Getting To Know Emma Hale Smith

[StrawberryFields]

Getting to know Emma Hale Smith.

It is my hope that we can all share uplifting information about this wonderful lady in this thread.

I came upon this beautiful song and video and thought that it might be nice to create a thread for her and learning more about her and her life.

[HiJolly]

Getting to know Emma Hale Smith.

It is my hope that we can all share uplifting information about this wonderful lady in this thread.

I came upon this beautiful song and video and thought that it might be nice to create a thread for her and learning more about her and her life.

I am more than half-way through "Mormon Enigma - Emma Hale Smith". What a fantastic read.

Uplifting Info: She always loved Joseph, with everything she had.

Not-so-uplifting Info: She, or Joseph at her direct request, burned the original of the revelation on polygamy.

There's more on both sides...

HiJolly

[breeb]

That was a really great video. Thanks a lot. I probably shouldnt have watched it while working though. It made me cry.

I think its funny when people say Joseph was a con-man. I cant imagine a man being tar and feathered so many times and still sticking with his con.

[melissar]

What an awesome video! I really admire her.

[StrawberryFields]

I am really surprised that there have not been more posts and interest about her...

I hope this is okay if I post this if not feel free to delete it. I find her love and devotion to the church and her husband fascinating.

Information below found at Emma Hale Smith

Emma was born 10 July 1804 to Isaac and Elizabeth Lewis Hale. The Hales farmed near Harmony, Pennsylvania, and operated a country inn. Emma and Joseph met when he boarded at her father’s inn while working in the area. Isaac bitterly opposed their courtship, but Joseph proposed to Emma, and she, “preferring him to all others” she had met, accepted. 2 They were married at the home of Squire Thomas Tarbell in South Bainbridge, New York, on 18 January 1827.

That fall, Joseph obtained the gold plates and continued his mission of being an instrument in the hands of God in restoring the gospel. Emma served as a scribe during his first efforts to translate the Book of Mormon. She was baptized on 28 June 1830, shortly after the Church was organized. In July 1830 the Lord outlined her mission, in a revelation: “Thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. … And the office of thy calling shall be for a comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions.” (D&C 25:3, 5.) She was also directed to compile a book of hymns for the Church, and she was warned to “continue in a spirit of meekness, and beware of pride.” (D&C 25:11–13.)

Emma’s patriarchal blessing, given on 9 December 1834 by her father-in-law, Joseph Smith, Sr., presents important information concerning Emma’s contribution to the Restoration, how the Lord viewed Emma, and what he promised her.

“Emma … thou art blessed of the Lord, for thy faithfulness and truth, thou shalt be blessed with thy husband, and rejoice in the glory which shall come upon him. Thy soul has been afflicted because of the wickedness of men in seeking the destruction of thy companion, and thy whole soul has been drawn out in prayer for his deliverance; rejoice, for the Lord thy God has heard thy supplication. Thou hast grieved for the hardness of the hearts of thy father’s house, and thou hast longed for their salvation. The Lord will have respect to thy cries, and by his judgments he will cause some of them to see their folly and repent of their sins; but it will be by affliction that they will be saved. Thou shalt see many days, yea, the Lord will spare thee till thou art satisfied, for thou shalt see thy Redeemer. Thy heart shall rejoice in the great work of the Lord, and no one shall take thy rejoicing from thee. Thou shalt ever remember the great condescension of thy God in permitting thee to accompany my son [Joseph] when the angel delivered the record of the Nephites to his care. … Thou shalt be blessed with understanding, and have power to instruct thy sex, teach thy family righteousness, and thy little ones the way of life, and the holy angels shall watch over thee and thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, even so, Amen.” 3

A Woman of Commitment in Sorrow

During their seventeen-year marriage, nine children were born to Joseph and Emma, and they adopted two. Emma’s first three children died shortly after birth: Alvin in 1828 and twins in 1831. They adopted twins, Joseph and Julia Murdock (born on May 1), whose mother, Julia, had died the day after the birth of Emma’s twins, leaving a bereaved husband unable to care for the infants. Little Joseph Murdock died in March 1832 as a result of exposure during an incident of mob violence. The following November, Emma gave birth to a healthy son, Joseph Smith III. Although Emma enjoyed little Julia and Joseph, she grieved over her lost babies.

The Lord comforted Emma in her patriarchal blessing: “Thou hast seen much sorrow because the Lord has taken from thee three of thy children. In this thou art not to be blamed, for he knows thy pure desires to raise up a family, that the name of my son [Joseph Smith, Jr.] might be blessed. And now, behold, I say unto thee, that thus says the Lord, if thou wilt believe, thou shalt yet be blessed … and thou shalt bring forth other children, to the joy and satisfaction of thy soul, and to the rejoicing of thy friends.” 4

Emma’s faith was rewarded: Frederick was born in 1836, and Alexander (my forebear) in 1838. Don Carlos was born in 1840, but he died fourteen months later. An unnamed son was stillborn on 6 February 1842; and David Hyrum was born in 1844, four months after the death of his father.

Emma did not know a settled home until Nauvoo. Due to persecution and to further the Lord’s work, members of the Church moved from state to state. Emma suffered much tribulation. She was robbed and ridiculed; she and the children often went hungry. Still, she struggled to provide for her children during Joseph’s imprisonments and long absences. 5 Many Saints helped her, but some took advantage, severely increasing her difficulties and undermining her trust. 6 While Joseph and the other Church leaders were unjustly imprisoned at Liberty, Missouri, Emma and her four little children became part of the major Church exodus from the state after the extermination order was issued on 27 October 1838 by Missouri governor Lilburn Boggs. 7

From Quincy, Illinois, in March 1839, Emma expressed her loyalty to Joseph in these words:

“I shall not attempt to write my feelings altogether, for the situation in which you are, the walls, bars and bolts, rolling rivers, running streams, rising hills, sinking valleys and spreading prairies that separate us, and the cruel injustice that first cast you into prison and still holds you there. … Was it not for conscious innocence and the direct interposition of divine mercy, I am very sure I never should have been able to have endured the scenes of suffering that I have passed through … but I still live and am yet willing to suffer more if it is the will of kind heaven, that I should for your sake … and if God does not record our sufferings and avenge our wrongs on them that are guilty, I shall be sadly mistaken. … You may be astonished at my bad writing and incoherent manner, but you will pardon all when you reflect how hard it would be for you to write when your hands were stiffened with hard work and your heart convulsed with intense anxiety … but I hope there is better days to come to us yet. … I am ever yours affectionately. Emma Smith.” 8

Emma’s Compassion and Service

Emma’s care for the untold numbers of ill and homeless Saints as well as her care for Joseph’s extended family—his parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews—is legend. Emma’s work in the Church naturally included attending to Joseph’s business in his absence and taking care of their children. Her compilation of hymns dated 1835 was actually published in 1836. She continued to collect hymns for additional hymnals until the time Joseph died. According to Nauvoo Temple records, she was baptized for her dead relatives in the Mississippi River in 1840. She manifested courage and intelligence, defending Joseph in her letter to Illinois Governor Carlin. 9 In her office as the first general president of the Relief Society, she set an example of strong leadership. Her instructions on compassionate service set the tone for generations of Relief Society members under the theme she promoted: “Charity Never Faileth.” (See 1 Cor. 13:8.)

Emmeline B. Wells, a contemporary of Emma, wrote of her: “Sister Emma was benevolent and hospitable; she drew around her a large circle of friends, who were like good comrades. She was motherly in nature to young people, always had a houseful to entertain or be entertained. She was very high-spirited and the brethren and sisters paid her great respect. Emma was a great solace to her husband in all his persecutions and the severe ordeals through which he passed; she was always ready to encourage and comfort him, devoted to his interests, and was constantly by him whenever it was possible. She was queen in her home, so to speak, and beloved by the people, who were many of them indebted to her for favors and kindness.” 10

The Prophet wrote in his journal, reflecting on a visit from Emma while he was in great danger and difficulty in 1842: “With what unspeakable delight, and what transports of joy swelled my bosom, when I took by the hand, on that night, my beloved Emma—she that was my wife, even the wife of my youth, and the choice of my heart. Many were the reverberations of my mind when I contemplated for a moment the many scenes we had been called to pass through, the fatigues and the toils, the sorrows and sufferings, and the joys and consolations, from time to time, which had strewed our paths and crowned our board. Oh what a commingling of thought filled my mind for the moment, again she is here, even in the seventh trouble—undaunted, firm, and unwavering—unchangeable, affectionate Emma!” 11

Sealed to Joseph

In records of early endowments in Nauvoo there is documentation that Emma received sacred ordinances from Joseph, and she administered them under Joseph’s direction to many other women. 12 One of Emma’s duties as the Prophet’s wife was to supervise the women’s part of the ordinances. Joseph and Emma were sealed for time and all eternity and received their sacred priesthood ordinances in 1843. (See D&C 132:45–46.) Joseph taught that restoration of these ordinances paved the way for all families of the earth to be together in eternity. (See Mal. 4:5, 7; D&C 132:4–7, 21–31.)

I believe it is in the context of these ordinances that we may best understand and appreciate what Emma wrote shortly before Joseph was killed: “I desire with all my heart to honor and respect my husband as my head, ever to live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him retain the place which God has given me by his side.” 13

Emma also wrote, “I desire the spirit of God to know and understand myself, I desire a fruitful, active mind, that I may be able to comprehend the designs of God, when revealed through his servants without doubting.” 14

Her great trial came when the prophet revealed to Emma that they would be required to live the ancient law of Abraham—plural marriage. Emma suffered deeply hurt feelings because of it. While she agreed with this doctrine at times, at other times she opposed it. Years later, Emma is purported to have denied that any such doctrine was ever introduced by her husband. In later years, Emma apparently never spoke of the sacred ordinances they had received. She would have been under covenant not to do so.

Careful and prayerful study was essential to my understanding that Joseph received true authority from the Lord and that there were those who tried to misuse authority, or take authority upon themselves in respect to this matter. In D&C 132:45, the Lord said, “For I have conferred upon you [Joseph] the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things.” On 5 October 1843, the Prophet gave instructions “to try those persons who were preaching, teaching, or practicing the doctrine of plurality of wives; for, according to the law, I hold the keys of this power in the last days; for there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom the power and its keys are conferred; and I have constantly said no man shall have but one wife at a time, unless the Lord directs otherwise.” 15 This point is confirmed in the Book of Mormon, Jacob 2:27, where we read, “There shall not any man among you have save it be one wife.” But in verse 30, we read, “If I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.” [Jacob 2:30]

Both the truth of scripture and the source of conflicting opinions was clear to me. I concluded that if Joseph was a prophet, and I knew that he was, then the doctrines he revealed were true and that succeeding prophets have also been given authority according to their times. Hence, I knew that in 1890, Wilford Woodruff was inspired, as prophet, seer, and revelator, to issue the Manifesto ending the practice of plural marriage in the Church. (see OD—1.)

[StrawberryFields]

Has anyone seen the movie about Emma Smith that was released in April 2008?

I missed it in theaters so I will wait for the DVD.

[HiJolly]

Has anyone seen the movie about Emma Smith that was released in April 2008?

I missed it in theaters so I will wait for the DVD.

My wife & I saw it. It was OK. I think they generally honored Emma's desire to forget, ignore and otherwise say as little as possible about polygamy. At least they didn't flat-out deny it (IIRC).

So, I figure that's fair.

HiJolly

[StrawberryFields]

So based on what HiJolly said maybe I will just rent the DVD and not buy it.:)

[HiJolly]

So based on what HiJolly said maybe I will just rent the DVD and not buy it.:)

If you've seen the Work & the Glory movies, this is about the same, in fact I could swear some of the footage is shared between them. There was not enough unique stuff to warrant a purchase, IMO.

HiJolly

[StrawberryFields]

I will wait for it to come out on DVD, then rent it from redbox it will only cost me a buck.

[pam]

Wow this would fit perfectly under the church history forum as she is so much a part of it. Thanks for sharing Strawberry...I've always admired her.

[pam]

I moved it. I hope you don't mind.

[pam]

I don't know where I've been...but I didn't know that Emma was pregnant when her husband was killed. Or it is something that I had forgotten. Another reason to restudy.

[Elphaba]

I cant imagine a man being tar and feathered so many times and still sticking with his con.

Hi breeb,

Joseph was only tarred and feathered one time. I think people get confused because so many other Saints were also tarred and feathered, they assume Joseph was among them.

When I say "only," I am NOT dismissing the agony this caused him. I am just clarifying the point.

Sidney Rigdon was also tarred and feathered at the same time Joseph was. Both of them had severe burns and their bodies were seriously injured.

However, Emma spent the night pulling the tar and feathers off of her husband, causing him great pain. And then, Joseph got up the next day to give a sermon, in spite of his serious injuries.

While I don't believe Joseph was a prophet, I know his commitment to the Church was unwavering.

Elphaba

[Misshalfway]

Hi breeb,

Joseph was only tarred and feathered one time. I think people get confused because so many other Saints were also tarred and feathered, they assume Joseph was among them.

When I say "only," I am NOT dismissing the agony this caused him. I am just clarifying the point.

Sidney Rigdon was also tarred and feathered at the same time Joseph was. Both of them had severe burns and their bodies were seriously injured.

However, Emma spent the night pulling the tar and feathers off of her husband, causing him great pain. And then, Joseph got up the next day to give a sermon, in spite of his serious injuries.

While I don't believe Joseph was a prophet, I know his commitment to the Church was unwavering.

Elphaba

Wasn't there an instance where men tried to poor poison down his throat? If I remember correctly he spoke with a lisp after that.

[StrawberryFields]

I moved it. I hope you don't mind.

No I don't mind. :)

[StrawberryFields]

Well I would love to learn more about her and the things she endured as a wife of Joseph Smith.

[StrawberryFields]

I am wondering why we don't know more about this wonderful lady. I feel like it has been an avoided subject but not sure why.

This is what I believe to be true thus far.

1. Joseph feel in love with her and even though he didn't live in the town where she did he would come and visit her.

2. Her father did not like Joseph because he believed that he was following some crazy idea of his.

3. Joseph and Emma left the town where she lived to get married.

4. There is a huge gap where I don't know much here...

5. She lost her twins but then took in some twins of a mother who had died during childbirth.

6. After Joseph was murdered she did not travel west with many of the saints because she did not like Brigham Young.

7. She later joined the RLDS Church when her and Joseph's son started it.

I am far from an expert on this but I am willing to learn so if I am incorrect tell me.

[pam]

This was interesting to me about her.

In 1842, Emma was elected as the first president of the Relief Society and helped many of the needy and poor. After Joseph’s death, Emma choose not to follow the Saints to Utah. Her chronic ill health and years of deprivation and hard work, in addition to her widowhood, probably contributed to her decision to stay behind. Her separation from the Church in the last part of her life does not, however, take away from the important role she played in the history of the Church. Her mother-in-law Lucy Mack Smith wrote—

I have never seen a woman in my life, who would endure every species of fatigue and hardship, from month to month, and from year to year with that unflinching courage, zeal, and patience, which she has ever done (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith Revised and Enhanced, Bookcraft, 1996). On December 23, 1847, Emma Smith married Lewis Bidamon, who was not a member of the Church. Bidamon was a support for Emma in raising her five children. He remained her companion until her death in 1879 in Nauvoo.

Interesting that she remarried on December 23rd which was her husband Joseph's birthdate.

[beefche]

I've always admired Emma. What a courageous, faithful woman to deal with all that she dealt with. The members of the LDS church owe a great deal to her and her legacy. I never understood why so many wanted to denigrate her memory by focusing on her leaving the church and the speculations regarding that. Here is a great article written by a descendant.

[pam]

How funny. I JUST finished reading that same article. So many things I didn't know about her.

[YoungMormonRoyalist]

My best friend, a guy just off his mission, told me of this account a General Authority shared with them:

Once when talking a group of the apostles were talking amongst themselves and the prophet Brigham Young, one of them said. "Joseph would go down into the deepest pits of hell to save Emma."

In response Brigham said, "He'll have to."

Pretty heavy stuff, even if it isn't prophecy.

[Elphaba]

Wasn't there an instance where men tried to poor poison down his throat? If I remember correctly he spoke with a lisp after that.

Yes, Miss, you are correct. The poison has since been identified as nitric acid.

He had a lisp because of a broken tooth that resulted from the men trying to force the poison down his throat. They were unsuccesful because Joseph kept his jaw tight and his teeth shut.

Elphaba

[WANDERER]

She added this testimony: “But yet I feel a divine trust in God, that all things shall work for good.”

Elph is there a collection of first hand documents of things she said..where would I find that?

[Elphaba]

She added this testimony: “But yet I feel a divine trust in God, that all things shall work for good.”

Elph is there a collection of first hand documents of things she said..where would I find that?

Hi Jolly mentioned he is reading "Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith."

This book is mesmerizing, and is an excellent biography of Emma. You cannot read this book and ever again not realize what a powerful influence she was in pulling Joseph's Church together.

You can buy it in paperback from Amazon for about $12. It's well worth the read.

I would also recommend "Rough Stone Rolling"; however, that is a biography of Joseph, not Emma. On the other hand, you can't have one without the other, and I think Bushman does a good job of demonstrating this.

Elphaba