In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith

In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith

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 Josephâ€™s first wife, Emma, in a locked bedroom with the prophet. Emma remained a steadfast opponent of polygamy throughout her life.

The majority of Smithâ€™s 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 wifeâ€™s polyandrous wedding. In addition, some of the wives hinted that they bore Smith childrenâ€”most notably Sylvia Sessionsâ€™s daughter Josephineâ€”although the children carried their stepfatherâ€™s surname.

For all of Smithâ€™s 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 Smithâ€™s death in 1844, their lives became even more â€œlonely and desolate.â€ One even joined a convent. The majority were appropriated by Smithâ€™s 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.
Country USA
Manufacturer Signature Books
Binding Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate 2015-12-23
Format Kindle eBook

Country	USA
Manufacturer	Signature Books
Binding	Kindle Edition
ReleaseDate	2015-12-23
Format	Kindle eBook

In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith

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