Seymour Brunson

Seymour Brunson (September 18, 1799 – August 10, 1840) was an early convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is most noted since it was at a speech given at his funeral that Joseph Smith first presented the doctrine of Baptism for the Dead.

Brunson was born on September 18, 1799, in Virginia. His parents were Reuben and Salley Clark Brunson. In 1813, at the age of 14, he enlisted in the United States military as a 16-year-old and served during the War of 1812.

In 1823, Brunson married Harriet Matilda Gould. They eventually had seven children.

Brunson was baptized a member of Church of Christ in January 1831 in Strongsville, Ohio. and as a lieutenant colonel in the Hancock County Militia. He also served as one of Joseph Smith's bodyguards.

He died on August 10, 1840.