Ralph Smith in Jail for 'Unlawful Cohabitation
Pictured here at far right is my great-great-grandfather Ralph Smith who was incarcerated in the Orem, Utah, jail for "unlawful cohabitation" or polygamy/plural marriage. At the time, Ralph had three wives: my great-great-grandmother Emma Girdlestone, Susan Jolley and Mary Ann Rutledge Jolley Smith. Even Susan and Mary were arrested. Emma wasn't because she was considered the only legal wife.
This picture is from my cousin Lloyd Smith's book "The family of Samuel Sober Smith and Flavia Rebecca Sidwell. I was thrilled to get this picture as I had no idea there ever was on.
In the book the following is recorded from Ralph Smith.
"While confined at home with sickness in March 1887, I was arrested, charged with unlawful cohabitation and placed under a $2,500 bond; my two wives were placed under a $200 bond each. In November, I stood trial at Ogden and was sentenced to six months imprisonment and fined $140 and costs. I was confined in the Ogden jail from 20 November 1887 to April 1888. Brother Alvin Crockett, my life long friend, was also sentenced. We were a comfort to each other," he writes.
While Ralph was imprisoned his youngest wife Mary Ann Rutledge Jolley Smith had a baby and brought the child to the jail for Ralph to see.
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