For 2 weeks in a row, I’ve been able to interview a fellow blogger here at Wheat & Tares! Mary Ann Clements has authored a chapter in “Secret Covenants” about one of Nauvoo’s earliest polygamists, Theodore Turley. She dives deep into the records to discover secrets from his plural marriages to 3 Clift Sisters. Mary Ann is an amazing researcher and uncovers some amazing information. Check out our conversation….

Mary Ann’s Background

Mary Ann is a certified genealogist with an archaeology degree from BYU. As a student, she used her archaeology skills to research a headstone and find the obituary of a miner from Park City whose headstone was found in Salt Lake City. She analyzed a cache of glass bottles and learned to identify different types of alcoholic beverages based on their finishes and manufacturing symbols. This led her to research companies from the time period to determine the age of the bottles and their potential historical significance.

Theodore Turley’s mission to England and Connection to Clift family

Mary Ann discovered Theodore Turley’s first wife Mary Clift had no headstone, leading her to research on all three sisters. Theodore Turley was the first Latter-day Saint to construct a home in Nauvoo, Illinois. Turley had led a group of missionaries to England in 1840, who baptized members of the Clift family. While in England, Turley preached before being arrested and imprisoned for debt due to him assuming his business partner’s debts when their partnership dissolved. It seems likely that people dug up old debts and got Turley arrested to keep him from preaching. Following his mission, Theodore Turley journeyed to America, including Mary Clift (who later became Theodore’s 4th wife.) Mary Clift, one of the three sisters, was born in Bristol and is described as a servant on the ship manifest.

Surrogacy Arrangement in 1830s England involved Prominent Aristocratic Couple.

Sarah Clift became Turley’s first plural wife. Prior to coming to America, she worked for Dr. Selwyn and has a baby boy named Congreve Selwyn with him. Dr. Selwyn and his cousin/wife Albania Salwen couldn’t conceive, so it seems they arranged for Sarah to have a child with him. Rick asked Mary Ann if she has heard of surrogacy arrangements in the 1830s, and Mary Ann replies that there is no birth registration for the couple’s son, which could suggest a surrogacy arrangement. Mary Ann suspects Sarah’s multiple pregnancies were arranged surrogacy, with two boys born in 1839 & 1841. Sarah left England in 1841 with her son George Augustus, taking the name Selwyn, and married Theodore Turley in April 1844, making them one of the earliest polygamists in Nauvoo.

Theodore Turley’s Plural Wives

Both Sarah & Eliza’s marriage dates were backdated to 1842 to make it look like their children were Theodore’s. Eliza Clift married on the ship to America, with Mary Ann providing details from a passenger’s reminiscence. Eliza’s marriage to George Fiddler was confirmed through a later census record, showing her living with her husband in Nauvoo. George owed debts and lost his job at the Red Brick Store, then apologized to Joseph Smith in a letter. Eliza was abandoned by husband George Fiddler a month after giving birth to twin girls. (It seems likely that George probably died due to hanging out with outlaws.) Eliza gave a court affidavit that provides details of her marriage and divorce from George Fiddler. Eliza gave the divorce affidavit in Galena, and mentioned she had two daughters.

3rd Sister Wife

Gustavus Hills uses the polygamy rumors on Nauvoo to have conjugal relations with Mary Clift despite his being married with children. Mary Clift accuses Gustavus Hills of sexual assault, leading to a High Council Court and disfellowshipment. He admits to having sexual relations with Mary Clift. Mary names the child Jason, which doesn’t fit with the usual family names. Jason dies soon after birth, and Mary Ann wonders if the name Jason is in reference to the Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts, a man who betrays a women who was loyal to him. Mary’s religious beliefs influenced her decision to make it look like the father was Theodore, a more worthy or father in her view, and to whom she became his fourth wife.

Polygamy Skeptics, land deeds, and William Clayton Journal

Some prominent polygamy skeptics have questioned the authenticity of the William Clayton Journals because they are one of the largest sources of contemporary polygamy evidence in Nauvoo. The journal records the incident where Emma threatened Joseph with divorce over polygamy, and Joseph granting some land deeds to Emma. Some people have tired to use land deeds as an argument in support of D&C 132’s legitimacy, while others use land deeds as evidence against 132.

Mary Ann discusses William Clayton’s journal and deeds related to Emma Smith. The Joseph Smith Papers website shows 2 similar land deeds. Mary Ann says these are draft deeds, while the real deed went to the county. The first deed is dated July 12, 1843, with Hyrum’s name crossed out. Another deed with similar properties has Emma’s name that were later deeded to her. The William Clayton journal supports Emma’s receipt of properties, despite conflicting dates in other records. Emma was given unencumbered lots as financial security for her and her children. (She likely would have rented out the properties as a source of income.) Why the 2 deeds have both Hyrum & Emma’s name is a mystery.

I’m amazed at the research Mary Ann has discovered and find the stories of the 3 sisters absolutely astonishing. Do you have any strange polygamy stories in your family history? Have you read “Secret Covenants” yet?