He accompanied Zion's Camp in 1834. Perhaps because of his faithfulness in answering this call, he was ordained one of the seven Presidents of First Quorum of Seventy under the hands of the Prophet, and later Joseph became the senior or seventh president.
Elder Young served a mission to New York, then, returning to Kirtland, he participated in dedication of Kirtland Temple. After having received his blessings in the Temple at Kirtland, he accompanied his brother Brigham to the East. This mission occupied several months, and subsequently many of their relatives and friends came into the Church.
He arrived at Haun's Mill and just two days later he witnessed Haun's Mill Massacre.
He became a member of Council of Fifty, then went on a mission to Ohio to campaign for Joseph Smith as president of United States until he found the Prophet had been martyred.
A polygamist, he encountered the continueing persecutions and he fled with the rest of the Saints eventually settling in Salt Lake City.
He served a final mission to the British Isles 1870. "Uncle Joseph," as he was familiarly called, died as he quietly fell asleep, and his last days were devoid of pain.
