BlackSheep-L Archives

Archiver > BlackSheep > 2000-03 > 0953913428


From: <>
Subject: [BS-L] Polyandry
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2000 10:57:08 EST


< 1882 Congress outlaws polygamy. >

While I would never qualify my husband on his other polygamous ancestor
because it was legal and socially acceptable in Utah Territory this one has
a further complication. The only reason I mention the religion of the
following ancestors is because it is necessary to my question. I have no
desire to reflect upon anyones theology present or past (polygamous Biblical
figures included) Besides they had some pretty great descendants. This is the
situation

Wife marries widower with many children in England (both LDS but I'm not sure
if they were at time of marriage)
Wife regrets? marrying widower with many children, separation?
Husband gives wife funds to go to Utah with Saints.
Wife and her one child go to Utah - arrive Sept 1868 (no divorce)
Wife, with nowhere to stay, introduced to ancestors family and stays with
them to help out a second wife "in time of confinement" (while they are
traveling by wagon to pasture church's sheep in Southern Utah)
Wife (age 25?) soon marries son of first wife of family (on day of his 18th
birthday) (Bishop officiates) Dec 1868
Wife never writes English husband telling him the good news
Later English husband shows up in Utah (Surrrrpriiiiiize!!!?)
English husband is "reconciled to situation", no further mention of him
Wife and second husband live long life together with no new spouses.

The aunt who wrote the family histories tends to clean it up so your guess
as to what "reconciled" means is as good as mine.

I am not LDS and have only a minimal knowledge of the historical religious
doctrine of plural marriage. Did it extend to plural husbands for women? I
suspect it did not. Or could the wife have neglected to tell the Bishop
that she was still married?

My husband's great grandmother's maiden name was Harriet Chatterley. Is she a
black sheep or not?

~Paula in Virginia ~

This thread: