Turmoil in Carson County

The Old Settlers

Turmoil arose from the ‘old settlers’ living here before the saints of the Carson Mission came. They had little respect for their new Mormon neighbors. Residents who desired to live under California law instead of what they called ‘Mormon law’, schemed to mobilize a vigilante group to enforce their own will.

Orson was patient and peace-loving, but he felt there would be conflict and wrote to Brigham Young that they were resolved to stand their ground and do their best. Brigham Young’s response to Hyde’s fear that conflict was inevitable was that Hyde and all the Mormons should leave the region rather than fight. However, the scale of local conflict never developed to the point that would necessitate removal or abandonment. (Hatch, “History of Christopher Layton,”)

In February 1857 a letter written to Brigham Young from President [Chester] Loveland reported, “In regard to the difficulty that existed between us and the old settlers of Carson County, I am pleased to say it has died a natural death. There does not appear to be anything to prevent us from building up a permanent stake in this country and carrying out the designs the servants of the Lord had in view at the time we were called to settle here.” (Arrington, Mormons in Nevada).