Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife

Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife

by Irene Spencer

Intended for Adult Audiences

Irene Spencer was raised in the Mormon Principle. Her mother was one of four wives and her father went to jail for polygamy. As she grew into adolescence she began to struggle with her beliefs. She was torn between marrying the man she loved and marrying into the principle.

In 1953 at the age of sixteen Irene became the second wife of Verlan LeBaron. At such a young age she was not prepared for the loneliness, the secrets, and the jealousy that accompanied multiple marriages. She was not allowed to share with her family and friends that she was married for fear of her husband being arrested. They ultimately moved to Mexico where she lived in shacks, trailers and broken down houses. Most of the time electricity and indoor pluming was a luxury she had to live without.

In the end she was one of ten wives, and she had thirteen of her husband’s fifty-eight children. She writes of her struggle between what was best for her and her love for her husband. Shattered Dreams is an emotional and fascinating narrative.

You can find a copy of Shattered Dreams: My Life as a Polygamist’s Wife by Irene Spencer in the New Book Section in the lower level of Kewanee Public Library.

Sarah R. Barth Kewanee Public Library, Youth Services