Jacob Spori (March 26, 1847 – September 27, 1903)[1] was the first principal of the Bannock Stake Academy, an institution that would eventually becomeBrigham Young University–Idaho.
A native ofSwitzerland, Spori was a high school principal and government officer in that country. He was also elected to the Reformed Church's Synod Council. However, he resigned his seat due to disagreements with the leaders of that church. In 1877, he joinedthe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). In 1879 he emigrated toUtah Territory. His wife, Magdalena Roschi, and children stayed in Switzerland because they had not joined the LDS Church. In 1884 Spori, returned to Switzerland as amissionary for the LDS Church. He baptized his wife. One week later, he set off to preach in theOttoman Empire. While there he baptizedMischa Markow. In 1886, he performed the first-everLatter-day Saint baptism inPalestine.[citation needed]
In 1888, Spori was released from his mission. He went to Switzerland and gathered his family. After arriving in the United States, they settled inRexburg, Idaho. It was here that Spori served as principal of the school that eventually became Ricks College and later Brigham Young University—Idaho.
Spori was a highly educated man who had degrees in "mathematics, arts and music, and metallurgy.".[2] He was a friend ofKarl G. Maeser who instructed him on the desired set up for the new school in Rexburg.
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| First | Principal ofBannock Stake Academy (now calledBrigham Young University–Idaho) November 12, 1888 – 1891 | Succeeded by |
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