John Doyle Lee – Leader of the Mountain Meadows Massacre – Legends of America
John Doyle Lee, a name etched in the annals of American history, is inextricably linked to one of the most horrific and controversial events of the 19th century: the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Born into a humble background, Lee rose to prominence as a leader within the early Mormon Church, only to be forever condemned for his role in the slaughter of over 120 men, women, and children. This article delves into the life of John D. Lee, exploring his rise within the Mormon community, his involvement in the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and the aftermath that led to his execution.
Early Life and Conversion
John Doyle Lee entered the world on September 12, 1812, in Kaskaskia, Illinois. His early life remains relatively obscure, but a pivotal moment arrived on July 24, 1833, when he married Agatha Ann Woolsey. Shortly thereafter, the couple embraced the teachings of the burgeoning Mormon Church, becoming early converts. This decision would profoundly shape the course of Lee’s life.
Lee’s dedication to the Mormon faith quickly became apparent. He forged a close bond with the church’s founder, Joseph Smith Jr., and actively participated in spreading the Mormon gospel. In 1839, he embarked on missionary work, traversing the states of Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee, seeking to convert others to the Mormon cause.
Rise Within the Mormon Church
Lee’s commitment to the Mormon Church extended beyond missionary work. He embraced the controversial practice of polygamy, a tenet of the early Mormon faith that allowed men to marry multiple wives. Over the course of his life, Lee entered into marriage with 18 women, fathering more than 60 children. However, his marital life was not without its challenges, as 11 of his wives eventually left him.
Lee’s loyalty and dedication earned him a position of influence within the Mormon community. Some accounts suggest that he became a member of the Danites, a secretive fraternal order sworn to defend the rights of Mormons, although this remains a subject of debate among historians.
Migration to Utah and Leadership Role
Following the assassination of Joseph Smith Jr. in Carthage, Illinois, Lee joined the mass exodus of Mormons westward to the territory of Utah. There, he established himself as a successful farmer and rancher, contributing to the growth and development of the Mormon settlements.
In 1856, Lee’s standing in the community led to his appointment as a U.S. government Indian Agent in the Iron County area. In this role, he was tasked with assisting Native Americans in establishing farms, fostering relations between the Mormon settlers and the indigenous population. However, this position would ultimately place him at the center of the tragic events that unfolded at Mountain Meadows.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre
In September 1857, a wagon train led by Captain Alexander Fancher, consisting of families from Arkansas and other states, was traveling through southern Utah en route to California. As they passed through the Mountain Meadows area, tensions escalated between the emigrants and the local Mormon community.
Fueled by rumors, fear, and wartime hysteria, a plan was hatched to attack the Fancher wagon train. John D. Lee, along with other Mormon leaders and members of the local militia, played a pivotal role in the events that followed.
After a four-day siege, Lee and William Bateman met with members of the wagon train, offering a truce and promising safe passage to Cedar City under the protection of the Mormon militia. Trusting in this offer, the emigrants surrendered their weapons. However, as they were led away from their wagons, a signal was given, and the Mormon militiamen, along with some Paiute Indians, unleashed a brutal massacre.
Men, women, and older children were slaughtered, with only 17 young children spared. The Mountain Meadows Massacre stands as a stain on American history, a testament to the dangers of religious extremism, fear, and violence.
Aftermath and Investigation
The Mountain Meadows Massacre sent shockwaves throughout the nation, prompting a government investigation. However, the Civil War and other pressing matters delayed the pursuit of justice. Despite the cloud of suspicion hanging over him, Lee continued to be an active leader in Mormon affairs, even serving a term in the Utah Territorial Legislature.
As the years passed, the questions surrounding the massacre grew louder, and the pressure on the Mormon Church increased. In October 1870, Brigham Young, the president of the Mormon Church, excommunicated Lee for his role in the massacre, seeking to distance the church from the horrific event.
Despite his excommunication, Lee remained under the influence of the church. In 1872, he was sent to Arizona to establish a ferry crossing on the Colorado River, known as Lee’s Ferry.
Arrest, Trial, and Execution
In 1874, the government renewed its investigation into the Mountain Meadows Massacre, leading to Lee’s arrest. His first trial ended in a hung jury, but he was retried in 1877 and found guilty of murder. He was sentenced to death.
Throughout his trials and in his written memoirs, Lee admitted to his involvement in the massacre but maintained that he had acted under orders from his military leaders, protesting against the plan. He initially claimed that Brigham Young had no prior knowledge of the massacre, but later asserted that Young had sent George A. Smith to southern Utah to prepare the people for the extermination of the Fancher wagon train.
On March 23, 1877, John D. Lee was taken to the site of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, where he was executed by a firing squad. His last words included a condemnation of Brigham Young:
"I do not believe everything that is now being taught and practiced by Brigham Young. I do not care who hears it. It is my last word… I have been sacrificed in a cowardly, dastardly manner."
Lee’s body was buried in the Panguitch Cemetery.
Legacy
John D. Lee remains a controversial figure in American history. While he was the only person ever to be punished by the U.S. Government for the Mountain Meadows Massacre, many others were involved, including high-ranking military leaders who were aware of the plan.
In April 1961, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints posthumously reinstated Lee’s church membership, a move that sparked debate and controversy.
The Mountain Meadows Massacre continues to be a subject of historical study and reflection. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of human nature, the dangers of religious extremism, and the importance of seeking truth and justice.
John Doyle Lee’s life and legacy are forever intertwined with the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event that continues to cast a shadow over American history.