[110] Smith, History of the Church, 3:349. He was the son of Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith. She carried two children while two others hung on to her skirt. Emma Smith was born in 1804 in Pennsylvania. B. H. Roberts, 2nd ed. Events of the 1838 Mormon War soon escalated, resulting in Joseph's surrender and imprisonment by Missouri officials. However, she had to wait for two months before she was confirmed, as Joseph was arrested the next day for his preaching about the Book of Mormon. See discussion in Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippetts Avery. Did Emma Smith leave the LDS Church? It struck Martha on the knees and little Keziah above the eyes. William E. McLellin, apostle and apostate, died in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, April 24, 1883, and is buried in Woodlawn Municipal Cemetery of the same city. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. After they left, the mob plundered thousands of dollars worth of property donated to help the poor move. She wore it in a locket the rest of her life, even after she remarried. . Brigham, for all his strengths, had little patience for anyone who would betray the prophet, which he perceived Emma doing on multiple levels. [15] Hartley, Stand by My Servant Joseph, 291; Reed Peck, Reed Peck Manuscript (Salt Lake City: Modern Microfilms reprint, n.d.), 29. At night they would build fires if they could find firewood. Refugees moved as individuals, by families, or in small clusters of wagons whenever they were ready. [87] Hartley, My Best for the Kingdom, 9192. An old man who was sympathetic to the needy Saints hired John to teach his children and grandchildren and neighbors children. In the middle of the 19th century it was common, according to Delewski, for a mother to lose more than one child to the birthing process or disease. Hundreds still lacked the means to leave. Nontraditional. Did Emma Smith leave the LDS Church? Here Samuel had hired a house and we moved into it, with four other families.[53]. However, President Young advised the Saints to gather in order to help each other better. They say father was a fallen prophet. She joined in his efforts to protect them from thieves and acted on occasion as his scribe. Aroet Hale said a Mr. Stilson employed his father. Given that Brigham was blamed by Emma for being the inventor of plural marriage, he probably felt rather ill-used by her. "Remember, Emma was a woman of refinement and education. Their chief settlement was Far West in Caldwell County. I fitted up a small wagon, procured a span of ponies, and sent my Wife and three children, in company with Bro. Years later, in the anti-Emma atmosphere of Utah, Brigham Young spoke of a meeting where Joseph accused his wife of slipping poison into his coffee. They took what scanty provisions we could muster. They walked and slept under the sky. Following Josephs murder, Emma refused to go west with the Saints. Mormons believe family life continues after death. [90] Diaries of William Huntington, 8; Isaac Leany Petition in Johnson, ed., Mormon Redress Petitions, 485. You've read 0 of 5 of todays most popular posts. The city cemeterys tombstones marking where some two hundred Saints are buried are long gone, and the site has become farmland. Exmormons are told to leave quietly with their tails between their legs. He had even dislocated his jaw while vomiting once before; and five weeks after the 1843 dinner episode, he was sick again, vomiting more violently than ever. Is probably the most famous Latter Day Saint polygamist with 55 wives. He did not court the women or put his proposals in romantic terms. Church Service When Joseph returned to Harmony, he received a revelation for Emma, now known as Doctrine and Covenants 25, calling her an elect lady and encouraging her to comfort and support Joseph in his afflictions. Delewski thinks she may have been the most promising of the Hale children because she had a rare additional year of schooling. Saints had until late March to vacate Missouri, but they started leaving in earnest during January. Print. Caroline said that at one point that winter, Joseph Smith got word to Emma to send him quilts or bed clothes. Emma's brothers and sisters were all named after family members, either on her mother's side or her father's. Modern DNA has ruled out all children Fran Brodie had proposed were his through other marriages. A Comfort unto My Servant, Joseph. Women of faith in the latter days. Events of the 1838 Mormon War soon escalated, resulting in Joseph's surrender and imprisonment by Missouri officials. Brigham Young, in danger from anti-Mormons, joined the exodus on February 14. She was not perfect, but what is amazing is that she was as perfect as she was given the powerful trials and persecutions she experienced. And where shall they be sent? the newspaper asked. Elder Young, when his life seemed in danger, left Far West for Illinois on February 14, but Elder Kimball stayed behind to help with the removals.[38]. A woman should give her greatest priority to her home: her husband, her family, and the opportunity to child-bearing. [3] LaMar C. Berrett and Max H. Parkin, Sacred Places: A Comprehensive Guide to Early LDS Historical Sites, vol. This made the poisoning accusation plausible for him. Joseph Smith did not have a Will but like today when the husband dies the surviving spouse is still entitled to a certain part of her husband's assets as defined by law, even without a will; but Emma would still have to go through court probate to obtain these assets. . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. After 17 years of marriage, Emma's second husband, Lewis Bidamon, had a child with another woman named Nancy Abercrombie. Tied to her waist were heavy bags containing Josephs papers. . ", Delewski said, "If someone with Emma's experience came to me, I would talk about these deaths and see what effects sorrow had had upon her. She had a home and her children and she just had to carry on the best she could. On March 5, Bishop Edward Partridge reported in Quincy that ice had been running for three days so that no one could cross the Mississippi. The Apostles group arrived at Far West soon after midnight on April 26. Later witnesses would be permitted to view the plates, but God asked Emma to accept them on faith, a testimony that God recognized her as a woman of great faith. I attended the premier of the Emma Smith Story [with] several of my children and grandchildren. [97] During a change of venue from Daviess to Boone County, Joseph Smith and the four others who had been in Liberty Jail were allowed to escape on April 16, and they found their way to Illinois safely. John Murdock's wife also dies after delivering twins the same day. We put our goods into the wagon a second time, but the wagon was wanted for Emma and her family, so our goods were again taken out.[48] Stephen Markham, a member of the Committee of Removal, helped Emma Smith leave on February 7. We all use history to suit our purposes, and Emma simply did not suit the purposes of the LDS Church in the years following her husbands death. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. [94], In the dark the group reached Tenneys Grove and there added to their group the last company of the poor needing help to reach Quincy. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Smith's wives were believed to be between the ages of 20 and 40 at the time they were "sealed" or married to him. A few days later, the horses ran away. [36] Brigham H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Century I (reprint, Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1965), 1:510511, and Smith, History of the Church, 3:26163. How others feel about her decision, Delewski said, depends upon their own knowledge and understanding. [70] John Taylor, Brigham Young, Isaac Higbee, Israel Barlow, John P. Greene to Dear Brethren, March 29, 1839, at Quincy, reprinted in Kate B. Carter, comp., Our Pioneer Heritage (Salt Lake City: Daughters of Utah Pioneers, 1960), 3:122. Taken from The Return, typescript, 243, Perry Special Collections. They left Far West on February 14. . I could have commanded some two thousand dollars but now I had only 1 yoke of old oxen and 2 cows left.[20], Two families moved in with Newel Knights family. . We finally got across, and we were so glad, for before we reached the other side, the river had started to swell and break up. Twas a very cold and blustering night. They put clothes over the wagon tongue to make a tent and put their beds underneath. 16, Lee Library, 67; Joseph Smith, History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ed. It is the county seat for Adams County. She compiled the first hymnbook. [47] Dated entries in An Abridged Record of the Life of John Murdock, Taken from His Journal by Himself, typescript, n.p., n.d., Perry Special Collections. . The Thomas family stayed strong in the faith and emigrated to Utah in 1849. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". You might also enjoy Emma Smith: My Storyor Emma and Lucy. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Her funeral was held May 2, 1879, in Nauvoo with RLDS Church minister Mark Hill Forscutt preaching the sermon. In addition to grieving the loss of her husband, she was expecting their final child. He remained her companion until her death on 30 April 1879 at the age of 75 in Nauvoo. If they choose to remain, we must be content. [17] Dean C. Jesse and David J. Whittaker, The Last Months of Mormonism in Missouri: The Albert Perry Rockwood Journal, BYU Studies 28 (Winter 1988): 2729. Uncertain which policy to push, the conference voted against accepting the land offer (Journal History, February 1, 1839). A woman living in a nearby house ran to find out what was wrong. [50], The Young and Kimball families. Her family stayed behind after the Saints went West, and Elizabeth eventually remarried, the same year that Emma remarried. Its an improvement that shes discussed at all. Your email address will not be published. had not heard anything from me during this time, neither dare I write to [them].[68], At a March 17 meeting, Saints in Quincy heard a letter read from the Committee of Removal in Far West asking for teams & money for the removing of fifty families of poor Saints from far west to Quincy.[69] On March 29 the committee in Quincy wrote to their counterparts in Far West sympathizing with their extreme labor and travail to move out the last poor Saints. Each comment will be reviewed by a staff member before it will appear on the site. [36] With Joseph Smiths approval, leaders in Far West decided to sell Church properties in Jackson County to help raise money for the exodus. We all just made it on the opposite bank when the ice started to snap and pile up in great heaps, and the water broke thru! When did Emma Smith leave the church? Delewski shared many of the words used to describe Emma: "Quick wit and pleasant personality," "intelligence," "fearless integrity," "kindness of heart," "discretion," "benevolent," "hospitable," "motherly in nature to young people," "very high-spirited," "dignified," "courage," "zeal," "patience," "no gossiper," "commanding presence" and "innate refinement.". [57] Quoted in Lyman O. Littlefield, Reminiscences of Latter-day Saints (Logan, UT: Journal Company Printers, 1888), 7273. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Ever since the Prophet Joseph died as a martyr in Carthage, Illinois, some Latter-day Saints have felt disappointment that Joseph's wife Emma did not go with the Church in the westward exodus of the Saints in 1846-47. We had heavy loads, were obliged to walk from 2 to 8 miles a day thro mud and water, camped out on the wet ground 3 nights before we arrived at the River. On the Joseph Smith Papers website, readers can turn through the original hymnbook page by page. It took me a minute to find what you were looking at, but if I am correct, I see the PMs in Emma Smiths original hymnbook. In fear of threats that the bodies would be stolen or desecrated, coffins filled with sandbags were used in the public funeral of the two martyrs. [31] Smith, History of the Church, 3:25054. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. [111] Starting with this poem, Eliza R. Snow published a total of eighteen poems in the Quincy Whig during the 183941 period. All but the youngest two had to walk every step of the entire distance. They were almost barefooted and some had to wrap their feet in clothes in order to keep them from freezing and protect them from the sharp points of the frozen ground. Son John, nine, later said that often the blood from our feet marked the frozen earth.[57]. He raised his hand and stopped me saying Hush, Hush. Huntington said that Joseph had come by ferryboat about 8:00 a.m. and was drest in an old pair of boots full of holes, pants torn, tucked inside of boots, blue cloak with collar turned up, wide brim black hat, rim sloped down, not been shaved for some time, looked pale & haggard. Dimick asked if he wished to see his father and mother, but Joseph wanted to see Emma and the children first. It wasnt just that she was the mother of, It wasnt just that she clashed with Young so severely that he once claimed that more hell was never wrapped up in any human being than there is in her., And it wasnt just that she later helped her son found. [106] Fortunately, 678 petitions survive. Bushman reports that Emma and Joseph had many intense discussions about his polygamy and their relationship was periodically strained. Many of them started from scratch and built up religious communities in Illinois and Iowa. [100] Stanley B. Kimball, The Saints and St. Louis, 18311857: An Oasis of Tolerance and Security, BYU Studies 13 (Summer 1973): 489519. He instructed them to have the women pray about the request. February 11, 1843, is promoted as another date when Emma may have become aware of Joseph's plurality. Succeeded Smith as leader of the LDS Church. The Saints exodus from Missouri took place mostly during winter and involved four main arenas: Far West, Missouri; Quincy, Illinois; a road network between the two cities; and the west shore mudflats across the Mississippi River from Quincy. He had no steady occupation and was involved intensely with religion. he spoke to her in that council in a very severe manner, and she never said one word in reply. They were enough to wear out any woman and if she, in the end, was tired of fighting her way through life, that can be understood. [49] Brother Markham then drove the wagon back to Far West to bring others out. [18], Far West was ill equipped to become a refugee center for Saints displaced by Missouri militia. She even owned cows and other items, possibly given as payment from students. Emma saw in him what her family missed. Emma did not learn about their deaths until 10:00 p.m. that same evening. [61] That same day, Eliza R. Snow and relatives, who had wintered seven miles from Far West, started for Illinois. [35], On February 11 the committee accepted applications for assistance, and the next day they appointed Theodore Turley to superintend the management of the teams provided for removing the poor. The plan was for some wagons to go east, unload passengers and belongings at the Mississippi, and then return empty to help others move out. Its a beautiful article, but its not a fully honest one; polygamy is not mentioned once anywhere. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Donate to us by shopping at Amazon at no extra cost to you. Joseph Smiths parents. The refinement, the charity of our age, will not brook it. One mobber shot a cow and, while it was still alive, skinned off a strip of hide from its nose to its tail, and tied his horse to a stump with it. Many could not get into houses, Newel said, and had to take shelter in wagons, tents, and under bedclothes and while in this situation we had a severe snow storm, which rendered their suffering intense. An acre of land in front of Lucy Mack Smiths home became completely covered with beds, lying in the open sun, where families were compelled to sleep, exposed to all kinds of weather. Houses in Far West were so full, Mother Smith said, that people could not find shelter. Jeremy made the Letter available online. [52] Heber C. Kimball Journals, 18381839, in Porter, Brigham Young and the Twelve, 134. Joseph taught what God revealed, nothing more. Yet I knew little of these things, for our branch of the family was far removed from our Smith heritage. 4 (2000): 622. Emma Smith played an important part in the Restoration of the gospel, and today, more than two centuries after her birth on July 10, 1804, Church members can still learn from Emma's example. 185 Heber J. They had a reasonably good relationship despite these challenges. When Elizabeth died in childbirth, young Elizabeth Agnes was leftwith her stepfather and, soon after, a new stepmother. The CES Director apparently never got around to responding. She would smile with her lips, but to me, as small as I was, I never saw the brown eyes smile. Some of them are still included in the current hymnbook that was published 150 years later in 1985. Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content, 2022 LDS Living A Division of Deseret Book Company, The Joseph Smith and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society, There is room for my brown paper-doll family: 2 gospel truths I learned as a young girl that carry my faith, Special Church Historians Press symposium to highlight women, religion, and records, See the stunning winners of the Churchs International Art Competition. The story of how the word of wisdom came to be is commonly told by the church and fairly simple (see this video), Emma was tired of cleaning up the tobacco after the School of the Prophets met together in her house. He rode with the Mormon militia who fought in the Battle of Crooked River. At the same time, much of the Church's debt was held by Joseph as a private citizenthus, Emma was liable for Joseph/the Church's debts, but had a less clear claim on the Church's lands that Joseph held as Trustee-in-Trust.[3]. Emma did, from time to time, offer approval of specific marriages. Joseph Smith, Jr. was born on 23 December 1805, in Sharon, Vermont. Thomass version is in E. Kay Kirkham, Daniel Stillwell Thomas, Utah Pioneer of 1849, bound typescript, 26; wife Martha Pane Jones Thomass version in Kate Woodhouse Kirkham, ed., Daniel Stillwell Thomas Family History, bound typescript, n.d., n.p., 25; copies in authors possession. . They organized into a company with Rich as captain. Early Life and Marriage of Emma Smith. Emma contributed "in creating a distinct identity for the church" because this hymnbook's lyrics "emphasize key tenets of the religion." Understanding how early Saints worked earnestly to build up the Church helps us better appreciate the value of their work. My God is it you Bro. [95] Kenney, Wilford Woodruffs Journal, 1:329. [19] John P. Greene, Facts Relative to the Expulsion of the Mormons or Latter-day Saints from the State of Missouri, Under the Exterminating Order (Cincinnati: R. P. Brooks, 1839), 8. Her husband Joseph Smith had been killed in 1844, and after his death Emma Smith decided to remain in Nauvoo. [32] Committee of Removal members were William Huntington, Charles Bird, Alanson Ripley, Theodore Turley, Daniel Shearer, Shadrach Roundy, and Jonathan H. Hale. At least one man escaped west to Fort Leavenworth. The Church was already in a period of great stress and grief as people struggled to decide who the next prophet would be and they faced the realization that they were again in great danger with an uncertain future. Their hospitality stemmed more from pity than anything else. They started in February, but it was bitter cold, and they suffered fearfully, Caroline said. We invite you to give back. My 11 year old granddaughter who is not baptized into the LDS Church wanted a poster after which we obtained and she visited with the actors and actresses. Twice she undertook to kill him. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Anti-Mormons had vowed to keep that ceremony from happening. 5 How old was Emma Smith when Joseph Smith died? A number of teams arrived from Illinois to help move the last families. Question: Why did Emma Smith and Brigham Young dislike one another? The old man for whom John taught school treated them generously. Source: The Joseph Smith Paper Conflicts between church members and neighbors also continued to escalate, and eventually Young made the decision to relocate the church to the Salt Lake Valley. Shortly after Joseph's brother, William, was born in 1811, the Smiths moved to the small community of West Lebanon, New Hampshire. [13] Hartley, My Best for the Kingdom, 8284. Social conversation and discretion were traits for which she was well-known. Brigham interpreted Emma's refusal to answer as an admission of guilt.. Which is another way of saying that a particular view of history does not suit institutional needs in the moment. Why did God ask Emma Smith to accept the plates? That party came to include Brigham Young, Orson Pratt, and John Taylor. He delegated a great deal of the Church's interaction with Emma to Almon Babbitt, a man greatly lacking in tact: Almon Babbitt's airbordered on the pompousBabbit provided Joseph with legal advice that resulted in the destruction of the Expositor, then he refused to help when Joseph was jailed in Carthage saying, 'You are too late. They got some better, Caroline said. [40] [Auto]Biographical Sketch of George Washington Gill Averett, typescript, 8, in Miscellaneous Mormon Diaries, vol. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Understanding how early Saints worked earnestly to build up the Church helps us better appreciate the value of their work. She had a lock of his hair cut and given to her. Print. Levi Ward Hancock continued as a President of the Seventy, marched to California in the Mormon Battalion, was a pioneer in Manti and southern Utah, and served as a patriarch. Later witnesses would be permitted to view the plates, but God asked Emma to accept them on faith, a testimony that God recognized her as a woman of great faith. [112] A Proclamation to the Saints Scattered AbroadGreeting, Times and Seasons, January 15, 1841, 6. About Terrie Lynn Bittner The late Terrie Lynn Bittnerbeloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friendwas the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. On October 27, 1838, three days after Missouri and Mormon militias engaged in the Battle of Crooked River, Governor Boggs issued his infamous extermination order. [71], Quincy is on the east bank of the Mississippi on a limestone bluff 125 feet above the river. Mormon women have the specific responsibility to be righteous daughters of God; good, faithful wives; and loving mothers. Later, while reading the book History of the Prophet Joseph Smith by His Mother, I found Lucy Mack Smiths tribute to Emma: 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 . [33] They sent agents eastward to deposit corn for Saints to use along the way, to contract for ferries, and to ensure security for the travelers. A few visitors from Brigham Young's faction of the Latter-day Saints came from Utah Territory to visit Smith at this house. . Because if the LDS Church is false, none of those things matter! (Later, on April 6, 1830, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be officially organized there.) Illinois law at the time held that no church could hold more than ten acres of property, and so much of the church's properties were held in Joseph's name. As one said, those who moved during the winter traveled in colde weather thinly clad and porly furnished with provisions.[40] Women without their husbands had harder times of it than those with husbands. No portion of this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, Inc. Any opinions expressed, implied, or included in or with the goods and services offered by FAIR are solely those of FAIR and not those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. Emma Hale Smith was the seventh of nine children. In September 1843, Emma was the first woman to receive the endowment. It was the anniversary of the death of the twins she lost in Kirtland. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Their numbers exceed 5,000 peoplewithout any means and literally beggarsto be thrust upon the charities of Illinois, Iowa, or Wisconsin. Joseph Holbrook, thirty-two, said his wife Nancy had verry poor health that fall and winter because of being exposed to inclement weather by having to remove from place to place as our house had been burned and we were yet left to seek a home whenever our friends could accommodate us and for my safety. Saints in flourishing condition but a few months before, he said, were now destitute. [26] Hartley, My Best for the Kingdom, 8586. Emma raised her as her own daughter, and Elizabeth Agnes eventually married Emma's biological son, Alexander Hale Smith. Joseph was susceptible to vomiting anyway. [8] After eleven days travel, they reached white Settlements on the Desmoine River in Iowa. [107] In todays currency, that equals $52,325,000 total, or $77,000 per petitioner. For more on Emma Smith, check out the new acclaimed film Jane and Emma. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of FAIR, its officers, directors or supporters. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For more coverage of Sunstone sessions, visit MormonTimes.com and go to the "Studies & Doctrine tab," then click on "doctrine discussions." Initially, when Joseph admitted to her that he had received a revelation about polygamy and was told he absolutely must carry it out, she accepted it. Many found refuge not only in Quincy but throughout Adams County and all over western Illinois. Reaching the river, they joined Saints waiting to cross who had no shelter. We loaded up our little efects into a wagon and with one small pair of stears we started out with five children [ages twelve, nine, seven, four, and two] in our family and only one pair of shoes amongst them, Daniel wrote. Unlike the majority of Latter Day Saints, Emma Smith did not follow Brigham Youngs suggestion that the Latter Day Saints leave Nauvoo and settle in the Salt Lake Valley in present-day Utah. [123] Butler denounced the hard-heartedness that Missourians had shown his wife and children and Church authorities. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Learn how . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. We reserve the right to not approve any comments that do not meet our community standards. [34] Smith, History of the Church, 3:255. [118] Dean R. Zimmerman, I Knew the Prophets: An Analysis of the Letters of Benjamin F. Johnson to George F. Gibbs Reporting Doctrinal Views of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young (Bountiful, UT: Horizon, 1976), 1011. So without further ado, here is my list of 21 reasons leaving the Mormon Church might be a great idea, even if it is true.

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