"To whom it may concern:
We, Ebenezer Robinson and Angeline Robinson, husband and wife, hereby certify that in the fall of 1843 Hiram Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, came to our house at Nauvoo, Illinois, and taught us the doctrine of polygamy. And I, the said Ebenezer Robinson, hereby further state that he gave me special instructions how I could manage the matter so as not to have it known to the public. He also said that while he had heretofore opposed the doctrine, he was wrong and his brother Joseph was right, referring to his teaching it. Ebenezer Robinson.
Angeline Robinson.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 29th day of December, 1873.[l. s.]James Sallee, Notary Public."
Soon after this affidavit was filed Mrs. Robinson died. Mr. Robinson being questioned with regard to the matter, filed the following:
"To whom it may concern:
This is to certify that in the latter part of November, or in December, 1843, Hiram Smith (brother of Joseph Smith, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) came to my house in Nauvoo, Illinois, and taught me the doctrine of spiritual wives, or polygamy. He said he heard the voice of the Lord give the revelation on spiritual wifery (polygamy) to his brother Joseph, and that while he had heretofore opposed the doctrine, he was wrong, and his brother Joseph was right all the time. He told me to make a selection of some young woman and he would send her to me, and take her to my home and if she should have an heir, to give out word that she had a husband who had gone on a mission to a foreign country. He seemed disappointed when I declined to do so. E. Robinson.
Davis City, Iowa, Oct. 23, 1885.
Subscribed and sworn to before me, a Notary Public in and for Decatur County, Iowa, this 24th day of October, A. D. 1885.
[L. S.]
Z. H. Gurley, Notary Public."
These affidavits are recorded in the Biographical and
