joseph h. frisby lived a significant life, having served as a justice of the peace, having operated a mercantile business, and having been mayor of provo for two years. frisby's election was tangled up in controversy. during this time, the town of provo was divided. needing a railroad, the east side of town insisted that it be built on the east side of provo, while the west insisted it belonged on the west side. hoping to sway the decision, the west side of provo nominated joseph frisby for mayor in hopes that he would act in their favor. having won the election but narrowly, joseph decided to postpone the decision until he was out of office.