Maria Lawrence

Claimed mismanagement of the Lawrence estate

Summary: Joseph Smith was appointed the guardian of two daughters, Maria and Sarah Lawrence, and their inheritance. He later married them in plural marriage. The evidence shows that Joseph Smith faithfully discharged his legal duties, despite the claims made by some nineteeth-century and modern critics.

Charge of adultery between Maria and Joseph Smith

Summary: Just prior to his death, a criminal complaints was brought against Joseph Smith, alleging adultery with Maria Lawrence. Legal analysis demonstrates that Joseph was innocent of this charge, and some authors have suggested that Joseph's legal strategy may imply that the sealing with Maria was never consummated.

See Biography:

A biography of Maria Lawrence may be viewed on Brian and Laura Hales' website "josephsmithspolygamy.org".

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