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I cannot respect anyone who would be willing to allow his innocent followers freeze to death in the Wyoming mountains while he sends their rescuers to haul his (Young's) steam engine to SLC.

Joe Geisner wrote:I have not listened to the John's podcast. But I am sure it is excellent, plus I trust Mary.

I have less than 100 pages left to finish the book, but this may be my favorite Mormon biography. If you know me, I think that is saying something. I have immersed myself in Mormon biographies, and I think I have good tastes and a good handle on what is out there.

John Turner has captured many sides of Young, and I think he has been very fair. Young, as with most successful people from history are complex. Some of the people we look to with admiration, and some we look at with disgust. Young can be both, though I often find him disgusting. I cannot respect anyone who would be willing to allow his innocent followers freeze to death in the Wyoming mountains while he sends their rescuers to haul his (Young's) steam engine to Salt Lake City.
http://user.xmission.com/~research/central/handcart.pdf


John Dehlin asked people on Facebook if the had questions for Turner during the interview. One person asked if Turner found evidence that Young led or approved of violence outside of MMM. I think John Turner’s book does an excellent job in answering the question. (Turner takes a nuanced approach to MMM, one that no supporter of Young should feel comfortable with) John does not deal with one case that may have the most evidence of Young calling for cold blooded murder, The case of Jesse Thompson Hartley is well documented in this fantastic article. http://user.xmission.com/~research/mormonpdf/storm.pdf

John Turner quotes from an amazing assortment of letters to and from Young. Reading these extracts of letters gave me some of the more interesting glimpses into the life of Young. One letter comes from Young’s older brother Joseph, who was the spiritual leader of the family before the families conversion to Mormonism. The letter is in regards to the murderer William Hickman. As early as 1849 Joseph was trying to explain the character of Hickman to his younger brother. Unfortunately Brigham seemed to not have the same moral fiber as his brother. Joseph writes of Hickman: “Inocent Blood it will Be found Driping from the hands of William Hickman,” whom he labeled “a cold Blooded Murderer.” This was Joseph’s reaction after seeing Hickman murder two Indians, one who Hickman let bleed out over a day.