Beaver Island was once the home of the Mormons. This island is the
largest in the group of islands in lake Michigan, containing about
fifteen thousand acres of land.
To many who may read these pages it may seem like a fairy tale to know
that a kingdom ever existed within the borders of the United States. A
kingdom has existed, and that little kingdom was on Beaver Island, now
commonly known as St. James, being named in honor of him who made
himself a king. James Jesse Strang was born and educated in New York
State, graduated from the Fredonia Academy of the same state. He studied
law and was classed among the brilliant lawyers of his day. In his eight
years rule on Beaver Island he was twice elected to the State
Legislature of Michigan. His speeches were considered among the most
brilliant delivered in the halls of Lansing, the State Capitol. He spoke
with ease, his manner was winning, he aimed to be a leader. Strang was
living at Voree, Wis., at the time of Joseph Smith's death at Nauvoo,
Ill. Having joined the Mormon Church he now claimed to have "Divine
Revelations" from God that he was chosen to fill Joseph Smith's place to
lead the people left without a leader. After a hard struggle which he
made for the leadership, Brigham Young was chosen as Smith's successor.