being again called on a mission to Japan. On Feb. 15, 1915, he was set apart by Pres. Joseph F. Smith to succeed Elder R. Grant Ivins as president of the Japan Mission. While on this mission three children were born to Bro. Stimpson and his wife, namely Joseph Allen (b. Aug. 13, 1915), William Eldon (b. Nov. 6, 1917) and Inex Ei (b. June 11, 1919). While Bro Stimpson was presiding over this mission Apostle David O. McKay and Elder Hugh J. Cannon visited Japan on their trip around the world. Re turning home in 1921, Elder Stimpson acted as a member of the superintendency of the Riverdale Sunday school until June, 1922, when the Weber Stake was divided and Elder Stimpson appointed clerk of the Weber Stake.

Bro. Stimpson's wife, Sister Mary E. Allen Stimpson, is also an active Church worker, having served as assistant secretary and teacher in Sunday school, teacher in Relief Society, ward organist, etc, and is at present a member of the Weber Stake Primary Board. After her return from Japan three more children were born, namely, Mary Ai (b. June 21, 1921), and Edward and Ellen (who both died in infancy). Bro. Stimpson is employed as bookkeeper for the Consultor Cigar Company of Ogden, a position which he has held for twelve years.

Stimpson, Joseph Henry, president of the Japan Mission from 1915 to 1921, was born June 12, 1885, in Riverdale, Weber Co., Utah, a son of William Stimpson, jun., and Ann Mary Christensen. He was baptized June 12, 1893, filled a mission to Japan in 1906-1912, and was called to fill a second mission to that country, being set apart as president of the mission Feb. 15, 1915. He labored in that capacity from July 24, 1915, to Feb. 18, 1921.

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