Orson Hyde Returns to Salt Lake City

Orson Hyde Departure

In November 1856, Orson Hyde received a letter from Brigham Young, authorizing him to appoint a replacement and return to the Salt Lake Valley.

Elder Hyde hurriedly made an agreement to lease his mill, which was valued at $10,000, to Jacob Rose. Rose paid an installment consisting of one span of small mules, an old worn out harness, two yokes of oxen, and an old wagon which Hyde used to convey himself to Salt Lake City. That insignificant amount was all the payment he received for the mill. Elder Hyde never again returned to Carson Valley.

Chester Loveland, president of the stake high council replaced Elder Hyde. Loveland and his associates organized the county into four school districts, later enlarged to five, to promote better education. The saints were instructed to live their religion and to mind their own business. The old settlers began to see the Mormons not as a threat, but as responsible and industrious colonizers.

In a special meeting held by Loveland, each of the colonists expressed his willingness and desire to remain in the valley and fulfill his mission. Loveland reported, “The spirit of union prevails among us and the people with whom we are surrounded.” (Arrington, Mormons in Nevada)