Stratton, Joseph Albert

11 Sept. 1821–30 Oct. 1850. Born in Bedford Co., Tennessee. Son of Calvin Stratton and Gabrela. Baptized into Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by William Allred, ca. 14 Feb. 1840, in Kiser Creek, Pike Co., Illinois. Member of branch in Pleasant Vale, Pike Co., by 2 Jan. 1841. Moved to Nauvoo, Hancock Co., Illinois, after 2 Oct. 1841. Appointed by JS to work on Nauvoo temple. Ordained an elder by Jesse Baker, ca. 15 Apr. 1842. Began serving mission to eastern states, 4 Sept. 1842. Ordained a high priest by Brigham Young, 17 May 1844. Served mission to England, 1844–1846. Presided over St. Louis branch, Apr. 1846–6 Feb. 1847. Married Mary Ann Covington Sheffield, 17 Dec. 1846, in St. Louis. Left Elkhorn River, twenty-seven miles west of Winter Quarters, unorganized U.S. territory (later in Omaha, Douglas Co., Nebraska), in Daniel Spencer/Perrigrine Sessions pioneer company, 18 June 1847; arrived in Salt Lake Valley, 24 Sept. 1847. Appointed first counselor to bishop of Salt Lake Sixth Ward, 1849. Led group of church members to Utah Territory, fall 1850. Appointed counselor to bishop of Salt Lake Fourteenth Ward, 1850. Died in Salt Lake City.