Jewish heritage
Alexander Neibaur (1808-1876) was born in Ehrenbriesten, France (now Germany). He was born into a high class Jewish home - his father, Nathan Neibaur, was a physician, surgeon and linguist. Nathan and his wife Rebecca had hoped their son would become a Rabbi, but when Alexander turned 17 he chose to become a surgeon and dentist. After graduating from the University of Berlin (1823-1826), he converted to Christianity and moved to Preston where he met Preston-born Ellen Breakel (daughter of Richard and Alice Bannister Breakel both born in Longton, Lancashire). On 15 September 1834 Alexander and Ellen married and settled in Old Cock Yard.
Old Cock Yard, Preston
Dreamer of Golden Bibles and Angels
It was in this home that Alexander had a dream about a golden bible and an angel. The meaning of the dream eluded him, but one day he heard Ellen talking to a neighbour about some American missionaries preaching about angels and a new bible. Alexander felt sure this was the answer to his unusual dream and tracked the Elders down. He found they were missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed Mormons or LDS) who had arrived in Britain in July 1837. The interpretation of Alexander's dream soon became clear, and he was baptised in the River Ribble on April 9, 1838 by Isaac Russell, one of the Mormon missionaries. Alexander was probably the first Jew to become a member of the restored gospel. Ellen also joined after she had a dream. They emigrated from Liverpool to Nauvoo, Illinois on 7 February 1841 on board the ship Sheffield along with their three children (age 6, 5 and 2) and another due in May.
Nauvoo was the main home of the Mormon church prior to their trek west to Utah.
Dentist to the Prophets
Alexander’s dentistry skills were in great demand in Nauvoo where he advertised his practice in the Times and Season (the Nauvoo newspaper):
Alexander Neibaur - Surgeon Dentist
From Berlin, in Prussia, late of Liverpool and Preston, England
Most respectfully announces to the ladies and gentlemen and the citizens of Nauvoo as also of Hancock county, in general, that he has permanently established himself in the city of Nauvoo, as a dentist, where he may be consulted, daily , in all branches connected with his profession, Teeth cleaned, plugged, filed, the Scurva effectually cured, children’s teeth regulated, natural or artificial teeth from a single tooth to a whole set inserted on the most approved principle Mr. N. having had an extensive practice both on the continent of Europe, as also in England, for the last 15 years, he hopes to give general satisfaction to all those who will honor him with their patronage.
Mr. B. Young having known Mr. N. (in England) has kindly consented to offer me his house to meet those ladies and gentlemen who wish to consult me. Hours of attendance form 10 o’clock in the morning, to 6 at evening. My own residence is opposite Mr. Tidwell, the cooper, near the water. Ladies and gentlemen attended at their own residence, if requested.
Charges strictly moderate. August 2, 1841 - Times and Seasons Vol. 2, p. 502 Also in: August 16, p. 513, September 1, p. 534; September 15, p. 550; October 1, p. 566;You will note in the above ad that he set up his dentistry practise in Brigham Young’s Nauvoo home. Brigham and Alexander had met in Britain in 1840 when Brigham was also serving a mission to England, and worked on the streets of Preston. Alexander went on to become the dentist to Brigham’s family and many other well known church leaders… including Joseph Smith the original Mormon prophet. Joseph Smith had been attacked at the Johnson farm near Kirtland, Ohio, and a mob attempted to make him swallow poison and cracked his tooth in the process. Thereafter Joseph had a slight whistle when he spoke. Alexander, as Surgeon Dentist, worked on Joseph’s teeth and tried to correct that whistle.
Tutor of the Prophet
Alexander had knowledge of seven languages, namely English, French, German, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Spanish. While in Nauvoo he tutored the Prophet Joseph Smith in both German and Hebrew.
“Joseph the Prophet stayed at home to recite German with Brother Neibaur” Church History - July 18, 1843.He also holds the distinction of being the author of one of the few journal accounts of the First Vision which recounts Joseph Smith's divine instruction to 'restore' the Saviour's church. The Neibaurs were in Nauvoo when Joseph and and his brother Hyrum were murdered and became actively involved in the defense of Nauvoo and the resulting exodus to Salt Lake.
Descendants
Alexander and Ellen had 14 children. Joseph (1835), Margaret (1836), Samuel (1838), and Isaac (1839) were all born in Preston. Alice (1841), Bertha (1842), Hyrum (1844), and Leach (1846) were all born in Nauvoo. Rachel (1847) was born and died in Winter Quarters, Nebraska. The last five children, Sarah (1849), Rebecca (1851), Mary (1852), Matilda (1854) and Nathan (1855), were all born in Salt Lake City. Samuel, Rachel and Mary all died as children, but the remaining eleven lived to ages between 40 and 96.
Alexander died in Salt Lake City on December15, 1883 aged 75.
Today thousands of shoppers pass by the opening of Old Cock Yard without so much as a glance into its dark, dingy and dank interior. Little do they know that here once lived a man of dreams, a Jewish linguist, and a dentist of unusual distinction.
Sources
Bassett, Theda Lucille. Writing Between the Lines. Publishers Press, 1997
Davidson, Karen Lynn. Our Latter-day Hymns. Deseret Book, 1988
Garrett, Dean (Ed). Regional Studies in LDS History: Illinois
Givens, George. In Old Nauvoo. Deseret Book, Salt Lake City, 1990
Regional Studies, Ohio, Ogden - The Kirtland Hebrew School, p. 81-82
The Utah Genealogical and Historical magazine, April 1914., pp. 56-6
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