Rulon Timpson Jeffs, also known as Uncle Rulon, was an American polygamist and religious leader. He served as the president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS Church) from 1986 until he died in 2002. The FLDS Church is a Mormon fundamentalist organization based in Colorado City, Arizona, United States. Rulon was the father of Warren Jeffs, who later became the leader of the FLDS Church and was convicted of felony charges.
Rulon Timpson Jeffs Biography
Full Name | Rulon Timpson Jeffs |
Date of Birth | December 6, 1909 |
Birth Place | Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S |
Died | September 8, 2002 (Age 92) |
Wifes | Rebecca Musser (total 65) |
Father | David William Ward Jeffs |
Mother | Nettie Lenora Timpson |
Children | Warren Jeffs, Seth Jeffs, Nephi Jeffs & Lyle Jeffs (65) |
Nationality | United States |
Education | LDS High School |
Profession | President of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints |
Early Life and Family Background
Rulon Jeffs was born on December 6, 1909, in Salt Lake City, Utah. His father, David William Ward Jeffs, was a first-generation Mormon fundamentalist, and his mother, Nettie Lenora Timpson, was one of his father’s plural wives.
Involvement with the LDS Church
Rulon was raised as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and served as a missionary in the British mission from 1930 to 1932.
Introduction to Mormon Fundamentalism
It wasn’t until 1938, at his father’s birthday dinner, that Rulon was introduced to the teachings of Mormon fundamentalism. He embraced this message after meeting Joseph W. Musser and John Y. Barlow.
Polygamy and First Marriage
In 1940, Rulon took a plural wife in secret, which led to his divorce from his first wife, Zola Brown, who was the daughter of an LDS Church apostle.
Leadership within the Fundamentalist Community
In 1945, Rulon was ordained as a high priest apostle by John Y. Barlow. He was also mentored by Leroy S. Johnson, who compared their relationship to that of Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball. After Johnson’s death in 1986, Jeffs assumed leadership of the group.
Family and Polygamous Marriages
At the time of his death at the age of 92, Rulon was reported to have had 65 wives and 65 children. However, other sources suggest that he may have had around 60 wives and 60 children, including 33 sons.
Controversy and Underage Wives
According to author Jon Krakauer, several of Rulon Jeffs’ wives were underage, with some as young as 14 at the time of marriage.
Succession and Warren Jeffs’ Leadership
After Rulon’s death, his son Warren Jeffs took over as leader of the FLDS Church and married all but two of his father’s widows, solidifying his position in the community.