The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-03-04

Graphic Details of the Successful Work Of
Utah Elders I'm Alabama.

OeAA AAAuCkb AAs Ak0OdAhcs
Atlanta Special.
The Mormons have chosen north Alabama as a
missionary field and have been vigorously pros
ecuting their work during the past six months.
The Mormon elders, under the guise Of travellers,
go from house to house, distributing little
twenty page pamphlet, entitled Doctrines OF
Latter-day Saints. by Elder John Morgan" This
book contains their articles of faith and gives an
account of the revelations made to Joseph Smith;
it also claims that Mormonism is the only true
religion. When person joins them the elders
give him what they call their Mystic Sign.
which consists OF a paper on which is written
their articles of faith and the name of every con-
vert in that section. The possession of this proves
the owner true saint. One of their most en-
thusiastic converts in Shimborn valley is w. j.
Conger. Living upon Conger's farm is a young
man by the name of Boiling, who has been very
bitter toward the elders and their converts
About six weeks ago Boiling found paper near
his house which stated that Mormonism was the
only true religion, and that unless he joined them
within thirty days and used his influence to get
his neighbors to join he must leave that section
of the country. The paper was signed by all of
the elders, by Conger and any number of other
converts. Boiling has not left, and stated that
he did not intend to leave, aud so far no effort
has been made to force him to leave. Last Sep
TENDER or October Elder Davis came over into
Choccoloeo valley within five miles of Oxford,
and in short time he was joined by Elder ALL
rod. who came direct from Utah. In little
Wnu0 LneY naQ MADE converts or James Inlman
and his wife, and later on Hiram Harrison and
his entire family. Tillman soon became much
enthused with his new religion and declared that
he thanked the good Lord for sending him Nor
mon elders to teach him the true religion. Elders
Davis and Allrod spent most of their time while
In this section at the homes of Tillman and Har
rlson, and a few nights ago committee OF clti-
zens surrounded Harrison's house and called for
the elders. They happened to be spending that
night at the house of Thomas Richards and the
notified Harrison that he must not let the elders
bought gun and supply of ammunition, and
Come to our house another night, and some of
you will eat breakfast IN hell next morning" At
ter writing the notice young Harrison shot a
pistol ball through the paper and then stuck it
on the gate-post of a man he supposed was one OF
the committee of citizens The Shimborn valley
elders were re- enforced in January by Elders
Butler and Wilson, and in that section they
have taught not only their converts, but many
other ignorant people, to believe that the entire
Territory of Utah is the exclusive property of
the Mormon Church. and that it is land over
flowing with riches, long life and happiness. and
naturally most of their converts are anxious to
get there soon as possible. The elders have
little to say about polygamy, and tell their con-
verts that only church officials any pious mem
bers are allowed to have more than one wife. The
elders are fed and clothed by their converts and
also receive regular installments of money from
Salt Lake City. Deserted homes, separated
families and friends changed to bitter enemies
are some of the results already accomplished by
Mormonism in Alabama.