[Brigham Young Jr.] American mail this morning, first thing noticed in Des[eret] E[vening]. N[ews]. was raid after more property belonging to church & individuals The Temples in S[alt]. L[ake]. C[ity]. Manti & St. George [Utah] are mentioned by US Dis[trict]. Att[orne]y. I was so disturbed when reading of their mean[n]ess that I could scarcely contain my feelings. I would rather fight if it is the Lords will than submit longer to these curses who disgrace the Gov[ernor]. they represent. If it were in my power I would stand by those Temples and kill the first hound from the President of U.S.A. down to the dastardly U.S. Marshals from Franks down to Pratt before they should desecrate those sacred buildings. These were my thoughts until I was worked up to a pitch seldom reached by one of my temper. Suddenly I remembered the Lord was managing this business, and I prayed unto Him in my heart, O Lord give the Government and people of the United States something to chew besides the 562 L[atter]. D[ay]. S[aints].
[Source: Brigham Young Jr. Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]
who Franks? who Pratt?
ReplyDeleteThis could be Marshall Frank H. Dyer, who was central in taking church property. But this may refer to E. A. Franks, a detective who assisted him in these affairs.
ReplyDeleteIn 1902 Marshall Frank "called on the Presidency today and admitted that he was now unable to get a living in this city for the reason that neither Gentile nor Mormon felt friendly enough towards him to give him employment."
Arthur Pratt was an deputy to Marshall Frank Dyer.
Thanks. very helpful clarifying info. on some little known old west lawdogs who were of good moral character.
Deletealternate spelling: lawdawgs.
Deletebetter phrase: impeccable moral character
Delete