The Rudger Clawson papers (1870-1943) consists of memoirs, autobiographical accounts, diaries, letter books, loose letters, scrapbooks, newspaper and periodical clippings, printed books and miscellaneous documents. Clawson was born in Salt Lake City a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) Church. He served a mission to the Southern States that ended after his companion Joseph Standing was murdered by a mob in Georgia. Clawson practiced polygamy and was the first LDS member to be imprisoned for just over three years for the practice. After his release from prison he became the Stake President for the Box Elder Stake for the LDS Church. Then as an apostle in the Council of the Twelve Apostles which he did for 45 years until his death on 21 June 1943 at the age of 86.