Assassination of a Michigan King: The Life of James Jesse Strang

by Roger Van Noord

A skeptical follower of James Jesse Strang once wrote: "No man can serve two masters. You cannot serve a temporal king and a republican government at the same time. The thing is preposterous." And yet, under Strang, such a system survived in Michigan for six years. This book traces the life and assassination of King Strang, the extraordinary Mormon leader who, in the 1850s, created a literal kingdom on Beaver Island, in Lake Michigan. As a young man, Strang was a dreamer of grandiose dreams---dreams of power, of royalty, and of fame. For him, the dreams came true. But in his pursuit of those dreams, Strang walked a tightrope to avoid ever-impending doom. Strang's kingdom flourished despite perennial conflicts with non-Mormons, including a gun battle with mainlanders, and despite a major prosecution by the federal government. His kingdom was designed to be totally independent of the state and nation. And yet, he was a shrewd political tactician who took advantage of Michigan law to be twice elected to the state legislature and become what one Detroit newspaper called the most powerful politician in the state. Here is Strang the man of contrasts and contradictions, the strident opponent of polygamy and the husband of five wives, the astute editor and the incendiary propagandist, the prophet and the scoundrel, the man who through the sheer force of his personality made his followers a group to be feared in his region. Vast amount of fresh information, including contemporary journals, documents, and letters never before used by biographers help draw a portrait of one of the most complex and resourceful leaders in American history.

Genres: History, Mormonism, Religion, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1988

About the author

Roger Van Noord worked as a reporter and in various editor positions at the Flint Journal, where he retired as managing editor. He and his wife live in Michigan with an Irish terrier that loves salad fixings and apples.

Reviews

[Katherine Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

when Joseph Smith was lynched and Mormonism fragmented, one of those fragments was led by James Jesse Strang, who brought his followers eventually to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, where they prospered and Strang played out a repeat of Joseph Smith's life with eerie exactitude, including embracing polygamy and getting involved in state politics and having himself crowned king and eventually being assassinated, at which point his kingdom, too, was dispersed. Van Noord is a competent writer and the material is fascinating.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing novel about the self proclaimed royalty who laid claim to Beaver Island along with his Mormon followers. A fascinating story that truly is stranger than fiction. History buffs, Michiganders, and readers who enjoy some good old fashioned shoot-outs, this is a must read for you.

[Christopher Rutenber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very thorough biography on the life of Mormon faction leader and self-proclaimed king of Beaver Island, Michigan, James Strang. The author relies on numerous primary sources and the dedication to research shows throughout. Van Noord really shines, however, in writing action sequences, from the assassination of Joseph Smith to the numerous scuffles on the island. I have two detractions. While there is some analysis and contextualization of Strang's life and actions, it takes a distant second to the more journalistic interests. Second, it is easy to get bogged down in the various people comprising the political sphere that is Mackinac and Beaver Island. Overall I would highly recommend the book for anyone interested in Michigan history, Mormon history, or bizarre history/human interest.

[Beth A · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book prior to visiting Beaver Island--a small island in Lake Michigan off the coast of Charlevoix. James Jesse Strant brought his Morman followers to the island in the 1850's and then declared himself king.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

much craziness here.
this needs to be a film.