The Saga of a Modern Cain and Abel
Strange, heart-rendering, sultry and poignant, with events more turbid than those of fiction, it can be compared only with its biblical counterpart.
The story centers around:Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, who claimed that God had spoken and had restored priesthood authority.
Benjamin F. Johnson, companion, bodyguard, and confident of Joseph Smith who, when asked by Joseph for two of his sisters in marriage, consented and they were sealed in ancient order of patriarchal marriage. Benjamin vowed that, should he ever find reason to question Joseph's integrity, he would kill him. Later, under the direction of Brigham Young, Benjamin went to Salt Lake Valley with countless other Mormons, becoming a colonizer and prominent figure in the Inter mountain West. There he lived to a ripe old age, true to the Mormon Church and its leaders.
Alma Dayer LeBaron, son of Benjamin F. Johnson's daughter, Sarah Jane. Born when the polygamy controversy was at its peak, Dayer later defied church rule, marrying a plural wife--an act which cost him his membership. Fleeing law officers in the states, he took both wives to Colonia Juarez the cultural capital of the Mormons colonies in Mexico. To Mormons, the twenty years he spent there were constant reminder of that principle which most preferred to forget. Two of his children broke mentally under pressure.
Joel F. LeBaron, Dayer's son, who shocked family and friends by organizing a church and challenging the validity of Mormon priesthood claims. he maintained that he had been authoritatively called to set in order the house of God.
Ervil M. LeBaron, Joel's younger brother. Handsome, dedicating and determined, he served nearly a decade as patriarch of the new church. Dispossessed of his office, he proclaimed himself God's legal administrator--with right over life and death and branded all who opposed him criminals.
Maud LeBaron, their mother, who wrote, "Am I about to have a Cain in my family", pleading that Ervil curb his hatred toward Joel.
Colonia LeBaron, the small colony in Chihuahua, Mexico, whose birth and name were foretold by Dayer.
Los Molinos, the isolated colony which Joel founded on the peninsula of Baja California, which suffered a violent attack during which people were killed and wounded and homes were burned.
Verlan M. LeBaron, younger brother to Joel and Ervil, has told the LeBaron story with insight, compassion and humor that could only be revealed by one who has lived though its events. Born in Colonia Juarez, he spent his early youth there and attended Mormon schools. He later studied at the Brigham Young University. His position as patriarch and president of the Church of the Firstborn of the Fullness of Times has made him a prime target of Ervil's wrath.
The LeBaron Story, by Verlan M. LeBaron
