Deseret Live Stock Company

In January of 1891 several prominent sheep ranchers in northern Utah joined together to form the Deseret Live Stock Company in order to promote stock raising, slaughtering, butchering, mercantile business, and other commercial enterprises in the Territory of Utah and other states of the U.S. The newly organized company--consisting of over 28,000 sheep, a few horses, and miscellaneous equipment--was valued at $90,000. In all there were ninety-five investors in the enterprise, however, control of the company rested principally in the hands of the Moss and Hatch families.

The company prospered, and after only six months of operation declared a ten percent cash dividend to stockholders. As profits climbed, the company enlarged its sheep herd to more than 50,000 and also began raising cattle as well. The increase in livestock was accompanied by an increase in the purchase of land for grazing, lambing, shearing, and raising crops. Numerous purchases of land were made in Utah's Rich and Morgan counties from the Union Pacific Railroad, the State of Utah, and private individuals.

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