David O. (David Oman) McKay

Born in Huntsville, Utah Territory, in 1873, David Oman McKay grew up in a Latter-day Saint family and went on to study at the University of Utah. Before becoming widely known as a church leader, he worked in education and served as principal of Weber State Academy, experiences that helped form his lifelong interest in teaching and character development.

McKay served as a missionary in Scotland in the late 1890s and later became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 1951 he became the ninth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a role he held until his death in 1970. During those years he became one of the most recognizable leaders in the church's history.

He is often remembered for emphasizing home, moral living, and education, as well as for encouraging the church's growth as an international faith. For readers interested in religious history, his life offers a window into major changes in twentieth-century Mormonism and the public leadership of the LDS Church.