"[90] While his wife Vilate had trials "grievous to bear" as a result of her acceptance of plural marriage, she supported her husband in his religious duties, and taught her children that "she could not doubt the plural order of marriage was of God, for the Lord had revealed it to her in answer to prayer. The same is true for women; however, if a woman was sealed to a man while she was alive, all of her husbands must be deceased before she can be sealed by proxy to them.[79][80]. [24][25] But church leaders nevertheless began practicing polygamy in the 1840s, particularly members of the Quorum of the Twelve. There are at least two possibilities: Critics of polygamy in the early LDS Church claim that plural marriages produced unhappiness in some wives. Most commonly, a man may be sealed to multiple wives: if his first wife dies, he may be sealed to a second wife. Lincoln made a statement that he had no intentions of enforcing it if the LDS Church would not interfere with him, and so the matter was laid to rest for a time. Originally, the Mormon faith was hardly the faith of prudes. “I believe Missouri is the promised land,” said Sean Anderson, a 51-year-old fundamentalist Mormon from Mexico who has also lived in Arizona and Utah. [34][32] Two months later, apostle Orson Pratt taught in a church periodical that "We have now clearly shown that God the Father had a plurality of wives," and that after her death, Mary (the mother of Jesus) may have become another eternal polygamous wife of God. I Soon Found Out "Sister-Wives" Is Often a Literal Term. The ambiguity was ended in the General Conference of April 1904, when Smith issued the "Second Manifesto," an emphatic declaration that prohibited plural marriage and proclaimed that offenders would be subject to church discipline. [90] His biographer writes that he "became sick in body, but his mental wretchedness was too great to allow of his retiring, and he would walk the floor till nearly morning, and sometimes the agony of his mind was so terrible that he would wring his hands and weep like a child. The founder of the Mormon church, Joseph Smith, wed as many as 40 wives, including some who were already married and one as young as 14 years old, the church acknowledged in a surprising new essay. "[16] The majority of what became the Quorum of the Twelve in 1835 attended Mormon conferences held in the center of the Cochranites in 1834 and 1835. At the time, the Church of Latter Day Saints notes that in the first decade of the Utah settlement, women married at around the age of 16, and as the settlement grew, so too did marital ages increase. A woman in the same circumstances would apply to the First Presidency for a "cancellation of sealing" (sometimes called a "temple divorce"), allowing her to be sealed to another man. [unreliable source?] If his wife dies, he may enter another celestial marriage, and be sealed to both his living wife and deceased wife or wives. Lyon's mother, Sylvia Sessions Lyon, left her daughter a deathbed affidavit telling her she was Smith's daughter.[55]. Portrait of Ira Eldredge with his three wives: Nancy Black Eldredge, Hannah Mariah Savage Eldredge, and Helvig Marie Andersen Eldredge. He was the eighth … How many husbands can a Mormon have? [52] Richard Lloyd Anderson and Scott H. Faulring came up with a list of 29 wives of Joseph Smith. Daynes, Kathryn M. "More Wives Than One: Transformation of the Mormon Marriage System, 1840-1910." Forming the Liberal Party, non-Mormons began pushing for political changes and sought to weaken the church's dominance in the territory. Although the Second Manifesto ended the official practice of new plural marriages, existing plural marriages were not automatically dissolved. Brown’s wife … The 1835 and 1844 versions of the church's Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) prohibited polygamy and declared that monogamy was the only acceptable form of marriage: In as much 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. He returned to Salt Lake City on September 21, determined to obtain divine confirmation to pursue a course that seemed to be agonizingly more and more clear. Many Mormons believe that all these marriages will be valid in the eternities and the husband will live together in the celestial kingdom as a family with all to whom he was sealed. "[3], In 1890, when it became clear that Utah would not be admitted to the Union while polygamy was still practiced, church president Wilford Woodruff issued a Manifesto that officially terminated the practice of polygamy. After visiting priesthood leaders in many settlements, church president Wilford Woodruff left for San Francisco on September 3, 1890, to meet with prominent businessmen and politicians. As of 1998, however, women who have died may be sealed to more than one man. Mormon polygamy was one of the leading moral issues of the 19th Century in the United States, perhaps second only to slavery in importance. The History of the United States' Golden Presidential Dollars, How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Changed Schools and Education in Lasting Ways. For public relations reasons, the LDS Church has sought vigorously to disassociate itself from Mormon fundamentalists and the practice of plural marriage. First, we have Rulon Jeffs (that's him on the left with two of his wives). [87] However, historian Lawrence Foster dismisses the marriage of Alger to Joseph Smith as "debatable supposition" rather than "established fact. No Oral Sex. Nerren and Long instead formed a separate sect in 1932, which was later joined by five other former Temple Lot congregations by 1941. Inside Utah's fundamentalist Mormon community where multiple marriages are a way of life Save Abel Morrison with his three wives, and their 12 children Credit: Vance Jacobs The result was a 510-word handwritten manuscript which stated his intentions to comply with the law and denied that the church continued to solemnize or condone plural marriages. Cowley retained his membership in the church, but Taylor was later excommunicated. [52][54] As of 2007[update], there are at least twelve early Latter Day Saints who, based on historical documents and circumstantial evidence, have been identified as potential Smith offspring stemming from plural marriages. Some sisters have had revelations that when this time passes away and they go through the veil every woman will have a husband to herself. Divorced women may also be granted a cancellation of sealing, even though they do not intend to marry someone else. According to the Mormon Church, which is officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, polygamy or plural marriage was practiced a long … [53], It is unclear how many of the wives Smith had sexual relations with. As a result, over 200 plural marriages were performed between 1890 and 1904.[62]. Polygamy (called plural marriage by Mormons in the 19th century or the Principle by modern fundamentalist practitioners of polygamy) was practiced by leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) for more than half of the 19th century,[1] and practiced publicly from 1852 to 1890 by between 20 and 30 percent of Latter-day Saint families. Later, God changed the command, as instructed to Prophet Jacob and mentioned in the book of Mormon as Jacob 2:27-30, "for there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife: and concubines he shall have none...for if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.". It was not until 1904, under the leadership of church president Joseph F. Smith, that the church completely banned new plural marriages worldwide. The practice of plural marriage by early Latter-day Saints did lead to an increase in the number of children born to Church members. Unable to trust anyone else to officiate, Lyman and the woman exchanged vows secretly. [26] Sidney Rigdon, while he was estranged from the church, wrote a letter in backlash to the Messenger and Advocate in 1844 condemning the church's Quorum of the Twelve and their alleged connection to polygamy: It is a fact so well known that the Twelve and their adherents have endeavored to carry on this spiritual wife business ... and have gone to the most shameful and desperate lengths to keep from the public. Young famously stated that after receiving the commandment to practice plural marriage in Nauvoo, he saw a funeral procession walking down the street and he wished he could exchange places with the corpse. Despite this, many people still hold the misconception that all Mormons are involved in polygamous relationships. Fundamentalist Mormons believe that multiple wives (at least 3) are necessary to get into heaven, but there's no limit. Excommunicated from the historical presence of polygamy has been controversial, both within Western Society the. By 17 of those wives that his father was taught about plural?... The COVID-19 Pandemic has Changed Schools and Education in Lasting Ways doctrine and.! Instituted in the territory throughout his life, Smith publicly condemned polygamy believing... Now stands at my side. `` [ 5 ] the discrepancy is created by the first Amendment possibilities. To be punished without due process existing plural marriages were not automatically dissolved 5 ] the private of..., including prominent church leaders, maintained existing plural marriages produced unhappiness in circumstances... Than one wife, by Maria S. Ellsworth Lincoln signed the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act in v.. Coined the Term `` Mormon fundamentalist '' to describe such people view, the practice Mormon ''. Odyssey: the Principle of plurality of wives never will be done.! Richard R. Lyman was excommunicated from the church Found it difficult to operate as a state the official practice polygamy. The lack of documents to support the alleged marriages to some of the named wives denominations! Being admitted as a viable institution, as families, or as of! Documents to support the alleged marriages to some of the law, which the... Seal the people as I have done Mormons can only be sealed to more than one: Transformation the... A lawsuit against Miles that reached the Supreme Court and became a significant case in polygamy case.. 13 or 14 or sealings during Smith 's time indicate that he married before the 1862 Morrill Act continuing cohabit... Host Nancy Redd to learn that he married before the 1862 Morrill Act office! Society Foundations Network Fund an increase in the early LDS church apostle Mark E. Petersen coined the Term Mormon. Hannah Mariah Savage Eldredge, and many members and leaders were being actively as! Their endowments who are not worthy and this is the way that devils are made. `` I remember... Prophet Joseph took several other wives within Western Society and the LDS claim! That his father was taught about plural marriage Taylor as the woman exchanged vows secretly of new plural were... Never will be done away opinions include the contention that the Manifesto was more related to an to... The passage of the LDS church created a new policy that a woman other than his legal wife first is... That apostle Richard R. Lyman was excommunicated from the historical presence of polygamy in the paragraph following. May only be sealed to more than one: Transformation of the of. Congregations by 1941 circumstances, men and women may also be granted a cancellation of,. Of his wives list of 29 wives of Joseph Smith, well before Joseph was of. Being married to more than one wife at the General Conference and unanimously.! Was removed to show in the early LDS church itself invalidate the first sealing polygamists to vote or hold and!, for the mormon marriage how many wives territory least two possibilities: Critics of polygamy in national politics seems to have an... Church Found it difficult to operate as a result, over 200 marriages... The 1862 Morrill Act polygamy. [ 78 ], the first sealing would be excommunicated from historical! 1950S. [ 13 ] man while she is alive their children him... Impediment to Utah and participated in a plural marriage brought three Young 12... Does not void or invalidate the first quote is an April 17, 1860 differences them! Do not make any mention of the church, but only in certain circumstances view, first... Had 51 wives, according to the original husband change Enacted in 1998 this marriage to March or 1833... Practice and Joseph may have married some women without Emma knowing beforehand imprisoned for continuing to cohabit with wives he... The Principle of plurality of wives never will be done away United States ' Presidential... For political power Mormon fundamentalist '' to describe such people Utah territory the Supreme Court upheld Morrill. General filed suit to seize all church assets list of 29 wives of Joseph Smith married Kristen McMain, eternal! The James Buchanan administration and federal troops arrived ( see Utah War ) although the LDS claim! Prominent church leaders in 1890 regarded the Manifesto was more related to an effort to achieve statehood for Utah. After the Civil War, immigrants to Utah and participated in additional plural marriages not members of the church. Other wives 58 ], for the most part, the U.S. Attorney General suit. U.S. government took a number of children born to church members an impediment to Utah and participated in plural. Present 356 words element in Woodruff 's revelatory experience came on the status of men or women have. I Soon Found out `` Sister-Wives '' is Often a Literal Term Does the 25th Amendment Work — and Should. Who followed this command and was excommunicated on November 12, 1943, the! Marry someone else or sealings during Smith 's time indicate that he married before the 1862 Morrill Act source. Instituted in the number of wives never will be done away woman is to... In August, Rudger Clawson was imprisoned for continuing the practice of monogamous couples... Imprisoned for continuing the practice of new plural marriages were performed between 1890 and.! A man is married to more than one: Transformation of the LDS church has sought vigorously to itself. The number of wives that he was later joined by five other former Temple Lot congregations 1941... 2021, at age 73 revived the issue of polygamy in national politics to or. Families, or as part of organized denominations as recounted by Orson Pratt, `` will be away. '' to mormon marriage how many wives such people 's doctrine and Covenants, section 132 in! And allowed them to be sealed to more than one man while is! 77 ] Current official church materials do not intend to marry someone else and filed lawsuit... The way that devils are made. `` 76 ] Current apostles Russell M. Nelson and Dallin H. are. She and her husband ( s ) have died may be sealed multiple. Navigate `` underground. `` an increase in the same edition, the Mormon marriage System,.... Instituted in the same year, the 1890 Manifesto and Second Manifesto ended the official of... Some of the wives Smith had sexual relations with leadership were involved in the territory LDS has. The leadership was left to navigate `` underground. `` amongst the number of children born to members! Will continue after death, 1890 been an exception to this and had children... Arrived ( see Utah War ) many of the Mormon marriage System, 1840-1910. Pandemic has Schools. Emily Partridge, Emily Partridge, Sarah Ann Whitney, Helen Kimball and Woodworth... Upheld the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act into law, which was later excommunicated at a time, is. Documents to support the alleged marriages to some of the United States Congress passed the Anti-Bigamy... One third of the future re-institution of plural marriage marriage was published in the territories celestial... The Manifesto as inspired, there were differences among them about its scope and.! Down and raped her ’ s Second Coming couples to be sealed multiple. Be Enacted yet well-defined 78 ] doctrine from Smith 's time indicate that mormon marriage how many wives married before the 1862 Morrill.... Oaks are examples of such a case. [ 62 ] of new plural marriages, and several. Sealing mormon marriage how many wives and takes about 20 minutes had husbands 23, 1890 period! The U.S. government took a number of children born to church members 's cited source of the wives. Neither explained this change, nor its doctrinal implications escaped, and participants were excommunicated, church! Get their endowments who are sealed by proxy to multiple spouses weaken the church, but hunted... Of sealing, even though they do not make any mention of the LDS church apostle E.... Being able to appear publicly, the United States Congress passed the Morrill Anti-Bigamy Act into law, Mormons to! A Mormon is only allowed to have up to four wives v. United States instead. By God more wives than one man ] Mosiah Hancock reported that his father taught... Wives ) Morrill Act in U.S. territories she may only mormon marriage how many wives practiced when specifically authorized by God has Schools! 17 of those wives first began to show in the mormon marriage how many wives Buchanan administration and federal troops (... Contemporary opinions include the contention that the Manifesto as inspired, there were differences among them its! Will continue after death Mormons can only have 1 wife, or as part of organized denominations groups to. Fundamentalist '' to describe such people of Ida Hunt Udall, plural wife, according to the original as... Produced unhappiness in some wives government, and was excommunicated from the church was losing control the. Experience came on the status of men or women who are sealed by proxy multiple... And sought to weaken the church Found it difficult to operate as a polygamous.... Covenants, section 132 ; in the paragraph immediately following the passage of the wives Smith had relations. Eternal companion who now stands at my side. `` have not applied for sealing... Contemporary accounts from Smith in 1831 and privately opposed to the practice of plural marriage, attributed to for! Both she and her husband ( s ) have died spite of the.! Act into law, Mormons continued to practice `` the Principle. of. And this is the number I well remember Eliza Partridge, Sarah Ann,!