Joseph Smith Jr and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society

06/16/2026

The story of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appearing to a 14‑year‑old boy is extraordinary. I understand why some people wrestle with it or wonder if it could really have happened. But for me—and for millions of others—the reality of that moment becomes unmistakable when you open the Book of Mormon and let its words speak for themselves.

Every time I read it, something settles in my heart. There’s a warmth, a clarity, a feeling that God is closer than we think and far more involved in our lives than we realize. The book doesn’t replace the Bible—it strengthens it. It adds depth, light, and a powerful witness of Jesus Christ and His plan for us.

As a descendant of Joseph Smith, I feel a deep responsibility and privilege to share my own testimony: I know the First Vision happened. I know the Book of Mormon is true. And I know it can change a person’s life because it continues to change mine.

If you’ve never read it—or if it’s been a while—I invite you to pick it up again. Read it with an open heart. Let the Spirit do what it does best. You may feel the same quiet confirmation that so many of us have felt: that God is real, that Christ lives, and that He still speaks to His children today.

www.josephsmithjr.org

06/09/2026

One of the remarkable details learning about Emma Smith was her letters to Governor Carlin concerning the arrest of her husband.

Did you know Emma Smith once stood up to a governor to protect her husband’s life?
In August 1842, when Missouri officials tried to extradite Joseph Smith on false charges, Emma wrote directly to Illinois Governor Thomas Carlin. Her letters were powerful—part legal argument, part heartfelt plea. She reminded the governor that Joseph was not a fugitive, that the accusations were politically motivated, and that sending him back to Missouri would almost certainly mean his death.

These letters show Emma’s courage, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty. She wasn’t just a witness to history—she shaped it.

Historians note that these are among the longest surviving documents written entirely by Emma herself. They reveal:

Her strategic mind

Her deep loyalty to Joseph

Her courage in confronting powerful political leaders

Her ability to articulate both legal arguments and emotional truths

Her awareness of the dangers Joseph faced if returned to Missouri

They also provide a rare window into Emma’s voice—strong, articulate, protective, and morally grounded.
It’s a remarkable reminder of the strength found in family, faith, and standing up for what’s right.

Emma Smith’s August 1842 letters to Illinois Governor Thomas Carlin are some of the most revealing documents we have in her own voice. They show her intelligence, courage, and determination as she fought to protect Joseph during the Missouri attempt to extradite him for the alleged involvement in the shooting of former Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs.

Here is the content of the first letter:

Governor Carlin,
I hardly know how to begin this letter, because the situation my family faces is so serious and so unjust. I would never trouble you if this were a private matter, but it concerns my husband’s safety, his rights as a citizen, and the honor of the laws of our state.

Joseph has been accused of a crime he did not commit. He has not fled from justice, nor has he hidden from lawful authority. He has lived openly in Illinois for years, respected by neighbors and known for his character. The attempt to seize him as a fugitive is without foundation.

I fear deeply that if he is taken to Missouri, he will never return alive. We have already suffered violence there, and many who once drove us from our homes still harbor the same hatred. I know there are men lying in wait who would destroy him before he ever reached a courtroom.

I appeal to your sense of justice and humanity. Joseph has always been willing to answer to the law when treated fairly. All we ask is that he be protected from unlawful seizure and from those who would use the forms of law to accomplish personal revenge.

I trust that you, as governor, will not allow an innocent man to be sacrificed to the malice of his enemies.

Emma Hale Smith

www.ancquest.com

06/02/2026

June 2 marks the birthday of my second great‑grandfather, Alexander Hale Smith — son of Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith, and a remarkable figure in his own right.

Born in 1838, Alexander lived through some of the most turbulent chapters of early Latter Day Saint history. Despite the trials of his youth, he became a respected leader, serving as an apostle, missionary, and later the Presiding Patriarch in the RLDS Church.

Some of his lifelong contributions include:

Decades of missionary service, traveling throughout the United States preaching the gospel.

Leadership in the RLDS Church, helping stabilize and guide the Saints during a formative era.

Preserving the legacy of Joseph and Emma, offering firsthand testimony of their character, faith, and devotion.

A strong family man, raising children who continued the work of truth‑telling and historical preservation.

Alexander often spoke about his parents, here is one quote: "“I know my father was a good man, and my mother a good woman.” “My work is to preach the gospel and defend the names of my parents.” This became a defining theme of his ministry.

Today I honor Alexander’s courage, his voice, and his unwavering commitment to truth. His legacy continues through his descendants — including me.

www.josephsmithjr.org

05/26/2026

Is this an actual photo of Joseph Smith? The Joseph Smith Jr and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society believe that it is. Why? We have seen the much investigation and forensic analysis that has convinced us. This forensic research is now available to you. The research behind a forthcoming book and documentary will be presented at the Noorda Center, Utah Valley University on Saturday June 27, 2026 beginning at 10:00am.

05/19/2026

As a descendant of Joseph Smith, I often feel a deep sense of stewardship when I share pieces of our family history. Every time I study, teach, or record something about Joseph’s life, I’m reminded that these stories aren’t just historical—they’re personal, sacred, and still speaking to us today.

In this video, I felt again the power of Joseph’s mission and the sincerity of his character. Behind every revelation, every trial, and every moment of courage was a real man striving to follow the voice of the Lord. His experiences weren’t distant or abstract. They were lived, felt, and paid for at a tremendous personal cost.

What inspires me most is that Joseph never asked anyone to believe blindly. He invited all to seek, ask, and know for themselves. That invitation still stands. It’s one of the greatest gifts he left to the world.

https://youtu.be/QLVUiS5U2DQ

I’m grateful to share this part of our family’s story. I’m grateful for Joseph’s unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ. And I’m grateful for the legacy of faith, resilience, and revelation that continues to bless millions today.

As a descendant of Joseph Smith, I often feel a deep sense of stewardship when I share pieces of our family history. Every time I study, teach, or record something about Joseph’s life, I’m reminded that these stories aren’t just historical—they’re personal, sacred, and still speaking to us today.

Joseph Smith taught to his apostles about the importance of the ordinances of the temple. Pres. Wilford Woodruff explained, "We want the Latter-day Saints f...

05/12/2026

❤️ Honoring Joseph & Emma Smith — Our Family Legacy

The Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society has spent years researching, preserving, and documenting the lives of our grandfather and grandmother, Joseph and Emma Smith.

It was prophesied—and has proven true—that Joseph Smith’s name would be spoken for both good and evil among all generations. As his family, we feel a sacred responsibility to stand as witnesses of the truth of his life, his character, and his mission.

Our purpose is simple and heartfelt:
to testify of Joseph and Emma’s true legacy and to share their story with clarity, love, and accuracy.

We will continue posting here on our Facebook group as we share the history, documents, and family insights that illuminate who they really were.

We love and honor Joseph and Emma. Their lives continue to inspire us, and we are grateful to help preserve their legacy for generations to come.

www.josephsmithjr.org

05/05/2026

So many people know Joseph Smith’s story… but far fewer know what happened to his sons and daughters. Their lives carried the legacy, the heartache, and the faith of an entire generation. This video created by Joseph Smith's 3rd great grandson interviews scholars and historians for accurate detail

This video beautifully highlights their journey.
Take a moment to watch — it’s only a few minutes, and it’s unforgettable.

👉

3.5K likes, 613 comments. "What happened to the Children of Joseph Smith"

04/28/2026

Joseph Smith Jr. was raised in a large, tightly bonded family whose unity, sacrifice, and loyalty shaped the early Restoration. His siblings—especially Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Samuel, William, Katharine, Don Carlos, and Lucy—supported him spiritually, emotionally, and physically throughout his prophetic mission.

Below is a structured, historically grounded overview of the family he grew up in and the specific ways his brothers and sisters sustained him.
Citations appear throughout from authoritative sources.

🌿 The Family Joseph Smith Was Raised In
Joseph Smith Jr. was the fifth child of Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, a devout, close-knit New England family. They had eleven children, nine of whom lived into adulthood.

The Smith home was marked by:
• Deep religious searching (years of prayer, dreams, and spiritual struggle)
• Hard physical labor (clearing land, farming, hiring out work)
• Shared poverty and sacrifice
• Strong loyalty—the family consistently acted as a unified whole

Lucy Mack Smith later wrote that the family’s unity was one of their greatest strengths during persecution.

🤝 How Joseph’s Siblings Supported Him
1. Alvin Smith (1798–1823) — The steadying force
Alvin, the eldest brother, was Joseph’s greatest early supporter.
• He encouraged Joseph to be faithful to the heavenly instructions he had received.
• He planned to help Joseph obtain and protect the plates.
• His sudden death in 1823 devastated the family and left Joseph without his strongest earthly advocate.

Alvin’s influence remained so significant that the angel later referenced him during Joseph’s visits.

2. Hyrum Smith (1800–1844) — Joseph’s lifelong defender
Hyrum was Joseph’s closest companion and the sibling who gave the most sustained support.
• He believed Joseph’s visions from the beginning.
• He helped protect the plates and supported the translation.
• He endured imprisonment, mobs, and poverty alongside Joseph.
• He died with Joseph at Carthage Jail.
Hyrum’s loyalty is one of the most documented examples of brotherly devotion in American religious history. Especially coming from an older brother.

3. Sophronia Smith (1803–1876) — Quiet strength through affliction
Sophronia endured severe illness and personal hardship, yet remained loyal to Joseph and the Church.
• She joined the Church early and faced persecution with the family.
• She moved with the Saints through Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois.
• Her life was marked by sacrifice and resilience.

4. Samuel Harrison Smith (1808–1844) — The first missionary
Samuel was one of the earliest and most active supporters of Joseph’s work.
• He was the first missionary of the Church.
• He distributed the first copies of the Book of Mormon.
• He repeatedly risked his life to protect Joseph and Hyrum.

Samuel died just weeks after the martyrdom, likely from exhaustion and grief.

5. William Smith (1811–1893) — Passionate but turbulent
William supported Joseph at many key moments, including:
• Helping protect the family during mob violence
• Serving missions
• Participating in early Church leadership
Though his relationship with Joseph was sometimes strained, his early loyalty was real and consequential.

6. Katharine Smith Salisbury (1813–1900) — Steadfast loyalty
Katharine was deeply faithful and endured persecution with the family.
• She joined the Church early.
• She moved with the Saints to Missouri and Illinois.
• She remained loyal to Joseph throughout her life.

7. Don Carlos Smith (1816–1841) — The gifted younger brother
Don Carlos was beloved by Joseph.
• He became editor of the Times and Seasons.
• He defended Joseph during the Missouri persecutions.
• His early death at age 25 was another heavy blow to Joseph.

8. Lucy Smith Millikin (1821–1882) — The youngest sister
Lucy was only six when Joseph obtained the plates.
• She grew up amid persecution and displacement.
• She remained loyal to her mother and siblings after the martyrdom.

🧭 Why Their Support Mattered
The Smith siblings:
• Sheltered Joseph during mob attacks
• Helped hide and protect the plates
• Provided emotional and spiritual reinforcement
• Endured poverty, sickness, and displacement together
• Testified of Joseph’s calling throughout their lives

Their unity created the environment in which the Restoration could take root.

www.josephsmithjr.org

04/21/2026

Joseph Smith’s final charge to the Quorum of the Twelve in March 1844 was that he was rolling the burden and responsibility of leading the Church onto their shoulders, giving them the priesthood keys and full authority to carry the kingdom forward after his death.

Historical sources describing the special meeting in late March 1844 show several core elements:

• Conferral of all priesthood keys necessary to lead the Church.
Joseph explicitly ensured the Twelve held every key he held, including those tied to temple ordinances and the “fulness of the priesthood.”
• A declaration that the Twelve were to lead after his death.
Joseph told them he was “rolling the burden and responsibility of leading this Church off from my shoulders onto yours.” This became the foundation for apostolic succession after the martyrdom.
• A charge to carry the kingdom forward.
Joseph had recently organized the “Kingdom of God” (Council of Fifty). With that in place, his final step was to teach the Twelve the doctrines and responsibilities tied to this authority and charge them to “bear off” the kingdom.
• A united witness from the Twelve afterward.
A document drafted in late 1844–early 1845 records their shared testimony that Joseph had given them this final charge and authority in that March meeting.

🧩 Why This Charge Matters
Joseph’s last months were a crescendo of doctrinal and organizational development. By the time of this March 1844 meeting:
• The fullness of the priesthood had been restored.
• The temple ordinances were fully revealed and being administered.
• The Kingdom of God had been organized.
• The Twelve had been trained in every ordinance and key.
The “last charge” ensured continuity: the work Joseph began would not die with him.

The Church has always operated under the priesthood authorized by Jesus Christ.

In that March, three months before the martyrdom, Joseph Smith also commented how happy he was that he was no longer carrying the full responsibility of the doctrines, ordinances, and the kingdom of God.

The gospel is still under divine management and being carried to every nation today.

www.josephsmithjr.org

04/14/2026

The Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society is introducing a groundbreaking digital experience. For the first time, they are leveraging cutting-edge technology to curate art, music, cinema, literature, and credible historical articles into a single, immersive platform to tell the real story of their grandmother, Emma Hale Smith in the "Emma Smith" app.

Emma Hale Smith was a firsthand witness and a core participant to the Restoration, standing at the side of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Despite her pivotal role, her legacy has often been misunderstood. This app serves as a place where the Smith family shares the authentic story of their grandparents. Explore their faith, their struggles, and their triumphs, and discover the real Emma Smith.

She wasn't just a witness to the Restoration; she was a core participant. After years, Emma’s true voice is finally coming forth. Join the Smith family in honoring their grandparents, Joseph Smith Jr., the Prophet of the Restoration and Emma Hale Smith, an "Elect Lady" and learn their real story.

Ask Emma question's. You can find in your cell phone's store by searching for Emma Smith. Those of you who already have the app just download again for the new experience.

www.josephsmithjr.org