Polygamist George Reynolds is approached by First Presidency Counselor George Q. Cannon and told he has been selected to be a test case on the legality of polygamy. Reynolds is arrested, charged, convicted and sentenced to one year in prison. On appeal his conviction is set aside on a technicality, Reynolds's case is re-tried. He is convicted in the re-trial and is sentenced to two years in prison.. His case goes to the U.S. Supreme Court where his conviction, and the legality of the anti-polygamy laws are upheld but the hard labor part of his sentence is overturned as being excessive. With time off for good conduct he serves one year and seven months in prison. In 1890, he is sustained as one of the First Seven Presidents of Seventies.
[On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]
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