Brigham Young: The Stories They DON’T Want You To Know

Key Concepts:

• Brigham Young's portrayal in media vs. historical accounts
• Native American relations in Utah during Brigham Young's leadership
• Brigham Young's character: kindness, empathy, and sternness
• Brigham Young's views on education, especially for women
• Brigham Young's dedication to Joseph Smith and his vision
• Historical accuracy of Brigham Young's quotes and sermons

1. Challenging the Villain Narrative of Brigham Young

• The video challenges the common portrayal of Brigham Young as a villain, particularly as depicted in the Netflix series "American Primevil."
• It argues that while Brigham Young had flaws and made statements that are now regrettable, serious biographers, including non-Mormons like John Turner, present a more complex and nuanced picture.
• The video aims to provide context and information often overlooked in popular portrayals, even by uninformed members of the church.

2. Brigham Young and Native American Relations

• Misconception: The video addresses the misconception that Brigham Young sought to exterminate Native Americans in Utah.
• Letter of 1850: It analyzes a letter from Governor Young in 1850 ordering the raising of a military company to quell hostile Indians, clarifying that it targeted specific hostile clans, not a genocide of all Native Americans.
• Empathy and Coexistence: It highlights that historians recognize Brigham Young's unusual empathy towards Native Americans compared to other leaders of the time. He advocated for coexistence and providing for the Indians whose sustenance was imperiled by the settlers.
• Native American Perspective: The video presents evidence of respect and friendship from Native American chiefs towards Brigham Young, citing examples like the Pavant chief Kach's praise for Young's honesty and the respectful relationship with Chief Walker (Walara).
• Child Slavery: It explains that Brigham Young encouraged Mormons to purchase Native American children who were being sold into slavery by other tribes, aiming to educate them and teach them the gospel. This led to the legalization of slavery in Utah for this specific purpose.
• Blackhawk War: During the Blackhawk War in the 1860s, Brigham Young rebuked settlers for their actions and attitudes toward Native Americans, threatening consequences for those who killed innocent Indians.

3. Brigham Young's Character: Kindness and Sternness

• BF Grant's Testimony: The video shares the story of BF Grant, the orphaned son of Brigham Young's counselor, Jedediah Grant. Brigham Young took BF into his home, provided for him, and sent him to school, demonstrating his kindness and compassion.
• Miriam Works's Illness: It recounts Brigham Young's care for his first wife, Miriam, during her long-term battle with tuberculosis. He took on household duties and provided constant care for her, showcasing his devotion and affection.
• Ellis Reynolds's Education: The video tells the story of Ellis Reynolds, who was invited by Brigham Young to live in the Beehive House and receive an education. He supported her pursuit of a medical degree at the Women's Medical College in Philadelphia, demonstrating his belief in women's education and their potential beyond traditional roles.
• Balance of Sternness and Kindness: BF Grant described Brigham Young as having two outstanding characteristics: sternness and a loving, motherly kindness. He possessed the discernment to know which attitude was appropriate in different situations.

4. Brigham Young's Views on Education and Truth

• Education for All: Brigham Young believed in the education of both men and women, advocating for women to pursue various professions and contribute to society.
• Synonymous with Truth: He considered Mormonism to be synonymous with truth, incorporating scientific, philosophical, and doctrinal knowledge. He encouraged Mormons to seek higher education and embrace all forms of knowledge.
• Establishment of Universities: Brigham Young played a key role in establishing universities in Utah, fostering a culture of learning and intellectual growth.

5. Brigham Young's Dedication to Joseph Smith

• Following Joseph Smith's Vision: The video emphasizes Brigham Young's unwavering dedication to Joseph Smith and his vision.
• City Planning: He followed Joseph Smith's original design for Salt Lake City, creating wide streets, gardens, and public squares.
• Dream of Joseph Smith: The video shares a dream Brigham Young had in 1847, where he reunited with Joseph Smith and expressed his longing for his companionship.
• Last Words: According to one report, Brigham Young's last words on his deathbed were "Joseph, Joseph, Joseph," highlighting his enduring love and devotion.

6. Historical Accuracy of Brigham Young's Quotes

• Transcription Errors: The video mentions research by historian Leene Karuth, suggesting that many purported quotes by Brigham Young may have been altered or inaccurately transcribed, leading to an inaccurate portrayal of the man.
• Untranscribed Sermons: Karuth's work involves transcribing previously untranscribed sermons by Brigham Young, which reveal a more powerful, kinder, and thoughtful speaker than previously understood.
• Dedicatory Prayer: The video highlights the discovery of Brigham Young's dedicatory prayer for the Salt Lake City Tabernacle in 1867, which was previously unknown and provides insights into his humility and faith.

7. Ulysses S. Grant's Visit to Salt Lake City

• Changed Perception: President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife visited Salt Lake City and met with Brigham Young. After witnessing the community and interacting with the people, they expressed that they had been deceived by negative portrayals of the Mormons.

8. Conclusion

• The video concludes that Brigham Young was a complex and unique man who played a crucial role in the history of the Latter-day Saint movement.
• Despite his flaws, he led the church through a difficult period, guided the exodus to the West, and established a thriving community.
• The video encourages viewers to look beyond popular tropes and consider the full scope of Brigham Young's life and accomplishments.
• Jedediah Grant's analogy of Brigham Young as a "Roman cutlass" or "beef butcher knife" with a "Buckhorn" handle and "hog skin" case, emphasizes his practicality and effectiveness in a challenging environment, contrasting him with the "Ivory and pearl handled table nut balanced handles" of eastern leaders.