It has been said Joseph Smith “has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.” It has also been said behind every great man is a great woman. Joseph Smith chose who his companion would be, his own words she was the “choice of my heart”. She fulfilled every request made to her by her husband. From the very moment Joseph went to the hill Cumorah to obtain the Gold Plates, through the translation of the Book of Mormon, through every ordinance Joseph restored, from the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, through the trials and sufferings of persecution and all other vicissitudes of life she stood by her husband, she remains an “Elect Lady”. When Joseph was taken from her she bore and surmounted trials that would have collapsed any other woman and, yet, she raised her family with love, charity, and tenderness. In addition, she reached out and raised orphaned children and placed them under her protective wings. The scriptures teach that “Charity is the pure love of Christ”. Emma knew this principle and lived it.
We know Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Brigham Young, David Whitmer, Sidney Rigdon, Martin Harris, and many many others who contributed and sacrificed to the formation and organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Emma Hale Smith participated and contributed as much if not more than any other historical character in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She has left a rich legacy for all mankind. Also, any person who has visited the historical sites in Nauvoo and felt of the Spirit there must credit her for the sacrifices she made to preserve that history. No historical site in Nauvoo would be available today to remember had it not been for Emma. Anyone who has read the Joseph Smith’s Translation of the Bible must credit her for the sacrifice she made to preserve that record. Many of her chosen songs for hymnals still exist in those hymnals today. Every woman who attends Relief Society should appreciate the foundation she built for them. Many of the songs that invite the Spirit into church meetings remain there as a result of her efforts to this day. The ordinances of the temple also began its administration through her.
Emma is my grandmother and I love her, I am proud to be part of her legacy. Joseph Smith, the head of this dispensation, has claimed Emma to be his eternal companion, they both have had their calling and election made sure. It would not be wise to malign her.