Historical Relations Between Mormons and Native Americans in the 19th Century

The relationship between early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) and Native Americans in 19th century America was complex and multifaceted. While there were instances of violence and conflict, there were also instances of cooperation, charity, and even alliance.

Mormon-Native American Relations

Historical records indicate that Mormons had mixed interactions with Native American tribes in the region. These interactions ranged from peaceful trade and coexistence to outright violence. On one hand, some Latter-day Saint settlers shared land, resources, and knowledge with Indigenous peoples, engaging in mutually beneficial relationships. On the other hand, there were also confrontations that culminated in skirmishes, murders, and massacres.

For instance, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) took a distinct stance in opposing the forced placement of Native American youth in boarding schools aimed at "civilizing" them. This policy contrasted with many other settlers who often did not have such reservations. This position was in part a reflection of the LDS Church's teachings that all people were children of God and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Retribution and Lack of Retaliation

There are documented instances where tensions between Mormons and Native Americans escalated to violence. One such tragic event involved the murder of a 3rd great grandfather of an LDS member. The man was killed by three Native Americans outside of Brigham City, Utah, while farming. He was shot full of arrows, stripped naked, and had his head bashed in with rocks. Notably, there was no retribution against the local tribe; reports suggest that no actions were taken against the suspected individuals.

Another account describes the violent treatment of a 2nd great grandfather. This man was in Brigham Canyon, helping someone clear land, when three Native Americans attacked him, stabbing him, scalping him, and shooting him with over 20 arrows. They also stole his horse. The Church community and other individuals played a crucial role in supporting his family, helping them avoid the tragic consequence of losing their provider and partner. This instance highlights the vulnerability of individual settlers and the supportive nature of the community in times of need.

Violence and Battles

Unfortunately, violence was not uncommon during this time period. The frontier West, including Utah, saw its share of battles and conflicts between settlers and Indigenous groups. This often resulted in the loss of life, livestock, and property. For example, Utah Indigenous groups participated in battles against Bents Fort, which was a significant trading post. However, these conflicts were not always one-sided; there were also instances of Indigenous attacks on Mormon settlements.

It is important to recognize that the history of relations between Mormons and Native Americans was nuanced and marked by both cooperation and confrontation. The Religious Society's role in advocating for the rights of Native Americans sets it apart from many other groups during this era. However, the region's history is complex, and both positive and negative events occurred.

Conclusion

The history of Mormons and Native Americans in 19th century Utah is a story of multiple layers and perspectives. While communal acts of violence and internal conflicts were a part of their interactions, there were also instances of mutual aid, cooperation, and advocacy against injustice. The complexity of this period reflects the broader challenges and conflicts that characterized the development of the American West.