James Jesse Strang
The Clarke Historical Library holds various items relating to the life of James Jesse Strang. Strang was the founder and leader of the Church of Jesus Christ, or as they are better known, the Strangites His followers believed that Strang, rather than Brigham Young, was chosen by god to head the Mormon Church. While Young led most Mormons westward to Utah, Strang and his followers first settled in Wisconsin and then moved to Beaver Island. On Beaver Island, Strang came into conflict both with the Irish fishermen living on the island and various state and county officials. There, Strang declared himself a king in 1850.
The Clarke Historical Library's collection of Strangite Mormon material includes a rare photograph of Strang as well as several Strangite Mormon publications printed on Beaver Island, including the issue of the Daily Northern Islander reports of Strang's shooting; the wounds inflicted upon him leading to his death a few days later. Also held at the Clarke is a collection of letters and diaries written by Strang and some of his followers.