Lynne Larson introduces her historical novel, A Scandal in Zion: The Tragic Story of Louie Wells and John Q. Cannon. Lava Sage Publishing, 2011.
“Farewell, Louie! That all is well with thee, none will doubt who knew thee. May we meet before the Father’s throne to renew in realms of rest and happiness the tender ties that bound us together here . . .” Orson F. Whitney – 1887
Orson Whitney’s words, spoken long ago at the funeral of a young woman he adored, echo down through the years for those of us who maintain a loving connection with the past. I am one of those people. Upon first reading the above quotation in Ken Cannon, “The Tragic Matter of Louie Wells and John Q. Cannon“, Journal of Mormon History, 35:2 (Spring 2009), I knew this poignant, multi-leveled story had to be expanded into novel/biography form. It had all the classic attributes of the memorable tale: the rise and fall of a tragic hero, forbidden love, and the ultimate death of an innocent and symbolic princess. And, best of all, the story was true. Brother Cannon willingly shared his insights and references, and he was extremely kind and encouraging throughout the process as my book, A Scandal in Zion, came to fruition.
As anti-polygamy laws were bringing Mormon Zion to its knees in 1880s Utah, a prominent young couple was caught up in a maelstrom of circumstance, human flaw, and cultural pressure that began to overwhelm everything and everyone they held dear. John Cannon and Louie Wells are at the center of the story but swirling around them was the chaos of an era that affected thousands and, in many ways, haunts us to this day.
Although in the 1880s, plural marriage was seen as “celestial” and the ultimate goal of those striving to live the “higher law,” government raids had sent many apostles and prophets to the Underground to avoid prison sentences which many of their colleagues had been forced to serve. President John Taylor and his immediate advisors led the Church from secret stations, rural farms, and hideaways. While most general authorities and other Church officials lived the Principle, and were expected to, pauses in official plural marriages were sometimes necessary due to the environment. Secrecy and caution shrouded many a wedding celebration, even when they occurred. The entire atmosphere lent a different temper to courtship, particularly for those contemplating plurality. Today, we look back at polygamy with resignation, more understanding, and some sympathy. During the 1880s, sanctioned plural marriage was both a coveted blessing and a disastrous complication for a generation of young men and women striving to live the higher law and fulfill their parents’ dreams.
At first glance, this book might be seen as an expose’ or a romance novel. It is neither. Nor is it simply a cautionary tale. It is the true story of the conflicted relationship between Louie Wells, a young woman of considerable promise, and John Q. Cannon, the eldest son of one of the most prominent men in Utah, LDS Apostle George Q. Cannon, a counselor to Brigham Young and John Taylor, and a powerful member of Church leadership, whose son was born to follow in his footsteps.
The families of both Louie and John were elite. Louie’s mother was Emmeline B. Wells, editor of The Woman’s Exponent, and due to one day lead the Relief Society as its 5th general president. Louie’s half-brother, Heber Wells, was elected Utah’s first state governor in 1896.
John had impressively served as his father’s secretary when the apostle represented the Church in Washington D.C. during the late 1870s. Following his mission to England and the completion of other Church assignments in Europe, John had been ordained a member of the presiding bishopric and was a popular young general authority. He was also happily married to Louie’s sister, Annie, and they had started a family. The fact that John was not a polygamist at the time was helpful to the Church. Officers free from raiders’ threats were needed. A pause on plural marriage had occurred for that reason, and several young leaders presumably avoided jail because of it.
Louie was an artist, singer, and actress. Her paintings were displayed in many area venues at various festivals. She sang with the fledgling tabernacle choir and was the general secretary of the YLMIA when the Young Women’s organization was first established in 1880. She assisted her mother, Emmeline, with the Woman’s Exponent, and her articles displayed her faith, her commitment, and her eloquent writing abilities.
Both Louie and John were extraordinary people, committed to their faith, service oriented, and full of good will. The fact that John Cannon had a secret sin which led to his undoing adds both motive and realism to his actions, but this story is no soap opera, no lurid guide through polygamous Zion. These were real people, gifted people, gallant people in many ways. They lived in a world of long ago and their pathway ended in tragedy because it involved human flaws and the pressure of circumstance. The actions of the those around John and Louie, those both sensitive and selfish, add depth to the story – kind Abraham Cannon, self-righteous Uncle Angus, loyal sister Annie, loving Orson Whitney, and especially Emmeline B. Wells, a grieving mother whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.
This true story of human frailty in the face of zealous faith is as compelling as it is tender, and as compassionate as it is provocative. I consider it a privilege to have written about it.
“I love these people,” a friend of mine said quietly, as we once stood at Louie’s grave, near others, in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. My out-of-town friend was not a member of the Church. All she knew about “these people” was what she had read in A Scandal in Zion. During a trip to Utah, she had asked me to help her find Louie’s grave, as well as those of the Cannons. “I love these people,” she repeated reverently as we paid our respects.
Of course, I was touched by my friend’s words, both as a writer and a lover of history. And I came away thinking that if a non-member of the Church could “love” these people from long ago after reading of their faults and flaws and their final triumphs in the face of all their challenges, more members could and should honor “these people” by reading and remembering their story.
Lynne Larson is a graduate of Brigham Young University and has an M.A. degree in English from Idaho State University in Pocatello. She turned her full attention to reading, writing, and promoting western literature and history after an award-winning career as an educator in Idaho. She has published several novels, short stories, articles, essays, and magazine columns, and is one of the editors of A Craving for Beauty: The Lost Works of Maurine Whipple (BCC Press, 2021). She and her husband, Kent, are the parents of three children.
A Scandal in Zion is available post-paid for $20 (Cash or Check only) at
Lynne Larson
126 East 300 South Circle
American Fork, Utah 84003