Did early Mormon apostles practice polygamy without Joseph Smith's knowledge?

LDS Perspective

The claim that early Mormon apostles practiced polygamy without Joseph Smith's knowledge is not supported by strong historical evidence. Joseph Smith, as the founder and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, was the central figure in the introduction and administration of plural marriage within the early Church. Joseph Smith began practicing and teaching plural marriage in the 1830s and 1840s, and he was actively involved in guiding others in the practice. There are numerous accounts and records indicating that Joseph Smith was aware of and directed the implementation of plural marriage among his closest associates. One clear indication that Joseph Smith had knowledge of and authorized the practice among Church leaders is the revelation now recorded in Doctrine and C

Historical Perspective

The practice of polygamy in early Mormonism, particularly among its leaders, is a well-documented yet complex issue. The historical consensus is that Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), instituted and practiced polygamy himself. This practice was later expanded and continued by Brigham Young and other church leaders after Smith's death in 1844. Reports and evidence from the period indicate that polygamy was practiced among early Mormon apostles with the knowledge and often the direction of Joseph Smith, rather than behind his back or without his knowledge. One significant piece of evidence supporting Joseph Smith’s involvement in initiating polygamous practices among early Mormon apostles is the Nauvoo Expositor, a newspaper published