What do Land Deeds in Nauvoo have to do with D&C 132? It turns out there is a controversy where an argument is made for and against 132 being legit vs forgery. Mary Ann Clements weighs in on the controversy. Check out our conversation with Mary Ann about her chapter in Secret Covenants... Sign up to our free newsletter!  https://gospeltangents.com/newsletter

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How Nauvoo Land Deeds Shed Light on Mormon Polygamy Debates

At the heart of some of current polygamy discussions lies the authenticity of historical documents, particularly the William Clayton Journal. Recent research delving into Nauvoo land deeds offers fascinating insights, not only into Joseph Smith's financial dealings but also into the controversy surrounding early polygamy.

Mary Ann Clemens, one of the authors in "Secret Covenants: New Insights into Mormon Polygamy," highlights how land deeds have become a focal point for both proving and disproving claims about Joseph Smith's early practice of polygamy.

The William Clayton Journal: Forgery or Validation?

One of the central debates in skeptical circles concerns whether the William Clayton Journal is a forgery. Mary Ann Clemens disagrees with this argument. Her reasoning, and the focus of her recent research, involves the detailed examination of Nauvoo land deeds, specifically those made on July 12, 1843, to Emma Smith.

Don Bradley's Argument for Validation: According to Don Bradley, the July 12, 1843 deeds to Emma Smith serve as an element that confirms or validates the William Clayton diaries. This date is significant because it's the day the polygamy revelation (Section 132) was written. The traditional narrative suggests that Hyrum Smith attempted to convince Emma of polygamy that day, but Emma vehemently denied it. As a result of this conversation, a decision was made to deed Emma all the unencumbered lots in Nauvoo. William Clayton's journal, a couple of days later, corroborates this, mentioning the drawing up of the deed and giving Emma the lots.

The deeds were initially recorded in the Nauvoo Register book in 1843 by William Clayton himself, which some skeptics distrust due to his involvement. However, in July 1844, just after Joseph Smith's death, these deeds were also recorded in the Hancock County deed records, providing an independent record that, from Bradley's perspective, confirms the story in Clayton's journal.

The Skeptic's Counter-Argument: Michelle Stone's Research

Despite the evidence, some see these same deeds as disproving William Clayton's journal. Michelle Stone's research unearthed a fascinating detail:

A July 12, 1843 draft deed to Hyrum Smith: Stone discovered a deed, dated July 12, 1843, that was fully written out but never signed or completed. This draft was intended for Joseph Smith's brother, Hyrum, and listed many of the same properties that were later deeded to Emma.

Stone argues that because there's no explanation for why Hyrum was receiving these properties, it couldn't have been related to polygamy. She questions why the Joseph Smith Papers project labeled this a "draft."

Why "Draft"? And the True Story Behind the Deeds

Mary Ann Clemens provides clarification, agreeing with the "draft" designation for several reasons:

The draft deed to Hyrum had Hyrum's name scratched out and Emma's name written in on the back..

It was never signed or recorded anywhere.

Another draft deed to Emma, also dated July 12, was found. This one listed an extra lot not on county records and didn't finish the boilerplate language.

These drafts are critical. While people like Michelle Stone argue they represent distinct transactions or prove deception,