77: Hidden History of the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan

77: Hidden History of the William Clayton Diaries w/ Bryan Buchanan

Author: Mormon Stories Podcast June 29, 2026 Duration: 3:19:25

Welcome to another episode of LDS Discussions! Today we are joined by Bryan Buchanan to discuss the William Clayton Diaries.For decades, the William Clayton Diaries have occupied a near-mythical place in Mormon history. Hidden away in the First Presidency vault, copied in secret, fought over in court, leaked to researchers, and cited in some of the most controversial debates surrounding Joseph Smith and plural marriage, these journals have one of the most fascinating histories of any historical document in the Latter-day Saint tradition. In this episode, we trace the remarkable journey of William Clatyon’s Nauvoo journals from the 1840s to the present day. We explore how historians such as James Allen, Dean Jessee, Leonard Arrington, Thomas Alexander, Andrew Ehat, Scott Faulring, and others gained access to these records, why the Church restricted them for so many years, and how copies eventually found their way into the hands of independent researchers and critics. We also examine the legal battle surrounding the journals, the role of Jerald and Sandra Tanner in publishing portions of them, the impact of the Mark Hofmann era, and the ongoing debates over access, transparency, and historical scholarship within Mormonism. With Yale University Press preparing the first complete scholarly edition of the William Clayton Diaries, this is the perfect time to revisit one of the most important archival stories in Mormon history. We discuss the discovery and preservation of Clayton’s journals, the First Presidency vault and restricted documents, specific transcripts that were created for the Clayton diaries, how those transcriptions leaked out into the public and the lawsuit on these leaked transcripts. We also lightly discuss the recent news that additional parts of Clayton’s diaries have been released to the public and the debate around whether Joseph Smith was actually a polygamist. Whether you’re interested in Mormon history, archival controversies, historiography, or the debate over Joseph Smith’s polygamy, this episode provides the essential backstory behind one of the most important historical sources from Nauvoo. Be sure to join us for the next episode where we share some of the most controversial and exciting entries from William Clayton’s journals!


Show Notes

YouTube


Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:


Our Platforms:


Contact us:
MormonStories@gmail.com
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


Social Media:


Hosted by the Mormon Stories Podcast, LDS Discussions-Mormon Truth Claims Examined offers a dedicated space for deep, methodical exploration of foundational narratives and historical doctrines within the Latter-day Saint tradition. This isn't about quick takes or surface-level debate. Instead, each episode commits to a slow, careful examination of specific truth claims, prioritizing a thoughtful and objective analysis over polemics. You'll hear detailed discussions that delve into historical documents, theological evolution, and the complex interplay between faith and history, all approached with a sincere intent to understand. The conversations within this podcast are built on research and a genuine desire for clarity, providing listeners with a comprehensive perspective often absent from simpler narratives. If you're someone, whether inside, outside, or simply curious about the LDS faith, who values nuance and evidence-based dialogue, this series serves as a unique resource. It fosters an environment where challenging questions are met with serious consideration, making it a distinctly substantive entry in the landscape of religion and spirituality podcasts. The aim is to equip you with context and depth, allowing for more informed personal reflection on matters that are deeply significant to many.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined
Podcast Episodes
41: Where did Joseph get his ideas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:37
Join John, Nemo, and Mike in a captivating episode as they unravel the intricate tapestry of influences that shaped the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith. From the unique doctrines of Mormonism to the enigmatic Book of…
40: Mormon Patriarchal Blessings | Revelations Pt. 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:15
Discover the truth behind Mormon Patriarchal Blessings in this eye-opening interview with hosts Mike, Nemo, and John. From reflections on their own blessings to the harmful effects of this mechanism of control over membe…
39: The Problems with Mormon Personal Revelation | Revelations Pt. 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:31
Mike, Nemo, and John discuss the problems with personal revelation.LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation Episode Show Notes_________________________LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors!Help us conti…
38: Problematic Revelations After Joseph Smith | Revelations Pt. 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42:19
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
37: Joseph's Failed Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13:59
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
36: Problematic Patterns | Revelations Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:20:16
Today we identify and analyze four problematic patterns in Joseph Smith's "revelations": 1) Using revelations to convince others to submit to his requests, 2) Using revelations to get out of a jam, 3) Changing revelation…
35: Joseph Smith's Backdated Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:20
Radio Free Mormon joins the usual crew (Mike, John & Nemo) as they discuss evidence for prophecies that appear to have been backdated after the events of the supposed prophecy already happened.LDS Discussion Essay on Bac…
34: Overview of Joseph Smith's Translations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:05
In this episode we recap all the different areas where Joseph Smith claims to have translated an ancient source and we analyze his work and compare it against modern scholars and experts in the field to see how he did.Co…
33: The Kinderhook Plates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15:39
Did Joseph Smith have another shot at translating ancient scripture, or is it just rumor? Mike and John take a look at the Kinderhook Plates. What were they? Did Joseph Smith try to translate them, and what was the resul…