Home >
First federal prosin Utah Brigham Young would be next...
First federal prosin Utah Brigham Young would be next...
Item # 699256
October 29, 1871
NEW YORK TIMES, October 29, 1871
* Thomas Hawkins guilty of polygamy
* 1st federal prosecution in Utah for this crime
* Warrant for the arrest of Brigham Young
* Mormons - Mormonism & the U.S. government
Page 5 has a very significant report on Mormon history. The article is headed: "Mormon Difficulties" with subheads: "Sentence of Hawkins for Polygamy--Arrest of Several of the Elders for Murder--Warrants Issued for the Arrest of Brigham Young for the Same Cause".
This was Thomas Hawkins, the polygamist, his being the very first case of federal prosecution for polygamy in Utah Territory. Much of the article is taken up with the talk of Chief Justice McKean to Hawkins. It includes: "Thomas Hawkins, I am sorry for you--very sorry; you may not think so now, but I shall try to make you think so by the mercy which II shall show you...At length, however, the evil spirit of polygamy tempted and possessed you; then happiness departed from your household; and now obey the complaint of your faithful wife & the verdict of a law-abiding jury. You stand at this bar a convicted criminal..." with more, including: "...The judgment of the Court is that you be fined $500 and that you be imprisoned at hard labor for the term of three years."
This case set a precedent and just days later Mormon prophet Brigham Young was indicted under a similar process for similar charges.
The article continues noting in part: "Contrary to all expectations, there was little or no excitement in the court room...A warrant was out for the arrest of Orson Hyde, one of the twelve apostles...but he eluded the deputies who were sent to arrest him...Warrants are out for the arrest of Brigham Young and his son Joseph on a charge of murder, in having ordered the killing of Richard Yates The indictments on all these murder cases are understood to be founded upon the testimony of Bill Hickman, who was once what is termed by the Gentiles a "Danite" or secret agent of the Mormon authorities."
Eight pages very nice condition.
Category: Post-Civil War
Add to Cart
