Brigham Young Takes Underhanded Advantage
Family story about Brigham taking advantage of a grandmother
A family story passed down by my Aunt Tense Simister Archbold Bullock.
My aunt Tense was not a member of the LDS Church, but was very sensitive about telling certain bits of history to family members who were Mormons. Many of these stories revealed the blacker side of Mormonism.
As is very common, non-Mormons tip-toe softly around Mormons. They don't want to raise their ire. The Mormon mind set is that they have been a persecuted lot. One does not want to contribute to their claim of persecution.
At 331 East on South Temple Street in Salt Lake City stands the beautiful "Cathedral of the Madeleine." It is an architectural achievement that commands distinct attention -- one of the "must see" sites for anyone visiting Salt Lake City. Where this cathedral now stands was land once owned by one of my early 1847 pioneer ancestors, - great grandmother Susan Crandall.
So, how does this story unfold. My early ancestor was assigned to move to Payson, Utah. It was here that she was approached by the Catholic Church. All Mormons feel commanded do make no decisions on their own without first consulting with their Mormon Church leader - namely Brigham Young.
This she did.
When she talked with Brigham Young, he said, "Sister, you have done the right thing. It is best you don't sell your property to them. But, tell you what, ... you sell that property to me and I'll give you twice the price they will give you."
This she did, turning over the property to Brigham Young.
It was but a short time later, that Brigham took her property and sold it, himself, to the Catholic Church at a much larger price than he had given her for her property.
We'll let you be the judge as to how moral and proper this "church business deal" was.
The tape recording made by my Aunt Tense relating this story, was made in 1966.
MP3 Audio recording in Tense Simister's own words (1.9MB)
Tense Simister Archbold Bullock
Page Modified kDecember 26, 2008