Jehu and Elias Cox at the transfiguration of Brigham Young

According to his son Albey, Elias reported that on one occasion as a young child he sat on Joseph Smith's knee and talked to the prophet. After the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and during the height of the Illinois persecution, the family moved into Nauvoo during the winter of1845-1846. Here on February 2, 1846, Jehu and Sarah were endowed in the Nauvoo Temple. It was also reported that Elias Cox and probably other members of the family attended the meeting at which Brigham Young was recognized as the rightful head of the Church despite the claims of Sidney Rigdon. Elias reports that he said to his father while they were at the meeting, "Brother Joseph's come back." His father explained the transfiguration to him. According to those present, Presidents Young's voice and mantle were transfigured into those of Joseph Smith and the people who saw and heard him knew he was to be their leader.