The founder of the Mormon Church, who has allowed polygamy for over several years, was revealed to have had as many as 40 wives including some who were already committed to someone else and one who was barely 14 years old.

Joseph Smith, Jr., born Dec. 23, 1805, founded the religion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. At the age of 24, he wrote and published the Book of Mormon; and by 1844 has attracted tens of thousands of followers that continue to grow to this day.

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His polygamous activities have been confirmed in a statement that surprisingly came from the church itself. In the past, Mormons could be punished for addressing topics like polygamy and the church's ban on black people in the priesthood.

The essay, posted on the Latter-day Saints' website, disclosed some details about Smith's marriages. It revealed that an angel appeared to Smith three times sometime around 1834 to 1842 and commanded him to proceed with plural marriage. On the third appearance, the angel came to him again, but this time with a drawn sword. Smith was then threatened with destruction unless he obeyed.

Smith had not wanted to take multiple wives, but finally relented. This did not only affect him, but also his wife. "It was an excruciating ordeal for Emma," the church said.

With Smith engaging in multiple marriages, it caused a breach with his first wife, Emma. Though she knew of a few of her husband's other commitments, she was oblivious to the exact number of marriages. In 1843, she temporarily accepted four women all married to Smith, in their household, but demanded that they leave after regretting her decision. Later, Smith pressured Emma to accept polygamy as it was dictated in a revelation. 

TagsNews, U.S. news, Society, Culture, Mormon, Mormon church, Joseph Smith