This auto-bigoraphy of Joseph L. Rawlins is very interesting. He talks about his life, his feelings towards the LDS church, and his public service for Utah and the people who lived there. He is certainly a distinguished ancestor to have in our family tree. We hope that you will all find this book as a useful resource and insight into the lives of our ancestors.
-Chris Rawlins, son of Mark L. Rawlins, son of Lindsay M. Rawlins, son of Jasper A. Rawlins, son of Harvey M. Rawlins, son of James Rawlins.
The Auto-biography of Joseph L. Rawlins
Delegate to the U. S. Congress from the Territory of Utah, 1892.
U. S. Senator from the State of Utah, 1897
FOREWORD
This auto-biography (which I have merely rearranged, amplified where advisable and labeled “THE UNFAVORED FEW”) should be of interest to the historian and an inspiration to any young reader.
The historian will find presented in these pages new facets of community life and also of the prominent people both in Utah and in Washington, D.C., with whom my father had intimate association
during the troublesome and tempestuous years from 1850 to 1902.
The young student will be inspired to new efforts, I believe likewise, as he reads of difficulties which this young boy and man encountered and surmounted throughout those years; difficulties in getting an adequate education, in wrestling out a career at the law as a non-Mormon among Mormons, in securing political freedom and statehood for Utah.
His success in these endeavors won him this tribute from the Salt Lake Tribune at the time of his death, May 24, 1926:
“Another giant has fallen in the front rank of Utah’s Old Guard. In the legal and political battles of the past, no native son wore brighter armor, wielded a keener sword or fought more valiantly
than did Joseph L. Rawlins.
With a courage which overcame many obstacles, including an almost painful reticence, he became a party leader at home and a leader in the highest legislative assembly in the nation.
As a representative in congress he drafted the Enabling Act by virtue of which Utah was admitted to statehood. When the motives and good faith of his constituents were assailed and questioned, he stood as their champion and broke lances with all comers. When doubts perplexed the president, he brushed them aside with his logic and candor, and the necessary signature was
thus obtained.
His place in the esteem and gratitude of the people of this commonwealth is secure. Men may boast of what they have accomplished, but the record speaks for Joseph L. Rawlins. If it did not tell the story few would know it, for he was singularly reluctant to claim credit or seek applause.
In the character and achievements of Joseph L. Rawlins Utah will ever take the keenest pride, and with the passing of time will recall his name with appreciation and affection.” The following pages will exemplify the reasons for the above remarks.
ALTA RAWLINS JENSEN
The Unfavored Few:
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Thanks to Mark’s vision on how to help move this history book project forward; we now have a new web site with a way to collaborate with those who want to help contribute and edit. You don’t have to be a registered user to use this site. However, if you register you will be able to see additional useful information such as LDS ordinances and full names of living persons.
Last week at the Lindsay Rawlins homestead, Judy reports having had a great session organizing papers and scanning documents and images.
Yesterday, many of the cousins got together for a kick-off session on this project. Chris Rawlins was also there scanning documents. We’re all excited about moving forward with this.