Eliza R. Snow: Difference between revisions
Created page with "== Eliza Roxcy Snow == Eliza Roxcy Snow was a prominent and complex figure in early Latter-day Saint history, known as a poet, Relief Society leader, and a central figure in the narratives surrounding early Mormon polygamy [1, 2]. She was active in the church and continued to be a significant figure at least until 1887, and was deceased by 1899 [2-4]. === Early Life and Character === Snow was recognized for her brilliance, power, and eloquent writing, particularly her..." |
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=== Contradictions and Critiques of Eliza's Accounts === | === Contradictions and Critiques of Eliza's Accounts === | ||
Several historical issues raise questions about the credibility of Eliza Snow's accounts regarding polygamy: | Several historical issues raise questions about the credibility of Eliza Snow's accounts regarding polygamy: | ||
* | * '''The "Angel with a Flaming Sword"''': While a key source, the growing intensity and specificity of her retellings are noted [3]. | ||
* | * '''Joseph's Watch''': The known origin story of the watch contradicts its later presentation as a personal gift and marital evidence [17, 18]. | ||
* | * '''Name Change''': Her decision to adopt "Smith" as her surname only after Emma's death, despite being married to Brigham Young for decades, is seen as a motivated attempt to "push a narrative" [2]. | ||
* | * '''Emma Smith's Denials''': Eliza Snow claimed that if Joseph Smith the Third's published interview with Emma (after Emma's death) was true, then Emma "died with libel on her lips," asserting that Emma "knew she was in the home" and "knew what Emma knew" about Joseph's plural wives [24]. This assertion is contrasted with arguments that Eliza, having been "promised that there was nothing she could do to lose her exaltation" and taught to "lie for the Lord," may not be a reliable witness [25, 26]. | ||
* | * "'''Eliza and the Stairs" Story''': The widely circulated story of Emma pushing Eliza down the stairs while pregnant with Joseph's child is considered a falsehood. Its origins are traced to Leroy Snow (Eliza's nephew) long after the events, and it contains significant factual inconsistencies regarding dates, locations, and witnesses [6, 27, 28]. Lorenzo Snow's statement that Eliza lived in an "unmarried state until she was beyond the condition of raising a family" further undermines claims of her being pregnant with Joseph's child [4]. | ||
* | * '''Lack of Journal Evidence''': Her Nauvoo journal does not contain overt mentions of a sealing to Joseph or the "stairs" incident, despite its contemporaneous nature [13]. | ||
Eliza Snow's narratives are seen by some as part of a larger body of "folklore" that emerged in Utah to solidify the polygamous practices there, rather than being strictly factual historical records [5]. Some historians also question Eliza Snow's credibility, especially when pulling "the thread" of her stories [26]. She is also identified as one of the sources for the "angel with the flaming sword" story, and when considering her full history, she is sometimes deemed less than honest [10]. | Eliza Snow's narratives are seen by some as part of a larger body of "folklore" that emerged in Utah to solidify the polygamous practices there, rather than being strictly factual historical records [5]. Some historians also question Eliza Snow's credibility, especially when pulling "the thread" of her stories [26]. She is also identified as one of the sources for the "angel with the flaming sword" story, and when considering her full history, she is sometimes deemed less than honest [10]. | ||