Autographs
Mormon Leader “Brigham Young” Signs His Land Away
BRIGHAM YOUNG (1801-1877). Mormon Leader, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
May 10, 1861-Dated, Manuscript Document Signed, “Brigham Young,” 1 page, 7.5” x 12.25”, Folio, Very Fine. This Land Document is written from, “Territory of Utah, County of Great Salt Lake,” being a Title Transfer on land owned by Brigham Young to a William Bond. Written upon blue wove period paper in brown ink, some wear at the folds, some text partially light, while the signature “Brigham Young” appears to be the darkest and clearest upon this Document, measuring a large 3” long. Small marginal restoration with blue paper to the upper fold with some loss and internal splits use, trace of tone at the folds. This Great Salt Lake Mormon Document reads, in full:

“Be it known by these Presents; That I, Brigham Young, Trustee in Trust for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Great Salt Lake City, in the County of Great Salt Lake and Territory of Utah, the rightful claim[ant and owner of] the east half of lot five (5) in Block thirteen (13) as platted in plat A. Great Salt Lake City survey; do fo rthe sum of One Hundred Dollars paid by William Bond of the city, county and territory aforesaid the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged sell, release, quit claim and transfer all of my right of claim interest and possession of and to the aforesaid premises, together with all the rights, priviledges and appurtenances thereunto belonging to the said William Bond his heirs or assigns. Dated this 10th day of May, A.D. 1861 - (Signed) Brigham Young.”

Plus, Countersigned by two witnesses. Having a Notary Statement below and a docket on the verso outer panel. Pencil notation in a later hand describes the concluding statement on the back middle panel, which reads, in full: “Heneferwill - October 9, 1865 - This is to certify that I sign away all claim and title to this Estate. - (Signed) William Bond”.
Salt Lake City was founded in 1847 by Brigham Young and his Mormon followers, who extensively irrigated and cultivated the arid valley. Due to its proximity to the Great Salt Lake, the city was originally named “Great Salt Lake City” -- the word “great” was dropped from the official name in 1868. The city’s population continued to swell with an influx of Mormon converts and Gold Rush gold seekers, making it one of the most populous cities in the American West.