Emma Hale Smith, born on July 10, 1804, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, is a prominent figure in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), whose husband founded the religion. As Joseph Smith’s wife, Emma’s life was marked by remarkable resilience, profound faith, and enduring challenges. Her contributions to the early Latter-day Saint movement and her complex legacy continue to be a subject of interest and admiration.
Early Life and Marriage
Emma Hale was born to Isaac and Elizabeth Hale, a wealthy family in Pennsylvania. Emma and her mother attended church among Methodists in the Susquehanna Valley. She first met Joseph Smith Jr. in 1825 when he was boarding at her family’s home while working on a treasure-hunting expedition at the Stowell farm. Despite initial resistance from her father, who was skeptical of Joseph’s claims and activities, Emma and Joseph formed a strong bond.
The couple eloped and married on January 18, 1827, in South Bainbridge, New York. This union marked the beginning of a partnership that would see Emma play a crucial role in the early development of the LDS Church. As Joseph’s wife, Emma supported him through the translation of the Book of Mormon, enduring significant personal and financial hardships.
Role in the Early LDS Church
Emma Smith was instrumental in the formative years of the LDS Church. She provided unwavering support to Joseph during the translation of the Book of Mormon. Despite the challenges, including skepticism from her own family and the broader community, Emma acted as a scribe for portions of the translation process when others were unavailable.
In 1830, Joseph Smith received a revelation that directed Emma to compile a hymnal for the church. This revelation, now known as Doctrine and Covenants Section 25, also designated her as an “elect lady.” Emma’s hymnbook, published in 1835, was a significant contribution to the worship practices of the early church.
Emma was further tested as she endured the frequent relocations and persecutions faced by the early Latter-day Saints. As Joseph Smith’s wife, she was often left to manage their household and care for their children while Joseph was away on church business or imprisoned. Her strength and leadership were vital to the survival and cohesion of the early church community.
Challenges and Controversies
Emma Smith’s life was fraught with numerous challenges, many stemming from the turbulent environment in which the early LDS Church developed. The most significant and contentious issue she faced was Joseph Smith’s polygamy. Although Emma initially opposed polygamy, historical records indicate that she eventually allowed Joseph to marry additional wives, likely under significant emotional and social pressure. Records show that she would later revoke her consent to polygamy.
The constant threat of violence and persecution also took a heavy toll on Emma and her family. From being driven out of Missouri during the infamous Missouri Mormon War to the constant legal and social pressures in Illinois, Emma’s life was marked by instability and danger. Despite these hardships, she remained steadfast in her support for Joseph and the church.
The Martyrdom of Joseph Smith
The assassination of Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois, was a turning point in Emma’s life. The loss of her husband left her devastated and in a precarious position. She was left to care for their four surviving children, as well as Joseph’s aging mother. The leadership crisis that followed Joseph’s death saw the church split into factions, with Emma ultimately choosing not to follow Brigham Young and the majority of the Latter-day Saints to the Utah Territory.
Animosity grew between Emma Smith and Brigham Young over various issues, including the practice of polygamy and the ownership of church property. The tension in their relationship would lead some to question was Emma Smith excommunicated by Brigham Young. Concerning polygamy, the evidence suggests that Emma Smith went back and forth between accepting it and rejecting plural marriage as a principle of God. After her husband’s death, Emma never acknowledged that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy. She often claimed that plural marriage was started by Brigham Young.
The second major point of contention was the ownership of church property. When Joseph was alive, most of the church’s properties and debts were in Joseph’s name. After Joseph’s death, Brigham Young and Emma particularly debated the ownership of church properties. Despite these issues, Emma Smith was never excommunicated from the church.
Life After Joseph Smith’s Death
In the years following Joseph’s death, Emma remained in Nauvoo, Illinois, where she faced numerous challenges. She remarried in 1847 to Lewis C. Bidamon, a non-Mormon. Eventually, Emma affiliated with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church), now known as the Community of Christ. The church was led by her son, Joseph Smith III. Emma played a crucial role in preserving the early history and documents of the church, ensuring that her husband’s legacy was maintained.
Legacy
Emma Smith’s legacy is complex and multifaceted. She made many significant contributions to the early LDS Church. Her compilation of the first hymnal and her role as an “elect lady” highlight her spiritual and administrative contributions. However, Emma’s life was also marked by profound personal struggles and controversies, particularly regarding polygamy and her husband, Joseph Smith marrying how many wives, around 30-40.
Within the LDS community, efforts to understand Emma’s experiences and perspectives have led to a more nuanced appreciation of her role in church history. The LDS Church has acknowledged her contributions, and she is celebrated as a foundational figure in the early church. Emma’s legacy also lives on through the Community of Christ, which recognizes her as a matriarch of the faith. Her efforts to preserve church history and her support of her son’s leadership in the RLDS Church have had a lasting impact on this church.
By Todd Noall, Source Expert
Todd Noall is an author and religious scholar at Mormonism Explained with a focus on the history and theology of religion.
Fact Checked by Mr. Kevin Prince, Source Expert
Kevin Prince is a religious scholar and host of the Gospel Learning Youtube channel. His channel has garnered over 41,000 subscribers and accumulated over 4.5 million views. Mr. Prince also created the Gospel Learning App, a reliable platform where individuals seeking truth can access trustworthy answers to religious questions from top educators worldwide.
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