What Happened to Emma when Joseph Smith Died?

In this series, Firm Foundations, we examine history and doctrine pertaining to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We examine the LDS (Mormon) faith and culture in order to separate the facts from the fiction in LDS history and doctrine.

While the creators of the show are members of the LDS church, this show is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We strive to be independent critics, learning about and explaining Mormon culture and history, and sometimes calling for changes to ideas and assumptions we hold as members when the evidence doesn’t back up our long-held myths or ideas about the church, it’s policies, or it’s leaders.

Emma Smith is one of the most important and stalwart members of the early church. How was she involved in the restoration? Did she endure to the end? What is Emma’s story? We answer all these questions and more in this episode.

In every video we carefully craft the scripts and fact-check our stories. We examine facts, scriptures, doctrinal sources, historical documents, modern surveys, psychology, and scientific data. Hannah, as the writer and researcher, interprets this information and crafts it into a factually accurate, but interesting and dynamic episode. It is important to our mission that we not sugar coat or ignore facts, and that we include all pertinent information and use empathy when examining individuals’ choices. We want to empower you to do the same. We always include links to our sources below each video, so that viewers can dig deeper into the source material, ask questions, and find the truth. Check out our sources for this video below.

Sources

(John Taylor, Reminiscences, March 2, 1879, in Journal of Discourses, 26 vols. [London and Liverpool: LDS Booksellers Depot, 1855–86], 20:259. Warren Foote, Journal, 3:106-7, October 13, 1897, Church History Library MS 1123.

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[GpaRex]

Emma also cared for Joseph's elderly mother who was one of Emma's greatest fans. I think Lucy's needs must have been part of her decision about not traveling west.

[mazda]

On my mission 16 years ago I went to a fireside with Joseph's first descendant to hold the Melchizedek priesthood. It was a neat presentation on family history. But he mentioned that all his life the first presidency had kept an eye on him, and that a few years prior they told him it was time to start traveling around giving these fireside about his family, family history in general, and "defending Emma's good name."

[michaelmichaelc]

Thankyou so much for your insights and presentation on Emma. If l had to pass through a fraction of the trials and hardships she had to pass through l am sure it would have crushed me. I would have to say the same about Joseph as well. She may not have got everything right but who does ? I certainly don't. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone said the Saviour. I am sure she is happy and at peace now with Joseph. I feel a warm peaceful feeling saying this.
God bless. Keep up the good work.

[DerGlaetze]

Just look at the picture of Emma, in later years. Just the expression in her eyes clearly emanates a traumatized and severely depressed woman. She was broken, but her testimony remained.

[TheASLtravel]

Thank you very much for captioning the videos! I enjoyed it very much with those great historical insights. Continue to carry on!

[susanboehme]

Emma also was the caretaker for Joseph's mother who was too fragile she felt to make the trip west.

[viviennecampbell]

Emma Smith is one of the strongest and most valiant woman that I have read about. She suffered and gave so much. The Plural marriage must have been so hurtful to her. From what I understand, Joseph didn't practice plural marriage like the saints later did--living with all wives and having kids with them. But he was sealed to a lot of women. I would have been crushed by half the things she endured. That poor woman never had a moments peace. God bless you Emma. You inspire me.

[siilatacollins]

Again, i thank our HEAVENLY FATHER & our BELOVED HEAVENLY MOTHER, for the Restoration of the TRUE CHURCH, THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, back on Earth. I thank our Elder Bro. JESUS & His obedient to our HEAVENLY PARENT'S, concerning the Greatest Plan of Salvation.

[Be_Kind]

This woman went thru so much in her marriage and in the foundation of the She was a very intelligent woman ....Did she truly get the remembrance she deserved?

[arielopis]

Thank you very much for the video and now l understand what LDS is. I've been a member of the church for about 45 years and l need to learn more about the church's doctrine.

[velcollett]

I agree with you and enjoyed your presentation. The dream/vision Emma had about a week before her death is worth a read too. Thank you Hanna!

[marilynpetersen]

Emma was wonderful and Joseph put up with so much in his short life..thx

[raihakingi]

Emma Smiths amazing..she's become one of my go to's & one of my heros too. My heart goes out to her & Joseph, so relieved for them that they have eternity together, they so deserve it.

[YEMOJA]

After being apart of the mid west Mormon community for 20 years I decided to start a new journey in life however I still reach out to this couple for inspiration when I need a push... Thank you for your research your definitely one smart Woman... Love you all soul tribe keep going your not alone...

[LDStothecore]

It's funny Rod Meldrum called Emma and Martin and David liars when they said Joseph sometimes used a Seer Stone in a hat in the Book of Mormon translation, but you used a painting in this video shows exactly that. The Book of Mormon is true and I see no problem with him translating with the Urim and Thummim sometimes and with the Seer Stone at other times.

[shellygates]

I love this information. Thank you for sharing!

[jennifferwalton]

We sometimes forget that at the time the Saints left for Utah, Hyrums wife Mary had teenage sons . Emma had small sons and cared for an ailing Lucy Mack Smith. Emma also had the animosity of Brigham Young and other LDS leaders to activly deal with. The trip would have so much harder for Emma than it was for Mary.

[powder]

I enjoyed your presentation, Thanks Hannah

[linamoses]

I’m confused. Where is the information on Emma Smith and her involvement in the reformed LDS church?

[robertguerrero]

The only negative thought I have had about Emma is her thinking that their son was intitled to the Lord's Church Leadership Apostle Authority. Which she and those who stayed and supported her have since learned was not correct..