Mormon Stories Podcast
1854: Polygamy & Abortion in Joseph Smith’s Nauvoo - John C. Bennett Pt 2 w/ LDS Discussions Ep. 50
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- John C. Bennett reveals a network of secret women's organizations within Mormonism.
- Sarah Pratt recounts Joseph Smith's attempt to coerce her into a polygamous relationship.
- Joseph Smith had taken 10 polygamous wives at the time of Bennett's expose.
- Multiple testimonies suggest John C. Bennett's involvement in performing or promoting abortions in Nauvoo.
- The existence of abortions in Nauvoo raises questions about Joseph Smith's involvement in polygamy.
Deep dives
Joseph Smith's Alleged Coercion of Women
John C. Bennett recounts several stories where Joseph Smith attempted to coerce women into relationships with him, including Sarah Pratt, Emily and White, Martha Brotherton, Nancy Rigdon, Katherine Warren, the Widow Miller, and Melissa Schindle. Bennett claims that Joseph Smith asked for his assistance in obtaining Sarah Pratt as one of his wives, but Bennett refused. He goes on to detail Joseph's visit to Sarah's house and his proposition to her, which she rejected. Bennett also claims that Joseph visited Louisa Beaman after leaving Sarah's house.
Bennett's Expose and Possible Falsifications
While John C. Bennett's expose contains some accurate information about Joseph Smith's polygamous relationships, Fawn Brodie points out that it is impossible to judge the accuracy of all his stories. Bennett introduces the idea of secret women's organizations within Mormonism, such as the Cyprian saints, the chambered sisters of charity, and the cloistered saints. However, the existence of these organizations cannot be verified as there are no other references to them in available documents. Bennett's reliability is also called into question due to his personal involvement with Sarah Pratt, who confronts Bennett and accuses him of making false claims.
Sarah Pratt and Bennett's Coercion
John C. Bennett accuses Joseph Smith of attempting to coerce Sarah Pratt into a relationship. According to Bennett's story, Joseph ordered the bishops to restrict Sarah in her allowance and reduce her to a state of want and suffering to make her an easier target. Joseph supposedly went to Sarah's house and asked her to keep their encounter a secret, claiming that the Lord had given her to him as one of his spiritual wives. However, Sarah rejects him and expresses her contentment with having one good husband. Bennett also mentions Joseph's visit to Louisa Beaman after leaving Sarah's house.
Joseph Smith's Polygamous Wives
Contrary to Bennett's claim of seven wives, Joseph Smith had actually taken 10 polygamous wives at the time of Bennett's expose. Some of the confirmed wives include Fanny Alger, Zina Huntington, Priscendia Buell, Sylvia Sessions, Patty Sessions, and Mary Elizabeth Rollins. The accuracy of Bennett's claims regarding other potential wives is unknown, as further identities are not provided.
John C. Bennett's Involvement in Abortions in Nauvoo
Multiple sources, including Hiram Smith and Sarah Pratt, claim that John C. Bennett, a close associate of Joseph Smith, was involved in performing or promoting abortions in Nauvoo. Hiram Smith signed an affidavit published in 1842, stating that Bennett seduced women and taught them that abortions were acceptable. Sarah Pratt described a disturbing encounter with Bennett where he showed her a long instrument, claiming it was for Joseph's use in a woman's "trouble." Additionally, William Law, a former member of Joseph Smith's presidency, confirmed that there was talk of Joseph not having offspring with his plural wives. While the specific details and motivations behind these claims can be debated, the existence of these testimonies indicates that the topic of abortions was present among early Mormons, and John C. Bennett's involvement in such matters was a matter of concern among some members.
Different Perspectives and Credibility
It is important to note that these testimonies were given years after the events took place, and motivations and biases may have influenced the accounts. Sarah Pratt's testimony, for example, is colored by her own experiences and the animosity she had towards the Church leaders, while other statements come from individuals who had conflicted relationships with Joseph Smith or John C. Bennett. The late publication dates of some testimonies also raise questions about the accuracy and reliability of the details provided. However, it is significant that these claims were made by individuals with close ties to the events and who had firsthand knowledge of the circumstances in Nauvoo. While the specific details may be disputed, the overall theme of sexual impropriety and discussions surrounding abortions in Nauvoo suggests that such practices were a concern during that time.
Implications and Questions
While the exact extent of John C. Bennett's involvement in performing abortions in Nauvoo remains uncertain, the existence of testimonies from multiple sources raises questions about the culture and attitudes towards reproductive health within the early Mormon community. It also highlights the complexity and moral dilemmas surrounding the practice of polygamy and the ethical considerations of engaging in sexual relationships outside of traditional marriages. While these claims may be uncomfortable to confront, they provide insights into the historical context of Nauvoo and the challenges faced by its members.
Existence of Abortions in Nauvoo
Abortions were practiced in Nauvoo, and there is evidence of doctors and midwives being knowledgeable about performing abortions using herbs and oils. The practice of abortion was not viewed with the same moral implication as it is today. Furthermore, there are multiple testimonies, including one from Hiram Smith, suggesting that abortions were happening in Nauvoo. However, it is debated whether John C. Bennett performed abortions for Joseph Smith himself.
Implications of Abortion in Nauvoo
The existence of abortions in Nauvoo raises questions about Joseph Smith's involvement in polygamy, as abortions would contradict the purpose of polygamy to raise up a righteous seed. John C. Bennett's exposé highlights his description of Joseph Smith coercing women into polygamy and his accurate listing of Joseph Smith's wives, which cannot be dismissed. While Bennett's motives and credibility may be questioned, his work should be studied and considered in understanding the complexity of Joseph Smith's actions.
In this episode, we expose the layers of Bennett's role in divulging Joseph's polygamous secrets. From secret women's organizations with captivating names like Cyprian Saints to the complex web of polygamous relationships, we journey through a fascinating exploration of historical allegations and denials. Brace yourself for a captivating ride through the world of John C. Bennett, where accusations, clandestine affairs, and the shadowy specter of abortionist connections add layers of complexity to this historical puzzle.
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