Ann Eliza Young

Ann Eliza Young (1844-1917) was a prominent American author, lecturer, and activist known for her public criticism of Mormonism and polygamy in the late 19th century. Her most influential work was her 1875 autobiography "Wife No. 19," which detailed her experiences as one of Brigham Young's plural wives. Originally born Ann Eliza Webb in Nauvoo, Illinois, she married Brigham Young in 1869 as his 19th wife when she was 24 years old. After leaving the marriage and the Mormon church in 1873, she became an outspoken critic of polygamy and traveled extensively giving lectures about Mormon practices. Her writings and speeches significantly influenced public opinion and contributed to the passage of the Poland Act (1874) and Edmunds Act (1882), which strengthened federal laws against polygamy. Young's testimony before Congress helped shape anti-polygamy legislation and reform efforts in the United States during the late 1800s. Her memoir "Wife No. 19" became a bestseller and remains a significant historical document of life in early Mormon communities. The book provided detailed accounts of the Mormon leadership structure, plural marriage practices, and daily life in Utah Territory during Brigham Young's leadership.

Readers consistently note Ann Eliza Young's detailed first-hand accounts of 19th century Mormon life and polygamy practices. Multiple reviewers on Goodreads praise her courage in exposing controversial aspects of early Mormon culture. Readers appreciate: - Personal insights into Brigham Young's household - Historical descriptions of frontier Utah - Clear explanations of Mormon customs and beliefs - Documentation of women's experiences in polygamous marriages Common criticisms: - Writing style can be melodramatic - Religious bias affects objectivity - Some historical claims lack verification - Narrative gets repetitive in later chapters On Goodreads, "Wife No. 19" maintains a 3.8/5 rating from over 2,000 reviews. Amazon reviews average 4.2/5 stars. One reviewer notes: "An invaluable primary source, despite clear anti-Mormon sentiment." Another writes: "Fascinating historical perspective, though clearly written with an agenda." Reviews frequently debate the book's reliability as a historical document while acknowledging its significance in anti-polygamy reform efforts.

Wife No. 19 (1875) An autobiographical account detailing Young's life as the 19th wife of Mormon leader Brigham Young, her subsequent divorce, and her critical examination of Mormon polygamy practices.

Life in Mormon Bondage (1908) A follow-up memoir expanding on her earlier work, focusing on the broader social dynamics within Mormon settlements and further criticizing the practice of plural marriage.

Fanny Stenhouse wrote exposés of Mormon polygamy in the 1870s based on her personal experiences as a plural wife. Her memoir "Tell It All" covers similar themes to Young's work about life in early Mormon Utah.

Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner documented her experiences as a plural wife to Joseph Smith and later Brigham Young in her autobiography and letters. Her firsthand accounts provide insight into the early Mormon church leadership and plural marriage practices that Young wrote about.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman focused on women's rights and social reform in late 19th century America through both fiction and non-fiction. Her work "Women and Economics" addresses many of the same concerns about women's autonomy and economic independence that Young raised.

Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote about controversial social issues in 19th century America, particularly focusing on marriage and women's roles. Her novel "My Wife and I" deals with marriage reform themes that parallel Young's criticisms of Mormon matrimonial practices.

Helen Mar Kimball Whitney published extensively about plural marriage and early Mormon life in Salt Lake City newspapers and journals. Her writings provide a contemporary perspective on the same Mormon society that Young described in her works.