1835 Aug 11

Mary Elizabeth Rollins married non-Mormon, Adam Lightner of Liberty, Clay County, Missouri29 Later in February 1842 she was sealed to Joseph Smith.30

1835 Aug 17

A general assembly of the Church was held at Kirtland, Ohio "for the purpose of arranging the items of the doctrine of Jesus Christ for the government of the Church... "

W.W. Phelps read the Article on Marriage to be published in the Doctrine and Covenants. The congregation unanimously agreed to publish it. The article states that: "Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy: we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again." 31 Joseph Smith was not there.32

1835 Aug 28

Joseph Smith preached "on the duty of wives" in Kirtland. He had arrived back in Kirtland from his visit to Michigan August 23.33

1837 Spring

Fanny Brewer gave an affidavit which stated:

Testimony of Fanny Brewer, of Boston Boston, September I 3, 1842

To the Public:-- I have long desired that some one who had a certain knowledge of the hidden practices and abominations at Nauvoo, would have the moral courage to come out, with a full development; and my desires have been realized in General Bennett's disclosures. As the ice is now broken, I, too, have a tale to tell. In the spring of 1837, I left Boston for Kirtland, in all good faith, to assemble with the Saints, as I thought, and worship God more perfectly On my arrival, I found brother going to law with brother, drunkenness prevailing to a great extent, and every species of wickedness...There was much excitement against the Prophet, on another account, likewise,-- an unlawful intercourse between himself and a young orphan girl residing in his family, and under his protection!!! Mr. Martin Harris told me that the Prophet was most notorious for lying and licentiousness!! In the fall of 1837, the Smith family all left Kirtland, by revelation, (or necessity) for Missouri... 34

 

1837 May

The Presidents of the Seventies published in the Messenger and Advocate, resolutions concerning conduct of those called "to proclaim the gospel." It states that: "That we will have no fellowship whatsoever with any Elder belonging to the quorums of the Seventies who is guilty of polygamy or any offence of the kind.    "35

1837 Nov

An editorial in the Elder 's Journal mentions that people ask if Mormons have "more wives than one."   36

 

1837 Nov 29

The Kirtland Elders Quorum charged Solomon Freeman with polygamy.

The minutes state: "...the charge that was perfered before the quorum against Elder Sollomon [sic} Freeman by William Perry for the crime of polygamy was brought forward. Elder Freeman plead not gilty of the charge [} [T}estimony for the Complainent came forward (Dexter Stilman) and Stated the Elder Freeman had a wife in To/Ian township Co. of Berksheir in Mass. And it was told him there that he (E. Freeman) Came a way [without his] wife Elder Harlow Redfield Stated that when he and Elder Stilman went to See Elder Freeman. Elder Freeman ackno[wjloged that he come away and left his wife as was testified Elder Freeman ackno[w]loged before the quorum that he had left his first wife came away with and Soon Commenced living with another woman he further Stated he did not know but his first wife was yet living he further Stated he would not go acros [sicJ the room to obtain a bill from her Elder Freeman Manifest a Car[e]less indifferent spirit." 37 It is not recorded what the quorum did about the issue.

1838 Jan 21

Oliver Cowdery wrote to his brother, Warren Cowdery concerning his conflict with Joseph Smith:

...I never confessed intimated <or admitted> that 1 ever willfully lied about him [Joseph Smithj. When he was here we had some conversation in which in every instance, I did not fail to affirm that what I had said was strictly true A dirty, nasty, filthy of his and Fanny Algers was talked over in which I strictly declared that 1 had never deviated from the truth on the matter, and as I supposed was admitted by himself ..38

1838 Apr 12

The Far West Minute Book has the following as part of the Oliver Cowdery trial:

George W Harris testfies that one evening last fall 0. Cowdery was at his house together with Joseph Smith Jr., and Thomas B. Marsh, when a conversation took place between Joseph Smith Jr & 0. Cowdery, when he semmed to insinuate that Joseph Smith Jr was guilty of adultery, but when the question was put, ifhe (Joseph) had ever acknowledged to him that he was quilty of such a thing; when he answered No. Also he believes him to be instrumental in causing so many lawsuits as had taken place of late.

David W Patten testifies, that he went to Oliver Cowdery to enquire of him if a certain story was true respecting J Smith's committing adultery with a certain girl, when he turned on his heel and insinuated as though he was guilty; he then went on and gave a history of some circumstances respecting the adultery scrape stating that no doubt it was true. Also said that Joseph told him, he had corifessed to Emma, Also that he has used his influence to urge on lawsuits.

Thomas B. Marsh testifies that while in Kirtland last summer, David W Patten asked Oliver Cowdery if he Joseph Smith Jr. had confessed to his wife that he was guilty of adultery with a certain girl, when Oliver Cowdery cocked up his eye very knowingly and hesitated to answer the question, saying he did not know as he was bound to answer the question yet conveyed the idea that it was true. Last fall after Oliver came to this place he heard a conversation take place between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery when J Smith asked him if he had ever confessed to him that he was guilty of adultery, when after a considerable winking &c. he said No. Joseph then asked him ifhe ever told him that he corifessed to any body, when he answered No.

Joseph Smith Jr testifies that Oliver Cowdery had been his bosom friend, therefore he in/rusted him with many things. He then gave a history respecting the girl business...39

 

1838 Apr 21

Joseph Smith performed the marriage between Windsor Lyon and Sylvia Sessions.40 Later Sylvia Sessions Lyon would be sealed to Joseph Smith.41

1838 Apr 28

The High Council at Far West investigated the case of Aaron C. Lyon which was appealed from an eider's court. He is charged with telling Sarah Jackson that her husband was dead and that " ... the Lord had revealed to him that she was to be his wife." He was a widower. Sarah's husband was found to be alive. Lyon " ... made confession to the satisfaction of the Council, when it was decided that Br. Lyons be retained in the Church, but his license be taken from him... " Joseph Smith had been asked to replace one of the members of the council. The clerk recorded that there was " ... some lengthy remarks by the Councellors, and very good instruction given by Councellor Smith... "42

1838 July

The questions from the editorial were answered in the next issue of the Elder 's Journal which was published in July 1838 in Far West, Missouri. It states:

Question 7th. Do the Mormons believe in having more wives than one. [sic} Answer. No, not at the same time. But they believe that if their companion dies, they have a right to marry again. But we do disapprove of the custom which has gained in the world, and has been practised [sicJ among us; to our great mortification, of marrying in five or six weeks, or even in two or three months after the death of their companion. We believe that due respect ought to be had, to the memory of the dead, and the feelings of both friends and children.43

1838 Dec 16

Joseph Smith wrote from Liberty, Missouri to the Saints in Caldwell County, Missouri:

"... Therefore we say again unto you we are innocent of these things they have represented us falsely Was it for committing adultery, we are aware that false slander has gone abroad for it has been reiterated in our ears. These are falsehoods also.

Renegadoes, mormon dissenters are running through the world and spreading various foul and libelous reports against us thinking thereby to gain the friendship of the world because they knew that we are not of the world and that the world hates us; therefore they make a tool of these fellows...We have heard that it has been reported by some that some of us should have said that we not only dedicated our property but our families also to the Lord, and satan taking advantage of this has transfigured it into lasciviousness such as a community of wives which is an abomination in the sight of God. When we consecrate our property to the Lord it is to administer to the wants of the poor and needy for this is the law of God it is not.for the purpose of the rich those who have no need and when a man consecrates or dedicates his wife and children he does not give them to his brother or to his neighbor for there is no such law for the law of God is thou shalt not commit adultery thou shalt not covet they neighbor's wife. He that looketh upon a woman to lust after her has committed adultery already in his heart..."44

1840

Franklin D. Richards, in northern Indiana, met a woman that had lived at Kirtland and her name was Sister Akers. She stated "that the doctrine of 'spiritual wives' as she then learned it, was a true doctrine, that it had been revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith and would sometime be put in practice in the Church-that it was not then permitted, but that I [Elder RichardsJ would live to see it taught, accepted, lived in and practically adopted as a doctrine and ordinance of the Church..."45

Bathsheba Smith testified in the Temple Lot Case, March 1892 that: "...I heard Joseph Smith once in speaking from the stand say or assert that the ancient order would be restored the same as it was in Abraham's day, but I never heard him preach in private or public the principle of plural marriage, or what is sometimes called polygamy. He said the ancient order would be restored as it was in the days of Abraham. That was about 1840, I think... " 46

1841 Jan 23

Ruth D. Vose married to Edward Sayers by Albert P. Rockwood at St. Louis, Missouri.47 Ruth was sealed to Joseph Smith in February 1843 48 and she lived with Edward Sayers, a non-member, in Nauvoo and Salt Lake City.49

1841 Mar 7

Zina D. Huntington married to Henry B. Jacobs by John C. Bennett.50 Zina Huntington was sealed to Joseph Smith, October 27, 1841 51

1841 Apr 5

LOUISA BEAMAN sealed to JOSEPH SMITH by her brother-in-law, Joseph Bates Noble52

1841 Jul 5

George A. Smith wrote to Joseph Smith III: "I returned to Nauvoo from this [British] mission in July 1841.53 At one of the first interviews thereafter with your father I was greatly astonished at hearing from his lips the doctrine of Patriarchal marriage which he continued to preach to me from time to time... "54

 

1841 Fall

Melissa Schindle said that she was staying in Nauvoo in the fall of 1841 and Joseph Smith asked to sleep with her. She said that he said that "...it was the will of the Lord that he should have illicit intercourse with her... " He offered to pay her five dollars. She refused.55

1841 Oct 15

The Times and Seasons reprinted an article from the St. Louis Atlas which reported a visit of a non-Mormon to Nauvoo who stated that Mormonism "is a faith which they say encourages no vice, nor immorality, nor departure from established laws and usages; neither polygamy, nor promiscuous intercourse, nor community of property.56

1841 Oct27

ZINA HUNTINGTON JACOBS sealed to JOSEPH SMITH57 by her brother, Dimick B. Huntington and witnessed by his wife, Fanny Huntington. Zina wrote: " ..Jmad[e} a greater sacrifice than to give my li(j}e for I never anticipated again to be looked upon as an honorable woman by those I dearly loved ..."58

1841 Dec 2

Joseph Smith received the following revelation for Nancy Marinda Johnson Hyde.

"Verily thus saith the Lord unto you my Servant Joseph, that inasmuch as you have called upon me to know my Will concerning my handmaid Nancy Marinda Hyde, Behold it is my Will that she should have a better place prepared for her, than that in which she now lives, in order that her life may be spared unto her; Therefore go and say unto my Servant Ebenezer Robinson, and to my hand maid his Wife, Let them open their doors and take her and her children into their house, and take care of them faithfully and kindly until my servant Orson Hyde returns from his mission, or until some other provision can be made for her welfare and safety; Let them do these things and spare not grudgingly saith the Lord God. and she shall be a blessing unto them, and let my handmaid Nancy Marinda Hyde hearken to the council of my Servant Joseph in all things whatsoever he shall teach unto her, and it shall be a blessing upon her and upon her children after her, unto her justification, saith the Lord,.,59

1841 Dec 11

Joseph Smith's 1843 journal says, "Apr[il] [18]42 Marinda Johnson to Joseph Smith..." This entry is in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.60 Marinda Johnson Hyde's 1869 affidavit says that she was married to Joseph Smith in May 1843.61

1841 Dec 15

PRESENDIA HUNTINGTON BUELL sealed to JOSEPH SMITH62 by her brother, Dimick B. Huntington and witnessed by his wife, Fanny Huntington

The Times and Seasons published an article cautioning members of the Church against Dr. William Campbell, alias Samuel Rogers, who joined Church and married a young lady. They go on to state: "It has since been ascertained that he has two others [sic] wives, one in Ohio, and the other in this State [Illinois]. He undoubtedly joined the church for a cloak to his iniquity."63

1842

In Conference, October 8, 1866, in Salt Lake City, Brigham Young stated: "Right north of the Masonic Hall in Nauvoo the ground was not fenced; this was in the year 1842.

There were some rails laid along to fence up some lots. Hyrum saw me and said, 'brother Brigham, I want to talk to you. ' We went together and sat upon those rails that were [?} up. He commenced by saying: 'I have a question to ask you. In the first place I say[?J to you, that I do know that you and the Twelve knows some things that I do not know. I can understand this by the motions and talk and doings of Joseph, and I know there is something or other which I do not understand, that is revealed to the Twelve. Is this so?' I replied. I do not know anything about what you know, but I know what I know.

Then he said, '/ have mistrusted[? J for a long time that Joseph has received a revelation that a man should have more than one wife, and he has hinted as much to me, but I would not bear it. '...I said to him, 'brother Hyrum, I will tell you about this thing which you do not know if you will swear with an uplifted hand before God, that you will never say another word against Joseph and his doings, and the doctrine he is preaching to the people. 'He replied, 'I will do it with all my heart and he stood upon his feet, saying, 'I want to know the truth and to be saved. And he made a covenant there, never again to bring forward one argument or use any influence against Joseph's doings. Joseph had many wives sealed to him. I told Hyrum the whole story, and he bowed to it and wept like a child, and said God be praised. He went to Joseph and told him what he had learned, and renewed his covenant with Joseph, and they went heart and hand together while they lived, and they were together when they died, and they are together now defending 1srael... ,64

John Wickliff Rigdon stated that Joseph Smith asked his sister Nancy Rigdon to become his plural wife and she turned him down. That may have been in 1842. 65

 

1842 Jan 6

AGNES COOLBRITH SMITH sealed [?] to JOSEPH SMITH66

1842 Feb 8

SYLVIA SESSIONS LYON sealed to JOSEPH SMITH67

1842 Feb (late)

MARY ELIZABETH ROLLINS LIGHTNER sealed to JOSEPH SMITH. She stated,

"Well, I talked with him [Joseph Smith] for a long time and finally I told him I would never be sealed to him until I had a witness...! made it a subject of Prayer...A few nights after that an angel of the Lord came to me...! went forward and was sealed to him.

Brigham Young performed the sealing and Heber C. Kimball the blessing..."68

1842 (early)

Joseph Smith taught Sarah M. Kimball about plural marriage. Sarah's husband, Hirum Kimball was not a member of the Church at that time. Sarah stated: "Early in the year 1842, Joseph Smith taught me the principle of marriage for eternity, and the doctrine of plural marriage." She rejected the principle.69

1842 Mar 9

PATTY BARTLETT SESSIONS sealed to JOSEPH SMITH70 She wrote " ... was sealed to Joseph Smith the Prophet by Willard Richards, March the 9th 1842 in Nauvoo. In Newel K. Whitneys chamber, Sylvia my daughter was present. ..I received my Endowment in Nauvoo, Dec 16 1845. I never was sealed at the altar to any one."71

1842 Mar 17

Joseph Smith organized the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo.72

1842 Mar 24

The minutes of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo state "...Prest E. Smith rose and read from the Book of records, the proceedings of the first meeting of the Society She then proceeded to read to the honorable body, a report, wherein Clarissa Marvel was accused of scandalous falsehoods on the character of Prest. Joseph Smith, without the least provocation praying that they would in wisdom adopt some plan to bring her to repentance - said she presumed that most of the Society knew more about Clarissa Marvel than herself---

Mrs. Agnes Smith said that Clarissa Marvel had lived with her nearly a year -she had seen nothing amiss of her.

Councillor [sic} Whitney proposed that someone be appointed to go and labor with her and if possible reform her.

Moved and carried that Mrs. Markham be [the} one to go and converse with C Marvel

Mrs. Markham objected on the ground that she was unacquainted with the circumstances.

Prest. Smith said that would make no difference. She could attend to it-that it should be done in a private manner with great patience.

Then, Prest. continued by saying that we intended to look into the morals of each other and watch over each other-that she intended to walk[?J and to [?J the

appearance of evil -all are required to be very careful in their words and actions at all times-said she believed Clarissa Marvel might be reformed.

Mrs. Billings inquired if CM    had parents.

Prest. Smith said she had no parents-she is under our care and observation-she needs frz.end s... ,,73

1842 Mar 30

The minutes of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo state: "...Prest. J Smith withdrew Prest. E. Smith rose & said she would like to hear from those appointed to enquire in to the case of Clarissa M

Mrs. Billings said I visited her, questioned her closely-she appeared like an innocent girl.

Mrs. Markham corroborated the statement of Mrs. Billings.

Prest. E. S. said, We are called upon to find the origin of the report­ Mrs. Billings referred to Mrs. Winchester with whom CM had resided.

Mrs. W Had heard C M speak of Pres J Smith's family in the most respectful manner

Councillor [sic} Cleveland proposed that the rumor be[?] out and the innocent cleared-

Mrs. Gribble said Laura Jones & Hannah Burgess have reported against CM Councillor [sic} Whitney motioned that 2 persons be appointed to see L. Jones & H B. carried unanly [sic] 74

1842 Apr

MARINDA JOHNSON HYDE sealed to JOSEPH SMITH75

Joseph Smith's 1843 journal says, "Apr[il] [18)42 Marinda Johnson to Joseph Smith..." This entry is in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock.76 Marinda Johnson Hyde's 1869 affidavit says that she was married to Joseph Smith in May 1843 77

1842 Spring

In 1885, Emily Dow Partridge Young wrote: "The first intimation I had from Brother Joseph that there was a pure and holy-order of plural marriage, was in the spring of 1842, but I was not married until 1843 [May 11, 1843] 78

1842 Apr 4

The minutes of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo state: "Prayer by Prest Emma Smith after which Councillor [sic} Cleveland arose and addressed the meeting informing them that the case a/Clarissa M had been satisfactorily settled. She having testified in her own hand writing that she had said no wrong &c. Mrs. C continued by cautioning the Society against speaking evil of Prest J Smith and his companion that it would not be a light thing in the sight a/God that they had proved themselves; and the case ofC. M should be a warning how we hear and how we speak exposed her [?J that the Lord would cut off those who will not take counsel &c.79

1842 Apr 10

Joseph Smith's journal states, "Preached in the grove after Elder Wm Law, had spoken, a[nd] pronounced a curse upon all Adulterers &fornicators & unvirtuous.gersons, & those who had made use of his name to carry on their iniquitous designs." 80

1842 Apr 22

The Nauvoo High Council considered the case of Jess Turpin. He was charged by Benjaming L. Clapp of having committed adultery by marrying "another man's wife." They decided that there was " ... no evidences j;iven which would give any reason to believe that he had been guilty of the charge." 81

1842 Apr 29

Joseph Smith's journal states, "was made manifest a conspiracy against the peace of his household." Willard Richards has written "J.C.B." lightly in the margin which may refer to John C. Bennett.82

1842 May 11

Fellowship of the Church is withdrawn from John C. Bennett.83

1842 May 17

John C. Bennett made an affidavit, before Daniel H. Wells, Nauvoo alderman, stating that "...that he never was taught any thing in the least contrary to the strictest principles of the Gospel, or of virtue, or of the laws a/God, or man, under any circumstances, or upon any occasion either directly or indirectly, in word or deed, by Joseph Smith; and that he never knew the said Smith to countenance any improper conduct whatever, either in public or private; and that he never did teach to me in private that an illegal illicit intercourse with females was, under any circumstances, justifiable, and that I never knew him so to teach others."84 Bennett later stated that Joseph Smith pulled a gun on him and said that he would kill him if he did not make this statement.85

John C. Bennett resigned as mayor of Nauvoo.86

1842 May 19

Joseph Smith was elected mayor of Nauvoo and John C. Bennett, ex-mayor was called upon to state if he knew anything against Joseph Smith. Bennett stated, "/ publicly avow that any one who has said that I have stated that General Joseph Smith has given me authority to hold illicit intercourse with women is a Liar in the face of God...He never either in public or private gave me any such authority or /icense...Joseph, will you please state definitely whether you know anything against my character either in public or private? Answer by Gen Bennet [sic}, 'I do not. In all my intercourse with General Smith, in public & in private he has been strictly virtuous."'87

1842 May 24

Margaret J, Nyman, Matilda Nyman, Sarah Miller, and Catharine Warren testified before the Nauvoo High Council. Margaret J. Nyman said that Chauncey L Higbee had told her Joseph Smith said: "That any respectable female might indulge in sexual intercourse, and there was no sin in it providing the person so indulging keep the same to herself; for there could be no sin, where there was no accuser, .. [Sarah Miller said] I told him it might be told in bringing forth. Chauncey said there was no danger, and that Dr. Bennet understood it, and would come and take it away, if there was any thing... (Matilda J. Nyman stated) "I further testify that I never had any personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith and never heard him teach such doctrines as Higbee, stated either directly or indirectly. " These testimonies were published in the Nauvoo Neighbor, May 29, 1844.88

1842 June 14

Lucy Ann Decker Seeley sealed to Brigham Young by Joseph Smith in the presence of Willard Richards.89

1842 June 15

The Times and Seasons published a notice dated May 11, 1842, concerning withdrawing fellowship from John C. Bennett. The notice stated: "... members of the first Presidency of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, withdraw the hand of fellowship from Gen. John C. Bennett, as a Christian; he having been labored with from time to time, to persuade him to amend his conduct, apparently to no good effect.

Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Wm. Law"90

1842 June 25

The Wasp published an article by Joseph Smith concerning John C. Bennett. In the article Joseph Smith wrote " ...Had he [John C. Bennett] only been guilty ofadultry [sic], that was sufficient to stamp disgrace upon him because he is a man of better information, and has been held high in the estimation of many. But when it is considered that his mind was so intent upon his cruel, and abominable deeds, and his own reputation not being sufficient to enable him to do it, he must make use ofmy name in order to effect [sic} his purposes... ,,91

1842 July 1

The Times and Seasons published the same article by Joseph Smith concerning John C. Bennett.92

1842 July 2

John C. Bennett made an affidavit before a Justice of the Peace that Joseph Smith had forced him to make a positive affidavit concerning Joseph Smith on May 17. He also stated that Joseph Smith told him about his spiritual wives which Bennett names, but the newspaper did not publish their names.93

 

Melissa Schindle made a affidavit before a Justice of the Peace that she was staying in Nauvoo in the fall of 1841 and Joseph Smith asked to sleep with her. She said that he said that "...it was the will of the Lord that he should have illicit intercourse with her..." He offered to pay her five dollars. She refused.94

1842 July 8

John C. Bennett published an article in the Sangamo Journal concerning Joseph Smith. The article states: "...Joseph Smith, the great Mormon seducer, one who has seduced not only hundreds of single and married females, but more than the great Solomon, attempted to seduce Miss Nancy Rigdon, the eldest single daughter of Sidney Rigdon, to submit to his hellish purposes, and become one of his clandestine wives under the new dzspensatwn... ,,95

1842 July 13

Martha H. Brotherton made a statement before the Justice of the Peace in St. Louis County, Missouri that Heber C. Kimball, Brigham Young and Joseph Smith taught her about plural marriage. She said that Brigham Young asked her to be his wife and she reported the following conversation: "'Well,' said Young, 'sister Martha would be willing if she knew if was lawful and right before God.' 'Well, Martha,' said Joseph, 'it is lawful and right before God-- I know it is. Look here, sis; don't you believe in me?' I did not answer. 'Well Martha,' said Joseph, 'just go ahead, and do as Brigham wants you to -- he is the best man in the world, except me.'... 'Yes,' said Joseph, 'and I know that this is lawful and right before God, and if there is any sin in it, I will answer for it before God; and I have the keys of the kingdom, and whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven, and if you will accept of Brigham, you shall be blessed -- God shall bless you, and my blessing shall rest upon you; and if you will be led by him, you will do well; for I know Brigham will take care of you, and if he don't do his duty to you, come to me and I will make him; and if you do not like it in a month or two, come to me, and I will make you free again; and if he turns you off, I will take you on.'..."   96

 

1842 July 15

Joseph Smith's journal records: "This A.M early a report was in circulation that O[rsonj. P[ratt}. was missing. A letter of his writing was found directed to his wife stating to the effect that he was going away, Soon as this was known Joseph summoned the principal men of the city and workmen on the Temple to meet at the Temple Grove where he ordered them to proceed immediately throughout the city in search of him lest he should have laid voilent [violent] hands on himself...a meeting was called at the Grove where Joseph stated before the public a general outline of J. C. Bennetts conduct and especially with regard to Sis P [Sarah Pratt]. Met again in the P.M when Hyrum & H C. Kimball spake on the same subject after which Joseph arose and said that he would state to those present some things which he had heard respecting Edward & D[avid} Ki/bourn[e} being conspiring with J. C. Bennett in endeavoring to bring a Mob upon us...O. P[ratt} returned at night. He was seen about 2 miles this side Warsaw; set on a log. He says he has concluded to do right.97

The Sangamo Journal, a newspaper in Springfield, Illinois published John C. Bennett's letters "Two" and "Three" concerning Joseph Smith, spiritual wives and Danites. The article tells the story of Joseph Smith's approaches to Sarah Bates Pratt, Nancy Rigdon, Melissa Schindle and Martha Brotherton. 98

Thomas Smethurst makes a statement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania    that he knew Martha Brotherton in England before she became a Mormon and she is virtuous and truthful. He also knows that she had to leave Nauvoo for her safety.99

1842 July 20

William Law signed an affidavit concerning the activities of John C. Bennett.100

1842 July 22

The citizens of the city of Nauvoo held a meeting to obtain an expression of the public mind in reference to the reports concerning the character of Joseph Smith. Orson Pratt spoke against Joseph Smith. "Joseph Smith spoke in reply-Question to Elder Pratt, 'Have you personally a knowledge of any immoral act in me toward the female sex, or in any other way?' Answer, by Elder 0. Pratt, 'Personally. toward the female sex, I have not.'

Elder O. Pratt responded at some length. Elder B. Young then spoke in reply, and was followed by Elders Wm. Law, H C. Kimball and Pres. H. Smith. Several others spoke bearing testimony of the iniquity of those who had calumniated Pres. J Smith's character101

Joseph Smith's journal records: "...a.m. at the stand conflicting with O[rson]. P[ratt]. and correcting the public mind with regard to reports put in circulation by [John] Bennett & Others. 102

Daniel H. Wells signed an affidavit concerning John C. Bennett's activities.103

Elias Higbee wrote a letter to the editor of the Times and Seasons stating that he was a "personal friend of Joseph Smith" and has "never yet seen or known any thing against him... "104

John C. Bennett's Fourth Letter is published in the Sangamo Journal. Martha H. Brotherton's affidavit is in that article.105

 

1842 July 25

Pamela M. Michael signed a statement that she knows nothing "derogatory to" Joseph Smith's "character, either as a Christian, or a moral man" and that Bennett made use of her name without her knowledge or consent.

1842 July 26

William Marks made a statement concerning John C. Bennett and Joseph Smith which states: " .. .I would further state that I know of no Order in the Church which admits of a plurality of wives, and do not believe that Joseph Smith ever taught such a doctrine ..."106

1842 July 28

Henry Marks made a statement concerning John C. Bennett and Joseph Smith which states: " ... I know nothing derogatory to the character of Joseph Smith, neither in a religious or a moral point of view; and that Doctor Bennett and the Journal used my name without my knowledge or consent..."107

1842 July 27

SARAH ANN WHITNEY sealed to JOSEPH SMITH108 by her father, Newell K. Whitney.

1842 July 29

ELIZA R. SNOW sealed to JOSEPH SMITH109 by Brigham Young.

1842 Aug

MARTHA MCBRIDE KNIGHT sealed to JOSEPH SMITH110

1842 Aug 1

An article in the Times and Seasons entitled "John C. Bennett" contained affidavits and other information concerning the activities of John C. Bennett. It stated:

There has always been, in every age of the church those who have been opposed to the principles of virtue ...He [Bennett] professed to be virtuous and chaste, yet did he pierce the heart of the innocent, introduce misery and infamy into families, ... he desecrate his name, and prostitute his authority to the most unhallowed and diabolical purposes; even to the seduction of the virtuous, and the defiling of his neighbor's bed...he gave his affidavit, and testified that Joseph Smith was a virtuous man-[then he said] that we believed in and practiced polygamy ... 111

Sidney Rigdon published a statement stating that: "As there seems to be some foolish notions that I have been engaged with J C. Bennett, in the difficulties between him and some of the citizens of this place [Nauvoo}, I mere7 say in reply to such idle and vain reports that they are without foundation in truth.112

 

1842 Aug 18

Joseph Smith wrote the following letter to Brother and Sister Newel K. Whitney:113

Nauvoo August 18th 1842

Dear, and Beloved, Brother and Sister, Whitney, and &c.

I take this oppertunity to communi[cjate, some of my feelings, privetely at this time, which I want you three Eternaly to keep in your own bosams; for my feelings are so strong for you since what has pased lately between us, that the time of my abscence from you seems so long, and dreary, that it seems, as if I could not live long in this way: and <if you> three would come and see me in this my lonely retreat, it would afford me great relief, of mind, if those with whom I am alied, do love me; now is the time to afford me succour, in the days of exile,for you know I foretold you of these things. I am now at Carlos Graingers, Just back of Brother Hyrams farm, it is only one mile from town, the nights are very pleasant indeed, all three of you come <can> come and See me in the fore part of the night, let Brother Whitney come a little a head, and nock at the south East corner of the house at <the> window; it is next to the cornfield, I have a room inti=rely by myself, the whole matter can be attended to with most perfect safty, I <know> it is the will of God that you should comfort <me> now in this time of ajjliction, or not at[ta]l now is the time or never, but I hav[eJ no kneed of saying any such thing, to you, for I know the goodness of your hearts, and that you will do the will of the Lord, when it is made known to you; the only thing to be careful of; is to find out when Emma comes then you cannot be safe, but when she is not here, there is the most perfect safty: only be careful to escape observation, as much as possible, I know it is a heroick undertakeing; but so much the greater frendship, and the more Joy, when I see you I <will> tell you all my plans, I cannot write them on paper, burn this letter as soon as you read it; keep all locked up in your breasts, my life depends upon it. one thing I want to see you for is <to> git the fulness of my blessings sealed upon our heads, &c. you wi will pardon me for my earnest=ness on <this subject> when you consider how lonesome I must be, your good feelings know how to <make> every allowance for me, I close my letter, I think Emma wont come tonight if she dont dont fail to come to night, I subscribe myself your most obedient, <and> affectionate, companion, and friend. Joseph Smith. 114

1842 Aug 19

John C. Bennett published in the Sangamo Journal newspaper a supposed letter from Joseph Smith to Nancy Rigdon. The letter said in part: "...lfwe seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added. So with Solomon -- first he asked wisdom, and God gave it him, and with it every DESIRE of his heart, even things which might be considered abominable to all who understand the order of heaven only in part, but which in reality, were right, because God gave and sanctioned by special revelation..." 115

1842 Aug 20

Orson Pratt is cut off from the Church. Wilford Woodruff wrote in his diary that "Dr. John Cook Bennet [sic] was the ruin of Orson Pratt." 116

1842 Aug 27

In November 1855, Thomas Bullock, a clerk in the Church Historian's Office, copied into the manuscript of Joseph Smith's history, the letter of Joseph Smith to Nancy Rigdon on the date of August 27, 1842.117

1842 Aug 29

Stephen Markham stated in an affidavit that John C. Bennett and Nancy Rigdon "were guilty of unlawful and illicit intercourse with each other."118

1842 Sep 1

The Times and Seasons published the following:

"Inasmuch as the public mind has been unjustly abused through the fallacy of Dr. Bennett's letters, we make an extract on the subject of marriage, showing the rule of the church on this important matter. The extract is from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and is the only rule allowed by the church.

'All legal contracts of marriage made before a person is baptized into this church, should be held sacred and fulfilled. Inasmuch as this church of Christ has been reproached with the crime of fornication, and polygamy; we declare that we believe, that one man should have one wife; and one woman, but one husband, except in the case of death, when either is at liberty to marry again. It is not right to persuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband. ,,,119

Robert D. Foster wrote a letter from New York City stating that he had attended a lecture by John C. Bennett, where Bennett talked about spiritual wifery, Nancy Rigdon, Mrs. Pratt and others. Foster defended Joseph Smith and told the audience that Bennett was a liar. An extract of the letter was published in The Wasp.120

1842 Sep 3

The Wasp published a letter from Sidney Rigdon concerning the letter of Nancy Rigdon that was published in the Sangamo Journal. In this letter he states, "I am fully authorized by my daughter, Nancy, to say...that she never said to Gen. Bennett or any other person that said letter was written by said Mr. Smith, nor in his handwriting...that she never at any time authorised [sicJ Gen. Bennett to use her name in the public paflers...l would further state that Mr. Smith denied to me the authorship of that letter. " 121

Sidney Rigdon, in a certificate dated September 3, 1842 stated that Stephen Markham

" ...is not to be believed, that his word for truth and veracity is not good "122 Published in the same issue were certificates of Carlos Gove, George W. Robinson and Henry Marks stating that Nancy Rigdon was "a lady of a virtuous, chaste, and upright moral character. "123

Nauvoo High Council Minutes: "Sept 3rd I 842, Council met according to adjournment. A Charge was preferred against Gustavus Hills by Elijah Everett, one of the teachers of the Church, for illicit intercourse with a certain woman by the name of Mary Clift, by which she is with child, and for teaching the said Mary Clift that the heads of the Church practiced such conduct & that the time would come when men would have more wives than one &c. May Clift did not appear & upon vote it was adjourned until 4 o'clock P.M tomorrow. Samuel Bent, David Fullmer, Elijah Everett & Gustavus Hills were to go to her house at 8 o'clock tomorrow morning & take Alderman Spencer, to take her depositions and so that the trial might take place according to adjournment tomorrow..."  124

1842 Sep4

Nauvoo High Council Minutes: "Council met according to adjournment. Joshua Smith being absent, Elias Higbee was appointed in his place.. The case of Gustavus Hills was called President A. Cowles spoke by way of address to the Council upon the subject. The affidavit of Mary Clift, dated 29th Aug 1842, as also one of Sept 4th 1842, were read Esther Smith gave evidence that defendant told her it was lawfal for people to hold illicit intercourse, if they only held their peace& that the time would it was agreeable to the practice of some of the leading men or heads of the Church. It took place the Thursday before the Choir was dismissed, in the upper part of Town, near the Bluff, at 9 0 'clock in the evening-she was going home-he offered & went to accompany her and this took place upon the way-she further testified that May Clift joined the Choir at Br Joseph Smiths. Defendant then produced a paper containing questions put to & answers given by Mary Clift this morning, after her deposition was taken by alderman Spencer, which went together with aforesaid depositions, to prove his guilt-several w#h witnesses were afterwards called upon in his behalf but none gave any evidence that he was innocent. The Council/ors then spoke according to order, who were four in all Viz (5) David Fullmer, (6) G. W. Harris, (7) Simeon Carter pro tern/or T. Grover, (8) and A Johnson. Br. Everett & Hills then spoke; After which Prest Cowles & Rich gave their judgment, in which the entire Council concurred by Vote-that is by disfellowshiping Gustavus Hills. 125

 

1842 Sep 13

Fanny Brewer gave an affidavit which stated:

Testimony of Fanny Brewer, of Boston Boston, September 13, 1842

To the Public:-- I have long desired that some one who had a certain knowledge of the hidden practices and abominations at Nauvoo, would have the moral courage to come out, with a full development; and my desires have been realized in General Bennett's disclosures. As the ice is now broken, L too, have a tale to tell. In the spring of 1837, I left Boston/or Kirtland, in all good faith, to assemble with the Saints, as I thought, and worship God more perfectly. On my arrival, ]found brother going to law with brother, drunkenness prevailing to a great extent, and every species of wickedness...There was much excitement against the Prophet, on another account, likewise,-- an unlawful intercourse between himself and a young orphan girl residing in his family, and under his protection!!! Mr. Martin Harris told me that the Prophet was most notorious for lying and licentiousness!! In the/all of 1837, the Smith family all left Kirtland, by revelation, (or necessity,) for Missouri ..126

1842 Oct 1

The Times and Seasons, after publishing the statement on marriage from the Doctrine and Covenants, published the following statements:

"We the undersigned members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and residents of the city of Nauvoo, persons of families do hereby certify and declare that we know of no other rule or system of marriage than the one published from the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and we give this certificate to show that Dr. J C. Bennett's "secret wife system" is a creature of his own make as we know of no such society in this place nor never did [Signed} S. Bennett, N K Whitney, George Miller, Albert Pettey, Alpheus Cutler, Elias Higbee, Reynolds Cahoon, John Taylor, Wilson Law, E. Robinson, W Woodruff, Aaron Johnson. "

"We the undersigned members of the ladies' relief society, and married females do certify and declare that we know of no system of marriage being practiced in the churchof Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints save the one contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, and we give this certificate to the public to show that J C. Bennett's "secret wife system" is a disclosure of his own make. [Signed] Emma Smith, President, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Counsellor, Sarah M Cleveland, Counsellor, Eliza R. Snow, Secretary, Mary C. Miller, Catharine Pettey, Lois Cutler, Sarah Higbee, Thirza Cahoon, Phebe Woodruff, Ann Hunter, Leonora Taylor, Jane Law, Sarah Hillman, Sophia R. Marks, Rosannah Marks, Polly Z Johnson, Angeline Robinson, Abigail Works. "127

 

1842 Nov

Sarah Peak Noon, plural wife of Heber C. Kimball gave birth to a boy named, Adelman. He died six months later.128

 

1842 Dec 1

Jonathan H. Holmes and Elvria A. Cowles were married at Nauvoo by Joseph Smith.129 Joseph Smith and Elvria Cowles were later sealed on June 1, 1843.130

The following article was published in the Times and Seasons: "NOTICE. There was a book printed at my office, a short time since, written by Udney H Jacobs, on marriage131, without my knowledge; and had I been apprised of it, I should not have printed it; not that I am opposed to any man enjoying his privileges; but I do not wish to have my name associated with the authors, in an unmeaning rigmarole of nonsence [sic], folly, and trash. JOSEPH SMITH132

1842 Dec 7

Orson Hyde returned to Nauvoo from his mission to Palestine. Later he stated:

"During my absence to Palestine, the conduct of his [Sidney Rigdon 's] daughter, Nancy, became so notorious in this city, according to common rumor, she was regarded generally, little if any better than a public prostitute. Joseph Smith knowing the conduct she was guilty of, felt anxious to reprove and reclaim her if possible. He, accordingly, requested my wife [Marinda Nancy Johnson Hyde] to invite her down to her house. He wished to speak with her and show her the impropriety of being gallanted about by so many different men, many of whom were comparatively strangers to her... Miss Nancy, I presume, considered her dignity highly insulted at the plain and sharp reproofs she received from this servant of God. She ran home and told her father that Mr. Smith wanted her for a spiritual wife and that he employed my wife to assist him in obtaining her. Mr. Rigdon also thought this was a good time to crush a member of the Johnson family, against which he had an old grudge, because Father Johnson, after giving him and his family a living for a long time, building a house for them to live in &c., would not give him his farm and all his property"133

1843

William Law stated: "In 1843 Hyrum Smith handed to me a writing to read and to be returned to him. I took it home and upon reading found that it purported to be a revelation to Joseph Smith, authorizing polygamy in the Church...Joseph told me that he had several wives sealed to him, and that they afforded him a great deal of pleasure ...Mrs. Smith complained to me about Joseph keeping young wives in her house and elsewhere, and his neglect of her ..."134

1843 Jan 18

Sarah and Nancy Longstroth sealed to Willard Richards135

1843 Jan 20

In a meeting of the Twelve Apostles, Brigham Young, "said all he had against Orson [Pratt] was when he came home he loved his wife better than David Joseph [Smith said} She lied about me-I never made the offer which she said I did.- I will not advise you to break up your family-unless it were asked of me. Then I would council you to get a bill from your wife & marry a virtuous woman -- & raise a new family - but if you do not do it shall never throw it in your teeth. Joseph[:} Orson I prophecy in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. That it will not be 6 months. Before you learn things which will make you glad you have not left us... 4 - oclock orson Pratt, Sarah Marinda Pratt & Lydia Granger were Baptized in the River Pr. Pat Joseph Smith. -- & confirmed in the Court Room - Orson received the priesthood & the same power & authority as informer days."136

1843 Feb

Joseph Smith explained to William Clayton concerning the doctrine of plural marriage. He stated that Joseph Smith "...informed me that he had other wives living besides his .first wife Emma, and in particular gave me to understand that Eliza R. Snow, Louisa Beman, Desdemona W Fullmer and others were his lawful wives in the sight of Heaven." 137

RUTH VOSE sealed to JOSEPH SMITH138

1843 Feb 1

The Times and Seasons published a letter signed by J. C. S. which states the evil of John C. Bennett and then says"...I can safely say I never have seen anything derogatory to the Character or conduct of Mr. Smith, as a christian, or rophet; but he has every where proclaimed against wickedness and abominations ... " 139

1843 Feb 5

Harriet Clark sealed to William D. Huntington140

1843 Feb 10

In Nauvoo mayor's court, Oliver Olney is convicted of being a "thief." A bill of grand larceny and burglary was found against him. The report stated that he was also tried by the High Council and he was disfellowshiped.141 On April 1, 1843 he published a pamphlet titled The Absurdities of Mormonism Portrayed142 which had a chapter titled "Polygamy" and another one titled "Seduction of Females" and repeats some of John C. Bennett's charges.

1843Feb 17

From the History of the Church, "I [Joseph Smith] attended a special session of the city council, when an Ordinance was passed authorizing and regulating marriages in the city of Nauvoo."143

1843 Mar

Mary Ann Price sealed to Orson Hyde144 [Most sources date this sealing as July 20, 1843 145

When Parley P. Pratt and his family were returning from his mission in England, his stepdaughter, Mary Ann Steams saw a little book concerning polygamy. She said: "It was while located on the boat at St. Louis that I saw the little book published by Martha Brotherton on polygamy. She with her family had visited at our house before they left England, and being acquainted with her made me very curious to know what she had to say about it, so I took the book, went into my berth, drew the curtains, and proceeded to investigate. I had always been taught to believe in the Bible, and when I came to the place where it quoted Abraham, Jacob and others as having more than one wife, I decided that the principle must be true, coming from that source-and also, though right for others, not for me was my firm conclusion. And thou h thus steeled against it for myself, I always honored and respected those living in it." 146

Erastus Snow stated: "... Being anxious to visit the Prophet and Saints at Nauvoo, I left the field of my labors in charge of local elders early in March, 1843 ...I had a very enjoyable visit for about a month with the Prophet and my kindred and brethren. It was during this visit that the Prophet told me what the Lord had revealed to him touching upon baptism for the dead and marriage for eternity, and requiring his chosen and proved servants to take unto themselves wives, and introduced several of those who had been sealed to himself and other of the first elders of the Church. Foremost among the former was my wife's sister Louisa, whose integrity, devotion, and purity of soul were known to aII her acquaintances..." 147

 

1843 Mar4

EMILY DOW PARTRIDGE sealed to JOSEPH SMITH148 She stated that Heber C. Kimball performed the marriage. She and her sister Eliza were sealed to Joseph Smith again on May 11, 1843 in the presence of Emma Smith by James Adams.149

1843 Mar 8

ELIZA MARIA PARTRIDGE sealed to JOSEPH SMITH150 She and her sister Emily were sealed to Joseph Smith again on May 11, 1843 in the presence of Emma Smith by James Adams.151

1843 Mar9

Harriet P. Wheeler Decker sealed to Lorenzo Dow Young152

1843 Mar 15

The Times and Seasons reprinted a letter from the Boston Bee signed by H.R. a Mormon convert, which stated: "...We are charged with advocating a plurality of wives, and common property. Now this is as false as the many other ridiculous charges which are brought against us. No sect have [sic} a greater reverence for the laws of matrimony, or the rights offrivate property, and we do what others do not, practice what we preach..." 153

1843 Mar 27

Joseph Smith dictated a letter to Sidney Rigdon stating, "...I believe and am laboring under the fullest convictions that you are actually practicing deception and wickedness against me and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and that you are in connection with John C. Bennett and George W Robinson in the whole of their abominable practices, in seeking to destroy me and this people; and that Jared Carter is as deep in the mud as you, sir, are in the mire... " Willard Richards took the letter to Rigdon and returned his answer to Joseph Smith. Rigdon denied any connection to Cook and he stated, "...I can assert in truth, that with myse(f and any other person on this globe there never was nor is there now existing anything privately or publicly in injure your character in any respect whatever; neither has any person spoken to me on any such subject. All that has ever been said by me has been said to your face, all of which you know as well as J..."154

1843 Apr

Joseph Smith taught Erastus Snow, "the doctrine of celestial marriage, including a plurality of wives, in Nauvoo, Ill., in April 1843. He also told me of those women he had taken to wives. My wife's sister, Louisa Beman, was his first plural wife..."155

Joseph Smith taught Lorenzo Snow concerning Plural Marriage,

"He [Joseph Smithj said that the Lord had revealed it unto him and commanded him to have women sealed to him as wives, that he foresaw the trouble that would follow and sought to turn away from the commandment, that an angel from heaven appeared before him with a drawn sword, threatening him with destruction unless he went forward and obeyed the commandment. He further said that my sister Eliza R. Snow had been sealed to him as his wife for time and eternity.156

Adelmon, son of Sarah Peak Noon, plural wife of Heber C. Kimball died in Nauvoo.157

1843 Apr 1

Oliver H. Olney, an early member of the Church and son-in-law of John and Elisa Johnson, published a pamphlet titled The Absurdities of Mormonism Portrayed158 which had a chapter titled "Polygamy" and another one titled "Seduction of Females" which repeats some of John C. Bennett's charges by Nancy Rigdon and Martha Brotherton. Interestingly, he also talks about a Mrs. Hide's involvement and if he means Marinda Johnson Hyde, he is talking about his wife's sister.

The Nauvoo High Council considered the case of Jordan P. Hendrixson. Isaac Allred charged him with marrying " ...a second woman when his first wife was living, from which he was not released by the laws of God or of Man, consequently [he] committed adultery ..." President Marks decided that he should "continue in the Church," but the High Council disagreed and voted to cut him off from the Church.159

1843 Apr 2

Joseph Smith taught Benjamin F. Johnson concerning plural marriage and asked to marry his sister Almera. "Subsequent to this I took her to the city of Nauvoo, where she was married, or sealed for time and eternity, to President Joseph Smith, by his brother Hyrum Smith, in the presence of myself and Louisa Beaman, who told me she had also been sealed or married to the Prophet Joseph. This was at the residence of my sister, the widow of Lyman R. Sherman, who also was a witness. "160

" ...His [Joseph's} brother Hyrum said to me: "Now, Br. Benjamin, you know that Br. Hyrum would not sanction this ifit was not from the Lord The Lord revealed this to Brother Joseph long ago, and he put it off until the Angel of the Lord came to him with a drawn sword and told him that he would be slain if he did not go forth and fulfill this law. " He told my sister to have no fears; and he there and then sealed my sister Almira to the Prophet. Soon after this he was at my house again, where he occupied my Sister Almira's room and bed, and also asked me for my youngest sister, Esther M I told him she was promised in marriage to my wife's brother. He said "Well, let them marry, for it will all come right. "161

1843 Apr 5

Sarah B Alley sealed to Joseph B. Noble162

1843 Apr 10

Henry Jacobs is called on a mission to western New York with John S. Gleason.163 His wife Zina Huntington was sealed to Joseph Smith October 27, 1841.164

1843 Apr27

Margaret Moon sealed to William Clayton-Clayton wrote: "On the 2th of April, /843, the Prophet Joseph Smith married to me Margaret Moon, for time and eternity, at the residence of Elder Heber C. Kimball... "165

1843 Apr 29

Joseph C. Kingsbury and Sarah Ann Whitney are married by Joseph Smith.166 Sarah had been sealed to Joseph Smith July 27, 1842.

1843 May

MARINDA NANCY JOHNSON sealed to JOSEPH SMITH167 Her affidavit dated May I, 1869 states that she was sealed to Joseph Smith in May 1843, butJoseph Smith's 1843 journal says, "Apr[il] [18)42 Marinda Johnson to Joseph Smith..." Since this entry is in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock, it may have been written after Joseph Smith's death.168

Erastus Snow dictated to his son Franklin R., the following:

"I had a very enjoyable visit [in Nauvoo] for about a month with    the Prophet and my kindred and brethren. It was during this visit    that the Prophet told me what the Lord had revealed to him    teaching baptism for the dead and marriage for eternity, and requiring his chosen and proved servants to take unto themselves    wives and introduce the Patriarchal order of marriage. He    introduced several of those who had been sealed to himself and    others of the first elders of the Church. Foremost among the former was my wife's sister Louisa, whose integrity, devotion and    purity of soul was known to all her acquaintances." 169

 

1843 May 1

LUCY WALKER sealed to JOSEPH SMITH-William Clayton wrote: "On the 1'1 day of May, 1843, I officiated in the office of an Elder by marrying Lucy Walker to the Prophet Joseph Smith, at his own residence. 170

William Clayton's diary states: "May I'' (1843) A.M at the Temple at IO. Married Joseph to Lucy Walker, P.M at Prest. Joseph's, he is gone out with Woodworth, he borrowed L20 of William Allen, I took supper with him. Prest. Paid L 20 to Woodworth for Nauvoo House171

Lucy Walker Kimball wrote: "When the Prophet Joseph Smith first mentioned the principle of plural marriage to me I became very indignant, and told him emphatically that I did not wish him ever to mention it to me again, as my feelings and education revolted against any thing of such nature. He counseled me, however, to pray to the Lord for light and understanding in relation thereto, ...I received a powerful and irresistible testimony of the truth of plural marriage...Shortly afterwards I consented to become the Prophet's wife, and was married to him May 1, 1843, Elder William Clayton officiating. I am also able to testify that Emma Smith, the Prophet's first wife, gave her consent to the marriage of at least four other girls to her husband, and that she was well aware that he associated with them as wives within the meaning of all that word implies. This is proven by the fact that she herself, on several occasions kept guard at the door to prevent disinterested persons from intruding, when these ladies were in the house." 172

Lucy W. Kimball testified in the Temple Lot Case that "...The doctrine of polygamy was taught to me personally in Nauvoo, and I was married to the Prophet Joseph Smith. William Clayton performed the ceremony [sic], and I accepted it as a special commandment from God. The marriage was performed on the !st day of May, 1843. The only witness to the ceremony was Eliza Partridge. "173

1843 May 11

EMILY AND ELIZA PARTRIDGE sealed again to JOSEPH SMITH, this time they were married with the consent of Emma Hale Smith, by James Adams.174 Eliza Partridge Lyman's affidavit says that she was married to Joseph Smith by James Adams in the presence of Emma (Hale) Smith and Emily D. Partridge.175 Emily Dow Young's affidavit states that same.176

George A. Smith wrote that Emma, about this time, gave her husband two other wives­ Maria and Sarah Lawrence.177

1843 May 15

Times and Seasons published the following article:

"TO THE PUBLIC, I am informed that Henry Jackson is palming himself on some of the branches of the church, in Iowa, and soliciting donations as an elder of said church, whereas he has been excluded from the church and is not a member, JOHN SMITH, elder"178 (Joseph H. Jackson publish later, A Narrative of the Adventures and Experience of Joseph H Jackson in Nauvoo, Disclosing the Depths of Mormon Villainy, August 1844 which contains an account of plural marriages.]179

1843 May 16-18

Joseph Smith visited the Johnson Family in Macedonia, Illinois and "occupied the same bed" with Almera Johnson, his plural wife and sister of Benjamin F. Johnson.180

1843 May 28

Joseph and Emma Hale Smith and James and Harriet Adams were sealed for time and eternity at Joseph Smith's Homestead in Nauvoo.181

1843 Spr/Sum

John Benbow "said that in the spring or forepart of the summer of 1843, at his house, four miles from Nauvoo, County of Hancock, State of Illinois, President Joseph Smith taught him and his wife, Jane Benbow, the doctrine of celestial marriage, or plurality of wives, Hyrum Smith being present. And further, that Hannah Ells Smith, boarded at his house two months during that summer of the same year; and the said Hannah E. Smith also lived at his house several months in I 844, after the Prophet's death. And farther, that President Smith frequently visited his wife Hannah at his (JB.'s) house."182

1843 Jun 1

ELVRIA A. COWLES sealed to JOSEPH SMITH by Heber C. Kimball with Vilate Kimball and Eliza Partridge present.183

1843 June 12

Susannah Lee Liptrot sealed to Willard Richards184 RHODA RICHARDS sealed to JOSEPH SMITH185

In Joseph Smith's journal kept by Willard Richards, it states in shorthand "married to Rhoda Richards and Willard Richards married to Susan Liptrot"186 Rhoda Richards stated: "I have passed companionless through life; but am sure of having my proper place and standing in the resurrection, having been sealed to the prophet Joseph, according to the celestial law, by his own request, under the inspiration of divine revelation."187

1843 Jun 23

William Clayton wrote:

"This A.M President Joseph took me and conversed considerable concerning some delicate matters. Said [Emma} wanted to lay a snare for me. He told me last night of this and said he had felt troubled. He said [Emma] had treated him coldly and badly since I came ...and he knew she was disposed to be revenged on him for some things. She thought that if he would indulge himself she would too. He cautioned me very kindly for which !felt thankful ... "188

1843 July

DESDEMONA FULLMER sealed to JOSEPH SMITH189

1843 July 11

Roxena Higby Repsher sealed to James Adams190

1843 July 12

Joseph Smith dictated the revelation on plural marriage to William Clayton. Clayton stated: "Joseph and Hyrum than sat down and Joseph commenced to dictate the revelation on celestial marriage, and I wrote it, sentence by sentence, as he dictated. After the whole as written, Joseph asked me to read it through, slowly and carefully, which I did, and he pronounced it correct." 191

1843 July 13

Joseph C. Kingsbury copied the revelation. Kingsbury stated: "...I will say that Bishop Newel K. Whitney handed me the revelation above referred to on either the day it was written or the day following, and stating that it was [sic} asked me to take a copy ofit. I did so, and then read my copy of it to Bishop Whitney, who compared it with the original which he held in his hand while I read to him. When I had finished reading, Bishop Whitney pronounced the copy correct, and Hyrum Smith coming into the room at the time to fetch the original, Bishop Whitney handed it to him... " 192 [The original manuscript in William Clayton's handwriting was burned by Emma Smith a few days later.193

1843 July 20

Joseph Smith sealed Orson Hyde to Mary Ann Price.194

1843 July 22

Joseph Smith sealed William Clayton and his first wife, Ruth Moon Clayton. William Clayton wrote: "...and on the 22nd of July, 1843, he [Joseph Smith] married to me, according to the order of the Church, my first wife Ruth." [Clayton's first plural wife, Margaret Moon, Ruth's sister, was sealed to him by Joseph Smith on April 27, 1843.]195

Hyrum Smith visited Howard and Martha Jane Coray and "observed to us that his brother, Joseph Smith, the Prophet, had received a revelation on marriage, that was not for the public yet, which he would rehearse to us, as he had taken pains to commit it to memory... After which he reviewed that part pertaining to plurality of wives, dwelling at some length upon the same in order that we might clearly understand the principle. And on the same day (July 22nd, 1843) he sealed my wife, formerly Martha Jane Knowlton, to me..." 196

1843 July 24

Elizabeth Brotherton sealed to Parley P. Pratt197

Mary Ann Frost sealed to Parley P. Pratt198

1843 July 28

Charlotte Walters sealed to William Felshaw 199

1843 Aug

Catherine Phillips sealed to Hyrum Smith200

Caroline Whiting sealed to Thomas Grover201

Caroline E. Hubbard sealed to Thomas Grover202

1843 Aug 11

Mercy Fielding Thompson sealed to Hyrum Smith203

Mercy R. Thompson, writing to Joseph Smith III, September 5, 1883, said, "My beloved husband, R. B. Thompson, your father's private secretary to the end of his mortal life, died August 27'h, 1841, (I presume you will remember him.) Nearly two years after his death your father told me that my husband had appeared to him several times, telling him that he did not wish me to live such a lonely life, and wished him to request your uncle Hyrum to have me sealed to him for time. Hyrum communicated this to his wife (my sister) who, by request, opened the subject to me, when everything with in me rose to opposition to such a step, but when your father called and explained the subject to me, I dared not refuse to obey the counsel, lest peradventure I should be found fighting against God; and especially when he told me the last time my husband appeared to him he came with such power that it made him tremble...The time was appointed, with the consent of all parties, and you father sealed me to your uncle Hyrum for time, in my sister's room, with a covenant to deliver me up in the morning of the resurrection to Robert Blaske/ Thompson, with whatever offepring should be the result of that union, at the same time counseling you uncle to build a room for me and move me over as soon as convenient, which he did, and I remained there as a wife the same as my sister to the day of his death.204

William Clayton wrote:"...Joseph told me to day that [William?] "Walker" had been speaking to him concerning my having taken M[argaretj away from A[aronj and intimated that I had done wrong. I told him to be quiet and say no more about it. He also told me Emma was considerably displeased with it but says he she will soon get over it. In the agony of mind which I have endured on this subject 1 said I was sorry I had done it, at which Joseph told me not to say so. !finally asked him if I had done wrong in what I had done. He answered no you have a right to get all you can..."205

1843 Aug 12

Hyrum Smith read the revelation to the Nauvoo High Council. 206

Thomas Grover stated that: "The Presidency of the Stake, Wm. Marks, Father Cowles and the late Apostle Charles C. Rich were present. The following are the names of the High Council that were present, in their order, viz: Samuel Benter, William Huntington, Alpheus Cutler, Thos. Grover, Lewis D. Wilson, David Fullmer, Aaron Johnson, Newell Knight, Leonard Soby, James Allred, Henry G. Sherwood, and I think, Samuel H. Smith. Brother Hyrum was called upon to read the revelation. He did so, and after the meeting said, "Now, you that believe this revelation and go forth and obey the same shall be saved, and you that reject it shall be damned. We saw this prediction verified in less than one week. Of the Presidency of the Stake, Wm. Marks and Father Cowles rejected the revelation; of the Council that were [sic] present Leonard Soby rejected it. From that time forward there was a very strong division in the High Council...From that time forward we often received instructions.from the Prophet as to what was the will of the Lord and how to proceed .."207

David Fullmer stated: "...Dunbar Wilson made enquiry in relation to the subject of a plurality of wives, as there were rumors about respecting it [sic], and he was satisfied there was something in those remarks, and he wanted to know what it was, upon which Hyrum Smith stepped across the road to his residence, and soon returned bringing with him a copy of the revelation on celestial marriage, given to Joseph Smith, July 12, A.D. 1843, and read the same to the High Council, and bore testimony to its truth. The said David Fullmer farther saith that, to the best of his memory and belief, the following named persons were present: Wm. Marks, Austin A. Cowles, Samuel Bent, Geo. W Harris, Dunbar Wilson, W Huntington, Levi Jackman, Aaron Johnson, Thos. Grover, David Fullmer, Phinehas Richards, James Allred and Leonard Soby. And the said David Fullmer farther saith that Wm. Marks, Austin A. Cowles and Leonard Soby were the only persons present who did not receive the testimony of Hyrum Smith..."208

In a letter dated, February 26, 1886, from Beverly, New Jersey, Leonard Soby wrote to James S. Brooks of San Bernardino, California that he "was present at the High Council in Nauvoo when that revelation [on plural marriage] was read, and knew it to be true, and I hope that Lord will bless you to see the truth as I do."209

1843 Aug 13

Mary Akins Smith sealed to John Smith210

1843 Aug 16

Emma and Joseph Smith had conflict over Plural Marriage.211

William Clayton wrote: " ...This A.M Joseph told me that since E[mma] came back from St. Louis she had resisted the P[riesthood], in toto and he had to tell her he would relinquish al/for her sake. She said she would [have] given him E[lize] and E[mily] P[artridge], but he knew ifhe took them she would pitch on him and obtain a divorce and leave him. He however told me he should not relinquish anything. 0 God deliver they servant from iniquity and bondage ..."212

1843 Aug 25

The History of the Church records, "Friday, 25-My brother Hyrum in the office, conversing with me about the new revelation upon celestial marriage."213

1843 Fall

Joseph Smith taught George A. Smith concerning Plural Marriage214 He wrote to Joseph Smith III: "When I returned to Nauvoo from my mission in the fall of 1843, I met Hyrum at the landing, he accompanied me on the way to my home when he recited the most of the Revelation on patriarchal marriage and invited me to his house to receive further instruction. Next day, I called on your father who expressed his gratitude at the conversion of bro. Hyrum and gave me additional views on the subject and spoke of the results of the same in the eternal worlds ..."215

Mary Ann Sheffield was married to William Smith by Brigham Young at the home of Agnes Smith, but Agnes Smith was not present.216 Mary Ann stated "...! never was introduced to Joseph Smith by William Smith as his wife...I never talked with Joseph about polygamy but once... "217

1843 Sep 8

Mary Ann Washburn sealed to Joseph B. Noble218

1843 Sep 15

William Clayton wrote:

" ...President Joseph told me he had lately had a new item of law revealed to him in relation to myself He said the Lord had revealed to him that a man could only take 2 of a family except by express revelation and as I had said I intended to take Lydia he made this known for my benefit. To have more than two in a family was apt to cause wrangles and trouble. He finally asked if I would give L[ydia] to him. I said I would so far as I had anything to do in it. He requested me to talk to her..."219

1843 Sep 17

William Clayton wrote:

"At home all day with M[argaret] I had some talk with Lydia. She seems to receive it kindly but says she has promised her mother not to marry while her mother lives and she thinks she won't"220

1843 Sep 20

MELISSA LOTT sealed to JOSEPH SMITH221 In her testimony in the Temple Lot Case, the transcription states that the marriage date was September 27.222

1843 Oct

Hyrum Smith read the revelation on Plural Marriage to Samuel A. Woolley, his brother, Edwin D. Woolley and Edwin's wife, Mary as well as several other people including a "Mrs. German" in the Woolley home in Nauvoo.223

1843 Oct 6

At a special conference, Joseph Smith expressed complaints against Sidney Rigdon, including that Rigdon had "...a supposed correspondence and connection with John C. Bennett ..." Rigdon explained that "he had never received but one communication from John C. Bennett, and that of a business character, except one addressed to him conjointly with Elder Orson Pratt, which he handed over to President Smith-that he had never written any letters to John C. Bennett.."224

1843 Oct 19

William Clayton wrote:

" ...After we had got on the road he [Joseph Smithj began to tell me that E[mmaj was turned quite friendly and kind. She had been anointed and he also had been a [nointed] K[ing}. He said that it was her advice that I should keep M[argaret] at home and it was also his council. Says he just keep her at home and brook [sicJ it and if they raise trouble about it and bring you before me I will give you an awful scourging and probably cut you off from the church and then I will baptise[sic] you and set you ahead as good as ever.225

1843 Oct 19-21

Joseph Smith visited the Johnson family in Macedonia. He sealed Benjamin F. Johnson to his first wife [Melissa Bloomfield Le Baron.] He also visited Benjamin's mother [Julia Hills Johnson] at her residence in Macedonia and "taught her in my hearing the doctrine of celestial marriage, declaring that an angel appeared unto him with a drawn sword, threatening to slay him if he did not proceed to fulfill the law that had been given to him. And counseled my mother to be sealed to his uncle, Father John Smith (father of Geo. A. Smith), to which she consented, and to my certain knowledge was subsequently sealed to him by the Prophet." As remembered by Benjamin F. Johnson.226

An entry in Joseph Smith's 1843 diary, in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock, states: "Oct[ober] 20 [th] B. F. Johnson and wife Melissa LaBarron by Hy[rum] Smith."227 Benjamin F. Johnson remembered that Joseph Smith sealed them.228

1843 Nov 2

FANNY YOUNG MURRAY sealed to JOSEPH SMITH by her brother, Brifam Young in the presence of Mary Ann Young, Harriet E. Cook and Augusta Adams.229

Augusta Adams sealed to Brigham Young by Joseph Smith in the presence of Mary Ann Young, Fanny Murray and Harriet Cook. 230

Harriet E. Cook sealed to Brigham Young bi Joseph Smith in the presence of Mary Ann Young, Fanny Murray and Augusta Adams. 231

1843 Nov 11

An entry in Joseph Smith's 1843 journal, in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock, states, "Nov[ember] ll[th] W. Woodruff and Ph[o]ebe W. Carter"232

Wilford Woodruffs journal states: "Nov 11the 1843. During the evening 1 walked over to Br. Taylors & spent some time in conversing about the principles of the Celestial world or some of them. Br Hiram Smith was in with us & presented som ideas for much interest to me concerning Baptism for the dead, the resurrection redemption & exhaltation in the New & everlasting covenant that reacheth into the eternal world He sealed the marrige Covenant between me & my wife Phebe W Carter for time & eternity & gave us the principle of it which was interesting to us. After spending the evening plesantly we returned home & spent the night."233

1843 Nov 19

Ezra T. Benson is sealed to his first wife, Pamelia Andrus Benson234

1843 Nov 21

An entry in Joseph Smith's 1843 diary, in the handwriting of Thomas Bullock, says, "21 [st] Edward Lawrence and Marg[are]t Butterfield by W Clayton."235 Clayton went to Joseph and asked him to do the sealing. "He could not come but sent Hyrum ... I stood as proxy for Edwd Lawrence."236

1843 Nov 25

William Henry Harrison Sagers was called before the Nauvoo High Council and tried for having Spiritual wives.237

Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal, "I was called in the evening to a council with the Twelve. When I arived at Joseph Smith's Store I found the High Council sitting on a case of Harrison Sagers for some improper Conduct or offer towards some female. At the close President Joseph Smith made an address upon the subject which was highly interesting & its tendency was to do away with evry evil & practice vitue & Holiness before the Lord. That the Church had not received any license from him to commit adultery fornication or any such thing but to the contrary if any man Commit adultery He Could not receive the Ceslestial kingdom of God. Even if he was saved in any kingdom it could not be the Celestial kingdom. He said he thought the many examples that had been manifest John C. Bennet & others was sufficient to show the fallacy of such a course of conduct. He condemned the principle in toto & warned those present against going into those evils, for they would shurely bring a Curse upon their heads."238

1843 Dec

Amos Fielding was told that Joseph Smith had received a revelation on "celestial marriage."239

1843 Dec 12

Elizabeth Kaighan sealed to John Taylor240

1843 Dec 23

Bathsheba W. Smith was asked in her testimony in the Temple Lot Case in 1892, if there was "any conversation had among the members of the church there at Nauvoo, Illinois, when you lived there, in regard to that principle-plural marriage." She answered "I heard it discussed a good many times by different ones and I remember Sister Emma speaking about it at one time about as plain as any body." She was asked when and where was that? She answered "It was in her room, and I was receiving my anointing for endowments and she said if we permitted it our husbands would be taking more wives than one, and if we did not like [it] we should be taking a determined stand against it, or something like that,-that we should be resolute about it or something of that kind."241 The Wilford Woodruffs diary records Bathsheba W. Smith got her anointings December 23, 1843.242

1843 Dec 28

Ellen Wilding sealed to Edwin D. Woolley243

1844

Catherine Clawson sealed to Howard Egan244

1844 Jan 14

Hannah B. Finch Merriam sealed to Isaac Morley245

1844 Feb 1

The following was published in the Times and Seasons:

NOTICE

As we have lately been credibly informed, that an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, by the name of Hiram Brown, has been preaching Polygamy, and other false and corrupt doctrines, in the county of Lapeer, state of Michigan. This is to notify him and the Church in general, that he has been cut off from the church, for his iniquity; and he is further notified to appear at the Special Conference, on the 61h of April next, to make answer to these charges.

Joseph Smith

Hyrum Smith

Presidents of said Church246

1844 Feb 18

Margaret Moon, the plural wife of William Clayton gave birth to a boy named Daniel. He died six months later on August 27. 247

1844 Feb 25

Jane Ballantyne sealed to John Taylor248

1844 Feb 26

The Nauvoo mayor's court, with Joseph Smith as judge, held a trial-City of Nauvoo versus Orsimus F Botswick [sic}, on complaint of Hyrum Smith for slanderous language concerning him and certain females of Nauvoo. Bostwick was fined $50 and costs. Francis M Higbee, his attorney, gave notice he should appeal to the municipal court, and then to the circuit court. I [Joseph Smith] told Higbee what I thought of him for tryin? to carry such a suit to Carthage-it was to stir up the mob and bring them upon us.249

1844 Mar

Minerva White sealed to Erastus Snow by Hyrum Smith250

Erastus Snow wrote, "The Prophet Joseph Also gave me the privilege of taking another wife, which I did in March, I 844, the Patriarch Hyrum Smith officiating under the Prophet's direction."251

1844 Mar 6

Eliza Clift sealed to Theodore Turley252

1844 Mar 9

Members of the Female Relief Society ofNauvoo met in the first of two meetings to express their feelings towards charges made by Orsemus F. Bostwick [sic] concerning the virtue of the women ofNauvoo.253 They sanctioned the resolutions entitled, "Voice of Innocence from Nauvoo."254

"On or about the 9th of March... " while Amos Fielding was in conversation with Joseph Smith at the Mansion House, a young lady came through the room and Joseph Smith remarked, "that is one of my wives." 255

1844 Mar 15

The following was published in the Times and Seasons:

Nauvoo, March 15, 1844

To the brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday [sicJ Saints, living on China Creek, in Hancock County, Greeting:--Whereas brother Richard Hewitt has called on me to-day, to know my views concerning some doctrines that are preached in your place, and states to me that some of your elders say, that a man having a certain priesthood, may have as many wives as he pleases, and that doctrine is taught here: I say unto you that that man teaches false doctrine, for there is no such doctrine taught here; neither is there any such thing practiced here. And any man that is found teaching privately or publicly any such doctrine, is culpable, and will stand a chance to be brought before the High Council, and lose his license and membership also: therefore he had better beware what he is about... Neither has any elder any authority to preach any mysterious thing to any branch of the church unless he has a direct commandment from God to do so. Let the matter of the grand councils of heaven, and the making of gods, worlds, and devils entirely alone.-for you are not called to teach any such doctrine-for neither you nor the people are capacitated to understand any such principles-less so to teach them. Your obedient servant, Hyrum Smith256

1844 Mar 16

Members of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo met in a second meeting to express their feelings towards charges made by Orsemus F. Bostwick [sic] concerning the virtue of the women of Nauvoo.257 They sanctioned the resolutions entitled "Voice of Innocence from Nauvoo."258

1844 Mar 20

The Nauvoo Neighbor published the resolutions entitled, "Voice of Innocence from Nauvoo," adopted at the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo meetings, which include the following: "...wherefore, while the marriage bed, undefiled is honorable, let polygamy, bigamy.fornication[,} adultery, and prostitution, be frowned out of the hearts of honest men to drop in the gulf of fallen nature, where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched!' and let all the saints say, Amen!

Emma Smith, Prest.

H M Ells, Sec. pro tem."259

1844 Mar 23

Joseph Smith visited Dr. Robert D. Foster with William Clayton and Alexander Neibaur. Foster was gone and Mrs. Foster was at Mr. Gilman's house. They visited her. William Clayton recorded in his journal:

"...President Joseph asked Sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an immoral or indecent act. She answered, 'No. ' He then explained his reasons for asking; which were, he had been informed that Dr. Foster had stated that Joseph made propositions to his wife calculated to lead her astray from the path of virtue; and then asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to her. She answered, 'Never. ' He further asked if he ever preached anything like the 'plurality of wife' doctrine to her other than what he had preached in public? She said, 'No.' He asked her ifhe ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her, and especially when he took dinner during the doctor's absence. She said, 'No. 'After some further conversation on the subject, we left. Mrs. Gillman was present all the time..."260

1844 Mar 27

M. G. Eaton signed an affidavit before Daniel H. Wells, an acting Justice of the Peace in Nauvoo, which stated that Eaton had attended a meeting in which Chauncey L. Higbee "...commenced talking about the spiritual wife system. He said he had no doubt but some of the Elders had ten or twelve a piece. He said they married them, whether the females were living or not; and they did it by recording the marriage in a large book, which book was sealed up after the record was made, and was not to be opened for a long time,-­ probably not till many of the husbands of those who were thus married were dead They would then open the book and break the seals in the presence of those females, and when they saw their names recorded in that book they would believe that the doctrine was true and they must submit. He said this book was kept at Mr. Hyrum Smith's... " Eaton also stated that at the same meeting, Dr. Foster told the story of someone [Joseph Smith?] trying to seduce Foster's wife. 261

1844 Apr 2

Erastus Snow married to Minerva White as a plural wife, Joseph Smith performing the ceremony.262    .

Artimesia Beaman Snow, Erastus's first wife wrote: " ...In 1844 my husband first asked my consent to take himself other wives. I freely gave it, believing such an order of marriage to be a pure and holy principle ..."263

1844 Apr 8

Hyrum Smith said in General Conference: " ...I speak to the Elders is in consequence of the 10000 reports from abroad-almost every man runs to him to inquire if things are true how many sp [spiritual] wives a man may have. I know nothing abt what he[?J call sp wife. I should not know any thing abt it. In abt ½ an hour after the man was gone and [?J began. The Elders tell such things all over the country. I am authorized to tell you from henceforth that any man who comes in & tell any such dam fool doctrine to come in to take away his license - none but a fool teaches such stuff...I wish the El[dersJ of Israel to understand it is lawful/or a man to marry a wife but it is unlawful to have more & God has not [commanded?] any one to have more..."264

William Clayton wrote in his journal, " ... P.M> President Hyrum talked on spiritual wives and after Joseph discoursed on the dead..."265

1844 Apr 13

William Henry Harrison Sagers is charged with having spiritual wives and not providing for his family by his wife, Lucinda Sagers before the Nauvoo High CounciI.266

1844 Apr 15

Henry Jacobs is called on a mission to Tennessee by the Twelve Apostles.267 His wife Zina was sealed to Joseph Smith on October 27, 1841 268

1844 Apr 18

Wilson Law, William Law, Jane (Mrs. William) Law, Robert D. Foster and a Brother Smith were cut off the Church by the Nauvoo High Council with Brigham Young presiding. They were not at the Court.269 William Clayton wrote: " ...I also attended in council with the Twelve and High Council on cases of the Laws and R. D. Foster, when W Law and his wife Jane Law, Wilson Law and R. D. Foster were cut off from the church by unanimous vote ..."27    Former Governor Thomas Ford wrote: " ...Joe Smith began to play the tyrant over several of his followers. The first act of this sort which excited attention was an attempt to take the wife of William Law, one of his most talented and principal disciples, and make her a spiritual wife ..."271

Article in the Times and Seasons, states: "Nauvoo, April I 8, I 844, Robert D. Foster, Wilson law, William Law, and Jane Law, of Nauvoo; and Howard Smith of Scott county, Illinois, for unchristian like conduct, were cut off from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the authorities of said church, and ordered to be published in the Times and Seasons. W Richard, Church Recorder."272

1844 Apr 26

Sarah Clift sealed to Theodore Turley273

1844 Apr 27

Adeline Andrus sealed to Ezra T. Benson274

1844 May

Hyrum Smith taught Charles C. Rich the principles of plural marriage275

1844 May4

William Law made an affidavit which stated that Hyrum Smith, in his office, let him read the revelation on plural marriage and that he took it to his home and read it to his wife.276

Jane Law made an affidavit that she read the revelation and that "it sustained in strong terms the doctrine of more wives than one at a time, in this world, and in the next, it authorized some to have the number often, and set forth that those women who would not allow their husbands to have more wives than one should be under condemnation before God." 277

Austin Cowles made an affidavit that Hyrum Smith had read the revelation on plural marriage to the High Council in Nauvoo and that Cowles left his position in the Church because of it.278 Cowles was a member of the Nauvoo High Council.

1844 May 8

Clarissa Decker sealed to Brigham Young by Willard Richards in the presence of Lorenzo D. Young, Harriet P. Young and Lucy Ann Decker Young.279

1844 May 9

George A. Smith wrote to Joseph Smith III that: " ...My last conversation with him on this subject occurred just previous to my departure from Nauvoo, May 9, 1844 in company with Elder W Woodruff to attend conferences in Michigan ...Jn his last conversation he administered a little chastisement to me for not stepping forward as he had indicated in patriarchal marriage. He assured me that the man who had many virtuous wives had many great prizes... "280

1844 May 13

William Law wrote in his diary and then crossed it out: "he [Joseph Smith] had lately endeavored to seduce my wife, and had found her a virtuous woman."281

1844 May 23

William Clayton wrote: " ...A.M rode with President Joseph and brother Neibaur to Doctor [Robert] Fosters. He was gone to appanose [Appanoose County, Iowa] and his wife was at Mr. Gilmans. We went down there and saw her. President Joseph asked Sister Foster if she ever in her life knew him guilty of an immoral or indecent act. She answered no. He then explained his reasons for asking and then asked if ever he had used any indecent or insulting language to her, she answered, never. He further asked if he ever pre9ched any thing like spiritual wife doctrine to her only what he had preached in public. She said no! He asked her if he ever proposed to have illicit intercourse with her and especially when he took dinner during the Doctors absence. She said no. After some further conversation on the subject we left. Mrs. Gilman was present all the time ..." 282

1844 May 25

A grand jury indicted Joseph Smith for adultery with Maria Lawrence "and other diverse women," based on William Law's testimony. Joseph considered suing him for perjury and slander on behalf of Maria Lawrence.283

1844 May 26

Joseph Smith preached at the stand in Nauvoo and Thomas Bullock took notes of the address. Bullock recorded that he said, "...Another indictment has been got up against me. It appears a holy prophet has arisen up, and he has testified against me: the reason is, he is so holy...! had not been married scarcely five minutes, and made one proclamation of the Gospel, before it was reported that I had seven wives. I mean to live and proclaim the truth as long as I can. This new holy prophet (William Law) has gone to Carthage and swore that I had told that I was guilty of adultery. This spiritual wifeism! Why, a man dares not speak or wink, for fear of being accused of this. William Law testified before forty policemen, and the assembly room full of witnesses, that he testified under oath that he never had heard or seen or knew anything immoral or criminal against me...He swore under oath that he was satisfied that he was ready to lay down his life for me, and [then] he swears that I have committed adultery. I wish the grand jury would tell me who they are-whether it will be a curse or blessing to me. I am quite tired of the fools asking me. A man asked me whether the commandment was given that a man may have seven wives; and now the new prophet has charged me with adultery. I never had any fuss with these men until that Female Relief Society brought out the paper against adulterers and adulteresses...and they rush away and leave the Church, and conspire to take away my life; and because I will not countenance such wickedness, they proclaim that I have been a true prophet, but that I am now a fallen prophet...Wilson Law also swears that I told him I was guilty of adultery. Brother Jonathan Dunham can swear to the contrary...I am innocent of all these charges, and you can bear witness of my innocent of all these charges, and you can bear witness of my innocence, for you know me yourselves...What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing adultery, and having seven wives, when I can only find one.284

1844 May 29

The testimonies before the Nauvoo High Council on May 24, 1842 by Margaret J, Nyman, Matilda Nyman, Sarah Miller, and Catharine Warren were published in The Nauvoo Neighbor. Margaret J. Nyman said that Chauncey L Higbee had told her Joseph Smith said: "That any respectable female might indulge in sexual intercourse, and there was no sin in it providing the person so indulging keep the same to herself; for there could be no sin, where there was no accuser...[Sarah Miller said] I told him it might be told in bringing forth. Chauncey said there was no danger, and that Dr. Bennet understood it, and would come and take it away, if there was any thing... [Matilda J. Nyman stated] "!further testify that I never had any personal acquaintance with Joseph Smith and never heard him teach such doctrines as Higbee, stated either directly or indirectly. "285

1844 Jun 5

Francis M. Higbee made an affidavit concerning the political conditions in Nauvoo.286

1844 Jun 7

The only issue of the Nauvoo Expositor is published with Sylvester Emmons as editor. It published the affidavits of William Law, Jane Law, Austin Cowles, and Francis M. Higbee concerning poIygamy. 287

A notice in the Nauvoo Expositor signed by Lucinda Sagers states: One Cent Reward[} Whereas my husband, the Rt. Rev. W H Harrison Sagers, Esq., has left my bed and board without cause or provocation, this is to notify the public not to harbor or trust him on my account, as I will pay no debts of his contacting. More anon. LUCINDA SAGERS, June 7, I844 288

1844 Jun 8

At a meeting of the Nauvoo City Council, according to the minutes, Hyrum Smith "... Referred to the revelation read to the High Council of the Church, which has caused so much talk, about the multiplicity of wives; that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired informer days...289 ... Mayor referred to a writing from Dr. Goforth, showing the Laws presented the communication from the 'Female Relief Society' in the Nauvoo Neighbor to Dr. Goforth as the bone of contention..." 290

1844 Jun 10

Joseph Smith was in meeting with the Nauvoo City Council "investigating the merits of the Nauvoo Expositor, also the conduct of the Laws, Higbees, Fosters, and others, who have formed a conspiracy for the purpose of destroying my life, and scattering the Saints or driving them from the State. An ordinance was passed concerning libels. The Council passed an ordinance declaring the Nauvoo Expositor a nuisance, and also issued an order to me to abate the said nuisance. I immediately ordered the Marshal to destroy it without delay... About 8 p.m., the Marshal returned and reported that he had removed the press, type, printing-paper, and.fixtures into the street, and destroyed them...291

William Clayton wrote: " ... The City Council passed a resolution declaring the Printing press on the hill a 'nuisance' and ordered it destroyed if not moved in 3 hours notice. About sundown the police gathered at the Temple and after organizing proceeded to the office and demolished the press and scattered the Type ..."292

1844 Jun 11

Joseph Smith, mayor of Nauvoo issued a "Proclamation" concerning the Nauvoo Expositor saying that it was used ".. for the purpose of raising suspicion, wrath, and indignation among a certain class of the less honorablejortion of mankind, to commit acts of violence upon the innocent and unsuspecting... " 293

1844 Jun 12

William Clayton wrote: "... David Bettisworth a constable from Carthage came with a writ for Joseph, Hyrum, Phelps, Jno Taylor, L. Bennett and a number of others for riot, in breaking the press of the Nauvoo Expositor ...While this was going on and the Marshall summoning the Municipal Court Hyrum related the whole history of the difficulty with Wm. Law to the constable and a man with him, showing them what we believed on sealing of the covenant, that Law wanted to be sealed and Joseph told him he was forbid which begun the hard feelings. He talked about 2 hours, then Joseph came in and told about Jackson..."294

1844 Jun 17

Minutes of the Nauvoo City Council published in the Nauvoo Neighbor:

"Mayor said he had never preached the revelation [on plural marriage?} in private, as he had in public-had not taught it to the anointed in the church in private, which statement many present confirmed, that on enquiring concerning the passage in the resurrection concerning "they neither marry nor are given in marriage, &c., he received for answer, men in this life must marry in view of eternity, otherwise they must remain as angels, or be single in heaven, which was the amount of the revelation referred to, and the Mayor spoke at considerable length in explanation of this principle and was willing for one to subscribe his name to declare the "Expositor" and whole establishment a nuisance. "295

1844 Jun 27

Joseph Smith is killed in Carthage, Illinois.296

1844 Aug

Joseph H. Jackson published in Warsaw, Illinois, a pamphlet entitled, A Narrative of the Adventures and Experience of Joseph H Jackson in Nauvoo, Disclosing the Depths of Mormon Villainy.297

He wrote: " ...Joe's conduct with the women of Nauvoo surpasses everything in blackness that I have ever heard or read of I have from his own mouth, andfrom the mouth of his victims, statements which I dare not reveal; for the world will not believe that such corruption could possibly exist. Yet, if protection could be afforded to some of those females who were the victims of these wretches (the leaders in Nauvoo,) I could, I believe, from their own mouths, procure confessions that would startle the world. I have visited frequently, those women whom Joe supported/or the gratification of his lust -I have found them subsisting on the coarsest food, and not daring to utter a word of complaint, for they feared Joe Smith more than they did their God ...From my knowledge of the spiritual wife system I should think that the number of secret women in Nauvoo cannot be much less than six hundred. There are many married, as well as single women in this number ..."298 Jackson also tells a story about Joseph Smith asking for his brother, William Smith's wife. Also that he received a revelation that he should have his sister Lucy and his niece Lavina for spiritual wives.299

1844 Winter

Cyrus H. Whelock reported that "...After Joseph Smith was dead I heard polygamy preached from the pulpit publicly in Nauvoo, by William Smith. He stated a great many things: undertook to prove that polygamy was right, and that that order of marriage would be restored, and he preached so many strange things there to the people that Elder John Taylor got up and corrected him. John Taylor said that he had no authority to preach or to teach such a thing, even if it was true, and said that it was unjust to his brother to be teaching it, and he was the only man I ever heard preach it in Nauvoo...Yes, sir, it was forbidden, and William Smith was cut off from the church because he preached that. That was in the winter of 1844... "300

1844 Nov

Emily Dow Partridge, plural wife of Joseph Smith, was sealed to Joseph Smith for eternity and to Brigham Young for time. 301

1844 Nov 14

Benjamin F. Johnson wrote:

" ...On Nov. 14th Mary Ann Hale, given to me by the Prophet, was sealed tome as a plural wife by father John Smith, as directed by Prest. B. Young..."302

1844 Nov 15

The Times and Seasons published a letter to the editor signed "An Old Man of lsrael." The letter supports the authority of the Twelve over Sidney Rigdon and includes the following: "...In the present instance, after the sham quotations of Sidney and his clique, from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants, to skulk off, under the 'dreadful splendor' of 'spiritual wifery, 'which is brought into the account as graciously as if the law of the land allowed a man a plurality of wives, is fiendish, and like the rest of Sidney's revelation, just because he wanted 'to go to Pittsburg and live. ' Wo to the man or men who will thus wilfully lie to injure an innocent people! The law of the land and the rules of the church do not allow one man to have more than one wife alive at once, but if any man's wife die, he has a right to marry another, and to be sealed to both for eternity; to the living and the dead' There is no law of God or man against it! This is all the spiritual wife system that ever was tolerated in the church, and they know it."303