The Mormon Prophet and His Harem: Or, An Authentic History of Brigham Young, His Numerous Wives and ChildrenWaite, C. V. (Catherine Van Valkenburg)
History
The Mormon Prophet and His Harem: Or, An Authentic History of Brigham Young, His Numerous Wives and Children
Waite, C. V. (Catherine Van Valkenburg)
Latter Day Saint churches; Young, Brigham, 1801-1877
Brigham's women, though better clothed than formerly, still work very
hard. They are infatuated with their religion, and devoted to their
husband. If they cannot obtain his love, they content themselves with
his kindness, and endeavor to think themselves happy. As religion is
their only solace, they try to make it their only object. If it does not
elevate their minds, it deadens their susceptibilities, and as they are
not permitted to be _women_, they try to convince themselves that it is
God's will they should be _slaves_.
A music-master, a dancing-master, and a teacher of the ordinary branches
of an English education, are employed in the family school. Also a
teacher of French. His children have much better advantages than any
other in the Territory. Dancing and music are the leading
accomplishments, and everything else is made subordinate to these.
_Brigham at Home._
Much interest naturally attaches to the inner life of such a man as
Brigham Young. His time is much occupied. He rises early, calls the
whole family together; they sing a hymn; he prays fervently, and they
separate for the duties of the day. In past times, he ate at the Harem.
His fare is very simple, usually consisting of a bowl of milk, covered
with cream, and dry toast or bread.
His next duty used to be, to "see the women folks," to whom he was
friendly and kind, but no more. He is not Brigham the husband, but
Brigham the Prophet and Seer. The women fear and reverence him as their
God, watch his countenance as he gives them counsel, and look upon every
word he utters as the "key" to some great mystery. He pays much less
attention to them now than formerly, but is kind and considerate in his
conduct toward them.
This duty done, he next proceeds to his office, to receive his visitors,
and to transact any business that may be there awaiting his attention.
His counsel is sought upon all subjects, even in the minutest domestic
affairs of the people. So numerous are these applications for advice and
assistance, that many are turned away with a very brief answer, while
some are denied access entirely.
Theoretically, no one but he can "seal" or give plural wives in
marriage, and such at first was the practice. But in later years, this
power has been delegated to Kimball and others, and to the Bishops of
distant wards. The divorces of such can only come from him; and from
this source alone he derives a handsome revenue. He once said from the
pulpit to the people, that "the divorce money which he received through
their d--d foolery, furnished him with plenty of spending money."
No speculations are entered upon, no enterprises begun, without
consulting "Brother Brigham." This he encourages and commands. "If you
do not know what to do, in order to do right, come to me at any time,
and I will give you the word of the Lord on the subject."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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