“Emma Hale, the Prophet’s Wife,” Friend, Apr. 2008, 42–43
From the Life of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Emma Hale, the Prophet’s Wife
Adapted from Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley (1979), 91–93; “My Great-Great-Grandmother Emma Hale Smith,” Ensign, Aug. 1992, 30–39; see also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), xv, xxi, 6–7, 59, 69, 171, 450.
Illustrations by Sal Velluto and Eugenio Mattozzi
When Joseph Smith was a young man, Josiah Stoal offered him a job.
We’ll be working in Pennsylvania. I’ll pay you, and we’ll stay with Isaac Hale’s family.
Isaac had a daughter named Emma. She and Joseph enjoyed each other’s company.
Soon they fell in love.
When the work was done, Josiah and Joseph returned home.
I can’t stop thinking about Emma.
What do you plan to do?
After discussing the matter with his parents, Joseph returned to Pennsylvania and proposed.
After Joseph and Emma married, they moved in with Joseph’s family.
Welcome to our home, Emma!
Thank you, Mother Smith. I’m so happy to be here.
Emma compiled the first hymnbook and served as the first Relief Society president.
She endured being driven from her home, losing children through death, being separated from Joseph when he was imprisoned, and caring for the sick and afflicted.
Joseph’s mother said that Emma was the most courageous and patient woman she had ever known.