Mormon Church Releases Full William Clayton Diaries, Including Accounts of Joseph Smith’s Polygamy Practices

William Clayton, a trusted scribe and secretary to Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, maintained detailed diaries that offer insight into early Mormon history. Known for his role in authoring the hymn “Come, Come, Ye Saints,” Clayton also documented significant events during the Nauvoo period in Illinois, including the development of the church’s doctrines. His records include notes on Smith dictating passages from the Doctrine and Covenants, a collection of revelations that outline the faith’s teachings.

Clayton’s journals provide a firsthand account of the religious and social dynamics within the early Mormon community. His writings have been a subject of scholarly interest, particularly regarding the practice of plural marriage, or polygamy, which was a controversial aspect of the faith during that time. For over a century, the church restricted access to Clayton’s diaries, allowing only select researchers to study them. However, the church plans to publish the full text of the journals, with detailed annotations, through Yale University Press in the coming year.

The release of Clayton’s diaries has sparked debate among historians and members of the church. Some scholars question the reliability of the records, particularly in relation to claims about Joseph Smith’s personal practices. The church has maintained that its teachings on plural marriage were divinely revealed and were part of the faith’s doctrine, though the practice was not officially sanctioned until later years.

In an upcoming episode of the “Mormon Land” podcast, experts from the Church History Department will examine Clayton’s journals, discussing what they reveal about polygamy and daily life in Nauvoo. The discussion will also address the historical context of the records and their significance for understanding the church’s early development.

The church’s decision to make these documents publicly available reflects a broader effort to engage with historical scholarship while maintaining the integrity of its teachings. As the publication approaches, the diaries are expected to contribute to ongoing conversations about the church’s origins and the interpretation of its early practices. The release underscores the importance of transparency and historical accountability in religious institutions.

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