Rulon Jeffs, 92; Led Breakaway Polygamist Mormon Sect of 10,000
Rulon T. Jeffs, 92, the reclusive leader of one of the largest polygamist sects in North America, died of natural causes Sunday at a hospital in St. George, Utah.
Jeffs was president of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a breakaway Mormon sect that still practices polygamy more than a century after it was banned by the mainstream Mormon Church.
Jeffs, a retired accountant, was reported to have 19 to 75 wives and dozens of children.
Considered a prophet by members, Jeffs led a church whose membership is estimated at 10,000. Most live in the twin border communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Ariz.
Born in Salt Lake City, Jeffs graduated from LDS Business College. He became affiliated with the FLDS church in the late 1930s, and was appointed a member of its priesthood council in the ‘40s.
Jeffs was appointed president of the FLDS church in 1986.
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