Maria Lawrence

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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.

Jump to Subtopic:

• Question: Did Joseph Smith mismanage the estate of two orphans, Maria and Sarah Lawrence by marrying these sisters polygamously in order to use the marriage to enrich himself?

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.

Jump to Subtopic:

• Question: Was there ever a consummation of the sealing between Maria Lawrence and Joseph Smith?

Joseph Smith's Polygamy: "Maria Lawrence", by Brian C. Hales

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