In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith

ISBN: 156085085X

Author: Todd M. Compton

Condition: New

Beginning in the 1830s, at least thirty-three women married Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism. These were passionate relationships which also had some longevity, except in cases such as that of two young sisters, one of whom was discovered by Josephs first wife, Emma, in a locked bedroom with the prophet. Emma remained a steadfast opponent of polygamy throughout her life.The majority of Smiths wives were younger than he, and one-third were between fourteen and twenty years of age. Another third were already married, and some of the husbands served as witnesses at their own wifes polyandrous wedding. In addition, some of the wives hinted that they bore Smith children-most notably Sylvia Sessionss daughter Josephine-although the children carried their stepfathers surname.For all of Smiths wives, the experience of being secretly married was socially isolating, emotionally draining, and sexually frustrating. Despite the spiritual and temporal benefits, which they acknowledged, they found their faith tested to the limit of its endurance. After Smiths death in 1844, their lives became even more lonely and desolate. One even joined a convent. The majority were appropriated by Smiths successors, based on the Old Testament law of the Levirate, and had children by them, though they considered these guardianships unsatisfying. Others stayed in the Midwest and remarried, while one moved to California. But all considered their lives unhappy, except for the joy they found in their children and grandchildren.