Historical Examples of Polygamous Families in the LDS Church

Can you provide any historical examples of couples raising their children while both parents were practicing polygamy within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS)?

Indeed, historical records reveal that polygamy was practiced by many early members of the LDS Church, and there are notable cases where couples practiced plural marriage and raised their children together.

The Hales and Horne Family: A Case in Point

The life of Joseph and Mary Isabella Hales Horne provides a vivid example of a couple who practiced polygamy within the LDS Church and established a legacy that has persisted across generations. Their story highlights how this practice shaped their lives and the lives of their descendants.

Joseph Hales Horne: A Pioneer and Patriarch

Joseph Hales Horne, born in 1823, was an early convert to the LDS faith. He migrated from Canada to Kirtland, Ohio, with his family and later joined the Saints in Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph was instrumental in the early growth and development of the LDS Church. When Joseph Smith, the Prophet and founder of the LDS Church, was martyred in 1844, Joseph Horne continued to support the mission of the Church.

Joseph's plural marriage to Mary Isabella Hales occurred in the Nauvoo Temple. He ultimately had 15 children with Mary Isabella, a remarkable number of offspring for a single mother in that era. In addition, Joseph had six more children with his second wife. He later married a third time but had no children with that third wife.

Mary Isabella Hales: An Industrious and Dedicated Mother

As Joseph Hales Horne colonized the southern part of the state, Mary Isabella took on the role of a trailblazer. She was deeply involved in church and community activities, exemplifying the spirit of service and devotion that characterized many early LDS women.

Some of her notable contributions include:

Serving as the president of her ward's Relief Society Acting as the secretary to the General Relief Society president Helping to organize the first Primary in the LDS Church Promoting women's suffrage Actively participating as a midwife

Her leadership and advocacy played crucial roles in the development of organizational structures within the LDS Church.

SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE AND PERSISTENT LEGACY

While the practice of polygamy was challenging, Joseph and Mary Isabella remained faithful to their beliefs. Their dedication to the principles of the LDS Church fostered the development of a significant lineage. Their male children succeeded in influential roles within the Church, becoming bishops and stake presidents. Their posterity today numbers in the thousands, a testament to their enduring legacy.

CONCLUSION

The Hales and Horne family's story serves as a prime example of how couples in the LDS Church practiced polygamy and created families. Their faith, perseverance, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the Church and their descendants.

While contemporary times have seen significant changes within the Church, understanding the historical context of these practices is essential for comprehensive historical and cultural understanding.