The "Kingston Clan" is a group of Mormon fundamentalists established in 1876 that formed a community named Kingston. Its goal was to work toward and achieve what is called the "United Order" which is similar in nature and function as the socialist structure.

This society maintained the beliefs and teachings of the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" or LDS with a few caveats. The primary difference is that they openly teach, encourage and participate in polygamy. "Plural Marriages" are practiced among the higher ranking men of the community and there have been numerous legal issues regarding this in the state of Utah. Most familiar of these are the civil cases against Kingston members for having polygamous relationships with members of their own nuclear family.

Creation

Kingston is named for Thomas R. King, who moved from Fillmore to Piute County with his five sons and their families specifically to find a place where they could establish a United Order. In the 1870s Brigham Young was encouraging communal living in United Order communities. The King families' United Order functioned from 1876 to 1883. Kingston town was incorporated September 21, 1926 in order to facilitate the public services and leadership which municipal governments provide.

Functions

Utah municipal governments perform numerous functions, including the maintaining of law and order, guarding public health and sanitation, managing public services and promoting community development. The Kingston town council has focused much energy on maintaining a municipal water system . The council has managed the upkeep of the town cemetery and a land fill site. They have organized community beautification and clean up projects, maintained a park, and contracted for public utilities and services. The town council has supported or sponsored holiday celebrations for July 4th and Christmas.

Administration

A town board president (or mayor) and four trustees provide leadership for Kingston. The board president, who is elected by general municipal election, is the chief executive officer. He presides over council meetings and supervises all other city officers. He signs all city ordinances and official contracts on behalf of the city. The town council functions as a legislative governing body for the community, and is responsible for all aspects of community management, such as appointing officials, levying taxes, establishing a budget, maintaining public services and utilities, and regulating activity within the community.

Organizational history

During the 1960s and 1970s the Kingston town council hired a town clerk. Whether or not the council appointed any other municipal offices or continued to maintain the clerk is not apparent from the minutes and ordinances available.

Town council presidents (mayors)

Eldon L. Coats (1961)-1964 Alton Sudweeks 1964-1965 Cyrus Coats 1966-1969 Dwain Luke 1969 Melvin Allen 1970-1973 Leslie G. Neilson 1974-1981 Andre Millett 1982-1985 Dee Anderson 1986-1989 Len Mills 1990-1997 Carlos Jensen 1998-