The first anti-Mormon Mob in Tennessee

In what is probably the first recorded incident of a mob assembling against the Mormons in Tennessee, Elder David W. Patten and Wilford Woodruff were holding a meeting at the home of Michael Fry, near Eagle Creek, Tennessee, when a mob gathered outside the home. It was May 1836. Wilford Woodruff wrote in his journal.

Sunday, 22nd, Brother Patten preached three times at the house of father Fry in Benton County, Tennessee, many hardened their hearts and a Mr. Rose rejected his testimony and asked him to raise the dead. Brother Patten rebuked him for his wickedness, when he and others came with their arms and threatened to mob us. At the close of the meeting, brother Patten walked out into the door yard and told the mob to shoot him if they wished. He had nothing but a walking stick in his hand: the mob fled and left him. (Wilford Woodruff’s journal)

Michael David Fry was born 27 August 1799 in Rowan, North Carolina, United States to Joseph Frey and Sarah Hartman. Some time prior to 1828, he and his family moved to Tennessee, where he married Rachel Matlock.

In 1834 he met missionaries from the Mormon Church; David W Patten and Wilford Woodruff. I don't have a baptism date yet. He stayed in Tennessee, choosing not to gather with the saints. But he remained faithful to Mormon Church. He entertained many missionaries as they passed through Tennessee; feeding them and providing shelter. To some, he proudly showed his 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon.

Later in life he was called Uncle Fry to all who knew him regardless of their relationship. He remained steadfast and true. He died on 19 January 1886 in Benton County, Tennessee and is buried in the Fry Cemetery; Eagle Creek, Benton County.