After the death of Joseph Smith in 1844, Emma Smith remained in Nauvoo, Illinois, for the rest of her life, choosing not to join the main body of Saints who journeyed westward. For several years following his passing, she did not associate herself with any of the various religious groups that emerged from the Restoration movement.
Emma's Decision to Stay in Nauvoo
Emma Hale Smith, often referred to as the "Elect Lady," faced profound challenges and decisions following the martyrdom of her husband, Joseph Smith, on June 27, 1844. Rather than follow Brigham Young and the majority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the West, Emma made the pivotal decision to stay in Nauvoo. This choice was influenced by several factors, including:
- Protecting Her Children: She prioritized the well-being and upbringing of her children, including her youngest son, David Hyrum, who was born posthumously.
- Financial Stability: Remaining in Nauvoo allowed her to retain control over properties and financial affairs, providing a semblance of stability for her family in a turbulent time.
- Disagreements with Church Leadership: Emma had significant disagreements with Brigham Young and other leaders regarding Church property, plural marriage, and the future direction of the Church, which contributed to her decision to distance herself.
Life in Nauvoo After Joseph's Death
Emma's life in Nauvoo after 1844 saw her navigating a new reality without Joseph and largely without formal association with any organized religious group for a period.
- Remarriage: In December 1847, Emma married Major Lewis C. Bidamon, a non-Mormon businessman, and they continued to live in Nauvoo. Their marriage lasted until Emma's death.
- Property Management: She managed various properties, including the Mansion House and the Nauvoo House, often running them as hotels to support her family.
- Musical Legacy: Emma continued to have an influence on the musical heritage of the Latter-day Saint movement, as she had compiled the first Latter-day Saint hymnbook.
Association with the Reorganized Church
While Emma did not immediately align herself with any group, her children, particularly her sons Joseph Smith III and Alexander Hale Smith, became central figures in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church), now known as the Community of Christ.
Event | Year | Significance |
---|---|---|
Joseph Smith's Death | 1844 | Emma chooses to remain in Nauvoo. |
Marriage to Lewis C. Bidamon | 1847 | Emma remarries and continues her life in Nauvoo. |
RLDS Church Organized | 1860 | Her son, Joseph Smith III, becomes president; Emma lends support. |
Emma Smith's Death | 1879 | Emma passes away in Nauvoo, Illinois. |
Emma herself eventually affiliated with the RLDS Church, supporting her son Joseph Smith III's leadership, and she passed away in Nauvoo on April 30, 1879. Her choice to remain in Nauvoo and her subsequent actions had a lasting impact on her family and on the various branches of the Restoration movement.