John Taylor

John Taylor (1808-1881) was a political and religious leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Utah. During the Second Mexican War, with the support and encouragement of Confederate President James Longstreet, he orchestrated a rebellion against the United States, which was put down by the US Army almost immediately. Utah remained under martial law for the duration of the war, with General John Pope as governor. Pope ordered the execution of Taylor and five other Mormon leaders in 1881.

Before his death, Taylor had several interesting conversations with former President Abraham Lincoln. As both were viewed in low regard by Pope, their association did nothing to boost the standing of either.