Book SummaryThe Colony, by Sally Denton

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Colony

The LeBaron family, who were unwavering in their commitment to Mormon fundamentalist beliefs, experienced a history marked by internal strife.

Denton explores the chaotic history of the LeBaron family, tracing their origins back to the foundational period of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but noting their departure from the main body over differing views on polygamy. Seeking refuge from religious persecution in the United States, the progeny of Benjamin Franklin Johnson, a distinguished member of the LDS church, fled to Mexico in the later years of the 19th century. Denton reveals a past marked by territorial and water conflicts with Mexican neighbors, as well as complex and frequently antagonistic dealings with the criminal organizations dominating the region, while also chronicling the continuous internal conflicts and violent disagreements that have beset the family from the start.

The LeBaron family's past is characterized by a series of prolonged and turbulent disputes that often turned violent.

After Alma Dayer LeBaron, a descendant of Benjamin Franklin Johnson, passed away, the LeBaron men faced conflict. Dayer LeBaron was considered the legitimate successor to his grandfather's assets in Mexico and the respected title, a heritage believed to have begun with Joseph Smith's benediction to Johnson. Dayer believed that his seven sons would carry on his family's legacy, leading to years of violence and bloodshed.

Alma Dayer LeBaron's seven children were constantly at odds with one another, all vying for the position of preeminent prophetic leader.

Denton highlights the catastrophic consequences that arose from the LeBaron family's commitment to a prophecy, which in the context of Mormon fundamentalism, identifies an individual of great influence meant to lead adherents towards salvation. As he approached the end of his life in 1951, Alma Dayer LeBaron bestowed upon his seven sons a sacred prophecy, proclaiming that they would serve as channels through which blessings would proliferate across the globe, thus initiating a journey of significant consequence. Each of them was convinced of their destiny to lead, which led to a succession of unlawful deeds that were unmatched in their persistence across the modern western regions of the United States.

Context

• Within Mormon fundamentalism, claims of prophetic leadership are significant, often leading to schisms and the formation of new sects, as individuals assert divine authority.
• In many religious contexts, a prophecy can designate a leader believed to have divine guidance. This can create intense competition among those who believe they are chosen.
• Sibling rivalry can be intensified in families where leadership roles are tied to spiritual or prophetic claims. This can lead to conflicts that are not just personal but also ideological, as each sibling may feel divinely justified in their actions.
• The competition among the brothers for leadership could have exacerbated tensions, leading to extreme measures to assert dominance and fulfill their perceived destinies.
• Authorities often faced difficulties in addressing crimes within these insular communities due to their isolation, strong internal loyalty, and sometimes hostile attitudes towards outsiders, including law enforcement.

Ervil LeBaron, accompanied by his followers, perpetrated multiple murders targeting his brother Joel and other rivals.

Sally Denton narrates the violent rampage of Ervil LeBaron, driven by his belief that his brother Joel lacked authentic prophetic vision. Following his separation from Joel's religious group, Ervil formed a new faction known as the Church of the First Born of the Lamb of God, advocating fervently for the revival of the blood atonement concept, an especially radical and controversial tenet among Mormon doctrines. Ervil justified Joel's murder in 1972 by claiming that salvation could be attained after death through violent means, an idea that was not accepted by the current leaders of the LDS church. Ervil orchestrated the first of what would become thirty-three...

The Colony Summary The LeBaron family's early engagement with the Mormon faith prompted them to move to Mexico, where they found themselves embroiled with both Mexican narcotics syndicates and law enforcement agencies.

The LeBaron family, tracing their roots to the early days of the Mormon church, moved to Mexico in the late 19th century to escape the U.S. government's relentless crackdown on polygamy.

Sally Denton reveals the LeBaron family's story as a fundamental element of the American frontier legacy, closely intertwined with the creation of the uniquely American faith initiated by Joseph Smith, Jr. in the early 19th century. Benjamin Franklin Johnson, an early adherent to the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was instrumental in founding the LeBaron family's lineage during the church's formative years. Throughout the remainder of the 19th century, Johnson maintained a significant role in Smith's church as a member of the Twelve Apostles. After Smith's death, Johnson claimed to have assumed the role of the congregation's spiritual leader, a title once belonging to Smith.

Benjamin Franklin Johnson was instrumental in founding the Mexican settlement that would later become the LeBaron family's residence, all the while sustaining robust ties to leaders of the Latter-day Saint movement, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

Sally Denton emphasizes the pivotal...

The Colony Summary The LeBaron family's involvement in sectarian strife included clashes with nearby communities and their ties to drug trafficking networks that extended across Mexico.

The LeBaron family's history is characterized by prolonged disputes with neighboring communities over the control of water and land resources.

Denton reveals the story of Mexican Mormons who have endured ongoing oppression because of their religious beliefs, while simultaneously securing a position of control and wielding power to sustain their farming and spiritual supremacy. Upon settling into their new residence, their sense of superiority over the surrounding community grew, fueled by their seclusion, fervent religious beliefs, and financial prosperity. The local inhabitants, particularly those living on the community lands allocated after the Mexican Revolution, have consistently regarded the Mormon settlers as foreigners with an unquenchable thirst for territory, acquiring lands rich in minerals and precious water rights through dubious means.

The assertions of the LeBaron family regarding their agricultural projects and entitlement to water rights sparked disputes with local farmers and ranchers, who were collectively known as the Barzonistas.

The account by Sally Denton chronicles the escalating dispute over limited water resources involving the LeBarons and...

The Colony Summary The story explores the experiences of women and children as they navigate through the complexities of Mormon fundamentalist communities, particularly their encounters with criminal elements and the tumultuous disputes in Mexico.

Accounts from women connected to or who successfully escaped from communities like Colonia LeBaron, known for practicing polygamy.

In her book, Sally Denton explores the existence of women against the backdrop of Mormon fundamentalism, particularly focusing on their experiences in Colonia LeBaron. The tales of women who remained steadfast or opted to embrace the religion paint a complex portrait of endurance, difficulty, and a surprising level of autonomy. Mormon fundamentalist communities across the United States and Mexico established unique customs designed to shield women from outside forces when polygamy was abandoned by the LDS Church in the 1890s, a condition for Utah to achieve statehood. The organization's intentional isolation and secretive activities eventually attracted the attention of the authorities, leading to the exposure of their wrongdoing and subsequent legal consequences for those who broke civil and religious laws.

Polygamy significantly limits the independence and liberty of women, frequently resulting in coerced unions, household violence, and obstacles to educational opportunities.

The author uses narratives from women who escaped Colonia...