John Milton Bernhisel

Biography

John Milton Bernhisel, a prominent leader of Utah Territory, served for decades as its delegate to Congress, tirelessly advocating for understanding between the Latter-day Saint community and the federal government. His legal training and calm demeanor helped to present the concerns of pioneers with dignity and clarity in Washington.

Throughout his life he remained rooted in Salt Lake City, shepherding the growth of its institutions and mentoring younger statesmen, and when he died in 1881 he was interred at Salt Lake City Cemetery as a symbol of the territory's long journey toward statehood.