Excerpts from the Journals of Abraham H. Cannon

During the late 1800's Mormon men were prosecuted by Federal authorities for following the Church admonition to practice plural marriage. Many men were sent to prison for their well-intentioned offenses. A knowledge of the conditions they faced gives a greater appreciation of the commitment to follow Church teachings.

Abraham H. Cannon, eventually one of the Church's Twelve Apostles, was one of those men. The following excerpts from his journals give a brief insight into life in the Utah State Penitentiary at that time.

Wednesday, March 17th, 1886: . . . Returning to the city I went and bid the family "Goodbye". I then went to the Federal Court House where at 10 a.m. I was called up to be sentenced. Upon Judge Zane giving me permission to speak I explained my position and stated that I had only sought to obey the law of God in doing as I had done, and if for doing that I deserved punishment I was prepared for sentence.. He then sentenced me to six months' imprisonment, to pay a fine of $300.00 and costs and stand committed till the fine and costs are paid. I immediately went into the marshal's office under guard, and there remained until about 4 p.m., except for a few minutes when I went to a restaurant under guard, waiting for the Penitentiary wagon . . . About 5 p.m., after riding over a very rough road and wet, I arrived at the "Pen" in charge of Guard Janey. I was ushered into the dining room where I sat while the guards and working trusties ate. I was offered food but did not care for any. The turnkey, Mr. Curtis, then came in and in a very gentlemanly way performed his duties. He took my name, age, height, weight, color of hair and eyes, occupation, crime for which sentenced, etc. He then took from me my knife, money, and a newspaper, the other things in my pocket he permitted me to retain. I was then taken and measured for a suit of clothes (prison stripes). I was then put in the yard where I met a number of the brethren. Just as I got inside the prisoners received the signal to fall into line and I went in cell No. 3 where the most of the brethren were located. No. 1 is the cell in which all the worst characters are confined, No. 2 contains the medium class, among whom are some of our brethren. In our room there are 52 prisoners. It is 20 ft. 6 in. by 26 ft. 6 in. by 12 ft. 1 in. high. On three sides there are three tiers of bunks which should accommodate two persons each. There are only two bunks containing but one person each: Bro. Lorenzo Snow's and A. Miner's. On the top tier sleep the trusties who work outside. Shortly after I got in the room and the iron doors were locked, Bro. O. F. Due, who had been appointed floor-manager for the evening, came and told me that in order to be initiated as a member I must either make a speech, sing, dance, stand on my head or make a speech. I chose the latter and spoke a few words of greeting. We then had an impromptu concert in which all who were called took part. This, I a was informed, was for my benefit, I being a new member. The brethren all crowded around me to get the news, as all local newspapers are prohibited them of late. At 9 p.m. the guard tapped on the iron door which was the signal for all talking to cease and the prisoners to retire. In a moment all was quiet. . . There are now 50 of the brethren in the "Pen" for conscience sake, and therefore it in not nearly as unpleasant as it might be or as I expected it would be.

Thursday, March 18th: At 5:30 a.m. the guard rattled on the door when the trusties arose to go out to work. At six he rattled for us, but considerable leniency is shown the brethren and they are not forced to get up until about 7:30. I had a good wash, there being a wash and bath house provided. I then went for a little walk about the yard which was very wet from the snow which fell last night. At 8 o'clock we fell into line and marched to the dining null, a building about 45 feet long, by 20 feet wide with stationary tables all around the sides and five movable tables down the center. We having first taken our cups in the dining room, those that had no water in them were filled with coffee. I sat at one end of the table where some brethren were and found there a large piece of tough meat, two potatoes and two pieces of bread waiting for me. Bro. Geo. H. Taylor kindly gave me a small piece of butter which helped me out. I was hungry and ate very heartily. I then returned to the bunk-room where I played dominoes for a short time and then wrote in my journal. At 12:15 we went in line to dinner when we had vegetable soup and two pieces of bread. Most of the brethren have a little honey, preserves or something of the kind which helps them out very much in their eating. After dinner, I was successful in purchasing the right to a seat on the side, for $3.00 for which I gave an order on the Warden who retains all money and keeps an account with each prisoner. Rudgar Clawson made the purchase for me. A side seat is preferable because one can then use the small ledge on the side of the wall for standing his box, plates, cans, etc. -- My pocket knife, purse and trunk with books, clothes, etc. were sent to me this morning, and my mattress last night. -- At present there are about 150 inmates of the prison. -- It snowed so hard today that one had to remain in the house or get very wet. -- The buildings are all built of wood. -- Just after dinner a number of the brethren were called to the door and asked by the Warden whether or not they would pay their fines. Those who did not are liable to have execution issued upon their property if they have any, and if none can be found in their name, they must remain 30 days longer in prison, and then take oath that they have no means. -- During the afternoon I commenced to prepare a catechism on the Book of Mormon for use in the Sunday Schools. I also spent some time in conversing with some of the prisoners. -- At 4:45 we marched into supper which consisted of a cup of tea and two slices of bread. About 5:15 we fell into line and marched to our bunk-rooms, where the evening was spent in reading, chatting, etc. . . Bro. Robt. McKendrick of Tooele was brought into the "Pen" tonight and assigned to No. 2.

Friday, March 19th: Bro. McKendrick is feeling quite well this morning and informs me that my speech to Judge Zane in court has been construed as containing the elements of treason and will be taken by Baskin to Washington to be laid before the government there as showing the feeling of the "Mormon" people....It is remarkable with what eagerness any news from the outer world is devoured by our brethren inside. I never realized until now what a great blessing it is have the news to read daily...

Saturday, March 20th: This morning Thos. Porcher moved his bed away from mine, and I will be permitted to sleep alone until more prisoners come. Previous to this time I have slept with P. who is no pleasant bedfellow, as he both smokes and drinks, as well as swears.... Just before dinner I had my moustache shaved off in accordance with prison regulations....

Tuesday, May 4th: In the forenoon I was called outside when I received my suit of striped clothes, and gave the suit I left off to Dave Gallifant...

Thursday, May 6th: Last night proved to be a very unpleasant one for several of the brethren, the bed bugs being so ravenous as to prevent their sleeping more than a very little bit. It seems as though all efforts to overcome the bugs are futile. They get in between the planks of which the sides of the building are formed and there remain until night induces them to commence their depredations...

Wednesday, May 12th: I was studying most of the day. About noon there was some little excitement caused by the news that one of the prisoners who was working on the farm had escaped ... An immediate search by the guards was made and he was finally captured on the State Road about four miles distant traveling towards the south. He was brought back and ornamented with a slug and chain of which he seemed to be quite proud, but which will doubtless cause him considerable suffering before it is removed...

Thursday, May 13th: This morning a man was put in the sweat box because when the guard went into the bunk room and told him to get up he replied "Oh, there is plenty of time." The guard (Richmond) reported him and he was locked up until about 2 p.m....

Friday, May 28th: For some few days the men have been complaining about the poor coffee sent in to them, and on it being mentioned to the Warden he said that a bottle of carbolic acid had accidentally been dropped into the coffee, and the kettle in which the drink was made had not been cleaned out for some time. But this had now been remedied. The bread for two days has been so sour that we could scarcely eat it. Radishes that were sent in last night were so tough that they could scarcely be eaten, and lettuce sent in the night previous was nearly covered with worms. It is something new for us to receive anything green to eat from the Penitentiary ranch, but it would be better to have it in an eatable condition....