[1][2] Post converted to Joseph Smith's Church of the Latter Day Saints in Pennsylvania in 1835, and obtained his license to preach in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1836, becoming a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy.

"[4] After Smith's martyrdom in 1844 precipitated a succession crisis in the church, Post initially demurred from affiliating with any of the resulting sects, instead continuing to preach as an independent believer.

[5] In January 1856, Post wrote to Sidney Rigdon, Smith's former counselor, about the disordered state of Mormonism.

In March, Rigdon responded to Post's letter with a revelation commanding him to assist in reestablishing the Rigdonite organization.

[8] After Rigdon's death in July 1876, Post succeeded him as leader of the church, but died three years later after an extended illness.