Thomas Grover

The Mormons had originally moved into Mexican Territory, and were thus able to practice their religion, including plural marriage, without opposition. When the Mexican War brought this territory, now ceded to the United States, into this country’s jurisdiction, Mormon-occupied areas, including the Salt Lake Valley, were included.
It was at that time that officers of the law began to seek out polygamous men for punishment . . . of old and new offenses . . . and they were rabid in their desire for enforcement. They sometimes proceeded to mete out what the stalwart settlers deemed ever-severe penalties, such as the sweat-box. A more usual punishment, however, was the imprisonment of Mormon men, keeping them apart from their families.
It is understandable then, that such actions were to be greatly resented by the Mormons who, in their own turn and on the defensive used allingenuity at their command to avoid arrest. Men, women, and children, therefore, were constantly alert to not the arrival of any stranger in their midst. So “Here comes the marshal” was an oft-heard cry of warning.
One day such a stranger knowed at the door of the home of Thomas and Laduska Tupper Grover. Laduska announced to Thomas that a stranger was waiting to see him. Much to her consternation, Thomas said: “Show him in, show him in!”
As the man entered, Thomas greeted him with “How are you, brother?” along with other such cordial questions and remarks. At this point the man announced that he was a marshal, and had come to pick up Grover, to deliver him to the authorities.
It must be remembered that Grover had been a member of the bodyguard of the Prophet Joseph Smith, to protect him in Nauvoo days of violence against the Saints. At the stranger’s announcement of his intention, Thomas Grover arose, and said.
“Doiska, get me Brother Joseph’s sword . . . and watch while I cut this man’s head off!”
Of course, the prospect of the sword in the hand of Thomas . . . a large, powerful, and firm-speaking man . . . was admittedly frightening. At any rate, the stranger quickly departed . . . without making his arrest.
The incident is said to have provoked many a hearty laugh when recounted in later years, as well as at that time. For, of course, it was just a big bluff . . . that worked!