William Clayton is likely known to most members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as the author of the beloved pioneer hymn, “<a href='https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/songs/come-come-ye-saints?lang=eng'>Come, Come, Ye Saints</a>.” To historians, though, Clayton was a key figure in Mormonism’s beginnings, especially during the years in Nauvoo, Illinois. He served as secretary and scribe for church founder Joseph Smith, keeping a detailed diary of all the happenings — and controversies — during that pivotal period.
He recorded Smith dictating passages in the faith’s Doctrine and Covenants, including the <a href='https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132?lang=eng'>section about polygamy</a>, or “plural marriage,” as it was known.
For more than a century, the church kept a tight lid on Clayton’s journals, allowing only select scholars access to them. But next year the Utah-based faith is publishing the full record, with careful annotations, through Yale University Press. Even before the publication, however, <a href='https://www.sltrib.com/religion/2026/07/18/more-evidence-soon-be-published/'>Clayton’s account has been questioned</a> by those who do not believe Smith practiced polygamy.
On this week’s show, Matthew Grow, managing director of the Church History Department, and Matthew McBride, director of publications for the department, discuss Clayton, his journals, what they say — and don’t say — about polygamy, and day-to-day life in Nauvoo.

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His scribe’s diaries provide further evidence of Joseph Smith’s secret polygamy | Episode 449

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