Ann Eliza Webb, an ex-spouse of this man, penned an exposé about the experience titled “Wife No. 19”

The Final Jeopardy clue for Tuesday, July 14, 2026, appeared in the category “Historic Books” and read: “Ann Eliza Webb, an ex-spouse of this man, penned an exposé about the experience titled ‘Wife No. 19.’” The clue points to a major 19th-century religious leader whose practice of plural marriage became the subject of public controversy through the writings and lectures of one of his former wives.

Who Is Brigham Young?

The correct response is Brigham Young. Ann Eliza Webb, also known as Ann Eliza Young after her marriage, was one of his wives and later became one of his most prominent critics.

Her book, Wife No. 19, was an exposé of her life in plural marriage and her experiences within the Mormon community. The title referred to her claimed position as Young’s nineteenth wife, though accounts of the exact numbering of his wives have varied.

Ann Eliza Webb and Her Marriage

Ann Eliza Webb was born into a Mormon family and became connected to Brigham Young through marriage in the 1860s. Young was already a powerful religious and political figure, serving as the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a central leader in the settlement of Utah.

The marriage later collapsed, and Ann Eliza became a public opponent of polygamy. Her personal story gave her a platform at a time when plural marriage was one of the most debated social and legal issues in the United States.

The Book Wife No. 19

Wife No. 19 was published in the 1870s and presented Ann Eliza Young’s account of polygamy, Mormon domestic life, and her relationship with Brigham Young. The book was written as both memoir and protest.

It became part of a broader national conversation about plural marriage, women’s rights, religion, and federal authority in the Utah Territory. Ann Eliza also lectured publicly, using her story to argue against polygamy and to influence public opinion.

Brigham Young’s Historical Role

Brigham Young was one of the most important figures in Latter-day Saint history. After the death of Joseph Smith, Young led many Mormon settlers west and helped establish Salt Lake City as the center of the church’s community in Utah.

His leadership shaped the development of the Utah Territory, but his association with plural marriage also made him a controversial national figure. That controversy is central to why Ann Eliza Webb’s exposé became historically significant.

Why This Final Jeopardy Clue Works

This clue works because it identifies Brigham Young through a book written by someone connected to his personal life rather than through his better-known public titles. The phrase “Wife No. 19” points directly to the issue of plural marriage and to Ann Eliza Young’s public break with him.

The correct response, Brigham Young, fits every part of the clue. Ann Eliza Webb was his former spouse, her exposé was titled Wife No. 19, and the book became part of the historic debate over polygamy in 19th-century America.