Religious leader (1801–1877) who became leader of the Mormon Church in 1844 after its founder, Joseph Smith, was shot and killed by a mob of angry opponents. Young led the mass migration of Mormons to the Great Salt Lake Valley in Utah, establishing the church's stronghold in that state. By the time of Young's death, the Mormon population in Utah had reached 140,000, and the leader's legacy included 27 wives and 56 children. Endorsement signature, "Brigham Young," on the reverse of a manuscript check on an 8 x 5 lightly lined sheet made out to him by John B. Price for £100, July 14, 1874. Accompanied by an ALS from Price to Young presenting the check in thanks for "the strenuous exertions you have put forward toward the elevation of the people of Utah. Not being a Mormon myself, I donate this…." Interestingly, Price was apparently quite a scoundrel-the letter bears a period notation: "John B. Price alias Lord Littleton"… forwarded the Des[eret] National Bank for collection and sent to every bank in Denver-but no good-nothing but[a] bummer's check… " In very good condition, with heavy ink stroke cancellations to signature, intersecting folds (touching signature, though not affecting legibility), a few minor adhesive and mounting remnants, and scattered wrinkling and soiling. Despite the flaws, the signature is dark and fully visible beneath the cancellation. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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