The Coconino sun., 1927-11-25
When Lot Smith
Took WOencOpie
(Coconino Sun of Feb. IL, 1887

(Coconino Sun of Feb. 10, 1887
In the northern part Of Yavapai
county few miles north of the Little
Colorado, and about II miles west of
Tuvasita postoffice is the settlement
Of Moen Copie. The place was first
occupied about or A years ago by
buildings there, which he deserted
when his troubles commenced from
polygamous practices and he had to
escape from this part of the country.
He has since been a fugitive from
justice.
The settlement that Young had COM
menced was on unsurveyed govern
ment land and a considerable time
after the Mormons abandoned it, two
men named Dittenhapper and Stone
located there, completed the buildings
that Young had commenced, farmed
the land around and opened store,
retaining quiet possession of the
property for more than two years up
to the 31st of January of this year.
With Dittenhapper and Stone resid-
ed the latter's wife. In the store was
about $4,000 worth of goods in addi-
ton to the furniture and private prop
erty of the occupants. On Monday,
January 81, Lot Smith, a we'll known
Mormon, (the same that had trouble
with Mr.. Daggs about two months ago
ard shot one of his men) made his
appearance at the settlement Of Moen
Copie with about 20 armed men and
demanded possession of the property.
which was at first refused, but those
present at the time, Dittenhapper,
Narney Williams, Ed Stone and Mrs.
Stone had to succumb to a superior
force Smith and his myrmidons
broke in the doors, took possession Of
the place, and made the occupants
prisoners.
Thos. D.. Hubbell, who resides at
Tuvasita, few miles east Of Moen
Copie, where he has a store and ranch,
hearing of their trouble went to their
rescue with nine men. On approach
ing the place they were warned off
by Smiths men, who were all armed
with sfevolvers and Winchesters. The
rescuing party demanded the release
of the prisoners, Mrs. Stone especial
ly. This was refused, but Smith called
Hubbell by name, and said if he would
lay down his weapons, he might adj
vance and he (Smith) would talk to
him. After a parley the Mormons
agreed to let their prisoners go, but
retained possession Of the place with
the contents Of the store and the per-
sonal property of the residents.
Mrs. Stone and the rest of the party
took refuge at Mr.. Hubbell's ranch,
when Dtitenhapper, T. S. Hubbell and
Williams Immediately left for Flag
staff to obtain the aid of the law.
Smith and his Mormon followers were
left in possession of the property.
On the arrival of the parties men
toned in Flagstaff warrants were is
sued. D. p Owen, sheriff of Apache
county, was telegraphed for and on
his arrival John w. Francis, James L.
Black, the three men who came in and
several others started for the scene
Of the outrage to gain possession of
the property and arrest the Mormons.
When they reach there they expect to
master a force of about eighteen men.
The sheriff of Apache county has
warrant in his possession for the
arrest of Lot Smith that was issued
two years ago, charging him with
unlawful cohabitation, under the anti
polygamy law. Smith was arrested
once on this charge by T. S. Hubbell,
who was then deputy sheriff, but he
presented a pistol at the sheriff's
head and managed to escape.