Emma Smith
Emma Hale Smith Bidamon (July 10, 1804 – April 30, 1879) was an American homesteader, the first wife of Joseph Smith, and a leader in the early days of the Latter Day Saint movement, both during Smith's lifetime and afterward as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church). In 1842, when the Ladies' Relief Society of Nauvoo was formed as a women's service organization, she was elected by its members as the organization's first president.
| Emma Hale Smith Bidamon | |
|---|---|
Emma Hale Smith circa 1845 with David Hyrum Smith: 56 | |
| 1st President of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo | |
| March 17, 1842 – 1844 | |
| Called by | Joseph Smith |
| Successor | Eliza R. Snow |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emma Hale July 10, 1804 Harmony Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 1879 (aged 74) Nauvoo House, Nauvoo, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Smith Family Cemetery, Nauvoo 40.5406°N 91.3920°W |
| Notable works | A Collection of Sacred Hymns Latter Day Saints' Selection of Hymns |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 11 (see Children of Joseph Smith) |
| Signature | |
After the killing of Joseph Smith, Emma remained in Nauvoo rather than following Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers to the Utah Territory. Emma was supportive of Smith's teachings throughout her life with the exception of plural marriage and remained loyal to her son, Joseph Smith III, in his leadership of the RLDS Church.