jan 1, 1858 - Almerin Grow expelled from Utah for Gender Non-Conforming [Part 17]

Description:

Church historian A. Milton Musser wrote in his personal journal, the story of how he came to adopt a daughter. Musser’s journal entry might indicate the first written account of transgenderism (or gender non-conforming dress) in the Salt Lake Valley and the subsequent response by the President of the Church, Brigham Young.

“Almerin Grow has given me his daughter (now twelve years old) to raise. He has appointed me as her guardian. Prest Young has given him a mission to “go south and never return.” Though naturally smart, he has become immeasurably insane ... wearing his wifes clothing, etc.”

Almerin was expelled by Brigham Young in 1858 and lost custody to all of his children. Grow continued to petition Brigham Young for custody of his children in exchange for being expelled from Salt Lake. Brigham Young never granted his repeated requests. Almerin Grow died at the age of 91 in California, having never returned to Salt Lake City.

-A. Milton Musser
Musser Writings | Church History
Vol. VIII p. 31 (also p. 75 in link)

Added to timeline:

Date: