On January 30, 1894, President of the Box Elder Stake in Brigham City, Utah, Rudger Clawson (who would become an apostle four years later, in 1898) recorded the following church disciplinary case in his journal. This is an exact transcription:

 

One of the most extraordinary cases that ever arose in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints was that of Peter & Weldon Hunsaker versus Lorenzo Hunsaker in the Honeyville Ward, Box Elder Stake. I will endeavor, with as much brevity as possible to give a history of the affair.

In the latter part of last October [1893] LorenzoHunsaker called upon me and desired an interview. He said that the information he wished to convey was of ^such^ an extraordinary and shocking nature that he hardly know how to get at it. He was ashamed and humiliated to mention such a thing, and, after considerable hesitancy, said that shortly after returning from October Conference [in Salt Lake City], he was greatly surprised and pained upon learning that Peter and Weldon, his brothers, the first 24 years of age and the second 19, had circulated a story in the Ward to the effect that he had been guilty of sucking their penis. That they claimed he had performed this act upon each \one\ of them four different times within a period of some two or three years - It was the first time, so far as he knew, that the boys had ever intimated such a thing and what particularly astonished him was that if, as they claimed, such a monstrous charge \as that\ were really true, why did they deep the information back for so long a period. He further stated that he had written out a charge against the boys, but owing to their relationship to him \him\, desired to consult with me before preferring it. The question, therefore, was what, under the circumstances, had best be done. I replied that if I were in his place, I should treat the whole affair with silent contempt, and gave as ^a^ reason that the charge was so monstrous and rediculous \that\ he would be degrading himself in the eyes of sensible ^people^ to follow it up. Also, that his character and reputation in the community was a sufficient refutation to the slander.

He concluded to adopt my suggestion and withdrew. My confidence in the purity of Lorenzo's life and faithfulness as a Latter-day Saint was such that I felt it would be an insult to ask him if he were guilty.

The following day B[isho]p. B[enjamin]. H. Tolman of Honeyville and Lorenzo Hunsaker called to see me.

Lorenzo stated that he had called in to see the bishop, after leaving my place, relative to his trouble; that the bishop flew into a passion, and, in a threatening tone, said that he (Lorenzo) would have to meet this charge; that he had talked with Peter and the impression made on his mind, as to Lorenzo's innocence, was worse after the interview than before; that the bishop had said to Peter "if this story you tell is true stick to it", & that the bishops wife had in an insolent and unbecoming manner prejudged the case by telling him that he was not fit to live in decent society but ought to go to some distant and lonely island and there reside alone.

He answeredd the bishop by saying that he was perfectly willing to meet the issue and already had a charge against the boys written out at home, but that Prest Clawson advised him to ignore the matter.

Bishop Tolman admitted that what Lorenzo had said was substantially true, but that he was not, as Lorenzo supposed, prejudiced against him. He was of opinion, he said, and strongly impressed that the case ought to be fully investigated, and they now sought counsel.

I replied by saying that my counsel to Lorenzo stood unrevoked; that the bishop, being clothed upon by the authority to preside over the people of Honeyville, had a right, if he so elected, to investigate any matter arising within his jurisdiction. As to this affair he must be the judge. I would not in any way interfere least the people might think we were trying to cover it up. He said that they did think the Presidency of the Stake were trying to cover it up, and he felt that it ought to be investigated. "If you feel that way" said I "go ahead and investigate." Thus ended the interview.

The time was set accordingly for an investigation before the Bishops Court at Honeyville, but several days prior thereto Peter & Weldon Hunsaker called upon me and desired an interview. Bro Kelly was present. We questioned them very closely but they maintained with extraordinary firmness that Lorenzo was guilty of the offence charged. Finally, we asked them if they would be willing to raise their hands in the presence of God angels and men, and affirm that he was guilty. Both said they would- We had hoped this question would obviate further investigation, but not so- The boys then left for home.

The case was thereupon called up for investigation by the bishop, but ere the time appointed arrived, and as a mark of respect to the memory of Patriarch Hunsaker, I concluded to make one more effort to extract a confession from the guilty parties. With this purpose in view, I instructed bro Kelly to go to Honeyville and put both Lorenzo and his brothers to the test, feeling that the extraordinary character of the case would justify my action

Bro. Kelly afterwards reported that he was present at the investigation in Honeyville; that immediately prior to the opening thereof he made a few remarks relative to the life and character of Abraham Hunsaker, decease, and touched the feelings of all present while referring to the grief and sorrow felt by that great and good man in witnessing the conduct of his children on earth; that he asked Lorenzo if he could raise his hand in the presence of God, angels and men and affirm his innocence. He replied that he could and did so willingly; that he asked Peter & Weldon if they could raise their hands in the presence of God, angels and men and affirm that Lorenzo was guilty of the charge: they said they could and did so; that he (bro Kelly) then remarked "I have nothing more to say, the trial may go on."

"Minutes of Bishops Court held at Honeyville Octr 17, 1893

 

Charge of complaint by Peter & Weldon Hunsaker is the sucking of their penis by Lorenzo defendant.

Peter testified: The first time occurred four years ago this fall. Lorenzo left Benham's bed and came to my bed while I was asleep. When I awoke he had his mouth over my penis I turned over and pulled it away.

The second time was in the Mill two years ago last summer. Were both sleeping in one bed and on awaking found him a hold of my penis with his mouth, and I was in the act of discharging.

The third time occurred on the Balcony of Lorenzo's house, and on awaking found him as before with my penis in his mouth

The fourth time was at the house of Mr. Willis in Mendon, Utah - two years ago this last summer. Each of the three last times occurred about 3 weeks apart.

Weldon testified that the first time he caught Lorenzo in the act of sucking his penis was about one year ago, he coming to my bed.

When I awoke I felt that it was him, but did not see or speak to him or he to me. I turned over on my belly and did not discharge. He did not leave my bed immediately but kept bothering me.

The second time occurred about 2 weeks after the first, when he came to my bed as before and got my penis in his mouth. I awoke in the act of discharging

The third time was in a different room. I was asleep when he came in, but awake immediately. He did not accomplish anything, but remained in my bed about one hour, when Florida (his wife) came in search of him with a lamp, but she soon returned leaving him still in my bed, she telling him that he ought to be ashamed of himself

I left the bed and occupied another the rest of the night.

The Fourth time occurred near day light so that I could see him. I asked him what good it did him, and he answered that it might keep me from bothering the girls. I replied that it would make me worse rather than better

Got my penis in his mouth, the talk occurred after I awoke.

This happened last spring. Have no feelings against him, but had some words. Think Peter asked me if Lorenzo had ever sucked my penis and I must have said "yes", as he told me that he had sucked his This was talked of at Blue Springs last spring

Think I told Ira Neely and Thorn Boothe before I confessed it to Peter.

Have been told to stay with my previous statement, if true.

Benham Hunsaker told me that "Ren" [Lorenzo] had been at him.

Never heard of such a case before [Is this Weldon's testimony or Clawson's commentary?]

To Peter q[uestion]. When did you first tell of this affair. A[nswer]. Spoke to Benham some time after it happened. No body ever influenced me to start this thing, but have been told that if my statements were true to stay with them. His attempts all occurred in the night: Did no see or speak to him. Could not say whether he was asleep of not Have no feelings against him.

J.M. Grant said that Peter told him of the affair one year ago last August and said it was true.

J.M.G. said that he slept with Lorenzo one night, and found him a hold of my penis with his hand but made no offer to put his mouth to it

David Loveland said that he had endeavored to keep silent and keep others silent Heard Peter say it was true. He [Peter?] told of the first time Lorenzo had done it to him. Heard Benham say he had to hold to the bed to keep Lorenzo from turning him over that he might play with his penis.

Peter told me nearly one year and half ago. It was substantially the same as that which he has told here to-day.

Geo. Harper said he first heard of this affair nearly two years ago through Peter, and last spring through Weldon. They told the same story as they have told here. Heard Benham say the first time Lorenzo bothered him he thought he must have been asleep.

Lorenzo Hunsaker denied the whole affair.

Benham Hunsaker said that he knew nothing of the affair. Did not speak to Lorenzo as Peter had said.

Cyrus Hunsaker said Peter told him that when they were at Mendon Ren acted as though he wanted to ride him, but not mention Ren offering to suck his penis or to take hold of it

Robert Hunsaker said that he heard Peter tell Cyrus all about the Mendon affair, but he did not tell it then as he tells it now

Lorenzo Hunsaker said that the worst trouble he had ever had with any one was with Peter and originated over his wife Florida. He (Lorenzo) wrote a letter to her, and Peter being anxious to know the contents of it was at the post office, received, opened and read the letter. Peter had threatened to kill him, and endeavored to cause trouble between him and his wife.

Florida Hunsaker testified that Peter had asked her to run off with him and had sought to separate her and her husband. Had threatened to put Lorenzo in the penstock. Remembered all about the letter Peter had broken open. Said Lorenzo never was in the habit o leaving her bed at night, and that he could not do so without her knowing it. Did not look for him with a lamp as Weldon had said.

Said her brother had warned her to beware of Peter Hunsaker. Her evidence was corroborated by Lorenzo.

David Loveland Knew nothing of Lorenzo ever offering to do such things-

Cyrus, Isaac, Robert, Allen, & Joseph Hunsaker & Bp. B.H. Tolman testified to his good character so far as they knew-

Weldon Hunsaker said that Lorenzo had always given him good counsel

(Signed) Joseph Hunsaker, Clerk"

The correspondence given below followed the investigation at Honeyville:

"Honeyville, Utah,

Octr. 18, 1893.

Prest Clawson and the

High Council of the Box Elder Stake of Zion

Dear brethern:

After a careful review of the case against Lorenzo Hunsaker we feel that we have not got sufficient light to give a just and righteous decision, and respectfully refer it up to you for investigation

Your truly

B.H. Tolman

(Signed) Bishopric Joseph Hunsaker

Isaac Hunsaker"

 

 

Brigham City, Oct. 19, 93

To the Bishopric

of the Honeyville Wd.

Dear brethern

Your letter of the 18th inst came duly to hand, and contents noted. In response would say that we do not consider it proper under the circumstances for you to refer the matter to the High Council for investigation.

The presumption is that just as much evidence was adduced at the trial before you as would be forthcoming before the High Council, and, that being the case, it becomes the bounden duty of the Bishops Court to render a decision in accordance with such evidence. The Court could not therefore consistently shift this responsibility to the High Council.

Your brethern

signed Rudger Clawson

Chas Kelly

A little later, the following decision was rendered:

"To Lorenzo Hunsaker

According to our best judgement the evidence is against you, and we so decide.

B.H. Tolman, Bishop

Signed Isaac Hunsaker 1st Counselor

Jos. Hunsaker 2d "

The decision being unsatisfactory, Lorenzo Hunsaker took an appeal to the High Council as follows:

Honeyville, Oct. 20, 1893

To the Bishopric of

The Honeyville Wd.

Dear bro: I by these presents ask for an appeal from the decision of your court in the case of Peter and Weldon Hunsaker vs. Lorenzo Hunsaker

I therefore earnestly solicit an early investigation before the High Council in the Box Elder Stake of Zion, as by your decision my honor, my reputation and my all are taken from me by conflicting evidence, and envious brothers.

If there is no other recourse, I firmly believe it can be made known by the voice of revelation

Your brother in the Gospel

(Signed) Lorenzo Hunsaker

 

Special session of the High Council held Octr. 24, 1893 10 am

Prest. R. Clawson presiding, Singing prayer by Ephm. Wight.

The case of Peter & Weldon Hunsaker vs. Lorenzo Hunsaker an appeal from the Bishops Court of Honeyville was called up. The Council being regularly organized, Saml. Smith & Wm. L Walkins were appointed to represent accusers & Jas Bywater & Jas Pett, the accused

The minutes of the trial before the Bishop's Court at Honeyville were read by the clerk. Lorenzo Hunsaker then plead "not guilty" to the charge of having sucked the penis of Peter & Weldon Hunsaker

Weldon was requested to retire while Peter was undergoing examination. The latter being invited to make a statement said in substance: The first time I caught Lorenzo at me it was in the barn west of mill in Honeyville He was sleeping with Ben. Heard him (Ben) say for God's sake let up I want to sleep. I went off to sleep and when I woke up again found him with my penis in his mouth. I whirled over on my belly. One hour before day light he left my bed and got into Ben's This was about 4 years ago last summer. We were building the mill. Dont remember that I spoke to other parties about it. Was ashamed to let him know that I knew he was up to such tricks Did not know that it was Lorenzo at the time. Have told other people and told him to Keep still. Have slept with him at Washakie and caught him in the act of fingering me. He was married then and his wife was at Washakie.

At that time, I had no feelings against him. About this time Lorenzo claims that I tried to induce his wife to leave him. I thought we were on good terms when we were building the mill

Once I called him a cock sucker after we had build the mill

The trouble occurred over Watterson's (the miller's) wife. Ren claimed that I was too intimate with her. I went to see her at her house several times. I talked with Rens wife about running away with me and ^said^ that I would put him in the penstock, but then we were only joking about it. This was when we were digging out the flume. I was not married then

Do not remember how many times I have accused him of this in presence of Rob. Could not call to mind how many times he had sucked my penis. I told him [Rob?] it was twice.

The second time it occurred in the mill 2 years ago in July last. He was in the habit of sleeping in the Mill. His wife was at home. He run the mill late and slept there at night He bought our interest in the mill 2 years ago this fall. I worked there after I sold out. I awoke the 2d time when it occurred. I did not talk to him about it. I went to bed with him that night. I was still ashamed to let him know that I knew it. It was an exceptional case, that Ren & I slept together. Think we undressed when we went to bed, but would not swear to it. Up to this 2d time I had mentioned it to Watterson & Hawks & asked him what he thought about it. Was not ashamed to tell him, but felt a little bashful. Always thought it not right. I did not want him to monkey with me. Felt certain it was he who placed himself in that peculiar position. I discharged the second time, and woke up in the act. I expected him to monkey with me. Ben is the first one I spoke to about his matter. The first time I woke up and found my penis in Rens mouth was along towards morning. This matter was made public about 3 weeks ago. Have had words with him a time or two, which were the only times I had any feelings against him. He has had conversations with me in regard to my standing in the ward.

He advised me 3 or 4 years ago to go through the Temple. Counseled me to be virtuous and do right I have taken it in good part but but told him I wanted no advice from a cock sucker- Afterwards when he talked to me, he gave me good advice, and I took it in good part.

I have been a little slack in attending my meetings, paid tithing one year. Have prayers sometimes and ask blessings on my food sometimes, but not regularly. Have argued in such a way as to convey the idea that I entertained infidel views -- in a joking way just for the sake of argument. I do not have secret prayers.

I told my brother, Israel about this affair, and he promised he would not tell it. He is against Lorenzo. He told hi wife and she told the Bishop. Nobody advised me to start this. I told it to Israel about 4 weeks ago. Rob. wanted \wanted\ me to stop this yarn. I promised him I would go to Israel's wife and deny the whole thing. I went to see her but did not deny ^it^ although I afterwards told Rob that I had done so. I told him a deliberate lie to satisfy him.

I did not expect evidence would be brought against me, so that we could not convict Lorenzo because we have not enough evidence I always thought Israel and Lorenzo were against one another and Israel hinted to me and I up and told him about it.

Weldon and I first talked about the matter out at Blue Creek when we were digging a well. This was in March or April. We agreed to keep it still, but I told 2 or 3 about it at that time. Israel has urged me to go ahead and tell the truth about it. I talked with him about it after this investigation was commenced and he told me to tell the truth about it.

I told Jed Grant, Geo. Harper & D Loveland about it, but never expected anybody to believe it. Have always told the truth about it. Have not had any feelings against Ren-

The third time it occurred, we were in Lorenzo's new house on the balcony. It was about 3 or 4 weeks after the occurrence in the mill - sometime in August. He insisted on my sleeping with him. I saw his wife before we went to bed. This ^act^ happened after we had been to sleep some time. I did ^not^ say anything to him about it

The fourth time it happened at Mendon, when we went to Logan to sell the Mill. It occurred at his sisters house. She told us to sleep in the same bed. I would not sleep with him now. Take him as a rule, I believe he is truthful and virtuous - excepting this affair I do not think he would have intercourse with other women, but is not virtuous with men

I intercepted a letter from him to his wife at the post office. I opened the letter He was then living at Washakie, and authorized me in his absence from Honeyville to open his letters, and, if important, to send them to him. When I opened the letter, he was in Honeyville.

Spoke to mother in relation to this matter this morning and she believes I am lying. She has told me at different times that I was lying.

There have been feelings between mother and myself, but they have been settled.

Could not swear that he was not asleep when operating on me -

Weldon Hunsaker said the first time Lorenzo was at me was in his own house in the west room I woke up and he had my penis in his mouth. I turned on my belly to get away from him.

The second time was in the same room. I was just in the act of discharging. This was 3 or 4 weeks after the first time. The first time was early last fall. The third time was in the mill room up stairs last winter.

The fourth time was early this spring. Four times in all I have told, but he was at me five times. The fifth time was in the west room This was really the fourth time. I thought I had not better tell about the time in the west room. The fourth time I awoke up and found my penis in Lorenzo's mouth. I got up and went into another room and he followed me when I went to bed. I said what are you following me up for.

I have lived with him ever since father died. It is 2 weeks last Friday since I left there

When Peter and I were at Blue Creek, we agreed to stay with each other, if the matter ever came up We never agreed to just how we would tell it.

Was called over to Israel's place and told him about it. Have lived with Lorenzo over 5 years. When we were building the Mill I slept with him, but nothing occurred at that time. The first time I talked about this matter was last spring at Blue Creek. Peter asked me about it first. Israel told me to stick to it, if it were the truth.

Lorenzo and I had a spat last fall after that we fixed matters up again. He is my guardian He always counseled me to do right, to be truth ful, honest, industrious, and virtuous. He counseled me to be careful about the girls and never take liberties with them.

The third time the act was committed was when Florida came to the door with a lamp. It was a glass lamp. She called out to Lorenzo. He did not answer at first, but the second time said what. She said "I would be ashamed of myself. I have been hunting for you all over the house" He did not get up but staid right there. I got up and left him and went into the west room. I spoke to him the last time.

I get drunk once in a while Have not been drunk since last winter. Dont know whether I was at a dance or ^not^ down to Brigham

I got drunk once this summer when I took flour to Ogden for Lorenzo Got another order for flour while there from David Kay. It was filled & I took the flour down. Do not know how much there was - one load I believe. I told Lorenzo the truth about this trip to Ogden.

Generally attend meetings when I am at home. Do not have secret prayers Lorenzo gave me my spending money. He paid me for hauling flour to Ogden. Am 17 years of age. Do not pay tithing Have not worked for myself prior to this summer Have talked with Israel since this trial commenced-

(It is proper to say that much of the information contained in the above statements was brought out by questions from the Council)

Jed. M. Grant said Peter told me this a year ago last summer.

On the 7th of March last I slept with Lorenzo and when I woke up he was skinning my "dink" When at Mendon, Benham said he would rather sit up all night than sleep with Lorenzo

I pay my tithing, have done so up to this fall. I have prayers in my family. Was married 7 years ago this fall. Do not know whether he was awake or asleep. Am on friendly terms with him Got a little mad at him last spring.

Geo. Harper said, Two weeks ^ago^ Rob and Ben were at my wagon Benham said that the first time Ren was monkeying with him he thought he was asleep.

David Loveland felt to blame himself, for Peter had told him a long time ago. Had heard Benham say that he turned on his stomach before Ren could monkey with him. He was of the opinion that most of the family were jealous on account of the manner in which the estate was left in Lorenzo's hands Knew that Israel had never been a friend to Lorenzo.

Defense

 

Lorenzo Hunsaker said In the first place Peter made the statement that he was asleep & I came to him. Had a talk with Peter after Conference in Salt Lake and said to him "Are you going crazy"? He said "I guess you are I can tell you of twice. The first time in the barn and the second ^at the Mill^" He stated to Robt and myself that he was awakened by Benham, who spoke and said "hell give us a wink of sleep". He testified at the trial in Honeyville that he did not leave me, here he says he did.

The second time he claims it occurred, I was running the mill. I had a bed in the office. That night he came down and stayed there till midnight He was tired and I said he could stay with me. I did not touch him. Had no knowledge whatever of these charges against me until just lately, and they are not true. Was not aware that Peter ever slept on the balcony or in my house.

The fourth time of the occurrence was, he claims, in Mendon. We slept together, and when we woke up in the morning everything was all right. I believe there has been a conspiracy against me. Four years ago we were working in the penstock. We slept together night after night. He talked to me about my wife. Said I had a dandy woman and he was going to get away with her. Continued in this strain. Later he told me she was going to elope with him, that she had been intimate with him, that she had exposed her person to him. The result was there were bitter words between us. I wrote her a letter about it from Wasakie, which she answered. He for the letter opened and read it. The first thing he said, when we met, was "What have you been writing to your wife" He then pulled out the letter & handed it to me - We went out side and talked the matter over He said "Did you think I meant it? It was all a joke." I let it pass but a short time after he affirmed it again. I asked him to meet my wife, but before anything was done he retracted a second time. She told me he had been fooling around trying to kiss her etc. One night after the mill started up, he re-affirmed all these things, and said he intended to elope with her for he did not believe in God or devil I said you must face my wife and he replied that if I went over there he would Kill me He followed me over on to the porch, and said he was joking He recalled it all & said I was a fool for paying any attention to it. I believe his object was to separate me and ^my^ wife. After that he pouted around and finally became reconciled, but the thing was not settled.

When matters grew more serious, Weldon began to take a part in it, and finally left the house Think that ^they^ then resolved on the course they would take, and when they went to Blue Creek, fixed these matters up.

Weldon was very careless about shutting gates etc. and I reproved him. he took to drinking, and I talked to him many times about it. His mother on her dying bed gave me charge of her children and I have sought to keep him in at night and to keep him from getting drunk. I finally told him he would either have to leave my home or relinquish his whiskey and cigars. He left home and went to Pocatello and threatened to go from there to Montana. I sent for him and he came back home again. Employed him to haul flour last winter to Ogden and he made from 500 to 7oo pr trip He soon began drinking, and bro. Harper felt ashamed of it He promised to quit but did not. On one occasion after being absent several days longer than necessary he reported that he had been waiting to place some orders & that he had succeeded in placing one with David Kay for 3 loads of flour. Here the following letter was introduced as evidence:

Ogden Oct. 23/93

Lorenzo Hunsaker Esq

Box Elder, Utah

Dear Sir: Your favor of the 21st received. In reply will that I remember, the young man you speak of being here with flour, but positively did not keep him waiting here for an order, nor did I give him an order, but a short time afterward, some of your teams pulled up with flour, and I was surprised as, I had not ordered ^it^ but kept the teams waiting until I went around town and sold it

The only order I have given to any of your teamsters was to Mr Harper, the ^other^ orders were sent direct and given to you personally.

Yours Very Rsecty

Witness: (Signed) David Kay

Claude D. Ives.

Lorenzo resumed and said I \have\ afterwards learned that Weldons absence was due to his having been on a drunken spree.

At Peter's request I administered to his sick \\\\\ wife and she recovered. I baptized him at the time he was rebaptized, and he said he was glad of it.

When J.M. Grant, myself & others were going to Logan we stayed at my sisters, and it was then he claims that Benham said he would rather set up all night than sleep with me. Have spoken to Ben and he denied having made any such remark. We went to bed and nothing occurred till morning when we got up and went to the Temple He (Grant) never said a word to me about it until he had talked with Peter- He and I have settled all our troubles, but I blame him for not telling me before.

I have slept with bro Loveland He told me he couldnt believe it, but thought it a trick

David Loveland then requested the privilege of speaking and said that he (Lorenzo) had never attempted when they were sleeping together to bother him in any way, that he was just as peaceable a man as he had ever slept with. He felt that there was a conspiracy against Lorenzo and had told every body that he did not believe the story about him.

Robert Hunsaker said when I first heard it Ben told me. I saw Peter and he admitted that he had told \told\ the affair in relation to Lorenzo. I asked him to go to Israel and deny it He went and upon returning said he had done so ^but^ that Lotta (Israel's wife) said it would do him no good to deny it. I talked with him after that and he said he did not know whether to deny it or own up to it. Ren asked "What is the matter with you, are you crazy? Peter said I guess you are."

I have slept with Lorenzo many times both before he was married and afterwards, and can say that he never bothered me. Do not Know any thing bad about Peter Have heard that he was on bad terms with his mother.

Cyrus Hunsaker said he Knew about Lorenzo ever since he was small He had herded sheep with him, that he (Cyrus) had had chances to practice masturbation but Lorenzo always advised him to keep from self abuse. We were with Lorenzo more than any other two of fathers boys.

Peter told me last fall that while at Mendon, Ren caught hold of his penis and crawled on top of him, and [I?] said to Weldon that Lorenzo was the horniest cuss he had ever slept ^with^. He said he had only two charges to bring against him Never heard of the sucking business until 3 or 4 days before the Bishops trial Last fall it was altogether different, and he only mentioned one case.

Allen Hunsaker testified that Lorenzo was the best boy of his fathers family, that he had been an obedient boy and ever sought ^to^ carry out the fathers wishes, + that, so far as he Knew was truthful, honest, temperate and virtuous. Had slept with him many times, but had never been disturbed or bothered. Did not for a moment believe the monstrous charge brought against him.

Peter came and asked Ren and myself to come and administer to his wife who was sick. We went in and administered to her and she recovered. I considered that Peter was not firm in the faith but thought he would do better Do not believe that the Lord would have listened to us if he had been guilty of such a thing

We were with father to the last moment and exercised faith & I know that Ren was pure. There have been contentions in our family ever since father died

I think Lorenzo has carried out father's wishes.

Benham Hunsaker said Peter spoke to me once when I came from the field and said that he had got the mess about Ren around. He had told I[srae]l, Il had told his wife and now it was all over town he said "Has he been at you"? I said "no, if he had been, I would have been man enough to have gone to him about it." Now, Il claims that I have been bought off-

I never said I would rather sit up all night than sleep with Ren.

I know nothing about Ren's leaving my bed in the barn I did not say 'For God's sake let us have a wink of sleep' I remember nothing about his getting up in the barn We slept there but nothing unusual occurred They had feelings between them at the time I remember Peter's opening Ren's letter Il and Ren were not on good terms. Il was always jealous of Ren. When any thing came up.

Alex. Glen said he had never told any body or intimated to any body that Lorenzo had sucked his penis Had slept with him a good many times but was not disturbed. He did not meddle with my person -

Was at Mendon and present on the occasion mentioned but J. M. Grant. Did not hear Benham say that he would rather sit up all night than sleep with Ren

Fredk. G. Graham , Presiding teacher of the Honeyville Ward, said that he had Known nothing of this matter until a few days ago I prayed about it and the Spirit said to me that Lorenzo was innocent and that this was a conspiracy against him. I have been with Lorenzo in public and in private and the sick have been healed under our hands. He is always on hand when any body is sick, and in cases of trouble and misunderstanding, the first to bring about a reconciliation.

I have traveled and laid with him, and a more inoffensive man I have never seen he is a truthful, upright and just man.

Thos. Wheatley said I have know Lorenzo for over 20 years, and he always took a part in doing good. Know the desires of his heart are good and that he tried to be a peace-maker. Before we went into partnership in the mill, he told me all about his affairs. Said his brothers would not help him, so he invited me to go in with him. We have talked about many things and about morals, and he always spoke in favor of good morals.

Florida I. Hunsaker (wife of Lorenzo) said Peter is the man who came to my house and tried to persuade me to leave my husband, and said that he did not believe in god, man or devil. he came to me time and again He got hold of my letter, opened and read it. He told me the other Sunday that he would tell a lie and would hang before he would go back on it. He told me that he loved me better than any other woman and would go to the ends of the earth with me if ^I^ would go This was before he was married. He continued these entreaties 8 months or a year. Peter Hunsaker never slept in our house nor on the balcony.

Catherine Hunsaker (Peter's mother) said, Peter has turned out a traitor to me, and has tried to make trouble between Lorenzo and myself. Lorenzo has been a friend to his fathers family. I raised him to manhood and he has been a child without blemish. Peter was a pretty good boy before his marriage, but since then he has not been the same. He seems to favor infidelity He has to tell falsehood to defend himself. He has called me hard names but that has been settled. (The hard names alluded to was that he had called her a "dirty, black Danish bitch")

Have seen Peter & Weldon go up to Israel's for counsel

The case was submitted

Jas Bywater, for accused, said that he had come to the conclusion that the charge was not sustained and that the accused was therefore innocent.

Jas. Pett, for accused, said he was never more shocked in his life than when he heard the charge read. He flet that the charge was not true and looked upon it as a cruel and malicious fa. spiracy [?].

Saml. Smith, for accusers, said he was sorry that any of the sons of Abraham Hunsaker would get up such a conspiracy as this and remarked that they would have to suffer for it. Said that the boys had been influenced by the spirit of Cain and admonished them to be careful lest they do some thing worse.

W.L. Watkins, for accusers, said a slanderous report has been sent out against Lorenzo to start this case, and the spirit of Cain had been at work so they could carry their purposes.

Peter Hunsaker said, in conclusion, I acknowledge I was wrong in not going to Lorenzo about it.

Weldon Hunsaker said the same as Peter-

Lorenzo Hunsaker said that he would rather pass from this stage of action than see his brothers stand firm to the last minute in maintaining a falsehood. He would still try, he said, to do right by them as Joseph in Egypt had done.

Decision

 

Prest Clawson said: This is a much stronger case than I anticipated. This charge in itself is monstrous, and that it could be made in a community of Latter-day Saints is an astonishing thing.

Lorenzo had no desire to evade an investigation. I told him to pay no attention to the matter & the impression went out that he desired to hush it up. The Bishop told him he would have to meet it, and so the matter was called up for investigation

Peter was the first to testify & I consider that he made it clear to this Council how much his word is to be relied upon. He admitted having told Robert a deliberate lie, by representing to him that he had denied the truth of the charges against Lorenzo to Israel's wife and afterwards claiming that he had not denied it. He also admitted that he had tried to persuade Lorenzo's wife to elope with him etc, but said it was all a joke. When asked if the charge against Lorenzo was not a joke he said Oh no, but that the other was. His mother comes here & says that she has no confidence in him, and believes he has lied and the statement of a man who who will call his mother hard names is not worthy of credence.

The opening of Lorenzo's private correspondence to his wife was a most contemptible thing. It was an offence against the law and he could have been severely punished. We find from the testimony that Peter believes in neither God nor devil. Also that he was accused of taking liberties with Watterson's wife.

He states that Lorenzo is truthful, honest and virtuous & yet he accuses him of this crime. In view of the facts presented, Peters evidence in my opinion is absolutely worthless

As to Weldon, it seems that he was placed in the care of Lorenzo by the mother on her dying bed \bed\. He testifies that Lorenzo has always counseled him to be virtuous, chaste and upright and yet he brings this charge against him. An astonishing feature of the case is that these boys would allow Lorenzo to sleep with them time & again after the first offense and never offer any objection, and never intimate to him that they knew what he was up to. Also that if they were ashamed to let Lorenzo know that they knew it, why did they tell it to others, even to some outside the family

Weldon stated that Florida came to the room, and said to Lorenzo that he ought to be ashamed of himself and then went off and left him. She positively denied this. Lorenzo tells us that he was very careless and was in the habit of drinking. He says himself that he went to Ogden with some flour and while there got drunk, that Kay had given him an order for flour which was filled. Kay, however, denied by letter ever having given to him an order. Here, it appears was a deliberate false hood, consequently his evidence has but little weight with this Council.

This is the character of the evidence brought against Lorenzo

It was shown by testimony of witnesses for accused that Lorenzo always bore a good character, his general course in life being exemplary, that he was pure and chaste in his conduct.

My decision is, that the findings of the Bishop's Court in Honeyville be reversed + that Lorenzo be exonerated before this Council of the charge brought against him, that his brothers have committed a gross wrong, and that, if, after a reasonable time, they fail to make suitable acknowlegdements it will become the duty of the Bishopric to handle them on their fellowship.

The decision was then submitted and sustained by unanimous vote of the Council -

The clerk was directed to give notice to the Bishopric of the Ward.

Prest Lorenzo Snow, who was present, suggested, that, as at previous investigations before the Council, all present had had and opportunity to vote, such privilege granted upon this occasion. A vote was then taken and the council and the following named persons voted to sustain the decision: Prest Lorenzo Snow, Lorenzo Hunsaker Allen Hunsaker, Cyrus Hunsaker Robt. Hunsaker, Benham Hunsaker, F.G. Graham, Catherine Hunsaker Florida Il. Hunsaker.

The following names persons voted against the decision: Peter Hunsaker, Weldon Hunsaker, B.G. Grant, J.M. Grant, & Israel Hunsaker-

Singing Benediction by A Madson

(Signed) Nels Jensen

Clerk

^Copy of letter sent^

Brigham City.

Octr. 27, 1893

To the Bishopric of

the Honeyville Ward.

In the case of Peter & Weldon Hunsaker -vs- Lorenzo Hunsaker an appeal, the High Council decided, after a full and thorough investigation :-

1st. That the findings of the Bishops Court of Honeyville be reversed

2d. That Lorenzo Hunsaker be exonerated and declared innocent of the charge