Courtesy of the University of Utah Marriott Library, Philip T. Blair Photograph Collection
John Willard Young (JW) was the third son of Brigham Young and Mary Ann Angell. He was born Oct. 1, 1844, in Nauvoo, Illinois the same year Joseph Smith was murdered in Carthage, Illinois. From an early age he demonstrated preternatural capabilities for finance and promotion. These gifts, combined with a charismatic personality, would serve him well until they did not.
The “Moon Shot” of the 19th century the building of the first transcontinental railroad captivated the nation, and JW in particular. He clearly grasped the transformational power of the iron horse in terms of time, distance and business. He intended to leverage this new technology to the benefit of Zion and his own ambitions for power and wealth. Being considered the “favorite” son of Brigham Young offered other advantages as well.