Religious leader, he became leader of the Mormon Church in 1844, when its founder, Joseph Smith, was shot and killed by a mob of angry opponents. Young was a charismatic and powerful leader who led his people in a mass migration to the Great Salt Lake Valley in Utah. At the time of his death the Mormon population in Utah had reached 140,000, and he was survived by his 27 wives and 56 children! Fountain pen signature, “Brigham Young,” on an off-white 4 x 2.5 card. In very fine condition, with card affixed to a white 5 x 3 card. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.