It is not within the province of this work to deal in matters of
controversial sort, especially with those that may have affected the
religious features of the Mormon settlement but there may be mention of a
few of the difficulties that came to the people of St. Johns in their
earlier days.
The general subject of land titles in the Mormon settlements that came
within the scope of railroad land grants has been referred to on other
pages. In St. Johns there was added need for defense of the squatter
titles secured from Barth and the Mexicans, while there was assault on
the validity of the occupation of the townsite. On several occasions,
especially in March, 1884, there was attempted "jumping" of the choicest
lots and there was near approach to bloodshed, prevented only by the
pacific determination of Bishop Udall. The opposition upset a house that
had been placed upon one lot and riotous conditions prevailed for hours.
reinforcements quickly came from outlying Mormon settlements and firearms
were carried generally in self defense. A number of lawsuits had to be
defended, at large expense. There was friction with the Mexican element,
which lived compactly in the old town, just east of the Mormon
settlement, and clashes were known with a non-Mormon American element
that had political connection with the Mexicans.
About May 18, 1884, was discovered a plot to waylay and harm Apostle
Brigham Young, Jr., and Francis M. Lyman, on the road to Ramah, but a
strong escort fended off the danger. In the Stake chronicles is told that
the brethren for a time united in regular fasting and prayer, seeking
protection from their enemies.