“It becomes my duty to lay before the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the public generally, some important facts relative to the conduct and character of Dr John C. Bennett, who has lately been expelled from the aforesaid church; that the honorable part of community may be aware of his proceedings and be ready to treat him and regard him as he ought to be regarded, viz: as an imposter and base adulterer.” — Joseph Smith¹

John C. Bennett was baptized in 1840. He held key positions in Nauvoo, including mayor and assistant Church president.² His practice of “spiritual wifery” led to his excommunication.³ Bennett falsely claimed church leaders endorsed his actions, causing public scandal.¹ The Prophet had introduced the covenant relationships of plural marriage privately in 1841 while publicly denying “polygamy” and “spiritual wifery.”⁴ Bennett went on to spread lies about Joseph and the Church.⁵

1. Letter to the Church and Others, 23 June 1842, 2, josephsmithpapers.org

2. “Bennett, John Cook,” josephsmithpapers.org;

3. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 38, 457-458

4. “Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo,” churchofjesuschrist.org

5. Saints, Volume 1, Chapter 40, 484