USA > Utah > Salt Lake County > Salt Lake > History of Salt Lake City > Part 141
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In 1880 he was called by President Taylor to go east to look at improvements of paper mills, for the purpose of putting up a new piper mill at the mouth of Big Cottonwood.
Yours truly H.13. Clauson
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HENRY GROW.
Mr. Grow traveled through Chicago, Cleveland, Buffalo, Springfield (Mass.), Albany, Holy- oak, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburg and other cities, to get all the information he could relative to the projected work. This part accomplished he returned to Salt Lake City and drafted and, at the mouth of Big Cottonwood, commenced the foundation of the new Deseret Paper Mill. The ma- chine room (two story) is 60 by 100 feet in the clear, the engine and rag room (three story) is 60 by 61, and in addition to that there is a rotary boiler and rag cutter room above, 25 by 61 feet in the clear. There are two paper machines, five rag engines, two rotary boilers, two rag cutters, 100-horse power engine, and all other machinery and fit-out for making first class quality of paper. This paper mill was completed and put in running order in 1883 ; it is a good, substantial granite roek building.
The foregoing busy record will show how extensively and constantly. Henry Grow has been engaged in the building enterprises of our Territory for more than thirty years. He is known as a skillful mechanic and an exprienced practical builder, and is well liked by all the hands who have worked under his superintendeney. Among all his works the roof of the Big Tabernacle in Salt Lake. covering the largest hall in America west of Chicago, is the most unique and stupendous of his works.
The outside dimensions of the Tabernacle are: Length, 250 feet; width, 150 feet. On the inside it measures 232 × 132 feet ; height of ceiling, 65 feet. The roof rests on 44 columns, aver- aging 20 feet high, and is self-supporting. The seating capacity is 9,000, with standing room for fully 3,000 more.
The inside measurement of the Assembly Hall is 116 x 64 feet. Height of ceiling, 36 feet. A gallery, 18 feet wide, extends around the building. Seating capacity, 3,000.
HIRAM B. CLAWSON.
Our respected citizen, Hiram B. Clawson, was born in Utica, Oneida Co., New York, Novem- ber 7th. 1826. He was educated at the Utica Academy. Through the loss of his father he was very early thrown upon his own inherent resources; and, thus left to battle with life, he became master of three or four trades, and in youth laid the foundation of a self-made man.
After the death of his father, his mother joined the Mormon Church in the year 1838; and in 1841, the family, consisting of Mrs. Clawson and her two sons, Hiram and John, and two daughters. removed from Utica to Nauvoo. There a circumstance worthy of note in his life occurred, which indirectly led to his connection with the dramatic profession, in which both he and several members of his family have made quite a distinguished mark in the social and artistic culture of our own Ter- ritory. Hiram, in Nauvoo, wanted to join the Debating Society, which was held in a room over Joseph's store ; but some of the principal members opposed his admission on account of his youth. The Prophet, who was always a warm admirer of lofty aspirations in the young men of his people. stood as Hiram's advocate and would have promoted his admission ; but, with a becoming sense of sell-respect, young Clawson withdrew his application. This event led to his connection with the stage ; for at that time Thomas A. Lyne, then in the prime of his dramatic power, was at Nauvoo giving performances.
In the year, 1848, when the Pioneers made their second journey to the Rocky Mountains, bring- ing up the body of the Church under the leadership of Brigham Young, who had already been elec- ted as President, Hiram B. Clawson came with them. He was, therefore, one of the pioneers and founders of Utah. He was now twenty-two years of age, was looked upon as a man of mark, and it was soon understood by the whole Church, both at home and abroad, that Hiram B. Clawson had won the heart of Brigham Young.
He had charge of the first building work that was done in the valley by the Church. The first adobe building, a little office adjoining the Council House on the south, was built by him. The Council House itself was built by him, he having charge of the masons, and Truman O. Angel 'being the architect.
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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
But this is merely incidental as among the primitive work of our Territory. 'The fabric of so- ciety itself was in rapid process of erection, Brigham Young in this being the chief builder. H. B. Clawson was called into the President's office as clerk, and he was soon put in charge of the Presi- dent's entire private business, which he managed for many years. During this period he assisted in the erection and afterwards in the management of the great Salt Lake Theatre. [His theatrical record will be found in Chapters LXXXIV. and LXXXV.
Here may be noticed something of H. B. Clawson's military career, which gave to him the rank of Adjutant General of the Utah militia. At the the time of the Indian wars in Southern Utah, in 1850, he took an active part in suppressing the difficulties. He was aide-de-camp to Gen- eral D H. Wells, and subsequently, at the death of James Ferguson, he became Adjutant General of the Territory, which office he still holds.
In the spring of 1865, W. H. Hooper, of the firm of Hooper & Eldredge, sold out his interest to H. B. Clawson, and the firm name was changed to Eldredge & Clawson. The latter immediately went to New York to purchase goods, contracting with the Butterfield Company for the freighting from the Missouri River to Salt Lake City, but the trains, starting late, were snowed in and they did not receive their goods until twelve months after they were purchased. The firm, however, was not discouraged, for in the spring of 1856, Mr. Clawson went east again and purchased a fine stock of goods and effected a settlement with the Butterfield Company for their freight of the previous year. Mr. Clawson thus continued yearly to go east for the purchase of goods, and was thus personally brought into relations with the principal commercial houses of the great mercantile cities, so that he was well prepared for his subsequent management of Z. C. M. I. When the great co-operative movement started, the firms of William Jennings and of Eldredge & Clawson agreed to sell out their entire stocks to Z. C. M. I .; and on the institution commencing business, H. B. Clawson was appointed by the directors the superintendent.
The design, from the onset, was to arrange the business of the Z. C. M. I. upon the best known commercial methods, and the superintendent adopted them All the internal arrangements were left to Mr. Clawson, and also the choosing of the heads of departments and clerks. The busi- ness went on and increased steadily, until the time of the panic of 1873, when the yearly sales amounted to four million five hundred thousand dollars.
When the panic of 1873 burst upon the country, it was thought wisdom for Z. C. M. I. to ask an extension of credit to provide against the result that was sure to follow the panic in the east, and H. S. Eldredge and H. B. Clawson were accordingly sent down East for this purpose.
They were very successful in this mission and within eight months Z. C. M. I. redeemed its pd- per, amounting to one million one hundred thousand dollars.
Previous to going east to adjust these matters, it was deemed advisable to change the manage- ment for a time ; and the Hon. Wm. H. Hooper assumed the superintendency. Hooper remained eighteen months in this position during which time the institution met all its liabilities. He then resigned and H. B. Clawson was again appointed superintendent.
During Clawson's second superintendency, the institution built its colossal new store and re- moved from their old location into it, Superintendent Clawson designing the internal arrangements. In consequence of the large increase of their regular departments, and wishing to consolidate all their business in this mammoth store, the directors deemed it advisable to retire from the agricultural, hide and wool departments, and H. B. Clawson made a proposition to buy those departments out. His offer was accepted, and, on the 4th of October, 1875, he resigned the superintendency, and Horace S. Eldredge was appointed in his stead. Mr. Clawson claims that during his management of the institution, his losses on the yearly sales did not exceed a quarter of one per cent.
After resigning the superintendency of Z. C. M. I. Mr. Clawson went into business for himself, in which he remained until the indictment for unlawful cohabitation with his wives caused his retire- ment. His presence and noble conduct before Judge Zane and his imprisonment for conscience sike is the crowning event of his life, and with its record we close this sketch .
Shortly after the opening of the Court Judge Harkness, of counsel for Mr. Clawson, stated that his client desired to withdraw the plea of not guilty formerly entered by him, and enter one of guilty to the charge.
The request was granted. and Bishop Clawson was then asked what plea, if any, he wished to make, to which he replied, " Guilty "
Court .- Do you wish to take any further steps now ?
Harkness -It is in the hands of the proseenting attorney.
Court .- You are entitled to a couple of days, if you desire to take it.
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HIRAM B. CLAWSON.
Harkness .- No, he does not care for any time. We waive the time.
Court (to Mr. Clawson). You understand, I suppose, what the indictment is; you have plead to it ?
Clawson .- Yes, sir.
Court .- Have you anything to say further before the judgment is pronounced ?
Clawson .- Yes, sir.
The Bishop then arose, and in a firm, clear voice, made the following statement :
"With your honor's permission, I would like to say a few words in regard to this matter. I am arraigned before this court to answer to the charge of a misdemeanor in this: That I have been living in polygamy, and that I have been living with those that I have claimed and do claim to be my wives.
"I have been in the Church, or rather I have been identified with the Church of Latter-day Saints for forty-five years, and for thirty years or over I have lived in my present marriage relations. When I entered those relations 1 believed I was doing just exactly what I ought to do. I believed that in doing that, I was doing something in this life that in the life to come would be for my ben - efit. I have endeavored through this life, up to the present time, to live a life that would justify that belief. When I married these, my wives, they were young and I was young. They believed the same thing that I did. We made the most solemn covenants that men or women can make in regard to this marriage, and I and they have endeavored up to the present time to live those cove- nants. Now they are along in years; streaks of grey show in their hair; they have families of chil- dren that have grown up and married and have children ; and now at this time, at my age and at their age, to ask me to renounce those ties and cast these women off and leave them and my chil- dren, and say that I will have nothing more to do with them-your honor, is a thing that seems im- possible for me to say. When I believe as I have believed, and I say now that what I believed thirty years ago and over, I believe to-day just as I did then; and 1 believe, that were I to say that I will cast them off, that all I have done in all these years has gone for nothing. It is better, your honor, far better for me to go to prison, if that is the decision of your honor. Again, let that be one reason why I plead guilty to this indictment, and why I am now standing before this court.
" Another reason is: How is this thing ? How is it looked at? What is there in it? If I make any promises so far as regards the future, I am ostracised ; I am looked down upon ; I am dishon- ored in this community among my brethren-those that I respect and honor; and among all honor- able men. There is not a man, I believe. in this court room, who has occupied the position I have, but what, were he to stand in my place, to-day, would do just as I say that I would feel to do to-day. Can I bear the seorn, and the indignation, and the feelings that these my wives would cast upon me, after all these years, if I can say that I will turn them away and have no more to do with them ; and can I bear what my children would say, and how my children would feel in regard to this matter ? I say no. It is only a few years that I have to live, and I had better do something else than go back on what I have said I believe is true.
"To me there are only two courses. One is a prison and honor, the other is liberty and dis-
honor. Your Honor 1 bave done."
The speaker was calm and earnest in his demeanor, betraying no sign of fear or anger. his words and action manifesting the sincerity of his belief in the righteousness of the course he was puisu- ing. His speech was listened to with rapt attention, and at its close, after a short pause, the Court proceeded to pronounce judgment, in the course of which he said :
"As a man, I have nothing to say whatever against you. I regret that you have not the courage and the manhood to stand up in defiance of a sect and say that you will obey the laws of your coun- try, and that you will advise other men to abide by them. This timidity and cowardice is not be- coming to an American citizen. You seem to acknowledge that in your second reason. because you say that you would be ostracised and would become an outcast if you were to obey the laws of your country-if you were to promise to obey them ; though many men have died-not become ostra- cised-but died in its defense ; that reason constitutes no justification In view of the fact that you propose, as I understand, to continue your polygamie relations; to continue your adulterous con- nections with women who are not your legal wives; however much I may respect you as an indi- vidual, my duty, representing as I do, a great and glorious government, will not allow me to indulge in any personal feelings ; but the discretion which I possess must be so used as to strike down these crimes of polygamy and unlawful cohabitation.
" When men will not agree to obey the law, my du'y as the Julye of this Court, requires that the extreme penalty be imposed upon them.
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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
"You will be sentenced, therefore, to imprisonment in the penitentiary for the term of six months, and to piy a fine of $300 and costs, and be confined until the term of your imprisonment has expired and the fine and costs are paid."
Bishop Clawson was then placed in charge of a deputy, and was allowed to visit his family and friends. He was in the best of spirits and left for the penitentiary on the day of sentence, being ac- companied on the way by members of his family.
FRANKLIN S. RICHARDS.
To this able young constitutional lawyer of Utah have been intrusted the causes of the Mormon people in the very crisis of their affairs ; which, having been carried to the Supreme Court of the United States, have brought him into close association with some of the most distinguished jurists of the age. This sustained intercourse has been important in its bearings upon our local issues ; and, in the sequel, may greatly tend to promote a happy solution of the delicate relations which have so long existed between Utah and the nation. The value of Mr. Richards' service as the legal expo- nent of the Mormon question, not only to the judges of the Supreme Court of the United States, but also to the apostolic councils of his own Church, was quickly appreciated by that eminent jurist and statesman, Jere S. Black. Thus viewed, a biography of F. S. Richards, the present city attorney of Salt Lake, is pertinent to the City History.
Franklin Snyder Richards is to-day one of the very foremost representatives of " Young Utah." As a constitutional lawyer and statesmanlike legislator he has already made a record, to which every succeeding year of his life must add new lustre. He is among Utah's first-born, having first opened his eyes to the light of day at Salt Lake City, on the 20th of June, 1849 less than two years after the entrance of the Pioneers, and before the organization of the Territorial government here. He is the oldest living son of the eminent Apostle Franklin D. Richards, and Mrs. Jane Snyder Richards, who ranks as one of the most distinguished women of the Mormon church-of which church the subject of this biography has been from his childhood a consistent, intelligent and fearless member. He was carly placed at the best schools, and as he advanced in years he received such special instruction as was afforded in this region. Immediately following the completion of his seventeenth year, he re- ceived from Governor Charles Durkee a commission as second aide-de-camp on the staff of the Second Brigade of the First Division of the Militia of Utah, with the rank of Captain of cavalry. About this same time, Apostle Richards departed for Europe to continue there his very successful work of proselyting and emigrating; and the young Franklin at once relinquished the pleasant life of the pupil to take up the sterner duties of the master. As he shared by inheritance his mother's intellec- tual force and perseverance ; so at this trying time he volunteered to share her responsibilities. He obtained an honorable and lucrative position as the teacher of a large and somewhat select school in his native city ; and devoted his income to the maintenance of his father's family For three years he followed this calling successfully ; but did not neglect to pursue his own higher studies under pri- vate masters. Apostle Richards returned from Europe in 1868 ; and on the 18th day of December, of that year, Franklin S. Richards was united in marriage with Emily S. Tanner, at Salt Lake City.
In the scientific researches of his student life, the young Franklin's attention had been most at- tracted by anatomy, physiology and kindred branches of knowledge ; and for a time-since he was personally determined to fit himself for one of the learned professions, his friends advised him to pursue the study of medicine and surgery. Fortunately, before this choice was irrevocably made, though not until he had gained such general and technical knowledge of medical science as to be of material value in criminal law cases, his talents were directed into their most fitting channel. In May, 1869, he removed with his father to Ogden, in Weber County. Here he was soon appointed Clerk of the Probate Court, and subsequently was elected County Recorder. There was at this time no lawyer resident in Ogden; there were few established legal forms; the public lands were just coming into market; and a prodigious responsibility at once rested upon the young man. With such dili- gence and acuteness did he apply himself to the task of formulating methods and devising systems for keeping the public records that he soon achieved more than a local fame. It was remarked by
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FRANKLIN S. RICHARDS.
President Brigham Young that the records of the office of Franklin S. Richards were without equal in the Territory. At the conclusion of his eighth year of service as recorder and his ninth year of service as clerk he retired from these offices, positively declining re-election.
From the moment when Providence brought him into close communion with the law he felt, what others were quick to observe, that he had come to his destined calling. He marked out a course of reading of the most severe and comprehensive character, and this he followed with a persistent ardor which loneliness in the study could not abate, and which mental or physical weariness could not discourage. He did not attend a law lecture nor read a page with any law firm. But on the 16th of June, 1874, he was admitted to the bar of the Third District Court at Salt Lake City. On that same afternoon the veteran Frank Tilford, famous as a brilliant orator and as a sagacious and well-read lawyer-without any solicitation-moved in the Supreme Court for the admission of Mr. Richards to practice. Chief Justice Mckean, remarking that the young lawyer had but that morn- ing made his entrance into the District Court, said that he thought this rather rapid promotion. Tilford replied: "Very true, your honor, but the gentleman deserves the promotion ; he would do honor to the bar of any court." The Chief Justice at such an emphatic endorsement from such an eminent source, changed his judicial severity into graciousness and said, in good-natured prophecy, which has been more than fulfilled: "Mr. Richards, we take pleasure in admitting you to the bar of this court, and we trust that your progress in the profession may be as rapid as your promotion has been to day."
Far removed from the usual surroundings of the law student, Mr. Richards had developed habits of self-concentration and continuous study. His isolation had strengthened his independence of thought, made him a purer reasoner, and fitted him to become an able defender of constitutional rights and the inherent liberty of man.
His first defense was that of a man charged with murder. The prosecution was conducted by W. C. Gaston, a very able and eloquent California lawyer. Young Franklin was alone for the pris- oner. Fully conscious of the gravity of the case, but with no weak hesitation or timidity, he fought for the prisoner with a skill and vigor which astonished even his familiar friends. 1Iis argument is still remembered for its analytical power and touching eloquence. His client was discharged.
The talents of this young man were needed in the public service; and during many years he was chosen to act as attorney for Weber County and Ogden City.
In the spring of 1877, Mr. Richards attended conference and the dedication of the Temple at St. George. He was called to go to Europe as a missionary; and his parting from President Young was marked with great solicitude upon the part of the President, who blessed him and charged him to return home should the climate of England prove injurious to his health. The eye of the President had been upon Franklin from his youth, for he was not only born in the Zion of the Rocky Moun- tins which that great colonist founded, but he was also his kinsman. They parted never to meet again in mortal life ; for, before Franklin's return our great statefounder slept with the fathers.
The lawyer-missionary crossed the Atlantic with Apostle Joseph F. Smith, arriving in Liverpool on the 27th day of May, 1877. The rigors of the climate of England just at that season affected him so seriously that he was accorded leave for a period of continental travel. Sometimes with such congenial companions as Col. T. G. Webber and H. B. Clawson, Jr., but usually alone, he wandered over Europe ; gaining needed recreation and health, visiting historic and classic lands, and gatherin ? new stores of knowledge for his highly intellectual and observant mind. With these objects in view he did not pass post-haste over the Continent; but remained for a time in various parts of France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and other countries. After a considerable time spent in these glorious ramblings he returned to England. There he dwelt in London for a period, but subsequently went to the South Coast between Hastings and Southampton. Here he was again seriously affected by the humid atmosphere ; and pursuant to instructions he returned home in the autumn of 1877 in company with Apostles Orson Pratt and Joseph F. Smith. Before he had fairly recuperated his usual vigor in his native air, a multiplicity of legal business was thrust upon him.
In the spring of 1878, the litigation commenced over President Young's estate, and Mr. Rich- ards was employed with Sheeks & Rawlins, as attorney for the executors. This difficulty was set- tled by wise and judicious management, but the following year the main litigation was begun, which brought Mr. Richards into great prominence in all the legal business of the Church.
Mr. Richards, in the summer of 1878, formed a partnership with Judge Rufus K. Williams, formerly Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of Kentucky, the firm name being Richards & Williams.
Next commenced the great suits, involving over a million of dollars, instituted by several of
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HISTORY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
President Brigham Young's heirs against the executors and trustees of his estate, which assumed such consequence that Geo. Q Cannon, Albert Carrington, and Brigham Young, Jr., were held as prisoners, and the Trustee-in-trust of the Church was placed under heavy bonds. In this great suit the firm of Richards & Williams was retained as the leading counsel for the Church. The case required not only the finest legal subtlety, with perfect conscientiousness, but an almost apostolic concern for the honor and reputation of the dead and living. The case was conducted with such skill for the Church and the executors, that satisfactory compromises were effected and the suits forever settled.
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