Her mother Augusta, however, had converted to Mormonism in 1832 and abandoned the family in 1843 to marry Brigham Young as his second polygamous wife.

These polygamous wives ran their household and designated tasks for their husbands.

In addition, most Mormon polygamists and every polygamous general authority continued to co-habit with their polygamous wives.

Ms. Watson said she has a friend, a polygamous wife, who is aware of child abuse in her neighborhood.

It was built as a home for a "polygamous wife" of lawyer George M. Brown.

Ruth Stubbs, a former polygamous wife, fled Hildale six years ago with her two young children when she was pregnant with her third.

There were about three children per mother in every household and polygamous wives lived in the same home as well.

She was also the guiding force behind the Salt Lake Industrial Home for polygamous wives.

In addition, many 19th century polygamous wives were well educated, politically active professionals.

Tapestry of Polygamy, a self-help group of former polygamous wives, says it seeks to "free" women and children from polygamy.