History of Salt Lake City, Part 114

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194

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He was elected one of the first high council in the organization of the Great Salt Lake Stake, which existed several years before the incorporation of the city. He was the first justice of the peace that ever acted in Utah. The next year was the great gold emigration to California, when, as the only justice of the peace found between the Missouri River and Salt Lake, he was called upon by the gold-seekers 10 adjudicate in about forty cases, some of which involved thousands of dollars.

In the fall of 1849 he returned east to establish a carrying company with Jede- diah M. Grant, on the Missouri River, twelve miles from Winter Quarters, which, however, was not accomplished, but they established a ferry there and started the largest portion of the emigration of that year. In the spring of 1850 he engaged to bring out two trains of merchandise, one for Colonel John Reese, and conducted one for Livingston & Kinkade-the former by his partner, Jedediah M. Grant, the latter conducted by himself. These were the earliest of the merchant trains that

875

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

supplied the Salt Lake market after the one brought by Livingston & Kinkade the previous year.

After the death of Jedediah M. Grant, the first mayor of Great Salt Lake City, A. O. Smoot, in November 1856, was elected by the city council to take his place, and in February, 1857, he was elected mayor of Great Salt Lake City, by the unanimous vote of the people at their regular election. He went to the States in charge of the mail carried by the Y. X Company, and brought the news of the coming of the Utah Expedition, a full account of which has been given in the History of Salt Lake City. He remained in charge of the city during the Utah war, moved with the people south and located for the time at Salem, where there was feed for his stock. After the conclusion of peace he returned with the people to Great Salt Lake City and resumed his duties as its chief magistrate. He was re- elected mayor in February, 1859, and was by repeated elections continued in office till February, 1866. He was alderman of the Fifth Municipal Ward, four years before being elected mayor. He was also one of the members of the Provisional Government, and after declining the mayorship in 1866 he served twelve years in the Council branch of the Legislature. He went to Provo on the first of February, 1868 and was elected mayor of Provo on the second Monday in February. He served Salt Lake City as mayor for ten years, and has since served Provo for twelve years in the same capacity.

In 1868, Salt Lake merchants held meetings at the City Hall and Z. C. M. I. was established.

In July, 1869, a delegation of eastern merchants arrived in Salt Lake City, and Vice President Colfax and party made their second visit .*

In November and December, the Godbeite Movement was started in the city and for awhile occupied public attention.

The Utah Central Railroad was completed and the last spike driven, in this city, by President Young, January 10, 1870, in the presence of fifteen thousand citizens.+

In the beginning of this year (1870) the Liberal party was organized and the municipal election contested by that party with Henry W. Lawrence as candidate for mayor. The returns of the election gave the following members to the council :}

Mayor -Daniel H. Wells. Aldermen-First Municipal Ward, Issac Groo ; Second, Samuel W. Richards ; Third, A. H, Raleigh ; Fourth, Jeter Clinton ; Fifth, A. C. Pyper. Councilors-Robert T. Burton, Theodore Mckean, Thos. Jenkins, Heber P. Kimball, Henry Grow, John Clark, Thomas McLelland, John R. Winder, Lewis S. Hills. Recorder-Robert Campbell. Treasurer-Paul A. Schettler. Marshal-John I). T. McAllister.

February 12th, 1870, the female suffrage bill was passed, and on the 14th of February the first female votes were cast at the city election. Female mass meet- ings were also held about the same time against the Cullom Bill; and, on the last day of March a mass meeting was held in the city and Congress petitioned against the Cullom Bill.§

#See Chapter XLIV.

+See Chapter LXXII. for particulars of the occasion and railroad history.

¿See Chapter XLVII.

¿Chapters LXVIII, L and LI.

8,6

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

In March, 1870, Governor Shaffer arrived and began his administration .*

Judge James B. McKean arrived August 30th, 1870, and commenced his court proceedings September 7th.

In August, Dr. Newman arrived and discussed polygamy with Apostle Orson Pratt+

In August, 1870, the Liberal party opposed the People's party in the election for delegate to Congress.}

Governor Shaffer, in September, issued his proclamation forbidding the mus- ter of the Utah militia, whereupon a correspondence took place between him and Lieutenant-General Wells. §

Governor Shaffer died in Salt Lake City on the 31st of October, 1870.

In November the " Wooden Gun Rebellion " occurred. ||

April 4, 1871, a petition of Brigham Young, president of the Utah Southern Railroad Company, was brought up before the council, asking a grant to said com pany of the right of way through the corporate limits of the following portion of the city, viz : " Beginning at the terminus of the Utah Central Railroad, thence south on Third West Street, to Ninth South Street ; thence east on Ninth South Street to Third East Street ; thence south on an open street through the five acre plat A. to the southern line of corporation."

On motion of Alderman Clinton the right of way was granted.

On the 10th of June, 1871, a communication, signed by Governor Geo. L. Woods, chairman, and Geo. R. Maxwell, secretary, was addressed " to the mayor and common council," by a committee of arrangements which at a meeting had

" Resolved, That the city council be and is hereby respectfully requested to authorize its committee, or in its wisdom to appoint a new committee, to meet a like committee from the citizens already appointed, with full authority to confer, concert and adopt proper means, if possible, for a single and harmonious celebra- tion of the coming Fourth of July, irrespective of any and all action heretofore taken by either of the aforesaid committees."

To which the city council replied by formal resolutions stating, "that it is deemed unnecessary, and under the circumstances, unjust, either to set aside the present committee, or otherwise to interrupt the advanced state of their labors, which might jeopardize the approaching celebration by the mass of the people, believing that we have through them provided liberal and ample provisions for all who desire to celebrate the anniversary of our Nation's birthday."

The arrangements of the city, however, were interrupted by a proclamation of acting Governor George A. Black, forbidding the granting of a " detach- ment of the Territorial militia, with bands of music to aid in the celebration of the ninety-fifth anniversary of American Independence,', which was applied for by the City of the lieutenant-general of the militia. T.

Ser Chapter LIII.

+See Chapter LIL.

*Src Chapter LIV.

See Chapter LIII. See Chapter LV.

" For the documents and the narrative of the celebration of the Fourth of July, 1871, see Chap- ter LVL.

877

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

In August (31st) 1871, U. S. Marshal Patrick made a demand upon City Marshal McAllister, for a prisoner in his custody, belonging to the penitentiary. He also brought a suit against the warden of the penitentiary and the city marshal before U. S. Associate Justice Hawley, in the prosecution of which U. S. District Attorney Baskin intimated that he would have surrounded the City Hall with cav- alry, infantry and artillery and " knocked the City Hall and city jail down."*

On the 3d of October, 1871, D. H. Wells, mayor of Salt Lake City, was ar- rested by U. S. Marshal Patrick, on the charge of polygamy, but was released on bonds.

On the 10th of October, the mayor issued a " proclamation " calling for a mass meeting of " all classes of the people " to assemble to relieve the sufferers of the Chicago fire. The proclamation was nobly responded to and among the wor- thy subscribtions, the city corporation appropriated $1,500, and the mayor him- self personally $500.1

On Saturday the 28th of October, 1871, Mayor Wells was arrested on a cap- ital charge, and was sent by Judge McKean, a prisoner to Camp Douglas, but on the Monday following he was admitted to bail by the chief justice, on the ground, that if held a prisoner at Camp Douglas, " it would be practically impossible for the mayor to attend to any of the duties of his office, and, therefore, he could not be held responsible for the quietude and good order of the city."#

A committee appointed by the city, on the 4th of February, 1872, met the Japanese Embassy, at Ogden, and " in the name of the chief magistrate and civil authorities of Salt Lake City " tendered them welcome , and on the sixth, the Em- bassy held a levee at the City Hall, where, in the room occupied by the House of Representatives, Mayor Wells greeted them with a very becoming address, after which he introduced to them Governor Woods, who in turn introduced the dif- ferent Federal officials, and General Morrow presented the officers of the garri- son at Camp Douglas ; then followed the presentation of the members of the Leg- islature, city and county officers and prominent citizens. §

On the second Monday of February, 1872, the municipal election occurred when the following were returned :

Mayor-Daniel H. Wells. Aldermen-Isaac Groo, Aurelius Miner, Nathaniel H. Felt, Jeter Clinton and John Van Cott. Councilors-Theo. McKean, Henry Grow, John Clark, John R. Winder, Lewis S. Hills, Alexander C. Pyper and Joseph F. Smith. Recorder-Robert Campbell .- Treasurer -- Paul A. Schettler. Marshal-John D. T. McAllister.

At the municipal election of 1874, there were four tickets put into the con- test : the People's party's regular ticket and the opposition ticket of the Liberal party first appeared followed by the " Working People's" ticket, upon which a fourth ticket was constructed, supported by the Liberal party who withdrew their own, leaving two tickets in the field both bearing the name of the " People's Ticket," with Daniel H. Wells for mayor on the regular ticket, and William Jen- nings on the opposition ticket. The result of the election was :

Mayor-D. H. Wells. Aldermen-Isaac Groo, George Crismon, Jeter Clinton, John Sharp, A. C.

#See chapter LIX.

¡See chapter LXI.

¿See chapter LXIII.

¿See chapter LXV for further account of the Japanese Embassy's visit.

8-8

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

l'yper. Councilors Brigham Young, Theodore Mckean, Albert Carrington, J. R. Winder, Henry Grow, N. 11. Felt, David Mckenzie, Feramorz Little, Thomas Williams. Treasurer-Paul Shettler. Recorder-Robert Campbell. Marshal-J. D. T. McAllister.»

At the August election of 1874, for delegate to Congress the control of the polls was assumed by the United States marshal and his deputies, who in the ex- ercise of their duties attempted the control of the city, among other acts arresting the captain of the city police and several members of his force. Towards even. ing there was a riot at the City Hall, when the mayor read the riot act, and or- dered the police to beat back the mob which had previously assaulted his person and were shouting "shoot him ! shoot him !" while he stood on the balcony of the hall ordering them to disperse. t

In October, 1875, President Grant visited Salt Lake City. He was met at Ogden by the city council, county officers and other distinguished citizens, in- cluding Brigham Young, John Taylor, George Q. Cannon and Joseph F. Smith. The special train chartered by the city authorities, brought the train of President Grant to the city.}

The returns of the municipal election in February, 1876, gave the following to the city council :

Mayor-Feramorz Little. Aldermen-Adam Spiers, Henry Dinwoodey, A. H. Raleigh, John Sharp, and Alexander C. Pyper. Councilors-Brigham Young, John Henry Smith, Nicholas Groes- beck, John R. Winder, David O. Calder, Geo. Reynolds, Elias Morris, Elijah Sheets and Harrison Sperry. Recorder-John T. Caine. Treasurer-Paul A. Shettler. Marshal -- Andrew Burt. Auditor of Public Accounts-John T. Caine. Assessor and Collector-John R. Winder. Supervisor of Streets, Watermaster and Jailor-Wm. Hyde. Captain of Police, Market Master, and Inspector of Provisions -Andrew Burt. Superintendent of Hospital and Insane Asylum-A. H. Raleigh. Sexton-Joseph E. Taylor. Surveyor-Jesse W. Fox, Jr. City Attorney-Joseph L. Rawlins. Sealer of Weights and Measures-Martin H. Peck. Superintendent of Water Works-T. W. Ellerbeck. Chief Engi- neer of Fire Department-C. M. Donelson. Quarantine, Asylum, Hospital and City Physician-Dr. Seymour B. Young.

Here we pause in the city notes to give a biographical sketch of ex-Mayor Wells :

Daniel H. Wells, who in the history of Utah has become famous as the lieu- tenant-general of the Utah militia, mayor of Salt Lake City, and second coun- selor of the Mormon Church, was born in Trenton, Oneida County, New York, October 27th, 1814.

His father, Daniel, served in the war with Great Britain, in 1812, and his mother, Catherine Chapin, was the daughter of David Chapin, a revolutionary soldier who served with General Washington.

In the rise of the British colonies in America, this man's ancestor was one of the governors. He was none other than the illustrious Thomas Wells, fourth gov- ernor of Connecticut, who held the offices of governor and lieutenant-governor alternately a number of times. In all the land there was no American more illus- trious than this ancestor of General Wells, to whom we give the rank on the Mor-

"See Chapter LXX., for the history of the contest.

tSec Chapter L.X.X.

*Sce Chapter LXXIII.

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

mon side, as first citizen of Utah to-day in historical importance. Gideon Wells, Secretary of the Navy in the Lincoln administration, is from a branch of the same family, but the Utah Wells is descended directly from the inheriting line. On his mother's side, also, his descent is scarcely less distinguished.

His father died in 1826, when Daniel H. was but twelve years of age. When he was eighteen, the family, consisting of his mother, himself and six sisters, sold their estate in Trenton and removed to Ohio. In the spring following (1834), he settled at Commerce, afterwards famous as Nauvoo. This was the year suc- ceeding the Black Hawk War, and before Carthage, the county seat, was located. Ere he was twenty-one years of age, he was elected constable, and soon afterwards justice of the peace. He was also elected second sergeant in the first organization of the militia of the district ; and so great was the confidence of all parties and sects, including the Catholics, in his integrity and impartiality, that he was often selected as arbitrator of differences between neighbors, and administrator of the estates of deceased persons. In politics he was a Whig, and was an influential member of many of the political conventions of Hancock County from its organ- ization to the time of the expulsion of the Mormons.

In 1839, he became acquainted with the Mormons. When they fled from Missouri, he was among the foremost to welcome and give succor to the refugees. That severe American spirit, for which he has ever been marked, was aroused to indignation at witnessing the expulsion of free-born American citizens from a neighboring State, many whose forefathers, like his own, had helped to found the nation, and to fight for its independence in later generations. Indeed, it would seem, from the tenor of his life, that the chain which at first bound him to the Mormons was his uncompromising Americanism and stern republican integrity, rather than a sentimental sympathy with a religious sect, or from any constitu- tional tendency to be carried away by a love of the marvelous, which is popularly supposed to have been the moving cause with the majority of those who embraced the new faith.

When Nauvoo was organized, and charters were granted by the Legisla- ture of Illinois to the city, university, and Nauvoo Legion, Daniel H. Wells was elected alderman and member of the city council, one of the regents of the universityand commissary-general on the staff of the major-general with the rank of brigadier-general. After the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, when the Governor of the State of Illinois sent Lieutenant Abernethy to de- mnand the arms of the Legion, General Wells protested against the order, as an infringement of his constitutional right to bear arms as a member of the militia of the State. After the exodus of the main body of the Mormon Church, under the Twelve, and at the time the mob was gathering, he became a mem- ber of the Church, and, six weeks later, he took part in the famous battle of Nauvoo,-fighting for the freedom of his conscience, and the rights of Ameri- can citizens. In this battle, Colonel Johnson having been taken sick, he as- sisted Lieutenant-Colonel Cutler in the command, acting as the latter's aid-de- camp. During the three days of the battle he was especially conspicuous on his white horse, encouraging and directing the men, and was often made a target by the enemy.

880

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

On the surrender of Nauvoo, he resolved to go to Winter Quarters, but was among the very last to leave the doomed city. As the mob advanced, coming down the street, only two blocks behind the expelled citizens, Colonel Cutler and himself brought up the rear of the refugees. On the other side of the river they were met by a patrol guard, who demanded their arms, which they refused to give up), it being in violation of the treaty, which provided that the arms should be re- stored to the Mormons as soon as they reached the Iowa side of the river. From the portico of the temple the enemy fired their cannon on the detenceless camp across the river. Gathering up the balls he sent one of them, with his compli- ments, to the Governor of Iowa, whose Territory had been thus invaded. He then took a one-horse buggy and rode day and night, with Colonel Cutler, to the Mormon headquarters, to send back teams for the expelled remnant, to whose res- che he soon returned. In the second journey of the pioneers to the valleys he was aide-de camp to General Brigham Young.

Since that day, in the history of Utah, Daniel H. Wells has figured among the most conspicuous, in its great events and important places in the Church, in the city and in the Territorial government. He was a member of the Legislative Council in the Provisional State of Deseret, superintendent of public works, after the death of Jedediah M. Grant, Second Counselor of the Church, and lieu - tenant-general of the Utah militia, which he commanded in the " Utah war " in 1857-8.

Daniel H. Wells was elected Major-General of the Nauvoo Legion by the General Assembly of the Territory of Utah, May 26th, 1849 ; and to the rank of lieutenant-general, March 27th, 1852, receiving his commission from Governor Brigham Young, March 8th, 1855. He was again re-elected lieutenant-general by the people, as provided by law, April 6th, 1857.

In 1864-5 he was president of the European mission, and since then has been mayor of Salt Lake City a number of terms.

Daniel H. Wells is a thorough American. His loyal and stirring speech, stimulating the patriotism of the Mormons soon after their entrance into the Val- ley, we give here as proof of his ardent love of his native country and its institu- tions. He said :

" It has been thought by some that this people, abused, maltreated, insulted, robbed, plundered, and finally disfranchised and expatriated, would naturally feel reluctant to again unite their destiny with the American Republic. No won- der that it was thought by some that we would not again submit ourselves (even while we were yet scorned and ridiculed) to return to our allegiance to our native country. Remember, that it was by the act of our country, not ours, that we were expatriated , and then consider the opportunity we had of forming other ties ; let this pass while we lift the veil and show the policy which dictated us. That country, that constitution, those institutions were all onrs-they are still ours. Our fathers were heroes of the Revolution. Under the master spirits of an Adams, a Jefferson and a Washington, they declared and maintained their inde- pendence ; and under the guidance of the spirit of truth, they fulfilled their mis- sion whereunto they were sent from the presence of the Father. Because dema- gognes have risen and seized the reins of power, should we relinquish our interest

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

in that country, made dear to us by every tie of association and consanguinity ? * * Those who have indulged such sentiments concerning us, have not read Mormonism aright ; for never, no never, will we desert our country's cause ; never will we be found arrayed by the side of her enemies, although she herself may cherish them in her own bosom. Although she may launch forth the thunderbolts of war, which may return and spend their fury upon her own head, never, no never, will we permit the weakness of human nature to triumph over our love of country, our devotion to her institutions, handed down to us by our hon- ored sires, made dear by a thousand tender recollections."

General Wells was very strong in his condemnation of the late war upon the Union and the national flag. His peculiar expression was that the South should have " wrapped the time-honered flag of their country around them, and fought for their constitutional rights as we did !" Daniel is the author of that view. He remembers that he is the direct descendant of the fourth Governor of Connecti- cut, and all through his life has aimed to be worthy of his illustrious descent.

On Wednesday, August 29th, 1877, Brigham Young, the founder of Salt Lake City, died at his residence, whereupon Mayor Little called a special meeting of the city council and formally announced the death of one of its members, Presi- dent Young being at the time of his death a city councilor. Aldermen Sharp and Raleigh, and Councilors Reynolds, Calder and Winder were appointed a com- mittee to draft and present resolutions .*

The election of February, 1878, returned the following to the council :

Mayor-Feramorz Little. Aldermen-Adam Spiers Henry Dinwoodey, A. H. Raleigh, John Sharp and Alex. C. Pyper. Councilors-Wm. L. Ball, Isaac Brockbank, Elias Morris, James W. Cum- mings, Joseph F. Smith, John Henry Smith, David O. Calder, Francis Armstrong. Recorder-John T. Caine. Treasurer-Paul A. Schettler. Marshal-Andrew Burt.

On the 5th of May, 1879, ex-Mayor Wells having been sent to the peniten- tiary by Judge Emerson, for refusing to describe the ceremonial dresses of the en- dowment house, the city council ordered a grand procession at the release of its former chief magistrate.t

The election of February, 1880 returned :

Mayor-Feramorz Little. Aldermen-Elijah F. Sheets, Henry Dinwoodey, A. H. Raleigh, D. O. Calder and A. C. Pyper. Councilors-Joseph Booth, Jacob Weiler, John Clark, Thomas E. Taylor, Harrison Sperry, Joseph F. Smith, John Henry Smith, O. F. Whitney and Francis Armstrong. Re- corder-John T. Caine. Treasurer-Paul A. Schettler. Marshal -- Andrew Burt. Assessor and col- lector-John R. Winder.

Feramorz Little served Salt Lake City as its mayor three terms, and his ad- ministration of municipal affairs was acceptable to all classes of the citizens. Liberty Park was purchased by the city while he was in office ; many improve- ments were made in public works and the financial business of the municipality was well conducted. He retired from office at the election of 1882.

The election of February, 1882, gave the following city officers :

Mayor-William Jennings. Aldermen-E. F. Sheets, Henry Dinwoodey. A. H. Raleigh, David O. Calder and Alex. C. Pyper. Councilors-Samuel Peterson, Adam Spiers, T. E. Taylor, James C.

#See HISTORY Chapter LXXIV.

+See HISTORY Chapter LXXXVIII.

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

Watson, John Clark, Joseph F. Smith, Geo. Romney, James P. Freeze and Daniel II. Wells. Recor- der-John T. Caine. Treasurer-Paul A. Schettler. Marshal-AAn Irew Burl. . Assessor and collector, John R. Winder.

On July 28th, 1882, Aldermen A. C. Pyper died. He was one of the oldest and ablest members of the council, having served sixteen years.

June 13th, 1882, it was resolved by the city council that Liberty Park should be opened to the public on and after Saturday, June 17th, 1882, at 12 o'clock noon, and subject to such rules and regulations as the city council shall prescribe.

Programme :- Procession of the city, federal, territorial and military offi- cials to join in the procession under the direction of the marshal and to start from the City Hall at 10 o'clock a. m., to proceed to and enter the park at the main gateway, thence around the drive to the stand. Exercises: music; reading of resolutions by deputy-recorder, H. M. Wells ; singing, glee-club ; dedicatory prayer, Alderman Raleigh ; singing, glee club; speech, Prof. T. B. Lewis ; music ; speech, Hon. Ben Sheeks ; music ; toasts and responses ; declaration by the mayor of the formal opening of the park ; music.

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 114

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company Number of Pages: 1194

Author: Tullidge, Edward Wheelock
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Salt Lake City, Star printing company
Number of Pages: 1194