Rare photograph donated to BYU
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PROVO, Utah — A rare, original photograph of Latter-day Saint prophet Brigham Young has been donated to the L. Tom Perry Special Collections at BYU's Harold B. Lee Library. It is the oldest original photograph of the prophet BYU has in its possession, believed taken in 1854.
The "daguerreotype" was donated by Utah residents Mark and Suzanne Richards last December. Mark's grandfather, Preston Nibley, served as an official Church historian from the mid-1940s through the early 1960s and wrote the book "Brigham Young — The Man and His Work," published in 1936.
When researching the book, Brother Nibley became acquainted with several of Brigham Young's descendants, including his daughter Clarissa Young Spencer. Mrs. Spencer presented Brother Nibley with a few of her father's personal possessions, including a handkerchief with "Prest. B. Young" printed on one corner, a metal spoon with the initials "BY" on its handle and the daguerreotype.
Mark Richards says the items were kept in his family, transferred from his grandparents to his parents and then to him. Recognizing its significant historical value and the necessity of preserving it using the best means possible, Mark and Suzanne donated the daguerreotype to Special Collections.
"I feel that it is appropriate that the daguerreotype of Brigham Young should go to the university that bears his name," he said.
