Bishop Edward Hunter III

BISHOP EDWARD HUNTER BY OSCAR F. HUNTER, SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH.

III.

CONVERSION AND BAPTISM.

Application was made by the missionaries to the trustees for the use of the house, but their petition was not granted. The news of the denial came to Edward Hunter, and he immediately made inquiry into the reasons why the "Mormons" were not allowed to preach 'in the school house. The reply came, that Dr. Davis says that "it will not do to let them preach in the school house, as they believe in the visitation of angels and revelations from heaven; that they are a dangerous people and should there- fore have the doors closed against them." The honest, independent farmer, his democratic blood beginning to boil, then informed the trustees that in the lease it was distinctly understood that people of every religion should have the liberty of meeting there to wor- ship God, and if the contemplated action were taken, he would con- sider the lease broken, and would claim the house. He insisted strongly that the "Mormons" be allowed to preach there, asserting, besides, that he would go to the meeting to see that they were respectfully treated. These remarks, made by a determined man, had the desired effect, and it was finally agreed that the elders could have the use of the meeting house. Elisha H. Davis was the name of the humble elder who was traveling through the neighborhood, preaching wherever houses were open to him, and who first preached to Edward Hunter the restored gospel. "Brother Davis was the first man," says he, "that I was im- pressed was sent of God."

BISHOP EDWARD HUNTER. 785

Edward Hunter sat by Dr. Griffith during the meeting, when Robert Johnson, one of the trustees, addressing the elder, said, "I wish you would say something about the atonement of Christ." The elder spoke well on the subject, but before he was through, Johnson interrupted him and ordered him to quit preaching, ex- claiming, "Quit, we will hear no more." "I rose to my feet," remarks Mr. Hunter, "and said, 'The young man is a stranger and shall have justice shown him, and be respected. When he has finished, we will then hear Mr. Johnson.' The latter being one of the school trustees, the incident created quite a disturbance. When the elder had finished speaking, and the meeting was ad- journed, Mr. Hunter followed behind him, resolving, at the risk of person and property, to stand by him. "I had friends," said he, "though Mr. Davis had none." Before he was out of the school house, Mr. J. Johnson, brother of Robert Johnson, came to him and apologized for his brother's conduct, saying, "I beg your pardon, Mr. Hunter. Excuse my brother; he spoke without thought or consideration." After he had seen Brother Davis safe and out of danger of the rabble, which he was aware was present, he walked to where his horse was tied and drove home himself. It was quite late, and

his family had retired to rest. Before he went to sleep, he reflected and meditated upon what had taken place, in this wise: "Why have I taken such a decided stand for these strangers that have come into our neighborhood? I asked the Lord, 'Are those 'Mormons' thy servants?' came into the Instantly a light room at the top of the door, so great that I could not endure it; I covered my head with the bed clothes and turned my face to the wall. I had exercised my body and mind very much during the

day, and soon fell asleep." On all occasions thereafter, his home was open for the "Mor- mon" elders who traveled in that vicinity. During the winter of 1839-40, the Prophet Joseph honored him by a personal visit, on his way from Washington, where he had presented the memorial of his people's grievances in Missouri to President Van Buren. Mr. Hunter was greatly pleased to receive him, and relates