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Jews Listed Among Pioneers in Early Development of Utah

December 2, 1934
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When one thinks of Utah he usually thinks of the Mormons, but not only are members of the Jewish race prominent in the affairs of this Far Western State at the present time, but Jews are also among its pioneers.

The Sons of Utah Pioneers, a state-wide association now in the process of organization, has several Jews among its members, and one of its principal officers, Herbert F. Auerbach, Salt Lake City department store operator who has been chosen second-vice president, is a Jew.

The Jews have been represented in Utah since the early 50’s, or soon after the coming of Brigham Young, Mormon leader and first governor of the Utah territory. They were given a kindly welcome by the members of the dominant church, due, perhaps, to the fact that they attended to their own business and also because to an orthodox Mormon, or Latter-Day Saint, a Jew is a member of a race chosen of God.

For their numbers there is no question but that the Jewish people are the most influential in Utah. They have prospered here. Among them are well-known legislators and civic authorities, business men, judges and lawyers, physicians, insurance managers, merchants, mining operators, railroad operators, etc. Some years ago a Jew was elected governor of the state.

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