Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1872-04-11
A NORMAN wOMAN's STORY.
Revelations by an Elders First
Wife.-lhe uOrrOrs of POIygamy.


Rexclations by an Elders First
wife.-phe Horrors of POIygamy.
Mrs. T.. B. II. Stenhouse, whose hus-
band has been widely known for the past
twenty years as Mormon elder and
missionary, has just written book ex-
posing the secrets of the Mormon delu-
sion. II is entitled "A Lady's Life
among the Mormons; record of per-
sonal experiences as one of the wives of
a Norman elder during period of more
than twenty years. A few extracts
from her history will show the nature of
her revelations, and the bitterness of her
resentment toward the leaders of the
Mormon church
When had more experience
in the ways of men, discovered several
never-failing signs by which one might
know when man wished to take another
wife, He would suddenly awaken to
sense of his duties, and would have great
fears that the Lord would not pardon
him for any neglect He would become
very religious, attend to his meetings
testimony meetings, singing meetings,
and various other meetings! In fact he
would show great determination to
leave nothing undone which ought to be
done. My husband, being a good and
conscientious Mormon, experienced all
these feelings. Of course he did; and
his kind brethren, knowing just how he
felt, sympsthized, urged, and even aided
him in his noble efforts to carry out the
command of God.
The young lady was at last selected.
She was very pretty and very youthful. |
The last qualification is very necessary
in Mormon mind, for then it is expect
ed that she will have more time to bear
children to the glory of the kingdom. 1t |
must not be supposed that any other
consideration influences Mormon mind.
o, dear! no. They are such pure mind
ed men,
Then commenced the painful task of
paying his addresses to her. 1t is a
painful task, know, for my husband |
told me it was, and of course /, as du-
tiful wife, believed him. He seemed,
however to bear it remarkably well, and
went at it with zeal that was perfectly
astonishing to me, who knew, from
what he had said, how painful it was to
him.
/ had really to restrain him for the
benefit of his health; for when the du-
ties of the day were over, and evening
came, he would scarcely take time to
eat his supper, SO anxious was he to
continue this labor Of love.
But deeply as ! sympathized with my
husband in the painful duty which
he had TO perform, there were times when
| felt that my real sorrow was greater
than his fancied difficulties. | was, in
fact, now truly overwhelmed with trouble.
1t seemed to me as if afiliction was right
at my door. would sometimes almost
rave with anger. Then | would pray,
then cry. 1888
~ @ knew the very hours that !
my husband was with her. Mentally |
was myself with him, and saw all. Oh !
the anguish that felt in those timesl
No tongue can describe it, no one is !
capable of imagining it but woman +,
who truly loves her husband and has en- :
iured the same anguish as that which | !
hen felt.
aRs. sTENHorsE GIVES HER HUSBAND A i
SECOND WIFE. I
The time at length arrived for us to 4
% 10 the Endowment House" and {
here at the altar the first wife is ex- y
,ected to give proof of her faith in her S
eligion by placing the hand of the new n
wife in that of her husband She is q
Isked the question by Brigham Young: Il
"Are you willing to give this woman C
o your husband, to be his lawful and b
Vedded wife, for time and for all eter- $,
lity.? II you are, you will manifest it il
" placing her right hand within the el
ight hand Of your husband. a
| did so; but what words can describe fc
ny feelings? The anguish of whole il
ifetime was crowded into that one sin Il
lie moment. p
| remember we'll that when m
returned home-that home which ii
Tas now TO become hateful to me, for It
is young wife was to live there--my Fl
usband said to me, you have been bl
cry brave; but it is not SO hard to do, W
fter all, is it?" He had seen me bear W.
so well, that he even supposed / was is
iditferent So much for the penetra- W
on Of menl t. a Itr. n
During the remainder of that day, how
watched their looks and noted their O
very word To me, their tender tones
ere like daggers, piercing me to the
cart. One moment yearned for my OF
nsbands undivided love; the next mo- re
ant hated the very sight Of him, and es
owed that be never again should have a dc
lace in my heart. Then would feel th
Iat there was no justice in Heaven, or h
lis great sorrew would not have come nj
pom ms. be