Research for the new book about Strang

Started to research for The Prophet, a book about James J. Strang, the “King” of Michigan. Strang was a Mormon who discovered some ancient writings ala Joseph Smith. He allegedly was named the new chief prophet of the Mormon church by Smith before Smith was murdered, and let the Mormons know about it after the death of Smith. As we know, Brigham Young was the man who led the LDS believers to Utah, and the church grew from there. Strang continued to gain some followers, however. Strang was murdered by some of his followers on Beaver Island where he had a colony of believers that he transported by boat from Voree, WI, near Racine.
I have a background in Social Psychology and plan to use this knowledge when I write the book. Not sure how yet, but I’m leaning toward Festinger’s cognitive dissonence and Weber’s theories on religion.