We attended a training meeting today for temple missionaries. The speaker was DNA researcher Ugo A. Perego, who holds a doctorate in genetics and molecular sciences from the University of Pavia in Italy. For years he has studied the DNA of Joseph Smith's family, and other figures in Mormon history.

In the past, seven sons (Orrison Smith, Moroni Pratt, Zebulon Jacobs, Mosiah Hancock, Oliver Buell, John Hancock and Don Alonzo Smith) were ascribed to Joseph Smith through polygamous unions. Negative findings resulted after DNA testing.

The most frequently mentioned child linked to Joseph Smith through plural marriage is Josephine Lyon. Josephine’s mother, Sylvia Sessions, was married to Windsor Lyon, but historical evidence indicates that Sylvia was also married to Joseph Smith. Near the end of her life, in 1882, Sylvia told Josephine that she was the daughter of the Prophet Joseph Smith. This statement was recorded in an affidavit given by Josephine in 1915. Dr. Perego stated that recent DNA research revealed that Windsor Lyon was indeed her father.

We enjoyed the presentation, and appreciate that modern science is able to objectively address such issues.