I had the oppotunity to present the first half of Emma Smith's life in Relief Society for the Relief Society Birthday dinner. I was amazed at what I learned this week as I read about her. The following is what I wrote and I share this so that perhaps people can understand her a little better- and appreciate what we have a little more. The quotes are from a book entitled "Beloved Emma," which I would reccomend.
The Isaac and Elizabeth Hale family was well established in Harmony, PA when on July 10, 1804 a baby girl was born to them. The seventh of nine children they chose the name Emma- a strong yet simple name meaning universal – whole and complete. The events of her life would encompass this name- as well as the motto by which she lived, “Charity never faileth”. For charity truly is universal- and we have been admonished by the great prophet Moroni that we cannot be whole without charity- “Wherefore my beloved bretheren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth.” If Emma Smith’s life does not represent charity- as we see her give of herself in every regard- emotionally, physically, spiritually as she fed her children, family, neighbors, church members, strangers, and most especially her husband Joseph Smith we see reflected in her life the “pure love of Christ.”
Her childhood was a joyful one filled with days along the banks of the Susquehanna River. She was a tomboy and loved to be outdoors playing with her siblings and cousins in canoes and on horseback. She loved horses and was a renowned rider. Even in her youth she was known for her quick wit and agreeable personality as she made friends quickly and they did not easily forget the dark haired- snappy eyed girl.
Education was of the utmost importance in the Hale home and Emma and her siblings were blessed with as much education as they could acquire. Emma herself was able to attend one year of school beyond public school. She was certified as a teacher and returned home to teach in Harmony.
The Hales were a God fearing family in their own right. Reading from the bible and praying together were traditions mostly led by her mother Elizabeth. Until Isaac happened upon Emma praying in the woods one day and was overcome as he heard his young daughter petition to the Lord for his lost soul. “His proud heart was broken…his soul was melted in tenderness before his God, and he became a convert.” Thereafter Isaac became a staunch member of the Methodist church.”
Her parents were some of the first to settle the Susquehena area and were respected and prosperous business owners. Emma’s father Isaac was a renowned hunter and respected farmer. Their home was an inn for weary travelers and it was through that Emma learned to be a fair hostess and excellent cook- a task that did not end when she left home- nor even when she had no home to call her own.
It was in the capacity of hostess that Emma first met Joseph Smith. He had come with his father to work for Josiah Stowell and was boarding with her family. She had grown to be an attractive young woman- as refined and accomplished as any country life afforded in those days. It was said that, “Her pale skin was clear and her hair dark and straight. Most often she wore it parted down the middle…it was her hands though that were particularly beautiful with their long, tapering fingers suggestive of sensitivness and strength…she stood five feet nine inches tall and was of excellent form, straight and above medium height, features strongly marked, hair and eyes brown, while her general intelligence and fearless integrity, united with her kindness of heart and splendid physical developments command both admiration and respect.”
It is no wonder that Joseph Smith was smitten with this pillar of virtue. “Though Emma was somewhat reserved in social settings…it was evident to him that she was intelligent and had a mind of her own…Emma was impressed with his self-confidence and maturity. He was bolder and more open in conversation than she and …was able to talk easily and openly.” Religion was certainly a topic that was thoroughly discussed and Emma prayed and pondered all that Joseph shared with her. She was deeply religious and I think must have felt the spirit strongly as he spoke with her. It must have been a deep relief to him to have someone who was cultured and intelligent and refined actually believe him and feel as enthusiastic as he did over the events unfolding. I think it is fair to say that they equally captured eachothers heart- a deep and lasting bond was formed as they grew to know one another. Joseph Smith grew to rely on her strength and value her opinion.
Joseph courted Emma for over a year- twice asking her father for her hand in marriage and twice Isaac turned him down. Perhaps rumors of Joseph’s visions dissuaded him or the fact that he had been arrested earlier on charges of disturbing the peace- charges which were later dropped. Despite Isaac Hale’s animosity the couple eloped in South Bainbridge, New York on January 18, 1827. They were both of legal age and it is not said that Emma’s mother and sisters were opposed to the match. Soon after the wedding and with the help of Josiah Stowell they made the 155 mile trip to Manchester to reside with Joseph’s family who welcomed them with open arms. Lucy Mack Smith and Emma quickly became fast friends and the two stalwart women formed a strong bond that would see them through many wonders and much heartache over their son and husband.
As their married life began, Joseph farmed with his father and brothers and prepared to receive the plates. Chaos quickly became the norm for this young couple. But with that chaos came a certain clarity as they were led by God to do his work. Emma had the opportunity to accompany Joseph when he retrieved the plates 9 months into their marriage. On September 22, 1827 they made the three mile trip to the Hill Camorah where Joseph was given the charge from the angel Moroni to protect the plates at all cost, “That if I should let them go carelessly, or through any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but that if I would use all my endeavors to preserve them, until he, the messenger should call for them, they should be protected.” JS 1:18 As Joseph received this instruction Emma waited patiently in a wagon at the bottom of the hill through most of the night. I can only imagine the relief she must have felt as the sun began to rise in the east to look up and see Joseph emerging from the trees with a great burden in his arms. A burden that she carried along with him- although never given the opportunity to see or handle the plates. What great faith she must have had to exert- what great faith she chose to have as she moved from town to town and home to home- homes that were not her own- so that the Book of Mormon could come forth.
They were to move to four different towns as the book of Mormon was translated in order to avoid persecution and threats to steal the gold plates. Joseph Smith had many scribes- the first of which was Emma herself. Emma never was to see the plates or handle them yet they would sit on the table covered only by a cloth day after day. I can only imagine the faith it must have taken and the spirit that was present as she wrote down the words from the prophets of the book of Mormon. A testimony grew in her heart which she never refuted. And I will end with her words- words which she spoke to her son Joseph Smith III many years later, “My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, your father would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.”
I would end by saying that I have a testimony of the restoration of the gospel. That Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. And that Emma Smith was his wife- supporting him and loving him along the way. She was just a woman. Just like you and I- defending our family and our faith in God. How much can one heart take?
