George Teasdale was born in London, England on 8 December 1831, William Russell Teasdale and Harriet Henrietta Tidey. In 1851 he was introduced to the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), and baptized in 1852. He spent many of the years following his baptism preaching and spreading the gospel. While preaching he met Emily Emma Brown and they were married in 1853. He served missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1857-1861, 1868-1869, 1875-1876, 1883, 1886-1890 in various capacities. In 1861 he moved with his wife to Salt Lake City, Utah. There he found employment working for President Brigham Young's merchandise store. He ran the General Tithing Store in 1867 until being appointed for another mission in 1868. When he returned to Salt Lake he worked for Zion's Cooperative Mercantile Incorporated (ZCMI) and worked for them until his mission in 1875. Upon return, he resumed work at Z.C.M.I. He served in two sessions of the Utah State Legislature (1880, 1882) and in 1882 was called to be an Apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After this call he served his last mission in Europe, visiting the countries of Germany, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and in the British Isles. He then wrote two tracts, "Glad Tidings of Great Joy" and "The Restoration of the Everlasting Gospel," which were distributed by the thousands by missionaries. He served on the Deseret Sunday School Union Board and encouraged children to do well and live morally. He served in his position as Apostle until his death on June 20, 1907.
He also spent time in the Southern States and Mexico while on missions. He lived a polygamous lifestyle, as was encouraged by leaders at the time of his arrival in Salt Lake City, Utah.
From the guide to the George Teasdale photograph collection, 1871-1928, (J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah)
