Children of Joseph Smith

Some Latter Day Saint sects, including the RLDS, believed that leadership of the church would follow lineal succession of Smith's descendants.

In 1860, Joseph Smith III became the prophet and president of the RLDS Church, succeeded by his sons.

The larger LDS Church did not follow the practice, and it was led after Joseph Smith's death by Brigham Young.

Joseph Smith taught the doctrine of plural marriage as found in the Old Testament but also publicly condemned polygamy not under the laws of God.

Emily D. P. Partidge said she "roomed" with him, and Melissa Lott Willes testified that she was his wife "in very deed".