History of Salt Lake City, Part 116

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

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" Whereas, Certain rumors affecting the peace, reputation and welfare of Salt Lake City and its inhabitants are prevalent, and have been circulated abroad to the injury of the same, and

" Il hereas, To the knowledge of the city officials there was no cause exist - ing on which these evil reports could be justly based, and

" Whereas, Official notice appears to have been taken of said rumors by the general and military authorities of the nation, it became expedient that the mayor and city council of said city institute a thorough investigation of the same, that the facts upon which they were founded, if any existed, might be made known, and

" Whereas, Such investigation has been held, at which Federal officials of the Territory, military authorities of Fort Douglas and prominent residents and business men, and the citizens generally, were invited to be present to give such information as they might be in possession of respecting the peace and good or- der of said city, and the injurious rumors affecting the same, and

" Whereas, After diligent and searching inquiries and the taking of reli- able testimony, such rumors as had taken definite form and as were reported to the city officials, were refuted. Among these were the following, namely :

" A body of armed men is said to have been seen riding into the city along West Temple Street before daylight on Monday morning, November 30th. This rumor was traced back by the city marshal from the person who first gave the in- formation to the mayor, to one Mr. Van Horn, of the Continental Hotel, the only one who was reported to have seen the armed men, and he denies any knowl- edge whatever of the matter.

" The rumor that armed men lined the road to the penitentiary for the sup- posed purpose of taking Henry Collin from the custody of the United States officers, came to the city marshal from United States Marshal Ireland, who ad- mitted, however, that on going over the road he had seen nothing himself to jus- tify the report, and could not name anyone who had. The city marshal then rode out to the penitentiary, traversing both routes, making diligent inquiries of residents along the way, but could not learn that any armed men had been seen anywhere in the vicinity.

" The rumor of threats made to lynch Collin after the shooting of McMur- rin, on Saturday night, November 28th, was refuted by City Marshal Phillips, who testified that he had heard no such threats on the night in question, and that the crowd at the City Hall did not exceed two hundred people and was quiet and or- derly. The assertion of Assistant District Attorney Varian to the city marshal, that a rope had been seen in the crowd by one Thomas Curtis, was refuted by Curtis himself, who denied being at or near the City Hall at any time on Satur- day, and heard nothing of the shooting until Sunday morning.

" The rumors that quantities of arms and ammunition were secreted in the general tithing store was ascertained to be false by a personal visit to the premises by General McCook and his adjutant, Mayor Sharp and City Attorney Richards.

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

. The General expressed himself as perfectly satisfied that the rumor was without foundation.

" The report that the Mormons were arming themselves, and organizing for an outbreak under the direction of their leaders, and that in the outer settlements they had been ordered to be ready at a moment's notice to march to Salt Lake City, was met by the testimony of Apostles Lorenzo Snow, Franklin D. Richards, John Henry Smith, Heber J. Grant and John W. Taylor, each of whom declared that from their own personal knowledge the rumors were utterly untrue. Hon. John Sharp, William Jennings, and other prominent citizens testified to the same effect, and that such a condition of affairs as had been reported could not exist among the people without their knowledge.

" Other rumors of insecurity to life and property were refuted, and others still were of so vague a character that it was impossible to trace them to any defi- nite source, or give them tangible form. Therefore,

" Be it Resolved by the Mayor and City Council of Salt Lake City, that the reports or rumors of any condition of affairs other than of the most peaceful character prevailing at the present time in this city, are false.

" That at no time in the history of this city have the lives and property of its non-Mormon inhabitants been more secure than now.

"That the reports to the contrary have been accredited and circulated by federal officials of this Territory for some purpose best known to themselves.

" That to the extent they or any others have circulated these false reports abroad, they have defamed the city and injured its people.

" On motion of Alderman Waddell the resolutions were unanimously adopted.

" On motion of Alderman Waddell the Council adjourned.

" JAMES SHARP, Mayor. Attest :

" HEBER M. WELLS. Recorder.

On April 24th, 1883, E. W. Tullidge presented a petition to the city council proposing to write and publish the History of Salt Lake City, which was accom- panied by the following recommendation :

"The undersigned, having been made acquainted with the proposition of Mr. E. W. Tullidge to collect and publish the historical facts pertaining to the estab- lishment and growth of Salt Lake City, do hereby recommend him as one well qualified for the work, and also recommend such appropriations as the officers of this City and County may deem necessary for the prosecution of this important undertaking.

Daniel H. Wells, David F. Walker, Jos. F. Smith, Samuel S. Walker, 'Elias Smith, William Jen- nings, M. H. Walker, Angus M. Cannon, Joseph R, Walker, D. Bockholt, Feramorz Little, Anthony Godbe, H. S. Eldredge, John A. Hunter, T. G. Webber, A. O. Smoot, F. D. Clift, James W. Cum- mings, Philip T. Van Zile H. Dinwoodey, W. Woodruff, John Cunnington, John Sharp, John P, Taggart, Paul A. Schettler, Albert Carrington, C. E. Pomeroy, L. S. Hills, Benjamin Hampton, James Jack, R. T. Burton, J. M. Goodwin, Byron Groo, Allan T. Riley, D. Mckenzie, Edward Hunter, S. H. Auerbach, N. Groesbeck, E. L. T. Harrison, George Goddard, C. W. Penrose, E. Kahn, L. W. Hardy, C. C. Goodwin, Philip Pugsley, Wm. Eddington, E. Sells, E. F. Sheets, George F. Prescott, H. W. Naisbitt H. B. Clawson, J. E. Dooly, Geo. J. Taylor, Samuel Kahn, James Dwyer, David O. Calder, W. S. Godbe, J. Woodmansee, Godbe, Pitts & Co,, J. Jaques, Thomas Taylor, Thomas C. Armstrong. Philip Margetts, Jacob Alt, Heber M. Wells, A. H. Raleigh, Benj. G. Raybould, H. K. Whitney, H. W. Lawrence, J. M. Benedict, George Dunford, Eli B, Kelsey, William H. Rowe, Auer

892

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

& Murphy, Jesse W, Fox, Frank W. Jennings, () J. Hollister, Theo. Mckean, Geo. A. Mecars, .V. .A. I'mpey. ] T. Little, G. M. Pierce, Milando Pratt, John W. Lowell, B. H. Schettler, Elias Morris. El II Murray, W. W. Riter. T. R. Jones, Wm. B. Barton, C. 11 Bassett, Daniel Dunne, Charles W. Sayner Abram Gould David James, W. C. Dunbar, J. E. S. Russell, Ben Sheeks, A. II. Kelly, Geo. Reynolds. M. Merrill, E D. Hoge Adam Spiers, D. R. Firman, Amos Howe, Geo. H. Taylor, Geo. 1. Luke, Spencer Claw on, S J. Jonasson, G. E. Bourne, T. V. Williams, John Paul, Bowring Bros .. 11 P. Mason, O. P. Miles, S. B Young, S. A. Shoemaker, II, P. Richards, M. Paul, Jr .. Samuel H. Hill. F. Armstrong, Thomas J. Amy. J. E. Reese, G. M Forbes, Joseph H. Felt. H G Park, H. M. R. Atkinson D. C. Dunbar, Joseph Salisbury, J. L. Rawlins, D. L. Davis, John Farmer, W. G. Young, Geo. A. Lowe, G. H. Snel. S. 11. B. Smith, Arthur Brown, Careless & Croxall. H. E. Smith. R. W. Sloan. William I. Binder, E Benner, C. J. Thomas, Wm. Gill Mills, C. H. Lenzi, George G. Bywater, Moore, Allen & Co , T. N. Olsen, F. T. Lee. W. S. Burton, W. C. Burton, A. N. Hamilton, George R. Jones Henry Wagner, E. Stevenson, G. B. Wallace Sam Levy, C. R. Savage H, Spiers, A. M. Musser, Henry Grow, Charles H. King, Isaac M. Waddell, R. C. Chambers, T. R. Ellerbeck, John C. Cutler, Henry Saddler, I. D. & A. Young. N. H. Ransohoff, S. A Kenner, John Smith, C. K. Gil- christ. B. H. Young. W'm. F. Raybould, Isaac Brockbank, Jos. C Kingsbury, James F. Bradley. H. 1. Doremus, M. M. Bane, John Sears, A\ W. Carlson, George R. Maxwell, John Kirkman, .A. L. Thomas, D. M. Mc.Alister, J. E. Callister, Herbert Van Dam. W. J. Beitie, C. E. Silverwood Thomis Aubrey, T. Pierpont, Watson Bros., A. F. Barnes, White & Sons, John S Lewis, James H. Raddon, R. G. Taysum, John South, John Lyon, Sen . G. . \, Wiscombe, Capt J D. Wright, John R. Park A. B. Dunford, Junius F. Wells, Jos. E. Taylor, H. J Faust S. W. Darke & Co., James Sharp. George Swan, S. W. Sears, Henry Tribe, W. H. Shearman, C. V. Spencer. Wm. Naylor, Cooper Bros:, John N. Pike, Silas T. Smith, T. B. Lewis, Jos. W. Johnson, N. H. Felt, Eliza R. Snow. Zina D. H. Young, Phebe W. Woodruff, Mrs. E. B. Wells, Mrs. E. Howard, M. Isabella Horne, M. M. Barratt, Louisa F. Wells, Dr. R. B. Pratt, P. L. Kimball, Ruth V. Savers. Dr. E. B. Ferguson, Sarah M. Kimball, Helen M. Whitney. Sarah E. Russell. Elmina S. Taylor, Ellen C. S. Clawson, Mrs. P. Jennings, Hannah T. King, C. C. Raleigh,

It was referred to a special committee, who reported as follows :

" Your special committee, to whom was referred the petition of Edward W. Tullidge, proposing to write the history of Salt Lake City, and the accompany- ing endorsement of 241 of the influential and representative citizens of all classes, recommending that the city council make an appropriation to assist in the enter- prise, together with the subsequent communication of Mr. Tullidge and the re- port of this committee, which was returned to be made more definite, having given the matter thorough and careful consideration, beg leave to report as follows :

" We find that Salt Lake City was settled about thirty-six years ago under very peculiar and interesting circumstances, and although at that time of very lit- tle importance to any one except its founders, it has since prospered and grown until a great city has been established-a city ranking in commercial importance with any of the same population and facilities in the United States-a city of in- dustry, and thrift and magnificence, attracting the attention of capitalists, fur- nishing employment to laborers, providing homes for settlers and commanding the respect of the civilized world.

" We also find that many of the citizens who have helped to build the city, who have spent the best part of their lives in working the miracle which has changed a ' half-way house ' into a midland metropolis, are justly proud of their magnificent achievements, and purpose lending their support towards the perpetu- tion of the events connected with their past, in history.

" Your committee announce themselves to be heartily in accord with the project, and believe, in the interests of justice and enlightenment, for the benefit of the citizens at large, the stranger and posterity, that a knowledge of the facts attendant upon the founding and growth of Salt Lake City should be preserved- that an accurate and reliable history of the city, unbiased with partisanship, should be written and published with as little delay as possible, and that a portion of the expense incurred in the work should be borne by the public, in whose direct inter- est the publication is made.

893

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

" Furthermore, we are of opinion, from a thorough knowledge of his abilities as a writer, and his candor as a historian, that Edward W. Tullidge is a compe- tent and suitable person to be entrusted with this important undertaking.

" Therefore your committee respectfully recommend that the sum of $1,500 be appropriated to assist in defraying the expenses of writing and publishing the history of Salt Lake City, and for the purchase of copies of said history.

" That Edward W. Tullidge be required to give a bond to the corporation of Salt Lake City in the sum of $1,500, with good and sufficient security, to be ap- proved by the city council, and conditioned that he will write and publish, first in parts, and afterwards in bound volume form, a history of Salt Lake City, which shall contain at least 500 pages of printed matter and be a concise and impartial account of the events of importance that have occurred from the first settlement of this city down to the present time.

" That before any of the writings of said historian shall appear either in pam- phlet or volume form, the manuscript or proof sheets, whichever shall be more convenient, shall be submitted to the inspection of a committee of five competent persons three of whom should be selected by the city council, and the other two by Edward W. Tullidge, whose duty it shall be to carefully peruse the writings submitted to them, and to approve or correct the same as their judgment shall dic- tate ; and that any alterations, additions, or deductions to the text suggested by said committee shall be noted and corrected by said historian ; and that the his- tory shall be printed, independently of any other matter, in form and style suita- ble for compiling and binding in a volume which shall be approved by the com- mittee. That he will complete the writing and publication of said history, and deliver to the mayor -copies thereof, before the first day of July, 1885 ; that after said bond shall have been given and approved by the city council, the mayor be authorized to issue an order on the city treasury for $500 in favor of Edward W. Tullidge, and when two-thirds of the history shall have been published in pamphlet form as agreed by the mayor and said historian, and to the acceptance of the city council, the mayor be authorized to issue an order on the city treas- urer for the second payment of $500, and when said history is completed and -- copies thereof in bound volume form delivered to the mayor, that he be author- ized to issue an order on the city treasurer for the third and final payment of $500. That the mayor be authorized to act for and in behalf of Salt Lake City to enforce the terms under which said history is to be written and for the convenience of the historian in consulting the wishes and intent of the council, and that the committee on revision hereinbefore provided for, shall receive such reasonable compensation for their labors as may hereinafter be decided by the council.

"Respectfully, "HENRY DINWOODEY, "DANIEL H. WELLS, "A. H. RALEIGH, "Special Committee.

" Salt Lake City, May Ist, 1883.

Adopted May 23d, 1883."

"May 26th, 1885, a petition was presented from E. W. Tullidge, represent-

ing that in the process of preparing the history of Salt Lake City, he found that

894

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

the work demanded considerable increase of capacity, and by and with the advice of the supervisory committee, the petitioner asked for an additional appropriation of one thousand dollars and the extension of the time for the completion of the history to the end of the present year, 1885."

The mayor appointed Alderman Patrick, Councilors Webber, Clark and Wells, who reported favorably, June 9th. An appropriation of $1,000 was made and the time extended.

ASSASSINATION OF CAPTAIN ANDREW BURT.

On the 25th of August, 1883, Captain Andrew Burt was assassinated in Main Street, Salt Lake City, by a colored man, W. H. Harvey, who immediately after the murder was taken from the police and lynched in the prison yard.

The assassination of Captain Andrew Burt was a tragical event in the history of our city, upon which almost an universal judgment was pronounced, notwith- standing there was involved in it the execution, by lynching, of the assassin. No such a case had before occurred during all the troublesome and critical times of the past as a lynch law execution, but the murder on the public street, in broad daylight, of an officer who had so many years commanded the police, and whose personal courage and moderation were proverbial, wrought the temper of the populace to a pitch of fury that neither reason nor a Christain spirit could restrain. When Captain Burt's body was brought out from Smith's drug store an awful burst of rage, not loud but deep, ran through the vast multitude and the cry " lynch him, lynch him," was followed by a general rush to the City Hall. In a few minutes the terrible judgment was executed, and the murderer of Captain Burt had paid his fearful account to public vengence. That there was a profound regret the day after the execution there is no doubt, but it was rather that a lynch law precedent had occurred in the history of our city than in a tone of condemna- tion of the public wrath, which had so fearfully supplemented the tragedy of Captain Burt's taking off.

The following document will show the action of the city council in the case : " Resolutions of Respect to the memory of Captain Andrew Burt, City Marshal.

" Whereas, In the mysterious providences of Almighty God, our beloved brother and fellow officer, Captain Andrew Burt, city marshal, has been stricken down by the hand of an assassin, and

" Whereas, An intimate relation to the deceased in his official capacity for a long period, makes it fitting that we should place on record our sentiments of sorrow and affection which this melancholy affliction has awakened ; therefore

" Be it resolved by the mayor and city council of Salt Lake City, That we deeply deplore and execrate the cruel, atrocious act that has deprived the corpor- ation of a true and valiant officer, the community of an honest and upright cit- izen, the Church of a zealous and faithful official member, and a large family of a kind, generous, loving husband and father ;

" Resolved, That we recognize in the career of Captain Burt the highest expression of the noble qualities of a true man. In 1859, he became as- sociated with the police force, of which he was appointed chief three years later.

895

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

In 1876, he was elected city marshal, and discharged the varied duties of the office promptly and efficiently to the hour of his death. In these important pos- itions of trust and of danger, Captain Burt has had opportunity to display the highest character and principle which have distinguished him among his fellow men, as an officer of the municipal court, custodian of the corporation property, and conservator of the public peace. Marshal Burt proved himself competent, incorruptible, and vigilant, creating friends among all classes of men, and earn- ing their universal respect and admiration. In the history of Salt Lake City cir- cumstances have frequently placed the police force in the foremost position of danger, calling forth from theni manifest actions of great courage, intrepidity and daring, as well as the employment of the detective's cunning and strategy. On such occasions Captain Burt was pre-eminently a leader of his men. He was cool, deliberate and cautious in planning ; quick, decisive and complete in exe- cuting. His work was always well done, and while mercy and a humaneness, not often accredited to men in his position, have ever accompanied his measures of enforcing obedience to the police regulations ; the law has ever been vindicated by him, and peace, good order and quietness preserved, even under the most trying and difficult circumstances ;

" Resolved, That we sincerely sympathize with the bereaved family of the de- ceased and earnestly beseech the comforting influences of the Great and Holy Spirit to be ever around them, and that we commend the example of their hus- band and father as a worthy guide and stimulant to success and happiness in life.

" On motion of Councilor Smith it was ordered that the resolutions be spread upon the minutes and engrossed copies be furnished to the family of the deceased.

" Adopted August 28th, 1883."

FIRE DEPARTMENT RECORD.

September 19th, 1856-N. Davis presented a motion " for the prevention and extinguishing of fires and the necessity of placing a patrol on the Temple Block." October 17th, 1856-An ordinance passed organizing the Fire Department. (See original ordinance). Jesse C. Little appointed chief engineer. Five hun- dred dollars appropriated to purchase a fire engine. $903.88, balance on cost of engine house also appropriated.

Total cost of engine house, April 2d, 1858, $1,684.26.

Very little was done for fire protection after the passage of the ordinance, but two or three incipient fires occurring, no alarm or apprehension was felt. The fire engine remained partially constructed, the engine house unfinished. How- ever in the beginning of the year 1870, an impetus was given to the matter, mainly through insurance agents located in the city, and prominent merchants in- terested. At a session of the council held March Ist, 1870, the old ordinance was revised and improved. John D. T. McAllister was appointed chief engineer with authority to organize two or more companies, volunteers. Three dozen buckets, hooks and ladders ordered to be purchased, and at the same time, "plans and the cost of constructing a fire engine (the one already partially built) was submitted. About this time the insurance agents and a few prominent business men organized a fire company, and ordered from the Silsbury manufacturing company of New York, a steam fire engine. Wisely concluding that this ap-

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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

paratus would be more efficient under the control of the city council than in pri- vate hands, arrangements were made with the city fathers, and the engine turned over to them upon its arrival in the city. A hose cart with hose, 500 feet, and a hook and ladder truck, with the necessary hooks and ladders ; also a covering built. A hand engine was also purchased.

February 15th, 1871 .- The engine house enlarged by order of the council, and the ordinance regulating the fire department passed.

March 27th, 1871 .-- A fire ordinance for the prevention of fires passed, and Pioneer No. 1, and Eagle Hook and Ladder No. 1, two fire companies ordered 10 be organized, as volunteer firemen, consisting of fifty and thirty men respectively.

On the 20th of December, 1871, Alert Hose Company No. I was organized. On the 8th day of February, 1872, Wasatch Engine Company No. 2 was organized.

March, 1873, Vigilant Engine Company No. 3, was organized. This com- pany never went into service.

December Ist, 1876, Alert Hose Company No. 1, changed to Engine Com- pany No. 3.

January 19th, 1881, Vigilant Company No. 4 was organized.

July 4th, 1883, Mutual Company No. 5 was organized.

At the sessions held by the city council in September, 1883, the volunteer fire department was disbanded and a paid department organized, consisting of paid permanent and paid call men, forty-seven in all. A horse was purchased for the hose cart, attached to Engine Company No. 1, and the companies reduced from six to four, viz : Engine Companies Nos. 1, 2 and 3, Hook and Ladder No. 1.

An alarm of fire at 5:15 P. M., September 30th, 1883. This was the last alarm responded to by the old volunteer fire department after twelve years of good, faithful and vigilant service, and to their last call there was a unanimous and general turnout, the boys responding to the alarm with a vim determined to make their last work a fitting wind-up to their years of good service.

OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT FROM 1856 TO 1886.

Chief engineers .- Jesse C. Little, 1856 to 1871. John D. T. McAllister, 1871 to 1876. Charles M. Donelson, 1876, May to October. Geo. M. Ottinger, 1876, appointed November 14th.

Assistant engineers .- Andrew Burt, 1871 to 1875. Ivar Isaachson, 1871 to 1872. Geo. M. Ottinger, 1871 to 1876. Henry Dinwoodey, 1872 to 1884. John Reading, 1876 to 1885. Wm. J. Hooper, 1884. Samuel R. Skidmore, 1885.

FIRES AND LOSS BY FIRES FROM 1871 TO 1SS5.

1871,

Fires, 1 Loss by fire, $ 1.000

5,750

1873

75,000

1874 .

4 525

1875.

291,500

Insurance, $ 6.000

1577

14,845

4,600

1878

21,645

13,560

1880.

21,960

745

1881

6,090

1,400

1882

19.960

1,000

1883 .

. .

139,275

42,700

1884

11,930

3,100

1885

19,965

11,500

330

$671,530

$93,408

0,133

1879

15,340

1876.

22,745

1872.

HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.

BIOGRAPHIES.

LIFE OF BRIGHAM YOUNG.

Brigham Young was born in Whitingham, Windham County, Vermont, June 1st, 1801. His parents were devoted to the Methodist religion, to which, in his maturity, he also in- clined. He was married October 8th, 1824, in Aurelius, Cayuga County, New York, where for twelve years he followed the occupations of carpenter, joiner, painter and glazier. In the spring of 1829 he removed to Mendon, Monroe County, where his father resided, and here the next spring, he first saw the Book of Mormon, which was left with his brother Phineas Young, by Sam- uel H. Smith, brother of the Prophet.

In January, 1832, in company with Phineas Young and Heber C. Kimball, he visited a branch of the Church at Columbia, Pennsylvania, and returned deeply impressed with the principles of Mormonism. In this state of mind he went to Canada for his brother Joseph, who was there on a mission, preaching the Methodist falth. This prompt action, after he had resolved on his own course, is quite typical of the man.

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History of Salt Lake City, Part 116

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