Emma Hale (1804-1879)

Emma Hale Smith Bidamon was born 10 July 1804 to Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis at Harmony Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. She married Joseph Smith, Jr. on 18 January 1827 in South Bainbridge, New York. Emma briefly acted as his scribe during the translation of the Book of Mormon and compiled the first hymnal for her husband's new church. Giving birth to nine children and adopting two, Emma outlived all but four of them. On 17 March 1842, she became the first president of what is now known as the Relief Society. She did not follow Brigham Young out west. Instead, she remained in Nauvoo and on 23 December 1847 Emma married Lewis C. Bidamon. When her son, Joseph Smith III, became president of the church now known as the Community of Christ, Emma joined with them. Emma died in Navuoo on 30 May 1879.