"The Mormon Prophet and his Harem" by C.V. Waite

Above: "The Mormon Prophet and his Harem. C.V. Waite - 310 pages.
I completed reading the above book today.

If the reader can allow for the bias, the book is an excellent early history of Utah and the state of Mormonism in the 1860s, offering a contemporary perspective on a pivotal period in Mormon history.

"The Mormon Prophet and His Harem" by C.V. Waite, first published in 1866, is a historical biography focusing on Brigham Young, the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his practice of polygamy, and the socio-political dynamics of Mormonism in 19th-century Utah. Written by Catherine Van Valkenburg Waite, a lawyer and women’s suffrage activist, the book offers a critical perspective on Young’s leadership, his polygamous family, and the broader Mormon system, based on the author’s two-year residence in Utah. The Waite family moved to the Great Salt Lake Valley in 1862 after Catherine's husband Charles was appointed as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of Utah Territory by President Lincoln.

The book provides a detailed account of Brigham Young’s life, from his early years and conversion to Mormonism to his rise as a religious and political leader in Utah. It explores his role in establishing Mormon settlements, such as the migration to Salt Lake Valley, and his governance as Utah’s territorial governor and superintendent of Indian affairs. A significant focus is on Young’s polygamous relationships, detailing his marriages to over fifty women and the lives of his wives and children within the so-called “harem.” Waite examines the controversial practice of polygamy, its impact on women and children, and the social and cultural norms of the time. The book also critiques the political structure of Mormonism, portraying it as a “religious monarchy” that Waite believed posed a threat to the U.S. government, warning of “elements of a second rebellion” due to the church’s influence and isolationist tendencies.

Waite’s preface is explicit about her intentions: to present an “authentic” account of Young’s polygamous family and the “complicated and incongruous system” of Mormonism without apology, driven by her “utter abhorrence” of polygamy. Her narrative combines firsthand observations with historical records, aiming to expose what she saw as the dangers of Mormonism’s blend of religion and governance.

If the reader can allow for the bias, the book is an excellent early history of Utah and the state of Mormonism in the 1860s, offering a contemporary perspective on a pivotal period in Mormon history. It provides valuable details about the social and political climate, including legal battles over polygamy and tensions with federal authorities.

Waite’s meticulous research offers a vivid depiction of Brigham Young’s personal and public life, including his roles as prophet, governor, and patriarch. Descriptions of his wives, such as the kind and sympathetic Harriet Barney or the tyrannical Amelia, add a human dimension to the narrative. These descriptions of Brigham's wives are often compassionate giving them a balanced human dimension. I found this section of the book quite moving in it bringing forth a human dimension to women about whom I was heretofore only dimly aware.

My great great paternal grandfather, William Joseph Taylor, had two wives: Mary Bowering, his first wife, and my line, and Rebecca Harris Yates. When William died in Lake View, Utah in 1936, Mary Bowering and her and William's son Emer Taylor moved to the remote community of Yost in Box Elder County, UT. My son Jake and I discovered Emer's grave in the Yost cemetery in 2000. Emer died in 1948.

Waite’s strong anti-Mormon stance shapes the narrative. Her lack of impartiality is not hard to discern. Her portrayal of Mormonism as a dangerous, cult-like system and her use of terms like “harem” reflect a critical bias common in anti-Mormon literature of the era.

"The Mormon Prophet and His Harem" is a compelling, if biased, historical account that offers a critical look at Brigham Young’s life, polygamy, and Mormonism’s socio-political structure in the 19th century. Its strengths lie in its detailed research and contemporary perspective, making it a valuable resource for understanding Utah’s early history and the controversies surrounding Mormonism. However, its overtly critical tone and lack of objectivity may detract from its scholarly appeal for modern readers seeking balanced analysis. Also, reading nonfiction written one hundred sixty years ago is an interesting experience for its own sake.