Joseph was in absolute control of all land sales to his people. The High Council voted him treasurer of the church, and then bestowed the title of “Trustee-in-Trust” with power “to receive, acquire, manage, or convey property, real, personal, or mixed, for the sole use and benefit of said Church.” Eventually he also became registrar of deeds, from which position he could lay his thumb on any clandestine sales.f
