What is a Jack Mormon? What does it mean?

Question

Dear Gramps,

Thank you for being here for questions. My question is, where did the term Jack Mormon come from? Thank you.

Oryanstar

Answer

Dear Oryanstar,

It seems that the term ‘Jack Mormon’ was coined by a man named Sharp, who was an anti-Masonic editor in western New York State. He invented the name “Jack-Mason,” for all such persons who refused to take part in the anti-Masonic movement of that day and neighborhood. Sharp was also anti-Mormon, and he coined the phrase “Jack Mormon” for all those persons who were not Mormons but who did not favor the illegal procedure and mob violence of Sharp and his associates against the Mormons.

Today the term is frequently used for those who are members of the LDS Church, but who are less active.

Gramps