Rulon C. Allred

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Rulon C. Allred (March 29, 1906 – May 10, 1977) was a leader in the Mormon fundamentalist movement and the Apostolic United Brethren (AUB), a group that practices polygamy. His life and leadership were marked by controversy, including conflicts with the law and disputes with other fundamentalist groups.

Early Life

Rulon Clark Allred was born in Lovell, Wyoming, into a family with deep roots in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). However, his family was sympathetic to the practice of polygamy, which the LDS Church officially abandoned in 1890. This background influenced Allred's later religious beliefs and practices.

Religious Leadership

In the early 1930s, Allred became involved with the Council of Friends, a group of Mormon fundamentalists who sought to continue the practice of polygamy. Over time, he emerged as a prominent leader within the Mormon fundamentalist movement. In 1954, after the death of Joseph W. Musser, a key leader in the movement, Allred became the head of the Apostolic United Brethren.

Under Allred's leadership, the AUB sought to distance itself from the more controversial practices of other fundamentalist groups, such as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS). Allred emphasized the importance of living a Christ-like life and adhering to the principles of the original teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, the founders of Mormonism.

Conflict and Controversy

Allred's tenure as leader of the AUB was not without controversy. He faced opposition from both within the Mormon fundamentalist community and from the broader society. One of his most notable adversaries was Ervil LeBaron, leader of the rival fundamentalist group, the Church of the Firstborn of the Fulness of Times. LeBaron considered Allred to be an apostate and allegedly ordered his death.

Assassination

On May 10, 1977, Rulon C. Allred was assassinated in his office in Murray, Utah, by two women believed to be acting on the orders of Ervil LeBaron. His death marked a significant moment in the history of Mormon fundamentalism, highlighting the deep divisions and conflicts within the movement.

Legacy

Rulon C. Allred's legacy within the Mormon fundamentalist movement is complex. To some, he is remembered as a spiritual leader who sought to live and teach the principles of his faith as he understood them. To others, his leadership represents a period of conflict and division within the movement. Despite the controversies, Allred's impact on the development and shaping of Mormon fundamentalism in the 20th century is undeniable.

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