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One of the worst tragedies in Western history has to be the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Inspired by Mormon preaching from the pulpit, Brigham Young, led his following on a path of death and destruction. In order to preserve their practice of polygamy, thoughtless bold murder and defiance against the United States and those who opposed the Mormon "doctrines" ruled the Latter-Day Saint mind and territory.
Brigham Young was able to enlist the Indians to join in the belief of the "only true church," and use them to do much of the dirty work in many killings and attacks. However, in the case of Mountain Meadows, the Indians balked at being directed to do such deeds, .... leaving much of the white Mormon believing "priesthood," to do the majority of the murdering.
The Fancher Party on their way to California was a group of about 120 which were brutally and ruthlessly murdered -- both women and children. The plot was to "kill all -- so no one would live to tell." Yet, it was impossible to cover it all up. Despite attempts by the LDS Church and individual abiding members over the years to hide or alter the record, the record is now quite clear.
Will Bagley in his book "Blood of the Prophets," pulls a lot of new material together that explains the events that lead up to this horrible massacre. Both sides of the story are told so the reader can examine, for himself, the facts. But evidence points an accusing finger at Brigham Young, the governor and leader of the Mormon group as the one who was mainly responsible for one of the worst massacres in western history.
Detailed descriptions of the massacre in Chapter 8 are not spared.... the kind of reading you prefer not to read, but find yourself compelled to read in total disbelief at the brutality.
My recommendation is to read this book. The information is plentiful and documented. My hat is off to Will Bagley for a job well done. It is a job few would want to tackle with the Mormon Church looking over your shoulder.... a church which harbors a vindictive attitude and actively uses retribution in order to capture and hold its membership.
Page Modified: April 29, 2003