Cheryl L. Bruno: Contemporary Sources for Joseph Smith Polygamy

Cheryl L. Bruno has shared her ongoing documentary catalog in the Mormon Polygamy Documents Facebook group detailing contemporary sources on Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy. Her work revises and expands upon Mark Tensmeyer’s work published in “Secret Covenants: New Insights on Early Mormon Polygamy.”

Source document: Contemporary_Sources_for_JS_Polygamy_(chart)_8.22.26.docx (original .docx from Bruno’s Facebook post)

Below is the table programmatically extracted from her document with this script: parser script. Edits to the md/html docs will be overwritten when the script is rerun, so modify the script to change this document. As she releases new updates, I update this document.

CCLA – Community of Christ Library and Archives
CHL – Church History Library
JSP – Joseph Smith Papers
WWP – Wilford Woodruff Papers

Explicit Contemporary Sources supporting JS Polygamy

Date	Source	Location	Notes
Jan. 21, 1838	Oliver Cowdery letter to Warren A. Cowdery, letterbook	Huntington LibraryPortion of letter reproduced here	Cowdery claims Joseph had a “dirty, nasty, filthy scrape affair” with Fanny Alger.
July—Aug 1842	Martha Brotherton	“St. Louis, Mo., July 13th, 1842,” The Radical 1, no. 38 (July 23, 1842): 2, Bowling Green, MO.Martha Brotherton’s affidavit was published in a number of places. See American Bulletin (Jul 16, 1842)Sangamo Journal (Jul 22, 1842)Warsaw Signal (Jul 23, 1842)Louisville Journal (Jul 25, 1842)New York Herald 8 (Jul 25 & 27, 1842)Alton Telegram (Jul 30, 1842)Quincy Whig (Aug 6, 1842)	Martha’s published affidavit has Brigham Young telling her “brother Joseph has a revelation from God that it is lawful and right for a man to have two wives; for as it was in the days of Abraham, so it shall be in these last days…and if you will accept of me I will take you straight to the celestial kingdom: and if you will have me in this world, I will have you in that which is to come, and brother Joseph will marry us here to-day.”Joseph Smith then told her, “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…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.”
Apr. 1842 to Jul. 1842	John C. Bennett	Sangamo Journal 10, no. 46 (Jul 8, 1842): 2, col. 5, LINK	“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 dispensation.” Call upon Miss Rigdon, who repulsed him with commendable firmness, and I will abide her testimony.”
May to Jul. 1842		Joseph Smith journal, Bennett’s letters to the Sangamo Journal, affidavits in the Wasp, Bennett’s letter to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt.	Bennett says that Joseph unsuccessfully tried to persuade Nancy Rigdon to be a plural wife, he wrote a letter (Happiness Letter), and then met with the Rigdon family at their home.
Jul. 1842		Sangamo Journal (Jul 15, 1842)History of the Saints	Accounts of the Pratt, Rigdon, and Brotherton episodes. Identification of five women as plural wives and two men who performed the ceremonies
Jul. 1842		Orson’s suicide note; Brigham Young’s July 17, 1842 letter to Parley P. Pratt; John Bennett’s letters to the Sangamo Journal, Bennett’s letter to Sidney Rigdon and Orson Pratt	Claims Joseph proposed a plural marriage to Sarah Pratt.
July 2, 1842	Melissa Schindle	Sangamo Journal (Jul 15, 1842)	Melissa Schindle swears an affidavit that Joseph Smith propositioned her: “told her it was the will of the Lord that he should have intercourse with her, and that he never proceeded to do anything of that kind with any woman without first having the will of the Lord on the subject.” When she refused his advances, he slept with Widow Fuller.
July 20, 1842	Oliver Olney	Lawrence Foster, Between Two Worlds: The Origins of Shaker Celibacy, Oneida Community Complex Marriage and Mormon Polygamy, (doctoral dissertation, University of Chicago, 1976), 331 n. 1.	Oliver Olney records that the Mormons were planning to immigrate West so that they could, in polygamy, raise up “a righteous branch” of Israel.
Jan. 1843		The Olney Papers, 1842-1843, original handwritten documents in Beinecke Library, Yale University)	. . . upwards of thre[e] years ago Is well known by many that a plurality of wives was the theme One year ago They in it commenced to move That some few added to their spouse some few That now stands as brides To privileged ones Yet in to to they have denied the fact That they have ever harboured such a thought But to my supprise What has come to v[i]ew But a Pamphlit printed by Josep[h] Smith Yet it stand[s] in the name of a Jacobs . . . The tenor is reasoning from the scriptures By picking passages To encour[a]ge Poligemy from Genesis to Revelations
Mar. 3, 1843		The Absurdities of Mormonism Portrayed: A Brief Sketch, 10-11, 16.	Repetition of rumors of polygamy, beginning in Kirtland. Tells of Nancy Rigdon and Martha Brotherton.
May 1843 – Jun. 1844	William Clayton journal	George D. Smith, An Intimate Chronicle: The Journals of William ClaytonMar. 9, 1843; Apr. 27, 1843; May 1, 1843; May 23, 1843; June 23, 1843; July 12, 1843; July 13, 1843.	Several entries directly discuss Joseph and polygamy: May 1st, (1843) A.M. At the Temple. At 10 married Joseph to Lucy Walker. P.M. at Prest. Joseph’s; he has gone out with Woodworth.Wednesday 12th [July 1843] This A.M, I wrote a Revelation consisting of 10 pages on the order of the priesthood, showing the designs in Moses, Abraham, David and Solomon having many wives & concubines &c. After it was wrote Prests. Joseph & Hyrum presented it and read it to E. who said she did not believe a word of it and appeared very rebellious. J told me to Deed all the unincumbered lots to E. and the children He appears much troubled about E.
June 3, 1843	Joseph Smith journal, written by Willard Richards	JSP Journal JSP Draft JSP History	Taylor shorthand record of Joseph’s marriage to Rhoda Richards and of Willard Richards to Susan Liptrot. Transliteration: m-r-d t-vowel r r-d-s n w-l-r-d r-ch-d m-r-d t s-s-n l-p-t-r-t (married to r[hoda] richards and willard richard married to susan liptrot)
Jun. 29, 1843	Vilate Kimball letter to Heber C. Kimball	CHL	June 29th Since writeing the above, I have had a visit from brother Pa\r/ley and his wife, they are truly converted it appears that J….h has taught him some principles and told him his privilege, and even appointed one for him, I dare not tell you who it is, you would be astonished and I guess some tried. She has ben to me for councel, I told her I did not wish to advise in such matters. Sister Pratt has ben rageing against these things, she told me her self that the devel had ben in her until within a few days past, she said the Lord had shown her it was all right. She wants Parley to go ahead, says she will do all in her power to help him; they are so ingagued I feer they will run to fast. they asked me many questions on principle & I told them I did not know much and I rather they would go to those that had authority to teach. Parley said he and J were interrupted before he got what instruction he wanted, and now he did not know when he should have an opportunity. he seamed unwilling to wate. I told him these were sacred things and he better not make a move until he got more instruction.
ca. July 1843	Joseph C. Kingsbury	Revelation, 12 July 1843 [D&C 132], Kingsbury manuscriptJSP, MS 4583, CHL	Copy of the July 12, 1843 revelation (D&C 132)
before July 15, 1843	Thomas Bullock	Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 2, 10 March 1843–14 July 1843, 310, JSP	List of eight plural marriages and sealings in the back of the JS Journal Book 2:April 42 Marinda Johnson to Joseph Smith.1843April 27 Wm Clayton & Margaret Moon by JS at HCKsMay 1 Lucy Woodworth Walker & Joseph [note in pencil] see Claytons JournalJuly 20 M y To O Hyde 22 W Clayton & Ruth MoonOct 20 BF Johnson & Wife Melina Le Barron Nov 11 W. Woodruff & Phebe W. Carter by Hy Smith 21 Edward Lawrence & Marg. Butterfield by W Clayton
ca. Aug. 12, 1843	Franklin D. Richards notebook	CHL	Hiram said before the High council that no prophet ever did transgress but was directed by the impulse of the spirit involuntarily Also The Law that a man shall take his brothers wife and raise up seed unto him as it was in israel must be again established
Aug. 17, 1843	Jedediah Grant letter to Joseph Smith	JSP	Elder Grant is “cauled upon to explain certin, mistryes &c.” The family of Susan Conrad wants to know “about Matrimony, and the will of the <Lord.>”Grant says that “Br, K, has. thught [taught] me principle, &c, Br Y, I found [k]new about the matte[r] so I read to them, they said it should be even as you desired in the Lord even so Amen.”He also says, “give my love to, Br, Hyrum [Smith], I was glad to hear that he had received the Priesthood, &c.”
ca. October 1843	Oliver Olney’s notes on Relief Society application	Manuscript fragment, 1843, Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library	Gives an untitled list of women who were Joseph’s wives, according to later sources: Louisa Beman, Agnes Smith, Eliza R. Snow, Emily Partri[d]ge, Eliza Partridge, Ms. Sylvia Lyons, Ms. Sessions, Mrs. Granger Also has a list titled “H. Smith” with the names of four women, one of which, Mercy Thompson, is supported by other sources as a wife of Hyrum’s. “Hyrum art a wicked man; because he has sind in marrying women…”“Joseph did not Frick/Trick that woman she went to see whether she should marry her husband for Eternity”
October 28, 1843	John C. Bennett letter to Iowa Hawk Eye	Iowa Hawk Eye	Reports sources in Nauvoo told him Joseph had a revelation on eternal marriage and plural marriage.
February 7, 1844	“Buckeye’s Lamentation for Want of More Wives,” Warsaw Messenger	Handwritten poem, JSPPublished in Warsaw Messenger, Feb. 7, 1844	A ten fold glory that the prizeWith out it your undoneAnd <But> with it you will shine as brightAs the bright shining sunthere you may reign like mighty godsCreating worlds so fairA[t] least a world for every wifeThat you take with you there The man thats <has> got ten fair wivesTen worlds he may createAnd he that has got less than thisWill find a bitter fateThis is the secret doctrine taughtBy Joe and the red rams— < B Y. [Brigham Young] & O. H. [Orson Hyde]>Altho in public they denyBut then tis all a shamHe [Joe] sets his snairs around for allAnd very seldom failsTo catch some thoughtless Pa[r]tridgesSnow Birds or Knight engales
April 14, 1844	Trial of William and Jane Law, Quorum of the Twelve minutes	CHL	William Law claimed Joseph wanted to be sealed to Jane and have her enter “the order”.
April 18, 1844	High Council minutes of Robert D. Foster’s trial	CHL	Cahoon testified Foster claimed to have been “called to women” when Joseph was the father.
May 26, 1844	Grand jury indictment, Carthage court house	Indictment, 24 May 1844 [State of Illinois v. JS for Adultery and Fornication], JSP	Indicted Joseph Smith for unlawful cohabitation, adultery and fornication with Mariah Lawrence and other women.
June 1844	William Law	Nauvoo Expositor, CHL	Affidavit
June 1844	Jane Law	Nauvoo Expositor, CHL	Affidavit
June 1844	Austin Cowles	Nauvoo Expositor, CHL	Affidavit

Holograph Unavailable, Internal/External Evidence Supports Contemporary Nature

Date	Source	Location	Notes
July 27, 1842	Revelation for Newell K. Whitney	Copy at CHL dated abt. 1912Transcript by Orson F. Whitney	Instructs Whitney on how to perform sealing ceremony for his daughter Sarah Ann and Joseph Smith.
January to June 1844	William Law Journal	Private held transcript published by Lyndon Cook.	Discusses polygamy and efforts to reconcile with the Smiths including Hyrum’s assurance that they had stopped doing plural marriages at that time.
June 16, 1844	Isaac Scott letter	Sarah Scott, Letter to John Calvin Hall and Abigail Harback Hall, June 16, 1844, rep. George F. Partridge, “The Death of a Mormon Dictator: Letters of Massachusetts Mormons, 1843–1848,” New England Quarterly 9, no. 4 (December 1936): 593–596	But because of the things that are and have been taught in the Church of Latter Day Saints for two years past which now assume a portentous aspect, I say because of these things we are in trouble. . . . A plurality of Gods. A plurality of living wives. And unconditional sealing up to eternal life against all sins save the shedding of innocent blood or consenting thereunto. These with many other things are taught by Joseph, which we consider are odious and doctrines of devils. . . Joseph had a revelation last summer purporting to be from the Lord, allowing the saints the privilege of having ten living wives at one time, I mean certain conspicuous characters among them. They do not content themselves with young women, but have seduced married women. I believe hundreds have been deceived. Now should I yield up your daughter to such wretches?Mr. [Jesse] Haven knows these statements are correct, for they have been taught in the quorum to which he belongs by the highest authority in the Church. He has told me that he does not believe in these teachings but he does not come out and oppose them; he thinks that it will all come out right.
Between May 1 and Sep. 1844	William Smith’s Pocket Companion –Alludes to Jacob 2 and several passages of D&C 132.	Excerpts quoted in John K. Sheen, Polygamy: or, the Veil Lifted (York, Nebraska: 1889)Connell O’Donovan reconstruction, LINK	“FOR IF I WILL saith the Lord Hosts raise up seed unto me, I WILL COMMAND MY PEOPLE: otherwise, they shall hearken unto these things.”xxi Thus we see the grounds in my estimation in which the ancient Prophets were Justified, that is, when God wanted “to raise up seed unto himself, he would command his people” otherwise it was an abomination in his sight…in my opinion there must have been a law of Justification [for “plurality wife doctrine”], under the dispensation of the ancient prophets,

Implied Sources/Supportive of Other Evidence

Date	Source	Location	Notes
April 12, 1838	Minutes of Oliver Cowdery’s disciplinary trial	CHL	Joseph said he confided in Oliver about the “girl business” but denied admitting to adultery.
Jan. 6, 1842	Brigham Young journal entry written in Masonic cipher	Brigham Young Journal, CR 1234 1, CHL.	I. W.A.S.T.A.K.E.N. I.N.T.O. T.G[H].E. L.O.D.G.E.January 6th 1842J. S.M.I.T.H. W.A.S. A.G.N.E.W[S].W[S]…..January 6th 1842Brigham Young Jo[u]rnal(Interpreting WAS as “wedded and sealed” is speculative. Could mean that JS was “taken into the lodge” as well. It is an early date for both BY and JS)
March 31, 1842	Joseph Smith letter to Emma and the Relief Society (scribed by Willard Richards)	Willard Richards Draft, JSPcompareRelief Society Minute Book	Instructs the sisters to investigate those teaching the spiritual wife doctrine. Leaves open possibility for Church leaders to solicit plural wives should there be a revelation allowing it. “unless it be by message del[iv]ered to you by our own mouth, by actual revelation & commandment.” This last part left out of minute book, but is in the Willard Richards draft of the letter.
August 18, 1842	Joseph Smith letter to the Whitneys in his own hand	Letter to Newel K., Elizabeth Ann Whitney, and &c., 18 August 1842, p. 1, JSP.	Joseph asks the Whitneys to come see him so he can seal the ordinances on them. Emphasizes they must avoid Emma. (The “&c” could mean Horace Whitney, since JS planned to ordain him about the same time.)
March 4, 1843	Joseph Smith journal	Journal, Book 1, Dec. 21 1842–March 10, 1843, JSP	Emily Partridge identified this day as her sealing date to Joseph at the Kimball home. After “called at Bro [Jabez] Durphy’s— to see sick,” text reads “Woodworth” crossed out, rewritten in Taylor shorthand, “Whitneys” and “Kimball” written in Taylor shorthand.
June 12, 1843	Trial of Benjamin Winchester	Quorum of Twelve minutes, CHL; Wilford Woodruff Journal	Quotes Winchester accusing Joseph of sexual impropriety in Philadelphia; WW: “Joseph severely reproved BenjaminWinchester for getting out of his place, after which hetaught us principle for several hours”
June 29, 1843	Eliza R. Snow journal	MS 1439, CHL	Oblique reference over confusion over recent events. Snow later identified this as her sealing date to Joseph.
Aug. 28, 1843	Willard Richards	Letter to Brigham Young, August 23–28, 1843, CR 1234 1, CHL.	[July 29] New Revelation, have not seen it yet.
1843-1844	Deeds to lots in Nauvoo granted to Helen Mar Kimball, Sarah Ann Whitney, and Emma Smith	CHL	Deeds to Emma coincide with Clayton’s journal that Joseph deeded several lots to Emma after her rejection of D&C 132. Deeds to teenage Whitney and Kimball coincide with sealing dates.
November 21, 1843	Harrison Sagers Trial	High Council minutes of the trial and the April 13, 1844 meeting, Wilford Woodruff journal, Warsaw Signal, Times & Seasons report.	Joseph brought charges of polygamy against Sagers at request of his wife. Inexplicitly dropped all charges. Shielded Sagers from further attempts to discipline. Suggests tolerance of polygamy.
Dec. 1, 1843	Warsaw Message notice	The Evening Post (New York) 41 (Dec. 1, 1843): 2.	“The Warsaw (Illinois) Message says: It is the rumor now at Nauvoo that Hiram Smith has had a revelation concerning the spiritual wife system—Quite an excitement has been produced in consequence.”
Jan. 5, 1844			Heated exchange between JS and Wm. Law
Feb. 25, 1844	Trial of Orsamus Bostwick v. City of Nauvoo	Testimony of John Scot[t] before Willard Richards, MS 16800, CHL	Affidavit of John Scott that Bostwick had conversation with him about Bostwick’s belief that Hyrum Smith had spiritual wives; also Bostick’s allegations that were were a number of prostitutes in Nauvoo.
May 15, 1844	Wheelock testimony	“Municipal Court,” Nauvoo Neighbor 2, no. 3 (May 15, 1844): 3, col. 4.	“Elder Blakeslee came to my house to preach, he preached and was upholding the authorities of the Church very much, he came over here and apostatized the same day, … I asked him why he had changed his mind so quick? He said he had seen af[f]idavits of the guilt of Mr. Smith.”
May 15, 1844	James Blakeslee	Warsaw Signal; James Blakeslee, Diary, typescript, J55, Jan. 19, 1845, 39. CCLA	“…listened with much seeming pleasure to a sermon from Elder Blakely, who denounced Smith as a fallen Prophet. He treated the Spiritual wife doctrine without gloves, and repudiated Smith’s plan of uniting Church and State.”
May 24, 1844	Alexander Neibaur journal	CHL	Jane Law expected Joseph would take her as a plural wife when she could not be sealed to William. “she drawing her Arms around him if you wont seal me to my husband seal myself unto you”
June 5, 1844	Zina Huntington Journal	CHL	“June 18445 6 7 8 9 Went with \Henres/ uncles family uppon the hill from this day I understand the Kinsmans degree of freemasonry my husband \being A master Mason/ attended meeting. Hiram Smith spoke exceeding well also re[a]d a revelation.”Because Henry did not arrive in town until the next day, she could be referring to Joseph Smith as her “husband.” But since Henry was also a Master Mason, she could just be explaining why she was allowed to participate in the Kinsman’s Degree.
Jul. 20, 1844	William Law	William Law letter to Isaac Hill, Nauvoo Il, July 20, 1844, CHL	“although the events which have transpired since, were very shocking to my feelings, yet, as they ^J&H^ brought it upon themselves, and I used my influence to prevent any outrage even from the Commencement of the excitement believing that the Civil law had power to expose iniquity, and punish the wicked I say But quietly, I look on Calmly, and while the wicked slay the wicked, I believe I can see the hand of a blasphemed God stretched out in judgment the cries of in[n]ocence and virtue, have ascended as before the throne of God, and he has taken sudden vengeance.”

Select Near Contemporary Evidence of JS Polygamy (Nauvoo era)

Date	Source	Location	Notes
August 1844	A Narrative of the Adventures and Experiences of Joseph H. Jackson in Nauvoo, Exposing the Depths of Mormon Villainy	LINK, p. 13	Sensational and largely spurious accounts of Joseph and polygamy. Makes reference to Elizabeth Davis and Patty Sessions as women that would facilitate plural marriages to Joseph.
August 1844	Joseph Jackson	Warsaw Signal (Aug. 1844)	“As I have mentioned the subject of spiritual wives, I will in this place, give the reader some idea of the system. The doctrine is called the “spirit of Elijah,” and is kept a profound secret from the people at large, and is only permitted to be known to those, to whom it is given to know the “fullness of the kingdom,” in other words, the choice spirits who surround Joe, and aid in carrying his secret measures. The doctrine is found on the 3d Chapter of Hosea, – several passages from the writings of Solomon and David, and the passage “whatsoever ye bind on Earth shall be bound in Heaven.” From these scripture passages, (with which I am not sufficiently familiar to quote) aided by revelation from Joe, as respects their meaning and construction, the doctrine is derived that there is no harm in a man having more wives than one, provided his extra wives are married to him spiritually. A spiritual wife is a woman, who by revelation is bound up to a man, in body, parts and passions, both for this life and for all eternity; whereas the union of a carnal wife and her husband ceases at death. Whenever the scripture forbids a man from taking to himself more wives than one, Joe made it refer to carnal and not spiritual wives; and would frequently quote the writings of David and Solomon to prove his position.“
Nov. 1, 1844	Samuel Bennett		Claims Joseph was a fallen prophet for teachings found in D&C 132
Mar. 15, 1845		Oliver Cowdery	“On Thursday evening we gave the history of Nauvoo, and the events that led to the death of the Smiths, which, of course, we traced to the introduction of the spiritual wife system; for all that know any thing about it, that it was the introduction of that system which led to the death of the Smiths, and that if that system had not been introduced, they might have been living men to-day.”
c. 1845	Oliver Olney’s pamphlet Spiritual Wifery at Nauvoo Exposed	CHL	Could be based on rumor, seems to lack insider knowledge?
August 10, 1845	Brigham Young letter to William Smith	CHL	Recalls that Hyrum erred when he performed a plural marriage ceremony without Joseph’s authorization and it had be redone.
January-February 1846	Nauvoo Temple Rolls	CHL	Records repeat sealings of Joseph’s wives to him for eternity and to proxy husbands for time
June 1846	Sidney Rigdon	Messenger and Advocate of the Church of Christ 2, no. 6 (June 1846): 475. LINK	“They introduced a base system of polygamy, worse by far than that of the heathen; this system of corruption brought a train of evils with it, which terminated in their entire ruin. After this system was introduced, being in opposition the laws of the land, they had to put truth at defiance to conceal it, and in order to do it, perjury was often practiced. This system was introduced by the Smiths some time before their death, and was the thing which put them into the power of their enemies, and was the immediate cause of their death.”
September 20, 1843(should be considered an 1848 source)	Lott family Bible	CHL	>Cornelius P. Lott mar[r]ied to Permelia Darrow for time and eternaty September the 20:1843 By Presadent Hyrum Smith with seal of Presadent Joseph Smith.>Sept the 20 C.P. Lott and Permelia Lott gave their Dau[gh]ter Malisa to wife [written later]>Malisa Smith was maried to Ira Willes May 13th 1849[Three entries made at different times]
Mar. 14, 1847	Horace K. Whitney	Horace K. Whitney Journal, MS 1616, CHL	Records copying D&C 132:“Sunday the 14th—Good weather. By father’s request, went and copied an important document, which took me the greater part of the day & night”

Supports Eternal Marriage rather than Plural Marriage

Date	Source	Location	Notes
1835	W. W. Phelps letter to Sally	CHL	Phelps states that Joseph was teaching eternal monogamous marriage and Phelps acknowledged that his wife would be his one wife on earth and in heaven. Contradicts his later 1861 letter to BY about Joseph receiving a polygamy revelation as early as 1831.
July 16, 1843	Joseph Smith discourse	Discourse, 16 July 1843, as Reported by William Clayton, p. 66, JSP	He [Joseph Smith] showed that a man must enter into an everlasting covenant with his wife in this world or he will have no claim on her in the next. He said that he could not reveal the fulness of these things untill the Temple is completed &c.
Dec. 7, 1843	John C. Bennett Oct. 28, 1843 letter to Iowa Hawk Eye	Iowa Hawk Eye 5, no. 18 (Dec. 7, 1843)	Joe says that as “they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in Heaven,” in eternity, it has been revealed to him that there will be no harmony in heaven unless the Saints select their companions and marry IN TIME, FOR ETERNITY!!! They must marry in time so as to begin to form that sincere attachment and unsophisticated affection which it is so necessary to consummate in eternity in order to the peace of Heaven. So Joe Smith has lately been married to his present wife Emma, for eternity as well as for time. The doctrine is that a man may select as many wives for eternity as his devotion to the interests of the Mormon Church will entitle him—and this is to be determined by revelation through His Holiness, the Prophet! This “marrying for eternity” is not the “Spiritual Wife doctrine” noticed in my Expose, but is an entirely new doctrine established by special Revelation. The “SPIRITUAL WIVES,” for time! and the ”CELESTIAL WIVES,” for eternity!
January 5, 1844	Jacob Scott letter to Mary Warnock	CHL,CCLA,The Jacob and Sarah Warnock Scott Family, 1779-1910 (typescript copy)	“Several revelations of good utility & uncommon interest have been lately communicated to Joseph & the Church; . . . one is that all Marriage contracts or Covenants are to be ‘Everlasting,’ that is . . . for both Time & Eternity.” Scott continued, explaining that if a man “desires to be married to his deceased wife, a Sister in the Church stands as Proxy or as a representative of the deceased in attending to the marriage ceremony…“Other revelations intimately connected with this momentous dispensation and which are almost ready to unfold themselves to us, I cannot communicate to you at present.” (could refer to polygamy)
January 21, 1844	Wilford Woodruff journal	WWPCHL	P. P. P. Received his 2nd Anointing. Joseph said concerning Parley P Pratt that He had no wife sealed to him for eternity and asked if their was any harm for him to have another wife for time & eternity as He would want a wife in the resurrection or els[e] his glory would be clip[p]ed many argum[en]ts He used upon this subject which were rational & consistant Br Joseph said now what will we do with Elder P. P Pratt He has no wife sealed to him for eternity He has one living wife but she had a former Husband and did not wish to be sealed to Parl[e]y, for eternity now is it not right for parley to have another wife that can [end of entry]
April 8, 1844	Hyrum Smith, April 8, 1844 conference minutes kept by Thomas Bullock	CHL	“The idea of marrying for Eternity w the seal of the cov.[enant] is easily understood & as to speak[in]g of it I c[oul]d make all the world believe it-for it is noble and grand. . . I married me a wife & was the only one who had any write to her. . . the cov[enan]t was made for our lives – she fell in the grave bef[ore] God showed us his will. God has shewed me that the cov[enan]t is dead & had no more force neither could I have her in the res[urrectio]n but we sho[ul]d be as the angels. it troubled me. Bro J s[ai]d you can be sealed to her upon the same prin[ciple] as you can be bap[tized] for the dead[.] what can I do for my 2nd wife – you can make a cov[enant] with her for eter[nity] & [be] sealed to her – & she s[ai]d I will act as proxy for the one that is dead –and I will be sealed to you for eternity
Between May 1 and Sep. 1844	William Smith’s Pocket Companion –Alludes to Jacob 2 and several passages of D&C 132.	Excerpts quoted in John K. Sheen, Polygamy: or, the Veil Lifted (York, Nebraska: 1889)Connell O’Donovan reconstruction, LINK	But the question might be asked can a man be sealed to more than one woman? I answer they can, for if a man has several wives, and they are all dead, but one, he can be sealed up [to] them all, by the one living standing up for the dead, and thus acting by proxy, he can claim them all in the resurrection…This will exalt us to a Kingdom of power and glory, for Christ has promised, to those “who are faithful over a few things shall be made ruler over many things”

Contemporary Statements Denying Polygamy (Joseph, Hyrum, Emma)

Date	Source	Location	Notes
	Book of Mormon passages	Jacob 2-3 Mosiah 11 Ether 10D&C 42:22D&C 49:16	Calls polygamy an abomination
1835, 1844	Joseph Smith	Statement on Marriage, circa August 1835, Latter Day Saints’ Messenger and Advocate, 163, JSP1835 D&C Section CI (101), JSP1844 D&C Section 109, JSP	“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”
July 1838	Joseph Smith, Editorial	Elders’ Journal 1, no. 3 (Jul 1838): 43, JSP, LINK	Question 7th. Do the Mormons believe in having more wives than one.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 [sic] 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.
Dec 16, 1838	Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail	Letter to the Church in Caldwell County, Missouri, 16 Dec 1838, 4, JSP, LINK	“…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…”
Oct. 15, 1841	Joseph Smith editorial	From the St. Louis Atlas“The Mormons,” reprinted inTimes and Seasons 2, no. 24(Oct. 15, 1841), 580, LINK	[The Mormon religion] “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.
Dec. 15, 1841	Times and Seasons (with Joseph as editor)	“CAUTION,” Times and Seasons 3, no. 4 (Dec. 15, 1841): 638, LINK	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: “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.”
Mar. 31, 1842	Willard Richards, directed by JS. Letter copied into RS Minutes by Eliza R. Snow.	“Epistle to the Relief Society,” Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, 86, JSP	“We have been informed that some unprincipled men, whose names we will not mention at present, have been guilty of such crimes. We do not mention their names, not knowing but what there may be some among you who are not sufficiently skill’d in Masonry as to keep a secret, therefore, suffice it to say, there are those, and we therefore warn you, & forewarn you, in the name of the Lord, to check & destroy any faith that any innocent person may have in any such character; for we do not want any one to believe any thing as coming from us, contrary to the old established morals & virtues & scriptural laws, regulating the habits, customs & conduct of society; and all persons pretending to be authoriz’d by us, or having any permit, or sanction from us, are & will be liars & base impostors, & you are authoriz’d on the very first intimation of the kind, to denounce them as such, & shun them as the flying fiery serpent, whether they are prophets, Seers, or revelators; Patriarchs, twelve Apostles, Elders, Priests, Mayers, Generals, City Councillors, Aldermen, Marshalls, Police, Lord Mayors or the Devil, are alike culpable & shall be damned for such evil practices”
Apr. 10, 1842	Joseph Smith history in Thomas Bullock’s hand	History of the Church, vol. 4, 487.History, 1838–1856, volume C-1 [2 November 1838–31 July 1842], 1316, JSP, LINK	“Preached in the grove after Elder Wm Law, had spoken, a[nd] pronounced a curse upon all Adulterers & fornicators & unvirtuous persons, & those who had made use of his name to carry on theiriniquitous designs.”
Apr. 15, 1842	Hyrum Smith speech	Times and Seasons (Apr. 15, 1842)JSP	[Hyrum Smith] spoke in contradiction of a report in circulation about Elder Kimball, B. Young, himself, and others of the Twelve, alledging that a sister had been shut in a room for several days, and that they had endeavored to induce her to believe in having two wives.
Apr. 15, 1842	Joseph Smith speech	Times and Seasons (Apr. 15, 1842)JSP	Pres’t. J. Smith spoke upon the subject of the stories respecting Elder Kimball and others, showing the folly and inconsistency of spending any time in conversing about such stories or hearkening to them, for there is no person that is acquainted with our principles would believe such lies, except [Thomas] Sharp the editor of the “Warsaw Signal.”
May 19, 1842	Emma Smith	Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, 48, JSP	[Emma Smith] said…now it is necessary that sin should be expos’d— that heinous sins were among us— that much of this iniquity was practiced by some in authority, pretending to be sanction’d by Prest. Smith.”
Jul—Aug 1842		“Affidavits and Certificates,Disproving the Statements andAffidavits Contained in JohnC. Bennett’s Letters,” Times and Seasons broadsheet, Aug. 31, 1842, LINK to typescript copy	“Affidavits and Certificates” attest to Joseph’s virtue and character in response to John C. Bennett’s accusations that Joseph was engaged in polygamy
August 1842		Millennial Star, vol. 3, no. 4 (Aug. 1842): 74, LINK	But, for the information of those who may be assailed by those foolish tales about two wives, we would say that no such principle ever existed among the Latter-Day Saints, and never will; this is well known to all who are acquainted with our books and actions, the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants; and also all our periodicals and very strict on that subject, indeed far more so than the bible.
Sep. 1, 1842	Joseph Smith, editor	Times and Seasons, 3, no. 21 (Sep. 1, 1842), 909; see also 939. LINK	“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 topersuade a woman to be baptized contrary to the will of her husband neither is it lawful to influence her to leave her husband.’”
Oct. 1842	Joseph publishes “On Marriage” reiterating Section 101	Times and Seasons 3, no. 23 (Oct. 1, 1842): 939, LINK	“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…We have given the above rule of marriage as the only one practiced in this church, to show that Dr. J. C. Bennett’s “secret wife system” is a matter of his own manufacture.”
Oct. 1, 1842	Denial Statement by 12 male members (“persons of families”) of the Church.	Times and Seasons 3, no. 23 (Oct. 1, 1842): 939, LINK	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.S. Bennett, George Miller, Alpheus Cutler, Reynolds Cahoon, Wilson Law, W. Woodruff, N. K. Whitney, Albert Pettey, Elias Higbee, John Taylor, E. Robinson, Aaron Johnson.
Oct. 1, 1842	Denial statement by 19 RS and married females (including wives of 11 of the above male members)	Times and Seasons 3, no 23 (Oct. 1, 1842): 940, LINK	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 church of 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. Emma Smith, President, Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Counsellor, Sarah M. Cleveland, Counsellor, Eliza R. Snow, Secretary, Mary C. Miller, Catharine Pettey, Lois Cutler, Thirza Cahoon, Ann Hunter, Jane Law, Sophia R. Marks, Polly Z. Johnson, Abigail Works. Sarah Higbee, Phebe Woodruff, Leonora Taylor, Sarah Hillman, Rosannah Marks, Angeline Robinson
Dec. 1, 1842	Joseph Smith	“Notice,” Times and Seasons 4, no. 2 (1 Dec. 1842): 32, LINKJSP	NOTICE.There was a book printed at my office, a short time since, written by Udney Hay Jacobs, on marriage, 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 such an unmeaning rigmarole of nonsence, folly, and trash.JOSEPH SMITH.
Mar. 15, 1843	Written by H.R.; reprinted in the Times & Seasons under the editorial control of Joseph Smith	“H.R.” letter reprinted fromthe Boston Bee in the Timesand Seasons, 4, no. 9 (March 15,1843), 143, LINK	“…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 of private property, and we dowhat others do not, practice what we preach…”
May 14, 1843	Levi Richards Diary reports Hyrum Smith address	MS 1284, CHL	Hyrum Smith addressed the people—subjects from the Book Mormon 2 Chap Jacob—remarked that –the Book Mormon was a mirror, a key, to the Bible—…said there were many that had a great deal to say about the ancient order of things or Solomon & David having many wifes & concubines—but its an abomination in the sight of God—if an angel from heaven should come to Joseph Smith doctrine would be same to see his cloven foot & cloud of blackness over his head,–though his garments might shine as white as snow—a \|man/ might have one wife,–concubines he should have none—observed, that the idea was that this was given to Jacob for a perpetual principle
Feb. 1, 1844	Joseph and Hyrum notify the Church that Hiram Brown is cut off for preaching polygamy.	“NOTICE,” Times andSeasons, 5:423, JSP	NOTICEAs 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 6 th of April next, to make answer to these charges.Joseph SmithHyrum SmithPresidents of said Church.
ca. Feb. 1844	W. W. Phelps, commissioned by JS, read by Emma to 4 sessions of RS in Mar. 1844.	Voice of Innocence From Nauvoo, MS 15540, CHL;Typescript copyRelief Society Copy in Minutes	Resolved unanimously that while we render credence to the doctrines of Paul, that neither the man is without the woman; neither is woman without the man in the Lord, yet we raise our voices and hands against John C. Bennett’s “Spiritual Wife System,” as a scheme of profligates to seduce women; and they that harp upon it, wish to make it popular for the convenience of their own cupidity: 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 sayAmen!
Mar. 15, 1844	Hyrum Smith to brethren at China Creek: many wife doctrine not taught or practiced here; beware of teaching the mysteries	“To the brethren of the Churchof Jesus Christ. . .” Times andSeasons 5, no. 6 (Mar. 15, 1844):474.	“To the brethren of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday [sic] 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. For when God commands men to teach such principles the saints will receive them. Therefore beware what you teach: for the mysteries of God are not given to all men; and unto those to whom they are given they are placed under restrictions to impart only such as God will command them…let the mysteries alone until by and bye…
Mar. 20, 1844	Emma Smith	“Virtue Will Triumph,”Nauvoo Neighbor 1 (Mar. 20, 1844) [187]Reprint of the Voice of Innocence	“…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.”
Apr. 8, 1844	Hyrum Smith discourse	CHL Bullock notesJSP Bullock	One reason I speak to the Elders is in consequence of the ten thousand reports which come to me from abroad – almost every foolish man runs to me, to enquire if such and such things are true, and how many spiritual wives a man may have. I know nothing about it; what he might call a spiritual wife, I should not know anything about. . . I wish the Elders of Israel to understand it is lawful for a man to marry a wife, but it is unlawful to have more, and God has not commanded any of you to have more. . . for a man to go into theworld and talk of this spiritual wife system he is as empty as an open sepulcher. . . No spiritual wife doctrine ever originated with me. . . No man would have more than one wife or they will join together and beat him. If I was a woman, and got so fooled, I would hide my head. I give the sisters leave to wring his nose who teach such stuff. . . We don’t want bogus makers, counterfeiters, or preachers of the spiritual wife system.
May 26, 1844	Joseph Smith discourse	Leo Hawkins History, 1838–1856, volume F-1 [1 May 1844–8 August 1844], 59,JSP	I 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 him that I was guilty of adultery. This spiritual wifeism! why a man dares not speak or wink, for fear of being accused of this… 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. . . What a thing it is for a man to be accused of committing <adultery> and having seven wives when I can only find one. “I am the same man, and as innocent as I was fourteen years ago
June 19, 1844	Hyrum SmithConfirms that a marriage revelation was read to the High Council, but it had no reference to the present time.	City Council MinutesNauvoo Neighbor JSP	Councillor, H. Smith, . . . referred to the revelation, read to the High Council of the Church, which has caused so much talk about a multiplicity of wives; that said revelation was in answer to a question concerning things which transpired in former days, and had no reference to the present time. . .He then read several statements of Austin Cowles in the Expositor concerning a private interview, and said he never had any private conversation with Austin Cowles on these subjects—that he preached on the stand from the Bible, shewing the order in ancient days, having nothing to do with (t)he present times.
June 19, 1844	Joseph SmithConfirms a revelation in answer to his enquiry. Men must be married in view of Eternity.	City Council MinutesNauvoo Neighbor JSP	Mayor said he had never pre[a]ched the revelatin in private as he had in public— had not taught in it to the highet anointed in the chu[rc]h <in p[r]ivate> which may [many?] confirmd.—On enquiry the passage in the resurrecti[o]n they neithe[r] mar[r]y &c. I receiv[e]d for answer, Men in this life must be married in vi[e]w of Etirnity, was the amount of the revelation. othe[r]wise they must remain as angels only— in heaven. and spoke at considerable length. in explanation of the principl[e]s was willing for one to subscribe his name to declare that paper [Expositor] & the whole establishemt as a nuisance

Contemporary Unauthorized Polygamy

Source	Location	Notes
John C. Bennett
Joseph Fielding	New Companion Revelation
William Clayton	Manchester Diary
Sarah Crooks	Letter to Brigham Young
Augusta Cobb	Letters to Brigham Young	Asks to see polygamy revelation

Manipulated Evidence

Date	Source	Location	Notes
Oct 5, 1843	JS Journal entry is revised in Draft version and in final copy in History of the Church	JSP Draft JSP Journal	walked up and down the Streets with my scribe. Gave instructions to try those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives. on this \for according to ^the^ law I hold the keys of this power in the last days, for there is never but one on Earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred— and I have constantly said/ on this law Joseph forbids it, and the practice thereof. No man shall have but one wife \at a time/ \unless the Lord directs otherwise/\to be revised/
Mar 31, 1842	Willard Richards	Compare Willard Richards Draft, Letter to Emma Smith and the RSand Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book	The version copied into the Relief Society Minute Book omits the qualifying phrase “unless it be by message del[iv]ered to you by our own mouth, by actual revelation & commandment.” Not in the History
Revelation dated May 16-17, 1843	William Clayton’s journal	JSP Instruction, 16 May 1843, Page 15William Clayton Journal, May 16, 1843, History Draft History Draft [1 March–31 December 1843], Page 31History History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843], Page 1551;	Parenthetical addition to what became D&C 131:And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]
Document dated July 12, 1843	Joseph Kingsbury copy of William Clayton’s transcription of JS revelation on polygamy	Kingsbury copy of Polygamy Revelation (later D&C 132), MS 4583, CHL	Reverse side says:“Ex As altered in pencil 1852”Shows that it was being worked on in 1852, shortly before Brigham’s polygamy announcement. (Alterations are not substantial)
Aug. 25, 1843	George A. Smith, dictated to Robert L. Campbell. Additions by Thomas Bullock?	History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844], p. 1698, JSP. See also Journal, Book 3, 15 July 1843–29 February 1844, p. 67.	25 Friday. My brother Hyrum in the office, We conversed upon \conversing about/ the new Revelation \upon celestial marriage./ Clarifications made to “the new Revelation” to connect it with celestial marriage.
Jan. 3, 1844		Nauvoo City Council meeting minutes	Removed evidence Joseph and Hyrum condemned spiritual wives—William Law?
Feb. 28, 1844		Journal	Removed verbiage to obscure Joseph’s possible authorship of Voice of Innocence
Mar. 15, 1844	Hyrum Smith, letter	Times and Seasons, Manuscript History	Entire letter removed in History of the Church
Apr. 8, 1844	Hyrum Smith General Conference talk	Compare Thomas Bullock version with altered version in JSP	Conference address edited to support polygamy; entire talk was eventually removed from JSP

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