That would make sense if every man had several wives and a slew of kids.
I’ve been reading that book that’s upthread. Fascinating, don’t know how much I believe because I’ve checked historic facts on several of this guy’s stories, either he was wrong or historical record was wrong. He was old when he related his memoirs. Memory can be faulty. He got names wrong but I do too.
He lived among the Mormon’s for awhile. He was not impressed. These are of course historical mormon’s not like mormon’s of today, just as the Catholics today aren’t near as brutal as some of the horrid things they did in the 1600’s.
He was with the Army after that and had to go to Meadow Massacre and bury the bones they could find. He also (supposedly) ended up getting one little girl and taking her to the army - one of the little survivors.
Anyway, the book is pretty incredible, I don’t believe anybody could have lived through all the tales he relates and survived.
bttt
They didn’t practice polygamy... but they didn’t practice birth control either.... hence lots of kids. I’d be interested in knowing what book you’re referring to with respect to Nephi Johnson.