The question of how many wives Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, had is a complex and often controversial one. The answer, widely accepted by historians and scholars today, is that Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage, also known as polygamy, and had multiple wives. However, the specifics – the exact number, the nature of these unions, and the circumstances surrounding them – are matters of ongoing discussion and interpretation.
Understanding the Historical Context of Plural Marriage
To fully grasp the issue, it’s crucial to understand the historical and religious context in which Joseph Smith’s practice of plural marriage emerged. The early Latter-day Saint movement was characterized by radical religious ideas and practices, including restoring what they believed to be ancient Christian doctrines.
The Doctrine of Restoration
Central to the Latter-day Saint faith is the belief in the restoration of all things. This doctrine held that many essential aspects of original Christianity had been lost or corrupted over time and that God was restoring them through Joseph Smith. This included temple ordinances, priesthood authority, and, eventually, the practice of plural marriage.
Biblical Precedent
Early Latter-day Saints found support for plural marriage in the Bible, pointing to figures such as Abraham, Jacob, David, and Solomon, who all had multiple wives. They believed that God had commanded these men to practice plural marriage for specific purposes, such as raising up a righteous posterity.
Secrecy and Controversy
The introduction of plural marriage was initially shrouded in secrecy. The practice was highly controversial and went against the prevailing social norms of 19th-century America. Joseph Smith and other early leaders feared persecution and social ostracism if the practice became widely known.
Estimating the Number of Joseph Smith’s Wives
Pinpointing the exact number of Joseph Smith’s wives is difficult due to the secretive nature of the practice and the limited documentation available. However, based on historical research and analysis of available evidence, most historians estimate that Joseph Smith had between 30 and 40 wives.
Challenges in Determining the Exact Number
Several factors contribute to the difficulty in determining the precise number:
- Lack of Official Records: Due to the secrecy surrounding plural marriage, official records of these unions are scarce. Many marriages were performed privately, and no formal documentation was created.
- Conflicting Accounts: Accounts from individuals who knew Joseph Smith and were familiar with his practice of plural marriage often differ. Memories can be unreliable, and personal biases can influence recollections.
- Definition of “Wife”: The nature of Joseph Smith’s relationships with some women is debated. Some relationships may have been purely spiritual or dynastic sealings, rather than marital unions in the traditional sense.
Categories of Wives
Historians often categorize Joseph Smith’s wives into different groups based on their circumstances and relationships with him:
- Women who were sealed for eternity only: Some women were sealed to Joseph Smith for eternity only, meaning the union was intended to last beyond this life. These sealings may have been performed for various reasons, such as to provide a lineage for deceased women or to connect families together eternally.
- Women who were sealed for time and eternity: These women were sealed to Joseph Smith for both this life and eternity. These relationships more closely resemble traditional marital unions.
- Women who were already married to other men: A significant point of controversy surrounds the fact that some of Joseph Smith’s wives were already married to other men. These unions were often referred to as “sealed” or “married” to Joseph Smith while remaining civilly married to their first husbands.
Key Individuals and Their Stories
Understanding the individual stories of some of Joseph Smith’s wives provides a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of plural marriage.
Emma Hale Smith
Emma Hale Smith was Joseph Smith’s first and legal wife. She was unaware of his practice of plural marriage for many years and strongly opposed it when she eventually learned about it. Her reaction to plural marriage caused considerable tension in the relationship with Joseph.
Louisa Beaman
Louisa Beaman was one of the first women to be sealed to Joseph Smith. Her experience offers insights into the early development of the doctrine and practice of plural marriage.
Eliza R. Snow
Eliza R. Snow was a prominent figure in the early Latter-day Saint movement and a plural wife of Joseph Smith. She later became the second general president of the Relief Society, the women’s organization of the Church.
Zina Huntington Jacobs Smith Young
Zina Huntington Jacobs Smith Young’s story is a particularly complex one, as she was married to Henry Jacobs before being sealed to Joseph Smith. She later married Brigham Young after Joseph Smith’s death.
The End of Plural Marriage in the Latter-day Saint Church
The practice of plural marriage was officially discontinued by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1890.
The Manifesto of 1890
President Wilford Woodruff, then the president of the Church, issued the Manifesto, which declared that the Church no longer taught or practiced plural marriage. This decision was largely influenced by intense pressure from the United States government, which had passed laws to suppress the practice.
Continuation of Plural Marriage in Breakaway Groups
Despite the Manifesto, some members of the Church continued to practice plural marriage in secret. These individuals eventually formed their own breakaway groups, often referred to as fundamentalist Mormons, who continue to practice plural marriage today.
The Church’s Current Stance
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today strictly prohibits the practice of plural marriage. Members who engage in polygamy are subject to excommunication.
Controversies and Interpretations
The practice of plural marriage remains a controversial topic, both within and outside the Latter-day Saint community.
Ethical Considerations
Critics of plural marriage raise ethical concerns about the potential for exploitation and abuse of women. They argue that the practice was inherently unequal and that it placed women in a subordinate position.
Historical Context vs. Modern Values
Defenders of plural marriage often emphasize the importance of understanding the practice within its historical context. They argue that the values and norms of 19th-century America were different from those of today and that it is unfair to judge past actions by present-day standards.
Theological Interpretations
Theological interpretations of plural marriage vary widely. Some Latter-day Saints believe that it was a divinely ordained practice that was necessary for achieving eternal exaltation. Others view it as a temporary commandment that was given for a specific purpose and then revoked.
Conclusion
The question of how many wives Joseph Smith had is not a simple one to answer. While the historical evidence suggests that he had between 30 and 40 wives, the complexities surrounding these relationships and the controversies surrounding the practice of plural marriage make it a topic that continues to be debated and discussed today. Understanding the historical context, the individual stories of those involved, and the different interpretations of the practice is essential for gaining a more nuanced and informed perspective on this controversial aspect of Latter-day Saint history. Joseph Smith’s legacy remains complex and multifaceted, and the issue of plural marriage is an integral part of that legacy. Examining it with honesty and open-mindedness is crucial for understanding the development of the Latter-day Saint movement and its place in American religious history.
How many wives did Joseph Smith have?
Historical records suggest that Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement, married between 30 and 40 women during his lifetime. These marriages occurred primarily in the 1840s in Nauvoo, Illinois, after he had introduced the doctrine of plural marriage to select members of the church. The exact number is debated among historians due to varying types of evidence and differing interpretations of what constituted a marriage during that era.
Understanding the complexities requires considering the context of 19th-century religious practices and the secrecy surrounding plural marriage. Some of these marriages were sealed for eternity only, while others involved both temporal and eternal commitments. The historical documents, personal accounts, and testimonies contribute to the ongoing discussion and research surrounding this sensitive aspect of Mormon history.
Why did Joseph Smith practice plural marriage?
Joseph Smith claimed he received a divine commandment to restore the practice of plural marriage, also known as polygamy, which he believed was practiced by biblical figures. According to Mormon scripture and historical accounts, this practice was instituted for specific purposes, including raising up a righteous posterity, as well as testing the faith and obedience of early church members.
Furthermore, some scholars suggest that plural marriage served practical purposes within the early Mormon community, providing support and security for women during a time of hardship and persecution. However, the spiritual and theological reasons presented by Smith remain the primary justification for the practice, as explained in Mormon scripture and historical narratives.
Were all of Joseph Smith's wives young single women?
No, not all of Joseph Smith's wives were young single women. While many were, some were widows and others were already married to other men. These latter marriages, often referred to as "sealings for eternity," were a more complex aspect of the practice and are still debated among historians and scholars.
The practice of sealing to women already married to other men added a layer of complexity to plural marriage, raising questions about the nature of these relationships and their implications for the women involved and their existing marriages. Understanding this nuance is crucial to grasping the intricacies of plural marriage in early Mormonism.
How did Emma Smith, Joseph Smith's first wife, feel about plural marriage?
Emma Smith, Joseph Smith's first wife, had a complex and often conflicting relationship with the practice of plural marriage. While historical accounts suggest she initially opposed the practice, there is evidence suggesting she may have at times acquiesced to it, particularly in certain instances. However, her true feelings remain a subject of debate among historians.
After Joseph Smith's death, Emma Smith publicly denied his involvement in plural marriage and distanced herself from the practice. Her denial became a key point of divergence between the main body of Latter-day Saints, who migrated to Utah and continued plural marriage, and those who followed her leadership and remained in the Midwest, rejecting the practice. Her feelings and actions remain a sensitive and intensely debated topic within Mormon history.
When did the Latter-day Saint church officially end the practice of plural marriage?
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially discontinued the practice of plural marriage in 1890. This decision was formalized through a declaration known as the "Manifesto," issued by church President Wilford Woodruff. The Manifesto signaled a significant shift in church policy and was largely driven by pressure from the U.S. government.
Despite the 1890 Manifesto, some members continued to practice plural marriage, leading to further interventions by the church and the U.S. government. In 1904, a "Second Manifesto" was issued by President Joseph F. Smith, reinforcing the church's stance against plural marriage and imposing stricter penalties for those who continued the practice, effectively ending the authorized practice of polygamy within the church.
Are there still groups that practice plural marriage today?
Yes, there are still groups that practice plural marriage today, often referred to as fundamentalist Mormons. These groups are splinter factions that separated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the church officially discontinued the practice of polygamy. They believe that plural marriage is an essential doctrine and continue to practice it despite legal prohibitions.
These fundamentalist groups operate independently from the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and often live in isolated communities. Their practices are not sanctioned or supported by the mainstream church, and they often face legal challenges due to the illegality of polygamy in most countries, including the United States.
Where can I find reliable information about Joseph Smith and plural marriage?
Reliable information on Joseph Smith and plural marriage can be found in a variety of academic sources, including scholarly books, peer-reviewed articles, and reputable historical archives. These sources often provide a balanced and nuanced perspective, drawing upon primary documents and diverse interpretations of historical events.
Additionally, official publications from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as the "Gospel Topics Essays" on their website, offer their perspective on this complex topic. Consulting multiple sources from different perspectives is crucial for developing a comprehensive understanding of the history of plural marriage in early Mormonism and its impact on the Latter-day Saint movement.