Jensen, Alta Rawlins, 1884-1980.

Joseph L. Rawlins (1850-1926) was born on 28 March 1850. His parents, Joseph Sharp and Mary Frost Rawlins, had immigrated to Utah in 1849 and settled at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains near Millcreek. Soon after young Joseph's birth the family moved to the southern end of the Great Salt Lake Valley to a settlement later called Draperville. As a child Rawlins found the small schoolroom at the settlement a relief from the hardships of pioneer life and he excelled in scholastic studies. He attended the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah) from 1869-1871, and the University of Indiana from 1871-1873. Forced to abandon his education, due to lack of money, Rawlins returned to Salt Lake City where he read law in the offices of Williams, Young and Sheeks.

Joseph L. Rawlins' distinguished law career began in 1875 when he was admitted to the Utah State Bar. He formed a partnership with Benjamin Sheeks. Rawlins served as Salt Lake City Attorney from 1875-1877. He was also involved in many notable court cases including the trial of George Reynolds and George Q. Cannon. In addition to law, Rawlins took an active interest in politics. While at the University of Indiana he attended the 1872 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore. Ten years later he helped to organize the first Democratic Party in Utah. In 1893 he became the territorial delegate to the United States House of Representatives. From 1897-1903 Rawlins served in the United States Senate.

On 16 July 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed the bill which made Utah a state. The pen with which Cleveland signed the document was delivered to Joseph L. Rawlins, Utah's territorial delegate to the House of Representatives. The gift acknowledged Rawlins' long, dedicated efforts to make Utah a state. In Washington, D. C. Rawlins argued eloquently for Utah's admission. In Utah he fought to change the political situation which many persons outside the Territory found objectionable. His efforts culminated in December 1893 when he introduced before the House of Representatives the statehood bill.

Rawlins died in 1926, leaving his wife Julia, whom he had married in 1876, and their children Leda, Althol, and Alta.

From the guide to the Joseph Lafayette Rawlins papers, 1885-1964, (J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah)