New Portage, Ohio

Settled by 1815. Population severely diminished by epidemic, possibly typhus, in late 1820s. Latter-day Saint missionaries visited and preached at many meetings in town, by 1831. Large branch of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized, early 1830s. JS attended several church conferences in town, 1834–1835. Participants traveling with JS in Camp of Israel initially gathered in area, May 1834. While fleeing Kirtland for Far West, Missouri, JS traveled first to New Portage and then continued on with immediate family, Jan. 1838. Other Saints, including members of JS’s extended family, also sought refuge here en route to Missouri, 1838.