Joseph Smith III's Denial of Emma's Polygamy

Joseph Smith III's denials of his father's polygamy are questioned due to inconsistencies and contradicting evidence. Emma's absence and lack of written notes in the published interview raise doubts. Melissa Lot, a wife of Joseph Smith, testified under oath that she had sexual relations with him as his plural wife, contradicting Joseph Smith III's interview. Letters from Joseph Smith III to a missionary and his uncle indicate his knowledge of his father's plural wives. William McClellan's conversation with Emma and later letter to Joseph Smith III provide further evidence of Joseph's polygamy. Late accounts suggest that Emma oversaw the temple ceremony in Nauvoo while advising women against polygamy. This calls Joseph Smith III's interviews into question, suggesting that we may be hearing his narrative rather than Emma's.