Historians and LDS scholars say a newly obtained copy of William Clayton’s diary, the secretary who recorded Joseph Smith’s revelations in Nauvoo, Illinois, will be published by Yale University Press next year. The diary contains entries that describe Smith’s dictation of what became Doctrine and Covenants Section 132, the scripture that outlines the theological basis for plural marriage, as well as references to Smith’s marriages to multiple women, including a wife as young as 14.
Background
For much of the 20th century, most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints were unaware that their founder practiced plural marriage. The church officially acknowledged the practice in a recent essay, noting that Smith married multiple wives. Historians have long debated the extent of the practice, but a consensus emerged that Smith had a series of plural marriages.
Recent controversy
A new wave of “polygamy deniers,” many of them Latter‑day Saints, claim there is little documentary proof beyond Smith’s legal wife, Emma Hale Smith. Critics argue that denialism fuels broader suspicion of the church as an institution. Matthew Bowman, a LDS historian, said the movement reflects a cultural impulse to question established organizations.
Clayton’s diary
Clayton, a professional record keeper, kept detailed notes of daily life in Nauvoo and recorded Smith’s teachings. His July 12, 1843 entry notes Smith dictating the doctrine that would later be codified as Section 132. Managing Director Matthew Grow of the Church History Department said the diary shows that Smith and his close associates were practicing plural marriage before it was formally written down.
While the diary does not specify the nature of the marital relations, other contemporary affidavits and memoirs use 19th‑century language that suggests intimate involvement. Historian Todd Compton, author of two major works on the subject, cautioned that the evidence is not “absolutely perfect,” but together with sworn statements it builds a strong case.
Why the church kept the diary private
Church leaders limited access to the Clayton journals in the late 1970s, fearing the emotional impact of revealing the practice to members raised in a monogamous culture. Grow noted that confronting the church’s early history can be “very emotional” for modern believers.
Upcoming publication
The full annotated edition of Clayton’s diaries is slated for release by Yale University Press next year. Both Grow and Matthew McBride, director of publications for the Church History Department, hope the new volume will provide a fuller picture of early Mormon life, including daily activities in Nauvoo and the challenges of building the temple before the westward trek.
The story was originally produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and distributed by Stacker.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
