Alma Dayer LeBaron, Sr.

Alma Dayer LeBaron Sr. (March 15, 1886 – 1951) was a Mormon fundamentalist who was the father of a number of leaders and church founders in Mormon fundamentalism. LeBaron was generally known as Dayer LeBaron and was the grandson of Benjamin F. Johnson, who was a confidential secretary and part-time business partner to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. LeBaron was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) until he was excommunicated on February 17, 1924, for practicing plural marriage. LeBaron made a written request for permission to return to the church on March 24, 1934, but he died in 1951 without being readmitted to the LDS Church. LeBaron's childhood was spent in Mesa, Arizona, living not far from his grandfather Benjamin F. Johnson. He later moved to Colonia Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, to continue his education, and there met his first wife, Barbara Baily. Married in 1904, they had one son. However, LeBaron's religious beliefs soon alienated his wife who left him, taking their child and moving to Salt Lake City to be with her mother.